Chapter 39: White Dragon Emperor - 1
The sun dipped lower on the horizon as the meeting in the Occult Research Club room continued.
Sirzechs leaned back slightly in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Your school," he began, "seems like a lovely place. We were considering holding the leaders' summit here."
A collective gasp echoed throughout the room. The idea of hosting such a significant event on school grounds was both surprising and daunting.
Rias's eyes widened. "The summit? Here? Are you sure that's wise, Brother?"
Sirzechs nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "Yes, it's a neutral ground, and considering the recent events, it seems fitting. Plus, it would give us an opportunity to show the alliance between devils, fallen angels, and angels in a more tangible way."
The room buzzed with whispered conversations as Sirzechs laid out the details. The gravity of the situation was clear, and everyone listened intently as he explained the logistics and security measures.
As the meeting concluded, the group began to disperse. Issei, ever eager to make an impression, turned to Sirzechs with a wide grin. "Hey, mr. Sirzechs! If you need a place to stay, my house is always open! My mom makes great food, and we have plenty of room!"
Sirzechs chuckled at Issei's enthusiasm. "Thank you for the offer, Issei. I'll keep that in mind."
As the group moved towards the door, Raizel approached Akeno, his usual calm demeanor in place. "Would you like to take a walk? I can accompany you on your way."
Akeno's eyes lit up with a mix of surprise and delight. "I'd like that, Raizel."
The two left the club room together, stepping into the cool evening air. The streets were bustling with activity, the sounds of laughter and chatter filling the air. The soft glow of streetlights cast a warm hue over the town as they walked side by side.
Akeno glanced at Raizel, her playful nature surfacing. "You know, Raizel, it's not often you offer to walk someone home. What's the occasion?"
Raizel's eyes remained focused ahead, his voice steady. "No particular occasion. I simply thought it would be a pleasant way to end the day."
Akeno smiled, her heart warmed by his sincerity. "Well, I'm glad you did. It's nice to spend time like this."
As they continued walking, the conversation flowed naturally, ranging from the day's events to lighter topics.
Akeno couldn't help but tease him a bit. "You've been quite composed today, even with all the teasing earlier. Does nothing faze you?"
Raizel allowed a small smile to grace his lips. "It's not that nothing fazes me. I've simply learned to maintain control over my emotions."
Akeno leaned in slightly, her tone teasing. "So, nothing I do would make you lose that composure?"
Raizel glanced at her, his eyes soft but firm. "You have a unique way of challenging it."
Akeno laughed softly, appreciating his honesty. "I'll take that as a compliment."
They continued their walk, the bustling streets gradually quieting as they neared Akeno's home. The evening air was cool, and the stars began to twinkle in the night sky.
As they reached her doorstep, Akeno turned to face him, her expression soft. "Thank you for walking me home, Raizel. It was a lovely end to the day."
Raizel gave a slight nod. "The pleasure was mine. Rest well, Akeno."
As Raizel turned to leave, the cool evening air brushing past him, he suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind. Akeno's warmth pressed against him, her soft breasts gently pressing into his back.
The suddenness of the embrace caught him off guard, but after a brief moment of surprise, he returned the hug, his arms encircling her gently.
"We always seem to get interrupted at moments like these, don't we?" he murmured, his voice calm but laced with a hint of amusement.
Akeno chuckled softly, her breath warm against his chest. "It seems fate enjoys playing tricks on us."
As she gazed up at him, her violet eyes shimmering with emotion, Raizel found himself lost in her gaze.
Their faces drew closer, the world around them fading into the background. Slowly, their lips met in a gentle, and tender kiss.
The kiss, which started softly, gradually deepened, the intensity building as moments passed. Their hearts beat in unison, the warmth of the moment enveloping them.
Finally, Akeno pulled away, gasping softly for breath, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. She looked up at Raizel, a mix of shyness and affection in her eyes.
"I... I should go," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly with embarrassment. Without waiting for a response, she turned and quickly ran inside, too flustered to stay any longer.
Raizel stood there, momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events. His usually composed demeanor had been shaken, and for a few seconds, he could only stare at the door she had disappeared through.
Slowly, he gathered himself, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips.
As he turned to leave, he cast one last glance at her home, his eyes soft. Unbeknownst to him, Akeno stood by the window, peeking through the curtains, watching him with a gentle smile of her own.
Her heart raced as she touched her lips, still feeling the lingering warmth of their kiss.
Raizel walked away into the night, the cool breeze accompanying him, his thoughts lingering on the moment they had shared. Despite the usual calm that enveloped him, a spark of warmth now glowed within, a feeling that perhaps, for once, he welcomed.
----
The morning sun bathed the city in a golden hue as a new day began. Asia and Issei walked together towards the school, their usual chatter filling the air.
As they reached the gates, Asia gave Issei a cheerful wave and headed inside, leaving him standing at the entrance.
Just as Issei was about to follow, a strange sensation washed over him. His Sacred Gear, the Boosted Gear, began to react, the gauntlet on his arm glowing faintly. He glanced around, his senses heightened by the sudden activity.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed a figure approaching. A young man with silver hair and piercing blue eyes, clad in a sleek white jacket, walked towards him with a calm and confident demeanor. His presence exuded an aura of power that made Issei instinctively tense.
As the stranger stopped a few feet away, he spoke, his voice smooth and composed. "You must be Issei Hyoudou."
Issei narrowed his eyes, his guard up. "Yeah, that's me. And who are you?"
The silver-haired man offered a faint smile. "I am Vali Lucifer. You might know me better as the Vanishing Dragon, the White Dragon Emperor."
Issei's eyes widened in shock as the realization hit him. "You're the White Dragon Emperor? The rival of the Red Dragon Emperor?"
Vali nodded. "Indeed. You are the Welsh Dragon, the Red Dragon Emperor. I've been looking forward to meeting you."
Issei's mind raced, processing the sudden turn of events. His Sacred Gear continued to resonate, a sign of the presence of another powerful Dragon. "Why are you here? What do you want?"
Vali's smile didn't waver. "I'm here to observe, for now. The time will come when we'll face each other properly, but today is not that day. Consider this a formal introduction."
Issei clenched his fists, his competitive spirit flaring. "So, you're here to size me up?"
Vali chuckled softly. "Something like that. But don't worry, Issei. When the time comes, we'll have our battle. Until then, train hard. I'll be expecting a worthy opponent."
With that, Vali turned and began walking away, his presence as imposing as ever.
As Vali disappeared into the distance, Issei clenched his fist, determination burning in his eyes. "Vali Lucifer, huh? I'll be ready when the time comes."
The gauntlet on his arm pulsed once more, a reminder of the power he wielded and the rival he would one day face.
....