(Capital City of Lilith, Underworld)
In the meeting room of the Alliance HQ, Saitama was sitting on a chair at one end of large table with several leaders from the Alliance staring at him. Following the event of Old Satan Faction's attack during the Rating Game of Rias Gremory vs Diodora Astaroth, Saitama had to explain himself after the founder of the Khaos Brigade, Ophis, had asked Saitama again to join her group of terrorist. Currently, Saitama was facing the Four Great Satans, Azazel, Michael, as well as Odin since his assistant, Rossweisse, had witnessed the last conversation between Saitama and the Ouroboros.
Saitama remained indifferent as he had finished explaining his past encounters with the Infinite Dragon God, while all the leaders were sporting various expressions. Sirzechs Lucifer, Ajuka Beelzebub, Azazel, Michael, and Odin's expressions were rather calm, Serafall Leviathan was regarding Saitama with slightly narrowed eyes, while Falbium Asmodeus was seemed to be dozing off, with one eyed opened ever so slightly to keep his attention on the only human in the room.
"It is quite fortunate that we are the only ones who knew about your past interactions with Ophis, Saitama-kun." Michael sighed, as the archangel was the first one to speak after Saitama had ended his story.
Saitama blinked, not really yet aware about the situation he had gotten himself in. "It is?"
"Yes, it is." Serafall replied. "In the first place, some prominent people in the alliance, as well as our potential allies, such as leaders from Mount Olympus, Mount Sumeru, and Takamagahara have been rather sceptical about having you, a super-human without a clear background to join this alliance. If the word that you were once scouted into the rank of terrorist, many people would suspect and even see you as a potential threat. And if what you have told us earlier had been the truth, it would even tip everyone off as the possibility of you defecting will go even higher. You're lucky that Lord Odin here is willing to keep your 'affair' with that Dragon God secret." The Leviathan said with her uncharacteristically serious attitude.
"But you guys know that I won't join them, and I honestly never intended to do that even if I had settled my business with that Great Red…" Saitama replied towards the leaders. "…Don't you?"
Azazel sighed as he was going to explain his piece. "If we're talking about those in this room, then yes, maybe you're right. But that's because we've been friends and have known each other for as long as we could remember. But those from other pantheons might have different answers, since they still haven't known you yet. Not to mention, I heard that you have ended up causing some troubles in their turf during your past travels. If they ever found out that the one who once gave them hard times was you, building alliance with them would be even harder with you in the equation."
Saitama stared at the table, taking in the leaders' explanations. "But still though…" Then he raised his head up again for another question. "Let's say, if… I were to accept Ophis' invitation and go to defeat this Great Red, isn't that enough to make her consider disbanding this terrorist group?"
"It's not that simple, Saitama…" this time, Odin the chief-god of Norse was the one to join the discussion. "Putting aside the idea about fighting against the True Dragon, we cannot just remove him from the Dimensional Gap. There's a reason why the Great Red appeared and has been occupying that void world ever since."
Saitama only furrowed his eyebrows, and as if knowing that the human wanted to ask the reason, Azazel quipped in, taking the initiative to explain again. "This is kind of related with the fact that Great Red chose to save your life and sent you to this dimension. Apparently, there is a chance for inter-dimensional travelling for other beings that originated from somewhere even further beyond dimension. For example, like unknown alien race that wanted to invade other dimension like ours, igniting an inter-dimensional war in the worst-case scenario. However, these invaders won't be able to cross over dimensions that easily because the Great Red is there to guard the Dimensional Gap, which he deems as his home. In a way, it can be said that Great Red has been keeping the balance between dimensions."
"I don't really get it, but at least I got the big picture. Basically, that great dragon's existence is necessary, right?" Saitama asked, resulting nods from the leaders.
"Now that everything had been made clear for us and Saitama-kun, let's move on to the next topic." Sirzechs declared. "There's another intel that said about a group of humans possessing Sacred Gears, as well as being the descendant of legendary heroes to partake in act of terrorism. It's highly possible for them to be affiliated with Khaos Brigade as well."
Saitama only let out a soft sigh as he had already gotten an idea about the group Sirzechs mentioned.
Issei opened his eyes and the familiar ceiling of his own bedroom was the first thing he looked upon. The boy grunted as he attempted to seat himself, but upon waking up, jolts of pain suddenly ran through his entire body, causing him to wince and hiss while clutching his chest.
After some wheezing and couple of deep breaths, the boy finally felt that the pain had subsided into bearable level. Taking another deep breath, the boy did a quick meditation to tap into his soul.
"Ddraig? Are you there?"
[Finally awake, I see.]
The Welsh Dragon sounded relieved, but there was a hint of exasperation in his tone.
[How do you feel?]
"…Like a shit. What happened? And how long have I been asleep?" Issei asked as he caressed his still-somewhat throbbing head.
[…About a week.]
"…W-wha…? A week?!"
[Yeah, you heard me. And before I explain to you the details… First, what was the last thing you remembered?]
When Issei was recalling the past events, he suddenly froze when the image of Asia came to his mind.
Yes, the last thing he remembered was the time where he failed to save Asia as Shalba killed her by 'dumping' her body to be destroyed into the Dimensional Gap. The rest of his memories were fuzzy, with some blurry images of noises about Asia was still alive and all, but he clearly recalled that the former nun did vanish in front of him.
"Asia…" His expression fell as Issei buried his face into his hands. Tears began to gather in his eyelids as he mourned his loss over the girl again.
However Ddraig interrupted his mourning.
[Ah… About that girl, actually…]
"…Ise-san?"
As if on cue, Issei turned his head towards the door, where he saw Asia was standing, looking at him with concerned eyes. She then approached the boy while carrying a basin of water and a towel.
"A…sia…?" Issei choked out as he could not believe his own eyes.
"Thank goodness that you're finally awake. Everyone's been worrying over your health-!"
Before Asia could have finished her sentence, she yelped as Issei suddenly pulled her into a hug, startling the girl as she dropped the basin of water to the floor in the process.
"I-I-Ise-san?!" Asia stuttered at the proximity as Issei was burying his face into her shoulder, with his arms tightening around her smaller frame. However, before Asia could have made out what was going on, she noticed that Issei's body was trembling, followed by occasional sobbing noises, as well as something wet and damp on the fabric covering her shoulder.
"Asia…. Asia….!" Issei said between sobs. The aforementioned girl hesitated for a second, but she then proceeded to return the boy's embrace. She smiled softly as she ran her hand over the boy's back in comforting way.
As Issei embraced Asia, the boy let out all of his relief in his tears. He made sure that the body of the girl in his arms was real, and he tightened his embrace ever so slightly, as if the girl would have disappeared again if he were to ever let her go; and it felt so right for him.
Asia then caught the boy mumbled something, but she could not really make it out. "Ise-san…?"
"Please…"
Asia blinked at that word that came out with Issei's voice, then, as the boy broke away so the two could look at each other faces, Asia felt her heart to ache when she saw the boy's face was marred with tears, his expression was pleading.
"Please… don't ever disappear on me again…"
After the girl had heard the boy's plea, it was Asia's turn to shed tears of her own. She gave Issei a loving smile, then she put her forehead against his, which Issei returned in kind. The two then took in the warmth they felt from each other through the contact with their eyes closed.
"Yes… I won't leave, ever again. Because I love Ise-san." Asia then broke away and she looked through Issei's eyes after she had finally conveyed her feelings.
"…I love you." Then, with a look of longing, she asked, "…Can I stay by your side forever?"
In that moment, Issei pondered and processed Asia's words towards him. Since when he had felt so strongly towards the girl? Was it when he encountered her for the first time? Was it when he sealed his friendship with her? Or was it when he decided to take her under his care after he learned about her past? He would probably never know. However, one thing was certain for him: Asia had been a part of his life. And now, somehow, which he was deeply grateful for, Asia was alive, here in his arms, and he would never let her go, nor let her to experience anything sad again.
Then, after a minute, Issei smiled. His tears flowed again as he gave a shaky, yet resolute nod.
The two smiled to each other, looking through each other's eyes. Then, it was Asia who was inching her face closer to Issei first. The latter also leaned in closer. The two paused as they hesitated, but few seconds later, Asia was the one to close the distance as she pressed her lips against Issei's.
The boy closed his eyes and leaned in, deepening the kiss, as his and Asia's lips were meshing and overlapping each other. Time seemed to stop around them as the two took in and learned everything they could get through the lip-contact: the sweet sensation that the boy tasted from the girl's lips, the warmth that the girl felt on her skin when the boy's fingers lightly gliding down her cheek; as the two kept exchanging their feelings in many forms through the kiss.
The two finally broke away, their faces flustered. The two stared at each other with clouded eyes. Issei's fingers that was still resting on Asia's cheek, slipped and made its way until it was rested just below her ear, his thumb brushing across the flushed skin on her cheek, before the boy leaned his forehead on the girl's own, the tip of their noses touching each other ever so slightly. "Yes… Let's be together from now on." The boy said, receiving a content hum from the girl.
Issei did not know what took over him to say something that could be interpreted as his own confession, but it did not matter. Asia was safe, he could hold on his promise again, and his feelings towards the girl are genuine.
[Um… Partner?]
Ddraig, who had been watching the whole thing with great amusement, finally decided to speak up out loud.
[As much as I hate to interrupt… Perhaps you want to greet the others by the door.]
The boy and the girl snapped their heads towards the said direction, and they saw Saitama and his wife, Rias and the rest from her peerage, plus Irina, had been watching them with amused expression on their faces. Some of them were even shedding tears of joy, especially the Hyoudou matriarch.
Both Issei and Asia's faces were literally sweating bullets and flushing crazy like Rias' crimson-red hair, as steam could be seen rising up from their heads. Asia could not mutter any coherent words, her legs gave in as she stumbled and had to lean on Issei for support, making their situation even more embarrassing to look at. The boy himself was doing barely any better.
"W-w-w-w-wha-wha-wha-wha…!" Issei tried to ask some obvious question, but failed miserably due to embarrassment.
As if had read his son's mind, Saitama replied. "Well, we just wanted to check-up on you. Though, it seems that you're doing just fine… Good job, Ise." the man flashed his thumb.
"S-s-s-s-s-s-since w-w-w-when-!?"
This time, it was Haruka to predict and answer her son's next question. "Hmm…. Since the part, 'please don't ever disappear on me again'." The woman then sniffed. "….Mommy is so proud of both of you!" then Haruka proceeded to put her arm around her husband's waist, which Saitama returned by putting his arm on her shoulder. "You see, dear? We're going to have a grandchild!"
At his wife's ecstatic cheer, Saitama only let out a soft breath and gave his wife's shoulder a squeeze.
"I guess we have to give this one to Asia…" Rias sighed in resignation, albeit good-naturedly.
"My, my, ufufufu…" Akeno giggled in complete amusement. "Asia-chan really has grown up into a fine woman… Well played, Asia-chan. Well played…"
Xenovia was nodding her head in approval. "Fufu, I guess Asia does deserve to be the first one."
"I wish both of you can have everlasting happiness, amen!" Irina prayed with her own tears of joy.
Yuuto only stifled a giggle of his own, but he gave Issei an expression that said, 'congratulations' with his own thumbs-up.
Koneko's face was stoic as ever, but she also gave her thumbs-up with her head nodding in approval.
"Cong…! Gongradulationz…!" Gasper was crying while saying congratulations in slur words due to sobbing.
Issei and Asia were now looking away left and right in order to hide their fuming faces out of embarrassment. However, when their eyes met again, they could not help but to smile pleasantly at each other, their hands never left each other as their fingers intertwined.
"So that's what happened…" Issei said as he was now sitting in the living room with everyone minus Haruka, the Hyoudou matriarch would always moved to make herself busy in the kitchen in order to give everyone and her husband some privacy to freely talk about things that were 'too dangerous for her to learn'. Sirzechs and Azazel were present as well in holographic transmission via magic.
Apparently, Issei had been unconscious for exactly one week, thus he completely missed the school festival (although he heard that Asia and Xenovia managed to win the three-legged race). But what bemused him was what Ddraig had said during Issei's fit of rage, which led to his transformation, as well as his fight with his father; about how it put a heavy strain on his body despite the immense power that came along with it, and more importantly, the fact that there was something powerful hidden within the boy, powerful enough to stand against Saitama himself.
When he was filled in about Ophis, funny enough for Sirzechs and Azazel, Issei had also asked a question similar with his father's regarding Ophis's goal to kill the Great Red and return to the Dimensional Gap, which had been answered in similar manner as well.
"…And you are now forbidden to use that move ever again, Ise." Azazel said his piece after those explanations. "Thanks to the curse of Juggernaut Drive, your life had been considerably diminished. Currently your lifespan is no different than average human…. If not shorter." Azazel said the last part with bitter tone.
Everyone stared sadly at Issei, who was looking down, staring at his hands. He then closed his eyes, contemplating about his choice afterwards. He had no intentions to go into that form ever again. He had no intentions to die, he had no intentions to let anyone around him got hurt, he could not die, not when he had met so many people he could cherish. It was a good thing that his mother was not nearby, otherwise she would be having a breakdown. As the boy clenched his hands into fists, he made his decision.
Everyone then showed relief when Issei looked up again, nodding with unflinching resolve in his eyes.
"Now that most of the descendants of the original devil kings are dead, The Old Satan Faction of Khaos Brigade has collapsed. Vali also refused to take the mantle of leader despite his status as the descendant of the original Lucifer. The remaining members of the faction are either surrendering, or hiding in darkness." Sirzechs carried on, then his expression went grim. "….But the House of Astaroth has suffered some considerable damage…"
Because of Diodora's betrayal, the Astaroth household had lost all their trust. Now that the next heir had been caught cooperating with the terrorist, the current head of house of Astaroth was dismissed, and the family would not be allowed to have their member to be anointed as devil king for a while. Ajuka Beelzebub, who was previously from the house of Astaroth, had been asked to take responsibility for the incident. The reasons why the Lord of Flies had been off the hook were because the other three Satans had defended him, and the fact that he was also under-attacked by the supporters from Old Satan Faction.
"…Right now, losing Ajuka Beelzebub who is the current Beelzebub will be fatal for the devils. He is a man talented in technological programmes. He is also the one who created the basic theory of the Rating Games. Most of all, you can't find someone of his calibre." Sirzechs finished his explanation.
Issei took in the information, and he reviewed about Ophis before he glanced at his father, who apparently had been scouted to join terrorist ranks. Scoffing at such incredulity, the boy then decided to figure something out regarding his condition after using the Juggernaut Drive, as well as the mysterious power hiding inside him, if what Ddraig had said was true.
Sirzechs then voiced another of his concerns. "We need to reconsider about the Rating Games for young devils in the future as well. It will be too dangerous if they are all being interfered with by the terrorists."
"So you're gonna call it off?" Saitama asked.
"We probably have to restart it. But there is a match which we want to see no matter what. The people who live in the Underworld and those from other factions are saying strongly that they want to see this certain match definitely."
"A match between who and who?" Issei asked this time out of curiosity.
This time, it was Azazel who replied. "… The match between Rias Gremory and Sairorg Bael."
Everyone tensed up at when Azazel said the name of the future enemy in Rating Game. Issei also recalled what Sairaorg had said to him, about his wish to fight him.
Sirzechs quipped in. "There's also the match between Sitri and Archduke Agares, which is desired strongly as well. If we were to have the match played then it will be the matches of Power vs Power and Tactics vs Tactics."
While everybody was contemplating about the said future Rating Game matches, Sirzechs then turned towards Issei. "I'm really looking forward to see you performing again, Ise-kun."
Everyone looked up, especially Issei who blinked at Sirzech's notion. "Eh?"
"The Rating Game has been lacking children audience because the matches between adult devils tend to be not appropriate enough to be watched by young audiences. So far, the only matches that have high number of children audience are those with reincarnated devils like Tannin, dragons, Monsters, Youkai and the match with those without human form. For the children, it would be like monster films with lots of impact."
Everyone nodded the logic behind Sirzechs' explanation. Issei, being able to don himself in a dragon armour, could be seen as some sort of superhero shows.
"In the future I don't mind if it is just during the game. If possible, I would like children who will carry the future of the next generation to see your fights." Sirzechs ended with a smile.
"So basically…" Saitama butt in. "You want Ise to be the hero of the brats in the Underworld?"
Ignoring the crude term Saitama used to address the devil children, Sirzechs nodded. "Yes, but it's just my hope. But it's Ise-kun who will decide what he wants."
Everybody turned towards Issei again, expecting something from the boy. Sooner than everyone had anticipated, Issei smiled confidently at the holographic Crimson Satan.
"Sure, why not?" Issei's reply made everyone blinked. "I have become a devil, part of the underworld's society, might as well gonna make myself known. Besides…" Issei then glanced at his father. "I always want to become a hero."
Saitama then recalled the past days, way back to the summer vacation when he was tasked to train his son. He remembered that one time clearly, when he and Issei were having their usual 'banter' after hard days of training. He remembered the resolute expression of his son as the boy stood right in front of him, his fist outstretched as he stated his target. Saitama saw his son's eyes were containing fire, and those orbs were not reflecting the bon fire that was placed between them.
"I will become a hero that surpasses you!"
Saitama's lips twitched into a faint smile, while everyone was smiling pleasantly at the boy.
"Well, then. I guess that will be all for now." Sirzechs wrapped up the conversation, with Azazel also waved his hand at everyone else.
"I'll see you guys later. We have to return to our other work right now." Azazel's image then vanished.
"Have a good day, everyone." Sirzechs said his goodbyes and his holographic image vanished as well.
As if on cue, Haruka also stepped into the room, making her presence known. "Alright, everyone! The food is ready!"
Later that night, Issei was walking across the hall of his house while everyone else had fallen asleep. Perhaps his body did not want to be put to sleep again after being unconscious for a whole week, not to mention, his body was still aching all over, the pain was nothing he could not handle, but still enough to keep him away from getting a good night sleep.
He trudged on the stairs, working his way up towards the open-air garden on the roof, thinking that a bit of fresh air might be able to make him feeling better.
The boy finally arrived at the open space on the rooftop. He looked up, viewing the stars and the moon at the night sky. The boy also took a look at his surroundings, feeling at ease for some reason when he saw at how well the plants had been taken care of and growing nicely. When he was still taking in the greenery around him, his eyes landed on a back of familiar bald figure sitting on a bench at the edge of the garden, staring at the distance.
Issei blinked at the sight of his father just sitting there with two cans of drink placed beside him, with one of them had already been opened. The boy let out a small breath and made his way until he reached his father's location.
Saitama took notice of his son's presence and glanced at him. "Can't sleep?"
Issei shrugged and let out a slight grunt. "…Yeah, my body is still kind of aching." The boy replied as he tilted his neck left and right, eliciting some sound of popping bones.
Saitama regarded his son briefly, then he tapped the empty spot beside him without saying anything. Issei who quickly caught on the gesture then accepted the offer to sit beside his father.
"…Here, have some." Saitama then offered his son the spare drink he brought along. It was supposed to be for him as well, so Saitama was glad that he actually brought a canned green tea instead of alcohol. He'd already had enough of his son's drunken stupor.
Issei took the drink, popped it open and took a sip. The two then fell into a silence, and after few moments, the younger man spoke up. "…Thanks."
"Don't sweat it, I just happened to bring one more along when I came here." Saitama waved off as he took a sip of his own drink.
"No, no, no. I mean back then, when I went berserk." Issei rebuked Saitama's reply.
Saitama blinked until what his son was implying came to his mind. "…Oh." At the moment, neither of the two turned towards each other. "…Yeah, still. No need sweat it."
Issei only let out a small snort and smiled, before the two fell into another silence.
"Well, it was still kind of surprising to me…" Saitama started off this time. "For you to actually make a move on Asia-chan." The reaction was instantenous.
Issei's face was flustered immediately and he shot his father an embarrassed glare. Saitama who caught his son glaring at him, quickly carried on before the boy could have retorted. "No, seriously. I'm surprised that it took this long for you two to step-up your relationship, but it also kind of surprised me for you two to… y'know, going that far already."
Issei only looked away with a huff. "It just…. It just happened, okay?"
"Do you regret it?"
Issei turned again to see his father was sporting a rather serious expression. They stared off at each other for few seconds before Issei replied with utmost certainty. "No, and never will."
"Are you sure?" Saitama pressed on. Despite not being related by blood, the man could not help but to care too much for the former nun. He would not have the girl to date someone, his son or not, only to be heart-broken later on.
"I…. honestly don't know since when I got these feelings about Asia." Issei mused, his mind trailing back towards his meeting and interactions with the girl in question. "She's just… I don't know." Issei let out an exasperated sigh. "I used to see her as my little sister. But after going through many things, I suddenly found myself cannot live without her. Weird, right?"
Saitama stared at his son again before he replied, "No, I don't think it's weird at all." His reply resulted an odd look from his son.
"The same kind of happened to me when I met your mother." Saitama said again. "At first I jus saw her as a sweet, kind female Samaritan who was willing to give me shelter and food when I had nobody else to turn to." Then he smiled fondly at the memory. "And before I realized it, I've already fallen for her."
Issei then scoffed. "Heh, then you'd also knocked her up before you realized it…"
"I married her." Saitama retorted. "…Pretty big difference."
The two smiled as they fell into now slightly more comfortable silence.
"Well, anyway… Make sure to take good care of Asia-chan, or else…" Saitama then turned to look at his son again. "I'm gonna gang up with everyone else to grind you to the ground."
"You don't need to tell me that." Issei quickly replied. "…I've promised myself that I won't let her going through anything sad again."
"Good, good…" Saitama nodded in approval. "….Say, Ise…" Saitama then asked again. "What do you think if, you can date more girls than just Asia-chan?"
"…What?" Issei blinked and turned to his father with furrowed eyebrows.
"Y'know, a harem. With Asia and several more girls of your own choosing."
Saitama came up with the question when he recalled his one conversation with Rias regarding Issei having a harem.
"That's…" Issei scoffed. "….That's crazy."
"Why?"
"What do you mean 'why'?" Issei replied incredulously at his father's question. "Asia won't let me to date another girl!"
"Well, then let's say if she allows you to?" Saitama asked again.
Issei started to get impatient. "Wha-!? That's just…!" The boy then scoffed again. "Why are you asking me this, anyway?"
"Err…. No real reason." Saitama replied awkwardly. "Okay, let's say that you ended up falling for another woman while you're still dating Asia-chan, what will you do?"
"Falling for who… For example?" Issei returned asking.
"Let's say…. Rias-chan, Akeno, or some girls from your club."
Issei found himself not able to come up with a definite answer. After few seconds of contemplation, he finally looked straight at his father. "They are… wonderful girls… You know what? I'll just cross that bridge if that ever happened."
Saitama stared at his son after hearing the answer for few seconds before shrugging. "…Fair enough. Alright, this talk is actually getting out of hand. What do you say we toast for you and Asia? Cheers?" The man took up his canned drink, inviting his son for a toast.
Issei gave it a thought before he also shrugged and raised up his drink as well. "Cheers."
The father and son then downed their respective drinks in one go.
To be Continued…