"This is starting to get boring. Are you coming up here or not?" Raynare taunted with a sigh, pushing hair out of her eyes. Josuke was silent for a moment, glancing around the room and assessing his options. I really am getting nowhere. I need to-
"Asia!" Issei's voice echoed through the cavern, causing Josuke to widen his eyes and turn back to look at where the brunette departed.
"Th-that was Issei. Don't tell me that…" Josuke muttered shakily, hoping against hope that the cry was not for the reason in his head.
"Oh, so she's dead now, huh?" Raynare cooed, giggling in amusement. "Took her a bit longer than I expected. Perhaps she got to say some cute parting words to Issei?" She reason, grinning wickedly down at the tall teen. Josuke's breath hitched at her words, his thoughts confirmed by the fallen angel.
Josuke's eyes became shaded by his hair, biting his lip and gripping his hand in frustration. "First, you kill my best friend over some bullshit he was unaware of…" Josuke muttered, slowly glancing back up at the fallen angel. "Then, you took the life of an innocent, kind girl like Asia just to make yourself stronger…"
"That's right. The strong must devour the weak to survive. I have been called weak by many fallen angels, but with this new power I will step above them all!" Raynare cackled, forming light spear. "What can you possibly do against me?!"
Josuke only glanced up at her with a stone cold expression, his anger spilling over into a dark aura. "I'm going to make you pay for what you've done, bitch."
"You've said that several times now! It's just noise on repeat!" Raynare taunted, pointing at Josuke. "Do you think you can really get up here?!"
"Nah. I think I'll make you come down to me instead." Josuke shrugged, causing Raynare to pause and raise a brow.
"What was that?"
DORA! Josuke's Stand suddenly roared, punching the ground with heavy force. No light mine was set off, only creating a crater and a dust cloud, and several rocks created by impact. Josuke picked up as many rocks as possible with Crazy Diamond, cradling it in one arm. Josuke's Stand then wound up like a pitcher in a baseball game and tossed the rock at high speed. Raynare widened her eyes in shock, but quickly avoided the rock by moving her head, the debris planting itself into the wall behind her. She clicked her tongue in annoyance, spreading her wings and floating up.
"Now you're just getting desperate. Throwing rocks like some sort of ape." Raynare scoffed, crossing her arms in irritation. Josuke didn't make a sound or even change his expression, he only remained stern as Crazy Diamondtook several more rocks and tossed them as hard as he could at the fallen angel.
"How pathetic!" Raynare laughed, quickly dodging the rocks from side to side. "This is just becoming sad and it's boring me! Exorcists! Take his head for me!"
"Yes, Raynare-sama!" The Exorcist chanted, turning their attention away from Koneko and Kiba and rushing at Josuke. Josuke only scoffed, summoning his Stand to meet them.
"You cannot escape us!" An exorcist shouted as they attempt to surround him and come at him with their blades.
"Careful, Josuke-san!" Kiba called out, Crazy Diamondsoon alleviated all worry from both Kiba and Koneko.
DORARARARARARARARA~! The Stand growled as it engaged all of the priests from all fronts, smashing them away with his faster than light speed punches. They barely knew what hit them before they were sent flying away. But he wasn't given much time to rest, for Raynare followed up by throwing another light spear toward his feet. Josuke looked at the ground, considering making a stone wall, but saw that he had already smashed the ground and could not do so.
"Damn it!" Josuke cursed as he took another risky move, this time rolling to the right and avoiding the spear. As he had half expected, a light shined beneath him that could only make him grimace. This time though, he used his Stand to try to kick off away from the mine. As he did though, the tall teen found a light spear piercing his leg. He cried out in pain, falling to the ground as he barely avoided the light spear.
"What a beautiful scream~! I want to hear it more." Raynare cackled, forming another weapon to throw.
"Josuke-san!" Kiba said, grimacing. He felt almost useless standing in the same place for this entire fight, and he had enough. Perhaps if he could activate his super speed, he could avoid them and make it to Josuke. "I'm coming to yo-"
"Don't move!" Josuke ordered him, causing the blond to stop in his tracks. Josuke rolled to his stomach, panting in pain. "I'm gonna… take this bitch down… I don't want you guys getting hurt…"
"Such concern for your friends." Raynare giggled, spinning her weapon in her fingers. "Perhaps it'll be fun to kill them off first!" she cooed, raising her arm and taking aim at Koneko. The petite girl narrowed her eyes, weighing her options as it became evident that she was now almost a hostage in this situation.
DORA!
Raynare hesitated in her attack, looking back at Josuke to see a dust cloud once again kicked up by his Stand. Seconds later, several more rocks flew through it, causing the fallen angel quickly dodge to the side, having trouble this time since they seemed to fly faster than before. Raynare clicked her tongue, trying to get a good look at Josuke.
"Trying with the stupid rock throwing again? This is truly pathetic!" Raynare scoffed, floating back down to the altar. The dust started to clear, and Josuke was sitting on the ground and staring up at her with a blank expression, her words seemingly having no affect. The look on Josuke's face only served to piss off Raynare, for it told her that despite Raynare's heavy advantage at the moment, Josuke was unfazed. She grinded her teeth in frustration, but suddenly a thought popped into her mind and she smiled.
"I hadn't thought about it before, but don't you have healing powers?" Raynare asked, looking at all of the wounds Josuke received during their fight. "Your leg is still hurt and the wounds you received from the light mines are still there. Don't tell me you cannot even heal yourself?" She asked, but Josuke remained silent, continuing to stare at her the same way as before. Raynare didn't wait for his answer, starting to laugh tauntingly.
"I can't believe it, how worthless! A power to heal that you can't even use on yourself? That is so pathetic!" Raynare cackled, shaking her head in disappointment. But suddenly, Josuke did something that threw her off completely.
Josuke smiled.
(JoJo's Bizarre Adventure OST-Stardust Crusaders)
"Wh-what the hell are you smiling about?" Raynare barked in frustation, the confidence he suddenly seemed to have aggravating her.
"You know, for a second there, I thought you guys mighta been halfway smart." Josuke declared, his smile brimming with amusement. "But it turns out you're as dumb as you look, bitch."
"The hell did you just say to me?!" Raynare growled, raising her arm to throw her light spear. "I've had enough of your mouth! Die, pathetic human!"
"My power isn't exactly healing, dumbass." Josuke suddenly said, causing Raynare to pause once again.
"What?"
"Heal is the wrong word. It's more like fixing than healing." Josuke explained, forcing himself to his feet despite the wounded leg. "You're right, I can't heal it. But I don't really just fix people. I can fix anything I've touched or that Crazy Diamond has touched."
"That's true. He was able to repair my clothes." Koneko declared quietly, glancing up at Raynare. The fallen angel gripped her hand and scoffed.
"So what does that mean?! So what if you can 'fix' things, it's still worthless!" Raynare barked bitterly, the fact that he seemed so confident pissing her off further.
"I can repair just about anything, from a person's wounds to someone's clothes…" Josuke trailed off, motioning to Koneko before his grin became sly. "... Or the stone that I crumbled up a bit."
"Wh-what?" Raynare stuttered, looking at the ground in front of him. It started to glow with a pinkish light, as well as the spot he had previously punched, but nothing seemed to be happening. "Wh-what are you talking about?! It doesn't look like it's fixing anything!"
"I have to use the pieces that I detached, dumbass. The rocks are just behind you." Josuke pointed out. Raynare widened her eyes in fear before glancing back at the wall. As he said, the rocks Josuke had thrown were now floating in air with a pinkish glow to them, some of them combining together to become bigger.
"N-no way-" Raynare exclaimed before attempting to fly up, but it was too late. The rocks shot at her at incredible speeds, digging into her back and her wings and keeping her from going anywhere. Raynare gasped in pain, unable to stop the rocks.
"They won't just stop there. Like I said, I'm bringing you down to me." Josuke declared, and suddenly the rocks started to pull again, flying Raynare forward toward the tall teen. She shuddered in fear as she approached him, Crazy Diamond appearing behind Josuke as she approached. The Stand quickly grabbed her throat when she finally reached Josuke.
"So what was that you were saying before? Something about being all powerful?" Josuke asked, putting a hand to his ear. "Or being a superior being?" Raynare struggled in his grip, the Stand's hold on her throat far too tight to speak. "I guess it doesn't matter now. All I want to hear you do is beg for forgiveness from my best friend." Josuke declared, turning around and positioning Raynare toward the exit.
"Pl-please… spare me…" Raynare choked out, but Josuke was having none of it.
"You don't get to ask to be spared. All you can do is beg." He declared before his smile fell and turned to a dark glare.
"But not until after you've paid for what you've done."
In that instant, Crazy Diamond released Raynare from its grip, only to follow up with a heavy fist rush.
DORARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARRARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARARA~!The Stand roared, doing the longest raid of punches that Josuke had ever done in his life. He had no mercy, and showed no signs of sympathy toward the fallen angel. Raynare herself was now in the most painful experience of her life, almost going numb during the beatdown. She blacked out more than once, but each punch woke her up and knocked her back out repeatedly. Kiba and Koneko watched the onslaught of fists in awe, unable to turn away or tell Josuke to stop. Finally, feeling a bit satisfied with his work, Josuke let the beat down stop for one last punch. DORA~! it cried one final time, winding up its fist and landing a punch so strong that it blasted the fallen angel up the stairs and through the entrance to the main church altar.
"Huh. So much for that all that 'absolute power'." Josuke scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets. "I guess my rage was way more than absolute."
Issei gaped in awe as Raynare flew past him overhead, her face a beaten mess and barely looking alive. "Raynare…?" He muttered, for a moment barely recognizing her before grinning widely. "Josuke, you did it!" he cried out with a laugh. He attempted to push himself to his feet, but slightly tripped back over again. Issei panted tiredly, but continued to smile. He glanced at Asia and let several tears stream down his cheek. "I told you… Josuke was strong…" He muttered before almost falling on his face. That was until two large familiar silver and pink arms grabbed his own, keeping him from hitting the ground.
"Careful there, buddy." Josuke said, using his Stand's fixing ability to immediately heal the brunette up. Issei felt the pain disappear, able to help himself up.
"Thanks, Josuke. You really pulled through…" Issei said grinning in appreciation at first before widening his eyes. Josuke was a beaten mess, and was now leaning on Kiba's shoulder for support. "Whoa! Are you alright?!" He asked, quickly going to Josuke's other side and helping him walk.
"Yeah, I'm not bad. It looks worse than it is." Josuke weakly assured, though not fighting against the support Issei gave.
"Josuke-san was quite amazing. He's as smart as he is strong." Kiba chuckled, he and Issei helping him walk along the hall.
"He looked pretty cool." Koneko added as she walked up the stairs behind them. She jogged past the three, heading outside for some reason.
"So what happened to you? Did you run into another fallen angel or something?" Josuke asked in concern, glancing at Issei's arm. "Whoa! Did that thing get cooler?!"
"Huh?" Issei asked before glancing at his arm. "Oh, uh yeah, I guess." Issei chuckled. "I ran into Freed again and… it just sort of changed. I got a lot stronger thanks to that…"
"I told you that it was stronger than you thought." Josuke chuckled, offering a kind smile. Issei tried to smile back, but the thought of Asia came back to him. He glanced back at her lifeless body, causing the others to do the same.
"Asia…" He muttered, frowning sullenly.
"Shit…" Josuke cursed, biting his lower lip. "I… I'm sorry, Issei…"
"So you were able to unlock it." The three heard a voice, causing them to glance behind to see Rias now leaning against the damaged altar.
"President!" Issei said in surprise, blinking at the red haired girl.
"I was wondering if you were going to show up." Josuke mused aloud. "But then again, I was also wondering where the other fallen angels were. I'm guessing that has something to do with you?"
"I told you I had my own business to take care of, didn't I?" Rias coyly responded, only offering a smirk in answer. "Once I finished with that, I teleported here. I'm glad to see you all made it through. I was hoping you might unlock your hidden power by fighting here tonight, but since Josuke was so set on fighting Raynare himself, I wasn't so sure."
"He pulled through just fine on his own." Josuke chuckled, glancing at Issei from the side. "I knew you would."
"I knew you'd take care of her, too." Issei replied, smiling back at his friend. The doors to the church burst open, Koneko walking back in with Raynare in tow, dragged along the floor uncaring.
"I've got her." Koneko announced, dropping the fallen angel to the ground. Rias raised a brow curiously, seeing now that the fallen angel was damaged heavily and barely alive.
"My, you were quite brutal in your fight, weren't you?" Rias chuckled, taking a stance in front of Raynare.
"She had it coming." Josuke shrugged, patting both boys on the shoulder. "I'm okay from here." Kiba and Issei glanced at each other doubtfully, but nodded and let Josuke stand on his own. The tall teen toughened through the pain, standing at Rias' side and shoving his hands in his pockets. "So what do we do with her now?"
"Eliminate her." Rias stated simply, causing Josuke to slightly widen his eyes for a moment. "Would you mind healing her up slightly? Enough so that she can speak and… is less of an eyesore."
"Sure." Josuke agreed, letting his Stand come out and run a hand over her face and lungs. Raynare gasped for air, shivering in fear. When she glanced upwards, she came face to face with Crazy Diamond and cried out in terror, forcing herself to a sitting position and attempting to back away.
"Shut up, you're friggin' noisy." Josuke complained, dismissing his Stand so that Raynare would cease her shouting.
"Hello there, fallen angel Raynare. It's nice to finally meet you." Rias declared, smiling down at scared girl. "I am Rias Gremory."
"S-so you're from the Gremory household…" Raynare whispered, shivering slightly.
"That's right. Also, so you know…" Rias started, holding out her hand and letting several black feathers drop to the ground, causing Raynare paled in shock. "I blasted away your friends." That was when Raynare looked truly helpless. Her friends were dead, and now she was alone. At the mercy of a devil, her peerage, and the human who had just beat her senseless.
"Blasted away?" Issei repeated, glancing at Kiba in question.
"Our master is known the 'Crimson Haired Ruin Princess', or the 'Princess of Destruction'."
"Destruction? That's amazing. I didn't think we were serving that kind of master." Issei admitted, looking in awe of the red haired devil.
"Those are some pretty straight out titles." Josuke chuckled, crossing his arms in front of him. He fully expected Rias was planning to destroy Raynare, which was fine in his book. One less monster to worry about.
"How dare you…" Raynare suddenly growled, looking genuinely hurt by the revelation that her allies were dead.
"When Dohnaseek attacked Issei, I knew that there would most likely be more of you in town." Rias declared, placing her hands on her hips. "We figured you were plotting something, but it was none of our concern. Had you not caused us trouble, we would have left you alone, but…"
"W-was this for me, president?" Issei asked, surprised by her words. Rias glanced back at him and smiled before turning back to Raynare. "You could say it was for my servant and a friend." Josuke didn't say anything, only smiling from the side. "By the way, fallen angel. You once called my servant's Sacred Gear a twice critical, correct? It is much more than that."
"I-it is?" Issei asked, blinking in shock.
"What?!" Raynare breathed out, glancing at Issei.
"It is a weapon that doubles the power of its wielder every ten seconds temporarily, and even allowing those who possess it temporarily to surpass devils and gods in power for a time… It is one of the Thirteen Longinus: The Gauntlet of the Emperor Red Dragon, Boosted Gear!"
Raynare gasped in amazement, trembling as she looked at the ground. That boy has something that can bring ruin to even gods?!
"It has great power, but it takes time to power up, so it's not considered almighty." Rias pointed out, glancing back at Issei again. "While you have gained more power, Issei, you must still be wary. You will face far more experienced enemies in the future who will not be taken down so easily." She then turned back to finish off the fallen angel. "Now, begone."
"Issei-kun!"
Suddenly the group tensed, Issei immediately hitching his breath. Raynare was now in her innocent guise as Amano Yuuma. She wore a pink blouse and a black skirt, her features looking a bit younger than before. Issei felt his chest clench, unable to stop himself from taking a step toward the fallen angel.
"Please help me! I said mean things, but it was part of my duty as a fallen angel!" Raynare declared fragilely, making Issei waver slightly in his resolve. Josuke was quiet, slowly moving to Issei's side without making a sound, his expression unreadable.
"Yuuma-chan…" Issei said, the name escaping his mouth without his permission. He took another step forward, unable to control himself fully.
"Look, I still have this!" Raynare exclaimed weakly, holding her wrist up to show him a scrunchy. "It's proof of what I said! You remember this, right? You bought it for me."
Issei visibly trembled, casting his gaze away from the raven haired girl. "Why do you have that?" He muttered, unable to help himself anymore. Josuke wanted to say something, to pound Raynare's face in again so that she would stop talking. But this was something he had to do. Issei had to let her go. Josuke glanced at Rias, who met his gaze knowingly, and the two had an unspoken agreement: neither of them would make the choice for him.
"I couldn't just throw it away!" the fallen angel spoke, her guise giving no edge to her true self. "Because I…"
"This is bad." Kiba whispered before glancing at Koneko. "Let's go." He said, receiving a nod from the petite girl. The two started to run forward, but Rias quickly halted them with a hand. Josuke didn't bother to look back or even mutter a word to Issei. Let her go, brother.
"Please save me, Issei-kun!" 'Yuuma' pleaded, her eyes filling with tears. Issei felt his own eyes mist, quickly shutting them tightly.
"You are so…" Issei mumbled, unable to contain the emotions welling up inside him. There was no denying it, he truly treasured his time with Raynare as his girlfriend. It made him feel special, like a girl genuinely cared for him. It was something different, but something that felt good. But Issei had to face the harsh truth of it all so that he could let go.
It was all a lie…
"Please, president." Issei suddenly spoke, turning his back to Raynare. The fallen angel widened her eyes in fear before glancing at the crimson haired devil. But it was Josuke who stepped forward first.
"Allow me." Josuke said, Crazy Diamond appearing at his side. Issei suddenly stopped himself, quickly turning back to his best friend. Rias' words from the other day went through his mind, and suddenly the fear crept up inside. Wh-what if he does do it? What if… it changes Josuke?
"Josuke, wai-" Issei tried to urge him, but was too late.
DORA! his Stand cried out, and in one quick motion, pierced through Raynare's chest like he did against Dohnaseek. The fallen angel barely had time to react, the tall teen giving little warning of his attack. Raynare coughed up blood, her eyes going blank as she struggled to breath. "By the way, we need these back for our friend." Josuke declared, slowly withdrawing Crazy Diamond's arm from her chest. In its hand, the Stand held out the two rings that were the source of Asia's healing ability.
"Here, take this and give it back to her for me." Josuke spoke, turning around and holding the Sacred Gear out to Rias. To his surprise, the crimson haired girl looked at him with worried eyes. Josuke seemed unperturbed though, almost too calm about what he did. "What's wrong?"
Rias was quiet for a moment before sighing and shaking her head. "Nothing. Give them here." Rias dismissed, taking the two rings from his hand. Rias headed to Asia's prone body, but Issei hesitated for a moment. Josuke was still standing in the same spot, but was now turned back to Raynare's dying form. She was still barely alive, choking on her own blood and twitching in pain.
"Josuke…" Issei muttered, approaching Josuke from behind and placing a hand on his shoulder. The tall teen's back was to him, making it hard for Issei to read his feelings.
"Oi, Issei…" Josuke suddenly muttered, causing the brunette to glance up at him. "Sorry about this, but… I guess I'm not as tough as I thought."
"Wh-what?" Issei muttered in question, recoiling his head in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"I thought I would be able to kill her and feel fine, but…" Josuke mumbled, his hand gripping tightly before glancing back at Issei. "But it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth."
Issei stared at Josuke for a time, trying to understand what he was getting at. He glanced between Josuke and Raynare's prone figure before finally it clicked in him. Issei smiled and gave a nod. "I understand. Go ahead. You're no weaker for wanting to."
"Are you sure?" Josuke asked, unable to contain his worry. "She did a lot to you, and I mean, a lot. I'm willing to live with this." The tall teen declared, turning fully back to Issei. "I just-"
"Don't worry, Josuke." Issei cut him off, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know that you were hurt just as much as me. Emotionally at least." He joked, earning a weak chuckle from Josuke. "If you feel like you need to, then… go ahead."
"What are you two doing?" Rias suddenly asked from across the room, causing them to turn and regard her. Josuke sighed before clapping his hands together and bowing apologetically.
"I'm sorry, president! But I'm not quite as tough as I thought!" He proclaimed. Rias opened her mouth to question what he meant, but Josuke didn't give her time to do so. He quickly spun around and summoned Crazy Diamond, the Stand reaching out and putting a hand over the hole in Raynare's chest.
"Josuke, what are you doing?!" Rias asked in shock, completely taken off guard. She glanced at Issei in question, but the teen only smiled back at her. It was Rias this time that remembered the talk she had with Issei. As it turns out, it was Issei who was right. Don't worry, buddy. You're tougher than anyone.
Raynare gasped for air, quickly pushing away from Josuke in fear. She ran a hand over her chest frantically. "Yo-you! What did you do to me! Why am I… healed?" the fallen angel asked, glancing down at her chest. Josuke stood up, shoving his hands back in his pocket before turning away. Raynare stared at his back for a moment, processing what had transpired before grinding her teeth. "Why did you heal me?!" She growled, unable to shut her mouth. Josuke stopped for a moment before glancing back at her with a bored expression.
"Honestly? Because killing someone while they're down left a bad taste in my mouth. Nothing else." Josuke shrugged before turning back to Rias. "Sorry about that, prez. This is-
"Are you pitying me?!" Raynare growled out, tears of rage filling her eyes. "I will not be pitied! I am a fallen angel who was once considered the weakest! I worked hard to-"
"Damn straight!" Josuke roared, whipping around and pointing a finger at the fallen angel, who winced in fear. "You looked real pathetic lying on the ground, dying like that! Who wouldn't pity something like that? If you've got a problem with it, then come at me!" Josuke declared, Crazy Diamond appearing on the opposite side of him. "I'll put you right back on the ground!"
Immediately Raynare recoiled, fear filling her body again. All pride was now gone, for she was completely at mercy of those present. And she did not want to be completely punched out like before.
"Josuke…" Rias called out, approaching the tall teen and crossing her arms. "I understand feeling bad about what you did, but you could have just let me finish her instead."
"Sorry, prez! My mistake!" Josuke apologized again, scratching his head. "It's like I said. I'm… not as tough as I thought."
Rias stared at him for a long moment before turning to Issei this time. "Are you really okay with this? This fallen angel has hurt you in more ways than one. Are you really okay with letting her live?" Issei hesitated for a moment, his gaze going down to the floor.
"You're right, she has done horrible things." Issei muttered, glancing back up at Rias. "Asia is… gone because of her. I died because of her. But…" he then glanced at Josuke and gave a small smile. "But if my best friend, who had been trying to get revenge for what happened, is willing to save her despite that, then… I'm okay with it."
Rias glanced back and forth between Issei and Josuke, assessing her options. She could tell now that Issei was not sparing Raynare's life for her sake, but for Josuke's. The tall teen had been able to fight the dark desire of killing the one person he had been chasing the past week. She could not make that in vain. Rias finally sighed before rubbing her head and giving a small smile. How could I walk all over such a choice? They were the ones wronged, after all.
"You two know how to make things a bit difficult." She chuckled before turning her attention to the cowering form of Raynare. "Alright, we will spare her life. I have a few connections that will help. We will turn her over to the Grigori. I'm sure they will not be very pleased to hear of one of their fallen angels going rogue for more power. Do you?" Risa asked, crouching down in front of the fallen angel with her knees in front.
"N-No! Please, they-they'll punish me!" Raynare begged, but Josuke wasn't hearing it.
"If you wanna complain, I could always kill you again." Josuke retorted, causing the fallen angel to become silent and bite her tongue.
"Then it's settled, we'll be handing you over." Rias chuckled, standing up straight and glancing to the exit. "Akeno, please take the prisoner somewhere safe."
"Yes, president~!" Akeno giggled as she entered the church, now wearing a shrine girl's outfit.
"What's with the outfit?" Josuke asked curiously as she walked past them. Akeno peeked back at him and gave a small serene smile.
"Why, this~? Do you like it?" Akeno said, spinning around to show off the outfit.
"Yes, yes, you look real pretty." Josuke said, waving his hand dismissively. "Now please hurry and take the dumbass fallen angel out of here."
"You're so mean, Josuke-kun~! Are you still mad about yesterday?" Akeno whined softly, though she didn't seem very serious.
"Maybe…" Josuke muttered, whistling to the side. Issei watched the two with a small laugh, a content grin visible on his features. Earlier he might have preferred letting Rias destroy Raynare, but he knew that Josuke probably needed his own closure too. He was happy to see the tall teen was his usual self. Growing up, he had always been the same. This might have been a far more intense situation, but in the end it went as he expected. It's why I thought he was the coolest after all…
Nine years ago…
Issei was always a bit nervous around the other children. They accepted him rather easily, but he was usually quiet even when he was able to play with them. Even though the others tried to include him, Issei never felt very close with any of the kids. They were 'nice', but sometimes they would shun another kid when they felt he was being annoying. Issei wanted to speak up and help, but he also didn't want to be shunned. He felt horrible, like he was some kind of coward. But it was hard to be confident in his own ability.
"Hey look, it's the weird kid!" One of the boys whispered, drawing Issei's attention up. He looked to see a rather large boy with an odd hairdo. Issei had seen him several times in the park, usually playing by himself. The other kids teased him quietly, afraid he might hurt them if they messed with him. While in all honesty Issei thought his hairdo was kind of cool, he was still a bit intimidated by his size.
"Oh no, he's coming this way!" One of the girls said, going behind one of the monkey bars. The other boys stiffened along with Issei, who quickly tried to busy himself.
"Hi." He said simply, waving to the group kindly. "Can I play with you guys?"
"W-we've already got a big group, so we don't have room for another…" One of the boys said, but a girl spoke up next.
"And you're a giant! You'll just take up too much room!" She spat, causing the other kids to laugh. Issei frowned at their rejection. Despite being intimidated by the boy, he still felt bad that they treated him like that. But of course, Issei still couldn't speak up.
The funny haired boy just glanced around at the other kids with a blank expression before smiling. "Okay, sorry for the trouble!" He said politely before turning around and walking away. Despite the kind demeanor, Issei could tell he was a bit sullen. Issei stared at the ground, feeling a bit ashamed. Maybe I should have spoke up…
"Oh no, look out! It's Mako!" one of the kids suddenly cried out. Issei widened his eyes in fear, looking around in a panic. Mako was one of the bullies of the playground who showed up every now and then to pick on other kids and take over the playground. Issei quickly moved up one of the small castles to avoid the bully, peeking out to see where he was.
"Hey! Where are you going?!" Mako called out as the other kids started to run away. He was larger than the other kids save for the boy with the weird hairdo. Unlike him though, he used it to his advantage. Two other boys trailed behind him, his usual support.
He grabbed one of the boys, throwing him on the ground. "Hey! I thought I told you guys to stay off this side of the playground! That means when I'm not here too!"
"I-I'm sorry!" The boy cried, tears forming in his eyes. Issei felt helpless, unable to do anything. He may not have been particularly close to the boy, but the brunette hated to watch this go on.
"Hey." the group suddenly heard, turning to see the tall boy from earlier glaring at Mako. "Leave him alone." I-it's him! He wants to help?
"Cr-crap! I didn't realize he was here! We should go, Mako…" one of his boys commented, but Mako wasn't having it.
"Don't tell me what to do! This is my park!" The boy growled, taking a step forward. "Just because you're big doesn't mean anything! You're by yourself!"
The funny hairdo boy started to approach the three, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Then go play somewhere else. The park is pretty big."
"This whole park is mine! I'll play where I want!" Mako barked. As the tallest boy approached, the other two behind Mako started to shiver before backing up.
"Come on guys! We can take him!" Mako said, looking back at the two. He widened his eyes as they started to run away. Mako immediately paled, glancing back at the tall boy in fear before falling on his butt.
"Looks like you're by yourself now." he commented, making the boy cry slightly. Issei couldn't help but be amused by the fact that the park bully was being taken down a peg.
"I-I'm sorry, don't hurt me!" He pleaded, tears and snot dripping down his face now.
"Yeah, beat him up!" the boy Mako previously bullied called out, standing up now.
"Teach him a lesson!" The girl who insulted the tall boy earlier said. He only glanced around as the kids started to gather, Mako starting to cry harder. While Issei thought he was getting what he deserved, he couldn't help but feel a bit of pity. The tall boy stooped over Mako for a moment, his eyes shaded by his large hair. Suddenly, he knelt down and offered a kind smile.
"Do you wanna play with me?" He asked kindly, causing Mako to stop and sniffle.
"What?!" The other kids cried out. Issei, on the other hand, couldn't help but stare at him in awe. Despite the fact that boy wanted to initially fight him, he was still acting nice?
"G-get away from me!" Mako cried out, pushing himself up and running away. The boy only watched as he left before standing back up straight, glancing at the others around him.
"You should beat him up!" the girl said bitterly, turning away from him. "You really are just a big weirdo! Let's go!"
Issei frowned at the poor treatment the tall boy was receiving. He seemed intimidating at first, but now Issei saw him in a new light. He knew he could have beaten up the other kid, but instead he tried to be nice. And his hair was awesome. That guy… is really cool!
The tall boy walked away from the other kids quietly, deciding to leave the playground all together. Issei blinked in shock, having wanted to approach him.
"Hey, Issei! You gonna join us?" One of the other boys asked. A spring of confidence built up in Issei, and he only glared at him.
"No way, you guys are jerks!" He declared, causing the others to gasp in shock. He turned his back to them and left without another word. He ignored the insults and complaints of the other kids, deciding one thing in his mind: He was going to be friends with the tall kid no matter what.
"I hate to interrupt this, but I think we should return to the matter at hand." Rias said, pulling Issei from his thoughts and motioning toward Asia's body. Issei immediately paled, feeling regret once again. The brunette ran quickly over to her body, grabbing her hand.
"Here." Rias offered, holding out Asia's Sacred Gear to Issei. He took them gingerly before slowly placing it back on her fingers and laying her arm back down. Tears immediately started to form back in his eyes, feeling a bit ashamed that he was distracted with Raynare.
"You guys… I'm so sorry. I was talking all big, and even had help from everyone, but still…" Issei mumbled, not bothering to hold back the water in his eyes. "I couldn't save Asia…"
"I should be apologizing." Josuke suddenly spoke, biting his lower lip as attention turned back to him. "I was the one who kept going on about attacking this place and saving her… I'm really not as tough as I thought."
"It's neither of your faults." Rias spoke this time, glancing at them both. "Issei, you lack experience as a devil, and Josuke, you are only human. What you have done so far is beyond what most could do. No one will blame either of you."
"But… but I…" Issei choked out, his tears falling on Asia's cheeks. Rias sighed and reached into her pocket, pulling out a small chess piece.
"It's unheard of to do this with a nun, but it's worth a shot." Rias declared, causing Issei and Josuke to glance at her curiously. "Do you know what this is?"
"A… chess piece?" Issei muttered, raising a brow. Josuke widened his eyes in realization, his spirits rising.
"No way, are you doing what I think?"
"That's right. This is a bishop to be exact." Rias explained, offering a smile as she looked back at Asia. "I will make her my servant."
Far on the other side of the town of Kuoh, a late night train arrived. It had very few passengers, but one in particular stuck out rather largely. He was tall, standing at six foot four and was extremely muscular and toned. He wore a long white trench coat that reached down to his ankles with a matching pair of pants with two black belts on his waist and a black tee shirt. He wore a white billed hat that with anchors etched in the front next to a gold plated hand. It was somewhat torn in the back, and almost looked like it was fused with his hair. He had a small black string banded bag on his left shoulder, and a picture in his hand.
"Yare yare daze. Looks like I'm finally here." He rumbled, his voice deep and serious, and glancing around the train station. "Now to start looking for the old man's kid."