Chapter 7...

"Damn it! 3 outta' 5!" Raynare growled in frustration.

"Fine...1..2...3!" Kalawarner sounded bored.

"..."

"Rock."

"C'mon! Okay, 4 outta' 6!"

"You might as well give up. To be honest, I could take it or leave it at this point." Kalawarner shook her head in bordem.

"Shut up! Just play already!" Raynare barked.

"(Sigh)...1.."

"...2.."

"...3!"

"...3!"

"..."

"..."

"... again?" Issei tiredly deadpanned.

"Errrgh! 5 outta 7!" The raven haired beauty challenged once more. Determined to take down Kalawarner.

"Are you kidding me?" Issei drooped his head.

"I agree. Lets just call it a night." Kalawarner also was tired of playing. The bored look in her yellow eyes, relaying she was losing interest.

"Not until I beat you!" Raynare pointed with an angered expression.

"Okay fine, last one..." Kalawarner sighed once more and readied her hand.

"1...2..."

"...3!"

"3!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

"DAMN IT!" Raynare felt like pulling her hair out.

"That's a wrap. To bed, you sore loser." Kalawarner pointed up the stairs.

"Why the hell do you keep using rock!?" Raynare demanded an explanation, with a fiery bitterness in her eyes.

"Because you keep picking scissors." Kalawarner blatantly put.

"I...! Drgh!" Raynare slammed both her fists on the floor out of frustration. "I thought it was a reverse psychology thing you were playing on me, blast it!"

"C'mon Raynare, lets just call it a night. You've been at it for a good...okay, we SERIOUSLY need to sleep, it's like one in the morning." Issei yawned.

"Yeah, (yawn).." Kalawarner sat back on the couch and laid back to get comfortable.


Earlier...

"What the hell do you mean!?" Raynare barked in disapproval.

"Exactly what I mean. One of us is gonna keep an eye on him, remember?" Kalawarner said while shifting her gaze to Raynare. While she kept Issei under her arm, and letting him feel her fleshy cushion.

"Why you though?! I'm much stronger than you! He's obviously sleeping with me!" Raynare already declared.

"It'll be fine~. Besides, since you were in such a hurry to leave, I figured you might have detested the fact of sharing a living space with a human." Kalawarner crossed her legs.

"This and that are completely two different things! If all we gotta do is turn on a measly light, then lets just use the one up stairs then! It's far more brighter than this dingy one!" She compared the brightness.

"But there isn't that much room in there, is there? You'd probably get some of that strange darkness on you, if he got triggered again." Kalawarner pointed out.

"That was more or less a mental breakdown of sort. I don't really anticipate another atta-MMMf!" Issei wanted to clarify, but suddenly Kalawarner pushed his face into her breasts, and the whole front of his face was smothered by her large boob.

"Keep it down, kid. The grown up's are talking." Kalawarner said as she smirked and forced his head to remain in their position. "If you pick me, we could sleep just like this, E-V-E-R-Y night~." She whispered in his ear.

"Boobs. Boobs. Boobs. Boobs. Boobs. BOOBS! Sweet mother of God, TITS!" Was all that echoed through Issei's mind.

"Would you stop seducing him already!? This is serious!" Raynare demanded she release him this instant.

"Just relax, Raynare...wait, I got an idea how we can settle this." Kalawarner suddenly made a blank look.


Now...

"Fine! But you better not screw this up!" Raynare pointed at her. She then turned to Issei, who was sitting cross legged on the floor. Issei was a little surprised at her spiteful gaze. "Don't get cocky, human!" She suddenly pointed at him.

"Get cocky about what? I just want to go to bed." Issei reminded.

"..I bet you were aiming for this all along." Raynare said under her breath, looking away with a huff.

"No I wasn't." Issei deadpanned.

"He heard that?!" Raynare paused for a moment, thinking she was discreet. "W-well what ever. If anything happens, just let me know before we get jumped by the next...whatever." Raynare sighed and requested.

"Uh huh. Night." Kalawarner waved off.

"(Sigh)." Raynare reluctantly went up the stairs. By the time she went up and closed the door. Kalawarner and Issei were just about to call it a night. Issei got up and turned off the lights, and went over to turn on the lamp. After that, he was setting up his futon on the floor. Kalawarner chimed in.

"Sooooo...you wanna sleep with me?" Kalawarner bluntly said, which caused Issei to pause for a brief moment.

"I'm..good." Issei said after shaking his head.

"You sure? It would feel really good. Think of it as compensation for letting us sleep here. Plus, you seem to be a little high strung. Having stress build up in this situation isn't very wise." Kalawarner pointed out. "If you're a little shy, don't worry~." She smiled and placed hand on her hip, while posing in a provocative position. "I'll be gentle."

"...I've been high strung since the day my parents died." Issei suddenly said with his back to her.

"...Ahh, your family isn't around anymore, huh?" Kalawarner laid back on the couch, her hair spread out. "Is that why you're gloomy?"

"Maybe." Issei simply said. "I don't understand what happened. Out of all the houses on this block..." Issei spread the sheet. "..out of all the families that lived here..." He fluffed his pillow. "Why'd it have to come here?" Issei sighed laid back on the floor and looked up at the ceiling. "I want the truth, Kalawarner. After people saying you're crazy, you were just scared, your mind was just playing tricks on you, it was all in your head...but I watched...dad and mom getting pulled apart and devoured by that monster...it had to be a devil. It's a cruel, fucked way to die." Issei recalled as flashes of scenes colored in red, played through his mind like a horror movie.

"..." Kalawarner's eyes shifted in his direction.

"And when my uncle and aunt, were informed, they just dumped me off at the best mental hospital they could afford, and tried to, 'fix' me, as they put it." Issei said with a little detest. "So...it's nice having some company after a while." He turned to his side and laid his head gently on the floor. "But...I just can't get in the mood right now." He sounded apologetic.

"...family..teh." Kalawarner scoffed and laid comfortably down on the couch. "Well, I'll be about five feet from you. I don't mind a late night tussle either, so just go for it if you wake up in the middle of the night, heheheh." She assured him.

"Gimme a break." Issei blushed.

The night finally settled, and everyone was asleep in their respective spots.


Issei's dream...

Issei was standing in an area he did not recognize. The very ground was shown to be similar to a likeness of black, cracked glass, yet firm and sturdy enough to walk on. The background was just pitch, void black. There were autumn leaves gently falling all over and whisked past him. He tried to touch one, but it phased through his hand. The scene just didn't match the colors...or the other way around. It was like someone had started painting the objects in a picture without the background. It just didn't add up.

"FALLING THROUGH THE BRANCHES..."

"..?" Issei turned to a mysterious voice, he knew all to well.

"STANDING STILL AMONG THE SHAKING LEAVES..." Issei's eyes laid upon a man that was hooded in a long, brown, leather trench coat that was open, showing a matching brown vest. A hood hid his head so well, it could not be seen. A long, brown strap also slung around his body, with the familiar handle of the sword that Issei pulled out from his recent encounter with the priest, hanging on his side. "STOP AND LISTEN...MY APPROACH. MY TOUCH." He was sitting on a wooden chair, with a small table next to him. His hands were lightly tanned, with the ends of white sleeves over his hands. "THE WINDS SHIFT AND THERE I AM. COOL AGAINST YOUR SKIN..." He was reading a thick book, with a blank, dark brown cover. Issei was a mere 20 feet away from the faceless individual. He tried to get a glimpse, but it was if the shadows were bent over him from all angles. As the man sat there cross legged, with one hand holding the ending section of the book open, he finished up. "I. WILL. NOT. LEAVE. YOU." He sounded a lot more like a middle aged, gentle man now, now that Issei was focusing on the sound of his voice. He stood his ground, not daring another step. The man shut the book gently and and placed it on the table, and sat normally on the chair, facing Issei with a relaxed posture. "THAT IS ALL THAT REMAINS OF ME IN EXISTENCE." He told Issei. "SO WE FINALLY MEET AGAIN, AFTER SO LONG." He changed the subject as he informed Issei.

"...what do you want from me?" Issei asked. "I don't know what you want from me. If I took something from you, I'm sorry. I would give it back, but you have to tell me what it is." Issei tried to reason. He figured this was his only chance he was going to finally understand what this voice, that plagued him for years, wanted.

"I BROUGHT YOU HERE TO CONVERSE." The man placed both hands on one another. "PLEASE, SIT." He raised his hand slowly to another chair that was never there before. Issei blinked and wondered where that came from. But he slowly accepted it as he made his way to the stranger. He slowly sat down, and the two were at eye level now. Issei avoided eye contact, but took the occasional glance at him. "ALLOW ME TO SHED SOME LIGHT ON YOUR PRESSING CONCERN. IT IS NOT ME, WHO HAS BEEN TEARING AT YOUR MIND." He quickly clarified.

"Wha-?" Issei was surprised.

"WHAT YOU FELT TRYING TO DISRUPT YOU MIND... WAS MY SHADOW." He revealed to Issei.

"Your...shadow?" Issei repeated. "That..THING, that psychotic, voice that feels like it rips my brain in half...is YOUR shadow?" Issei wanted to clarify.

"MM. SPECIFICALLY, IT TRIED TO BECOME ONE WITH YOUR SOUL ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS." The strange man began to explain, as Issei rested his arm on the table. "BUT YOUR..WILL IS IMPRESSIVE. I THOUGHT YOUR MIND SHATTERED AFTER THE PASSING OF YOUR KIN." He reminded Issei as he opened the book once more to the mid section. As he did, the ink that was in the book came out, and it formed into black, representations of his parents, and the devil that killed them in mid action. Issei frowned at it. The ink went back in the book. Then suddenly it showed a child-like Issei. Issei raised his brow. "THE MIND OF A CHILD IS A FRAGILE THING. EVEN THE MOST SMALLEST MOMENTS OF LIFE CAN SET US ON A PATH AT A YOUNG AGE. BUT YOU...I DID THINK IT STRANGE WHY MY SHADOW WOULD TAKE TO YOU IN A VULNERABLE STATE, INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR YOU TO MATURE. AFTER ALL, IT IS ONLY AS POWERFUL, AS IT'S HOST'S MIND." The ink slowly melted back into the book as he spoke.

"...CAN'T YOU JUST..get rid of it, please?" Issei raised his voice momentarily.

"I CANNOT, WHEN IT IS NO LONGER MINE."

"Then how can I get rid of it?!" Issei demanded an answer.

"...SIMPLE." The older man simply said in his distorted tone.

"How?"

"DEATH. IT WILL FADE. ALONG WITH I."

"Are you shittin' me?" Issei smacked his head on the table.

"MY SHADOW FEARS NOTHING, EXCEPT A THREAT TO IT'S PURPOSE. IF YOU DIE, IT CAN NO LONGER MOVE ON TO ANOTHER HOST. IT MERELY SEEKS TO PROTECT ITSELF, AND TO BRING ME BACK TO LIFE. IT ALSO WILL PROTECT IT'S HOST, IF NECESSARY." He went into further detail.

"Bring you back to life?...wait...that's why-!?" Issei slowly began to realize, and it hit him when he put the picture together.

"YOU REALIZE NOW WHY IT SAYS VULGAR, UNREFINED THINGS. IT IS NOT ON A LEVEL IT CAN BE REASONED WITH...UNLESS YOU MAKE IT RECOGNIZE YOU."

"I don't understand. It...it..why does it hate me?" Issei placed a hand on his confused head, and tried to get the long list of questions knocked out, one at a time. "It says strange things like, I'm unworthy of it, I owe it, it must be reborn, and gets pissed off when I try to understand it." He complained.

"IT HATES? NO, IT DOES NOT HATE. IT MERELY PREFERS TO USE THE MEANS OF EMOTION TO TAKE OVER YOU. IT IS NOT CAPABLE OF BEARING AN ILL WILL. IT WILL TRY TO USE FORCE, OR IT WILL TRY TO USE TRICKERY. IT IS ALL FOR THE SAKE OF REINCARNATING."

"Reincarnating who?" Issei was at loss.

"ME."

"Why you?"

"BECAUSE I WILLED IT TO."

"And you're dead?"

"NO, I MERELY JUST DON'T EXIST YET."

"Isn't that the same thing?" Issei deadpanned.

"YOU MISUNDERSTAND. DEATH COMES AFTER LIFE. I AM IN A STATE WHERE I AM NOT AMONG YOUR PLANE OF EXISTENCE-"

"OKayokayokayokay, l-let me try to make sense of...ANY of that." Issei pinched his nose in frustration and shook his head. "You...are not bound by the rules of mortality, yes?"

"CORRECT."

"So...you can't die, because you weren't given life?"

"I WAS GIVEN LIFE...BUT I PASSED LONG AGO. AND THEN I WAS CAST INTO A PLANE OF EXISTENCE THAT IGNORES THE LAWS OF THIS REALM. WHEN I DIE, I RETURN HERE. WHEN MY SHADOW FULLY POSSESSES SOMEONE, I LIVE AGAIN." The stranger replied dryly.

"Uh...wait." Issei made up his mind. "You get brought back to life when your shadow takes over a person? And when you get killed, or die, you get kicked back to...wherever this is." Issei put his finger up, hoping he understood.

"CORRECT."

"Got it." Issei sighed in relief. "By the way, who are you?" Issei realized he didn't even get the name of this person. "Do you have a name?"

"I DO. BUT YOU MUST TAME MY SHADOW BEFORE YOU ARE TO HEAR IT. OR IT WILL CONSUME YOU." He forewarned Issei.

"And how do I do that?" Issei shrugged clueless.

"YOU ENDURE IT'S ATTACKS. IT WILL GIVE UP WHEN YOU FORCE THE SHADOW TO BE NAMED YOURS." He said as his finger pointed at Issei. "THE NEXT TIME YOU ENCOUNTER IT'S ATTEMPT, FACE IT HEAD ON. WHEN IT RETURNS FROM THE VOID, YOU MUST TAKE HOLD OF IT. DO NOT LET IT ESCAPE, LESS YOU WISH FOR IT TO KEEP ATTACKING YOU." The aging man instructed as the book floated upwards, and levitated to the stranger. He slowly grabbed it and placed it in his coat.

"...is that why it keeps coming back?" Issei placed a curious hand on his chin. "So it recovers each time I push it back, and shut it out."

"YES. EVERY MOMENT IT SPENDS IN THE VOID, IT BECOMES STRONGER, AND RECOVERS. I CONTACT YOU NOW, TO LET YOU KNOW, IT WILL BE FAR WORSE THE NEXT TIME. AND IT WILL TRY TO DEVOUR YOU COMPLETELY." The man warned Issei. "HOWEVER...THAT WOULD BE THE PERFECT TIME TO MAKE IT YIELD."

"...suppose I do get him under control. What then?" Issei shrugged. "Can I just, give it back to you?" Issei guessed.

"...I..SUPPOSE YOU COULD...BUT YOU WOULD LOSE YOUR ABILITIES...YOUR POWERS, WOULD DIMINISH." The old man sounded surprised. "BUT...YOU FAIL TO REALIZE...THE POWER, MY SHADOW GRANTS, IS ENOUGH TO MAKE EVEN THE MIGHTIEST OF GODS TREMBLE. YOU COULD EVEN WAGE WAR AGAINST THESE OTHER FACTIONS. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO THROW THAT ALL AWAY...FOR THE SAKE OF ONE DEATH?"

"...if I can find out, and bag that asshole, then I would give you it back without a moments hesitation." Issei firmly said. "But as it stands, I need it to find my parents killer. And when I finally get rid of that monster...I'll return your shadow to you." Issei promised. The look in his eyes was that of determination.

"...HMM. I SUPPOSE EVEN IF YOU ARE BENT, YOU ARE STILL NOT BROKEN." The man bowed his head in recognition. "IF YOU WISH IT...I SUPPOSE I CAN LEND YOU A HAND." The robed man placed his sword on the table, in front of Issei. "MY BLADE HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN. NOR HAS ANY SEEN IT DRAWN. HUMOROUS, FOR A WARRIOR TO CARRY A WEAPON HE DOESN'T SHOW OTHERS. WHICH IS WHY IT WILL BE IN BETTER USE IN YOUR HANDS." He sound amused. "THIS IS MY WEAPON GIFTED TO ME BY MY FATHER, MY KING, MY SAVIOR...A BLADE'S PURPOSE IS TO CUT, CLEAVE, AND REND A FOE. THE WIELDER'S PURPOSE IS TO DEFEND, FIGHT, AND HONE THEIR SKILL. ONE CANNOT ACHIEVE PURPOSE WITHOUT THE OTHER, SO THE TWO MUST BECOME AS ONE, TO ACHIEVE SINGULAR PURPOSE. THERE EXISTS NO LIGHT, NOR DARKNESS THAT MY BLADE CANNOT CUT. I BESTOW YOU MY SWORD, 'INNOCUOUS'." He named. The handle was wrapped in brown leather, half of the guard was missing, and was sheathed in a brown scabbard. A long strap was attached to it, that could go around a person's shoulder to their waste.

"...okay." Issei placed his hand on the sword, and it suddenly vanished. Issei leaned back and looked at his hand.

"YOUR CONFLICT IS WITH HEAVEN AND HELL. MANY INDIVIDUALS HAVE RISEN AND FALLEN FOR THE PAST CENTURIES. THE THREE FACTIONS WERE MANY, BUT NOW THEY ARE A FORMER GLORY OF WHAT THEY WERE. YOU CANNOT DEFEAT AN ENEMY YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT. FOR THAT, WE STRIVE FOR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDINGS OF OUR ADVERSARIES." He suddenly placed the book he was reading on the table. "MY JOURNEYS HAVE TAKEN ME FROM THE HIGHEST PEAK OF SALVATION, TO THE BEDROCK OF DESPAIR. DURING THAT TIME, MY INTENTIONS TO LEARN, OBSERVE, AND RECORD WERE WHAT MADE ME REALIZE I FAILED TO ACT. MY INTENTIONS TO INTERVENE, RESOLVE, AND INSTIGATE WERE WHAT MADE ME REALIZE I FAILED TO UNDERSTAND." He explained in cryptic detail as Issei struggled to keep up with his lecture. "KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, ONLY LIMITED BY HOW MUCH WE UNDERSTAND. AND YOUR UNDERSTANDING WILL GIVE YOU POWER TO VANQUISH EVEN THE MOST COMPLEX OF FOES. FOR THAT, I GIVE YOU MY BOOK. MAY IT'S KNOWLEDGE GUIDE YOU, AND IT'S FORGOTTEN POWER ANNIHILATE THOSE THAT BARE FANGS TOWARD YOU." He finished explaining as Issei reached forth and the book came to him, and vanished.

"Thank you." Issei bowed his head. "I promise to return your shadow after I've found, and killed that devil." He swore with a respective sincerity.

"...IT MATTERS NOT WHAT YOU DO, FOR ME. I HAVE LIVED FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS. ALWAYS..DRIFTING FROM LIFE TO DEATH...I HAVE SET OUT AND ACCOMPLISHED MY GOALS. NOW...MERELY WAIT TILL THE WORLD GRANTS ME ANOTHER LIFE...OR NOT. I AM CURSED TO THIS NEVER ENDING SPIRAL OF DYING AND BEING REBORN. FAILING MY FATHER, BY BEING BEING TEMPTED BY HER-?" " He paused for a moment, then sighed. Suddenly the world around them began to dissipate. "THE LIGHT SHINES, AND THUS BRINGS ABOUT A NEW DAY. OUR TIME IS CONCLUDED."

"One more thing." Issei tried to get in before he woke up. "Who was the 13th? And why did that priest think I was him?" Issei figured that the bald preist was referring to this man here, through some last minute deducing. This guy's shady appearance and actions, certainly were strange. And his life was turned upside down ever since this nameless figure entered his life. Suddenly the robed man looked at Issei, and he had nothing under his hood. In fact, it just looked like a darkness was all that could be seen.

"...I WILL GIVE YOU AN ANSWER, WHEN YOU TAKE CONTROL OF MY SHADOW. FOR NOW, I WILL CONTINUE TO TEACH YOU MY POWER. BUT I LEAVE YOU WITH THIS..." He concluded as the only things left in the world were him and Issei. "WHEN YOU FIND THE LAST OF THE FALLEN, SEEK OUT THEIR LEADER, AZAZEL. HE WILL SET YOU ON THE PATH YOU SEARCH FOR.."


Morning...

"..." Issei's eyes opened slightly, feeling like his vision was blurred. The dream he had felt so real. And the man, who's face that was hidden and cloaked, was a LOT more helpful than ever before. "Gotta find the last ones." Was his first thought of the day. First thing he was going to do, was get up, have breakfast, and then get his two 'guests' together, and begin searching at once. His plan was to collect as much info as he could, then track down the demon to exact vengeance on it's damned existence. Although as the old saying goes, it's not so much the destination as so much the journey.

"Zzzzzzz...ahhhhhh...zzzzzzz..." Issei turned to see Kalawarner, who was resting blissfully in the nude on his couch. Her long, navy blue hair covering only partially her chest. Her sleeping face was very enchanting, her figure of flesh was truly a work of God. The bath robe was off to the side, evident of her taking it off during the night.

"...s-she really has no ounce of modesty.." He blushed while a drop of sweat rolled down his head. Kalawarner probably had little to no care for if he saw her naked, but he couldn't help that he might be staring a little longer than he should've. He decided to discreetly try to leave the room without disturbing her. He was on his feet and took a few silent steps before he heard her voice.

"Hey..." She suddenly spoke, which made him freeze up in surprise. Did she just wake up just now?

"Oh snap.." Issei didn't know what she was going to do now. In fact, he was at a lost on what to do as well. Should he turn around and pretend to not look at the prominent features of the slender, tall, sexy woman that was residing on his furniture? Or, just keep facing forward? Actually, the more more he thought about it, her body was already etched into his memories the moment he saw her sleeping.

...he turned.

"..where you going?" She tiredly asked, her sharp, yellow eyes, keeping him in sight. She was technically already awake, but she decided to try to go back to sleep after seeing that the sun was barely up. That's when she heard Issei starting to get up.

"Uh, nowhere..." He calmly answered.

"...(yawns).." She stretched out, and let out a tired moan. "Damn, been a while before I got some proper sleep. Thanks for lettin' me crash here, kid." Kalawarner thanked graciously.

"It's no trouble at all." Issei responded with pink cheeks. Not even a couple weeks out of the loony bin, and he was getting a full frontal from a woman. Yuka would kill him if she saw this. "Uh, where are your...clothes?" Issei reluctantly asked.

"Ah yeah, right." Kalawarner realized, and suddenly raised her arms, and in a flash of light, her maroon skirt, and matching red buttoned shirt covered her body. the shirt was unbuttoned around her chest, exposing her cleavage, and hugging her breasts. And her skirt was short, showing off a lot of her legs. To be frank, she barely left much to imagination.

"I'm...going to go see if Raynare's awake." Issei told her. He wanted to leave before he got caught staring.


"...?" Issei was upstairs at his door, and he knocked, but received no answer. He decided to open the door, seeing if she was still asleep on his bed. He opened up, but she wasn't even there. He raised his brow. "Raynare?" Issei called out. He walked over to his bed, and it had evidence of someone sleeping in it. "...where did she-?" Issei was thinking of going back into the living room to see if she was anywhere else in the house. But before he headed out, he didn't need to look any further. For the person in question was standing in the middle of the doorway, the second he turned around. "HOLY-, you scared me!" Issei was startled, and nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Mm? I was just looking around your house." Raynare shrugged. She was wearing a light pink shirt with a black collar, and some bright, blue skinny jeans.

"Oh..okay then." Issei caught his breath. "I was just checking on ya'. We need to talk with Kalawarner on what we're doing next." Issei told her.

"Kay'." Raynare nodded. Issei was about to walk past her, before Raynare blocked the door with her arm. Issei, confused at this, looked back at her. "But before that, I have to ask." Raynare said with her eyes shadowed. "Did you sleep with her?"

"...eh?" Issei was not expecting that.

"I'm not really caring about it, but for your own good, don't start a relationship with her. Her specialty is adjusting to people's tastes, and just up and leaving without a moment's notice when she gets bored of them." Raynare explained in detail.

"..what are you talking about?" Issei shook his head in confusion. "I slept on the floor like I said would. "

"...Eh?" Raynare suddenly blinked, dumbfounded.

"What's with you?" Issei wondered.

"..so you didn't have sex with her?" Raynare lowered her arm, and was sporting a surprised look.

"No!...No, why would you even think that?!" Issei was about as flabbergasted at her response, as she was at his.

"But...she was...I thought that you two...wasn't that what we talked about last night?" Raynare wanted to make sure.

"No, nothing happened." Issei said in an obvious manner. "Look, can we talk about this later, I really wanna get our search started as soon as possible." Issei wanted to move past this, but Raynare insisted on keeping him there.

"Why?...she's a very attractive woman, and she gave you the green light...isn't that your type?" Raynare was stupefied why a measly human male wouldn't jump at the chance to make love to a very attractive fallen angel.

"I..." Issei hesitated for moment. "Look, she's smokin' hot, alright? But, I can't really worry about wanting to bang someone right now, I'm literally on the clock here." He tried to counter.

"...hm." Raynare hummed and nodded.

...

...

...

"..can we go now?" Issei asked.

"Eh? Oh, right." Raynar removed her arm.

"What's wrong?" Issei asked.

"Well...as a Fallen Angel, I figured she would have had you hook, line and sinker. I guess you have more than just your base instincts going for you." She suddenly smiled.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Issei wondered and walked by.

"Nothing~!" She said happily.


"All right. We got two days left, so we're going to have to pick up the pace." Issei said as they all sat around the dinner table. Issei was kind enough to make them breakfast, and they scarfed it down like no tomorrow. After that, they began their strategy meeting. "Is there a spot where we can look for the other two?" Issei asked the two.

"Dohnaseek and Mittelt are probably trying to avoid capture right now, so they would probably pick an area around any of the churches. If the devils are actively on the hunt, then they are gonna stay hunkered down until they can get out of the city, or meet up with us." Raynare spoke up.

"I think I got an idea how we can find em'. We just need to make a signal that they can respond to." Kalawarner suggested.

"Like?" Issei asked, interested.

"Remember when we got separated? We used a flash of holy light to give the devil princess the slip. If we do that at night, in an area where they could spot it, I guarantee that one or two of them will show up to investigate." Kalawarner explained her plan.

"That's assuming that the devils didn't beat us to em'." Raynare voiced concern.

"..." Issei placed his hand on his chin. "..I think I should pay Rias Gremory another visit, just to let her know I'm making good on my promise." Issei decided.

"You're going to see her, AGAIN?!" Raynare didn't approve.

"If you go, we can't go with you." Kalawarner advised with a serious stare.

"I'll be fine. I'm the neutral party here, remember? Plus, she hasn't gone behind my back, so I think she wants this problem taken care of just as much as you do...well she wanted to kill you all, but I think she will let me take care of it, without interference." Issei sounded a bit sarcastic at the end.

"Welp, I'm just here to help you. I ain't gonna stop you if you think it's right." Kalawarner placed her hands on the back of her head and sighed.

"Just don't make anymore promises without consulting us first." Raynare reminded him.

"I got it." Issei responded in an annoyed fashion.


Later at the O.R.C...

Issei flashed in a momentary glow of black energy, and next thing he knew, he was outside the entrance to the devil's base of operations. It was a bit cloudy today, looking like a thunderhead was moving in. He was wearing brown jeans, a red t-shirt, and a zipped up black hoody over it. He took a momentary breath of air to prepare himself.

"Man, last time was a bit stressful, but I think I got a better grip on things now." Issei thought. The sun wasn't out, so he didn't feel as exposed as he normally would. It was due to the nature of his abilities. When it was bright, he felt vulnerable. When it was dark, he felt more comfortable. His senses also varied, depending on the nature of the day, and the surrounding area. But this place was strange, even for him. Maybe it was because of the fact it was the devil's base. He didn't really read to much into it, and just decided to get it over with. He headed over to the door and slowly opened it, and then made his way up the small flight of stairs.


"Lets see...1..2...3..4..5...6 doors down to the left, if I remember." Issei recalled as he walked through the dorm. He took one quick look at his surroundings to see if anyone was there. He then hesitantly held his hand up to knock. He contemplated what he was going to say, but he was better at talking in the moment than preparing a speech. Even if he said what needed to be said, he had no idea what was going to happen. He stayed his hand and was constantly debating on what he got himself into.

"What am I even doing? I just wanted to enjoy a decent school life, now angels, demons and dragons, uuuuuuuuuuuuugh!" He was wishing this was all fake. But here he was, and not a damn thing would change regardless. "Alright, stay strong Issei. You're doing good." Issei reassured himself.

(Knock, knock.)

...

He didn't receive an answer. He wondered if they were not there. Maybe they didn't hear him?

(Knock, knock.)

"...huh. No good." Issei took a step back.

"(Is someone there?)"

"Ah-yes! It's uh, Issei Hyoudou!" He awkwardly answered back to the voice of Rias.

"..(Ah, feel free to come in. The door is unlocked.)" She answered happily.

"Well, excuse me then." Issei said as he went to open the door. It swung open, and he saw the familiar gathering area. He made his way over to the couch and seated himself down. He looked all over, but he didn't see the familiar crimson hair of his upperclassman. He then heard foot steps approaching. He turned, and there she was with a tray of tea, ready to greet him.

"Welcome back, Issei." Rias kindly greeted.

"H-hi. Sorry for showing up on such short notice." Issei sheepishly scratched the back of his head.

"It's no problem whatsoever. Besides, I was hoping to get to talk to you again." She sat across from him and gently poured him a cup. "So what do I owe the pleasure?" She placed the tray on the table and seated herself down across from him.

"Well, I just came to let you know that I already have found one of the fallen angels." Issei reported.

"Mm. It wasn't difficult getting them to cooperate, I hope?" Rias poured herself a cup.

"Actually, no. They understood what was happening." Issei put his cup down. "I just got two more left. We're gonna try to find them tonight. But, uh...just letting you know I'm doing my best." He reassured.

"I have no doubts about that." Rias smiled. "Still, I must admit, I'm surprised that they would so willingly follow you. They have a notorious reputation for misleading humans." Rias offered a word caution.

"And the devils don't?" Issei suddenly said. The two locked eyes for but a moment.

"I suppose it's fair to say there are some rogue elements on our side as well, but you won't find that case with me, I assure you." She rested her teacup on the table.

"Never crossed my mind." Issei shook his head.

"Tell me more about you Issei. I am at a loss of how to view a person I know so little about. Especially if it's the wielder of the Red Dragon Emperor." She decided to pick his brain. She crossed her arms under her bust, and crossed her legs.

"Aah, I'm not really that important. I'm just a guy who's afraid of his own shadow." He said with a soft chuckle.

"While it is admirable for being humble, you to have worth as a individual, no matter what background you came from." Rias kept a smile up as they conversed.

"Well thanks, Gremory. To be honest I was a little hesitant about just randomly waltzing in on you while you were probably preoccupied." Issei confessed.

"Like I said, its not that much of a big deal. I'm just here to attend the academy like everyone else, while conducting my business here in peace. And as your upperclassmen, it is my obligation to help you with whatever you don't understand. So if there is anything you want to know, you didn't need to go so far as imposing conditions on yourself to ask a simple question." She stated with concern.

"Oh, she's good. Not only is she beautiful, she's trying to put us on an even footing as far as social status goes." Issei thought she had this charismatic air about her that just made you want to speak whatever you want without consequence. So polite, so fair, and overall a respectable senpai. But regardless, these guys were a bitter enemy to the faction he was helping out right now, so he had to at least show he was doing things of his own will.

And not acting as a middleman for the Fallen Angels. He had his own goal in mind.

"Well, I have to at least have some form of liability for this. Like I said before, I am technically working with an enemy you are still at war with." Issei reminded her. "If I can work out something where everyone can get what they want, then a little risk would help motivate me to get this problem taken care of."

"And as I said before, I would not take your life just like that. I'd much rather have you as a subordinate, and have you try to enjoy your school life here. It's not like you chose to be involved in this conflict."

"Touche." Issei scoffed.

"Have the fallen angels been treating you well? Particularly Raynare?" Rias asked suddenly.

"...for a fallen angel, I guess." He seemed a bit deflated when answering that one. "Well she stopped calling me insect." He looked away momentarily to let out a frustrated sigh.

"I'm amazed they'd go along with you so easily. You must have really left an impression on them to not try to make any sudden moves on you." Rias took one lat sip, and held onto the cup.

"I can be very persuasive if I need to." Issei stated while recalling him nearly banishing Raynare to a well of oblivion. "But I'm not getting involved any further than I need to. Once I take care of this problem and get my information, you won't need to worry about me getting any further involved in this war. I just want to be left in peace." He reminded her as he put his hands together and bent forth.

"You'll receive no interference from me, Issei. But I'm just a small fraction of the devils, and once word gets around about a human possessing one of the Longinus, it is more or less a power ripe for the taking. I can't protect you from that." Rias regrettably said.

"Let em' try." Issei scoffed. Rias was taken aback by his statement. Was he implying he had a way to combat such individuals? She knew he had one of the strongest of sacred gears, but his inexperience with it could lead to a early death.

"I trust that isn't bravado, but confidence. Forgive me for being blunt, but fighting something like an angel, a devil, or a fallen angel, is a lot more difficult than one would think. I wouldn't want you to take what you see as face value. Even individuals that look non-threatening don't bare their fangs until you least expect it." Rias pointed out.

"Oh believe me, I know." Issei recalled Raynare's deception. A frown was seen as he emptied his teacup. "I will find the last of the fallen angels. And if I don't..." Issei gently placed the cup down. "Well, I really have nothing to lose at this point." He reminded he with a blank stare.

"Don't talk like that. I promise, whatever the outcome of our deal, it will still be beneficial to you and me. I'm thankful you'd put yourself out there, knowing the consequences. So please..." She placed her hand on his with a kind stare. "Don't think you have nothing of value. Because in my eyes, you do." She smiled happily.

"...most sincere thing I've heard in a while. She's really kind." Issei was astonished at this devil's kind words. She didn't seem to be buttering him up, but her praise and the way she expressed concern for him really made him a bit more confident in himself.

From a freaking DEVIL of all things.

Issei felt like she placed something in his hand. He looked down, and it was a small card with a demonic seal on it. "What's this?" He asked curiously.

"This is a summoning card. If by any chance you want to come by, please use this at both our convenience. It will let me know you wish to meet." She explained in short detail. "And will transport you instantly to this room."

"Right. Thanks." Issei nodded and slipped the card in his pocket. "Well, I just wanted let you know what was happening, so..I guess I will be heading out now." He decided to excuse himself. He was technically still on the clock, and he spent a bit more time than he liked. But after their conversation just now, he felt a bit more at ease. He stood up and bowed gratefully, and began heading for the door.

"Good luck." Rias wished him.

"Mm. See ya." Issei smiled and left the room. Right as he did, Rias sat back and let out a sigh.

"Our little, cute underclassmen is trying his best." Akeno revealed herself from the shadows, and came out with a satisfied smile.

"Such a shame we couldn't have met him first. I don't like to push life threatening things onto anybody. But he's surprisingly resourceful. But, if he really just wants to live his life normally, who am I to say otherwise?" Rias stood up and dusted off her skirt. "I entertained the thought of starting a relationship with him...but...I can be patient. I just hope my family doesn't try to insist on moving forward with things."

"...is your marriage to lord Phoenix, truly set in stone?" Akeno frowned.

"That was something I was not present for when the decision was made. Therefor, I will not accept it as my own choice." Rias sounded a bit irritated at the thought.

"Regardless of what happens, I will still follow you Rias, till the end." Akeno assured with a friendly smile.

"That is reassuring, Akeno." She gratefully thanked.


The sun was behind a sky of grey cloud, and it looked like it might start raining. There were a few students hanging around the school, but it was more or less empty. Issei was now out of the O.R.C. building and was heading towards the school entrance to teleport back to his house, where no one would see him. As he went around the corner, he noticed someone leaning back against the wall of the entrance, like they were waiting casually waiting for someone. He went the opposite direction, and decided to find a more deserted area.

"Yo." Issei stopped dead in his tracks, and turned curiously to the person calling out out him. It was a lady leaning against the wall, wearing a black leather jacket, zipped up to just under her large bust, revealing her cleavage. She also sported dark green jeans, and wearing ankle strap sandals that were also black. Apart from being tall, slim and buxom, she had long purple hair that went down to her back, and was wearing earrings that looked like two half moons hanging off of each other. But her face...her face was identical to Kalawarner. In fact he almost mistook her for Kalawarner.

"...?" Issei faced her piercing yellow eyes that looked similar to the fallen angels. He remained silent and was wondering who this was. "I almost called out Kalawarner on her...that's not her though. She's different." Issei placed his hands in his hoody pockets and awaited an answer.

...

...

...

"Can I help you?" He decided to answer back.

"Man...a kid like you is the next Dragon Emperor? Don't get me wrong, you're adorable, but I figured you'd be a bit taller." She slowly walked over with smirk. Yep, she definitely had features identical to the recent addition to his household.

"...so what are you? Devil? Fallen Angel? Or an angel?" Issei asked, thinking it was pointless to hide it. He could tell that this was no normal encounter.

"Oh good. I like men that don't beat around the bush." She stopped a respectable distance from him. Her hands were in her jacket's pockets as she sized him up. "Well, I don't like to give the runaround either. But I was drawn here, and I thought I sensed another of my kind. But lookee' here! I snagged myself a young boy, who happens to be the Red Dragon Emperor." She chuckled. "Well, I guess a trip out in the city wasn't a waste." She walked a little closer to get a better look at him.

"Caution would be advised."

"Huh?" Issei mentally asked. First time the voice actually spoke to him normally...instead of the demented 'shadow' that he now knows of.

"This is no ordinary person. In fact, I think she might be stronger than you."

"...this chick!?" Issei's eyes widened slightly.

"Hmmmmm~? What's that look in your eyes supposed to mean?" She bent forth and had him locked in her gaze. "You look like you just saw a monster." She kept him at eye level. She more or less had the aura of a watchful bird of prey, that was just waiting to snatch him up.

"Shit, I lost composure! Should I bolt?" Issei weighed his options carefully. If he teleported now, he could probably ditch her if he kept jumping from one location to another, but what if he popped out of nowhere in a crowd? Well, she didn't make any threatening gestures, so he was probably still okay.

"Say kid, what's your name?" She eased back and asked. "Relax, I wanna keep a low profile here. I'm not here to fight you, I just wanted to talk." She tried to casually explain.

"Well for the past few days, whenever I come across a person in a deserted location, they seem to want me dead. But if you wanna break this pattern, then why don't you tell me yours?" Issei sarcastically put with a serious face.

"Alright, I see how it is." She scoffed and placed a thumb above her chest. "I'm Skreena. Juuuuust a Fallen Angel~." She let out a sigh.

"...huh?" Issei furrowed his brows. Her face seemed deflated.

"Well ya' see, I've been livin' in the human world for, oh, a while. And I decided to come down and check on things. I noticed one night you took in a couple of my kind." She revealed.

"...I did. Why? Is that a problem?" Issei asked worriedly.

"Oh, no, no, no. I was watching from afar with a good friend of mine. And during that time, she said, 'go to the Red Dragon Emperor, and you will never be bored'. And so after a tedious flight from the mountain, I landed here. I've been sittin' here, waiting for you to finish your little fling with red in there." Skreena pointed out.

"Wait..." Issei had to process this now. Now there was ANOTHER fallen angel in the devil's territory? "Hold on a minute, why are you here in devil territory?" Issei thought this was gonna get complicated if these fallen angels just kept showing up after he found one.

"Territory? Boy, I don't see their names plastered on anything here. I go wherever the fuck I please." She scoffed and made light of.

"Won't they attack you if you stick around?" Issei couldn't understand.

"No one is gonna fight me. Besides, only a few middle and high class devils are skulking around these parts. The real badasses are in the underworld." She explained. "So, no. I'm not worried about it." She shook her head. "I'd take little red's head off in SPLIT, second." She snapped her fingers with emphasis.

"Uhh...okay." Issei felt like she didn't need to add that.

"By the way, what were ya' doin' in there?" She tilted her head.

"Nothing. I was just about to head back to my house." Issei shrugged. "I'm looking for two fallen angels in the devil's territory so they'll give me some information. I already found two, and I just have two left to track down." Issei explained the situation to her. "Although its...kinda been dumb luck up until now." He scratched the back of his head. "Aaaand I only have two days left to do it."

"Hmmm." Skreena narrowed her eyes and placed a hand on her chin. After several moments went by, she decided to speak up. "Want some help?" She offered.

"You wanna help?" Issei was a bit surprised at her sudden offer.

"Well obviously not for free. I mean, don't get me wrong. I am obligated to offer my help to my fellow fallen, but you ain't a...well, point is, I scratch your back, you scratch mine." She said as she held up her hand for a moment.

"Uh...I'm not sure I should make anymore deals until I discuss this with someone." Issei recoiled slightly. He could already hear Raynare's constant scolding blistering his ears.

"Oh relax, I'm not going to drop the hammer of God on you if you fuck up. I just want one thing." She held up her index finger.

"What?"

"To tag along when it gets interesting." She smiled.

"...what would qualify as...interesting?" Issei felt a bead of sweat roll down the back of his head.

"Normally the spice of life falls into three categories. Fighting, getting laid , and jumping straight into the unknown. As long as I'm doing one of those, or a combination of all three, I'm more than happy to help." She named her terms.

"...that sounds like the complete opposite of what I wanted to happen here." Issei deadpanned. "Well, maybe she could be useful. It's not like I have any reason to refuse her help." Issei considered it, but he wasn't sure if he could trust her. "You really wanna help me?" He repeated.

"Yeah. I know a thing or two about finding a fallen angel. Just accept my terms, and we'll be on our way." She said as if it were a no brainer. It started to rain around them. Issei wasn't sure about this. But really, what was the worst thing that could happen? If she's offering help, why refuse at this point? If he could take in Raynare and Kalawarner, and still emerge unscathed, what could be the harm in associating with this one?

"If you wanna help, you're more than welcome to, but I can't really promise anything exciting will happen." Issei made sure to point out.

"Oh I'm sure something will show up eventually." She walked up to him and bent forward, close to his ear. "I guarantee it." She whispered.

"O...kay? Well, how we gonna find em'?" Issei decided to see if her help would be the real deal.

"A Fallen angels' power are measured by the number and color of their wings. More wings means they are capable of fighting with some of the big wigs." She simplified.

"Your wings?" Issei was curious.

"Yeah. Apart from halos like a normal angel, we still retain the holy power of our former selves, which is also in our wings." She answered. "See, being fallen is just more or less an exile for us. But, I'll tell you all about it some other time. Basically, their wings leave residual holy power whenever they take flight. Kind of how like a jet leaves trails in the sky." Skreena compared. "But they're reeeeallly faint, so you gotta know what to look for." She as she began walking away. "Follow me, I'll show ya'." She jerked her head in the direction she was going.

Issei was interested in this, and followed her to a more deserted location. As they walked, Issei suddenly heard the voice speak.

"Perhaps this..fallen child of God can assist you in your endeavor."

"You're talkative all of a sudden." Issei thought it was strange why it was now talking to him normally.

"We have always talked. My shadow would just twist my speech to hurt you. It is not active right now. That was the first time in a decade we had a conversation."

"Really?" Issei sported a surprised look.

I will not speak much, but should you require my knowledge, call forth my book, and all creation that was touched by the Gods of new and old, will be readily available to you."

"How do I even do that?" Issei asked mentally.

"You needed my blade at that time, and it was in your grasp, remember? The book works in similar fashion. Just think of it as there, and open it."

"...hmm." Issei hummed aloud.

"What?" Skreena looked back.

"O-oh, nothing. Issei shrugged.

"Something on your mind?" She asked as she slowed to match pace with him.

"...a lot." Issei sighed.


Whooo...I decided to try to write longer than usual, and next thing I knew, I passed my 4k+ word minimum. Anyways, I'll be settled in about a week, and I will be able to send you guys more updates. Till then, thank you for your patience, and hopefully I'll get back to you soon!

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Laters!