Seventh, the Dragoon

by Arrixam

Part two of the Dragoon series.

3. Angels in the Outfield

AN: No, Great Red is not the Ruler of the World. Though I do understand your confusion due to the previous chapter's trivia.

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"Come on, Ise," Rias whined as she pulled his hand. "The movie's about to start."

It felt like a whole month before Sunday had arrived. Both Issei and Rias had been anxious for this day. There was no school to keep them apart and it was a day of rest. No Devil worked on the Lord's Day (save those archaic families who did it out of pure spite for the Heavenly Father). Things have settled down just enough for her to take a break.

In other words, she could finally have her first date with her boyfriend.

But with that excitement came fear. Oh, she was nervous getting this chance to spend time with the man she loved and attempt to impress him with her womanly charm… even when that was second nature to her and he was easily impressed. What she truly feared was his exposure to the outside world. There was no way she could have kept him bound to the house— and had been fortunate to keep him locked up for this long. Issei had been growing restless these past few days and the trip to the beach had made him more impatient rather than satisfied.

There was nothing she could do to hide the construction working on the skyscrapers in the further reaches of the city. No amount of Devilry could hide that.

She also couldn't stop the people from talking. It was impossible to avoid them, especially when their date was mostly in the entertainment district. She thought she could distract Issei with a movie, a trip to the manga café, and maybe a few hours at the local arcade. The idea was simple… but difficult in execution.

Weeks after the Red Storm and still people talked about the horrors of it.

Such as one teenage couple who were talking beside them. Their words had gotten Issei's attention and he was listening to them deliberately.

She gave him another tug, this time dragging him away from those two. She didn't want him to hear any of this. There was a reason why she blacked out all interaction with the outside world from him for so long.

"H-Hey…" Issei stumbled to catch his footing. Something that was more liken to a suddenly hastened walk than a slight loss of balance. She never seen him lose his balance before. "Why the rush, Rias? We still have some time before it starts."

She threw her best pouting face. The blushing part wasn't that hard to pull off as it was genuine. "B-Because I want to spend some time together. Alone. Where no one will bother us."

He gulped, looked away, and brought his fist close to his chest. She was familiar with the signs and gestures of people who were having inner-monologues. She had them seldom. Right now, Issei was having a speech going off inside his head about this and that. There were a few tears at the corner of his eyes as his gaze twinkled with praise and glory.

He thought he was the lucky one to have her. Well… he wasn't wrong. Rias knew how amazing she was compared to everyone else.

By the time they gathered their snacks from the shack and found their seating the movie wouldn't begin until another twenty minutes. The cinema Rias dragged Issei to (and this is almost literal because he hadn't been thrilled about it) was a foreign romance film. It was a French film that would have carried subtitles for the uneducated. Luckily, their ability as a Devil granted them the ability to understand all human languages and— a bit of pride on her part— Rias was educated on the French language anyways.

Despite the day and hour, hardly anyone was present for this movie… which had been planned. Rias made sure to buy out all the tickets beforehand. Not that she would be telling Issei about this. She didn't want their moment alone to be interrupted by anything.

"And no Akeno in sight…" Rias let out a sigh of relief as she relaxed in her velvet seat.

"They're waiting outside, across the street," Issei explained. His eyes were fixated on his brow as he focused on his surroundings. "Their disguises could use some work."

"Does that mean that one time we followed you during your date with Asia you knew we were there?"

"…You were following me?"

"Urk!" she flinched. And then looked away nervously. "N-Never. As if I were such a prude as to spy on you…"

She knew he was teasing her. She was fully aware of his constant awareness as a Predator. It almost frightened her how well aware he was on his surroundings. Nothing ever seemed to surprise him anymore.

Issei sipped on his soda, scratched his cheek, and tried to think of something further to say for conversation. "Um… so how have things been going with the club?"

"It's been boring without you," she responded immediately, in a practiced tone. She didn't need to fake the emotions behind it. She really did miss having club activities with him… as did those other interlopers. "Mostly Kiba and Koneko have been taking up your fill of clientele. On occasion Akeno steps in to help them. Other than that… it's been the usual boring nonsense."

"No Strays or anything?"

"Nope," she shrugged. "Nothing serious ever comes our way now that Mr. Big Bad Demon Lord Hyoudou is here."

She poked his cheek at every syllable of his name. He didn't know how to take her jest and so just let it happen with a nervous chuckle.

"I, uh…" he looked again for something more to say. "I heard from Leviathan-san that there was trouble in Kyoto. Know anything about that?"

"Not really…" she drawled out the answer, partially because she really didn't know herself. "Leviathan-sama would know more about that than I do. I was hoping you could tell me but if you don't know…"

"Richard-san told me there's this huge meeting going on there," he said in a serious tone below his breath, more so to himself than to her. He caught what he said but couldn't take back the words.

"I've been meaning to ask you what the two of you talked about the other night," she crossed her legs and gave him a look. Her brows scrunched up irritably. "It took me until the next morning to realize I was hexed into leaving you. I don't appreciate your friend tricking me like that."

"…I'll let him know next time I see him," he replied after scratching the back of his head.

She eyed him, expecting him to answer her first inquiry but quickly discovered he had intentionally let it drop. She didn't want to pry the answer out of him, so she tried to be a little more subtle in her approach.

Rias leaned against Issei and let her head rest against his shoulder. She slid her fingers through his and remained still like that for some time. He stiffened at the sudden interaction but gradually thawed out. She almost giggled when she heard the audible gulp.

"You know I'm always worried about you," she began. "Not as your King, either. Do you know how many letters I get on your behalf? Hardly any of them are friendly. I've gotten a lot of trading requests or declaration for duels. You're very popular in the Devil community, Ise. It seems too suspicious that an Archmage would randomly show up. Didn't you make a comment about that too?"

He didn't respond. At least not immediately. He gave her hand a small squeeze before he finally answered. "He told me… that Rolan was trying to make his own Evil Pieces."

She blinked at that news. "What?"

"Yeah," he nodded with a grim tone. "I don't think he was trying to make more Devils though. I think he was trying to make something new. Leviathan-san told me he had been trying to get info on the Evil Pieces for years and Amelia thinks he wanted it to help him make more Predators."

What a frightening idea that was. And one that was very plausible.

"So that's where I went wrong."

The memory of his visit in the clubroom sent a chill down her spine. His words hadn't made sense to her until now. It was when he picked up the King Piece and examined it with his mystic sight. At the same time, he had gifted the remainder of the set to Issei while pocketing the King Piece for himself. Any actual King would have known the King Piece was nothing more than a painted novelty. It had no real power like the other Evil Pieces.

And, perhaps, that's where Rolan had been wrong in his research. Upon seeing a real set for the first time he realized his mistake and was going to make changes in his experiments.

"…Can he do it?" she asked, slightly afraid at the idea of him mass-producing Predators.

"I don't know," Issei gave a weary answer. "But I can't find a reason why he couldn't. I mean… it was Rolan who explained everything about being a Predator to me. He's the one who knows the system better than any of us."

She held his hand a little tighter.

"Let's talk about something else, why don't we?" Rias cocked her head.

Before the movie would start, the talked about menial things. Pointless things. He had been caught off-guard by her insight on the level of anime she knew and the two of them dove deep into the workings of their favorite series. Who would have thought the Rias Gremory was an otaku?

It was planning on her part. Being an otaku wasn't, however. Rias had a fascination to all things relating to the Japanese culture and Japanese animation was but one of the fields she was an expert in. It just so happened that the man she loved was just as infatuated with it as she was… though for different reasons.

Certain things weren't her favorite, nor did she fancy them. But she stomached them for his sake. Such as watching the entirety of the Dragonball series for his sake and for the sake of holding a conversation with him.

The things she would do for the one she loved…

*Scene*

"We have about two and a half hours until they come out," Akeno gave her usual mirthful smile while sipping her tea. "I hereby call this inquisition… I mean, this get-together into order."

It was just four of them today. Asia was with Madame Serene off to parts unknown in her studying to become a proper Saint. Serafall Leviathan was back in the Underworld doing her job (for once). And no one had heard from Kiba despite the amount of texts they spammed his phone with.

It was up to these four to keep an eye on their prey— conjoined interest and making sure Rias— the thief (Akeno correcting herself) wasn't getting too out of hand. Akeno led the charge while Koneko, Xenovia, and Irina followed suite.

But Rias had anticipated their actions and had sought to empty out the theatre beforehand. It meant they couldn't blend in with the crowds and eavesdrop (or intervene if needed) on their union. Which meant they were stuck waiting until their movie was done.

Which gave Akeno plenty of time to lay an inquisition for the two more recent additions of Issei's harem. Honestly that boy…

They were stationed at a café across the street and a few stations down from the theatre. Too far away to be spotted once the two got out but just far enough for the group to keep an eye on the entrance. Akeno had also laid a few sensory spells around the building just in case this had been some sort of diversion where Rias would lead Issei out through one of the backdoors. It was unnecessary as she knew her friend best and all her childish tactics.

Akeno eyed her opposition disdainfully through her sharp gaze. She had mastered this appearance to fool anyone into believing she was an Angel… but it seldom worked as most knew of her demonic origins. Still, her smile was innocent and her eyes glistened with friendship. But her mind was scheming on how to peel back the skin and cause as much pain as possible to these two rivals.

Both of them had impressive figures. Issei loved breasts most of all, and Akeno can proudly declare she had the best pair that was only rivaled by Rias'. However, there was something in the back of her mind that told her these two were a threat. Xenovia had a modest pair that was mostly muscle, and yet still appealing in firmness. And Irina had a pair that was just shy of Akeno's in shape.

For humans… they were also beautiful. As expected of the Church's finest.

"What will you have us do?" asked Xenovia first in her stony gaze. It was a plus in Akeno's book. While Xenovia had an impressive feminine figure, it was her personality that was somewhat appalling. The girl had no charm to her whatsoever. "I recognize this for what it is. The Exorcists had a rite of passage as well when I was first inducted into the order."

"Oh no, sweetheart," Akeno's smile brightened up the day. "This is more of an interview than anything. Just a few questions. Please try to answer them honestly else they may alter your… results."

"It still feels like we're being bullied," Irina pouted almost childishly. But there was something sharp in her eyes. Akeno feared her the most. She had the 'childhood friend' card and that was something that had the highest value in any deck. Added in to her level of beauty and her total value just might be equal or— Hells Bells— greater than Akeno's.

She was having difficulty keeping up with Rias and Asia. The former was physically perfect and the latter was emotionally perfect.

"What is Ise-sempai to you?" Koneko fired the first question as she glared heatedly at the pair. It would have had a greater effect had she bothered to wipe the crumbs off her face… or stop munching on the cookie altogether.

Now while Akeno had felt a little threatened by these two, Koneko was absolutely terrified. She felt like she was drowning. At first she hadn't noticed, what with all the carnage and chaos going on within the past month. But as things started to calm down she started to realize her time with her sempai was starting to grow distant. As though she was gradually being pushed to the back of the group and slowly forgotten.

She thought she had made some sort of connection with Issei on that day during the training camp. She thought the two of them had gotten to know the other at an intimate level. They were two of a kind. And despite her… immature form, she had been able to sense a fair amount of lust radiating out of him every now and then.

Contrary to popular belief, she was dancing around in her inner world on that one day she caught him peeping on her. On her! It meant he had found her attractive enough to desire to see what she looked like in the nude. Everyone else just thought she was cute, adorable, and defenseless.

Issei had seen her as a woman. It was twice as critical to her after he had learned of her Nekoshou heritage and hadn't changed his opinion of her in the slightest.

But their interactions had been sparse after that. She couldn't even recall the last time she had been able to sit on his lap.

And then comes Saint Serene of Finland and her two Exorcists. There was something impossibly inhuman about Serene. The way she presented herself should have been dull and average. There was nothing special about her as everything she did was so tame and dry. And yet, she was beautiful and captivating. Even Koneko had been drawn to her.

It disgusted her to use the words of that man. But Koneko couldn't deny how he called Serene the biggest liar in all existence. Her beauty seemed so… fake.

Regardless, the two before her were just as big of a threat to her standing in Issei's attention. She needed to address these two and see where she stood at the end of it all… or if she still stood anywhere at all.

"Ise-kun is my closest, most special friend," Irina answered firmly. "He and I grew up together. I still care about him no matter what."

"You mean even after he became a Devil?" quipped Akeno, her smile growing fangs.

Irina returned the gaze with a fearless one, "He's still my Ise-kun no matter what he is. Devil. Dragon. Predator. I don't care. I still… I still love him."

"He doesn't know you," Koneko retorted with fangs of her own.

"He does too!" she argued back. "He just… doesn't remember. Within reason."

"Why don't you tell us what this is all about?" Xenovia pressed with a hardened look. "I had believed we all had a common interest and thought to support another. I did not realize this was a petty competition."

"It's a mixture of both," Akeno answered. "A bit of friendly rivalry. In the end it's Ise-kun who decides the pecking order."

"Yes, I certainly agree," Xenovia nodded without averting her gaze. "Perhaps we should leave it at this and allow him to decide who his next mistress shall be."

Akeno's brow twitched. No one noticed. "I'm not questioning your inability to seduce our Ise-kun, Xenovia-chan. That part's simple. I'm merely pondering your reasons behind it. Ise-kun is an extremely powerful person, both in politics and in the supernatural ecosystem. I can't help but be curious as to why two former enemies would try to get into his pants so suddenly."

Xenovia blinked, taken aback by the insinuation. "Oh. That makes things more clear. It's quite simple actually. If Irina and I were to bear him a child then it would surely safeguard our futures. I have no interest in this… pecking order of yours. I'm perfectly fine with being the least interesting mistress so long as he gives me a child."

Her answer made Akeno lose her smile.

"I care!" Irina shouted with her face crimson. Her outburst made heads turn, made her blush increase with embarrassment, and she sat back down. She waited until the eyes turned away before continuing. "I care about how Ise-kun looks at me. To… To have his child would be a dream come true. But I don't want to use him like that. I want… something… more…"

Both of their answers made Koneko cringe. The former had no particular interest in Issei at all other than a form of protection. The latter held him in a high esteem and was deeply infatuated with him.

"For the most part," Xenovia regained the center of attention. "We are here. We are still the acolytes to Madame Serene. If she is to be Lord Hyoudou's Queen then it is our duty to follow and serve him just as well. That is what Irina and I have decided on our own. However, whatever Lord Hyoudou decides to do with us is for him to review."

That would be the second time she told them this in the same conversation. The point wasn't missed.

"I'm refusing to let this slide," Akeno huffed.

"Perhaps, then, an accord is in order?" Xenovia offered with a tilt of her head.

Akeno and Koneko shared a glance, pondering the same question in through their eyes and reassuring the other. A blink from Koneko and a nod from Akeno. Their silent conversation had reached an impasse.

"Then why don't we set some ground rules?" Akeno leaned forward and offered a venomous smile. There was no reason to keep up her disgustingly sweet and cheery one for this pair of troublemakers.

*Scene*

Amelia almost frowned as she closed her cellphone. The message was delivered and she expected the receiver to come here in haste. Her immaculately porcelain expression was as still as stone as she paced down the walkway back to the main entrance. But there were some things that could not keep her from being frustrated.

As a Predator, she was forever frozen in a singular emotion; that of acceptance. If something she despised was presented to her, she accepted it. If something she adored crossed her path, she accepted it. Acceptance, but hardly ever retaliatory. Her mind registered the things that she hated but could never express that loathsome ire. She knew the things she loved but lacked the ability to share her joy. The World had her locked in a trance to take things for however they were at face value.

Having that said… there were some things on this planet that could overrule the Predator's mindset and make her react appropriately. Things that on a normal scale would have a regular person either overzealous or outraged beyond control.

Such things included anything relating to her daughter. Not even the World could suppress the amount of love she had for the girl.

And the other… her hatred for this one.

"I don't understand you sometimes," Chase Lance Rolan, now heralded as Fifth Predator since the demise of the former Fourth, examined her latest project with a clinical eye. His red and blue eyes glowed in a mystic light that read all of the workings she placed around the building. "I think you do this just to spite me."

"You wouldn't be wrong," she replied in her cool and somber tone… with something dark slipping out of her tongue. It made the air chill. Her sharp eyes stared at him, unwilling to blink else lose a single chance for him to escape. "What are you doing here? Don't you have more lives to ruin?"

"There will always be time for that," he answered with heavy sarcasm. His eyes looked away from the building and peered at her. His scowl was deep with irritation and bafflement. "I really don't get you. Have you any idea how hard it was getting you out of the Church? And then you go and do this."

What he was gesturing towards was the old building beyond the outskirts of the city. It had formerly been the lair of a Fallen Angel coven, and before that it had been a House of the Lord. It took some convincing from Lady Gremory but eventually Amelia was given permission to fiddle around with this land. And after week of absorbing sin after sin that had desecrated the original building, Amelia had managed to return it to its former glory.

But it was never her intention of letting it stay as a House of the Lord. Because, really, fuck God.

She lined every inch of the building with sin. Low-tier stuff that didn't immediately deteriorate the materials. It also took some experimentation and a little help from Asia and her newly awakened Sainthood to sand and polish the mysteries.

The end result was something revolutionary. Word was already spreading quickly thanks to Serafall Leviathan.

Amelia had created a Church in which Devils could pray to God.

She didn't do it for their sake. No. She did it because it was a guilty pleasure of hers to find new ways to blaspheme at the Lord.

Devils (and the occasional occult creature who snuck in with the crowds) visited this place with heavy skepticism. They were baffled by its creation, some wanted it to be destroyed and threatened to do it themselves… until the learned on who its creator had been. Others, mainly the Reincarnated, fell to their knees and wept. She would have rolled her eyes at that— getting them to leave was always such a chore.

It had hardly been a few weeks and already Rolan had heard about it. But he hadn't been here to antagonize her about it. Instead, he had brought along the girls of the Astaroth Peerage. She recognized most of them as former Exorcists, Paladins, sisters, and Holy Maidens. They all wept with joy at being permitted acceptance back into a working Church.

"I had thought you would have moved on by now," Rolan said after some idle silence.

She didn't respond immediately. Her eyes moved away from him and peered within the entrance and towards the altar chamber. It was the Lord's Day and thus the busiest of days. Already someone had volunteered to perform services and was openly reading the scripture. A former Catholic by the way he performed— but one welcomed regardless of what branch of religion anyone else in the chamber belonged to formerly. There was a universal miasma of uncertainty from the crowd, having been blackened from Heaven's grace and tamed like rodents with pain for hearing the Lord's Words. But as the scripturient read on, tensions began to lesson.

She spotted Asia kneeling at one of the aisles, whispering along with the scripture.

"I've chose to stay by my own volition," she answered finally.

Her response outraged him. She could feel the air grow heavy as his Aura leaked out. His eyes glowed fierce enough to brighten their surroundings. But it only lasted an instant. He forced his power back until there was nothing but cold precision in his gaze.

"Do you remember what you said to me nine years ago?" he asked in a tired voice.

Nine years ago…? What a long time that was. But, yes, she remembered what he was talking about regardless. He was referring to when he had helped her escape from the Church the first time.

"Perhaps my Master has something you lack," she bit back, turning her head only enough for him to see the side of her face. "That's taking into account I liked you a lot more back then. What you made yourself into now is truly something despicable."

"Master?" he blinked. "You can't be serious. You really do mean to become that boy's servant? Dammit woman. You are trading one master for another!"

"At least it will be by my own choosing this time," her brows furrowed, breaking her appeal of tranquility. "Is there any reason why you've come here, Chase? I highly doubt it was just to escort a few former maidens here. I believe their King would have sufficed."

"I don't trust Diodara near Asia and you know why," he countered as his eyes locked on the ceremonies beyond the doorway. "As for why I'm here… Ugh…"

Thoom!

There was a powerful gust of wind that swept Rolan off his feet. The Fifth Predator's scowl had deepened to the point of hateful boredom when Issei had flown out of seemingly nowhere and tackled him.

But as the Dragoon Predator crashed through the valley of trees beyond the church's border, Rolan appeared again standing in the same spot he had before. His body flickered once liken to static coming from a television. Grumbling, he patted his clothes (though there had been no marks on it whatsoever) and straightened the wrinkles.

Issei reappeared standing between Amelia and Rolan with his Gift of Flight blazing at his back. The geometric wings glowed with colors found only in the Dimensional Gap, silhouetting him as a pseudo higher dimensional being.

"You know I'm not really here so why would you try to do that?" Rolan growled.

"Because every time you're here means you're up to something," Issei remarked. His wings blinked out but he did not lower his guard. His draconian eyes glowed in rivaling radiance to Rolan's Acolyte eyes. "It doesn't matter if you're using your familiar or whatever. Even saying your name brings trouble around here."

"No, that's just the bullshit that is Japan!" Rolan argued back. "How you people manage to live everyday with monster attacks, alien invasions, magical secret wars, and interdimensional rifts in time and space is beyond me!"

"…Those things only happen when you arrive," Amelia mentioned, shifting back into her bland tone.

A pair of magic circles began to appear further down the walkway. In the next instant, Rias Gremory appeared followed by Akeno and Koneko from the other.

"You," Rias hissed through gritted teeth.

Rolan didn't bother to glance her way.

Issei frowned further. "Rias, I said to stay there."

"As if I could have left you alone with the likes of him," she protested and marched forward.

Her words made Rolan shake his head. Now he looked her way, "And here I thought you couldn't amaze me any further with your stupidity. Did you learn nothing when you were dying down in the crypt?"

"…What?" came Issei.

Rias blinked as well, confused at his words.

"No, of course not, you wouldn't remember," Rolan ran a few fingers through his hair in irritation. "Fucking Philips and his Radiance bullshit. But let me ask you anyways. What made you think you and your crew had what it takes to stand up against another one of us? When the Vampire had you cornered in the hallway and you threw everything you had at him did you realize anything at all? You don't, you stupid girl. So when your boyfriend tells you to stay back because of me, you should very well listen. You are a liability.

"If I knew you were going to be this stupid again I should haven't had bothered and let you died down there. I lost something because of your arrogance. Even now, all it would take is a simple thought and…"

His Aura had spiked, consuming the area around them. But he never became hostile. Antagonistic, sure, but never did he become threatening. It didn't stop Issei and Amelia from moving over to shield Rias from Rolan.

However, Rolan wasn't bothering with them. His eyes were glowing and peering through them with his attention locked on Rias. Intrigue and curiosity flashed for a brief instant. The air shifted as he warped his Aura to change from oppressive to sensitive. He was analyzing her.

He shut his eyes. His Aura dispersed until the air became sterile. When he opened them again, most of his anger was gone with the exception of his permanent scowl. "I'll take back my words for today. But you should consider my warning as… advice. Congratulations, I suppose. To the both of you."

"…What now?" Issei blinked with heavy confusion.

Rolan's eyes shifted back to Issei. They stared at another until understanding came to Rolan. "Oh. Well, it's still premature. Give it a week or two. But at least I know she won't be in our Rating Game. Among your girls she had the highest potential…"

"What are you going on about?" Issei was put on edge. He stepped forward, ready to challenge the Fifth Predator if needed. "What did you do to Rias?"

Rolan gave him a look that made Issei question his own intelligence.

Amelia put a hand on his arm and pulled him back. She gave him a reassuring look that told him there was nothing to worry about. It didn't do much considering it was Rolan involved in this affair.

She looked over to examine Rias, who had grown quiet. Rias' complexion had paled as something had come across her mind. Something in Rolan's words had clicked with another idea and formed a truth. The realization donned on Rias and she came to a conclusion that shook her world.

Amelia finally understood what Rolan was implying. All it took was to look at Rias' hands… at how they were pressed against her stomach.

Their eyes had met. Amelia turned back to Rolan and Rias let her hands fall to her side. A silent understanding went between both of them that the matter should better be discussed later.

"I'm going to assume your little outburst means Sera didn't tell you why I'm here," Rolan began again. "Of course not. I'm not exactly here because I want to be— Ah. Speak of the devil and she shall appear."

Another magic circle began to glow at the garden area before Serafall Leviathan materialized. She was dressed in a fine pressed suit. Her blue eyes flashed immediately at Rolan as soon as she stepped out.

"Obi-tan, what a surprise, you're early," she began in a sing-song tone that, while sounding melodious, did not match the glare she sent his way. She walked gracefully over the uneven flooring of the stone steps to reach the group, all without losing the imperious presence befitting that of a Satan.

"Leviathan-san, what's going on?" Issei asked, nearly demanding with only his respect for her position keeping his voice leveled.

Amelia kept silent but still sent her own displeased stare towards the Leviathan.

"Exactly what I was trying to avoid," was Serafall's answer. Her head cocked over her shoulder as she spun on her heels… and presented herself a bit more professionally.

A new magic circle appeared on the ground, spinning on an axis. It glowed with a light that stung those aligned to the darkness. It was no brighter than a florescent light and yet did it sting to look upon equal to gazing directly at the sun. The intricacy of the sigils were different from the geometric and archaic versions the Devils used. These were more fluent and astral in their alignment.

Amelia's eyes narrowed with unperturbed revulsion. Not even the World could keep this emotion locked away at this presence. She recognized it for what it was.

It wasn't until her fingers slid across the cuff of her master's sleeve did she realize she had involuntarily moved closer to his side. Her heart was racing with anxiety. She knew they would have to have faced the wrath of Heaven at some point but had hoped to have more time to prepare mentally and martially.

Issei, bless his heart, had given her a concerned look and clasped her hand in a firm squeeze before letting it drop.

Out of the magic circle came two figures. Amelia nearly took a step back hadn't she braced herself for this predicament. She had expected two Archangels or some representative of Heaven to come for her. But she never expected the top of the brass to step down from the Seventh Ring onto the mortal realm.

Archangel Michael and Archangel Gabriel materialized in a flash of light.

"Oh hell," she couldn't help but swear.

*Scene*

"When you told me it was an emergency, I wasn't expecting something as… pedestrian as this," Rolan muttered to Serafall.

The Leviathan scowled at him, her cheeks puffing almost like a child's. She was peeved at his comment but not infuriated, at least not yet. "Behave. This is a serious problem and you know it."

"It would have saved a lot of trouble to have informed your ward about this beforehand," Rolan had leaned over and whispered into her ear. But he hadn't been subtle about it. Rather, he had intentionally said it loud enough for Issei to hear. He also looked directly at the Dragoon when saying so.

Issei continued to glare at the Fifth Predator. He didn't trust the man at all and chose to keep his eyes locked on his position at all times. He also didn't like how he was getting so chummy with Serafall— something that nagged him in the back of his mind. There was something going on between those two and it felt like something more than just their choice of profession. They threw words at another like friends.

"Oh, and before I forget…" with a flick of his wrist, Rolan had produced a bouquet of flowers and presented them to Serafall. The gesture made something within Issei crack like glass and he nearly stormed up to the Fifth Predator… but couldn't fathom why. Serafall was her own person and definitely wasn't one of his significant others.

"If this is your attempt to court me you're going to have to do far better than some discount flowers from the grocers," Serafall said with her childish smile and sing-song voice.

"Cute," Rolan sassed back. "These aren't the flowers of flattery. They're the flowers for grieving. Look at the colors. It's a shame too. Miracle Levia-tan was starting to become interesting with this latest season."

"Eh?!" Serafall shrieked. "W-What do you mean?! What do you know about my show that I don't?!"

"You haven't heard?" Rolan questioned back with a bit of smugness. "Apparently you've pissed off Sunlight Studios trying to take their Red Blur for your own show. Your producers are in a losing legal battle. I don't think there'll be enough funding to finish the season."

And… at that point Issei stopped listening on their conversation.

For the sake of this discussion, they had moved to the gardens that had a few benches and a picnic table. There was even a fountain. Rather small and inhospitable for a meeting between the representatives between Heaven and Hell.

Rias and the others gave them space, choosing to remain on standby towards the main walkway. Though it was Michael who welcomed them to join if they desired, it was Serafall who suggested they were fine where they were and Rolan who outright dejected Michael's proposal.

"I've been longing to meet with you for quite some time," said the sad looking bishonen Angel, Michael. He had a gentle expression that looked age through eons of experience. He was, without a doubt, transcendently older than Serafall. "I was there, you know, when the Heavenly Father battled against the Red and White Dragons."

"Uh huh…" was all Issei could say as he assessed this one's threat level.

His instincts had screamed at him to never fight Serafall unless it couldn't be avoided. Well, as soon as he met Michael… his instincts were now going into a frenzy, begging at him to get away from this creature of divine might. He then pondered what would happen if he had to fight this thing.

The World was telling him he would need to use Vorpal for an assured victory. If he jumped into Juggernaut Drive then he would risk entering a battle but one tier below his skirmish against the Vampire. Meaning this creature would break him in two before he claimed victory.

"This is Saint Michael," Amelia announced at his back within his shadow. She was hiding from the Angel, something uncharacteristic of her. "He is the Host Regent of Heaven in the absence of the Heavenly Father… And he is one of the nine Candidates."

A Candidate, one who is just one step away from achieving the title and privilege of Predator. It meant they lacked one of the two vital requirements: the ability to kill anything and to survive against anything registered by the World.

It also meant Michael was potentially just as powerful as Issei who only lacked the backing of the World as a Predator.

…Even someone as ignorant as Issei had heard about the Archangel Michael, Commander of Heaven's Legions. He just didn't think he'd meet the same one from the legends in person.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Michael offered another smile and his hand.

"…Uh huh," was all Issei could manage as his brain was fried from this revelation.

They shook hands. Issei noticed the strong and calloused grip. Michael was a mean swordsman that put that damn handsome Yuuto to shame.

"Please allow me to introduce my dear sister," Michael stepped back and gestured for his counterpart to approach. "She was just as anxious as I was when she learned I had shared messages with Lady Leviathan in holding a conference with you. This is—"

"Bwah!" sputtered Issei, gasping as his jaw went slack.

The beauty who stepped out of the background was unworldly. She had a heart-shaped face with large eyes that sparkled in cosmic flares, golden locks of hair with each strand shimmering like webs of sunlight, and fair skin so smooth and flawless she was breathed out of newly kindled glass. Her lips were full and pink, and her smile dissolved all the wicked from the world around him and brought him into Nirvana.

"Bruh… bub… boo… boobies…"

And that rack. By the great eldritch gods of debauchery that rack! She had the perfect pair of tits that he didn't think possible. He had dreams about this pair. This unworldly pair that no amount of divine mathematics could ever hope to calculate. They were perky. They were at the right shape. They were large enough to where should he press his hands against them then they will be swallowed whole by their marshmallow elasticity.

Before he knew it, her hands had cupped his cheeks. Her hands were soft and slender. So tender and caring. They caressed his face with a euphoric pressure that reminded him of how his mother used to hold him. In the next instant, she stepped forward and pulled him in close for an embrace, letting his head rest against her breasts as she patted his head. She whispered something to him— secrets of a blissful union he wouldn't be able to remember no matter how hard he tried.

A single tear fell from his cheek. Her breasts… they were… perfect.

"Gabriel?"

And just like that, the dream was over.

"Oh dear," the Archangel Gabriel stepped away, leaving Issei lost in a daze. Her voice was like an orchestra of wind that soothed the soul. "I'm sorry brother. I was lost in the moment. You see… this one reminded me so much of my father I couldn't help myself…"

She cupped her cheek and tilted her head. Her smile became melancholic. He wanted to do something to cheer her up. Anything. He had fallen for her in this single moment.

Michael looked at them both. "I don't understand, sister. The Red Dragon Emperor is a remarkable individual, this is true. But I fail to see how he is of likeness to our father."

"Our?" Like a bubble popping, Gabriel blinked as his words spurred her out of her musing. There was something in her gaze. Something that didn't belong in her Angelic face. But he must have imagined it for it was gone before Issei could catch a glimpse of it. "Oh yes, the Heavenly Father. Pay my words no mind, brother."

"…Yes," Michael nodded, unsure for a moment before he returned to Issei. "Please pardon any insult my sister may have— Master Hyoudou? Are you alright?"

"Uh… huh…" Issei nodded but his response had been mechanical. He wasn't really paying attention at this point as all his focus was reminiscing on the sensation of Saint Gabriel's bosom. His mind replayed the memory over and over again with his draconian senses replicating every degree of touch within his head. He was drunk in this feeling, drugged and intoxicated having found the one true pair of breasts that ruled over all.

His instincts screamed at him. But he couldn't hear it.

A rock smashed onto the side of his head, followed by some vicious words from Koneko. His head bobbled slightly from the impact but there had been no harm done. The pain didn't register anything further from a tap. His eyes were still transfixed on Gabriel's perfect mounds.

"Uh huh…" he nodded again as if that rock had been part of a conversation.

His instincts screamed again.

"YYYEEEEOOOOOOWWWWWW!" he howled and leapt a few feet in the air out of reaction.

Amelia was staring at him with her usual bland look. But there was something deeper in her gaze. The kind of look that drank in all the warmth and turned the hottest of days into an icy tundra. It also made the shadows darker with something sinister lurking around the corner.

She had a finger pointed at his back. Something black had crackled like lightning at her fingertip before it had surged out. Whatever sin she used had sent his nerves flaring with pain.

"Master, it's not polite to stare," she chided him. "Wars have been waged over these sort of matters. Civil wars in this case."

She said so while gesturing towards the peanut gallery. Issei (while rubbing the spot she had pricked him on) had turned to where her eyes had peered towards… and gulped.

Every single one of the Devil girls were glaring death his way. At least Asia hadn't been around. His heart probably wouldn't have been able to take it if he made the girl cry.

"It's not his fault!" shouted Serafall from the background. "Don't listen to that hussy of an Angel! She's evil, I tell you! This was all part of her plan!"

"Why Serafall, how cruel…" Gabriel sighed, suddenly sad at the Leviathan's harsh words. "I've already apologized for my transgressions. I meant nothing by my actions."

"Lies!" Serafall raised her fists up to denounce the Angel's words. "It's all lies! I know what you really are!"

"…I believe we should move on to our reason for coming here," pressed Michael as he rested a gentle hand on Issei's shoulder and guided him towards one of the tables. There was something in his actions that suggested he didn't want Gabriel and Serafall to have a spat… with a look of weariness that suggested this had happened on multiple occasions.

Michael gestured for Issei to take a seat as well as for any others to join them. Gabriel stood at his back with her hands folded in front of her and her heavenly betwixt smile. On the opposite side sat Issei with Serafall joining him. Amelia stood in the back, a few paces away from the table as if to be as far away from the Angels as possible while still in range should Issei need her. And, finally, sitting on one side between both parties sat Rolan.

"I would like to open delegations with a gift, of course," Michael began as he waved his hand.

There was a bit of a flash of light at the center of the table. Another sigil had appeared with intricate patterns but nothing Issei cared or knew how to read. He didn't sense any harm would befall him but kept his eyes open despite the stinging pain from the light.

When it died down, a sword rested on the table. It was a pretty instrument. Unfortunately, Issei knew next to nothing about swords in order to give it a more analytical appraisal.

However… his draconian and Devil sensations were tingling. The sword made him uncomfortable. He could pick up holy signatures that rivaled the Excalibur Fragments along with something else…

"Ascalon?" it was Rolan who questioned Michael.

The Archangel nodded. "Yes. Ascalon. The weapon belonging to Saint George the dragon slayer… not to be confused with your Dragon Slayer. I have heard word that you've met with your rival, the White Dragon Emperor, Master Hyoudou. I present this to you in hopes to give you an advantage against him as well as to know Heaven supports you fully. We wish not to be your enemy, but an ally, and so we give you our dragon-rendering weapon for you to see we wish you no harm."

Issei couldn't help but scratch his cheek. "White who? Oh! That guy. Yeah, thanks and all but, uh, I kinda don't need it. I think he's dead."

Rolan's scowl shifted while he crossed his arms.

Michael blinked with mild confusion. He quickly recovered. "I don't mean to question your intelligence, but are you sure? Heaven is in charge of rerouting and choosing the next Sacred Gear wielder upon their predecessor's death. The Divine Dividing has yet to enter the system."

"Vali was taken by the enemy," Rolan answered in a hushed voice, low enough for only those at the table to have been able to hear.

"…Great," Issei groaned. The White Chaser (as he knew him by) hadn't been a bit problem but more of a nuisance. Still, he was supposed to be his rival. If Issei had gotten this powerful because of Ddraig then there was a possibility that Vali could become just as powerful. Especially if the enemy had gotten a hold of him.

Amelia took a few steps forward and whispered into his ear, "Master, you should accept this gift. Not for its draconian specialty but because I would appreciate it. The altar of my chapel requires a holy relic still."

"It's also rude to refuse a gift," Serafall whispered behind her hand. "It's like saying it's not good enough and the other side might get offended by it. Take it, Dragoon-chan, and put it in the basement for all you care."

Michael kept his smile. But he had a look that told everyone else he had clearly heard all of their whispers.

"Um… right then," Issei nodded and picked up the sword by the hilt in one hand and the flat of the blade on the other. He handed it over to Amelia. "Thank you. I… appreciate it."

"If you don't mind, Michael," Rolan spoke up as he rested his elbows against the table and leaned forward, "I am a little pressed for time here. Sera says you needed to chat with me but if you're only here to get in Hyoudou's good graces I'm going to be upset."

"I thank you first, Sir Rolan, for arriving upon my request," Michael responded democratically. "I understand it was on short notice and I appreciate the haste of your coming. What I am here for today is to present a case in which both you and Master Hyoudou coincide with."

Michael was no longer smiling. Here was a man who was the head of Heaven, with a sharp gaze greater than any blade and a soul burning unlike any mortal flame.

This air of presence made Issei sit up a little straighter. He didn't have the presence of a ruler like Michael or Serafall… or even Rolan when he like to pretend to be King Oberon. But he was still a Predator and that itself held authority of its own. He would not back down from a challenge.

Rolan didn't shift in his posture; he was unfazed by Michael's magnificence.

"I will be brief," Michael began as he cupped his hands on top of the table, his eyes shifting back and forth between Rolan and Issei as he talked. "Heaven is under attack and we are on the brink of collapsing. The three factions of the Church are in disarray and we've lost contact with representatives from the Gathering of Heaven— the order that united all factions together under one banner. There is an evil out there that wants us destroyed. It is invisible to our eyes and has gone around slaughtering our followers. Without the protection of our Heavenly Father we have no means to defend ourselves."

"Is that why you sent your Legions and Powers to my territories?" Rolan more so demanded than inquired.

"You have my most sincere apologies for my misinformation, King Oberon," Michael swayed with a hand over his heart and a truly regretful look. "As was said in my letters, I have offered any recompense you may demand of Heaven. Our sources had alerted us the instigators were stationed in Eastern Europe but we were fooled. We were misdirected and both Angels and Fae fell from our foolishness."

"The only thing I want is an explanation," Rolan's anger spiked as he hissed. "What the hell made you believe the Fae had something to do with this?"

Michael was quiet for a moment. His answer came in a low voice, "Survivors of the purge have testified it was you, Sir Rolan, who insinuated all of this."

Rolan's eyes narrowed to dangerous levels. "…You should have approached me about this first. You didn't need to execute your officers for this. You Angels are running extinct, remember?"

"…Yes," Michael's nod was grave. "But an example needed to be made else similar mistakes will happen. And it is only just the blood of the innocent be washed away by the blood of the guilty."

"…It is right and just," agreed Rolan with a somber tone as he looked away.

"You can't be serious," Issei hissed. "You can't be serious. How can you just sit there and say shit like that when you and I both know it's you who's doing all this?!"

"Master Hyoudou, please," pleaded Michael with a raised hand. "We have investigated all the evidence leading to Sir Rolan's accusation and have found no fault on his part."

"Besides," Rolan stared directly at Issei, his eyes glowing and challenging the Dragoon to make the first move. "I'm bound under contract. As King Oberon I cannot partake in any affairs that will jeopardize the safety of any party I have dealings with. Heaven uses my research facilities and thus are they a part of this contract. It's a pretty powerful contract too. The penalty for it is death."

Issei scoffed. Rolan was a Predator. One of the requirements was the ability to survive against anything. Rolan had a way to go against such a contract and not have to face the penalty.

"So what is it that you want," Rolan turned back to Michael before Issei could give his retort. "I'll not order my men into war, if that's what you're asking. They're going to be a little hard to convince anyways after Heaven struck the first blow."

It took Serafall to slide her hand on top of Issei's thigh in order to get him from rising out of his seat. Her face was stalwart and unflinching, but he could feel her hand shaking with just as much rage as he was feeling. He listened to her gesture and remained silent. At least for now.

"I am not asking for your services as King Oberon," Michael spoke. "I am requiring the services for hire as the mercenary under the alias Second Symphony. And… if you will permit it, as Sixth Predator."

"…Fifth," Rolan corrected with a sneer. "You're a little out of date, Michael. Haven't you heard? The Vampire is dead and so our ranks have been altered. I'm now the Fifth."

"I stand corrected," Michael replied with a patient tone.

Rolan's eyes narrowed further as he kept quiet, never averting his gaze away from Michael. "You said this concerned both Hyoudou and I."

"Yes… which brings me to the pressing matter at hand," Michael's eyes shifted back over to Issei.

Issei ended up getting lost in those skyward eyes of his. Eyes that had seen the dawn of creation and had observed every war within the mortal realm. And he had fought in countless battles the likes mortal men couldn't fathom. He held a presence that belittled Issei despite his dominating authority as a Predator.

"Master Hyoudou, what I ask is not easy… and I am sure it may be more difficult for you than it is for me. The one who is attacking us, who is slaughtering not just our militia but the innocent indiscriminately, is aware of how we function. It is an enemy we have no means to defend against. And it cannot be ignored that they struck as soon as the Divine Beast left our gates."

Issei stiffened. He finally understood what this was all about.

Michael's eyes saddened. He knew fully well what he was asking and let Issei see that understanding. He knew fully well of Amelia's position as a Saint and what it had done to her. It bothered him just as much as it had tortured her. He openly grieved for her.

But the moment passed. All that remained was the stoic gaze of a leader.

"Will you save us all and hand over Saint Serene?"

It was as if all of time had stopped. The wind had stopped blowing. There was a chill that suffocated him.

There was a pressure on him. A weight resting on his shoulders. He had been aware of the genocide Rolan was running. Anyone connected to the Church and the side of Heaven was being slaughtered. And it all happened because Amelia was no longer there to keep him at bay. There had been a reason why he could never attack the Church while she was around. It would have been easy to go around her and strike at places she couldn't guard. Even a Predator couldn't defend everywhere.

There had been something between Rolan and Amelia. And that was what kept him away from her. But now? Now that she was with the side of the Devils was the side of Heaven defenseless. Rolan was given free rein to unleash all of his hatred and spite onto the Church.

People were dying. They were being killed left and right. Millions, possibly reaching in a billion, were winding up dead through various methods. And it was all because one person was no longer there to protect them.

One person. Issei could save so many lives if he handed over Amelia. He would be betraying her. He would be sending her off to the hell she had fought tooth and nail to escape. He had promised to protect her.

But the weight of an insurmountable sum of people made him choke on his final dejection. He could not reject Michael's words. He had thought he had agreed to this. But who was he fooling? He was still just a child who thought he could turn a blind eye. And yet, the crushing reality of a mass sum of people dying shook him at his core.

He would be no better than the Vampire if he let all these people die.

He looked around frantically, seeking the assistance of anyone.

No one would help him. His loved ones were just as unsure as he was. They only offered looks of support, saying they were on his side no matter what decision he was to make. But they could not make the decision for him.

Serafall's expression was blank. She had slipped into an observant gaze making note of his actions. She was supposed to be his advisor and mentor in order to make him into a functional Demon Lord. And that was what she was doing. Right now was a trial— he needed to think under pressure and make a decision befitting of his authority. She could not help him.

He looked at Michael. The Archangel had sympathy in his eyes. His mouth had opened once, words of encouragement or to convince him in making a decision, or perhaps to prolong it. But he closed it suddenly with his eyes sharpening. This was something that could not wait. Issei needed to make a decision here and now. The longer he waited the more lives were lost.

Finally, he looked over to Rolan. The Fifth Predator his the lower half of his face cupped behind his knuckles with his eyes locked on Issei. He was observing him just as much as Serafall but by alternative intentions. Hidden behind manipulative calculations was something akin to pity. As though he were watching someone he actually wanted to save drown.

And that's what it felt like to him. It felt like he was drowning.

He wanted to puke.

But there was one person he hadn't looked at. One whose opinion mattered the most and the one whom he should have looked upon first. In truth, when he got down to the point, this wasn't his decision to make. It never was in the first place.

"Amy," he looked at his Queen, "what do you want to do?"

Amelia looked to be just as lost as he was. To any stranger she would have been just as tranquil as she would always seem. He could see the changes that shattered that façade. The curve of her lip, the crease in her brow, the narrow of her eyes. All miniscule and insignificant, and impossible to notice. But he could. Perhaps because he had spent some time close to her… or perhaps it was his draconian heart resonating with her feelings and drawing them out of her core.

"…I respect any choice you make, Master," she replied almost numbly.

It was a short and vague answer. But in that one sentence was an entire conversation shared. They never looked away from another for an agonizing amount of time. Eventually, he had to cut off their line and face Michael.

The Archangel was sitting as still and as patient as a timeless statue, his eyes barrowing into Issei's with such precision they were able to find the answer before the boy could give them. Understanding shone, but along with it came grief.

"I'm sorry," Issei said in a heavy voice. "But I cannot give you my Queen."

"Your Queen…?" something more liken to intrigue than scandalizing shock swept across Michael. His eyes flashed over Issei's shoulder to look upon Amelia. She stepped forward and placed her hand on Issei's shoulder, who sat up a little straighter from her touch.

He was stunned. It would seem Michael hadn't expected things to progress this way. He either believed to be able to retrieve Amelia in some manner of bargaining or hadn't expected her to become a Devil herself. Not that she was, at least not yet. But the demonic taint was still there from a single Queen Piece that allowed her to erode the grace that made her a Living Saint. Had it been any other Saint and the Evil Piece would have killed the host.

And perhaps this was why Michael was baffled by the sight of her now.

The Archangel turned his head to share a gaze with his peer, unsure on how to progress this gathering. Gabriel met his gaze with one of her own, her eyes twinkling with something ancient and unreadable. A silent conversation passed between the two siblings with far more depth than the one Issei had just shared with Amelia. It was backed by the eons of companionship these two celestial beings shared since the creation of all things.

"Is there nothing we may offer?" Gabriel stepped forward and asked. "The fate of millions rest on this. We are willing to trade anything to save their lives. Will you not at least be willing to listen to our offer?"

His hands shook underneath the table. Rage, frustration, and most of all guilt ate away at his heart. He was condemning so many people to die all to protect one person. And the person responsible for all of this was sitting at the same table. No, not really. Rolan was comfortable elsewhere while he projected his own image through his familiar.

Issei was not ready to face Rolan. Not yet.

"There's nothing you can offer me," he said in a low tone. "My mind has been made and I promised to take care of Amelia."

Gabriel nodded once, pressed her fingers together and placed them over her chest in some sort of thoughtful habit of hers. She even looked away as a few ideas cycled in her head.

"I am not referring to a shiny trinket from our vaults or a few shallow favors, Master Hyoudou," Gabriel carried on. "Saint Serene means a precious amount to you, I can see it in your eyes and it shines in your heart. I am proposing something of equal value."

Her smile turned into something that sent a shiver down his spine. She placed her hand over hear heart and spoke again. "How would you prefer if I were to be your Queen?"

There was a chorus of gasps that echoed around the area. Their conversation had gone on long enough to draw in a crowd from within the chapel. The Devils all gasped with utmost shock upon hearing the proposal that one of Heaven's mightiest would willingly fall from grace. Serafall's eyes had turned dangerously cold and fierce. Even Rolan's eyes blazed as a torrent of his power leaked out.

It was probably Michael who had the biggest reaction. "Sister, no! You can't!"

He was out of his seat and had placed his hands over hers, cupping them tightly.

Gabriel offered him a sad smile, "I understand your concern, brother. But the side of Heaven must have the wielder of the Lord's Blade—"

"Called it," Rolan interjected at the most inconvenient time.

Amelia's brow twitched when she glared at him.

Gabriel continued on uninterrupted, "It would be of no concern if the Devils held it. At least then I would be glad to know one of His wonders still lives. But if Heaven falls then Saint Serene shall be the last to wield the Lord's Blade. None shall host it after her.

"We must speak truth, brother. If Heaven is willing to offer anything to protect the peace then we must hold true to our words. I am content with this. Are you not?"

"Then let me be the other," Michael protested.

She shook her head and slid her hand out of his in order to cup his face. "Brother dearest, Heaven needs you more than I. You are the last of the light our Heavenly Father has left. You are the Commander of the Heavenly Host. Your value is priceless compared to mine."

Issei wanted to say something, but stopped himself because it felt like he would be interrupting something magical. He already felt like an intruder for witnessing this moment.

Gabriel pulled her hands away and slipped past her brother towards the table with a grace that defied physics. She was more like mist with the way her robes swayed and the way her feet didn't seem to touch the ground with each step. Her eyes moistened before a quick blink washed away what tears she had. She put on her best smile to date, which took the breath out of his lungs.

"What say you, Master Hyoudou? I would be most honored to serve one such as you for any task you may require. A fitting cost to save the lives of millions, is it not?"

He couldn't help himself. The idea of this beauty slowly disrobing in his bedroom made him pause in his reply. The words froze on his tongue. That smile… he wanted to taste those lips. That creamy skin… he wanted to examine every inch of it. Those breasts… he wanted to smother his face in them and use them as a pillow before drifting away into a blissful dream.

Gabriel was beautiful. Vastly and overshooting the concept of beauty out of the water, at that. He had thought his Asia and his Rias were the most beautiful people on the planet. But it was Gabriel who took the top of the rankings by storm. She made Rias and Asia look mundane and average while she was the living, breathing, incarnate concept of beauty itself.

And he wanted her.

"Don't do it, Dragoon-chan!" someone had shouted right into his ear. It stung, just a little bit, by the shrillness of it all. He paid it no mind as his mind was focused on the daydream of ravishing this Angelic beauty.

An electric shock coursed through his hand, shot up his arm, and ran down his spine. It was nothing like the painful surge Amelia had sent through his back. This one was on an entirely different level. It was also far more efficient in pulling him back into reality.

He blinked a few times and followed his arm to the origin of the sensation. It took a moment for his mind to fully register what had happened.

In some sort of desperate move, Serafall had grabbed his hand and slipped it under her blazer and across her inner blouse. He could feel the laced material that made up her bra underneath and some parts of the soft flesh that was her left boob.

He gave it a squeeze. Another torrent of pulse waves flew up his arm.

Serafall sighed with relief before prying his hand off. She gave a level glare at Gabriel and an accusing finger. "Your venomous charm won't work this time, witch! I know what you're really after and I won't let you have Dragoon-chan!"

Rolan leaned forward and hissed, "Sera, I thought we were trying to avoid confrontation with Heaven. Don't start a war because of your damn rivalry."

"But she's evil!" she bellowed in outrage. "Evil, I tell you! Just look at what she almost made Dragoon-chan do!"

Issei was too busy staring at his empty hand. It instinctively flexed, still fresh with the memory of cupping a feel of the bust Serafall Leviathan. Even if it hadn't been direct contact was it still a priceless memory he will never forget.

The evil glares the Occult Research Club sent his way mattered little. He would tank through their punishments later. But, lo and behold, a part of him felt guilty when he saw Asia on the verge of tears.

"In this time of crisis I only desire to make peace with my neighbors," Gabriel defended with a small pout. "I wish for us to be friends, Serafall. Will you deny me the chance to become your sister in truth?"

"NEVER!" Serafall shouted as she stood from her seat and placed one foot on the top of the table.

"Do you seriously think having your Divine Beast will make things all better like they used to be?" Rolan spoke up. "Things have gotten too far for her to do anything at this point. You have no Church to organize. You don't even know where to begin looking for your little witch hunt."

…It would have been nice if Rolan said all this a few minutes ago. But he probably kept quiet just to watch Issei squirm when the request was presented to him.

Michael returned to the table but he remained standing. "It would be a start. So long as we have a foundation can we rebuild. So long as the people keep their faith shall we survive."

Rolan slowly stood from his seat with his hands flat on the table. This caused Issei to stand as well (and for Serafall to hop down to stand beside him). Rolan kept a level stare with Michael. "The Observers once said something just as stupid. They thought they could return to the glory days after their people were being hunted down if they kept to their old teachings and kept their faith, just like yours. Do you want to know who it was that survived such a war?"

Michael's head tilted in confusion. As a leader of a supernatural faction he had been made aware of other powerful figures. He would know about the order Rolan was referring to. But it was Rolan's words that confused him the most.

It even confused Issei. As far as he knew, the Observers were still around, whoever or whatever they were. Amelia had told him stories about them and Richard Royals had recently shared news about their latest scandal.

So why did Rolan talk about them as if they were no longer around?

"I did," Rolan answered after a pause. "A simple Rogue who had no love or care for their ways. Because I adapted. Your enemy, as you said, knows who you are and how you work. If you do not change the way things are then you will watch yourselves be devoured by something you don't have a means to fight against."

"…You mean to suggest that we Fall?" Michael's voice became tense with horror and cold fury.

"I suggest you survive," Rolan corrected with a raised finger. "If you have your foundation, to use your own words, you can rebuild."

Michael, for the first time, frowned. It didn't look right to see such a perfect being like him take on the guise of wrath. "There is wisdom in your words, Sir Rolan. And I'll not condemn my brethren should they follow this path. But it is beyond me. I'll never forgive myself if I turn my back on my father and disobey his last commands."

"…Understand you're fighting a losing battle," Rolan said next through a tired voice, almost impatient as if he had said this a thousand times before.

"Then will you come to our aid and assist us?" Michael asked with a firm voice that was borderline pleading. "Even if it is not as King Oberon of the Fae but as a single mercenary?

"And you, Master Hyoudou?" he spun quickly to face Issei. "I implore you. No, I beg of you. I know it in your heart there lies a savior for the people still. Becoming a Devil has never changed your ways. Will you not save lives by returning Saint Serene to us? Please. Do it not for me, though I do still offer you everything in my power— do it for the innocents that know not their murderer."

There was something saddening about seeing such a grand being like Michael looking so desperate. He must have realized he had failed in negotiations and was now begging for a helping hand. It hurt for Issei to look at someone so ancient and magnificent stoop so low.

"Serene, answer honestly, and I know how difficult that is for you," Rolan shifted his eyes over to Amelia while his voice dripped with acid and sarcasm. "I'm sure you know who it is doing all this. We Predators do anyways. Do you think you can do anything if you were pinned against this person?"

Michael's eyes widened, "You… Sir Rolan, you know the assailant?"

But Rolan didn't answer. His expression didn't shift. He had let loose that piece of information on purpose. But why, Issei didn't know.

Amelia's hands tightened on the hilt of Ascalon. She knew better than to play along with Rolan and his charades, but chose to answer anyways. "The circumstances are different. There would be no point in fighting. And I don't believe he has the heart to listen to any persuasion at this point. That monster is too consumed in his own petty, childish tantrum. I doubt he even remembers what he was angry for."

"There you have it," Rolan waved a casual hand at Amelia while cocking his head towards Michael. "So, please, show a little more dignity. You are the Host Regent."

…Did Rolan just help? Issei couldn't figure it out. But he recognized the hidden agenda. After all, Rolan had wanted Amelia out of the Church just as badly.

"I must try anyways to preserve the Lord's Blade," Michael tried for a new tactic. "Heaven must survive else all of the Heavenly Father's wonders will disappear by the next generation. That includes the distribution of Sacred Gears to new vessels."

Issei wasn't sure how to feel about that. While the Sacred Gears were marvelous instruments that gave ordinary people power… it was through his experience and all of those around him that put a heavy strain on their lives. For all this power, all it did was make his life a living hell.

He would have been far better off if he hadn't been born with the Boosted Gear. Maybe then he wouldn't have gotten the attention of the Vampire. And maybe then his parents would still be alive.

"I never needed a Sacred Gear to become a Predator," countered Rolan. "Out of the forty-seven Predators in history I am aware of, only one of them has been the bearer of a Sacred Gear. And that would be our Dragoon, right here. I think we can manage without them. I think we will thrive without such a crutch."

Serafall clapped her hands, silencing their argument before it could grow out of control. "I think we need a recess to cool for a bit. How about we take a short break and get back to this in a bit?"

"Don't bother," Rolan scowled… more than usual anyways. "I've had enough of this. It's been pointless trying to argue with a child who doesn't want to face facts. I'm leaving."

"Good riddance," Issei spat. He couldn't help it. Everything about this guy pissed him off.

"Y-You can't just leave like that!" Serafall shouted as soon as Rolan turned his back. "You're a leader and this concerns you just as much!"

He raised his hand and opened a hole through space. He paused before stepping in to look over his shoulder. "No, it doesn't. I've pulled my weight and have taken responsibility over what has been mine. Heaven is not a threat to any of my factions and so I am content. Anything further is just excessive work. I've better things to do."

"Just one moment, please, Sir Rolan," Gabriel spoke up.

Rolan's eyes narrowed when she approached him. He turned his body to half-face her, as if on edge with her presence. Something about her made him feel threatened.

"Will you not give us a name at least?" she asked. "Only that much and we will let you go."

"…What the hell are you?" he asked of her.

Her smile never dropped. It never changed. It remained perfect.

He sighed, frustrated. "I want sections nine, sixty-four, and three hundred eighty-seven of your archives delivered to my territories."

Michael stepped around the table to approach Rolan as well. "That's quite the demand, Sir Rolan. What will you do with such secrets?"

Rolan didn't answer. Instead, he lost his patience and moved to enter the portal.

"Very well," Michael announced, making the Fifth Predator stop in his tracks. His eyes were closed as he muttered something incoherent under his breath. It lasted a few minutes until his eyes opened again and he stared at the shorter man. "It has been done. Who is it that's been harming our—"

"Me," Rolan answered flatly.

"…What?"

"The kid was right," Rolan gave a lax gesture with his head towards Issei. "I've been the one killing 'your people'."

Michael's eyes flashed wide with horror. He shook his head, disbelieving the words Rolan had shared. Truths he had dismissed were returning. Issei watched as the Angel argued with himself over matters happening in the past. Things he had ignored or believed were being reevaluated right here and now.

…Didn't Michael say not too long ago he had some of his officers executed because they had their information wrong about Rolan?

This, along with a hundred other horrors, had caught Michael flatfooted. "I… I trusted you."

The words were thrown like blades. Issei flinched hearing the heavenly being let such a thick amount of unparalleled hatred and sorrow slip through. But Rolan was unfazed. He only continued to observe Michael and his breakdown.

Issei's wings flashed as he swerved around the area to put himself between these two and the crowds observing this plight.

As quick as a flash, Michael had conjured a blade of holy light equal in radiance to the rising sun. His twelve wings spread out to their full length as he closed the distance between he and Rolan almost as impossibly fast as Issei could have with his Gift of Flight. It was as though Michael was not restricted to the limitations of reality.

Rolan's hands were up in defense, countering Michael's charge. An invisible layer blocked the Archangel from piercing his heart. But it was cracking. The strength of the Archangel was too much as the strain started to weaken the barrier.

Rolan's image blurred, becoming distorted and discolored. The projection had lost its connection as it was not Rolan who was trying to defend against the Archangel. It was his familiar who was trying to protect its body from being penetrated.

The visage crumbled. Issei saw a woman dressed in a man's Victorian-style suit and hair of a pageboy golden curls. He couldn't see her face as it was covered in a crystalline mask that distorted what lay hidden beneath.

"My master should fight his own battles," said the woman just before the barrier shattered. But Michael's blade never made it. She disappeared in a blink with the portal behind her closing shut. She was gone.

The Archangel dismissed his blade with a bowed head. His brows were creased in frustration and betrayal. It would take a minute for him to reclaim his composure.

"…That was a dirty trick," Issei heard Serafall say to Gabriel.

Gabriel looked her way and offered a look of pity. "Serafall, please, will you accuse me of breaking my brother's heart as well?"

Serafall huffed and crossed her arms.

"I believe I owe you an apology, Master Hyoudou," Michael said in a low and tired voice. But not defeated. He lifted his head high enough to look up at the open sky. "Something had told me you were speaking in truth but it was my fear that blinded me."

"That's just what Rolan does," Issei found himself saying. "He manipulates. He lies and he cheats. He'll get under your skin and use you."

Issei had more than enough experience to know that truth.

"I would like to point out the Devils have nothing to do with this!" Serafall defended. "Obi-tan may be a Demon Lord but he's an entirely independent character."

"I am accusing you of nothing, Lady Leviathan," Michael whispered. He brought his head back down and reproached the table. "I cannot ask you for your assistance in this endeavor. Neither Heaven nor Hell would be willing to cooperate. I had hoped we could talk of peace soon… but that day seems to have gotten further."

Serafall gestured for Michael to come closer, for her to whisper something into his ear. Michael eyed her curiously but complied. Issei had to strain himself to hear what they shared. "…If you send a platoon to the Underworld I can send one of my own to 'defend'. We'll have just cause to arrest Obi-tan for instigating a war."

Issei's brows shot up. The thing that Serafall had just suggested…

"I'll hear none of that," Michael protested. "I'll not risk your lives for this. This is a matter of Heaven and we shall deal with it accordingly. I cannot ask for your assistance in this."

"But you have no problem dragging me back by leash," Amelia spoke up.

"…I believe I must reevaluate the situation," Michael said aloud. Whether he had heard Amelia or had ignored her, Issei couldn't tell. "I thank you for conversing with me, Lady Leviathan, and for permitting me a conference with Master Hyoudou. I am sorry we could not come to an accord. Maybe one day Heaven and Hell will be able to walk hand-in-hand with another."

Serafall didn't say anything. She gave a curt nod and nothing more.

Michael gave a light bow before he folded his hands together and approached Issei. "Master Hyoudou, I owe you my sincerest apologies. I was made aware I was pulling you away from a private moment with your beloved and yet I did so for selfish reasons."

"…Yeah, it's fine," Issei said, though it was a big-fat lie. Rias was positively fuming for having their date disturbed. And Issei was a little bummed out not being able to spend better time with his girlfriend.

…At least he was able to get out of that snore of a love film. That was a plus.

"Saint Serene," Michael turned to Amelia, who was pacing back to Issei's side as a dutiful Queen. "I owe you the biggest apology of—"

"Bugger off," she snapped at him in her own unique, if not deceptively calm, way.

More words were shared, but at this point Issei no longer needed to pay attention. Serafall and Michael continued to talk amongst their selves. Gabriel conversed when needed but kept her eyes mainly primed on Issei. It was all trivial political nonsense that went over his head. He was already starting to have a headache trying to follow everything going on when they were sitting at the crude table.

He stayed there, pretending to listen until Michael and Gabriel said their final goodbyes. Gabriel had handed him a unique card with some sort of magic sigil not unlike the Devil tags he had delivered in what seemed like forever ago. She said it allowed him to converse with her or Michael on their private channel should the need ever arise.

"It's good to have such connections," Serafall had said. "Just make sure you talk to Mikey-chan. Don't trust Gabi-chan. There's something not right about that one."

"Did I make the right decision?" he found himself asking.

Serafall struggled to find the appropriate response. "I don't know. Maybe? It's complicated, Dragoon-chan. This is the line of work you will be putting yourself under. You'll be forced to make decisions like this later on. Those with power have a responsibility to use it. I'm not just talking about you being a Demon Lord, either."

He knew. He had a responsibility as a Predator to defend the planet. The whisperings of the end of the World were gradually growing louder as the days progressed.

"You should try to enjoy the rest of the day," she said, returning to her more chipper tone. "What's left of it anyways. Don't let this bum out your date night. Just remember Ria-tan has school tomorrow and you have your familiar quest."

"What are we going to do about Rolan?" he chose to ask. "There's only a month left until Summer. Can't you just arrest him and negate his claim for the Rating Game?"

She huffed, "If only it were that simple. I'd have done it if I could. But, really Dragoon-chan, you're my So-tan's one and only hope."

Just mentioning her depressed him. It made him remember how badly he had fucked up and how their relationship was shattered.

Her words still hurt him. Mostly because he knew she was right.

"Good night, Dragoon-chan," Serafall dismissed him with a wave. "You shouldn't keep your entourage waiting."

*Scene*

He didn't get to continue the date like he had hoped. Too many things had happened today that stressed him out and he couldn't focus on Rias. Not for a lack of trying, but Rias was just as bothered as he was. They decided, much to their own irritation, to reschedule their date when things were a bit more jovial. She went off with Akeno… somewhere, and Issei discussed plans with Amelia as they walked around the boulevard.

Everyone else went home, deciding it would be best to leave him alone while he conversed with his Queen on tactics. However, neither of the two could come with a way on dealing with Rolan. Issei's authority as a Demon Lord was nothing more than a fancy title. He had no real power in the political scheme of things and thus couldn't oppose Rolan other than the Rating Game. Trying to take him on as another Predator was also a plan doomed to failure.

It grated on his nerves on how useless he was in these situations. Every other Predator had some sort of political influence. Even as a slave did Amelia have a substantial amount of say-so during the prime of the Church. He was just being tugged along on a leash by Serafall.

What happened to the good ol' days where all he needed to do was smash his fist across someone's face and all his problems would go away?

"Master, Ise, I'm coming in."

He was still fuming by the time he had gotten home and went straight for the bath. Scrubbing himself clean usually made his tense body relax. Splashing cold buckets of water over his head usually did the trick, especially now that his body seemed to be ten times as sensitive to the cold as before. Something having to do with being a cold-blooded reptile… or something like that. He didn't understand the amount of changes his body was going through and stopped trying to keep track of them.

He didn't have to struggle to keep his eyes facing forward when Amelia came in… with just a towel covering her modesty. Her hair was up in a bun, which revealed her lovely face. It was both fear and respect for his fellow Predator that kept him in line from ogling her. That, and he was still so upset over everything today.

Strangely, he was mostly upset over the image of Rolan presenting those flowers to Serafall. It bothered him to no end.

"I will wash your back," Amelia declared instead of asking for permission.

It was a good thing he had a towel wrapped around his waist beforehand. He had thought Asia or one of the other girls would come in. But it would seem they were either busy or wanting to leave him alone.

He said nothing as Amelia took the sponge and began to work. There was nothing sensual about her actions, merely dutiful.

"Ise," she abruptly stopped. "Thank you."

"I made a promise to you," he said. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you. Not even that asshole Rolan will get to you."

He could have sworn he heard her giggle. Giggle. But he imagined it. He'd never heard her laugh and his sharp ears would have picked up the sound at this close of a distance.

"You've no idea how grateful I am to you," she continued. She moved around to kneel at his side so to look at his face. "I am aware of your struggle. You shouldn't feel guilt for anything. It was me who left the Church knowing well of the repercussions. Their blood is on my hands, not yours."

"Amy, that doesn't exactly make me feel any better."

"I know," she nodded once. "I cannot take that away from you. I am the culprit in this, and I believe I should be the one taking responsibility for this."

He eyed her, "Do you think you can convince Rolan to stop?"

She shook her head. "He is beyond conversing. He has put in too much effort and his stubbornness won't allow him to stop, even if it would mean self-destruction. But it is not the genocide I am referring to. I was talking about you and… this."

She pressed two fingers to his chest. A tender touch with a lot of meaning put into it.

He sighed and waved her off, "I'll manage. I'll think of something. I don't know what or how but I really can't sit back and let this go on. Maybe… Maybe the Red Blur can…"

He let the idea die in his throat.

"It's foolish to think you can carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, Ise," she chided but with a gentle tone. "There is also nothing wrong with asking for help. You have Serafall Leviathan as a consort. And you have the resources of the Gremory. And… you have me."

Her fingers were still on his chest. In the next instant, she gave him a light push that was deceptively powerful. It would have knocked him off his stool hadn't his senses warned him beforehand.

She was straddling before he could get back up, sitting on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck. There was nothing passionate in her eyes. Nothing charming, sexual, or affectionate. Just sheer and utter determination.

"…What are you doing?" he demanded through a shaky voice. For one, if anyone walked in right now they would misunderstand the situation and he would be in a hell of trouble. And two, it was ridiculously hard to not get a boner from something like this. He didn't want Amelia to curse him from something he had little to no control over.

Her towel had slipped off. His eyes were twitching, restraining from glimpsing down. He saw the line just below her collar where her breasts started. Every fiber of his being was demanding of him to catch a glimpse, fuck the consequences! But this was the Divine Beast.

He might not remember what happened in the Vatican, but his body surely did.

"Fulfilling my duties, Ise," she answered matter-of-factly. "When I swore to be your Queen I understood situations like this would arise. I had hoped to avoid them but I think I'm afraid it's inevitable. There is simply no end to your perversions and not even my wards are peerless."

"This isn't my fault!" he protested with alarm. "Look! Look! My hands! I'm not touching anything!"

"Just this once," Amelia went on. "I will permit this to happen just this once. Only because I feel obliged to reward you for today's activities."

His head was spinning. He didn't understand this woman at all. First she shoots down his perverted habits and in the next she's encouraging them.

"I can't do this," his tongue began to tie itself as his brain searched for a better excuse. "R-Rias! Asia! That's right! Them! I can't do this to them!"

"…Is that why you will not lay with Irina and Xenovia?" Amelia tilted her head with something he assumed to be curiosity. It was hard to tell with her frozen expression.

"Yes," he found his determination. Now he tried to be firm about this. "They're the first girlfriends I've ever had and I'm not going to do anything to lose them!"

But Amelia didn't move from her spot. She only stared at him. Gradually, his instincts began to grow louder and louder as something dark flashed in her eyes. He said the wrong thing.

"Then tell them I forced you," irritation had slipped out of her tone.

His body went stiff and rigid as his back hit the floor. He couldn't move. She had struck him with a sin that prevented him from moving. Sensation continued to work his nerves and the best he could do was make his limbs quiver from the strain. It was as though she had chained him down to the floor.

"They're not going to believe you forced me!" he argued.

"…Most likely," she agreed, but didn't bother to stop.

She was off of him, but not for the reason he had hoped.

Because in the next instant she was kneeling at his front and slowly unwrapping the towel around his waist.

"Master, you may as well enjoy this. There is no avoiding it at this point."

*Scene*

Rias Gremory tapped the little wand, waiting for it to change colors. This was the fifth one and had made sure to pick different brands in case the same box had been faulty. She followed the directions to the letter, had chugged an insurmountable amount of water to the point of feeling bloated, and did as the foldup papers said.

The appropriate time came and the twin markers appeared.

She wasn't sure what to feel at this instant. But this was the fifth test that told her she wasn't pregnant. A part of her was relieved but the other half was equally disappointed. But, really, she knew she was too young to be with child.

If she wasn't pregnant… what the hell were Archmage Royals and Predator Rolan talking about?

This is what she ended date night early for? Her frustrations knew no bounds this evening.

She made sure to destroy the evidence with her Devilry— Akeno would badger her to no end about this if she found out or thought anything of her. Fortunately, she had sent everyone home and Rias hadn't been gone long enough for anyone to come looking for her. And she chose to return to the clubroom, using the excuse that she needed to relieve some stress for herself. It hadn't been a complete lie.

"Ah, are you feeling well, Buchou?" Yuuto asked as soon as she stepped out of the bathroom. "You were in there for a bit."

She nearly jumped from surprise. "Kiba! I didn't realize you were…"

She gasped as soon as she saw the condition he had been in. He was wrapped in bandages and there was dried blood on his clothes. The box of first-aid was still open on the coffee table.

"Kiba… what happened to you?"

He offered her a smile and a piece of ruffled paper. He made a gesture of silence while he directed his gaze to his lap.

Sleeping on his right thigh was the blonde-haired Excalibur. He combed his fingers through her hair.

There was affection with the way he looked at her. Something that he had never done to the little girl before. Rias wasn't blind to have seen the way he neglected her. He had cursed Excalibur with every fiber of his being and had dedicated his life to one day seeking revenge for it. It was the prime reason he accepted her deal in becoming a Devil.

And now… he was petting her with unusual warmth.

She took the letter and began to read it with some skepticism. The further she got the more her eyes became wide with anger… and just as much confusion.

"That letter was addressed to you or Ise-kun," Yuuto said. "But it looks like I got here before you got the chance to read it."

It was a ransom letter, demanding the Dragoon Predator come to the designated area or else Yuuto will be dead. He was promised to be released as soon as Issei showed up and didn't care if Rias or anyone else arrived as well. But if Issei didn't show up while the others did, Yuuto would have been killed.

Yuuto gave an ironic laugh, "How about that, huh? I managed to kill Kokabiel before you guys even realized I was gone."

---

The Outsiders…

There an infinite amount of Worlds out there. Each one unique in their own way; some exceptionally similar with only one insignificant variant while others are as diverse as night and day. But all Worlds follow a set of rules— Laws— devised by the higher beings revered as Originals, and their lesser counterparts, the Primordial Ones. Just as one World is a nexus of information, forming a singular system, this matrix of Worlds when united forms a grand weave that gives shape to an omniverse.

Outsiders are beings who do not follow any of our Laws, because they exist outside of our omniverse. For you see, Outsiders have their own network of progenitors that decide how their Laws work— some don't have Originals or Primordials but something unique only belonging and understandable to them.

Outsiders cannot exist within our realm of existence. This is because the Laws cannot register and comprehend their existence. Their alien programming is incompatible with ours, even if some Outsiders are frightening similar to us. Any attempt for an Outsider to enter and remain in our domain would terminate its existence as well as leaving a deep scar on our foundations.

It's similar to trying to insert a cassette into a sandwich and expecting one of the two to dance.

However, there are some exceptions to this. First, and foremost, an Outsider must be invited by one natural denizen of the omniverse (referred to as an Insider). Second, a vessel must be given for the Outsider to host. Not every Outsider will be compatible with this host. Just as we, as human beings, cannot live without some sort of life support system.

But, when successful, the Outsider may walk among us. And they carry with them the secrets of their realm not bound by our Originals or Primordials.

Sometimes the Outsider goes mad (or something similar to) due to the culture shock and thereof lack of understand of our system.

Or, sometimes, the Outsider learns and can easily function just as we do.