Chapter 156: Akeno

"Then can I ask why you are hiding your fallen angel heritage?"

Akeno's eyes widened slightly, and she looked away, her serene demeanor faltering. She didn't respond immediately, so I continued, hoping to ease her into the conversation.

"It's not something you need to hide, Akeno. Your past, your heritage, it doesn't define who you are now. It's just a part of your story."

She remained silent, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. The air between us grew heavier, the sounds of the park fading into the background. Finally, she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Did you know from the beginning that I was a fallen angel?"

I nodded slowly. "Yes, Akeno, I knew."

She looked up at me, surprise and a hint of fear in her eyes. "And you didn't care?"

"Why would I? Your heritage doesn't define who you are now. It's just a part of your story, like everyone else's."

Akeno sighed, her shoulders relaxing a little. "It's hard to believe that anyone can look past it. I've carried this secret for so long only Rias knows, it's become a part of me."

I gently took her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. "You don't have to carry it alone anymore. Let those who care about you help shoulder the burden. You're not a monster, Akeno. You're one of the strongest and most compassionate people I know."

Akeno looked down, her voice trembling. "I... I hide it because I hate this side of me. Being a fallen angel is seen as something disgraceful, something evil. This is a constant reminder of the person who betrayed me and my mother... my father."

She paused, her grip on my hand tightening. "My mother was a human, and my father was a fallen angel. For a while, we were happy. But then my father's enemies came after us. They attacked our home, and my mother... she was killed."

I listened intently, my heart aching for her. "I'm so sorry, Akeno."

Akeno's eyes glistened with tears. "After she died, I was left alone. My father disappeared, leaving me to fend for myself. I ended up wandering, lost and afraid, until Rias found me. She saved me, gave me a place to belong. But I never forgave my father for abandoning us."

She took a deep breath, composing herself. "That's why I hate this part of me. It reminds me of the pain and betrayal. I don't want anyone to know, to see me as something disgraceful."

I squeezed her hand gently. "Akeno, you are not your father. You are your own person, and you have the strength to define yourself. Your past doesn't have to dictate your future."

She looked up at me, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Thank you, Alex. Maybe... maybe you're right. Maybe it's time to stop hiding."

"One step at a time," I repeated, reassuringly. "You'll find that the people who truly care about you will accept all parts of you."

I chuckled. "Since you've shared a secret with me, it's only right I share one of mine."

"What is it?" Akeno asked, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"Well, it's a surprise," I said with a grin. I extended my hand, summoning a swirling portal that shimmered with an otherworldly light.

Akeno's eyes widened in amazement. "What is that?"

"It's a gate to another place," I explained. "Come on, I'll show you."

She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay, let's go."

We stepped through the portal, and in an instant, we were transported to the grand halls of Nazarick. The opulence and grandeur of the place took Akeno's breath away.

"Welcome to Nazarick," I said, watching her reaction.

Akeno looked around in awe, her eyes wide as she took in the magnificent surroundings. "What is this place... it's incredible."

I smiled. "This is my home, and my kingdom."

"It's so huge, why is the ceiling so high?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

"So that even a dragon could enter the grand hall without a problem," I explained. "And for your knowledge, you are the first one to enter Nazarick."

Akeno looked at me, her eyes widening even more. "Really? I'm honored."

Raynare and her subordinates were technically the first, but there was no need to tell her that. This moment was about Akeno.

"Come, there's much more to see," I said, leading her further into the heart of Nazarick.

As we walked, the magnificence of the place continued to unfold before us. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and precious gemstones, and the air was filled with a sense of power and mystery.

"These halls have seen countless battles and moments of triumph," I said, gesturing to the surroundings. "Nazarick is not just a fortress; it's a testament to strength and unity."

Akeno nodded, her awe slowly giving way to curiosity. "What kind of battles?"

"Defending this place from those who sought to challenge us," I replied. "Nazarick has always stood as a symbol of power and resilience."

We passed by various low level NPCs, each bowing respectfully as we walked by. Akeno seemed both impressed and slightly intimidated by their presence.

Because I massage Guardians to not come, They didn't came.

"These are my loyal followers," I explained, pointing at Maid and other NPCs. "They serve with unwavering dedication, much like your friends in Rias' peerage."

Akeno's expression softened. "It's amazing to see such loyalty and strength."

"Indeed," I said. "Just like your friends, they are willing to stand by you through any challenge."

As we continued our tour, we eventually arrived at a grand balcony overlooking the sprawling gardens of Nazarick. The sight was breathtaking, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery stretching out as far as the eye could see.

"This is one of my favorite places," I said, leaning on the balcony railing. "It's a place of peace and reflection, away from the chaos of the world."

Akeno joined me, her eyes taking in the beauty of the gardens. "It's incredible," she whispered. "Thank you for showing me this, Alex."

I smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "You're welcome, Akeno. Remember, you have a place where you belong, and people who care about you. You're never alone."

She nodded, her expression filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Alex. For everything."

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