DxD: Lost in Time

Chapter 26: It's All About Timing, My Friend



"How long has it been? Six years since we last met?" I asked, gazing up at the purple sky, my hands joined behind my head to cushion it. At fifteen, I'd grown taller and more muscular.

I still wore the same outfit as before, though now with a red long-sleeved shirt underneath. The obi, however, was left untied, giving me a more casual look.

"Yup," Asami replied simply. She had started wearing a red hakama recently, and her brown hair had grown longer and curlier over the years.

"It's great that the whole gang is back together," Kaito added. He, too, had grown taller, though he was still shorter than me by a few inches. His outfit consisted of a purple jacket with a golden dragon design and black baggy pants.

"Nothing is stronger than this bond, except familial ones."

"That last part was unnecessary, Hisashi," Shinji muttered in exasperation. He wore a crimson haori with trims that matched mine, grey slightly loose pants, and a golden obi holding it all together. A matching scarf wrapped snugly around his neck. The guy really loved gold.

Though I suppose I couldn't judge without sounding hypocritical.

"I know two certain lovebirds who'd agree when I say love is a stronger bond," I said with a sly grin, watching Asami and Kaito's faces flush red. They both looked away bashfully, and I couldn't help but snicker.

A gentle gale brushed against our skin, breaking the moment. Then, a blue magic circle adorned with the Sitri family insignia appeared near us.

In an instant, Serafall emerged, wearing a pink kimono with long sleeves. Her presence was as vibrant as ever, though her expression carried a mix of frustration and determination.

"Do you know how hard I looked for you three!" Serafall exclaimed, stomping her foot onto the grass. Her hands were balled into fists, frustration practically radiating from her.

She'd found us lying on the ground, forming a cross with our heads at the center.

'Who is she?' Serafall thought, her gaze narrowing as she locked eyes on Asami. Her confusion quickly morphed into a scowl.

A magic circle flared to life in her hand, and tendrils of water surged from beneath her.

'A fallen angel?!'

Asami's wings unfurled in response. Six pairs of black feathered wings spreading wide as she leapt back. A glowing light spear materialized in her grip, its energy crackling ominously.

Before anything could escalate further, I flickered into action, placing myself between them. My arms wrapped around Serafall in a firm hug.

"Serafall, stop!" I pleaded, my voice urgent. Sweat trickled down my face as my heart raced. "Please! She's my friend!"

My words seemed to break through her fury. With a sigh, Serafall dispelled the magic circle, the water tendrils vanishing in an instant. Asami's tense posture eased as she followed suit, the light spear dissipating into nothingness.

"Sera-nee, what do you need?" I asked, rising to my feet to meet the still-furious devil. Despite my calm tone, I couldn't help but wonder what had set her off so intensely.

"I need your help. Is that offer still up?" Serafall asked solemnly, her usual playful demeanor replaced with an uncharacteristic seriousness.

Her tone alone was enough to confirm my suspicion. "Is it about the war?" I asked.

The atmosphere grew heavy as the others tensed at my words. All eyes turned toward Serafall, their full attention locked on her.

"We're losing ground, and the casualties have increased significantly," she admitted, her voice steady but tinged with concern. "I'm only confident letting you participate because your speed and power are exceptional."

"What about the others? Do they qualify?"

Serafall glanced at the group before answering. "Unless they break through, only Natsumi qualifies. Her mastery over magic is excellent, and she's been with us longer."

She turned to Kaito and added, "He's still struggling, but he's a Late High-class being. And Shinji... he's been practicing magic diligently. He's close."

I looked at Serafall, offering her a reassuring smile while keeping my gaze sharp. "This means war."

A smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. With a flick of her wrist, a blue magic circle shimmered into existence. "Then you'll need to rest well for tomorrow," she said.

We stepped into the circle, the light beginning to envelop us. As I glanced back, I noticed Asami's expression. She looked conflicted, her unease silently mirroring the weight of the news we'd received.

"You don't need to participate in this war, Asami. Devils hate fallen angels. You've seen it firsthand. You could die," I said calmly, my eyes closed as I walked ahead.

I understood her fear. I wouldn't push her.

Serafall remained silent, her calm expression masking whatever she might have wanted to say. Knowing her, she was holding herself back. We had to leave quickly before her patience wore thin.

"I've come to like you guys over the last few years," Asami said, her voice trembling slightly. "And you've been my friend for the longest time, Hisashi. Kaito is important to me. I can't just let him go."

Her words were heavy with emotion, her chest rising and falling as if the weight of her feelings threatened to overwhelm her.

Kaito stood frozen, his eyes wide in shock. For once, he was speechless. Still, I could tell he was happy to hear it. As for me, I felt a tinge of jealousy. Just a little.

Shinji just rolled his eyes, the guy wasn't the type to get jealous.

"You don't need to fight," I said, turning back to meet her conflicted gaze. "I promise you, there will be an age where fallen angels and devils can work together. Is that clear?"

She nodded silently, clutching her emotions tightly as I continued walking.

"Just you wait, Hisashi," Kaito said, finally finding his voice. "We won't always be weak. We'll support you in every way we can."

I couldn't help but smile to myself.

I'd found caring friends in this world. Something I thought was impossible in my previous life had become a reality in this one.

I shook my head at the thought, brushing it aside.

The scenery in front of me began to shift, the path ahead changing as the magic circle transported us. As I glanced back one last time, I saw the sadness lingering in Asami's eyes.

I left her with parting words.

"Let Azazel know I want to meet him after I'm done with some business."

---

"A lot of things are possible in this life," I muttered as I made my way to the kitchen. With tomorrow looming large, I decided to stuff myself with food.

As I entered, the delicious aroma of freshly cooked dishes wafted over me, and there was mom, standing amidst a spread of steaming delicacies.

Right on time.

Don't ask me how. I swear, it's all about timing.

"Hisashi, why are you slobbering?" Mom's incredulous voice broke my train of thought. She turned to me, her brows raised, wearing an apron over her blue yukata.

"Wha– you must be seeing things!" I stammered, hastily wiping my mouth. I was a stuttering mess. I really need to learn some self-control when it comes to food.

"I wonder if I got my eating habits from dad," I said absently, only to freeze a moment later, realizing my slip.

Her expression softened, turning melancholic. "You inherited a lot of things from your father, especially your hair," she said, her gaze distant. "He was so much like you. Kind, determined, and full of surprises. Though," she smiled gently, "you are way worse."

We moved to the dining table, and I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly. We weren't that similar, right? At least, it was hard to believe given my reincarnated life.

"The only difference is that you're too cautious... and could probably swallow this entire castle in one go," she added, rolling her eyes.

I yelped as I nearly choked, hastily swallowing a rice patty. My throat burned, and tears stung my eyes as I descended into a coughing fit.

"Hey!" I tried to respond indignantly.

"It's true. You've already gone through five bowls of noodles—that's proof enough," she teased, clearly amused.

"It wasn't me..." I muttered defensively, but before I could explain, the situation spiraled.

From behind me, Kaito peeked through the window, grinning in amusement.

Shinji entered the kitchen, staring at me blankly.

Serafall's mouth hung open, utterly stupefied.

And to make matters worse, Lady Sitri herself passed by, glancing in with sweat trickling down her face, clearly trying to process what she was seeing.

I wanted to shrink into nothingness. What kind of sick joke is this?! I dared not voice it. If I could just delay the inevitable embarrassment, I'd take it.

The silence shattered as Serafall burst into laughter, followed closely by Lady Sitri. One by one, everyone joined in, their laughter filling the room.

I froze, disbelief washing over me. Lady Sitri– stooping to Serafall's level?! Impossible! Yet, my cheeks burned uncomfortably hot, and I couldn't meet anyone's eyes.

In frustration, I grabbed the nearest piece of chicken and vented my emotions on it, tearing into it aggressively.

After escaping the ridiculous situation, my face still warm from embarrassment, I finally collapsed onto the soft surface of my bed. Exhaustion dragged me under, and I surrendered to sleep.

...

..

.

Hisashi...

'Who's there?'

"Hisashi... I want you to run from this place."

The voice was haunting, soft yet urgent. A blonde man with green eyes stood before me, blood streaming from his lips.

––––––

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