Thank you to everyone who followed/favorite this story! Glad to see all your continued support! As for the reviews, WOW! One chapter nearly doubled the review count. Thanks a lot to everyone who took the time to do so!

Sasuke75249 – Thank you!

the Composcreator – Thanks, and yes, you can assume that. Fear not though, I'll resolve that soon

jerrythej3rk – KurokaxIssei is one of my fav ships as well. Thanks for the support, hope you continue to enjoy this!

Guest – Gone? What do you mean? :)

Sennybee98 – Read and find out. As for Ares, he wasn't keeping him there, if anything, he wanted Issei set loose.

DatGuitarGirl – This may be the raving of a madman and anime addict. Skepticism is much appreciated, support even more so. Glad you enjoy it!

Kazuyaeu – Yes, he's a devil. Pretty much all of the light novels become useless as canon if Issei isn't involved in Devil affairs.

NAFNAF509 – Here it is, and you as well!

Mahesvara – I guess I should have clarified. No Artemis as a romantic option. And yes, the other Pantheons will make an appearance but not anytime soon.

Groszekace – Thank you. I hope for that as well!

Guest – Here is more!

Karlos1234ify – If you're looking for a chaos/dark-Issei, then you'll be waiting a long while. Any hints of dark Issei will take time and won't last long. However, if you're looking for an always hateful, chaotic Issei, this is not that story.

DragonBoy – Updating as fast as I can within the bounds of reality. Glad to see you're enthused about it though!

E-Man394 – Yes, we'll get there eventually.

Sandwolf72 – It will be an epic reunion. As for meeting Koneko, it's not quite what you have in mind, but I think you'll like what I have in store. Read on!

Lord Saber - thank you, milord! Means a lot to me!

McCornBread - Thank you very much! Though their meeting won't quite work out the way you expect.

Elveril - thanks for the support. I appreciate it!

ShredX01 - thank you!

- thanks!

Disclaimer: See 1st Chapter.

" " - speech

' ' - thought

( ) - Albion, mental communication

( ) - Albion, speech

Occult Research Club Room

Rias Gremory sighed, bowing her head. She had just received a missive from her dear father that her betrothal to Raiser Phoenix was still valid and would not be dissolved merely because she didn't want to marry him. Unwilling to go openly go against her father's wishes, she could not rely on her brother's support and her mother would not undo her husband's verdict.

'At this rate, it'll come down to a Rating Game. But even if I unsealed Gasper, we're at an incredible disadvantage. Outnumbered and outclassed in almost every way, there's no way we could fight and still be ready to take on a Phoenix expecting to win. I need a game-changer.'

Stirred from her musings, a rune on her desk began to glow. A summons for a devil from the House of Gremory. This rune specifically was one linked to Akeno, surprising Rias since this was her day off. Calling out to the only other occupant of the room, "Akeno, you've got a customer. Odd, considering it's your day off too. If you want, I'll handle it."

The girl in question was currently sitting on one of the two couches in the clubroom. Setting down her cup of tea and closing her textbook, she stood up, smiling. "It's no trouble at all. Besides, I need a break from studying anyway. Perhaps this will take my mind off things."

Rias nodded. "If you're alright with it, then go ahead."

Akeno moved to the side of the room, where a Gremory circle was beginning to form. "Don't worry, this shouldn't take long." With a wave, she stepped through, the circle vanishing as she departed. Her Queen gone, Rias returned to her thoughts, brainstorming for stalling tactics or avenues of escape.

Akeno arrived in an overgrown clearing. The location itself interested her; usually, her clients were CEO's or high-ranking women, neither of which she expected to find here. Looking around, she noted that someone had been cooking here recently. The dying remains of a campfire and accompanying frame for grilling. A log dragged to it as a makeshift bench. Her curiosity peaked; she looked around with greater interest. A growing horror seemed to creep over her as she recognized where she was. It had been years, and time had taken its toll but she had memories of this place.

Unbidden, memories long forgotten resurfaced. Her mother and her adopted aunt, Hikari. Sitting on a picnic blanket, laughing alongside her. The sounds of a fight, mock pain and roaring laughter as the men tussled in the dirt nearby. Her father, Ryuu in human form, and Issei wrestling as each tried to assert dominance in a classic, Alpha-male superiority struggle. Turning her gaze to where they would fight, her eyes widened as she caught sight of a prone figure.

Presuming the person to be the one who summoned her, Akeno hurried to the winged figure. Undoubtedly male, he was lying face down in the dust, blood pouring from countless punctures in his skin. Kneeling to him, she gently turned him over. Seeing his face, her heart caught in her throat. She remembered the faces of everyone from her old life. Her parents, Ryuu and Hikari. While the face was slightly different, courtesy of growing up, he looked too much like a younger of Ryuu for her to doubt that this was indeed her Issei.

Sparing a few moments to glance over him, her heart broke. An unknown weapon had pierced Issei repeatedly. Each was a cause for concern but what terrified her was the sheer number of times he had been stabbed. She had been holding him for only a few moments but already her clothes were soaked in his blood. Each of his limbs had been gouged deeply. His wings were absolutely perforated; she doubted that he would ever be able to fly in this condition. Leaking his lifeblood, the white limbs attached between his shoulders had been severely damaged. She was no healer, but the wounds marring the muscle and bone in a clean entry-exit wound. Knowing this was beyond her ability to heal, Akeno did the only thing she could.

In her panicked state, she mentally stumbled over the incantation, costing her precious time. It took a few tries, but Akeno eventually was able to cast a communications spell. "RIAS!" she cried. "COME QUICKLY, I CAN'T DO THIS ON MY OWN!" Hoping against hope that her message was received, she did her best to try and heal the more dangerous injuries. Focusing on the ones around his chest and vital organs, she poured her heart into repairing the damaged tissue, even as Issei's already labored breathing slowed to a crawl.

The clearing glowed once again as another circle formed; as a master, Rias could focus on pre-existing Gremory circles and transport to them. Stepping from the red lines, Rias' eyes widened as she saw the macabre display. "What on earth happened here?" she demanded, immediately slipping into her heiress persona.

"I'm still not sure but if he doesn't get the proper healing then he's going to die! He's already fading." Akeno's voice had a pleading tone that Rias had never heard from her before. "Please help me!"

Kneeling beside her Queen, Rias lifted her hands above the more urgent injuries on the downed dragon. After evaluating only a few injuries, she lowered them. "Save your strength, simply healing the wounds won't be enough." Akeno recoiled and glared at her. "I mean that whatever injured him left a great deal of foreign energy inside him. It's killing him faster than we can heal him combined. So there's only one choice."

Rias outstretched her hand and formed a smaller magic circle. From it came the shapes of chess pieces, her remaining Evil Pieces. One Knight, Bishop, and Rook, as well as her eight unused Pawns. Eyeing the form on the floor and recalling everything she knew about dragons, she mentally disregarded the Bishop. Draconian resistance to magic simultaneously inhibited their ability to wield it, so that was out. Debating between Knight and Rook, she picked up her Rook piece and set it on his chest.

The ivory tower showed a profound affinity for inanimation.

Surprised, Rias removed the Rook piece and selected six Pawn pieces, just one more than the equivalent value of a standard Rook. Arranging them in a circle, the girls waited with bated breath.

Nothing happened, save one piece falling over as Issei gave a ragged cough, blood pouring from his lips. As Akeno moved to wipe the liquid from his face, Rias picked up the errant chess piece, returned it into formation, and selected her final two Pawns. Placing them in sync with the others, Rias watched as the pieces still did not react to the intended recipient.

"No, no, No, No, NO! Why isn't this working?" Akeno cried! "What's wrong?"

Rias stammered, at a loss for words. "He's... he's worth more than eight Pawns?" This was rare, but not unheard of. Usually those that required more than the maximum number of Pawns were reincarnated as Queens, making the issue less important than finding another would-be solution. In this case, there was no remaining Queen piece to give to him; a tragedy because only a miracle would keep the boy alive long enough to get proper medical attention. Lost in contemplation, she was torn from her line of thought as she both heard and felt Issei shudder one last time before breath was stolen from him.

"I... I'm sorry, Akeno. I couldn't save him." Rias was genuinely sorry. Akeno had told her about the letter she had found at her mother's grave. She knew about the happy times Akeno had spent with her childhood friend and all that Issei meant to her. While it killed her inside to cause her Queen any more grief, saving him was outside of her power, and she hated herself for it. Tears burned, unshed, as she watched Akeno mourn her first friend.

Akeno began to sob uncontrollably, holding Issei in her lap. Tears began trail from her eyes, down her cheeks, only to fall on his broken form. Only the day before, she had celebrated Issei's seventeenth birthday. It had been a quiet affair, just her, perusing through an old scrapbook of photos from her childhood. She had willing lost herself to old memories, tracing the photos of her and Issei while hoping for a brighter future. There would be no such hope now; only liquid sorrow found at the empty bottom of several wine bottles.

Gentle warmth seemed to comfort her. Turning her eyes from Issei, she gasped. The Pawn pieces had fallen to the ground beside them when she had lifted him into a more comfortable position. Now, four of the pieces were acting strangely. Glowing with a fierce intensity, they seemed to splinter, cracks forming on their sides as a dark light shone through them. Almost immediately after that, the other four pieces began to glow as well, though they remained intact. Rias and Akeno's eyes made contact before they both blurred into motion.

Laying Issei down, flat on the forest floor, Akeno stepped back as Rias rearranged the pieces on his chest. Alternating between them between regular and abnormal, the Pawns began to pulse, seemingly in anticipation. Sighing in relief, Rias began her chant. "I order, in my name Rias Gremory. You, Issei Hyoudou. I, resurrect you back to this soil as my servant, and have you reborn as a Devil. You, my Pawn, be delighted with your new life!" The Pawns pulsed one last time before sinking into his chest.

The girls both breathed a long sigh of relief. He'd live, for another day at least. For better or worse, Issei Hyoudou was a Devil now.

"We need to get him back to the clubhouse. He's still losing a lot of blood, and we need to treat his injuries before whatever he was hurt with finishes its work." Rias was able to gasp out, somewhat exhausted. Reincarnating servants had never taken such a toll on her before.

Still in awe and now crying tears of joy, Akeno nodded and moved to grasp his left side, while Rias seized his right. Pulling him upwards and onto their shoulders, they awkwardly tried to find a more convenient way to keep his wings from dragging in the dirt but found no alternative. For whatever reason, they had yet to retract. Staggering under the weight, they moved through a hastily cast portal and back to a safer haven.

Once they had gone, the magic circle shattered, leaving the clearing in peace. Only the moon and the dying fire provided meager light. It was quiet. The wards remained undisturbed.

Koneko Toujou was many things but inconsiderate was not one of them. She got along with her classmates well enough, and her fellow peerage members even better. While she didn't always care what others thought about her, earning and maintaining the trust and appreciation of her elders was always in the forefront of her priorities.

For that reason, she had taken it upon herself to clean up the clubroom after returning from an easy job. As it happened, the maid outfit she had been cosplaying was actually of some use in this endeavor. Humming softly to herself, Koneko swept the floor and then mopped it. Dusting the tables and solitary desk, mindful of the work her King and Queen had been doing, she spun to observe her progress and found it satisfactory.

Stepping out and taking a few minutes to change, she returned to the clubroom to find Kiba back from his job, quietly reading a novel. Greeting him, she settled down on the opposing sofa. Reaching for her customary box of chocolates, she was just about to snatch one when the room was lit up by the return of the older Devils. Turning her head to look towards the circle, she immediately stood when she saw that Akeno and Rias were both covered in blood.

Temporarily ignoring the figure between them, both she and Kiba expressed their concern, only to be waved off by an exhausted Rias. "It's alright you two, we aren't hurt. It's not out blood, rather our new guest's."

Her fears relieved, Koneko now began to scrutinize the newcomer. Tall, brown hair, closed eyes, and numerous puncture wounds all over his body. She nearly winced in sympathy before she realized that he was now dripping fresh blood all over her newly cleaned floor. Making sure to keep her distaste well hidden, she calmly asked. "Who is this?"

Rias smiled. "This is Issei Hyoudou. He'll be staying here for a while until he's back on his feet. He's also my newest servant."

Kiba raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. What did you use, President? A Rook, a Knight?"

"Issei took up all eight Pawns, and four of them mutated spontaneously!" grinned Akeno. "He must be very strong!"

Without visual reacting, Koneko frowned. Rias had only one mutated piece and that was used in Gasper. Now four Pawns mutate and all to revive this, this... mess-maker?

"Now if that's all, we need to move Issei to the spare bedroom. He was attacked and killed quite recently but his wounds still haven't healed. We need to take care of that immediately. Koneko, send a message to Sona and let her know that I won't be in class tomorrow due to healing him. Kiba, I'll need you to go get some spare clothes, his are almost shredded."

Moving to the door, Kiba held it open for the older girls and their passenger, while Koneko moved away to Rias' desk to find stationary for a note. After scribbling the minimum details on a piece of paper, she stood once more to deliver it to Sona's inbox. Before she had taken a step, Koneko frowned. Issei's wings, still unfurled, had gouged and scraped her formerly pristine floor. The scratches and blood trail led from their entry point to the closed door.

Thankful for the isolation, she sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose in a rare display of frustration. This one was already a piece of work.

One week later...

Souna Shitori, better known as Sona Sitri, was currently marching to the Occult Research Clubhouse. Struggling to keep up, her Queen, Tsubaki Shinra, was somewhat worried. As Student Council President, Sona took her duties very seriously. While it was a stretch to say she was cruel, it was truthful enough to say she was very strict. The law-abiding Sitri heiress was currently on a warpath to speak to her wayward classmates and unfortunately for them, she knew where they were.

Not even bothering to knock, Sona opened the door and strolled in through the front door before turning into the clubroom itself. Stopping in surprise, she found Yuuto Kiba and Koneko Toujou trying to take care of and feed their King, who had clearly seen better days. Wearing only a thick robe, Rias looked like she hadn't slept in a long while. She was pale, and her hands were trembling. All thoughts of divine wrath and retribution vanished from Sona's mind. Her anger forgotten, she moved to sit next to her friend.

"What's going on Rias? Your note was delivered to me a week ago! You and Akeno haven't been to class in a week, and without any words from your peerage! This isn't like you, so please tell me before I lose it and go straight to your brother for answers!" A very forward threat but one that always worked. It was something that she used sparingly, knowing that the threat worked even better against her.

Rias smiled weakly. "I'm sorry for worrying you, but it's been a trying few days. My apologies for not informing you sooner, but I haven't been in the best shape to do anything beyond what needs doing."

"And just what might that be?"

"Perhaps it would be easier to show you." Slowly standing, Rias nearly collapsed if it wasn't for Kiba and Koneko's intervention. Each taking an arm over their shoulders, they supported her just like she had with their new comrade.

Maneuvering around the couches and out the door, the procession turned towards one of the many rooms in the building. If memory served, Sona remembered that this one was a bedroom used when Rias' servants had been working late on school nights. Motioning to Tsubaki to open the door, Sona entered, but stopped at the threshold, her cheeks burning.

On the four-poster bed that occupied the room, Akeno and an unknown male were lying beneath the sheets. While they were sufficiently covered to maintain their modesty, Sona was still highly embarrassed. Knowing that Rias wouldn't have shown her this without reason, she took a deep breath and looked again. Akeno and the boy were clearly naked but not for reasons she had initially assumed. There was a medical kit on the nightstand; used bandages littered the floor next to it. An IV drip, hanging from the bed frame, fed into the boys arm. The room in general had the giant yet unmistakable smell of rubbing alcohol. There were splotches of blood staining the sheets around the male. Noting the positions the two were in, as well as the scaly, white wings that burst from the boy's back, Sona had a better appreciation for what happened.

Moving to the bedside, she asked, "So. How difficult was it?"

Rias had been moved to a chair on the other side of the bed. "Hard enough. As you can see, it's taken this long for me and Akeno just to help him this much. We've had to switch off every few hours to recover some strength before going back at it."

Sona had to suppress a smirk at the double entendre her rival's exhausted words carried. If Rias had been fully coherent she would never let such a lewd comment be heard. Shaking her head, she re-examined the dragon. Tall, white wings, pale skin, moderate scarring, well-defined facial features, and a musculature she had only seen the one time Sairaorg Bael had drunkenly chosen to show off. Blushing at that last part, she turned back to Rias. "I assume there were complications, otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Kiba, the ever-faithful Knight, stepped forward. "Rias and Akeno found trace pieces of metal in each of his most recent injuries, all of which were life-threatening. While we aren't sure what it is exactly, we've surmised that it was some kind of dragon-slaying weapon. That's one reason for what's taken his recovery so long."

Rias nodded to Kiba before picking up where he left off. "There's that, and considering that dragons have a natural resistance to magic, it accounts for part of why it's taking a while to heal him. However strange, even for a dragon, he seems to be subconsciously fighting against our healing magic. And there's more to it." Sona's brows rose. "Something about him caused four of the Pawns I used on him to mutate without warning."

Sona's eyes widened. "I've never heard of the Evil Pieces reacting in such a way before. Have you?"

Rias shook her head despondently. "No, I was hoping you would. I'm worried about the side effects it's taking. His hair has changed color over the past week from brown to near silver. His wings were injured the most and have healed well, but there's a dark shadow between the limb and the membrane now."

Looking at the wing closest to her, Sona observed that the mentioned phenomenon. Indeed, where the armored limb met the near-translucent flesh, there was a dark line that contrasted against the white scales. "I don't think that's cause for alarm. If he's a dragon that may just be how the devil wings manifested, by merging with his already existing ones."

"And the hair? Explain that, O wise one."

Mentally forgiving the pathetic verbal jab, Sona examined the boy's hairline. Sure enough, it was predominantly silver, though the tips had a trace of brown here and there. "As for that, I don't know."

"Well, I guess as long as he's alive, I won't fret over the small things."

Turning away from the bedside, Sona walked to the exit, Tsubaki falling in line with her. "I'll take care of your absences, and get passes for your missed work. But please take care of yourself, I know you'll neglect your own well-being if you feel it's necessary."

Without giving Rias a chance to protest, she left, Tsubaki closing the door behind them.

Akeno yawned and stretched. While expending energy like this was exhausting, she couldn't deny it did feel a bit refreshing after the deep sleep that followed. Turning to the source of her weariness, she smiled. It had now been two weeks since Issei had been brought back. Two tiring weeks of exerting every drop of power she had into healing the demidrake beside her, but it was well worth it. Issei would live. All his injuries had been healed a few days ago, but she and Rias had still used the devil's signature healing technique in the hopes of waking him, albeit with less intensity than before. While she wasn't entirely pleased that her first time naked with Issei had been like this, or that she had had to share him with Rias, she'd endure it for his sake.

'Come on, Issei. Wake up already.' Gently kissing him, she got out of bed and into the adjoining bathroom. There she showered and dressed, getting ready for the school day. As she passed back through the bedroom to leave for her first class of the day, she looked back at the sleeping dragon. 'I'll be back soon, just wait for me.'

For whatever reason, Issei's eyelids were abnormally heavy. Sleep clung to him like a heavy blanket. Were it not for the incessant buzzing in his ears, he would turn over and keep dreaming. Kuroka could wait; he was dead after all... wait, huh?

Sitting upright in record time, Issei's mind was overwhelmed by a cacophony of information. First, memories poured in. Kuroka's betrayal, Artemis shooting him, and... Akeno? Second, he noted that his sense of smell was muted. No, that wasn't the right word, muddled was better. He couldn't place the smells around him with clear distinction. Muted was the result he wished would apply for the buzzing in his ears, until that buzzing turned into a roar.

(ISSEI!)

Flinching, he realized that the noise had been Albion trying to wake him. 'I'm up, what's going on!'

He heard a grunt. (It's about time you stopped hibernating.) Albion snorted. (How much of whatever happened do you remember?)

'I remember getting killed by that crazy goddess, then... I think I saw Akeno. But I can't be sure. She did look different.'

(Great Red, you're hopeless. Anyone you recognize would look different after a decade. So do you for that matter. There's a mirror in that bathroom over there, let's have a look.)

Rolling out of the bed and retracting his sore wings, Issei became aware of two things. One, he wasn't in the clearing. Second, he didn't have any clothes on. His confusion must've brushed over their mental link, since Albion seemed amused. (Hehe, explanations later kid. There's a change of clothes at the foot of the bed.)

Stooping to pull on underwear and pants, both a few sizes too small, he stumbled to the bathroom and managed to right himself. Blinking in exhaustion from the effort, he glared at his haggard reflection. 'Albion, what the fuck happened?'

(I took the liberty of looking through your memories. I'm sorry I wasn't any help to you when you needed me most.)

'Don't worry about it; apparently I'm still alive. What I want to know is how.'

(Long story short, it seems we've been picked up by a devil. You've got the energy signature of eight evil pieces inside you.)

'I'm a reincarnated devil? I thought that wasn't possible for me! My holy fire should've prevented that!'

(By rights, it should have, and you'd be dead. Something happened that allowed the process to start, that's what woke me up. I've been playing operator trying to keep the devil energy and holy fire from reacting too violently. It kept you alive, the energies coexist now, but due to collateral damage your senses are currently dulled until you recover enough strength. As for your hair...) Albion's voice trailed off as Issei looked at his new silver mane.

'I need a haircut. No way am I walking around like this.'

(Eh?)

'I'm serious, did I really never get my hair cut while in Tartarus? This needs to change ASAP!'

(So... You're not mad about the hair? The color I mean.)

'Meh, it matches my wings now. Not gonna complain now.'

(...You truly are the strangest of all my hosts, you know that!)

Smiling, Issei turned on the faucet so he could wash his face. 'I get the feeling your last host was a girl who took great pride in her hair.'

(Aye, she was. Took great pride in braiding it. Was horribly disappointed when the Red One cut it off, he'd been aiming for her neck. Females do have strange priorities.)

Stifling his laughter, Issei disrobed and made use of the shower. As he stepped out, he remembered that he was no longer in Tartarus and was no longer bound by the enchantments there. Without restrictions, he shrugged. 'I guess using flames can't hurt.' White flames rippled over his skin, the heat drying him faster than anything before.

(As handy as that may be, it's imperative you keep that under control for now.) Albion's words were grave and foreboding. (That and my presence. We still don't know who revived you as a devil or for what reasons. A devil with both holy fire and a Longinus will draw unwanted attention and raise questions we can't answer. Until we know how you were resurrected, showing off your particular affinity will only cause more trouble for us in the future.)

'Fair point. Besides, it's not like I haven't been doing this for a while now. I'm no stranger to downplaying my abilities, no reason to stop that now.'

Issei struggled for a moment with the small shirt and jacket provided before giving up. Going shirtless for now, he walked unsteadily back to the foot of the bed where he found his prison-issue boots waiting for him. Seeing that there wasn't any other option, he put on the socks provided before slipping on the well-worn footwear.

As he laced the boots together, the door opened. Issei looked up to see a very attractive young woman there. Blue-green eyes stared at him in surprise. She was wearing what appeared to be a school uniform; button-down, long sleeved white shirt, black tie, shoulder cape, corset, skirt, brown shoes. What stood out to Issei was her long, red hair. He'd seen redheads before, Irish Leprechauns guilty of fraud and embezzlement so as to warrant Tartarus incarceration. But this girl took it to an all-new level. Her hair was blood red, unnerving as well as fascinating him.

(Red hair? Bah, I don't like her.)

'Albion!' Issei hissed. 'Be polite'

(Listen kid. Red Dragon Emperor. Enemy. Red hair she-devil. What do you think I see?)

'Don't be so petty, besides you were needlessly worrying over my hair color not five minutes ago.'

Refocusing on the girl, who was quite obviously a devil, he noticed the other rather obvious features she had. (Damn. And here I thought the Cat had the largest breasts on record.) Albion said dryly.

'You are not helping!'

"Hello there. Your name is Issei Hyoudou, correct?"

(How does she know?)

"Yes, though I don't seem to have the pleasure of knowing yours."

(Don't try to sweet talk her! Remember, Red is enemy!)

The girl smiled, a kind smile. "I'm sorry, it seems I've been a terrible host. My name is Rias Gremory."

'What do you know about her?'

(I know that the family is well known for compassion and protectiveness of their servants. Though on an individual level this is the first I've heard of her specifically. Said family is also the line that produced the current Lucifer.) Albion paused, then continued. (Let it also be known that most Gremory family members have blood red hair.)

'Grow up!'

Issei's smile did not reach his eyes. If she thought him so easily swayed by a smile and apology then this wasn't going to end well. "Gremory. One of the remaining Pillar Clans. Holds the rank of Duke and one of most famous Devil Families. May I presume you're the one who reincarnated me?"

To her credit, Rias did not show any sign of surprise at his knowledge of her family. Though her words were guarded after that. "Yes, I am. May I ask how you knew that so quickly? You've been unconscious for two weeks now, and no one's had a chance to tell you."

'No one? No quite.' Disregarding Albion's chuckles as background noise, Issei simply said, "I've done training with my life force before; I know if it changes. I've also met other Devils before, usually strays, so I know what energy to look for." Not exactly lying, but not telling the whole truth. Dragons lived for these verbal sparring matches.

"Impressive. Though given everything I've heard about you, I shouldn't be surprised."

That gained his interest. "Oh? Where have you heard of me?" Inwardly, he was panicking. 'Has word of my escape already gotten out? The devils don't associate with Tartarus but would they throw me back in?'

(Calm down. Hear her out. She may be red, but any new information is important.)

"I heard it all from someone who wouldn't have lied. In fact, it was on her request that I saved you."

"Her?"

"Issei?" A new voice came from the open door. Staring past Rias, Issei's jaw dropped.

"Ake... Akeno?" His voice was equal parts disbelief as well as sheer joy.

"I'll let you have a moment to catch up." Rias smiled once more and turned to leave. Softly shutting the door behind her, she left the two in peace. 'Hmm. Now that he's cleaned up a bit, he seems rather intriguing. It helps that he's quite handsome as well.' Cheeks blushing, she shook her head to rid herself of those impure thoughts. 'Not now. Besides, Akeno has laid claim to him already.'

Back in the now quiet bedroom, the two devils stared at each other with disguised longing, though both were hesitant in how to show it. Regardless of how they felt, it did seem strange to meet someone you cared about after a decade without seeing them. Neither was entirely comfortable with the situation, awkward enough as it was.

"Issei are you-"

"How have you bee-"

Both started at the same time but ceased to avoid interrupting the other further. Issei's ears reddened as he scratched the back of his head, while Akeno covered her mouth with one hand to hide her smile.

Issei halted his movements. "You go first." Fully expecting her to begin talking, he began to think of possible answers to potential questions. Lost in thought, Issei didn't notice that Akeno wasn't interested in talking. Utilizing all the speed her Queen attribute could muster, she sped towards the bed and hurled herself at him.

Issei was head and shoulders above her, and a great deal heavier. Because of this, he was flummoxed when Akeno's momentum pushed him onto his back on the bed, her arms wrapped around him. Instincts long since forgotten resurfaced, and he reacted, moving his arms to encircle her.

Burying her face into his chest, Akeno was crying her eyes out. After some time, she stopped and dried her eyes. Reaching for his hand with one of hers, and looking into his eyes, Issei was reminded of the way they had first met. Their positions were uncanny, the only difference being the course of time.

"Are you alright?" Akeno asked hesitantly. "You've been asleep for two weeks and we've been trying to heal you ever since we found you, but with very slow progress."

Issei winced. "I have a splitting headache right now, everything is sore, my senses are in flux, and I'm confused as to where and when I am." Akeno lowered her head, tears threatening to spill from her eyes once more. They would have if not for a gentle hand wiping them away before gently pulling her face upwards again. Seeing her confusion, Issei smiled. "All that aside, there's a pretty girl in my arms. I'll be fine."

Akeno searched for anything that indicated he was lying but found none. His smile was genuine, mirth danced behind his eyes. Finding no reason to disbelieve him, and cursing herself for looking for his flaws, she smiled in return and snuggled into his side, cautious of his recently healed injuries. "If you don't feel all that well, then perhaps there's something that pretty girl can do."

"Oh?"

Leaning up and forward so that their faces were level, she closed her eyes before kissing him. Chaste, nothing like the teasing older sister persona she had built, this was something to remind him of their shared time together. Clearly he remembered as well for he began to return it in kind.

Breaking off their connection, Akeno whispered into his ear. "Welcome home, Issei."

'Albion, finding a cure is priority one. Start thinking of ways to help me.'

(Cure? CURE? What's there to cure? Your physiology or the magic keeping you alive? There is no cure. Man up and deal with it.)

Akeno had fallen asleep on his chest a few hours before, trapping him in place. This had prompted Issei to nap as well, if only to sleep off the dizzying mix of holy and demonic power simmering inside him. It hadn't gone as he had hoped. While his limbs were less sore, he still had trouble focusing due to his headache, and his senses seemed permanently jumbled. Small matters to those who've been sick before, but the loss of ability was staggering for a predator that relied on those faculties without thinking.

The pair of devils had woken around the same time before Akeno had reluctantly gotten up, citing the need to socialize with their fellow devils. Before they left, she retied her hair; Issei idly noting that it was the same ribbon he had given her all those years ago.

Issei had stood up only to immediately fall back to the bed, still somewhat weakened. Akeno had smiled gently, tugging one arm over her shoulders as she guided him back to the clubroom. Once there, Issei took note of the inhabitants and committed them to memory. Rias, sitting in a high-backed chair, was behind a desk at the other end of the room. On the couches between them and her were two others. One slim, blond teenager, roughly around Issei's age, was calmly reading. Across from him was a young girl, petite, and seemed much younger. Noticing their entrance, she looked up, only to frown slightly before resuming consumption from a box of sweets.

Rias herself was looking through some papers but looked up and smiled at their appearance. Eager for the distraction from business and contracts, she shuffled them aside before speaking. "It's good to see you up and about Issei. I'd like you to meet the other Devils in my peerage. This is Yuuto Kiba and Koneko Toujou. They are my Knight and Rook, respectively."

The other boy smiled and extended his hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Issei took his hand in a firm grip to accommodate the gesture. "Likewise." He awkwardly tried to move, seeing as Akeno was still supporting him, to give the same courtesy to Koneko. "I'll be in your care as well." She eyed him warily before grudgingly accepting it, though she said nothing in response.

"You'll have to forgive Koneko. I'm afraid you bled quite a bit on her newly cleaned floor when we brought you here." Rias apologized.

He didn't really understand the problem, but then again, Issei realized that he couldn't hold everyone to his standards. Coming to the realization that, intentionally or not, he had caused unnecessary work for the girl, he sighed in anticipation. Facing her, he bowed his head. "For that I do apologize." He gave her a weary smile. "Trust me, I have no intention of being injured to that extent again."

That was enough to peak the curiosity of every other devil in the room. While they didn't say anything at first, everyone seemed interested. Even the stoic Koneko leaned forward to hear the story that presumably was to come. In the end, it was Rias that asked the fated question.

"Do you mind telling us what exactly happened to you? I understand that it may be rather soon to discuss this but I'd appreciate knowing the circumstances of how someone came to be so badly wounded."

Carefully moving to sit next to Kiba and across from Koneko, Issei squirmed. Both out of discomfort as he was reluctant to disclose how he had been cornered, as well as to get situated on a couch that was softer than he was used to. They sure as Hell didn't have such luxuries back in the pit.

"How... how much do you know about me?"

Rias paused. "We know you're half-dragon, half-human hybrid. Besides that, all I know is what Akeno has told me and the condition we found you in two weeks ago."

Issei winced. "I guess that's not much to go on, and I do owe you answers. Though it is a rather short story." Taking a deep breath, he decided the best course was to get it over with. "Until about a day or two before you found me, I've been stuck in Tartarus."

Now that got a few reactions, varied as they were. Kiba's visage flickered, as if he was trying to hide the fact that he was re-evaluating his opinion of him. Koneko didn't bother hiding her disdain as she scowled and addressed him. "Convict."

Rias and Akeno didn't say anything, though Akeno had her hands clasped and covering her mouth in shock, while Rias looked spooked.

Issei grimaced. "I guess it's a lost cause to tell you that I'm innocent?"

Regaining her composure, Rias immediately began pressuring him for clarification. "What do you mean by that?!"

"I was incarcerated at seven years old for a crime that I didn't commit. No trial, no phone call, just two Grigori lapdogs failing to understand that a half-blood child is nowhere near to the destructive level of a fully grown Dragon." Issei was careful to word his statements. He didn't know if any word of his father's change into an Evil Dragon had become widespread. Keeping that relation secret seemed possible, depending on how much Akeno had told the Devils. For that matter, he was careful to label his captors specifically as Grigori, not Fallen Angels, so as to spare Akeno, and by extension Baraqiel, of any blame or ill intent. "I was in my house at the time, trying to find my parents when they decided it was easier to catch me than keep searching for their actual target."

This calmed down the others. Kiba looked sincerely apologetic. Koneko resumed her usual expression, and Rias visibly calmed down. For her part, Akeno did look relieved, but Issei knew that she hurting due to the actions of other Fallen Angels. Resolving to talk to her later about it, he asked, "It took a while, but I managed to modify a few different dragon and energy-type techniques in order to escape." Not entirely true, but it would do for now.

"Very well then." Rias seemed pleased by this. "Since the current Devil Kings have forcefully eliminated all ties to the Tartarus Facility, it will be a simple matter to grant you diplomatic immunity. However, that status is assured so long as you remain a member of my household."

"So I'm to be a servant then, is that it?" Issei was obviously less than pleased with the foreseen arrangement. "I've spent more than half my life in a cage, doing everything I could to claw my way to freedom and now I'm free only to live as a slave?" Standing up, he shook his head violently. "Sorry, but I'll take my chances." Issei managed to take three unsteady steps to the door before keeling over.

Hands gently grasped his shoulders to pull him upright. Looking at the good Samaritans, Issei noted that both Akeno and Kiba had moved to assist him. With their combined efforts, he was returned to his seat only to slouch in exhaustion.

"And where would you go?" Rias' voice was kind and gentle. "You're still too weak from the reincarnation and healing you've undergone. You wouldn't last long as a Stray Devil, much less a rogue dragon. Just hear me out."

"That depends on what you have to say."

"I know that it looks bad. I know that you must be feeling terrible that the Fates haven't been kind to you. You have every reason to be angry. You have every right to leave regardless of me saving you or not."

That was a surprise. "You're just going to let me go?"

"If it was that easy, we wouldn't be having this discussion. I know you have little reason to believe me but in my peerage, I treat my servants like my own family. I would never ask any of them to do something I wasn't willing to do myself, nor would I demand they do anything of a dishonorable nature or intent without proper reason. Should you choose to remain, you'll find that I allow my servants a great deal of personal freedom, something that you obviously want. I know that I have no contract with you save for the Pawns inside you, but I am still asking."

While he wasn't particularly enthused by the benefits, his respect for her did rise. Issei had detected no deceit in her words, nor any ill intent. She genuinely wanted him to stay. If he didn't value his freedom so much, then her words would have enticed him into staying already. Looking around the room to the others, he saw eager and trusting faces, excluding the inexpressive Koneko.

Addressing them, he asked, "Can we have a few minutes?"

Looking to their master for consent, she gave it with a slight nod. Koneko and Kina filed out immediately, while Akeno laid a hand on his shoulder for comfort before following. It was a quiet after that, a silence that Rias did not seem eager to disrupt.

"Why?"

"Pardon?"

"Why did you reincarnate me? Why were you so willing to let me go? Why do you have to be so honest with me?" For some reason, he smiled. "Why do you have to be so damn likable?"

"I honestly can't tell if you're complaining or complimenting me."

"As far as I can tell, I've got the energy signatures of eight Pawns inside me. Am I wrong?"

"No, you're correct in that regard."

"That makes it all the more confusing. You've spent eight pieces on me, sacrificing the numerical advantage in order to recruit me, and then you're willing to let me walk? You're not lying about that are you?"

"No. I suppose I should explain. Yes, I reincarnated you because Akeno asked it of me. After all our years together, she's my best friend, I'd do anything for her." Issei suppressed a twitch of annoyance at her declaration. "As for why I'd let you go, I guess it's because I admire you."

"I don't just mean you personally." She clarified at Issei's dumbfounded expression. "All I've heard about you from Akeno indicates that you're a good person. That I don't doubt. It's more than that because in a way, I'm jealous. I grew up on stories of epic heroes, beautiful princesses, and mighty dragons. I always wanted to be the princess swept off her feet falling in love with her hero at first sight. Though now, I envy the dragon. Of the three, he has the least expected of him and therefore has the most freedom of them all. The freedom to choose his own future and accepting his own consequences. The idea of taking that right away from a dragon doesn't sit well with me and that's why I'm willing to let you go."

"To further your comparison, I assume there's a hero waiting for you then?"

"My father and brother arranged a marriage contract between me and a son of a prominent devil family. It's something done without my consent and even worse, I can't stand him, while he doesn't hide how he lusts after me."

Hikari would have been proud of her son that day. Not only did he not outwardly react, he even kept control over his loud-mouthed tendencies. Carefully thinking of a response he seethed inwardly. An arranged marriage was anathema to dragons; the very nature of the bond made such practices abhorrent.

"So then the reason why you asked for me to stay..."

"I've been denied and cut off at every chance to break the contract. It may come down to a Rating Game to dissolve it; a Game that I am not prepared for."

"So you need a ringer. Someone who can secure your victory should it come to that."

"I was hoping that would be you. Assuming you don't mind being both the hero and the dragon in this story."

'Albion? Any thoughts?'

(Kid, nothing I say or do can refute her claims, she's being completely honest or is an enchantress worthy to be titled succubus. A fitting distinction given what she is, though unnecessary considering her likely desire to remain unspoiled.)

'Must you be so crass?'

(Like it or not, you're a devil now. Their politics now involve you through her. This is just another game to overcome, just like turning your foes against each other back in the ring. I'm confident you can fight and win against most Devils her age; it's those much older that worry me. It'll be a challenge for me to remain hidden while fighting them.)

'That's that, but what to do now? I may not be able to hide you indefinitely under her watch.'

(I don't have all the answers. Do what you think is right.)

Returning his focus to the girl before him, Issei sighed. "I'll compromise then."

Rias had begun to look dejected after mentioning that she was engaged. His words cleared that mournful look and replaced it with a glimmer of hope.

"I'll help you should it come down to a Rating Game. After that, we'll see. I make no promises for what will come after."

"I... thank you, Issei Hyoudou."

"Don't thank me yet, we still don't know if I can beat your fiancé and his peerage. Besides, if I understand correctly, if I was to defeat his entire set single handedly, that would lower your own scores as well."

(You continue to surprise me. What made you decide to stay?)

'A number of reasons actually. I don't like the idea that arranged marriages are still acceptable in some cultures. I know I can't hold the world to our standards but I can do something about it. Besides, she was right. Where can we go? Kuoh is one of the last habitable nesting sites. While we could find some hidden dragon territory out there, I don't want to spend my life in fear, waiting for my demons to come chasing after me. I won't confine myself in a cave to wait and die. And finally, I do owe her. Notice that she barely brought up the fact that I'd be dead without her help. It doesn't sit well with me to just leave.'

(Too damn noble is what you are. Though I'm proud of your reasoning and calmly arriving at your conclusion. Perhaps fighting isn't your only strong suit.)

'Let's hope so. Constant conflict would bore me.'

Issei had taken his leave and left to wander the clubhouse. Having found only more rooms for various purposes, as well as one with an intricately complicated magical lock, he had taken to the rooftop to watch the sunset.

'So. What do you think of the others in her peerage.'

(The former Fallen, Akeno. I like her. You said you were in the initial bonding stages with her before your imprisonment?)

'Yes. Though I'm not sure where we stand now. It's been too long to be certain.'

(Give it time. You have plenty of it. For once, no one is planning to stab you in the back.)

'Poor choice of words in this case, remember what the Nekomata did to me.'

(That's partially why I brought this up. While your senses are dulled, mine are not. The child, Koneko. When you met, I sensed the power of another Nekomata.)

'Seriously?'

(Indeed, though it was greatly restrained. I don't believe she's as strong as the Cat, but she has greater control by not using her abilities.)

'You've lost me.'

(You know how to hide your aura; it's how you keep my presence a secret. She's doing the same thing, though it's not perfected. Her energy is... unsteady at best. Like a blade dulled after years of disuse. She may not be using her Nekomata abilities at all.)

Issei was silent. His mind blank, he was unsure how to describe the current situation. (Listen, I know what you're thinking. Just as you said it wasn't right to abandon Rias when you owe her a great deal, listen when I say it isn't fair to judge her by the actions of others. Even we dragons have our own distinct aberrations; you can't expect Koneko to act anything like Kuroka. More importantly, she has white hair. I trust her.)

"Why does everyone have to be so trusting today"? Venting, he did not realize he had spoken aloud until he heard a voice behind him.

"Some days are better than others, though that has little to do with general composure." Startled, Issei whirled to find Kiba calmly observing the sunset as well. "As for trust, Rias is very generous with it, should she find an individual worthy of it."

"And you? Are you the same?"

Sheepishly grinning and rubbing the back of his head, Kiba's response was immediate. "Usually, though it seems today, I have not been at my best."

"Oh?"

"When you said you came from Tartarus, I was on guard immediately. I didn't think of you as a person, I saw you as a threat. I'm sorry for that, it's not everyday someone escapes there, much less claims innocence."

"I don't blame you for being suspicious. If anything, I'd be worried if you were that accepting of me so soon."

"I suppose that's true. Shall we start anew?"

"Yes, let's."

Shaking hands once more, the two then climbed down. That is to say Kiba climbed, Issei didn't even bother and used his wings to glide. Re-entering the clubhouse, they made their way to the main room to find Rias and Akeno talking in hushed tones with Koneko snacking quietly. Both the older girls looked up, then smiled, immediately setting Issei on alert.

"Good, Kiba found you." Rias seemed pleased for whatever reason. "There are a few more things to discuss. As I'm sure you've guessed, my peerage and I use this clubhouse as a meeting place, using Occult Research as a means to operate without interference from the school. As a member of my household, you'll be joining it."

"Wait, what?"

"There is also the matter of you enrolling at Kuoh Academy. I made some calls and arranged for records to be made and certified for enrollment as a second year. While you certainly look older, age wise you'd fit in with the second years, additionally you'll be playing catch up on all the lessons you didn't receive in prison."

"Hold on, I didn't agree to-"

"There's a host of other matters that need attending to. Your housing situation, backstory, and many more." Akeno took over to grant her King a respite. "Seeing as it's quite late, you'll stay here tonight while we get started tomorrow on the first order of business."

"First? How many-"

"We can't have you walking about in prison garb or that jacket you stole, you wouldn't fit in among the other students. We'll be getting you a set of uniforms as well as everyday apparel."

(I think I know where this is going.)

Rias and Akeno smiled simultaneously, something that did both endear and terrify the now cognizant Issei. "Time to go shopping, Issei. Bright and early before the morning crowds."

"You can't be serious!"

"Sorry Issei." First the girls, now Kiba! "You must be dressed appropriately as it affects the reputation of the club."

"Improper dress is forbidden." Koneko deadpanned. "That goes double for convicts."

"Tyranny and oppression. That's what this is."

"Sorry, Issei but you'll thank us when this is over. Besides, I've been meaning to go shopping anyway." Akeno smirked. "I really should be thanking you for the excuse."

(Perhaps you should have stayed in Tartarus. It may have been safer there.)

AN: Thank you to all for reading. Please review, comment, like/fav, whatever you feel is adequate! Especially review, I can't improve without hearing from you!

This is actually the third iteration of the chapter and it mostly revolved around Koneko. After much internal debate, I decided to dull Issei's senses so he doesn't know who she is. I know that a lot of you were looking forward to Issei meeting Shirone and all that, but I found this better. I want to build it up to right before the reunion with Kuroka.

Can't think of any other points of interest, so I'll let you guys take the floor. Lemme know what you think!