Thank you very much for the support of the first chapter. Pls keep it up. It motivates me to write even during my umpteenth 'break'

okthatsitbye ( ͡ʘ ͜ʖ ͡ʘ)

Quit Staring at Me, That's Rude

〖Chapter 1〗

⦕ Friends? Friends ⦖

Issei couldn't sleep.

This was reminiscent of when he was a kindergartener during the night before a field trip. Or when he tried a double-shot espresso out of curiosity. Terrible mistake. No matter how he twisted and turned, flipped his pillow, flipped himself like a filet on a frying pan, flipped the ceiling for its silent staring and wordlessly making fun at him for his poor life choices — he just couldn't sleep.

He was wired. His thoughts wouldn't shut the hell up. He kept wondering if he actually had met other people with superpower. That weirdo from yesterday was a Fallen Angel so she didn't count, which was ridiculous enough. She confirmed Fallen Angels existed and magic was real all along. But how many other species were there? She mentioned something about Sacred Rear.

Rear? That didn't sound right… Sacred Bear? What bear?

Sacred Year?

Tear?

Geass?

What was it again?

Well, it was something sacred.

A blessing by God, he recalled, but which one specifically? The one from the Quran, The Bible— wait, those are the same god under a different name— Buddha? Was Buddha even considered a God? He was an enlightened man, if Issei recalled his History correctly, but not seen as a God by his religious followers.

Shinto Gods then, maybe? His country's Deities certainly would make more sense. Not that he believed in them before either, although he would be pretty hard-pressed to not at least acknowledge their existence after learning of their actual existence… Hopefully they wouldn't take any offense if he didn't pray to them. He was an agnostic and his parents didn't seem to care much about godly things either. He didn't have anything against people with faith, but like pineapple on pizzas; faith just wasn't for him. He'd rather believe in himself and the people around him that are living the same lives instead of a mythical being that no matter how understanding they might well be; not Humans.

But if it was a blessing from God, then why him? Why was he blessed?

He hadn't done any heroic deeds. Issei was fairly certain about that. He doubted feeding some stray cat and helping a granny cross the road and not littering would earn him something of this magnitude. Then again, he had it before he had developed consciousness and conscience. Something he had since birth.

Probably.

Putting aside the 'why', the 'how' was even foggier. How did it work? Did someone transplant his eyes when he was a baby? Were his eye structure and anatomy the same like everyone else? Were his eyes even human?

Is he Human?

In spite of his nightly pondering, the sun didn't give two shits and climbed the skies anyway.

'Fuck,' he solemnly thought, the realization that he wouldn't be catching any z's settling in his bones and screaming consciousness like a rabid squirrel.

Nevertheless, Issei's day started out like any other. It had been in a steady decline since then.

Lack of sleep sucked.

He'd gone to school, attempted to sleep before class started, got pestered by his friends anyway. He then tried his best to stay awake during class, dozed off, got told to stand in the hallway. He joked around with random students that were heading to the toilet. Sometimes teachers too. They were surprised at first, but poked fun at him in the end. It was fine, it helped him stay awake.

Since his first year being in Kuoh Academy, Issei had always questioned why standing in the hallway was a punishment. Asian schools had insane punishments like hosing the students down with water if they were caught skipping, which was kinda extreme as is, but standing in the hallways didn't make no sense to him. He was punished for not paying attention, and his penalty was to stand outside the class? Where he didn't have to pay attention at all?

Yeah. Shit's weird.

Not complaining though. After what happened yesterday afternoon, Issei couldn't keep himself focused on anything. He had been wondering if all of that was just a dream, and he was still, after all this time, was still alone. That would be pretty depressing.

It was then the alleged archenemy of all boys passed him by, and decided to strike a conversation with him.

"Hyoudou-san," the blonde boy said, catching his attention. Issei was blank-staring at the school's decorations. "Hanging out?"

That boy was Kiba Yuuto. A handsome European bloke with blonde hair and blue eyes. The classic western combination of beauty. Issei didn't get the hate. How was it Kiba's fault that girls just flocked to him? He was good-looking, smart, reputed to be kind, well-spoken and gentle, and all around Mr. Perfect. Shouldn't the boys try to be like him if they wanted the girls to look at them?

Then again, having good looks did have an integral part of someone's life. Like talents that other people just wouldn't have. Issei, for one, was not handsome. Nor was he talented. He was a decent goalkeeper but if asked to dribble a ball, he'd be as clumsy as if he was wearing a giant duck costume. He might be average, but he knew the merit for being average was that if people liked him, it was for something else other than looks.

Wouldn't hurt to be good-looking though.

"Yeah," Issei yawned. "Couldn't get a wink of sleep last night."

Kiba chuckled. "Couldn't sleep in class either, I see."

"Well I did, that's why I'm out here."

Kiba's chuckle had a nice ring to it. Smooth like a baby's butt. This was the type of laughter that swooped girls off their feet, apparently. Personally, Issei thought it sounded kinda forced. Like he was trying to be nice but came off ingenuine. Probably just him overthinking it, so Issei didn't bother.

His schoolmate then glanced around with his eyes, before staring at him again. "Do you have plans during break, Hyoudou-kun?"

"Yeah. Sleep."

Another chuckle. "Well… if you don't mind, the Occult Research Club wants to meet you."

That invitation came outta nowhere like truck-kun blindsiding isekai protagonists.

"Huh? Why?"

Kiba looked perplexed. "...Why…?"

"...Isn't that pretty standard…?" Issei blinked, now doubtful at himself. Did he say something wrong? "It's not like I'm shaking you down for cash. Did I do something? …Am I haunted?"

"N-No…" The Devil blinked. Once, twice, thrice, and it didn't register to him that despite being the most 'mysterious' and exclusive club as well as the club that housed the so-dubbed Kuoh Great Ladies as well as their Prince, the Prince being Kiba himself, Issei saw the Occult Research Club as pretty much any other club.

"Well…? What then?" Issei probed.

"...Rias— Buchou wishes to speak to you," Kiba said.

"Who?"

Is this guy serious? "...Rias…Rias Gremory? You've heard of her, surely."

"Oh yeah yeah. I've heard, I've heard," Issei blandly nodded, letting out a long, bear-like yawn as he scratched his chest. "My friends talked about her all the gosh ding-dang time even though she never spoke to any of them. Or me, for that matter… So why does she wanna talk to me all of a sudden?"

Huh. Kiba hadn't interacted much with Issei despite sharing the same year. Not because he tried to avoid him or anything, but because Issei was always with those two depraved students. That, and Issei was a lowkey kind of guy. He never stood out from the crowd; but since yesterday, Kiba was finally able to understand why.

Thus, Kiba replied in a quieter voice, "It's about your… last evening's meeting with her. The Fallen Angel."

Hearing that, all his doziness gone off in a flash like he had been injected with a shot of glucose.

"Holyfuck—" Issei whispershouted, mildly freaking out like a kid in a toy store where all the toys are free. "You know? Do you have… that thing too?"

"Some of the sort," Kiba winked and pressed a finger to his lips, shushing him. "Don't make a ruckus out of it, alright? There's a good reason we keep it a secret from ordinary Humans. Rias Buchou will inform you what we know about you and what you don't know about us."

"This is like a scene straight outta an anime."

Kiba chuckled handsomely. Issei didn't know someone could chuckle handsomely, but here he was, in the flesh. The Prince Charming of Kuoh. His natural ease seemed to lighten the mood. Shame the boys hated his guts simply for gaining the girls' attention. Not like it was the blondie's fault.

"I'll pick you up at lunch break," reminded Kiba to be doubly sure. Issei nodded, the goofy smile on his face infecting the blonde Devil with an odd kind of warmth. He reminded him of Saji when Sona first revealed the Devils' existence to him, except Saji tried to play it cool.

That said, Issei had been yawning constantly. He did it again just now.

"You look pretty out of it. Something the matter?"

"Yeah—" another yawn he didn't bother to cover. Being polite was overrated, and yawning with reckless abandon liberated him the same way a massive sneeze that shook the entire house did. "I told you I haven't slept today, man. My brain was just full of fuck. I should be freaking out right now but I'm just— tired."

"I'll ask Buchou if you can borrow our club's sofa to sleep," Kiba offered, concerned about his health. "No need to worry about the afternoon classes."

"Ohmygod— skipping classes legally?"

"Well she is the founder's daughter. I'd think we'll have a lot to discuss too. Half an hour is hardly enough."

"Damn, what are you? An Angel?"

His laughter became sheepish. "Haha…not exactly. We'll tell you later."

"Fuck, dude, we barely talked but I think I get why girls swoon over you."

Now that Kiba didn't quite catch. "P-Pardon me…?"

"Hah! No need to be humble, you ass. You've got like the entire female students wanting to lick your shoes."

"...L-Lick…my shoes…?"

"Not literally," Issei snickered, before pondering the possibility, and decided some of them probably might want to. "...Actually, nevermind. It's not that far off. Hell, I bet they'll be fuming if they find out you're talking with me."

His blonde bangs swayed as he tilted his head. "Why's that?"

"I dunno. Cuz I'm 'corrupted' or sumshit like that," Issei casually cussed. Because everyone should; it's liberating. "You're their Prince Charming, man, the girls won't want you catching fleas."

"Fleas…?"

"Yeah, since they see us like dogs," Issei yawned again. "Look— just…don't worry about it, alright? My battery is half a percent; I blabber nonsense when I'm this close to passing out."

"...Al…alright…" Kiba muttered under his breath, definitely not feeling alright from the new information. Did the girls really want to… No. No way. He was just being nice to them since they were innocent Humans that waved hi to him from time to time. They left chocolates in his locker during Valentine's, and, unlike the boys, they never glared at him.

…

Now Kiba was bothered. What if they were just being nice because they expected something from him…? He was their 'Prince', no? It was only a role. No more than that… Surely they were just playing around as well. Or did they really want him that badly? What ever had he done to them?

"...Hey man, you good?"

Kiba shook his head, shaking the thoughts away. "...Y-Yeah… I'm fine. I'll see you at lunch, Hyoudou-kun."

"Uh-huh…sure…"

Issei scratched his head as he watched Kiba disappear down the hallway. It was obvious something bothered him from their conversation, but what did? Issei couldn't even remember half the stuff he'd said in the last five minutes. Gods he should really consider buying some sleeping pills… No doubt his life was only getting wackier.

But at least it would get clearer now.

Break

Rias Gremory hadn't left her clubroom since the first class had started. She was seated behind a desk, a light brown folder containing a certain boy's necessary school documents were laid upon the table before her, its contents placed neatly side to side. His family history failed to tell her much about the boy, and neither did his personal history, and it greatly disturbed her.

He was by no means a remarkable human being. A good person through and through and liked by his friends —at least according to Yuuto—, and had never gotten into a fistfight. His grades were below average, unlike Genshirou Saji, her platonic rival's Pawn. His physique was below standard. Lanky and barren of muscles. He didn't come from a reputable Clan like Tsubaki who owned the Mirror Alice Sacred Gear, and he was not a byproduct of a heinous experiment like Yuuto Kiba.

So why did he possess a Sacred Gear?

And had activated it, no less?

While the nature of Sacred Gear remained a great mystery of the Gremory heiress, Rias had expected a pattern of some sort to develop. Genshirou Saji had an unnaturally high desire to make Sona's dream come true. It was plain to her that the boy had fallen in love with Sona, thus bringing forth his Sacred Gear from that desire. How they exactly met was not by chance either; Serafall had devised a plot just like her own brother had. Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko — Rias wouldn't have these three Servants of hers without her brother's help.

Of course once she found out, she had lashed out on him and told him to stay away. Perhaps a bit too harsh, but Rias knew she wouldn't be able to mature if her Satan of a brother kept peeking over her shoulders. Same applied to Sona, who, upon learning Serafall's interference with her Peerage's growth, had banished her sister from ever stepping a foot at this very school.

Kindred spirits… she and Sona were. The biggest difference between them was perhaps how they treated their Servants, and the fact that Sona nearly had a full Peerage while Rias wasn't able to add any since the last two years she'd been in Japan.

It wasn't because her school didn't have that many potential prospects, but none of them ever truly struck her like her Servants did. Quality over quantity, people might claim, but it wasn't that either. It was never about power to her, but the fact that she was able to give these troubled souls a second chance.

Of course, it came to bite her in the foot when she was sentenced to an unofficial Rating Game. Only when a deadline appeared did Rias feel the urgency to find new Servants.

"I don't see why not?" Leave it to her Queen to pry apart her hard contemplation with a soft voice. Akeno was her only Servant in this room. "Why the long thought? You need all the help you can get, Rias. I don't think you need me to tell you that."

"He's Hyoudou Issei," Rias rebuked.

"...And?"

Rias sighed as she shifted the papers into the folders, massaging her temples right after. "He's normal, Akeno."

Akeno flitted an innocent tune. "Ara~? Am I not normal as well?"

"You know what I meant," Rias scoffed, unimpressed by her Queen's poor attempt at cheering her up. If she was even bothering. "He doesn't strike me as someone who'll fit in. Not with us; with the world. Our world."

"How so? Not damaged enough?"

"Akeno…" Rias groaned, adding much to Akeno's glee. The Thunder Priestess always loved to torture her conscience regardless of the situation. She didn't mind it when she directed towards her enemies, but it could irritate her during moments like these.

Another sigh caused her Queen to stroll over from the guest sofa, approaching her with that damn permanent smile etched on her face.

"I can't see how this'll work out," Rias muttered, taking off her eyeglasses. It failed to bring clarity as she'd hoped. "He's not violent, he's not amoral, and he was raised in a normal family without a significant history, and he's without a troubled past as you do."

"Mmm~ perhaps he'll be the perfect foil for us orphans then."

Rias narrowed her beryl bluish green eyes. "Cut it out. I won't ask you twice."

At that stern tone, Akeno only shivered in delight, "Iyahn~ to be scolded by the tender-hearted Rias Gremory-sama…"

Sometimes, Rias wished Akeno could act a little bit more like Tsubaki. She debated throwing an eraser over, but Rias found that she didn't have the energy to do just that.

So she resorted with words; "...I'm at my wits' end here and all you've done is make me wish I had a shovel to bury you. Then me."

Giggling her usual light, flute-like giggles, Akeno sauntered behind her office chair, and placed both her hands over her shoulders.

And started massaging her. "Loosen down, sweet, sweet Rias." Rias shuddered, and Akeno gleefully giggled. Each time she made her King uncomfortable was another notch to her imaginary tally. "But think about it. He's been spotted by the vultures," Akeno insinuated, and the Gremory frowned with both her sleek eyebrows and soft pink lips. "It'll be only a matter of time before they either kill him or bring him to their flock. They already tried once yesterday, who says they won't make another move today?"

Rias' sigh only deepened. Although she appreciated the massage, it didn't change the fact that she was stuck in a deep, sticky muck where the only rope out for her was a clueless boy.

"It's not fair to him." It just wasn't. She had no right to drag him into this part of the world.

"Life isn't fair."

"Oh don't you get smart at me, Himejima."

"Scared that I'll beat your intellect?"

Rias rolled her eyes.

"But was I wrong?" Akeno flitted by. "Erasing his memories won't do any good. The Fallen know about him regardless, and we can't erase the crows' memories. …We can erase them, however."

"We will. Soon," Rias muttered. The moment the Fallen Angels crossed the line, then there would be no mercy to spare. She had no doubt those Stray Exorcists would make their first action in due time, believing they had snuck in covertly. And then Sona could finally have the authorization to let loose of the cleanup crew; Rias and her Peerage.

But those stragglers wasn't the main issue here.

"...I guess there's no other way…"

"Mhmm," hummed Akeno. "This is for his safety as well. If you reject him, Sona will make her move either way."

"That's true…" Rias sighed. She had been sighing an awful lot today. Or yesterday. Or the day before yesterday. Or the entirety of days since last week. Damn Phenexes… Damn her family. Damn this pure-blooded insecurity nonsense. "There is no other choice… are there?"

"Who knows?" Akeno shrugged carelessly. "As far as I'm concerned, our choices are either to abandon him to die or be recruited by the Grigori or Sona. One of the two."

"And that's supposed to bring me any peace of mind?"

"Peace is overrated anyway. We're all a little bit chaotic. It's pretty much a given for being who we are."

Rias ignored Akeno's mindless quip, and made her final decision. Regardless of the circumstances, Hyoudou Issei deserved to make his choice.

"Have Yuuto bring him here during lunch break."

"Sure thing, Buchou~" Akeno smiled. If there would be anything that she would change from her Master and closest friend, then it would be her kindness. Juuust a bit. And maybe her stubborn pride.

"Damn."

It was Issei's first and only word as he entered the insanely luxurious clubroom hidden in the depths of a mossy old school building. Everything was nicely furnished. Air-conditioning was to be expected, but none of the clubs he'd ever visited had this amount of pricey-looking furniture and refineries and luxuries — or even a fridge. Not counting the Home Ec. Club, for reasons obvious enough.

Sure could use a bit more light though. Why were they using candles when they were already using the aircon? Definitely not to lower the utility expense. Aircon used more electricity current than a couple of lamps. Maybe for the spooky vibe? They were the Occult Research Club after all. Either way, a room with this dim of an illumination would be harmful for the eyes, he'd think.

"Welcome to the Occult Research Club, Hyoudou-kun," Kiba announced, although the occupants were already looking at him with a reserved but friendly smile. All except for the one tiny girl sitting by the couch — which he didn't notice.

"Damn." Second word. Not much distinction in both letters and intonation and his blank staring. He felt like he had entered a rich kids' clubhouse built by their multimillionaire dads, where the kids wore polos and chino shorts and had that same pompous haircut.

"...You…can come inside…you know?"

"Huh? Oh— right… Uh… excuse me." Issei blinked, and his mind finally registered that he had been standing by the entrance for almost a minute. Inside he went, and awkwardly bowed his head at his seniors, and one junior.

"We've been expecting you," greeted a girl with bedazzling crimson hair. Issei couldn't imagine the amount of hair product she used to maintain those waves.

"Ah yes, hello Senpai. The expecting is mutual." Issei nodded, walking over towards the couch, still checking out the place that was definitely too large for a four-man club and too lavish for a clubroom. "Oh, Koneko-chan— I didn't even see you there."

"Lo," was all the petite club mascot said, minding little of him as she kept on eating her slice of strawberry shortcake. Koneko didn't know much about the Human boy either, but she heard enough about him to tell he wasn't like his perverted cronies. Albeit there was doubt in her heart, she held back on forming her opinion until she knew more about this potential junior of hers.

Bit of a lukewarm response but Issei had worse, so he sat down, and immediately noticed first thing that the couch was heavenly comfy. They were soft green with wood arms, and he had absolutely no idea what theme they were, but they were definitely not Japanese furniture. Whatever style it hailed from, European or the frickin' Arctic, it looked comfy enough for him to lay his tired ass and more than enough length for him to sprawl over and take his much needed nap. They were practically luring him.

This club wasn't exclusive for nothing huh.

"This place is totally rad, but what's up with the uh… why's it so dark in here? Is it for the spooks?" he decided to ask straight out, his eyes wandering about, unable to focus on one thing as there were so many things taking up his attention the more he looked around. "Is that a magic circle? Heh, do you guys do summoning rituals too?"

Rias didn't follow the direction his finger was pointing, simply observing his behavior to her and her Servants' usual surroundings. His reaction was endearing, in a way that it was different. Humane. Normal.

Which was why she was on the fence with the idea of inviting him to this part of the world he didn't know existed. Not even inviting, just welcoming or showing him this side existed felt so wrong.

Sitting next to her, Akeno leaned in and whispered to her, "He's cute. Let's keep him."

Rias gave her Queen a look. "He's not a pet."

"Won't know if we don't ask."

Rias softly groaned as she rolled her eyes, and to prevent further distractions, she began the talk. "First of all; I'm certain you're wondering why you're summoned here."

"Ooooh, 'summoned' eh?" Issei grinned jokingly. "Is chuuni-speak mandatory here?"

Rias blinked, and her brows lowered. "...What?"

Koneko stifled her giggle. Akeno tittered regardless. Only Yuuto seemed confused as much as her.

Issei paused and froze, before he spoke, "Oh crap— that's how you talk? Sorry, I wasn't trying to make fun of you or anything, Senpai. It's just that… y'know, you just seem so dignified and all. Feels like I'm talking to a princess. I mean hell, you all looked like you came from a nobility. …Except for Koneko-chan. No offense."

"None taken," Koneko shrugged, unbothered, really. Her seniors were just naturally beautiful and handsome. And busty.

Extremely busty. Excessive, perhaps.

Whereas here she sat… flat as a chopping board.

…

For a reason unapparent, Koneko scowled. She ate her cake with a bit more aggression and a small, barely noticeable scowl. Issei hoped it wasn't because of something he said.

"R-Right…no…" Rias muttered, snapping out of her brief stupor. "...I mean, yes; this is how I normally speak. Does it bother you? Am I being rude if I ask whether you can follow my words?"

"No! Not at all, not at all…" Issei hurriedly said. He knew how to detect sarcasm and Rias definitely wasn't being sarcastic. "Just a bit of a misunderstanding, 's all. My friends are an unrefined bunch. …Like me I guess— but it's no biggie. Sorry if I make you uncomfortable."

"No. No you didn't," the Gremory folded her hands, her elbows under her palms as she gave him a smile. He was surprisingly reasonable. "I do talk a bit formally, I'll admit. By no means am I belittling you by saying this, Hyoudou, but if there's something you don't quite grasp, then go ahead and ask. Akeno or Yuuto may be able to explain it clearer."

He nodded duly. "Right, right."

"I suppose introductions should be in order," Rias restarted, loosening her business-like intonation. At least she thought so. "I'm Rias Gremory. President of the Occult Research Club. This is Toujou Koneko, the treasurer, and Yuuto Kiba, the secretary— both I'm certain you've met. And this is Akeno."

Akeno smiled warmly. Her usual goto smile. "Himejima Akeno. Vice President. You may go ahead and call me Akeno-senpai, if I can call you Issei-kun."

"Sure thing, Senpai, sure thing."

He's like a parrot, Akeno tittered. What with all the head bobbing and repeated phrases of acknowledgment. If not for his powers, then she hoped Rias would invite him either way due to the fact that Issei was significantly different from them. He seemed an easy prey to tease as well, which was a welcome plus. Rias was evidently too stressed out at the moment to deal with her humor whereas Yuuto was… well, a bit dense, if anything. He'd gotten used as well, if it wasn't bad enough. It was a sad day when Koneko-chan became resistant to her mischief — sparing at most a snide look. Which was pretty nice for a different reason, but Akeno liked having a variety of reactions and someone like Issei was perhaps someone she needed.

The fact that he saw her as well as Rias as a person instead of a walking object of desire was well appreciated too. It was almost strange to meet a male student that didn't try to leer at their sizable bust. Rather, he was more entranced by the room's atmosphere and air rather than them. Though Akeno certainly wouldn't mind the lusty eyes her desirable figure had garnered, she appreciated the fresh breath.

"Well then," Rias continued. "Would you like some tea before we begin, Hyoudou?"

"Ah, no thanks."

Akeno pouted a little. "Oh? You don't like tea?"

"Uh… maybe at night. I'm more of a milk or water guy than a tea or coffee guy."

Akeno couldn't help but giggle yet again, amused by her own thoughts. What is he, a child? He'd be a perfect younger sibling if the group ever needed one. They already had the quiet one and the smooth charmer one. Three's better than two.

Oblivious to her Queen's miring thoughts, Rias put the conversation well on track.

"I believe you've met Yuuma Amano, correct?"

"..." Issei squinted his eyes. Not in a way that he was showing suspicion, but in a way that someone would do when they were trying to rejog their memories. "...I think... I dunno. I'm terrible with names, Senpai. I can remember faces but names fall off my memories unless I talk with them enough times. If the chick you mean has black hair and from Danzou High, then yeah."

"That's who I'm referring to," confirmed Rias. "The Fallen Angel. Her true name is Raynare."

"Yeah. Yeah, that's her alright," Issei nodded, more spirited now, ready to chew on the meaty topic and hopefully understand more about his bizarre eyes. "How do you know that, Senpai?"

"I was passing by the park," the white-haired petite made herself heard. Her voice was quietly audible, light as her frame. Motohama would have lost it if he ever heard her speak to him, that depraved lolicon.

"You were? Huh, I didn't see you."

Koneko nodded, setting down her empty plate over the coffee table. "I would have kicked her ass if she tried anything funny to you, Senpai, but you handled it pretty well. …All things considered."

"Seriously?" Issei asked again, his eyes broadening. "...You? I mean… Not to be rude or anything but… Y'know."

"I may look small, but I can throw an elephant."

"...What?" Issei looked around for confirmation, and none of the club members seemed keen to disprove that fact. Nodders all around. "Holy hell— is that your thing? Your, uh, superpower?"

He decided on that word since it was the simplest and straight forward.

"It's part of her enhancement as a Rook, Hyoudou." It was Rias who answered, and ventured on before he could ask what it meant. "To put it short; we're Devils."

His silence was staggering. But his flabbergasted expression, on the other hand, was quite hilarious. It was amusing to see someone be so awestruck and flabbergasted over a simple fact.

"You're just going to drop the bomb like that, Rias?" Akeno sighed, her lips already formed a small pout. "I was hoping for more buildup."

"Theatrics are overrated," Rias stated plainly, glancing over her shoulder to give her standby Knight the go ahead. "Yuuto, if you would."

The blondie nodded, and Issei's brown eyes only widened and widened until they were the size of saucers as a pair of slick black wings erupted from Kiba's back, stretching more or less the same length like the Fallen Angel from last afternoon.

"Whoa! Holy crap—!" Issei had to blink several times to confirm he wasn't dreaming. He wasn't dreaming back then either. This was real. He flapped it once too— those were real and not a cosplay prop. "Wait— wait, you guys are Devils…? Well I guess I kinda expected Devils exist too since Fallen Angels exist, but… You guys are Devils? All this time?"

"All along," Rias simpered. Always amusing when she revealed her identity to a commoner.

"What— this is insane! You guys look totally like people! Where's your pitchforks? And horns? Pointy spade-shaped tail? How come you're all good-looking instead of red-skinned?"

"Humans tend to over exaggerate and add in their own details to fulfill their propaganda that all Devils are evil. And those are Demons' characteristics you mentioned," Rias simply answered. "Sorry to disappoint you; but we resemble humans by terms of appearance. We are a species created by the First Lucifer through Lilith the Demon. Lucifer is a creature molded by the Biblical God after all, just as the first humans were, hence our similar appearance. It's the 'perfect' look, according to the annals of history."

Issei for sure didn't expect a crash course about the history of an entire species' appearance, but he wasn't going to complain. That aside - she said annals. Haha.

'Goddammit, grow up a bit Isssei.' "...Then what about the Fallen Angel? I don't know much about the bible or religion, but isn't the Lucifer-guy a Fallen Angel?"

"The First Lucifer was banished because he rebelled against God," Rias explained. "The Fallen Angels fell because during the banishment of Adam and Eve — punishment for disobeying God's words, these Angels disobeyed him too and descended to Earth to look after the humans. They are called Grigori. The Watchers."

"Then they watch humans very closely," Akeno hinted unabashedly, earning an exasperated look from Rias. "Extremely closely, might I add."

Issei caught that dirty joke, and laughed like a gremlin that was up to no good. The 'heheheheh' kind of laughter that tickled Akeno right in her funny bone as she began to titter herself. He was no saint, that was always good. She'd highly appreciate someone who enjoyed her childish sexual quippages. Especially since Rias was fed up, Koneko found it distasteful, and Kiba was so used to hearing it that he stopped feeling bashful and had become desensitized.

Never let someone say it was easy being both Devil and a Fallen Angel at the same time. Devils were prim and proper while Fallen Angels were constantly dirty-minded like the sluts and manwhores they were.

"Okay, so…" Issei scratched his head, having to cover his mouth as he yawned. He wouldn't mind yawning in front of Kiba, but these were his seniors; some politeness should be in order. "Are you guys enemies with each other?"

"There was once a three-way war between the Three Major Factions," Rias instead said. "The Infernal Legion; us Devils, the Grigori, and the Heavenly Host. It ended in a stalemate because both sides had major losses. Losses that are yet to be recuperated even after a thousand years have nearly passed. The Eternal Conflict, it was called. Though lasting only a single day, the damages done were believed to last for an eternity due to its severity."

"Oh. Holy crap." Was all he could managed. Didn't add much, but Issei felt the need to show he was listening and comprehending. "That long ago? Wait— are you guys actually five hundred years old… like in those anime?"

Rias let out a short lived giggle at his question. "Although my parents are nearing half a millennia years of age, I'm of your age. We don't age the same way you do, Hyoudou. We stop aging once we reach adulthood. Me and Akeno are both eighteen, as you are. Koneko is sixteen and Yuuto is seventeen."

"You're 18?" the petite Rook chimed, her voice quiet as ever. "Did you get hold back a year, Senpai?"

Koneko's question was asked to sate curiosity, not to embarrass him, Issei gathered. "Nah, I was sick for a year," he muttered, his discomfort showing clearly. "I'd rather not talk about it, if you guys don't mind."

"That's alright," Rias understood. "Don't feel pressurized. I'm letting you know all of this for free. Now, moving along to your previous question; we are no longer at war, but we still are at each other's throats. This town has been in constant struggles between Devils and Fallen Angels since my predecessors."

He nodded again. He had a feeling he would be nodding quite a lot during this discussion. "What about the Angels?"

"Not many Christians in this country, Hyoudou," Rias replied with a thin but nonetheless genuine smile. This must be what teachers felt when their students asked them questions; proof that they were absorbed by the lecture.

"Huh… Then does that mean you own this town?"

"Not formally," the stunning Gremory shook her head. "Legally, this town is ruled by its Human mayor. Us from the supernatural world made it a priority to never interfere with Human's politics, because… well, Humans worship Gods."

Issei furrowed his eyebrows. "Oh yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that too. I'm assuming Gods exist as well, so… Are you guys chill with each other or…?"

Chill? Ah, a Human slang. "For the most part; yes," Rias affirmed. "Only God of the Bible tried to wipe us all out. The rest minded their own business."

"I see, I see…"

"As for the reasons I'm here; we, Devils, have Contractors — Humans who make deals with us. Fallen Angels do not like this fact and have taken it up to themselves to pester us to the best of their abilities. We are Overseers of this town; we can't control who comes in or out. Aside from maintaining the safety of our Contractors, we exterminate any Stray Devils; Devils that have berserked and lost control of themselves. In simpler terms; they're criminals."

His eyebrows had been scrunched the moment Rias said the word 'mayor'. "Uh-huh…" he doubtfully muttered, not sure if he got it but kinda didn't want her to repeat herself. "So you're like… like a peacekeeper?"

"You can put it like that," Rias smiled, overall gladdened he had been paying attention despite it was obvious to her it was taking his entirety to focus. "We don't have the authority to deny entry and it isn't part of our objective as this town's Overseer either. There are towns and even megapolis that are controlled wholly by Devils or Fallen Angels or both in a very rare case. Las Vegas will be the prime example. Sin City was split evenly into two as part of the Peace Treaty."

Issei made a face. Made sense so far. His brain hurt just a little. But that was probably from his battle against sleepiness.

"Angels have their special territory as well; the Vatican and Constantinople for example," Rias continued. "Me and Sona are the Overseers of this town—"

"Wait wait wait— whoa wait— Sona? Sona-senpai? The StuCo Prez? Miss-Wear-Your-Tie-Properly-or-I'll-Neck-You Shitori Sona?"

His response tugged the edges of her mouth into a smile. "Yes. That Sona. Her Shitori is an alias; her real name is Sona Sitri. One of the families of the Ars Goetia 72 Pillars. Just like me, a Gremory."

"Ars-what? Hold up… Pull up a little…" Issei raised his palms. Akeno's mirth slipped out her lips again. His reactions had been just delightfully amusing. "This…this is a bit too much on my plate. I think I might throw up."

"Please don't," Koneko chimed. "I'm on cleanup duty today."

"Just an expression— but…man." Issei feverishly shook his head, trying to sober himself as well as kicking the dizziness from his lack of sleep away. "Whew… how many are you in this place?"

"The entire Student Council consists of Devils. Reincarnated Devils, I must clarify," Rias stated. "I'm a Pure Blood Devil, though that seems to have brought me pain more than joy…" she muttered under her breath. "Whereas Akeno and Kiba were once Human."

Meanwhile, Issei's poor brain cells were struggling to connect the dots as hard as they could. "Reincarnated…? You guys died?"

"I received an offer I couldn't refuse," Akeno hummed, leaving it at that.

"On the verge of death in my case," Kiba answered, still hanging behind the couch, standing on guard for… whatever he might be guarding. Wasps, probably. "I was practically on death's door when Buchou found me."

"Damn bro, what happened to you?"

His smile lacked its friendliness now. Sheepish, if any. "I'd rather not talk about it, Hyoudou-kun."

"Alright, alright," Issei nodded in understanding. "You good now though, yea?"

Now that friendliness returned as Kiba replied, "You can say that."

Rias smiled softly. She really did wish Kiba could one day let go of his dark past, or to no longer be haunted by it and blame himself. She could give her Servants better living conditions, but 'mending' them was harder than she'd thought. She hoped she was at least an adequate Master for them.

"Eyy, good for ya my guy," Issei grinned bro-ishly, for the lack of proper and simpler terms, coupling his grin with one finger gun because two were too many. He was going to ask if the mascot was the same, but as she'd remained quiet and didn't seem to trust him enough to speak up, Issei decided to not to, and returned his attention back to Rias. "So… uh… Guremorī-senpai."

The butchering of her family name roused her from her stupor. "Yes?"

"The Fallen Angels — the reason that girl attacked me yesterday," Issei muttered, crossing his hands, looking disturbed. "She said what I have is dangerous and that I'm a threat — Sacred Gear, I think she said. Do you guys have it too or…?"

Rias grimaced and frowned. Issei also took note of Akeno's sudden glower. These guys really hate the other guys' guts.

"That's our biggest problem with those Fallen Angels. They play God when they're nothing but cowardly vultures without respect for life," the Gremory scoffed. "...Not to say Devils are completely innocent, but… We're just as bad, actually… but we don't kill Humans; we invite them to our side. We offer protection and wealth in exchange for their power, not hunt them down or conduct experiments on them."

Kiba gritted his teeth, but Issei failed to notice it as he was already too concerned by the souring mood.

"But yes. Yuuto has it."

Issei jumped on his seat as a shiny metallic thing erupted from the carpeted floor — "Are those frickin swords? How did you even do that?"

"I just think of it," Kiba shrugged. "The swords I create rely on my imagination."

"...Huh. Thinking is the trigger huh? Same as me then."

"Sword Birth is a Sacred Gear he possesses," Rias told him as Kiba promptly got rid of the swords, unfocusing his desire as the bladed weapons turned to glitters, disappearing as they floated mesmerizingly in the air. "What you have, I believe, might be the Forbidden Balor View."

"Forbidden?" Crap, that sounded kinda cool. Anything with 'Forbidden' or 'Cursed' or 'Illegal' on its label automatically doubled its awesomeness. Except what he had wasn't that awesome.

"But there's this thing I don't quite understand… According to history; you should be able to stop time, Hyoudou, not… whatever it was you did to Raynare's lightspear."

"Time-stopping? What? That's way better than what I have!"

That quirked her interest. "Hm? How so?"

"I mean— stopping time or making things go poof. Which sounds more convenient to you? With time stopping, I can sleep anytime I want and procrastinate as long as I want! Or cheat during exams, I guess."

Rias giggled. What a silly boy. All of the crime one might commit with time stopping and the extent of his 'evil' was copy his classmate's works. "You won't be able to stop everything around you, Hyoudou, only what you're able to see."

"Oh. Balls." …Maybe if he stared at himself in the mirror— wait, then he would just be frozen still.

"At least… that's what is described in the tome," Rias muttered, curious now. "Evidently what you have is something akin to my inherited bloodline power; the Power of Destruction. Which, as the name suggests, destroys things. I'd show you, but I'd rather not ruin my office."

His brows had risen. "...That sounds ominous."

"Rightfully so." Rias smiled. "But enough about us… I want to know more about you and your ability. Is it too much to ask if I ask you to demonstrate it? How does it affect your psyche— well being, I mean?"

"Uh sure," Issei shrugged. What's the harm anyway. "I don't really get why or how, but I think the more I use it in a day the more likely I'll end up having a nightmare for a dream. Or just an unpleasant dream overall, like falling but up." He pointed at the roof. "Might just be a coincidence though. Not like I use it much."

Rias brought her delicate fingers over her lush lips, adopting a thinking pose. "Hmm… Perhaps. Then will you? Can you demonstrate it using that plate?"

"Huh?" Issei looked over the small plate Koneko was using earlier. "But… it's a plate."

"Exactly. It's just a plate," Rias insisted. Ceramic or not, anything replaceable with money was the least of her worries.

"...Well…alright. Sorry Mr. Plate." Rich people, he supposed. Without further ado, he glanced over at the plate, and the Devils collectively held their breath as the plate screeched. It didn't last a second, but the unholy sound it created was something that belonged to the deeper sanctums in Hell.

"A-Amazing…" Rias mumbled, sparing a glance at Koneko to make sure she was fine as he was the one with the keenest hearing. Disturbed, but nonetheless awestruck by the speed of its destruction. More or less the same with the rest of her Servants. "Detect any magic, Akeno?"

"No," Akeno muttered. Serious for once. "No traces at all. It's a Miracle alright."

"A Sacred Gear. As we've expected," Rias huffed a pleased sigh and nodded, and proceeded to explain what it meant to the clueless boy. "Sacred Gears carry tiny Miracles from God, Hyoudou, hence why you're able to cast it without having magical power within you. In short, the ability to create something out of nothing. Hence the term Miracle."

Issei slowly bobbed his head up and down. Finally. Things began to make some fucking sense.

"His eyes went purple," Koneko then mentioned, skipping the preamble.

"Did they?" Rias asked as the Devils stared at Issei's warm hazel browns, making the boy a bit uncomfortable by the sudden stares. "We were too fixated at the plate, I suppose… Can you…do that again, Hyoudou? If you don't mind?"

"Sure thing." Issei felt like the kid with a new magic trick that was now hounded by everyone in class, demanding him to replay the trick because they believed they could sniff the 'magic' behind it.

"Try it with my sword," Kiba proposed as a standard European bastard sword bounced from the floor and straight into his grip, surprising Issei a little as he winced. The blonde Devil moved over to place the sword over the table, promptly returning to his spot as Koneko covered her ears.

"That's an interesting idea…" alleged the Gremory. "Perhaps we should see if you can snuff our spells later on." Since he looked eager to ask, Rias had to redirect him to her request. "I'll elaborate in the future. As for now; please, Hyoudou."

"Alrighty."

Rias paid closer attention to his hazel eyes, and, finally, noticed the violet glower as he activated his presumed Sacred Gear. It was as if his brown irises exploded into shades of purple. They flared stunningly as his pupils contracted into vertical slits. His white sclera blackened, turning completely ink black, emphasizing the radiant violet flames.

It was like seeing a pair of miniature supernovas.

The biting sound ruined the otherwise beautiful scenery, however. The Demonic Sword lasted barely a second, and the piercing shriek lasted even shorter as it was completely devoured inside out.

"It's real loud," Issei then muttered, shaking his head and rubbing his ears. "Sounds like someone's dying… Took a long while for me to get used to it."

And an even longer one for Koneko as she thought somberly.

"Oh yeah," Issei rambled. "You can do spells and shit— is it something you can learn? Like maths?"

Rias chuckled primly. "Any species other than Humans is able to cast spells. It's something we're born with." Issei was visibly bummed out, which elicited another string of her light tittering. "Normally, anyway."

"Can I… do that? Spells and shiz?"

"As for your kind, while it's not entirely impossible, it's more… difficult for you to learn. Not as convenient as picturing a ball of fire." Rias extended a hand out as black and red fireball blazed above her palm. His widening eyes was amusing to say the least. "Human Magicians use formulas and oftentimes herbs or other ingredients or a tool to channel their innate magical power easier. Like a staff or a wand among others. Even then, they'll have to nurture their talents for years. And since talents are exclusive; not everyone has it. Not everyone can be a Magician."

"Damn." His fault for getting his hopes up.

"However…" Rias restarted, her tone becoming more business-like. "All Humans can become a Devil."

It was then she summoned her Evil Pieces, telling him how the Agares Crystal that was used to make these chess pieces could inject Demonic Energy into his soul, further enhancing his body to contain his new demonic strengths and drawbacks. It wasn't so much as a reincarnation as it was an addition, however, hence why the term Reincarnated Devil was used. Other than the fact it was coined to please the Pure Blooded Devils.

"Huh… that's… pretty nifty," he said with uncertainty.

"Are you bothered by the fact we are Devils, Hyoudou?"

"Not really," shrugged Issei as he rubbed his eyes, yawning for three seconds before continuing, "I mean… It's not like you guys sat on my shoulder whispering to me to do bad stuff, and movies are just movies anyway. I don't know any of you that much other than rumors, but you guys seem pretty friendly."

"So far at least," Akeno teased needlessly.

Rias would have scolded her if Issei didn't laugh.

"Hah—! Yea… I guess I'll have to change my mind if you're gonna sacrifice me to bring the Antichrist or something."

"None of us have any intention of bringing the Apocalypse. Living is a much more appealing idea compared to dying — I think we all would agree on that."

Issei pursed his lips and nodded. Afterlife is a spooky topic. He didn't even wanna go there; he was still young. "True, true. I'd think death would suck — oh, speaking of death, can't you just reincarnate them over and over again?"

He asked some good questions. Not to be condescending, but Rias was genuinely impressed. He might not be an academic genius but no one said one must be a genius to be logical.

"No, unfortunately," she replied. "There's only so many second chances to go around. Neither pure Fallen Angels nor Angels can't reincarnate into Devils as our properties would only cancel each other, resulting in the destruction of the soul. And while the Evil Pieces' boons such as increased strength, speed and magical potency will take place regardless, we can't reincarnate deceased Devils either. And once the Soul is lost forever, there's little to no way of bringing someone back."

"But works on dead humans?"

"Not exclusively on Humans, but any other races that aren't Devils or Fallen Angels or Angels. These pieces—" Rias picked up a crimson Pawn piece seemingly made of glass. "—they enhance the vessel, not outright replace the content; the Soul. Ultimately we each only have one life, Hyoudou. One life and one death. True death, I suppose."

"True death?"

"When the Soul is permanently destroyed," Rias explained. "Where do you think you'll go once you die?"

"Ah… buh—" Issei stammered, not expecting to be addressing his previously avoided thoughts this soon. "Well… I… don't know. I just think we'd stopped existing. Like, poof."

"In the end, perhaps, but before then, Souls go to the Limbo, where then the Grim Reapers of various mythologies escort them to their desired Afterlife according to their faith."

"Wai-wait— what about someone that doesn't believe in any religion?"

"Hmm…" Rias tipped her head to one side. It was kinda cute. "I suppose they'll either stay there or be granted a choice. I'm not completely sure as of yet. What I told you is what has been documented and what I've read."

"Oh my god," Issei sighed loudly. "I've never learned this much in any of the classes…"

Rias hummed pleasingly, pleased by his apparent interest. "Back to your question as to why we can't revive people indefinitely, other than the limitations I've mentioned, I'd say it'll also displease the Immortals. Gods, as you know. They're the ones who oversee the natural order. You might think it's unfair, but if everyone can live forever, sooner or later, this place will be crowded with both young and old."

"Huh…yeah… made sense." As much sense as his 18-year-0ld barely-developed brain could gather, at least.

"And regarding your… Let's assume it's a Sacred Gear for now; have you, perchance, tested its extent? Its capability, I mean."

"Uhmm… well…" Issei nervously stretched his collar, then rubbed his eyes since he was still goddamn sleepy. "I used it to get rid of trash. Empty cans, empty bottles… empty plastics… cigarette butts. Y'know, random junk on the streets when no one was lookin'."

"Goodness, how environmentally aware of you," Akeno tittered, already wanting to spoil him rotten. How cuter could he be? She wanted to squeeze him like she wanted to squeeze Koneko the first time they met.

But Issei didn't seem proud. "Well… I mean, it's not like there are plenty of other ways of using it. I don't wanna test it on people or buildings; there's people there. I did try it out on a big rock… the one in our school's backwoods."

Rias made a hum-like noise out of interest as her Servants each slightly widened their eyes in realization.

"Ah," she softly said, "so you're the reason why the boulder mysteriously disappeared…"

"...Yeah," Issei gingerly scratched the back of his head and sniffed. "I did it without thinking much. Didn't think it'd be one of the school's mysteries either… It's…okay, right? I'm not gonna get into trouble or anything?"

"It's fine, it's just a boulder. " Rias chuckled, feeling her headache going away the more and more she chatted with him. "I owe you a thank you for letting me see Sona being utterly mystified."

"Sona-kaichou? Now that I wanna see. Snapped any pictures?"

"No, sadly," she tittered again, and this time, her Servants let out at least a chuckle. Even Koneko giggled a little bit upon seeing his exaggerated disappointment. Quite the jester isn't he? "...Oh my, look at the time," Rias then muttered. "I'm sorry for keeping you this long, Hyoudou, but, if you can't tell by now, we are fascinated by what you possess."

"Not my lunch money I hope…"

Another giggle. "No. We have no need for material wealth. But, to finalize our discussion, I asked you to come here to make you an offer. Offer that hopefully you won't refuse."

His eyebrows quirked up. "Offer? What offer?"

"To join my Peerage as a Reincarnated Devil," Rias gave it to him straight, skipping out the need to be manipulative and honey her words; he deserved better. "That way we'll be able to protect you better from the Fallen Angels and they shouldn't pester you further unless they want to risk breaking the pact."

"...Wh…you want me, to be a Devil?"

"Yes," Rias nodded firmly, mistaking his astonishment as a sign for her to further elaborate the benefits of being one. "Protection is one, wealth is another. You won't need to worry about the security of your future. Work well enough and you'll be granted titles and lands among others."

Issei scratched his cheek, looking deeply pensive. "...Well I… Huh. Can't say I expected this. I thought you were gonna invite me to your club."

"Well that goes without saying, of course," Rias chuckled gently.

He crossed his arms and laid his back flat against the couch. He was in silent deliberation for another few seconds, until he spoke up, "If I accept… will my parents get taken care of too?"

"Of course." Rias' smile tasted sweet in her lips. She couldn't imagine any of her Servants would refuse his membership. "I understand the value of family. Blood or not. Supernaturals have one unspoken agreement among many, and one of them is to leave commoners be. Your parents are normal Humans, Hyoudou. No harm will come to them."

"And they'll live well? Like, maybe not crazy rich but… y'know, have enough for an early retirement? I mean my dad's already 55 and he's been working all his life."

Goodness. He loved his family this much? Rias might have to cry after this. "Yes. I'll alter their memories so they won't be surprised with the amount of wealth they have then."

"Well. Okay. Sure. Fuck it."

It was her turn to be flabbergasted. "Y-You agree? Just like that?"

"Well…" he muttered. Somewhat awkwardly this time. "I've no clue what I wanna do in the future. After school, I mean. Every night I see my dad coming home late, all tired, and it just scares me that I'll have to work as long as him. I'm no genius. I'm not smart enough or got enough charisma to get into a career that pays well, and I don't want to spend the rest of my life working until I'm too old. Being an adult terrifies me, I'll be honest… I just don't see how I'll ever be anything as a Human, but if I have a shot at being something as a Devil, then why not? Not like you're gonna make me kill people or anything right?"

Rias shook her head, fully quiet otherwise.

"And… other than that, I finally met you guys. Y'know, people that understand things I don't. My strange eye-thing for example. I can finally make some sense out of it. You guys didn't freak out when I showed you my eyes either and you're pretty cool— and I thought I was the only one until yesterday!"

The Occult Research Club had never been so silent. The silence was staggering. Rias thought she could hear everyone's hearts shattering from how unexpectedly wholesome he was. For people his age, not many people could admit their worry or even deliberate this far into the future; and not for himself either, but for his parents. He didn't agree because of the money or the benefits or a selfish desire, but because he thought his parents would be better off if he joined them.

By Lilith, the last time she felt this way was back when she received Koneko from her brother. He must be protected at all costs.

"Unless you guys have been bulshitting me all this time and are scamming me."

"N-no!" Rias hurriedly said, sputtering, panicking, much to Akeno's amusement. "I'd never do that!"

"I know Senpai. I'm just kidding around."

"R-Right… yes…" Rias clutched her temple, the embarrassment of her overreaction heating up her face. "...Erm…well… I suppose the ritual is in order then."

Issei went pale and his jokish smile fell off his face.

"R-Ritual…?"

Break

The rite went well and Rias now had gained herself a new Pawn. He was now sleeping over the couch in front of her as Kiba had promised, heading straight to dreamland with a little help from Akeno's hypnotization.

Said girl was sitting by him, his head over her lap, looking pleased with herself and the development of events.

"He's a good boy," the Queen hummed, toying with his brown locks as Issei slept like a log. "...And his hair is surprisingly poofy too."

"Four Pawns," Rias then muttered thoughtfully. When his chest spat out the Bishop pece, she thought she'd have to resort to using her last Major Piece; her Rook. But then it spat out again, rejecting the Evil Piece. If it wasn't for Akeno's suggestion to try the Pawns, Rias might have let him down after that lengthy discussion.

But then again, "Why?"

"Forbidden Balor View came from an Evil God, right?"

"The idea of time stopping was derived directly from Balor," said Rias to Kiba, "but it's not a vessel-type of a Sacred Gear; unlike Absorption Line or Divine Dividing. It's a replica of the Celtic God's ability, not a container to imprison his soul… But then again…"

"It could be something else entirely," Kiba completed.

"Yes," Rias nodded. "Still, it took four Pawns to contain Vritra's strength and he's a Great Dragon King. Hyoudou also has four Pawns inside him… What could possibly be in there?"

Another Dragon King? Unlikely. Tiamat still ruled the Dragon Isles and Tannin was Sirzechs' Queen. Midgardsormr and Fafnir were Loki's 'sons' and still roaming about with the Trickster God. Yu-Long had been Sun Wukong's traveling partner and the chance of the Jade Dragon meeting his death was extremely low; not many Evil Dragons for the good Dragons to go around eating.

Was it due to Hyoudou Issei's untapped strength? Rias didn't think so. At least from what he appeared to be, the boy was scrawny that he might as well be made of knees. He didn't carry much Mana with him either; Demonic Energy's equivalent for Humans. He never practiced any form of martial arts, not a part of any physical-related club or any club for that matter, and he was far from a violent person and, despite his age, was not impulsive and relied on a firm logic before making his decision.

Discredited by strangers as a pervert but adored by his close friends, and Rias now understood why.

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Kiba spoke up again. "...I…I'm not saying this to question your decision, Buchou, but… is this wise? He just seems so… normal. Can he keep up with the things we're bound to do?"

"I don't know," Rias admitted with a sigh. "I'm not as sure. I wasn't sure then and I'm even less sure now. It is as you said; he's too normal outside of his Sacred Gear."

"He made me feel like a human again," Kiba sheepishly rubbed his elbow. "Just by knowing he's a good person... Is that weird?"

"No. I understand."

"How can we make sure he won't have to change?"

Another sigh. At least Rias was relieved she wasn't the only one concerned about his psyche.

"Let him handle the easier Contracts. Assign him to a Contractor who doesn't make ridiculous requests. And for a few days, we'll keep an eye around him. At least until we're certain those Fallen Angels notice he's become part of my Peerage."

"What about Strays?"

"...We'll leave him out of it. I don't know if he can handle the sight. Maybe he can but I don't suppose he should be accustomed to that kind of sight. Not yet, at the very least."

Kiba didn't voice an opinion, leaving it up to her guess as he moved along to another matter, "Won't stop the Stray Exorcists."

"I'm aware." Stray Exorcists tended to not care about a Devil's upbringing. A Devil was just a Devil. That was all there is in their judgment. If they crossed the line, the Fallen Angels could simply lift their hands and pretend they were never associated with the Exorcists — the same way Devils would do if a Stray Devil killed a Fallen Angel. "I can't ask any of you to walk him all the way home everyday either."

"Maybe ask him to live here?" Akeno chimed in. "In the dorm? With us?"

"Hmm." That was a feasibly decent idea, actually. Her Servants —herself as well— unlike Sona's Peerage who went to their home, lived in the dormitory as they didn't have a home or a family they could come back to. They were their family too, but it was generally safer for Devils to stick together, especially for a beginner Devils such as Issei.

"I'll ask him about it," Rias decided. "He can always go home whenever he wishes. …It's not too demanding, don't you think?"

"No," Akeno said with a rare certainty. "No, I don't think so. I think it's better that way."

"I think so too," Koneko then muttered quietly.

Rias giggled to herself. First time meeting and already he had triggered her big sister instinct. And from the looks and attitude of her Servants, all who were pleased yet equally worried for him in their own way; Rias wasn't the only one. Perhaps someone like him was what she had needed all along. Not to strengthen her Peerage, but to give them a new motivation to better strengthen themselves in order to keep someone as harmless as him safe.

It had definitely worked wonders for her. Perhaps it was too quick to judge, but Rias had never felt this determined to defeat Riser. To be better. Stronger for him. Because unlike her Servants, she couldn't imagine Issei fitting in seamlessly with what was expected from a Devil; to kill when necessary, to never balk from gruesome violence, to be able to manipulate others — all the things that would definitely conflict with his humane values.

But how…? How could she combat the Young Phoenix's regenerative powers? How could she, or any of her Servants, outlast him in combat? And, should it become inevitable, could Issei's power trump the Phenex' regeneration?

Break

Raynare hated being a Capo; the leader of a group of Soldiers in her organization. Not because she didn't like to order her subordinates around, but because she was expected to directly report her group's findings and discoveries to her assigned Cadre, and that meant being the bearer of the news. And not all news is good.

Especially not the one she was carrying at the moment.

So now in an extremely neat office she sat, twiddling her thumbs, waiting for her superior at the opposite end of the desk to finish scribbling her own reports. Her long dark hair flowed smoothly over her shoulders, forming a purple bundle above her lap.

"I'm guessing you're here because you've failed to kill the boy, is it?" Without looking up, she spoke to her in a low, naturally menacing alto. Several octaves higher than Kalawarner's voice, yet thrice as intimidating.

Her superior was not, for a fact, an ordinary Fallen Angel. Not in terms of combat prowess or her insanely fast agility and mobility, but because as opposed to most other Fallen Angels; this Cadre was strict and dead serious be it rain or snow or sunny.

"He…" Raynare cleared her throat, failing to clear her anxiety and the pressure. It didn't help that she had to dress herself properly with a suit to abide by her superior's rule. "He has learned how to use his Sacred Gear. He destroyed my lightspear just by looking at it… Lady Penemue."

"Hm," Penemue finally settled down her pen next to her document. Another thing that made Raynare feel queasy whenever she had to face her was her flat, poker face expression. She could never get a read from "I see."

Needing to find certainty amidst all of these uncertainties and guesses, Raynare forced herself to ask, "...What…what should I do next?"

She hadn't received a reply, but Penemue's deep scarlet eyes made her flinch.

"Did he fight back?"

"...No…?"

"Then why didn't you bring him with you?"

Raynare gulped. "Because… I didn't think it was a good idea," she let her answer hang in the air, hoping it would satisfy Penemue. It didn't. "...As if I bring him here, he might cause unprecedented havoc. And he doesn't trust me."

"And why is that."

"Because…" another gulp. Raynare found herself cold-sweating. What should she say here? Because she wanted to trick him into dating her first so she could laugh at him as he died? So she could gain more fulfillment from her job? No. Penemue didn't know what fun was even if it hit her in the face. Raynare might as well slit her own neck right now than to admit that.

Therefore, she concluded it was better to throw the hot potato to somewhere that wasn't her hands, "I was ordered to eliminate him."

Her red eyes narrowed. "You told him that?"

"To save my wings, Lady Penemue."

"Is that so?" And they tapered, and Raynare felt like a defenseless rabbit before a hawk. "You consider your life more valuable than the safety of this world?"

Lord Almighty. Raynare would willingly convert into a Christian if that meant she could be somewhere else. Anywhere that wasn't in an earshot of this strict drillmaster's office.

"Do I need to remind you of our duties, Raynare?"

"No, Lady Penemue," she replied stiffly.

"Then do it. I won't accept any excuses."

"Forgive me but please at least hear me out, Lady Penemue; he can destroy me by looking!"

"Then don't be seen," Penemue griped. "You have Soldiers under your command, don't you? Make use of them. Distract him. Strike him from all sides, that way he won't be able to keep up. Do I have to spell everything out for you?"

"N-No…" Raynare nodded nervously, realizing her brashness had come to bite her in her ass.

"Good. You're dismissed."

Raynare missed Kokabiel already. He was a genocidal warmongering maniac, but the pale guy at least allowed her some wiggle room to breathe.

To be continued…

What? You expected an unreservedly manipulative Rias? PFt— haven't you read enough stories like that? Where the MC spits at her face for being sly?

No sir. No cardboard cutout main characters to be found here in this story. Y? Cuz there's this thing called standards. And narrative licensing. If you don't know what that means, it means I'm free to write however the fuck i want my story to be written, and you all will enjoy it. At least 60% of you will

I can't cut out the rambly parts. The exposition is needed because Issei has no clue of the supernatural worlds, and unlike his canon-self, he's not into boobas that the thought of having a harem immediately makes him say yes, abandoning the questions he should have been asking if he had logic in his brain. And it's necessary too because all of those are straight from my headcanon obvi-fuckin-ously. Those are the cements (haha semens) to fill up the many glaring plot potholes of dxd, like the gods' seemingly nonexistent role for one, and the Evil Pieces' mechanics for two

It makes sense. In my head at least. It goes with the Sephiroth Graal reincarnation thing.

And it's to better elaborate Rias and Sona's role as the so-called 'territory owner' and why when exorcists be walking around their town they weren't able to do jack. They don't 'own' the town, but more like the protector to deal with Strays and shit.

Just letting you guys know, this fic is sorta light-ish. Slice of life. Kinda. So don't expect insane twists or big action scenes that last an entire page (go read Death's Chosen if action is your shit or Fates Reforged if twists are your jazz), but go ahead and expect fluffy moments that aren't even romance; just Issei hanging out with the girls (and Kiba) that will undoubtedly grow fonder of him as time flies by

As far as the storyline goes, it won't follow canon to the letter. As you have read, I've tweaked their characters a fair bit and made Tannin Zechs' Queen instead of Grayfia. For reasons. No, not another garbage reason just to get Issei bang the silver queen. Chill out with your assumptions. I'm not that generic

Penemue is based off Scathach from Fate, just so you know. And is she the big baddie? Well. We'll see. Right now, she's just doing her job.

Poor raynare tho omegalul

dead server, don't join: discord. gg/ V54pcwA