A/N: Okay guys chapter 9 is finally here. Had a lot of issues with how I wanted this chapter to go so it got a few re-writes. Had to finally end it because it was getting too long. Hope you enjoy the longest chapter to date. Feel like after a couple of short chapters I owed you guys this. Plus that nasty cliffy monster I left you with last chapter. I won't do it this chapter...or will I? *Insert Maniacal Laughter*

Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool DXD. I know, I know, I can't believe it either.

Chapter 9: How Far We've Come

I can't move. I can't breathe. This can't be real.

"Y-Y-Yuuma," I stammered.

The breath was catching in my lungs as I tried to articulate something. Here she was. The woman who changed my life forever, who gave me my first date, who killed me…

"Issei… You can't be here. You're supposed to be dead," Yuuma looked like she'd seen a ghost, but I guess that's to be expected.

I don't know how much time passed as we stood there. Me, sweat dripping down my face, and her, caressed in twilight, watching one another. Finally, she moved forward, slowly as if unsure if what she was seeing was real or not. Standing and facing her was all that I had in me at that moment.

Face to face she reached out and grazed my cheek with her fingertips, "I knew I sensed someone here, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd see you again. I would have sworn I sensed an...angel."

With that last word, her face twisted into a snarl. All of the puzzle pieces finally coming together she figured out what happened, and in a rain of black feathers, I was once again in the presence of her true self. Somehow seeing that snapped me out of whatever funk I was in as I brought my own wings to face her down.

"Yuuma, or whoever you are, I am the Joker of Heaven now. You killed me, left me bleeding out on the dirt, but sadly for you it seems fate had other plans in mind. Now I can repay you the favor you once did me," my breathing was slightly heavy and I can feel my heart racing but even I find the venom in my words to sound very unlike me.

Her eyes went wild as she stared me down. Her face was a jumble of different expressions. I remember the callous, taunting, somewhat seductive mask she wore last when she cut me down and slowly she was donning it now. Obviously, she was ready to fight me, and yet something about her hesitation surprised me. That wasn't going to stop me again though. Last time I let her take my life because I thought I had nothing left to live for, but that's not true anymore.

Summoning a light into my hand I concentrated it into a katana like shape and charged her. Her reaction was instant as once more she summoned her light spear and met my blade. All of my hard work was ruined as we thrashed around the church. I could feel a surge of confidence behind me. She is obviously far more experienced than I am, but something inside me echoed in these walls. I had home court advantage and the holy ground was rejecting her very existence.

When I first started working on the church it felt hollow, lifeless even. My blood, sweat, and tears had brought life into the wood and stone. Holy energy resonated within the building and the look on her face showed that she could feel it too.

"Ya know Yuuma," I smirked at her as once more our weapons clashed in sparks of holy light, "Strangely enough even though you fallen ones can use holy light as a weapon, you are still weak to it. I don't have that problem."

Her grimace fed the ever expanding grin on my face. It was a slow thing at first, but I began to notice her weakening. I reveled in the fact that I was overpowering her. My new strength granting me utter dominance over her own. Finally, I saw the one thing that I had been looking for ever since she reappeared before me in this form...fear.

One last slash found her weapon shattered. Helplessly, and with a few less feathers she lie at my feet. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with a sense of satisfaction. To lay low the woman who once brought an end to my life filled me with a dark feeling of pleasure. That was when she did the one thing that angered me to no end. Yuuma smirked at me.

Scrunching up my face in anger I stared at her, "Have some last words for me do you?"

Looking like the cat who ate the canary she eyed me but offered no defense, "Oh, it is just so satisfying. I mean, at least I know that killing me will bring you down off your cloud. You aren't the only who has lived a life with no meaning. I just can't wait to watch you fall. It'll be a suitable way to spend my last moments."

That was when I noticed what she meant. It was subtle, but my wings were flickering. I had no doubts as to why. This feeling that had crept through every fiber of my being was a mockery of everything that I now stood for. I certainly wouldn't face punishment for slaying a fallen angel, but I was also positive that I should never derive such pleasure from it. How was it that not so long ago I was drowning in depression from almost taking a life and now here I am eager to do so.

Aghast at my own actions he stumbled back, and whilst tripping over my own feet I landed on my butt. I watched her rise again as I was still in question of my own actions. I know that it isn't wrong to slay a fallen angel, but still, how was I so blinded. I was certain that I was past all of what happened. I have an amazing life now with good friends and people who care about me, yet for some reason, the sight of her drags me back into that misery that I came from. I thought by defeating her I could rid myself of that darkness, but it seems that win or lose this battle, I still lose the war.

"I have to admit lover, you are so strong now," her words came out like silk as she licked her lips, "It makes me want you sooo bad. You haven't even shown me your sacred gear. Just how powerful are you now? Oh, how I want to feel you beat me again and again. Come on baby, stick that blade right through me, let me watch you fall as I bleed and writhe in sweet pain. After all this time you found me again and now you are literally falling for me. I'm so touched I could swoon."

I was hypnotized by the way her hands traveled over her mostly revealed body. The memory of how little that black number covered did not do it justice as the leather clung only to her most private areas. Her fingers continued to knead and caress her flesh and I was forced to swallow a lump from my throat. Again I noticed a flicker in my wings.

Why, why, why is she doing this to me? I can't understand. Does she want me to fall? What would that gain her? She would still be dead if I were to strike her down. Even now as I watch her I can feel all of the dark urges I have been suppressing. If I fall...if I fall then...Gabriel would be alone again in her misery.

SMACK

A red welt formed on my cheek. I let my hand fall to my side and shook off my confusion. I won't fall, I can't fall. No matter what happens I will never leave her alone again. Looking at Yuuma once more her hands came to a halt and she lost her arrogant expression as she looked like she was trying to absorb the reason behind my actions.

Calmly I took her in, "Yuuma, I don't really know what's going on with you, but it doesn't matter. I know now that as I currently I am, I cannot defeat you. Not without losing what is most precious to me. Just know that whatever it is you are doing, whatever is going on, I will stop you."

In a flash of light, I disappeared once more to heaven, but I'd almost swear as I did so I heard her voice. Not the voice of the wicked fallen angel. The voice of her human mask that she wore to deceive and confuse me. The same disguise she wore when she came to the church.

"Oh, Issei."

FIRST HEAVEN

A blonde woman appeared on the scene in first heaven and all soon bowed in respect. All she had time for was a polite wave as she rushed forward. To say some faces were shocked would be an understatement. None had hardly ever seen the Lady in a hurry, much less anything but the picture of hospitality and welcome. Yet, on this day, she simply rushed past all around her barely acknowledging their presence.

Breaking through the doors of the House of Hearts she came face to face with her Queen, "How is he?"

"He's...okay I guess," was about all Griselda could manage as she took in the countenance and behavior of her Lady, "I haven't gotten much out of him. I can tell you for certain that he was in a fight."

Worry swept Gabriel's face, "Oh no, is he hurt? Should I fetch someone to treat him."

Gabriel was faced with a solemn shake of Griselda's head, "No, he seems to be physically okay. It would seem that he actually did quite well in the battle itself. No the fight he lost seems to be within himself."

No often did Gabriel find herself at a loss but for once she was simply forced to wait for her Queen to expand upon what she had said.

With a soft sigh, Griselda continued, "No the problem seems to be who he fought."

Faces flashed through the mind of the Seraph. Even in the small of amount of time he'd been an angel he'd certainly been making a splash. Host of the Welsh Dragon, defending the little sister of the Maou, and even winning a duel in the underworld against a high-class devil; the immortal phoenix no less. Still flashing through all of the potential people who might seek him out for a fight, none she could think of could phase him. It was as if the person who fought him meant a great deal to him, like his mother, or herself perhaps, someone who he loved or loved him… or perhaps, only pretended to.

The dark realization played along her features, "You don't mean?"

Griselda nodded, "The fallen angel who killed him."

If you had told Griselda that Gabriel was racing all of heaven to get to Issei's room, she'd have probably told you that sounded too slow in comparison. It had been a slow thing at first, but she had watched her beloved King change. For the better or worse she wasn't sure, but it was certain that she had changed. She knew it was selfish, but in that moment, Griselda couldn't help but wonder if it had been her that was suffering if her King would come rushing to her aide like that.

ISSEI'S ROOM

It isn't good to dwell on things, I know that, but something about how fighting with her felt still bothers me. No, that's not the problem. If it was just fighting her that was the problem, he could learn to get past it. The truth was that just seeing her, had sent my heart into a marathon of complex feelings. It forced me to remember what she had once meant to me. That school uniform, those eyes, the simple sound of my name on her lips was almost too much to bear.

She was the first one, the first person to get past my defenses and make me feel saved from all of my misery. Then she had taken that feeling, that special trust, I had given everything to her when I had nothing left. Mom had been hospitalized with severe injuries, my best friend and I were on the outs, and I was being alienated from my club which was my last safe haven. At my weakest moment, she had lifted me up only to destroy me.

How can I have two profoundly different feelings for the same person? It was as though her human mask and her fallen angel self-were two different people. If only Yuuma Amano and that fallen angel weren't the same person. The worst part, I think, is that even when she takes her true form I can still see the girl who I cared so much for. Was this love? Maybe not the right kind of love, but I would be hard-pressed to say that part of me didn't love her. After all, at the time, it didn't feel like she was killing me. It felt like she was releasing me from all of the hardships and burdens of my life.

A deep sigh passed through my lips as I sat there. Leaning back on golden sheets I relaxed my head in my laced fingers atop pillows of white as I crossed my legs. I can't keep dwelling on this. Looking around myself I took in the books on my table and thought of the hours I'd spent learning about being an angel. I saw my standing wardrobe with one door hanging ajar and my robes that peaked out through the opening and was reminded of how when I was fitted for them. Scanning my room I recalled the many times I spent with Gabriel as she educated me on what life would be like for me now, and how close we have grown since then.

I don't have to dwell on that feeling anymore. I have something better than that now. Whatever Yuuma gave me wasn't real, but this feeling that I have now. This life that Gabriel gave me, it was truly a wondrous thing. This new feeling welling up in me, it was undoubtedly-

It was then that the doors of my room burst open, "Well, speak of the d… angel."

"Issei I," it was easy to see how flustered Gabriel was as she caught her breath," I heard what happened. Are you okay?"

I couldn't help but smile. This is where I belong, and all because of the woman standing before me. I wasn't going to be alone anymore, maybe never again, and that thought brought a warmth surging to my chest.

It seemed in that moment that Gabriel recovered a bit and realized what she had done. She dawned a beautiful pink flush to her cheeks and backed out of the room just a bit. She looked so nervous and cute. I had to force myself not to laugh as she reached out and knocked on my still wide open door.

"Issei, may I come in?"

My slight grin turned into a full-blown smirk as her face hid behind her hair. It was obvious how nervous she was. I've never seen her this way. I know how concerned she must be to have barged in the way she did. Now here she was, a great Seraph of heaven, standing bashfully in my doorway full of concern for my well being.

I didn't verbally answer her. Instead, I stood and held my arms wide open. Gabriel is more honest with her feelings than any person I've ever met. I'm not sure how to describe her next movement. She somehow ran, stumble, fell into my arms and yet as clumsy as it sounds she somehow did it with effortless grace.

It's hard to comfort someone who has two inches on you, especially when they're trying to comfort you. I ran a hand through her cascading locks of shimmering gold. All the while my face was drawn to her chest. Now, I can't say I didn't enjoy being here. I can say that it wasn't exactly the type of feeling I was supposed to be feeling as I felt a blush crawl across my face.

I've reached my limit, "Umm, Gabriel, not that I don't enjoy this and all, but I can't breathe."

She managed something between a gasp and giggle as she released me, "Apologies, and I'm sorry for coming in so suddenly. I heard who it was you came into contact with and was worried. Do you wish to speak of it?"

"Sure," I answered as I sat back on the bed.

Gabriel proceeded to sit at the foot of the bed and patted her lap, beckoning me to lay my head down. As embarrassing as it was, this was still quickly becoming my favorite place in the world. Somehow, lying in her lap, every problem I had seemed to be a million miles away. As she looked down I would get showered with hair that tickled my face like silk sunlight.

"Whenever you feel ready," she softly whispered her encouragement.

With a deep breath, I regaled her with the events of my day. I told her how I'd been fixing up the church I was sure would still get no use, but how it had made me feel whole in a strange way. I also told her the wreckage that was now left behind after my fight with Yuuma. I left nothing out when it came to my feelings and emptied all of them into her ears. I even told her about the moments when my wings flickered.

I could feel the guilt etched on my face as I described how I had lost myself in my anger, and then again in lust. As always she never gave me the look I was expecting. Instead of pity, I got sympathy, instead of anger, I got understanding. Somehow it reminded me of what Michael had said to me, perhaps I simply expected too much of myself.

I couldn't help but be a little frustrated that even after almost falling she refused to admonish me, "Why can't you just be mad? Scold me, punish me, hit me, something please."

"Quite the masochistic side you have, don't you," she giggled at me with a mischievous grin, "No, Issei, I won't scold you. You haven't done anything wrong, have you?"

"Well yes… no… I mean… I guess not, but I still feel like I've done something wrong. My wings flashed and everything," I realize I'm basically whining now.

Gently Gabriel reached down and put her hand over my eyes, "What do you want right now?"

"What do you mean?" I asked.

I couldn't see her face but I knew she was smirking at me, "Right now, with my hand on your eyes, what do you want?"

I stopped and considered what she was asking and the answer she was looking for, "Well I guess I'd like it if you'd move your hand so that I could see."

She proceeded to remove her hand only to prove me right. Her grin was ear to ear. My focus on her smile caused me to miss her moving her hand down and pinching my arm.

"Ouch!"

"And now what do you want?" she asked again.

Rubbing my arm I answered somewhat indignantly, "I'd really like it if you wouldn't do that again."

She nodded down at me. Apparently, I had sufficiently made her point for her. I consider myself to be a little quicker than most but I had no idea what she was getting at. She must have figured that out as she began to laugh softly and stroke my head again.

"We all want things at different time and we are rarely capable of controlling those wants," she explained, "Angels are no more or less victim to that than anyone. Wants are rarely even choices we make. For whatever reason, conscious or subconscious we want them. So try not to judge yourself too harshly. Now that you have experienced this you are more prepared to control yourself next time. As always I have the utmost faith in you my Issei."

I couldn't help but be filled with warmth at that, warmth and a little curiosity, "If you don't mind me asking Gabriel, what kind of wants do you have?"

"Oh, I want all sorts of things. I want people to live good lives and resist temptation. I want for things like hunger and suffering to not exist. I also want you to become strong and live for a long time," she winked at me then, "and selfishly, sometimes when you go back to Japan I want you to be back here. You just don't know how I suffer without my precious Issei here with me."

The blush on my face couldn't have been much brighter. Despite the fact that she had been a tad on the dramatic side I knew she wasn't lying about how she felt. I had a feeling that despite how many centuries I lived as an angel, things between her and I would never change. That filled me with a sense of comfort that I thought I'd never know.

We proceeded to stay like that for a while, but the conversation took a much lighter turn. Gabriel told me about the goings on in heaven. I told her about my week at school. She would laugh at some of the hi-jinks and shenanigans of some of my fellow students. A couple of the tales that I told her about the perverted duo left her in a fit of giggles, with the occasional 'oh my' as I would recant everything from there latest scandal to the beating that immediately followed. I enjoyed listening to her talk about just about anything. From the story about the angel who apparently transported into sixth heaven during a meeting between the Four Seraphim while sleepwalking apparently, to this day no one could figure that out, all the way to the story about the other Joker of Heaven Dulio who had put some pink dye in the wash with some of Griselda's robes. Apparently, he was acting true to the name. Griselda had apparently caught up to him in first after hours of chasing in First Heaven. A few angels who had been patrolling in Third Heaven had apparently heard his screams.

After taking some time to calm myself Gabriel informed me that we needed to go to Sixth Heaven and report what happened to Michael. I told him the same thing I told Gabriel. He listened quietly as I explained about Yuuma, the fight, my feelings, and even my wings flashing. Just as Gabriel had done he understood and didn't judge. Seriously, angels are just too nice sometimes.

"Well, I'm sure my sister has spoken to you about this so I won't go into it. I would like to say that I'm glad you are still with us. Now, in regards to the fallen angel, it would seem they are setting up a base of sorts in Kuoh. Fallen angels are quite known for using run down churches and things of that nature. It would seem that they intend to turn your little reclamation project and into theirs. I'm not sure if they will stay there now that an angel has been spotted there. Regardless your first matter of business will be to report this to Ladies Gremory and Sitri. This is, after all, their territory and all business related to the other factions must be reported to them. I would suggest if it as I suspect and they have not informed the devils of their presence then you might be able to team up with the devils to get rid of them," Lord Michael concluded.

As he said it though I couldn't help but ask, "Lord Michael, I've just got to ask. You know that I have no problem with the devils after all one of them is my best friend. It's just..."

"It's just as angels you are unsure if it alright if we associate with or seek aid from them," Lord Michael finished for me and I nodded, "I understand. Once upon a time, such a thing would have been unthinkable, but now things are different. We hope to create a peaceful coexistence between the three factions."

Somehow hearing him say that put me at ease a little, but did raise one more question, "Even the fallen angels?"

He looked stern yet understanding, "Yes Issei, even them. I understand your harsh history with one of their members, but please do not condemn all for the actions of the few, or in this case the one. Forgiveness, it is a powerful thing, it may not come easy, but believe me when I say that anger and resentment will hurt you more than those who you harbor such feelings against. I suggest you find someone who has done you a lesser wrong and try to forgive them, you will be surprised at how freeing it can be I'm sure."

I smiled a somewhat toothy embarrassed smile at him whilst rubbing the back of my head, "Thank you, my Lord and Lady, I'll go now and think on your words. I shall also report said events to Lady Gremory."

"Very well," I heard Lord Michael say as I disappeared in a flash of light.

Little did I know I was still the subject of discussion, "Michael."

"Yes, sister."

"Have you considered my request," Gabriel asked.

He looked at his sister with amusement, "Yes my dear sister. I will say that I did not expect such a request from you. Young Issei must be quite something indeed."

Not one to take teasing from her brother she playfully slapped his arm, "Ohhh, quit picking on me and tell me."

Michael could only laugh as he replied, "Well, you know who, isn't very fond of the idea. You had to know she would raise a fuss though. Lord Sirzechs and I will find some middle ground though, have no fear. Give me just a few more weeks and I think we'll have everything in line for you."

"Very well," Gabriel relented.

Kuoh Town- Old School Building

It was late when I got back but I could still feel a demonic presence within the old school building so I figured either Rias or one of her peerage must be there. I figured my first piece of business should be to report things to her. It was just like a devil to use a creepy old building like as a home base. Or at least it seemed creepy now that it was pitch black out. Yes, I'm very aware that I'm being ridiculous.

Approaching the door I could hear someone humming and something else in the background. Whatever the other sound was I couldn't focus because I was too entranced by the melodic voice. It didn't seem demonic by any means, but I was none the less drawn to it.

"Who is that," I thought aloud.

Opening the door I was met with the beautiful Rias Gremory. Her crimson hair fell gracefully down her back as she stood in the moonlight. She was alone in the room, it must have been her that was making that lovely sound.

"Ria-" I began while fulling taking stock of the situation and my voice caught in my throat.

"Who goes there," she shouted while whipping her form towards me creating a demonic circle with one hand, "Oh Issei!"

Her excitement at seeing me soon met with a light dusting on her cheeks. Her light dusting, however, was my blood red mask. Even as she abandoned her attack I stood frozen, my voice breaking every time I tried to form my thoughts into words.

"N-n-n-naked!" I finally said as I whipped around, "I'm so sorry! I was just coming here to tell you...something. I am so sorry, please, believe me, I didn't know."

I thought I was already embarrassed with thoughts of ivory skin and soft pink...nevermind. I soon realized I didn't know what embarrassed was when I felt two large objects squish into my back and her still bare arms wrap around my torso. I am no pervert, but even I couldn't deny the line of blood now leaking from my nose.

Everything else fell quiet as I felt her hot breath on my ear, "Ya know Issei if you reeeeally wanted to see me naked so bad you could have just asked. I do owe you for what you did for me with Raiser."

I replied with the most intelligent and articulate thing that came to mind, "I-I-I-I-I."

Once more I heard her voice in my ear, "Oh theirs no need to be shy Issei. You may be an angel, but you are still a teenage boy. It's only natural that you would want to see what secrets we women hide underneath our clothes."

She paused a moment before continuing in a much more seductive tone.

"Did you like what you saw Issei?"

I had to be honest, which left me nodding vigorously.

"Do you want to look again?"

I was about to nod, but then I thought better of it and shook my head. Gabriel may have been right about our wants, but this was definitely a situation where I had a choice.

"Oh, what would one more little peak hurt? As long as you don't lust after me there won't be a problem. Just think good, pure, and clean thoughts," she said as she took my head in her hands and slowly began to turn it towards her and stepped away slightly.

I would like to say I resisted her. I would like to say I did my best. I can't. However, what I can say is that I did what any decent man would do. I kept my eyes closed and didn't peek, not even a little bit.

"If you don't open your eyes I'm gonna start thinking you don't like how I look Issei. You don't want to hurt my feelings do you," she whimpered.

Here I was. Stuck between a rock and a… a uhhh… two very soft and squishy places by the feeling that had until just recently been pressed against my back. Like any decent man, I couldn't make her feel bad just because I'm a little shy right? Slowly I began to open my eyes. After a moment that seemed to stretch for hours I was finally met with her form once more. It was…covered in her school uniform.

Rias began to laugh uncontrollably, "Oh Issei, you should see your face. *deep breath* I'm sorry, but I couldn't help myself. It's not every day I get to tease an angel."

I forced myself to look as disgruntled as possible, "Well if you've had your fun I'll be going now."

"Hold on Issei," Rias stopped me with a hand on my shoulder, "I really am sorry. Forgive me, please. Didn't you have something you needed to ask me."

I decided to let it go seeing as how I'm not really that angry, "Fine, I guess I sorta had that coming. I didn't mean to barge in. I was just coming to tell you that the fallen angel that killed me is still hanging around town and Lord Michael believes they might be setting down here for something. Then I heard this beautiful sound coming from in here and so I didn't think to knock."

Her face was filled with anger when I spoke of the fallen angel but by the time I finished talked a blush once more filled her cheeks. Her shoulders seemed to drop slightly and she began to fiddle with her hands as she turned a bit and looked down. Was Rias feeling shy?

"Did you really think my voice sounded beautiful," she asked. Is that really all she heard me say?

I felt unusually good about myself for making her feel this way, "Well yeah. I mean, I hear literal choirs in heaven on a regular basis and that still has to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard."

She somehow seemed to shrink into herself slightly, "Th-thanks I-Issei. That was a song my mother used to sing to me when I was a child. I love it so much that sometimes when I'm alone at night I sing it to myself. If you'd like I can sing it for you."

I gave her my best million watt smile, "I would love that."

I proceeded to have a seat on the couch. Rias seemed to think for a moment. I guess she was battling her embarrassment. Eventually, she walked towards the window and turned towards me, silhouetting her in moonlight. Rias always looked regal and beautiful, but standing there, bathed in the soft light of the moon, she looked divine. I watched as she clasped her hands in front of her chest and took a deep breath before she began.

(I'm going to put the words in here, but the song I decided on is Melodies of Life from Final Fantasy 9. You should listen for the full effect.)

Alone for a while, I've been searching through the dark
For traces of the love you left inside my lonely heart
To weave by picking up the pieces that remain
Melodies of life-love's lost refrain

Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why
We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye
And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?
Let them ring out loud till they unfold

In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me
Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying birds

Forever and beyond

So far and away, see the birds as it flies by
Gliding through the shadows of the clouds up in the sky
I've laid my memories and dreams upon those wings
Leave them now and see what tomorrow brings

In your dearest memories, do you remember loving me?
Was it fate that brought us close and now leaves me behind?

A voice from the past, joining yours and mine
Adding up the layers of harmony
And so it goes, on and on
Melodies of life,
To the sky beyond the flying bird

Forever and beyond

If I should leave this lonely world behind
Your voice will still remember our melody
Now I know we'll carry on
Melodies of life
Come circle round and grow deep in our hearts
As long as we remember

(End song)

As the song came to a close I released a breath I didn't know I was holding, "Wow."

She looked at me, "You really liked it?"

"Rias," I spoke softly, "I know I said before that the sound was beautiful, but that word just doesn't do it justice. Rias what I heard just now wasn't a song at all. It was the melody of a lonely heart. It was almost haunting in how it flowed through me. Never has anything I've heard ever come close to that. I don't want to sound dramatic or anything, but if you singing that song was the last thing I ever heard then I would consider myself lucky."

She walked towards me and I stood to meet her, "Thank you Issei. You are truly the sweetest guy I've ever met."

I shook my head, "I was only telling you how I really felt, no flattery intended."

She drew so close that there was barely a breath between where her body ended and mine began, "I used to just sing that song ya know. I have always enjoyed it, but it used to be just words. A special song that my mother sang, but ever since that night at my engagement party when you saved me I finally understand. I know what the words mean because that's how I feel about you. I meant what I said that night Issei. I don't care if you're an angel and I'm a devil. My feelings for you are just as real if not more so. I love you Issei."

"Rias I..." honestly I don't know what to say, but maybe sometimes words just aren't necessary.

Her face drew closer to mine as I felt her take my hands gently in hers. Her palms were sweating slightly. She must be just as nervous as I feel. I watched as her eyes closed and knew what came next. I don't know what to do, or how deeply my feelings for her go, but I felt my eyes begin to close as well.

Her breath caressed my lips, "Issei."

That's when the doors to the room opened, "Rias, I thought that was you I heard."

Akeno and Kiba entered the room. The glint in Akeno's eyes said she understood what was going on all too well.

"Ara, ara, are we interrupting something," Akeno teased in a slightly more devious tone.

I immediately jumped back from Rias which sent me sitting back down on the couch waving my hands violently in the air, "Yes, I mean no, I mean I was just giving Rias a report on some fallen angel activity in the area."

A Cheshire grin passed Akeno's lips, "A very oral report it would seem."

Both Rias and I had the shame to blush and turn away.

Rias however recovered before I could, "Yes, well, what did you need Akeno?"

"Nothing that couldn't have waited another five minutes," Akeno snickered, "No, I just had our numbers for contracts this month. Please, don't mind me. Why don't you two carry on?"

Kiba had the decency to look away and pretend he didn't know what was going on. I was blushing furiously and unable to form sentences, and Rias was getting flustered.

"Akeno!" Rias squeaked, "That kind of thing is private. I'm so sorry Issei."

Akeno then turned to face me before walking to me with a slow and heavy sway to her hips, "Is that so? Then can I kiss him now? He is so very cute."

With my mouth, apparently catching flies, Akeno was forced to stop short by a few feet when the remaining floorboards between the two of us exploded in a red and black blast. My eyes immediately shot in the direction the blast came from to see Rias. Her form was surrounded by the same energy and her hair and clothing seemed to be blown this way and that way by a wind I couldn't see. Her face, however, did not share the same humor that Akeno's did.

"Don't you think you've taken your joke a bit to far Akeno?" Rias asked somewhat viciously.

"Oh my, Rias, such a dramatic reaction from such a simple thing," Akeno laughed almost manically with lightning crackling around her, "I think you should learn to share."

Rias seemed to almost snarl at the thought, "There are some things that I won't even share, even with you Akeno. Now back off!"

Akeno continued her cackle as the lightning increased, "I can't do that Rias. Now more than even I want to dote on my adorable underclassmen. It's my job as his senior after all."

Rias looked furious as she shot another blast of demonic energy at Akeno who stopped it with a magic shield. Akeno then returned fire with her own thunderbolt. I quickly found myself in the middle of a war between devils. I was certain I was about to meet my end until I felt a hand on my shoulder jerk me over the couch and drag me quickly to the door.

"I'll be borrowing Issei for a moment President," Kiba shouted and then we ran out the doors.

"What!?" was the last thing either of us heard before the explosions continued.

When we finally reached outside we were huffing a bit, "Thanks, bro. I didn't think I was going to live through that."

He looked at me with that famous princely grin he was so popular for, "No worries Issei. That is how one should treat a friend."

From his words, I could tell he still felt a little guilty about what happened to me, "Look Kiba, everything is okay. We're still best friends and that won't change. Things happened that neither one of us could predict. I know you really wanted to help me, and I appreciate that. Just quit letting it eat you up inside."

His grin widened now and it seemed less 'Prince of Kuoh' and more Kiba now. I could tell he was still hurting but what I said go through to him. He put both hands on my shoulders and nodded. Taking a deep breath he sighed and visibly relaxed.

"I know you've said it before and I'm sure that I'm making too much of this, but can I just hear you say it one time. I need to hear that you forgive me," Kiba asked, which stopped me when I realizedKiba had never really wanted anything from me, even his attempts to bring me to the ORC were for me and Rias' benefit.

"Sure buddy," I smiled at him, "I forgive you."

Instantly my boosted gear wings, as well as my angel wings, shot out and Kiba was covered in a red, green, and golden light.

ABSOLUTION!

The sound echoed through the night. The light was so brilliant that I almost had to cover my eyes and I saw Akeno and Rias come running out.

"What's going on?" Rias asked me.

I hated what I was about to say, "I don't really know. I wasn't really trying to do anything and this power I have just activated when I forgave Kiba for what happened to me."

Rias looked worried, "What does your power do?"

I shook my head and looked at Kiba, "Not I nor Michael himself knows that. It is literally a gift from God."

The three of us stared on as the light slowly dissipated. We found Kiba standing there just as he was looking no different than before.

"Kiba," I asked slowly, "Are you okay?"

He looked at us and then himself. He flipped his arms and looked behind himself. He seemed unsure himself. Then he extended his devil wings which looked remarkably the same. I actually released my breath at that afraid of what that could have done to him being a devil.

"I'm not sure what just happened," he replied hesitantly, "but honestly I feel great. I haven't felt this good in a long time, like some kind of weight I've been carrying is gone now."

Then I caught Kiba looking at me and gawking a bit. Akeno and Rias seemed to follow his gaze and both took on surprised expressions. Okay, first him and now me, what was going on?

"Uhh yes? Is my halo on straight," my words laced with a little self-concern.

"Issei," Rias spoke out and I turned to face her, "How many sets of angel wings did you have again?"

"Just the two w-" I didn't finish my sentence as I finally saw what they were gawking at.

Instead of my two sets, I now possessed three sets of angel wings. All six white with the gold lining, and the green jewels. Honestly, it left me a bit speechless, but I certainly did feel a bit stronger now. It was then that I recalled what Michael had told me. Kiba had truly been repentant for his actions.Somehow lifting the burden from me made me stronger. I guess, after all, isn't easing the burdens of others what angels are supposed to do. I'm still a little surprised it worked on a devil but still.

"Well that was informative," I said to no one and everyone.

"Do you know what happened now?" Rias asked once more.

I brought my hand to my chin in thought, "Well, it's more like I have an idea. See Kiba felt really bad about what happened. My ability Absolution apparently wipes the slate clean. Since Kiba is still a devil though I guess it only works on something the target feels truly sorry for. It looks like I gained a bit of power from using it as well."

Rias smiled, "Well, for helping my servant I thank you. As his master, it pleases me to know that he feels better. As his friend, it puts my heart at ease. Honestly, Issei, if you keep this up how will I have thank you?"

"You don't have to thank me. It's part of the job, comes with the wings and fancy halo," I joked.

Akeno grabbed Kiba and nodded towards the door, "Rias, we'll wait for you inside so why don't you come in once you say goodbye."

Kiba nodded at that, "Yes, and thank you again Issei. You are the best friend I could ever ask for and a far better angel that those who have come before you I'm sure."

The two left and I was just shaking my head at Kiba. As I turned back to Rias I remembered I had hardly told her anything about what happened with Yuuma. So I jumped right into professional mode and began to give her the full report, not that I was avoiding anything.

Her face thoughtful, she looked into the night sky, "It seems that they are plotting something. I'll report this to my brother immediately."

She paused for a moment and turned her head towards me slightly with a light smile, "He also seems quite taken with you, my brother I mean."

"Your brother? Oh, you mean," stopped talking for a moment realizing exactly who she meant, "You mean King Lucifer!?"

"Why yes, I only have one brother after all," she giggled, "He couldn't do anything for me because of his position. Let's just say though he doesn't like to see me unhappy. Honestly, I was a little afraid if things went much further and he saw how miserable I was that he would've done something drastic. He's not as bad as Lady Leviathan is when it comes to Sona, but saying he's a close second wouldn't be far from the truth."

I had to sweatdrop at that, "Wow, the Lord's of Hell are some interesting people, that's for sure."

Rias laughed again, her voice carrying almost a magical sound that made me remember that moment up in the club room, "You don't know the half of it."

My eyes drifted and I could feel my face heat up again at my thoughts when her voice brought me back to reality, "I know that we lost our little moment up there. I'm sorry, I feel like I forced that on you."

I looked at her apologetically, "No Rias, please don't apologize. Everything that happened up there meant a lot to me, and I mean ALL of it. I just don't know how I really feel right now. I don't want to take advantage of you. I feel something for you, strongly, I just really need time to sort it out. I won't go into details but there is someone else I have feelings for as well. The only time I've ever taken a girl out ended badly ya know. I just want to do this right."

Rias laughed a bit at my poor joke, "Well, that's certainly not what a girl wants to hear when she tells a guy how she feels, but I can't fault you for being honest. Thank you, Issei, but don't expect me to just give up on you either."

I slowly began to turn away when I felt her hands on my shoulders spin me back around and her lips press against mine. The kiss could've lasted two seconds or two hours, honestly, I wasn't sure. Life around me had come to a complete standstill as we kissed. Even as she backed away I stood frozen.

"That was my first kiss," Rias said touching her lips as she turned and ran into the school building.

"Mine too..."

A/N: And that's where we end things for now. Both Gabriel and Rias got a little time with Issei. Rias even snuck in and got his first kiss. Can we say scandal? How will Gabriel feel about that? I want to go ahead and make this an official thing so I can't go back on it, Rias will NOT be in Issei's group. I want her to keep her own team so I won't do that. The only thing I might do is take Akeno, but that again is a big maybe.

Man that was a big chapter for me. I'm just over eight thousand words. So what did everybody think? Issei wasn't having an 'oh poor pitiful me' moment here. He was just honestly a little scared of falling. He enjoyed taking revenge against the woman who killed him. He couldn't deny his attraction to her as she attempted to seduce him a bit. Just what is her deal? I've never really understood her. Don't worry before Issei puts an end to the fallen angel you will find out, and put an end to her he will.

We also revealed Absolution for the first time. I wanted to reveal one of the tricks to it. I had actually planned on having Issei go to see his dad in jail and try use Absolution on him. That idea stemmed from where I had Gabriel tell Issei to think about forgiveness, but as per usual, my story evolved once again. I thought about making it work or not since his dad wouldn't be sorry, in the end, I just scrapped the whole idea and went with Kiba. I feel like forgiveness can't be forced on people ya know. If he's not sorry he can't receive it. Issei could still forgive him, but that wouldn't have activated Absolution.

PS- Please don't hate on that song. I love it. I love Final Fantasy 9 and if you hate it that would break my heart.