Alright, so I'm somehow back. It wasnt 6 months but still a decent amount of time. Its been a road I've been traveling, quite the fucking road but I'm here. I went rogue, crossed some deep waters, and truly did some thinking. But now that that's all said and done, I'm back. And, with renewed vigor, plan to further this story at a quicker rate.

As for now, I hope you enjoy the long, long, LONG awaited chapter.

So get to it!

"What did you say?"

"I said nothing!"

"You're lying!"

Issei slumped. "Yeah...I am..."

"Issei..."

"It's been hard, Kuisha." The Queen tensed a little. He never used her actual name unless he was absolutely serious. "I don't know when it started, or why it became so potent, but...I love you."

Kuisha released her grip on him, Issei backing himself up against a tree, slamming into the trunk. He didn't even meet her eyes, choosing to stare at the ground instead.

"Your smile, that slight twinkle in your eyes when you get excited, your laugh, they all became things I looked forward to seeing." As he spoke, Issei started sliding down the base of the trunk. "With each passing day, I felt this nagging feeling to want to be beside you, just to feel a little more alive again. I smiled more, I laughed more, I felt myself grow a little more. All by just being by you."

Once he settled on the ground, Kuisha moved forward. He rose a hand when she got halfway. She stopped immediately, seeing the pleading look in his eyes. He was opening to her and she'd rather not risk him clamping up again because she smothered him. So, she took a step back and waited patiently as he tried to collect his next set of words.

Issei stared at the grass just a bit longer before his eyes slowly raised to meet hers. "How much do you know of how I came to join you guys?" He asked softly. His eyes looked so tired all of a sudden. It was like the flip of a switch between talking about her to talking about this. His eyes looked so heavy and the invisible weight on his shoulders was actually noticeable.

"Sairaorg-sama never told us much. If we ever asked, he told us it was your story to tell, not his. Best any of us know is that Rias traded you because she thought you were too weak."

Issei chuckled darkly. "Leave it to Aniki. But no, that isn't all." Issei rolled his head over to look throughout the clearing. The trees dancing with the wind and the grass rolling like waves on an endless horizon. It made the scene all the more like an edgy anime.

"How about the beginning."

"-?"

"Kuisha, I was killed when I was human." The blonde's eyes widened. "By a woman I thought I loved. She came to me, confessed to me, asked me out even. A pretty girl came to me. I was but a loser at the time, so I felt like I was on cloud nine. She was cute, kind, had a pair of breasts that made me want to scream for joy. 'My type of woman,' I thought at the time. Why shouldn't I have been the happiest man on earth. It was a dream come true, the start to my crazed and unattainable dream..."

Kuisha bit her lip listening to the tale. The way Issei looked and the pain in his voice, it made her want to comfort him. But she knew he had to tough through this. That he needed to talk about it, all of it. To let it out into the open. And once it was all out, she would comfort him with sweet nothings and loving assurance.

"Of course, when we went on our first date, she rewarded me with a light spear through the heart. I thought the date went pretty well, she obviously didn't," he joked darkly, coldly laughing at his own murder. It broke Kuisha's heart hearing such pain seeped into something meant to heal it. "So, I lay there dying, hearing that my Sacred Gear's dangerous, that I should blame You-Know-Who, and that the date was actually boring and bland. Hearing that on your deathbed doesn't exactly give you the best of confidence, you know?"

Then, she saw his eyes grow increasingly dark. As if all the light reflecting in it had vanished. His body relaxed, almost too much by how he seemed to slump further to the floor. It was actually scary to see him carry such a lifeless look but the slow rise and fall of his chest showed he was still alive. She could only guess what happened next.

"Then...she came. My supposed savior, my supposed goddess, the one who gave me a second chance. I wished to see her once more, don't ask me why, and she brought me back to life. I was thrilled, excited, to live again and get the joy to see her naked, cause I'm a perv like that. But truly, now that I think about it, I was most thankful that someone saw something in me to give me that second chance." Issei's head rocked side to side slowly, his eyes hazed over. "As time passed, I thought I was becoming one of them. A club member, a fellow devil, a friend.., family... Rias helped me save Asia and helped me with Raynare, by murder because why not. I truly thought I was a part of them now..."

Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam!

Kuisha's eyes widened as Issei started to bang his head against the trunk. Again. And again. And again. Tears were starting to stream down his face as he continued to harm himself. His fists clenched at his head, thick grips of hair in them, as he continued to do so, his legs tucked into his chest.

"I was stupid! Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid!"

Kuisha had enough and rushed to him. She slid to her knees and grabbed the boy's head, pulling it into her chest. He flailed and tried to break free but she held him tight.

"Let go! I'm too weak! I'll always be weak! I can't get over her! I wasn't strong enough to help her! I couldn't even save her without the help of holy materials and sacrificing my arm..! I'm a failure, I'm an idiot! I didn't belong with them! I was never one of them!"

Issei continued to cry his pain out. Kuisha never moved, keeping a firm grip on his head, feeling the tears stain her shirt. She could feel his hands grab a hold of her top as he wailed, blaming himself and his shortcomings. And she listened as he continued, straining his voice. But, eventually, they would become softer and softer.

Once he was silent, she released her hold and pulled his head back. Their eyes met once more, his red and puffy to hers filled with the love and care she knew he needed.

"Issei, you're not a failure. You're not an idiot. You're the man I fell in love with," she whispered softly. But it did the trick as his eyes widened and his breath hitched in his throat. "You trained hard every day with us. You caught that Stray Devil and made friends with a powerful exorcist. You held off Kokabiel and saved the city. You defeated Vali on your own and protected me. You had a hand in forging an alliance between the Three Factions. You stand here now, helping the Greek Pantheon. You're the strongest, bravest, kindest man I have ever met, besides Sairaorg of course, and I can't help but find myself loving you more each and every day."

Issei sat there, stunned into silence. His mouth had already gone slack and his hands felt numb as they hung limp at his sides. His eyes searched, and searched, and searched, looking for any signs of deception. The pain in the back of his head assured that he wasn't dreaming but he still wanted to pinch himself, just to be sure. If only his arms could work right now.

"R-Really?" He asked in a hushed whisper. The tears were about to start again. What kind of man was he, crying so much?

Kuisha gave him the warmest, most affectionate smile she had ever shown him. One he had seen many times between his parents. One Kuisha had never experienced before. Filled with the love she had for the young man sitting in front of her. "Yes, you doofus, I love you."

Issei blinked a couple of times, still expecting to break out of the illusion someone placed him in. But nothing ever changed and Kuisha's smile never lessened. She only lowered her head, resting her forehead against his, never breaking eye contact with him. She even hummed happily and giggled, enjoying the look of disbelief on his face.

'I said it!' She cheered in her mind. 'I said it, I said it, I said it!'

Even Apollo and Artemis, who were a distance away, were ecstatic. They did their own happy dances from behind the tree they had chosen as their hiding spot. High fives, weird finger wriggling, even some hip bumps.

It wasn't hard to say that they had been there the entire time and had watched the entire exchange. From top to bottom. Artemis was even more furious at Rias and Apollo himself wanted a word with her. But, after the confession from Kuisha, they decided to let the two have their moment. It was a healing moment for the boy and a big step for both of them. They needed to be supportive and happy for the devils, not bitter to something out of their reach. At least at the moment.

"She said it!" "He said it!" That didn't stop them from their happy dance part two for the two devils.

Returning back to Issei, he could feel life return to his arms. Realizing he was indeed alive and awake, he gave them a test. Flexing his fingers, he slowly began to move his arms, shaking for just a moment. Kuisha had a loose hug around his neck and he felt it almost instinctual to wrap his arms around the small of her back. The spur of confidence was out of nowhere but it was best he took the moment before he lost it and panicked again.

Grip!

Kuisha was surprised by the sudden action but made no efforts to remove herself. She could feel the warmth radiating off of him and the look in his eyes. There was that warm feeling again.

Issei lifted himself up a little higher against the tree, adjusting himself to where the Queen now straddled his lap. Kuisha's eyes lidded and her smile widened ever so slightly. She licked her lips, the fresh saliva causing them to glisten off the rays that broke through the tree's foliage.

They closed the distance between one another. It was soft, enough so to where it barely registered that their lips touched. And as they parted, the two opened their eyes to see heavy blushes on the others' faces. Then they smiled.

""I love you.""

-XOXOXOXOX-

"So where to now?"

"We're meeting an ally. If anyone knows of their base of operations, it would be her."

"Does she have a network of sorts?"

"Something like that."

Apollo and Artemis led the way as the group continued their trek. It had been a quiet walk but one not unwelcomed. Everyone had their own thoughts, some nicer than others, all surrounded around a certain two.

Issei still couldn't believe he was living in reality. Kuisha had just confessed that she liked him. His feelings felt reciprocated this time and that fear of wanting more had been quelled by her acceptance. It was as if the stars aligned just for him. Now all he had to do was wait for the moon to hit the earth.

However, it was hard to forget Rias. The woman who saved him and kinda led him on. Were there still feelings for her? Of course. Technically, she didn't have to save him, but did. Why, he still wondered. Whatever she saw, he was sure he would crush it. After all, her words still held weight over him and he had a lot to live up to if he was to shove it back in her face. To prove her wrong.

For now, Kuisha had taken priority over that. She accepted him as his current self. All his faults, peeves, and everything else. Even being understanding to know of his ties to his former King that were really hard to let go. He couldn't ask for someone better.

Kuisha had made a promise with him. A promise that as long as he needed her, she would be there for him. Until he fully healed, she would be his medic. As long as he wanted to be loved, she would give it to him. That as long as he desired her, she would stand by his side. And he'd be damned if he didn't hold the same towards her.

Artemis, she found herself imagining how many ways she could torture the Gremory girl. The huntress had taken a liking to the dragon boy and his new girlfriend. At first, she was skeptical, but now they seemed like an extended family in their short time together. A little brother and sister to look out for. And she knew Apollo felt the same way. They were twins after all.

Albeit, the younger twin's thoughts weren't as violent as his sister's. While his sister was known for her bronze and quick actions to beat and mame, he was the brains, dealing more psychological warfare if it came down to it. And he definitely held an ire towards the one who had dared to use Issei and then toss him away when he failed to fill her impossible quota. Very similar to how Hera had once used him and Artemis for selfish gains or as some form of punishment for their father's unfaithfulness. And it struck a nerve in his older brother body that created a sort of twitch between his fingers.

Oh, it seemed he found himself liking the sound of being an older brother. Especially to the fine young man that was Issei Hyoudou.

"Your senses are slipping, young ones..." A new voice noted through the silence. This brought the four back to reality and put the two devils on guard. Both who were held back by the twins.

"Easy, it's just Medusa," Apollo informed.

True to his words, a woman stepped into the opening from behind a tree. She was as one would expect of the former beauty who rivaled the goddess Athena in the eyes of the Athenians. Even now, she held a beauty befitting a rarity such as her. Slim features that rippled with muscles, bronze breastplate that covered...well her breasts, albeit not much, bracers on both her wrists, and...wait, she didn't have a lower snake half. She was instead wearing a bronze plated skirt with two leather belts that criss crossed over her right hip. This made Issei arch a brow, something the woman noticed. And, before his eyes, he saw scales form and her legs fuse together into a long serpentine tail, a rattler forming at the end that she shook with a hiss of giggles.

"Surprised?" She asked, a playful grin on her face. It was also slender with high cheekbones and golden eyes that practically glowed. And, surrounding her face, a full head of snakes. All alive. All moving. All with their own separate being but all having their eyes trained on him.

"Still getting used to the whole 'meeting legendary beings' thing," he replied honestly. Then, as a surprise to everyone, he reached forward and held his hands out to the head of snakes. Even Medusa was taken off by the gesture. Some of her snakes had the same feeling and backed off just a bit, hissing defensively. But there was one, braver than the others, who didn't move and stared down the appendage. Then, after a short staredown, it settled down into his palm, almost nuzzling in. And, with that, the others followed.

"You're all so cute, yes you are, yes you are~. Ya adorable little boop noodles, hehe." Issei smiled as the snakes took an extreme liking to him, drawing themselves closer to him. "Knock it off, you guys, you'll make momma angry acting without permission."

The brunette recalled his hand with his little tease, grinning as he stepped back. He then turned to Medusa who was still trying to recover from her initial surprise at his aggressiveness towards her. He noticed this, along with the shock of his team, and scratched his cheek with a light chuckle.

"Sorry, I've always liked snakes. I never got to have one but seeing them up close, I couldn't resist."

Medusa was actually the first to recover, her cheeks garnering a dust of pink. "Well, I must say, that is a surprise to hear. Most fear me upon their first meeting, assuming I'll turn them to stone."

Issei shook his head. "If that was the case, I would have already been turned to stone. And I'm sure Artemis-sama and Apollo-sama would have informed us before meeting you."

This made the snake woman pause, for only a second or two, before she giggled once more. "Smart deduction. You're an interesting one. He's the boy, Issei Hyoudou, correct?" She chuckled towards him before aiming the question at Artemis.

"Yes, he is," her fellow woman confirmed. Even the huntress found herself chuckling at the sudden openness from her pupil. He had been quite reserved since their initial meeting, only sharing the bare minimum, even after her prying for more. She'd take it as a win. No need to ask questions and possibly lose the smile he currently held. Kuisha already cracked a bit of that shell. Good.

Medusa slithered forward, her eyes staring deep into Issei's. The boy seemed a bit uncomfortable by the sudden proximity with the being who was said to turn anyone to stone with her gaze alone. But he held his ground, feeling a few of the snakes lick at his face.

"Do you really like my snakes? It's obvious they like you."

"Of course I do. They are all so adorable and add to your beauty," Issei spoke, his mind wandering as he played with a few of the reptiles. In doing so, he failed to notice the embarrassed look on Medusa's face. When he turned back, he could see a furious blush on her face. "A-Are you okay?" He asked, truly not knowing what he had said.

"Y-Yes... It's been some time since someone has complimented my beauty. Ever since the transformation," she admitted, looking away bashfully.

Kuisha, who watched the exchange, felt an elbow nudge her. She turned to see Apollo next to her, a small grin playing at his lips.

"Be careful, dear. Seems Issei is a natural casanova. Medusa might take him for her own if you don't stake your claim," he teased.

He was swiftly met with a smack on the back of his head, courtesy of one twin sister. "Stop scaring the girl. They just confessed to each other this morning."

This caught the Queen's attention. "Wait, you two were watching!?"

The twins quickly averted their eyes, looking everywhere but at Kuisha. The answer was obvious. Her eyes narrowed dangerously before she turned to Issei who was still busy talking with Medusa. There was no way he was purposefully flirting with the snake woman. He was naturally oblivious to things like this and just said things that made people like him. Not out of a necessity to be liked but because he genuinely felt that way about a person. He was a kindred soul and that was one of the many reasons she had fallen for the dunce.

"Oh, I am curious though, Medusa-sama-"

"Please, just call me Medusa. I'm not one for formalities anymore."

"Alright, Medusa. I was curious as to why I didn't just turn to stone or why you are able to shapeshift from the snake tail to legs," Issei said as he gestured to both.

Medusa giggled again but hid it behind a dainty hand this time. "My, my, asking such from a woman..." She teased.

It had the optimal effect of making Issei's face light up red. He quickly began to apologize, explaining his ignorance to such a sensitive subject which, in turn, made the woman burst out laughing. It had been some time since she had been able to enjoy such a conversation. Nor had she been able to tease with someone who actually found her beautiful.

It felt...nice.

"Relax, I'm only joking," she replied, silencing the brunette into an embarrassed mess. "I'm going to go ahead and assume you know of the story of how I became like this."

Issei nodded. "Yes, you were supposedly cursed-"

"Nope!"

"Nope?"

"Nope," she confirmed. She put a hand to her hip, the other pointing to the air with one finger raised. "Actually, this was a gift from Athena."

This surprised both Issei and Kuisha. The latter was the one who spoke their thoughts first.

"But I thought you were cursed after Poseidon...you know."

"After he raped me?"

"...Yes..." Kuisha said softly.

Medusa closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "They really need to change those history books."

"Don't I know it, sister," Artemis grumbled from the side. Apollo chuckled awkwardly. Seemed he was the only one with an accurate record of his past deeds.

"Ignoring that. Yes, Athena was upset after I was raped by the prick of the sea in her own temple. But it wasn't at me, no, that would be stupid. She was mad at that asshole who dared act like he did nothing wrong. Even now I..." Her fist shook with rage but she took another deep breath, calming herself once more. "Haah, moving on. Athena turned me into the infamous snake woman as a way to protect myself. No man, or woman, would ever touch me inappropriately again if the fear of being turned to stone sat at the back of their mind. Not even a god would dare come for me again."

"But I thought Athena did it as a way to spite you. Didnt you beat her in a beauty contest or something?" Issei asked.

"It wasn't a competition. No one questioned the beauty of a goddess, not even I. I was very beautiful, yes, but I was also a maiden of Athena and would respond as such. So, when she graced me with her presence, I fell to my hands and knees. My goddess then lowered herself to one knee and lifted me back to my feet, telling me of how I didn't need to do such a thing. The people took notice and...well, history seemed to have become very skewed since then."

"So...Athena did all that to protect you?"

"She didn't know of Poseidon's plans until it was too late. As an apology for her carelessness to her most devoted follower, I was made immortal and gifted with the ability to properly protect myself from both man and god.

"That's...amazing," Issei said in awe. Kuisha couldn't help but agree. She wondered what else the history books had lied about. Were the Greeks the only ones or were all the Pantheons not like the books portrayed them as?

"However," Medusa spoke up, bringing the teens attention back. Her eyes were back on Issei, glowing ominously. "You were the first one to call me beautiful since my change. Did you mean what you said?"

Issei blinked twice, confused by the question. "Of course. Why would I lie?"

Medusa closed her eyes again. She mulled on his words, her snakes also looking to be in deep thought as they wriggled around. Issei found himself in awe at the feat.

"Alright, I've decided!" Medusa suddenly exclaimed making the brunette jump. She giggled again before turning to face the twins. "Do you two remember the deal we talked of for my assistance?"

"Yes, but we were unable to come to an agreement. You said you would have thought of something before we met again."

"Yes, well, I believe I have decided. Granted, I just recently altered it."

"If it is within our power."

Medusa's smirk widened. "Well, you see, it's not within your power," she said cryptically. This confused the party even as she turned to face Issei. "It's your decision."

"M-Mine?" He squeaked.

"Yes, I've decided," she confirmed with a nod of her head. "If you'll have me, I'd like to be your familiar, Issei."

Issei's eyes widened and his jaw went slack. Kuisha also had wide eyes but her jaw looked ready to hit the floor. Artemis couldn't help but facepalm as Apollo chuckled with a smug smirk.

""E-Ehhhh!?"

Another cliffhanger. Good ol' specialty of mine.

Well, hopefully this satiated the lot of you and also makes you thirst for more. I'm back for some time and I'll be doing my own thing for now.

Also, I've gone to a new server which have helped me immensely in clearing my head and overall having a good times. Just remove the spaces, as per usual, and I hope to see some of you guys there.

discord. gg/ sTaXDAy68u

Other than that, that's all I got for you. Don't forget to review, follow, fav.

Ciao~