Well, I'm quite happy with the positive-to-moderate reception for the first chapter of the rebooted "Heroic Calamity". Within time, once other readers see that the story is rebooted, I'll be deleting the original version of the story and changing the Rebooted story's name to just "The Heroic Calamity". Also, the story is still single-pairing and I've already decided on who will be the love interest.

Now, on to the real thing that I wanted to talk about. Some people have asked me why I deleted the original story. Well, my reasons are very simple. I honestly believe that it's a bad idea for the original version of the story to remain while the rebooted version of the story is just starting. If I kept the original story around while still releasing chapters for the REBOOT, then some readers could guess what might happen. It would allow the plot to be predicted or it could provide possible spoilers and that isn't necessarily a good thing because having a predictable plot isn't good for the story. It wouldn't excite you and it wouldn't give as much impact as when you don't expect something to happen.

I never promised the change of the plot or the story's events staying the same, but I want to stress that this reboot was done to develop some plot points, relationships, and overall, things that I wanted to go back to and flesh out again. I hope that you all can respect my point of view. Once again, thanks for tuning in and enjoy.


Chapter 2: The Last Day

Darkness was all that blanketed Issei's conscience. He saw nothing, his mind drifting aimlessly in the Abyss that it found itself in. When he couldn't see anything, he listened. Yet, there was nothing. Not a crackle, fizz, nor pop. He couldn't even hear his own breath, if he had one, anyways.

Then, he suddenly saw something far away. It was a faint blue glow that glimmered, drawing Issei's attention. Somehow, as he willed himself to move, he drew closer and closer to the light before it fully enveloped him.

When the light died down, Issei was thrown for a massive fright. A dark silhouette of navy was in front of him. It was so large that it could probably stand as tall as a skyscraper, or perhaps stand taller. The moment the light faded, two glowing crimson eyes glared from right across him. They came right out of nowhere, like a flashlight blaring in total darkness. Issei flinched, retreating in fear as he felt the primordial emotion overwhelm him. He couldn't stop shaking in terror.

Issei retreated but just then, the entity shrouded in darkness moved, giving more detail to its form but it was still hard to make things out. It looked like a titanic dragon, having two arms and legs with six wings and a pointed tail. When the dragon roared, he felt like an entire planet full of thunderclaps wouldn't be enough to drown out the full might and force of the roar. Without another second spent in this dream, Issei was violently thrown out and flung back into reality as he awoke.


"Dah!"

Jumping out of his bed, Issei gasped, completely enthralled in terror.

"Whoa!" Someone jumped next to him.

His eyes immediately darted to the side to see who it was.

"Vali?" Issei looked at her, completely disoriented.

She gave him a solemn look. She was dressed in a white jacket with a blue shirt and a black skirt, plus black leggings. Issei honestly couldn't help but notice how much more gorgeous she looked when she wasn't in the Kuoh uniform.

"Yes, it's me. How're you feeling?" She inquired.

"Not too great. My whole body's in pain and my head won't stop spinning." Issei groaned, holding his side as the pain suddenly started settling in.

Vali stood up from her chair and helped him ease back onto the bed.

That was when Issei noticed the kind of room he was in. The room was quite luxurious. He was lying in a canopied bed inside a room with velvet carpets, large dressers and closets, with a balcony outside, with a bathroom installed directly next-door. The room itself was large enough to fit at least half a dozen beds with plenty of room. Was this really a room? It looked like an apartment on its own.

"You were pretty wounded when I got to you last night. Luckily, you were holding your own before I got there. I'm sorry." Vali's serious demeanor shrank, becoming a bit more sad and apologetic.

"For what?" Issei groaned, still reeling from the wounds received from last night.

"I let you walk home alone, I didn't supervise you, and I didn't even think of the possibility of this happening. I'm sorry for being so careless." Vali bowed her head low.

Issei merely chuckled and shook his head.

"None of that was your fault, not unless you deliberately sicced them on me."

"Those four had no relations to me. In fact, I had been looking for them last night." Vali explained.

Vali then sighed. She might as well confirm this next part to him as well.

"Issei, do you believe in myths and religions being real?"

Issei was about to say no again, but then he remembered what had happened last night. He remembered how Raynare was really a Fallen Angel instead of a schoolgirl, who could make spears out of light. He remembered her three friends who could do the same as her. Then, he recalled how his right arm had become armored by a gauntlet and how he'd been able to recall fighting styles from out of nowhere. Not only that, but he remembered hearing a voice in his head. He didn't even have to mention all of the explosions that'd happened during the fight. He'd be deluding himself if he said that he still didn't believe in the supernatural.

"After what happened yesterday, yes, I do." Issei nodded.

"Then that makes this easy. The best way to say this, is that all myths and religions are real. They've always been real, from the dawn of creation up until now, they've always been real. Every single monster, hero, demon, ghost, ghoul, spirit, fairy, every single thing from recorded mythology has always existed, but are now secret." Vali summarized.

Issei wasn't a fool, so she knew that he'd understand everything she'd just said.

"Then, what are you and I?" Issei asked.

"I was hoping you could tell me the answer. Frankly, Issei, I don't know what you are. You must be part human, at least, with some other part of you being something magical. I just don't know. As for myself…" Vali trailed off.

She looked away nervously. Did she really want to reveal her heritage to him? She was absolutely unsure right now. She didn't want to lose her first human friend in a long time, nor did she want to scare him away. Her fingertips and feet got cold, feeling tingly as she bit her lip.

"C'mon, it's like I said before: you can tell me anything." Issei smiled at her reassuringly.

Vali closed her eyes, thinking for several moments before standing up resolutely.

Issei was thrown for a loop when two black leathery wings sprouted from Vali's back. They looked a little bat-like and were long and sharply detailed.

"So, does this mean that you're a…"

"Devil, well, the official term is demon, actually. The official one isn't around anymore." Vali finished his statement.

"Huh…" Issei trailed off.

An uncomfortable silence spread through the atmosphere of the room. Vali didn't want to say anything, unsure of the turn of events, and Issei was trying to form an answer.

"Are you scared of me?" Vali asked.

Issei casually shook his head in honesty.

"No, but I kind of thought you'd be an Angel. Of course, I think this has no negative traits, either." Issei scratched his chin.

Vali blushed a little. She knew what humans meant when they called someone an Angel.

"But wait, shouldn't you be scared?" Vali then suddenly arrived at that conclusion.

"Well, normally, I would be, but after what happened last night, and the fact that you were willing to spend 4 months befriending me without harming me in any way, I figure that you're not a bad person. I guess you could say that it's coming from my gut instinct." Issei shrugged.

Another thing struck her. When was Issei this casual?

"Aren't you scared of me possessing you or taking your soul?" Vali asked.

"Nope. If you wanted to do that, you'd have done it already when I was asleep. Instead, you saved me and even healed me." Issei patted himself to prove his point.

"Actually, Issei, I didn't heal you. It happened on its own." Vali shook her head.

"What?"

"Your wounds started regenerating on their own. You didn't have a single mark on your body after you were done healing five minutes ago."

Issei then recalled the fact that during his fight last night, his body did start regenerating on its own.

"So, do you know why you were attacked?" Vali asked.

After some thought, Issei recalled the answer.

"I remember one of them, Raynare, said that I had a Sacred Gear."

Vali went silent. She began wracking her brain for possibilities.

"Do you think you can show me?" Vali asked.

Issei looked at his right arm and began concentrating and thinking back on it. He tried to remember the sensations, emotions, and thoughts that he had during the battle last night. Unfortunately, nothing happened.

"Apparently not." Issei shook his head.

"That's fine."

Just then, the door to the room opened. Walking through the doorframe, was a man with silver hair that waved upwards, with a small goatee on his chin. However, what struck Issei the most was that this man shared the same color of silver hair and sapphire-blue eyes as Cali. He was wearing a white suit with a black shirt underneath his jacket with a red tie, along with white shoes.

"I see that you're awake." The man gave Issei a friendly smile with a chuckle.

"Uh, yes, thank you for caring for me." Issei bowed.

"Welcome to our home, my name is Rizevim Luficeln. I've been told that you've been a good friend to my granddaughter." Rizevim smiled.

"My name is Issei Hyoudou, sir, and it was my honor."

Rizevim chuckled.

"You don't have to be so formal, child, I'm not as stuck-up or grumpy as I look." Rizevim sat down on a chair in the room, smiling warmly.

"So, what happens now?" Issei asked.

"For now, I'll be having a talk with someone about why you were attacked. Aside from that, you are free to leave whenever you desire. However, I must swear you to secrecy about what happened last night, and what has been discussed thus far. Do nothing to endanger the normal life here, because if you do, I think you'll find that you'll reach the point of no return." Rizevim warned him gently.

"I understand." Issei nodded.

He wasn't eager to lose his quiet life, either. Not only that, but he wasn't sure if he wanted to find out what would happen if he crossed a man like Rizevim. Issei could feel as if Rizevim were staring right into his very soul, trying to see who he was. The intensity in Rizevim's pupils already made it clear that he wasn't someone that he ought to mess with. One false move and he could probably make Issei's life a living hell.

"However, I do have a few questions for you." Rizevim leaned forward.

"Have you experienced any sort of dreams that were unusual to you? Any kind wars or freaky events that belonged in movies or comics." Rizevim asked.

Issei was tempted to tell him of the dream that just woke him up but he didn't think it was a smart idea to tell him that part. While he was grateful to Vali and Rizevim for taking him in, he didn't want to share such a secret with them, not when he didn't know what it meant.

"No, none at all." Issei shook his head.

Rizevim nodded.

"How about you recount to me what happened last night?"

Proceeding to do as asked, Issei gave a simple version of prior events, much to Rizevim's interests. When he was done, the older man merely gave an understanding look.

"I see, thank you. I'll look into this matter, and when I find something, I'll make sure to tell you about it." Rizevim smiled.

"Thank you, sir."


After some time, Issei felt that he was well enough to go home, but this time, Vali protested fervently, not caring about his opinion. The last time she did, Issei was thrust into the Supernatural world without warning.

Being driven home in Vali's limo, Issei glanced around. There was a small tv, a small fridge, a phone, and reclining seats, which all fit into this car, somehow.

"So…has the news gotten to what happened?" Issei nervously asked.

"We took care of that. The Lucifeln family has connections to the media, so it wasn't hard to keep them quiet." Vali sipped some water.

"By the way, you never mentioned who you really are. Are you related to Lucifer?" Issei seriously asked.

Vali gulped. She really didn't want him to know that. She was certain that he'd run away in terror if he knew her heritage. When Vali looked away in silence, Issei nodded and took that as a sign of confirmation. Sure, he was a bit intimidated, but he wasn't going to make fear and disgust his first reaction. If anything, he had no reason to show that behavior since she'd done nothing to him yet.

"Are you terrified yet?" Vali asked.

"Nope." Issei casually responded.

Vali didn't say anything else. Clearly, this was a sensitive topic for her.

When the two reached Issei's home, he was tempted to invite her inside, but just then, she was called away by work once again. Before she left, however, she reminded him of what needed to be done and what shouldn't be done.

"No matter what, no matter who asks, don't tell anyone of what you've experienced last night and what we talked about this morning. You don't know who's watching and what can be used against you. If you ever feel like something's wrong, then call me, no matter where and when. I'll definitely come help you." Vali gave him a piece of paper with a magic circle on it.

"Use that if you know you're in danger. It'll bring me immediately to you."

Issei smiled gratefully.

"Thanks. I really appreciate all this, Vali."

The mystical young lady only returned his expression.

"That's what friends are for, Issei. I'll see you Monday."

With those last words, Vali drove off in her limo, leaving Issei to watch as she disappeared into the horizon.


Entering his home, Issei sighed. For once, he wasn't too disappointed with a cold and dark home. Instead, he actually felt some relief. He was home, where nothing chaotic and supernatural had ever reached him. This was his quiet haven, despite its solitude. Here, he knew that it would be the safest place for him.

He smiled as he brushed his fingertips against a hanging photo. It was of him when he was seven, sitting with his parents. He remembered that day fondly. He had just turned seven and had a nice dinner with his family, where his mother had prepared all of his favorite foods while his father had spent the day playing with him. If there'd been anything Issei had craved as a child, it was his parents' love and attention. By no means, did they ignore him, often opting to spend all their spare time with him when work didn't get in the way.

It made Issei think deeply. He had nearly died last night and had just been enthralled in a world he'd never believed to have existed. Perhaps it was a good idea to call his parents. Taking out his phone, Issei started looking up his contacts. Just then, his phone began vibrating and ringing, making Issei jump. His phone flew into the air as he fumbled and desperately tried to keep the device in his hands, juggling it around before finally getting a good grip.

"Whew!" Issei took a deep breath before answering the call.

"Hey, Mom."

"Hi, Son. We just wanted to call and check up on you."

"Hi, Son." His father called out.

Issei smiled. Kind of funny how sometimes what he wanted to happen, did.

"Hi, Dad. How's work?" Issei asked.

"It's going great. Your father and I just got promoted. I'm now head of development for my fashion company, and your father is heading a new marketing campaign. It's so exciting! Also, we're going to get some time off after we're done with our projects, so we'll be coming home to visit when we are."

(Doctor Who OST: Donna's Theme. Play Song.)

Issei's face lost its color. He absolutely couldn't let his parents come home right now. He had no idea what kind of fate was waiting for him. He'd never forgive himself if something'd happened to them because of him.

"Uh, how soon?" Issei cleared his throat.

"About four months. Your father's marketing campaign still needs to finish its production before advertisements can start circulating."

"I see." Issei sounded relieved.

"Now, enough about us, how's school? Are you doing okay?"

Issei smiled. When his parents asked if he was doing okay in school, they didn't mean in academics. They were really asking if he was doing okay emotionally and socially.

"I'm doing fine, Mom." Issei chuckled.

"Have you gotten a girlfriend yet?" His Father asked.

"No, I haven't. I haven't had the chance." Issei laughed as his father did the same.

"You made any new friends?" His Mother asked.

"Yeah, I did. One, actually." Issei leaned against the counter of his house.

"Oh? A girl?" His Mother continued.

"Yeeeeaaaahhhh…." Issei trailed off.

His mother absolutely loved doing this. A running gag that his mother always pulled, was hoping for grandchildren.

"Tell me about her!" His Mother screamed into the phone, causing Issei to jerk his head away because of the sheer screeching static.

Issei sighed.

"Well, she's scholarly, patient, generous, incredibly wealthy, and very beautiful. Her name is Validia." He concisely and casually responded.

"She sounds perfect!" His Mother squealed.

"Mom, don't try and start again." Issei exasperatedly sighed.

"Oh, why not? Your father and I would help you if you happened to have a child as soon as you get a job after you get an adult."

"Mom, I'm too busy for that."

"But I want grandkids soon."

"I'm only 17, Mom." Issei deadpanned.

"And what's stopping you from searching?"

(Doctor Who OST: Donna's Theme. End Song.)

Issei went silent. He nearly blew everything. He was about to blurt out that he'd just been thrown into a magical world, so he couldn't get a girlfriend. Thank goodness, he'd caught himself.

"…" The phone went silent just as he did.

"Mom?"

"Issei, are you okay?"

His mother was truly scary sometimes. She always knew if he felt troubled, even when he'd only gone silent for a second.

"Yeah, what makes you ask?"

"You don't sound as cheerful as you usually do. Actually, you sound tired, like you haven't slept in weeks." His Mother explained.

'Mother's intuition…can't escape it.' Issei shook his head.

"I'm fine, Mom. I'm just learning some new things and it's been giving me a bit of trouble. School's gotten a little harder."

Why did lying come so naturally to him?

"Do you have a study buddy?" His Father asked.

"Yep. It's my new friend." Issei lied.

"Well, that's a starting point. You shouldn't try to tackle everything by yourself. You had that issue as a child. It makes me pretty relieved to know that you have someone helping you."

"You always push yourself and forget to take care of yourself. I hope you haven't hurt yourself while we're away." His mother sighed in worry.

Issei nodded. He knew he had that issue too, but sometimes, he just forgot about it.

"Don't worry, I'm not in any sort of trouble. I'm actually getting along great with my new friend, so I know I'm not alone. I never was, don't worry. I know that if there's anything wrong, I can count on you." Issei smiled.

"Of course, that's what parents are for. If you ever feel troubled, if you're scared or angry, just call us, no matter the time or reason. Anyways, we just wanted to make sure that everything was okay, like usual. Your mother and I will be home soon, so don't worry about us, and try to stay out of trouble. Once we get back, how about we all go on a trip together? You love stargazing, so how about we go on a camping trip?" His Father offered.

Issei couldn't help but feel a bit happy at that. The last time they'd actually spent any real time together, uninterrupted by work, was three years ago, on New Years.

"Yeah, sounds good." Issei nodded.

"Great, we'll plan it as soon as we get back. Goodbye, son." His parents then ended the call.

Issei sighed, feeling a bit satisfied. It'd been a while since he'd heard their voices. Despite it only happening for a few minutes, Issei felt a surge of renewal and reassurance. Whatever was coming, he'd be ready. He had to be ready and he knew he had to find a way to make it happen.


The next day, Issei woke up and got ready for school. He did the usual, got out of bed, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, made breakfast and lunch, changed clothes, and went out the door. Only this time, there was an unusual object right outside his house: a large white limousine.

"Morning, Issei." Vali stood by the gate to his house.

"Morning." Issei smiled.

"I came to ask if you wanted to go to school together. Also, there were a few things that I wanted to talk to you about."

Issei didn't want her to have wasted her time, so he agreed. She might've also had some new information for him too. Getting into the limo, Vali began her talk.

"So, I wanted to tell you of a few things that're best kept unheard by others."

"Alright, tell them to me."

Vali pursed her lips, still slightly hesitant.

"I'm going to tell this to you as general information and as a possible warning, depending on how events unfold. First, you and I aren't the only supernatural entities at school. Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, Sona Shitori, and Tsubaki Shinra are the most prestigious out of all of them, with the ORC and Student Council all being supernatural as well, being devils in fact. When I came to Kuoh, I'd learned that there are even more supernaturals than those two groups, but that's beside the point. I want you to know about them because they might bother you and they might also become aware of you. When someone acknowledges the other as a supernatural, it sets off their instincts much more easily, so you might pick up on one another. I've already told them to lay off you, but be aware, just in case."

Issei was thrown for a lip with that one. To think that the ORC and Student Council were all devils like Vali, was something he'd never expected. Still, he could accept that.

"Is that all?" Issei asked.

Vali went silent for a few moments. She didn't want to involve him more than he already was. Quite frankly, she just wanted to tell him general information for his own safety, since Rias and Sona would probably become interested in him, especially Sona. Issei was a good guy, she could tell, so she wanted him to stay away from the chaotic supernatural realm that she was from.

"Yes, that's all." Vali nodded.

"So, tell me, how do you know all this? Did you introduce yourselves or did you stumble on each other?" Issei leaned forward.

"We're actually childhood friends. The three of us grew up together with several others in the Underworld, until we hit our early teens. Rias and Sona moved to the Human Realm while I started traveling, and we maintained distant contact from there." Vali explained.

"Wow, strange world." Issei nodded, amused.

"Yep. Don't worry, though, they're both good people, so you don't have to be wary of them, like how you would be with others. I can vouch that they won't hurt you."

"So, tell me, are you all connected to the Ars Goetia?" Issei sent another inquisition her way.

Vali looked at him in surprise.

"What made you ask that?"

"Well, I did a bit of research last night, so I was just curious. Thanks to your help in language classes, I'm piecing together some info. Gremory and Shitori, aka, Sitri, plus Lucifeln aka Lucifer. Of course, I'm also guessing."

Vali shrugged. It wasn't exactly hard to figure out, honestly, not if one knew of mythology and religion.

"Yeah, we're from those clans. Our clans are among the 72 Pillars, and are ranked."

"And you're at the top?" Issei asked.

Vali stopped sipping her tea, only nodding in silence. If there was one thing she hated, it was having her last name being flaunted and being recognized only for her family's prestige and might.

Just then, the limo stopped, halting gently at the front gates.

"Well, let's get to class." Vali sighed.

Stepping out the vehicle, Issei could feel intense stares of surprise as whispers of gossip reached his ears. This downpour of attention was certainly not something he liked.


Homeroom was the same as always; Vali would help Issei with language while he helped her with math and science. Lunch was largely normal but Issei couldn't help but notice the new changes to the atmosphere then. Vali seemed a little distant, often only speaking enough to answer his questions or to progress the topic. She didn't start topics nearly as much as she usually did.

"Is something wrong?" Issei finally spoke up.

"Huh?" Vali looked at him, confused.

"You don't seem yourself today. It's like you're lacking energy, or enthusiasm. You're usually a bit more cheerful than this." Issei pointed out.

Vali merely shook her head.

"It's nothing, Issei. I've just been thinking of some personal things."

Issei understood that cue. Surely, she didn't want to be bothered more than she already was.

When school ended, Issei decided to head straight home, since Vali was busy with her personal work.

"Excuse me, but could I have some of your time?" A voice reached over to Issei.

Turning around, he was a bit shocked to find that Sona Sitri was standing by the gate, accompanied by Rias Gremory.

"May I ask why?" Issei politely asked.

"We have some private business to discuss with you. If you could, would you come with us? We're actually in need of your help." Rias politely asked.

Issei stood silent for a few moments before deciding that there was a scene forming around them. Students who were just exiting the campus were standing around the gates, wondering why a nobody like him would be talking to two of the school idols.

"Very well." Issei agreed.

As much as he wanted to maintain his own safety, he also wanted answers. Vali didn't seem eager to tell him, since she'd avoid giving him everything he wanted to know.

Following them to the ORC's Clubrrom, which was quite fancy and traditionally Western in design, Issei sat on a sofa, across from Rias and Sona.

"Don't worry, we're safe to talk about whatever we want to here." Rias sipped her tea, which Akeno Himejima served to everyone.

She could tell that Issei was acting coy, since she'd guessed that Vali had already told him about who they really were. The way Issei looked at her and Sona made it clear that he was cautious.

"Hyoudou, we are aware of your involvement with the Fallen Angels from several days ago. You don't have to hide it. The reason why we invited you here, was to ask for your account of events. Vali has told us about it." Sona politely explained.

Issei went silent, no longer playing coy. Vali did tell him that Sona and Rias were good women, so it probably wouldn't hurt to give a watered-down version of what had happened.

"Well, I was approached by a Fallen Angel named Raynare, who disguised herself as a human. She tried to seduce me, and later, she showed up as I was on my way home. After that, she attacked me, along with three other Fallen Angels, but Vali saved me before they could kill me."

Sona looked amused while Rias merely looked as if she were in deep thought.

"I understand. It's most unfortunate that you were attacked like that. However, I must ask, do you know why you were attacked?" Rias asked.

"No, I don't." Issei shook his head, clearly lying.

He still remembered Rizevim's words about keeping everything secret. It wasn't that it was because Rias and Sona were devils, but it was because he didn't know if anyone had any agendas. He'd hate to wake up the next morning and find himself in a test tube or tied down to some sacrificial table.

"Hmmm…" Rias made a small sound, clearly amused.

"Is there anything else that you would like to tell or ask us?" Sona continued.

Issei shook his head.

"No, I don't believe I have anything at the moment."

The answers he wanted probably wouldn't be received from Sona and Rias, since Rizevim clearly didn't know what kind of Sacred Gear he had. It didn't take much to understand that Rizevim knew more than Vali, Rias, and Sona, since he was clearly old.

"Then, you are free to leave. Thank you for your time." Sona nodded, giving Issei permission to leave.

When he'd left, Sona and Rias conversed, mulling over what had just happened in the past few days.

"Well, he wasn't eager to tell us anything." Rias sighed.

"I wouldn't blame him. Four Fallen Angels just attacked him out of nowhere for reasons that he didn't know about. All of a sudden, he learns that every single monster under the bed and in the dark is real. I wouldn't be eager to leave my quiet life if I were him." Sona finally sipped her tea.

Just then, the doors opened. It wasn't too gentle, nor very loud, reflecting the controlled irritation of the one who opened them.

Everyone turned to see that it was Vali, who had a strong frown on her brows.

"So, you clearly ignored my request…" She sighed.

"We needed to know why he was attacked." Rias explained.

"I understand that this is your territory, Rias, but I'd expected you to have been able to avoid involving him further." Vali grumbled.

"If we didn't ask him anything, we'd have less clues as to why fallen angels are in devil territory. Now, we know why. That boy has something; something special. The first theory would be a Sacred Gear." Sona sipped from her cup again.

Vali didn't want these two to have arrived at that conclusion. Her grandfather had warned her to never let anyone know about Issei's Sacred Gear, nor see it. What made it especially important, was the stern urgency in his eyes when he told her. If it was enough to put her grandfather on his guard, then it was enough to be treated with delicate care.

"The second theory, could be that he might have some kind of ability or power, like heroes of old. That's the only reason why fallen angels would want him dead. He's a threat, that goes without saying." Sona pushed up her glasses, as per her usual stoic demeanor.

"You're awfully quiet, Vali." Rias looked at her friend.

Vali was standing by the window, looking out at the distance, watching as Issei walked past the school gates. She had turned her back for a few minutes to talk with her grandfather, and her two friends had already tried to look into the matter.

(Rurouni Kenshin OST: Departure – Acoustic Guitar & Piano Version. Play Song.)

"I didn't want him to get involved." Vali confessed.

"Why not?" Sona asked.

"Because I don't want our world to consume him. He's so nice and comforting. You two know full well that in our world, people only act that way because they want something. Other humans just look at us, fantasizing about our bodies or they look at us like freaks of nature. But him…Issei…he's the one of the first humans in a long time who genuinely reached out and wanted to just be friends with me…" Vali spoke up.

"I look him in the eyes and I see someone who's interested in others just because they're individuals and I see someone who doesn't have any bias. I know it sounds naïve but when I interact with him, I can just tell that his positivity is a rare thing. I don't want the bloody past and twisted realm we live in, to contaminate him and devour him. He doesn't deserve any of that. A guy like him should be allowed to live quietly and happy." She sighed, finishing her explanation.

Rias and Sona were quite surprised. Vali didn't behave this way often. Most of the time, she was cheerful, yet regal but right now, she seemed retrospective, contemplative.

"Is that why you tried to keep us away from him? To keep him away from the supernatural world?" Sona asked.

Vali nodded.

"I figured that if others knew that he was associating with three of the 72 Pillars, it'd attract even more attention to him. For a time, I wanted to keep him away, distance him, because he'd probably end up in even more trouble if he stayed close to me."

Rias and Sona understood Vali's reasons, but this was something that they had to stop. Fallen angels entering devil territory wasn't a good sign. For centuries, the angels, fallen angels, and devils had remained at a ceasefire. Fallen angels openly attacking someone in devil land, wasn't a good sign.

"I understand what you mean, Vali, but if this is an act to provoke aggression, then we need to stamp it out. You know full-well what could happen if another war happens. I'm sorry, I really want to respect your wishes, but that boy is the only link we have to finding out why strays are running around our area." Rias walked over to Vali, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"Fine. For the time being, I'll handle his protection." Vali nodded

"Very well, we'll investigate matters further. I promise, we'll leave him alone as soon as this matter is laid to rest." Sona agreed.

(Rurouni Kenshin OST: Departure – Acoustic Guitar & Piano Version. End Song.)


As Issei walked home, he found that things were just like usual. People were hustling and bustling at little shops, children were playing in the streets, and cars were streaming by on the road. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air. How he relished simple days like these.

As he continued his walk, he found that slowly, people were dwindling. He looked left and right and behind him and found that people were gone, as if removed by some unknown power. Issei quickened his pace, attempting to play off his suspicions. Sadly, when he reached his home, he found that people in suits were standing in crevices and waiting a strategic distance from his home.

"Hyoudou Issei?"

Issei didn't respond. He could already tell that trouble was here for him.

"We would like for you to come with us." One of the men in suits walked towards him.

"I'll have to decline. First, and foremost, may I know who you are?" Issei stepped back.

"Then, force will be used." One of the suited men ignored him, immediately walking forward, and clearly impatient.

Suddenly, black feathered wings sprouted from the suited men's backs. Creating spears of light in their hands, they charged right at Issei.

(Kingdom Hearts 2.5 OST: The 13th Dilemma. Play Song.)

Instinctively, Issei raised his right arm to block, anticipating injury. Much to his surprise, he felt that strange surge in his arm again. Looking at it, he found that the navy gauntlet had materialized and plated itself over his arm again.

"Reports were right. You do have one." The Fallen Angel in front of him remarked.

Issei looked around and found that he was surrounded by at least 20 fallen angels. There was no way he was going to get out of this one in one piece.

"[Division Slicer]" A deep male voice echoed.

Turning to his left, Issei saw that familiar crescent wave whistle at the fallen angels in the sky. Very few were able to dodge in time, being disintegrated by the shining light of the magic wave. Issei stepped back as the fallen angel in front of him didn't even stop his attack. All his attention stayed on Issei, forcing his troubles to continue.

While Issei was staring down the person in front of him, he could see that someone was eliminating the fallen angels en masse a few feet away. Taking a closer look, Issei noticed that it was Vali who had come to the rescue. From the looks of it, she was having no trouble at all with the enemy since she was obliterating them with waves of magic while effortlessly dodging spears and arrows of light.

Once again, Issei found his instincts kicking in, just as his opponent made a jab at him. Without his own conscious thought, his body began maneuvering as it pleased, ignoring the fact that he had no real knowledge of how to fight. Ducking a swipe from the fallen angel's spear, Issei raised his right fist, uppercutting the fallen angel square in the jaw. Knocked several feet upward, the fallen angel rebalanced himself, glaring at Issei with a bloody growl with missing teeth.

Issei felt renewed. The moment the armored gauntlet encased his right forearm, he felt a surge of adrenaline and energy course through every vein and cell in his body. He felt like a new man again, and this time, he felt far more stable. Was he getting used to this thing?

Distracted, Issei was too slow to notice the fallen angel who tackled him, grabbing him by the neck and rising to the air.

"Ack!" Issei choked.

"My boss said he wanted you alive. He didn't say anything about the state you had to be in. It'll be fine. Even if we hack off your legs, we'll just carry those back too."

Issei felt cold; frigid winds blasted him in the face as his feet tangled in the air. He looked below and finally noticed that they were at least 80 meters in the sky.

'Aw, crap.' Issei growled to himself.

He watched as he was helpless to resist against the fallen angel that was trying not to strangle the life out of him. If he fought back, he'd fall to his death, if he didn't, he'd be dismembered.

'Damn it! I'm screwed either way.'

Regardless, he'd figured that anything was better than getting cut apart by some enemy who targeted him for vague reasons. Opening his hand, he held it over the Fallen Angel's stomach before firing a burst of navy energy that was like a popping bubble that had the force of a weak grenade. It certainly wasn't like the beam that he used to kill Raynare before, but it still hurt enough to force the Fallen Angel to let him go.

Issei found it hard to move as the force of gravity and the velocity at which he was falling was making it nearly impossible for him. Guess in the end, he was just merely human after all. As the air pushed him around, he found himself staring at the ground, which was rapidly approaching. Any minute now, he'd become a mere splatter on the ground.

Suddenly, he felt himself get yanked in the opposite direction. His collar made a small ripping noise as he looked up to see that it was Vali.

"Vali?!" Issei exclaimed.

What really got his attention was that Vali had two metallic wings sprouting from her back. Four panels of blue light segmented from them, making them look like 'feathers' of light.

"Are you okay?!" Vali asked, clearly worried.

Issei was about to respond before he noticed that the Fallen Angel from before was about to throw a spear of light right at Vali's head.

"Watch out!"

Thrusting his arm out without a moment's hesitation, Issei's desire to protect Vali manifested as another eruptive beam that roared at the Fallen Angel. Just like in his battle with Raynare, the navy beam obliterated the Fallen Angel, roaring like a mighty beast that allowed no escape for its query. When the light faded, nothing remained, not even a speck of ash or dust remained of the fallen angel that Issei killed.

(Kingdom Hearts 2.5 OST: The 13th Dilemma. End song.)

As Vali slowly descended back to the ground, she let go of Issei before retracting her shining metallic wings into her back.

"What was that all about?" Issei asked.

Vali folded her arms.

"I don't know. Clearly, they were after you and judging by the look of things, it's not a small group that's after you. Twenty fallen angels are quite a good number for people going after just one person." She mused, muttering to herself.

"I don't get it. What makes this thing so special that fallen angels want me dead over it?" Issei asked, showing his navy gauntlet.

Vali stared at it, unsure of what to do. She was conflicted. She couldn't leave Issei here, unprotected and alone. Now that the enemy had waited for him outside his house, even after she set up guards here, made it evident that he wasn't safe at him anymore. The only place that she felt was safe for him and reassuring to her, was her own home. However, if she took him under her protection, then it would seal his fate. Rizevim would get involved and look into matters, and the others would learn that Issei was being associated with devils. Issei would lose his normal life permanently. Still, even so, Issei would live and could possibly return to it if the mystery was solved, so she had to play things out the best she could. She'd protect him and keep him safe, just like how a true friend would.

"Issei, get in your house and pack your things. I'm taking you into my protection." Vali decided.

"What?" He looked at her, perplexed.

"You're no longer safe at home here, so the only other place where you'll be safe and protected is my home. I know it's crazy and I know everything's happening at once but trust me. I'm doing this to protect you." Vali looked at him urgently, hoping he'd understand.

Issei stared at her for a bit, weighing his options. He'd only known Vali for a few months, four at most, and all of a sudden, she wanted him to pack his things and go where she directed? He was a little skeptical. Then again, he didn't have much choice since he'd only been surviving off of pure luck so far. He had no options that would work effectively. He had to trust Vali's word.

"Okay, I'll go with you." Issei nodded.

Vali looked around, while picking up her phone.

"Grandpa, it's me. They came for him. I need to see you ASAP as soon as we get home."


Alright, that ends the second chapter of the reboot. Honestly, things are looking to be pretty much the same so far, but bear with me, all stories need to build up to certain points. I understand that some people still wanted to read the original "Heroic Calamity", but I won't be posting it back up until I reach a certain point in the rebooted story. To me, I felt that it could help give away plot points and start making things more predictable and it might even cast a shadow over the rebooted story.

The original purpose of the reboot was to flesh out and redevelop and possibly change things that I was unhappy with in the original story. So, I apologize for the numerous inconveniences, but I believe that these little things could have a big impact overall. Regardless, thank you for your time and I will see you in the next chapter.