Akeno and Rodney stood on the rooftop watching the moon fall down towards the horizon. The cold air chilled their skin just enough to raise very slight goosebumps.
"I still think about him sometimes" Akeno says as she feels Rodney hug her from behind. "You do?" Rodney asks.
"Yeah, his brown hair and eyes, the way he held me, it's all like it just happened. And I can hear his voice telling me all sorts of things Rodney. It's like we're connected somehow. Like he's tracking me or something. It kind of freaks me out, I don't think it's the real Issei. But as a fallen angel my mind is too broken to know the difference. That's the one thing I envy about you Shide, you have a clearer mental capacity."
Rodney sighs.
"You've been here for only a month and I can't help but completely open up to you." Rodney just stares at Akeno as she finds herself blushing. "I'm sorry that we've…" Akeno pauses "that I've done this to you. You deserve better" Akeno says as she begins to walk away. Rodney smiles as he crosses his arms and leans against the wall, blocking Akeno. "Rias is lucky to have a friend like you, I think you should really know that." Akeno smiles and giggles at Rodney, almost in a mocking way. Bittersweet.
"I'm in love with you"
Rodney freezes as he hears Akeno put her actions and thoughts for over the past month into words. He hesitates to do anything as she walks over to him and wraps her arms around his neck.
"Have we ever told each other how we felt?" Rodney asks as he finds himself sliding onto the ground with Akeno now in his lap. "I don't know, but does it matter?" Rodney then grabs Akeno's hand and pecks it with his lips. "You really wanna know why I came here after years of being an outcast?" Akeno nods her head, confused she watches as Rodney leans his head next to her. Akeno keeps her confused eyes on Rodney as he stands up.
"In another life I was never given a chance to be human. In a world that works much different than this one, I was taken to become something worse than the power of an average citizen. My name was James Doe, a twin who was named John. Shide aren't just fallen angels, we came from another world. Alien DNA incapable of forming a proper consciousness. It merged with human genetics and created the monsters of Shide. Somehow, this managed to happen again in this dimension but with fallen angels rather than ordinary humans. That's who Shide is, that's why I've been sent to destroy them, that's why I-"
Akeno interrupts Rodney with a kiss, creating an awkward silence as the two held each other in their arms. "What are we doing here?" Akeno asks with a smile. "The world is already so horrible, we don't need to know all the details." Rodney looks away embarrassed. "I'm sorry, you were finally opening up with me. I just didn't want this to be about what we have to deal with on the daily. I have stuff like this to think about as well. How I don't know whether my mom is a first or second generational devil, how my father is still a damned fallen angel who has no hope left." Akeno begins to well up tears as Rodney hugs her tighter.
"They're gunning for you for being a hybrid. They can't stand that, so they're trying to create some kind of political marriage, one far more effective than Rias's. One that'll potentially stop all of this. They're thinking of uniting the devils and Fallen angels with them, Shide, and using this to overthrow God himself. Akeno, ever since I was made aware of my mission in this world I've been sent to protect you from this." Akeno smiles at Rodney. "So you're like some kinda time traveler, like Kyle Reese." Rodney chuckles. "Sort of, not time but another space itself. Of course in this space, I've been sent from another dimension-" Rodney looks over at Akeno and smiles. "Right, too much to explain, it's not important." He cracks a smile as the two gaze their heads up to look at the sky.
"Yeah so I heard. I'm having the worst of the worst gunning after me." But as Akeno sinks her head in Rodney's chest, she feels his arms wrap around her head.
"No" he says. "No you know what's gonna happen?" Akeno looks up with teary eyes into Rodney's red ones. "We're gonna rule all of Purgatory together. That's how this is gonna end." Rodney then strokes Akeno's cheek, moving some hair from her eyes as he cups her face and leans up to her. "If you'll take me as your king." Akeno then nods as she feels more tears streaming down her face. "Of course Rodney, why wouldn't I? Once we beat this and you free me from whatever curses I have, I'll take you as my king."
She then looks up at him as he kisses her forehead with a passionate peck. Akeno just smiled as the two stayed on that rooftop for the rest of the night.
"Thank you for making me feel like a someone."
Akeno said as she felt her neck get nibbled at. He then stops to glance at Akeno.
"You're just letting Rias's rank get into your head. You're more than someone to me."
Rodney says as he finds his collar grabbed by both of Akeno's small soft hands.
"I love you, Akeno Himejima."
Rodney says as he goes towards her face, embracing her with a kiss. The two lovers found themselves on that rooftop for the rest of the night and up till the sun rose. When Rodney parted for air they didn't even realize that they've been kissing for hours non stop without breathing once. They look around as they notice their faces are as red as beets and they laugh the night away. Rodney pulls Akeno towards him and picks her up. The two laugh as they let their love marinate with the rising sun.
MATSUDA! MOTOHAMA! ISSEI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Akia yells as she rushes towards the three. Genshiro just stood there as Asia walked up towards the group while Akia was being her loud obnoxious wanna be popular self.
"We should hang out again tonight!" she yelled into the group's ears. As she yelled, everyone turned their heads to her. The group stood there in shock as Akia missed the mark on reading the room. It was the day after the world's third biggest major terrorist attack that year. Many have gone missing and found dead.
"Um, Akia?" Matsuda asked as Genshiro and Asia whispered in the distance along with the rest of the crowd. "You alright?"
Matsuda asked as he stood with Issei and Motohama. The three knew at that moment something was off with Akia. Something has always been off, she's the kind of girl who's always making fun of them, but even then she'd never admit to being their friend. But nobody else would even go near them. And then their rise in popularity was when Akia's strangely nice attitude towards them started. Yet simply it could be brushed off as bandwagon behavior.
"Boys"
Issei said, which shocked everyone around him. He nods to Motohama and Matsuda ever so slightly, signaling Genshiro and Asia, and at that moment everyone who saw suddenly got chills in their spines as they looked into Issei's eyes. "What's up?" Akia asked as Issei gave her a glare. Issei smiles at Akia as he places his hand on her shoulder. "Let's head to class," Issei says with a calm demeanor. Then at that moment everything returned back to normal. Akia knew what had happened and lost her joyful expression as she looked up at Issei. "Oh, okay" she says as she grows glum. "Genshiro, come with me, I need to ask you something" Issei says without looking behind him. "What's up with him?" Akia thought to herself as she turned around and walked away.
"Hey, promise you won't kill me" Issei says as he glances over to Genshiro, who nods with an innocent smile on his face, it fades as Issei proposes an idea of going undercover to bust the Mercenaries.
"Are you kidding me?" Genshiro asks. "You're the only other one like me Genshiro. My boys are tied up in PSD politics. I can only get so many favors from them!" Genshiro continues to look at Issei with tense eyes. "I've heard about that maniac. Thanks a lot we're up against two maniac groups and one of them takes a liking to you! Look, our presidents are gonna kill us. We're not bound to their delusion anymore but even God knows that's a stupid plan! Look you got Rias, she's strict but reasonable…."
But Sona man, she's a sadistic monster! She'll eat me alive if I act rouge again! I barely got away with all the stunts we performed last time." Issei chuckles to himself as he takes the last sip of his drink. "I guarantee you're just nervous cause you two just started dating. She has no power over you like she used to. The world has changed now." Genshiro looks down at the ground, disappointed by Issei's words. "Issei, don't you at least respect them still?"
Issei looks at his hand, glancing at his gauntlet as he makes it appear only for a moment. "Of course I respect Rias, she's the love of my life. I adore that woman. That's why I can't surrender my power. I need to end this war as quickly and brutally as possible or else others might rise up in the absence of power." Genshiro gets heated and slams the table. "Can you cool it with that crap?! You're only gonna get yourself killed! Then what is Rias supposed to do without you?!" He then cools down as Issei laughs some more. "Relax man she'll be fine, she seems sweet anyways. I think Sona really has a thing for you. If any of us has to die, it would be me over you, that woman would never let me live happily with Rias if she didn't have you in her life."
"You don't even know her man!" Genshiro blushed, he glances over, noticing Sona's soft stare from the hallway. She stood still to gaze upon her pawn. She adjusts her glasses and smiles as she gives Genshiro a soft smile before walking away. "Genshiro, I can explain why I need your help specifically, but see, that face can't hurt you!" Issei says with a snickering smile.
"Well no way man! I'm good, good luck!"
"But as he tries to walk away Koneko grabs onto his uniform. He looks back to find her behind his desk. "Big surprise you tried to run away!" Genshiro whimpers as he sits back down with Koneko and Issei. "I wanna go home!" Genshiro says whimpering as Koneko and Issei talk over.
"So you wanna co-operate with the church?" Koneko asks.
"Yeah, oh look it's the ghost busters." Issei says as Matsuda and Motohama sit back down in the corner of the classroom.
"Yeah, and so are the PSD, that is until they're inconvenient. Consider the church more of an alley than our group right now."
"Great, what else did you bozos get?" Koneko asks as she holds onto Genshiro who wants to escape.
"Well we know now from some files that the two fallen angel groups we've been talking about are completely different. PSD doesn't even have files on Lord Issei. He's too strong for them to grasp or contain at the moment."
"Why are we doing this?" Genshiro cries out.
"Because man everyone is on board for straight forward attacks. I can only trust those who were in on the big secret to handle these top secret missions."
"Koneko wasn't!" Genshiro protested. "She handled it the best," Issei says as Rodney suddenly enters the room. "I got your message" Rodney suddenly pulls up a seat as he enters the classroom.
"Hey guys"
He says as he pulls a seat. Genshiro breaks down as the group all gather.
"So we're doing this right? I'll see what the PSD knows that they aren't telling Matsuda and Motohama-" Issei feels a hand placed on his shoulder as Motohama and Matsuda stood behind him. Issei expresses embarrassment as he turns around to confront them. "Actually, you might wanna just stay away from them for a while."
The two agents looked at each other before nodding.
"Give it to him."
Motohama takes out a file and slides it on the table. On it read agent Haise and under the DNA coding. Next to that read Rodney's and showed a picture of both Rodney and Haise.
"Dammit, then it's true. When we were fighting in that battle yesterday, that man felt so familiar. His squad...." Rodney looks down to see all of them on a file looking right back up at him. "If this is true, this confirms that the PSD has access to Shide DNA. They're going to create hybrids with their agents. You boys know how horrible this could be?!" Rodney asks Motohama and Matsuda.
"Oh we're aware." Motohama says back.
"How the hell did you get copies of this?"
"Don't ever ask that, this almost gets us crucified everytime" Matsuda responded.
"Somehow somewhere, someone took my DNA! No, they made me! THEY MADE ANOTHER ME!" Rodney says as panic sets in. He looks down to see another person wearing his face staring right back at him with black and white hair, a white PSD uniform complete with a white tie. To the right, a man with a faded bowl cut and a woman who had a childish smile. She appeared short in stature with very long hair. To the photo's left, a woman with very short hair and an eyepatch, and the last agent appeared to be a teenager with roughly chipped teeth.
"No one is safe from them. If we're not careful this organization will control us all," Issei spoke as they all contorted their faces in fear, not knowing how they could possibly get to the powerful Shide King, Rodney Drake. "Damn, they have five hybrids already?" Issei asked in horror.
"Look, I don't like keeping this a secret from Rias and Akeno but we have to do something. Otherwise this nightmare will never end."
"And my father, he's gunning for me and Akeno. So we have Shide influence from multiple factions. What am I doing, I'm putting people in danger."
Rodney says as he feels himself crumble under the pressure.
"I'm sorry guys, I should get going."
Rodney takes off, leaving the others.
"Hey wait!"
Issei calls for Rodney as he watches the senior run away. He stood there awkwardly as he thought to himself. "Shide influence, don't tell me those demons are taking over the human race via our own kind. Dammit, if I had to pick, I pick mankind" Issei clenched his fist.
"My lord, shall we go after him?"
A man asked in a black hoodie.
"No"
Said Jason Drake himself as he and his minion watched from the roof. He puts on his mask, which appears to be some kind of hockey mask.
"We'll get some more answers from our little failure back at home"
He then slips the mask back on as Thomas Ocane sat in a chair with every method of pain imaginable used on him. Slowly healing as his body wears out from constantly repairing tissue damage. As his chains collected rust and merged with his wrists he violently looked up at his door cell and found himself enraged like a brainwashed buffoon.
"COME HERE RODNEY!"
"I'M READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"LET ME OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Look, we should start looking for those two angels and get Yuuto. I think we need to be taking more steps, stop watching and waiting around for orders. This won't have to be so top secret if we get the entire Gremory clan on board. And who knows…" Issei pauses as he leans closer to Genshiro. "Maybe that'll convince your girlfriend to lend us her people."
"Shut up!" Genshiro yells back.
The group then splits as Koneko and Issei take Genshiro and go downtown looking for the seraphims.
"Now if I were a seraphim, where would I hide?"
As the three find themselves wandering around the city, Issei stops for a moment to look at a giant cathedral. He wanders over towards the entrance and glances in, seeing the two familiar faces he's been looking for. Issei puts his hands on both of their shoulders.
"Oh hey Issei!" Irina says with a cheerful smile while Quarta matches Koneko's vibe. "You guys mind discussing some things over lunch?" Issei asks, without hesitation, the two seraphims devour a whole three course meal as Koneko continues to keep Genshiro on a leash.
"Here are your hamburger steaks!"
The waitress says as she comes around to give them more food.
"So, why are we keeping this from Rias?"
Irina asks as Issei explains their plan of taking action.
"We're not hiding it from her, but do we really expect anyone who was a second generation to take charge of this operation? I mean no offense Koneko but we came to deliver a message. I think since we have more knowledge, it's our turn to take the front line" Issei explained.
"I agree, but I think that Rias has been feeling put down lately from all this tough talk from you. She's been used to being a leader her whole life. You should at least say something to her. I'd hate to see you hurt her again."
Issei takes a moment to ponder, glaring bitterly at Koneko before Irina and Quarta make a joke to each other.
"Oh wow, the devils bought us food. It may build our faith but it must mean the end is upon us." Quarta says.
"We practically sold our soul to the devil. We're so sorry Lord!" Irina says as she prays.
"THAT'S MY THANKS FOR BUYING YOU FOOD?!" Issei screams.
"Keep it together bro. They're just messing around." Genshiro says as he places his arm on Issei, who suddenly jumps in embarrassment as Irina and Quarta giggle to themselves.
"No, it's fine. We're just kidding."
Irina says.
"We're grateful for your hospitality."
Quarta says.
"And that being said, we should probably get Yuuto since he knows the most about the Mercenaries with his time in the Holy Sword Project. This feels great, we're finally back on track! No bullshit from anyone to distract us from killing that bastard!" Issei says excitedly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about" Yuuto says as he stood at the fountain of Issei's reincarnation. The entire table turns to see Yuuto standing right there before them. Issei recognizes the fountain and shivers.
"Look, Issei. I really think what you're doing is reckless. We should talk about this as a team. A real leader isn't secretive." Issei clenches his fists. "A real leader is effective no matter the method." Issei says back. "Genshiro, you know where I'm coming from. Rias and Sona are very uptight about this kind of thing."
"There's no hope we're all getting punished!" Genshiro says as the sun starts to set over his whimpers. "Fine, we shall discuss where to attack next once we have more intel on whoever we're attacking." Quarta says as she and Irina walk away. "Until then we thank you all for your ally ship. We'll be in touch."
The two then walk away, leaving Issei alone with Koneko, Genshiro, and Yuuto.
"Yaay! Good news right?!"
Issei asks the remaining group.
"NO!"
Genshiro yells.
"Look bro! You need to be more upfront and honest if you're gonna be the dragon emperor! Otherwise I can't respect this decision making of yours."
"Issei." Yuuto says with a blank stare.
"You realize how powerful these people are right?" Issei gives Yuuto a confused stare.
"What are you talking about?" He asks.
"These people have the ability to kidnap people and completely get away with it. To take someone and remove them from society without the authorities even remembering them. Someone like the PSD. That means they either have help from the governments of the world, or from the divine" Yuuto explains.
"Yeah, yeah I know. But we're stronger than them." Issei says dismissively.
"NO Issei. I was among a group of children who were taken. And for an entire year day in and out we were experimented on. Poisoned, dissected, horrible cruel stuff. We all thought we were chosen by God himself, radicalized by a group of terrorists!!!!!"
The doors bust down in Yuuto's flashback as a dozen men in gas masks with red glowing eyes enter the room.
"They were mercenaries. People who associated with the church in order to gain their weaponry and wealth!"
"Wait, the church had weapons?" Issei asked.
"I guess. But they were hardly used. It was for alien threats. Demons invading the world or something. But now they're just afraid to reveal they've lost them to an enemy. They're ruthless. Even as we were coughing up blood and tearing up from the pain and horror taking place within our bodies, we called to God to save us. But I guess he wanted them in his fold up in Heaven instead, because everyone else was killed. Everyone but me."
Yuuto in his flashback ran out in the snowy cold as soldiers chased after him.
"GET HIM!"
They yelled as gunshots ran out in the cold forest.
"But eventually the poison got to me. I suppose I was meant to live on since Rias found me right after I fell to the ground coughing up blood. I thank Rias for taking me in, Because now…
As the soul survivor I will avenge them."
Later that night Rias and Sona were taking a bath when suddenly their queens appeared in their laps as holograms.
"Akeno?"
Rias asks.
"We have some urgent news"
She says.
"The situation is becoming more dire. Issei is going rogue once more."
Shinra says. Rias finds herself anxious.
"What do you mean?!"
Shinra finds the two angels who ratted on Issei and his party out walking towards the hologram.
"Yes you see he thinks that because he has more knowledge of the situation that is unfolding that he shall lead the charge against the mercenaries."
Irina says.
"Issei."
Rias says almost heart broken.
And he convinced Genshiro to join in.
"No, no this can't be."
Sona says as she joins Rias's boat.
"This can't be. No, I refuse!"
"Rias calm down."
Quarta says.
"Issei would never betray me like this! He promised to never make me worry!"
"I will kill Issei if he gets Genshiro in any trouble!"
Rias glares through the hologram at Sona. "Say that again" she says as her entire body glows red.
"They have no patience and are plotting to attack the Mercenaries. Issei believes that the last attack on our city was them trying to set us back. Rodney is also snooping in on the PSD so Akeno you must go to him now before these boys cause another conflict."
Quarta says.
"Yes I agree, though they show such terrible qualities, they have potential to take over our households. I suppose we saw this coming for a while now. But they have some work to do on themselves."
Rias says to Sona, sighing as she slowly accepts the situation.
"I agree. They'll be leading our households when the time is right. Until then we ask we keep ownership of them so we can ensure their safety. I'll have a talk with him tonight. Thank you both." Rias says as the message ends. Rias leans back in the bathtub as she hangs up on Sona and the two angels.
"Dammit, not again" she thought as she shedded a tear.
Meanwhile back at the house Issei sat at his computer doing school work as he texts the boys goodnight.
"So Rodney will meet you two on the roof?"
Issei asks as Motohama and Matsuda see him walking towards him.
"Yeah, he wants to sneak around. So he's gonna have some "access" to the perimeter and we're gonna clock out in our bunks for the night."
"Alright then."
Issei responds.
"Good luck and night to you all."
Motohama and Matsuda sign off before walking off the roof.
"Good luck Rodney."
Matsuda says as the two handshake. They then leave Rodney alone to his devices to see what things are like for himself.
"I know this is stupid."
Rodney says to himself.
"But I need answers now."
"Well Asia, I have to head out now. I need to go to Azazel and-"
"And what?"
Rias says as she stands outside the door, her face scowling as she looks at Issei bitterly.
"Oh uh, well yeah actually-" Issei chuckles as Rias speaks with a tone that tells Issei she knows about something.
"Oh well uh, sure. Asia if you don't mind just staying out of our room for a bit. I think this is important."
Asia nods as Issei checks a text message from Yuuto.
"We're all here, where are you?"
Issei responds back before Rias can see.
"Rias is holding me up."
Yuuto looks at the others and they nod at him.
"Just meet us here if you can. We're gonna go on ahead. Make sure she doesn't-"
Issei interrupts the message.
"I think I should end this here, one way or another."
Issei then puts his phone away as he and Rias shut the door. She sits down on the bed and pats the seat next to her. Issei who caught on that she knew something was wrong is taken by surprise by her gentle loving tone. She smiles as he takes the seat and the two sit next to each other for a couple silent awkward seconds.
"Hey, so how have things been? You know with all the madness we've been through."
Issei nods as he puts his arm around Rias.
"Good, you?"
He asks hoping she'd talk about her problems.
"Yeah good. It's been a while since we could talk like this"
The two sit around for a couple more awkward seconds before suddenly-
"Hey Rias?"
Issei asks as he looks at her.
"Yes?"
Rias says back.
"I uh, wanted to ask you something. It's gonna come off as rude but I figured this was gonna come up sooner or later."
Issei said out loud.
"Alright, good."
Issei thought to himself.
"I need to become a leader in her eyes before she finds out about the plan. Then I can gloss everything over with my authority."
Rias sighs as she finds her head lowered.
"Oh, what's wrong?"
Issei asks as Rias tries not to tear up.
"I lied."
She says as she finds herself leaning on Issei.
"I need your touch."
She says as Issei hugs her.
"Irina, can I start with her?"
Rias asks as Issei moves her red hair closer to his shoulder.
"You're jealous, right?:
Rias finds it harder not to cry as Issei pats her head.
"I'm sorry Rias, I should have been more vocal about us. I've just been ignoring everything as I clock in and out of school."
Rias sniffles a little, causing Issei to jerk a tear before he squeezes her tightly.
"You can tell me anything" Issei says as he looks into Rias's ocean blue eyes.
"Well then after you can tell me your thing since we both might say things that'll be taken the wrong way." Rias takes a moment to pause.
"I feel weak around you sometimes." Issei feels his heart drop as Rias glares into his golden brown eyes.
"I feel like ever since the wedding you undermine my authority. And while I guess in a way I'm not your master, I still love you. I want you but I can't help but feel like you treat me like I'm made of glass. Like I'm in the way of some greater goal of yours." She then starts to sit on Issei's lap and wrap her arms around his neck.
"And I can tell that lately you've been taking more charge lately. I respect that. Me and Sona have been talking about it. We wern't fans at first, but…"
"Oh no"
Issei thinks to himself.
"We're thinking about managing you and Genshiro to run our households, but for the future, the far future, if one still remains. We want more respect from you two about this." Rias then fixes her hair.
"If you're gonna be a leader you must tell me everything. And please don't act like I'm so delicate. I get that it's cute. I get why you do it, but ever since the wedding I've been feeling useless."
Rias then takes a minute to compose herself.
"Alright Rias. I hear you and I'll do better in the future."
Issei says as he strokes her hair out of her face. She looks up to see his smiling face shining down on her.
"Then tell me this, if you've been acting so much on your own. What have you been doing lately? What have you been doing that you think you could do better at?"
Rias asks as Issei just sat there with his heart sinking.
"Shit"
He thinks to himself.
"She knew, this whole time she knew, someone told her"
Dammit!
Meanwhile Azazel sat on a dock fishing when a man stood behind him.
"I didn't know the Fallen One's like you could get so lonely."
A mysterious man says as Azazel pulls in his bait.
"Yeah well, that boy is sure fun to talk to. He's like a nephew to me or something."
The two then look off into the dark night sky horizon.
"He's up to something, isn't he?"
The mysterious man asked.
"Like I did to God, he's betrayed the trust of someone he loved. Except unlike me, he still loves that person with all his heart, he loves everybody. Such a kind soul with a dark outer shell, and a nerdy personality for blending in with his peers. Oh how I envy that boy and his life. He sure knows how to operate socially… Oh how I envy."
To be Continued