Hello again, I'm glad to see such a positive reception to the first chapter. This DxD fanfic community seems very active. There are a couple things I wanted to mention in response to a few reviews which are at the end of the chapter. We are gonna be branching out a bit to see what else is out there. Hold on tight.

Chapter 2: Fated Introduction

Sona liked regularity in her life. She kept a strict schedule for the school, a stricter one for her peerage, and one anyone else would doubtlessly call 'insane' for herself. Still, she tried to keep herself flexible. A leader who could not abandon a plan to adapt on the fly was useless. But interruptions were so much more tolerable when they were not in the dead of night. But then, if she was right in identifying the owner of the magic circle lighting her room like a neon red floodlight (and she always was), her friend would not intrude unless it was a truly important matter...

A moment later Rias Gremory had appeared within the circle. Sona realized something grave was afoot upon realizing her friend was still wearing her school uniform, the clothing wrinkled and, in some places, tear stained.. "Rias, what can I do for you." The dark haired girl intoned in a manner even more neutral than normal.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion at this hour, Sona, but I received worrying news and have been conferring with my brother on our course of action." Rias' even tone was remarkable, if typical, given her appearance.

Sona grabbed her glasses from the bedside table and began cleaning them. "Tell me everything."

If yesterday had been endlessly wearying, today was...unusually quiet and that worried Akeno.

The day had started normally enough. Breakfast was followed by some magic sparing with her father before she headed off to school. She detoured to see Isse's house but didn't get to close. The last thing she needed was the Devil's to become aware of what had happened yesterday and, if Raynare's report was to be believed, they weren't yet. For now Akeno was just performing some casual observation of patterns. What time did he leave, was he alone all the way to school, nothing unusual. He seemed very happy, occasionally jumping in place or doing funny little dances when he thought no one was looking.

Once Issei arrived at the Academy, he did nothing out of the ordinary. He got his books, went to class, and talked with his two equally perverted friends. A few questions to his classmates (and subsequent erased memories of said questions) proved that this was normal for him as well. Satisfied for the moment, Akeno headed off to her own class, preferring to avoid a confrontation with the Student Council president over something as trivial as being tardy. Akeno knew at some point soon she would need to introduce herself to the Red Dragon Emperor and there was only so long she could hide behind the need for safety to justify not talking.

But none of this was the reason for her current unease. No, that feeling started when Gremory-sama didn't show up to class, a rare enough occurrence as far as Akeno could remember. Then the announcements were made. They were nothing special, but they were made by Shinra-san, not Sitri-sama which was also a first. One or the other would have been mildly suspicious, but both of them missing was a dead giveaway that something was up, it had to be.

Did they know about the events of the day before? Possibly. But Raynare had claimed she and Issei were not observed and while Akeno normally wouldn't trust her as far as she could be thrown, the older Fallen Angel was competent enough to notice most threats. Still, it was best if she made a report. Better unneeded paranoia then a overlooked catastrophe. It was the work of a moment to get herself permission to leave class to use the restroom and only a few more after she left to a slip away to a small janitors closet she had warded against magical interference. It was stressful to have to treat school as enemy ground day in and day out but such was the reality of the situation. Akeno never used the same area for communication for long, lest her spot be discovered and her messages intercepted.

Now safely tucked away, she created a small communication magic circle in her palm. Moments later a miniaturized figure of her father appeared.

"Akeno, what is it?" Baraquiel's tone was short, but not harsh. He knew his daughter would only contact him during the day if it were worth hearing.

"I hope it is nothing, but both Rias Gremory-sama and Sona Sitri-sama are missing from school and they rarely are. It may be a coincidence, but considering their relations..."

"Hm...I've been getting reports from our agents that there is quite the stir in the Gremory household though they have been lacking details. Now I hear from you whatever it is was important enough to draw Sirzech's and Serafall's little sisters away. That cannot be a coincidence." The man covered his eyes and let his hand slide down his face and back to his side. "Thank you for your report, Akeno. I will inform Azazel of this development and make sure Raynare will keep in touch if you need backup." His frown lightened a bit. "Not that I imagine you ever would."

Akeno smiled back, her eyes gleaming deviously.

"Till later then. Be safe."

The magic faded and Akeno made her way back to class, erasing the memories of her absence from all the students and teachers who saw her. Now it seemed all she could do was wait. If her 'partner' was doing her job then Issei would be under constant surveillance, freeing Akeno of that chore. Nonetheless, she wouldn't breathe easy until she had some idea of what was going on in Hell.

Being in the Devil capital never brought back fond memories, a room full of arguing devil lords even less so, but Koneko liked to think of herself as a resilient person who could withstand those thoughts. Especially in a matter so important to her master.

The girl stood behind Rias and her parents in a sitting room in the Gemory complex which they used when visiting the capital for an extended period. Across from them sat the head of the Phenex household and his wife. Behind them their son Raizer paced back and forth, creating small flames in his hand then extinguishing them with rapid succession. The tension could have been cut with a knife and to someone like Koneko, it was almost visible.

"The decision is ultimately yours, Lord Gremory, and I must caution you against your child's rash impulses. If she gets a reputation of breaking off betrothals right and left, you will never find a reputable match for Rias."

"I understand the implications very clearly, Lord Phenex. I am not here to question the validity of the arrangement, only the timing. Our daughter isn't even an adult by the human world's standards, let alone our own. I see no reason your son must press the matter now."

"Why should Rias and I wait any longer?" Rizer interjected. "First she'll delay a few years, then a few more, and before I know it centuries will have past!"

"And you'll wait far longer than that if I have anything to say about it." Rias retorted, barely containing a growl of disgust.

"If the manes would hold their tongues and let their elders speak!" Lord Phenex exclaimed, earning a silent glare from his son and the Gremory clan. "While it is true that Rias is still very young, that has hardly been a problem in our society in the past. The question, my Lord, is not why my clan seeks to push, but rather why yours seeks to delay. Are you hoping a better match than my son will show up? That some dashing young man with a good family name will show up out of the blue to claim your daughter's hand? This deal has far reaching consequences beyond our families' union through marriage and I believe neither of us wants to throw that away."

Lord Gremory stood up from the couch, his knuckles white as they gripped his cane. "You presume a great deal to lecture me, Lord Phenex. Perhaps I am beginning to second guess the worthiness of this third son of yours in regards to my daughter after all. There are dozens of high class devils from well respected families who would jump at the hope of a prayer of a chance to marry the heir to my house and would not cause a hundredth the trouble you have."

"You dare question the worthiness of my son! His accomplishments are well noted and broad. His performance in the Ratings Games unmatched among those his age. What has your daughter done by comparison?"

At this Lady Phenex's eyes widened as, too late, she clamped her hand over her husband's mouth.

"I think you know full well what my daughter has done." Lady Gremory declared, her eyes flashing. "You know as well as I how she earned the name of 'Crimson Haired Ruin Princess'.

"That...that..."

Lord Gremory turned his gaze towards his opposite. "You've insulted my daughter, you've insulted me, you threaten to break trade agreements our families have held to for millennia over this betrothal as a form of extortion, and you expect me to let it slide."

"And you've insulted my son, the name of Phenex, and my intentions. If you wish to end the betrothal and be labeled an oath breaker, so be it, but you will have to find another source of tears."

"Your attempt to cower me may work on a middle class devil, but I am not so easily swayed. You hold on the trade of your own tears is not as tight as you want to believe."

"You know as well as I what my family does to anyone we find not authorized to have our tears. Are you so willing to start a blood-war because your daughter won't follow through on our legally binding agreement?"

"You speak of a blood-war to easily, Lord Phenex." Lady Gremory seethed. "You know that path can only lead to ruin for both our houses and the many others who will inevitably be dragged into it."

Before any more heated words could be thrown into the bubbling cauldron, a magic circle appeared in the center of the room. A flash of light momentarily blinded everyone as a pair of figures had joined the fray.

"Sorry I'm late." A redheaded man gave a slight bow to both groups in the room. "But what can I say, work is hell."

The other figure, a maid with gray hair, merely blinked poiniently.

"Hail, Satan Sirzechs." Lord Phenex bowed deeply. "How fortunate you have arrived, I..."

"My dear Lady Phenex, how good to see you again, it has been to long." The newcomer delicately grasped the woman's hand and gave it a polite kiss. He then spun around and gave a quick nod to his father, a quick peck on the cheek for Lady Gremory, and a small pat on the shoulder to Rias. "Now then, let's see if we can't cool things down a bit."

"My Lord, Lord Gremory has succumbed to the foolish whims of his daughter and has come dangerously close to breaking our betrothal contract."

"As I recall those kind of contracts get made and broken all the time. Surely there is more to this than that? I trust you wouldn't threaten the unthinkable over a scrap of paper signed over a decade ago."

"It is more than that, my Lord." Lord Gremory interjected. "He threatened to cut off our houses supply of tears and couldn't believe I would seek an alternative source."

"I see. That would be a problem." Sirzechs rubbed his chin. "Perhaps we can reach a compromise of sorts. Lord Phenex wants the marriage to go through and Lord Gremory would prefer to keep the status quo. I'd be tempted under normal circumstances to suggest a ratings game but that would hardly be fair considering my sister's current peerage. Would you be opposed to something a little more...old fashioned? A duel following the ancient rules. If Rizer wins, the marriage goes through, if Rias wins, the betrothal is canceled and you will keep supplying tears by the current terms regardless of whether her family decides to end the betrothal contract."

Rizer smirked, shooting a disdainful glance at Rias. "An interesting idea, I am more than confident that I can take on my betrothed in single combat."

Lord Phenex narrowed his eyes. "An awfully bold suggestion considering my son's record. What are you planning? It hardly feels like a compromise with the odds stacked so much in my son's favor."

"I value peace above all, as you well know. We cannot afford a blood-war or a long drawn out political struggle. Rias must learn to live with her actions, as brash and un-thought-out as they may be."

"I accept." Rizer crossed his arms , a predatory grin on his face. "My betrothed can have as much time to prepare as she needs though I doubt it will help her at all."

His father glared at Rizer before nodding. "Fine, I accept."

"Excellent. Grayfia will be in touch shortly to decide on the exact date. Till then."

A quick bow and a flash of light later the Phenex clan had disappeared.

"Are you sure about this, Rias?" Her brother inquired after a moment of silence. "I admit I was surprised when you suggested this as a possible solution earlier."

Rias' eyes shown with a cold fire, the kind Sirzechs had made a life goal never to be the target of. "Very."

"I sense you have a plan." He smirked. "It will be best if I don't know it."

"Are you sure they will uphold the deal if Rizer loses?" Lord Gremory mused.

"They would be foolish not to. The Phenex clan has always tread on dangerous ground. They control an incredibly valuable and unique commodity that every other Devil Pillar wants and they have never been shy about throwing that weight around, hotheads that they are. But all it takes is a push to far and they will have to face the strength of the others combined."

"I wonder if any will accuse you of favoritism." Lady Gremory sighed.

"Some will, doubtlessly, but I'm sure most will see the wisdom in his path, no matter the outcome. Besides, The Lucifer is hardly expected to be fair. We are Devils. Till next time. I'll make sure to plan a feast in your honor for your victory, dear sister." He ruffled Rias' hair, much to her consternation.

Sirzechs and his queen vanished in a bright light, leaving Rias alone with her parents and her rook.

"Sorry. I didn't think it would go like that."

"It's alright, my dear." Lord Gremory put his hand on his daughter's shoulder. "For a clan that claims to be immortal, the Phenexs are still as hot tempered as ever. Your betrothal seemed a good idea when you were born. Forge an alliance with the family whose tears helped us win against the Old Satan faction. But now Lord Phenex is too ambitious, like your brother said."

"And don't mind his talk about your reputation." Lady Gremory added, "Once you win your duel, we can find a better betrothal option for you."

Rias rolled her eyes. "Of course."

Her father either missed the movement or deliberately ignored it. "Good."

A few goodbyes and well wishes later, Rias and Koneko were back at their room in the old school building of kuoh Academy.

Riass gave the smaller girl a big hug. "Thank you for coming, Koneko-chan. It meant a lot to have you there."

"But I didn't do anything."

"You didn't have to. It meant a lot to have the sole member of my peerage there to support me through this."

"I...think you're making this a bigger deal than it is."

The red haired beauty ended the embrace. "Don't sell yourself short. I may have convinced my parents that this was a bad engagement, but as my father said, there will be another. I feel like you are the only one who understands. Anyways, I am going to take a shower then head to bed. I am exhausted."

Koneko stared at her hands, her face scrunched up in thought. Without warning she spun around to face her king. "There was one thing I meant to tell you before all of...today happened. Yesterday I saw a Fallen Angel I hadn't seen before with Hyoudou Issie-senpai. They teleported into a back alley near his house, I am not sure where they came from."

Rias paused, now half undressed. "The sacred gear owner we've been monitoring?"

"Yes"

"That is worrying. We know he has a sacred gear but I wasn't sure what kind or how powerful. I couldn't be sure if he was worth recruiting." She sighed and ran her hand through her hair. "Though I suppose that has been the excuse every time. I suppose every candidate can't be as exceptional as you Koneko. And now the Fallen Angels have gone after him which means they are either really desperate or know more than we do, neither of which encouraging."

"I'll bet H. Akeno-senpai knows what is going on, but I doubt she will tell us."

A wave of silent emotion spread across Rias' face for a moment before she shook it off. "I think it's best we avoid letting them know we know they are up to something until we have a solid course of action and know more about Hyoudu Issei. I don't want to start a war over something that may be trivial."

"Very good, my king."

"You don't have to be so formal when we are alone, Koneko-chan. Goodnight."

The younger girl smiled sadly to herself as her master tucked in. I'll always owe you to much to do that.

In the end, this had been one of the most peaceful days she had had at kuoh in a long time. There had been some squabbling between her fans among the first years and Gremory's, but Akeno had handled it with her usual grace and poise as she brought the incident to a peaceful close, impressing all with her grace and poise and doubtless winning a few easily swayed followers of the crimson princess to her side with a few winks and smiles.

The absence of the two Devil kings made today probably the best day to talk with Issei, once they'd both left school. And so, steeling herself for wherever the conversation might lead, she approached the boy on his way home once they were out of sight of the school and, hopefully, and Devils there observing them.

"Hyoudu Issei-sama!" She called in one of her more seductive tones of voice.

The boy snapped himself out of whatever he was contemplating and whipped his head around to see who was calling him. When he saw Akeno, he shook his head as if he expected her to disappear like a gorgeous mirage. But when he had confirmed she was real he started to blush and stutter. "Y-yes?"

"I am Himejima Akeno and..."

"One of the most beautiful women of Kuoh is talking to me..." Issei stated, though more to himself than to his companion.

The Fallen Angel couldn't help but chuckle at the reaction. "Yes. I thought it was about time I got to know some of my adorable juniors."

The poor boy's brain appeared to be overloading, much to her amusement. Perhaps he was not quite as dangerous as her father feared.

"Let's just say I find you very...interesting."

Issei got a dumb look on his face. "I never thought someone like you would talk to a guy like me..." His expression turned sad. "unless you were put up to it. Was this a dare? Are you here cause you lost a bet?"

Akeno put on an exaggerated frown of her own. "How can you say such things...I would never do that.

"But...I've been going to this school for a while now. Why would you talk to me now...unless..." Issie raised an eyebrow. "you're with the Fallen Angels?"

"I could try and deny it, but there is no reason to. I am one, actually."

"So you're here because Azazel or whatever his name was sent you?" Issie's shoulders slumped, a dejected look on his face.

"Why would it matter if he did?"

"Well, it wouldn't...I mean, he offered to introduce me to some girls so I'm certainly grateful."

Akeno rolled her eyes and smirked. "You don't sound grateful."

Issei stood up straight, a determined look in his eyes. "I am! So, do you...want to go on a date?"

"A date? Ara ara, aren't you bold." She chuckled dryly then leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And why should I go on a date with you?"

Issei looked away while he rubbed the back of his head. "Ah...you weren't ordered to?"

Her smile had frozen and she was now sending daggers his way with her gaze. "No. And what makes you think I would do so even if I was?"

"Well," he mumbled, blushing furiously, "you did come and talk to me, which you've never done before. I doubt you'd be here now with me unless ordered to."

Akeno's expression softened ever so slightly, her look now almost pitying. "You may not realize it, but talking is not a date."

"I know that! I just...whatever. Talking to you would be pretty overwhelming for most guys. And only slightly more likely than getting a date. I see you didn't deny that you were ordered to."

"I...that's not the..." The Fallen Angel shook her head as if clearing her thoughts before smirking and bowing slightly. "We got off on the wrong foot, let's start over. I am here to answer any questions you have about the Fallen Angels and your arrangement with us. If I cannot, I can relay your questions to someone who can. Anything beyond that..." She leaned in and whispered in his ear "anything of a...less professional nature...well, you'll have to earn that." Akeno stood up straight and winked at her junior.

Issei's eyes glazed over and a bit of drool slipped out of his half-open mouth, prompting a light hearted sigh from his companion. He pulled himself out of it after a whole minute of awkward silence and wiped his mouth.

"So, um...it still feels like all this is a dream. What am I supposed to do, exactly?"

"Symbolic stuff, mostly. Stand around at important meetings, make sure the Fallen Angels don't get pushed around, that kind of thing."

"How much fighting am I gonna do?"

"Very little outside of training, if you're lucky. Or at least that's what Azazel-sama told me."

"That works, I'm less of a fighter and more of a lover anyway."

Akeno poked him in the stomach. "I doubt you're much of either."

"How can you say that!" Issei cried. "I'll have you know I have a girlfriend!"

"Really, and who might that be?"

"Yes, really. It's Yumma-chan...or Raynare is her name I guess. Raynare-chan?"

Akeno fought hard not to burst out laughing but failed. "Raynare-san? Ara Ara, my poor junior. You have no idea what she is like, do you?"

"We had a very nice date! And after my talk with Azazel she said she loved it and wanted to do another one some time."

"And to think, Raynare-san's, what, fiftieth 'boyfriend' was trying to ask another girl out while still dating her. Aren't you the player, Issie-kun."

"Fiftieth!"

"Oh yes. She's been at this game for a while."

"How long, exactly?"

"About a century."

"A...a...century."

"At least." Akeno replied with a wink.

"How old are you then?"

"Ufufufufufu, didn't your mother teach you never to ask a woman's age?"

"I...uh...sorry"

"It's fine, I'm too young to care about that question. I'm as old as anyone else in my year."

Issei wiped his brow. "I was worried there for a moment that all the Fallen Angels were born centuries ago."

"Are you uncomfortable with older women? Should I be concerned?"

"Wha...no, no it isn't that, I..." He blinked. "What did you say?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. Did you have any other questions?"

"Hm...I don't know if this is an inappropriate question but how did you become a Fallen Angel?"

"My father is one, therefore I was born one."

"Oh. Is Yumma-chan the same?"

"Yumma-chan, if I recall, has a similar origin."

"How many Fallen Angels are actually fallen Angels?"

"Quite a few, but most of them are at least several centuries old."

"Not that many falling nowadays?"

"There are no young angels as understand it. If one were to fall from Heaven and land right in front of us, he or she would likely be at least that old. I'm not sure why."

"What is being a Fallen Angel like?"

"What do you mean?"

"How is it different from being human? You all look similar enough."

"I...can't say from experience." The girl looked away, awkwardly shuffling in place. "Having never been a normal human myself."

"Is there someone you can ask?"

"Not in that way. Humans have never become Fallen Angels."

"So, I'm not going to become one?" Issei asked, his eyes downcast.

"Not anytime soon. You disappointed?"

"Those wings look pretty cool. And I like the idea of joining a group that left Heaven to get laid."

Akeno crossed her arms. "Not all former Angels fell for that reason and you'll find many prefer not to share why. It is a deeply personal experience from what I understand."

"Sorry."

"It's fine, better I tell you then one of them."

"You didn't answer my question , though. What is it like to be a Fallen Angel. What do you have to do on a daily basis?"

"Very little. Mostly it is dealing with the Devil representatives at school."

"No Angels?"

"No."

"Who are the Devils at school?"

"Rias Gremory-sama and Sona Sitri-sama."

"Rias Gremory-sama,the school idol...is a Devil? Figures. I doubt I can ever get a date with her now."

"That is for the best, Devils are known to be double dealing and xenophobic. She'd abuse your affections and leave you to rot."

"That...sounds kinda personal."

"I'd rather not talk about it."

"O...kay." He paused for a second. "You said the student council president is a Devil as well?"

"Yes."

"That has to be awkward."

"You don't know the half of it."

He chuckled. "Yeah. Um, you know, you are free to ask me something too if you want."

"What do you expect me to ask?" Akeno replied, wiggling her eyebrows.

"I don't know. I just know I'd get annoyed answering endless questions."

"How considerate. I do have one question. Why did you accept Azazel-sama's offer?"

"I...can't say for certain. I've been wondering the same thing. But when it comes down to it, if a group of supernatural beings said you had phenomenal cosmic powers and were special and unique, then who wouldn't jump on that. I still dream of being the ultimate harem king, and I will be grateful if Azazel-sama introduces some girls, but for now being the Red Dragon Emperor seems pretty cool. Not like I have anything better to do."

Akeno was lost in thought as she took in his response and reevaluated her companion.

"Look, I know you don't want to go on a date and I would never dream of trying to force you, but can we at least meet somewhere nicer some time? We're colleagues now, right? Get to know a little more about each other."

"Ara ara, you're awfully determined, aren't you."

Issei replied with a cheeky grin stretching from ear to ear.

"If we do, we'll have to go somewhere the Devils do not see us."

"I know a nice place."

"I hope you are not suggesting your house, that would be most improper." Akeno's demeanor suddenly changed, her eyes narrowing. Something was nearby and she couldn't tell exactly what it was. "I think it's best if we continue this conversation another time. I'll be in touch." She all but vanished into thin air, leaving a confused Issei behind. It didn't take long for Akeno to divine the nature of the intruder. A foreigner might not have picked up on it, but there was definitely a fox spirit nearby. What the Youkai wanted with Issei was a worrying thought.

It was a lovely day. The sun was out, the wind was lazily blowing in through the window, the tasty birds were singing unaware of the danger...all in all, Kuroka was in fine spirits. Which made Vali's frowny face a dark spot in the room.

"How long are you going to brood in the corner, nya?"

"I think you know why." Bikou interjected, a cheeky grin on his face. "Azazel has replaced him. Found a new heavenly dragon. One he can control with women the rumor goes."

"Yes, we've heard. But why should Vali-chan feel bad. You were planning to go off on your own soon anyway."

"It matters because Azazel probably guessed that detail." The monkey countered.

"Then let's assume he has, what is our course of action?" Arthur leaned against a wall, twirling his sword which send the tip burrowing into the wood.

"I'd say the sooner we act the better. The less time we give them to prepare, the greater the chance our plan succeeds." Bikou advised.

"That is likely what Azazel expects Vali to do. If we wait, we can throw him off, make him wonder if he was wrong, lower the defenses he has doubtlessly prepared for us currently."

"He won't change his mind, no matter how long we wait, Arthur. Nya."

"I'm still not sure about joining terrorists." Morgan le Fay sighed.

"You know why we are doing it, sister."

"Of course. I just..."

"I've decided." Vali declared, the other conversations abruptly ending. "We move now. I don't know what Azazel thinks he knows or expects and the less time we give him to prepare the better. He has made his intentions clear enough by allying with my rival. Kuroka, get in touch with the Chaos Brigade, we're accelerating the plan."

The cat yawned and gave a half hearted salute. "Right away, nya."

End Notes

Alright, here we go:

Rintaro55: I'm not going to say. First because I have not decided on a full list and second, I don't like giving away everything. I like to leave the reader guessing, especially when it comes to cannon or popular non-canon relationships.

Windraider: Glad to see I am not alone in my thinking. As for Akeno's attitude towards her father...I'm sure the characters will get into in more at some point. All I will say is that it has been some number of years since her mother's death and thus time for her to mature with her father still around.

I do enjoy DxD for its light heart and humor. It does feel a bit like a propaganda piece for its own world though at times. Considering the three factions relatively recently wrapped up their 10,000 (or however long) year version of World War One, and many leaders have been around that whole time, it is remarkable there are not more psychotic messes.

I admit my thoughts on how Akeno's first meeting with Issei would go varied a bit. In cannon it seemed to me that she was a warm neutral towards her co-worker until she started to see his actions and personality for herself. I imagined she still is a warm neutral as a whole here, but now wants to gauge his intentions for herself as quickly as she can before deciding what to think about him. Hopefully you all like how it turned out.

Thanks again to all who read and a special thanks to my reviewers.