DxD: Ascension - Redux

Chapter 20: Summit Preparations

Shinto Shrine, near the edge of Kuoh

Issei sat across from Michael, the leader of Heaven in God's absence, in the shrine's largest building. They stared at each other, neither speaking a word. This guy's the head honcho of Heaven? But if that's true, what's he doing here? Issei felt a chill throughout his entire body as a golden light shone between him and Michael. The light materialized into a sword. It was made in a European style with a grey hilt and golden crossguard, designed to look like dragon claws pointing upward. The blade was notched three times on either side near the bottom, where it connected to the hilt. The same symbol on every Holy Sword was imprinted on the blade's navy blue fuller.
"Behold, young pervert," Michael began. "This is the Holy Sword known as Ascalon. Though it has also earned itself another name: the Dragon-Slayer."
Issei began to sweat. "Wow, that's... one hell of a nickname."
"The weapon's previous owner certainly earned it. Many dragons have been destroyed by this sword's power."
"That's why I was feeling on edge..." Issei's Boosted Gear formed on his arm.
"Fear not, Issei Hyoudou. This weapon was sent to you from above in the hope that you might assimilate it into your Boosted Gear. You see, I heard about your reputation as Ddraig's weakest host of all time, so I believed that the might of Ascalon will give you strength when you need it."
"History's weakest?" Issei sighed. "I guess it's no surprise, but it still hurts to hear. But why give this thing to me?"
"Listen well, child. The time has come for all of us- devils, angels, and fallen angels- to work together or die trying. The Great War ended the majority of our large-scale fighting, but as you very well know, there are still small skirmishes."
Issei recalled the battle against Kokabiel. "So you call something like that a small skirmish?"
"If things like that are allowed to continue, all will be brought to ruin. It is possible that a different power may attack us in the confusion."
"Like what?"
Michael ignored Issei's question. "For now, all you need to know is that there are more great powers out there than just the angels, devils, and fallen angels. But this upcoming summit will provide a great opportunity for the three factions to forge an alliance and end all these years of senseless fighting. It wouldn't be the first time, after all. Long ago, we all came together to fight as one. We had no choice if we wanted to end the destruction caused by the Red and White Dragons. I beseech you, Red Dragon Emperor, please help align the goals of the three great powers once again."
"Now, Issei, this is where you accept Lord Michael's gift," Akeno instructed.
Issei nodded. "R-right. If it'll help out, then of course." He stood. Ascalon floated toward him, turning on its side so he could grasp the hilt with his left arm. "Assimilating a Holy Sword? Is something like that even possible?"
The Sacred Gear reacts to the desires of its host. If this is what you want, then it can and will be done, Ddraig informed him.
"Then let's do it."
Alright then. Focus all your thoughts on the Sacred Gear.
Issei nodded. "Done." He took hold of Ascalon's hilt.
Match your wavelength to that of the sword.
Ascalon glowed gold as the Boosted Gear glowed crimson. The auras fused together when they touched. The gold became totally assimilated into the red and the sword dissolved. BLADE! Ddraig announced. Ascalon's blade shot out of the Boosted Gear, just above Issei's fingers.
Michael smiled. "I have done what I set out to do. And now I must take my leave."
"Wait! Before you go, I have something I wanted to ask."
"I'm sorry, child, but I haven't the time. I promise to hear you out next time our paths cross. You have my word. Farewell, young Hyoudou." Michael released his golden wings, which began to glow with a blinding light. In a flash, he was gone.

BGM: Persona 5 - Alleycat

Issei sat on the floor as Akeno poured him some tea. "So you and Michael came here to work your magic on the sword?"
Akeno nodded. "Yes. We performed a ceremony here that tailored Ascalon's specifications to you."
"That's amazing. Oh, hey, can I ask you about the other day?"
"What about it?"
"When we were fighting Kokabiel... he said something to you. 'The power of Baraqiel.' That's what he said you had. And you got really mad when he mentioned that name. Who is he?"
"My father. Are you surprised? It's true. I'm the half-breed daughter of a fallen angel leader and a human. My mother was a young shrine maiden. She found a wounded fallen angel and nursed him back to health. She did her job well, maybe too well. They fell in love, and soon enough I came along."
Issei put his tea down. "I'm such an idiot. I should've minded my own business."
Akeno stood and let the top part of her robes drop, revealing her back. She released her wings: one of a devil, the other of a fallen angel. "Signs of my heritage that I use illusions to hide. I grew up hating my angel side. I jumped at the chance to become a devil when Rias offered. Just to spite Father. Maybe it was because of my half-breed blood, but the result was a terrible mix. What you see before you. And what could possibly be a better way to showcase my lineage? Some mismatched plumage." She turned to face Issei. "To be honest, I've wanted to tell you for a long time. But you hate fallen angels. All but one. I don't blame you, after everything you've been through because of them. They caused so much pain for you and Asia... Not to mention their attempt to destroy this town and kill everyone within it. It's not hard to guess what you think of them."
Issei's fist clenched. "...You're right. I do hate fallen angels, almost all of them... But there's more to you than who your dad is!" He paused, seeing Akeno's expression. "...Sorry. I just made things awkward. I don't mean to be an ass, really."
"No, forget I said anything. I don't want things to be weird between us."
"Not gonna happen."
"You never know... my apparent congeniality could just be a mere facade; a tactic to distract you from the fact that I'm half... well, you know."
"There's no way you'd ever convince me you're a bad person!"
"But it's true. I'm a terrible woman."