"I have that sorted out. In the next coming days, I'll suppress her fallen angel side so any deep search shows her as a human. If the worst comes to be, I will take Shuri and my daughter back to Grigori. As for you, Igor, you need to be gone before any of that happens. So…"
Baraquiel's gaze deepened.
"...are you ready?"
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|DxD|- Chapter 62- Burdens Of All
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The question hung over the air like a cloud, each drip watering seeds of unwillingness in Igor's heart. His eyes closed as Baraquiel's question shadowed over. Thoughts and reality clashed deep within him.
"I'll go."
His voice was low.
"I'll go into the chamber."
His eyes opened as he uttered the last word. He didn't care about spending fifteen years. He only didn't wish to miss another year of Akeno's life. But…needs must.
Baraquiel placed a supportive hand on Igor's shoulder. His eyes showed the burden of pushing a boy further and further into the abyss.
"I know this is difficult for you, Igor. But it has to be this way. Your time chamber is your greatest advantage and there is no telling what might happen in the future."
"I understand, old man. I've long since readied myself."
"Good lad."
Baraquiel gave a few pats before taking back his hand. There was no need to linger any further. Rather, this was the right moment to verify one more thing.
"Do you have a rough time plan for what you will do once you enter?"
"I do."
Igor sat up straighter. Weeks of rest allowed him significant time in planning his upcoming days.
"I plan to complete the third training manual and master 'Spirit Nurturing'. I estimate it'll take me three-to-seven years to reach the state of unification. Once I succeed, I should have high-class strength."
"Mm."
Baraquiel nodded approvingly. If Igor would be anything like his ancestors, then a rich spirit certainly would give him a lot of strength, perhaps enough to pave his road to ultimate-class sooner than expected.
"That's not bad, Igor. And what next?"
"Learn all the history of my clan. There are records dating as far back as the Great Flood. I never had the time to read them, but I plan to this time."
Baraquiel leaned back on the couch and mulled over Igor's words. Reading over four-thousand years of history would require a significant amount of time, especially to comprehend. Anything related to the Great Flood and the Tower of Babel would be of great importance and interest, particularly to his brother Azazel. But he wouldn't pry.
"I see you have this all figured out, Igor. I was worried you'd be bored and have nothing to do."
Baraquiel spoke with a slight smirk.
"Hardly, old man. I don't even know if fifteen years is enough for me to learn everything. You know how thick those books are."
"Then get to high-class. I'll take you for bounties that give double the timespan."
"Hehe. Looking forward to it, old man."
A small chuckle, and the dreariness was gone. Igor's eyes brightened a little bit, and that was enough for Baraquiel. At least for now, he didn't have to resort to extreme measures. The last thing he wanted to do was burden the boy any further than he already was.
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|DxD|
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Night fell over Kuoh. The thick blanket of darkness prompted families to rest for the promised sunrise. In the blackness of the forest, a fortress of light flooded its brightness in all directions. Powerful lamps perched on the fence and roof, casting flames of orange and white that kept the encroaching shadows at bay.
Igor was asleep in his room and so was Akeno in hers. Only Baraquiel stayed awake with his beloved wife in his embrace. His hand rested on her hip, absentmindedly caressing her thigh. Her head lay on his chest, her palm placed above his beating heart. She was peaceful, absent of the littlest worry.
"Mmn~."
Shuri moaned and twisted in bed. Her leg locked over his, keeping him in place. She looked so cute with her little button nose. Baraquiel gave it a kiss and her face scrunched.
"Hm?"
Her eyes opened, gentle like the morning sunrise. She raised her head, gave him a quick peck, and plopped on his chest again.
"Why aren't you sleeping?"
She muttered tiredly. For something to keep her husband awake meant it was not something small.
"Sorry for waking you, Shuri."
"It's fine."
She blinked away her drowsiness and propped her chin on his chest.
"Tell me what you need help with."
Baraquiel paused, momentarily surprised. Shuri's eyes pierced deep into him, making even him who'd lived for thousands of years, show a flicker of hesitation.
"Sigh…"
Even beyond the smile, she still saw his worries.
"Igor will have to leave sooner than planned because of what happened in China."
"..."
Baraquiel moved his hand from her waist to her hair, slowly caressing it with his fingers. Shuri loved their little blonde, enough that it far surpassed her loyalty to the Shinto.
"When…?"
"He plans to leave on Friday after fetching Akeno from school."
"Oh."
Her eyes dimmed, her fist clenching beneath the blankets before relaxing.
"And Valerie? Did you not plan to take him with you to meet her?"
There was a hint of pleading in her tone, an attempt to grasp at straws. He was scheduled to meet Valerie Tepes in the middle of March.
"I did think about it, Shuri. And you were right."
Baraquiel's eyes lingered on the ceiling.
"I spoke to him today. He has both the timeline and the drive to use those fifteen years. Once he reaches high-class and masters his spirit technique, he'll take the time to learn his history. I do not want to affect that by having him rush to power."
The Sephiroth Graal was capable of resurrecting those who have fallen. It was not impossible for Valerie to resurrect Seraphine, but a resurrection would be sensed by all pantheons and especially, gods of death.
"It wouldn't be in his best interest for him to learn of Valerie. So I've decided to wait until he's older."
A soft fist pounded him in the chest. Baraquiel looked down and saw Shuri had a face full of grievance.
"Of all the times to listen to me, you choose this one?"
"Sorry, Shuri."
He pulled her closer. How could he not guess she'd be aggrieved? Just because the reasons were right did not mean they had to be liked.
"It's not forever, Shuri. And we both know Igor. He's a strong man."
"I know…"
As much as she didn't wish for Igor to leave, she understood it had to be done. But what worried her was the amount of time. He'd spend his late teenage years and all his twenties trapped in that world. Now, she regretted waking up, for she knew she wouldn't sleep after this.
"I hate you, Baraquiel."
She mumbled, and he kissed her on the forehead.
"Hate me all you need to, Shuri."
He tightened his hold over her. Be it the pressure of the gods, Akeno's safety, or Igor's displeasure, he was willing to bear all of it. Because above all, he loved Shuri too much to let her suffer any further.
[Let me carry that burden.]
She was the light that gave him hope, hope to a failed man who had fallen from grace.
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AN: This was kinda heavy. I was originally impatient for Igor's departure but…damn. At least we know he ain't going to Valerie and why. At least when they meet, they'll both be in their thirties. It's both sad and comforting.
Chapter 62
END