Issei woke up and stretched his body instinctively, joints popping lightly out as the memories of last night were a little fun. Not only did he find interest in some of the recipes, but he did get better at his English vocabulary. Xenovia and Irina were reading to him about the English subtitles and he enjoyed it, though he did prefer learning with Yu-Mi. He found that he could use that, in case he ever went to go see his uncle and aunt. He wanted to apologize to them properly, in person about letting them down and that he wasn't the same idiot who let his perversion run wild. He also wanted to show that he improved as a person.
He checked his phone to verify that he had informed both Ikki and Kisara that he would not need training with them. The reason for that is because he will be training with Xenovia this morning as he reserved it for her. He also realized that he would have gone to the park for training with Apachai, so he asked Kenichi as well, if the muay thai master could come to the dojo instead. Issei had to beg his senpai, Kenichi eventually caved in. This way, he wouldn't have to cancel bringing Irina and Xenovia after school.
He went to go brush his teeth and splash cold water on his face, so he could fully wake up and feel refreshed. When he finished, he stopped from opening the door and inhaled slowly, trying to sense if anyone was nearby, just like Setsuka‑obasan taught him. To his surprise, Xenovia was right outside the door, waiting for him to finish up, so he opened the door to greet her.
"Good morning," Issei greeted.
"Morning." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "Tell me… are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yeah. I have to... no, I need to."
"Why's that? For your pride?" Xenovia stepped up to him, hoping to intimidate him.
Considering the damage that he had taken from the hits that got dished out to him from the little bout that he had with Takeshi. She was still surprised that his parents didn't really question the injuries and deduced that it was because of the nature of his club. So they weren't surprised to see him with a bruise on his cheek and a bloodied lip.
"Well, that's one reason," he admitted, "but also so he doesn't hurt anyone else again, you don't know how I felt, when I heard how he killed so many priests. I knew Touji-ojisan was a priest, I couldn't help but think something happened to his family, it meant that I lost Shid… ah, Irina." His voice softened. "You ever had that feeling before, when something precious gets taken away or you're stuck in the belief that it was?"
Xenovia put a hand to her chin. "I… I don't know."
"Seriously? Does the Church just make killers? If so, I hope Irina gets out someday and lives her life to the fullest. Speaking of which, how is she?" Issei asked.
"She's still sleeping. I don't think her ankle caused her too much pain." Xenovia answered him.
"That's good." He sighed, "You're also going to need to help bandage her ankle, since I'll be leaving for school after this."
"Right, sure." She nodded but she panicked on the inside because she wasn't really experienced in medical things.
"I'll see you in the backyard." He moved out of the way and let her quickly get ready, while he went back to his room to change into some training clothes.
He grabbed the two bokken that were given to him by Shigure and exited his room to head downstairs. He turned on the light to the backyard, they flickered on, illuminating the still-dark morning and put on his shoes. He grabbed two bottles of water and went outside, the air was crisp, quiet and it was almost eerily so. He knew that he would also have to make sure that he was still loose for his training with Xenovia.
He also decided to meditate, so he could get a feel of his surroundings, letting his breathing slow. He was also hoping that maybe he could sense where Xenovia was, so he wouldn't be surprised by her presence. He took in everything that he could try to gather in the early morning air, it was relatively quiet.
'…Feels like a horror movie out here,' he thought with a twitch of his eyebrow.
He did begin to feel something moving in the house. He believed that was Xenovia, since the presence looked to be coming in his direction.
'Huh, hers is different, it's pure or holy like, but I don't hear the angels singing. I guess that is from the Church, purity is a strong thing to them, so that stat must be maxed out. At least as far as I know from video games.' Issei thought, concentrating on Xenovia's aura.
"What are you doing?" Xenovia's voice cut through his mental state.
"Huh?" Issei opened his eyes. Xenovia stood there in black shorts and a tight black top that hugged her athletic frame. "I'm meditating," he replied.
"For what?" Xenovia tilted her head.
"To control my emotions and sense my surroundings. Haven't you ever meditated?"
"I believe you are referring to when I'm in prayer." Xenovia crossed her arms.
"I feel like those two are different," he said, scratching his cheek. "With meditation, I'm trying to lock in on someone's signature by using my ki. I think that's what Setuska-obasan said."
'Ki… Is that what he used to knock down the Sekiryuutei?' Xenovia thought.
"It's how I could tell that you were coming out." Issei added.
"Really? I suppose that makes sense, since your back was to the door." Xenovia deduced, nodding in understanding.
"So," he stood, "ready to begin?"
"I should be asking you that." She wondered if this was going to be the same as her spar with Yuuto.
Since she had seen Issei's recklessness only, she figured that was how he would fight and not be in control of his anger.
"Just so we're clear... anything goes, right?" Issei asked.
"Yeah. Sure." Xenovia shrugged.
However, this would be Xenovia's first mistake as Issei was taught by Mitsurugi to use all that he knows. This included using his knowledge in hand-to-hand combat, which was not Xenovia's expertise. It was also going to give Issei some insight on how to take down Freed as well.
Issei tossed her one of the bokken, which she caught easily as she did not think that Issei would have much skill. She was a bit surprised to see him wield the bokken with his left hand.
'Left‑handed?' Her eyebrow rose. 'Then again, Mitsurugi had said that he taught him to be ambidextrous. Although I thought his dominant side would be his right hand, now I'm not sure.'
He slid into a stance, one that mimicked drawing a blade from a sheath.
'What stance is that? He must know something then, but also that man, his aura was similar to the one who wielded Durandal before me.' Xenovia felt a sense of uneasiness.
This was not because she was nervous but because she had never seen Issei nor Mitsurugi fight. So entering this sparring match would be unknown territory for her, unlike with Yuuto Kiba, where she had seen people like him and dueled them in the church. Issei and Mitsurugi were unknown entities, along with Setsuka, she knew that woman was mysterious as Irina had talked with her about the possible healing magic that was used on her ankle.
"Ready?" Issei asked.
"It's your move." She gets into her own stance with the bokken in front of her and both hands on it.
She was mimicking as if she was wielding Excalibur Destruction, of course, the bokken was much lighter than the actual blade. Issei gave a nod, but he didn't move as his eyes scanned Xenovia. In the process, Xenovia was also watching his eyes, trying to get into his thought process. She expected him to ogle her like a typical boy but instead, his gaze was sharp and calculating.
'He's not hotheaded like before… he's calm.' Xenovia chuckled inwardly. 'This might be entertaining, I can use him to learn more about Mitsurugi's fighting style.'
Xenovia didn't dare make a move as she knew that could give herself away like it had done for Yuuto. Issei was being a bit coolheaded, when she expected him to be hotheaded like she had seen when he came and attacked Takeshi. Even when she and Irina were teaching him English, he could be stubborn. It was then, she noticed his jaw clench and his muscles tightened.
Issei dashed forward and Xenovia was prepared as their bokken collided with a sharp cracking sound. Xenovia held her ground, but she couldn't help but grunt at the force of his blow. They were pushing against each other, but she noticed that Issei was growling.
'What the...?!' She thought as she felt Issei begin pushing her back, thus forcing her to take a step back.
She growled back, pushing him off and countered by taking a swipe at his right shoulder.
Issei jumped back to avoid the attack and then he relaxed his stance, but only slightly, but Xenovia noticed it.
"I see," Xenovia said. "So that's how it was."
"What?" Issei tilted his head playfully.
"You wanted to see how strong I was with that initial blow." Xenovia informed him.
"I should have expected as much from you," Issei sighed. "I'm guessing Irina is the same, huh?"
"That's right." Xenovia smirked.
"But you're different, compared to her. You have more muscle, so I can deduce that Irina's more of a speed type and you rely more on power." Issei scanned her stance, looking for an opening.
'So Mitsurugi did teach him something after all. I'm going to enjoy using you for my benefit.' Xenovia thought before she spoke to him. "…You're more intuitive than I thought."
"You're not the only one who thinks that," he muttered, eyes dimming briefly.
"Huh?" She caught the flicker of sadness in his eyes, but it dissipated as they narrowed at her again.
"Anyway, let's go again!" He rushed her, forcing Xenovia to brace herself.
He sent a jab towards her left shoulder, causing her to shift her stance to avoid it. However, the wooden blade followed her, thus instead of going to hit Issei, she had to block. She jumped back as she was in an awkward position from her blocking, but as soon as she did, she immediately dashed towards him. Their wooden blades clashed as Issei had to defend her strikes that were aimed at his neck and torso.
Issei rolled aside, feeling her bokken graze over his head. 'If that were a real sword… I'd be bald. Oh, who am I kidding, knowing this chick, I'd be headless.'
Xenovia could see the slight sweat on his face and could tell that he was a bit nervous, but she saw him grit his teeth and get back in his original stance. She was then surprised when he jumped up and towards her. His grip shifted from one hand to two hands.
Issei's feet left the ground in a clean arc, body twisting with practiced momentum.
"Ryūtsuisen!"
The two‑handed downward strike came crashing toward Xenovia's head like a falling hammer. Her eyes widened, but she reacted instantly, raising her bokken to intercept. The wooden blades smacked against each other with a sharp crack and then she felt it. A pulse, a faint, concentrated pressure.
'Ki…?' Xenovia gritted her teeth from the force.
Her instincts screamed, and she brought her second hand behind the bokken just in time. The force drove her back a step as she altered her stance. Unfortunately, it was her right foot that slid back and Issei saw it, while in the air.
The moment his feet touched the ground, he kept their blades locked with each other and shifted his stance, left side forward, coiling power into his right leg.
'Apachai‑sensei… thanks for this one.' Issei thought.
Using the Ti Lan, sending the kick to the back of Xenovia's left leg that was forward.
"Huh!?" Her balance shattered. She staggered, and Issei's left fist shot forward, burying itself into her stomach. "Guh!"
The blow caused her to lurch forward due to air bursting from her lungs, where Issei grabbed the back of her head and drove his left knee into her jaw, a controlled, safer version of the Tee Kao Trong. He didn't want to bust up her face too badly, so that's why he aimed for her jaw, which made her vision blurred and body swayed.
Issei didn't waste the opening to get behind her before she could get her whereabouts, he snaked his arms around her neck. He brought her to the ground in a sleeper hold. He cinched in, keeping her on top of him, as she began to panic.
She could not use the bokken because when Issei jumped on her and locked one of his legs around her body, which pinned her right arm to her body. Considering that this was her bokken wielding arm, it was rendered useless and her left arm was flailing. She tried to reach him with the left arm and elbow him, but he had her in a position that would prevent that. This was thanks to his match with Taichi, so he wouldn't get hit by brass knuckles again.
Xenovia realized through the rising panic. 'I can't elbow him… I can't twist out…' Her breath was constricted and her pulse hammered.
She couldn't do much with her legs either as Issei had used his other leg to wrap around her waist and in between her legs. So her only usable limbs were her left arm and her right leg. She couldn't move her head as Issei continued to choke her.
Issei's voice brushed her ear, low and steady. "Tap out."
Her own pride was preventing her from doing so and the lack of oxygen was getting to her, while her lungs burned and vision dimmed.
"Tap out," he repeated, tightening the choke.
She was panicking, her heartbeat spiked and wondered, 'Is he ever going to let go? Or is he...' She was also afraid because he had attacked her from behind.
"Damn it, Xen! Tap out!"
Her hand slapped the ground multiple times to signal the tap out and Issei released her at once.
Issei exhaled shakily as he knew that Xenovia was still in a bit of shock, so he began to roll her off him with gentle care. In doing so, she inadvertently grinded her butt into his groin. Xenovia collapsed forward, coughing violently as precious air rushed back into her lungs. Issei quickly went to get one of the bottles of water. He opened one up and raced back to her and helped her sit up.
"Here, drink this." He held the bottle to her trembling hands.
She gladly took the bottle and chugged half of it in seconds, the cool liquid soothing her burning throat that occurred from her coughing. Issei rubbed her back in slow circles to help soothe her coughing, until she could breathe evenly again. She leaned into him for support, while she got her breathing back.
Only when her breathing steadied did she glare up at him. "What… was that?"
Issei looked a little surprised by her reaction. "I asked if anything goes, and you said sure."
"Uh..." Her cheeks flushed. 'I did say that…'
"You okay?" he asked.
"Yes. Thank you." She took another breath. "I probably should have clarified on what you meant by 'anything goes', that's on me."
"It's fine. It gave me some insight." Issei said.
"I assume you mean for your fight with Freed." she said flatly.
"That's right." Issei nodded.
"You're going to die." She told him.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," he muttered. "But I think you're going after him too."
Her eyes narrowed. "What makes you say that?"
"Because your thing involves his sword, Excalibur. Or at least a fragment."
Her glare sharpened. "What do you know?"
"All I know is that Excalibur or at least what I thought was Excalibur was split into 7 parts and apparently, they have abilities. I don't really believe it, but he said how the sword that Freed has was called Excalibur Rapidly."
"Who told you this information!?" Xenovia slightly shifted from him.
"It was an informant, I just wanted to know more, so I could help out. You said that I didn't know the rules of your world, so I'm trying to learn. I even found out that Freed isn't even human and apparently, Irina may be an artificial holy sword user because of that crystal around her neck." His voice turned a low growl in frustration, but not towards her. "I just wanted to help, for fuck's sake. I just got my childhood friend back and for all I know she could die, I don't want that and I also wanted to help a friend out, too, he doesn't like Excalibur because of what it did to his friends."
Xenovia's expression shifted as her anger fading into something more complicated.
"This breach of information is… troubling," she admitted. "However, I can only assume that the same breach is what led to the theft of the fragments. I am surprised that you know of the Holy sword project."
Of course, something in that statement didn't seem right to her and she felt that this might have been a different breach. After all, Issei only planned on using the information he obtained to find a way to beat Freed. He didn't even ask her about her own Excalibur fragment or he didn't care to.
"Akeno‑senpai told me," Issei said. "It was after she and Kiba came over, he saw the photo of Irina and I, when we were young. He noted that the sword that Touji-ojisan had was a holy sword and his attitude shifted. He usually has a carefree smile, but after seeing that, he just turned. I had to dig it out of Akeno-senpai to understand why."
'So the devils did contact him, but since he doesn't know about their nature, then they never thought to recruit him yet. Of course, that small glimpse of his power that he showed would have piqued their interest.' Xenovia thought as she listened to Issei.
He looked up to the early morning sky. "But I did threaten him that if he hurt Irina, I would come after him. However, he had retorted that I would never understand half of what the church was doing and I couldn't protect everyone. After an incident at school, I knew that he was right because I couldn't even protect myself from the jeers of the students. I tried so much to change, but no one seemed to care."
"I see…" Xenovia murmured. His expression was too raw to be a lie. She took another sip of water as she was curious about something. "Then tell me, if you had the Excalibur fragments, what would you do with them?"
"Destroy them." Issei looked at her.
"…Excuse me?" She hadn't expected such a quick answer.
"Knowing what I know? I'd destroy them. I never thought the Church would be greedy for power." Issei let out a frustrated sigh.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, I mean you had these fragments, right?" Issei questioned her.
"That's correct." Xenovia nodded.
"But I learned that Freed is like a "create a character", coming from a place that created him from the dragonslayer, Sigurd."
"Create… a character?" Xenovia tilted her head in confusion.
"Yeah," Issei nodded slowly. "You've never played a video game?"
"No." Xenovia shook her head.
"Really? Wow." Issei seemed to give her this look, which made Xenovia blush.
"We're getting off topic." She looked away, not liking the look of pity that Issei was giving her.
"Right, sorry." He scratched his cheek. "Anyway, I said that I would destroy the fragments because they've caused so many people so much pain. Hell, by holding onto them, people who were not a part of the church stole them, or people who were part of the church and defected. That's the greed for power that I was talking about and I would understand, after all, I had a lust and greed for women."
"For women?"
"Remember? Local pervert." He pointed at himself. "You haven't stopped giving me shit about the bathroom accident all of yesterday."
"That's true," she admitted. "But… Your reason for destroying the fragments makes some sense. In fact, we kind of were tasked with possibly eliminating the fragments, so they don't fall into the wrong hands."
'That's good,' Issei thought. 'Kiba could destroy them and feel at peace, but I still need to find a way to get it out of Freed's hands, so I can kick his ass.'
Xenovia inhaled deeply. "I suppose that I should be a little truthful with you. You are correct, Irina is an artificial holy sword user, but I am a natural holy sword user."
"Really? Is your family high‑ranking in the Church or something? What makes you special?" Issei asked.
"Well, I don't know. I was adopted. I don't know who my real family is." Xenovia looked down to the ground.
"No way. Wait a minute, what's your guardian's surname?" Issei asked.
"Quarta." Xenovia answered.
"Hmm…" Issei mused and then sounded out her name. "Xenovia Quarta."
"I'm sorry, but no." Xenovia shook her head. "I'm not worthy of it."
"Yes, you are," Issei said immediately. "If you weren't, they wouldn't have adopted you. Let's put you in a hypothetical situation. Say you and I were to get married, then I would like you to bear my last name and think you're worthy of it. Otherwise, it wouldn't feel like I'm married to you. I'm sure your guardian would love you bearing their last name, but I guess that explains why you never said your last name, when you introduced yourself."
Xenovia blinked. "You noticed I never said my last name when I introduced myself?"
"It's like you said," He pointed at his head. "I'm more intuitive than you thought. Thanks to my big sister."
Xenovia hummed to herself. "I was informed that you were an only child."
"I am." Issei relaxed his shoulders. "But I made better connections to help me grow, otherwise I would still be a dumb pervert that everyone expects me to be. I know that I made so many bad decisions, but I am trying to work on correcting them."
Xenovia tilted her head. "Did one of those include forgetting about Irina? And did it have to do with that bell ringing?"
"You saw that?" Issei laughed softly. "Guess you're more intuitive than I thought."
Spinning her own words back on her and to his surprise, Xenovia chuckled.
Xenovia blinked once, then allowed the faintest curve to touch her lips. "Indeed, I am."
Issei stared at her as if witnessing a miracle. "…Did you just chuckle?"
"Huh?" Xenovia blushed.
"You laughed. Whoa. I didn't know you could do that." Issei looked surprised that she could display such emotions.
She frowned lightly. "What makes you think that?"
"Well…" He scratched his cheek. "After learning Freed is an artificial human, I kinda thought you were one too. You sounded robotic and emotionless sometimes. So hearing you laugh is… a shock."
He didn't add the part about her voice being attractive even when emotionless. Of course, it was the same with Shigure, who was almost always stoic and her voice still sounded attractive, but no way he was saying that out loud.
Xenovia exhaled. "Well, I'm not artificial. But that bell…"
"Oh, right." Issei nodded. "Remember when I said an old man helped reignite my perversion?"
"What about him?"
"He rang a similar bell, when it was time for stories, it made me think that it was him. When your church thing or Excalibur thing is over with, I could take you and Irina sometime to see."
"Hmm… perhaps." She paused. "If I may ask, what do you think of Irina?"
"It's tough to say," Issei leaned back slightly. "You girls have only been here for like two days, she is still the same person that I always enjoyed looking forward to seeing when I was five. Even if she is this artificial holy sword user… she's still a human, right?"
"Yes." Xenovia nodded.
"Cool, even if she wasn't, she's still Irina," Issei smiled. "Being able to hang out with her and watch Super Sentai and anime, she even knows our signature thigh taps, it was slightly like she had never left, but last night did feel a little different, though."
"How so?" Xenovia asked, 'Maybe he isn't so dense after all.'
"Well… when we were young, it didn't matter when we cuddled up to watch shows. Now, we're teenagers, so it felt a bit awkward because we're not children anymore." He smiled faintly. "However, I didn't mind it, I'm glad that she was willing to get close to me."
"I see." Xenovia sighed, 'So there may be hope for them after all.'
"So what did you think of the anime?" he asked. "It was your first time watching anime, right? Knowing how sheltered you are."
"It was interesting," she admitted. "I didn't expect people to be so competitive about food."
"I know, right?" Issei said in such dramatic fashion, he was also surprised by how competitive people could be.
"Tell me," she continued, "did you really think that girl reminded you of me?"
"You mean Nikumi? My bad, it's Ikumi Mito." He tapped his chin. "Maybe it was the short hair, but she did use her sensuality. I thought she reminded me of you because of the knife strapped to her bicep. It's like she knew her knives, like how you know your sword. It's why I mimicked you to apply more power into my kicks." He brightened. "And I also thought you would look badass with weapons and know how to use them, kind of like Shigure-nee, she's super awesome! Anything in her hand is a weapon, even a wooden spoon!"
"I see…" Xenovia replied, not matching his enthusiasm. "Speaking of which, what was that technique you used?"
"You mean Ryūtsuisen?" Issei asked for clarification.
"That's right." Xenovia nodded.
"It means Dragon Hammer Flash. Pretty cool, right? Mitsurugi‑shishou taught it to me. It's part of his style, Hiten Mitsurugi‑ryū. Maybe you can ask him to teach you."
"Hmm… that's something to think about." While she thought, 'But what can I do to get him to teach me?'
"Anyway," Issei stretched his arms, "think you can go again?"
"Yes." She nodded, then paused and added, "However, we will only be doing sword techniques, no martial arts."
"But Mitsurugi‑shishou told me to use everything I know. Otherwise I'll stay stagnant."
"Perhaps. But I can only train you in sword fighting. I'm not a hybrid fighter like you." She felt rather displeased about that.
Despite what she learned from the Church, it just wasn't her style and she wanted to work on that, being able to combine both styles together.
"Isn't that why you're coming to my club? You want to get better like me." He grinned.
"That's right. And you know… before Irina, I didn't have a stable partner."
"What do you mean?"
"I was… complicated to work with, at least that is what they told the higher ups. It stung a bit, so I became indifferent and tried not to let their words get to me."
Issei nodded slowly. "Shishou told me something about that, but I still let people's words about my perversion get to me, so I'm still trying to reign in my emotions and let my fists do the talking. Man, I wish I had your ability to be so indifferent, but Irina is lucky to have you."
"I'd say we both are," Xenovia replied softly. "I enjoy my partnership with her."
"Then… can I ask you a favor?" Issei scratched the back of his head.
"That depends." Xenovia eyed him suspiciously.
"Fair enough." He inhaled. "Can you look after her?"
"Huh?" Xenovia was confused by what he meant.
"You're her best friend now, it's not me anymore. So, on this church thing or Excalibur thing, look after her and even after, please continue to stay by her side. Can you promise me that?"
"You make it sound like you'll never see her again." Xenovia thought he was anticipating death in his battle with Freed.
"Probably won't." His shoulders slumped. "I mean I'd like to visit her, but I don't think I'll have enough money to scrape up a ticket to go to England by summer break. Looking at it, I'm probably going to phase out of her life as her childhood friend."
Xenovia stared at him, baffled. "Do you really think that? All this time, when I was with her. In the past three years... she has always talked about you and made some excuse to talk about you. Do you really think you're going to phase out of her life?"
"Well, I mean..."
"Look," Xenovia cut in, 'And I can't believe that I'm doing this.' She sighed. "How about this, you two should go out and explore this place."
"But she's still injured and when she's healed, you two will be on the hunt, I don't think..."
"I'll allow it. And besides…" She smirked faintly. "Something tells me you like spending time with her."
"Well, yeah. I like spending time with my friends. I hope you and I can be friends too."
Xenovia blinked. "You want to be friends… with me?"
"Yeah." Issei nodded. "You're pretty cool. And I'd have someone to train with. Plus maybe Irina and I can show you life outside the Church, you know when all of this stuff is over and you visit again."
"Really?" Xenovia was surprised by his attitude.
She expected him to be like those former partners that found her difficult to work with.
"Uh huh, there's more anime to choose from to watch and if you're not about that, we can go see a movie, explore Kuoh, we can play video games, of course, like I said before if you got time after your church thing."
"Huh… is that another way for you to try to look at my breasts?" Xenovia deadpanned.
"I told you that was an accident and I... wait." His eyes widened as he saw an amused expression on her face. "You're joking. You can do that, too?" He was stunned by the emotions that she was showing.
Her lips curled into a small, amused smile. "Huh? Well… yes. I'm not a robot. I suppose watching that anime made me want to express myself."
"Well, that's good. You look better when you smile, Xen." He gave her a light punch on the shoulder.
"…About that. Why 'Xen'?" She was trying to understand this new nickname.
"Well, it's shorter than Xenovia, but I'll hold off on it, if it makes you uncomfortable. I mean we've only known each other for two days, so..."
"How fast did you click with Irina?" Xenovia interrupted as she asked.
"Oh, that was instant." Issei waved his hand dismissively. "We just clicked."
"Huh. I know that she and I took a while."
"Oh? Is she the one who dyed your hair?" He pointed at the fringe that was dyed green.
"No, I did." Xenovia answered plainly.
Issei blinked. "Why?"
"For fashion."
"Wow." He nodded appreciatively. "Blue is definitely your color. And the green really helps make it pop. It reminds me of a kimono design. Like the ocean."
"Kimono? And wait..." she frowned, processing his words, "you think I dyed my hair blue?"
"The only bluenettes I know are you and Renka‑senpai," he said. "But I'm taking your word for it. And I never said that you dyed your hair blue, I was referring to the green. I just said that blue is your color. Sorry that I wasn't clear on that."
"Oh." Her expression softened.
"Now then," Issei stood, bokken in hand and getting some distance before getting into his stance, "let's go a few more rounds."
"Fine by me." She stood and moved to a spot before getting into her own stance, "but only sword techniques, no hand-to-hand combat." She reminded him.
"You got it."
What followed was a series of rounds that proved one undeniable truth, Xenovia was the superior swordsman between the two of them.
Even when Issei remembered to stick strictly to swordplay, she outmaneuvered him. And when he forgot, which allowed him to scuff her up a little, he earned a scolding tap or two and she still put him on the ground.
Every round ended the same way with Issei lying on his back, panting, smiling up at Xenovia and she was smiling triumphantly down at him.
"It looks… like I… still got… some ways… to go…" Issei wheezed through deep breaths.
"Yes, you do…" Xenovia replied between breaths. "And I must say… this is the first time someone has ever put a bruise on my body."
"Don't say… it like… that…" he groaned, which made her chuckle.
"Come on." She extended her hand. "You have school."
"Argh… just great…" He let her pull him up. "Just… great."
As they entered, they were hit with the smell of food as in the kitchen was Miki and Irina. It looked like Miki was doing double duty by making breakfast and instructing Irina on whatever she was cooking. He saw that his father was also at the table, drinking something from his mug.
"Morning," Issei said.
"Good morning," Xenovia added as she switched off the backyard light.
"Morning, Xenovia‑chan. Morning, son," Gorou said. "Working hard, I see."
"Good morning, dear," Miki chimed. "I thought you'd gone to the gym."
"Morning, Xenovia. Morning, Ise‑kun," Irina said brightly.
"Hey," Issei walked over to her, concern in his eyes. "How's the ankle feeling?"
"It's getting better." Irina answered.
"What are you making?" He asked.
"Your lunch." Irina said, matter of factly.
"Seriously? We still have leftovers that I can take for lunch."
"Well, you need variety," Irina said, puffing her cheeks slightly. "And I'm still learning, so obasan is teaching me."
"Well, don't overwork yourself. You need to rest, Irina." Issei scolded her.
"But..." Irina tried to argue.
"Xenovia." Issei called out to her partner.
"I'll handle it," Xenovia said immediately.
"Don't worry," Miki added. "I'll keep her in check. You two go get ready."
"Can I use your bathroom, then?" Issei asked.
"Sure. But you better hurry, so you're not late." Gorou told his son.
"Right." Issei headed upstairs.
"I suppose that I shall get ready myself." Xenovia watched him go, then glanced at Irina and remembered his words.
"You're her best friend now, it's not me anymore, so on this church thing or Excalibur thing, look after her and even after, please continue to stay by her side. Can you promise me that?"
'Perverted or not,' she thought, 'you do show that you care for your friends, but in order to keep that promise, I guess we will need help, and you are right, power causes greed, maybe we should dispose of the fragments. Whoever this big sister of yours is, she is teaching you well.'
Elsewhere, four women each sneezed at the same time. A couple looked at each other in confusion. A woman's pet mouse rubbed her cheek in worry to make sure that the woman was okay. A big guy asked if his partner was okay, to which she responded that she was fine.
Sona arrived early with Tsubaki at the student council office, but Sona felt someone was already there and surprised to find them sitting in Sona's chair.
"...Well, this is a surprise," Sona said.
"We were going to contact you, Yuuma," Tsubaki added.
Yuuma looked up innocently. "Oh? What for?"
"To pull you out," Sona replied.
"What? I'm so close! And check this out." Yuuma stood and summoned a light spear.
Sona's eyes widened. "Your light spear… it's refined."
"The color is different," Tsubaki noted. "It's more of a violet‑red than your original pink."
"That's right," Yuuma smirked. "The perks of training with a cadre has its benefits. I'd say I'm ahead of Akeno now. Although she did pick up creating light spears relatively quickly and she already added her holy lightning to it."
Yuuma morphed the spear into a refined light sword, reminiscent of Kokabiel's.
"Yes," Sona said, "I believe you helped her with that."
"Somewhat. Actually, it was Issei. He told her something about accepting her 'dirty wings.' After that, she asked me for advice on crafting light spears. Speaking of which, how's he doing?"
"Who?" Tsubaki asked.
"Issei, of course!" Yuuma huffed. "You don't understand how annoying it is dealing with Freed groping at me. And I know these babies got bigger..." she grabbed at her breasts and hoisted them up. "I'd say you and I are the same size, Tsubaki."
Tsubaki choked on air.
"And I know Issei likes them big," Yuuma added casually.
Sona pinched the bridge of her nose. "I think he's occupied with his childhood friend."
"Oh, Shidou? Well, that'll give Raichi someone to occupy."
"Hard to do that when the childhood friend is a girl," Tsubaki said.
Yuuma froze. "Wait. What?"
"And she's one of the exorcists that has come here for Kokabiel," Sona added.
"Well, shit." Yuuma sighed. "That makes things complicated, but it will give me some brownie points for helping her out."
"No!" Sona snapped. "I'm not losing you..."
"And if Issei ever finds out that I had a chance to help her and didn't," Yuuma cut in, "how do you think that would make me look in his eyes. I'm not going to hold onto that guilt and be partially responsible that his childhood friend died."
Tsubaki frowned. "But we told the exorcists we wouldn't interfere."
"I doubt that'll last," Yuuma said. "Takeshi can be stubborn."
"That is true," Sona admitted. "And with Kiba's defection for his revenge… the Gremory is falling apart. I can see Takeshi trying to get the exorcists to cooperate on his whims, whatever they may be for Kiba's sake."
"Yeah, well, I'm here to get the scoop on what you know and report back to Kokabiel." Yuuma informed her.
"I expected as much," Sona sighed. "We have an ally who took out the majority of Kokabiel's forces."
"Oh yeah. So it's just him, Valper, and Freed."
"The creator of the Holy Sword Project…" Sona murmured. "Looks like Kiba will get his revenge."
"Yeah." Tsubaki looked away.
Yuuma smirked. "Why don't you just ask him out?"
Tsubaki flushed. "I could say the same to you about Hyoudou-san."
"Hey, I already offered to let him feel my chest." Yuuma shrugged. "The offer still stands. Especially with what he's got swinging between his legs."
Sona blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"Aika wasn't joking about his size and I had to see for myself."
"So you peeped on him?" Tsubaki asked.
"Damn straight."
Sona and Tsubaki exchanged a silent thought, 'Almost a match made in heaven.'
"Once Akeno gets a look at that baby," Yuuma continued, "we're gonna have so much fun."
Sona sighed. 'I don't even want to know. But now the shoe's on the other foot and Hyoudou-san's the one getting peeped on.'
She was unaware of Tsubaki blushing about the prospect of asking out Yuuto or even peeping on him. It only confirmed what Issei said, everyone's perverted, but some are more vocal than others. Letting out another sigh, Sona simply walked over to her chair, moved Yuuma out of the way and sat down.
Sona crossed her legs, settling into her chair with the calm authority of a queen reclaiming her throne.
"Thank you for warming it up for me," she said dryly. "Now then, what is Kokabiel planning?"
Yuuma leaned back against the desk, arms folded. "He's going to get cocky, when those exorcists get active, then he'll use Freed as bait, since he has the Excalibur fragments. Raichi and I will be his backup, likely he's going to divide them and strike them down one by one, the same way he handled the others."
Tsubaki's eyes narrowed. "Does Raichi know about this?"
"Uh‑huh." Yuuma nodded.
"So Saiga knows…" Sona tapped her fingers against the armrest. "I don't know what he plans to do with Raichi, but when it comes to this plan of splitting the exorcists up… you get out, Yuuma."
Yuuma nodded. "Understood."
"And I hope you've done your assignments." Sona informed her pawn, she wasn't going to give her much leeway on skipped assignments, just because she was in the student council.
Yuuma laughed. "Thank goodness Raichi kept me informed. I know the others wouldn't. But I hope this proves my loyalty. Can you speak to Azazel for me?"
"I will," Sona replied. "You, on the other hand, be prepared to answer questions. You look more fit as well."
"Yeah, I figured as much..." Yuuma began to say but was interrupted.
The door opened, and the rest of the Student Council filed in. They stopped upon seeing their missing member.
"No way! Yuuma, you're back!" Ruruko exclaimed.
"That's right," Yuuma grinned.
Ayase stepped forward politely. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Ayatsuji Ayase, third year. I'm also Sona‑sama's new Knight."
Yuuma blinked. "No way. I took two of her remaining Pawn pieces."
"Ayatsuji‑san has a dojo where our peerage trains," Sona explained. "And yes, her family is aware of the supernatural."
"No shit!" Yuuma beamed. "I'm definitely going to be heading there, when this job is said and done."
Momo tilted her head. "By the way… you look a little different."
Reya nodded. "Yeah. You look more toned."
"I got to say, girl," Tsubasa smirked. "Even your chest is bigger."
Genshirou, who had been quietly standing near the door, deadpanned internally. 'Is this what the girls talk about when I'm not around?'
He decided to wait outside so as to not embarrass them, but unfortunately, Yuuma caught him.
"Hey, Genshirou!" Yuuma called, making every girl except Ayase, Sona, and Tsubaki panic, remembering that he was there.
"Oh crap, he heard us!" Tomoe yelped.
"He wasn't supposed to hear that!" Ruruko flailed.
"Momo, isn't he your boyfriend?" Reya whispered.
"Yeah, say something!" Tsubasa urged.
Momo sputtered helplessly.
Yuuma waved them off. "Relax. He heard a little girl talk, so what? Anyways... Genshirou."
"…Since when were we on a first‑name basis?" he muttered.
"Hmm, I just assumed we were, since we're teammates, fellow pawns, duh." Yuuma answered nonchalantly.
He groaned. "What do you want?"
"Well, you're a guy, so…" She hoisted up her chest, which bounced slightly. "You think Issei will like these?"
Genshirou's soul left his body and he spun around, face red, nose bleeding.
"How could you ask me something like that!?" He exclaimed.
"Yeah, what the hell, Yuuma!" Tsubasa barked.
"Not cool! Momo's still in the room!" Tomoe added.
Sona and Tsubaki exchanged a silent thought again, 'A damn near match made in heaven. What did Hyoudou do to sway this fallen angel? Other than her peeping on him?'
Yuuma laughed. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. And congrats, you two. Don't worry, Momo. You can keep your blondie."
Tomoe crossed her arms. "He's asked about you, you know."
"Yeah," Momo added, getting her wits together. "Usually you and Raichi. But you're both never around. Sometimes Raichi comes back, though."
"That's true," Tsubasa said. "You guys seem chill. I never knew he cooked you girls lunches."
Ruruko perked up. "Is he any good?"
"That's a good question," Reya agreed.
Genshirou raised a hand. "I can attest that he is."
Ayase nodded. "Same here."
"Really?" Momo blinked.
"Uh‑huh," Ayase said. "The day I joined was the day Saji‑san and I tried his cooking."
Yuuma sighed dramatically. "At least those meals aren't going to waste."
Genshirou frowned. "We really should've separated him from those two perverts."
"But he would still be ogling us," Ruruko pointed out.
Ayase tapped her chin. "True. It's probably why he sees that beating as a blessing in disguise."
The room fell quiet as everyone knew that it was true, regarding this specific beating and Kenichi's interference. Issei's trust and loyalty in his former friends had shattered and in its place, he'd begun building something new.
The Student Council gathered around Yuuma, listening intently as she laid out Kokabiel's plans.
At the same time, Raichi was speaking with the MMA club. She stood before the group, arms crossed.
"So now you know, he's not going to do anything, until the exorcists do something."
Kenichi nodded. "Then we're in luck."
Ikki raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
Ukita grinned. "Yeah, we might as well talk to the masters and bust Kokabiel ourselves."
Kenichi shook his head. "Well, for one, we are working with Azazel on this and the devils, or at least Sona, but we have to keep that from the exorcists, when they get here."
Mizunuma blinked. "They're coming here?"
Renka frowned. "What gives?"
"Ise asked me to bring them," Kenichi said.
Kisara's eyes lit up. "Oh man, we finally get to meet them?"
"But we cannot give them the impression that we are working with their natural enemies." Kenichi warned.
Miu tilted her head. "I wonder why Issei asked you to bring them."
"They wanted to train," Kenichi said. "He also asked me to invite Apachai."
"WHAT!?" Ikki, Ukita, and Mizunuma shouted.
Renka sighed. "I should've seen this coming."
"Yep," Kisara agreed.
Raichi shrugged. "I guess there's no stopping him."
"Looks like it," Miu added.
Kenichi turned to the kunoichi who was their advisor. "Hey, Shigure-sensei, you think you can bring Apachai and Honoka here for our club activities?"
Shigure nodded silently, and then went back to feeding breakfast to Tōchūmaru, who was enjoying his food.
"Alright then," Kenichi said. "So we better be on our best behavior."
Ikki smirked. "Why? Did you forget? One of them is Ise's childhood friend. She's gotta have some juicy secrets about our boy."
Kisara crossed her arms. "That's right. You've seen them, right?" She looked at the boxer, remembering that when he picked up Issei, he got the opportunity to match faces to names.
Ikki nodded confidently. "Oh yeah. His childhood friend's a lighter brunette. And her friend's a bluenette like Renka…" As he looked at the Chinese specialist. "Or at least, we can assume that."
Renka blinked. "Assume what?"
Ukita shrugged. "That you're a bluenette."
"She is." Miu, Kisara, and Raichi deadpanned in unison.
They had, after all, seen Renka naked at the hot springs.
"Hey! You didn't have to tell them that!" Renka snapped, pointing accusingly at the boys, who were now staring at her with newfound realization.
Miu smirked. "Consider it payback."
Raichi shrugged. "Meh. I didn't care."
"Oh really?" Renka shot back. "Then I guess it's safe to confirm that you're a pinkette."
Raichi froze as the boys stared at her and her cheeks turned a very telling shade of pink that almost matched her hair color.
Kisara just started laughing as it was the foreigners that had odd colored hair, at least compared to the rest of them. Miu also laughed as the two Chinese girls were berating each other like siblings for exposing that the carpet matched the drapes.
Kenichi clapped his hands. "I guess we have our plans settled, so until then, we'll see you after school."
The other club members agreed as they gathered up their things and said goodbye to Shigure. The anticipation was growing among the members about meeting these exorcists. Kenichi, however, felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, but he would be informing the exorcists that they will assist them in their mission as he knew from the Elder that the incident needs to happen.
When Kenichi asked Hayato why it should happen as it would cause a war, Hayato went to explain that if done right. Members of all three factions would be working together and this could possibly cause the cold war between the three factions to end. Of course, the Elder warned that due to where these things were taking place, the Shinto faction may take action. Kenichi understood that by uniting together, it would be a sign towards peace, however, it would need to be a matter of who would put aside their pride first, the devils or the exorcists. He won't know the answer until he meets them later after school.
For Issei, he left his house, saying goodbye to his mother, Xenovia, and Irina, since his father had left to get Mototsugu. Of course, he gave goodbye hugs to his mother and Irina, while giving a casual wave to Xenovia, which she reciprocated. He was completely unaware that his mother had taken a picture of him hugging Irina and sending it to his surrogate aunt. He had another lunch prepared for him by Irina, under the guidance of his mother. He knew that he was going to get teased about that by Raichi, Elize, and Yu-Mi, but it was less stressful on him. It warmed him that she was helping out and it felt nostalgic, so he was appreciative of his childhood friend.
He almost gushed, when apparently, Xenovia seemed to have taken an interest in one of his Gundam manga that was still in the room that she and Irina shared. She even asked Irina to help her understand the katakana, so she could truly understand what they were saying. Issei made a promise to Xenovia that they would definitely check out the anime sometime, maybe after their church mission was done. He didn't want to interfere with that and be the cause of them failing to do what they came to do, but he had a feeling that Xenovia may inform Irina of what he knows.
Now, as he was walking through the halls, he got some looks, which made him wonder if the scar on his eyebrow was showing. Since he did not put on his bandage for it and styled his hair to cover it. He already knew that he had been getting looks because of the bandage on his right arm and was sure that most of them believed that he was beaten up for doing something perverted. However, what he did not know was that some students had actually watched the tournament, which made them wary of him.
He took to his seat and went to reach for his headphones only to discover that they were not around his neck. He stiffened upon the realization as he felt stupid for forgetting them. He already knew that Irina had his white ones, she seemed to cherish them and both were still grateful that they were not damaged in the spar or whatever she was doing yesterday. He was extremely lucky to find his old headphones in his school briefcase that almost made him cry tears of joy. Now he just sat, looking out the window, waiting for class to start, but he did get a sense of someone looking at him, he just didn't bother to figure out who.
In class 2-C, Raichi had met up with Yuuma, so that they could discuss what they had informed their collective groups. Raichi leaned back in her seat as Yuuma slid into the desk beside her.
"So you told them what's happening?" Raichi asked.
"Yeah," Yuuma said. "I'm surprised we got a new peerage member. Even more surprised that Issei had something to do with it."
Raichi chuckled. "He understood her inferiority complex. He has one too."
Yuuma tilted her head up and tapped her chin. "I wonder why he has that."
"We can ask him at lunch." Raichi smirked. "I wonder what his future Missus cooked for him."
Yuuma turned to the pink haired girl. "About that. What's the girl like?"
"She's a ball of sunshine. Kind of like Ise when he gets psyched about something."
"And looks?"
Raichi snickered. "Girl, chill. You've got a bigger chest than her. But she's got good ones. Not that Ise cares about appearances. Besides, I think he's got Renka on his mind. Though she needs to stop teasing Kenichi or she'll lose Ise too."
Yuuma blinked. "Shit, I forgot about her. Girl's got it all, ass and tits."
Raichi snickered as she knew Yuuma can be perverted in her own right and Raichi was not surprised that the hybrid checked out girls. She could tell that Yuuma was scouting out possible competition. However, she could not decipher if Yuuma was going to 'hit it and quit it' or if she actually wanted a relationship with Issei. So she decided to see if Yuuma would reveal anything else about her ambitions.
"Oh yeah," Raichi added. "I have a feeling Renka might like Ise. But I think it's because he reminds her of Kenichi‑senpai. I think she's trying to distinguish the two. If she ever goes for him, she wants to like him for him, not as a discount Kenichi."
Yuuma grinned wickedly. "I definitely would like to get in between those legs."
Raichi slapped her upside the head. "Did you not hear what I said!?"
"Ow! What the hell!?"
"Geez, I never knew you were bi."
Yuuma looked at her like she grew a second head, "Well, if more girls become attracted to Issei, you think some yuri action won't happen in the bedroom?"
"You do realize that he's only going to go for one girl, right?" Raichi raised an eyebrow. "He's not been thinking of harems. Because it's seen in the eyes of society of wanting a harem to be perverted. He's trying not to be reminded of his past."
Yuuma crossed her arms and huffed. "Hmm, that changes my throuple plan with Akeno."
"Her too?" Raichi deadpanned.
"Yeah," Yuuma nodded. "We kind of made an agreement. Although her interest differs from my own. She is coming to accept her fallen angel side, thanks to Issei, but I also had a little something to do with that. I did teach her how to develop light spears. I don't even think Issei realizes that he helped her."
"Because he is considerate, too bad, the only thing people see him as is just a pervert." Raichi informed the girl.
"Perverted Beast, which he can ravage me all day…" Yuuma giggled perversely, only to once again be smacked upside the head. "Ow! What the fuck!" Her cry made several heads look in their direction.
"Please refrain from fantasizing about my best friend in front of me." Raichi sighed.
"Jealous?" Yuuma smirked.
"Why would I be jealous?" Raichi scoffed. "You do realize that if I was romantically attracted to him, we would have been dating already and then you would be shit out of luck, right?"
Yuuma froze. "…Damn. You're right." Realizing that Raichi is the first girl in their grade that befriended Issei, they hit it off and Yuuma was aware of Raichi's perversion.
Yuuma also knew that Raichi had a knack for talking about a woman's chest as she loved to tease Kisara about it. Raichi easily could have been with Issei. After all, the two hang out together and they even dance together, when Raichi was teaching him. It made Yuuma wonder why Raichi never went after Issei, so she had to ask.
"How come you two never hit it off?" Yuuma asked.
"Hmm?" Raichi looked at the hybrid. "You mean Ise and I?"
"Yeah," Yuuma nodded. "You two gel together, you hang out during lunch, so what gives?"
"It's platonic," Raichi said simply. "We don't see each other like that. It actually makes me wonder if he will fall for his childhood friend, though." This chapter was copied from novelping.com without permission.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, she has some similarities to me, but I'm not affectionate with Ise, like she is. I can see the longing in her eyes and I don't have that for him. Ise and I see each other as siblings."
Yuuma hummed. "Huh." Now it all made sense to her why Raichi and Issei had never hooked up.
Raichi raised an eyebrow. "You're lusting for him. Why?"
"Am I?" Yuuma smirked.
"You were just fantasizing about him, Renka, and Akeno." Raichi deadpanned.
Yuuma shrugged. "I like what I like, alright."
"And why do you like him?"
"His honesty." Yuuma said, plainly.
Raichi blinked. "Excuse me?"
"When we first met, he straight up told me he was a pervert. What guy does that? And when I offered to let him feel my tits, he didn't. A pervert would've jumped at the chance. I think he's got an innocence to him."
"That you want to corrupt?" Raichi pointed at her, back to a deadpan expression.
"Oh yeah. Plus Aika wasn't lying about what he's packing between those legs."
Raichi groaned. "Try not to jill off in class." Yuuma merely laughed as Raichi shook her head. 'I wish you the best of luck, bestie, I don't know if you want to reconsider your "one girl" notion because it looks like you got several candidates.'
Elsewhere, Issei sneezed and rubbed his nose. 'Am I getting sick?'
Back at his house, Miki was getting her orientation for her job and she had Saori helping her. Upstairs, Irina tested her ankle carefully, rotating it with a soft wince. Xenovia watched her in silence, her arms crossed, expression unreadable. She also had a patch on her jaw, where Issei had kneed her.
"We need to talk."
Irina blinked. "About?"
Xenovia inhaled slowly. "Your friend knows more than we thought."
Irina froze. "…What?"
"He learned that you're an artificial holy sword user and I did confirm that you were."
Irina's eyes widened. "And who told him?"
"He said an informant. He also knows Freed isn't human."
Irina stiffened. "We should inform our superiors and then..."
"And then have him killed?" Xenovia cut in sharply. "Is that what you want for him?"
Irina recoiled. "What are you talking about?"
"Think, Irina." Xenovia stepped closer. "It's bad enough that the Excalibur fragments were stolen. If they find out that more information about the Sigurd Institution was leaked, do you think they would hesitate to kill him? The man that you love?"
Irina's breath caught. "You don't..."
"Irina," Xenovia sighed, "we've been here two days and you're already acting like his wife. I'm beginning to wonder if months from now, I'll be a godmother."
Irina's face turned scarlet. "I...!"
"Are you prepared to kill him?" Xenovia pressed. "You can't even kill humanoid renegade devils and other monsters we face, if they show any human qualities."
Irina's jaw tightened. "I'm sorry I'm not the Decapitating Princess."
"I know you're not," Xenovia replied gently. "That's why you have me. And when I need to dial back, I have you. But if we report what he knows… we may have to kill him. I may have to kill him. Unless you're willing to."
"You know I can't do that." Irina shook her head.
"I know." Xenovia's voice softened. "But I would have to and I don't want you hating me either. You're the first partner that has stuck by my side and I'm grateful for that. I don't want to lose you if we are forced to kill him."
Irina swallowed hard. "Why do you care about what happens to him? You didn't seem too pleased about him, when I talked with you about him."
"Because I made a promise to him," Xenovia said. "And he said that he'd be my friend too."
Irina blinked. "Wait, what promise?"
"He told me that I was your best friend now. Because sooner or later, he's going to phase out of your life. Being your childhood friend is just not going to be enough."
Irina's eyes widened in disbelief. "He's never going to phase from my life, you know that. I always told you about the kid that I always played with outside. The same kid that had a fascination for big breasts."
"It was him, I know." Xenovia said. "I've seen the photos. Thanks to your parents."
Irina flushed again. "So what did you promise him?"
"To stand by your side," Xenovia answered. "And I shall do my best to keep it."
Irina exhaled shakily. "So… we're not going to tell the higher ups about this?"
"Not for now," Xenovia said firmly. "Otherwise we'd be the ones ordered to kill him. And that would cause conflict. I would do it if I had to… but you'd resent me. And I don't want that. Just like I don't want you to die on this mission. And I don't want to die either."
Irina nodded slowly. "Okay… so what do we tell Ise‑kun?"
"Nothing for now, but we should prepare for our showdown with Kokabiel." Xenovia paused. "However…"
"What?"
"We have allies. You remember what I said about what his master said?"
Irina's eyes lit with recognition. "Yeah, he would be willing to help. He already had a run in with Kokabiel, he's strong, ruthless, just like…"
"Vasco Strada," Xenovia finished.
Irina nodded. "My superior, Caesar Villiers, told me about him. Is Mitsurugi‑san really like that?"
"Yes," Xenovia said. "I sensed it. That violent aura, it was similar to his. And we know that Vasco Strada has defeated Kokabiel before. With Mitsurugi's power on our side, we only have to worry about Freed and Valper."
"And Ise‑kun is going after Freed." Irina wondered out loud.
"I don't think there's anything that we can do to stop him," Xenovia sighed. "You said he's stubborn."
Irina chuckled. "Yeah… he can be."
"And if we survive," Xenovia added, "I suggest you leave him with something to remember you by. Something that will ensure he'll never forget about you."
Irina's face turned crimson. "H‑Huh!? Do you know something, Xenovia?"
"A little," Xenovia said. "But he said he'll tell us when our mission is complete."
"I suppose that works for me," Irina sighed. "I wonder what caused him to forget mostly about me…"
"We finish this soon," Xenovia said, opening the door, "and maybe we'll find out."
Irina brightened. "Yeah. And I'm looking forward to watching anime again. We're just about to get into the food war between Soma and Ikumi."
"I suppose," Xenovia murmured, glancing at her bicep.
She thought about the capabilities of having a side weapon there, like Ikumi, just in case, she could not use her main weapon. It would be nice to have a backup weapon, it would be a hidden edge and give her an advantage in a fight.
'Maybe he was onto something…' Xenovia thought, 'I wonder if those Gundam have hidden weapons.'
"Hey, girls! Lunch is ready!" Saori called from downstairs.
"We'll be right down!" Irina replied, then turned to Xenovia. "It'll be easier to think on a full stomach."
"You're right."
They exited the room and descended the stairs.
Miki sighed in relief. "Ah, what a relief."
"Getting difficult?" Saori asked.
Irina smiled. "How was it, obasan?"
"Not too bad," Miki said. "But technology is different now than it was back then."
"Definitely," Saori agreed. "Honoka‑chan has had to help me more than once."
Miki turned to the girls. "So I have to ask, is Ise treating you two alright?"
Irina nodded. "Uh‑huh. He's been fine."
"Well, I know you two have been fine," Miki said. "But what about you, Xenovia?"
Xenovia blinked. "Hmm? I trained with him this morning. He has his goals set and is straightforward."
"Oh dear," Saori said. "Don't let him drag you into that training of his."
"I'm guessing you two sparred," Miki added.
"Yes," Xenovia said. "Unfortunately, he beat me in the first round. But after that, he couldn't beat me."
"So you know martial arts?" Saori asked.
"A little but not to the extent that he does, which is how he beat me. Everything after that was purely swordplay."
"And that's where he lost," Irina added proudly.
"Precisely." Xenovia nodded.
Miki let out a heavy exhale. "I swear that boy… makes a little part of me hoping that he goes back to his perverted self. I swear the violence of martial arts is more stressful than I thought it could be. That tournament proved that. But I'm glad he's having fun and he has more friends. So I'll let it slide."
Saori nodded. "That club is like a family. They're tightly knit."
Irina brightened as she stopped from reaching her chopsticks. "Oh! Ise‑kun said we can attend club practice. He got the okay from your son, Saori‑san."
Miki raised an eyebrow. "Do you need us to drop you girls off?"
Xenovia shook her head. "No. Issei said he'll come back for us."
"He doesn't have a car," Miki muttered. "So I'm guessing one of his senpais will drop him off. But he has work today."
Irina smiled. "Oh, we're going with him after practice."
"Are you sure?" Miki frowned. "Your ankle hasn't fully recovered."
"I think the more I walk on it, the more I'll get used to the pain."
Saori leaned forward. "Will his bosses be alright with you girls hanging around?"
"We met them yesterday," Xenovia replied. "They didn't mind. I was even interested in sparring with his boss."
Irina nearly choked. "Are you insane, Xenovia!?"
"You want to spar with his boss?" Miki echoed.
"Must be a tough guy," Saori added.
"Oh, he is," Miki said. "At least from what Issei has told me. He has never gotten a hit on him, so be careful, Xenovia, I don't want your parents to get mad at me for allowing you to do something reckless."
"That is true," Saori agreed.
Miki tapped her chin. "Maybe when you're done with your Church thing, you girls can explore the city. Oh, Xenovia, do you have your parents' contact? I'd like to let them know you're doing well. Or do you prefer keeping that private? Irina-chan, do your parents know?"
Irina nodded. "Tou‑san knows. Why do you ask?"
"Well," Miki smiled warmly, "if Xenovia ever wants to visit again, I'd like to let her parents know she can stay here. I know it's only been two days, but you have been respectable enough, so I wouldn't mind hosting you again."
Xenovia blinked, touched. "Thank you. I'll let them know. Like Irina, they work with the Church but not the same one as Irina's father."
"I see," Saori nodded. "I'm guessing it's one in Italy, since that is where you are from, correct?"
"Correct."
"Oh, a trip to Italy sounds nice," Miki said dreamily.
"I agree," Saori added. "Maybe we can coordinate with our husbands and go together."
"I like that idea," Miki said. "But what about Honoka-chan? Kenichi doesn't live at home, right?"
Irina and Xenovia exchanged a look as it would give them something to ask Kenichi, when they meet him alter.
Saori nodded. "True. But I know where he lives. I could ask Miu, she loves Honoka."
"Well," Miki said, "with no pornography in the house, I'm sure Ise‑kun wouldn't mind babysitting either. If his bosses don't mind Irina and Xenovia around, they probably wouldn't mind Honoka-chan."
Irina smiled. "Well, the boss that I was speaking with, she seemed nice and probably wouldn't mind her."
Saori waved a hand. "We can worry about that later. For now, let's enjoy our lunch."
Miki, Irina, and Saori clasped their hands. "Itadakimasu!"
Xenovia raised an eyebrow, then offered a quick prayer with Irina before eating.
For Issei, the lunch bell could not come soon enough because he was bored and would rather talk with Raichi. He could only hope that she showed up today, but he wouldn't mind hanging with Elize and Yu-Mi. However, he was immensely shocked, because he did not expect a black‑haired beauty to suddenly wrap her arms around him.
"Well, hello, stranger. Miss me?" Yuuma smirked.
"Yuuma!? When did you get back?" Issei yelped, face turning red as his arm was swallowed between her breasts. 'Did they get bigger, no, Ise, don't think about that, you're not like that anymore.'
He shook his head, while gently removing himself from her grip, missing the small frown on her face as he looked around to see how many students were staring.
"Just this morning. What's been up with you?" Yuuma asked.
"Not much." Issei shrugged.
"Other than his childhood friend coming back," Raichi chimed in, appearing beside them.
"So I've heard," Yuuma said.
Issei groaned. "Ugh…"
Raichi grinned. "So what did she make for you today?"
"How did... never mind." He sighed. "At least she made enough for all of us. With my kaa-san's help, of course."
"Ooh," Yuuma and Raichi said in unison. "Then what are we waiting for?"
"First," Issei said, "I'm giving Elize‑nee and Yu‑Mi‑nee their lunch. Then I'll hang with them."
Yuuma blinked. "Lunch with the nurses?"
"Yu‑Mi‑nee isn't a nurse." Issei corrected.
"I'm just shocked you have some big sister figures."
"I need them to keep me in check," Issei said. "Now come on, I want to hear what you were doing while you were away."
Yuuma stiffened. "Ahaha… yeah. Sure."
Raichi smirked knowingly. Yuuma would have to improvise.
The three went on their way to Elize's office, while Issei was more grateful that people cared more about their lunch than who he was walking with. Of course, there were some glances, but that was more towards Yuuma, which he was not surprised by, her body looked fuller and toned. He was sure that some students were wondering if she was a new student, of course, they would be wondering why she was hanging with the "local pervert", even if he didn't peep nor yell about being a harem king, since that beat down, which he was sure that they have all seen on the web.
When they got to the office, Issei gave a signature knock to let Elize know that it was him. Despite her telling him that it didn't matter because he was the only one that did knock.
"Seriously, kiddo!?" Elize called out.
Issei laughed and entered with the girls.
"Hey," he greeted.
"You're in a good mood," Yu‑Mi observed.
"Why shouldn't I be? My friend's back." He nodded toward Yuuma.
"I can see that," Elize smiled. "Nice to meet you. I'm Elize Schmitz."
"And I'm Yu‑Mi Kim," Yu‑Mi added and corrected formally. "Or rather Kim Yu‑Mi."
"Amano Yuuma," Yuuma said. "So German and… uh…"
"Korean," Yu‑Mi supplied, while she and Elize gave a subtle look to one another.
"Thanks."
Elize leaned forward. "So how do you know our dear Ise?"
Yuuma smirked. "Your dear Ise? Aren't student‑teacher relationships forbidden?"
"Oh?" Elize raised an eyebrow. "You're assuming it's romantic?"
"It's more familial," Yu‑Mi said.
"They're his big sister figures," Raichi added. "One of many."
"That's right," Issei said proudly. "What better person to teach me how to be a gentleman and treat women than a woman herself?"
"Exactly," Elize said. "Curbing that perversion of his, rather than encouraging it."
Yu‑Mi nodded. "It also helps that he has other interests that he has shown us."
"I'd also say that you're in a good mood because you don't have bandages around your head," Elize pointed at his arm. "But I guess you still got your right forearm bandaged up."
"Yeah. Also do you think you could stay a little longer and look at Irina's ankle?" Issei asked.
"Irina?" Elize grinned. "Oh, your in‑home wifey. We get to meet her."
"And in person," Yu‑Mi added.
Raichi leaned forward. "Better yet, what did she make this time?"
"With my kaa‑san's help," Issei reminded, "she made enough for all of us."
Elize sniffed the air. "Smells like chicken."
"Well, it is sticky lime and honey chicken," Issei confirmed.
Yu‑Mi inspected the sides. "Hmm, we got some peppers and it looks like some… homemade guac."
"You can eat it with rice," Issei said. "Irina's still learning."
Raichi smirked. "So it's more your mom's cooking."
"Hey, it was Irina who picked the recipe." Issei defended his childhood friend and took a bite of the food. "Either way, it still tastes good."
Yuuma took a bite. "Maybe your mom should teach a cooking class."
"That's a great idea," Elize said. "I'd love to talk with her again."
"That's right," Yu‑Mi agreed.
Yuuma blinked. "You already talked with his parents?"
Issei leaned back in his chair, finishing the last bite of Irina's lunch and answered, "It was after the tournament," he said.
Yuuma scoffed. "Too bad most of the school didn't watch it. Maybe then you wouldn't be so hated. They'd see you can actually kick some ass."
Raichi grinned. "Yeah and they'd get to watch me win the whole thing."
Issei chuckled. "I would've faced you if..."
"Don't even go there," Yu‑Mi cut in sharply. "We were not going to let you injure yourself any further than you already were."
Elize nodded. "Forfeiting was your best option. Live to fight another day."
"I guess…" Issei muttered, glancing at his right arm.
Elize smirked. "It's probably why I'm glad you won't be a doctor. Last thing I need is you telling patients to slap on a band‑aid and get back out there."
Raichi snorted. "Oh yeah."
"You don't have to worry about that," Issei said.
Yuuma leaned forward. "What do you want to be anyways, Issei? I mean you have talked about your dream of being a strong fighter for your friends, but after that, in the real world, what's your goal?"
Issei put a hand to his chin. "You got a point, I don't think I'll be stuck working at the Shishi-Oh, but I know that I want to elevate my skills. I know I am decent with video editing, but maybe I could advance that, you know? I was thinking about animation because I love anime, but I don't think I would be all for crunch time as I may not be able to possibly spend time with family."
"There are other options," Yu‑Mi said.
"Oh yeah," Issei continued. "I was also thinking about the special effects in movies or maybe into developing, you know like in video games, but that also has some crunch time, nothing's ever easy."
"That's correct," Yu‑Mi said. "And you need to have good grades."
"That's why I've got you, Yu‑Mi‑nee."
"And me," Elize added.
"You too, Elize‑nee." Issei nodded, both had been a huge help in his progress.
Raichi grinned. "I can't help in that department of grades, but I can critique your cooking. And your missus."
Yuuma smirked. "That makes two of us."
Raichi caught the flicker of jealousy in Yuuma's eyes and hid a smile.
Issei sighed. "As expected. But for now, I gotta keep growing. I'm still not where I want to be."
"Is that so?" Elize asked, taking another bite.
"Uh‑huh. Oh, Raichi, how good are the Walkyries?"
Raichi paused mid‑chew. "Of the Shinpaku Alliance? Why would..." Her eyes widened. "You're asking Irina out on a date, aren't you!?"
"WHAT!? No!" Issei sputtered. "I just want to look decent!"
Elize smirked. "Oh ho… a date, huh?"
Yuuma leaned in. "My, my. Working fast, aren't you? Didn't we have a movie date planned, too?"
"It wasn't a date," Issei groaned. "Just hanging out."
"You've never been on a date before, have you?" Yu‑Mi asked.
She saw the slight sense of panic in his eyes, but also the inferiority complex acting, telling himself that he wasn't good enough.
Issei looked away. "What do you think? Have you not seen the glares that I get and whisper behind my back, hell, it's probably online as well, actually, it is, thanks to that video."
"Relax," Elize said gently. "She didn't mean..."
"I know." He sighed. "I know."
Yu‑Mi smiled softly. "It's alright. And when we meet the girl, we can help you if you want."
"Thanks and it was actually her partner that suggested that I explore the place with Irina. I guess it was more for us to catch up on, there's a lot that I want to know about what England's like. Maybe I'll be able to go there someday or even Italy." Issei answered.
Yuuma blinked. "Italy?"
Raichi raised an eyebrow. "Why Italy?"
"Because Xen is from there."
"Xen?" Elize asked.
"Oh, that's Irina's partner, her name is Xenovia. I think she's pretty cool, when she opens up. I got to do some sword training with her this morning."
Yu‑Mi smiled. "How'd that go?"
"She kicked my ass," Issei laughed, scratching his head. "But the first round was anything goes, so I used martial arts. Muay Thai, mostly. I even got Kenichi‑senpai to bring his Muay Thai master today!"
Elize sighed. "Don't break yourself too much."
Yu‑Mi clapped her hands. "Alright, you three better get back to class. And Ise... the food was good. Tell your potential girlfriend she has my gratitude."
"She's not my..." He sighed. "She's my childhood friend."
Raichi smirked. "Do you want her to be?"
"I… never really thought about that. Honestly, I've not thought about romance at all. I just want to better myself as a person before I focus on any of that." Issei answered truthfully.
Yuuma nodded. "I suppose you're right."
Yu‑Mi tilted her head. "Well, you're a teenage boy, you still have interest in girls, right?"
Elize grinned. "Yeah, still like big breasts, you can look at Yu-Mi's, if you want." Her carefree attitude is coming out.
Issei recoiled. "Ew, no! She's my sister."
The room erupted in laughter.
Yuuma smirked. "My offer still stands, you know."
"I'm good," Issei said quickly, gathering the bentos.
Raichi and Yuuma laughed. Elize and Yu‑Mi exchanged raised eyebrows.
"Well," Elize said, "we'll see you after school."
"Thank you and also could you show me how to properly wrap Irina's ankle, but also to wrap my own injuries, I'm sure that I'm going to gain a few more bruises down the stretch."
"I bet," Elize said. "Just don't end up in a morgue, alright? Not till after you graduate, achieve your dream, get a girl, and raise a family. Hopefully, we still keep in touch, maybe I can see some of those nieces and nephews."
"Maybe even be godmothers," Yu‑Mi added.
"Yeah… maybe." Issei chuckled but they could hear the hollowness. "See you later," he said. "Bye, nee‑san."
"Bye, Ise," Yu‑Mi said, ruffling his hair.
"Only a few more hours," Elize said. "Nice to meet you, Yuuma."
"Same here," Yuuma said. "Glad to meet up with two of the people that helped him."
"See ya around!" Raichi waved as the three left the office.
Yu‑Mi exhaled. "You thinking what I'm thinking?"
Elize nodded. "Yeah. Ise feels like he might experience what his parents did… with the miscarriages."
Yu‑Mi frowned. "I thought so, too, which could be a turning point in a relationship, if he does achieve romance, he may have that anxiety of his child dying before being born."
"Let's hope not," Elize whispered. "Let's hope he has fully redeemed himself that whatever deity watching him will let him obtain a family of his own."
Yu‑Mi nodded. "I agree."
With the three students, they were walking to their class, but Yuuma and Raichi could tell that Issei's mood was down. However, they didn't want to say anything yet and chose not to push him. When they reached their class, Issei let his sadness go, forcing a smile as what Yu-Mi and Elize were talking about was correct. He feared that he would not be able to produce, similar to how his parents struggled.
"Hey, Ise, this is our classroom," Raichi said, pointing her thumb at the door.
"Thanks, uh… for having lunch with me." Issei told them.
"No problem," Yuuma said. "And hey, Ise."
"Yeah?"
"You know you can talk to us, right?" Yuuma informed him.
Raichi nodded. "Yeah, besties look out for each other, okay?"
"…Okay." Issei did his handshake with Raichi. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind. See you later."
"Later!" the girls said.
Yuuma watched him go. "You think he'll be alright?"
"Oh yeah," Raichi said. "When Irina shows up, he'll brighten right up. She's like a ray of sunshine."
"I see…"
Raichi smirked. "Jealous?"
Yuuma sighed. "I'd be lying if I said no."
"Well," Raichi shrugged, "you're more voluptuous than she is. And besides, Irina will be gone again."
Yuuma frowned. "Maybe. But that won't help him. Just imagine… your childhood friend comes back after so long… and then leaves again."
Raichi stretched her arms behind her head as she and Yuuma walked toward their classroom.
"Well," she said casually, "you can help pick up the pieces."
Yuuma sighed. "I can't say for certain. We still have to contend with Renka‑senpai."
Raichi raised an eyebrow. "We?" She was royally confused, considering that she literally told Yuuma that she didn't see Issei in a romantic sense.
"Akeno and I," Yuuma clarified.
"Oh?" Raichi smirked. "A two‑for‑one special, huh? Well, I am his wing woman. Let's see what I can do."
Yuuma blinked. "You'd do that for me?"
"Not for you," Raichi said, flicking one of her twin tails. "For him, he's my best friend, almost a brother to me. I didn't let those perverted aspects of him ruin my image of him, since he was just a stranger. He was a bit broken and sometimes, you just need a friend, the right friend to make things better. He didn't have that, well, he did, but she was gone for a while."
Yuuma's expression softened. "And now she's back."
"Yeah." Raichi nodded. "But where you're from, a harem is acceptable, right?"
Yuuma hesitated. "But he said..."
"I know what he said." Raichi waved her hand. "I'll just be there to see how those connections grow. Just try not to die before you two can go on your movie date."
Yuuma chuckled. "You and me both. But it's also a matter of making sure she survives."
"Her and her partner," Raichi agreed.
"Yeah."
"Oh, and you should know, his boss is protective of him," Raichi added. "She noticed me checking out the shop. I thought I was concealed."
It still perplexed Raichi of Setsuka's sensory skills because she was trained as an assassin and Setsuka still detected her from a good distance from the shop, when Issei and the exorcists left.
Yuuma smirked. "I've met her. She gave me advice. And I asked him out in front of her."
Raichi blinked. "Well then. Let's handle Kokabiel first. Then you can prepare yourself. But don't be too flirtatious, you'll only scare him off."
"Got it." Yuuma nodded firmly.
They entered the classroom. Yuuma gave a subtle nod to the Student Council members before taking her seat, already planning how to betray Kokabiel without dying in the process.
With Issei, he got to his seat and pulled out his phone to quickly message Ikki and Kisara about after school in a group text.
Issei: Hey, does either one of you have time after school?
A couple moments later, he received a response from both of them.
Ikki: Yeah, man, what's up?
Kisara: Yeah, what's going on?
Issei: I was wondering if one of you could take me back to my house real quick?
Kisara: Sure! Ikki, you can sit this one out.
Ikki: Looks like the lady called dibs lol.
Issei: Alright, thanks, Kisara‑senpai!
Kisara: Ise, just because it's text doesn't mean you can get it wrong. Now say it again.
Issei: Thanks, Kisara‑nee.
Kisara: That's my boy!
Issei chuckled to himself as he put away his phone and waited for the teacher to come back into the class. While he waited for the teacher, he decided to start doing his homework, a tip that Yu-Mi told him about, that way, he would have more free time later in the day. It's what helped him get it done quicker and when he had work, whatever he finished, he would send it to Yu-Mi to correct.
As the teacher came in, Issei began to listen carefully as whatever the teacher usually said would be something that would be in the homework. The hours went on by now that lunch was over.
The teacher entered, and Issei listened carefully. Whatever was said usually appeared on the homework. The hours went on by now that lunch was over. As the final bell rang, Issei sighed and collected his things and went to go find Kisara, but since he would be heading in the same direction as her, he went to get Raichi as well.
Raichi spotted him first. "Huh, can't say this is a surprise, what's up?"
"I'm heading to get Kisara‑nee so she can take me home." He answered.
"Ah, going to get your lover? Or is it lovers?"
"Get real, Raichi. Think about who you're talking to."
"Dude." She flicked his forehead. "Quit doubting yourself in the romance game, look at you, you bulked up, got some actual training done, competed in a martial arts tournament, where you scored in the top 5, give yourself some credit."
"I guess... whoa!" He stumbled as Raichi smacked his back hard.
"Remember, I'm your second bestie."
"And the first?"
"You know she's waiting for you at home and don't be afraid when it comes to asking her out."
"Ugh, not you too." Issei groaned as he facepalmed.
"What? Want me to slip a secret admirer note under her pillow? You know I've got mad assassin skills."
"No, no, no. Just let it be. I don't want her friend to miss out either. So it'd be three of us, not four. Anyway, we better hurry. Time's wasting."
"Yeah, yeah." Raichi jogged beside him as they headed toward the dojo.
Meanwhile Takeshi was walking with Asia as they were heading to the Occult Research Club. Asia looked on worriedly at Takeshi as he was deep in thought about something. He was so lost in thought that Ddraig had to intervene and bring his partner back to reality.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Ddraig spoke mentally to him.
Takeshi blinked. 'Huh? Oh… sorry. I was thinking about what those exorcists said.'
"You were informed to not interfere." Ddraig reminded him.
'I wouldn't be interfering,' Takeshi thought. 'I'd be helping a teammate.'
"Takeshi‑san?" Asia asked softly, she clutched his hand gently. "Are you alright?"
"Hm? Yeah, Asia. I'm good. How are you feeling? Those exorcists hurt your feelings and..."
"It's okay," she said gently. "I don't really mind."
"No, it's not okay. They hurt your feelings and..."
"You also hurt someone else's feelings," Asia said, wiggling her fingers.
Takeshi stopped as he tried to process what she said. "…Whose feelings did I hurt?"
Asia looked up at him with gentle eyes. "Hyoudou‑san's."
Takeshi clicked his tongue. "That pervert..."
"Don't you think that hurts his feelings?" Asia asked softly.
Takeshi frowned. "Asia… before you arrived, all he did with his two goons was creep on girls."
"But he isn't part of that anymore, right?"
"I guess," Takeshi muttered. "But that's only because they installed a new security system..."
"Which was suggested by Hyoudou-san," Asia said. "When he was accused of stealing someone's underwear. Some of the girls in the student council told me and he's also in my class." She smiled, it was small, fragile, brave. "I'm sorry, I just feel like I should continue to push forward like he seems to, so I'm not bothered by the exorcists insulting me, honest, really."
It hurt him because she was still sad, she was definitely affected by what the exorcists had said to her. It did make him wonder how Issei took it all in, the insults and the bashing of the student body. Hell, it was him that caused the student body to pretty spew death threats at Issei at the ball tournament. Now that he knew Issei had a connection to the church, he wondered if this was payback.
It made Takeshi grit his teeth as if this was Issei's payback by going after Asia with the exorcists, then he would make him pay. Of course, he doubted it, since Issei hadn't even taken revenge against the guys that had beat him up. All he knew was that no one hurts Asia, at least not under his watch. She was precious to him, now he was kind of wishing that he did more damage in that spar. But something deep inside whispered that going after Issei's friends would have been a terrible mistake. For now, he would think about what the exorcist said and how he could use that to help Yuuto.
"Don't worry, Asia," Takeshi murmured, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. "They won't hurt you again. You don't need to take that burden of soldiering on from their insults. I'll do it and be there for you, till the day I die."
Asia blinked. "What about Rias‑oneesan?"
"Her too," Takeshi said without hesitation. "I love her. And I love you. I won't let anything happen to either of you. It's the same with Koneko-chan, Kiba, and Akeno. Remember that."
"…Okay." Asia nodded.
"Now come on," he said gently. "Let's see what this meeting is about. Then we'll figure out how to help Kiba."
"Right!" Asia's steps grew lighter as whatever weight she was carrying; it went onto Takeshi's shoulders.
He would carry her burdens for her, anything to make sure that she was safe, but sometimes going to such measures can cause drastic consequences.
Issei wanted to groan as when he and Raichi got near the dojo, he could feel the smug grins of his senpai, except Kenichi, Renka, and Miu, who were the only sane ones. It made him feel like he should just escape, but what could he do? After all, they knew where he lived, so he was screwed.
"Uh… hey, guys," Issei said weakly.
Renka immediately pulled him into a hug, stroking his hair. "Welcome back, our little kōhai."
Raichi had to contain her smirk because she knew that Renka had to be interested in Issei as well. It was just more that she could add to her tally of women that were going for him. However, Renka was holding back, rather than going all out and actually putting a claim on him. That made Raichi a little suspicious about her motives and wondered if Renka only saw him as a little brother like the other girls. It also made her wonder if she was capable of getting him to go down that harem route to prevent many broken hearts like Kenichi did.
Kenichi waved. "Hey, you two!"
Ikki grinned. "Today's gonna be fun!"
Ukita leaned forward. "We heard stories from your mom. Now we get to hear childhood stories."
Kisara cracked her knuckles. "Which we shouldn't keep waiting for, ne, Ise‑kun?"
Issei paled. "Uh… maybe we can take a raincheck..."
"Actually, we can't do that," Kenichi said, suddenly serious. "I need to talk to them about something while you're training with Apachai."
Renka huffed. "I'm definitely getting you back up to par in Chinese kenpo. Understand, Ise‑kun?" She leaned close to his ear.
"Yes, ma'am! I won't forget my Chinese kenpo!" Her tone sent a shiver down his spine.
He felt that she would work him to the bone, ensuring that he never forgot his Chinese kenpo training, despite learning another style.
"Try not to scare him too much, Renka." Miu said gently.
Issei blinked. "Um, why are you here, Miu-senpai? Shouldn't you be heading to your club activities?"
"I'm kind of a representative for my father, so I took a raincheck." she said with a smile.
Mizunuma waved him off. "Hurry up! We can't wait to hear more stories!"
"But kaa‑san already told you everything!" Issei argued back.
Ikki patted his shoulder. "Ise, Ise, Ise… our dear kōhai. We know you've got more secrets. And while one vault opened, there are plenty more. I'm sure your childhood friend, who's very energetic, would love to tell us all about you."
Mizunuma, Ukita, and Kisara chuckled.
Raichi waved. "See ya when you get back! Maybe we'll do a dance number to loosen you up!"
Kisara grabbed his wrist. "Now come, my dear otōto. A couple of ladies need us."
Issei was dragged toward her car. His senpai gleefully waved, awaiting his return, while Renka simply mouthed him a "good luck", before going off into the locker room to change. Raichi gave a wave and followed behind her to change as well. He sighed, shrugging off Kisara as he went to put his briefcase in his locker, then rushed out and took out his phone to text Irina.
Issei: We're on the way.
Kisara smirked. "Perks of being the driver, I get a special preview before everyone else."
"Yeah, sure," Issei muttered, climbing into the car.
"Feeling embarrassed?"
"Well… yeah. But don't overwhelm her. She's recovering from an injury, alright?"
"No problem. And hey, do you want me to drop you off at work after practice? I can take the girls back and..."
"They're coming with me," Issei said. "They met my bosses yesterday. But first, I need to get Irina to Elize's office."
"Nice name."
"Yeah, it is." He smiled without realizing it and Kisara noticed, which made her eyes soften.
As Kisara started her car, humming lightly as they began to drive towards Issei's house to get both Xenovia and Irina. Issei stared out the window, unaware that fate and a certain mischievous brunette had already set a trap for him. If only he remembered the trouble and chaos that he and Irina got up to when they were kids, then maybe he would have been prepared and would've braced himself.
Because while he was away, Irina had been brewing with mischief on how to surprise him when he got back. Unfortunately, he gave her the timetable that she needed, when he texted her. Thus she knew exactly how long she had and as a result, she got to work, using every second. Inwardly, she planned for it to go one of two ways and she was hoping that he took the positive approach to her surprise like he used to.
"Hey," Kisara said casually, "you thinking about bringing someone to rock climb at the gym? You seemed interested when we were training."
"That's right," Issei nodded. "Irina's ankle might be healed by then. but I feel like Xen needs to get out more, but she is pretty engrossed with her church thing."
He avoided mentioning Excalibur but he didn't know Kisara already knew about it.
"I see," Kisara said. "Well, why not ask them to hit the movies with us? You know if they like hanging with us after today."
"Really?" Issei looked over at his tough sister figure.
"Yeah. Then you can take the one you want out to eat and maybe get your smooch on."
She chuckled.
Issei groaned. "I thought you'd have my back, Kisara‑nee."
"I do have your back, we all do, we're probably the small few that want to see you happy. Maybe it's with the exotic foreigner that came with your childhood friend, or maybe it's actually you were childhood sweethearts, but you were blind to it because you had misgendered her."
She smirked. "Tell me, Ise, how do you feel about them?"
"I… don't know. I feel like I got a piece of myself back with Irina's return. And I gained a new friend too, I think." He answered.
"You think?" Kisara teased.
"Yeah. I think."
"Alright." She laughed as she pulled into his driveway. "Come on. Let's go get them. Then I'll know who you're feeling."
"Who I'm… what?" Issei blinked, confused as he stepped out of the car.
"You'll see," Kisara said, following him to the door.
Issei shrugged, inserted his key, and began to open the door.
"Ta—"
Snap!
Kisara jumped back as Issei barely had time to look up and was hit with what seemed to be like a water balloon slammed into his face. It burst and splattered this white foam splattered along the walls and the outside of the front door.
The smell hit him. '…Tou-san's shaving cream?' He wiped his eyes, he could hear laughter from in front of him and behind him.
"Oh dear," Miki said.
"Will that be hard to clean?" Saori asked.
"No, it's just shaving cream and water," Miki replied.
"Hahaha! I got you!" Irina doubled over, clutching her stomach as she laughed uncontrollably.
It had been so long, since she had pulled a prank on someone and she could finally release that tension on her favorite victim.
Kisara burst out laughing. "What was that!?"
Issei wiped his face. "Irina…" He began walking towards his childhood friend, who was still having fits of laughter.
"Oh man," Irina wheezed, "I didn't think something so simple would get you! But then again, it was the first one that I ever did on you, remember?"
Her laughter was infectious. Even as he approached, Issei found himself laughing too.
"You're right," he said. "It's been so long since this happened, but I'm sure you know what comes after."
That statement got Irina to stop laughing as she realized that in her fit of giggles, Issei was upon her.
"Oh no..." She tried to turn away, but due to her injury, she was too slow as Issei wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her in for a tight hug. "Ise‑kun! Get off!"
"No way. You did this, so you reap the consequences." He rubbed his cheek against hers, smearing shaving cream onto her face. "And that's not all. Since you like laughing at my expense!"
"W‑wait! We can talk about this... haha... stop!" Irina burst into giggles as Issei began tickling her. "stop it... haha... let go... haha."
She tried to squirm out of his grip, while he tickled her, even kicking her good leg. Of course, Issei wasn't going to let up.
"No way," Issei said. "You messed up my uniform!"
Because the two were in their own little world and wrapped up in each other, they never noticed their audience as the others were looking at them. Miki and Kisara both took pictures, since the two looked to be in a lover's embrace. Miki, of course, sent her picture to the moms' group chat of her, Saori, and Mizuki. Kisara was tempted to send hers, but she was going to hold onto it and show the others in person.
Saori and Miki giggled at the two childhood friends as the scene was nostalgic, especially for Miki, since this routine was similar for her. She had to laugh because Irina now had a womanly body and nothing like the tomboy that Issei remembered. Miki was pretty sure that Issei forgot that aspect of his childhood friend and in one of the pictures that she had taken, it kind of looked like Issei was groping Irina, though it was purely accidental but perfect blackmail material.
This would be another picture to add to his embarrassing album that she now keeps hidden as she knew that Issei would do everything in his power to prevent her from showing those images. Unfortunately, for him, it was her house and she knew where everything was, that included his former secret porn stash, she just never told him about it, until he decided to sell his porn.
"Say you're sorry!" he demanded, still tickling her.
"No way... haha!"
"Hey, Ise!" Kisara called. "We're gonna be late! You can hold your lover another time!"
Hearing his big sister's voice caused Issei to come back to reality as he could see the precarious position that he and Irina were in. It was then that he realized how close he was to really groping her chest and he immediately let go of her. While Irina caught herself on the railing and got the last of her laughter out, while taking deep breaths.
Irina caught herself on the railing, still laughing breathlessly.
"I'm so sorry!" Issei bowed deeply.
"Haha… it's fine… I had it coming," Irina said between breaths.
At least her prayer had worked as Issei acted just as positively as he did all those years ago.
"Well," Miki said, "now that you two are done, you need to change."
"I can change at school and..." Issei began to say, until Kisara cut him off.
Irina wiped a bit of foam from her cheek, still giggling. "It's shaving cream and water. Pretty easy to clean. Sorry about the front door, obasan."
Miki waved it off. "It's fine. I'll clean it while you're gone. Ise, go change into your training outfit. I'll do laundry while you kids are out, since you need your school uniform for tomorrow."
Issei grimaced. "But my training clothes are at school… and I have to work after this."
Kisara smirked. "Then strip your top off and grab a new shirt. Unless you want to go half‑naked."
Saori chimed in, deadpan. "Maybe he does."
"I'm not a stripper, obasan…" Issei sulked as he trudged upstairs.
The mothers laughed as for Miki, she knew how Mizuki would like to tease Issei as well. Saori was definitely filling in that role very nicely, since they had become friends with the Shirahama family, just like they did with the Shidou family, when they were around. Irina had also gone upstairs to quickly change into some training gear as well, while the mothers conversed among themselves. Meanwhile, Kisara finally noticed Xenovia standing quietly in the corner, observing the whole ordeal with her usual stoic expression.
Kisara approached with a friendly grin. "Hey, I'm Kisara. Nice to meet you." She extended a hand, introducing herself informally.
"Xenovia," the bluenette replied, shaking it.
"You're definitely foreign, but your Japanese is pretty good. Where are you from?"
"…Italy." Xenovia didn't know part of what Kisara was saying, but she did know the last part, which was the question.
Before Kisara could continue, Miki stepped in. "Kisara-san, Xenovia isn't so fluent in Japanese, so watch what you say as she might not understand, but if you know how to speak English, you should be able to converse with her."
"Oh! Got it." Kisara cleared her throat, switching languages smoothly from Japanese to English. "Let's try this again. I'm Kisara Nanjō or as we say it here in Japan, Nanjō Kisara. The surname comes first."
Xenovia blinked. "You know English?" Speaking English as well.
"Yes, I suppose that is thanks to the upbringing from my parents and wanting me to be more like a lady, I was taught multiple languages, in order to handle foreign business affairs." Kisara smiled politely.
"I see." Xenovia noted, failing to see Kisara's eyes flick briefly to her chest.
'Great,' Kisara thought. 'So there are two bimbos and one of them is a busty foreigner. How do I always get the short end of the stick?'
Xenovia, oblivious, asked, "If I may… what is your fighting style?"
"Taekwondo," Kisara said. "Well, actually, I'm more of a hybrid Korean kickboxer, but I emphasize on the kicking style of taekwondo. I teach Ise in the mornings, but he said that he found a partner to train with."
"That was me. He was working on his swordsmanship." Xenovia answered.
"Ah. In Japan, we call that kenjutsu." Kisara's eyes narrowed slightly. 'Yeah… he's definitely going after that rogue exorcist.'
"I'm not sure if your style will help me," Xenovia admitted.
"Don't worry," Kisara said. "We have a diverse array of martial artists for you to learn from. My boyfriend, Kōzō but most people call him by his surname, Ukita, specializes in jujutsu. His best friend Ikki is a boxer and has a lighter shade of blue hair. He also teaches Ise in the mornings, he helped him get a gym membership. The receptionist that works there, she's dating one of our buddies, who specializes in karate."
Xenovia blinked. "That's… quite a variety." She began to wonder about the fighting style that Issei had used against her this morning.
Kisara leaned in slightly, tone shifting. "Also, we've been meaning to talk to you. We know why you're here."
Xenovia tensed instantly. "What did you say?" She became guarded, feeling the need to back up a little, feeling exposed without her weapon.
Kisara laughed. "Relax. Don't get your panties in a wad. I'm with Saiga, you met him yesterday."
"That blonde man…" Xenovia's eyes widened in realization. "You're one of his people."
"That's right." Kisara nodded.
"Then why doesn't he know about our world?" Xenovia gestured toward the stairs, referencing toward Issei.
"Because we're keeping it from him. Actually, it's not our call, the right belongs to his master now." Kisara crossed her arms. "We just wanted to help someone who needed it. Reform his attitude from the pervert everyone thinks he is. Imagine our surprise when he got a job with one of the most powerful samurais."
"Mitsurugi, you mean?" Xenovia said. "He told me he could help us with our mission."
"Kokabiel, right?" Kisara nodded. "He'll help with that. But he's not going to do anything about Freed."
"So we'll have to handle him." Xenovia deduced, seeing that Mitsurugi will handle Kokabiel, thus they had the numbers game against Valper and Freed.
The odds were going in their favor, until Kisara continued on and said something that stumped her.
"Yeah, you will." Kisara said. "I'm not doing anything about Freed either."
"What? Why not?" Xenovia was stupefied that Kisara was going to turn away, when they had the upper hand.
"Because a master doesn't get in the way of their student." Kisara informed her.
"…Huh?" Xenovia was confused by that answer.
"You'll understand when you talk to Kenichi."
Issei came down the stairs, carrying his two bokken and wearing another red muscle shirt on as his hair was still damp after washing the shaving cream mixture off. Irina followed shortly after, in her training outfit, her hair in a regular ponytail, but she preferred the way Setsuka styled it. Irina noticed Kisara and Xenovia conversing in English, while Issei headed towards his mother.
"Kaa‑san, we're heading out." Issei informed her.
"Stay safe, dear," Miki said.
Saori added, "I hear that Honoka will be at the club today."
"Yeah," Issei nodded. "I asked Kenichi‑senpai to bring Apachai‑sensei so I can work on my muay thai."
"Ah, that explains it." Saori deadpanned.
Miki looked at her friend, her mother's intuition flaring, which Saori gave her a look that said she would explain later.
"Yep. See you." He waved
He went towards the three girls, but as he picked up on their conversation, he looked quizzically at Kisara, who noticed.
"What?" she asked.
"You… know English?" Issei blinked.
"That's right. Part of my 'lady' upbringing." She answered.
Issei nodded as he was aware of her past, he just didn't fully know that she was taught multiple languages in the process.
"Oh." He said.
"Don't worry," Kisara said. "We'll teach you too. You're going to need it when you go to the beach with us."
Irina frowned. "The beach?"
"Yeah. During break, we go to the beach and chill."
"What about training?" Issei asked.
Kisara sighed. "We really need to get you to relax. Besides, Kaname will be joining us and you'll get those surfing lessons."
"Really?" His eyes sparkled with childlike excitement.
"Uh‑huh. But let's get moving. I'll explain more in the car."
"Sweet! Actually, wait a minute. Do you know what beach?"
"It's a toss‑up between Hossegor, Cloud 9, and Uluwatu."
"…Where are those?" Issei never heard of those places.
"Hossegor is in France. Cloud 9 is in the Philippines. Uluwatu is at the southern tip of Bali, that's in Indonesia."
Issei's eyes widened. "I guess it's a good thing that I worked with my parents on my passport during that week that I was suspended but… I'll need to learn the languages…"
"Don't worry," Kisara said. "We'll teach you."
Irina smiled warmly. "Looks like you've got an adventure ahead of you."
"Maybe," he muttered and then he turned to her, realizing something. "Have you ever been to one of those places? Since you two travel and all for the church?"
Irina shook her head. "No, can't say that we have."
"Maybe someday," Issei said, glancing at Irina through the rearview mirror, "we can go to one of those beaches. You know… with our families and stuff."
Irina smirked. "Disappointed you won't see me and Xenovia in bikinis?"
"Th‑that's not it!" Issei flailed, waving his hands. "I just wanted to hang out! Go on adventures! With a friend! That's all!"
But he did sneak a side‑glance at his childhood and he began to wonder what she would look like in one, since she had brought it up. It had made him curious and he wondered what they could do on the beach. It then got his mind racing about taking long walks along the coast, talking and catching up about life, nothing but peace and small crashes of the waves.
Kisara caught him staring off into the distance and snickered to herself, until Xenovia spoke up and made Issei crash back to reality..
Xenovia, deadpan as ever, added, "He's already seen my breasts. So what does it matter what he sees me in?"
Issei's eyes widened in horror, Kisara burst into laughter and Irina shook head at her partner not understanding how to read the room. That incident was something that should have been stuck between the three of them.
Xenovia continued, completely unfazed, "And it doesn't matter what I see him in either. I have seen him naked. So we are even."
Issei and Irina slammed their palms into their faces at the same time.
Kisara wheezed. "The hits just keep getting better."
Of all the people that Xenovia had to say those things to, Kisara was one of the last people that he wanted to know. Issei slumped his shoulders, while Irina rubbed his back sympathetically.
After saying goodbye to Miki and Saori, the four piled into Kisara's car. Issei sighed and buckled his seatbelt as Kisara pulled out of the driveway. The car hummed softly, sunlight flickering through the windows as they headed toward Kuoh Academy. Issei reminded her to drop him and Irina near the nurse's office.
"No problem," Kisara said. "I can take Xenovia to meet the gang. But first, who are you taking for rock climbing?"
"Rock climbing?" Irina blinked. "Where?"
"At the gym," Issei said.
"And we're seeing a movie too," Kisara added. "If you two want to join."
Xenovia shook her head. "That's nice, but..."
"We know," Kisara cut in. "We'll talk about it at the dojo."
Xenovia closed her mouth, she didn't want any disturbances in dealing with retrieving the fragments, but she had to wait for information. She knew that information would be coming from Saiga's people and she needed to be patient.
"Talk about what?" Issei frowned. "And I don't think they have time. They've got their Church thing. They're just waiting for Irina's injury to recover and they'll be scouting or recruiting around."
He did not know that Kisara already knew what he knew because Haruo informed the rest of the MMA club, since they were a part of the Shinpaku Alliance.
"Don't worry about it," Kisara said, ruffling his hair. "Besides, we're gonna hear some sweet stories your mom didn't tell us."
Issei stopped moving for a second and then his eyes snapped toward Irina. She blushed as she wasn't expecting such an intense gaze from her childhood friend.
"W-What?" Irina asked.
"Whatever happens…" Issei said gravely, "don't say anything."
Irina puffed her cheeks. "What do you mean don't say anything?" She had been hoping that he would ask her something else, but that was not what she intended and it took the wind out of her sails.
Kisara grinned. "Yeah, she's got all the juicy stuff. She's gotta spill."
"See what I mean?" Issei cried.
BONK!
Kisara smacked him on the head.
"Relax," Irina said. "I won't tell them how we watched chick flicks so you could 'prepare yourself' to get a harem in the future." She waved her hand dismissively and then her eyes widened as she realized what she just said.
She looked over at Issei, who just looked at her with a hint of betrayal on his face.
Kisara exploded into laughter. "Really? You were into chick flicks growing up as well?" she cackled. "Oh man, that's hysterical!"
Irina winced. "Sorry, Ise‑kun…"
Issei turned away from her, slowly leaned forward and thunked his forehead against the dashboard.
Xenovia observed calmly. "There goes your chance." She muttered, but Irina and Kisara heard her.
Irina covered her face with both hands and groaned, she knew that Xenovia was right. She believed that Issei's trust in her had fallen. He was likely going to put his walls back up against her.
Kisara, watching through the mirror, smirked. 'So there IS someone who likes him. Look at that, kiddo, you've got a shot at romance.'
"Don't worry," she said aloud. "Your secret's safe with me."
"No, it's not," Issei muttered.
"Come on, you can trust your big sis."
"Hn." Issei grunted, never moving his head from the dashboard.
"Oi! Don't go emo on me!" Kisara shouted at him.
"Whatever…" Issei turned his head from her.
Kisara sighed dramatically. "Fine. Hey, Irina?"
"Yeah?" Irina mumbled, a little dejected.
"You wanna be Ise's partner for rock climbing this weekend?"
Irina hesitated. "Is that okay? I don't want to upset him more than I already have…"
Xenovia interrupted. "I think she should do it. You can test your ankle and he'll be there to help you."
"Don't I get a say in this?" Issei protested.
"Sure," Kisara said. "What do you think?"
"Well…" Issei rubbed his neck. "I don't think Xenovia should be left out."
Xenovia spoke up. "Actually, I was going to talk to you about that. Well... you and your master."
"Mitsurugi‑shishou?" Issei blinked.
"Yes," Xenovia nodded. "While you two are out doing some rock climbing, I would like to ask him if he could train me as well. The style that you used this morning has me interested."
"Oh! Then if he accepts, you'll be my disciple‑sibling. We can ask him when I go to work tonight."
Kisara grinned. "So you're cool with Irina as your partner?"
"Huh?" Issei was confused, but then realized the question. "Oh yeah. I was actually going to ask if she wanted to hang out this weekend before she goes back to her Church stuff."
Irina's eyes widened. "Really? You were going to ask me out? Like… on a date?"
"No! No no no!" Issei flailed again. "Just hanging out! We talked earlier in my room but I felt that we could talk some more, you know…"
Kisara cut him off. "Ise."
"Yeah?" Issei turned his attention to his surrogate big sister.
"You're asking her on a date." Kisara pretty much ordered him. "I can get the Walkyries to help you out or let Kaname know and…"
"But it's not a date, since when has it been that two friends who hang out, maybe grab a bite to eat, be considered a date?"
Kisara sighed and answered casually. "Well, when a boy and a girl hang out, it's usually a date."
"If that's the case, then Raichi and I have been on multiple lunch dates!" Issei snapped back and then turned to Irina. "And by the way, they liked your food, Irina."
Irina brightened. "Really? What did you think?"
"I liked it. Thanks. It's gonna suck when you leave since I'm enjoying the lunches."
Irina blushed. "That's nice. Oh! I, um, was wondering if we could cook dinner together?"
"Sure. Got something in mind?" Issei answered with no hesitation, not realizing the weight of what she just asked him.
"Not yet. I'll find something. I can ask obasan for help."
"Cool." Issei smiled, which made Irina smile.
She was glad that Issei didn't put his walls back up, thus it also meant that his trust in her didn't falter either.
Kisara tapped the steering wheel. "Great, so it's settled, you two go rock climbing, while Xenovia heads to your workplace, after that. You three come with us to the movies and maybe hang out with the club a bit. You can change your mind on the movie, if you like hanging out with us after today. Does that work for everyone?"
Irina turned to her partner. "Xenovia?"
"Hmm?" It was clear that she understood part of what Kisara said, but not all of it.
Irina began to repeat what Kisara said, but in English, so she understood it clearly. Xenovia seemed to nod as she intended to get a good amount of training in before they faced Kokabiel. As a result, she did not see them leaving the MMA club as they worked on their craft in hand-to-hand combat.
"It sounds like a plan to me." Xenovia answered in English.
"What'd she say?" Issei asked.
"She's okay with it," Irina smiled.
"Oh." Issei was surprised, looking over at Xenovia before turning back to Kisara. "Wait, what movie are we seeing?"
"A sci‑fi flick," Kisara said.
Issei's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Yeah, it's that Alien: Romulus movie and before you ask, it's at the theater that tourists usually go to, so it can be watched with English subtitles."
"Oh, that's so cool, I still have the game, Alien: Isolation, that AI on the Xenomorph is something else." Issei said.
Kisara gasped. "Dude, no way! Why didn't you say anything, when we were over for the barbecue?" She was slightly annoyed as they could have been playing games and competing against each other.
Irina interjected. "You guys had a barbecue?"
"Uh‑huh," Kisara said proudly. "It was this rascal's first tournament." She ruffled Issei's hair. "He put Taichi on notice."
Xenovia nodded in understanding. "Hmm."
"Taichi was the last guy I fought that's in the hospital," Issei explained as he mistook her hum for confusion. "He's the one that cheated using weapons."
Irina turned to Xenovia to translate but when she looked back, she saw Issei staring at them.
"What is it?" she asked.
Issei tilted his headphones. "You're… wearing my headphones. Both of you."
Irina had his white pair around her neck and Xenovia had the black pair resting neatly against her collarbone.
Kisara snorted. "Looks better on them than on you."
Issei huffed. "Not funny."
Irina raised her hand apologetically. "Sorry. Xenovia was curious, so I helped her connect them to her phone."
"Oh." Issei turned to Xenovia. "So… how do you like them?"
Xenovia tilted her head. "Like what?"
"The headphones," he said, gesturing to his own neck.
"Oh. These?" She touched them lightly. "They're nice. The sound is clear. I never had anything like this in the Church."
Issei smiled at her. "Glad you like them." He was happy about her opinion on his choice of technology.
Kisara slowed the car. "Alright, this is the entrance closest to the nurse's office."
"Thanks." Issei turned to Xenovia. "Hey, Xenovia?"
"Yes?"
"I'm taking Irina to get her ankle checked. You'll go with Kisara‑nee to the dojo, okay?"
"That's fine." She understood his meaning through his gesture toward Irina's ankle.
Issei stepped out and helped Irina out of the car. "We'll see you at the dojo."
Kisara waved. "Take care of the missus. See you soon."
As she drove off, she switched to English. "And now we leave the lovebirds alone."
Xenovia blinked. "I'm not sure what she sees in him. She told me he talked about big breasts back then, but she thought it was cute and innocent."
Kisara chuckled. "Well, he was a kid, though I am intrigued about how his fascination for them burst onto the scene even more."
"He told me about some old man," Xenovia said. "And that he would take me and Irina to see him after we accomplished our mission."
"Is that so? Well… long‑distance relationships rarely last."
Xenovia's expression softened. "That girl made a commitment of faith to him eleven years ago."
"Dang. She's a good looking girl, she didn't go for anyone else?"
"There were suitors," Xenovia said. "But she stayed committed. And I feel like he's going to let her go."
"You think so?" Kisara took a glance at the exorcist.
"You heard the denial in his voice, he doesn't want this weekend to mean something and I think it's because… he's afraid. Afraid that he will fall for her, but then she has to leave, so it will make him feel like "what's the point", if you understand that."
"No, I feel you," Kisara nodded slowly. "Ise has his confidence as a fighter built up, but with his perversion stymied, he has heavy doubts about romance. That's no surprise, when the majority of the female student body despises you and he understands that. He also apologized, the video is out there and it is gaining some traction. It probably helps that the person that accused him of taking her underwear is vouching for him as well on the video."
"That's good to hear," Xenovia said quietly.
"Come on," Kisara said. "Let's introduce you to the gang and don't worry, we all speak English. We've had to fight out of the country before, so we had to learn the language."
"That's helpful." Xenovia exhaled in relief.
"So," Kisara continued, "what do you think of Ise?"
"As I told his mother," Xenovia said, "he is straightforward on his goals and that is something I can commend as he is working towards it."
"Good. You probably heard he was a pervert."
"And that his former dream was to be harem king," Xenovia said flatly. "Yes, I'm aware, Irina has informed me of how he talked about big breasts, which since you are aware of what we do, I can say that one of our missions triggered that memory for her. We were dealing with a rogue devil that had the capability of shrinking breast sizes." She sighed. "She panicked, when a little got on her, which I believe now was because he liked big breasts and if she lost hers, then she lost him. As she noted how he was not like that rogue, who despised big breasts."
Kisara groaned. "Huh, I would have liked to meet that devil, show some of these dairy cows what it's like to not have a chest." She shook her head. "But I doubt that he wouldn't like her just because she didn't have big breasts. She's his friend, and from what I've seen and know, he cares immensely about his friends. He would do the same for her."
"I know," Xenovia said. "He even said how he would like to be my friend, I did enjoy the competition this morning. I was disappointed in the Gremory's knight, who let anger cloud his judgment."
"Ise does that too," Kisara said. "It's why he lost a couple matches."
"He's getting better at harnessing it then," Xenovia said. "Because I did feel his frustration, when he couldn't do much against me this morning, after he beat me the first time, of course, I didn't expect him to incorporate martial arts into the spar. We removed that concept and stuck to just swordplay, where I had him beat, but the growing frustration was there. He also had a will to not give up, despite how many rounds he lost."
"That's Ise for you, we like to call it his "soldier" mode, a pun of his surname, you're going to have to kill him to keep him from getting back up." Kisara laughed. "Some of us even joke that might not even stop him, since he trains his ass so much, which does help. It shifts him from perverted things and picks up new interests. Or he's showing us some that he hasn't shown anyone else. He's quite the sculptor and he made us these headbands to show our unity for the ball tournament that was held at our school."
"I'm aware that he can sew," Xenovia said. "Irina has shown me his work, it's on her right wrist."
"Funny," Kisara said. "Ise wears his on his left wrist and it looks like they got matching cheek scars."
"I never noticed."
Kisara sighed. "You're fun at parties." Being sarcastic as she parked the car in a lot near the dojo.
"I've never… been to one." Xenovia answered.
"Really?" Kisara looked at her in surprise. "Well, first time for everything, hang with us for a little while and you'll see. I mean we were fun before Ise came along, but he does bring a new element to the group, he's kind of like our little brother, correcting him from his mistakes to give himself a better future and don't be surprised if he shows you a little of his inferiority complex, just means that he's opening up to you. It took us some time to get him to do that and if he has, I guess he trusts you enough."
Xenovia pondered her talk with Issei in the morning and noted some of the things that he had said. She thought about what he asked to promise him and began to understand him a little with his fears and doubts and Kisara definitely showed that as well. He was entrusting her with Irina and hoping that she will be a better friend than he was, so he can know that she is being taken care of.
"…I suppose you're right," Xenovia murmured.
"Well, let's not keep them waiting, we've been expecting you." Kisara stepped out of the car.
Xenovia followed, clutching Excalibur Destruction beneath its sealing cloth.
Meanwhile, Issei and Irina were walking slowly, more for Irina's sake than Issei's. He had gotten off the phone with Elize, who informed him that she was still there in the nurse's office with Yu-Mi. Irina was just pondering at the many figures that he had gained to become a better version of himself.
Irina glanced at him and could see that he had changed so much by having so many people who had helped shape him into someone stronger and more grounded. However, he was still his kind self that she knew all those years ago. His reaction to her prank showed her that he was still the same person that she had missed for all these years.
"Do you want me to carry you?" Issei asked, glancing around to make sure no one was nearby to mock him for walking with a girl.
"Are you sure? I don't want to impose…"
"It's fine, Irina. Or did you forget I carried you yesterday? It's no biggie. Beats walking with a limp."
"…I guess."
Issei crouched down. "Hop on."
Irina climbed onto his back, arms looping around his shoulders.
"There we go," Issei said, standing up and he adjusted his grip and began walking faster.
For a moment, it felt like they were five years old again. Irina tightened her arms around him as he carried her down the hallway.
"Thanks," she murmured.
"Not a problem," Issei replied. "but hey, after this and my shift, we can get back to watching some more Food Wars, huh."
Irina giggled. "Yeah… I guess. It almost feels like nothing's changed."
"You know that's a lie."
"What do you… oh." She laughed softly. "I guess no talk about big breasts is a change. You were so silly about them."
"I never understood why women had them," Issei muttered, "until I met that old man."
"Old man?"
"I'll tell you more about him after your church thing is done, I don't want you to get distracted and fail because of me, I couldn't live with that. I've already disappointed you once, I don't want to do it again." He told her.
Irina rested her cheek on his shoulder. "I see… So Xenovia told you what I am, do you think of me any different?"
"No." Issei shook his head.
"You don't?"
"No," he repeated. "You're still the same ray of sunshine I met all those years ago. I should've seen that prank coming. We used to get into prank wars all the time… and I always felt bad when I made you cry."
Irina smiled. "You usually gave me one of your Gundam or Super Sentai figures to make me feel better."
"Not only that, but I also gave you my desserts, too." Issei chuckled, "But it would have been something different than action figures if I had known that you were a girl."
"It's fine. I'm happy with what I got. I still have them, you know."
"That's awesome." His voice softened. "But seriously… artificial sword user or not, you'll always be my childhood friend. No one can take that title away from you."
"That goes double for you, too." Irina said. "Childhood friends are important, you know."
"Until they're not," he whispered.
Irina hugged him tighter. "No. They'll always be important. Don't tell me you're going back to that 'phasing out of someone's life' thing."
"I'm just being realistic, Irina."
"Eleven to twelve years," she said firmly. "And not once did you phase out of my life. I might have done so for you… but you never did for me."
Issei's steps faltered. "It just makes me feel even worse because I forgot about you, I'm sorry."
"Well," Irina said gently, "Before I go, I'm sure you won't forget about me this time, plus we have each other's numbers, so we can chat."
"…Yeah!" He perked up. "I tend to forget that, a part of me feels like when you leave, that'll disappear, like a piece of me did when you first left."
"It wasn't my choice." Irina reminded him.
"I know, and I understand, besides you got a good friend in Xenovia, I hope she and I can be friends, too. She kicks ass in how to use a sword, it definitely gave me some pointers, though I hope to spar with you someday."
"Why's that?" Irina looked at him with curiosity.
"Well… based on body types, I'd say you're more speed‑oriented than Xenovia."
"I guess that makes sense. Speaking of which… you think Setsuka‑san can train me too?"
"Probably. We can ask her when we go to the shop but I'm not sure what you can do with that foot or ankle. After talking with Elize-nee, you'll probably have a better insight on the injury."
Irina hesitated. "Can you still massage it for me?"
"If it helps, then sure. I don't have a problem with it."
"Thanks." She smiled.
They walked in comfortable silence until they reached the nurse's office.
Issei sighed. "This is the place." He gently set her down and knocked.
"Get your butt in here, kiddo!" Elize called.
Issei deadpanned. "I guess that's our cue." He opened the door and helped her in, keeping his arm around her waist to be her crutch. "Hey, Elize‑nee. Yu‑Mi‑nee."
Yu‑Mi smiled. "Hello, Ise. And this is…?"
"This is Shidou Irina," Issei said. "My childhood friend."
Irina bowed slightly. "Hello."
Elize grinned. "Well, well, well. Look at you, Ise. You certainly outdid yourself."
"Ugh," Issei rolled his eyes as he knew that she was teasing him again. "Come on, Irina. Let's get you on a bed so Elize‑nee can look at you."
Elize smirked. "Look at that, Yu‑Mi. He wants her in bed."
"Grow up," Yu‑Mi sighed.
Elize laughed. "I'm kidding, it's nice to meet you, Irina. The lunch you made was quite nice."
"Thanks," Irina said. "I had a lot of help from his mom. She's my obasan."
Yu‑Mi nodded. "Ise has told us that you two were quite close."
Irina smiled fondly. "Yes, we were pretty much inseparable and would get into trouble together, it was fun times that I would never forget."
Elize raised an eyebrow. "But he did."
Issei flinched and looked away.
"Yeah… he told me. But we're working on that." Irina squeezed his arm as he helped her on a bed.
The motion did not go unnoticed by the other two women in the room, they could tell that she was interested in their surrogate little brother.
Yu‑Mi decided to test the waters. "We heard you left because of his perversion."
"What? I didn't..." Issei sputtered.
Irina shook her head. "No, I mean sure he talked about big breasts, but he still had other interests that we enjoyed together. Are either of you familiar with Super Sentai?"
Yu‑Mi smiled. "Yes."
"Ise-kun's favorites are Don Doragoku and Ryo from Gosei Sentai Dairanger, who is the RyuRanger, or Dragon Ranger. He has a thing for dragons, considering that his favorite anime is Dragon Ball, of course, and his favorite Gundam model is…"
"The Red Dragon Astray and its variants," Yu‑Mi finished. "We know. We got him one as a gift after his tournament."
Elize nodded. "Yeah, we're lucky that it got here on time." She gathered the necessary bandages that she needed for Irina's ankle.
Irina brightened. "That's nice to hear, is it the one that looks like a samurai?"
"That's the one," Elize said.
Issei blinked. "How did…" He trailed off, wondering how Irina guessed the right one.
"It looks new," Irina said. "So I figured you got a new one while I was away. Considering that I'm in your room most of the day…"
"Hang on," Issei held up a hand. "You're in my room?"
Irina blushed. "Yeah. I'm just usually watching anime, trying to get caught up like you have. Kind of trying to escape reality a little, you know?"
"I mean you could do that in your room too, you know." Issei told her, all she had to do was just take the laptop to the room that she was sharing with Xenovia.
"It also brings back memories for me," she said softly. "Nostalgia, a part of me doesn't want to let it go. I don't want it to phase from my life, even if our lives differ."
"Oh…" Issei just stared at her, searching her eyes and he could see no lie.
She meant what she said, which did mean a lot to him for the care that she had shown.
Irina continued, "But going back to your question," Breaking eye contact with Issei and turning back to Yu-Mi. "We left because of my father's job and as a result, apparently, the church here was abandoned. When my partner and I were informed that we were heading here, I was a bit ecstatic, since I get to see Ise-kun again. Of course, he has informed me about his reputation at this school."
Elize turned to Issei as she sat down in front of Irina. "You told her?"
"Yeah," Issei said. "I'm not lying to my first best friend."
Yu‑Mi nodded. "He rarely lies to us as well, it's literally his name, being anything but honest is a disgrace and he would not be true to himself."
"Fair point." Elize said and turned back to Irina. "May I?"
Irina lifted her injured limb. "Of course."
Elize carefully removed the shoe, then the sock. "You've been icing it?" She could feel the tenderness of the ankle.
"Mhm." Irina nodded.
"That's good." Elize told her, while she analyzed the injury after she removed the wrap that was around it. "It feels like a slight bump, so I was right about it not being a severe sprain."
"So…?" Irina asked.
'Hmm, let's see… I can't blow our cover and fully heal it and not with Ise around. However, I think I can apply a small healing spell…' Elize shifted her body and hunched over the ankle, so neither Issei or Irina could clearly see.
Yu-Mi raised an eyebrow at Elize's antics and wondered what she was doing. Meanwhile, Elize pressed a finger to the ankle, which made Irina wince. Elize used the noise to whisper a small chant, which caused a small green light that wasn't seen, since Irina closed her eyes, when she winced.
'Yeah, that should do it.' Elize sighed and then answered. "You should be fine by this weekend to resume normal activities."
Irina beamed. "I guess I can do that rock climbing after all." She looked at Issei.
Issei smiled back. "Guess so."
Yu‑Mi smirked. "You asked her out?"
"No! We're just hanging out," Issei insisted, flustered. "And then going to see a movie with the others, and probably will get a bite to eat after."
Elize leaned her cheek into her palm. "Maybe take a walk in the park… maybe grab a gift from the shopping district."
Issei brightened. "Oh, that does sound nice…" He put a hand to his chin and then remembered what he just said. "…I mean…"
Yu‑Mi smirked. "We know."
Both teenagers flushed red.
Elize chuckled. "No worries, just make sure that it's worth her while, she's a keeper, Ise. I mean who else are you going to find someone that cooks for you."
"My kaa‑san," he deadpanned. "and she teaches me how to cook, too, you know. In fact, Irina is going to find a recipe for us to cook together and… damn it, me and my big mouth."
Yu‑Mi clasped her hands dramatically. "Oh? A couple that works together…"
Elize chimed in, "Stays together."
Irina & Issei immediately responded, "We're not a couple!"
'But… could we be?' Irina thought, giving a side glance to her childhood crush.
Issei sighed. "Even if we ever were one, it wouldn't last. Long‑distance relationships never do."
Irina's smile faltered, but for a different reason. 'Is he considering it, too? He wouldn't have said that if he hadn't thought about it.'
Elize clicked her tongue. "Dang. Ever since you lost that perversion, you've been pessimistic." She began to put some cooling cream on the ankle and began to wrap it up with some new bandages.
"I'm being realistic," Issei muttered. "How else do you think I realized being a harem king was a pipedream?"
Yu‑Mi crossed her arms. "But it is a bit cold for you to say something and not give it a chance."
"I…" Issei hesitated. "Look, I'm just here as her friend if she needs me. She'll finish her church thing here and go back to England or maybe Italy. She definitely will have suitors, she's a pretty girl, she was raised right, I know my ojisan and obasan. I want what's best for her, but…"
Irina smiled gently. "You don't know what that is. Remember, I know you better than you know me."
Each of the three females in the room had detected his hesitation and knew that he was considering it before he deflected.
"Isn't that why we're hanging out? So I can know you on an even level?" Issei asked.
"That's true, but don't forget, we have each other's numbers, I told you this earlier, we can stay in touch, even after I'm gone."
"…Yeah. You're right." Issei nodded, he could always talk to her, even when they're apart.
He already knew that he could talk to her about anything and not have to worry about being judged.
Elize finished wrapping the ankle. "Alright, let's see how these new bandages are, can you stand?"
"Uh, yeah, sure," Irina slipped off the bed, wincing slightly as she began to press her injured ankle down and was surprised. "Wow… I can put most of my weight on it."
"Good," Elize said. "I had to strengthen the bandage and tighten it without you losing circulation in your foot. Continue to ice it. And Ise?"
"Yeah?" Issei turned to the green haired woman.
"You saw how I bandaged it, so I expect you to help out."
"Of course." Issei nodded firmly. "Like Irina has told me, friends help each other, so I got her."
Irina smiled warmly. 'He's remembering.'
Elize nodded. "Good and also quit being so pessimistic, acting like you got a stick up your ass." Making Issei deadpan, but Elize ignored his reaction and turned to Irina. "You think you can help us with that, Irina?"
Irina beamed. "Sure, like he said, friends help each other and look out for one another."
Yu‑Mi clasped her hands. "Good to hear, now you better get to your club activities, hopefully you are able to come visit again, Irina, when your work here is done."
"Thank you," Irina said. "It's nice to see that Ise-kun has some good figures in his life."
Yu‑Mi laughed. "We're just looking out for our little brother. He's the one who got us into anime."
Elize added, "Yeah, we got memorabilia of Gundam and Dragon Ball in our apartment because of him."
Issei blushed. "That's not my fault. I didn't tell you to buy it."
"We know," Yu‑Mi said. "But we can see why you like them."
Irina nodded. "Yeah, I gotta get caught up, but I'm so engrossed with my church work, I don't have the time."
Elize's expression softened. "Well, hopefully, you are able to do what you want for yourself, not because someone tells you to, Irina."
Irina bowed her head. "I understand." She knew what was being implied in the message that Elize was sending to her.
Issei helped her toward the door. "Thanks again, Elize‑nee."
"No problem, you two enjoy your date this weekend and don't forget what I suggested, Ise."
"Shut up," he muttered, face red.
Elize smirked. 'He didn't deny that it's a date.'
Irina bowed. "Thank you again."
"Have a good day." Yu-Mi told them.
Elize waved. "Nice meeting you, Irina‑chan."
Irina nodded. "You as well, Elize-san." They exited the office and the door closed behind them, while she exhaled. "They were nice."
"Yeah," Issei said. "They usually are, they helped me with my flaws, but I'm not perfect, no one is."
"That's true." Irina nodded in agreement. "Hey, you should let me know which beach you're going to."
"Are you going to come, too?" Issei asked, which Irina could see that there was some hope in his eyes.
'So he does want me to come, huh,' Irina giggled. "Probably not, I just want to know, so I can know the time zone, I don't want to be texting you and you're asleep, you know?"
"That's true. Oh! And I can ship you a souvenir!" issei perked up.
"A souvenir?"
"Yeah, from wherever I go, I'll let you know what it's like and like I told you, we can go there together. It could be like our vacation spot or something." issei said, once again, not realizing the weight of what he just said.
Well, he was aware, but he didn't think that Irina would pick up on it, but she did.
Irina's eyes softened. "Kind of like our spot in the park, where we would make our plans?"
"Yeah." Issei chuckled. "Those failed plans that got us into trouble. We should go there this weekend."
"Sure. After the movie, of course." She clasped his hand more firmly, using him as a crutch.
"Yeah, sure. No problem." He said, letting her lean against him.
"And Ise‑kun?"
"Yeah?" He wondered what she wanted to say.
"I wouldn't mind the souvenir."
"I thought so." He chuckled as they walked toward the dojo.
Although they both felt like they were being watched, but they couldn't determine from where. Neither noticed the faint click of a camera.
Down the hall behind them was Matsuda, who snapped several photos of them leaving the nurse's office. Unfortunately, he never got a view of Irina's face due to Issei's body blocking the shot. All Matsuda knew was that she didn't look like she went to this school.
'Damn, I don't know who the girl is, but I could use these pictures to slander Issei, now let's see… ' He scrolled through the blurry shots, frowning at the quality of them because it would be tough to spread rumors without significant proof.
"Hmm, he probably coerced her and then beat her, it looked like she had a slight limp. He had to bring her here to probably prevent questioning from doctors. I mean let's be honest, he's a pervert and no girl in this school likes him, besides that pink haired chick, but she's probably a slut anyways." He muttered, but then he began to wonder why he didn't consider going after her.
After all, if Issei could get a girl to talk to him, then he should be able to do the same, not just himself, but Motohama as well. They had been listening to Motohama's cousin all this time and something had to have worked.
'It's too bad that this article won't get printed till Monday, I'll have to talk to my club's president and see if I can convince him to help me. When the word goes out that Issei is a woman beater, he'll want to hide his face and maybe he'll transfer out of here.'
However, he did not know that his plans would not come to fruition as there would be interference. Of course, it is nice to dream a little. Issei once dreamed, but he grew out of it. Sooner or later, Matsuda and Motohama will need to do the same, otherwise there would be consequences. Dreams like his always crumble eventually, it was what Issei experienced upon meeting Mitsurugi.
Meanwhile in the nurse's office, Elize and Yu-Mi were talking about their interaction with Irina.
Yu‑Mi leaned back in her chair. "She was nice."
Elize nodded. "Yeah. Hopefully she can make Ise see what we see."
"Indeed, childhood romances are quite sweet," Yu‑Mi mused. "But I can see why Ise has to worry. She is a pretty girl."
"English guys are probably swooning over her," Elize said. "I wouldn't be surprised if some guys here do as well, since she is Japanese."
Yu‑Mi smirked. "Ise's not bad looking either. He's put on muscle. Lost some baby fat."
"That helps accentuate the jawline," Elize agreed. "He just needs to take that confidence that he has in his fights and bring that to his romance game, Irina could be a great sister-in-law."
Yu‑Mi laughed. "He's still young, you don't have to marry him off, he's got a life ahead of him."
Elize grinned. "I guess, hey, let's make a bet."
Yu‑Mi raised an eyebrow. "Of?"
"To see if Ise nuts up and they kiss before she leaves."
"Ooh, that is a good bet, but how will we know?"
"Well, if they do, Ise will have likely fallen in love and… oh shit."
Yu‑Mi blinked. "What?"
Elize sighed. "It makes sense. He probably is attracted to her. But since she'll leave… he doesn't want to get hurt again."
'You finally figured that out,' Yu‑Mi nodded and said. "That makes sense, considering that he mentioned long distance relationships. Hopefully, he is able to experience the romance just a little bit to boost his confidence."
"Yeah, if it's a good date, maybe he'll have that confidence and see that he can be a good catch."
"Is that why you used a healing spell on her ankle?" Yu-Mi raised an eyebrow. "I saw you block both of their vision, and you used Irina's wincing to cover up your incantation. You could've blown our cover…"
"But I didn't!" Elize let out a sigh. "It's not just for the date, but we can't even know why the Church has returned to this place."
"You're right, but they had to have been involved with the devils at this school. They placed a barrier up and I believe that is where Irina got her injury."
"Yeah," Elize nodded. "It wouldn't surprise me if whoever did that to her got on Ise's shit list. However, since the devils are not interfering with the exorcists, they are definitely here for something else."
"That's true," Yu-Mi sighed. "We will have to wait before we can report anything."
"At least, Ise will be distracted with his club and potential date on the horizon, he might not make a fool of himself."
Yu‑Mi smiled. "Of course, that was thanks to our teachings, he has gotten smarter and is diligent in his work."
Elize nudged her. "Yeah, but that was more you than me, if you're talking about his schoolwork."
"You did give him the push to join the MMA club, if not, he may still be in doubt about himself." Yu-Mi noted.
"Yeah, I guess you're right, whoever he ends up with," Elize said, "he'll treat her right and she will do the same."
"I agree." Yu-Mi nodded, knowing that Elize had a point.
Issei's shift was because of them pushing him in a different direction than the path that he was on. Kenichi offered the hand, but Issei still needed the push, which was given by Elize and then he seeked out a job.
Elize smirked. "But I'm putting my vote on Irina, she's literally his in-house wife at the moment, helping him cook his meals."
"And they are looking for a recipe that they will cook together," Yu‑Mi added. "That meal, the one that they make, will be their dish. One that they can make for another through the hard times that they could endure."
"Oh, definitely, if we're lucky, he'll find a way to put a ring on that finger, if they can remain together." Elize sighed, cleaning up the old bandages. "She fits all the boxes, she wasn't too deterred about his perversion, she also spoke about his other interests, so she has seen through that side of him."
Yu‑Mi chuckled. "Can't argue with that."
Elize looked over at her. "So we're in agreement for Irina?"
"I suppose. You gave valid arguments." Yu-Mi shrugged.
"Oh, don't give me that," Elize scoffed. "You were literally just damn near gushing about childhood romances, so all in favor?" She raised her hand.
Yu‑Mi raised hers. "Aye."
"Aye!" Elize echoed.
They laughed, packing up their things, so they could head home themselves.