The Date Part 1

A week had gone by in the blink of an eye and Asia seems to be enjoying school life as she wanted. She had made many friends, although most of them kept trying to warn her to stay away from Matsuda less he corrupts her which Asia, being innocent and all, didn't understand what they meant and just thought it was just a joke. The only exception to this was a girl called Aika Kiryuu who did practically the opposite. She was pretty much the female version of Matsuda and Motohama but she was a lot more discreet than those two which was why she was never caught indulging in her "hobbies" let's say. Anyways, when she learned of Asia's crush on Matsuda, she actively advised her in many ways to attract his attention and even told her what she would be doing in the future to cement their relationship which made her turn crimson red at all those… suggestion.

Anyways, as Issei and Asia exited their home to go to school, they were met with Akeno who once more met them at there entrance to join them. At first, Issei felt really bad for having Akeno come all the way here and tried to convince her that she didn't need to do this but Akeno kept rebutting that she wanted to spend as much time with him as possible so eventually he relented and this became a common occurrence.

Today though, they met Matsuda along the way and he was more than thrilled to join them as they blissfully made their way to school. They were casually making conversation along the way, even gaining the attention of a few students that they happened to pass along the road. Then again, it was really impossible for them to not gain attention considering who they were. One of the Two Great One-sama idolized throughout the school for her beauty and Graciousness, Akeno Himejima. The new hot transfer student that some of the female body refer secretly at the Emperor, Issei Hyoudou. Asia who also recently transferred had many students refer to her as the second mascot along side Koneko Toujou and finally the last member, although not viewed in a positive light like the other was very renewed as well, Matsuda Suzuki, part of the perverted duo that everyone hated especially the girls. He was also hated even more because he managed to join the ORC alongside everyone's idols. It was to the point where they believed him to have blackmailed every single member of the ORC and is forcing his perverted tendencies on them as a result. Of course, it was all a lie but that's how it is.

"How are you enjoying school so far?" Issei asked Asia

"It's amazing, Issei-san. I made so many new friends and everyone is so nice to me. We are going to be laying Volleyball today in PE. It's my first time, I'm so excited" You could tell from her tone and huge bright smile how excited she really was. Issei, Akeno and Matsuda all smiled at the bubbly reaction from her.

They kept making casual conversation until they arrived at school where they parted ways with Akeno who had a different class. They all agreed to meet later on in the club. After separating, they each made their way to their respective classes.

As Asia previously mentioned during the day, their class was playing Volleyball. Issei however was seated on the bench but not because nobody wanted to pick him. It was the opposite in fact. Everyone wanted Issei to be on their team because they knew that they would win if he was on their side. To prevent a fight that was about to break out, Issei proposed a solution where he would rotate between both teams at every 5-point interval to at least make it even. This solution was accepted by the instructor and they started playing.

Comically enough, the only team that happens to be scoring was the one Issei was currently on. No one was able to stop him not even Matsuda or Kiba who were on different teams. They were usually the ones who ended up trying to guard him since no one else stood a chance but the difference between their physiques and stature was like comparing heaven an earth. A low-class devil against what they knew was at least a high-class dragon. It was almost like an ant taking on an elephant. No chance at all.

In addition, they could tell that compared to the other students, Issei was a lot more serious when smashing the ball against them. He took it easy on other students since they were human but he knew that they could take it so he added extra force whenever he "delivered" the ball to them.

Kiba for one did not mind at all. In fact, he took as a kind of training. Each time Issei sent a ball his way, he noticed that the speed and the force kept increasing each time he hit it towards him. At times, he was able to react and dig at the exact moment to kill the power of the ball, other times he completely missed the timing and lost the point. This exercise seems to have given him the opportunity to train his reaction time and he was grateful for that so he kept going after the ball with all his strength.

Matsuda, on the other hand was an entirely different story. He seemed to be pissed. Not at the fact that issei was better than him. He had already accepted that fact ages ago but at the constant cheers he kept hearing by the girls.

"KYAAAAA ISSEI-KUN" "KIBA-SAMA"

"YOUR AMAZING ISSEI"

"PLEASE GO OUT WITH ME"

The constant cheers for the two seemed to have sent his jealousy into overdrive. He got so pissed that when the ball was in the air, he would jump with all his might and aim at either Issei or Kiba pouring all his feelings into the shot, only for Issei or Kiba to gracefully dodge the ball by swaying their body to the side ending with the ball going out and scoring a point for the opponent team. This seemed to gain them even more cheers which drove him crazy with thoughts of unfairness.

It's not as though he didn't receive any cheers. In fact, there was still one bright girl who would constantly cheer for Matsuda. At times, Asia would shout, cheering Matsuda with all her might which encouraged him to do better. Unfortunately, with the added adrenaline of Asia cheering coursing through his veins, he jumped and smashed the ball once more at Issei or Kiba only to once again have the same outcome occur with either of them dodging and the ball going out adding a point to the opponent's teams.

There were times when he shouted at them "Hey, why don't you take it like a man" only to have Issei shrug his shoulders and answer with "But it was out!" causing Matsuda to mutter silent curses as he headed back to his spot while Issei could be seen laughing and Kiba chuckling at Matsuda's reactions.

Anyways, eventually the score ended up becoming 20-20. At that point, the instructor decided to have Issei benched for the remaining time and allow the other students to finish the game by themselves. This leads us to the current situation. Both teams were doing their best to score points against one another. With Matsuda on one side and Kiba in the other it was relatively even. Cheers were erupting left and right, most of them obviously going to Kiba as each team scored points.

21-21

22-21

.

23-24

.

25-24

Eventually the game ended with Matsuda's team earning a victory, although a close one. It was hilarious how he expected some sort of cheering from having won the game but instead all the girls began to swarm Kiba.

"Kiba-sama, you were amazing"

"Here's a towel to clean yourself"

"KYA"

Even though it shouldn't be surprising, he still went slacked jaw at the lack of support until a certain blond-haired nun came to up to him.

"C-Congratulations Matsuda-san. You were amazing out there" Asia said with a bright cheery smile causing comical tears to come out of Matsuda who quickly scooped her up in a hug which surprised Asia, making her blush.

"Thank you Asia-channnn. You are definitely an angel." Matsuda said causing her blush to become an even deeper shade of red.

"T-Thank You, Matsuda-san" she said before finally returning the hug. A bit further ahead, Issei was smiling at their interaction while receiving praise from the fairer sex about his performance.

At end of day, the group made their way to their clubroom. After entering, they each took their own seat as they all began to converse. Issei then noticed Akeno who seemed to be humming and singing while preparing tea. She was definitely in a good mood and Issei had an inkling as to the reason why.

"Ara, Akeno. You seem to be in a good mood. Did you find something which will satisfy your S-personality?"

Akeno-san then answers Rias question with a big smile.

"No, that's not it. Ufufu. It's tomorrow. I can't help myself from smiling. Tommorow is the day Issei is going to take me out on a date."

Thats right! Yes, tomorrow is the day off and is the day Issei would take her out on a date.

"I see so that's why you seem so happy." Rias nodded

"Yes, I cannot wait for tommorow" Akeno was super excited for her date with her boyfriend.

Matsuda looks to Issei

"Did you already plan out your date?" he inquired, to which he received a nod from Issei.

"You bet I did. It's a date with Akeno, you can bet I will make sure it's a good one" Issei smirked.

"lucky bastard, I want to go on a date with Buchou" Matsuda murmured, jealous that Issei gets a date.

"Anyways, I'll see you all later. I have a few things I still need to prepare for tomorrow" Issei bid them all farewell.

"Alright, have a good evening Issei" Rias waved him goodbye.

"Hai, I'll see you at home Issei-san" Asia replied.

"Goodbye Issei-kun" Kiba bid him farewell

"Bye" Koneko uttered that single word.

Akeno strode forwards and embraced him.

"I'll see you tomorrow Issei-kun" she said seductively earning a blush from him but he didn't want to lose out so he decided to return the favor.

"Looking forward to it Akeno-chan" he whispered in her ear gaining himself a small victory as he saw the blush on her face making him grin. Before she could retaliate, Issei instantly teleported himself out of the clubroom making her pout. Rias chuckled seeing her friend's reaction before going back to work on her documents.

Issei's POV

It's morning. I am currently waiting out near the convenience store near the station where I told Akeno we would meet. I have to say that I am a bit nervous. It certainly makes you nervous when you are going out on a date. My heart is beating so fast! My clothes are set properly. Even if we see each other everyday, I need to dress properly since it is a special occasion with my girlfriend. The other dragons back home would probably laugh at me for acting so nervously over a date. Heck, my dad laughed at me when I told him I'm little nervous causing mom to slap his head and remind him how nervous he was when he was proposing to her causing him to blush and me to laugh back. Tannin would definitely reprimand him saying he should act more like a dragon and be confident in himself. It's funny how I can easily charge into battle against fallen angels and not bad an eye while getting so nervous over a single date with Akeno.

I try to calm myself by looking around. The town looks like it's autumn, but the heat from the summer is still present. I'm wearing long-sleeved clothes, but maybe half-sleeved would have been okay? I've never really cared for fashion. As long as it fits, it was good for me. It was tough though finding clothes due to my build but I found some.

It was nearing 9:00 am, the appointed time we were supposed to meet and as I was thinking about irrelevant topic, a familiar voice caught my ear.

"Issei-kun". There's no way I could ever mistake her voice even in a large crowd. I turned my head towards the place the sound originated from and I spot a girl my age wearing a one piece who stops in front of my face… Wait

"A-Akeno"

"Hello Issei, did I make you wait?" she smiled brightly at me.

"No" I blinked my eyes a few times. Akeno had her hair down unlike her usual ponytail. She was wearing cute clothes worn by girls her age. It's the first time I'm seeing her like this. I thought that she would have dressed more sophistically like a mature woman but today she was wearing cute clothes worn by high school girls. She looked the same age as me possibly even younger than me. She was still absolutely breath taking. She looks even more beautiful than usual. No, Akeno is always beautiful, but today she looks exceptionally beautiful and cute as well.

Seeing him gawking at her, Akeno giggled a bit before asking

"Ara, for you to look at me like that, do I look weird?" she teased but in my current state I didn't catch it as I shake my head from side to side

"N-No, absolutely not! You look absolutely stunning" I answered quickly. It seems she became both embarrassed and happy at the same time at my direct approach if that blush on her cheeks is anything to go by.

"T=thank you Issei, you also look really handsome."

"Thank you." I thank her for her praising my appearance. Good thing I picked some nice clothes, though I feel she would have said the same regardless of what I wore, just like I would have found her beautiful no matter which clothes she wore.

"Shall we get going then. It's 9:00 am so how about we get some breakfast first before heading off to the main attraction" I presented her my hand and she gladly took and even went a step further and enveloped my entire arm in her breast. Oh my god, her breasts really are huge and soft. I can feel heat raising on my cheeks and I have no doubt that I am blushing. It seemed Akeno was too lost in her happiness to notice which I am grateful for, otherwise she would have started teasing me.

"Yes, let's go"

We began our day by heading to a nearby restaurant where we both ordered something to eat although in my case it was mostly a buffet than a meal.

A young waitress came to our table to get our order

"Hello, are you ready to order?" she asked with a smile. Both Issei and Akeno nodded.

"I would like to have the standard breakfast meal consisting of eggs and bacon with a coffee for a drink, please" Akeno began. The waitress wrote her order before shifting to Issei.

"I will have the pancakes, standard breakfast, egg sandwich with…" The waitress seemed to be at a loss for words when she heard the amount of food I am ordering. I think she almost dropped her pen in shock which was really funny.

"um sir, I don't mean to be rude but are you sure you will be able to eat all of that?" She didn't seem to be believe I was capable of finishing everything I ordered. Not that I can blame her. She has no idea that I am a dragon and dragons can eat way more than an average human. I simply smiled at her

"Yes mam, I have a very big appetite today so I'll definitely be able to eat everything. I don't like to waste food after all."

Being hit with what was to her a 100 Wattz smile from a handsome man caused her to blush

"o-oh I see. P-Please forgive me for my rudeness."

"It's no trouble at all." I responded.

"Your order will be prepared shortly" she said before turning back and making her way to the kitchen. You could even notice a spring in her steps as though she just had an amazing experience.

"ufufu, Issei is quite the charmer" I heard Akeno say

"What?" I wasn't sure what she was referring to.

"Nothing!" she stuck out her tongue playfully. I decided to leave it.

Eventually, our food arrived and we started eating. Akeno ate with the grace of a mature woman while I was well… let's just say not well mannered I was basically eating very fast devouring all the food in front of me. Hey, don't blame me, I wasn't lying when I said I had a big appetite and besides, I am a growing dragon and I require lots of food to keep me going.

Besides, I was born and raised as a dragon and we don't really care about manners all that much. I remember during the feast I had with everyone, we would just stuff our faces with food not caring about making messes. Some even began brawling during meals but that was the way of the dragons.

"Ara, you have a little leftover food near your mouth."

"Oh really, sorry about that!" I was about to wipe it off but somehow Akeno beat me to it as she leaned over the table and grabbed a loose piece of what seemed to be my pancakes and ate it herself.

"mmm, its delicious" she said with smirk on her face. God dammit, why did she have to do that? I'm sure she is doing this on purpose isn't she! She even positioned herself so I have a clear view of her bountiful cleavage. If we weren't in a public place I would have certainly indul… DAMMIT, these dragon instincts of mine sometimes. There are times when I wish Akeno would sometimes ease up on her teasing otherwise, one day I may not be able to hold back and will start devouring something else very soon.

"Did you notice them?" I hear her whispering to me bringing me back to reality. Thankfully, it seems Akeno was unaware of my inner turmoil. It took a moment for me to understand what she said before understanding hit me.

"ahh, you mean our little followers!" I let out a small giggle. Indeed, since the start of our date, I felt several familiar presences tailing us.

"ufufu, it seems we have many people who came to check up on us and I see you also noticed them." Akeno realised and made a small giggle.

"Yeah, although to be fair, it doesn't take much to figure out who is following us. I mean, they clearly stand out." I looked around at a certain spot and sure enough

I spot a crimson color. All I could do was sigh as I see Rias who is wearing a hat as well as sunglasses and is looking over at our spot while hiding behind a telephone pole. No offense Rias but that is a poor excuse of a disguise if I ever saw one. I mean, at least do something about your hair. There aren't many, if not any people, with that kind of colour. It's pretty much a dead giveaway as to who you are. Even normal bystanders are looking at her weirdly. If anything that disguise makes you even more noticeable. Also, did she forget about my enhanced senses as a dragon. I can easily spot them from a mile away considering that, just like I told Koneko before, they are the only devils in a field of humans.

Next to her, I can spot a blond person who was wearing glasses near Rias. It sems they dragged poor little Asia into this and by the expression on her face, I could tell she was a bit lost over what to do. She seemed to feel a bit guilty over spying on them. Rias must have somehow convinced her to join with something along the lines of "Don't you want to make sure their date goes smoothly" or something like that.

A bit further away near the sweet's booth was Koneko who was wearing a cat-like mask. At first glance, it seemed as though she really didn't care about their spying on them but based on the few stares she sent along their way, she probably already knew that I was on to them and just gave up and decided to indulge herself in sweets. Then, we have Kiba who is dressed like he usually does in his school uniform waves his hand apologetically to us. As for Matsuda, he is the only one who has decent stealth capabilities.

"The only one who seems to be hidden properly is Matsuda-san. It seems his years of peeking had the unexpected benefit of giving him excellent hiding skills." I said out loud causing Akeno to raise a brow.

"Ara, now that you mention it, I don't see him around. Where is he hiding?" Akeno asked while looking around.

"He is hidden in the store near them behind the counter. You'll see him holding binoculars although it seems his attention got redirected to a group of beautiful women in the streets" I let out a small giggle. It's funny how Matsuda could be so easily distracted by a group of women. Well, at least it's better that his attention was focused on them rather than on Akeno. Even if he is his friend, he will not tolerate anyone peeking on Akeno.

Eventually we finished eating and as we exited the restaurant, Akeno grabbed my hand and started running. I was very surprised at the action.

"Let's shake Rias and the others" she said with a mischievous face. I let out a small laugh and nodded

"Alright, lets go" this might be fun.

"They are getting away!" I hear a certain crimson haired yell out at the others. So much for your disguise, huh Rias!

The gang tried to chase them but lost them pretty fast

"Where did they go?" Matsuda asked looking around for them.

"I don't know but let's keep looking" responded Rias as they all headed a certain direction. In nearby alley, Issei undid the illusion keeping them invisible from sight. Akeno seemed very impressed.

"impressive, is that a new ability?" I nodded.

"Yes, its something I learned from dad although his illusions are still leagues ahead of mine considering they are part of his powers." I told her. Being the dragon of dreams, illusions are dad's domain. He did say that someday I will easily catch up to him.

"Anyways, how about we get back to our date."

"Yes" Akeno agreed

"However, there is one place I would like to visit before we proceed. Is that okay?" I smiled at her and she tilted her head.

"Where is that?" I giggled before responding with

"You'll find out" We started to make our way to a certain destination I had in mind and the closer we got to it, the more Akeno begun to understand where they were heading.

"I-Issei!" she stuttered as they arrived in front of the staircase leading to her old home, the shrine. I looked at her with a smile.

"I thought we could go visit your mother and talk to her for a bit before continuing our date" I told her. Although what I said was only half the truth since I brought her for a second reason.

We both made our way up the stair until we came face to face with Aunty Shuri's grave near the front entrance of the shrine. I could see Akeno, barely holding her tears, probably reminiscing of her mother and how much she misses her to this day so I decided to start off.

"Hello Aunty Shuri, it's me again. Unlike the previous times I came to visit, I have brought you the most excellent of news" I placed a hand on Akeno's waist and brought her to my chest.

"As you can see, Akeno and I have begun dating although you probably already knew this would happen considering how many time in the past you used to tease us about it." I laughed a bit before putting on a more serious expression

"I promise you… that I will love and protect Akeno even if it costs me my life. You sacrificed your life to protect Akeno from harm, something that I failed to do." I felt a few tears coming out of my eyes

"I'm really sad and truly regret that you are not here with us. We all miss you so very much and to hear your voice again would truly be a blessing… Look at me crying when I was supposed to be bringing happier news. I'm sure you would be reprimanding me to stop mopping around and to keep on moving forward because that is just the type of person you are aunty. I know you wouldn't want us to keep crying over your death so I'll just say this. Thank you very much for saving Akeno-chan and I vow to keep protecting her to ensure that your death was not in vain and this is a promise I intend to keep" I said wiping the tears off my eyes. Looking at my side I can also see Akeno wiping off her own tears.

Seeing that I was finished Akeno took a step forward and place a hand on her mother's grave.

"Hello Oka-san. It's been so very long since I last saw you. I… I'm sorry I never came by to visit. It's just that… for the longest time, this place only held bitter memories for me ever since the day you died in my arms. Even passing by the shrine caused unwanted memories to resurface that I desperately wanted to forget. Even worst was that I blamed both Issei and Bara… tou-san for everything. I know if you were here, you would probably have reprimanded me, saying that tou-san loves me, that Issei was only a child… that my hatred was misplaced and you would be right. I know it was wrong but I needed someone to blame to accept that cruel reality or my mind wouldn't have survived." Akeno stopped to take a moment to breath before continuing "However, with Issei back in my life I am finally beginning to let go of all my hatred. It will take some time but I hope… no I'm sure my heart will be able to forgive father even if there is nothing to forgive him for. Not a day goes by that I do not miss you and wish so dearly to have you back in my life but even so, I know that it will be alright. I love you so much oka-san and I never got the chance to say this but… thank you very much for saving my life oka-san." Akeno bowed a bit as fresh new tears spilled unto her mother's grave. Seeing her like that, I caressed her gently down her hair and embraced her once more. It's really hard to see her like this but I'm sure she needed this. I'll ask you to forgive me aunty for letting Akeno cry so much. It's a good thing she wasn't wearing make-up otherwise it would have smeared all over her face. Then again, Akeno is beautiful even without make up.

"You know aunty wouldn't want you to cry, Akeno. She would want you to see you smile" I told as I wiped off a few stray tears. Akeno looks up to me, knowing that what I said was the truth. Her mother wouldn't want her to be sad but look towards the future.

With a deep sigh to calm herself, she finally revealed that beautiful smile of hers that I love so much.

"You are right. I'm sure she wouldn't want to see me like this."

"That's the way. You look a lot more beautiful when you smile" he complimented her earning a small blush from her which pleased him since he didn't want to see her so depressed.

"Alright then we should probably say goodbye and return to our date. I'm sure if aunty Shuri were here, she would probably shoo us away to go and have fun together." He said causing Akeno to giggle knowing that he was probably right.

"ufu, you are right. She would probably also force us to tell her everything that went on when we come back." She added. This time, Issei let out a smile.

"Right, so until then" he turned back toward his aunt "Please watch over us aunty. I'm sure everything will turn out alright with you looking over us and once again I promise that I will take care of Akeno and protect her even if it costs me my life." This was a promise he intended to keep.

"Thank you for everything oka-san. I love you so very much and I hope you'll watch over me as you always have." Akeno added her own 2 cents before they both said farewell to Shuri and began to leave the shrine to continue their date.

Before descending, Issei took one final glance at the shrine before smiling.

"Are you coming Issei!" he heard Akeno say.

"Sorry, I'm coming now" he said before joining her.

Unknown to Akeno, the reason Issei was smiling wasn't at the shrine but rather at the person hidden inside. Akeno couldn't sense him since he was hiding his presence but Issei did.

Coming out from the entrance of the shrine was none other than Barakiel who had tears streaming down his face. Yesterday, he had received a call from Issei who asked him to come to the shrine at a certain time though he wouldn't tell him why. He assumed he simply wanted to meet and spend time with him so he promised to be there. He already finished all of his assigned work so he had some time to spare. At the promised time, he teleported inside his old home. He himself didn't visit here much other than to pay respect for his deceased wife. This place only now held bitter memories. What was once a place filled with happiness and warmth now only filled him with sadness and despair. All this shrine did was remind him of his failure to protect his family when they needed him most. In the blink of an eye, he had lost all that mattered to him despite the constant preaching of Issei, his family and his faction that it was not his fault. Hell, Azazel himself told Barakiel that all fault lies with him for pulling him away from his family but Barakiel completely denied that. It was his fault and his alone. He should have dealt with his enemies more quickly but instead he took his time to deal with them. Those few precious minutes were what delayed him from saving his family in time. Shuri and Akeno would still have been with him and he would have had a home to return to but fate was cruel to him. No matter what anyone said, he blamed himself for all these years for his failure.

Eventually, he started feeling the presence of two people heading up the stairs. When they came into view, it felt as if the entire world stopped for him. Next to Issei, was none other than his daughter Akeno all grown up. She was so beautiful but how could she not be when she looked nearly identical to her mother with the exception of her violet eyes and her more endowed chest, curtesy of her fallen angel heritage. But what was she doing here? Wasn't he supposed to meet only Issei? That's when it clicked to Barakiel that Issei must have wanted to set this all up for him to meet Akeno without her knowing. While he had received a letter from his daughter and knowing that she was safe did wonders for his heart. However, another part of him also desperately wanted to see her, even if only to catch a single glimpse would have relieved him of so much burden yet he knew that he could not meet her yet. His daughter wasn't ready to meet him yet as her hatred still lingers in her heart and she asked him to give her some time before they could meet and the fact that he got even that was a miracle in itself. Therefore, he decided to give his daughter the space she wanted less he creates a greater rift between them. It wasn't easy though. It took all of his strength and willpower to resist the urge to run towards his daughter and hug her, telling her that he is sorry, telling her that he never stopped thinking about them and not a single day goes by that he doesn't wish he could turn back time to fix his greatest mistake yet he knew he couldn't just yet so he decided to take solace in this opportunity that Issei had provided him. He really needed to thank him for this later.

He listened in to their entire conversation with Shuri. To hear that his daughter was doing her best to forgive him, did so much more than words could ever describe. More tears drifted down his face as he could fear his shattered heart slowly melding back together. Her words gave him the greatest of hopes that they could be reunited as a family and he couldn't wait for that day to come.

Eventually, they left but not before he saw Issei looking back at the shrine and smiled. However, rather than smiling back at the shrine, Barakiel believed that smile to be for him and he could do nothing but return one even though Issei couldn't see it.

When they both left, Barakiel exited the shrine, making his way next to his wife grave yet his gaze never left the entrance where they left.

"Thank you Issei… Thank you" he thanked Issei from the bottom of his heart for giving him the opportunity to see his daughter. He wiped his tears before redirecting his attention to Shuri.

"Hey there, Shuri. Sorry for that pathetic display earlier. Look at me crying like a simple child. I can already imagine what your reaction would be" Barakiel stated.

"Ara ara, since when has my husband become such a cry baby, ufufu" He could already imagine his wife saying that causing him to giggle at the thought

"You are right! It would seem I have become a cry baby but I believe these tears are well spent as I got to see how our daughter has grown up to become such a wonderful woman. She looks so much like you and I have no doubt you would be so proud of her." He said before his tone started becoming more somber

"Not a day goes by that I do not wish that you were here with us. Many times, I told myself that it should have been me who died that day, not you. If I could trade my life in exchange for yours, I would do so in a heartbeat. Knowing you, you would probably punish me for even thinking such a thing and I know you wouldn't want me to think like that but a child will always need a mother's love more so than it's father. Those are my honest feelings but I know you wouldn't want me to sink into depression any longer now that Akeno is safe so let me just say this." He placed both his hands and his head on top of Shuri's grave

"Thank you so very much for saving our most precious treasure and please watch over them from the heavens above. I love you so much now and forever."

"I love you too Barakiel. Keep an eye on both of them as well"

He could have sworn, for a moment, he heard his wife's voice causing him to raise his head looking back and forth only to find nothing there. But, even though it may have been a figment of his imagination, he was glad to have heard his wife's voice, one last time.

"I promise Shuri… I promise" he said as he looked up to the sky before finally taking his leave and going back to Grigori