The Change (Prologue)

"Touched be thy soul,

as thou taketh the breath of life."

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"Issei?" Touji Shidou could barely believe the sight in front of him. A multitude of emotions crossed his face as he looked at the object in the hands of his seven year old daughter's friend.

Shock. Denial. Confusion. Hope. Excitement. Wonder. All these feelings, these emotions, flashed across his face. For right in front of him was the small figure of Issei Hyoudou — eyes shining with a wonder and innocence almost as bright as the warm golden glow that now emanated from his office — holding onto a shining sword.

Issei turned to him with a wide smile at the sound of his voice, excitement practically suffusing his small body. "Touji-san!" The little boy cried out to him with excitement.

"Look!" Issei grinned happily as he presented the shining blade to him, his small arm somehow managing to carry the weapon with little problem.

"Isn't it cool?!" The boy gushed and babbled to him, but Touji was far away at that moment. He could only stare dumbfounded from the doorway, the shining sword, and Issei's small hand which held it, being the only things he focused on.

It was a short while later, the little boy still gushing to him about the 'shiny sword' before Touji managed to get ahold of himself. Even if he had wanted to deny it, there was just no mistaking that warm presence, how its gentle heat warmed the room entirely.

This golden light was unmistakable — the strong feeling of contentment coming from the sword being all the proof he needed.

A wide smile of Touji's own made its way to his face. "I see Issei — by the Lord's grace I see." He whispered quietly with reverence.

–––

"Blessed be I,

as thou cometh home."