The moon hung high over Kuoh, its pale light casting long shadows that flickered across the rooftops. Inside the abandoned church repurposed as a temporary base, Xenovia and Irina cleaned and maintained their blades in silence. The air was thick with tension, anticipation pressing down like a coiled spring ready to snap.
Azazel stood leaning against a pillar near the altar, arms crossed and eyes closed. His mind raced through the possibilities: Amon's next move, the Vatican's long-term intentions, and the subtle shifts in Issei's aura. Something was changing, slowly but surely, and it unsettled him.
"His power... it's growing," Xenovia said, not looking up from the holy sword resting across her knees. "But I don't think he's aware of it."
"He's not," Azazel replied, opening one eye. "Amon has his eye on Issei, no doubt. He may not make a move right away, but he's watching. Waiting."
Irina glanced at the stained-glass window where the image of an angel seemed to glow faintly. "Why him? What's so special about Issei's fate that Amon would fixate on it?"
"Because fate revolves around him," Azazel said. "He's a convergence point. In countless possible futures, he influences the balance of the Three Factions. With Amon's ability to manipulate threads of destiny... corrupting Issei could shift the entire cosmic scale."
A knock on the heavy wooden doors echoed through the church. Xenovia and Irina were immediately on guard, but Azazel raised a hand.
"It's fine. They're expected."
The doors creaked open, revealing Rias and her peerage. Rias stepped forward confidently, her crimson hair catching the moonlight.
"We've come to coordinate," she said simply.
Akeno followed behind her, holding a stack of documents. "If we're working together to protect Issei, we need full transparency."
Gasper hovered behind Koneko, eyes wide with nervous excitement. "It's really scary that something like Amon exists..."
"That's why we're here," Xenovia said firmly. "To stop him."
As the two groups gathered around the central altar, Irina handed out copies of the Vatican's compiled data on Amon: incidents, theories, and ancient texts. Azazel tapped one of the pages.
"This symbol... it keeps showing up where Amon has appeared or influenced events."
Issei stared at the strange sigil—a spiraling pattern of broken wings and eyes. "I've seen this before... in a dream."
Everyone turned toward him.
"You dreamt of Amon?" Rias asked, alarmed.
Issei nodded slowly. "I didn't realize it then, but now... yeah. There was a man in a white cloak, with a mask that shifted every time I blinked. He whispered something about breaking chains."
"He's probing your subconscious," Xenovia said, rising to her feet. "If he gets any deeper, you may start seeing visions even while awake."
"What did he mean by 'breaking chains?'" Kiba asked.
Azazel's brow furrowed. "Chains of fate, perhaps. Amon seeks to disrupt predetermined paths. If he sees Issei as bound to a future of influence, he'll try to shatter it."
Irina knelt in front of Issei. "We'll protect you, Ise-kun. But you have to stay strong. He feeds on doubt."
The church's candlelight dimmed slightly. For a brief moment, a shadow danced unnaturally across the wall—tall, regal, and not belonging to anyone present.
"Did anyone else see—"
"Yes," Azazel snapped, his wings materializing instantly. "He's listening."
Rias summoned her power, the circle beneath her feet glowing with crimson light. "Let's send him a message, then. He doesn't get to have Issei."
From within Issei's chest, the Boosted Gear flared to life.
["Partner... he's near."]
"I know, Ddraig," Issei whispered. "But I'm not afraid."
Azazel smiled grimly. "That's what he fears."
As the tension eased slightly, Xenovia set her sword back in its scabbard. "There's more. The Vatican believes Amon may have once tried to infiltrate their ranks—centuries ago. He was repelled, but barely. Since then, he's resurfaced sporadically, often through proxies."
"Like Riser," Rias said, eyes narrowed.
"Exactly. And every time, the host is left mentally broken or erased entirely. Riser was lucky. His regenerative power kept him from dying outright."
Irina looked around at the group. "You're all strong. But Amon is not like any opponent you've faced. He doesn't just destroy bodies—he erodes meaning. He makes you doubt everything."
Issei clenched his fists. "Then we'll remind each other of who we are. That's how we beat him."
Rias smiled proudly. "Well said."
Azazel clapped his hands. "Alright. Let's split into recon teams. I'll lead one. Rias, you take the second. Xenovia and Irina will work with both. We'll flush out any lingering traces of his influence."
Outside, the wind began to pick up. Far above, hidden among the stars, something watched. And waited.
Amon grinned.
Soon.