So, I read the reviews for Chapter 48, so I thought I'd clear something out just to be thorough. Issei lies. A lot. When he said he intended to come back to the Vali Peerage and visit, that was a lie. If you think about it, Issei's purpose, everything he's done and ensured before his departure, was all to leave things on a final note on his end. He's only lying about going back for visits so that people don't start looking for him and getting suspicious. He's also gambling on their reactions based on their personalities and understanding of himself.

He's been able to predict how everyone will react and did things accordingly so that they wouldn't catch on before he finished his quest or death.

Wanted to address some guest reviewers too:

To "Bob":

Yep, I'd say the story is going well. I'm grateful for your continued support and it's always great to know that someone returned after the deletion of the original story.

To "Guest":

Thank you for the compliment. To me, if you're gonna write, then you really wanna polish your grammar skills to a certain point because good grammar is key to conveying your message. Every successful author and writer will tell you the same, according to the ones I've heard talk, anyways. I'm thankful for your support and hopefully, you'll keep enjoying the story.

Chapter 49: A Painful Decision

Issei's Lifespan: 9 Months

Issei sat in the Vestige, scouring through countless reports and articles of recent world events. He tried to use anything and everything to try and find a lead on a possible Avitur.

Finally, he found a lead.

"Scientists are baffled. The Arctic is showing signs of liquidation despite no changes in temperature." Issei read aloud.

"It's gotta be the Water Avitur." Rexis concluded.

"I think so too." Issei immediately charted a course for the Water Avitur.

"You should rest, Issei. It's only been eight hours since you killed the Fire Avitur." Rexis warned.

"No time for that." Issei refused.

Arriving at the Arctic, Issei continued moving through the blizzard till he arrived at a glacier that was higher than anything he'd expected to see. As far as he knew, this wasn't something anyone had discovered before. That meant it had just appeared, as if made by the Water Avitur's unconscious activity.

Issei looked at his feet and saw that the solid ice was beginning to melt. He could feel the slush slowly beginning to form, despite the temperatures around him growing even colder. He flew to the other side of the glacier and saw that the other end was already becoming a small ocean waiting to happen. He had to kill the Avitur but at the same time, he couldn't allow the water to get past the ice he was standing on.

Taking a risk, he used Abyssal Energy from Bahamut to reinforce the ice, freezing more and more layers of frozen water as well. If the glacier burst, then the world was in for a rude disturbance.

As if stirred by the presence of Bahamut's power, Issei sensed the Avitur's growing movements from deep below. Somewhere, deep in the dark depths of the arctic waters, the Water Avitur, Glymvr, was ready to awaken.

When he was sure that the ice would hold, Issei turned to the massive lake formed in front of him. He had to bait this thing out into the open.

He fired a bolt of lightning into the water. When that wasn't enough, he volleyed several more. Slowly, but surely, he could sense the Avitur moving.

"Balance Break." Issei said.

His navy and silver armor materializing around him, Issei spread his wings, waiting.

Suddenly, the glacier split apart, shattering like a clump of brittle stone. Tendrils of water hissed into the air, chasing after him as he flew around.

"The Water Avitur, Glymvr is much harder to deal with than the other Aviturs. As long as there's water, it can turn into liquid and it can manipulate any liquids it touches." Rexis warned.

"Got it." Issei said.

Issei stood tall as he could see the water swirling and bubbling more and more rapidly. A loud roar echoed from the water as the ice around him began to crack apart.

(Shadow of the Colossus OST – In Awe of the Power. Play Song.)

Lunging out of the water, was a massive serpent that easily dwarfed any dragons he'd fought before. It had cobalt skin with golden eyes and a long snout full of fangs. It had long webbed fins running all along its back with spikes protruding from the sides. The Water Avitur also had long tendrils coming from its back, stretching outward like extra limbs.

Glymvr eyed Issei, already identifying him as an enemy. It growled before roaring, a wave of water rumbling towards him.

Issei flew into the air, blasting it with volleys of lightning magic. Spreading his wings, a storm of lightning struck Glymvr. It howled in pain as it turned its head toward Issei. With one swipe of its tail, it smashed the glacier near it apart, turning it into water with its powers. Its tendrils wrapped around the debris, freezing together with them. Like flails, Glymvr swung its frozen tendrils around, barely missing Issei.

When he looked to the side, he saw that a giant block of ice was coming at him. With his fist wreathed in mana, he punched it into pebbles, only for Glymvr to swat him aside with one of its tendrils.

Issei crashed through the ice, but picked himself back up before he could get crushed.

Suddenly, rivers of solid water and ice came soaring from the waters below. Dodging and weaving back and forth, Issei fired a wave of mana from his palm at Glymvr.

True to his suspicions, it turned into liquid, parting as the beam blasted the ring of glaciers around them apart. While he attacked, sharp rivers of water snuck from behind him. Firing beams from his wings, Issei flew higher into the sky.

Issei spread his wings, gathering mana to both sides before unleashing homing blasts of mana.

"[Cosmic Crisis]".

Glymvr opened its mouth, spewing liquid at him.

Issei had the reflex to recoil from the sheer putrid and disgusting smell of it. The moment the liquid touched the ice, it sizzled into nothingness.

"Acid and poison mixed together with magic." Issei concluded.

He'd nearly forgotten that was one of its abilities. Any liquid was fair game to the Water Avitur.

Issei flared his aura, creating a longsword in his hands. Raising it into the sky, Issei formed a blade of mana around it, giving it the look of an even larger weapon.

"[Path Cleaver]"

Slashing downward, Glymvr liquified itself as the blade slashed at the iceberg, splashing into the water.

Issei had to find a way to get some damage in somehow. He used ice magic to freeze the water, only for Glymvr to counter with a breath of acid. Issei immediately dodged out the way, only for him to be two seconds too slow. The acid splashed onto his right shoulder, causing the armor to hiss and bubble as it rapidly melted. Countering it, Issei ignited his aura with abyssal energy, negating the acid. Even so, the acid had made its way to his arm, burning and decaying some of his flesh.

Issei looked back at Glymvr and let loose a blizzard of ice magic from his wings. As the beams froze Glymvr, Issei had to dodge back and forth as tendrils of water whipped at him. Dodging back and forth, Issei was slapped into the water from behind, mid-maneuver.

With a splash, Issei could feel the corrosive water surrounding him. He could feel the acid bubbling and eating away at his armor. With an exertion of his powers, Issei blasted the waters away with a shockwave before flying back into the air, punching and slicing his way through blocks of ice.

Suddenly, Issei noticed something. His armor was becoming incredibly heavy and his movements were getting harder to make. He looked at his armor and saw that ice was freezing his armor solid, seemingly going cold for no reason.

"Damn it!"

Issei began plummeting back towards the waters below as Glymvr broke free of the ice. It roared and dived after him, its maw open to consume him.

Issei had no choice. Flaring his aura to the maximum and using Abyssal energy, Issei shattered the ice. Dodging Glymvr, Issei plunged his sword into its side, drawing blood. Glymvr howled in rage as its tendrils gripped Issei faster than he could anticipate.

Despite using Abyssal energy to harm it, Glymvr kept its hold on Issei. It was now fully intent on killing Issei no matter what.

Issei aimed his hand at its face, only for it to grip it with another tendril. Liquifying its tendrils, Issei was submerged in acidic poison. Soon, Glymvr plunged him into the waters that incubated its awakening.

Issei wanted to roar in agony but he couldn't, as he was too focused on escape.

He tried to use ice magic, but it dissolved as soon as it formed. Fire couldn't even ignite in here and he risked harming himself with lightning magic. Despite his reluctance and the risk to his lifespan, Issei had to use even more Abyssal energy, going past his self-imposed limit.

In tandem with his Balance Breaker, Issei used the Abyssal Aura to tap into more of Bahamut's power. With a powerful eruption, the water around Issei was completely vaporized as the massive shape of Bahamut appeared.

The shockwave completely destroyed the surrounding area, vaporizing the water and shattering the ice into microscopic particles. Issei took just a split moment to relax his muscles. The acid had melted most of his armor and devoured some of his flesh. Even now, his [Battle-Born] regeneration was healing him but despite all that, he could feel all the damaged cells forcefully healing themselves.

Issei looked below, taking his mind off the pain. There was no way that was enough to defeat Glymvr.

Suddenly, the ice from all around him liquified forming into an even larger Glymvr. It now almost rivaled Bahamut's true form in size.

Issei made his decision. The only way to kill an Avitur was to use Abyssal energy. Anything else could harm it but not finish it. Still cloaked in his Abyssal Aura, Issei lunged right at it.

Glymvr made the mistake of opening its mouth as it swallowed him.

That was exactly what Issei needed to happen. While it was still connected to a source of water, Issei unleashed all of the Abyssal energy that he could. Like what he did before, he spread the power of Bahamut through the water, killing all traces of the Avitur from it and anything connected to it.

For a moment, he struggled against Glymvr's influence. It was like getting pushed back and crushed by an invisible force. Even so, Issei refused to stop here. He refused to do so early. He was going to succeed in his mission no matter what.

Going all out, he spread his influence across the area, decimating every single atom and cell in the area with the power of the Abyss. When the Arctic was washed clean of Glymvr's influence, Issei could feel the restless aggression of Bahamut calm down.

(Shadow of the Colossus OST – In Awe of the Power. End Song.)

"It's done." Issei panted.

He fell to his knees as the exhaustion set in. The acid burns and strain of the fight were now kicking in. He grew dizzy as the poison was exiting his system thanks to Bahamut's power.

"That's 3 down, with 4 more to go." Rexis noted.

"How much time did I use?" Issei asked."

"Luckily, you caught Glymvr early, but you still used up a month. You've got 8 months left." Rexis answered.

"Just how bad were they back then?" Issei asked.

To be honest, the Aviturs weren't as tough as Issei had expected. Compared to his few visions of the past, they weren't as dominating in battle.

"That's because you're not fighting them at their full strength. At full power, the seven of them were strong enough to overturn the old world. They're still preparing for their full restorations. Also, you're making pre-emptive strikes before they can get back to full strength. If you fought one at full power, you'd be very hard-pressed to win. Just think back to your fight with the Earth Avitur. You'd have died if you hadn't gotten that power up from the gods. So, don't start getting complacent or growing a larger ego. It'll kill you." Rexis warned.

"Got it." Issei winced as he stood back up.

When he returned to his ship, he went back to the usual routine. He set his computer to scan for Aviturs as he sifted through research to try and find signs of another Avitur.

"You should rest, now, Issei. I mean it." Rexis said.

Issei sighed. Before he could argue, Rexis cut him off.

"You have been fighting nonstop since you found the Fire Avitur. Your body is still human and is extremely fragile. You need to recuperate and regain your natural strength instead of just relying on your regeneration. I will cut off your powers, if I have to, to get you to rest." Rexis threatened.

Issei chuckled. Rexis had a point.

"Fine." He quietly said.

Issei took a quick shower thanks to the bathroom built into his ship and ate before doing his daily recorded logs about his battle with the Fire and Water Aviturs.

When he finished, Issei decided to get some sleep. He honestly felt that if he didn't, he'd faint right on the spot. Rexis probably knew this and forced him to go to sleep.

After 12 hours of sleep, Issei awoke with some grogginess as he rubbed his temples.

"12 hours?" Issei looked at the time.

"Just enough time to piece your body back together." Rexis said.

"Certainly felt like it." Issei stretched.

"The computer hasn't found anything yet and there's nothing relevant popping up in the news. You're gonna have to sit tight for now." Rexis informed.

"Or, I could do my homework." Issei sat at his table to start researching.

"Maybe you should drop by the Heaven's Drop Resort again." Rexis suggested.

"Why?" Issei asked.

"Remember that night you all went clubbing? Why is it that an attack happened there and nowhere else? Right when you were alone, the enemy came out of nowhere." Rexis reasoned.

"Yet, the Water Avitur was clearly behind all that. There'd be no reason to go back there." Issei said.

"But why there, though? You've been alone by yourself so many times. Yet, why is it that that time was the only occasion where you were ambushed? What sort of powers enhanced their hold? Ever since you left, none of the Aviturs attacked." Rexis replied.

Issei paused. He looked at his scanners. Still no signs of Aviturs and no new pieces of information that he could use. Maybe a little field trip could help after all.

Unbeknownst to Issei, Rexis lied. He'd made up a logical reason just to get Issei to unwind and step away from the Hunt. Yes, the world needed him, but it'd all be pointless if he was too exhausted to do anything. For Issei's own mental well-being, Rexis wanted him to have some form of rest.

When he returned to Japan, Issei decided to explore. Everything was still largely the same as before. It had only been about a month since he'd left, after all. He tried to extend his senses to his surroundings, attempting to pick up any traces of an Avitur's power. He literally spent dawn until early morning wandering the resort's landscape but nothing.

He sighed. He'd wasted his time in coming here.

He was tempted to leave, only for something unexpected to happen to him.

"Ah, I was wondering if we'd ever meet again." A voice called over.

Issei turned to the side to look at who it was.

It was old Tobi and Hana, the elderly couple that gave him advice a month back. After Issei had a small strain in his relationship to Vali, he'd come across the old couple. He'd clearly looked troubled and they sort of strong-armed him into venting his problems and gave him sage advice.

"Tobi! Hana!" Issei smiled.

It warmed his heart that the old couple was still doing well.

"Welcome back, lad." Tobi gestured at the seat across from his table.

"How're you two doing?" Issei asked.

These two were easily his favorite old couple. No disrespect to Rizevim and Ezagyra, but when it came to being wise and elderly, these two had them beat.

"Doing well. The kids are still running the shop. We might actually go on vacation soon." Tobi chuckled.

That was something Issei took note of.

(Doctor Who OST – A Secret He Will Take to His Grave. Play Song.)

"So, young man, did things go well?" Hana asked.

"Yeah, they did." Issei nodded.

"How're your friend and that lady doing?" Tobi asked.

"Well, you see…"

Issei explained what had happened recently. From the time they left, all the way to his departure. Once again, he left out the supernatural parts.

"Well, if you put in that much effort, then I'm sure they hooked up." Tobi snorted.

"Are you sure?" Hana asked.

"Yep. As long as they're happy, I'm happy." Issei sipped his delicious tea.

"And what if she was in love with you?" Hana asked.

"I doubt that. I was like a brother to her." Issei shook his head.

"Are you lying to her or yourself?" Tobi raised his brow.

Was this what grandparents were like? Picking at your mental wall?

"Maybe a bit of both. However, I stand by my gut. I know her interests were with the other man. I was just there to happily help them along." Issei said.

"I will admit that young lady with the silver hair was very beautiful." Hana smirked.

Issei was alarmed when she said that.

"Excuse me?" Issei asked.

"It's exactly what I said. I know that girl was the one you were having issues with. I'm not sure if you've noticed but you ran around a lot in the town. I'm quite sure the other shop keepers remember your face now too." Tobi admitted.

Issei now had to reevaluate how he behaved in public.

"That aside, it looks like you're doing well." Hana let him off the hook.

"I'm trying." Issei shrugged.

"And have you thought about what I asked last time?" Hana asked.

Issei nodded.

"My answer hasn't changed. As long as the people I love are happy, I'm happy. When I know that they're happy with their lives, living life as best they can, and safe from grave danger, then I'm content."

"I see. Still, have you found anyone yet? Someone that you know you can settle down with someday? I won't ask about casual dating, since you seem like the guy who wants a serious relationship." Tobi asked.

"No, I haven't had the time." Issei shook his head.

"Well, I do have three granddaughters that would love a young man like you. They're about your age too." Tobi chuckled.

"Let's calm down now." Issei laughed.

"But in all seriousness, don't count things or others out. You never know. That young lady you were in love with might realize that the person you're setting her up with isn't the one. What would you do then?" Hana asked.

Issei paused. He decided to pretend he wasn't dying and indulged in the hypothetical scenario.

"I'd probably confess how I felt about her." He simply said.

"Then, you should be ready just in case. Your luck might get better." Hana advised.

"But, in case your feelings might change, or your heart tells you, you shouldn't deny others, either. The girl you loved might not be the one you're meant for in this life. Heck, the love you feel for someone else might be even stronger than the love you felt for that silver-haired lass." Tobi pointed out.

"Don't forget about what and who you loved but don't deny yourself your future, either." Hana rephrased Tobi.

"Live life to the fullest, young man. By doing so, you'll determine your legacy." Tobi pointed at the café behind him.

"And one more thing, Issei. Never travel alone. Never truly be alone. There's nothing worse than that. It's when we're with other people, that we humans truly flourish." Hana smiled warmly.

"That's a lesson my wife always reminds me of. If I hadn't I'd never have realized how I felt and I'd be some angry old codger in a hut somewhere." Tobi kissed his wife on the cheek.

"I understand, thank you." Issei gratefully said.

(Doctor Who OST – A Secret He Will Take to His Grave. End Song.)

That was a visit that Issei didn't intend on, but it was what he needed. He had to admit, he felt a bit lost at the departure from his old life's routine. However, after some talk without strings or worries, Issei felt a bit of composure return to him.

He hadn't lost his drive, but he certainly felt a bit of emptiness. Now, he felt that gap fill, somewhat.

"Hey, it's been a bit. How've you been?"

Once again, Issei found that he was receiving more surprise reunions. In front of him was a young woman around his age. She had long platinum-blonde hair and ice-blue eyes with a bust that exactly matched Vali's in size. She wore a white dress with a black jacket over it and black boots. Honestly, Issei felt like she was a blonde-version of Vali. Issei wondered if fate was trying to torment him again. Was he to pay even more than he already had?

"I've been doing alright. How've you been?" Issei asked.

"I've been doing alright too. I was wondering where you went since you disappeared a long while ago." The blonde lady said.

"Sorry. I was just visiting with some friends and their families for vacation." Issei sheepishly scratched his head.

"Well, for what it's worth, my name is Adelaide Moitie. Again, it's nice to meet you." Adelaide extended her hand.

(Doctor Who OST – Clara?. Play Song.)

"N-Nice to meet you again too." He stuttered.

Was this coincidence? Was this a trap? Or was she simply a denizen here?

"So, what brings you back here? Vacationing alone this time?" Adelaide asked.

"No, I'm just back for a small visit. I'm actually doing some traveling now." Issei shook his head.

"Oh, is that so? To where, might I assume?" Adelaide asked.

"Anywhere that the wind takes me." Issei spread his arms dramatically.

Adelaide only giggled.

"Well, do be careful. You're not traveling alone, are you?"

"I am, actually."

Adelaide looked at him quizzically.

"Aren't you worried?" She asked.

"Not really. I can take care of myself." Issei shook his head.

"Isn't it lonely?" Adelaide asked.

"Kind of, but I'm too busy to worry about that." Issei responded.

"You know, it's not good to be alone." Adelaide gave him a sympathetic smile.

"True, but it's something that needed to happen."

"Don't you miss the people you left behind?" Adelaide asked.

Issei paused.

"Yeah, I do miss them. However, I'll meet them again someday." He finally said.

Issei hadn't noticed it, but his smile turned into a brooding and longing look. Adelaide saw this and decided.

"Well then, let's make the best of things."

She stood up, grabbed his hand and led him away into the town.

"What?! Hey, hold on!" Issei protested.

"When you're sad and lonely, you should be with others. Let's get rid of your frown." Adelaide smiled.

"We've only spoken twice." Issei pointed out.

"Then think of this as becoming friends." Adelaide giggled.

She led him into a clothing shop, intent on getting Issei an outfit.

"No, really, we're practically strangers." Issei protested.

"Aw, don't be such a worrywart. Strangers don't become friends by some miracle. Sooner or later, someone's gotta make the move." Adelaide shook her head.

'You know, this is exactly the sort of thing you do.' Rexis pointed out his hypocrisy.

"Why do you want to be my friend?" Issei asked.

"Because you're alone. You look sad. Even if it's only for today, I think it's good for you to take a detour." Adelaide answered.

'Yeah…she sounds just like me.' Issei conceded.

"Good boy. Now, try this on." Adelaide handed him an outfit.

When he came out of the changing room, Issei honestly felt refreshed. He'd packed clothes meant to take a beating without standing out. They were all certainly better than the Kuoh Uniform. This outfit, however, gave him a new vibe. If he wasn't dying and going on the hunt, he was sure that this would be the sort of outfit he'd wear occasionally.

He was wearing a navy dress-shirt with black pants and shows, complete with gray jacket.

"I knew you'd look great in it." Adelaide giggled.

"Thank you. Honestly, it's real nice." Issei said.

"Then we'll take it." Adelaide swiped her card.

"Hey, I could've paid for that!" Issei protested.

"No worries. Been saving up from work with nothing to do with it. Let me treat you for today." Adelaide smiled sweetly.

'Why is this complete stranger acting like this? Isn't the common thing to keep your distance? This reeks of suspicion.' Issei thought to himself.

'Issei, if she was truly as dangerous as you suspect, don't you think Bahamut would be reacting to her?' Rexis reasoned.

Issei's silence spoke for himself.

'I thought so. Look, sometimes good fortune will swing your way. Don't ignore it.' Rexis chuckled triumphantly.

'If she does something against me, I'm blaming you.' Issei growled.

After Adelaide and Issei exited the clothing shop, she guided him to an ocean view by the boardwalk.

It was kind of funny now. Was this a form of karma? Was Issei's behavior towards others finally being repaid to him? Was it the duty of a stranger to help him find some happiness for a day?

"Here." Adelaide held up a giant ice cream cone.

"I've got a feeling that you like cheesecake ice cream. You've been staring at the flavor for a while, after all." Adelaide smiled.

"Ah, thank you."

"You know, you're actually kinda popular among the town now." Adelaide said as they sat at a bench.

"What?" Issei's paused mid-lick.

"Oh yeah. To be fair, you weren't exactly quiet nor discreet with your behavior. A lot of people heard you too. The Town's number-one beautician says you give very good motivational speeches." Adelaide said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"I'm nothing special." Issei shook his head.

"You know, you shouldn't downplay yourself. Sometimes, when you think you're not worth it, it's actually false. Sometimes, you're worth more than the world to others. If you go away, then those people, that person, will lose all meaning in their lives." Adelaide smiled reassuringly.

Issei only gave her an appreciative smile.

"Deep words." He remarked.

"Just something I learned a long time ago. You see, I knew a man once like you. He was so loving and willing to give people a chance. Like you, he didn't show it. He wore a very distant and stern mask but deep down, he was a huge softie. The stories I hear about you and how you behaved around here sound like something he'd do if he were still alive. I don't want you to wind up with the same fate." Adelaide sadly said, a bitter smile on her face.

"I'm sorry." Issei said.

"It's fine. It's been a long time since he died. I'll see him again someday." Adelaide shook her head.

It was impactful for Issei. For once, he was on the receiving end of things. He was the one who usually gave these speeches. While he understood all of this already, it was still nice and refreshing to hear it from someone else.

"I understand." Issei nodded.

"That's why, if you meet that special woman again, you shouldn't waste the chance to tell her how you feel."

"You're awfully wise for a 17-year-old." Issei chuckled.

"I could say the same for you. I guess we've both done and seen a lot." Adelaide giggled.

"I'm sure we both have." Issei replied.

Soon enough, Issei decided that it was time to leave. He got up and thanked Adelaide.

"Well, I believe it's time for me to get going now. I've got places to go and things to do." He smiled.

"Yeah, sorry for holding you up." Adelaide responded.

"Not at all. I owe you for the day. When I got here, I wasn't feeling the best but you've made my day. Thank you." Issei said, smiling again.

"Well, if you're ever in the neighborhood again, then drop by. I'll take you on a thorough tour next time." Adelaide waved goodbye.

"For sure. Maybe we'll see each other again." Issei nodded as he walked away.

(Doctor Who OST – Clara?. End Song.)

Ding!

There went the toll of the bells again. That meant Issei only had 8 months left.

'Eight months already, huh…' Issei scoffed.

The only comfort that came with that, was the fact that he'd killed 3 Aviturs. There only 4 left now.

When Issei got back on the Vestige, he spoke to Rexis.

"Thank you."

"For what?" The old spirit asked.

"I knew what you were doing. I needed it. Thanks." Issei said.

Rexis only chuckled.

"Of course. We're partners, after all."

"To the end." Issei agreed.

Back in the Underworld, Vali and the others were attending a charity function that the Lucifer House organized. Recently, Sona Sitri had announced that she intended to build a Rating Game school for all classes of devils. At first, it was treated as a laughable joke by the higher-ups until Rizevim and Serafall put their feet down.

Vali was currently moving boxes and prepping props for the show that was supposed to be put on for the kids.

Ever since Issei left, she wanted to try and help others just as much as Issei helped. It was kind of inspiring when she thought back about him. To disregard one's own selfishness and to try and help the less fortunate…that was something she admired about him. It was one of the things she loved most about him too.

Sometimes, she'd still beat herself up for failing to realize the signs, but she knew she'd get another chance. She could just feel it.

"Vali! Vali! Let's play!" Several children ran up to her.

"Not just yet. Let me finish this first." Vali smiled.

"Okay."

"Go on and play with them. I'll finish things here." Lefay and Embern walked over.

"You sure?" Vali asked.

"Yep. They've been waiting all morning for you." Lefay nodded.

At that, Vali put the boxes down and let them carry her away.

She'd gently push some of the children on the swings and help them get on the slides. She'd even play hide-and-seek with them and tag. Vali knew it seemed childish to others, but she didn't care. The disdainful glares that came in her direction didn't matter one bit. She wanted these kids to have a good time and fun memories to help get through the future one day. Children shouldn't be forced to grow up when they don't have to. That was one of the points as to why she fought, after all. It was so that these children could enjoy their youth and happiness while they could.

"Hey, Vali!"

She turned around to see Bikou and Kuroka walking over.

"Think you can take this to Sairaorg and the others? They've been busy constructing the stage and all." Kuroka asked, holding up a platter of food.

"Aw…" The kids let out groans of disappointment.

Vali disliked disappointing them.

"While Vali works, how about Bikou play with you kids?" Kuroka smiled.

"Yay! Bikou do a trick!" One child jumped excitedly.

"Run before they get you." Kuroka smirked.

Vali walked over to the stadium that was being built for the afternoon show. Sairaorg and his peerage was helping with building it and putting up seats for the demonstrations for the kids.

"Lunch is ready." Vali said.

The first person to notice her was Kuisha. The moment the two young women locked eyes, they knew that they needed to talk. It wasn't a negative talk or anything, but they felt the need to clear the atmosphere.

"So, how're things with Sairaorg?" Vali asked.

Kuisha looked at Sairaorg, a smile creeping across her face. However, she restrained herself, not wanting to rub things in Vali's face or hit a sore spot.

"It's alright. Sairaorg and I understood that we didn't see each other in that light, in the end. We both realized that we see each other as brother and sister." Vali noticed her expression.

"Oh, I see." Kuisha breathed a sigh of relief.

"I was kind of worried about how you'd feel about this whole thing." Vali sheepishly said.

"Well, a part of me is glad but at the same time, a bit sad. You two seemed like you'd have been great together." Kuisha genuinely said.

"It's alright. It's also my fault for how you were treated. I'd never noticed it before, but you've loved Sairaorg for a very long time. I just didn't think enough about it before." Vali trailed off.

"I did, yeah. Ever since he recruited me, I started to realize how I felt for him."

Kuisha then looked at Vali.

"So, if it wasn't Sairaorg, then who is it?" Kuisha asked.

Vali's face went red as she got bashful.

"It's Issei…" She said loud and clearly.

Honestly, she'd have stammered and mumbled if it was before, like how it was with Sairaorg. Yet, here, she didn't have as much trouble, aside from the embarrassment of openly declaring who she loved. There wasn't hesitation this time. That was already a sign for her.

"Oh…that makes sense. It'd be hard not to." Kuisha gave a knowing smile.

"What?" Vali looked at her, alarmed.

"He's a real catch. I can't tell you the number of people that fancy him in the Sairaorg House. You'd better claim him before the others do. I've even heard Roygun Belphegor's taken a fancy to him." Kuisha smirked mischievously.

"What?!" Vali exclaimed in shock.

"Like I said, he's stolen the hearts of many and gained the admiration of many. You picked a great one." Kuisha smiled.

Vali only laughed.

"I did fall for the best." She nodded.

"I wonder if he's alone right now." Kuisha wondered.

At that sudden moment, Vali winced. She felt a migraine coming along. The pounding of her brain grew more and more. It started like light taps but now, the headaches felt like a mallet was striking her head.

"Ugh…ow…" Vali held her hand.

"Vali?" Kuisha walked closer.

"Ah!" Vali jolted in pain.

"Are you okay?" Kuisha asked.

"I'm fine." Vali held up a hand.

What was happening to her? As of late, Vali had been having more and more migraines. Despite checkups, everyone told her it was nothing and that they would pass. Yet, nothing changed. The migraines persisted.

Was there a purpose to all this?

And that's the end of this chapter. A little more random but at the same time, I figured Issei needed screen time to go solo outside of a fight. The guy needs a break. I also wanted to write about Hana and Tobi. Despite them only appearing for only one chapter, I've really come to like the old married couple, so I gave myself an excuse.

In response to the reviewer: "I Wanna Know", I'll summarize the tone and stories of my other DxD stories in case they're interested.

1. The Grim Herald:

Way more serious than the Heroic Calamity. If you don't like extreme violence and gore and dark themes, then you'd want to steer clear of this story. It's the darkest of all my stories since it deals with a lot of corruption issues and philosophies. It deals with violence, war, what's right and wrong, etc. It's a heavy story that deals with consequences. And yes, this story has a harem but none of them are from canon due to simple reasons. The Issei in this story is 2,600+ years old. The FBI would come knocking if anyone from the canon harem joined his. It's also my personal favorite of my DxD stories because it's a much heavier story and deals with consequences often.

Overall, the Issei of this story is the darkest Issei I've written so far. The Issei in this story can be gentle and relaxed, but later down the story, he becomes a very serious character. He's jaded and cynical but mixes it with a bit of idealism. He's far more powerful and brutal than all of the Isseis I've written and has a very complex past that haunts him. In a way, he's a darker and more serious version of "Heroic Calamity" Issei.

2. The Dragonic Will:

This story was my 2nd DxD story and 2nd story on this site, overall. It has some humor, drama, adventure, and romance involved and is a harem story. It's got similar roots to other DxD stories and followed the early parts of the DxD story. It's not as developed as my other DxD stories, simply because the concept doesn't engage me as much as "The Grim Herald" and "The Heroic Calamity" because it's more…basic in comparison. It's about a High School Issei who has supernatural origins and goes around doing stuff that drags him deeper into things. He goes around and helps deal with problems from the story's enemies and gains a harem along the way. All of this occurs after he loses important people in his lives, of course.

It's one of my earlier stories, so the writing is a lot worse and I often got carried away with stuff, lol.

As for the Issei of this story, he's more serious than "Heroic Calamity" Issei but less than "Grim Herald" Issei. He's more angsty and unsure of himself because he's a genuine teenager who's trying to piece himself together outside of his life in the Supernatural Realm. He can be playful but never takes things very far but he can be very decisive too when it really matters.

Now, with that out of the way, enjoy the next 5 chapters, up to Chapter 53.