chapter 20:Erika

Seeing that he is done for today's errands, he decided to quickly get home so he can plan more things with Erika. And with the park being a shortcut to his house, he decided that now is the time to cross. It wasn't the time when couples would come, so he is safe.

Plus, what are the chances that he is going to run into Fallen Angels at this time? Sun is still out, so he is good to go. Takeshi whistled to himself as he walked along the way, content that things will go calm for the day.

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned.

Because upon walking a few steps into park, he felt an unpleasant sensation ran through his body once more. His eyes widened once more upon knowing this feeling. He immedeatly looked to the sky, and noticed that the air is distorted around him. Remembering what happened last night, he knew what was going on.

"...Oh no." Takeshi muttered in alarm, noticing the distorted air around him. He cautiously looked around him, and found no Fallen Angel around. Seeing that he cannot see the Fallen Angel somewhere, Takeshi decided to get into cover by hiding in the trees. As he did, he summoned his staff and prepared himself for a fight that he would probably have a tough time trying to survive.

But a moment passed and nothing absolutely happened. Noticing this, Takeshi slowly looks out to see if there was any presence, but there was none. Seeing this, he decided to move around to see if he could know what is going on in this area. It might seem risky, but it every detail counts. So he slowly made his way through the trees as he looked around the area.

'...Why are they acting up now of all time and places...?' Takeshi thought to himself, a bit unsettled that Fallen Angels are acting up. It made no sense, as Fallen Angels prefer to operate at night time while keeping their presence a secret in public. Acting like this practically screams suspicion.

He was soon had his questions and suspicions answered, as his eyes widened a bit when he watched a particular scene before him.

It was the same Fallen Angel he encountered that night, as well as seeing Issei there. Similar to last time he saw Issei that night, it appeared that he was impaled though the stomach once more. But unlike last time, there was a new person to the scene.

It appeared to be some foreign girl with long blonde hair, and appeared to be wearing some nun outfit. She was currently standing near Issei while putting her hand on his stomach, emitting a soft green light. Takeshi noticed that the green light was healing his injuries at a remarkable pace.

It was then he heard the Fallen Angel speak up.

"Asia. If you don't want that Devil to be killed, come with me. Your Sacred Gear is essential for our plan. Your power, the Twilight Healing, is a rare Sacred Gear unlike the Sacred Gear of the Devil over there. If you don't come with me, I will have to kill that Devil." the Fallen Angel said while giving a cruel order.

This seems to have made Issei give a defiant look.

"S-Shut up! I can defeat you—"

"Yes, I understand."

Takeshi's and Issei's eyes widened in shock as they saw the immediate response of the girl.

"Asia!" Issei cried out in shock.

"Ise-san. Thank you for today. It was really fun." Asia said with a big smile, as she finished healing the wounds on his stomach. She then walked towards Raynare.

"Good girl, Asia. That's it. Problem solved. With today's ritual, you will be freed from your suffering." the Fallen Angel said while letting out a pleased smile. Takeshi narrowed his eyes as he picked up a certain words in her sentence.

'Today's ritual...?' Takeshi thought, before he decided to watch more.

As much as he would like to help, he knew his capabilities of both him and Issei. His magic will merely hinder the Fallen Angel, but not outright defeat her. Issei, on the other hand, is just a newborn Devil, literally learning about his new powers. Not to mention, he doesn't even know what Issei does. So in the end, he has to begrudgingly stay quiet while watching, hoping to learn more from the Fallen angel.Asia! Wait! We're friends, aren't we!?" Issei shouted out to her.

"Yes. Thank you for being friends with someone like me." Asia said with gratitude.

"I-I have to protect Asia!" Issei called out to her, making the blond girl turn towards him while still smiling.

"Goodbye." Asia said her farewells, as she was then covered by the Fallen Angel's black wings.

"Low-class Devil, looks like you were saved because of this girl. If you get in my way again, I will definitely kill you. Goodbye, Ise-kun." The Fallen Angel said with a sneer as she flew up high while holding onto Asia. It was then they disappeared into the sky with a flash of light, leaving only Issei and Takeshi behind.

As the two disappeared, Issei weakly laughed as he got onto his knees and started to punch the ground, and lets out a frustrated cry.

"Asiaaaaaaaaaaa!" Issei cried out to the sky.

Takeshi looked at the scene with a guilty look, feeling horrible that he didn't do anything to help in this situation. He clenched his fist and tightly closed his eyes.

'You exist to make others happy...and here I am, just watching someone suffer before me.' Takeshi thought to himself while looking troubled upon this. '...If only I could've been stronger...' Takeshi thought to himself in disappointment, but he soon shook his head upon realizing something.

'...No...no, that's not it at all. It didn't matter if I was strong or weak...' Takeshi told himself as he realized something. Something he should've done the moment he saw the two were in trouble.