Alright, so for this story, I got one question, overall from the Q&A.

For CasualReader775:

Q1: If you were to cast Fem Vali, which seiyuu would you choose and why?

A1: That's kind of hard, since if the story were being animated, I'd prefer it if that Seiyuu could sing too. I guess I would have to choose Nana Mizuki. I just feel that she can bring out Fem Vali's character, if she were to voice her, since she can play gentle and fierce characters.

Q2: If you were to create a Harem for "Heroic Calamity" Issei, then who would be in it? Of course, the reboot just started and you've insisted that it's still single-pairing, so who would you choose from the original version?

A2: If I were to choose someone from the original story, then it'd be: Fem Vali, Izalana, Vetrazin, and Lefay. I'd try to keep it from being overwhelming.

Now, before we begin, I have an important Author's Note at the end, and I'd like it if you readers took the time to read it. I feel that it's something important and should be seen because I have words that I'd like others to take to heart.


Chapter 4: First day of School (Again)

Issei was finally to begin his first training session with Vali. For the first week, things were relatively simple. Dumbbell reps, pushups, sit-ups, runs, and pullups. Soon, Issei felt that the patterns would soon change. He knew that things wouldn't stay this easy and simple forever. As he expected, things began to change, with the exercises still being the usual. The number of them was not. He had to do 5 laps around the neighborhood, for starters, with weights.

"Dying, numbing in legs, loss of bodily functions." Issei wheezed.

"Don't forget, you asked for this." Vali sighed.

As Issei ran, Vali biked casually, watching him and making sure he was doing as instructed.

"You're of average build, so that means we need to start developing your muscle mass and getting your body used to strenuous activity. If you're going to fight, then you need to be able to last longer than a few seconds."

Issei remained silent as he ran, lacking the energy to respond. His lungs were starting to hurt and his throat was getting scratchy. At this point, Issei was trying to predict if his lungs would give out or if his legs would.

"After this, I'll let you have a small break, so bear with it." Vali promised.

That was salvation to Issei. If anything, that actually gave him some motivation. He cursed himself for not exercising and staying in shape. He should've gotten more fit before asking Vali for training.

"Dying…" Isei wheezed again as he felt his left leg go numb on him.

"Now, now, don't lose focus. I've got just the thing for you when we get back to the Mansion." Vali chuckled.

Issei sighed in defeat. He bent over to catch his breath before he felt a powerful sting on his back.

"No stopping. If you do, I'm going to hit you with pebbles." Vali sweetly threatened him.

Her face became shadowed as her wide smile sent shivers down Issei's spine. She was holding pebbles in her hand, which were the size of peanuts. Considering her strength, Issei was certain he'd get a bruise if she flicked it hard enough. With a boost of fear, Issei could feel his legs reinvigorate themselves.

'Why am I being instructed with fear?!' Issei yelped.

He had a feeling that if he took too long, Vali would punish him in ways he'd prefer not to.

"Yes, ma'am." Issei sighed.


When they returned home, Issei was allowed to sit down and drink something. Vali had returned from the Kitchen and gave him a cup of cerulean water, which made him cautious again. It smelled of mint and ginger. He was hesitant, since he remembered the tea that Vali gave him, which tasted to putrid that he swore he'd walk off nausea if ever given the choice between the two.

Vali couldn't help but chuckle. She could've sworn that if the cup had eyes, it and Issei would be glaring sparks at each other.

"Don't worry, this drink is way better than the one from last time. I promise you'll be fine." Vali laughed.

Sipping the drink, Issei was pleased to learn that the drink had the consistency of water, but it tasted like a slightly better tea. He'd live with it.

"So, tell me, who taught you how to fight? Your grandparents?" Issei asked.

"Yep. My grandpa taught me magic while my grandma taught me martial arts. Altogether, it was extremely grueling." Vali paled.

Clearly, her memories of training were just as unpleasant as she'd said. Maybe, they were worse.

"What sort of things did you do?" Issei inquired.

"Ran laps across mountains, lifted things worth at least 150 pounds, swam in frigid waters, and studied till my mind wanted to burst. Well…it paid off, though. Heh, heh, heh…" Vali made a bitter and deadpan laugh.

Issei's eye twitched in aversion.

"Luckily, you won't be doing any of that. Humans, on a natural level, have lower limits of strength than several other races."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Issei decided that Vali was a terrifically merciful person.

He was wrong. Dead wrong. Inside the Lucifer's personal gym, which was an actual gym with showers and changing rooms, Issei currently found himself doing burpees goaled at 85. He was only through 15 before he already felt his legs and lungs giving out on him.

"Don't forget, you've got 50 reps with dumbbells right after this." Vali announced.

"What weight?" Issei wheezed.

"We'll start nice and easy:30." Vali chimed.

"Will that be all?" Issei asked, frantically hopeful.

"Nope. After that, you've got some work with barbells before three more laps around the neighborhood." Vali shook her head.

Issei groaned, but he persevered. Despite his quiet protests, he was quite willing to undertake all the exercises and training Vali threw at him. By the end of the day, Issei was barely able to move a muscle as the soreness began setting in. His clothes and hair were soaked with sweat, being drenched enough to produce droplets.

"Alright, I think that's enough for today." Vali nodded to him as Issei finally reached the door to the mansion. The moment he landed his foot onto the final step, Issei smashed into the door, quite literally as soon as he put his foot down mid-motion. His face smashed against the barrier as it slid down, his toes dragging him backwards.

Vali yelped and jumped when she heard the loud crash as she watched him trip in front of her. She actually felt pretty bad. After some reflection, she'd decided that she'd pushed him too hard.

"Yay…" He weakly slurred.

"Come on, let's get inside. You need to clean up." Vali chuckled.

Vali opened the door and carried him in. After a nice soothing shower, Issei felt his muscles relax, but only slightly. His body was still reeling from the stress he'd just put it through and the fatigue he was experiencing was unlike anything he'd ever felt before.

'I've still got a very long way to go.' Issei sighed.

He didn't have pleasant predictions for the near future, but he knew he'd get through it, one way or another.


Once dinner time came, Issei found himself limping towards the door. Now the pain was really starting to set in. It wasn't crippling or anything like that, but it was certainly irksome. Just taking one step forward just sent shockwaves into every cell in his legs.

"Geez, I'm way too out of shape. Gotta work on that quickly." He sighed.

Suddenly, the door received four knocks before opening. It was revealed to be Vali, who was knocking. Walking into his room, she pushed a trolley with plates of food, covered with aluminum domes.

"I figured you'd be in pain right now, so I brought dinner up. I think you'll like the food tonight. Herbal chicken soup, spiced salmon with ginger and ginseng, and some salad with dessert being your favorite: cheesecake." Vali set down the food on Issei's table as she spoke.

"I could've come down, myself." Issei sat down, groaning as he moved.

"I didn't want you tumbling down the stairs." Vali chuckled.

Soon enough, the two were finally eating dinner, with Vali keeping Issei company.

"So, what're we doing tomorrow?" Issei asked.

"You don't seem to dread it as much as I thought you would." Vali raised a brow.

"Well, even if it gets bad, things will work out. I'll get over it." Issei laughed.

"I can tell that your body's screaming at you for the sudden change in pace, so we'll relax for the next few days until you're good enough to actually lift anything again. However, that means study sessions. You wanted to learn how to fight and understanding magic plays a role in that."

Issei was miffed. He didn't think Vali would be this thorough with him. He'd expected her to just teach him martial arts and end it at that. Then again, he did have some cynical expectations toward her motives. Who would go that far just for a friend that they'd only known for around 3-4 months?

"For now, just relax and relieve your stress."

"Are you going to be my tutor?" Issei asked.

"I'll be there to help but the one who'll be doing it will be Lefay. She's the most gifted with magic and is quite a prodigy, so I figured she'd be the best option for helping out with this." Vali shook her head.

Issei pursed his lips. He was competent with academics, but he didn't know if he'd understand this magic stuff. He hoped he didn't have to cast magic or anything like that. The last thing that he wanted was to blow the mansion up by some accident.


The next day, Issei was sitting at a desk in the Lucifer Library. Sitting across from him was Lefay, who was pointing at a white-board with her wand.

"Magic is one of the four most major components in creation. It exists in countless forms in countless places and can perform things that quite frankly don't make sense. In this universe, magic is a force that doesn't necessarily operate on normal logic, not scientific logic, at least. The key component of magical logic is imagination, and by extension, belief. Without it, magic wouldn't necessarily exist." Lefay pointed at diagrams and examples she'd drawn on the board.

'Okay…get it so far.' Issei nodded, showing that he was paying attention. At least, that's what he'd hoped it looked like.

"Through our imagination, magic has taken many forms as either creatures, spells, and locations. When we cast magic, it takes a form that we recognize and understand. Some magic spells have such a shared form and are understood so universally, that it becomes a common spell, like teleportation. However, countless people have magic that is unique to them, which can be derived from their souls and their imagination. Therefore, some magic can only be performed by certain people." Lefay continued.

"As time went on, magic became incorporated with daily affairs and even violence, which led to magical warfare. This is the point where Vali wanted things to go. In battle, magic can be countered by other magics. This is usually done with enchantments, which have protection and seals layered upon them to grant stronger protection against magic that isn't its own, or if they're imbued with the hostile intents of the person who cast them. In simpler terms, it's like a key and lock. The protective enchantment is a door protecting you from an enemy. The only ones who can cross that door are things that you allow. However, sometimes, the enemy has something that can force their way through, so that door's defense isn't absolute. You with me so far?" Lefay asked.

"Yeah, but let's slow down a bit." Issei requested.

"We were going slow." Lefay looked at him quizzically.

'I'm screwed.' Issei sighed.

"So far, Vali told me that your gauntlet's able to defend against a fallen angel's spear of light, so that means you've got moderate protection, at the least. So, if you were to achieve Balance Breaker, then you might gain higher defenses against magic."

"What's Balance Breaker?" Issei leaned forward, his interest piqued.

"Balance Breaker is a glitch within the Biblical System that regulates miracles and the powers of their religion. All Sacred Gears were created by the Biblical God, and are randomly distributed at birth. Somehow, a glitch appeared within the system eventually. Balance Breakers are quite simply, powered up states for a Sacred Gear and can unlock new abilities, on top of enhancing prior ones. It's like going super dragon in Drag So-Ball." Lefay chuckled.

"Oh…" Issei began nodding in understanding.

"Normally, it's unlocked through severe emotional distress or epiphanies, since Sacred Gears are tied to a person's soul. So, if you want to achieve Balance Breaker, then you'd best keep that in mind. It won't happen simply from training or from magical items and blessings. You need to feel the change with your mind, soul, and body. It's not something you can get with a shortcut. It won't be like Drag So-Ball." Lefay waved her finger.

'I didn't think it would. Shame…' Issei mused.

For the rest of the day, Lefay lectured him on magic, ensuring that he understood every single word that she threw at him. It wasn't too hard to understand, thankfully, since Lefay put it in terms that were simple and she always gave him examples of how things worked.


A few days after that, after the soreness in his arms began going away, Issei was launched into martial arts with Vali. At first, he didn't know what kind of martial arts he was going to learn, since he didn't know a thing about it.

"Issei, have you ever had any martial arts training?" Vali asked.

"Nope." He simply shook his head.

"Then let's start with the basic principles. Martial arts isn't just a way of combat and violence. It's also a way of discipline and it teaches you confidence, tenacity, and it can bring out certain aspects of yourself. So, don't think that learning martial arts is just a cool way to beat someone up or to be superior. If you believe that, then you're not learning martial arts. You're just learning how to street brawl." Vali sternly warned him.

She had a strong dislike of people who learned how to fight simply to be better than others and to just dominate for the sake of it.

"So, what are we learning?" Issei asked.

"Human martial arts are varied in scope, so it's best if you learn that. Devil martial arts isn't exactly fit for humans, nor are they as diverse. Now, enough of words, let's begin. You're going to start with practicing your strikes." Vali pointed to a punching bag.

"Huh?" Issei looked at her.

"I'll quote a rather famous person: I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times."

"Oh." Issei then realized what she was saying.

"Yes. If you only throw a punch based on prehensile knowledge and not out of actual practice, then it's not going to be as effective. You won't know as well, and it won't be as hardened and powerful because it'll feel just like a casual tap. That's why, we're going to practice until you can throw effective punches and kicks. It'll be pointless in training you if you don't know how to actually hurt someone on your own. We don't know how often your Sacred Gear will protect you, so it's better if you can fight consciously."

Without further ado, Vali had Issei train for hours endlessly, practicing punches and kicks and blocking. As Issei had expected, it all hurt like hell. His limbs would feel sore and ache continuously without end. He had to hit punching bags, hard surfaces, and learn how to dodge. The dodging was the nightmare.

"Dodge!" Vali demanded.

Doing as told, Issei was running in circles inside an arena as Vali fired pulses of demonic energy at him. Zigzagging back and forth, Issei's lungs were demanding that he stop but Vali wasn't giving him much of a choice. Ducking a blast, Issei looked up to see Vali's foot descending down on him, covering his eyesight as she lightly touched his forehead with the tips of her shoe.

"You lose." Vali noted.

Issei looked at the clock in the arena and found that there were still 5 minutes until the challenge was over. Vali had tasked him with dodging her attacks for 10 minutes. If she made a single bit of contact with him, then he'd lose the challenge.

Issei merely sighed. He didn't expect a different result.


The next few days after, Vali would teach Issei martial arts from an official starting point. He was genuinely surprised with the number of styles she practiced. Then again, he was no expert, so he couldn't say anything that carried that much weight.

However, it slowly became clearer that Issei was learning well, as he paid attention to everything said to him, despite repetitions being necessary.

After several weeks of all this training and studying, summer vacation ended, and it was time to return to school in September. It was kind of a relief for Issei. For the past month, he had been enduring constant soreness and bandages. At this point, thanks to constant training and studying, Issei was much more capable of defending himself now. At the minimum, he was probably able to stop another attack like the one from Raynare and her cohorts from a while ago.

Sadly, Issei had to shelve those thoughts, since he was on his way to school with the others.

Issei woke up, cleaned himself, and changed into his uniform before heading downstairs. Much to his surprise, Ezagyra had already prepared breakfast. He found that quite odd, since the family chef normally did that.

"Ah, good morning. Go ahead and grab a chair." She smiled at him.

Issei didn't say a word. He had rarely interacted with her while here since he was always swamped with homework for break and Vali loaded his plate with training.

'Wow, this is awkward. I hope someone saves the atmosphere.'

Much to his relief, Vali and her Peerage climbed down the steps, all dressed for school.

"I really don't wanna do this." Kuroka groaned.

"Well, if you don't, then I'm happy to cut your pay." Vali chimed.

"Geh!" Kuroka choked out in reluctance.

"I thought so." Vali chuckled.

Everyone sat down, with Lefay stifling a yawn.

"Alright, eat up. You all are gonna have a long day." Ezagyra smiled.

"Grandma usually gets like this when she cooks. She doesn't do it often, so she enjoys the chances she gets." Vali whispered to Issei, noticing his confused look.

Soon enough, Rizevim climbed down the stairs and sat down after getting a kiss from his wife.

"Alright, let's go over the rules before you lot leave." He started.

"First, Kuroka and Bikou, you are to hide your supernatural features. That means no cat ears and tail and no golden headband. That's going to expose you. If an infiltrator is amongst this town and is a devil, then they might recognize you. Second, no open displays of unnatural strength and magic. It'd be better not to send humans into panic. We all know how bad humans are when they lose their cool. It might be like during Vegas where everybody ran around and started screaming cus you two got wild. Lastly, no picking fights with the supernaturals that you find there. You're going undercover on an official mission. That means no messing around with other people. It could cause tensions that we don't need and waste time that we can't recover. Am I understood?" Rizevim looked around as he sipped his coffee.

"Yes, Sir." He was met with a unanimous response.

"Good."

"Come now, don't spoil their first day of school." Ezagyra lightly hit him on the shoulder.

Issei didn't think it was that big of a deal. Then again, these people might've never had schools where they came from. And just maybe, they weren't allowed the chance. This was the realm where anything could happen, after all.

"Issei, I hope that you can help these kids keep their cover. I know that they can be handfuls sometimes, but please help them out." Ezagyra smiled kindly at Issei.

"Of course, Ma'am." Issei nodded.

"Good, now dig in and I'll finish wrapping your bento." Ezagyra walked back into the kitchen.

"Grandma's…really enthusiastic." Vali noted.

"Today especially. Well, your grandma's always wanted to get a chance to do this sort of thing after we spent so many years amongst humans. After all, she…never got the chance to be a proper mother." Rizevim sadly trailed off.

Vali looked down, biting her lower lip.

"So, let her have her fun. She doesn't get to make food for you kids often anymore and it lets her feel like a mother again." Rizevim chuckled.

After breakfast was over, everyone popped out the door and towards school. Par the usual, Vali and Issei would arrive in her limousine while Arthur and Lefay arrived in another car while Kuroka and Bikou walked. It would be more believable if they arrived at different times with different transportation.

Arthur, Kuroka, and Bikou were enrolled as 3rd years while Lefay was enrolled as a 1st year, allowing the group to span different years. Of course, Issei was excluded from gathering information since he was the obvious target, so he was to remain close to any of the peerage at nearly all times.


Upon arrival, Issei sighed as he noticed the group of 'fans' that were waiting for one person in particular. It was as if they needed a daily dose of this or they'd collapse. He did his usual thing and exited the limo that was on the opposite side of Vali, knowing that people would flock to her the moment she stepped out.

Stepping out of the limousine, Vali was met with the utmost enthusiasm. Just like how Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki were given awe and everyone's attention, so did Vali. Squeals and cries of excitement and adoration echoed in unison, which in Issei's opinion, could've shattered all glass on campus.

The two ignored all the hubbub, instead, talking as they walked.

"Almost forgot the feeling of coming to school every day like this." Issei chuckled.

"I actually thought I saw some girls look at you." Vali chuckled.

"With hatred and aversion, maybe." Issei shook his head.

"You'd be surprised. I talked with some of them. A lot of them are actually quite fond of you." Vali turned to look at him.

"Really? A lot of them tend to run when I get close." Issei laughed.

"That's because some of them are shy and some might feel more towards you. You should spend even more time getting to know others. From what I've been told, you never hesitate to help anyone." Vali advised him.

"Maybe. Right now, I'd rather deal with the issue of who's trying to kill/kidnap me." Issei pursed his lips in contemplation.

"Well you'll have to give it some time." Vali opened the door into the building.

That was when several squeals came from behind them. Turning around, Issei and Vali's surprise quickly faded. It was only Arthur and Lefay walking out of their car.

"Here we go again." Issei chuckled.

Issei listened as girls squealed at Arthur's good looks while boys dropped their jaws at the sight of Lefay.

"He's so hot."

"Wow, she's cute."

Then, when Issei thought it was over, another wave of noise erupted after the two entered the main lobby. Bikou and Kuroka had made their entrance from their walk. Much to Issei's slight surprise, Kuroka had unbuttoned the first few buttons on her shirt, exposing some cleavage. Her assets were that big. That was enough to get the boys to nearly drop to their knees.

"Just when I told her not to draw too much attention." Vali facepalmed.

"I'm gonna pop." Someone said.

"Please go out with me!"

'Behold, the prestigious student body of Kuoh Academy. You'd think everyone had better things to do. And others have such misconceptions about our work ethic.' Issei mentally facepalmed.


Upon entering Homeroom, Issei and Vali sat down, waiting for class. The door slid open and the teacher entered but he wasn't alone. In walked a young lady wearing the Kuoh uniform. She had long blonde hair that reached her hips and shining neon-green eyes. She had a slightly taller-than-average build with gifted endowments and a dazzling smile.

"Alright, today, we've got a new transfer student. Go ahead and introduce yourself."

"Hello, everyone. My name is Angea Orsita. I've just moved here from Britain, and am quite unfamiliar with Japan. I hope we can all get along from now on." Angea bowed.

Just like usual, everyone bombarded the newcomer with questions.

"What's Britain like?"

"How do you like Japan so far?"

"Are you single?"

"Can I get your number?"

Well, Angea seemed a bit taken aback by the onslaught of questions flung at her and the sheer enthusiasm with which they were asked. However, she was calm enough to answer each and every single question.

"Britain's pleasant. I like Japan quite a bit, especially the dango. Yes, I am single and I'm sorry but I don't know you well enough to give it out." Angea shook her head at that last part, politely putting down several boys.

"Angea, you can go ahead and sit in front of Hyoudou before we begin."

Angea did as told and politely nodded at Issei before diverting her attention toward the board.

During lunch break, everyone met up at Issei and Vali's usual spot to share what they'd been doing.

"It's your first day here, so we'll wait a little bit until we start acting. For now, study how the others behave and adapt. The last thing we want to do is alert anyone who isn't friendly to us." Vali warned everyone.

"I'm kind of worn out." Bikou groaned.

"Why?" Issei asked.

"Some guy came up to me and tried to recruit me for the Boxing Club and then another wanted me to join Football. What is it with your school and overeager proposals? Can't I file charges for harassment with all the words and bothersome things they've been doing?"

"Yeah…Kuoh's kinda funky. We look pretty on the outside but on the inside, we're pretty kooky." Issei nodded.

"I'd rather if those girls didn't persist so much." Arthur wiped his glasses, looking as dignified as usual.

"Poor Arthur, swarmed by countless beautiful women and complaining about it." Kuroka put the back of her right hand to her forehead, feigning fainting.

"Let's not forget all the guys staring at your boobs and short skirt. Didn't we agree not to draw attention?" Bikou raised a brow.

"It's not my fault that my uniform wasn't in my size." Kuroka fired back.

"Sorry." Vali apologetically lowered her head.

"Cus you got fat. Heheheheh." Bikou muttered to himself.

At that instant, Issei's eyes bugged as a very quick and very powerful gust of wind flew past his ear. He looked at where it came from and saw Kuroka's open hand before turning to look at where the thrown object went. Much to his shock, the mesh fence had a hole torn through. Whatever it was that Kuroka threw, it was so strong that it bent the mesh, dragging it along with whatever was thrown.

"What was that, Bikou?" Kuroka's brow twitched rapidly.

"Nothing. Just that you grew flab." Bikou sipped some water while muttering that second part under his breath.

Again, Issei jumped as another object flew past his ear. Before he knew it, Kuroka was kneeling in front of Bikou, holding her chopsticks over his face.

"Y'know, Bikou, it's rude to comment on a woman's age and weight." Kuroka smiled sweetly.

'Your smile might work on him if only your face weren't covered by the angry shadows covering your eyes.' Issei mentally snorted.

"You two, control yourselves. Kuroka, you know better than to do that here. We're trying to maintain our cover. Bikou, stop flinging those insults at Kuroka. You know she doesn't like it." Vali flatly scolded the two.

"Understood." The cat and monkey sighed.

"Now, have any of you learned anything? Anything feel odd or you saw someone slip their cover?" Vali inquired.

"Nothing on our end. I've talked to all the third years and struck conversations. No one's noticed a thing." Arthur shook his head.

"Shirone and I didn't sense anything either." Lefay added.

"Then I guess it's only us." Vali nodded.

She went on to explain what had happened.

"Issei, are transfer students sudden for Kuoh?" Arthur asked.

"Not at all. Kuoh is the best school for families in the area, so they often transfer their children here during different points of the year if they've just moved in. During my first year, about 5 students transferred in while 3 transferred out." Issei shook his head.

"Let's not rule this as a supernatural matter, but let's not ignore it either. For now, talk around and try to see if your senses pick up on anything." Vali said.

"So, if we do find somebody, then what'll we do after that?" Issei asked.

"Then we make a report. If they're completely hostile, we detain them. If they're willing to cooperate, then we settle things more civilly." Vali flatly answered.

'Sounds like an ultimatum to me.' Issei pursed his lips.

"Until then, you need to stay with one of us at all times." Vali looked at him, but her eyes were tender, as if worried instead of stern.

"Got it." Issei nodded.

Getting up to go use the bathroom, Vali and the others were left alone while Issei was away.

"So, tell us, why so eager to protect a human?" Kuroka looked at her King curiously.

"Because he's my friend." Vali responded.

"There's got to be more than that. If he were just a friend, you'd be doing it from a distance, not so up-close." Kuroka retorted, skeptical.

"I was going to try that, but the enemy was more tenacious that anyone had guessed. He was attacked twice while he was on his own. Protecting him from afar opens room for mistakes. That's why I had him moved closer to us."

"Even so, you're letting him have a lot of information for someone you've only known for a few months." Kuroka folded her arms.

"It's because he'd ask sooner or later. He was almost relentless when we were looking for information on his Sacred Gear. He'd spent nights scouring books in the Library to find any information he could get. I'm certain that keeping these secrets wouldn't do much. It'd only waste time. Besides, I'm only giving him information that'll pertain to him."

"That aside, why is Rizevim so interested in him? He sent us on a mission to protect him, as the main goal of this undercover schtick. He's even had us gather intel here." Bikou asked.

"I don't know about that part. Grandpa said that Issei was incredibly important. He said that nobody could get their hands on him. He also said not to talk about his Sacred Gear with Rias and Sona in exact detail. Dumb it down, if you have to. This matter is to stay between us. Our front is to search for possible intruders. He won't tell me the specific details, but I know he's worried for a very good reason. He almost never asks us to do this kind of task unless it was worth it. So, I need you all to be more careful." Vali looked around, confirming that everyone understood.

Vali could tell that Rizevim was hiding something. He usually gave all the information he had to them when he sent them on missions. This time, he didn't. The sign that alerted her was that he clenched his right fist under his left hand. That meant he was unsettled. She wanted to get more information but something told her that this was something he wouldn't talk about.


While Issei exited the bathroom, he turned to his right and found that there was someone next to him.

"Oh."

That person was none other than Angea Ortisa, who was leaving the women's bathroom.

"Hi." Issei nodded in friendly greeting.

"Good afternoon, Hyoudou." Angea nodded politely.

"Good afternoon."

"Have you finished your lunch?" Angea asked.

"Yes, I'm just relaxing now. Have you finished as well?"

"I have."

"How're you adjusting?" Issei inquired.

"Quite well, thank you. I have to admit, I was a little nervous. Being in a new environment was kind of unnerving. I didn't think everyone would be so energetic." Angea chuckled sheepishly.

"Yeah, our class tends to do that. Don't worry, though, most of them are good people. You just need to be wary of two people."

"Those two boys, right? The one with the shaved head and the one with the glasses?" Angea raised a brow.

"I'm sorry."

Issei guessed that they'd harassed her already.

"Don't worry, they didn't do much. At least, they won't try to anymore." Angea laughed.

'I hope she didn't kill them. Sure, they're pretty bad but…' Issei paled.

"Still, thanks for worrying about me." Angea smiled.

"Don't worry about it. I wouldn't wish those two upon anyone. Well, if you ever need help with anything, let me know." Issei shook his head.

"I'll keep that in mind. Well then, I'll see you later." Angea waved as she turned around and walked away.

Issei returned to his spot where Vali and the others were and sat back down, enjoying the rest of lunch before returning to class and ending the school day on a quiet note.


Later that night, everyone was sitting around a table, working on homework.

"Ugh…" Kuroka grumbled.

"I don't get this. Help, please?" Bikou's brow twitched as he glared at his trigonometry.

He had heavily protested having to do homework when he knew the group wouldn't be enrolled long.

Issei looked over.

"Ah, you forgot to simplify this fraction. Here…" Issei gently began explaining the problem to him.

Vali smiled. It was nice to see that Issei wasn't put off by the others due to their magical nature or lack of bonds.

Suddenly, Ezagyra walked into the room.

"Alright, we'll have to end homework here. You've got a job tonight." She announced.

"A stray?" Bikou asked.

"Yes, two of them. Rias is dealing with one, you two will deal with another." Ezagyra crossed her arms.

"Two?" Arthur raised a brow in curiosity.

"Odd, yes, but we've received reports that they're twins. They killed their master and are now prowling Kuoh to feed at their leisure. You will leave to hunt them immediately."

"Got it." Vali stood up.

"Issei, I think you should remain here. The less danger you're in, the better. We still don't know who's after you. Now that you're under our protection, they're probably much more careful about where they step." Ezagyra turned to the young lad.

"Understood." Issei nodded.

All at once, Vali's Peerage ran off to hunt down their prey, leaving Issei alone with Ezagyra. She walked back into the kitchen before coming back out with a tray of snacks and tea.

"So, where's Mr. Lucifer?" Issei asked.

"There's no need to be so formal, Issei. You're our ward, so there's no need to worry about manners. This place will be your home for the time being. We wouldn't think any less of you if you behaved as such. After all, we're a wacky band ourselves." Ezagyra chuckled before pouring Issei a cup of tea.

"So, what did Vali mean when by a 'stray'?"

"A Stray devil. They're servants who received Evil Pieces that go rogue against the wishes of their masters. Often, they kill them and run around, doing whatever they want. Sometimes, they mutate because of their power becoming uncontrollable. When that happens, they go rampant and feed on anyone they can find. That forces the government to put them down. It's often a task we give to the younger generation in order to help them develop experience in battle and to help them grow. Of course, we gauge the level of danger before we do that."

"I see." Issei nodded.

"Now that that's explained, there's something I've wanted to ask you." Ezagyra sipped her tea.

"By all means, ask."

"What do you think of Vali?" Ezagyra set her cup down.

Issei had to think on that.

"I think she's strong, brave, intelligent, and very generous. I was just some nobody and she took it upon herself to protect me when there was nothing in it for her. To be honest, I don't know why she does it."

"It's because Vali has never had human friends before. You're actually the first one." Ezagyra responded.

"I take it she had a bad experience?"

"Yes, but that's her story to tell. I'm actually quite happy with what's happened within recent months. I'm glad that you've chosen to be her friend, despite all that happened. Rizevim and the caretakers have told us of how nice you are to her. You lend her an ear when she wants to talk and you respect her boundaries. I'd like it if you keep up the good work. It's been a long time since a human has been kind to any of us." Ezagyra sipped her tea.

"I can understand why you all feel that way."

Issei remembered the current news that was running around recently. Some insurrections, civil wars, and crimes were being blown up by the media across the world. Things honestly didn't look pretty. He didn't forget about how horrible humans in recorded history were, either.

"But, not all humans are like that. The world isn't that black and white. It goes for all races." Ezagyra bit a cookie.

"So, is Vali part human?" Issei asked.

"And why do you ask that?"

"Well, she said that Sacred Gears can only be given to humans at birth, so is she part human?"

"Yes, Vali's mother was human while her father was a full-blooded devil." Ezagyra nodded.

Issei decided not to continue pursuing the topic. Ezagyra's tone had shifted and became colder. He didn't need any other flags to understand that he needed to stop asking questions about Vali's parentage.

"So, why did Vali enroll into school?" Issei asked.

The thought had just crossed his mind.

"We originally came to the Human Realm to deal with some political issues. Vali enrolled out of curiosity, and we encouraged it. She spent a long time training and studying with the both of us, so we thought it'd be nice to let her have a more calm time while here in the Human Realm. Human life, is quite peaceful most of the time, if you ask me."

Ezagyra then set her cup down to change topics.

"Aside from that, have you had any other visions or dreams? Vali and Rizevim have told me that you have them sometimes." Ezagyra looked at Issei's right hand.

"Not lately, no. I guess like normal dreams, they come and go." Issei shrugged.

"Good. I understand that supernatural dreams and visions are quite terrifying. If you ever feel like you need to vent or to just air your thoughts out, you can always come to me or Rizevim." Ezagyra smiled warmly.

"Thank you." Issei smiled.

"Now, that reminds me. Rizevim and I have made some arrangements. It should help keep everything smooth for now."

"What?" Issei inquired.

"We've pulled some strings and placed your parents under out protective watch. By now, I've assumed that the enemy is targeting your parents as well as you in order to aid in your capture. So, with our protection, they'll think thrice about messing around. At the moment, they're staying on extended business trips. It should keep them away from being attacked for now."

Issei was taken aback. He hadn't been asked for confirmation for anything nor was he told of anything. Wasn't this crossing the line a little? He took a moment to think about it. Rizevim and Ezagyrah had extended his parents business trips and increased their workload. However, there was the very real possibility that his parents could be attacked, so in theory, that worked out. He wasn't quite sure on what to feel, though.

"Thank you." Was all he said.

Issei sighed to himself. He had nearly forgotten that his parents could become factors in this equation too. How slovenly he was.


While Issei and Ezagyra talked, Vali and her Peerage was on her way to hunt down the other of the two Stray devils. They had tracked its ki, through Bikou and Kuroka's skills with senjutsu to a warehouse near the closed ports, making it a perfect location to get violent.

As they neared the door, Kuroka heard a commotion.

"Wait. Get behind the doors. Something's off." She warned everyone.

Taking cover behind the doors to the warehouse, everyone listened.

"Who sent you here?" A voice reached their ears. It sounded gentle, almost musical.

"No one sent me. I do as I please." A raspy, inhuman voice growled.

"Are you really going to fight? I'd rather not. If you tell me what I need to know, then I'll let you go."

"Even if I knew anything, I'd never tell you, angel filth."

"I see, then I'll be taking my leave."

"Not so fast! What sane fool would allow such fresh, delicious prey to run off when it's right in front of them."

"I really wish you wouldn't do this." The gentle voice then sighed.

As soon as Vali peeked past the threshold of the door, blinding golden light filled her eyesight. Shielding her eyes, Vali retreated behind the door again.

Everyone's senses had gone on full alert. They felt that familiar chill going down their spines, shaking them to the very core of their beings. That feeling of wariness was spreading throughout every fiber of their being. Their natural enemy was inside the warehouse and it wasn't the Stray devil.

"It's an angel." Vali clicked her tongue.

"What's an angel doing here?" Kuroka looked at her curiously.

"I don't know." Vali shook her head.

She decided that answers were needed and turned to stand in the doorway. Much to her disappointment, the light was gone, with nothing inside the warehouse, aside from tools, containers, and ash.

"Grandpa's not gonna like this." Vali sighed.


Author's Note:

Alright, and that ends it here. So, before I close up, I just wanted to notify everyone that I have read the PMs and reviews for this story and I am taking everyone's concerns into account. Understand that I'm not ignoring you, but at the same time, I don't want my stories to be taken over by requests from readers. I did that with "A Change in Character" and shot myself in the foot. I originally came onto to get my ideas and stories out there, and to create stories that I wanted to make, not just to simply be a writing tool for others. I wanted to entertain others with my stories and not to simply write their stories for them. Once in a while, I will accept requests if I think it'll work or if I don't see an issue with it, but if it seriously messes with my vision, then I will usually decline. That's something that I'd learned after my first year of writing on .

Now, that leads me to the real point that I want to address.

I'm not angry or anything at anyone in particular right now, but I would like it if others would respected the intentions and wishes of authors on this site. As of late, I've found that people have been attacking authors over simple things that have been done in stories. I won't name anyone or any stories, for the sake of privacy.

I don't like it. I really don't like at all. In fact, I hate it. If you dislike a work or how events went, then respectfully tell the author. If you can't do that, then you can simply leave the story alone. You aren't being forced to read it any further. You don't have to cuss them out and call them s*** just because you disapprove of something, like a typo or a particular event. Using negative language and calling a story trash isn't a constructive way of helping someone improve. If you just call it "trash" and leave it at that one word or sentence and want someone to change their story, then you're just spreading hate. You're not actually trying to get a story to improve. If you feel like something is wrong, tell the author what's wrong and respectfully tell them how to rectify it. Don't just use your rage and attack someone.

People are entitled to their own opinions. Authors are allowed to write their own stories and events. To force what you think its right upon them, isn't going to help them nor is it appreciated. That goes against creativity. Authors, game developers, directors, and entertainment creators are people too and they do have emotions and personal priorities. Sometimes, it feels as if people forget that.

A Fanfic Author I know IRL was attacked quite viciously by readers who simply didn't like a pairing they did or simply because those readers didn't want to take the time to understand a character's actions in that story. Out of respect to that friend, I'm not going to tell anyone of the incident and I will not bring it up after this point, so please don't ask me about it.

So, to finish up, I want readers to remember to respect the intentions and stories of authors on this site, to communicate civilly and properly, instead of just launching hate messages and troll reviews that didn't do a thing to help those authors understand what they did wrong. Harassment and bullying over such a damn small thing is despicable. It's alright if you want to suggest ideas to an author, but don't attack them and force them to do it. In the end, that's the cowardly thing to do because you don't have the audacity to write your own story. If you want to do something, you grit your teeth and do it, regardless of the results because on here, there's nothing to lose. You only lose once you surrender and quit.

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this story and feel free to leave a review or questions and I will see you next time. And, I hope you take my message to heart.