"I was going to ask Hyou-" She paused as a flash of red appeared in Akeno's eyes as she froze from the look directed at her. After yesterday's incident with the ORC she had been glad none of the killing intent was focused on Kiba-san and Gremory-san, but now even if it was for a split second all of Momo's instincts were telling her to run. Shuttering a bit she sighed, moving to speak again only to be stopped by Akeno doing so first.

"If anything, I would not bother him right now. He took leave from school for a good reason."

"What do you mean?"

"It's not my story to tell, let's just say that the fire at the church was not a coincidence. I believe what you want me to explain starts there... But." Her somber mood turned into a grin as brought an index finger to her nose. "You don't need Issei to find her at least, though that can wait for another day. Mizuhara-san is waiting."

As the two approached Keisuke's apartment building, they came across two hooded figures dressed similarly to the ones that attacked them two nights prior. One of which upon noticing their presents turned and greeted them. "Hello, little bird. It has been nearly eight years since we last saw each other. You have grown into quite a fine young woman, I see your masters have a bit of a mess on their hands." The taller of the two figures said, lowering his hood, revealing a middle-aged man with slicked back strawberry blonde hair and emerald eyes under a set of glasses.

The man's comment confused Momo, having not seen the foreigner before, but her companion was another story. The girl was absolutely fuming under a mask of indifference as she stared at the now smiling man. "What is it you want Arthur?" The venom in Akeno's question is barely noticeable coming from a growl.

The man raised both hands in mock surrender, his smile never left his face well doing so. "No need little bird, we are on the same side, after all your dragon has returned to your side... And we very well might become family one day." After measuring Akeno's response and finding no outward aggression he continued. "Not to worry, we are not here in response to your little misunderstanding with the Fallen who would find it a good idea to settle in my sister's backyard when the people who follow their creator's word would not touch this place with a rather large pole." He paused, lowering his hands. "Tell me, you wouldn't happen to know what happened to this city's church would you? It does not seem to be my sister's doing... At least I hope not, I would not want to go down that route. Not after what happened between her and the church."

"I have no idea." Akeno replied, her expression remaining neutral. Though her voice took a more aggressive tone. She then started her normal pace towards the building, Momo quickly matching with her as the two walked past the man and the other figure.

"Now, little bird. You know I will find out soon enough. I hope in your case that you are not lying. I am not particularly fond of liars."

Akeno snorted as she opened the entrance door, turning head to lay her now crimson eyes on the man. "But in this insistence I have nothing to worry about. It's like you said after all." She spoke accompanying her words with a large grin showing off her fangs.

Letting out a low whistle, Arthur responded to her words. "Well... I swear if you weren't incomplete you would be just as terrifying as your sisters and mothers, take care. Little bird." He says waving at the two retreating girls as the glass door to the apartment building closes.

"What was that papa?" A confused female voice came out of the smaller hooded figure.

"It looks like your cousin takes after your aunt..." He paused looking down at her. "Hopefully his interest in supernatural partners is the only thing he inherited from my sister, otherwise I pity you taking over." A small smile. "If we ever get on friendly terms again you two should hear what me and Desideria got up to when we were around your age. Maybe you and him can be little handfuls just like us, you could use some loosening up, by the looks of it your cousin has a head start." Laughing to himself, he began walking away. "Just please choose a partner that I can at least put up a fight against."

"Perish the thought, papa. I'm sure that I am not going to get into half the trouble as he has... At least I hope not."

"Come now Le Fay, we have to investigate the church next."

While Akeno and Momo made their way to Keisuke's apartment, Momo couldn't help but have her eyes flicker in her companion's direction hoping for an explanation at the very least. Akeno, noticing this, sighed and looked in a pointed expression, her eyes remaining the same blood color. After a few seconds she spoke. "I know you have questions. So feel free to ask away."

"I don't mean to pry but..."

"Go ahead, I'll answer to the best of my ability."

"There's a lot more to you and Hyoudou than what meets the eye... So what was that about?"

"A hard one straight away." Akeno stopped walking, thinking for a couple of seconds before she started walking again. "I am the 'daughter' of the vampire king and Issei is a Pendragon on his mother's side. Me and Issei knew each other for a long time, do you remember the incident in Kyoto seven years ago."

Momo took some time to process what was being said before answering the question posed. "Yes... But back to what you just said, you two are what now?" Momo asked, flabbergasted.

"British nobility and a vampire sired by Dracula... Yes." Akeno said with an amused expression. "With Rias and Sona's siblings is it that surprising? Lady Serafall and Lord Sirzechs are well respected in the supernatural community."

Momo thought it over, she was like them. A descendant of someone important in the history of supernatural beings, her family has always been called the keepers of the gods. "I guess you have a point there."

Continuing, Akeno stopped in front of Keisuke's door. "But back to that incident, that man, Issei's uncle, and his mother were templars with the church until then. That incident was the end of their family's relationship with the church and the devil kings offered their support to Issei's family in any way they needed it."

"That's why you were both playing coy, wait..." Momo paused. "When he said that your dragon returned to you, was he talking about Hyoudou-san? Does that mean that you two are engaged?" Momo asked with a developing blush.

Akeno's crimson eyes shifted between Momo and the door for a bit of time. "M-m-marriage was never on the table between Issei and me. It never crossed our minds." Akeno answered quickly with a patch of pink complimenting her pale skin and red eyes. "That's enough questions, for now, we shouldn't keep Mizuhara-san waiting." With that Akeno knocked on Keisuke's door, not leaving any room for Momo to retort.

After she had knocked Keisuke opened it only to be surprised that it was just the two of them. "Where's Issei?" Keisuke asked.

Akeno seeing that the door was open brushed past Keisuke heading to the kitchen to start on the promised curry rice, she did answer his question, however, the answer came out as hushed muttering. "Issei had a family emergency and couldn't make it."

Keisuke barely noticed the red eyes and fangs before Akeno disappeared into the apartment. Turning to Momo he asked. "What was that about?"

"I would not know."

(...)

Issei entering his class, he knew that he would not have missed school, the fact it had been two and half weeks since he was last here made him realize how much of an annoyance the other students were outside of a select few, both here and his previous world. Though the thought of having to relive his high school bothered him, the alternative was a far worse prospect. Here he was experiencing new things, doing what felt natural, and if possible living out one of his dreams he had long ago. With a smile Issei looked down at the girl hugging his arm tightly. Something that if you had asked the old him was an impossibility.

As soon as he entered the class however, one Yamamoto Mei sprung to her feet with her head pointed straight at the ground and she made her way to the pair. Her pace in her opinion was painfully slow. Her mind raced when she saw Amano Yuuma's injuries. The girl with her crush had her arms covered in bandages with the right one in a sling. All of the emotions that were threatening to reveal themselves suddenly sank in realization. She must be a terrible person, here she was about to act on her jealousy. Not only letting the green monster devour her whole, but she was about to blow up on someone else's boyfriend. Of course something happened, of course Issei was not the type to stand you up without warning. She knew that but it did not stop the hurt, she knew that after meeting Himejima Akeno she would have to compete for his affections, but her day dream she was having had to end one day. If it wasn't Yuuma it would be Akeno or even Makoto if her luck was as unlucky as she thought. Her internal strife did not go unnoticed.

Raynare felt a sting of jealousy and regret pointed at her direction, her eyes landing on the corporate... The girl who was heading toward them. An opportunity presented itself and as she remembered the olive branch she offered the teen the last time they met, a promise of friendship she is willing to honor. As quickly as possible she let her lover's free hand go, taking the backpack that he was carrying for her and made her way towards the teen opposite her, to the protest of Issei. She ignored the boy, only stopping when she was parallel with Mei, a slight grin appearing. Raynare got the girl's attention and offered her a whisper that only and the both of them could hear. "You know, I don't want to monopolize Issei." She let out a soft giggle, as the ambient noise around them disappeared. "If you want to pursue him I am not going to stop you, I am not the only one in his heart... " A dark look, almost one of sadness crossed her features as she offered Mei a wink, before said girl noticed the dark purple pools of her romantic rival were shining a pale blue. With one last comment she heard the whisper to her only that the both of them can hear. "Don't worry about me or the other one, just do what feels right to you. As long as you remember I'm number one we won't have a problem."

At that Mei's face became bright red, and she imagined to herself that if this was an anime that visible steam would be wafting above her head as her body drops crouching down to hug her. Mei let out a small squeal of embarrassment as completed the motion. "I-I-I wha-" She stopped mid word as the gravity of Amano was completely processed, though she had not implied images of her joining their relationship and all its possibilities short-circuited her brain and all she could manage was a few stammered words to complete her sentence.

Seeing this Raynare looked at Issei with a teasing grin before addressing the teen that was having a breakdown, she kneeled to eye level getting Mei full attention. "Well aren't we a naughty one..." Mei's eyes grew wide at this. "Not that I am not flattered, but I am only interested in Issei for the moment, maybe in the future that could be a possibility. You are going to have to wait, I am afraid." Mei wanted her to stop talking, but much to her chagrin Raynare didn't. "You two have plenty of time however... So tell him how you feel. You might be surprised at the answer you get. He is more 'mature' than he lets on. Not a bad choice for a first partner." With those words Mei was down for the count, her body and mind betraying her as she had only one thing on her mind. With her final words Raynare took one last look at Issei before returning to her feet. "It looks like I am going to be in the way, I will leave you two to it."

A bewildered Issei looked on trying to block out what they were saying, but when Raynare disappeared in static from the room he pinched his nose when he felt her still being there. One of the side effects of the power of the sacred gear he gave her. Looking at Mei he let out a flustered sigh as the pale blue matching Raynare's looked down at the barely moving teenage girl. Offering her a hand the boy finally spoke. "I would not mind Yuu-chan Mei. She is playful with the people she likes, you don't have to do as she says." He said, pulling Mei up as her hand grabbed on to his, but to his surprise an offer of support turned to an embrace. Her arms wrapped around his neck a pink mist began to spill out from her slightly open mouth.

Mei's chest felt so light when she made physical contact with Issei, it felt as if all of the negative emotions melted away. She didn't care anymore all she wanted was the warmth she felt from the boy no matter what permission from his girlfriend or not. Not saying she wrapped her arms around his neck looking at him through dilated pupils. That warmth, the warmth that was just out of reach, the warm feeling that she got from the boy in front of her. There was no way she was going to let this opportunity slip. Bringing her face close to his she exhaled slightly.

'Interesting... It appears that this human is trying to ensnare you my dear wielder. I believe she has no idea that she is doing so. Too bad for her that does not work on yo-' Sarinna paused when Issei's and Mei's lips collided.

Issei quickly pushed away, he looked at the girl that was in a daze. "Why did you stop me, didn't you say you want to get closer. I wanted it too, but this is what I meant." She made one more attempt, the pink mist now emitting from the bare skin of her arms that the summer uniform blouse allowed. His warmth was just at an arm's length, she felt so weak under his touch as his grip on her shoulders planted her in place. A pout developed on her face as she looked at him with half opened eyes. The pink mist now filled the room, but as it did so the weakness she was feeling grew and she started panting.

'Aww that's adorable, can we keep her Issei.'

Issei ignored the comment. Keeping Mei steady he brought a hand up to her forehead, brushing her bangs aside he lightly placed his hand on it. The girl under his touch widened her eyes and her flushed face only grew redder as she began stuttering again. Mei had no idea how Issei and her got so close, she couldn't focus on much of anything as the room was spinning but one thing she did was the concern on Issei's face. She brought her hand up to her head cupping around his, after doing so she spoke to him for the last time before fainting. "You are so warm. Ise."

Issei jumped into action as the limp Mei fell out of his grip. Quickly captured her arm with the hand that was on her forehead and brought his opposite arm to her back to support her weight. After a few adjustments, he was able to position her into a princess carry. Lifting her he looked around at the pink mist, being glad that Twilight Healing was not the only sacred gear he had given to Raynare. Flickering the missing background noise returned to his ears. Issei thought to himself that if their interaction had happened without Raynare's intervention how the mist the girl in his arms released would affect the other students or the homeroom teacher if they happen to enter the room.

"Well, that was... Unexpected." Raynare spoke making herself known by hopping off the closest desk to the two teens.

"Whose fault do you think that is?" Issei said mentally exhausted.

"Issei come on, I just wanted to help my new friend, and since it was something that would benefit you as well I thought it would be only a good thing." With her free hand, she combed through Mei's hair. "But this is quite interesting, we are going to have to look into her history when we have the time. Lilith had no human children."

"Wait who?" Issei asked, confused.

Raynare sighed a pained expression crossing her face for a split second, disappearing as soon as it appeared. "Adam, the first man's first wife, and the first succubus. As well as the wife of the archangel Samael." She ended her sentence with a sad smile.

"Someone, you know?" Issei questioned. Raynare retracted her hand from Mei, putting on a fake smile that Issei noticed.

In all honesty, Raynare did not want to talk about it, not that the conversation would not open an old wound and a can of worms that she would rather not get into right now... At all. She rather enjoyed her life right now with her teenage lover. If he does not remember then there is no point in digging up the past, she will be who she is at this moment. Giving him an answer with a dismissive look she answered. "Well Issei, for someone in your situation one would think you would study the world's mythology like your life depended on it, especially when your little master is a descendant of the witch of Lucifer."

'Poor Sam. She is still haunted by that day, isn't she.'

Fighting the pit in his stomach Issei replied, trying to keep his voice as level as possible, an image of a blonde man crying over the lifeless body of a red-headed woman. Shaking it off he answered, taking a mocking tone. "I was too busy fighting for my life for it to matter. Like a certain time that I killed you without understanding truly what my sacred gear was."

"To believe your past's version of myself was so weak, though she did something right if you were tormented even in death." Her eyes lit up as horns appeared on either side of her head. The two front-facing white horns finished forming an artificial crown, she unfurled six black wings in excitement in the process, continuing. "But I am far different and more caring to my little dragon than she could of-" Her speech was cut off by a folder lightly tapping Issei on the head, both her and the boy turning to see who it is.

"So..." Red eyes dug into the both of them. "How am I supposed to react to this?" A blank face adorned Elisabeth's beautiful face, as she looked at the injured six-winged Fallen and the unconscious Mei in Issei's arms. Raynare forcefully undid the add-ons to her disguise, while Issei's mind raced a mile a minute trying to come up with something to say. Elisabeth's eyes returned to Mei and sighed. "I'm assuming Yamamoto is not feeling well... And if that's the case send her to the nurse." She then looked at Issei crossing her arms. "You and I need to have a conversation after school, don't go anywhere after the final bell."

At her voice, however, Mei fidgeted in Issei's arms, grabbing onto his shirt demanding the boy's attention. The returning blues grew wide as the floor below them shifted that of his dreamscape. "What the hell?"

"Never mind creating a close bond, at this point, it would be irresponsible to leave her alone my dear wielder."

(...)

The day hasn't been great for one Rias Gremory, not only has Issei remained absent for the last two weeks, but Akeno hadn't shown herself to the ORC for the same amount. For some reason, she was actively ignoring Rias. Akeno was choosing to skip club activities, choosing to go home straight away or to help Hanakai with her duties much to Sona's approval. Now however the day had become even worse, Riser Phenex had announced an engagement that she wants no part of, and according to her parents, the arrangement had been a recent one that neither party can reasonably refuse.

Turning the corner she rounded up to the ORC's club room putting on a fake smile for the remaining two members, but when the door opened she welcomed quite the sight. Mirroring her own treatment of her Fallen guest prior Yuuto was hanging above her desk bloodied and in the buff. Seeing this Rias put her hands up in shock her movements were slow as she made her way to him.

(...)

A gruesome sight, they saw Raynare hanging from the ceiling with two chains holding her up by her arms, her arms were covered in blood as the chains tore at her skin. Raynare was completely naked as her borrowed hoodie and blazer were neatly folded on the desk in the back of the room. She was looking down as her bangs slowly dripped a red crimson down her face, her face was expressionless, and her eyes were dull without light. Then there was the rest, her pale skin was covered in bruises and cuts.

(...)

The moment that she was close enough to examine him further a young female voice entered her ears. "That's far enough I'm afraid." the voice came from a hood figure who just entered her line of vision, taking a seat at one of the couches in the middle of the room she... The hooded figure continued. "Come sit, I would not bother with him quite yet it is not like he is suffering at the moment, poor Isaiah, he was given his freedom, and yet his quest for revenge led him here. It's a shame really now that every one of them is dead, all because the church's leadership could not let things be."

Rias was shocked at the stranger's behavior even more so if what this person says is true. That Yuuto is no longer with them is something she did not believe in the slightest. Though she wanted to check on the hanging Yuuto she decided it was best to follow the figure's words. Carefully she lowered herself on the opposite couch, her eyes never leaving the figure in front of her. Rias' face wearing a mask to hide under indifference.

When Gremory king was seated the figure continued after a brief moment of silence. "I would say I owe you an apology, but I was not the one who started this." The figure produced a broken knight's piece from her robes, Rias' heart breaking at the sight. "It was he who challenged me, and I am a fan of the theatrics so this was more Issei's benefit, not mine." Taking note of Rias' shocked expression the figure laughed. "I won't say much on the subject, but I do owe him and his family a great deal... My life even, and Isaiah here tried to take that life away from us."

"W-w-what do you mean?"

"You would think that stalking someone for a year and some change would prompt you to look into a certain someone's family. You have met his mother before, right?" The figure getting a nod from Rias. "And yet you still believe that their apparent humanity is all there was to them. I feel sorry for you."

"And why does this have to do with what you did to Yuuto?" Rias, trying to keep her emotions in check, asked the cloaked girl.

"Probably the easiest question to answer, simple payback is a far better price to pay than the alternative. Let's just say the mother and uncle are far more unforgiving than I will ever be, especially with someone in your position." She produced a dog tag with '21' engraved on its face. It began to glow as tossed at the coffee table in front of it a holy sword appeared landing on the table's surface between the pair, the faux Excalibur that was in Issei's possession the Holy Moonlight Sword. A thud rang out through the room and the person in front of Rias placed the broken chess piece facing Rias on the table.

Rias looked at both items with a blank expression, mildly succeeding at not letting her true feelings known. "What is that?" She pointed at the sword

"bargaining cheap, a weapon, a gift, or an apology. For what it is worth it's the insurance on your life when the inevitable happens... Issei seems to care a great deal about you, and as a person who cares for him, you living past the upcoming events will put him at ease." The figure got up from the seat and started walking out of the room not before turning her head to face Rias. "If you excuse me I have a former priest that a mutual friend tasked me with finding." She finished as another thud could be heard from the direction of Rias' desk that the girl herself was afraid to look in.

When Rias was sure the hooded stranger had left she let out a few choked breaths as tears started to form in her eyes. Quickly she got up from where she was sitting and with blurred vision moved to the desk, toward the lifeless body of Kiba Yuuto. The last of her self-restraint was at its limit when the mask she was wearing fell away, and with the boy's bloodied head cradled at her chest, the cries of anguish and pain were all that remained.

(...)

Raynare was in the school's nurse's office, as she was looking over the unconscious Mei and Issei. Issei had suddenly collapsed in the classroom earlier and if it wasn't for her or their new homeroom teacher things might have ended badly, but not anything Twilight Healing could not fix. Sitting at Issei's bedside playing with his phone trying to entertain herself.

A sudden shift in temperature took over the room as the chair that was placed beside her vanished, and in its place was a blonde girl sporting a pixie cut with long bangs in the robes that recently Raynare came to despise. "There goes what was left of my good mood. What do you want?"

"What kind of woman would I be if I didn't see how my fiancé was doing before I left. I assume that this wasn't your fault, homewrecker." The blonde girl said pointedly

"Homewrecker? For your information, I am the only person here in an actual romantic relationship with him and not hung up on a promise I made when we were both children." Raynare retorted.

"Only because I wasn't here, not that you would understand deep emotional bonds, a cradle robber like yourself would never understand."

Taking a deep, deep breath she calmed herself down. "I am not going to dignify that with a response, so I take it that seeing Issei is not what you are here for." she began speaking to the girl, letting cooler heads prevail.

"You are quite right, Raynelle. I had something to take care of before I begin my search. Speaking of which, you wouldn't know where to find our excommunicated priest would you?" The blonde asked.

Placing the phone on her lap, Raynare brought a finger up to her chin in thought. "Honestly, France would be your best bet."

"Why there?"

"Well you have Durandal, Excalibur is 'missing', and the Pendragon's head has Caliburn. Which would only leave..."

"Oh no." The blonde exclaimed, knowing where the final holy sword was located and what it was. Turning to Raynare she continued. "Do I have to?" A nod from the disguised angel in response. "Couldn't you come with me, or better yet go in my place instead?"

"As much as I want to... You and I know very well that I can't Irina. Besides you would think that a former hero would jump at the chance." Raynare retorted.

Irina looked confused as cupped her chin in thought. "Bad memories... Are you sure that he is after Ascalon? If that's the case he is definitely after one of the Dragon Emperors." Sighing at her own words she continued. "But that a foolish thought to be had, no one is dumb enough to go after either now that both of this generation are active and have been seen on friendly terms."

"You talking like that was from a point of experience."

Irina blushed as she thought back to Issei in full butler garb. "Not my proudest moment I am afraid... But neither here nor there." Clearing her throat she changed the subject to her object of thought. "So... What happened here?" She questioned, pointing at the two unconscious teens.

"Well..." Raynare recaps the morning's events. After explaining what led up to the current scene in front of him. Looking at Mei she turned to Irina and enquired about her. "Do you recognize this girl?" A question coming after a moment of thought.

Taking a good look at Mei, Irina shook her head. "I don't know her, why?"

The visibly upset Raynare brought her attention to Mei, she was in the line of thought that like Irina and the knight of Gremory the girl in front of them was one of the church's experiments, one of its artificial humans or one of its 'Heroes'. That would made the following events much easier to deal with, not that the alternative was much better. In fact, that possibility was the far better option, though the guilt she felt looking at Mei only grew. 'No need to think about that now, you need to focus on the present. You need to focus on Issei.' She tried to direct her thoughts.

"It's not an answer that will bring you happiness... Sam." Those words repeat themselves once more in her head. "When are you going to accept that she is gone... You will Fall like our siblings at this rate. Is that something you want? I won't take pride in sealing you as I did with them. There are things father left for you to do." Those words stung her most, trying to force herself into the present she looked at Irina intently.

'Fucking Gabriel.' Was her final thought as she returned to the conversation with the present company. "So, she is not one of your benefactors' toys then?" The question offered a tremendous amount of bite to it.

"Should I take that seriously Raynelle? Or do you feel the same as I do, and if that's the case remember as long as you are at Issei's side we won't have a problem." Irina said, the holy sword Durandal seemingly materializing in her hand, with one solid motion she threw the great sword at a wall across the room. Before it made impact a woman in a lab coat ducked out of the way of the incoming blade. She appeared from what seemed like thin air as she was gasping for breath. Irina now makes her way to the shocked black-headed woman, her blues meeting brown. "What do we have here? It looks like Lucifer sent one of his to look over my sleeping fiancé." The shock grew in the woman when Irina roughly picked up the woman from her prone position. Looking at the woman, she spoke to Raynare while keeping the spy in her sight and drawing her sword from the wall it was lodged in. "I take it you got things from here, I have a lot to deal with already."

Raynare took one look at the woman shaking under Irina's touch. "You gotta be kidding right?"

"Hey you might tolerate the devil's politics, but I for one... Don't."

"Yet you jumped at the chance to become one, you and Mittelt both. Fine, just remember who the true enemy is." Raynare retorted, her wings sprouting out of her back.

(...)

Mei woke up in a bed that was not hers, she looked around seeing a room out of the fantasy genre. Getting up from the princess bed she came face to face with a grandfather clock. Though the clock despite not seeing it before seemed familiar. She continued to look around confused, her eyes landing on an expensive-looking desk with a stack of papers, a well-worn Lenten, and a desk mirror on its surface. Approaching from behind her was a woman's voice that for some reason recognized.

"Glad to see that you are awake already Mei, I would have figured that the amount of magic you put in that spell you used on my darling Issei would have had you sleeping for hours. It seems that Kage is supplementing for whatever is keeping you human." Mei listened to the woman as she entered the room in a French maid costume and all.

"Wait Faf-chan... I have magic? Wait... What happened with Issei? Did I do something to him?" Mei questioned. Trying to remember what happened she got a splitting headache, she dropped to her knees grabbing her head in pain. A voice in the back of her head spoke to her softly, 'trying to take something that doesn't belong to you isn't very nice.' Her vision blurred slightly. 'Be a good girl and listen to Fafnir, she will explain everything. This is a first though, after seven long years you have surprised me. Though I am glad, getting you a boyfriend, a daemon at that is far easier than the alternative.' The voice subsided as her vision returned to normal.

"Of course, my dear wielder would attract someone very interesting, I have not introduced myself but you already know my name. Well Mei, would you like to explain to me how you know it?"