The Chains that Bind (Highschool DxD x Ghost Rider Reader)

Chapter 17

Asia returned to the ORC, slowly closing the door behind her and resting her back against it to keep her upright.

"Everything okay, Asia?" Issei asked. "What did (F/N) say?"

"N-Nothing," she replied. She pushed herself away from the door and strode over to his side, taking a seat next to him and looking down at the tea cup (F/N) drank from. "He said he just remembered something important."

"Must be some school work," Kiba suggested, hoping to relieve any concerns Asia has with some excuse. "Perhaps he was meeting with some friends from his school. I mean, with what he said, he's probably going to eat with the people he helped." Asia looked over at the kind, blonde-headed boy, his gentle smile and assuring voice. She nodded her head, but she didn't feel that that was what he was doing. After a moment to think, she then looked over at Rias.

"Uh, Rias," Asia began, "I should've asked this sooner, but do you think we can let (F/N) know about the group?" She asked, referring to being a Devil and not a club of Occult Research. "I understand that we need to keep up this front, but surely (F/N) should know about us, right?" Rias interlocked her fingers and let out a long hum in thought. She closed her eyes to think, until she inhaled, ready to speak.

"We cannot," she answered.

"Why not!?" Issei asked.

"As I'm sure a lot of us understand, we are in a deadlock with the Fallen Angels and the Angels," Rias began, "all of this stemming from the Great War a long time ago. While our very presence would be enough trouble, we cannot allow (F/N) into this for fear that he will be used against us. His very life could be in danger if he finds out. He could be dragged into this deadlock as a casualty of war, and one, I'm sure you can understand, I cannot allow to happen. We haven't been sought out by Fallen Angels after our encounter with Freed and Raynare, likely because they were acting out against their authority and welcomed any chance to get rid of them. And let's not forget, Freed did attack Issei's mother and (F/N), all because they knew us or knew Asia. When we are with them, or any one else for that matter, we are to act as high school students. We are to be who they know us to be and what we are; friends and family.

"It's really the best way to go about this," Kiba chimed in. "We each have our own secrets we need to keep in order to protect the ones we care about."

"Like the dirty magazines in the closet?" Koneko asked, raising an eyebrow to Kiba.

"How did you know about that!?" Issei asked.

"The point is," Rias began, "(F/N) is not involved in this deadlock at all, and it's best we keep it that way so he isn't harmed."

"And if he finds out himself?" Akeno asked.

"I'm not sure, yet," Rias replied, "if anything, just tell him that I asked you to stay silent."

After that, they continued on their "club activities' ', performing Pacts under the guise that they are providing a community service. Asia's thoughts lingered on that, as she sat in the club room, looking at the table, awaiting her Pact from Rias, who left to speak with Souna.

"Are you okay, Asia?" Akeno asked, filling up Asia's cup and then taking a seat next to her.

"Yeah, it's just," Asia began, grabbing her cup, "I don't know if I want to keep this secret from (F/N). He's been with me for a long time, as my brother, and it just feels wrong not to tell him."

"I understand," Akeno replied, "but you shouldn't feel bad. After all, Issei's also having to keep this secret from his family, right?"

"I think it might have to do with how they would react," Asia answered. "If they knew he was a Devil. They might be horrified. They might disown him, they might think he's a freak. Probably what happened to me back at the church." Asia sunk deeper into her despair as she continued listing all the different things that could happen. Akeno reached over and pulled Asia into a small, side-hug, rubbing her shoulder.