Chapter 5

Issei had worked for the church for many years, since he had first come to the mainland, never once had he had a partner. Honestly, he had mixed feelings about it, not only did he have to account for the life of another person. He also had to take into consideration that this person would be having he back. Issei trusted only a single person to watch his back. He can't complain though, thank goodness his partner wasn't bratty or annoying. In fact, his partner was glacial and distant. Granted, it had only been a single day, however, even the most static and unapproachable person would at least invest in small talk.

His partner, however, only responded and even then, it was only with a small amount of prodding. She was frigid and tense with a neutral expression that belied a skittish type of strength. He hadn't once seen her eyes not dart around at every little shadow they passed by. Her hand rested calmly on her blade, but Issei easily noted the set of her shoulders. She would lash out at the smallest provocation. Overall, he was both glad and put off by his partner.

She was a survivor, much like himself. While they walked, Issei kept stealing glances at the girl, and couldn't help but note the similarities between each other. Much like her, Issei was keeping a watch on their surroundings. They were both jumpy at the slightest shift in the air around them. Though Issei could tell that he was just slightly better, since he had been trained not to react unless necessary. They both were tense, they both were fighters, they both had rough pasts. She wasn't a frilly little princess that joined up with the church, as a means to secure her position in society. She was utterly beautiful.

Issei was uncomfortable around her.

"Well partner, what room do you got?" Issei stated casually from his seat.

"207, you?" The same neutral tone.

"302, I'm on the floor above you. If anything happens come and find me alright." Issei stated as he threw a hand over his shoulder, "See you tomorrow, partner."

As soft 'good night' wafted through the air, as Issei took the stairs to his room. Padding into the adjacent bathroom, Issei striped his sweat-stained and grimy clothes and cleaned up. Once cleaned, he padded back out into the hallways and back down the stairs heading in the direction of the Old Dude's bar.

"Welcome back kid!" The Old Dude greeted him cheerily, as Issei dropped into one of the many stools at the counter. "What can I do for you?"

"I need you to look into one other thing as well."

"What is it?"

"My current partner," Issei stated seriously, "Dig anything up about her that you can."

"That's just like you kid," The Old Dude scratched his closely-cropped hair, "You keep this up you'll never get yourself a girlfriend. Hell, much less a friend."

"We both know I don't need anything like that." Issei sighed, "Get me the info without revealing it to that girl, alright. I don't care when I just need it."

"You're more antsy than usual kid." The Old Dude noted, "She's really got you riled up, doesn't she?"

"I just don't like the vibe I'm getting from her. I feel that she could be someone from there, you know." At his admission, the Old Dude's eyes widened marginally.

"You serious kid?"

"I don't know, it's just a feeling."

"None of my contacts have every mentioned this girl nor has there been another person to come to the main land in the last decade, but I'll look into kid. You just be careful. Are you sure you'll be okay if she is?" The Old Dude rapt his knuckles on the counter.

"Yeah I will be, I just need to be sure." Issei sighed, "I've abandoned the past. I just don't want it catching up to me, you know."

"Be careful kid. If anything – anything at all happens – you bring your ass over here to me, alright."

"I knew I could count on you." Issei smirked before yawning, "Welp, I'm going to be on my way, this next week is going to be a long one for me."

The light and jovial returned to Issei once more causing the Old Dude's smile to widen again, as he grunted in agreement. He had met the kid when he was young – very young – and he prays that these coming weeks don't drag him back. The Old Dude really disliked how the kid was growing up, and he knows the kids mentor would kick his ass if anything happened to him. Sighing quietly to himself, the Old Dude locked the front door the shop, and went about cleaning the place.

"I'm not cut out for dealing with little brats." The Old Dude groaned, "Maybe the kids right, I am getting to old for this shit." Like he'd ever admit that the kid was right though. He'd never be able to live it down.

Early the next morning, Issei stood in the lobby while going over a mental inventory of everything that he has with him. Thankfully, Issei never really had to carry anything. Maybe some of his powers did come in handy. Raising a hand in greeting, Issei smiled at his silver-haired partner, who had thrown her hair up in a lazy bun. She was still dressed in the same white dress that she was in yesterday.

"Well you ready partner."

"Where do you wanna go from here?"

"We could head back south and continue on between Melody and the Sacred Grounds or we can push further north and go directly through the heart of Melody, it's your choice." Issei shrugged, "Both are fairly safe."

"Let's go back south, cutting by the Sacred Grounds is a lot faster."

"The Ladies will." Issei swept an arm across his chest in a bow. Vali smirked marginally but ultimately chose to ignore it as the duo began the first official leg of their journey. The Old Dude's bar was situated on a small out of the way village, that didn't draw much attention. Therefore, it was off most of the primary travel routes across the mainland. Having said that, the duo spent several hours trekking back to one of those routes. The thing about the mainland is, is that the four major cities and their gate-cities have established paths that led directly in between them. So, if you would imagine the spokes of a wheel, with the section in the center being the Sacred Grounds then you would have a pretty general idea of how it's all laid out.

Spider webbing out from the main spokes are a multitude of other roads and paths that lead into the more rural areas where small villages are set-up. Comparatively, the main paths were safer than the latticed backroads, but they were equally as hazardous, creating quite the dichotomy of safety over speed. Ideally the safest way to travel would always be in a group. Currently, the two were heading along many backroads towards the westernmost main road, so that they could complete their journey that much faster.

Silence hung thickly in the air between the two, with Issei awkwardly trying to fill the void. Just because he didn't trust the girl doesn't mean he can stand silence. Issei absolutely despises silence. However, upon glancing at his partner, he knew that it would be that way for the next little while. She never once stopped peering into the underbrush, her hand resting easily on the hilt of her sword. A firm set to her soft pink lips. She looked to have been sculpted from marble how stony and serious she was. What an approachable person.

"How did you become an Executor?" Issei's voice lilted into the air.

"…It's kind of a family thing." Vali admitted vaguely.

"Oh yeah?" Issei queried, "Your parents were apart of the church then?"

"Something like that." Vali sighed, "Well, more like my sisters were."

"Sister's, how many do you have?"

"More than their should be." Vali sighed shortly. Issei could tell she was starting to get annoyed. He couldn't have her shutting down on him. He needed at least some answers from the girl. Just who was she and why was he getting such a bad vibe from her?

Issei was a survivor, he always prided himself on his ability to discern motives from another person by observing them. Everyone had some form of indication that reveals what they wanted. Even in simple conversation, the slightest twitch of someone lips, how they furrow their brow. How they answer a question. How they react to certain topics, everything could be of use to the other party. Issei had always trusted his instincts and he would keep doing it until the end. Now, his instincts were screaming at him to get to the bottom of just who his partner is and what she wants.

"What's it like to have siblings." Issei began again, "I'm sorry, I'm an only child, so I don't know all to much."

Silence once more hung between the two, as Issei felt his mood drop. Great he wasn't going to get anything out of his partner. "It's…overwhelming."

"Oh really, how so?" Issei questioned.

"It's just difficult." Vali began, "To always have to look out for another person. To always have to be able to adapt when something goes awry. To always worry about whether they are happy or sad, whether they are angry or annoyed. To make sure they always had everything that they need. It's just difficult."

At her admission, Vali was mentally beating herself up as she glanced into the curious and pensive expression of her partner. She had talked to much; she had revealed to much about herself.

"You're the oldest?" It was stated more rhetorically.

"Yeah, I am."

"If that's how you perceive having siblings then I would say that you're a good person." Issei stated suddenly, greatly shocking the silver-haired girl. "Don't look so surprised, you said it's difficult but the fact that you would actually worry so much about them is telling. Now I'm not the best judge of this stuff, for obvious reasons, but that's just how I feel about this."

Vali maintained her stunned silence for several long moments, as she looked at the earnest and honest expression on Issei's face. She wasn't a good person, not in the slightest. Yet, her she was being unknowingly consoled by a person she has known for all of two days. Was she really so naïve to trust anyone that was friendly to her? No, no she wasn't, and yet she couldn't deny Issei's words. Was she a good sibling?

The hours stretched on as the duo walked. They were still sticking to the backroads for the time being, as they might be slow going, but it avoided much of the merchants along the route. Stifling a yawn, Issei suddenly veered off the route and deeper into the woods. Finding a suitable clearing Issei dropped down onto the ground and stretched out his tired limbs. Vali looked at him quizzically as she began to take out her camping equipment.

"Don't you have anything for shelter or food or what?"

"Oh yeah, oops completely forgot!" Issei sat up with a look of stunned realization on his face. Seriously, what has she gotten into? Standing up Issei hummed quietly as he looked around the clearing before snapping his fingers. Instantly, the clearing had a small bundle of clothe and rope set-up. Methodically, Issei began the process of setting the tents up.

"What did you just do?" Vali questioned. She wasn't shocked as there were practitioner's of energy manipulation all over the world. However, she hadn't seen anyone just pull object's out of nothing.

In this world, the concept of energy manipulation is the closest that normal people can get to the powers of the Goddesses. It's not magic by any means, as magic had the ability to alter and shape reality. What Issei just did could have been called magic, but he was just a normal human. Vali was certain of that.

"I'm just a really good storage system." Issei chuckled quietly, as he laid back. "I can hold onto and replicate most simple objects."

"How long have you been able to do this?"

"Since I was old enough to look at things." Issei chuckled once more. "My ability doesn't work unless I have something to base these objects on. Anything that I've personally used or have seen, that isn't too complex, I can replicate."

"So, you can pretty much use anything that's not complex?" Vali queried, "What classifies as complex?"

"Anything that requires multiple parts to function or anything that has been blessed by the Goddesses."

Yep, so pretty much magic.

"It's not magic though; I do have a limit." Issei assuaged when he noticed her pensive expression. "The more I've used the item, the easier for me it is to replicate. So, if I'm not that familiar with it, but have seen it, I can still replicate it. However, its uses will be basically none. In a sense my ability allows for me to draw out the full potential of familiarity."

It wasn't magic after all; it was actually more like extremely well-crafted energy manipulation. She had heard tales of the bond a practitioner forges with their weapon, to the point that they can practically summon it at any given point; no matter where they may be. She had just never heard of something on such a wide-scale as anything of familiarity.

"What else can you make?" She began, "Can you make food?"

"Actually, no I can't." Issei chuckled upon noticing Vali's judgmental stare he continued. "Don't look at me like that, the process of making different types of food has too many parts. Even making something as simple as bread has multiple steps involved."

"But you can make a full camp ground, with a snap of a finger."

"Clothe and rope aren't difficult though."

"Yet, food is."

"Exactly!" Issei exclaimed, "We're finally on the same page! What about you then, is there anything like this that you can do?"

"In a sense, yes, however, my abilities are more geared towards my own survival. I don't have any all-purpose abilities that can help other people." Everything that Vali can do is suited only so that she survives in the end.

Issei wanted to prod the girl more, however, he quickly noted her drawn brow and tight-lipped expression. He knows that if he pushes to hard than the girl will close off completely. This past little while had been going well. He was starting to feel a bit more at ease with her. Having her close off now wouldn't do him any good in the long run.

"I'll go and get some fire wood, if you get started on the firepit." Vali announced suddenly, as she padded off into the woods. Issei waved over his shoulder as he set to work setting up their camp. As she walked, Vali's mind began to wander. Her partner was becoming more and more enigmatic. The ability to replicate simple objects on a whim, that was impressive in and of itself.

Magic in this world didn't exist outside of the abilities of the Goddesses. However, the ability to manipulate the internal energy of a person was as common as breathing. The choice to use it and practice with it was entirely up to the practitioner. For most people, it's an integral part of their lives, as it's the closest they can draw to there deities. For others, however, it can be seen as cumbersome or a hindrance. That, or they can be people that like to test themselves based solely on their own merits and strengths. Vali knew which category she feel into.

Another caveat that made Issei so unique was because energy manipulation can only affect the internal processes of another person. For instance, more strength. Better speed and agility. Better durability, and so on. The peak of those practitioners had the ability to coordinate everything in conjunction with each other and become a powerhouse of a person. Like she had mentioned; those that had practiced with a specific weapon their entire lives can draw it from most anywhere. Because it is, in theory, an integral part of their physical make-up thus it is, essentially, a part of themselves.

Vali wonders if Issei can produce firewood? Probably, but she refuses to rely on his abilities entirely.

Her arms laden with firewood, Vali padded back into the clearing to see Issei sat on a stump, as he finished ringing the shallow groove he had dug into the ground. Upon noticing her, he raised a hand in greeting. A short while later, a small fire was roaring peacefully, as they sat around on stumps that Issei had rolled into the clearing. Vali was curious – dammit if she was – there was a lot that she wanted to questioned Issei about. However, she also knew that to be a double-edged sword. Issei wouldn't just let her ask her questions without anything as compensation.

For every question she asked; it was guaranteed that Issei would have one lined up for her. She didn't want to have to talk about herself at all, so it's just best if she stays silent and keeps to herself.

"You have questions for me." Issei didn't state it as a question.

"…" Vali maintained her silence and glazed at him with a frosted neutral expression.

"So, you do, huh." Issei chuckled quietly, which turned louder as he saw the silver-haired girls expression break. "I've nothing to hide, ask away!"

Still Vali maintained her frosted expression, how did Issei know? She was certain she had mastered how to handle and maintain her emotions. Just what was this guy?

"You don't need to worry; I won't ask about anything from you." Issei placated while raising his hands, he has the Old Dude looking for him, and he can find out later. First, he needed to garner her trust.

Still Vali maintained her hesitance, causing Issei to sigh. Great, he'll have to do a majority of the talking. Like always. "My name is Issei, just Issei. I don't have a surname. I have no siblings, I came her about 10 years ago, and have been working with the church ever since. Yes, I've completed an absurd amount of missions. No, I've never met the Oracle, but I have met one of her Priestesses once. I don't know why the church has nicknamed me its Dragon and I don't have a favorite food."

'Well, thanks for that completely random final fact.' Vali snarked internally. Just what was he getting at? What did Issei want from her? Why was he being so up front? Vali had so many questioned.

"I'm just trying to build a close relationship between the two of us. After all, you and I are going to have to be watching each other's backs in the coming weeks. Trust is an integral part of good relationships." Issei stated, once more shocking Vali, could he read her mind?

Issei chuckled once more as he went about preparing their food. Vali wasn't as cold as she made herself out to be. Granted, she was as frigid as a glacier, and any normal person would have a difficult time cracking the exterior. Good thing, Issei was the least normal person he knew. Her mannerisms and the grace in which she held herself, are in total contradiction to what he has experienced in the past. Still, their was that pervasive feeling that was choking him so thoroughly, that he had to be certain. Just what was this girl? Why were his instincts screaming at him that she was more than she let on? Was she someone from there? She was a conundrum.

Both were lost in their thoughts about their respective partners, as the food Issei had prepped was devoured rapidly.

"Well partner, do you want to take first watch or should I?"

"I'll do it, I'll wake you up in a few hours."

"Right, don't hesitate to call if anything happens." Issei stated as he disappeared into his little makeshift shelter. Vali sat their and preened the fire while she kept a vigilant eye and ear for any disturbances in the surrounding foliage. As the moon crept higher and higher into the sky, Vali tipped her face back and basked in the soft glow as it bathed the clearing in faint silvery light. Times like this reminded her of those stereotypical fairy tales, she had heard parents would read to their children at night. You know the ones, where everything takes on a fantastical setting, and has the flowery atmosphere to match.

Those stories that are recited to make a child feel at east during the long hours of the night, while their parents aren't around to hold them. Sometimes, Vali wonders what that feels like. Now, however, she can see why fairy tales were so popular. The world around her just seems to fade away, leaving nothing behind but the soft crackling of the fire, the stirrings of night critters, the quiet puffs of air escaping from her sleeping partner. The trampling of underbrush just on the periphery of their campsite. Immediately, Vali is tense with her hand resting on the blade at her side.

"Issei." She breathed out quietly, she didn't think he would hear her at all; however, her concerns were abated when the quiet shuffling behind her alerted her to her sleepy partner. Peering out from the tent, Issei was alert and attentive as he took in their surroundings from his pseudo hiding spot; not the best place but it'll do. The sound grew louder with Vali unsheathing her blade, and Issei fully appearing from his tent. At this point, it was abundantly clear that whatever was out knew they were there. It almost seemed like it wanted them to find it. But what was it or who was it?

Issei steadied his breathing and stretched out his senses as he listened in. Whatever was coming wasn't a person that much was certain. The gait it had taken is to sporadic, and the amount of footfalls he was hearing didn't match up with simple two-legged mammals. Whatever it was, was on four legs. Was it a monster? They were far enough away from the main roads and villages that monster attacks would be more common. If it was a monster, it clearly sucking at monstering. Shouldn't they either: a) come in like savages or b) take the super stealthy 'they'll never find me' approach. Clearly bad at monstering.

The rustling grew louder and louder as Issei and Vali pressed in closer to each other. Across the clearing, the bushes parted to reveal… Honestly, Vali wasn't even sure what she was looking at. It prowled low to the ground with its feathered tail swaying back and forth behind it. It had a lupine body and the loping gait of a prowling cat, but it didn't have hair anywhere on its body; no, it was feathered. Its feathers were a mixture of blacks and whites, browns and reds and grays. Its muzzle was elongated like a wolves, but held the soft, yet ferociousness, of a mountain lion. Overall, it was difficult to classify just what animal it was.

It was an indistinct unknown hybrid of an animal, and it was looking at the two of them with a feverous intelligence in its eyes. It surged forward swiftly, yet excitedly, before stumbling to a halt when it noticed the white glint of Vali's blade. Dropping to its haunches, it rolled over and exposed its belly to the duo, while it looked up at them expectantly with its bright golden stare.

"So… what do we do with this?" Issei gave voice to the confusion that hung thickly between the two. Vali shot him a look like it was obvious, while taking a step forward. Issei's hand shot out and gripped her upper arm. "Wait, its clearly not hostile, just look at it. No animal will willingly expose their belly towards another if they didn't explicitly trust them."

"You can't be serious; this thing is clearly a monster. Yet, you don't want us to kill it." Vali scoffed. "It might be 'harmless' now but what if we anger it or it gets hungry?"

"That may be true but look at it." Issei gestured to the expectant looking monster with his free hand. "In the time we've been talking it could have done something, anything at all, and yet it's still just staying there. It's almost like it wants us to pet it." At this the form of the monster quivered, immediately putting both on guard.

However, upon noticing its expression, Issei's eyes widened, "You can understand me?"

The thing smiled with an almost smile on its wolf-like muzzle. At this, the duo looked to each other. Issei's expression conveyed his surprise, while Vali's conveyed her unease. The duo held each other's stare for several long moments. It was cleat that the duo were fighting with each other, and yet no words were spoken.

'M…' The silence was pierced by a quiet noise, causing the duo to quickly draw in and focus on their surroundings and the monster on its back. Vali held her blade abreast when she felt the solid weight of Issei's back press close to her. Even, he was finally starting to see logic.

'Ma…' Once more the noise rang out, 'Mast… Master.' It was a simple word that one could hear anywhere, yet it can out guttural and broken. The duos eyes widened further when their heads snapped towards monster that was slowly rolling over.

"Did it just…?" Vali's question hung in the air.

"I… I don't know," Slowly, Issei turned towards the monster, "Did… Did you just say something?" It even sounded unbelievable in Issei's ears.

The monsters 'smile' widened further, wen it bobbed its head. 'Master. I. Did.' At this, Issei's composure broke as he stumbled back from it. He had seen a lot of things in his day, but a talking monster was definitely a new experience.

"It did." Vali breathed out soundlessly. At her words, the monster turned it sharp golden gaze towards her, causing her to shift and ready her blade.

'Mi…Mis…Mistr...ess?' Unlike with 'Master' the monster seemed to struggle a little more with 'Mistress.' At this the duo shot each other expressions that equal levels horrified and intrigued, just what was going on?

'I. Need. Help.' The monster bowed its head to the stunned duo.

A special thanks to Cweb99, Phoenix 2099, TheRandomSwede and UnitedGamers, appreciate the support. I hope to keep things interesting for you guys.

Quick question, what other series are you guys fans of?

For me I'm a huge fan of JJBA and the Fate series.

Until next time.

Ex.