Highschool DXD: I am Issei

After I told her everything—what happened with Asia, about Raynare, and what she said—Rias's expression turned dark.

Anger. Real, palpable anger. It wasn't directed at me, but I could feel its intensity like a fire roaring behind her crimson eyes.

She didn't say a word. Just clenched her fists and vanished in a swirl of magic.

"Hyoudou-kun," a calm voice called from behind.

I turned.

Kiba stood there, looking at me with a mix of concern and conviction. The setting sun behind him cast a warm glow, but nothing about this moment felt peaceful.

"Are you going?" he asked.

"Yeah. I am." My voice came out steady. "I have to go. Asia is my friend. I'm the one who has to save her."

Kiba's expression tightened. "You'll get killed. Even with your Sacred Gear and using \[Promotion], taking on a group of Exorcists and Fallen Angels alone is suicide."

He wasn't wrong. He was being logical, level-headed—as usual.

But none of that mattered.

"I know," I said. "But even so… I'm going. Even if I die, I'll set Asia free."

For a moment, he didn't say anything.

Then—

"Good determination," he said. "That's what I want to say… but it's still reckless."

"I know."

But even as I said it, I meant it. Every word.

Kiba nodded slightly… and then surprised me.

"I'm going too."

"…What?"

I blinked.

I wasn't expecting that.

Not at all.

Then I remembered—in the other timeline, the one I inherited from the Issei who came before me—Kiba and Koneko also went. They helped him. They fought at his side.

It wasn't just me.

"I don't know much about Asia-san," Kiba admitted. "But you're my comrade. Even if Buchou told you not to interfere… there's a part of me that respects your decision. Also…" He narrowed his eyes. "I don't like Fallen Angels or those priests. I detest them."

Before I could respond, another voice chimed in.

"I'm going as well."

"Koneko-chan?" I turned.

She stood there with her usual blank expression, arms crossed, but something about the way she said it felt… soft. Honest.

"…I feel uneasy letting only you two go."

Koneko-chan! I couldn't read her expression—she never changed much—but I *felt* the emotion in her words.

That hidden kindness.

That quiet support.

And damn, she's cute.

"I'm touched! Right now, I'm so deeply touched, Koneko-chan!" I practically teared up.

Kiba let out a sigh, putting on a slightly sad smile.

"H-Huh? But… I'm going too, you know?"

Ah, Kiba. You beautiful bastard. I get it. Thank you.

I chuckled, the tension easing just a little as we prepared.

Then night fell.

•••

The sky had already fallen into night, the last hints of twilight swallowed by the shadows stretching over the city. The amber glow of the street lamps lit up the sidewalk in patches, leaving long shadows across the pavement. In the distance, the abandoned church stood silently like a forgotten monument.

From our vantage point, just beyond a rusted fence behind overgrown shrubbery, I crouched alongside Kiba and Koneko-chan. The three of us kept a steady eye on the church entrance.

No signs of movement.

No one going in or coming out.

Too quiet.

"Strange," Kiba murmured. "They're being cautious. Or overconfident."

I nodded. "We'll wait a bit more, then move in."

That's when I felt something.

A gaze. Faint, familiar.

I looked to the side—and froze.

Behind a thick tree trunk, partially hidden in the shadows, stood Kalawarna.

Her presence was easy to miss for anyone else. But not me.

That same beautiful woman, dressed in a tight bodysuit of black and purple, wings folded against her back.

What the hell was she doing here?

I stood up abruptly.

"I, uh… I gotta take a leak," I said, already backing away. "Be right back!"

Before either of them could respond, I was already walking toward the tree line.

Kiba stared after me in disbelief. "Seriously?"

Koneko didn't say anything, but I felt her silent judgment.

Whatever.

I walked briskly, then slowed as I neared the tree. Kalawarna stepped out from behind it, arms folded, eyes narrowed.

"…That was subtle," she said dryly.

"Yeah, well," I scratched my cheek. "I panicked."

We stood there for a moment, awkward silence stretching between us like static.

Then she sighed. "You shouldn't be here, you know. Turn back, boy. You'll only die."

I met her gaze. "Asia's inside. I'm not leaving her."

A flash of something passed through her eyes—regret, maybe? Sadness?

Then, without warning, she stepped forward.

And kissed me.

It wasn't fiery. It wasn't romantic.

Just… gentle.

Brief.

She pulled away just as quickly, her expression calm, unreadable.

"You're a fool," she said softly. "But a kind one."

She turned, her wings unfurling with a low whoosh.

"There's a Fallen Angel and a priest guarding the main hall," she said over her shoulder. "If you want to reach Raynare… you'll have to defeat them."

I grinned. "Thanks for the warning. Oh, and… Rias and her Queen are nearby. They'll be a problem if you go near them, so don't."

She gave me a sidelong glance, one eyebrow raised.

"Wouldn't want anything to happen to you," I added. "I'd like to meet you again. Alive."

Kalawarna chuckled softly. "Still a fool."

With a final flap of her wings, she vanished into the night sky, leaving nothing but wind and the faint scent of ozone.

I turned back toward the church, smile still lingering.

Time to save a friend.

~~~

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