Chapter 22: Holy Swords - 2
As the door closed behind them, Issei couldn't help but voice his thoughts. "What do you think that was about?"
Koneko shrugged, her expression as stoic as ever. "Probably something serious if Sona came personally."
Asia nodded, her hands clasped together nervously. "I hope everything is okay."
Issei leaned back in his seat, trying to shake off the unease that had settled in the room. "Guess we'll find out soon.''
Just as Rias left. Issei, Asia, and Koneko left as well.
The evening sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the academy. The duo stepped out of the building, the cool breeze of the evening brushing against their faces.
"Looks like it's just us," Issei remarked, glancing over at Asia. He smiled warmly, feeling a sense of calm after the intense discussions about the holy swords.
Asia nodded, her gentle smile lighting up her face. "Yes, it's nice to walk home together."
The two of them began their walk, taking the familiar path back to their neighborhood. The streets were relatively quiet, the usual hustle of the day giving way to the serenity of the approaching night.
As they walked, the conversation flowed naturally. Issei shared a few light-hearted stories from their earlier training sessions, which made Asia giggle softly.
"I never thought training could be so intense," Asia admitted, her hands clasped in front of her. "But I'm glad we're all getting stronger together."
Issei nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's tough, but it's worth it. We've got each other's backs, and that's what matters."
They continued along the road, the warm glow of streetlights beginning to flicker on. The atmosphere was calm, and the tension from the earlier meeting seemed to melt away with each step they took.
As Issei with asia, walked the short distance to his house, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. The day had been filled with intense discussions and the looming threat of the holy swords, but moments like this reminded him of the importance of his friends and their bond.
Stepping into his house, Issei let out a contented sigh. Despite the challenges ahead, he felt ready to face them, knowing he wasn't alone.
And with that thought, he prepared for a restful night, ready to tackle whatever the future might bring.
---
In the serene warmth of the sauna, Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki lounged comfortably, the gentle steam enveloping them in a soothing embrace.
The atmosphere was light, filled with soft laughter and playful banter as they teased each other about trivial things—like Rias's recent encounters, Akeno's flirtatious antics, and Sona's stoic demeanor.
Akeno chuckled softly, her teasing remarks aimed at Rias, who responded with a lighthearted glare. Sona, ever composed, allowed a small smile to grace her lips, occasionally chiming in with witty retorts.
Tsubaki sat quietly, her calm demeanor occasionally breaking with a soft laugh at the playful jabs exchanged between her companions.
As the conversation flowed, the tone gradually shifted to more serious matters. The lighthearted teasing gave way to discussions about the recent events—the appearance of the holy swords, the potential threats they faced, and the growing responsibilities each of them carried. Rias, her usual confidence slightly tempered by the gravity of their situation, spoke about her concerns for her peerage and the upcoming challenges.
Akeno, despite her usual teasing nature, offered her unwavering support, her eyes reflecting her deep care for her friends.
Sona, ever the strategist, shared her thoughts on the current situation, analyzing their options and the best course of action. Tsubaki, always attentive, contributed her insights, ensuring that every angle was considered.
'A Shift in Focus'
The soft, comforting steam of the sauna created an intimate atmosphere, where the previous serious discussions about holy swords and potential threats gradually faded into the background. With the more pressing matters addressed, the mood lightened once again, and the conversation shifted to more personal topics.
Tsubaki, her usual composed demeanor softened by the warmth of the sauna, turned her attention to Akeno. Her eyes twinkled with curiosity as she asked, "Akeno, if you don't mind me asking… what's going on between you and Raizel?"
Akeno's eyes widened slightly, a faint blush creeping across her cheeks. She leaned back, attempting to maintain her usual composed and teasing facade, but the slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips betrayed her emotions.
"Oh? What makes you think there's something going on?" she replied, her tone playful.
Rias, sitting nearby, smirked knowingly. "Come on, Akeno. We've all noticed how close you two have become. You've been spending a lot of time together lately."
Sona nodded, her analytical nature shining through. "It's hard not to notice. The way you interact with each other—there's a certain… chemistry."
Akeno chuckled softly, her fingers lightly tracing patterns on her towel.
"Well, he is quite interesting, isn't he? Mysterious, powerful, and oh-so-charming." Her teasing tone was back in full force, but there was a genuine warmth in her voice that didn't go unnoticed.
Tsubaki leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued. "But how do you feel about him? It's clear that there's something special between you two."
Akeno paused, her playful demeanor giving way to a moment of introspection. Her gaze softened, and she spoke with sincerity. "Raizel… he's different. There's a depth to him that draws me in. He's kind, strong, and despite his quiet nature, he has a way of making me feel…flustered and special."
Rias smiled gently, understanding her friend's feelings. "It's not easy to find someone who truly understands you, Akeno. If he makes you happy, then I'm glad."
Sona added thoughtfully, "It's rare to see you so serious about someone. It seems like he brings out the best in you."
Akeno nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "He does. Being with him feels… natural."
The conversation lingered on Raizel and Akeno for a while longer, with the girls offering their support and playful teasing.
Despite the challenges they faced, moments like these reminded them of the bonds they shared and the importance of finding happiness amidst the chaos.
....