Athena's gaze shifted, her eyes widening as she noticed the presence of Ophis and Ddraig. A hint of fear flickered across her expression, and she instinctively bowed before them, showing her utmost respect.
Ddraig chuckled, exchanging a nonchalant glance with Ophis.
Ddraig:No need for the formalities, Athena. We're all family here.
Ophis nodded in agreement, her demeanor surprisingly relaxed.
Ophis:Issei sees you as his little sister, so consider us family as well." She waved off Athena's concern, as if dismissing the need for any reverence.
Athena, still in a respectful bow, hesitated before straightening up.
Athena:I appreciate your understanding. It's just, in the realm of gods, hierarchy is ingrained.
Ddraig grinned
Ddraig:Well, lucky for you, Issei doesn't care much for divine hierarchy. He's more about treating everyone like equals.
I nodded in agreement,
Issei:yeah, Athena, relax. No need for all the formalities. Ophis and Ddraig are practically family too.
Athena's demeanor eased, and a small smile graced her lips.
Athena:thank you, Issei. It's heartening to see such niceness
Ddraig nudged Ophis playfully,
Ddraig:Guess we're officially part of the family now, huh?
Ophis rolled her eyes, but a subtle smirk played on her lips.
Ophis:I suppose so. Family dynamics are amusing.
As we all shared a light-hearted moment, the room seemed to be filled with a sense of unity. Athena, having set aside her initial apprehension, joined in the banter.
Athena:I must admit, Issei, your chosen family is quite unconventional, but the bond is undeniable.
I laughed,
Me:Yeah, it's a bit chaotic, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Family is family, divine or not.
And so, in the presence of gods and dragons, a unique bond formed – one that transcended celestial realms and embraced the essence of camaraderie among beings from different worlds.
I felt my phone vibrate, indicating an incoming call from Azazel. Curiosity and a hint of concern crept in as I answered.
Me:Hey, Azazel. What's up?
Azazel's voice came through, a mix of seriousness and something else I couldn't quite place.
Azazel:Issei, your parents are in town. They want to meet you, and they're at the ORC.
A frown creased my forehead. My parents weren't exactly involved in my life I did remember me leaving their house and plus they're not my real parents
Me:they want to meet me at the ORC? That's... unusual.
Azazel chuckled,
Azazel:Well, they seem to be eager. I think they've got something important to discuss.
I sighed, glancing back at Ophis, Ddraig, and Athena.
Me:Guess I should head over there then. Thanks for letting me know, Azazel.
I excused myself from the trio, promising to catch up with them later. As I made my way to the ORC, thoughts swirled in my mind. What could be so important that my parents wanted to meet at the Occult Research Club?
chapter 18: a fucked up reunion
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