chapter 18 :Azazel

Here is what I usually like about choosing anime/manga/game characters and putting them into the story. I've noticed that whenever a DxD fanfic author inserts a character into the story, it is usually mainstream and popular characters. Examples include Mirajane and Erza from Fairy Tail & characters from Sekirei.

I usually like to break out of this usual trend and try to make it look unique. So I look deep and hard to find the characters I'm looking for. Eventually, I found a few. I chose Erika because...why not? I honestly like her personality and her looks.

(Takeshi's Ideal)

Alright, I know a lot of you are seeing the similarities between Takeshi's ideals and the ideals shown in Fate/Stay Night, and yes, I can acknowledge that.

However, my late grand uncle held that ideal and has told me this directly:

"You exist to make others happy, and become content with the life you choose to live with."

So taking inspiration from his ideal, I've decided to mold it as Takeshi's ideal in memory of my late grand uncle.

Plus, Shirou Emiya's ideal is to become a "hero of justice" and "save everyone". Takeshi simply wants to make everyone happy, and become happy with the life he is going with. He isn't trying to aim to become a hero of justice or save everyone. He just wants the people around him to be happy. That's simply it.

________

Takeshi groaned as he lied on the floor, a bit disoriented on what just happened. Not to mention an unpleasant feeling he had on his body. Forcing himself to sit up, he shook his head while adjusting his glasses. As he did, his ears picked up a voice.

"Azazel was right when he said your abilities are novice at best. But I'm honestly surprised by your use of Enchanter magic. Not that many magicians can make use out of it in offensive form." Erika commented while twirling around some metal baton.

"Y-Yeah, I'm different from most. Unfortunately, being different doesn't bring me an advantage in battle." Takeshi admitted as he stood up and shook his head. "I mean, I could barely even scratch you with my magic alone." Takeshi said while looking at Erika's body condition. His clothes were rumpled and dirtied, while Erika looks like she never went through any sort of work.

"Maybe so, but I will tell you this though since you gave me a good warm up. Compared to my previous opponents, which were Fallen Angels by the way, you honestly lasted longer than most others." Erika told him with a sly smile.

"Hearing that sure gives a boost to my self-esteem." Takehsi said with a joking voice as he patted off the dusts off of him. "Well, that's why I'm relieved that you're here. It changes the favors in our odds if we fight right." Takeshi said.

"What, you're going to make me do all the heavy lifting? You lazy jerk..." Erika said with mock distraught.

Takeshi simply just chuckled at her joking manner. Even though he and Erika are working together for a short period of time, he does know how her personality works. For one, she always has this habit of teasing and mocks in a friendly and good way. And another odd thing about her is that even though she is a Fallen Angel, her rather optimistic personality does contrast.

It honestly made him wonder why she is a Fallen Angel in the first place. But it wasn't place to ask such a personal question.

"You know it isn't like that. You're style if offensive while I'm the supporter. And I fit well into the role of being a supporter." Takeshi responded.

"That maybe so. But still, making a woman do all the heavy work. You're not acting like a gentleman at all." Erika joked once more.

"Well excuse me that I'm human and you're a Fallen Angel. Things just work out differently between us." Takeshi retorted with a friendly tone, before he made his way past her and towards a desk in the corner of the room. Bringing out a fresh sheet of paper, he began to write at a fast pace.

"Based on the speed of the swing and reaction time, it should help that...mmm...yes...that could work." Takeshi muttered to himself as he busily began drawing on the sheet of paper.

The whole purpose that he and Erika sparred in the training floor is that Takeshi wanted to get to know Erika's combat abilities, while in turn Erika will to to know Takeshi's abilities as an Enchanter. That way, he could incorporate her abilities into the strategies that he is formulating. So far, he's been making progress in doing so.

While it might be overwhelming for an average human being to have to memorize so many scenarios to be played out, Takeshi's mind is above the rest. With his ability to easily memorize books, which also extends to a single page itself, Takeshi can easily picture out each and every scenario that he can possibly be facing.

Strategies are the deciding factors in battles. History and legends proven this multiple times.

"Back to planning again, huh? I swear, you have a knack for this thing. You sure you didn't go through combat for a long period of time?" Erika asked as she folded her arms.

"Well, I only have two real battles under my belt plus formal training under my late father, so that's all I have." Takeshi said while eyeing the papers with an analytical look.

"Hard to believe when you're literally churning out strategies on possible encounters and battles." Erika commented.

"I guess I'm just different from others." Takeshi muttered, too focused on writing things down.

Erika just sighed. "Well, as long as you know a guaranteed path to victory, I suppose I shouldn't complain. I'm gonna help myself to a drink." Erika said as she walked towards the door of the basement.

"Go ahead. You deserve it after helping me." Takeshi said with a easygoing tone, all the while keeping his eyes glued on the table. His commented and tone made Erika smile in amusement at him.