Aftermath - 1

The battlefield lay in ruins, the air thick with the lingering energy of the fierce battle. As the dust began to settle, a new presence descended from the sky.

Vali Lucifer, the White Dragon Emperor, landed gracefully, his eyes scanning the scene before him. His gaze locked onto Raizel, a smirk playing on his lips as he walked forward.

"So, this is the one who defeated Kokabiel," Vali said, his tone calm yet filled with intrigue. "You're stronger than I expected."

Raizel, still holding Excalibur, stood firm, his eyes meeting Vali's with a calm, unshaken gaze. "And you're the one who still hasn't realized big the world is."

Before Vali could respond, a deep, resonant voice echoed from within Issei's Sacred Gear.

"Are you trying to ignore me, White One?" Ddraig, the Welsh Dragon, rumbled, his voice laced with a mixture of irritation and challenge.

Vali's Sacred Gear responded with a voice of its own, calm and deep. "You're still alive, Red One?" Albion, the Vanishing Dragon, spoke with a hint of curiosity. "I've been wondering when we would meet again."

Ddraig's voice grew deeper, filled with a sense of inevitability. "As have I. We still need to finish what we started."

Albion's tone was equally resolute. "It's inevitable."

The two dragons exchanged a silent understanding, their old rivalry far from over.

As their conversation faded, Vali turned his attention back to Raizel. Without another word, he walked over to Kokabiel's broken form, lifting the fallen angel with ease.

"I'll take this one," Vali said, his gaze never leaving Raizel. "But remember, I'd like to fight you one day."

Raizel gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "I'll be waiting."

With that, Vali took off into the sky, Kokabiel's body in tow. The air grew still once more, and the tension that had gripped the battlefield slowly began to dissipate.

As Vali disappeared into the distance, the members of the Student Council arrived, their faces etched with concern.

Sona Sitri, the President, surveyed the damage with a critical eye. The destruction caused by the battle was extensive, and the repairs would take time and effort.

"We need to address the damage immediately," Sona said, her voice firm. "We can't let the students see the aftermath of this battle."

Rias nodded in agreement. "I'll have my peerage assist with the cleanup. We need to ensure everything is back to normal before anyone notices."

As the group began discussing their plans, Akeno approached Raizel, her usual playful demeanor masking a deeper concern. She stood beside him, her eyes scanning his face for any signs of pain or exhaustion.

"You said you were fine," Akeno teased, though her voice carried a hint of worry. "But you look like you could use some support."

Raizel chuckled softly, his red eyes softening as he looked at her. "And yet, you're the one offering comfort. If you continue to do this, I might start to hurt myself on purpose."

Akeno's lips curved into a sly smile, though her eyes remained serious. "Oh? And why would you do something so reckless?"

Raizel's smile didn't waver. "Because having you by my side makes it all worth it."

Akeno's teasing facade faltered for a moment, replaced by genuine emotion.

She stepped closer, her hand gently resting on his arm. "You don't have to push yourself so hard, Raizel. We're all here for you. You don't have to carry the burden alone."

Raizel's gaze softened further, and for a moment, the weight of his responsibilities seemed to lift. "I know, Akeno. And I'm grateful for that. But some battles... some burdens, I have to face myself."

Akeno nodded, understanding the depth of his words. "Just remember, you're not alone. No matter how strong you are, it's okay to rely on others."

Raizel gave her a small nod, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. "I'll keep that in mind."

Akeno's playful demeanor returned, though the concern in her eyes remained. "Good. Because if you ever think of hurting yourself just to see me worried, I'll make sure you regret it."

Raizel chuckled softly. "Noted."

As the two stood there, the world around them slowly began to return to normal.

Akeno chuckled softly, her eyes shining with warmth. "Good."

Raizel nodded, his expression softening. "I appreciate it, Akeno. Truly."

---

Raizel's black hair swayed gently in the breeze, framing his pale, regal features. His dark red ruby eyes, deep and enigmatic, met Akeno's with a gaze that seemed to pierce through her very soul.

There was an intensity in those eyes, a depth that spoke of centuries of knowledge, power, and an unshakable resolve.

Akeno felt her breath catch for a moment as she held his gaze. The world around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them standing amidst the aftermath of the battle.

The air between Raizel and Akeno grew charged with an unspoken tension as their faces drew closer.

Akeno's usual teasing demeanor softened, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and something deeper. Raizel's ruby eyes locked onto hers, as their faces drew closer the world around them fading into insignificance.

Just as their lips were about to meet, a voice shattered the moment.

"Raizel! Akeno! Are you guys okay?" Issei's worried tone cut through the air, his footsteps quickly approaching.

Raizel froze, his jaw tightening as a wave of irritation swept through him. In his mind, he cursed Issei's timing.

'Why now, of all times?, he thought, his calm demeanor momentarily cracking.

His internal voice continued, a rare hint of frustration evident. 'Of course, it had to be him.'

Akeno's face flushed a deep shade of red as she quickly pulled back, glancing around to see the rest of the peerage watching them intently.

Some had wide eyes, while others were barely containing their laughter. Kiba and Xenovia exchanged knowing smirks, while even Rias had a small, amused smile.

"Akeno, Raizel... were you two...?" Rias began, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Akeno's embarrassment deepened, her hands fidgeting slightly as she tried to regain her composure. "It's not what it looks like!" she protested, though the redness in her cheeks betrayed her words.

In the depths of Raizel's mind, his system chimed in with its usual sarcastic tone.

[Well, that was quite the show, Raizel. Perhaps next time you'll manage a kiss without an audience?]

Raizel's eyes narrowed slightly, his mental voice sharp. 'You're enjoying this far too much, EL. Should I remind you who's in control here?'

The system seems to chuckled, its voice filled with playful mockery.

[Oh, of course, Raizel. But admit it, that interruption was priceless. Your expression alone was worth it.]

Raizel mentally sighed, his frustration shifting to a resigned amusement. 'If you're going to troll me, at least be original.'

[Touché,]

The system replied, still chuckling.

[But you have to admit, watching you squirm is rare entertainment.]

Back in the real world, Akeno was doing her best to deflect the teasing from the others. "Alright, alright, let's focus on the task at hand," she said, trying to steer the conversation away from the awkward moment. "We have a lot of cleanup to do."

Issei scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Sorry for interrupting, but I was really worried. You guys looked like you were... having a moment."

Raizel's gaze flicked to Issei, his usual calm returning. "Your concern is appreciated, Issei. But perhaps next time, consider the timing."

Issei nodded quickly, clearly feeling the weight of Raizel's subtle reprimand. "Got it, Raizel. I'll be more careful."

As the group got back to discussing their plans for dealing with the aftermath, Akeno cast a quick glance at Raizel.

Despite the teasing and embarrassment, a small, knowing smile tugged at her lips.

Raizel, meanwhile, allowed himself a rare moment of internal amusement.

Despite the system's trolling and the awkward situation, there was a warmth in his chest—a reminder that even in the midst of chaos.

....