Merry Christmas everyone! I was going to release this earlier but, got really distracted by my PS4 and Infamous Second Son… so in any case, now seems like a good time to post this.

Now this chapter is pretty short, but it is because I am planning on switching over to my new Naruto story and Pokémon story for a while and wanted to give you all something to tide you over until I come back to this story which, in all honesty, will most likely be in late January if not February.

Before you read though let me say one thing, my characters, especially Issei, will not be one dimensional. I plan on showing just how varied the human spectrum of emotions can be through this story, mainly, through Issei. At times you will love him, but at times you may hate him, the fact is though, is that Issei is human and I intend to portray him as such showing all aspects of humanity, the good and the bad. Also, for those of you still clinging to canon events, canon was obliterated with Issei's eye a few chapters ago so don't even bother remembering how things go in canon in regard to my story. As you will see, Issei has his own goals, which will be revealed in time, and thus he will be doing things outside of canon, for instance, tracking people and weapons down, making shady deals with certain characters and basically doing things the canon crew would never do, so bear that in mind please.

Oh, and a quick thank you to Jose19 who reminded me that Xenovia is Italian not English, whoops my bad, but I fixed it now.

Enjoy.

SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel all I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'

"Ddraig thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Chapter 13 – Lying 101

It was nearing the time Issei had agreed to meet Akeno, so Issei was leisurely walking in the general direction of the outskirts of town. He had briefly stopped by a small dango stand and worked his way through quite a few sticks, before deciding he was now caught up with all the food he missed out on and, after a cup of green tea, began his leisurely stroll. It was still seven, so Issei was taking his time, since he had an hour to reach his destination.

"Sona is very suspicious, it is clear she is the brains of the duo and no doubt has been on to me from the beginning, or at the very least never trusted me. Smart. Rias on the other hand is much more emotional and nowhere near as cool and calculating as Sona is, that will make her easier to manipulate in the long run." Thought Issei as he walked.

"I do worry that Irina is currently in Sona's territory and I cannot go to it. I guess I will just have to trust them for now, besides, I'm sure Sona knows that messing with Irina will definitely earn my ire… yes, Irina should be safe, but once she is able to leave, I will be sure to give her some advice. Irina always was too trusting and naïve, but that does make up a core part of her personality. At the very least, she still has her faith which should keep her weary of the devils for now." Continued Issei in his mind, as he analysed the situation.

'Is there something you need?' Asked Issei aloud, seemingly to no one, as he was standing in a small urban area, which was seemingly empty of all people but him.

After a brief moment, Xenovia appeared from behind a tree.

'Your stealth is terrible by the way.' Commented Issei with a smirk.

'Well stealth has never been my strong suit, brute force is usually my preferred method of combat, so stealth is pointless, especially when my blades are as large as I.' Said Xenovia.

'Fair point I suppose. So… what is it that you want?' Asked Issei disinterestedly.

Xenovia didn't speak, but rather, moved closer to Issei until she was only a metre away from him.

'I want to understand what it is about you that apparently makes you so special. You possess power and a Scared Gear, but that is hardly a unique factor. Your attitude is not particularly special, and your appearance is rather plain.' Said Xenovia.

'Rather plain you say? Ha! You've clearly never seen what I look like with my shirt off.' Replied Issei with a fanged grin.

'Are you trying to seduce me?' Asked Xenovia flatly.

'No, I'm merely stating that my appearance is not average and if you saw my torso as it really is, you might understand why. It might also help you understand part of what makes me so special, but if you don't know of it already, then I see no reason to tell you.' Replied Issei.

'You mean because of what happened when you and Irina were young. You are correct in saying that I don't know the specifics, only that you somehow defeated two devils as a kid with no training.' Said Xenovia with a nod.

'In that case, I fail to see why you don't realise why I am, as you said "special" since aside from that, nothing too strange happened to me.' Issei said.

"*Hmph* there is a bold-faced lie if I've ever heard one." Thought Ddraig in amusement.

'…I will leave you be for now, but know I am watching you. I wish to understand why so many people are affected by you so deeply and I will find out eventually, of that be sure.' Said Xenovia, before turning on her heel and leaving.

"Interesting… it seems things just keep getting better and better for me." Thought Issei with a smile, before heading off once again.

"It seems I will be able to gather a rather strong base with minimal work, most of whom are quite powerful, and to think, I have yet to even start putting my plans into motion. This is just too good to be true." The draconic human thought, as his smile slowly spread further along his face, becoming a full blown grin, a grin of satisfaction.

-line break-

Issei finally reached the shrine and he had to say, while fairly old, it possessed an almost regal quality to it. It was still well maintained, despite its age, and there were almost no signs of damage to most buildings. Issei slowly ascended the stairs, thoughts swirling about in his mind rapidly, as he tried to figure out how to twist this interaction to his advantage, after all, he wouldn't want Akeno to turn on him. No, that would be bad, especially so, since then Rias would no doubt find out about his actions.

As Issei finally reached the top, he saw Akeno waiting for him, she was clad in her shrine maiden clothes consisting of a white haori with red accents, a red hakama, and a pair of zori with white tabi. She was smiling pleasantly, which Issei found to be surprising.

"I don't think I've ever seen her look so peaceful." Thought Issei, as he gazed at the smiling shrine maiden.

'Hello Issei, you're just on time.' Said Akeno happily.

'Well, I could have come here an hour ago, but you did say not to come too early, so I just wandered around to pass the time.' Said Issei, as he scratched the back of his head.

Surprisingly, Akeno giggled, not her usual laugh, but rather, an innocent girlish giggle, hand covering her mouth and all.

'Oh Issei, I suppose I should have made it clearer that you could come by anytime, I just choose a time later on in the day, so you could take care of any other things you needed to, since you were gone for a few days.' Said Akeno softly.

'Oh… sorry, I'll know next time.' Said Issei, caught a little off-guard at Akeno's out of character behaviour.

"This is kind of creeping me out a bit, the mature, dignified Akeno Himejima acting so… so innocently childish… I guess there is more to Akeno than I thought, and I had best take this into account for our upcoming chat." Thought Issei cautiously.

'Please, come inside Issei, I will prepare us some tea.' Requested Akeno kindly.

Issei nodded and followed behind Akeno as she led him into a tearoom. Taking off his shoes, Issei knelt in the seiza position near the short-legged table, much closer than one would normally be in a proper tea ceremony, as Akeno served the tea. Turning the cup three times Issei took a sip and hummed thoughtfully, as he noticed that while Akeno's tea was always very good, it was better this time.

'I see you noticed the difference, the tea served in this place is much more exquisite and rare, giving it a much better taste than the plain green tea I normally serve.' Said Akeno with a small smile.

'Thank you Akeno, it is delicious, although I'm sure it is not just the quality of tea which makes it so good, but rather, the care put into making it as well. A rich man can obtain beautiful weapons of gold, but a blacksmith knows how to make everlasting weapons of steel.' Replied Issei.

'Oh, since when did you become so wise?' Teased Akeno.

'Well, I wouldn't say wise, I still do plenty of stupid things; daily even, I just know when to give praise where praise is due.' Said Issei, causing Akeno to smile contently.

'How polite of you.' Commented Akeno happily.

As the couple finished their tea, Akeno seemed to struggle with herself, almost as though she didn't want to do what she was going to do next.

'Hey Issei, what do you think of me?' Asked Akeno shyly, looking down and avoiding Issei's gaze.

'Uh, what do you mean?' Asked Issei slightly confused.

'I mean what do you think of me, am I a friend, classmate, love interest… enemy?' Asked Akeno quietly.

'Well I can't say to be sure, what am I to you?' Asked Issei.

'I suppose I can't be too sure either, I know what I want us to be, but I am unsure if that can happen.' Said Akeno sombrely.

"She couldn't know what I'm up to, no way!" Thought Issei internally worried.

'What do you mean?' Asked Issei confused, succeeding in keeping his nervousness out of his voice.

'Issei, you were attacked by devils as a child and attacked by fallen angels recently, people close to you were hurt… each time, the people who attacked you were ruthless, uncaring of your innocence in any conflict. How could you possibly accept either species as, human, or at least, human-like? Both groups care very little for those outside their allies and while there are exceptions, most are ruthlessly aggressive and even vindictive to those not allied with them.' Said Akeno sadly.

Issei, while relieved that Akeno was not aware of his ulterior motives, was now quite confused.

'Well, I mean sure that is true, but humans aren't exactly the most peaceful or caring either, wars have been waged over petty materialistic things and many have died because of these wars, I don't think you can suggest humans are better in any way, in fact, if humans possessed the same power as a devil or a fallen angel, we would no doubt be extinct already.' Replied Issei calmly.

'In that case, tell me something Issei.' Said Akeno, as she stood up and turned around, lowering her haori so it dipped below her shoulders.

Issei stared at Akeno's back in confusion, before a large whooshing sound was heard, as two appendages burst from Akeno's back. Two wings, one a typical devil wing as Issei expected, but the other, was none other than a fallen angel wing.

Issei was gobsmacked, a rarity for sure, he had never thought a fallen angel-devil hybrid could exist, let alone that one went to school with him.

'What do you think of me? An abomination? A plague on the world? A sick creation of clashing energies?' Questioned Akeno, her back still to Issei.

'How can you even acknowledge my existence, not only am I a devil, I am also a fallen angel, my blood is filthy, disgusting?' Continued Akeno sadly, dipping her head as she spoke.

'I know you still hate devils, I can see it, even when you don't realise it. I remember the looks you gave us all when we first met, the look of utter loathing and hate, the same look I give to any and all fallen angels, I'm sure you saw it yourself today. You might do it less often, but every now and again I can see it, deep in your eyes, the hate you harbour for devils is still strong in your heart.' Said Akeno, as she turned to face Issei directly.

'You know, I choose to become a devil as well, it was… completely voluntary. I made this choice; I consciously chose to be the very creature that you hate. What does that make me in your eyes?' Akeno said, as she gazed into Issei's shocked face.

Issei slowly stood up and clasped his hands together, concentrating intensely. Akeno looked on in interest, wondering just what Issei was doing. After a minute, Issei opened his hands as a dark purple ball of energy coalesced in the space between his hands. After a few more seconds, the ball rapidly expanded, shooting out of the building until it was fully covered.

Issei panted heavily and knelt down. Akeno moved to assist Issei, but then clenched her hands in hesitation.

'I don't *pant* hate you.' Said Issei tiredly.

Akeno gasped in surprise at Issei's response and moved closer to Issei, so she was kneeling opposite him once again.

'How can you say that? I am the embodiment of what you hate, I've seen the way you look at everyone else.' Questioned Akeno angrily.

'That is just it though, you see the way I look at everyone else, but only because you are hoping to find it.' Said Issei, as he regained his breath.

'What is that supposed to mean?' Questioned Akeno in annoyance.

'It means, no matter what, you are intent on perceiving that I hate you, that is why you can see it. I will be honest with you now, no one else knows this for sure, so promise me, can you keep a secret?' Asked Issei.

'Why, why do you not hate me? Why can't you be rational?' Shouted Akeno, eyes beginning to tear up.

'I am, you are the one being irrational!' Shouted Issei, as he grabbed Akeno by her shoulders.

Akeno looked off to the side angrily.

'Akeno… fine, you want the truth, I do hate devils, extremely so.' Said Issei firmly, getting Akeno to look down in disappointment.

'That doesn't mean I hate you though.' Continued Issei softly.

Akeno's head jerked up in shock, mouth agape.

'W-what do you mean?' Asked Akeno tearfully.

Before Akeno knew it, Issei had come around the table and was hugging her head to his chest. Akeno's eyes were open in shock, unable to process what was going on.

'Akeno listen to me, okay?' Asked Issei softly, as he slowly stroked Akeno's long hair.

Akeno didn't speak, but merely nodded, her head against his chest.

'Akeno, I will not go into why I hate devils, I know why and while the reason is irrational, I can't change it any more than I could change caring for my loved ones. The attack when I was a child was not an isolated event, you see, my past is much more seedy and murkier than you, Rias, Sona or anyone aside from a few people could imagine.' Said Issei, causing Akeno to shift slightly so she could see his face partially from the bottom.

'While I do hate devils and I do so irrationally, it is because of what they represent. While I did mention humans are rather evil and selfish, humans are not so by nature, devils are. It is for this reason that nearly all mature pure-blooded devils… I will hate them no matter what. Those that are still young can be nurtured to become different than the rest, but those who are already grown are too far gone. It is also for this reason that I don't hate you or most of those like you, people who became devils. I once met a person who choose to become a devil purely because he sought to satisfy many inhumane and downright disgusting impulses… he is dead now, has been for a while.' Said Issei before pausing.

'But people like you, Kiba, Koneko, Asia, people who became devils not because of something so despicable… I don't hate you. I know you think you chose to do so, but the fact that you are a fallen angel proves that you were somehow manipulated into becoming a devil, whether you know it or not. I can't say for sure as I don't know the circumstances to which you became a devil, but based on how you behave, it was not done so out of a deplorable desire.' Said Issei.

Akeno pulled away slightly, but stayed within Issei's grasp.

'How can you say that? How do you know that?' Asked Akeno.

'Like I said, my past is murkier than you'd think, and I've met many different types of people, you are an example of someone who has been tricked into thinking they voluntarily became a devil, but I know it is not the truth.' Replied Issei.

'You can't know that. You have no idea what Rias was like when she met me, she was kind and selfless, a perfect friend.' Retorted Akeno.

Issei internally smirked at what he knew would happen shortly.

'Really, how can you be sure? How do you know Rias isn't just using you, manipulating you? Why would Rias help someone and not expect to gain something from it? Isn't that the whole point behind contracts, offering a service for a payment? If Rias was selfless, why are you a slave to her? You can deny it, but you know what a peerage is, dress it up anyway you want, but the king is ruler over all other pieces.' Issei said.

Akeno didn't respond and mulled Issei's words over.

'You know it is the truth, do you honestly think a devil could ever leave his or her master? Imagine someone who tried to blackmail their peerage by threatening their family, how would someone respond to such a thing. Killing the master causes the peerage member to be seen as evil, a stray. Leaving the peerage… that isn't an option, and you know it, devils track down strong peerage members and have no inclination to let them go for any reason. Asking for another devil to assist them would also be ultimately pointless, because you would then be obligated to serve the new devil. Devils are nothing but slave peddlers who force a socioeconomic divide because pure bloods don't want reincarnated devils to have equal footing and respect in their world. True, there are exceptions no doubt, but, an exception does not change the rule, you know what I'm saying is true.' Issei continued, not giving Akeno much time to think.

'What is your point? You said there are exceptions, I believe fully that Rias is such an exception and sees all of us as her family!' Retorted Akeno harshly.

'Really? In that case, let me give you an example. A person is vulnerable, possibly wounded, mentally damaged or ostracized. Then, a person comes along and offers many things: power, friendship, safety, hope… in return the vulnerable person must serve the giver of these privileges with eternal servitude. Tell me, does that remind you of anything?' Asked Issei knowingly.

'H-how do you know this; I've never told anyone how I came to be a part of Rias' peerage?' Asked a shocked Akeno.

'Know what? I don't know how you came to serve under Rias, I am merely telling you what I have seen in the past, and this is how devils normally recruit their peerage members barring force. It is the preferred method as the people they recruit are extremely loyal to them and affix them on a pedestal, it ingrains a feeling of obligation and servitude.' Replied Issei calmly.

'Tell me Akeno, why do you hate fallen angels?' Asked Issei.

Akeno pulled away from Issei and stood up, turning her back on him as she fixed her haori after retracting her wings.

'I hate fallen angels because fallen angels are the reason my mother died.' Akeno said darkly.

'Because of that you hate them unconditionally, correct?' Questioned Issei, to which Akeno nodded still facing away from him.

'So you reject your fallen angel half because of this correct?' Continued Issei, to which Akeno again nodded.

'In that case, explain how you became a devil, was it just to spite your fallen angel half, or were you pushed into it? You said before that what I said accurately depicted your scenario and how you became a devil, so let me guess how you came to be under Rias. You, rejecting your fallen half, fled, avoiding contact with anyone and everyone. One day you made a mistake and were confronted by those against you, then Rias appears to save the day miraculously. She saves your life from this other party, leading you to feel indebted to her, after that, you willingly serve her with all your being as she gave you a new chance at life. Am I close?' Said Issei.

Akeno shuddered as Issei spoke, thinking back to the time she first met Rias.

'I don't say these things to needlessly hurt you, Akeno I'm just trying to show you the truth.' Said Issei, as he stood up and rested his right hand on Akeno's left shoulder.

'I know what I have said is shocking, but I just want you to see the world as it is. You yourself saw the truth about me, quite frankly, you shocked me as well.' Said Issei, getting Akeno to turn and look at him.

'It is the truth, here today I have spilled my guts about quite a few things, even Irina has no knowledge of what happened to me after she left, right now, only you know the truth… listen Akeno, I didn't mean to upset you and it is clear that I have done so, for that reason I apologise.' Said Issei softly.

'Then why? Why did you tell me all this?' Asked Akeno desperately.

'That's simple, I want what is best for you. You might scoff at such an idea, maybe you even think I am lying, but I am not a bad person Akeno. I see people for their potential, and I see much in you. I can't say I know of your past because I don't, but that fact that you are a fallen angel-devil hybrid means you will no doubt have endured many hardships, only someone strong, could survive these things. Akeno, you deserve to see the truth. I won't say anything else about this matter, but do me one favour.' Said Issei, getting Akeno to look at him closely.

'See the world for what it truly is, look at Rias without feeling indebted to her and answer for yourself if she truly is the exception to the rule and deserving of your loyalty and support, or, is she just like all other devils, using you when she needs to and projecting a façade of friendship to keep you in line.' Finished Issei.

Issei took his hands off Akeno and started to walk away.

'The purple sphere of energy you saw me create before was a barrier and it has been slowing down Rias' journey here without her knowledge, she will be here in ten minutes, so I suggest you pull yourself together, rather than give her something to be concerned about. Just remember what I said, Akeno, see infinite possibilities not desired dream. Oh, and for what it's worth Akeno, I don't hate you for being a devil or a fallen angel, because I can see inside you is a person who deserves to be loved and desperately hopes for it.' Said Issei before he left, leaving behind a mentally worn-out fallen angel-devil hybrid.

-line break-

"That went rather well, wouldn't you say Ddraig?" Asked Issei mentally, lying in bed as he prepared to sleep.

'Very shrewd of you, badgering the female with little parts of a twisted truth which she will then rationalise her own way. However, you do realise it could backfire spectacularly if she realises you are in fact the one using her?' Replied Ddraig.

"True, but thanks to Sona, Rias will play right into my hands. Besides, it is not like I intend for Akeno to leave Rias, oh no, that would be counterproductive, however, Akeno is unique, a valuable piece, after all, you yourself were taken out by a multitude of strong pieces, surely it means that ensuring I have friends in high places would be beneficial in the long run, especially with what I plan to do." Retorted Issei.

'…you know something partner… sometimes you scare me with just how callous and cunning you can be.' Said Ddraig after a small pause.

"Eyes on the prize Ddraig, eyes on the prize." Finished Issei before going to bed.