Chapter 17

I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I use from other animes

(Hotel Aurorus)

Another orgy Saturday had come to an end and Issei found himself relaxing on the bed at Hotel Aurorus with a smile on his face. Lying naked in his arms was the harem manager for Karasu Academy Miyuki. She was around five two with long blonde hair that was currently flowing down her body hazel eyes and a slim build. She had a respectable High B Cup chest with slightly brown nipples. There were four other girls involved in the orgy, but they left in order to give the pair some time alone, "It's fitting that you're the one enjoying this particular orgy Saturday with me Miyuki." Issei chuckled before leaning over and kissing her head.

"Why's that." Miyuki wondered in a nervous voice something she had ever since the failure of the original orgy day. Miyuki usually brought the most girls because of the fact that his following at Karasu surpassed that of his Kuoh one and it wasn't even close due to the fact it was the school he would've attended had he not gone to Kuoh.

"Because I want to reveal something that's related to The Hiatus" Issei replied knowing how much trouble it caused.

"What's going on." Miyuki said fearfully as she turned towards Issei. The look of terror in her eyes was hard to ignore even for Issei who quickly wrapped his arms around her to calm her down. He couldn't blame her since she was the one who had to tell twenty girls who knew Issei very well that he cancelled on them and didn't have a good reason.

He pulled away in order to look at her before saying, "As I'm sure a few of the girls on the website suspected, my connection to Irina was the reason for The Hiatus and during her visit to Kuoh we worked out our feelings for one another. Before you start panicking, this doesn't mean that Hottie Magnet Hyoudou is finished. It just means that Irina has accepted her place among the vast harem I possess. Before you ask, we had sex a few times, but Irina realizes that she can't have me to herself." Issei explained.

As he explained Miyuki's expression went from confusion when he mentioned the website to terror when he suggested he and Irina worked out their feelings to relief when he suggested Irina had accepted her place amongst the harem. Miyuki had many questions that she wanted to ask but one stood out, "How do you know about the website?" Miyuki asked.

"Back when I finally claimed Kiryuu, she asked me if we could record her first time because of a bet she had with her sister. I agreed and she recorded it, but on my way back home I remembered that you and Aya asked for the same thing a few days before. A few days later I decided to do a web search for Hottie Magnet Hyoudou and found the website. I didn't make an account, but I focused mostly on the non-members section and went back every so often" Issei smiled.

"I see" Miyuki replied unsure of what else to say.

Issei smiled before kissing Miyuki on the forehead, "You should be glad that I discovered it because it was thanks to me discovering that website, that I came up with the idea for Orgy Saturday's in the first place. Seeing the number of girls who I impacted was very eye opening and for the girls who made that possible I thought something was required to reward you girls and since I had recently become Hottie Magnet Hyoudou again what better way to reward you then to make the girls who made the videos in the first place managers. Momo was already going to help me with Kuoh and since Momiji was the one who made the bet, she was rewarded.

"I'm just glad there's no more Hiatus." Miyuki said happily. Between Issei's decision to go to Kuoh and the hiatus's impact on the orgy, Miyuki was under a lot of pressure. She was pretty sure that if it weren't for the fact that Issei was the one who controlled things she would've lost her manager position. Now she could tell the girls everything was back to normal and no more concerns should be had.

Miyuki couldn't help but laugh since this was Issei's style, "I guess it is. On a separate note summer break is coming up and Hotaru's family owns a massive beach house in Okinawa. Say the word and we could get her family to lend her the house and have a massive class reunion. You know to make up for the orgy Saturday you messed up." Miyuki said with a radiant smile.

"We'll talk about it later, but you need to get going." Issei replied leaning over and kissing her on the lips.

"Fine but you do kinda owe us Issei." Miyuki smirked before hopping out of bed and making her way to the shower making sure to shake her hips for him as she did as one final taunt.

"That girl is something" Issei mused as he relaxed on the bed knowing that this was the easy part of his day.

(Scene Skip)

Issei Irina and Xenovia were the last to arrive at the ORC and when they arrived the heavy atmosphere was hard to ignore. Rias was sitting at her desk with Akeno at her side while Kiba Koneko and Asia sat on one couch while Ravel sat on the other. By the door was Sona Xuelan Karlamine Reya Momo and Tsubaki with Valerie and Raynare by the entrance to the back rooms each as calm as could be. "Glad you could take time out of your busy schedule to visit with us Issei." Rias huffed. The fact that nobody told her about the battle the night before infuriated her because it meant she missed out on a major chance to improve her standing in the devil world. The fact that every other group knew what was going on besides her only drove her crazy.

"I had Karasu Academy this weekend. Cancelling would've been a bad look" Issei shrugged.

Momo winced slightly, "That's true. Your relationship with Miyuki is a nasty one so cancelling on her out of the blue would not have been good."

"What do you mean Momo?" Sona wondered.

"Miyuki is the manager of the portion of Issei's harem that goes to what would've been our original high school Karasu Academy. Because of that he has to be really careful about cancelling on them especially since he screwed her over once before" Momo explained.

"How do you know all of that?" Rias spoke up this time.

"Because I'm the one who manages Issei's Kuoh harem. My position as Council secretary comes in handy though I goofed once and Reya found out about it." Momo smiled. Reya became Issei's lover a few days afterwards but it was still a problematic mess.

"So, you're how Issei sets up the fun with his clubs and makes sure nobody gets in trouble." Raynare replied with a devious smile.

"Pretty much" Momo replied.

"We can talk about my harem empire another day, but we have business to settle."

"Yes, like why you challenged Kokabiel alone. You could've risked everything Issei." Rias chided.

"Yes, and I had a very good reason for it but before I tell you, Irina and Xenovia should sit down." Issei said calmly.

"How come." Irina wondered.

"Because I'm about to drop a bomb that will change everything. You'll want to sit down" Issei said calmly.

"Alright" Irina said nervously as she and Xenovia walked over to the couch and sat down with Ravel moving to the right side of the couch to let the girls sit together.

Rias frowned as she watched everything and couldn't help but glance at Sona who shrugged. Rias cursed internally because her best friend knew nothing either. "Now that Irina and Xenovia are relaxed, tell me why you go to battle Kokabiel alone." Rias said angrily.

"I was relaxing in my room, when I came to a shocking realization. Due to the realization I left my home and flew over to Azazel's since he was the only one who could confirm or deny what I knew. When Azazel confirmed what I needed, I was going to confront Kokabiel myself but Zaz convinced me to go with Valerie. After a brief discussion we agreed to go in the morning, but I was never going to do that. Between Orgy Saturday and the fact there was no way I could leave without Irina figuring it out I had no choice but to go that night. What I can't figure out, is how you guys figured out what I was up to" Issei admitted with a wry chuckle.

"My familiar noticed you were out late at night and flying somewhere and told me about it." Ravel spoke up. "I then told Sona who told her girls."

"I had a feeling you were lying and decided to follow you. Zaz realized the same thing and sent Raynare Kalawarner and Mittelt as backup." Valerie shrugged.

Issei couldn't help but groan but turned towards his childhood friend, "And that leaves you Irina."

"I wanted to cuddle for a little bit because I was nervous, so I snuck in hoping to see you. When I realized you were gone, I figured you would go to Kokabiel yourself since you knew his location."

"I see" Issei facepalmed. His decision not to leave a clone to fool Irina was coming back to haunt him.

"Hold on. You KNEW where Kokabiel was?" Rias exclaimed.

"Yes I did, but confronting him would be stupid since he wasn't making any moves. Freed was a minor annoyance in the grand scheme and one who I could deal with myself. Luckily somebody took care of that for me." Issei smiled.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you know who took out Freed and Valper." Sona glared. Issei's nonchalance as he spoke about their death was hard to ignore particularly since their impact would've changed everything.

"Sorry I've got nothing." Issei smiled but Sona wasn't fooled. Issei knew exactly who stopped them and he wasn't going to tell them.

"Back to the topic at hand and why we're all here. What topic could be so important that you would attack a Cadre on your own." Rias said angrily. Despite her strained relationship with Issei, the fact remained that Kuoh was her territory and as far as she was concerned, that meant it was Issei's obligation to tell her about it. The fact she didn't drove her crazy and she was playing catch up.

It was the moment of truth for Issei and he looked at the group, "Kokabiel was going to tell everyone that the God of the Bible is dead." Issei revealed with a stern expression on his face.

The whole room froze to the point that you could hear a pin drop and every single person besides Issei was stunned by his thought, "You're joking Issei… please tell me you're joking." Irina spoke up finally trying to hold it together. She and Xenovia were both on the verge of a mental breakdown and they weren't alone.

"I wish I was Irina but I'm serious." Issei said solemnly.

"How can you be so sure, and if that's the case why are you telling us?" Sona asked not out of shock but curiosity. If he went out of his way to stop Kokabiel from saying anything, why would he do it himself. This truly didn't make sense.

"By telling you in a controlled setting instead of in the middle of a life or death battle I can make sure that everyone is safe physically if nothing else. As for how I can be so sure. You have two examples in this room that prove that God is dead" Issei spoke up.

"Two" Sona said curiously taking a moment to think about it before her eyes widened and she turned towards the sitting Kiba and Asia.

"Wait a minute. You're not saying Kiba and Asia are proof are you." Rias glared angrily aware of Issei's implications.

"Kiba is absolutely one. We know that Valper brought Kiba into his twisted project which means that he was once trying to be an exorcist. If God truly existed, there's absolutely no way in hell, pun not intended, that he would've allowed that twisted project to exist much less get as far as it did. He would've stopped it from happening the moment he started experimenting. As for Asia, let's just say she's another example and not just because of her sacred gear."

"What do sacred gears have to do with everything." Rias spoke up.

Issei smiled since Rias missed the obvious implication and chose the one that he could easily explain, "Sacred Gears were meant to be Heaven's last hope. Come to think of it, Evil Pieces are sort of the same thing." Issei explained.

"You'll have to explain that one." Rias spoke up.

"The ceasefire that the supernatural world was under was always going to be temporary that much should be obvious. The fallen could relax since they still had Azazel and Angels coming off a war as a source of new members. As for Angels and Devils, they needed a way to increase their numbers and humanity was a perfect source for both. Sacred Gears were God's way of keeping humanity alive long enough for them to become angels and I imagine the Devils came up with evil pieces soon after.

Sona was stunned that Issei could figure all of that out and was about to respond before Irina spoke up.

"That's enough Issei. If you're telling us that God is dead what does that mean for me and Xenovia. What have we been fighting for?" Irina yelled out on the verge of tears.

"Irina's right. We've been told to fight for a being that's dead. How are we supposed to feel?" Xenovia shouted. Just as Issei was about to reply, a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room and Azazel popped out.

"Sorry I'm late. I got distracted by a game of Smash Brothers." Azazel said sheepishly.

"Azazel" Irina gasped not expecting the fallen angel leader to appear in front of them.

"That's me but it seems I interrupted quite the discussion." Azazel replied.

"I'll say." Raynare snorted.

Irina managed to gather herself before looking towards the Fallen Angel leader, "So is it true. Is God really dead?" Irina asked tearfully.

"Yes he is." Azazel sighed hating that it came to this even if he understood it.

"NO!" Irina cried falling to the ground. Everyone could see the look of despair and pain on her face and for Issei in particular it killed him.

"I can only imagine how much this hurts but Angels had no choice." Azazel frowned.

Irina was furious at the words since Azazel was a Fallen Angel, "There's always a choice. What reason could they possibly have for lying about the death of GOD! The very being who their faith is centered on" Irina shouted in frustration.

"Because it was the only way to keep God's system in place." Azazel said firmly causing Irina to pause.

"God's system." Sona spoke up having never heard of such a thing.

Azazel sighed since he was going to reveal another secret, "God created a system that helped him with his blessings and used sad system as a way to enhance his power. That system relies heavily on faith and belief and telling people that God was dead would mean that the faith people had would vanish. If I remember correctly Michael is currently handling the system but it's a struggle since he's nowhere near God's strength."

"So, what does that mean for us?" Irina spoke up. Everything felt like a lie and considering that the desire to fight for God is what separated her from Issei, the knowledge he was dead was a brutal truth.

"I don't know, but I'll leave you with this. God is dead, but his teaching lives on in every member of the church."

"Coming from a Fallen Angel that's a surprising sentiment." Sona admitted.

"It's easy to forget this little fact, but every member of the cadre including me were once Angels. In fact, I'd probably be the one running God's system if I was still an Angel." Azazel smiled to the shock of everyone.

"I see" Sona replied unsure of what else to say.

"Thank you, Azazel." Irina smiled since his words had restored her faith even a little bit. She had a lot of thinking to do but ironically the words from the fallen would help her sort out her feelings.

"Since that's all been worked out, I say we all get some dinner. Things are going to get interesting from here on out." Issei smiled nonchalantly hoping that was the end of it.

"You're right about that. Every one of you should rest because the next few weeks are not going to be fun." Azazel nodded in approval.

"Then see you guys around" Rias frowned herself. On one hand it was a successful mission but on the other, it felt like this was just the beginning.

(Scene Skip)

As the moonlight shone on his home and he relaxed on his bed, Issei couldn't help but frown at the way things played out. Despite Azazel's, words Irina was still shaken by the death of God and Xenovia wasn't doing much better and that was obvious to him. The girls were silent during dinner and that didn't change once it was over, with both choosing to return to their rooms having written the report after they came back from the ORC. Issei couldn't help but wonder when the girls would return to England, IF they chose to return. "Did we do the right thing?" Issei wondered. He hated that he was the one who had to reveal God's death to Irina and Xenovia but if it happened, he'd rather he be the one to do it then the cadre and in a position where everyone was safe instead of fighting for their lives.

"Yes you did partner. They were going to learn the truth sooner or later anyway, but the battlefield would've been worse." Ddraig assured him.

"Perhaps but you never know?" Issei mused. What's done was done but Issei was second guessing it because he caused Irina so much pain.

Ddraig was about to reply but a magic circle appeared in his room and Momo arrived in his room. The bishop was wearing a red shirt with white flowers adorning it with light blue shorts that barely clung to her rear. It was Momo's sleepwear and Issei certainly appreciated it. "I know it's not my night, but I was hoping to talk." Momo said bashfully.

"Sure. I could use the distraction" Issei smiled as the Sitri bishop moved onto the bed and snuggled onto his right arm.

"I was really worried you know." Momo said solemnly.

Momo could've ben referring to a few things but Issei knew what she wanted to discuss, "I'm assuming you mean about my decision to face Kokabiel."

"Yeah. I felt like you were once again choosing Irina over all of us and it sucked." Momo pouted.

"I was in a sense, but the reality is it was best for all parties. When fighting somebody like Kokabiel you need focus and I wouldn't have been able to do what was necessary if Irina was there ESPECIALLY if he revealed God's death which I was positive he would do." Issei explained.

"I see" Momo frowned. She couldn't fault his logic and that was the worst part of it all. If the group fought together Issei stood a better chance of winning but given the reactions earlier, it would've caused chaos on an already messy battlefield if Kokabiel went through with his plans. Hiding why he did it would've been useless because if all went as planned Irina would still confront him and he couldn't lie to her no matter how much he wanted to. Ultimately the truth was going to be revealed and it was just a matter of who did it. It was really a damned if you do damned if you don't for Issei.

Issei kissed the head of the white-haired bishop breaking her from her musing, "So why'd you really come over Momo. You could've asked me this any time you wanted" Issei asked.

"I guess I was wondering if we got lucky, I mean me and the others." Momo admitted.

"Oh?" Issei asked with intrigue knowing she was referring to Hottie Magnet Hyoudou now.

"Ever since you denied that twenty girl orgy and the theory about Irina being the cause for the hiatus started to spread. For the longest time there was an innate fear amongst the girls that Hottie Magnet Hyoudou would vanish if she ever returned for real. Irina was number one and we essentially made the vast harem for you in order to counter that." Momo admitted.

"I'd say you would've been fine, but if you don't believe me, why don't we ask Irina herself." Issei smiled knowing his childhood friend was close by.

To prove his point, Issei's bedroom door opened to reveal Irina dressed in her usual sleeping outfit, "Hey there Momo. I guess I missed my chance." Irina said bashfully. Her head was all out of sorts and even though Issei was the one who revealed the truth, he was also the one who could comfort her.

"How long have you been there." Momo scowled.

"Not long actually. All I heard clearly was you admitting that you feared my return." Irina admitted shyly.

"So is Issei right. Would you have really ruined everything." Momo asked nervously.

"The answer is no Momo and the reason should be obvious." Issei said with a smile.

"What's that" Momo replied angrily.

"The Hiatus itself is your proof." Issei smiled.

"What!?" Momo said in confusion. That was a leap even for Issei.

"Just think about it another way. Irina was my childhood friend and her father taught me everything I know about the supernatural and he even told me family. The fact she ONLY called once every few months should tell you all you need to know."

"I knew the chances of me returning to Issei's side were practically non-existent once my training began, so I tried my best to move on using my training as a distraction. I failed miserably, and ultimately the promise of speaking to Issei was what drove me to get to where I needed to be in as an exorcist. When we finally spoke, I felt relief and comfort for the first time in ages, but I realized that I had to find a way to go without it which I why I tried to limit myself. Ultimately a few months was as long as I could last before needing to call him again and that was fine until I found out about Issei's new reputation from Alana." Irina explained. "At first, I was happy for Issei because he was able to move on from me. However, a part of me wondered what it would be like to still be with him. What it would be like to hold him in my arms. Seeing what the girls said about him and even the videos made it more difficult."

"That doesn't answer my question Irina." Momo said angrily.

Irina took a deep breath and sighed, "The answer is no I wouldn't. You girls showed me that Issei was far too special for me to keep to myself and since I knew what it was like to be away from the warmth Issei provided, I couldn't do that to others. I wanted to call him more than I did but I forced myself to keep to the schedule" Irina admitted.

"I see." Momo said awkwardly.

"So, what are you going to do now Irina?" Issei wondered.

"I'll tell you tomorrow what we've decided but I've gotten in the way for too long" Irina smiled before leaving.

"Alright" Issei smiled as Irina left to return to her room.

Meanwhile Momo couldn't shake the odd feeling that was bothering her, 'This should've been a good moment but why do I feel so uncomfortable' Momo thought to herself.

"If you want to go say goodbye do it." Issei spoke up catching Momo off guard.

"What do you mean?" Momo wondered nervously.

"Irina didn't say as much but I know she's going back to England. I can't speak for Xenovia but as for Irina, she's returning to the church and this was going to be her last moment. You felt it too which is why you feel awkward." Issei smiled. Irina probably wanted to cuddle and/or have sex one last time before she left but seeing Momo she couldn't interrupt.

Momo couldn't help but laugh internally since this was very much Issei, "You're right." Momo smiled before leaving his grasp. Momo made her way out of Issei's room and over to the guest room where the two girls were staying. As she walked in, she couldn't help but smile at the surprised look on Irina's face.

"Momo what are you doing here?" Irina wondered.

"I wanted to talk to you one more time before you leave. You ARE leaving right?" Momo teased.

"I don't know." Irina admitted. She was torn about staying or going and while she was leaning towards going, she didn't really want to. The three pillars of her life were God her partner and Issei. With God dead that left her partner and Issei and admittedly choosing between them was impossible.

"Hey Momo, do you know if Sona has any room in her peerage." Xenovia spoke up catching both girls off guard.

"You can't be serious Xenovia!" Irina exclaimed since that changed everything.

"But I am, I don't feel comfortable going back to the church after all of this and seeing as how I can't really be a normal human, being a devil sounds fine." Xenovia admitted. She knew nothing outside of the church and although the devil mindset was different, there was no way she could be a normal person.

Momo could appreciate that but there was one problem. "Sona doesn't have any room in her peerage. I'm sure Rias does though." Momo said bitterly.

"That's fine. I'll ask her tomorrow." Xenovia said calmly.

"What will you do about somewhere to stay." Irina wondered.

"That shouldn't be a problem actually. The Gremory owns an apartment building and most of the girls in the Sitri live there also." Momo spoke up.

"I was actually thinking of staying here. Issei is a wonderful guy and I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Momo and Irina both agreed that Issei would be okay with it, but they wouldn't allow it. "Tell you what. When you ask Rias to join her peerage see what she wants you to do. If Rias says it's alright for you to live with him, you can ask Issei afterwards." Momo said diplomatically. Rias would never do that which meant everything was set

"Alright. Well it's time for me to get some sleep. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow." Xenovia smiled in understanding.

"Agreed" Irina smiled and everyone went their separate ways. Tomorrow promised to be pure insanity.

(Scene Skip)

The gang was back in the ORC clubroom the next day and ready to go, "So what have you guys decided." Rias wondered as she looked towards Xenovia and Irina.

Xenovia was naturally first walking over to Rias, "I'd like to become a member of your peerage." Xenovia smiled catching Rias off guard.

"That's a surprise but why me?" Rias wondered. Considering that she'd been staying with Issei, Rias suspected he wouldn't want the now former exorcist anywhere near her.

"Well I do get along better with Sona, but her peerage is full. My life has always been a part of the supernatural and I can't just become a normal girl yet." Xenovia admitted.

"Then why not join up with me." Valerie spoke up.

"Valerie" Rias hissed in annoyance.

Valerie looked at the girl dismissively before focusing on the bluenette, "I have a team of my own and you can still be a part of the supernatural without you needing to become a devil. Keeping you in Kuoh isn't a big deal either." Valerie smiled.

"To be honest, I don't trust you." Xenovia said bluntly.

"Ouch" Issei chuckled despite Valerie's dirty glare.

Rias smiled at the response but had to stay focused, "If you want to join me that's fine Xenovia. We can discuss the details later." Rias smiled before turning to Irina. "I take it you're returning to the church"

"That's right. Somebody needs to return to the church and deliver the full report" Irina smiled bitterly. 'Along with the Excalibur' Irina thought to herself. She was actually lucky that everyone was so distracted by Issei's rash move that they forgot about Valper and Freed because Issei had no explanation that wouldn't cause him a headache.

"Aren't you worried that something is going to happen to you." Sona wondered. Considering what she'd have to report there was no chance it would end well for her.

"Of course I am, but I believe it will all work out." Irina smiled even if internally she had no way of knowing.

"I see" Sona replied as everyone waited to see what Issei would say.

"Good luck then Irina." Issei smiled before getting up and leaving.

"Where are you going?" Xenovia wondered and everyone else was equally curious

"I'm going to stay somewhere else tonight. You girls can go but I'm not going to."

"Are you sure" Irina said with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah I am." Issei replied before leaving.

"Well that was interesting." Valerie said curiously before looking at Irina who was clearly annoyed.

"He really hasn't changed has he Momo?" Irina frowned.

"Nope and that's why we fell for him." Momo replied unable to hide her own annoyance.

"Did we miss something?" Ravel wondered.

"If we stayed in the same house tonight, there's a good chance he'd do something to convince me to stay and if he did, I'm pretty sure I'd fold." Irina mused. Her or Xenovia needed to go in order to return the fragments and with Xenovia's decision to stay, she had to go back.

"If that's all we should probably get going." Sona spoke up aware things were done for the moment.

"Right. I need Xenovia to stay so I can make her a devil and we can begin to arrange her transfer to Kuoh."

"This is going to be a long day." Sona groaned.

(Park)

After leaving the ORC, Issei made his way over to the park where he and Irina played as kids and smiled as he simply sat down at the small wooden bench and reflected on what happened. Irina was leaving and he knew it, but he gave her a little something to remember her by. "So this is how it ends. Hottie Magnet Hyoudou reigns supreme and as I promised Miyuki 'The Hiatus' will also end." Issei smiled bitterly. He worked out his feelings for Irina and now he could move on.

"Partner you did the right thing. If the three of you returned something would've happened between you and Irina and she would've stayed." Ddraig reminded him.

"Yeah" Issei groaned. One of the girls had to return the Excalibur, which meant that one of the girls had to return to the church. Xenovia would ultimately be a devil in short order which left the task to Irina. With God dead and her partner in Kuoh, the only things Irina would have left was a church that lied to her. Convincing her to stay would've been child's play.

"That's what it means to truly care about somebody." Ddraig smiled.

"Yep and I have to stay focused for my girls here." Issei smiled.

"You're damn right you do." Momo Hanakai shouted causing Issei to mentally berate himself for not sensing her coming.

"I'd ask what you're doing here but in the end it doesn't matter." Issei shrugged.

"You really haven't changed if you're this cold. Then again I can only imagine what's running through your head." Momo smiled. She knew Issei was hurting and that he was angry but there wasn't much he could really do.

"I'd say you have a good idea Momo. After all you ARE the one who manages my Kuoh dates. I gave you that position for a reason" Issei smirked. Momo was the second closest girl to Issei behind Irina and she knew him very well.

"Yeah I do and it's the right move for you to send Irina on her way. Politics in our world sucks but we have to deal with them. Hopefully what both of us have done will help move things along.

"Both of us" Issei asked in slight confusion.

"Yes you idiot, both of us. After Sona gave Xenovia her information and left to become Rias's knight, I asked Sona to prepare for Irina to get ready to transfer in down the road. She agreed that she'd start the paperwork but make nothing official" Momo smiled.

"Why would you do that?" Issei wondered. A part of him was furious she would go out of her way to do this, but the other part was curious what Momo's endgame was.

"Call it a contingency plan." Momo smiled.

"Alright." Issei smiled. As much as he schemed around, he could allow a scheme or two. After all she and the others made a website to recruit girls to his harem and created his empire with a scheme, he wasn't aware of.

"I'm surprised you're not asking me what I'm planning." Momo snickered.

"You're the one who manages my harem in Kuoh. I don't know the numbers, but I don't imagine it's a small number." Issei deadpanned.

"You're at about 120 if you include the girls who graduated last year but as far as current Kuoh girls go 98. Xenovia would technically make 99 but I can't put her into the tally of Kuoh girls since you guys had sex before she became a student. As for the breakdown you've got about 30 third years including Sona and Akeno, about 55 second years, and 13 first year girls." Momo smiled.

"My point exactly. You're the one I trust to manage those girls for me and that means I have plenty of trust in you. Whatever your planning is probably not a big deal" Issei smiled.

"Fine but can you do something for me." Momo asked calmly.

"Depends" Issei smirked causing Momo to frown.

"Listen Issei, Irina's leaving for England tomorrow and although it's a contingency plan, there's no guarantee it'll work or be needed. Spend this last day with Irina so you both have a good final memory of each other." Momo smiled.

"I'm surprised you're so willing to throw me to Irina one more time." Issei smiled.

"Last time I didn't have 97 girls as backup. Your little stunt with Irina wearing Kuoh's uniform caused a stir and most of the group is aware that she's leaving thanks to me being forced to update them. If it comes to it, I'll lock you in the gym and make you fuck every member of your Kuoh harem if that's what it takes for you to get over her. Fair warning, I'm saving the supernatural girls for last and I'll convince Ravel to not give you any Phenex tears either." Momo replied with a smile that was anything but gentle. That was the nuclear option but if that's what it took to keep Issei around she'd do it.

Issei was taken aback by that and if he knew Momo she would do it and Sona would support it also. "Very well. You've made your opinion very clear." Issei smiled.

"Yes I have. Now get going Issei before I change my mind." Momo said firmly.

"Yeah yeah" Issei smirked before making his way back to his home.

(Scene Skip)

Irina Issei and Xenovia stood at the airport ready for the final sendoff. To Issei's admitted surprise Irina was wearing a grey suit for the trip while Issei and Xenovia were dressed in Kuoh's uniform with the former planning to teleport her to class once they were done. "So, I guess that's it huh? Xenovia's off to be a devil at Issei's school and I'm going back to the church." Irina frowned slightly. It was practically impossible to hide her annoyance that Xenovia would be spending quality time with Issei and she was left to the jackals of the church, but it was the right move.

"Yep but that's how it is sometimes. Politics suck don't they Iri." Issei smiled bitterly. Irina and Issei had a very long and intense goodbye that lasted long into the night. They would've probably gone for another hour this morning had his mother not interrupted reminding the pair that they had obligations to take care. They settled for a shower quickie, but before they left Issei gave her a bag that had a going away present for Irina.

"Yes they do. Now take good care of my partner Issei." Irina smiled.

"I will but I wanted to give you something for the road." Issei replied keeping calm as he walked over to his childhood friend.

"You gave me plenty for the road last night and this morning" Irina deadpanned but she prepared herself for what was to come anyway.

"Hey, can't blame a guy for wanting one last kiss." Issei smiled as he walked up to Irina so they could kiss one more time. At least that was his plan until Irina put a finger on his lips.

"I have to go Issei." Irina smiled bitterly knowing that she would never let go if they kissed again.

"Bye then" Issei smiled as the childhood friends left each other's side yet again.

(Irina P.O.V)

As I took the long flight back to England plenty of thoughts were spinning through my head. Most of them were about my former partner and how she'd adapt to life as a devil. Then again, with Issei and Momo by her side she'd be fine, but I still couldn't help but worry. Though if I was Issei I'd be more nervous because she's going to cause him some problems with her personality. Some were about Issei and about how much I'd miss him. One of us had to return ultimately and as much as I hated to leave Issei behind, I had no choice since Xenovia clearly didn't want to stay with the church and despite God's death I still wanted to trust in the church for a little bit. Remembering Issei's present, I reached under my seat and grabbed it putting it into my lap. He may have told me to wait until we get to England but that was probably because he knew I'd have second thoughts if I opened it too soon. We were long into the flight by this point, so I was good to go.

Opening the present, I couldn't hide the smile on my face as I saw the three things inside the box. The first was Issei's old Gameboy, the one that was in that picture of us during our first sleepover. The second was a Kuoh Academy girl's uniform and finally there was a note.

'Dear Irina,

A lot has changed for you and me over the years, but we will always be friends and I've decided to leave you with two things to remember me by. The first is the Gameboy that became the symbol of our friendship as kids. The second thing is a Kuoh girl's uniform but not just any uniform, it's the one I let you borrow when we you came with me to Kuoh. That way instead of moping about how Xenovia gets to experience being with me as a classmate you can imagine it yourself and imagine all the things we could've done. If you feel guilty just do confessions or some crap idk how that all works.

One more thing. We both know that subconsciously you realized the truth of the hiatus long before I admitted it and that's why you didn't call me more often. I'm glad you allowed both of us a chance to move on, but that's not needed anymore and if you need to talk just call. Hopefully I'm not on a date when you do since that would suck.

Goodbye and Good luck,

Your Dragon Issei Hyoudou

"Damn it Issei." I cried as I finished the letter which was very much Issei's style. The sad part was there was a good chance that I wouldn't survive the week. Asia Argento was a Saint and they excommunicated her after she healed a devil. With the secret I was told, I'd be lucky to get away with excommunication and there was a good chance I'd be executed. Issei was right that politics sucked but if he realized that I was killed because of a secret he revealed, there was no way he'd recover. At this point all I could do was pray to whoever was out there that this would work out for the best.