Yuuji exchanged contact information with Tobio and Reni. Knowing Azazel, he'd probably send the meeting details at the last minute, so it would be more reliable to have Reni or Tobio—both far more responsible—handle the actual arrangements.
After the goodbyes were said, Yuuji returned home. When he stepped into the courtyard, a familiar sight greeted him.
Erika stood there, one hand resting on her hip and the other casually balancing a shinai over her shoulder.
She wore a light orange tank top that showed off her toned midriff and a pair of pale pink hot pants. The evening sun traced her silhouette in warm gold.
A short distance away, Xenovia was swinging a shinai with fierce focus.
She was dressed in a white kendogi and black hakama, her breath steady but heavy. Sweat clung to her skin, glimmering faintly under the light.
Her kendogi had loosened from movement, revealing a glimpse of her white enormous breasts, glistening with sweat. And though the outfit was meant to be practical, the way the hakama tied around her waist only emphasized her bountiful chest, slim waist, and wide hips.
Yuuji paused for a moment, watching her. She looked radiant. Not because of allure alone, but because of her determination—her unyielding will burning brighter than the sunset around her.
Erika turned and noticed him. A smile softened her expression.
"Ah, welcome back."
Yuuji smiled in return and stepped toward her. Their lips met briefly—a familiar, tender welcome—before his gaze returned to the blue-haired knight still training diligently.
"She seems rather fired up," he remarked.
Erika smirked. "Of course. She's got a goal now."
Yuuji raised a brow, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "A goal?"
Erika nodded, her grin widening. "It's you, silly. After what Albedo said, she's been working herself to the bone. All because she wants to 'accept' you."
"..."
A faint blush crept up Yuuji's cheeks as his heart gave a quiet flutter.
His gaze returned to Xenovia—her form steady, her strikes unwavering, her eyes filled with purpose.
He felt warmth bloom in his chest. To think she was pushing herself this hard… just for him.
"I… see."
A gentle smile curved his lips. His eyes softened as he watched her continue, unrelenting in her resolve.
Erika noticed his expression, and though she sighed softly, there was a fond smile tugging at her lips.
She knew this look all too well. It was only a matter of time before Yuuji's heart opened to Xenovia as well—after all, who could possibly resist a girl who worked that hard for love?
"Xenovia! That's enough for now—you can rest!"
Swish!
Her shinai cut through the air one last time before she held her final stance, steady and strong. Her chest rose and fell with deep breaths, yet her posture remained composed—disciplined to the very end.
After a few seconds, she exhaled softly and lowered her weapon.
"Yes. Thank you for today, Erika-san—Ah, Yuuji-san…!"
Her voice faltered the moment her eyes found him. Surprise flickered across her flushed face, her sapphire-blue hair clinging faintly to her cheeks from sweat.
She approached, each step unhurried yet unsteady in its own way. The faint sheen of sweat on her skin caught the light, accentuating her graceful form beneath her loosened kendogi. And the drops of sweat on her exposed breasts, proof of her hard work, glimmered as if to attract his gaze to it.
The sight of her so earnest, so alive, carried a quiet allure that reached Yuuji's heart before he realized it.
"Welcome back," she greeted softly.
Her lips curved into a small, gentle smile—modest yet radiant. But it was her eyes, those golden irises glowing with warmth and admiration, that truly shone.
"Mm. I'm home," Yuuji replied, his voice gentle, his expression softening unconsciously as his gaze lingered on her.
For a moment, neither spoke. Xenovia stood before him, still catching her breath, her eyes locked onto his as if afraid to look away.
His presence—so warm, gentle, and soothing—made her heartbeat quicken. She tried to steady it, but when he spoke again, that low, velvety tone sent another wave of heat through her.
"What's wrong?"
"Ah—Ahem…" She quickly gathered herself, her cheeks reddening further. "There's something I have to tell you…"
"Hm?" Yuuji tilted his head slightly, waiting.
Xenovia inhaled deeply to calm her nerves, then met his gaze with earnest resolve.
"Irina approached me earlier—before I returned from the academy. She had a message for you from Michael-sama."
"Michael…?"
His brows furrowed slightly. The de facto leader of Heaven rarely reached out without reason. Could it be related to the upcoming second Tri-Summit meeting?
Xenovia nodded.
"He wishes to meet you tomorrow afternoon. If that's alright, I'll message Irina to confirm."
Yuuji took a moment to think, then nodded.
"Alright. Let me know where he'll be waiting. I'll open a [Gate] for him when he's ready."
"Understood." Xenovia bowed slightly, her expression brightening. "I'll inform Irina of the arrangement."
As she turned to put her shinai away, Yuuji's gaze lingered a little longer—drawn not only by her beauty but by the earnest strength that radiated from her.
--------------------------------X--------------------------------
The next day, after school.
After informing Rias and Akeno of his plans for the day, Yuuji returned home with Aika, Erika, C.C., and the others.
The golden glow of the late afternoon sun spilled across the courtyard of Yuuji's residence, painting the pond in shades of amber and gold.
Aika, Xenovia, Erika, and the rest stood by his side as the promised time drew near. The air carried a quiet sense of anticipation.
"It's time," Lelouch murmured, glancing toward the horizon.
With his [Keen Mind], Lelouch could tell the time with uncanny precision—down to the second—without the aid of any clock or phone.
Yuuji nodded lightly. He lifted a hand, his fingers tracing faint ripples in the air. A vortex of swirling darkness materialized before him, its center glowing faintly like the eye of a storm.
From within the vortex, two figures emerged.
The first was a man whose very presence commanded reverence. His golden hair shimmered like spun sunlight, his blue eyes calm yet boundless, holding the depth of the skies themselves.
His white and gold robes radiated divine grace, and the gentle aura surrounding him brought warmth to every heart present. Even standing in silence, his existence exuded serenity and authority—an unmistakable mark of the divine.
The Archangel Michael had arrived.
The holy light emanating from him brushed softly against everyone's senses—warm, pure, and comforting, yet carrying an immense, inescapable power.
Beside him stood Irina Shidou, cheerful and radiant as always. She wore her battle attire: a sleek, black short-sleeved leotard with matching pauldrons, fingerless gloves extending to her biceps, and thigh-high boots strapped securely in place.
Draped over her shoulders was a white cloak with gold and blue accents, its hood lowered to reveal her smiling face and bright, expressive eyes.
"Welcome," Yuuji greeted, stepping forward with his usual composed smile.
Michael returned it with one of tranquil warmth, his voice carrying the grace and calm befitting Heaven's highest Seraph.
"Thank you for having us, Tsubakihara Yuuji."
Yuuji gestured politely for them to follow, leading the two into the main living room of his residence—a vast tatami-lined chamber with shoji doors overlooking the garden.
At its center lay a long, low wooden table surrounded by soft zabuton cushions, perfectly blending Japanese elegance with serene simplicity.
Once everyone was seated, Michael folded his hands lightly in his lap, his golden eyes gentle.
"Thank you for accepting my request on such short notice."
Yuuji smiled.
"With the second Summit approaching, I assumed you had important matters to discuss."
Michael nodded.
"Indeed. I have come today with an invitation." His words carried a quiet radiance, as though even his voice was touched by light.
"I would like to invite you—to all of you—to visit Heaven."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat. Even the wind outside seemed to still.
"Heaven?" Aika blinked, leaning forward in surprise.
Michael inclined his head slightly. "My brothers and sister—Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael—have heard of your remarkable achievements, and of the holy power you and Lady C.C. wield, Tsubakihara-san. They wish to meet you personally and express their gratitude for the peace and cooperation you have helped foster among the factions."
Aika's eyes lit up with delight, her lips curving into a grin. "Heaven, huh? Count me in!" she declared without hesitation, her enthusiasm lighting up the room. "I've always wanted to see what the real Heaven looks like! Is it all clouds and glowing gates, or maybe floating cathedrals made of gold—?"
Her words trailed off as a small, almost mischievous smile crossed her lips.
'And maybe… I'll finally get to see Gabriel. Fufu~ To think I'll meet that gorgeous angel in person. Maybe Yuuji and I could even—'
Her cheeks warmed slightly as she bit back a laugh, her thoughts wandering toward less saintly places.
Meanwhile, C.C. regarded Michael with her usual calm detachment, her golden eyes narrowing slightly in curiosity.
"Heaven, huh…" she murmured, as if tasting the word itself.
Michael smiled faintly.
"It would be our honor to host you. Heaven welcomes those who walk the path of light… even if their origins differ."
His gaze lingered briefly on Yuuji and C.C.—a silent acknowledgement. The light within him pulsed softly, resonating faintly with the divine essence sleeping within the two of them.
Albedo, sitting with graceful poise beside Semiramis, rested her hands upon her lap.
"Heaven…" she said softly, her amber eyes glinting. "How intriguing."
Though her tone was calm, her mind was alive with comparisons.
She recalled the legendary guild Seraphim from Yggdrasil—an all-angel guild known for its immense power and elitist membership. Their guild base was said to rival Nazarick in majesty.
She doubted, however, that the Heaven of this world could compare to her beloved's grandeur.
'If their ruler is anything like this man before me', she mused, 'then perhaps Heaven is little more than a pale echo of true perfection.'
Semiramis chuckled softly beside her, sipping delicately from a porcelain cup.
"I wonder if even Heaven could match the beauty of my gardens," she teased, her tone velvety smooth.
The air lightened with gentle amusement, though curiosity still shimmered in everyone's eyes.
Lelouch sat with his usual composure, fingers steepled beneath his chin, deep in thought. Tatsuya's calm gaze betrayed quiet intrigue. But it was Satoru who looked the most openly eager, his grin wide and childlike.
"Heaven, huh?" he said, his eyes shining with curiosity and eagerness for a new frontier.
Yuuji's lips curved into a small smile at their varied reactions before turning to Michael once more.
"It's an honor, truly. I'll speak with everyone, but I believe we'd be happy to accept your invitation."
Michael inclined his head in gratitude, a serene light emanating from him.
"Then it is settled. Tomorrow morning, I shall open Heaven's gates for you. Please prepare as you wish. Heaven will be awaiting your arrival."
A soft warmth filled the room as he spoke
As Michael and Irina rose to take their leave, the golden light surrounding them flared softly once more, painting the room in gentle radiance before fading into the stillness of dusk.
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AN: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter~! Please comment your thoughts~! I would love to hear what you think about it~!!!!
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