Well, here we are with another chapter of HOAD, that didn't take too long, did it?

Yeah, sorry about the wait folks, but I was updating other stories.

To make a long story short, I was in a bit of a pickle with this story. I knew what would happen a bit further down the track, but I was kind of stuck as to how to move the arc forward, without skipping forward too much. Then, by some stroke of luck, I had an epiphany and not only did I figure out how to move things forward, I figured out a way to finally put Serafall in, as a proper contender for the harem.

If you have been reading my notes as you go, I've said Serafall was about 80% confirmed, I just needed a way to get her in and now I have it.

As for what's been happening on my end, I've been steadily reading through my back log of unread chapters and the chunk of DxD stories, as well as Light Novel 21, really pushed me into writing some DxD stuff. As you can see, all of my DxD stories have been updated within two months, meaning, out of the eight chapters I've gotten out in these two months, three were for DxD stories, which is quite a lot.

As always, support on pat reon is greatly appreciated and if you throw in your support now, you can see the latest chapter of What Hides Beneath The Surface, one of my Bleach stories.

In other news, I know I've left my Naruto stories to the side for a bit and that is intentional. I'm planning, don't hold me to this, but it is my plan, to write a chapter for all of them during my Easter break in April, which is also why I've been deliberately not reading any Naruto fanfics currently, so I will have lots of motivation at that time.

In regards to this story, I'm so proud that it is in the top three across favourites, follows and reviews across the archive. Thank you for all the support and over half a million views. Hopefully, the next chapter won't take more than six months to come out either… no promises though.

In any case, enjoy the chapter!
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 28 – Lights, camera, action

'Wait, what about the knights of the peerage?' Asked Raynare, as she and Issei remained with Kuroka, thinking over what she had told them about the Conduits.

'They're both dead, from the experiments. When a devil dies the way those two did, their Evil Piece is destroyed and barring exceptional circumstances, a king can't ever get replacement pieces.' Revealed Kuroka.

'That sounds like a costly price to pay for these… experiments.' Commented Issei.

'The results are worth it though, from a power perspective.' Explained Kuroka bitterly.

'So what else do you know about them? Do you know where they could be hiding?' Asked Issei.

'Not a lot, we didn't talk much about the experiments, since it brought up… bad memories. As for where they could be hiding, I can only assume somewhere in the Underworld. Sorry, I can't narrow it down any more than that.' Said Kuroka, her ears drooping down slightly.

'Hey, didn't I tell you to never make that expression again! We'll deal with this, Kuroka, you have me on your side and I'm not exactly a pushover.' Said Issei, causing Kuroka to snap her head up in surprise.

'Issei…' Muttered Kuroka.

'Just like you said back then, just have faith and everything will be fine.' Said Issei more softly.

'Faith huh?' Whispered Kuroka, before reflecting on the last time she had told Issei that.

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Flashback

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A young brown-haired boy was wandering around the Underworld in awe. His friend had brought him here and then told him to explore before leaving, saying she would be back in a few hours. After fumbling around for a while, the boy had found a path in the forest he had been dumped in and decided to follow it. Eventually, the boy found himself outside a cave.

'I wonder what could be in there?' Muttered the boy, before falling backwards in surprise, when a green ball of energy was launched out of the cave at his face.

'Whoa I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude!' Cried the boy, waving his hands in front of his face, hoping to prevent his attacker from continuing their assault.

It was only a moment later, that a nervous looking girl partially exited the cave, revealing only her yellow eyes and some of her face, which looked quite pale.

'Who are you and what are you doing here?' Asked the girl, staring the body down.

'Huh… oh, my name is… Ryuujin and I'm just exploring the area. I didn't mean to disturb you or anything, this was the first time I've been to this place.' Said the boy.

The glare from the dark-haired girl lessened slightly, but didn't disappear completely.

'Well you should be careful where you wander then, as some people don't like being disturbed.' Admonished the girl.

'I'm sorry.' Said Ryuujin, lowering his head slightly, getting the girl's expression to soften somewhat.

'How old are you?' Asked the girl.

'Uh, eight.' Replied Ryuujin.

'And you are out here all alone?' Questioned the girl.

'Yeah.' Said Ryuujin.

The girl seemed to mull something over for a moment, before turning around and heading back into the cave.

'Well come inside then. I don't need to attract any more attention than necessary.' Said the girl.

'Okay.' Said Ryuujin, before slowly picking himself up and following the dark-haired girl, into the even darker cave.

Ryuujin walked forwards cautiously, not being able to see more than a step or two in front of him. He couldn't even see the girl he was following anymore, as she had been swallowed up by the darkness. After a minute of walking, Ryuujin felt the ground slope downwards slightly, before a small light caught his eye. Making his way towards it, Ryuujin was able to pick up the sight of the girl he had been following once again. She was wearing what seemed to be black rags and was barefoot. Ryuujin blinked a few times in confusion, as he swore he saw a tail wagging behind her as well, but wrote it off as a trick of light. The girl suddenly dropped down out of Ryuujin's sight, surprising him. Making his way to where the girl had disappeared, Ryuujin saw the ground had transformed into a sheer cliff. Looking down, Ryuujin saw nothing, only darkness, making him think the girl had fallen down.

'Just jump, you'll be fine.' Said a voice from the darkness.

Ryuujin hesitated, not wanting to possibly risk death by being crushed against the ground.

'Just have faith and everything will be fine.' Said the voice.

Ryuujin took a deep breath, before jumping down, eyes tightly shut, only to land on his feet almost instantly. Opening his eyes, Ryuujin looked around and spotted the black-haired girl that had led him here, grinning at him in amusement. Quickly turning around and looking back up, Ryuujin noticed the cliff that he had just jumped from, was in fact a small one metre ledge.

'Didn't expect that, did ya, nya?' Teased the girl.

'How did you do that?' Asked Ryuujin in awe.

'Magic.' Said the girl, her grin widening.

'That was so cool… er, what is your name sorry?' Asked Issei.

'It's Kuroka.' Said the girl, her yellow eyes gleaming in playfulness.

-line break-

End Flashback

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The sound of a doorbell ringing brought Kuroka out of her memories and set her on edge, her tails sticking straight up in anxiety.

'Don't worry, I doubt they would ring the doorbell.' Said Issei, in his best reassuring tone of voice, getting Kuroka to relax slightly, but still not drop her guard.

'Issei, you should probably come down here!' Called Karlamine from downstairs.

'See, I'm sure it's nothing.' Said Issei, before making his way down, with Raynare and Kuroka following behind.

Issei didn't know what to expect when he got to the living room, but he could definitely say that a Satan sitting on his couch and swinging her legs back and forth in amusement wasn't one of them.

'Um, Leviathan?' Started Issei, only for the Magical Girl to leap off the couch in indignation.

'Mou, how could you call me something so impersonal like that Red Dragon, especially after what you said to me before? Do you think just anyone can call me a big breasted loli, or call my bottom cute and get away with it?' Questioned Serafall with a huff, crossing her arms under her chest.

The looks sent Issei's way varied from shock to open amusement.

'Haha, I still can't believe you said something like that to a Satan!' Laughed Raynare openly, causing Issei to blush slightly.

'Hey! It wasn't my fault. I was going through an adjusting period after the seal broke.' Retorted Issei hotly.

'You mean you don't think I'm cute?' Gasped Serafall, tearing up slightly for effect.

'N-no, you are very cute.' Backpedalled Issei quickly, getting Serafall to beam.

'Good, otherwise I'd have to destroy this place in anger.' Said Serafall, causing Issei to sweat in nervousness.

'You won't though, right?' Asked Issei, getting a rapid nod from Serafall.

'Yep.' Agreed Serafall, getting Issei to relax.

'Well, in any case, what did you come here for Leviathan?' Asked Issei, only for the devil to pout again.

'Mou, what is with all this Leviathan nonsense, why don't you call me what you did before?' Asked Leviathan.

'B-big breasted loli?' Stammered Issei in shock, getting Raynare to drop to the floor in laughter, while Karlamine and Xuelan looked at him in undisguised shock.

'Well, you can call me that if you'd like, but I meant Serafall.' Teased Serafall, batting her eyelashes at Issei a few times, before giggling to herself in amusement.

'Really Issei; don't you have any tact in that breast loving head of yours, nya?' Asked Kuroka, sounding slightly exasperated, as she poked his head with her finger.

'Anyway, what brings you here… Serafall?' Asked Issei, causing the Leviathan's body language to change completely and become serious.

'We detected the presence of a stray devil here just a short while ago. Looking at the data, we believe it to be a member of Kuroka's former peerage.' Said Serafall, in a no-nonsense tone of voice.

'That's right. I was attacked by them and managed to escape to here, only for one of them to follow me. They left after Issei confronted them.' Explained Kuroka.

'I see, in that case, Kuroka, you will need to come with me to the Underworld to report this incident. Failure to do so will be seen as collaboration with stray devils and you will be considered as one once again. Issei Hyoudou, you are also required to come to the Underworld as well, as this incident occurred in your residence and you too interacted with both parties. Once again, failure to do so will be seen as collaboration with stray devils.' Said Serafall, sounding very official.

'I hate politics.' Grumbled Issei, causing Serafall to grin.

'Most people do, but that is where Magical Girl Leviathan comes in to save the day!' Beamed Serafall.

'Raynare, Karlamine, Xuelan, please watch the house and be careful. If that guy or any others from Kuroka's former peerage come back, look after each other.' Said Issei, getting a round of nods.

'Okay, in that case, please come stand in front of me now and we will be on our way.' Said Serafall happily.

The two made their way over to the bubbly girl and waited patiently.

'Okay, here we go.' Said Serafall, before a large magic circle appeared under them, followed by the three disappearing from sight.

'So what now?' Asked Karlamine.

'I need a nap, I'm still sore.' Winced Raynare.

'I wouldn't mind going for a swim.' Said Xuelan.

'Sounds good, I'll join you.' Said Karlamine.

'Oh, so you two are going to get wet together.' Teased Raynare.

'You're welcome to join us. From the sounds of things, you're starved for anything sex related, so I'm sure watching us swim will help you with your insane lust.' Said Karlamine nonchalantly, before turning on her heel and walking away, with Xuelan following after.

'… Wow… I did not see that coming… I think I really will go take that nap now.' Mumbled Raynare, before making her way back to her room.

-line break-

'Here we are!' Chirped Serafall, as the three arrived in hell, literally.

Hell probably wasn't the best description for where they had arrived though, as they had arrived in what seemed to be a television studio. There were numerous people scrambling about and looking after props, cameras and backgrounds. There also appeared to be a small cluster that were running around like headless chooks, before spotting Serafall and swarming her.

'Lady Serafall, where have you been? You need to go to air in fifteen minutes!' Exclaimed a brown-haired man, who looked as though he had seen hell itself… which he actually had, every day in fact.

'Don't worry, I'm ready to go.' Exclaimed Serafall, with a wink.

'Uh… didn't you say you needed us for something… well, important?' Asked Issei.

'This is important! My show, Miracle Levia-tan!' Cheered Serafall.

'What about the… other thing you wanted us here for?' Asked Issei hesitantly, not wanting to mention anything about potentially sensitive material, in front of those who didn't need to know.

'After the show, just sit and watch for now.' Said Serafall, before bouncing off cheerfully, the rest of her frazzled team following after.

"Ddraig… what the… hell?" Thought Issei in disbelief.

'I believe your observation that the current Satans are, as you said, bat-shit crazy, was quite accurate.' Commented Ddraig.

'Well, this wasn't what I was expecting… but I can't say I mind.' Spoke up Kuroka, watching the bubbly Leviathan bounce around the set.

'I guess… I just still can't rationalise all of this in my brain. The current Satans are so… quirky… I mean, I know they are all overwhelmingly powerful… but, well, it just feels weird seeing them act so childishly.' Said Issei, also watching the cheerful Serafall running around.

'Well, everyone who reaches a certain threshold of power goes a little bit… quirky. I mean, you have your boob thing, she's got her show, I've got a burning desire to have multiple babies. Aside from Vali, most people who become strong need to find something outside of fighting, to keep themselves busy when not fighting.' Said Kuroka.

'Well, might as well find somewhere to sit down and watch.' Muttered Issei, looking around for somewhere to sit.

'Oh, and someone take those two to my personal viewing suite, I don't want them to miss a single thing.' Said Serafall suddenly, pointing towards Issei and Kuroka, who both froze.

Everyone else, however, moved into action, not being phased in the slightest and quickly led the two away. Before either of them knew it, they were taken up a small flight of stairs, then led down a hallway, putting them very close to the main stage. The two were then ushered into a room, which had four luxurious plush sofas, all in different shades of pink. The room itself was actually quite small, being only about five square metres in size, most of which was taken up by the chairs, but there was also a small closet behind one of the chairs. The room was also elevated about two metres in the air and had a very good view of the stage, as well as the excited Leviathan.

'Okay, let's get this show started!' Cheered Serafall, as the cameras started rolling.

-line break-

After the show, Serafall had joined the two in her private room and was practically giddy with excitement.

'Well, what did the two of you think of my show? Wasn't it the greatest thing ever?' Asked Serafall, falling onto a sofa, with childish glee.

'It was good.' Said Issei, unsure of what to say.

'Mou? Just good?' Pouted Serafall.

'Well, it was entertaining at least. You did play your character well.' Commented Kuroka, getting Serafall to beam at her.

'Right! The main character is actually me! That's why it is always fun getting into character.' Explained Serafall.

'If you are the main character… why do you need to get into character?' Asked Issei in confusion.

'Well, I can't be like that all the time, now can I? I am a Satan you know.' Pouted Serafall.

'In any case, I suppose it is time to get down to business.' Said Serafall, calming down and going over to the closet, before rummaging through it for a bit.

'There we go. Now, you must answer these questions honestly. You won't like what happens if you lie.' Said Serafall, pulling out an orb, which she floated over towards the two, letting it rest between the three.

A magic circle appeared over the orb, before expanding out to cover the three, in a light blue glow.

'There we go, now, to start, state your names please.' Said Serafall.

'Kuroka.' Said Kuroka.

'Issei Hyoudou.' Said Issei, getting a nod from Serafall, as the orb shined a brighter blue.

'Excellent. Now then, please explain the events that led to the appearance of a stray devil, in the devil territory monitored by the Gremory and Sitri.' Said Serafall, turning to face Kuroka.

'Well, I decided to tail little Shirone after she left with the others, wanting to keep an eye on her for a bit. I managed to follow them to the Underworld unnoticed, however, once we arrived, I felt a chill, almost knowing someone was watching me. Stretching out my senses with Senjutsu, I picked up on a strange energy and decided to follow it. Then, once I reached the area I had sensed the energy from, I was attacked by my former king's remaining peerage members. I managed to hold off for a few minutes, until they decided to get more serious. They started working together and I was hard pressed to fight back and took quite a few hits. After seeing that I was losing the battle, I attempted to flee, however, I was followed by one of them. He continued to pursue me through the Underworld and landed a particularly strong lucky shot on me. Feeling cornered, I quickly used a magic circle to teleport back to the Hyoudou household, only to be followed. I know I took another attack after that in my surprise and that is where things get a little hazy for me.' Said Kuroka, all the while, the orb continued to give off a bright blue glow.

'I see, so your claim is that you have no affiliation with the rouges of your former peerage and that they attacked you, after which you fled, causing them to pursue you, which ultimately led to their presence in the human world, is that correct?' Clarified Serafall, getting a nod from Kuroka.

'Okay. That's all I needed from you, Kuroka. Now, I would like to speak with Issei privately, to confirm your story and find out the details after your retelling of events.' Said Serafall, motioning towards the door.

'Please don't stray too far, as news of your immunity has not reached the ears of all devils at this point in time.' Warned Serafall.

'I won't stray, nya, once was enough.' Said Kuroka, mirth in her tone, before making her way towards the door.

'Now then, Issei, I would like to hear your retelling of events from the moment Kuroka appeared in your residence.' Said Serafall, crossing her legs as she did so.

'Well, I can't say about what happened before, but the first thing I saw, was a black blur slamming into the floor of my living room, in a huddled heap. When I got a better look though, I saw it was Kuroka and she looked pretty bad, cuts all over and she was bleeding as well. After that, some guy I had never seen before appeared and started berating Kuroka. He then went to attack her, but I stepped in the way and he stopped. After telling him I wouldn't let him hurt Kuroka he said that I had just made myself an enemy of the Conduits and that his name was Delsin Rowe. He vanished after that in a cloud of smoke and I took Kuroka upstairs to rest and recover.' Recalled Issei.

'So, in your opinion, do you believe Kuroka could be working with this group in any capacity?' Asked Serafall.

'No, they tried to kill her.' Said Issei.

'Do you have any idea why they were after Kuroka?' Asked Serafall.

'From what Kuroka told me, revenge.' Said Issei, getting a hum of agreement from Serafall.

'Okay, I think that is enough for now.' Said Serafall, bringing the orb back to her person and letting the magic empowering it dissipate.

Serafall then went over to the closet once more and started to rummage through it again. Issei sat there, watching the Leviathan, unsure of what to do now. Issei heard a small thud in the closet and saw Serafall reach lower down, giving Issei a little show in the process. As Issei's gaze shifted to Serafall's rear end, the devil gave a smirk worthy of her race.

'Oh Issei, you wouldn't happen to be staring at me, would you?' Teased Serafall, looking over her shoulder.

'No.' Said Issei quickly, despite the fact that his eyes had clearly just shifted from a different pair of cheeks.

'Naughty Red Dragon and at such a serious time too. Besides, aren't you supposed to be interested in something else?' Asked Serafall, standing up and turning around to face the slightly flustered dragon.

'Sorry, I should go now.' Said Issei, standing up and making his way to the door, only to find it wouldn't open.

Before Issei could turn around, a small weight was added to his back, slender arms wrapping around his chest, while soft legs wrapped around his waist.

'Mou, how could you want to leave me so soon? We didn't even have any time to pick up where we left off.' Whined Serafall playfully.

'Where we left off?' Asked Issei in confusion.

'Well, I seem to recall you talking about a certain body part of mine and what you wanted to do with it. It seems your interest in it hasn't changed, but maybe you want to do something other than kick it now. Or maybe, maybe your focus has shifted to another place entirely, ne, Issei?' Teased Serafall, whispering into Issei's ear so closely, that Issei could practically feel her face right next to his.

'W-what do you mean?' Asked Issei, only for Serafall to hop off his back, letting him turn around and face the devil.

'Well, I mean, you did call me a big breasted loli and they are pretty big, see?' Said Serafall, gesturing to her chest and noting Issei's gaze.

'I see, you do like what you see, don't you? Well, since I know you aren't completely inexperienced anymore, how about we have a little fun?' Suggested Serafall.

'Um… what?' Gaped Issei.

'What? You mean you don't understand? I thought someone who loved breasts would know what to do with them, especially after you lost your virginity.' Commented Serafall in disappointment, causing Issei to choke on air.

'What? Why?' Stammered Issei in shock, causing Serafall to sigh.

'I see, I guess I was wrong. I thought given how you ordered me around back when we first met, you'd be able to take the hint and take initiative *sigh* it seems I was wrong.' Lamented Serafall.

'What do you mean?' Asked Issei in confusion.

'I'm quite jealous actually, I've been waiting decades for someone to finally man up… it isn't easy, you know. Grayfia would have had even worse luck than me in the beginning, but her and little Sirzechs managed to find each other easily, in the midst of war no less. Me though, I'm still here, waiting. If it wasn't for my cute little Sona, I don't know what I would do with all my spare time, outside of filming and being in charge of foreign affairs.' Sighed Serafall, plopping herself back into her chair.

'Well, it can't be all bad, I mean, you are always so cheerful.' Pointed out Issei, getting a small laugh from Serafall.

'True, it is fun riling people up. It isn't real cheer though; it is me acting cheerfully. Even if you don't watch my show, I'm actually a very good actor.' Said Serafall, with a bitter smile.

Issei decided to make his way back to his seat, facing Serafall and studied her for a bit, before realising something.

'You are a good actor.' Commented Issei, getting Serafall to giggle.

'Figured it out already, did you?' Asked Serafall.

'Yeah. You really had me fooled there, but you were just acting the whole time.' Said Issei, sitting more at ease.

'True, but you know what they say about acting, you can't unleash your full potential, if you don't believe what you are acting out. Don't get me wrong, I am quite happy with my life, but I do wish I had something more. You're the first person to catch my eye in some time, so I wanted to have an opportunity to study you up close.' Said Serafall.

'How'd I do?' Asked Issei.

'Only slightly better than I expected.' Commented Serafall.

'Slightly better? I need to try harder then.' Joked Issei.

'Well, considering you are on break and don't have much else to do currently, aside from the situation that brought you here… what do you say about spending the day with me tomorrow? I'm sure you'll enjoy it.' Offered Serafall.

'Just to be clear, you mean as a date, right?' Asked Issei, getting Serafall to nod and Issei to laugh.

'You're the third girl to ask me out on a date and I still haven't asked one… I really do need to man up one of these days.' Snorted Issei in amusement.

'Third? Who were the other two?' Asked Serafall, leaning forward slightly.

'Raynare and Akeno.' Said Issei.

'Hmm, the fallen… well, that is to be expected, although, you didn't lose your virginity to either of them, so perhaps you did man up in some capacity.' Said Serafall.

'How do you know that exactly?' Asked Issei suspiciously.

'Oh, that's a secret. If you'd like though, maybe you will find out if you go on a date with me tomorrow.' Teased Serafall.

'Oh, I suppose I should have made it clear that I accepted the offer. Well, in that case, I look forward to tomorrow.' Said Issei, standing up.

'Oh don't worry, I'm sure you will love it. Anyway, got to go now, I'll be at your house tomorrow at noon sharp to pick you up for our date.' Said Serafall, before leaping out of the chair and giving Issei a chaste kiss on the lips.

'Don't be late.' Called Serafall, opening the door and heading out, leaving Issei there, stunned.

'Issei, what are you doing just standing around for, nya?' Asked Kuroka, popping her head into the room.

'Just coming to terms with the fact that a Satan just tricked me into a date… I think.' Answered Issei thoughtfully.

'Well, as long as you keep your end of the deal, I don't mind what you want to do with other girls, but let's go home for now, you look like you need a bit of a rest.' Said Kuroka, before walking over to Issei.

'Yeah, let's go.' Said Issei, before the two disappeared in a magic circle.