Kouh Alley – After the Battle
The air still smelled of smoke and blood. Issei's shoulder ached, but he refused to let go of Asia's trembling hand. Rias's crimson eyes narrowed, her power of destruction simmering just beneath the surface.
"You brought her here," Rias said coldly, her tone sharp enough to cut steel. "Do you realize what kind of danger that puts us in? She's a nun. A human tied to the Church. And worse—she's been seen with you, my servant."
Asia flinched but didn't back away. Her small voice wavered, yet held courage. "I didn't ask him to help me. I just… needed someone to understand."
"Rias, enough," Issei snapped, stepping forward, flames flickering faintly around him again. "She's not the enemy. She's nothing like that priest. You saw what he did—you saw what she did."
He gestured to Asia's hands, still glowing faintly with healing light. "She saved a kid without hesitation. She healed me. If the Church threw her away for that… then to hell with them."
Rias realized she was pushing Issei too far. She glanced at Asia, then back at him. *(I might ruin any progress I made with Issei because of my stubbornness.)*
"And what happens when the Fallen Angels come for her?" Rias asked, resigned. "Do you plan to protect her forever?"
Issei's eyes burned hotter than his flames. "Then I'll protect her. I won't let anyone touch her."
The alleyway went tense. Akeno's amused smirk hid her curiosity, while she held Koneko's unconscious form carefully.
Finally, Rias sighed, her tone calm but not yielding. "You're reckless, Issei. But… very well. For now, she is your responsibility."
Issei clenched his fists but said nothing. He knew this wasn't over until all the Fallen Angels in this town were gone.
Asia's hand tightened around his, silently thanking him. After finishing healing Issei, she hurried to Koneko, worry burning in her eyes. Akeno tensed at first but relaxed when Asia began to heal Koneko instead of harming her.
Abandoned Church – Fallen Angels' Hideout
The ruined chapel stank of blood and smoke, its cracked walls lit by candles that flickered unnaturally. Freed barged in, laughing like a madman, his clothes stained crimson.
"Yo, I'm back! And let me tell ya, that Red Dragon brat? Hoo boy, he's a wild one! Stronger than I thought. Flames, boosts, the whole shebang!"
A tall woman with long black hair, revealing priestess garb, and eyes like daggers glared at him. Raynare sneered.
"You failed," she said flatly. "You were supposed to eliminate the devil, not run from him."
Freed shrugged, twirling his bloody sword. "Relax, babe. I got good intel. That boy's got a Sacred Gear, and not just any—he's got the Boosted Gear. The Red Dragon Emperor's power. You realize what that means, right? The boy you failed to kill is the biggest threat to your plans."
From the shadows, another Fallen leaned forward, his wings rustling. "If that's true, then he might actually be a greater threat than Rias Gremory herself."
Raynare smirked, lips curling with cruel amusement. "A threat… or an opportunity. If we capture the nun and use her as bait, the fool will come running. I bet Dohnaseek would love to get a little revenge on the boy."
Freed licked his blade, eyes gleaming. "Oh, I like the way you think. I'll carve him up real slow while you lot take the girl. Sound like a plan?"
The Fallen's laughter echoed in the ruined chapel, wings unfurling like predators ready to strike.
Back in Kouh – Occult Research Club
Issei sat in silence, Asia resting beside him on the couch. He could still hear Freed's mocking laughter, still see the horror in the house, still feel the rage that nearly consumed him.
Rias was at her desk, watching him carefully. She had said nothing more, but the weight of her earlier words hung in the air like a guillotine.
*(I don't care if I have to fight Rias, the Fallen, or the whole damn Church. No one's taking Asia away.)*
As his hand tightened around Asia's, the Boosted Gear pulsed once, as if in agreement.
Rias finally spoke. "Tomorrow, as promised, we'll go get rid of the Fallen Angels once and for all."
At her words, Issei grew a battle-hungry smile.
"Can I come too, please?" Asia asked, her head resting on Issei's lap.
"You could get hurt. Are you sure?" Issei asked, trying to reassure her.
"Yes," Asia answered with quiet determination.
"Her healing abilities could be useful in the battle to come," Rias admitted thoughtfully.
"I'm going home for the night. See you guys tomorrow." Issei rose tiredly.
He and Asia made their way to the Hyoudou Residence, making pleasant conversation along the way. Somewhere on the walk, their hands intertwined, causing both to blush profusely—but neither let go.
Hyoudou Residence
Issei opened the door only to be pulled into a tight hug by Miki Hyoudou. "Where have you been? I've been worried sick!"
Gorou Hyoudou leaned against the hallway wall, smiling at his wife's actions. He was the first to notice the girl whose hand still hadn't left his son's, despite Miki's suffocating hug.
"Honey, maybe we should let him explain," Gorou said gently.
At his words, Miki finally let go of Issei and noticed the girl practically glued to her son.
"Can we go take a seat? I'll explain."
They all moved to the couch. Asia and Issei's hands never separated.
"Mom, Dad, this is Asia Argento."
"H-Hi, it's nice to meet you," Asia said nervously.
"She's a nun and has nowhere to stay. Can she stay in the guest room for a while?" Issei asked.
Asia looked down shyly, but a firm squeeze from Issei's hand made her look up.
"Why should we let her stay?" Miki pressed, taking the lead.
"I can help with chores, and I promise not to be a bother," Asia said with as much resolve as she could muster.
"That's not enough, you need—" Miki began, but was interrupted by Gorou. "Honey, leave them alone. You know you like the girl." He smirked teasingly.
"Thank you, Mom, Dad. I'll take her to the guest room," Issei said, standing and pulling Asia along.
Asia bowed gratefully. "Thank you, too."
As they disappeared upstairs, Miki smiled softly. "Our little boy's growing up."
"Yes, he is," Gorou agreed.
Issei led Asia to the guest room door.
"Well… good night," they both said at the same time, laughing awkwardly. Silence followed, heavy and nervous.
Then, Asia suddenly hugged Issei tightly. "Thank you, Issei… for everything."
Quickly, she let go and darted into the room, the embarrassment of the night catching up to her.
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