DxD: Ascension - Redux

Chapter 29: Diodora Astaroth

Kuoh Academy (BGM: Persona 5 - Wicked Plan)

Issei leaned out an open window in the hallway outside his classroom. "And just like that, I'm back in school... we wasted the entire summer at the boot camp from hell. Talk about a pain in the ass." He was interrupted by actual pain in his ass, which he was getting used to by this point. He turned to find Matsuda and Motohama glaring at him angrily, which he was also getting used to. "The hell, guys?"
"Lucky my foot ain't a cap, yo!" Matsuda growled. "We were supposed to be seein' bitches on beaches!"
"I didn't have a choice! I told you already, I had to go to the camp with the ORC! You could've just gone without me, you know!"
Aika Kiryuu snickered. "Well, well, well. Shouldn't you boys be saving the dry-humping for your body pillows?"
"Get bent, Kiryuu!" Matsuda yelled. "We're busy!"
"Yeah, I can see that. But I bet you'd rather get busy with the new transfer student. I heard she's a real hottie, and she's already talking to Zach. Watch out, or you'll lose your chance!"
"There's a new chick?!"
"Isn't that what I just said? Whatever, you'll see her when class starts."

BGM: Persona 5 - New Beginning

When class began, the new student introduced herself. But to a select few students, she was anything but new. "My name is Irina Shidou. It's a pleasure to meet all of you!"
"Irina's the new girl?!" Issei exclaimed under his breath.
"Oh, Issei, I didn't see you there! Hi!"
"The hell is my future baby mama doing talking to your stupid ass?!" Matsuda demanded.
"I've known Issei since, like, forever. We were childhood friends, so we go way back!"
"Goddamn it, yo!" Matsuda wailed. "Issei, save some for the rest of us!"

The Occult Research Club, now including Irina, gathered in their clubroom after school.
"Wait, wasn't she with the church?" Gasper asked, watching Irina talk to Xenovia and Asia. "What's she doing here?"
"Yeah. I was wondering the same thing." Kiba closed his book as Azazel appeared out of a magic circle. "Azazel, do you know anything?"
Azazel shrugged. "To put it simply, the Seraphs sent her because they think we're not strong enough. They're trying to boost our numbers so if the Khaos Brigade attacks this town again, we'll be ready."
"This is gonna be so much fun!" Irina exclaimed. "Now that I'm here, you won't have to worry about a thing! I'll protect everyone with Lord Michael's blessing! Amen!" She summoned her wings and halo.
"I still can't believe you're an angel. How did that even happen?" Xenovia wondered.
"With God dead, there was no way to create new angels," Azazel explained. "So they're reincarnated now, like how devils do. High-level angels are ranked as Kings. The King commands their Brave Saints, which rank from Queen to Ace, and everything in between. Think of it like a deck of cards in contrast to the devils' chess pieces. Don't tell anyone, but I personally prefer the devils' way."
"So what card were you assigned, Irina?" Zach asked.
"I was hoping someone would ask that. Lord Michael chose to grant me the honor of being his Ace!" A glowing rosy "A" appeared on the back of her hand.
Akeno cleared her throat. "So, if you're an angel and everyone here but Zach and Azazel is a devil, aren't the Seraphs worried about you accidentally hurting us or vice versa?"
"Lord Uriel was, yeah. But don't worry, I'll be super careful!"

Downtown Kuoh (End BGM)

Issei walked through downtown with Asia, picking up groceries and supplies for Irina's welcoming party. "You excited for the party, Asia?"
"I am, and I want Irina to feel at home with us."
"Gotta say, the house is really filling up. I wonder how Mom and Dad will react when they come home to find not just one new girl, but two."
"Yeah. It was so terrible of Odin to leave Rossweisse behind like that, but maybe it'll work out for the best."
"Can't believe he'd do something like that..." Issei eyed a rack of expensive running shoes in the store window. "Oh, that's right! The sports festival is coming up!"
"Is that important?"
"Totally! Every year after our summer break, all the classes duke it out to see who's the best at the different events. It's super fun."
"Shoot... I came from the church, and yet I have no grace." As if by example, Asia tripped as they entered the next store. She was caught from behind by a young man in a grey cloak with a fur collar.
"Asia, are you okay?" Issei asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little shaken." Asia turned to the stranger. "Thanks for the save, I really appreciate it."
"My pleasure... Asia Argento," the stranger said. "How lucky that I caught you today. No pun intended, of course. After all, you're the reason I came here."
Asia backed up a few steps. "Um..."
"I remember you. You were at the reception in the Underworld," Issei recalled.
"I fantasized about seeing you again." The stranger bowed.
Asia paled. "I-I'm sorry, I-"
"Back it up, creep." Issei stepped in front of Asia protectively.
The stranger put a hand up in defense. "Come now, we're all friends here. After all, we have such history."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Come with me. I'll explain in a better location."