Issei spent the entire day, along with most of the walk back home lost in his own thoughts, berating himself for the carelessness he'd displayed in a flare of anger, an emotion that was rare for him to outwardly show. Recent events had that particular emotion popping up more than he'd like.

"Shit…Fuck…Dammit!"

Strings of curses and expletives had been muttered under his breath all throughout school.

As he walked, he switched from cursing himself and the situation in general, to thinking of a way to handle it. If only he had that last piece, the one piece of information that would solidify his claim, and give the ones responsible what they deserved.

He could call in the one favor he had, but he didn't want to think of just what she might do if she found out where he was living. Most likely freeze half the town trying to find him.

Passing by the last bit of forest, a stone pathway met the sidewalk. As Issei passed by it, he froze on the spot.

"What…the.." He whispered.

[We haven't seen those two in quite a while eh partner?] Ddraig's voice rumbled throughout Issei's head. To which he only nodded.

To his left, the stones led to the old abandoned church, where he felt an absurd amount of tainted light. The feeling was barely there, concealed by what Issei could only assume was a poorly placed barrier around the church. Poor by his standards at least.

There had to be at least 3 dozen smaller signatures, and 5 larger ones. That in itself was worrisome. A bit more that they just happened to show up now, as he hadn't noticed any presence in the church on his other walks to or from school before. And add to the fact that he recognized 2 of them…

"They have some explaining to do." Issei said more to himself than to his mental resident.

Issei took a deep breath, and made sure to hold in any trace of his presence, not wanting to be followed, or noticed in any way. Then continued on his walk home with a hurried pace.

this new discovery had his mind running at a speed that that would impress even the quickest knights of the underworld. As he came into view of his house, still a few hundred feet away, he'd come up with a plan that would at least ensure that Mari and Anna would stay safe and away from where he was fairly certain something was about to go down.

Walking through the front yard, Issei walked to the backside of the house instead of in the front door, where he could feel Mari waiting to get the jump on him.

Coming to the back, where he had a large fence ten feet tall, to hide the garden that sprouted faster than any normal plants would. Passed the assortment of flowers was a shed that Issei kept locked to keep Mari from getting hold of some very old and some priceless weapons and items.

Closing the shed door behind him and pulling the chain to turn on the lightbulb above him, Issei set his bag down and prepared a communication circle.

A red circle spun to life around his right ear. A dark red outline, with sage green runes embedded into it. The center of the circle was a dragons head, a cross on its forehead and two roses crossing their stems underneath.

Issei felt the connection take hold, and winced as a loud high pitched voice was nearly screaming "MOTHER WHO IS IT WHO IS IT WHO IS IT?!" At that moment he wished he'd used his cellphone instead so he could pull the speaker from his ear to save his eardrums.

A light laughter that Issei remembered his late wife describing as sounding like wind chimes through a gentle breeze came to his ear as the female voice answered the higher pitched one.

"I'm not sure my dear, how about I find out what it is that they need? Why don't you go play in the garden for a little while and i'll join you once I'm done."

Issei heard what sounded like a little girl whining in the background before saying okay and fading away.

"Hello? May I ask who i'm speaking with?" The older female asked. Issei could almost feel the sultry look she undoubtedly had on her face. Issei cleared his throat before responding.

"Hey, it's Issei. The little one's still as excitable as ever huh?" The woman soothing laugh resounded again before she started scolding him.

"Issei, you have some nerve calling me, leaving without even a proper goodbye. My little Kunou was devastated that you didn't tell her either, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Issei shifted, feeling bad about how he'd walked into her room just as she was getting ready for bed, announced they were leaving. And now just over a year later he's calling her out of the blue.

"I'm sorry about that Yasaka. I had to get Mari away, they were moving too close by, and I didn't want my family or any of your people getting hurt. Most of all you or Kunou."

As he felt the imaginary tension alleviate, Yasaka sighed in an overdramatic way, telling Issei that she was going to milk his guilt for all she could get next time they met.

"I suppose I can forgive you-" She started. 'Wait for it..' Issei thought

"After you visit and make it up to me in person." She ended, her voice picking up her usual flirty tone she used with him. 'there it is.' Even when he and Nora were visiting, and already engaged, she'd take any opportunity to try and tempt both of them into her bed. And after a few drinks one night, Nora had dragged them both away to take her up on that offer.

Issei, not wanting to outwardly admit that he would be looking forward to just how she would go about 'forgiving' him, changed the subject.

"Yasaka, I need a favor." His voice stern and holding none of the normal joviality it normally would.

She clearly got the message that this was not a social call. The line fell silent for a moment, the sound of her shifting around the only sign that the connection was still active, Issei took that to mean that Yasaka was now in her leader persona.

"Ise, what's going on?"

-LineBreak-

The current scene in the ORC was one that was fairly common. Rias and Akeno had come in before the others, Akeno started preparing tea and snacks for the group. Rias sat at her desk to clear out the paperwork of the day.

When Kiba and Koneko arrived, they took their usual spots. Kiba stood over by the window to the side of the room, reading a book until the meeting started. Koneko sat in her spot on the couch with a stack of candy.

Today however, the little nekomata was eating at a far slower pace.

Once Akeno had placed the tray on the table, Rias had already filed away the forms, and asked a question that had been on her mind for some reason.

"Akeno, who was that boy you spoke with by the tree yesterday?" Her tone was only that of mild curiosity, but it had been bugging her all day, and she couldn't come up with a reason as to why.

Koneko's sensitive ears perked up, eating her candy even slower than she had been, wanting to catch any information she could about the only boy she had ever seen hang out by that tree.

"Hm?" Akeno took on a contemplative look briefly, trying to recall what it was that her king was referring to. When she did, the look in her eyes made Rias almost want to just abandon the question, so she didn't have to deal with the teasing that was about to come her way.

"Oh my fufufu, is our big bad king finally showing interest in the opposite gender?"

Akeno held her hand over her mouth as she chuckled.

Rias crossed her arms under her chest, an action that always made Koneko feel a tinge of jealousy.

"Of course not. I'm merely curious as to what this boy that's caught your recent interest is like. so…spill it. What about him suddenly caught your attention?"

Koneko was now paying very close attention. She hadn't known that Akeno had spoken to him before. So did she know that he was the one from the garden? If so, then why hadn't she told Rias yet.

She also hadn't decided on how to bring up the subject to her peerage members yet, and now was considering holding off just a bit longer to gather more intel.

"Well, he's a second year, and his name is Issei Hyoudou. I've heard whispers about how quiet he is, I assumed that meant he was just shy. But after talking to him, it's more like he's put up this wall, almost as if he doesn't want to be close to anyone here." Akeno told her king. "You know how much I love a challenge fufufu."

Most of the students of Kouh academy would revel in the chance to speak to any of the most popular girls on campus, even some of the more reclusive ones would stammer through stutters and incoherent sentences for the chance.

The devils of Kouh had been long accustomed to the popularity. Rias would ignore the looks sent her way, it was something that she'd dealt with ever since she was young.

Akeno on the other hand took the time to talk to those who would approach her. She enjoyed the feeling of being wanted, the years before she met Rias had left this yearning of being accepted, of being loved. There was no shortage of that for her among the mass of the academy.

So when Akeno walked passed a boy that hadn't so much as looked up from the book in his hand as she walked by, she started to get curious. Had he just not noticed her? Or did he simply not care?

After a few days of the same thing, she discreetly started to pry for information about her new interest. The information she could gather without raising any suspicion was slim to none. Most of the girls she spoke to knew his name, Issei Hyoudou. But other than that, the only thing they all knew was that he never said anything more than was necessary.

It wasn't that he was being rude, anyone who'd interacted with him would say the opposite actually. But he just didn't seem to want to have more than a brief conversation with anyone.

The day she finally saw him under the tree, she felt this magnetic pull, something saying that she needed to go and talk to him. As a hybrid of two beings that gave in to their desires, this was not something that she wanted nor had any reason to go against.

And the brief conversation left her wanting more. If they weren't in a situation where her attention was needed, there was no doubt in her mind that she would've already sought him out outside of school grounds. She wanted so badly to unravel the mystery that seemed to be Issei Hyoudou.

"I may just have to meet this boy then. I can't hand my best friend over to just anyone, now can I? But that'll have to wait, we have other matters to attend to."

Rias brought the attention back to herself, ending the current matter, before going back to the business at hand. Which was what to do about Red Dragon and his daughter.

"Akeno and I met with Sona this morning, and we agreed that while we need to learn more about the Red Dragon Emperor and why he's here of all places, we can't afford to turn him into an enemy."

As Rias started, she leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs over one another with her eyes glancing between each of her servants.

"We came to the decision of Sona and I, along with one member of each of our peerages going to the garden to replace the flowers that were destroyed. I have already received the replacements. I made sure to order the flowers that were renowned in the gardens of the Purson territory."

At this point, the sole male in the room raised his hand slightly from his book.

"Buchou, if I may?" Kiba asked.

landing her gaze on her knight, Rias nodded with a smile.

"Of course Kiba, what's on your mind?"

Kiba let his hand drop, both now placed on his lap.

"He was very clear how he felt about us being there. I'm not sure going there again so soon is a good idea."

From her spot on the couch across from Kiba, Koneko thought about that herself.

If he had an issue with devils as a whole, he wouldn't have married one. No, his purpose seemed to be more of a protective one than anything else. If her words with him that morning were any indication, he believed that some of the pillar families had it out for the Purson family.

After she thought about the situation and those involved a little bit more, the picture became clearer. This was the territory of the Gremory and Sitri heirs, long established members of the pillar community. No other family would be able to come here without approval first, and would likely be escorted or watched for the length of their stay. If what Issei had said was true, it was likely that any family who was a part of the Purson murders wouldn't want their presence known. "…But…why?" She accidentally whispered allowed. Thinking of why the pillars would have killed off one of the oldest families among devils.

Her words were quiet, but a devils senses were not to be underestimated, each of the others looked towards the normally silent young girl.

Once Koneko noticed she was being stared at by the others, her heart started to pick up in pace, but her outward appearance was still that of a stoic indifference.

When Koneko didn't answer any of their questioning gazes, Rias asked what was on all of their minds.

" 'Why' What Koneko?"

Even in the presence of those she would call family, Koneko wanted to shrink into the shadows. She was never comfortable with being the center of attention. With her eyes locked onto her Kings, she debated over what to say.

Should she tell the truth? She wasn't sure what kind of reaction that would get, some form of punishment would definitely come her way. And if she lied, there was no doubt that Rias would be able to tell.

Not that she had any interest in romantic pursuits, but Akeno seemed to take a liking to him, so how would hearing what was essentially her romantic target had already threatened her life go?

Koneko could choose to just limit the information she shared, but that was just about as useful as lying in her book. So that really only left one choice. She'd pray for lenient disciplinary action if it wouldn't give her a massive migraine. Resigned to whatever fate had in store, she took a deep breath and began.

"….I….saw him, here, this morning." Her voice came out quiet and meek.

The shocked expressions on her fellow devils faces might have been amusing at any other time, if they weren't directly related to a possible deadly situation.

Rias narrowed her eyes towards her short rook, leaning forward in her chair, elbows on the table and lacing her fingers together just under her nose.

The room remained silent for more than a minute as the crimson haired heiress gathered her thoughts.

Leaning her head back and sighing. she prepared a communication circle. Koneko just looked towards Rias, wondering what she was doing, as Kiba and Akeno both just stared at Koneko still in shock of the revelation.

Rias' circle connected to her chosen recipient.

"Hello?"

Sona's voice quietly came through the circle

"Sona. Koneko has information on the Red Dragon Emperor. I'll wait for you in my clubroom before she tells me what happened. I'd like to deal with this quickly."

The circle was quiet for a moment, Sona having been surprised and was unprepared for that.

"Tsubaki and I are heading over."

And with that the circle closed its connection.

Rias looked over towards her rook, her face a mix of worry, relief and confusion. Koneko hung her head low, eyes locked on the floor.

"Let's wait for Sona to hear the rest."

Rias seeing the negative reaction of the first year girl, wanted to reassure her that she wasn't angry with her.

"Koneko."

Said girl slowly raised her head towards her master, relaxing a bit at the smile on her face.

"Good job, and i'm glad your safe."

Koneko nodded as silence overtook the room, waiting for Sona to arrive before going over the rest of what Koneko had to say.

It didn't take long, The ORC could feel the flux of Sona's nervous aura from the time she left the main school building.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Enter."

At Rias' word, Sona opened the door for herself and Tsubaki, closing it behind them before making their way to stand by Rias' desk.

"Okay Koneko, tell us exactly what happened." Rias requested softly.

And so Koneko did. The group was solely focused on her as she told them what happened. About her catching the same scent of flowers that were in the garden, about the rings on his leather necklace. About his inquiry about why they were asking about Nora now. And how he said 7 pillar families had been the reason for her death.

Those in the room all took it in with varying reactions.

Rias with a frown, it just didn't make sense to her that some of the ones who worked so hard to raise the number of pillar heirs would want some wiped off the map. Her own unwanted arranged marriage cemented that ideal.

Kiba didn't have his usual calm reassuring smile. Now the potential threat wasn't just in the same territory, it was at his school. Even in the same hallway his classes were in.

Akeno kept switching between a feeling of terror at how close she came to potential harm, which would then lead to a fantasy of her being tied up and punished.

Sona had her usual analytical expression, her arms crossed as she processed what she'd been told. She had met Issei Hyoudou one time, and that was when he saw her in the library one afternoon with a book on chess strategies with an expensive set on the table. He had asked to play a game, and much to her surprise, had actually cornered her with the very strategy she had been reading about. The conversation they had during was exactly as she liked them. Short and to the point, while keeping the proper courtesy, with no meaningless small talk.

She had a better view of him than most other students in the school, and wouldn't mind playing against him again.

Tsubaki kept her stoic appearance, having never met the boy in question in school, nor had she experienced what the Gremory peerage had the other night.

"Rias, I think it's best we slow down and approach this carefully. We should also hold off on reporting this up the chain, should his warning hold any merit."

Sona was the first to break the silence in the room after Koneko's story. Her long time friend and rival turned towards her with a curious expression.

"I agree, what do you suggest? bring him in to meet with us during classes?"

Rias was at a loss of how to proceed. She wanted to make things right and replace the flowers in his garden. She wanted to see Nora's daughter. She wanted to know how he even met Nora in the first place, how she stayed hidden for so long. most importantly, She wanted to know just what he meant with the warning he gave to Koneko. But his threat to them was not to be under estimated.

"I would prefer to meet him on neutral ground, we don't want to make him feel as though we're luring him into a trap, nor do we want to stride into his domain." Sona replied.

Taking a glance at each person in the room, Sona wondered just who would be the best to approach him. No one in her own peerage other than herself had met with him that she knew of. And two of Rias' had at least one interaction with him other than the fight with the stray.

Perhaps if she along with Akeno or Koneko were to talk to him..But it was highly unlikely that Rias would allow that to happen without herself being there as well.

As Sona was going through her thoughts, one of the two on her mind spoke up.

"I think I should be the one to talk to him. I could bring him the seeds tomorrow during lunch, apologize and ask for him to meet with us."

All eyes then went to Akeno, who had recovered from her daydreams, now sporting a serious expression.

Rias was about to shoot that idea down, but caught herself as she pondered on it more.

From what Akeno had said, Issei didn't seem to mind speaking with her. He was polite, if a little short. But should Akeno really approach him alone? if he reacted negatively then Akeno would be in danger. Koneko going along might be a bad idea with his reaction to her this morning. Someone else should be there as well…but who?

"Akeno…Someone else should go with you."

Sona did her best to keep from raising an eyebrow, she was honestly surprised that Rias didn't immediately say that she would go with. She was sure that if Rias thinking further than just the moment at hand, she would want to approach him herself and try to befriend him in hopes of adding him into her peerage…That's what she would do if she had Rias' marriage issue.

"I'll go." Sona said in her typical student persona.

When the glances she was getting didn't seem to understand why she should volunteer, she elaborated.

"I've met Hyoudou before. We played a game of chess in the library. I wasn't involved in the garden mishap, so I believe i'm in the best position to help."

Rias could release a deep sigh and nod her head.

"Very well, I agree."

-LineBreak-

The setting sun painted the sky with a blue bleeding into orange as Issei laid in the hammock set up between two trees in his back yard. His eyes were closed as he enjoyed the breeze blowing through.

Mari had forgone her usual nap today, so after one round of hide and seek, they went to the back yard to water the garden together. After which she curled up on his chest and had quickly fallen asleep to the rhythm of his breathing and heart beating, her smiling face as he stroked her hair would have been a perfect image….If only she weren't drooling all over his red T-shirt.

He had to keep himself from laughing as he remembered a scenario that was almost identical to this, just before Nora told him she was pregnant. He'd been wondering why she had been so clingy recently….Not that he minded, he actually enjoyed the moments where she just wanted to be in physical contact.

They'd only been married for a little over a month at the time. He'd still been on cloud nine ever since, having married this loving, compassionate, endlessly energetic young woman that seemed to have no end the her strange quirks.

Laying in a hammock just off the beach on Peter Island, one of the British Virgin Isles. A drink in a coconut sat on the table just out of reach. He didn't dare move, lest he disturb Nora who had her arms wrapped around his waist, her head on the center of his chest….And drooling more than he thought ever possible.

Issei was brought from his memories from the quiet sound of the sun room door closing. Glancing over he saw Anna approaching the father daughter duo, looking at them with a smile that tried to hide the envy she felt deep down.

He felt a stab of pain every time he saw that look, he knew that he was causing it. Anna wanted a child of her own, and no matter how much she loved Mari, it just wasn't the same. Her particular species had a hard time conceiving outside of their mating season, and Anna had a much harder time due to the harsh years before meeting Issei and Nora.

The short skirt that barely reached mid thigh was accompanied by a sway in her hips that was entirely too enticing, something he couldn't act on with Mari asleep on top of him. Issei knew that she was trying to goad him into dragging her to bed, and giving her what her instincts were screaming at her for. Even more so that tomorrow they would be leaving for an unknown amount of time, more than likely returning after her mating period had passed.

Anna stood next to Issei's head, bending down to give him a look down her low cut yellow shirt. he saw the lacy black bra she had on before feeling her hand on his cheek tilting his head towards her. Closing the already small distance between them she pressed her lips to his. As she pulled away she whispered so she didn't wake Mari.

"Dinner will be done in 15, steak tacos."

Mari's eyes shot open as she lifted her head up, wiping the drool trailing down the side of her face. She immediately locked eyes with Anna.

"Tacos?" She asked with an dreamy tone.

Anna smiled and nodded to her surrogate daughter.

Mari started to nearly vibrate in excitement, her sleepy state completely forgotten. She only lasted a few seconds before jumping from the hammock and jumping into Anna and giggling. Of all the foods that Issei and Anna had cooked for the little hybrid, tacos seemed to be her all-time favorite…so far… Some of the things a 3 year old claims as their favorite seem to change hourly.

Issei couldn't hold back the laughter as he watched his daughter cling to Anna telling her how much she loved her for making tacos for dinner. If there was one thing that Mari had inherited from him…it was the love of food. Mexican in particular.

-LineBreak-

Waking up the next morning proved to be a much more difficult task than normal, Anna had made sure to make her time with Issei count before leaving for Kyoto. They had fallen asleep after round three around midnight, but then she woke him up the best way possible, his eyes had slowly opened to see Anna already mounted on top of him.

And just a few minutes before his alarm clock would wake him, Mari came running full speed into his room and jumping onto his bed, shouting her excitement at going to see 'Aunt Yasaka' and Kunou.

Well…At least she was happy about it. Issei on the other hand, was struggling with sending her away from him. What decent parent would enjoy being away from the child for an undetermined amount of time.

But he managed to reason with himself that it was for Mari and Anna's safety. The fallen in the area may not directly be connected to the ones searching for Nora, but they would not likely pull any punches being that she was half devil. And word was sure to spread fast should her existence be spread.

Standing in the entrance of the house, Issei was dressed in his school uniform. Anna and Mari were standing side by side and holding hands with a duffel bag for each of them stuffed to the brim with clothes.

Kneeling down, Issei hugged Mari, which she greatly enjoyed and reciprocated. He wanted to just stay like that all day, but unfortunately he had a schedule to keep to. He also had to deal with the fact that he'd revealed himself to the devils, and then he needed to find out what exactly the fallen were here for.

"You behave for Anna and Yasaka alright Mari?" Issei said as he let go of her and stood back up to full height.

Mari nodded animatedly with a wide and bright smile. "Yes Daddy!"

smiling down to her, he ruffled her hair a bit, making her pout and place her hands on her head to smooth it out.

Looking up to the clock, Issei saw that he had to leave in the next three minutes if he wanted to make it to school on time. His smile faltered a bit. Soft hands on either cheek brought his sight over to Anna, and after a quick kiss rested her forehead against his.

"Bring us home quick."

After he nodded, she stepped back and retook Mari's hand, and then in a flash of red and green they were both gone.

"*sigh* guess I need to leave too."

After locking the door behind him, he made his way towards the academy. He couldn't help but feel that time was going to feel extremely sluggish until Mari and Anna could come home.

-LineBreak-

True to his belief, school had been dragging on and on. and it was now only lunch time.

As he sat down placing his lunch on his lap, he pulled his vibrating phone from his pocket, where he noticed an email with two attachments.

His eyebrow raised as he noticed the sender, someone he hadn't seen or heard from in just under 2 years.

-Sender - Leighton James

Yo Ise! Long time since I've heard from you. I'll keep it brief.

Y'know those lyrics Nora recorded forever ago? well…after everything that happened, we'd like your blessing to use those in our album, as a way to pay tribute to her. I've sent the song we made with it.

On to less pleasant news. We ran into Kali about a week ago in Toronto, we managed to get her to talk after a few dozen drinks. If you're still in Japan, I think you should pay her a visit in a town called Kuoh. Apparently the crew she got sold into is under orders from Kokacunt. She gave me a drive with a document she swiped, said that you were looking for it.

Well that's all for me. Hope to hear from you and the little one soon.

Your buddy, Leighton.

Issei could feel his breath hitch in his throat. While the first part of the message brought a warmth to his soul, the second part made him very nervous. This could be the final piece of the puzzle.

If it was, he'd finally be on the path to giving him and his family the life he'd wanted. But he couldn't get his hopes up just yet. And so he clicked on the smaller of the attachments, watching it download felt like watching grass grow. He knew it was going at a normal pace, but it felt like his anxiousness was altering his perception of time.

As soon as it finished, it opened up, he noticed it was a transcript from a meeting.

The top had the organization name, date and place. Underneath it had who was in attendance.

"I can't believe he was this stupid…Leaving a paper trail of a terrorist group…"

Issei whispered to himself as he read through the names on the list. There were plenty that he had no knowledge of, but that wasn't really important. His eyes locked onto the names he was looking for.

Creuserey Asmodeus

Katerea Leviathan

Shalba Beelzebub

Diodora Astaroth

Euclid Lucifuge

Leonora Oriax

Griffin Zagan

Kokabiel

Raux

Reading through the transcript of the meeting gave Issei some interesting revelations. One being that the family of Rias Gremory, the warden of where he was currently living, had been a victim of this groups ploys.

If the information on the document could be trusted, the Khaos Brigade as they called themselves, had negotiated with a member of the Phenex clan for an under the table supply of phoenix tears. In return, when the Old Satan Faction of the Khaos brigade took control of the underworld, The Phenex house would receive an increase in rank along with the Gremory Heiress to marry into their house.

'But how did they pressure her family into accepting the marriage…' Issei wondered. He'd heard from Nora while they were traveling in the underworld, that the engagement had been in place for at least 5 years now. And he knew for certain that the underworld was still led by the leaders of the rebellion from the devil civil war.

Continuing through the transcript, it seemed to devolve into an argument about how the current leaders of the underworld are nothing but impostors and how the great war should have never ended. Which led to Kokabiel voicing his opinion for the first time in this dialogue, seemingly just to agree that the war should reignite, and with or without their help, he would restart the great war. Saying killing members of the satans families should suffice. After which he left.

Finally after what seemed like pages upon pages of that argument, he saw something that made him quickly scroll back up to the top to look at the date of the meeting. His eyes widening as the pieces fell into place. The meeting this document was about had taken place just over 7 years ago.

An excursion of the Old Satan Faction had wandered on the borders of devil and fallen angel lands to exchange weapons, tomes, and pheonix tears. This border was in the control of the Purson family. The current head of the Purson clan had been wandering the gardens, and had spotted the strange gathering of people and materials on his lands.

The fallen angel Raux, and Euclid Lucifuge raised the opinion that this family needed to eliminated, lest their plans be made known before they were ready.

After a unanimous vote to wipe the Purson family out, the meeting concluded.

Issei leaned his head back against the tree, taking deep breaths to calm his erratic pulse. He now had what he needed as a starting point, he just had to decide who to bring this information to. It needed to be someone trustworthy, someone who would investigate into the matter further. There was no way to bring a conviction from this information alone, it needed to be verified. But that was something to be dealt with later.

Deciding to bask in the thought that he was so close to not fearing for Mari's life, Issei plugged the headphones into his phone and opened the other attachment, eager to hear the melodious voice of his wife once again.

And as the song began, and he heard her voice, all of his problems seemed to melt away as a sense of peace flooded over him.

-LineBreak-

Akeno and Sona had met in the office of the student council just after the lunch bell rang. Akeno had already received the seeds that Rias had ordered in.

Both of them were feeling nervous about what they were about to do. While Issei Hyoudou had never been antagonistic towards them at school before, the recent events could have changed that. But they would still do as they had talked about, and so they made their way out of the building and towards the tree that he seemed to enjoy being under so much.

Neither Akeno nor Sona had said a word as they walked the grounds, both lost in thought of just how to start the conversation.

Turning the last corner they caught sight of their destination, and with it, the person they were looking for, and both of them stopped on the spot.

Akeno took the first step, continuing towards him. Issei was sitting against the tree, his legs crossed over one another, looking like he was taking a nap. His eyes were closed and he give the impression that he had noticed their approach.

As Akeno got within 20 feet of him, she saw the headphones he had in his ears, and the peaceful yet sad smile he had on his face. As the cloud overhead cleared and the sun shined down on the grounds, Akeno saw the glistening of a single tear roll down his face.

Instantly she thought of turning around, and trying this again another day, don't poke the dragon as the saying goes.

As she stood there, she watched as he wiped it away with one hand. His left eye opened and made contact with hers.

Akeno was glad that his expression hadn't changed at seeing her and Sona, who was a few feet behind. He patted the spot next to him with his hand, silently asking for her to sit next to him. Hesitantly, she complied.

She took the steps lightly and slowly, watching Issei's face and mannerisms for any negative changes, until she stood next to him. She lowered herself to the ground beside him, legs curled to the side and leaning her body closer towards him as she had the day before.

She waited for Issei to say something, or make any sort of move. After a good two minutes she was about to speak, unsure if he would be able to even hear her with those headphones in.

Just as the words were about to leave her lips, Issei reached up and removed one side on the earbuds and gestured for Akeno to take it and put it in her ear.

"Listen. Then we'll talk." He said softly.

Placing the piece in her ear, she watched as Issei adjusted the volume and restarted the song he had been listening to.

Meanwhile Sona watched the interaction curiously, wondering just what he could be listening to that had produced such an emotional response. She walked over to stand to the side in front of Akeno, and waited until they were done.

Akeno heard a few static taps on what sounded like a drums snare, and a strum of a harp as the song started. The soft voice of a young woman filled the ear piece.

Bright lights, I can't really see right.

Cold Eyes, to hide what it feels like.

They take from me, what I need from you.

Fast steps, to find my back to

Your love, we're due for a comeback

I get from them, what I give to you

Please take me back to, a dream

Where miles away a place is never seen

Show me the wonders above. Cause I don't need your favour just your love.

Akeno watched Issei's face as they listened to the song. It wasn't something she'd ever listened to, as she wasn't much of a fan of Dance music. But for some reason still unknown to her, Issei looked as if he was completely lost in it. His eyes were closed, and looked so at peace. Like nothing else in the world mattered.

As the song drew to a close, Issei opened his eyes, and looked over to Akeno. He could feel that she was watching him, but he just couldn't himself to care at that moment. He took the headphones and placed it back into his pocket, then turned to relieve some of Akeno's curiosity.

"That was Nora singing."

Akeno's eyes widened considerably, of all the possible things she'd considered to happen when she spoke to him today, this was not on the list. He'd just shared something with her that was probably very personal and special to him. When she couldn't bring herself to say anything, he chuckled and started the conversation for her.

"I assume you're here because of what I said to Koneko?"

Sona had been just as surprised at what Issei had shared with Akeno, but kept her mask up, she couldn't afford to be moved from their reason of being here in front of him. When he asked his question, Sona stepped in and took over the conversation for Akeno.

"Yes, we are."

Issei turned his head towards the student council president and nodded.

"Nice to speak to you again Kaichou, i'm looking forward to our next game of chess." He said with the smile never leaving.

Sona was glad that she couldn't detect any malice in his words or body language, it would make this whole thing a lot easier if it stayed that way.

"I am as well, you're one of the most formidable opponents i've ever had in chess. But i'm afraid I must stick to the business at hand."

Issei nodded once again and gestured with his hand for her to continue.

"After the incident at the garden-" Sona started, and noticed the slight anger that appeared on his face. "Rias wanted to apologize. She ordered replacement seeds that were harvested in the Purson territory. I'm sure that, if she had known of its purpose, she would have lured the stray elsewhere."

The mention of the garden brought Akeno out of her daze, she reached into her bag and grabbed the small bag of seeds, the bag itself only being as big as her palm. She gently took one of Issei's hands in hers and placed the bag in them.

"I'm the one who damaged it, I can only imagine what seeing that must have made you feel. I hope you can forgive us." Akeno said, her eyes locked onto where their hands were still touching.

Issei looked over to Akeno, slightly tightening his grip on her hand before releasing and taking the seeds. He was still a little upset that the flowers had been cut, but he could understand that in the heat of the moment, the safety of the living was more pressing than a memorial.

"I appreciate the gesture. So…when and where? Is now a good time?" he asked as he gave Sona his attention once more, trying to get to the main point he knew they were aiming at.

Both Akeno and Sona were a little taken back by his question.

"Pardon?" Sona questioned, not understanding if he was referring to the garden still.

Issei let out a sigh, he knew they were going to ask for a meeting to go into details that should not be shared with the general populace. But he had a knack for jumping ahead of people and losing them in the process.

"I assume you wanted to have a meeting between you Rias and myself, right?" Issei asked with a slight tilt to his head.

A wave of relief washed over both Sona and Akeno, that had been far easier than anticipated. The lunch break still had 45 minutes left, plenty of time to go over what they wanted to know, and they both knew that the other members of Rias' peerage were in the club room at this very moment. Sona would just have to call for Tsubaki, seeing no need to gather her entire peerage.

"That works, I'll have my queen accompany me, and i'll meet you in Rias' clubroom."

"No." Issei's voice was stern.

there was a slight pressure emanating from Issei now, putting both Akeno and Sona on edge. Akeno moved herself another foot away from Issei and made to stand up and stand by Sona.

Sona only slightly flinched at the sudden change, quickly regaining her composure. With her arms crossed, and a voice as neutral as she could muster she asked.

"I don't understand, 'no' to which part?"

Issei stood, placing his hands in his pockets to show he wasn't going to make any sudden movements after he saw Sona and Akeno's reactions.

"I'll agree to meeting with you and Rias only. What you decide to share with each of your respective peerages afterwards is your decision."

Issei than looked to Sona with a gaze that said that this was not a meeting for people who had no knowledge of prior events, and that he would not be explaining any more than was necessary.

"I assume this is regarding you're warning?" Sona spoke, mimicking Issei's tone and expression. Seeing what Issei was willing to share with Akeno only a moment prior, left her with a foreboding feeling that he had information that should not be common knowledge.

At his nod, she sighed, a feeling in her gut telling her that this day just became a lot more complicated. "Very well. Lets be on our way then."

-LineBreak-

The way to their meeting in the ORC started off silent, with Akeno and Sona not really knowing what to say, or how to go about doing it. But they each had a litany of things they wanted to ask, so many that were on the edge on their tongue, but weren't sure if it would be considered too personal or cross some boundary they weren't aware of.

"Issei, did Nora make song on her own?" Akeno asked, once she felt she found a question that felt safe enough.

Issei and Akeno were following just behind Sona towards the old school building. He took a thoughtful look before answering.

"The lyrics were all her. She recorded them about…5 years ago I think. We befriended a pair of Canadian Dj's a few months before that when we spent a few days in Montreal." His eyes went to Sona's back, seemingly analyzing her body language as they were about to enter the building.

"They held onto the recording, and just recently put that song together, said they wanted my permission to put it on their next album as a tribute to her." Issei finished as he brushed his fingers along one of the rings on the leather string around his neck, eyes still glued to Sona.

His mind was filing every little shift and twitch she made. He could feel that while Akeno genuinely wanted to make up for the other night, Sona was a more complicated matter.

His previous encounter with her in the school library was enough time to get a good read on her mannerisms. While he guessed that she would like a friendly relationship between him and the devils of the area, she had an air about her that made him think that she wanted to twist this relationship for her own gain if she could. That was something to look out for, a favor from a devil could quickly lead down a murky path if you weren't careful.

"What were you doing in Canada if you don't mind my asking?" Akeno said, bringing him back to reality.

"Nora and I liked to travel, never staying in one place for too long, doing odd-jobs as we went. One of our things, was to go to a concert of some sort in whatever city we happened to be in. We met a few names that are actually pretty big worldwide."

The trio turned the corner after climbing the stairs to the second floor, where the ORC room was. Walking down the hall, the wooden double doors came into view.

"I wouldn't have imagined you to be so well traveled. Oh, we're here." Akeno said.

She walked to the front of the group and knocked on the door twice.

KNOCK KNOCK

A few moments of silence permeated the air around them, before the call to enter came, when it did Akeno turned the handle and opened to the door for Sona and Issei to enter ahead of her.

Issei looked around the room as he walked over the threshold, taking in its victorian style. He preferred the atmosphere heavy wood gave a room, compared to the metal and glass that modern culture seemed to take a liking to.

The dark wood was nicely complimented by the dark red furniture, the two couches with a coffee table in between. And the large desk towards the back.

Issei took in the sight of the room that so many of his schoolmates had tried to gain entry to. After he did, he switched to the three other occupants. He noticed that two of them had their surprise and confusion written all over their faces. The blonde male off to the side by the window with a book in his hand, and the Red head sitting at the desk with a few papers in hand.

The other occupant, Koneko, had her hand pinching her nose closed and her eyes narrowed towards Issei. When he saw her reaction, it took a few seconds before the realization dawned on him. How could he have forgotten something like that?

He knew exactly what Koneko was, a rare breed of Nekomata, a Nekoshou. So her sense of smell was leagues above the others, only slightly greater than his own. And as soon as the door had been opened, he knew that she could smell what him and Anna had been up to last night. But it went beyond that.

Anna's mating period had started, aside from her hormones flooding her system, her body would also subconsciously mark her intended mate. It wasn't a physical mark, it was a mixing of energies between the two.

The intended mate would emit a scent that would ward off other Youkai or animal like creatures. The heavy smell of sex saying that 'this one is claimed'. It was also much more noticeable to ones own species.

"heh heh, the shower didn't help much did it?" Issei chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.

The others in the room all rose an eyebrow as Koneko slowly and sternly shook her head. The rest were clearly missing something in the interaction between Issei and Koneko, but no one brought it up. During their brief conversation, Sona had moved over to speak quietly to Rias at her desk, informing her that the meeting was requested to be right now.

"Ahem" Rias cleared her throat as she stood from her desk.

"It's nice to formally meet you Issei Hyoudou, I'm Rias Gremory, these are my servants. My Queen Akeno Himejima, Knight Kiba Yuuto, and rook Koneko Toujou." Rias gestured to each member as she listed their names, who had all positioned themselves to the side of the couch Koneko had just been sitting on.

"Pleasure to meet you all as well. I am Issei Hyoudou, Current host of the Welsh Dragon." Issei said with a bow, and sent a small pulse of Dragonic power out, a form of greeting that dragons had adopted several millennia ago. The pulse of energy caught the devils off guard, tensing briefly from it, then relaxing as it receded.

Issei took a few steps forward to the center of the room, his gaze straight towards Rias and Sona who were standing side by side next to her desk.

"Lady Gremory, before we go any further, I would like to relay my terms for our meeting." His tone was mature and professional.

Rias glanced over to Sona briefly, once their eyes met, Sona merely nodded to accept this and hear him out.

"Very well, please continue." She said as she returned her attention to Issei.

"I request that the only ones present for our meeting to be you, Lady Sitri, and myself. I have not kept up to date with what is common knowledge through the general population of the underworld. I do not want to be held responsible for spreading classified or guarded information. After the meeting, what you share with your peerage is your decision." The request Issei stated, only made her both more curious and cautious of the young man standing in front of her.

In the end, her curiosity won, and she nodded her acceptance.

"Very well, is there anything else before we begin?"

"More of an inquiry on my part. Which of the Satans is in charge of foreign affairs?" As the words left his lips, his eyes wandered over to Sona. Looking at her as if he already knew the answer, but just wanted confirmation.

Under his gaze, Sona started to feel the anxiety build from whenever the person he was asking about was near her. Her older sister, Serafall Leviathan, was the one in charge of foreign affairs. Serafall was rather eccentric, often acting like an energetic child dressed up in magical girl clothes.

Sona loved her sister…but there's only so much a person can take. And Serafall seemed to push those boundaries every time they saw each other, with how affectionate she liked to be. Some of the things that Serafall would say, could be borderline incestuous.

Shaking her head lightly, Sona looked back to Issei, who was still looking at her expectantly.

" *Sigh* my…sister. Serafall Leviathan…But you already knew that, didn't you?" Sona spoke in a defeated tone as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Issei shook his head. "I suspected as much, wasn't sure about the familial relation, but You two look too much alike, among other things that clued me in."

Issei tapped his nose meaningfully, causing Sona's face to flush a bright red, and her eyes to dart side to side quickly. Issei clamped his right hand over his mouth to hold back his laughter at her reaction. Even their embarrassed reactions were similar.

Issei put his hand in his pocket to pull out his cellphone. Opening it up and quickly scrolling through his contacts. Both Rias and Sona had escorted the members of the ORC to the door, getting ready to begin the meeting, only to both look at Issei confused as to why he seemed to be sending a message to someone at what was to be an important meeting.

After typing a good sized paragraph message, Issei closed his phone and put it back in his pocket. Seeing both watching him curiously he smiled.

"So, should we get started?"

Rias gestured to the couches, and Issei took a seat on the one with his back to the window. Once Rias and Sona were seated on the opposite side they began their meeting.

Being that this was her domain, Rias started the conversation.

"Issei Hyoudou. I suppose the first thing we should know, is what are doing here?"

Issei relaxed into his seat, ready to get this underway.

"This town is where I was born, But other than sentimental value. This town is as good a place as any to ensure the safety of my family."

"You're referring to the fact that this town is the territory of not one, but two pillar heirs? So if the ones you spoke of in your warning through Koneko were to come here, not only would they be stepping on Shinto ground, but would face dire consequences if we didn't know they were here." Sona said as she crossed her arms and legs, also somewhat relaxing in her seat beside Rias.

Nodding to the Sitri heir, Issei confirmed.

"Exactly. The people who killed Nora…have been trying to keep themselves hidden, for now at least. In fact, if I wasn't absolutely sure that your families had no direct part in their plan, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Rias glanced over to Sona for a brief moment, before returning her attention to Issei.

"Who exactly are you talking about?"

Issei lost the small smile he had on his face.

"The Old Satan Faction."

END

I'll stop this here.

The lyrics were a song by adventure club called dreams.

Til next time! =]