"Why are you crying? This is your doing, you said you would sacrifice yourself over others. You chose this path, but you know what happens when you play both sides don't you, in the end, everybody loses. You saw what happened with the witch."

"Why couldn't she have just stayed, she had a choice, I didn't."

"Even if it meant forsaking you and her family."

"Yes, if she would have been here now."

"Even if it meant hurting her."

"If it had to be done."

"Even if it meant killing you."

"Whatever it takes."

"You've learned the lesson your king couldn't seem to have grasped, that sometimes to protect one thing you have to have the resolve to give up on another. But you are not weak like she was. You have the power to break the chains of fate."

"Anyone who tries to take them away from me will get no mercy."

"And what if your decision ends up being the wrong one in the end."

"That won't happen because I am not wrong. This world is."

"Wake up dear wielder. Wherever you look, wherever you see light in this world I will be there. I am your shadow. Victory, peace, and love. You shall know them with no limits. I will be the bearer of your sins. So devour your chains until your last and be proud of your choices. Because I am."

(...)

Issei stared into Akeno's eyes for what seemed to be forever standing with a hand around her wrist near the entrance. The tears flowing freely down her face were that of relief. Words were pointless at the moment despite the obvious need to explain the situation to their observer. The wordless few seconds are only accompanied by the sound of a shower in the background.

"Akeno. I have a fresh set of clothes at the desk, can you get them for me."

"Right away Rias." Akeno replied as Issei let go of her.

The change of clothes was not that hard to spot but with her current state Akeno quickly put on a figurative mask before heading into the bathroom. Issei for his part returned to his spot on the couch. Turning his gaze to Koneko who had a raised brow, Issei just shrugged. "If you want to know I'm sorry but I can't tell you, at least not now." He said not much acknowledgement.

The door opened to the clubroom. Yuuto rushed into it all the while he was out of breath. He walked over to sit next to Koneko making sure he kept Issei under a watchful eye. Only to back off when a look that could kill was thrown back at him. After a little while, Akeno had returned with Rias.

"Normally I would be explaining what the club does for its activities and your role as a member of my household," She began. "But that was taken care of this morning, and I assume you got the proper introductions to everyone." A nod came from Issei. The tension between Yuuto, Akeno, and Issei was missed by the head. "So, before we get you a familiar I want to test you, today Koneko had been requested by a regular and I want to see how you will interact with our possible contracts." She finished

"That's fine Pres." Issei got up stretching. "But one thing before you give me the info and I get going I need to talk to you about something."

"Alright, what is it?"

"Alone."

"..."

Rias thought it over and agreed to his request. The two exited the room leaving the three, as soon as the two left Akeno turned to Koneko. "I'm sorry Koneko, but could you leave me with Yuuto? You can go home if you would like." It wasn't a request. Taking the hint and being caught in-between a rock and a hard place she opened the window behind her resting place and jumped out. After confirming that Koneko's presence was gone she turned her attention to Yuuto with a smile that can give anyone chills. "Before you say anything this is about your treatment of Issei and about your hostility towards a member of our household."

"Yes, abo-"

"I was not finished. I realize your past and your ambition can not let you let someone like Issei be, but both Rias and I know about that power and he is a very important piece to Rias and someone I hold dear. If you have doubts about anyone being here I suggest you come to one of us first." Her normal tone was completely gone at this point and her words had an edge of irritation. "Do you understand if that was anyone else or he thought you had the intent to harm you would be dead right now." Yuuto widened his eyes at her statement. "For someone who doesn't like having their past dug into I would have thought you wouldn't do the same for others." Having finished, an awkward silence fell in the room and remained until the return of Rias and Issei, the event shifting her attitude. "Well, how did the chat go?"

Rias was the first to answer. "Uneventful but," giving Akeno a knowing smile "very informative." She moved to the desk while Akeno just blinked at her. Looking around she noticed that Koneko was gone as Issei took a seat next to Akeno. "Where's Koneko-chan? I was hoping she would give Issei the information on the contract."

"Oh don't worry Rias I have the details right here, I can tell Hyoudou-chan what he needs to know. Besides, Koneko needs a break anyway so I sent her home." Akeno threw a quick glance at Issei before turning her attention to the folder in front of her earning a raised eyebrow from both veteran members. "Ah here we go, Mizuhara Keisuke." She said, handing him the file. "Even if you don't get a contract this should be great practice for you. Should I draw up a circle for him?"

Akeno got up from her seat, moving to have enough floor space for the teleportation circle only to be interrupted. "Actually, I have something I need to do before leaving school." Said Issei rubbing the back of his neck. "I will be quick, Himejima-senpai. I will come back afterward."

The girl gave him a mischievous grin, "Oh no that's okay Hyoudou-chan. I'll come with you if that's okay with you. It would be faster than taking two trips." Akeno said before turning to Rias. "I assume it's okay with you?"

"Yeah, it should be fine."

"Don't mind you coming with me." Issei said blushing.

The two got up from the couch they were sharing and left. When they were far enough away from the old practice building Akeno took his hand in hers to a questioning look. "Just for a little while ok..." they continued like that in comfortable silence.

(...)

The girls' volleyball team was taking a break when Makoto's head snapped at the entrance. Mei noticed. "Hey, Mako what's wrong?"

"I don't know how you are going to react to this." Makoto said absentmindedly, pointing at the entrance.

A figure appeared in the doorway and Mei had a large smile on her face seeing Issei. When their eyes met he waved the two girls over. "What brings you here Ise?" She asked, dragging Makoto with her.

"Ise? Eh, that's an interesting pet name. I wish I could come up with that one." A giggle came from behind him. Akeno came stopping beside him cupping her cheek in a hand cocking her head to the side. Mei's expression quizzical look to it, Makoto's didn't change from the blank one she had. Akeno found them and decided to introduce herself. "Hello my name is Himejima Akeno, 3rd year and Vice President of the Occult Research Club."

Makoto was the first to respond. "So I'm guessing this is about the club and assuming Hyoudou is here too means this is about him."

"Yeah about that.. I can't come tomorrow, and I was wondering if you could introduce me to the club advisor at lunch." Issei said while scratching the nape of his neck.

Mei for a split second had an unreadable expression but recovered, giving Issei a warm smile. " No prob Ise, I don't mind at all, but can I ask why?"

"I have to run an errand with Himejima-senpai here today and tomorrow, and I have to leave school right after class." Issei answered, throwing glances at Akeno every now and again. "But I should be free for the rest of the week."

Makoto nodded at the answer but looking at Mei she was a different case entirely. "Okay but me and Mei should be there when you are going. Just tell us when you are."

Issei bowed at them with Akeno mimicking the action. "Thank you for everything. And thank you for the invite."

"I too want to show my appreciation, not many people would be doing what you are doing for him." Akeno added.

Mei waved her hands in front of her face with a blush. "Really it's nothing, I-Issei has always been a good friend to us so it's the least we can do." Grabbing Makoto's hand they turned to rejoin their teammates. "Come on Mako, we still have practice. I'll see you tomorrow, and it was nice to meet you Himejima-san." Makoto nodded at the pair as the two retreated into the gym.

The other two began walking when Issei turned to Akeno. "Was that really necessary Akeno-chan," he said with a raised brow, taking her offered hand. "We are going to work on that sadistic side of you, not everyone is going to put up with it like I do."

The girl giggled and her lips formed a grin. Akeno then took a questioning look before answering him. "I don't know what you are talking about Issei."

"Really now."

"Yep."

"By the way, what did you tell Rias about us?" Akeno questioned changing the subject. "She seems to know that there's something between you and me."

Issei noticed what she was trying to do but decided to play along. He let go of her hand once he noticed some students about to pass them on the path. "Nothing that you need to worry about." Giving her a teasing grin he stopped at the school gates, Akeno raised an eyebrow in response. "If you want to know you probably find out for yourself." After making sure no one was around he waved at Akeno, his body disappearing in static.

After he disappeared Akeno heard a whisper and felt a soft sensation on her cheek. Akeno was taken aback by this but smiled. "Idiot." She said to herself before turning around and heading back to the clubroom.

(...)

Issei stopped by his home grabbing his bike and telling his mother that he had an errand to run for ORC. He took out a device that Akeno gave him before leaving the school campus when he saw a blonde girl with twin tails in a goth lolita outfit and oddly enough she was wearing the same pendant that was around the neck of Raynare the last time they were together. When Issei passed her she felt a chill and the hand closest to him was now balled and had a folded piece of paper in it the girl stopped in her tracks before turning around seeing that he was gone. She unfolded the paper and her eyes widened.

'One of your friends is hunting strays and other things, go with her. I have a message I want you to deliver to Raynare.'

Issei soon arrived at his destination, the location the little device pointed to. It was a small apartment building, a small plaque was near the entrance labeling the building the 'Fly Fish Manor'. "Ha. Interesting name." Issei said to himself. After a quick trip up a flight of stairs he came up on the door of the person he was looking for. Two or three Knocks later a lanky redheaded man a couple years older than him opened the door. "Hello Mizuhara-san I'm here on behalf of the Gremory family." he announced himself with his friendliest smile.

"I was sure I asked for someone else." He then went to close the door.

"Wait a second! You're the one who summoned a devil, so here I am." Issei got his attention.

Keisuke gave Issei a quick look over. "What kind of devil knocks on doors?" He questioned Issei.

"Like me right here." Issei said, rubbing the nape of his neck with a nervous chuckle.

The man before him sighted. "Stop messing around. Koneko-chan always appears from the magic circle on the flyer. Not to mention she is the one I requested in the first place. Just leave alright." He said in a mildly annoyed tone while leaning on the door frame.

"I-I wanted to do that too. B-but I couldn't, I was rushed out here in the middle of the night and for what?" He made a point for the statement to seem like a struggle as he mimicked a sad hurt puppy.

"Sorry kid." Keisuke said as he began to close the door. When he fully closed it he turned to return to his business, but before he could he felt a bit colder. "Huh, maybe I left a window open." he made his way to the living area where he saw the boy who was just at his door looking at his collection of manga.

"Ooo you are a DBE fan. You even have the collector and limited edition volumes too! Man, it's been a long time since I sat down and read it." Issei said smiling , pointing out a certain series that took up the majority of the space on the bookcase he was currently looking at.

"Wait a minute. How did you get in here you were just..."

"Oh that, appearing from magic circles are not the only things that devils can do, you know." Issei answered absentmindedly, still looking over the manga before finding another series he was familiar with.

"So did you just teleport? Is it like instant transmission!?" Keisuke asked, trying to figure out the method behind the teenager's appearance, getting excited at the prospects.

Issei turned to the man cupping his chin in index and thumb in thought. "Not really, well it's not me teleporting and it isn't exactly instant... But if you want to know what else I can't and can do." He points at the manga. "I know that I am not Koneko, but can we hang out for a bit first. You are probably the first person I could talk about this stuff with."

Keisuke looked at Issei's pleading expression, sighing to himself. "You're Hopeless. Alright sure why not." He then went into his kitchen. "I am getting some snacks. Should I get you something as well?" He asked.

" Yes, If that's not too much trouble."

Keisuke returned with a bag of potato chips and a 2 liter bottle of cola. "I didn't think I would be entertaining, so this is the only thing I had."

"No really it's..." His eyes turned a pale blue and his breath was visible for a split second, which Issei sighted as a result. "Ok I don't mind. I shouldn't be imposing in the first place."

"Are you ok? Is that normal? Your eyes turned a different color and there was your breath."

"Oh that? No, I am fine. It's a side effect of using my powers."

Keisuke gave him a side eye glance but dropped the subject. "If you say so." He then moved a gaming chair from another room that looked like an office not before dropping off the snacks in the living room. He positioned it in front of a television next to Issei, who then turned to his guest. "How far are you?" He pointed at the manga that caught Issei's attention. " Please don't tell me you haven't got to the zero mortal arc yet."

Issei took a moment to gather his thoughts before answering. "Who do you think I am?" Keisuke just shrugged, Issei took the response in stride then continued. "I think the last thing I remember was when Son Lazuli was introduced."

"That was a nutty fight."

"I know right, to think there's someone who would force Kakarot to take a fight seriously right from the start." Their conversation went on for hours with them discussing all topics from power scaling to their favorite fights and character moments. At some point a pizza was ordered and they had popped in the first Project HUE movie. Issei was in the middle of laughing at one of Keisuke's jokes when he noticed the time. "Oh shit."

"What's up Issei?" Keisuke asked, looking at the fearful face of his new friend...comrade.

"I'm going to be late. My mom is going to kill me."

"Huh, so devils have curfews too. Who would have thought?" Keisuke said mockingly.

"Shut it Kei, I am still a high school student and it's a school night, also we all can't be 19-year-old college graduate mangaka." Only getting a smile and a shrug as a response, Issei rushed to the entrance putting his shoes on.

"Hey." Keisuke stopped Issei before he exited the apartment. "This was the most fun I had in a while. Do you mind if I summon you once in a while."

Issei smiled at his new friend, answering the request. "No problem, oh remember to summon Koneko next time and ask her to train you and it might take some time but we are going to make you into the best magical girl yet." Issei grinned at the rosy tint spread across his face then said his goodbyes before closing the door behind him.

(...)

[Issei, two fallen right behind you]

Issei caused his bike to skid, pressing both brakes at the same time. He hopped off staring at the direction of the approaching angels, taking note of the blonde lolita from earlier in the night. The seemingly unknown fallen angel was the first to speak. "How strange, I don't seem to have the wrong person, I have been ordered to erase all traces. How utterly strange." The tall busty woman in a tight suit jacket and torn mini-skirt said.

Issei for his part just smiled.

A/N: And there you go the second part of chapter 1. The beginning might be a little wonky, I got an idea from one of you and I had to change some character alignments and deliver some scared gear nerfs to make future events work. That's it for now, thank you for reading.