Sacred Gear: Heavenly Crown

by RavenDusk

The first inheritor of the Sacred Gear: Heavenly Crown, Issei Hyoudou. When the God from the Bible disappeared during the battle against the Heavenly Dragons, it wasn't due to his death, but because he sealed himself away. No one had ever awakened the Heavenly ruler until Issei, so, the question stands. What will he do with the power of the Almighty One and how will the world react

10. One-Thousand Suns

A/N: So, this happened. The arc finale. This is long. Like, very long. I could have split it up, but 10 chapters seems to be the perfect number to wrap up an arc. Please enjoy and I will bring up a few of my thoughts at another author's note at the end. For now, please enjoy the inspiratory quote that I named this chapter after.

"If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst at once into the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One... I am become death, shatterer of worlds." ~ J. Robert Oppenheimer's translation of the Sanskrit in the Bhagavad-Gita

---

Two girls were walking side-by-side down the streets of Kuoh. They each wore white church robes covering their whole bodies and exuded a holy aura. One of them had chestnut-colored hair tied into twin tails, while the other had blue hair with a green fringe and carried a massive object on her back covered in white wrappings.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Of course it is!" she said confidently.

"It's been nine years. You really believe he still remembers you?"

"Yep! Look, see? Here we are. He gave it to me before I left."

"That still doesn't mean he'll remember you."

"Oh~, don't worry so much, Xenovia! I'm sure he'll remember!" Irina spoke happily, approaching the door to the Hyoudou home.

"Why are we stopping here first anyway? I thought we were supposed to meet up with a contact from the church. Shouldn't we go to the church?"

"No, remember? They specifically said don't go to the church. That's why we're starting with Issei's house," she explained, ringing the doorbell.

"You just want to see him…"

"That's beside the point," she waved her off.

"Katase, you're early…" came a tired feminine voice as the door opened. "Issei's still in bed with Asia, so you'll have to wait-eh? Who are you two?"

"ISSEI'S WHAT?" Irina yelled.

"Interesting. Does that mean sex? I've been told that 'in bed with' is another way to say sex," Xenovia asked.

"It better not mean sex! Where's Issei?" Irina demanded.

"I'm sorry, would you mind telling me who you are?" Yuuma asked. "I haven't seen you before."

"Yuuma, what's with all the shouting," Issei yawned, approaching the door.

"There's two girls here to see you," Yuuma said, opening the door wider.

"Issei…" Irina glared. "Mind telling me what you're up to?"

"Oh, that's just Irina," he waved dismissively. "Now, if you don't mind I'm...going...back...IRINA?!"

"Yes, it's me! Now, what were you-EEK!" she squeaked, as Issei sprinted over and gave her a giant hug.

"IRINA!" he exclaimed happily, slightly squeezing the girl to death. "It's you! I can barely believe it! Look at you!"

"It's nice to see you too, Issei, but put me down! Or at least put more clothes on!" Irina blushed, as she was assaulted with affection from her childhood best friend and totally not crush.

"Oh, right! Sorry, I just woke up," he chuckled sheepishly, as he was wearing only boxer shorts and a sleeveless undershirt.

"I'd like you to tell me if you were having sex," Xenovia requested bluntly.

"WHAT?" Issei asked, "No! When did you-who are you?"

"Unfortunately we weren't," hummed Yuuma, as Issei continued to dramatically protest. "Can I please close the door now, master~?"

"MASTER?" Irina yelled.

"Is that a sex thing too?" Xenovia wondered.

"Alright, Yuuma, you've done enough damage for one day," Issei sighed, lifting her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Issei~," she giggled. "Put me down!"

"No. Irina and...friend...go ahead and come in. I'll deal with her and get changed and then we can do introductions. Is that ok?"

"Uh...sure…?" Irina said slowly, entering the house.

"Very well. Thank you for allowing us in," Xenovia added, not seeing anything strange with Issei carrying the young girl away who was giggling and trying to wriggle out of his grip.

"Yeah, no problem, just sit at the table," Issei called back, heading up the stairs.

Fifteen awkward minutes later, Issei, Asia, Yuuma, Irina, and Xenovia were all sitting at the table together.

"Alright, first things first," Issei started. "I'm Issei Hyoudou, Irina's childhood friend. This is Yuuma Amano-"

"Hello!" she smiled.

"-and Asia Argento."

"Um, hello!" she greeted as well, mirroring Yuuma.

"Asia Argento? As in the former Holy Maiden?" Xenovia asked, narrowing her eyes. "And heretic?"

"Yes…" Asia admitted, looking down sadly.

"Asia is a wonderful person and was wrongfully excommunicated," Issei spoke strongly, gently rubbing Asia's back. "I won't have you making her feel unwelcome in my home."

"Issei…" Asia smiled softly.

"Anyway," Irina averted the topic. "Why are you living with all these girls, Issei? And where are your parents?"

"Er," Issei chuckled awkwardly. "I kinda...sorta...blackmailed a friend to buy them a place in the next town over so I could live here by myself."

Yuuma and Asia just started giggling while Irina's jaw dropped open. "Issei! How did-what-you did WHAT?"

"Your friend is a sinner and is friends with a heretic," Xenovia said simply. "I don't see why we need his help."

"Hmm...I think I know you," Issei narrowed his eyes. "But I think it would be good for you to introduce yourself. Go ahead, wielder of Excalibur Destruction."

"How did you know that?" Xenovia demanded, standing up aggressively.

"Listen, would you lighten up a bit?" Issei sighed. "It's taking every fiber of my being to not kick you out of my home for saying things of that nature to my dear, sweet, little Asia here. Before you judge others you must look past the surface to see the true picture."

I-Issei!" Asia whined, blushing. "You don't h-have to do that! I'm fine...it doesn't bother me. I have you...and I have Yuuma...what everyone else thinks about me doesn't matter anymore. You were sent to me by the Lord, so I know he still believes in me, too!"

"You have no idea!" Yuuma giggled. "Ow~! Issei~!"

"Hush, you," Issei scolded, bopping her lightly on the head. "Anyway, if Asia says it doesn't bother her, that's fine, but please be respectful in my home. You two are my guests."

Xenovia grumbled but sat back down. "Sorry, Issei," Irina apologized.

"You did nothing wrong," he waved her off. "Are you going to introduce yourselves?"

"Right! I'm Irina Shidou! Issei's childhood friend. Nice to meet you!" Irina bowed and smiled. "And this is Xenovia Quarta, my partner."

"Hello," she nodded mutely.

"You're Griselda's ward, aren't you?" Issei asked. "Wielder of Durandal and the strongest youth exorcist of the church."

"How do you know so much about her, Issei?" Irina asked while Xenovia continued to glare at him suspiciously.

"I know about all the church prospects and hotshots. You're second only to her, Iri. I'm very proud of you," he smiled. "And that's Excalibur Mimic with you, right? Little Iri is all grown up and wielding such a powerful sword!"

"Issei!" Irina blushed. "Are you part of the church, too?"

"You could say that," Issei shrugged while Yuuma just giggled next to him.

"You two have a lot to talk about. Asia and I will make breakfast," Yuuma said. "Let's go, Asia."

"Ok!" Asia smiled, standing with her and heading to the kitchen.

"Have fun, Issei~," Yuuma teased, kissing his cheek before walking out.

"YUUMA!" Issei shouted, blushing. She just kept giggling as she walked away.

"Issei…" Irina started. "What was that?"

"That was called a kiss, Irina," Xeonvia informed her seriously. "Griselda told me about them. Apparently, they're shown as a sign of affection between lovers. I believe they're similar to sex."

"Ok...first of all…" Issei rubbed his face in annoyance. "You are way too sheltered. Secondly, I don't think that's what Iri was asking. And finally, NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO DO WITH SEX!"

"Wow...this one's different…" Yahweh commented. "Glad I'm not around to take the fall for this one."

"Get back to the point, Issei! Why are you living with two girls?" Irina demanded.

"I thought the point was how I knew about your situation with the church?" Issei asked, smirking.

"I believe he's living with girls so he can have more sex," Xenovia theorized.

"WHAT DID I JUST SAY ABOUT NOT EVERYTHING HAVING TO DO WITH SEX?"

"Just answer the question, Issei!" Irina huffed.

"Alright, alright, fine. They both have a bit of a...situation...so they're living with me. I'm under orders from Michael to protect Asia until the situation is resolved, following which I'll get to formally ask her to move in permanently. Yuuma is staying with me for the foreseeable future. That's as specific as I'd like to be for now."

"And your parents are ok with you living alone with two girls?"

"You could...say that…" Issei shivered.

{Flashback}

"So, after all of that, I convinced Michael to get you a new place!" Issei finished, having spun a tale of half-truths about why his parents' stuff was packed in a car that was preparing to depart.

"Gorou?" Miki asked.

"Yes, dear?"

"This means Issei will live here by himself with those two girls, doesn't it?"

"I think it does, dear," Gorou nodded.

"Does that mean we'll have grandchildren soon?" she asked hopefully.

"With any luck, we'll have some within the next few years!" Gorou smiled proudly. "Goodbye, son! Call us if you need anything!"

Issei just stood there in shock as the two happily drove away.

"Yay~! Now we get Issei all to ourselves!" Yuuma cheered, throwing herself on top of him.

{Flashback End}

'I still think they're way too accepting with this whole letting me live on my own thing…'

"Don't think about it too much," Yahweh waved him off. "Just be glad that you have the room now. And be especially glad that your angel magic allowed you to clean their bedroom with extra-strength acid before using it."

'Yeah...Good call on that one, Yahweh.'

"No problem."

"And why, exactly, did she kiss you?" Irina asked again.

"That sounds like a question for her…" Issei deadpanned. "Now, as much as I find your jealousy amusing and adorable-"

"I'M NOT JEALOUS!" Irina blushed heavily.

"Shouldn't we be getting to the point?"

"Exactly," Xenovia nodded. "How do you know so much about me?"

"Who gave you your mission? Do you guys really not know why you're here?" Issei asked.

"Wait, how did you know we're on a mission, Issei?" Irina wondered.

"Ok, I see the problem here. You two are looking for a contact to help deal with the problem with the Excalibur, but you weren't told who the contact was or where he was going to be because the church is full of idiots-"

"How dare you?!" Xenovia demanded.

"So, Irina decided to visit me because she decided her childhood friend was more important than the mission. Did I get that right?"

"No, I didn't-... Yes…" Irina admitted meekly.

"Well, I am happy to see you, Iri, but the mission is important too, you know. You could have stopped by after or given me a note. Make sure you keep your priorities in order, yeah?"

"Seeing you was my priority, too, Issei!" Irina whined. "Besides...the odds of this mission's success...aren't very high…"

"There is an approximate 60% chance of survival and 20% chance of success," Xenovia said emotionlessly.

"What kind of idiots gave you those figures?" Issei asked, bewildered. "Ok, listen, you two, you'll both be fine. Yeah, it's dangerous, but you have nothing to worry about. If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm your contact."

"You're our contact?" Irina shouted, her jaw dropping open.

"I don't believe you," Xenovia spoke simply.

"Very well," Issei hummed for a moment. "How about now?"

"I-I-Issei!" Irina stuttered out, holding a single hand up and pointing at him. "Y-you have! You have wings!"

"You're…" Xenovia breathed out, eyes wide.

"Yep!" Issei replied cheerily. He was still sitting in his chair, ten sparkling, golden wings released from his back and a halo breathing holy light into the room sat above his head. "Issei Hyoudou! Ultimate-Class Angel and your direct superior for this assignment! A pleasure to see you again, Iri, and a pleasure to meet you, Xenovia."

As the shock slowly wore off, the two had vastly different reactions. Xenovia instantly took a knee and bowed her head, while Irina…

"ISSEI~! YOU'RE AN ANGEL!" she squealed, running up to him with childlike excitement. "Just look at these! They're so soft! So beautiful! There's so many of them! Just look at them all! You're amazing, Issei!"

"Irina!" Xenovia hissed. "Are you crazy?"

"What's wrong, Xenovia? I'm just...oh...OH! I AM SO SORRY!" she apologized loudly, running back to Xenovia and kneeling next to her with a bright red blush. "Please forgive me, my Lord! I never meant to do that!"

"Forgive me as well. I should not have spoken to someone such as yourself with such disrespect. I'll accept any punishment you wish," Xenovia said sternly.

"Very well," Issei nodded sagely. "As punishment for your breach of protocol and for your rudeness, your punishment shall be as follows."

"Issei~! Breakfast is ready!" Yuuma called. "Do you need another minute to finish playing with them?"

"Just a second, Yuuma!" he called back in his normal voice before switching back to his regal tone. "As punishment: You shall both be required to treat me completely normally. You are to ignore all this hierarchy, title, master and his underlings nonsense that the church teaches, and just treat me like you would anyone else. I'll give you the respect that I give my friends and that's all that should be required for you to respect me in turn. If you respect me simply because I'm an Angel, then your respect is misplaced."

"I...uh...my Lord…" Xenovia tried to come up with something to say.

"And please call me Issei," he sighed. "I really hate being called Lord. Oh! Also! I want another hug from Iri!"

"Wait, what?" Irina squealed as Issei picked her up and squeezed her.

"I missed you so much, Iri~!" he gushed. "Yuuma! You can bring the food now!"

"Coming, Issei!" she called back, bringing their breakfast in.

"Now, both of you! Let's eat!" Issei announced cheerily.

Both hesitated for a moment, Xenovia unused to ignoring protocol, and Irina trying to recover from all the affection she was getting from someone who was definitely not her childhood crush.

"Hurry up you two, or there won't be any left!" Yuuma told them, as she, Issei, and Asia began to eat.

"Right!" The premise of not getting breakfast seemed to snap them out of their stupor as they joined them at the table for food.

"So...Issei...how did...this...happen?" she asked, gesturing to his Angel features.

"Oh, left those out. My bad!" Issei chuckled, putting his wings away. "Kind of a long story."

"No, it isn't," Yahweh deadpanned. "You just don't feel like telling them about me yet."

'That is entirely true, but also entirely beside the point. Wouldn't it be more dramatic to tell them on a big stage or something? Maybe when I offer them spots in my Brave Saints deck?'

"Good point," Yahweh agreed.

"Uh...right…"

"My Lord-" Xenovia started.

"Issei," he corrected.

"Sorry, Lord Issei," she apologized. "Could you please give us the details about our mission?"

"Well, it's a step, but please omit the Lord part!" he groaned. "Anyway, here it is. As you know, three fragments of Excalibur were stolen: Transparency, Nightmare, and Rapidly. They are currently en route to Kuoh, which is the town we're in now. I've been able to deduce from some information from Michael, as well as my lovely Yuuma, that Kokabiel was the one who stole them. He intends to use them to assassinate the two devil heiresses that govern this town in order to restart the war. Now, any questions?"

"WHAT?" Irina yelled. "THAT'S NOT WHAT WE WERE TOLD AT ALL!"

"We were informed that we were to locate and retrieve the holy swords," Xenovia relayed "They told us that they could be found in this town, where a contact from the church would meet with us to aid in our search."

"So...Michael wasn't the one who told you guys? Or Gabriel?" Issei asked.

"You...you know Michael AND Gabriel?" Irina's jaw dropped in shock.

"I shoulda known... Michael isn't very good at seeing things through or giving very specific instructions. I'll talk to him about giving you two better directions," he sighed. "I swear, you'd think Michael would be better at this thing by now, but no~, he's still the same dopey-faced, grinning child he's always been."

"ISSEI! You can't talk about Lord Michael like that!" Irina protested.

"Uncle Michael? I can talk to him however I want. He totally does have a dopey face. Here, look, I'll show you a picture," Issei paused, pulling a picture up on his phone. "See? Doesn't he have the dopiest grin ever? It's always there! Always!"

"I feel like I should be insulted because we look almost exactly alike…" Yahweh deadpanned.

"I can see it in your face, Xenovia! You agree with me! Come on~, say it! Say Michael has a dopey grin!"

Xenovia blushed slightly and turned away. "I will not say such things of Lord Michael. Insulting someone of his stature is heretical at best."

"Oh, lighten up! Who do you think got my parents their house?" Issei winked.

"YOU BLACKMAILED LORD MICHAEL?" both of them yelled.

"Naughty, Issei!" Yuuma giggled.

"Back on topic!" Issei ignored them. "Yes, Michael is a very close friend of mine. Gabriel is too. As per the mission, your details weren't too far off, however, they weren't entirely accurate. The Holy Swords aren't here yet, they're coming here. You do have to retrieve them, but to do that, we'll have to fight Kokabiel and whatever underlings he brings with him. Yuuma, do you know if there were more than just you four in that church?"

"I don't think so, but Kokabiel is very strong," she thought aloud, putting a finger on her chin. "Maybe he got someone to replace Dohnaseek and me? They probably think I'm dead."

"Well, I'm very glad that you're not."

"Aww~, Issei! I'm glad I didn't kill you, too!"

"I...I really want to ask...but I feel like I'll regret it…" Irina sighed. "Also, isn't Kokabiel part of the Cadre? How can you say we have to fight Kokabiel like it's nothing?"

"He's a Fallen Angel," Issei smirked. "Hath not the potter power over the clay, to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?"

"I REMEMBER THAT ONE!" Yahweh exclaimed. "Man, the Romans! Good times, I tell ya, good times."

"I...ok...why are you quoting the bible at us, Issei?" Irina asked. "That doesn't answer my question at all."

"Oh, it does. You just haven't realized it yet. We have to get to school or we'll be late," Issei stood. "You two can...I mean...you can do whatever, I guess. I have two rules: don't destroy my house and don't go to the church. That's where the other two Fallen are. I'll make sure to let the devils know you're here so-"

"YOU'RE FRIENDS WITH DEVILS?" Irina yelled.

"How are you an angel if you're friends with those creatures?" Xenovia demanded.

"Listen, both of you," Issei sighed. "I'm sure you're both very smart, so you should be able to figure this out. The teachings from God should leave you understanding the simple things; kindness, forgiveness, love, and charity. Show me where it says that race or species should decide how much love he should receive. Show me where it tells you to judge others before you meet them. Show me who taught you that you should only show kindness to those who share your beliefs. Are we not meant to be the guiding light of the world? Nature herself has imprinted on the minds of all, the idea of God, that is to say, everyone in this world has, at their core, some essence of love."

"Well, I created nature too, so…"

'Shut it, you.' Issei smiled at the two. "Do you understand? Judging others is not for you to decide. It is through one's actions that we come to see them as friends or foes. Until then, give them not your blade, but your hand so that they may stand alongside you."

"My student is so wise!" Yahweh cried. "I'm so proud of you! You finally said something that wasn't from Sun Tzu!"

'In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity, my dear Uncle.'

"YOU JUST HAD TO RUIN IT, DIDN'T YOU?"

"I…" Irina was at a loss for words.

"Don't worry, Irina. Think on what I've said. After all, it is for you to decide what you believe in. Only follow those worthy of following. We have to get going, so I'll see you-URK!"

"Let's go, Issei!" Yuuma giggled from on top of his back.

"Must you do this every day?"

"You're comfy! And this way, I get to hug you the whole way!" Yuuma smiled.

Issei just sighed and smiled back. "Alright, Asia? You ready?"

"Oh! Y-yes! Coming, Issei!" Asia seemed startled as if she were deep in thought.

'Wonder what that was about…'

"Who knows," Yahweh yawned. "I just wish that old war-crazed crow would come attack already so you can beat him and get it over with. All this waiting is getting boring. What, does he think ending the world on a Saturday would be funny or something?"

'So help me, if he attacks us on Saturday…'

"Well, it's only Wednesday. Don't think about it too much."

{Line Break}

"So, let me get this straight," Rias rubbed the bridge of her nose as she looked past her desk at a rather...unusual sight. "You've invited the Holy Maiden and an Angel who works under you to come to the meeting with Sirzechs and Serafall? AND you invited two exorcists to stay with you? In our territory?"

"Close," Issei corrected. "I didn't invite them. Michael wanted me to have some backup. One is a childhood friend of mine, so they're staying with me for the time being. They won't bother you as long as you don't do anything to hurt them."

"Ok...and...this?" Rias gestured to him as he sat on the couch. Yuuma was draped over one side, Katase claimed the other, while Asia timidly sat nearby, clearly wanting more attention.

"I gave up trying to get them off me a long time ago," Issei sighed.

"Oh~, don't act like you don't like it, Issei," pouted Yuuma, snuggling more into him.

"Such is the life of the Angel with a harem! Such a tragedy!" Katase added.

"Right…" Rias sighed. "So, Issei, what are the exorcists doing here?"

"I coulda sworn we had this discussion…" Issei scratched his head. "Yuuma, didn't I tell Rias already?"

"No, Issei. Not that you told me at least," she shook her head.

"Right. So, essentially, both you and Sona are targets to serve as powder kegs for the next great war," Issei explained simply.

"WHAT?" she shouted. "You didn't think to tell me this sooner?!"

"Well, I did imply the possibility," he pointed out. "But no, I never confirmed it with you. My bad."

"My bad? That's it? The war could have restarted!"

"Not like telling you would have prevented it. I've been keeping an eye out. So long as you don't go wandering into dark alleyways at night outside of Kuoh, you'll be totally fine."

"That is not exactly...reassuring, Issei," Akeno mentioned. "Why exactly did you keep this a secret from us?"

"It wasn't a secret. Katase knew about it," he shrugged.

"ISSEI! WAY TO THROW ME UNDER THE BUS!" Katase pouted.

"You did the same thing to me with Michael, you don't get to complain."

"B-but I...fine…"

"Before we point any fingers at which some people may or may not have forgotten to tell you about an imminent threat to their livelihood," Issei defended. "Need I remind you that you did exactly the same thing with Katase?"

"They did what?" Katase asked curiously.

"How did you…" Rias dropped her jaw open in shock.

"Look, not that I expected you to know this, but I do have a knack for detective work. Michael usually drops cases off to Lord Raguel and then comes to me. I find it more than a little suspicious that you just so happened to resurrect Katase within ten minutes of her death to a Fallen Angel. Besides that, you said Koneko had informed you of the Fallen's existence previously, and that you'd been keeping an eye on Katase for some time, but hadn't had a real ability to go after her. My belief is that once you discovered there were Fallen in the area, who you figured out were targeting suspicious humans that may possess Sacred Gears by tailing me, you kept a closer eye on Katase. After she was killed, you swooped in and forced her to become a devil. Did I get all of that right?"

"What...RIAS? IS THAT TRUE?" Katase demanded.

"Wha-I-" Rias stuttered.

"Katase?" Issei asked. "I already told you. It's not their fault."

"But you just said-"

"I know what I said. It's still not her fault. It's mine. I allowed the Fallen Angels to continue living in this town, causing a threat to the citizens, and I did nothing about it. I knew what they were up to and didn't try to do anything about it. I should have known you were a potential Sacred Gear holder, but I chose to ignore it subconsciously because you were my friend and I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have. Rias was under no obligation to risk her life to save yours."

"No...Katase is right…" Rias admitted, looking down in shame. "It's...it's my territory...and I knew she was going to be killed...and I had time to save her…"

"RIAS!" Katase yelled.

"I should have intervened...I...I was desperate…" she said softly.

"Desperate for what, Rias?" Issei asked. "You're a strong, beautiful young devil. Why is it that you need peerage members so badly? What makes Katase so special? You had no way of knowing what she had. For all you knew, it could have been something as weak as Flicker."

"What's-" Katase tried to ask.

"It's a Utility Class Sacred Gear. It allows for instantaneous short-range teleports at a very fast speed. Sounds useful, but most high-ranking devils, angels, and fallen can do that anyway. It's not exactly that difficult."

"I'm...being forced into a marriage…" Rias admitted.

"Ah, I see," Issei closed his eyes and nodded. "So, you are going to try to fight for your freedom? Is that it?"

"Sort of. There's a clause that says if I defeat him in a Rating Game, I can get the marriage canceled. It's something my brother added to give me a chance. My parents think that because it's so hard to produce a pure-blood devil, I need to be married off to the Phenex clan and that it's my duty as a Gremory heiress to go along with it. I was supposed to have until I finished college...but Riser is pushing harder than ever. At most, I have until the end of the year. At worst? I have a month."

"Rias," Katase looked sad. "I'm sorry. I'm still mad at you for letting me die, but if you had told me that, I would have helped you."

"I...I know…" she admitted sadly. "I just...I don't want to marry Riser! He's a disgusting, vile excuse of a man!"

"Rias…" Akeno said, sympathetically.

"He's a pervert," Koneko added.

"Well, before the Satans get here, I believe I have something that will help all of us," Issei grinned. "What are the rules of outside hires fighting in the games?"

"Riser was...very against it on paper," Rias sighed. "But his pride won't let him admit it. I am allowed to hire outside help, but there are major restrictions. I have to exchange something of equal value for their assistance, which my family will not help with because they want the marriage as well, and my brother can't pay for because it falls under the nepotism clause. I'm also not allowed to have anyone who outranks me. Essentially, I can hire anyone low, mid, or high class with my own money and resources, so I can only really afford one or two low-class at most."

"Not bad on Riser's part," Issei hummed. "But not good enough. Now, if you'll allow me to comment, I'd like to say my part. Firstly, before I say anything, I want to ask you this seriously. This will sound insulting, most likely, so I apologize in advance-"

"Oh, no," Yuuma sighed. "Here he goes making girls cry again."

"-But you do understand where your parents are coming from. The devils, not unlike the other two major factions, are in a severe population decline. That's the reason for systems such as the Brave Saints and the Evil Pieces. You are a pure-blooded devil and an heiress. It is important for your culture and your existence that you marry and give birth to more pure-blood devils. Have you thought about the repercussions of not marrying him? The consequences of placing yourself above your clan and your people?"

"I have," she said strongly. "I'm not unwilling to marry and have children, but I will marry for love. I will marry who I want to and when I find the one I wish to marry. That is my decision to make, not my family's. I will not accept someone who I do not love as my husband."

"Right answer," Issei grinned. "I am a firm believer in God's principles of love, forgiveness, kindness, and charity. Marriage should be done out of love. Love is the strongest force in our world and it is my duty to help spread it across the world. I also believe that one's destiny should be in their own hands. So, I have a proposal for you."

"Really?" Rias looked hopeful for the first time in a very long time.

"Yep. You can borrow my little Yuuma and my dear Asia," he said, placing a hand on each of their heads. "As your hires. I will personally train you and your peerage, as well as boost the abilities of these two, for as long as they allow me to."

"W-wait, I-Issei!" Asia protested. "I don't know how to fight!"

"That's ok, you don't need to," he told her. "You have been graced with the power of Twilight Healing. I'll be teaching you to defend yourself as well as helping you train your Sacred Gear. Would you please do this for me, Asia?"

"W-well," she hesitated. "I...if you really want me to, then I'll do it!"

"I knew you'd come around! Thank you, I really appreciate it," Issei smiled. "So, how about that?"

"B-but why are you-" Rias tried to ask.

"Two reasons. As I told you, I believe in love and the freedom of choice. Knowing about your situation, knowing I could help, and then proceeding to not do anything about it is something I won't do. Secondly, as I told you earlier, I owe you. You saved Katase. She may be upset now that you let her die, but she'll get over it."

"Hey! Issei!" Katase complained.

"And I fully believe that it is my fault that she died, regardless of what anyone else claims. So, from my point of view, you are her savior. Thus, I am in your debt. In order to pay back part of that debt, I will free you from this marriage that you want no part in."

"You'd...you'd really do that for me?" Rias asked.

"Of course...just...please keep quiet about...well...you know…"

"Right. If it means you'll help me, I will. Having said that, you wouldn't mind explaining to me-"

Rias was cut off by a large, crimson-colored teleportation circle appearing in the middle of the clubroom. Out of it, came three people. One was a very tall man with crimson-red hair and blue-green eyes. He wore large, black, and gold shoulder guards over top of his white and blue royal garb. Next to him was a woman with long silver hair, a very stoic look in her eyes, and a maid outfit. Finally, there was a short young woman with black hair set in twin tails. Strangely enough, she wore what appeared to be a pink cosplay costume of a magical girl, something that Issei picked up on rather quickly.

"OH MY GOD! IT'S MILKY!" he exclaimed, standing up rather quickly. "THIS IS AMAZING!"

"Greetings, my na-huh?" the crimson-haired man started before catching up.

"You're a fan?" the black-haired woman asked excitedly.

"A fan? That's putting it lightly!" he ran over to her and kneeled. "Magical Girl Milky Spiral Seven, please allow me to be your knight in shining armor. The evil Lord Caramelicus may try to hurt you, but I, the Knight Andromeda, shall be at your side and protect you at all costs."

"Sir Andromeda!" she spoke regally, holding her want in the air. "I accept your offer and hereby dub thee as my knight! Sir Andromeda!"

"You truly are such a kind Magical Girl, Lady Milky!" Issei proclaimed. "Come! Let us fight Lord Caramelicus' evil minions together!"

"Rise, my knight! Let us go!" she announced and the two dramatically stood, staring off into the great world with a heroic pose, as the wind whipped their hair and the mighty waves crashed upon the shore! Well...they stared at the wall...the window was on the other side of the room...and it wasn't really the wind so much as the air conditioning...and the waves were actually caused by Asia accidentally dropping her glass of water...but it was dramatic nonetheless! "You're amazing!"

"Not nearly as amazing as you! Your costume is perfect! If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're the real one from the show! Wait, don't tell me, it is you, isn't it? Can I please get your autograph?"

"Anything for a fan of the great Magical Girl Milky!" she smiled.

"What...what just happened?" Rias asked.

"I...have no idea," Sirzechs admitted blankly.

"Issei~," Yuuma called. "We have a meeting you know! Stop gushing over her and come gush over me instead!"

"Wait a second, how is that any better?" Katase protested.

"I would like Issei to gush over me, too…" Asia whispered.

"So, you're the infamous Issei Hyoudou, is that right?" Sirzechs asked.

"Hold on a second," Issei waved him off noncommittally. "Magical Girl Milky is signing something for me! This is a dream come true!"

Yuuma started giggling as most of the rest of the devils watched on in shock.

"Did...did he…" Akeno started.

"Issei, that's the Satan Lucifer!" Yuuma giggled. "You can't just ignore him like that!"

"Milky is more important."

Yuuma just started to laugh harder as Sirzechs stood there with a bewildered look on his face.

"There! All done!" the woman declared, smiling at him. "Now, my name is Serafall Leviathan! But you can call me Levi!"

"I'll get the AED ready. Cuteness overload may be an imminent threat," Yahweh said, walking off elsewhere in his soul.

"Nice to meet you, Levi. I'm Issei Hyoudou!" he greeted, shaking her hand. "If the rest of the devils are anything like you, then I really need to visit the underworld."

"If all of Heaven is a fan of Milky, I will strongly consider peace," Serafall declared sagely.

"This meeting has really gotten away from me," Sirzechs admitted. "Ah, to hell with formalities. I'm Sirzechs Lucifer, Rias' older brother. This is my wife, Grayfia Lucifuge."

"Greetings," she nodded.

"You look a lot like Rias," Issei noted.

"Hey, Issei, do you think she's dressed like a maid because that's his fetish?" Yuuma asked.

"YUUMA!" Issei shouted, but Sirzechs laughed.

"She's our family's head maid," he explained.

"That didn't answer my question~," she teased. "Naughty Satan! What's your fetish, Issei?"

"THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!"

"Aw, come on, Issei! Tell us!" begged Katase.

"This has really gotten out of hand…" Issei sighed. "Sorry about them."

"Considering how this has gone so far, I don't think you have anything to worry about."

"Magical Girl Levi agrees that maids are Sirzechs' fetish," Serafall nodded.

"Can we please change the subject?" Rias asked meekly, clearly embarrassed about talking about what may or may not be her older brother's fetish.

"Anything my darling Rias wants!" Sirzechs declared.

'He really is a siscon…'

"A true tragedy…"

"So, what'd you guys want to meet with me for?" Issei asked, settling on the couch as Yuuma claimed her seat on his lap.

"Well, a powerful angel showed up in my sister's territory. I was rather worried, of course," Sirzechs explained, sitting across from him alongside Grayfia and Serafall.

"Ah, yeah, the whole opposing forces thing," he nodded noncommittally. "Well, who cares about all that stuff? War's dumb."

"My Issei is so wise!" Yuuma dramatically exclaimed.

"War is dumb..." Asia said to herself as if testing to see if his theory sounded correct.

"Magical Girl Levi decrees that war is dumb and is henceforth forbidden!" Serafall announced.

"Glad we're in agreement then. So, are you three gonna hang out, or…"

"Issei! They're here to talk about the potential threat to my territory!" Rias groaned in embarrassment. "Could you be any less eccentric? Just for today?"

"Alright, fine, geese. No wonder you're still single even with those looks," he mumbled.

"What was that?" she demanded, an icy look across her features.

"NOTHING!"

"I thought so."

"Right...so, mind catching us up to speed?" Sirzechs asked as the discussion began.

{Line Break}

Evening fell upon the sky and the Hyoudou household grew quiet. The now five residents, including Issei, who stayed in the master bedroom, Yuuma and Asia, who should have stayed in Issei's old bedroom but slept with Issei instead, and Irina and Xenovia who stayed in the guest room, had finished their evening meal and were settling down for the night. Issei, however, couldn't get to sleep. Something was keeping him from entering the world of dreams.

So, Issei stood on the roof under the shining light of the moon.

'Yahweh, why did you make the moon?' Issei wondered.

"Now why would you ask that, Issei?"

'It seems strange to me...this world of ours. It's an arbitrary collection of fractured bits and pieces collected and formed into the known universe.'

"And? What's wrong with that, Issei?"

'I don't think there's anything wrong with that...I just feel...connected to it all, but at the same time, isolated. It's like standing in the middle of a crowd...you're surrounded by life but somehow you still feel alone. Is that what it means to hold power? Or is that simply what it means to be alive?'

"Issei, you will never understand it all. I created it all and I could never understand it. Life in and of itself is a dichotomy, built upon opposites. That dichotomy of life is found in both man and his world. You feel isolated, yet are surrounded by love. You feel joy, yet are surrounded by sadness and suffering. It is simply something that is. It's not something to understand, Issei, it's simply the way it's become."

'I guess that makes sense…'

"Issei?" a voice called from below him.

"Asia?" he asked back, looking down at her. "What are you doing out here?"

"I...I was looking for you…" she admitted shyly. "Yuuma's still asleep...but…"

"Why don't you come up here?" he suggested softly, fluttering down to pick her up in his arms before flying back up.

"Can...can I stay here?"

"Of course," Issei smiled.

"I just...I just wanted to see you...and talk to you, I guess…" she admitted.

"What's on your mind, Asia?"

"I...I...I just feel...a little lonely, I guess...you're always...with Katase and Yuuma...I'm not jealous or anything! It's probably stupid, just forget I-"

"It's not stupid, Asia. Remember what I said? Speak your mind and I'll always listen to what you have to say," he smiled at her. "And you're right. I haven't been paying nearly enough attention to you, my adorable Asia. So, why don't we spend some time together now, eh?"

"Ok...I would...I would like that…"

And so they sat there, Asia content to simply be held by Issei, his arms wrapped around her waist as she snuggled her back into his chest. They watched the light of the moon bathe the world in light.

"Issei...can I ask you a question?"

"What is it, Asia?"

"Are you...are you lying to me?"

"What?" Issei asked, being completely caught off guard.

"You seem...I feel like you're hiding something…" she admitted. "Am I...am I not trustworthy enough?"

"No, Asia...it's not…" he sighed and just hugged her to him tighter. "It's just a very hard story to tell...because I want you to stay exactly as you are."

"What does that mean, Issei?"

"If I tell you, I'm afraid you'll think differently of me."

"I don't think that would be possible, Issei," she said softly. "You're my first friend with Yuuma...you showed me the world. We did silly things like watching those shows that you like and searching for flying blue cats. We went out into the world and you showed me things I'd never seen before! Things like hamburgers and shopping malls and arcades. I've never felt so...so warm and...and happy. As long as I can stay here...and be with you and Yuuma...I don't care what you're hiding from me. I just...I just don't think you want to hide it anymore. I think you want to tell the world what you're hiding so you can stop hiding."

"You're very astute, Asia," he chuckled, resting his chin on her shoulder gently. "And very right. I do. I want to tell the world, but I don't want the world to change. I want to be Issei. I want to be with you and Yuuma and Katase and Gabriel. I want to make friends. I want to sit on this planet of ours that we share with countless other races and I want to live knowing that I don't have to worry that the people that mean the world to me...the people I love...might not be safe without me there to protect them."

"Issei…" she started, summoning all of her courage. "Are...are you...are you God?"

Issei's jaw dropped in shock as he turned to look at her determined face. "Wh-wha-ho-w…?"

"You've always been so good to me...to everyone. You're so easy to love and to follow and to trust. Your words are wise and true. You radiate this sense of power, warmth, and safety that makes me never want to leave your side. Your wings are golden and are...softer...and so much more beautiful...than any others I could ever imagine. Yuuma's are beautiful too, but they aren't as soft or as...warm...as yours. When you give others advice...you make strange comparisons...as if you know what God would think... I thought it was just the fact that you're an angel...but something else is going on. So, am I right, Issei? Are you...are you really God?"

"WOW! She nailed it!" Yahweh commented in awe. "That's incredible! You know, if you have her spend some more time with you, and maybe train under Raguel, she'd make a fine detective. Her observational skills are impressive."

"I...I suppose...that I am...in a way," he admitted. "I'm not the original, but I'm sorry I didn't tell you…"

"What do you mean, Issei?"

"Asia...a long time ago, during the ending of the Great War, God was killed by Ddraig and Albion. With his dying breaths, he sealed them away within the Sacred Gears Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing. He also sealed his own soul into Heavenly Crown, to keep himself from permanently passing on. That Sacred Gear is mine. I am its first wielder."

"As the wielder of my soul," Yahweh spoke up. "Issei is the current God. I may have been the progenitor, but Issei has taken the throne. Let there be one ruler, one king, and that king is Issei."

"So, in a way, I am God...yet, I could never do what he's done for the world. I strive for peace but fear showing my colors to the world to lead it there. I truly am a coward who hides behind the façade of a warrior…"

"All my life...I've looked up to God...and I've dedicated myself to following Him…" Asia told him. "And I always will follow Him. To me...whether you're the first, the second, or a combination of the two, you are still Him. My light. The one I live for."

"Asia…"

"If you'll have me...I'd love to stay with you, Issei…"

"Asia...would you...would you be willing to join my deck? Become one of my Brave Saints? Fight in my name and join the ranks of the Angels in Heaven?"

"Does that mean...I could become an Angel?" she gasped. "You'd...you'd really have someone like me?"

"Better you than anyone else, Asia...I'd be honored to have you work under me," he smiled. "If you will have me...if you will accept me as my king and become my Saint...I swear I shall protect and lead you for eternity... Should you find yourself in the darkness, I'll bring you to the light. Should you find yourself lost, I'll find you again."

"I'd...I'd love to, Issei…" she smiled, with tears in her eyes.

Issei reached into his magic space and pulled a shimmering, magical playing card out from it. He gently pressed the card to the center of her chest and pressed his forehead gently against hers, softly recounting the chant. "I, Issei Hyoudou, invoke the grace of the lord, to invite thee among the ranks of Heaven. Join in singing His praises and guard the land in which He made. Become a guardian of Heaven and become my five; the Five of Crowns."

Asia closed her eyes and accepted him...accepted the holy light that began to fill her body...accepted the wash of peace that nearly overwhelmed her...accepted his gentle hold on her as she started to lose balance...and accepted the delicate kiss he gave her on her soft lips.

"Welcome, Asia Argento, to the ranks of the Angels," he murmured as she slowly drifted off to sleep.

Knowing that she still mattered...knowing she would always have a place in his heart...Asia gained confidence. She smiled more, laughed more, and spoke her mind more. She was still the same Asia; timid and shy, nervous and adorable, but she was able to blossom. But now...the prayers she sent...the ones she used to send to God hoping that he'd continue to be gracious to her, to be good to her, and to help her in her time of need, now went to Issei. She prayed for his happiness and safety. She prayed that she would stay with her in the time to come. She prayed that she would always be of use to him, whether that be in the gift she was blessed with or with her mere presence. She prayed for the sake of the God she'd always loved and would always continue to love.

{Line Break}

Friday was the day things truly began. Perhaps the most frightening thing was that they didn't know. They simply didn't know. If she was alive or dead, hurt or safe, missing or found. Fear was and always would be, Issei thought, a powerful motivator. It is easily able to set something in motion that has yet to move. After all, it is only when the pot begins to fear the watcher that the water begins to boil. A simple scouting run had turned into something that could very well claim her life if they were unable to find her.

"We've looked everywhere…" Issei collapsed on his knees onto the ground, unshed tears building in his eyes. "Where...where is she…?"

"We scoured the West side of town," Rias reported. "No sign of her."

"Asia and I searched the East and she's not there either," Yuuma added sadly, comfortingly patting Issei's shoulder.

"Issei and I searched the Southside. Nothing…" Xenovia grit her teeth. "Where? Where did she go?"

"Wait!" Rias held up a hand, a barely noticeable communications circle in her ear. "Northside, the park. About a three-minute walk from the fountain on the trail! Sona's found her!"

"Xenovia, grab on, we're going," Issei said, kneeling.

"Right," she nodded, as she hopped on his back, barely making room for his wings. "I'll meet the rest of you there."

Issei flew full speed to the location Rias described, his hair whipping in the wind as he raced to her. Rias said nothing other than she was found...but what did that mean?

Just as he alighted down, a crimson-colored magic circle appeared on the ground behind a sight he'd never wished to see...Irina...his childhood best friend...breathing faintly, covered in cuts, slices, stabs, and blood. Her clothes would have looked better had they gone through a paper shredder.

"IRINA!" he cried, kneeling next to her and moving her head to his lap. "Can you hear me? Irina? Please, answer me!"

"She's unresponsive," Sona said gravely.

"Asia!" Issei yelled, noticing she and Yuuma had come along with Rias' peerage through the portal. "Please, help her!"

"Of course, right away!" Asia raced over and immediately began healing her. "I don't know if it's enough…"

"Stay still and keep going," Issei ordered, maneuvering the two so Irina was resting on Asia and he was kneeling behind the former nun. "This is going to feel really weird, so I'm sorry about that."

"Weird...how?" she asked timidly, but trusting him and continuing to heal the prone girl.

"It's really hard to describe, just don't freak out," he instructed, placing his two hands on her back and poking and prodding at different areas. "Come on...come on...ah hah! Here!"

"What are you doing, Issei?" Yuuma asked. "Is it really the time for that?"

"Just put everything you have into healing her, Asia!" Issei ordered, grabbing her back so his thumbs were placed strategically near where her wings would be. "This should help!"

"AhHhHH AHhhHH~!" Asia made several weird noises, something along the lines of a moan, a squeak, a scream, and a shiver. "What just...wow! Amazing!"

The light of Asia's Twilight Healing had increased by a massive amount, perhaps even doubled. Irina's wounds, which were slowly closing, were now quickly sealing themselves up as color began to return to her face.,

"Stop!" he ordered, pulling her away.

"Wait! I'm not done yet!" she struggled, trying to get back to Irina.

"Asia, I flooded your body with far more power than you can handle. Besides that, it's far stronger than anything you've ever experienced before. It cut the healing time by a third but strengthened its drain on you tenfold. That's all I'm letting you do."

"But, Issei! I can still-"

"Asia!" he spoke sternly, looking her in the eyes. "You saved her life. You don't need to do any more. She'll live. Thanks to you, Irina will live to fight another day."

"Oh…" she smiled. "I'm glad."

"I guess we should take her home," Issei scratched his head.

"We could take her back to the underworld," Sona offered. "The Sitri family has very high-tech medical facilities."

"Would you really be willing to house an exorcist?" Issei looked surprised.

"I...don't exactly know why...but my sister said to help you with anything you needed…" Sona told him, with a slightly confused tone. "Do you know anything about that?

"Er...No, nothing at all! Thank you for taking care of Irina," he bowed slightly. "Please, take her quickly. She's stable and not in any real danger, but she definitely still needs medical attention. She lost a lot of blood."

"Uh...right…" Sona nodded, taking the girl and disappearing.

"So you're the little unknown that is taking out my underlings," a voice from above observed. He was clearly a Fallen Angel, his five pairs of black wings said that much. His face looked like that of an evil gremlin, grayish and with an eternal smirk etched onto it. His eyes were red with purple blotches around the outside of them and he wore a black robe with various detailed accessories. "Looks like my trap worked well."

"Kokabiel," Issei muttered, standing as his hair shadowed his eyes slightly and his fists clenched. "It was you who threatened my Yuuma. Who blackmailed her and sent fear into her heart. Who ordered the death of Katase because you were too scared about variables in your foolish excuse for a scheme."

"And you're the one who murdered Dohnaseek, though I will thank you for killing Freed. We lost the nun because of that idiot. Thankfully, it seems, you have a hold of her. No better safekeeping than an Angel, I suppose."

Asia gripped Issei's arm lightly hiding behind him.

"You!" Rias demanded. "What are you doing in my territory?"

"Oh, me? Just doing some scouting, for now, I suppose. A little insect came buzzing around with her toy," Kokabiel mused, holding up the Excalibur Mimic.

"How dare you steal that sword from her?" Xenovia demanded, drawing her own blade. "You won't leave her alive, Fallen one!"

"Stand down, Xenovia," Issei ordered, holding a hand up.

"Issei! We can't let him-"

"I said stand down," he repeated. "Kokabiel's not here to fight us yet and this area is too open. If he gets cornered, he'll just take hostages. What do you want? Come to gloat that an Ultimate-Class Fallen took down an under-qualified exorcist?"

"Tch," he scoffed. "If I cared about that, I'd have killed her. She wasn't even worth killing. I decided if I left her around here, I'd get to see who it is exactly that's been killing my underlings. And, since Raynare is here, I believe that would be you."

"Soon, Kokabiel, you'll join them. You do know that, don't you?" Issei threatened.

"Dohnaseek and Freed may be strong, but even together they don't measure up even halfway to me, boy. And don't think you'll have too much luck brainwashing or seducing me, either."

"Don't worry. I'm not into evil gremlins whose bark outshines their bite ten-to-one."

"Oh, a sharp tongue on this one? So, not that I particularly care about her, but how exactly did you convince Raynare to join your side, hm? Do you have any idea what she's done?"

"Yuuma," he corrected, grabbing her hand. "Is more than a puppet and more than a pawn. A past is just that, a past, and it has no impact on one's future. Eternal punishment for actions taken out of fear is unjust and I have taken it upon myself to ensure she receives happiness and love to replace the fear and loneliness she's felt all those years."

"Issei…" Yuuma smiled softly.

"So, Kokabiel, I ask you again. Why are you here?"

"Simple. I'm scouting my targets early. You may just be worth my time, boy. I look forward to killing you."

"Destroying the world is more fun on a Saturday, is it?" Issei scoffed.

"You read my mind," Kokabiel smirked. "I'll be taking my leave now."

"You made the first strike, Kokabiel. Do not throw the arrow which will return against you. You will be struck down."

"You can't kill me, boy, but if I am to be struck down, I won't die alone. You'd do well to remember that. I shall see you on the battlefield," he sneered before disappearing in a flash of light.

"How could you let him go?" Rias demanded.

"You heard me, didn't you?" Issei turned to look at her, a sharpness in his eyes. "We're out in the open. Kokabiel isn't like Dohnaseek or Freed. I can't just kill him with no resistance. Kokabiel and I are likely evenly matched. If we were to fight, even all of us against him, what do you think would happen? He doesn't want to fight us yet. He's not ready. He'd just take one of us or a citizen hostage. We'd be allowing one of our own to die needlessly. Kokabiel is foolish, but he isn't stupid. He wants to be inside of our heads. He wants us to be afraid of him. To have no waking moment when we aren't fearing his attack. Of course, I let him go. He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight, that is the first rule."

"I…" Rias sighed. "You're right...I'm sorry."

"Your worries are justified, Rias," he put a hand on her shoulder. "However, you must not let them cloud your judgement. That is what it means to be a leader."

"Thanks," she smiled at him. "I'll remember that."

"Issei~!" Yuuma cried, diving into his arms.

"Whoa, what is it now?" he chuckled.

"Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you."

"Of course, Yuuma. Now, let's go home." He slowly stroked her back as he turned to the rest of his coalition. "Asia. Xenovia. Let's go home."

"Coming, Issei!" Asia replied quickly.

"..." Xenovia said nothing, but followed.

{Line Break}

Today was the day, or at least, they expected it to be. It was Saturday, the day Kokabiel had off-handedly implied he would make his move. Irina was still recovering within the Sitri medical ward, but she should be cleared by the following morning. They wanted to keep her for observation to make sure that the severe loss of blood didn't do any lasting damage. That meant that not only was one of their comrades out of the fight before it had even begun, but they also had no idea of the enemy's strength. Kokabiel admitted himself that Issei might be a match for him, albeit in a rather self-assured way, so he definitely had more up his sleeve. The question was what?

That question, perhaps more than any other, kept the Hyoudou house awake throughout most of the night. Issei tried his best to comfort Xenovia, but even the ever-stoic blue-haired warrior was visibly shaken at the sight of her partner. She may have taken this mission knowing the odds of her coming back alive weren't the best, but to witness it...to witness her friend and partner covered in wounds and bleeding...lying unconscious and left to die...that's something else. Believing you're brave enough to look death in the face and then charging in anyway is different than actually doing it. It is the inherent nature of living things to live, so purposefully entering a situation that would endanger that instinct is more than a little difficult.

So they stayed and watched the clock tick away the hours until morning, Issei, Asia, and Yuuma snuggled together under their blankets; basking together in their closeness and shared safety and warmth. Until the morning came…

The four residents of the Hyoudou home had breakfast, slightly darkened rings around their eyes. They spoke lightly, each one worried about what was to come. In Issei's mind, half of him was more afraid that the attack was never coming today in the first place. That Kokabiel had dropped that convenient hint of attacking on a Saturday as a response to his taunt. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense...but Kokabiel wasn't the person to do that. He was evil, dangerous, and insane, but he was a warrior. Not in the honorable way, per se, but in the way that he wanted conflict. He wanted a challenge. Going after and killing weak targets for the sake of blood was Freed's thing and Issei made sure to wrap up that loose end before it could come back to haunt him.

The day continued...uneventfully. The Sitri peerage, the Gremory peerage, and the Hyoudou group simply sat in the Occult Research Club building and waited. And waited. And waited. But as afternoon changed to evening, their waiting was at an end. A surge of power. A tremble of the land and the building. It was here. He was here. Kokabiel's assault had begun.

"That's them," Rias announced sternly. "Sona's peerage will maintain a barrier around the school. Issei, you and your group will assist mine with meeting them head on."

"I thought you said your brother was going to help us with this? You did contact him, right?" Issei asked seriously.

"I did," Sona spoke up. "But he can't be here. Neither can my older sister."

'Well, isn't that convenient…' Issei deadpanned in his mind. "And you didn't try to say, 'this could be the difference between mass war and permanent peace?'"

"I did," she answered sharply. "And she really tried to help, but they can't yet. Permission for two Super Devils to do anything that remotely resembles military action in the human world is a long process, Issei. As we speak they should be finishing their meetings now. I'd give it roughty an hour."

"We don't have that kind of time," Issei sighed. "Rias. You lead your group. I'll lead mine. Are you ready for this?"

"I am," she said confidently.

"Good. Know you can win. Believe in your soldier. Know yourself and you will win all battles."

"Sun Tzu?" Katase, Yuuma, Asia, and Yahweh asked at the same time.

"I'm getting too predictable…" Issei mumbled as another rumble shook the ground. "Let's go!"

{Line Break}

The barrier was formed and the battlefield was set. Sides were chosen and the leaders were prepared to say their piece before the battle began.

"So I see you were telling the truth," Issei spoke first. "I didn't expect someone like you to honor such a thing."

"If you weren't prepared for me, brat, this entire farce would be a bore," Kokabiel taunted. "You're the only one that seems worth my time so I hope you last long enough to make it to me."

"You're beginning to bore me, Kokabiel," Shalba said, rather irritatedly. "Stop talking to them so much and let's kill them already."

"And you. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting such a powerful one of Kokabiel's underlings," Issei narrowed his eyes. "What exactly is a devil doing with the man trying so hard to assassinate their heiresses?"

"I'm not his underling, brat," Shalba spat back. "And it's none of your business why I fight."

"That's Shalba Beelzebub," Rias informed him. "He's a member of the Old-Satan faction, a direct descendant of the original Beelzebub. More than likely, he wants the war so he can take power from the current Demon Lords."

"Oh?" Issei mused. "That's rich. You do understand that a war-torn country is not a country worth leading, don't you?"

"Enough drabble!" Shalba snapped. "Kokabiel! Send in the first wave or I'm going in myself!"

"Tch," he scoffed. Kokabiel summoned a large magical throne and sat down in it almost boredly. "I suppose we should kick things off."

"For a self-proclaimed warrior, you don't know much about warfare. A true leader walks in front of his soldiers," Issei criticized.

"Cheeky brat!" Kokabiel snarled, snapping his fingers. "How's this for warfare?"

As the Cadre snapped his fingers, three enormous magic circles opened up on the ground. From the center one came a large, three-headed dog. It was nearly the size of Issei's house, if not bigger. From the two others, came humanoid bird creatures that Issei didn't even recognize. They were feminine in general appearance, having a more slender and curved figure, but they had midnight purple and black wings attached under their arms and reaching until they covered their breasts. They had light blue and feathered skirts and headdresses, with a slender facial structure and horns. The most terrifying part, perhaps, was the claws. On both feet and hands, they held terrifyingly sharp claws. Just by moving their hands you could see that they would easily cut through metal that was centimeters thick

"Harpies…" Rias breathed out. "And Cerberus! Kokabiel! How did you get your hands on such powerful creatures?"

"A little request there and a slight threat here," Kokabiel hummed uninterestedly. "I only thought it appropriate that my toys are well warmed up before I play with them. So, why don't you enjoy."

Shalba seemed mildly impressed at the creatures, but continued to stand stoically aside Kokabiel's throne, waiting for his opportunity to fight.

"I've never seen one of those things before, but am I correct to assume that they're speed demons of some sort?" Issei asked warily as the hellhound began to growl and step forward while the harpies simply smirked and got into attack-ready stances as well.

"That's about it. They're extremely dangerous monsters, more than a match for anyone below high-class...and Cerberus...he's almost Ultimate-Class," Rias informed him.

"Right. We'll split into three teams. Yuuma, you're with Rias and Akeno. Take out one of the harpies."

"Right!" Yuuma nodded, spreading her heavenly white wings.

'Interesting,' Kokabiel smirked, seeing her wings for the first time.

"Katase, I want you with Kiba and Xenovia. Take care of the other harpy."

"Sounds easy enough," she grinned, summoning her Kogorasu Maru.

"I shall not leave it alive," Xenovia responded, her massive broadsword held at the ready.

"Koneko, you're with me. Asia? I need you to go get Gabriel."

"What?" Asia asked, beyond confused. "I can fight too, Issei! I'm not great in combat, but-"

"We don't have all that much time!" Issei spoke quickly. "I'm aware of your capabilities and ours. We're outgunned. I can only take one of those two at once and the other could take you all on together with little to no trouble. We need Gabriel here. Go up to Heaven. I know it's your first time. Peter won't recognize you. Tell him you need Lady Gabriel, that I sent you, and that you're my 5. He won't believe you and he'll have a lot of questions, but I need you to find some way to get Gabriel here. Can you do that?"

"Uh, yes! I'll do my best!" she said confidently.

"Good, then go!" Asia quickly flew off, preparing for her first trip to Heaven.

"The rest of you. We have beasts to slay," he grinned, washing his aura over the battlefield. "Sacred Gear: Heavenly CROWN!"

{Rias' Group}

"We'll take the one on the left!" Rias ordered, the group of three speeding off towards the Harpy. The creature grinned in what could only be described as a sickening delight as it shot off at mind-boggling speeds to meet them.

Yuuma barely dodged having her arm severed as the Harpy shot past them with a swipe of her claws.

"Akeno!" Rias ordered.

"Yes, president!" Akeno replied, summoning a multitude of lightning bolts from her fingers. "My, you're a fast one, aren't you?"

Yuuma began summoning light spears, coordinating her attacks with Akeno to restrict the harpy's movement, but they simply couldn't keep up with its speed. Outside of that, the harpy was a simple creature to beat. It was just the matter that almost no one was fast enough to hit it or to dodge its strikes.

Rias quickly joined in the fight, attempting to cut it off with an orb of destruction magic but she only succeeded in destroying large portions of the field they were fighting in.

'We need some way to slow it down!' she thought stubbornly. 'But how?'

"If you don't stand still, I may have to make you stand still," Akeno spoke darkly, continuing to rain down lightning upon the battlefield.

The harpy took this opportunity to lash out, deeply slicing the Lightning Priestess' abdomen and right arm, drawing a scream out from the black-haired beauty.

"Akeno!" Rias yelled in fear.

"Come here, you damn pigeon!" Yuuma shouted. "I'll make chicken wings out of you!"

The harpy did not appreciate being called a pigeon and quickly switched targets, darking towards Yuuma who quickly formed two light swords. The harpy was unbelievably fast. She could barely keep up.

CLANG

CLICK

CLANG

Claws bounced off swords as the two slashed, blocked, and jabbed at each other, stuck in a stalemate of close-quarters combat.

"Akeno, can you still fight?" Rias asked, worriedly as Yuuma dueled.

"Of course, president," Akeno winced before chuckling half-heartedly. "You didn't think something like this would take me down, did you?"

BOOOM

A massive explosion rang out on the battlefield from where some of the others were fighting, sending out a cloud of dust and shaking the earth below them.

"What was...wait a minute, that's it!" Rias realized, coming up with a plan to take down the harpy. "Akeno, I need you to do something for me…"

Yuuma was still locked in combat. Unfortunately, she was beginning to lose ground and tire. The speed that she was forced to fight at was quickly draining her stamina, and, while definitely powerful, Yuuma rarely fought anymore. Not since the last war had she been in true combat. Sensing her opportunity for a disengage was quickly waning, she let out a pulse of holy magic, forcing the harpy to lose balance in the air, just long enough for her to disengage.

Quickly realizing that its target was beginning to get away, the harpy let out a shriek and dove after her, only to get cut off by a blast of crimson destruction magic. The harpy squawked in annoyance, as the explosion shot a cloud of dust into the air, making it lose sight of its target.

"Over here, little pigeon," Akeno called, earning its attention and ire. "You're too easy. Hope you don't rely on sight too much!"

'So that's what they were up to!' Yuuma realized, mildly impressed with Rias' plan. Akeno unleashed a new type of lightning attack with her eyes squeezed shut. Instead of a concentrated bolt of electricity, she focused on the light, causing a thunderbolt as bright as the sun to strike the ground in front of the harpy.

The harpy shrieked in pain as it found itself completely blinded by the overexposure to the light, flying in a manner similar to a drunken stupor, unable to see where it was going.

"Yuuma! Try to immobilize it! It won't stay blind forever!" Rias commanded.

"Got it!" she replied quickly, jetting off after the harpy. It was much easier since the harpy only had its hearing to work with and Yuuma was able to cut off one of its wings without too much difficulty. The harpy shrieked again as it fell to the earth with a CRASH!

"Good work!" Rias stated proudly, charging up a crimson orb of destruction magic. "Now, perish!"

{Xenovia's Group}

"We'll take the one on the left!" she heard Rias shout.

"Very well. We'll take the one on the right. Harpy! Prepare yourself to be slain!" Xenovia yelled, unleashing her battle cry as she charged forward ahead of the group.

"Xenovia, wait up!" Katase protested. "I guess we should back her up?"

"Most likely," Kiba nodded, his own sword drawn. Kiba, like Katase, had a sword-based Offensive Class Sacred Gear known as Blade Blacksmith. With it, he could create any type of sword that the mind could imagine. Blades made of ice, blades made of fire, holy swords, devil swords, anything. "Let's assist her."

The two shot off, Katase taking the left flank and Kiba taking the right. Xenovia led off with a powerful swing with her Excalibur Destruction, missing the harpy due to its incredible speed, but sending a shockwave out which collided with the earth a ways away.

'So much power!' Katase thought in shock, witnessing the incredible destruction that the blue-haired exorcist was able to cause with just one swing.

Xenovia continued her blind aggression, trying several times to cleave the harpy in half. Her speed was very impressive, especially considering the size of the Excalibur that she wielded, but it was nothing compared to the harpy, who seemed to relish toying with her...for a short time.

The harpy, after dodging her most recent attempt to cleave her torso in half, lashed out. It struck quickly and precisely, Xenovia only able to block a few of the attacks. Blood was drawn from her cheek, both arms, and chest, her black, skin-tight, exorcist uniform having various tears in rips around the back, chest, and abdomen.

Kiba, quick to react, managed to force the harpy to retreat as Katase moved in to cover Xenovia more closely.

"We have to slow that thing down or we aren't going to get anywhere!" Katase realized.

"I'm not used to things...that are...nearly that fast…" Xenovia panted, looking more surprised than injured, though the wounds were taking a toll on her stamina.

"Just take a rest for a moment," Katase told her. "Kiba and I can take over for a while."

Kiba, in the meantime, was continuing to duel the harpy. With his knight speed and his chosen two-handed longsword, Kiba was able to keep up with the harpy to some degree. He was able to nick the bird more than once, but it returned with several gashes on his arms.

BOOOM

After a particularly powerful crash, both Kiba and the harpy were thrown off balance by an explosion. It rattled the battlefield and send a thick cloud of smoke into the air. Kiba took this opportunity to regroup with Katase and Xenovia.

"If we want to have any chance at all, all three of us have to go at the same time. Katse, you start with me. Xenovia you come in when it's busy with us and finish it off!" Kiba instructed.

"Right!" Katase agreed, readying herself for the hardest combat of her life. She was nervous, more so than she'd like to admit, but she wouldn't show it. She'd been through a situation she considered far scarier and she was determined to prove that she wasn't some weakling that would need to be protected for the rest of her life. That the training she'd done with Issei to unlock her Sacred Gear and get her into shape hadn't been for nothing.

"Agreed," Xenovia nodded.

"Let's go!" Kiba charged forward, flanked on his left side by Katase, and reengaged the harpy.

The harpy shrieked in clear annoyance at the change in plans and attempted to overpower them with speed alone. The two, somehow, were far more in-sync than the harpy expected. As the three dueled, the upper hand was clearly on the favor of Katase and Kiba. When Kiba would have a strike blocked, Katase would immediately go for a slash around the harpy's guard. When the harpy would strike at an opening Katase left, Kiba would force the harpy to dodge him instead of attacking. They kept forcing the harpy farther back, unable to regain control of the pace of battle.

Xenovia took the opportunity she was given. Quickly coming up behind the harpy, she announced her attack with a loud battle cry as she swung at the harpy with all her strength. Kiba and Katase were barely able to dodge in time while the harpy wasn't so lucky. Her sword cleaved the creature in half sending it to the ground with a final shriek of pain. They'd done it. The harpy was finally dead.

{Issei and Koneko}

"You're a rook, right?" Issei asked. "Better not have been wrong about that."

"Yes," Koneko nodded.

"Alright, good. You mind becoming my missile?" he asked seriously.

"What?" She did a double-take, not understanding at all what he wanted.

"I'm gonna need to trust me, just hang on!" he ordered, picking her up by the armpits from behind and launching into the sky.

"What are you doing?!" Koneko yelled. "Put me down!"

The hellhound's various heads barked and growled at the two of them, as Issei closed the distance in quickly. The center-most head howled into the sky as the right head opened its maw and breathed a thick, grayish smoke towards them.

"Any idea what that is?" Issei yelled over the wind, as he continued to fly around the hellhound, looking for a weak point or promising opening.

"Gas," she told him, giving up escaping his grip, since, now, if he dropped her, she'd be eaten alive. "The right head spits it out and the left head lights it on fire. The center does both."

"Man, the underworld really is one heck of a place," Issei groaned.

"Tell me about it," Yahweh agreed. "Why do you think I disapproved so much?"

"So, in a few seconds if I do nothing…"

"We're charred," Koneko confirmed.

"Sounds good to me!" Issei grinned.

"What are you planning?" Koneko asked, feeling more than a few inklings of fear.

"Just get ready to hit him!" Issei yelled, as the massive three-headed dog lit up the smoke, sending a massive explosion throughout the battlefield. "Αιγίς του Μωυσή!" (Aigís tou Moysí - Aegis of Moses)

Issei sent himself, along with Koneko, into a dizzying spiral, straight into the flames. "ARE YOU INSANE?" Koneko screamed, showing the first semblance of emotion she had as long as he'd known her.

But her fears, luckily, were unfound. The thick flames that began to envelop them simply parted to the sides, giving off only a semblance of what should have been a devastating heat. "Hit him hard, Koneko!" Issei called, releasing the petite white-haired rook like a missile towards the center-most head of the hellhound.

"AAAAHH!" Koneko yelled, both from fear and as a battlecry. She punched with all her strength at the visibly shocked guardian of the underworld, sending it into the ground with another explosion and a cloud of dust.

"Nice shot!" Issei praised, swooping in and picking her back up, quickly depositing her a short distance away.

"You're dead for that…" she grumbled in annoyance.

"Yeah, yeah. You can kill me later. Now, I highly suggest you look away. It's about to get rather bright," Issei suggested, flying up into the air with his palms pressed together.

"Our side's finished," Rias reported, alongside an injured Akeno and an awestruck Yuuma, who watched Issei's radiance with a nigh obsessive passion. "What about you?"

"He's taking care of it," she said simply, gesturing up, but not turning to look at him.

The light from Issei continued to grow, as the group now began to hear yelps from the dog and what sounded like metal shackles wrapping around each other.

"So...what exactly is Issei doing?" Katase asked, helping Xenovia limp back towards the group. "Our harpy's dead, too!"

"No idea," Koneko deadpanned.

"I place the light of the stars I formed, into the hands of justice," Issei began to chant, his radiant light nearly blinding everyone on the ground below. "By their light do I judge you; Burn, by my splendor. Ιερή Ακτινοβολία!" (Ierí Aktinovolía - Holy Radiance)

Issei held up a palm as the light that surrounded him simply shone onto the hellhound, who had been writhing around in the dirt, wrapped in white chains formed from holy light. The beast yelped, growled, howled, and groveled in pain, as the light withered away at its darkness. It continued to burn, as slowly the dog became a husk of its former self. Skin strapped to the bones, muscles and moisture burned away. It finally halted its movement as the chains faded into nothingness.

"What…" Rias started, eyes widened in shock.

"Is he…?" Akeno finished, all but collapsing from her injuries.

"Well, it looks like I won't be overly disappointed," Kokabiel sneered. "I may just have some fun after all."

"Have you finished toying with them?" asked Shalba impatiently. "I never agreed to stand here watching those fools fight your pets."

"Now, now, don't get impatient," Issei chastised. "I'm sure the goblin-faced crow was just getting started."

"OOOOH, ROASTED!" Yahweh exclaimed.

"You little…" Kokabiel snarled. "Fine! If you want to die so quickly, so be it!"

"Here that, Issei? I think he's ready for you," Yahweh grinned wickedly.

Kokabiel reached into a nearby magical space and pulled out a massive blade. It was a two-handed weapon, nearly as long as he was tall. The edges had various indents and jagged edges and the weapon was visibly as sharp or sharper than the harpy's claws.

"Behold, my ultimate creation!" a new voice announced proudly, this one walking towards them on the ground. He was a plump man with gray tufts of hair on the sides of his head and he wore a priest's garments with a large yellow cross in the center. "It truly is magnificent, isn't it?"

"YOU!" Kiba roared. "I WOULD RECOGNIZE YOU ANYWHERE!"

"I don't believe I know you," the plump man mused.

"Valper Galilei…" Kiba growled. "The leader of the Holy Sword Project... The slaughterer of my friends. My executioner."

"And so the serpent begets its tail," Issei hummed. "So, there really was a survivor."

"Oh? Is that so? I heard that someone escaped, but they were so certain that the poison killed you," Valper answered in slight surprise. "Not that it matters, anyway."

"Issei, what are they talking about?" Yuuma asked.

"The Holy Sword Project. The biggest failure of the church in its history. Also, one of the main reasons for my goal," Issei sighed. "If I'm guessing correctly, Kiba was a survivor. The only survivor."

"Correct," Rias nodded. "I found Kiba just after he'd escaped. He was dying, alone in the snow. I resurrected him as my knight, and since that day, he's been one of my most trusted servants."

"You treated us like animals!" Kiba shouted, holding his broadsword, trembling in rage. "We were imprisoned in that place! But we never gave up hope! We prayed and wished and hoped that our efforts would pay off! That God was watching over us! But you…"

"I simply disposed of unneeded materials. Tell me, when you finish eating, what do you do with the garbage? You throw it away. That is no different," Valper explained.

"HUMAN LIVES! YOU THREW AWAY HUMAN LIVES!" Kiba yelled. "CHILDREN! MY FRIENDS! MY FAMILY! YOU THREW THEM AWAY! ALL BECAUSE YOUR EXPERIMENT FAILED!"

"Is that what you think? Oh, no, my dear boy. It was anything but a failure. You and all those others led to the creation of this," he said, holding up a small, blue crystal. "This crystal contains various genes necessary to become a holy-sword wielder. I created them myself. And to think! The church has the audacity to use my research after throwing me out?"

"If we didn't use the research the lives of the children you murdered would have gone to waste," Issei interrupted. "You are a heartless murderer. This discussion is over."

"I'll kill you…" Kiba whispered. "In the name of my friends...who deserved to live more than me...who wanted to live more than me... I SWEAR I'LL KILL YOU!"

"You can certainly try," Valper hummed, tossing the crystal to Kiba. "You can even have it if you'd like. I can mass-produce them, after all."

Kokabiel lighted down in front of the ex-priest, sword drawn. "I can't believe I'm a bodyguard…" he grumbled to himself.

"Oh, come now, Kakabiel! If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have such a powerful sword. A fusion of four Excalibur fragments; Rapidly, Transparency, Nightmare, and Mimic. Soon, I'll have them all, and the original Excalibur shall return to its former glory!"

"I'm frankly sick of waiting," Shalba mentioned, lighting down on the ground. "And there's only one of you here worth fighting, so I suppose I should get started."

"I could use a good warmup before getting to Kokabiel," Issei grinned. "Haven't had a challenge in a while. Rias, keep everyone alive. I'm going devil hunting."

"Understood," she nodded, turning her attention towards Kokabiel.

"Let's go, Issei!" Yahweh shouted, as the devil and the angel shot themselves into the air.

"Dèus!" Issei opened, firing a blast of light towards Shalba. (Deity)

"Eclipse," Shalba said simply, swallowing the light into a void of darkness. "If that's anywhere near your maximum strength, you should give up now."

"He will win who waits to take the enemy unprepared," Issei replied, casting more of his light-based shots towards Shalba.

"Your outdated sense of battle will cost you your life," Shalba threatened, beginning to return fire. "Obfuscate."

A wave of enveloping darkness shot out at Issei, consuming his light. "Αποκρούω!" (Apokroúo - Repel)

The two clashed more, each spell more powerful yet equally as ineffective. Issei's light shield was simply too bright for the darkness to envelop, while Shalba's Eclipse was all-encompassing. It ate all light that came to him without fail.

"ELEMENTAL DEVASTATION!" Shalba suddenly roared, forming a multitude of magic circle around and above him. Red, blue, white, black, and brown beams of elemental magic shot out of them, charging forth towards Issei.

"Καθαρισμός ακτίνας!" (Katharismós aktínas - Purifying Ray) Issei shouted back, widely spreading his golden wings and meeting each beam from Shalba with his own. Each collision sent out a massive explosion of dust and power, blocking his field of vision entirely. A final orange beam suddenly shot through the cloud, colliding with Issei directly, shooting him backwards, Issei letting out a grunt in pain.

"King of Flies!" Shalba announced, summoning a horde of demonic bees. None were very big or very powerful, but each possessed a distinct demonic signature, possessing power of an average Low-Class devil. They weren't impressive on their own, sure, but thousands of them? Perhaps tens of thousands? And each no larger than a bumblebee? This was something Issei was not prepared for. "I've been meaning to practice this against someone who doesn't instantly keel over!"

"I hope I don't disappoint," Issei replied, preparing himself for the onslaught. The bees charged him in waves, several hundred in each group attempting to overwhelm him. "Ιερός παλμός!" (Ierós palmós - Sacred Pulse)

"It doesn't matter how many you take down, more will always take their place!" Shalba laughed, as the first wave of bees was taken down down by a ring-like pulse of white, holy energy from Issei. "Now, my swarm! Burn him! Burn him to ash!"

Issei used his Sacred Pulse again. And again. And a third time. It just wasn't enough and Issei was starting to burn through his energy far too quickly. The bees continued their attacks of various demonic spells, most of which were fire based, and more than a few connected. In fact, it would be more accurate to say that more than a few dozen connected.

'Death by a thousand cuts,' Issei mumbled, as he decided to try to outrun the swarm long enough to come up with a plan. 'It's too obvious to go straight towards him. He's left himself open, it's an obvious trap.'

"You're probably right," Yahweh agreed. "Indra's Arrow?"

'I need Balance Breaker for that. Should I really enter that state this early?'

"There won't be a later if you don't," Yahweh advised. "Besides, you have no idea what state your friends are in. Just the hope that Rias is keeping them alive."

'You're right. Let's do this!' Issei thought confidently. "Balance Breaker: Χέρι του Θεού!" (Chéri tou Theoú - Hand of God)

The pulse of power as Issei gained his regal, heavenly battle armor was immense. The bees dropped like flies around him, cutting the swarm in half in an instant.

"So this is your power," Shalba commented in awe. "Don't think you'll scare me off with a mere Balance Breaker! I'm a Beelzebub, destined to rule the Underworld as a Demon Lord! A Satan!"

"You attempt to steal the principles of domination from God, yet cannot keep up with the flood of time. Any in which you rule will perish in your foolishness," Issei spoke sagely, easily shredding through hordes of bees, none able to touch him.

"Be quiet!" Shalba yelled. "Elemental Devastation!"

"From the quiver of Gods, I set upon the notch of the worlds," Issei chanted, summoning a massive longbow of a golden light. An arrow formed and he drew the string far back, aiming for Shalba. "And fire from the throne. Το βέλος της Ίντρα!" (To vélos tis Íntra - Indra's Arrow)

The golden arrow rocketed from his bow, shattering the countless colored beams of light that Shalba fired at him. It pierced through the sky, colliding with Shalba's hastily created defense, and slicing through it as well. It struck Shalba in the abdomen, sending him soaring towards the earth.

Issei flew after him, not one to assume his enemy's fate. This turned out to be a good thing, as Shalba remained alive.

"What...what...are you…" Shalba gurgled, the arrow pinning him to the ground, as the light ate away at his demonic strength.

"I am-" Issei tried to answer, but was cut off.

"So, you failed at your only job, did you?" Kokabiel asked from behind him. "Here I was trusting you to do something so simple. Perhaps you should have dealt with the cannon fodder."

"What did you do to them?" Issei asked coldly, turning to Kokabiel with the might of a true king. "Tell me!"

"I think some of them are still alive," Kokabiel sneered, gesturing his arm out at a grisly sight. Each and every one of them was on the ground, covered in wounds and bleeding. Rias. Akeno. Kiba. Koneko. Xenovia. Katase. Yuuma. All of them were badly hurt.

"Damn it," Issei gritted his teeth. 'I took too long...I failed them...I...'

"Shut up and have your inner debate about this another time!" Yahweh yelled. "Unless you plan on dying too, then I suggest you focus!"

"You'll die for this, Kokabiel. By my hands alone," Issei growled. "Prepare yourself!"

"I've been waiting for it!" Kokabiel exclaimed, charging at Issei with his light sword as Issei took off into the sky.

"Issei…" Yuuma panted on the ground, trying desperately to stay conscious.

"I place the light of the stars I formed, into the hands of justice…" Issei chanted again, starting early with one of his most devastating light spells, however, Kokbail wasn't planning on letting him get away with that.

"You fool! You think I'd let you?" he roared, swiping his sword at Issei with the immense speed of Rapidly. Issei quickly canceled his chant and focused on dodging, eventually forming a light shield and shoulder bashing a slash to force Kokabiel to relent his onslaught.

"I think you'd better hurry it up," Kokabiel sneered. "Looks like your friends have company."

Issei turned quickly and looked on in horror at the sight that plagued the ground. Fallen angels littered the battlefield, their faces obscured by shadow, and each held a light spear in their hands. "NO!" he roared, flying full-speed towards them.

But Issei was too late. They each stabbed his friends who were unable to do anything but take it. The weapons piercing their hearts. Rias... Akeno... Kiba... Koneko... XENovia... KATASe... YUUMA!

"YUUMA! KATASE!" Issei roared. "HOW DARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU?"

"ISSEI!" Yahweh shouted. "CALM DOWN! IT'S AN ILLUSION! IT'S NIGHTMARE!"

But Issei couldn't hear him. He was blinded by rage and anger. His friends were gone. He failed them. They were all dead. Yuuma...you truly never knew what you had until it was gone. He'd never felt pain so great...losing someone he loved. Katase...another piece of him...gone. As he looked over each one, he continued to lose more and more pieces of his sanity.

"ISSEI!" Yahweh yelled, a last ditch effort to regain any semblance of Issei's sanity.

"I, who is the mercy of the sky above," Issei chanted, raising his hands above his head. "Am the God and the Lord in Heaven. Should the end come, I am the beginning."

"What's this? What is this power?" Kokabiel demanded, the Earth shaking fiercely as he dispelled the illusion from Nightmare. "God is dead, you fool! You can't claim the power of the dead as your own!"

"He's what…?" Xenovia croaked out, watching the fight with blurry vision.

"Should the dreams wither, I am but the dream," Issei continued, blind to the return of reality. "Should the stars burn away, I am the sun. May my holy path embrace you, the price I pay alone. Ιερή Ανάληψη: Μορφή του Θεού." (Ierí Análipsi: Morfí tou Theoú - Holy Ascension: Form of God)

Issei grew monumentally in both size and power. He became the embodiment of a true God. A creator. A destroyer. An all-encompassing being of endless strength. The image of an angry God was Issei, for Issei was that angry God.

"What is this…?" Kokabiel asked, backing away slightly, before, perhaps foolishly, regaining his courage. "You're not the only one with a secret power, fool!"

"Kokabiel has…!" Yahweh spoke in surprise. Kokabiel had summoned another set of wings. A sixth pair of wings. He was now on par with Azazel and the Seraphim. A terrifying power.

"Issei! I'm back and I brought…" Asia started, coming out of a brightly colored teleportation cross behind the many wounded. "What happened?!"

"Kokabiel…" Akeno panted, slowly sitting up. Her injuries had already been rather severe from the fight with the harpy, so Kokbiel had largely ignored her.

"My goodness!" Gabriel gasped in shock. "We can get the details later. Raphael? Could you please?"

"Right away," he nodded quickly, casting several magic circles in front of him. From each came a slight watery form, and though each animal was different, none were larger than a large dog.

A cat trotted up to Koneko. It purred slightly and licked her cheek, slowly closing the various cut and stab wounds with petite rook had acquired. A horse approached Kiba, healing his wounds by nuzzling him slightly. A lion helped Xenovia, a fawn to Katase, an eagle to Rias, and a hummingbird to Yuuma. Each was slowly healed as explosions and earth shattering attacks continued to ring out among the battlefield. Rias, perhaps, had the worst injuries. Her leg had almost been severed, she had a punctured lungs, cuts along her face and chest, and a rather nasty burn along her right arm. But every last injury was healed. For each of them.

"That's...that's amazing!" Asia exclaimed, watching as her weak but recovering comrades began to rouse. "How... Could I learn to do that?"

"In time, perhaps," Raphael smiled. "It's a spell I developed, Life Embodiment. An animal that represents one's true self is formed and it bonds with the injured's spirit, easing pain and rapidly healing wounds."

"So, each animal symbolizes something?"

"Yes. The lion is often representative of strength and courage, the horse of honor and valor, and the hummingbird of gentleness and kindheartedness," Raphael explained.

"Does anyone know what's going on? Where's Issei?" Gabriel asked, helping some of the peerage members and fighters sit up.

"Issei…" Yuuma said tiredly, pointing at the massive figure fighting against a twelve-winged Kokabiel. "Transformed…"

"That's...Issei?" Gabriel gasped, tears forming in her eyes.

"This may not be the best time to ask…" Rias started. "But...what is he…?"

"Can you hear me?" a new voice spoke to them.

"Father!" Gabriel exclaimed.

"Ah, good! You're here! Listen, you must hurry. As we speak Issei is dangerously close to running out of power. He's awakened some sort of colossal form of inexplicable power. Very similar to the Juggernaut Overdrive of the Boosted Gear. If he runs out of magic, he'll melt through life force at a rate of 10 years every second, 600 every minute. Unless you want him to die, you'd better act now."

"Who is that?" Rias asked, confused.

"Whatever you say, father," Gabriel nodded.

"I'm Issei's Sacred Gear, you can call me Yahweh," he answered. "Kokabiel has...had...Issei just destroyed it...an Excalibur that contained four fragments: Rapidly, Transparency, Nightmare, and Mimic. He used Nightmare to trick Issei into thinking a small unit of Fallen Angels murdered all of you."

"Issei…" Yuuma whispered sadly, holding a clenched hand to her chest.

"He's lost right now. All of his mental functions have stopped, as if he's trapped in a void. You need to get to him. Show him you're alive. Wake him up. He won't recognize you at all and will more than likely attack you. He's overpowering Kokabiel who would be more than a match for Gabriel right now, so you have to survive long enough to bring him to his senses. Quickly! And be careful!" With instructions given, Yahweh's voice cut off, leaving the unit of various factions to their own devices.

"Well?" Katase asked impatiently. "Come on! We have to save Issei!"

"I'm coming too!" Asia insisted.

"Let's go!" Yuuma agreed, as they flew off.

In one unit, Asia, Katase, and Yuuma flew low to the ground, with Xenovia below them. Across from them at mid-height were Rias and the rest of her peerage. Above Issei was Raphael and Gabriel. They were all shouting at him, trying their best to bring him out of his stupor.

"Issei! It was a dream!" Yuuma shouted. "I'm still here, see? Please, Issei! Wake up! Please! You have to!"

"Where are you, Issei? I promised to follow you! You have to come out!" Asia begged.

"Come on, Issei! You saved me and now it's time I save you! I'll prove to you that I'm worth loving!" Katase yelled to him.

"What would Irina think if she saw you?" Xenovia demanded. "You've lost yourself to wrath. Are you this much of a sinner?"

"Issei," Gabriel spoke out. "I need you to come back. Who else will be my friend? Who will take me into the world and show me things I've never dreamed of before? To help me experience joy and freedom? I need you back, Issei. Come home."

The messages and shouts, begging for him to return to the world. They started to break through Issei's mental block. The hulking godlike figure who had been wildly attacking all of those irritating flies and blasting holy magic at anything and everything suddenly slowed as it began to recognize some of those flies. That wasn't a bird, that was Yuuma! But how? Yuuma was dead! He saw it! Yuuma got stabbed with everyone else! Then how is Katase next to her? And why is Asia here? That means that's Gabriel!

"Can you hear me, Issei? Issei?" Yahweh called.

'Yahweh? Why am I here?' Issei asked.

"You lost control of your power. You unlocked something even I didn't know existed, but you're far from controlling it. You've begun to consume life force."

'Life force? You mean I'm using my life as a power source?!' Issei exclaimed in shock.

"Indeed. And all the deaths of your friends and loved ones? It was an illusion. They're all fine. Just see for yourself."

He did. He did see. They were alive. Calling for him. Telling him how much they needed him. Rias jokingly said he couldn't die until he held up on his end of the deal. Katase kept saying she still needed him to love her back. Gabriel just wanted a hug.

'But...what's happening? Why can't I escape?'

"You have to figure out a way to regain control, Issei. Otherwise, your loved ones will watch you die, helpless to stop you. If you don't kill them, that is."

'I won't let that happen! I can't! I WON'T!' Issei roared. 'This is my power! I control it! It doesn't control me!'

Out in the real world, the hulking godly figure clenched its head and yelled. It roared into the sky.

"I think it's working!" Yuuma shouted. "Come on, Issei! Come out! Please! We need you back with us!"

"Foolish...whelps!" Kokabiel gasped from his mangled position on the ground. He was missing three wings on one side, his arm was bent at an unnatural angle, and he was soaked in blood. "What...what is he?"

"Kokabiel," Issei spoke in a regal voice.

"ISSEI!" everyone cheered.

"You're back!" Yuuma cried.

"I knew you could do it!" Katase agreed.

"Issei…" Asia smiled, tears in her eyes.

"You have attempted to disrupt the peace of this world. My world. You have brought harm to innocent people. Friends and loved ones. My friends and loved ones. You brought pain and suffering to many and aided those who've done the same. You asked me who I am, Kokabiel, and I am the one who will judge you for your sins," Issei preached. "I told you, Kokabiel, that the arrow you threw would return."

"Damn you!" Kokabiel choked out.

"I am the Lord thy God," Issei continued to speak. "Perhaps it is time I show you...the true difference between God and those he created. As it is said, hath not the potter power over the clay, with one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor?"

"In other words," Gabriel explained to the confused devils. "The creator determines what happens with his creations."

"You fool! God's dead!" Kokabiel shouted. "He was killed in the last war!"

"What…?" Xenovia gasped, turning to Gabriel in shock.

"Disappear, Kokabiel. Απόλυτη καταδίκη." (Apólyti katadíki - Absolute Damnation)

Kokbiel screamed as light enveloped his form, burning away his life. It continued to burn away at his wings, at his hair, at his clothes, and his flesh. It gnawed at his bone, turning a once legendary warrior into a pile of ash that was swept up by the wind.

"Issei…" Rias started.

"Is…" Akeno added.

"God…" Koneko breathed out, finishing the sentence. Kiba just fainted.

"Rias," Issei spoke powerfully, turning to the crimson-haired devil princess. "I thank you for your aid. You kept your promise. They all still breathe. Yet another eternal debt that can never be repaid. Should you ever need my assistance, or any others you wish me to aid in your steed, you need only make the request. I shall do all I can to have Heaven aid you. May this lead the road down to peace."

"U-Uh, yes...thank you…" Rias bowed, slightly unsure of how to react.

"Why did Kokabiel say you were dead?" Xenovia demanded.

"Because, Xenovia," Issei responded. "Yahweh is the original God. I am his successor."

"I was, for all intents and purposes, killed at the end of the war. I live on here, in Issei's Sacred Gear, as the Heavenly Crown."

"I own the soul and he has given me his throne," Issei spoke proudly. "I am God from the machine."

"Very well," Xenovia took a knee. "Then will you allow me to follow you? To serve under you? To be your sword? You've taken Yuuma and Asia already. I wish to join them as well."

"You wish to follow me, knowing that the one you prayed to was lost? That I am merely his successor?" Issei asked.

"I do," Xenovia continued. "I've always lived to serve the Lord. I will follow him until my last day. Should he be killed I would be lost, but he lives on in you. If you'll let me, I wish to follow you directly."

"I, Issei Hyoudou," he began, as a card floated down towards Xenovia and centered itself in front of her chest. "Invoke the grace of the Lord, to invite thee among the ranks of Heaven. Join me in singing His praises and guard the land in which He made. Become a guardian of Haven and serve me as my Queen; the Queen of Crowns!"

"I will to my Lord be true and faithful. To love all which he loves and shun all which he shuns," Xenovia accepted, as the card merged with her form.

"The Anglo-Saxon oath," Yahweh explained, as Issei had gotten slightly perplexed. "They were rather fond of me."

'Duly noted…' Issei replied as he began to return to his true form. Almost instantly, he collapsed, unconscious from the massive strain the battle had taken on his body.

"Shhh," Gabriel softly cooed, catching him before he impacted the ground. "You did a wonderful job, Issei. Take a long rest."

---

A/N: AND SCENE! Holy CRAP that was long! Christ on a cream cheese-coated cracker! I wanted to take some time to digest some of the highlights here and hopefully give you a better understanding of my thoughts on how the chapter was structured.

I liked how I framed Xenovia. I scratched 4 renditions of Irina's return and how Xenovia's meeting with Issei went. This one isn't super thrilling, but it's the most accurate I managed to get. I kinda wanted Xenovia to swing at Issei, but it just didn't fit, so I didn't. Also, yes, Issei's parents are largely gone for convenience reasons. They are a minor part of the story, and will continue to be, but having them present for all these conversations would be a hassle, a distraction to Issei, and would make the story way longer than necessary just because I'd have to keep having them participate in the conversations.

I hope you liked that Asia scene. That's one of my favorites because Asia is my favorite DxD female character. I think that with all the Biblical references Issei makes, Asia would figure out something, especially with how in-tune she is with other's feelings. That's why I wanted her to figure it out, even if it was a long shot from her perspective.

Kokabiel beat up Irina, straight up out of canon. Not the most creative, I admit, but it served to help balance the power levels and cloud Xenovia's judgment for the future.

Another thing that is mostly for convenience. The barrier would not withstand the kind of force used in the battle but think of it this way. If the barrier isn't there, the whole town finds out about the supernatural, or the battle is way smaller and less interesting. I wanted a big, explosive arc finale, but the barrier had to stay. The result? Sona's peerage containing that power with no good explanation for it.

The harpies. Cool, huh? I hope so... Three identical monsters is no fun at all. Where's the variety? So, I used the harpies from Smite as a model and invented. a new monster for the story.

Asia leaving served the purpose of preventing her from being held as a hostage, which is way too predictable, and helped solve the problem of 'everyone's kinda dying' later on. It was a strategical move on my part and Issei's part to have her go to Heaven. I've thought about doing Omakes for this story and stuff like that, if it gets requested a lot I'll consider it, and Asia's visit to Heaven could be one. I think that'd be rather amusing, even given the situation.

Can I just say, the chance for Holy Radiance took half an hour to write? I kept writing and scrapping over and over again. I love the chant now, though. Here's the whole thing in poem form:

I place the light of the stars I formed
Into the hands of justice
By their light do I judge you
Burn
By my splendor

Kiba. Yes, I know, Kiba in canon hates the holy swords with a burning passion. Honestly, the main reason I changed it is that Kiba isn't a main character in this story. He just exists. Knowing that he hates Valper because of the Holy Sword Project gives him an identical backstory, but allows me to focus the plot on Issei. Because of Kiba's thirst for vengeance, Shalba fought with Issei, since Kokabiel had to protect Valper as part of their deal. That let Issei fight both, do the thing with Excalibur Nightmare, etc. So, yes, I changed Kiba, but it was so the story didn't focus on things that weren't meant to be focused on.

King of Flies is real. I took some liberties, but that's an ability listed on the wiki, I swear.

There's a lot of Greek in this story. Hopefully, the added translations and English spellings make it a bit easier to understand. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek and, since Hebrew kinda looks like ramen to everyone who doesn't know the language, I chose Greek. Some added realism.

There is a lot of combat here. It's the arc finale and it should set up my general style for writing fight scenes so you guys can see that. It also gives me a repertoire of abilities for Issei in the future.

Did you guys like Raphael's healing animals as much as I did? Did a bit of research on animals and their representation. I think I picked well, but if you have some other ideas of what might fit better, let me know. Should be an interesting discussion.

Finally, Issei's Form of God, his own version of the Juggernaut Drive. Great idea I was thinking about and it got recommended to me. The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. It fit in well with this chapter, I felt like. Once again, super fun chant to write. Here's the whole thing in poem format:

I, who is the mercy in the sky above
Am the God and the Lord of Heaven
Should the end come, I am the beginning
Should the dreams wither, I am but the dream
Should the stars burn away, I am the sun
May my holy path embrace you
The price I pay alone

And I think that's it! I really enjoyed writing this chapter, even if it took me a while. I'll probably take a day off from writing since finishing this took the better part of 12-15 hours combined. For me, that's a TON. I write FAST. I look forward to seeing all your comments on what I consider to be the best chapter of this story so far!