As soon as Issei returned home I hugged him so tightly and asked if he was okay. However, Issei looked worn out and didn't seem to talk about anything. So, I had to let him go to sleep.
Then I started to make the preparations for tomorrow, writing two letters, sending one to a certain somebody and keeping the other.
That was yesterday's ordeal that we had to go through and it was damn exhausting. Today's ordeal however, was different.
"Training? You want me to train you?"
Today was the weekend so we had no problem of going to school and (in my case) dealing with fangirls and haters. Issei and I already discussed about what had happened yesterday and I expressed my anger. This time Issei didn't stop to calm my anger down for he too was angry at that shitty priest and mostly, himself. He should be. I had offered Issei to take martial art lessons together and he had multiple chances of training with me which he all refused, just to watch anime and porn.
"Yes nee-san! Yesterday, when I saw you beat up that Stray Devil without using your Sacred Gear and only using your Martial Art skills… You were so strong Nee-san! I want—I want to become just like yo—"
I clamped my hand over Issei's mouth, shutting him up before speaking up sternly. "I get it, I get it." I grumbled. "No need to ramble like a desperate person, 'kay?"
"... Sorry Nee-san… But will you help me become stronger?"
"Sure why not"
"YES! Thank you—"
"Starting now"
Gravity×10
"UMMPH!" Groaned Issei as he suddenly got onto all on his fours and panting heavily.
"? You okay Issei? I can tone it down if you want…"
"N-n-no Nee-san… I-I'm good…" He shakily got up to his feet looking damn tired. "W-what d-did you do?"
"Gravity manipulation Issei." I answered while walking towards the local playground. "You will stay in that state forever, unless there is an attack caused directly at you or when I consider it is enough"
"G-gee, t-thanks Nee-san…" Grumbled Issei as he tried to walk but with great difficulty. If Issei didn't have his demonic strength I doubt that he would even move around with Gravity×5. Then with a sadistic smile I slapped Ise's back making him fall flat onto the ground which formed cracks on the brick floor. Should I be worried? Nah, his durability should've risen when he was transformed into a devil.
"Nee-san… why?"
"Shh… little brother." I cooed helping him up. "This is all part of the training." Then I tripped him over.
SPLAT
This time went down on his backside yelping with pain as he tried to glare at me. "Nee-san… I want to quit…"
"Haha, no." I deadpanned, causing Issei to whimper as he got up slower than usual. "Issei, there will be a time where you would desperately want to quit, to stop and rest. But if you want to become strong to protect everyone, that's not the answer. Fight Issei. Fight until your bones collapse, fight until your legs give out, and fight until you cough up blood, but that will not be enough. Surpass yourself when there is a chance and become stronger Issei. Become the strongest, by being yourself Issei"
That's when I felt a familiar aura behind me and a small shy voice calling us.
"Yuril-san? Issei-san?"
"Welcome to Q's bakery, supported by Nox!"
A clear voice came as we entered a bakery which also had a small place to sit and have coffee and relax. I gave the man who welcomed us a quick nod before choosing which bread to feed the nun. After purchasing I handed the man a scrap of paper before carrying a mug of coffee and two glasses of water along with the bread.
"Asia-chan," I spoke out.
"Ah, yes?"
I gave a little chuckle before I diced the bread into an edible size. Asia growing curious by each second was watching me intently as I sliced the bread. Then when I was done she took a piece and placed it in her mouth. Her face bloomed in happiness as the taste of the bread saturated her tongue. "It's delicious Yuril-san!" Resist… must resist…
"By the way, why were you at that park?" said Issei, clearly confused.
"... I-I was on break, so I thought I'd take a stroll around town."
Liar.
"So then, I saw Yuril-san and Issei-san so…"
I smiled while ruffling her hair before I made my announcement. "Asia! Issei! Let's play to our hearts content today!" Then I whispered to Issei. "And you'll have to keep doing your training." Asia smiled happily before nodding while Issei's smile was a bit strained.
Before leaving I gave the man a short nod which he answered by saluting to me.
"Ahhh… we played a lot today." I said and Issei, though he was obviously tired, nodded. Then Issei accidently tripped.
"Ack!"
Due to his injured leg plus Gravity×10 Issei completely fell flat on his face the second time making a crack in the tiles on the floor.
Asia and I quickly rushed over to Issei to help him. While Asia helped to heal Issei's injured leg I dismissed the Gravity around Issei to go back to its original state. Issei blinked at me while I whispered to him. "You're going to have a ten minute break Ise, devil or not your body has gone through too much stress and you need to rest right now."
Issei's only reaction was a nod of gratitude before relaxing all of his muscles completely. Then Asia began to tell us her past life, all the misfortunes she has gone through, all the trouble she has gone through and all of her kindness backfiring on her as she was branded as a witch and kicked out of the church. But she still believes that this shit is still a test given by God and that she needs to overcome it to gain her true wishes. And still she believes and shows her gratitude to God by praying. The God who is already dead and gone.
What a humorless joke.
Then a flutter of wings and feathers were sounded.
And it continues
"So it was true—"
Issei's head snapped backwards while Asia backed away in fear evident in her eyes.
"—you're living a lowly life as a devil after all. Asia, you can't run away."
"No! I won't return to a place where I have to kill people!" yelled Asia before she sent Issei and I an apologetic look. "Sorry Yuril-san, Issei-san… The truth is that I ran away from church…"
"Figured s—"
Before Issei could finish his sentence I attacked.
Attraction
"Yuuma's" body flew across the fountain as it directly met my fist. A sickening sound of her nose breaking was heard.
"Y-you bitch!"
Seriously. What's with those monologues when people fight?