Issei sat at his desk in his room, deep in thought. It had been a bit of time since the events against Kokabiel, but he still couldn't get something out of his head.

"God is dead…" He said softly.

"Looks like it." Bell said, floating over to sit on the desk. "Makes you wonder if he was actually an asshole, or if everything just went to shit after he died and that's why Asia got screwed."

Issei nodded in agreement.

When Rias had told him about the death of the original Maou Issei hadn't been surprised, as Ddraig had informed him of it before he'd ever met the devil. However, he had not been informed of God's death, either because Ddraig didn't know, or because he didn't want to tell Issei for some reason. So now Issei was dealing with the revelation and he was unsure of how to feel. After all, as Bell had said, he didn't know what God was like. Was he a benevolent being, who worked towards the betterment of everybody, as the Church taught? Or was he a tyrant wanting to force everybody to conform to his wishes? He just didn't have enough information.

"What do you think we should do?" Bell asked, watching him.

Issei shrugged. "Not really much we can do. Keep an eye out and react accordingly. We'll be able to get more information thanks to the upcoming summit between the three factions. Once we see what the leaders of the other two powers are like we can make a more informed decision. Hopefully Michael is as nice a guy as everybody says, and Azazel isn't as crazy."

Bell shook her head. "Really, what are the odds of that? I mean, hope for the best, prepare for the worst and everything, right? When has the worst not been the reality for us?"

Issei chuckled softly. "We've been pleasantly surprised before. The universe owes us, don't you think?"

Bell laughed. "Oh, definitely, but that doesn't mean it's going to pay out. You'd have more luck getting the Ashura-kai to play fair."

Issei smirked. "If it doesn't, we'll kick its teeth in, just like the Ashura-kai."

Both of them laughed and sat together, discussing their future.

A couple of days had passed, and Issei was walking down the street, wanting to stretch his legs without any of the other members of the ORC with him. He did need some time alone every once in a while, after all.

He stopped in front of a window displaying TVs which were showing a swimsuit competition on one of the game shows. His eyes followed the bodies of the girls as someone stepped up beside him to watch as well. Issei glanced from the corner of his eye to see it was a man in his late twenties with two toned hair dressed in a dark yukata.

"I love this country sometimes." The man in the yukata said. "The women are excellent, and the television is absurd. The porn is great too, although I could do without the mandatory censorship."

Issei shrugged. "I agree, though you get used to it after long enough. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Yukata man smiled. "How about some coffee as we talk, Sekiryuutei-kun."

A short while later they were both seated in a café, cups of coffee in front of them, a plate of small pastries between them. Issei took one and bit into it as he observed the man carefully. Said man set his cup down after taking a sip and looked back.

"My name…" The man said with a smile, watching Issei carefully. "…is Azazel. You might have heard of me."

Issei nodded, being careful not to display any reaction. "Issei Hyoudou. It's nice to meet you, Governor. What can I do for you?"

Azazel's smiled widened at Issei's lack of reaction. "I wanted to meet the current Sekiryuutei and discuss what happened a few days ago. Not to mention apologize." He let out a sigh. "Kokabiel went behind my back in his attempt to restart the war. He was unfortunately one of the members of my faction who want nothing more than to see both Heaven and the Underworld destroyed."

Issei sipped his coffee before nodding. "Yeah, we noticed he was a battle junkie. That was his main motivation, as far as I could see."

Azazel sighed once more. "We really should have kept a closer eye on him. Once we realized what was going on I sent the Hakuryuukou to stop Kokabiel. Of course, that ended up not being necessary…"

Issei crossed his arms. "I'm not going to apologize for killing that madman. He was threatening those I love, not to mention the entire town and everybody else that would die if he had his way and the war reignited. He had to be stopped."

Azazel held up his hand. "I understand, Hyoudou-kun. I don't blame you for doing what you felt had to be done. Just as I hope you understand me for mourning one I once called friend, not matter what he ended up doing."

Issei nodded, bringing his hands back to his cup to take another sip, no longer on the defensive. "I can understand that."

They were both silent for a time, drinking their coffee and eating their pastries. Finally, Azazel spoke. "I am curious, Hyoudou-kun. I have been informed that you have several supernatural beings at your command. Some quite beautiful, all quite deadly. Where did you get them, and do you have any more?"

"No offence, Azazel-san, but I don't know or trust you enough to tell you at the moment. Especially after how I first met your faction." Issei said calmly, though with a bit more bite in his words.

Azazel nodded in understanding. "Ah yes, Raynare. Another error of mine. Believe it or not, most of her actions were not on my orders." At Issei's raised eyebrow he continued. "I was unaware that you had already awakened the Boosted Gear and sent her to keep an eye on you. You see, a normal human suddenly awakening such a great power would have enormous trouble controlling it. There have been cases of great devastation being caused by it when a weak human did so. As far as I was aware, you were an utterly unremarkable young man who should have not had any way to cope with it."

Issei sat back. "I will admit that when I first unlocked it I had some trouble controlling it, but I had already gained some strength, and more importantly, I had an outlet for it. So I suppose that's plausible."

Azazel smiled. "I'm glad you agree. However, Raynare decided that it would be best to eliminate you before you could awaken it, thus voiding the entire issue. That was the reason for her attack."

"I'll be honest, Azazel-san, her attack on me doesn't bother me as much as what she did to my friend. Asia did not deserve what was done to her by your subordinates." Issei said, his voice once again somewhat hard.

Azazel sighed. "Another thing I did not order. I wanted young Argento-san brought to me so I could study her Sacred Gear. She wouldn't have been harmed!" He said quickly when he noticed Issei's eyes narrow. "She would have been kept, safe and sound, while I learned what I could. Researching Sacred Gears is my passion, along with creating my own, artificial Gears. And imagine how helpful new Gears with even a fifth of Twilight Healing's potential would be, not just to the Fallen."

"So you would have shared healing Gears with the other factions?" Issei asked, surprised.

"You will be attending the upcoming summit, won't you?" Azazel asked in return, apparently changing the subject.

Issei eyed him, but nodded. "I have been requested by the Maou, as one of those involved in the affair, not to mention the one who slew Kokabiel. They want to hear of the events from the points of view of myself, Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri."

Azazel abruptly stood. "Then I will see you there, Hyoudou-kun. I'm sure it will be enlightening." He made to leave before pausing and looking at Issei. "I do want to thank you for stopping Kokabiel, Hyoudou-kun, even if it was in a more permanent fashion than I would have preferred. War is the last thing I want. If there's anything I can do for you, as long as it does not act against the interests of my faction, then let me know." He left after a nod from Issei, leaving the money for the food.

Issei sat and finished his drink alone, thinking.

"What the hell was he doing!?" A certain crimson haired devil raged. She was pacing around the clubroom, trembling with fury.

The entire Occult Research Club was gathered in the clubroom, watching as their president stalked around it. Issei had just finished telling everybody about his meeting with Azazel, something that had not been received well. Rias was especially angry.

"Not only was he in my territory, he approached Ise, most likely to get his hands on his Boosted Gear! The only response is death!" She snarled.

"Rias, calm down, I'm fine. He didn't try anything." Issei said soothingly, trying to get her to stop. When that didn't work he frowned slightly before speaking louder and with more authority while flaring his own power a bit. "Rias, calm yourself, now!"

Rias stopped dead and turned to stare at Issei, having not heard him talk to her like that before. She initially became indignant before her rationale reasserted itself.

They didn't acknowledge it much, so she had almost forgotten, but Issei was in fact her superior. She had accepted being subservient to him after his victory over Riser. Issei simply hadn't really exercised his authority beyond giving commands in a combat situation, which she had followed without really thinking about it at the time. So now that he had, it was slightly jarring.

She took a deep breath and then let it out, calming herself down as ordered.

Issei nodded in satisfaction. "That's better. You don't need to be angry. He didn't do anything, and while he did admit to being passionate about researching Sacred Gears, Azazel didn't seem like the type to attack just to get his hands on one. He seems like too much of a pacifist."

Rias sat down with a huff. "Fine, but I'm not happy he was in my territory before the appointed time. As one of the leaders of the factions, the man really should know better."

"Azazel has always been like that, Rias. He's a bit of a prankster." A voice that didn't belong to any of the ORC said. Everybody turned to see Sirzechs standing there with a pleasant smile on his handsome face, Grayfia behind him. Immediately most of the ORC kneeled, their heads down. Though Asia looked a bit lost, and Xenovia confused. Bell simply crossed her arms as she floated near them.

"O-Onii-sama!" Rias said in surprise as she stood up, staring at her brother.

Issei approached the Maou with a smile, holding his hand out to shake. "Hello Sirzechs, it's good to see you again. How's Millicas?"

Sirzechs' smile widened as he shook Issei's hand. "Hello Ise-kun, it's good to see you as well. Millicas is doing fine. He wouldn't say no to seeing Bell-san again though."

Bell grinned. "I'd be happy to see him. He's a nice kid."

Sirzechs nodded in thanks to Bell before turning to Rias. "Back on the subject of Azazel, he won't do anything like what Kokabiel did. Like Ise-kun said, he's more of a pacifist than you'd think. Don't be surprised if he pranks you though." He looked at the kneeling devils and motioned for them to get up. "Please relax, I'm not here in my official capacity."

Rias looked at her brother with confusion. "Then why are you here, Onii-sama?"

"Why do you think?" He held out a form. "Classroom visits are soon, aren't they? I was thinking of attending. I want to see how my sister is doing in school. After all, I want to participate in your life, even if it means taking a day off work. And don't worry, Otou-ue is coming as well."

Issei smiled. "Oh, that's good. It'll be nice to see Zoeticus again. Venelana isn't coming then?"

Sirzechs shook his head. "Unfortunately she has a previous engagement and so is unable to attend."

Rias gave Issei small, betrayed look, before addressing her brother again. "But you're the Maou! You can't leave your job to come here! A single devil can't be treated in a special way like that, no matter who they are!"

The Lucifer, however, smiled wider as his head tilted to the side. "Ah, but you see, I'll be coming in my official capacity as well, to inspect the school. After all, I was thinking about holding the conference here, so it's best I see it for myself."

At that, everybody looked shocked, Issei and Bell included. "Here? You're going to have it here?" Rias asked, shocked as much as everybody else.

"It seems appropriate." Sirzechs said. "This school seems to be a natural gathering point. We have the sisters of two of the Maou, the wielder of the holy-demonic sword, Durandal's wielder, and the Sekiryuutei. Not to mention, both Kokabiel and the Hakuruukou were here to battle. This cannot be a coincidence. And I'd be very much mistaken if I didn't think that Ise-kun was the person accelerating these events."

Everybody was silent for a few seconds, pondering this, before Xenovia stepped forward. "So you are the Maou? It's nice to meet you. I'm Xenovia."

"A pleasure, Xenovia. I am Sirzechs Lucifer. I'll be honest, I had trouble believing it when I received Rias' report stating that the wielder of Durandal was reincarnated as a devil in her peerage." Sirzechs responded with a smile.

"I never thought I would become a devil either. Truthfully, I'm still unsure if it was the right decision to do so, joining the side I fought against for so long. Is it really fine?" By the end of her statement Xenovia had her head in her hands.

Sirzechs let out a small laugh. "It's good to see my little sister's peerage is full of interesting people. You may not know what your own path will lead you to, Xenovia, but I ask as the latest one to be reincarnated into Rias' family that look after her and the Gremory household. I trust I can count on you."

"If the Legendary Maou from the Bible asks it of me, I cannot refuse. I'm not sure what I can do, but I'll do everything I am able." Xenovia responds firmly.

"Thank you." The Maou says with a smile, causing the swordswoman to blush slightly. "Now then, we can continue this conversation someplace else. Seeing as it's nighttime, would there be a place for us to stay for the night?"

Issei cocked his head to the side in thought. "Well…"

"I'm happy to hear my sister hasn't been any trouble to you."

"Of course not! Rias-san is a very good girl."

"She's a wonderful girl, truly."

Issei and Rias stood watching as Sirzechs and Issei's parents greeted each other.

Issei smiled, remembering the look on Rias' face when he'd invited Sirzechs and Grayfia to his house to stay the night. She hadn't exactly been enthusiastic about it. Actually, she had been quite adamantly against it. His smile widened as he recalled how cute she looked as she tried to resist, but in the end they ended up at the Hyoudou home. Rias gave him a small glare as he chuckled slightly at how much Sirzechs seemed to be enjoying himself.

"And may I ask about your maid?" Issei's father asked.

"Ah yes, she's Grayfia, my wife." Sirzechs responded, still smiling.

"Eeeh?" Everybody but Rias let out a sound of surprise even as Grayfia pinched Sirzechs' cheek with a blank look on her face.

"I apologize for my master's bad jokes. I am a simple maid, Grayfia." Said maid informed them, radiating a quiet anger.

"Ah, Grayfia, it hurts!" The devil whined, teary eyed yet smiling. Rias buried her face in her hands in embarrassment.

Once that little bit of entertainment ended they resumed talking. "So then, Gremory-san, will you be attending the class visit as well?" Issei's mother asked, a rather obvious blush on her face.

Sirzechs responded while rubbing his sore cheek. "Yes, I'm taking a break from work, so I'm taking the chance to see my little sister and her school. My father will be attending as well."

"Oh, I'm happy to hear that. I would like to meet him." Issei's mother said with a smile.

"Well, Father helped establishing the academy with me, so he's using this as a chance to take a look at it. Though It's mostly so he can see Rias." Sirzechs continued.

"Gremory-san, would you like some sake? I have a great bottle here." Isseis' father said with a grin, bringing said bottle out.

Sirzechs smiled back enthusiastically. "Excellent. By all means, let's drink! I'd like to try Japanese alcohol!"

Issei smiled happily as Rias groaned. It promised to be an interesting night.

That night, Issei and Sirzechs lied in their spots in Issei's room. Rias had been unhappy that she would be unable to sleep in Issei's bed for once, hugging him tight before finally heading to her room. Asia as well had been sad, though she hadn't displayed it as much. Thus the two men were left on their own to talk.

"So, I understand that you met Azazel." Sirzechs began.

Issei stretched before nodding. "Yes I did."

"Did he say anything of interest to you?" Sirzechs asked, eyes fixed on Issei.

Issei shook his head. "He apologized for Kokabiel's actions. Then we spoke about previous events involving some other of his subordinates who went rogue before, along with his research into Sacred Gears."

"Yes, Azazel has a strong interest in Sacred Gears. Especially ones like your Boosted Gear. In fact, another Longinus wielder has joined his side."

"The Hakuryuukou, I'm guessing. It makes sense, since he went to retrieve Kokabiel on Azazel's orders."

"Yes… We don't know why. But Azazel is the leader of an organization with the power to affect all three worlds. With the power of a Longinus, he could cause a lot of damage. Thankfully he does not like war like Kokabiel did. The fallen were actually the first to withdraw from the great war because of it."

Issei was silent in thought, lying in bed and gazing up at the ceiling.

"You've been a good friend to Rias, Ise-kun. I owe you a lot for getting her out of that engagement, and you've protected her during Kokabiel's attack. So even though you aren't formally aligned with my faction, I will guarantee your safety from any that might seek to use you." Sirzechs said softly.

Issei turned to the Maou. "I appreciate it. Though I hope it doesn't become necessary."

Sirzechs laughed softly. "Somehow I doubt it will. After all, you were able to kill a leader of one of the factions without even using your Gear. I think you can take care of yourself. Doesn't mean you can't occasionally use some help though."

Issei nodded with a smile. "I've learned that you can never have too many allies."

Sirzechs grinned back. "Too true. I trust you will continue looking after Rias, then?"

"As long as she never does anything I would be against, like hurting an innocent on purpose, then I will continue to stand by her."

"I'm glad, as that means I have nothing to worry about…"

It had been several days since Sirzechs and Grayfia had arrived to visit, and the ORC was heading to the school despite it being a holiday.

Issei smiled as he walked, remembering taking Sirzechs sightseeing under the cover of looking into things to see about establishing similar things in the Underworld. Grayfia hadn't exactly been pleased, but she had gone along with it as long as he gave a good enough reason for each of his choices.

He laughed softly to himself at the memory, then again at seeing Asia and Xenovia try to pray only to be kept from being able to.

"You'd think they'd learn after the first few times, wouldn't you?" He asked Kiba in an undertone. Kiba simply smiled and shook his head.

"Alright everybody, it's time to open the restricted use pool." Rias said with a smile once they reached their destination.

Issei wasn't the only one to smile happily at hearing that. They were all excited about the fact that they were going to get to use the pool on their own before anybody else. The only caveat was that they had to clean it first. But with their various abilities, that would take no time.

Bell caught Issei's eye and gave a perverted grin, which Issei returned when nobody was watching. Getting to see these beauties in swimsuits was the highlight of Issei's month.

A short time later, Issei's grin had grown as Rias showed off her extremely skimpy swimsuit to him.

"Ise, how do I look in this?" Rias asked with as she posed with a smile.

Issei gave her a thumbs up, eyeing her up and down. "You look amazing, Rias. I'm pretty sure you'd give most of my classmates a stroke."

"Ara ara, such strong words from Ise-kun. I'm sure Buchou is very happy with his assessment. Say, Ise-kun, how do I look?" Akeno strode forward, wearing her own swimsuit clad body off to his gaze.

"You're stunning as well, Akeno. All the other girls in school would die in envy." He said with a smile. Bell, floating around both girls in her own one-piece swimsuit, nodded in agreement, still grinning.

"Ise-san, I've changed too…" Asia said from behind him.

Issei turned around to see Asia in a school swimsuit with her name on it. He smiled at her. "You look very cute as well, Asia." The former nun blushed heavily. Koneko, standing nearby in a similar swimsuit, hugged herself and looked away, blushing slightly.

"Ise, why don't you take off your shirt?" Rias asked curiously. "Nobody is here but us, after all."

Issei frowned, glancing at Akeno, Kiba and Koneko. "I'm not exactly comfortable with how people look at me at first…"

Rias nodded but took a step forward, smiling gently. "They won't react badly or think any less of you for it, Ise-kun. I promise." Asia stepped forward and took his hand, gazing up at him reassuringly.

Both girls knew that Issei kept his body covered as much as possible, even at home, but they had seen it on occasion. Asia had cried and held him tight the first time she saw him shirtless, and Rias was careful to not show him how much it affected her, thinking he wouldn't want it.

Issei took a breath before nodding. He grabbed his t-shirt and slowly removed it. Koneko's eyes widened, Kiba looked uncommonly grave, and Akeno bit her lip.

Issei's body was covered in scars of all shapes and sizes. There were what looked like claw and blade marks alongside what seemed to be bullet wounds all over, not to mention burn scars. An especially large scar reached from his right shoulder to his left hip, disappearing into his swimming shorts. A grouping of gunshot wound scars was packed over his right pectoral, and three claw marks from some sort of beast were on his abdominals. And that was just a sampling of what decorated his form.

Akeno stepped forward and gently ran a hand along the large scar, feeling the texture of it. Issei stood silently, letting her do so, watching her closely. She looked up at his face and smiled. "You have nothing to be ashamed of, Ise-kun. You're a survivor, and this is just the proof. Wear them with pride."

Issei smiled back. "I'm not ashamed, not really. I've earned these scars. I just hate how people look at me for them…"

Akeno stepped back as Kiba smiled and Koneko nodded to him. Rias clapped her hands. "Good. Now that that's dealt with, Ise, I could use your help with something." Issei tilted his head in curiosity.

A few minutes later, he was holding Koneko's hands as she kicked out, helping the loli learn how to swim while Asia cheered them on from the side, not knowing how to swim either.

"That's good, Koneko-chan. Just like that. One, two, one, two…" Issei said with a smile as the small girl did her best to keep herself afloat.

"Sorry… for making you… help… Senpai…" Koneko said between breaths.

"It's fine. I'm happy to help my cute kouhai learn how to swim. It's an important skill." Isssei said, grinning.

They reached the end of the pool, Issei's back pressed against the wall, and Koneko ended up pressed against his chest due to her momentum. Rather than force herself away immediately, Issei was surprised when she remained close.

"…You're very gentle for someone with your amount of power, Ise-senpai…" Koneko said, a light blush on her cheeks.

Issei lifted his hand and patted her head gently. "The last thing I want to do is hurt somebody I care about, Koneko-chan."

They were interrupted by the splash of Rias diving into the pool to swim the length of the pool. Issei couldn't help but stare at her scantily clad form gracefully swimming though the water. He shook himself out of it after a bit and turned to Asia, who was looking at him with a bit of a pout. "Alright Asia, your turn."

"A-ah, yes, please take care of me then…"

A short while later Issei stretched, sitting beside the dozing form of Asia. The former nun had exhausted herself with the swimming exercises. Nearby Koneko rested under the shade of a tree, reading a book.

Issei yawned slightly as he looked along the area, feeling warm and relaxed due to the sun. His eyes caught sight of Rias sitting on a towel on the other side of the pool. She smiled at him and motioned him over while holding up what seemed to be a bottle of oil.

Issei's eyes widened and he quickly made his way to her side, barely managing to contain his enthusiasm.

Rias' smile widened. "Hello Ise-kun, would you be so kind as to apply this oil to my back? I can't get sunburned, but it still helps…"

"With pleasure, Rias." Issei responded with a grin. Floating in the pool nearby, Bell gave him a thumbs up.

Without hesitation Rias removed the top of her bikini, letting her sizable breasts free, exposing them fully to Issei's hungry gaze. She preened a bit, sticking them out more than necessary as she saw how much attention he was paying to them.

Issei managed to gain control of himself shortly. Despite having seen them before, he sometimes couldn't help but lose a bit of control around beautiful breasts when they were revealed to him without him preparing himself. If anybody ever needed proof he was still the same boy he was before his disappearance, that would do it.

Rias lied down on the towel, gathering her long hair and moving it to the side, exposing her pale, smooth back to him. "Go ahead, Ise."

Issei gathered the oil in his hands and began to slowly run his hands along her back, making sure to spread the oil evenly. Before long it had turned into an impromptu massage, and the crimson haired devil was moaning in a way Issei found quite stimulating.

"Oh wow… Ise… where did you learn… to do that?" Rias asked between moans, a smile on her face.

"It's one of the useful things I've picked up besides fighting." The scarred youth replied with a smile. Suddenly he stopped as he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind, along with the sensation of something soft pressing against his back.

"Ara ara, I'm jealous that Ise-kun is paying so much attention to Buchou. It's unfair if it's just her. Please do me too, Ise-kun." Akeno breathed into his ear as she held him tight so he could feel her hard nipples against his back.

Rias lifted herself up off her towel to glare at Akeno. "Hey, Akeno, you realize he isn't done oiling me, don't you? He also needs to do my front."

Akeno smiled as she pressed herself closer to Issei, her mouth right beside his ear. "Ara, Ise-kun, don't you think Buchou is scary? I just wanted to release some pent up energy with my cute kouhai…" Then, to Issei's surprise, she bit his ear erotically.

Bell, watching off to the side, couldn't help but wish she had popcorn as she watched the two devils fight over Issei's attention as said boy simply enjoyed their actions. Before long though the two girls finally had enough and got up and began fighting for real, launching magic at each other as Issei sat with a sweatdrop. The pixie got out of the water and flew over to Issei. "I always knew your massages were good. Didn't think they were enough to get two high level devils to fight over them though." She said with a giggle in her voice.

"This escalated rather quickly." Issei said drily as a bolt of lightning sailed passed his face, annihilating a diving board. He got up and started heading for the pool equipment room. Bell looked at him curiously. Upon catching her look he responded. "I wanted some peace, and I'm not getting it out here at the moment. I figured I'd take a rest in there."

Bell shrugged. "Up to you. I'll go enjoy the water and the fireworks." She quickly did as stated, diving into the water gracefully.

Issei opened the door to the pool equipment room even as another boom of clashing power rang out behind him and stepped in, closing the door behind him to muffle the noise. He took a breath to enjoy the relative silence before his eyes flashed open as he turned towards the other figure in the room with him.

"Issei Hyoudou? What's going on? It sounds like something is happening." Xenovia said as she stepped forward.

"Rias and Akeno are having a small argument, so I'd leave them to it for now. What are you doing in here though? Why weren't you out enjoying yourself with everybody else?"

Xenovia shifted slightly. "It's my first time wearing a swimsuit, so it took me a bit to get it on. What do you think? Does it suit me?" She gazed at him as she stood in with her arms folded.

Issei looked her over, studying the way her outfit showed off her body without being very skimpy like Rias and Akeno's. "It looks good on you. It shows off your body well. I take it the reason you've never worn a swimsuit before is because the Church is strict about things like that?"

Xenovia nodded. "I never really had an interest in such things, but the girls around me would often bemoan not being able to partake of things of this nature." She looked away slightly. "However, seeing as my life has changed rather drastically of late, I want to experience the things I never did before."

Issei nodded. "I see. That makes sense. Don't worry, I'm sure everybody will be happy to help you learn about new things."

Xenovia gave a small smile. "Yes. However, there was something I wanted to talk to you about, Issei Hyoudou."

"Ise is fine, Xenovia. You're a friend now, so It's fine to just call me that." Issei said with a smile.

Xenovia nodded. "Alright, Ise then. I wanted to ask if you would be willing to make a child with me."

Issei stared, caught completely by surprise. "I'm sorry, what?"

Xenovia shifted as she watched him. "I want to have a child with you."

"I-uh-wha-why?" He finally got out.

Xenovia explained about her past in the church, about how all her dreams and objectives involved serving the church, from being able to wield holy swords to becoming an exorcist. It had made her set aside all her normal desires, like the desire to one day have a family.

However, with her becoming a devil, all her previous goals and dreams had been lost, and now she didn't have anything to strive for. She had asked Rias for advice, and she essentially told her to live however she wanted, and she would be supported.

"So now, my dream is to have children. I don't know how many, but definitely more than one. Of course for that, I need a man." She looked at him, awaiting his reaction.

"I… see… But why me?" Issei asked, confused.

"Am I not to your tastes? Despite the way I am, I do have some confidence in my body. I may not be as well endowed as Rias-buchou, but I am larger than Asia." She ran her hands along her breasts as she spoke, watching him.

"That's not it, Xenovia." Issei responded, his gaze dipping to follow her hands before looking up at her. "You're gorgeous. I just want to know why you chose me to be the one to give you children."

Xenovia approached slowly. "It's because you are strong. I want children, but more than that, I want my children to be strong. And you are very powerful. I could feel it, especially when you fought Kokabiel. I am well aware you could defeat me easily, and I'll admit that excites me a bit." She reached out once she got close to him and ran her fingers along the same scar Akeno had touched earlier, making Issei just now realize that he had been shirtless in front of her and she had not reacted outwardly. "These scars are proof of your fortitude. You have survived much more than even a devil or an angel would, and you still stand tall. I want that strength for my children. It's like the Lord guided you to me." She winced slightly at that, but didn't react otherwise.

"Xenovia, are you sure about this? Children are a big responsibility." Issei asked seriously.

The former exorcist nodded. "I do. You do not need to worry, I will take full responsibility for their care. You will not need to be involved. However, if my children desire the love of a father, then you may play with them. After all, both parents are important to children." She reached behind herself and undid her top, letting her breasts free. "I looked up devil birth rates as well. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult for devils to have children, especially pureblood ones. Thankfully I'm a reincarnated devil, so it should be easier for me. And you have a high sexual desire, so I imagine you can perform often, in which case I believe I should be able to get pregnant within five years if we work on it every day." She next slid the bottom of her swimsuit down her legs, exposing a lightly trimmed bush of blue hair. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Issei. She looked into his eyes, hiding whatever uncertainty she had under steely resolve. "As long as you give me the child I want, Ise, then I don't mind you doing what you wish to me…"

Issei looked into Xenovia's eyes, wanting to ensure she was sure about her course of action. Once he was satisfied he nodded. "Alright, if this is truly what you want…" At her nod he moved forward and kissed her. She gave a small gasp at the action, having never been kissed before, even as she felt his arms wrap around her body, one hand on the back of her neck, the other reaching down to lightly grip her ass.

They kissed for several seconds, Xenovia becoming more engaged the longer it went on. Her hands reached up to thread themselves through Issei's hair as she pressed her body against his. Issei slowly began to lower the exorcist to the ground when the door creaked open. Issei removed his mouth from Xenovia's to look to the side to find all the other girls of the ORC looking at him with various looks on their faces.

"Ise, what is the meaning of this?" Came from Rias.

"Ara ara, Xenovia-chan, don't you know it's unfair to move in front of your superiors?" Was Akeno's question.

"Sob, Ise-san… How could you…?" From Asia.

"…Senpai needs to be punished." Was Koneko's contribution.

Bell simply gave him a thumbs up with a big grin. "Good going, boss!"

In the background, Issei could see Kiba wisely keeping out of it.

Xenovia ignored all of this to gaze up at Issei. "What's wrong, Ise? Weren't we going to make kids?"

At hearing that line, the faces of all the other girls changed (Bell's by simply letting her grin grow) and Issei sighed. This was trouble, without a doubt.

Issei groaned, stretching as he walked on his way out of school. The end of the day had been a bit of a disaster after he and Xenovia got caught about to have sex. The other girls had not been happy in the least. He absently wondered what the issue was. He could understand Rias, she most likely wasn't happy about him doing things with her servants without her permission. It was the others he couldn't really get. Wouldn't letting him have sex with Xenovia make it easier for them to convince him to reincarnate? Not that he would, but it would be the obvious course of action. He wasn't stupid, he was well aware Rias wanted to recruit him into her peerage.

He slowed down when he neared the gates to the school, spotting somebody standing there. He studied the newcomer. Gray hair of a darker shade than Grayfia or his friend, Yu, with blue eyes that shifted to observe him, and clothes that gave him a bit of a punk look.

"Seems to be a good school." The silverette said.

Issei nodded. "It's pretty good, yeah. I was lucky to get in."

The other boy nodded, still observing Issei, before smiling. "My name is Vali. I'm the Hakuryuukou." His smile widened as Issei's eyebrows lifted. "This is the second time we meet here, Sekiryuutei, Issei Hyoudou."

Issei crossed his arms, studying his newly revealed destined rival. "Are you here to begin the battle we're supposed to have already? Because I'm afraid I'll have to decline for now."

This time it was Vali's turn to lift his eyebrows. "Is that so? So even if I did…" He lifted his hand to Issei's face as the scarred youth remained still, perfectly relaxed. As he approached there was the sudden sound of ringing steel and two blades were held between the two dragon wielders, held by Kiba and Xenovia, who were glaring pointedly at the Hakuryuukou after appearing in a blur of speed.

"We can't let you begin your showdown here, Hakuryuukou." Said Xenovia for the both of them.

Issei raised a hand. "Calm down, guys. He's not going to try anything." He pointedly ignored the way their hands trembled slightly even as they held their blades up at Vali.

"Besides which, there is nothing you can do to me with your level of power. You know there is a decisive difference between us." He then turned back to Issei, ignoring the sword wielders. "Issei Hyoudou, what rank do you think your strength is in this world?"

Issei cocked his head to the side. "I hadn't really thought about it. I don't much care. As long as I have the power to protect what matters to me, that's all that I want."

Vali almost looked… disappointed. "There a lot of strong people in this world. Even Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan, doesn't even crack the top ten." He smirked as he held up a hand with one finger upraised, making the sword wielders tense. "But the number one spit is fixed and immutable."

"I'm guessing that's the spot you're aiming for?" Issei responded simply.

Vali simply smiled. "You're a valuable being, Issei Hyoudou. Look after him, Rias Gremory." He said, looking behind Issei. Issei glanced back to see the rest of the ORC standing around Rias, who was looking incredibly displeased.

"What is the meaning of this, Hakuryuukou? As someone affiliated with the Fallen Angels, you cannot-" Rias began, but was interrupted by Vali's next words.

"The Two Heavenly Dragons, the Welsh and Vanishing dragons. Those related to them don't end up living a good life." He turned back to Issei. "How do you think you will wind up?" Issei simply gazed back at him calmly. "I didn't come to fight today. I just wanted to check out the school. I'm here escorting Azazel, but got bored. Don't worry. I won't fight the Welsh Dragon here now. And anyway, I have work to do." Vali turned with one last look at Issei and walked away, leaving a nervous and agitated group of devils behind him, along with a pensive boy.

That night, Issei was relaxing in his room after the day, deep in thought, which was interrupted when Bell flew over and sat down on the desk with a grin. "So…" she began. "Nice work with Xenovia. You'll have her wrapped around your finger soon enough."

Issei rolled his eyes at her with a smirk. "I just wish I knew why the others reacted so badly."

Bell looked heavenwards as if for guidance. She loved the man to death, but Issei could still be incredibly dense about women. It's something he'd never grown out of, despite the many other things he had. So she wasn't surprised he didn't realize the feelings the other girls had for him despite how obvious they were. Still, she had to try to educate the big buffoon.

"Boss, why do you think Rias and Asia sleep naked with you, not to mention Akeno's flirting?" She asked, exasperated.

"That's easy." He responded. "They're trying to tempt me into devilhood. What better way to get someone like me than with sex?"

Ok, Bell admitted that was actual reasonable from his point of view. She remembered how little self-control Issei used to have when it came to women when she first met him. Rias promising to let him touch her breasts likely would have been enough to get him to sign up before. "And you're not tempted to take them up on it?"

Issei shrugged. "Not as much. I have you and the others, after all. Besides, you know why I couldn't accept even if I wanted to."

Bell nodded. She knew very well why. Then she smirked. "Well, you might as well enjoy the perks of being wooed."

"I'm not going to take advantage of them. If they're like Xenovia, who really, earnestly wants it, then I'll go for it. Otherwise I'll just enjoy the view." Issei responded.

Bell once again rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, boss…"

Hello everybody. Been longer than usual. Sorry bout that, but I gave my reasons last chapter.

Yes, I am aware that this isn't even a fourth of the fourth LN, but that one is especially long and full of important details and opportunities for character development, so I decided to stop when it seemed best. Next chapter should hopfeully encompass the class visit and Gasper's introduction, with the one after that being the summit and subsequent battle. It shouldn't take me as long to get those two out. Hopefully...

Now to address a few things.

I had someone leave me a review stating they didn't like my story because Issei was too perfect. He was too strong and his attitude was too different from canon, and he hates stories like that. And I understand that. I'm not a huge fan of characters that are OP without growth to justify it.

Here's the thing though, Issei does have the growth to justify it, you just haven't seen it yet. Issei at the beginning of the prequel I have planned is canon Issei. That story will focus on his adventures and show why he is the way he is now. The Issei you're seeing now is the result of of a long journey full of blood, sweat and tears. But just like SMT protagonists, he earned his power tooth and nail.

That review is also the reason I'm trying to focus more on Issei. In this chapter you'll have noticed that there were more examples of him acting in ways canon Issei would have. Because I realized I'd only told, not shown that part about him. Him still being a dense idiot about women shows he's not as different as he seemed. And he's still a perv, it's just a bit more obvious now.

Another thing, the prequel. I really, really want to get started on it. This fic will go on hiatus when I start that so I can focus on it. But I want Issei's harem to be introduced before I do. By that I'm including Irina and Ravel. (Yes, I said I haven't read the LNs and only seen the anime, but I've spoiled myself a bit with the wiki when researching for this fic, and TV Tropes, so I know a bit) I also want other important figures included, like Ophis, Michael and Gabriel, so they can all learn about it together. The angels won't be too happy about what they find out, that's for sure.

I've had several people ask that the next battle include high level demons that will make everybody shit their pants for pure curbstomp glory. I loved when it was done in Demon Among Devils, but I'm not doing it yet. Issei at this point doesn't feel the need to employ a nuke when regular ordinance in large enough numbers works just fine. I do, however, have a plan for when that will change. It's when Issei has enough and just wants everything dead. I even know exactly which demon will be showing up to scare the hell out of everybody. Though I don't plan for that to be the only event of note during that debacle.

Diodora is going to have a very bad day.

I think that's everything I can think of for now. Till next time, please review. It makes me more eager to write.