Chereads / my new life in highschool dxd / Chapter 23 - chapter 23: me and akeno, plus issei forging is own path

Chapter 23 - chapter 23: me and akeno, plus issei forging is own path

The room was bathed in a gentle glow as Akeno's fallen angel wings dissipated, leaving us in a tranquil moment. The air was charged with a sense of intimacy, and without words, I leaned in, pressing soft kisses on the space where her wings had been.

Akeno's eyes held a mix of surprise and warmth as she felt the soft caress of each kiss. The vulnerability that lingered earlier transformed into a shared understanding, an unspoken connection.

"Kousei," she whispered, her voice carrying a delicate melody.

I continued the soft kisses, each one a silent affirmation of acceptance and affection. The room seemed to shrink, creating a sanctuary where time slowed down, and every gesture held profound meaning.

Her hand found its way to my cheek, a gentle touch that communicated more than words ever could.

Akeno:This is... unexpected

Akeno admitted, a soft smile playing on her lips.

I met her gaze, my eyes reflecting a sincerity that echoed in my voice.

Kousei:Sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones that unfold unexpectedly. Your wings are a part of you, and I want you to know that every part is cherished.

Akeno's expression softened, and she pulled me into a tender embrace.

Akeno:Thank you, Kousei. Your acceptance means more to me than I can express.

As we held each other, the room transformed into a haven of shared vulnerability and connection. The soft kisses on the space where her wings had been became a language of their own, a silent dialogue that spoke volumes.

"e intimacy of the moment, a cocoon where vulnerability was met with acceptance, and affection was expressed in the most tender of gestures. Our connection went beyond the supernatural, transcending into a realm where emotions flowed freely.

Akeno pulled back slightly, meeting my eyes with a soft intensity.

Akeno:Kousei, you've made me feel something I thought I had lost. This connection, this acceptance—it's more precious than I could have imagined.

I smiled, appreciating the honesty in her words.

Kousei:Akeno, you've shown me sides of yourself that are equally precious and are worth protecting Your vulnerability is a strength, and your acceptance of me has enriched this journey in ways I never anticipated.

Our gazes locked, and in that shared moment, the room seemed to hold its breath. The soft kisses on the space where her wings had been were not just physical touches but an affirmation of an emotional connection that transcended the boundaries of our supernatural existence.

As we lingered in the quietude, our hearts spoke a language that needed no words, and the bond between us deepened, echoing the sentiment that acceptance and love could blossom in the most unexpected places.

The room, still bathed in the gentle glow of our intimate moment, became a sacred space where vulnerability and connection intertwined. Akeno, her eyes reflecting the depth of her emotions, leaned in, and our lips met in a tender kiss. It was a kiss that held the weight of unspoken feelings, a communion of hearts that needed no words.

As we pulled away, Akeno's tears glistened in the soft light, her eyes mirroring a mix of gratitude and love. "Kousei," she whispered, her voice carrying the weight of the emotions that swelled within her.

I cupped her face in my hands, meeting her gaze with a quiet understanding.

Kousei:Akeno, you don't have to say anything. I can feel it.

But she shook her head, a determined expression on her face.

Akeno:No, I need to say this. I love you, Kousei. More than I ever thought I could love someone. You've become an integral part of my life, and I can't imagine it without you.

Her words resonated in the room, creating an atmosphere where time seemed to stand still. Akeno's vulnerability, laid bare in the tears that rolled down her cheeks, made the moment even more poignant.

Akeno:You saved me, Kousei

she continued, her voice soft yet filled with conviction.

Akeno:Not just once, but in so many ways. You saved me from the darkness that threatened to consume me, and you saved my mother. I can't express how much that means to me.

I gently wiped away her tears, my heart swelling with a profound sense of connection.

Kousei:Akeno, I didn't do it for gratitude. I did it because I care about you, because I love you. Saving you and your mother was never a burden; it was a choice born out of that love.

Akeno nodded, her tears now carrying a mix of relief and sincerity

Akeno:And that's what makes it even more special. You didn't have to, but you chose to be there for us.

She took a deep breath, steadying her emotions.

Akeno:And then there's accepting my fallen side. Kousei, you've given me a sense of acceptance that I never thought I'd find. It's liberating, and it makes me cherish every moment we share.

I kissed her forehead, a gesture filled with reassurance.

Kousei:Akeno, your fallen side is a part of you, and I wouldn't have you any other way. It's not about accepting flaws; it's about embracing the entirety of who you are.

Her gaze held mine, a profound intensity in her eyes.

Akeno:You've become my anchor, Kousei. In this supernatural world, you're the constant that grounds me. I love you for that.

The room, now filled with an ethereal quietude, became a haven where emotions flowed freely. Akeno's declaration of love echoed in the space, intertwining with the soft kisses and the unspoken understanding that bound us together.

Kousei:I love you too, Akeno

I whispered, my voice carrying the depth of my feelings.

Akeno:More than words can convey. You're not alone in this journey—we're in it together.

And as we embraced in the quiet aftermath of shared emotions, the room held a sense of timeless connection. Our love, vulnerabilities, and acceptance formed a tapestry that painted a picture of a supernatural existence filled with profound, unspoken beauty.

Shuri's first person view

As i continued to secretly observe the intimate scene between Akeno and Kousei, her thoughts took a more personal turn. I immersed herself in a first-person perspective, allowing my inner monologue to unfold.

"Look at them," I thought, a mix of maternal pride and longing in my heart.

Akeno has found someone who sees her for who she truly is. It's a beautiful thing, yet, there's a part of me that can't help but feel a twinge of envy I would kill for someone like him alas he's just too young well at least for now

My gaze lingered on the tender moments, and a sigh escaped me.

At her age, I was burdened with responsibilities, and the notion of love seemed like an unattainable dream. Akeno, on the other hand, has discovered it so early in her life

A gentle smile played on my lips, a reflection of the complex emotions swirling within.

Jealousy is an unexpected guest in a mother's heart. But witnessing Akeno's happiness, seeing her embrace love—it's something I never want to take away from her.

As I continued to watch, the bittersweet reality of my own past resonated in my thoughts.

Thirteen... a tender age to experience such pure emotions. Kousei is a good man, and he's brought a light into Akeno's life that I'm profoundly grateful for

A subtle longing crept into my gaze.

Inever thought I'd feel a pang of jealousy. Yet, there's a part of me that wonders what it would have been like to have found love so early in my youth

A playful glint sparkled in my eyes as a mischievous thought surfaced.

Lucky Akeno. She not only found love but a man who seems to accept every facet of her, fallen side and all

I licked my lips inwardly, a hint of playfulness in my contemplation.

Those soft kisses—i wonder how his lips taste like I wonder if he minds dating both mother and daughter in the nearest future

As my thoughts meandered through the complex emotions of motherhood, I found solace in the knowledge that Akeno had chosen well. The scene before me was a testament to the ever-evolving journey of mother and daughter, intricately woven into the supernatural tapestry of destiny

Issei's first person view

I found myself in a domain, facing a colossal Western Dragon, and as it loomed before me, I recognized it as Ddraig y Goch, the Red Dragon Emperor. His presence was awe-inspiring, and the air around us crackled with power.

Ddraig spoke in a cool and prideful tone, every word resonating with authority.

Ddraig:Issei Hydohou, the Sekiryuutei. You stand before me, the great Ddraig y Goch.

I couldn't help but feel a mixture of reverence and excitement.

Ddraig:Ddraig, huh? You're quite the legendary dragon.

Ddraig, however, took immense displeasure at my comment. His eyes glinted with annoyance, and he bellowed,

Ddraig:Legendary? I am beyond legendary, Issei! I am the Red Dragon Emperor, a title that demands respect and awe.

I raised an eyebrow, finding his reaction oddly familiar.

Issei:You remind me of that dragon from Bakugan. You know, Drago?

Ddraig's reaction was instantaneous, and he threw what could only be described as a childish tantrum. Flames of frustration flickered around him as he roared,

Ddraig:How dare you compare me to some mere Bakugan dragon! I am Ddraig y Goch, the Red Dragon Emperor!

I couldn't help but chuckle at his outburst.

Issei: jeez, bro, no need to throw a tantrum. I get it. You're the Red Dragon Emperor, not Drago from Bakugan.

Ddraig huffed, clearly not amused.

Ddraig: this is no laughing matter, Issei. As the Red Dragon Emperor, I demand your respect and acknowledgment of my greatness.

I nodded, suppressing my amusement.

Issei:Okay, okay, Ddraig. No need to get all worked up. You're the Red Dragon Emperor, the top dog in the dragon hierarchy. Got it.

He seemed to relax a bit, puffing out his chest proudly.

Ddraig:That's more like it. Remember, you're the host of the Boosted Gear, a Sacred Gear of immense power. Together, we can achieve great things.

I took a moment to absorb the gravity of the situation.

Issei:Yeah, Ddraig, I understand. We're a team, right?

He nodded, a regal air about him.

Ddraig:Indeed. We'll navigate the challenges ahead, and with the Boosted Gear, you'll become a force to be reckoned with.

As we stood in the dragon's domain, a sense of camaraderie began to blossom. Ddraig, with all his pride and authority, was now a part of my journey, guiding me through the intricate world of supernatural beings and dragons. The Red Dragon Emperor had spoken, and as his host, I embraced the responsibility that came with it, ready to face the trials that awaited us.

Issei: yeah you and me issei and drago

I said with excitement

Ddraig's reaction to my innocent comparison to Drago from Bakugan was beyond intense. His roar echoed through the dragon's domain, and his eyes glinted with a mix of frustration and, surprisingly, hurt. The flames around him flickered as if unable to contain the tumultuous emotions within.

Ddraig:How dare you call me that

he bellowed, his voice carrying a hint of vulnerability.

Ddraig:I am Ddraig y Goch, the Red Dragon Emperor! Comparing me to some mere Bakugan dragon is an insult beyond measure.

I took a step back, realizing the gravity of my unintended mistake.

Issei:Ddraig, I didn't mean to offend you. It was just a comparison, not a judgment

jeez what a child

He huffed, the flames around him flickering with conflicting emotions.

Ddraig:Do you understand the weight of my title, Issei? I am no ordinary dragon. I am the embodiment of the Red Dragon Emperor, and such comparisons diminish my stature.

I nodded, regret settling in.

Issei:get it, Ddraig. I didn't mean to diminish your stature or disrespect you. You're a legendary dragon in your own right.

He eyed me, a mix of pride and skepticism in his gaze.

Ddraig:Legendary in my own right? I should hope so. The Red Dragon Emperor is not to be trifled with.

Issei:I hear you

I replied, trying to ease the tension.

Issei:You're one of a kind, Ddraig. No Bakugan dragon can match your presence.

Ddraig seemed to consider my words, the flames around him gradually subsiding.

Ddraig:Very well, Issei. I'll let this slide, but remember, I demand the utmost respect as the Red Dragon Emperor.

Issei:ill keep that in mind

I assured him, grateful that the situation was defusing.

I listened intently as Ddraig began to explain, a slight shift in his demeanor indicating a certain uncertainty. "Issei," he began,

Ddraig:when it comes to qi manipulation, my knowledge is somewhat limited. I've encountered various beings that wield Qi, especially among the yokai, but Kousei's cultivation path is different, and it's not something I'm intimately familiar with.

Surprised, I raised an eyebrow.

Issei:Limited knowledge? I thought you were this ancient and wise dragon who knew everything about supernatural powers and cultivation.

Ddraig chuckled, a wry smile playing on his draconic features.

Ddraig:While I may have witnessed many battles and encountered various beings, cultivation is a diverse and intricate field. There are countless paths, techniques, and variations that even I, as an ancient dragon, haven't fully explored.

I nodded, realizing the complexity of the supernatural world extended even to beings as mighty as Ddraig.

Issei:So, what do you know about Qi? You mentioned it being wielded by yokai.

Ddraig's eyes gleamed with a hint of nostalgia.

Ddraig:Qi is a fundamental energy, a life force that permeates the supernatural realm. Many beings, including yokai, harness Qi to enhance their abilities. It's a versatile energy that can be molded and manipulated for various purposes.

I leaned forward, eager to grasp the intricacies of this mysterious energy.

Issei:and Kousei's Qi is different, you said?"

Ddraig nodded.

Ddraig:indeed. The nature of Kousei's Qi is unique. It holds a resonance that sets it apart from the Qi wielded by other beings. It's as if his Qi is attuned to a different frequency, resonating with the elements and harmonizing with the essence of the universe.

My curiosity deepened.

Issei:So, even you don't fully understand his path?

Ddraig admitted

Ddraig :I may not comprehend the entirety of Kousei's abilities, but I can sense its potency. There's a depth and complexity to it that goes beyond my knowledge. It's like catching glimpses of a grand tapestry, knowing that each thread contributes to a greater whole.

I pondered his words, a sense of mystery shrouding Kousei's cultivation journey.

Issei:if you don't fully understand it, how can you tell it leads to limitless power?

Ddraig's gaze held a certain certainty.

Ddraig:While I may not grasp every nuance, the resonance of Kousei's cultivation, the way his Qi interacts with the elements, it hints at a potential that transcends conventional limits. There's an energy about him that speaks of boundless possibilities.

As I absorbed Ddraig's explanation, a newfound appreciation for the enigma of Kousei's cultivation path settled within me. It was a journey guided by elements and harmonies, a path that held the promise of unlocking a power that even an ancient dragon like Ddraig couldn't fully fathom. And in that realization, the intrigue of our intertwined destinies deepened, each thread of our supernatural existence weaving a tale of mystery and potential in the vast tapestry of the supernatural world.

Ddraig's eyes, filled with ancient wisdom, locked onto mine, and he spoke with a certain gravity.

Ddraig:issei, while I may not fully comprehend the intricacies of your brother Kousei's path, I sense a unique resonance within it. And, despite my limited understanding, I believe there's potential for you to forge a similar path.

I leaned in, eager to grasp the wisdom that the Red Dragon Emperor had to offer.

Issei:You're saying I should follow Kousei's cultivation path? Even if it's different and mysterious?

Ddraig nodded, his tone resolute.

Ddraig:indeed. The supernatural world is vast, with countless cultivation paths, each holding its own secrets. Kousei's path, though different from mine, may offer a synergy that complements the power of the Boosted Gear. It's a path worth exploring.

I mulled over his words, contemplating the idea of venturing into uncharted territories.

Issei:But how do I follow a path that even you, an ancient dragon, don't fully understand?

Ddraig's gaze held a sense of encouragement.

Ddraig:You don't need to understand every nuance, Issei. Embrace the principles of balance, harmony, and the connection with the elements. Getting stronger is not just about raw power; it's about refinement and attunement to the supernatural energies around you.

I nodded, sensing the weight of the advice.

Issei:So, it's about finding that balance within myself, like Kousei does.

Ddraig affirmed,

Ddraig:Exactly. Your brother's cultivation path is a testament to the harmonious blending of different elements. If you can incorporate those principles into your own journey, combined with the power of the Boosted Gear, you have the potential to become the strongest Red Dragon Emperor of all time.

I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the prospect.

Issei:The strongest of all time? That's a bold claim, Ddraig. Are you sure it's possible?

Ddraig's eyes gleamed with a mix of assurance and optimism.

Ddraig:The Boosted Gear, with its ability to double your power every ten seconds, is already a formidable asset. If you can synchronize that with a cultivation path that harnesses the essence of the supernatural, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

As I absorbed his words, a sense of determination stirred within me.

Issei:So, it's not just about surpassing you. It's about reaching new heights that could even influence future Red Dragon Emperors.

Ddraig nodded.

Ddraig:Exactly. Your journey is not just about personal strength; it's about leaving a legacy, a path for those who come after you. The supernatural world is ever-evolving, and each Red Dragon Emperor has the potential to shape its future.

A profound sense of responsibility settled over me, realizing the significance of the path laid out before me.

Issei:I'll do it, Ddraig. I'll follow Kousei's principles, blend them with the Boosted Gear, and become the strongest Red Dragon Emperor and catch up to my brother

Ddraig's eyes held a mixture of pride and anticipation. "Embrace the journey, Issei. It won't be easy, but with determination, balance, and the power of the Boosted Gear, you have the potential to surpass even my legacy and leave an indelible mark on the supernatural world."

As I contemplated the monumental task ahead, the words of the ancient Red Dragon Emperor echoed in my mind, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery, power, and the forging of a legacy that transcended the boundaries of time.