Disclaimer: I do not own High school DxD


Chapter 8


Waking up early in the morning was always such a drag.

Waking up early in the morning during Mondays was hell…but being honest after being dragged out of his bed early in the morning to go train alongside Devils in a secluded mountain Manor to then being set to collect Holy Elements from the abandoned church, the church he destroyed mind you, waking up early to class was a godsend – a return to normality.

So, even if his body didn't want to, he got up and readied himself for school. After dressing himself and drinking his habitual cup of coffee he left the small apartment; thankfully this time without leaving the stove on.

He checked his phone; already fifteen minutes ahead of his usual schedule – Good.

He checked the Traffic; there wasn't much so his bus wouldn't take too long, perhaps this time he would be able to take an earlier line.

There were no sudden constructions on site or kidnapped Nuns needing rescue.

The Weather was good; all seemed to be, dare he say, Ideal.

…Perhaps his luck wouldn't play him a bad hand today…it was unlikely…but possible nonetheless.

He earned a rest after working so hard this entire week. Speaking of which, he had to ask Rias how the Rating Game went…

Today would be a normal day, just go to school early, no detention and he would have the entire afternoon to himself.

"…Yeah – today will be the perfect school day…"


"What do you mean there are no classes today!" his eyes were wide, almost popping out of their socket, and his chin was hitting the floor, he couldn't believe his ears.

As for the girl in front of him, she was composed, carrying herself with the same aura of authority that characterized her and came with her position as Vice-president of the Student Council. With her mixed purple and brown eyes staring at him through her framed glasses she spoke in a cordial and serious manner; never letting any emotion compromise her poise.

"Yes Hirai-san, Kaichou passed down a letter to every student saying that due to the upcoming Dodge-ball Tournament classes will be halted during a few days, all school Clubs are supposed to use this time to work on their teamwork…I was pretty sure everyone got it."

"I didn't receive anything…" The silver haired teen responded while uncomfortably rubbing the back of his head.

Of all the things in the world from Devils, Angels and Fallen Angels school information not being delivered in time – that made her raise both eyebrows in surprise.

"Perhaps it got lost in the Mail Office…still if you attended school during the past week you should have known of the upcoming Tournament…" she said while sending him a very sharp, very scrutinizing glare.

He felt his blood run cold and his hands sweat – even if Tsubaki Shinra didn't have the overwhelming dictatorial pressure that Sona exhibited; she still was the vice-president and, to be the second hand of someone like the heir of Sitri herself, she still had to have some control over the students of Kuoh Academy – simply put, if Sona was the mafia boss Tsubaki was her hitman.

"…That's the thing…I was out of town…for ten days…it was an unannounced trip…even for me" he blurted out in between nervous side glances.

"Huh? Doing what if I may ask?" her tone came sharp and her glasses reflected all light, as she casted a judging gaze upon him – truly she was deserving of her position as Vice-President.

A completely serious and deadpan face answered her question.

"…Being kidnapped against my will by Rias and acting as her fetching boy…" Katsuo said while looking soullessly at the girl before him; a girl that appeared to be completely unfazed by the legal implication of what he just said – clearing his throat and changing his demeanor from a soulless person to a functioning human being he proceeded to ask the big question on his mind "Still; dodge ball is a pretty lousy excuse to cancel classes and Kaichou being the slave driver that she is…I find it odd…"

"Hirai-san is not good to talk about Kaichou in that manner!" The Vice-president said, indignant at the accusation against The President of the Student council "…but I guess you are right; the doge ball tournament is the official story – the real reason is because today is celebration of Rias-sama first Rating Game"

"Ohhh now that makes sense – I guess that is also the reason why Kaichou isn't here"

"Precisely – After the match concluded she went straight to the Underworld"

That left a question in his mind…a question he was dreading the answer to…either because it would be too stupid or too ingenious – or, if he was correct, it was both

"…You've been here the whole night…" he asked, dreading the answer this rabbit hole would lead him to.

"Yes, watching the Rating Game with Kaichou" the tall girl nonchalantly in turn responded.

"…and why didn't you join them"

"Kaichou told me to wait here for you"

"…she knew I'll come here…despite not having class…"

"She mentioned something like that – also that you were perhaps training with Rias"

At this point his head was hurting.

"…and you put me through the ringer because?"

"She said it was enjoyable to tease you"

He couldn't go on…if his bad luck didn't kill him one day...these devils surely would. So instead of going on a rampage across town, he decided to simply inhale and exhale and handle his rising heartbeat later. Calmly and in between breathing exercises he kept questioning the girl before him.

"…So…how did it go? The Rating Game I mean"

"You don't know?" Tsubaki asked while lifting an eyebrow in curiosity.

"I don't think normal cable plans includes streaming services of the Underworld Shinra-senpai…" Katsuo responded in an attempt to humor the conversation…and not lose his temper for what just transpired

"Sorry…I should have known" the vice-president responded, an exaggerated pained expression clear on her face.

"It's no big deal…so?" he quickly dismissed her worry with a halfhearted hand wave, and would be for a few seconds shocked for what he was about to see.

Tsubaki Shinra; the vice president of the student council, the right hand of Souna Shitori and Queen of Sona Sitri, the girl who appeared as apathetic as Koneko and was the second most serious-by-the-book person in the school behind only Sona herself – that girl smiled in genuinely warm happiness for just a second, but a second nonetheless.

"They Won"

And as soon as her smile appeared, it was replaced by her serious face once again. Instead of staring at her like her smile was an omen of the apocalypse, he decided to act like a normal human being, accepting what happened and continuing with the conversation.

"Well that is a relief…well I better get back home, no much use staying inside an empty school" the silver-haired teen said while letting an audible, and very long, sigh.

"You are not coming"

Paying no attention to her surprised face he started walking backwards; making his way out of the school while keeping eye contact with the vice-president.

"I don't think ex-exorcist are invited to underworld parties…send my regards to Rias and Kaichou…Ciao Shinra-senpai"

Katsuo said while exiting the school grounds, making a small hand wave to the girl behind him and preparing himself for a day relaxation…if the forces of the universe would let him have any…


His body was drifting in a dark sea; there was no up and down, no right or left, just a blanket of darkness that wrapped and enclosed his body. There was no pain, no feeling of broken bones, no blood coming out of his mouth and no burning sensation – not anymore – He felt safe in the black canvas, in peace, a sensation that he hasn't felt in a while; like a mother's embrace.

A single thing shared this personal space of his, from the corner of his eyes he could see it, if only faintly. It was the disembodied head of a dragon made out of crimson flames with two bright green orbs. A powerful voice came from it as it opened its jaw.

[You have done well Partner, sure gave that little Devil a scare to last him a lifetime. There is much to do before we can face the White One, much you need to know and much I need to explain – but for the Time being enjoy your Victory, you earned it]

And as soon as he heard that ancient booming voice, it was gone, the void enveloping him once again. His body felt at ease and he could feel something aside the darkness, around his left arm resting gently on top of it; very soft and gentle and most importantly warm. This warmness, this feeling, he felt it before – he focused his clouded consciousness on that feeling and before he knew it…

…his eyes opened.

Slowly but surely the curtains were opened and revealed his surroundings. He was in enormously large room that seemed ripped straight out of Victorian England; It all looked expensive, royally expensive if he had to say so himself. The room was painted in crimson, the bed was; huge calling it double king sized would be a disservice, the furniture was masterfully crafted and a golden chandelier was hanging on the ceiling; a chandelier that gave no light aside the reflection of the moonlight on its surface.

Yet despite all of this it wasn't the curtains, the gold nor the furniture that caught his attention the most – no – he was entranced by the person that laid on top of him, the source of warmness he felt earlier; with her blazing crimson hair and clear blue eyes there was no mistaking it. She was naked and her eyes had tears long dried, but when his eyes opened a small but warm smile formed on her lips.

Issei couldn't do anything but stare at Rias for what to him seemed like an eternity, he tried to get some words out but none would come, he just kept staring at her with his mouth agape…and as he was about to mutter something…

"…the party must be already over…you've been sleeping for a while" Rias spoke with a sweet but faint voice "…are you okay"

"…y-yeah…it's just…" Issei responded, trying to lift his body up before being stopped by a soft hand being placed on his chest.

Her face gave it away – her mouth was slit shut, her eyebrows were heavy and her eyes were opened and focused on him, it was similar to the sisterly gaze she gave to the rest of her Peerage…yet at the same time they were different; they carried unshed tears and they seemed longing for an unfulfilled dream – even he, at this precise moment, could hear the cries of her heart.

"…Dummy…you gave it all and beyond against Riser…even after being injured…you pulled power beyond your capabilities, power that would've damage your body…for my sake…Why?"

While he could've stopped and thought his answer through, so that no misunderstanding could arise from his words, his brain had already shot down and before he could register it – from his once befuddled mouth came pouring out the voice of his heart.

"…because I couldn't stand it…I couldn't stand to see Riser's face as he took your freedom away. I couldn't stand being unable to save someone I cherish again; I failed to save Asia. I laid unconscious as someone else had to rescue us. I couldn't stop blaming myself for being useless, not even today…but I guess…I guess the biggest reason why is because I couldn't stand to see you cry…"

For a moment her once slit mouth shifted into an innocent smile and the unshed tears from before took a small peek out of her blue, a small blush setting on her cheeks in the process, and with a sincere and soft voice she responded.

"You dummy…"

Time passed and none dared utter a word as they kept basking in each other's presence and the moonlight of the underworld. Later Rias moved from her position on top of him and sat on the edge of the bed, watching carefully the night sky as Issei was slowly raising his upper body while keeping his gaze fixed on her bare back and crimson hair.

"…We were able to cancel it this time but…there will be more in the future, more talks of engagement and more devils trying to take the 'Gremory' name as a prize. If this continues to go on, I don't know..." Rias' voice left her mouth in a moment of weakness, no longer was her previous happiness nor the innocence Issei was able to draw out of her – this was the Heir of Gremory speaking and she would have said her part if it wasn't for a certain hotheaded boy…

"Then I'll beat them just like that dumb Yakitori! I will use this body and the Boosted Gear for all it's worth, I'll push them to their limits and beyond if it means protecting you…Buchou! I don't know much of the Gremory family and devil society! I don't have the power of Akeno, the skill Kiba, the strength of Koneko, nor the healing of Asia! I'm just a Pawn…Still I will become the Strongest Pawn to protect you! Because I like Rias the way she is…"

Issei felt two soft hands over his cheeks – he had no idea when or how Rias closed the distance between the two, but he was aware of it when he felt the warm of her body enveloping him once again.

Truth be told, he had more to say. In his mind he had countless words he wanted to express to her, too many to count and perhaps too many for one night…if there was any chance of continuing his tirade, that chance was lost when he felt Rias' soft lips pressed against his – at that moment all rationale, every thought he wanted to voice and every word that was about to leave his mouth were wiped away by her kiss; it was desperate yet gentle and deep yet inexperienced but most of all – it was innocent.

What were actual seconds became hours for him and when they finally pulled back, he could see the deep blush spreading through her cheeks. With a cheeky tone and lustful demeanor she spoke, hiding the shyness she was actually feeling.

"The girls of Japan say that a first Kiss is something to treasure, am I correct?"

"…Y-YEAH, I-I GUESS…BUT…IS IT ALREIGHT WITH ME?"

As soon as the allure in her voice appeared it was discarded for a more heartfelt approach.

"You went above and beyond for me that was worth at least that much. Consider this your reward" and as fast as it disappeared another teasing smile spread through her face; her voice became alluring once again "….Say Ise…Do you want my virginity too…?"

"YES PLEASE, I WANT IT!"

"Geez…so perverted, yet so honest too ~ ufufu ~"

A throat being cleared broke the moment between the two as their attention was drawn to the silver-haired maid who, without sound or notice, magically appeared in the center of the room.

"As much as that would make Sirzechs-sama grin in delight, I figured the celebration is in need of both its host and the conquering hero…" Grayfia voice, as always, was colder than any place on earth and the underworld combined; that much was expected of someone of her status – yet even in the coldest place of the arctic a ray of light will always pierce through the clouds and shine on the frozen landscape – her eyes focused on Issei and for a second the end of her mouth twitched upwards"…good job"

Like a ghost she appeared and like a ghost she disappeared, this time she at least had the decency to leave through the door.

Event after event his mind tried to catch up with what was happening in front of him; all was going too fast, so fast that he barely registered when Rias stepped out of the bed, so fast that he could only stand in bewilderment when glowing thin red lines of fabric danced around his and Rias naked bodies. When the magically enhanced fibers finished their dance he was left wearing a formal suit with a red rose on the side, while Rias wore a long red and black dress.

She extended her hand to him and lifted him up the bed – with the most sincere smile she could muster, and with a voice full of childlike innocence and joy she spoke.

"Come Ise"

She guided him out of the room and as the door opened he was met with the sight of people he knew, like Sona and her Peerage, people he didn't know, like two older men with crimson hair and blue eyes, but most importantly of all – the sight of his friends Asia, Koneko, Kiba and Akeno; all of them clapping and with smiles on their faces – yet the smile that trumped them all was that of Rias, it truly warmed his heart.


The way back home wasn't so hard. He lived relatively close to the school, around fifteen minutes if he used the subway, twenty five if he decided to use the bus and approximately fifty minutes if he decided to go by foot. He would have used the subway today, but suddenly all the lines were shut down. He tried waiting for the bus but it never came…waited for the next one and was met with the same result…

…he could only sigh at this point…

'So going by foot it is'

And so he started his trip back. While making his way back, going through the shopping district, he couldn't help but to marvel at the scenery before him; all the people that went on with their lives, all the kids that played outside in the park, the salary-men that worked till midnight and the mothers who cared for their family, all unaware of the other side of world that stayed hidden beneath their noses – a dangerous but marvelous world, a world that was separated from the normal yet influenced it at the same time – before he knew it he fell into introspection.

'Kuoh is a nice town – It appears to be usually quiet, there isn't a lot of crime around town…the problems the people face are more akin to a cat being stuck in a tree or some wannabe delinquents steeling from a vending machine…sure…there is the rare disappearance here and there; most likely from a Stray Devil who is prowling the area…but Rias and Sona dispatch of it pretty quickly – still that makes me wonder if the normal people, who doesn't know about Stray Devils and the supernatural, have already accepted the fact of the disappearances like another part of life; like saying the sky is blue and water is moist…'

His thoughts were cut short as he made his way out of the shopping district and started walking through the more suburban areas of town. Katsuo hadn't taken four steps before he could see a familiar sight before him; a small kid, probably about eight years old, wheelchair bound was looking up at a three with sorrowful eyes. He knew the kid, his name was Yahiro, an orphan that had a hard childhood and was left wheelchair bound because of it. Thankfully he found himself in the care of a foster home alongside other orphans…still he knew that the wounds of orphanage ran deep…

Katsuo made his way to the small boy and followed his gaze to the spot those sorrowful eyes were locked to.

"…Hey there buddy, its Kuro again?"

"Aniki! When did you get here?" the boy in question said with excitement in his eyes – later once again shifting to their previous sorrowful state "…Yes...I didn't see him today…I thought he would come later and paid no mind to it but…"

"I get it, I get it…want me to get him down"

"…would you?"

"I got the day free so…I don't see the harm in it" Katsuo made his way to the tree all while keeping eye contact with the black cat.

Without thinking it twice he opened his palm and dug deep into the solid wood. The strong oak gave away like cardboard in his hands; his fingers taking a firm hold of the tree as sprinters touched and failed to pierce his skin. He pushed himself upwards, climbing the tree one hand at the time, and before he knew it he was already facing those yellow feline orbs head on.

Kuro was a black stray cat that frequented the area; he liked being spoiled by people and liked the company of children, he stayed most of the time with Yahiro since the boy loved petting him and giving him tuna. Despite that Kuro didn't stay in one place for long, rather he rotated around the city willed only by his free spirit – but the one thing Kuro didn't like…was Katsuo Hirai.

So it didn't come as a surprise when the cat started hissing and swiping with his claws defensively. Still he took the cat with one hand and while the cat attempted to scratch his face, not that the cat could physically hurt him, the silver-haired boy dropped down the tree in a free fall; impacting and shattering the pavement without even a sign of acknowledgement all while protecting the feline in his hands – his legs might as well met a soft cushion by his nonchalantly reaction.

Star-struck – that was the best way to explain the look in Yahiro's eyes as he watched the teen before him achieve the impossible. Taking the now more calm and stable cat into his hands the wheelchair boy exclaimed in wonder.

"Awesome!"

"Take care of him, I will not be here every time you both are in need…you know I have school and stuff..."

There was melancholy in Katsuo's voice at the time, a normal teen or adult could have noticed it immediately – yet the boy's childlike innocence was oblivious to it.

"But you always are Aniki!"

"Perhaps…for now anyway…" Katsuo's eyes wondered to the sky above him; his eyelid became heavy and his smile dropped – two seconds passed before directing his view to the boy before him once again. His mouth formed the best smirk he could muster at the time "you should go back to your friends, they must be worried sick"

"Will do Aniki!…say, will you be back tomorrow?"

"Only if I have time – I'll see you around"

And with that last interaction he continued his trip back home; leaving the boy behind him, a purring cat in his hands and a smile on his face.

'I can't give Yahiro a family…nor can I give him his legs back…but…if I can help him smile just one day…keep his hope alive…I guess it will amount to something'

He kept walking through the suburban areas and thankfully didn't find any trouble, slowly but surely getting close to his destination. There weren't many vehicles in this area, it wasn't as busy with people as the shopping district and there wasn't as much traffic as the industrial zones or the inner town. So calling his reaction a surprise, when he saw from a distance a Pick up Truck stuck head deep into a sinkhole in the street, that would be a cosmic understatement – truly the world hated him.

Without thinking it twice he approached the scene at a casual pace; now as he edged closer to the truck he could discern another figure standing beside the sunken vehicle, a middle aged man, who by the looks of his face was having the freak-out of his life.

"…Ahem…is everything in order sir?" the silver-haired youth asked in the most cordial yet nervous manner.

What a stupid question that was.

"Oh thank god!" the man exclaimed to the skies, later shifting his eyes to the boy before him and, with no introductions or acknowledgement to the teen's previous question, he ordered "Kid quickly! Give me your Phone!"

"…sorry…but I don't have any…"

"Shit! Then go your way Kid…You're no use anyway!" the man screamed in frustration, between clenched teeth another angry whisper escaped his mouth "…Shit…my boss is gonna kill me…"

As for Katsuo there was just one sentiment he had for the man before him.

'…What a dick…'

It would have been easy to leave this man, let him drown in his worries and self pity and after being insulted and barely acknowledged by him that notion was very tempting.

Let this man get what he deserved for insulting him, cause more damage to his truck so that even if he gets it out it would be impossible to drive; add insult to injury and let him see how it feels. A feral side of him sang this tune, as his blood boiled and his heart pumped…perhaps if he had been younger he would have sung along…Nowadays – the voice of his soul called to him with larger might and though he could ignore the call…it never felt good to do so…

Katsuo dropped his backpack and rolled his sleeves, looked around him to confirm that no one, aside the middle aged man, was watching and, with a heavy and reluctant sigh, dropped into the sinkhole. The man screamed something but it fell on deaf ears.

From his position he could see that the vehicle indeed was stuck deep into the hole but miraculously didn't receive much damage aside from an irregularly bended bumper and a broken headlight. Though it was stuck pretty deep, so from his position he would have to lift the small truck and give it a mighty push or scale the hole with the thing of his back – both scenarios were viable and both scenarios were plausible for him, after all it was just 6 tons – so he concentrated, gathered all the tension of his body, all his strength, gripped the bumper and pushed…

The man kept yelling from the outside either in angriness or concern, as he tried to peek inside the deep hole, but all his words died in his throat when the truck started rising. The man backed away in fear and astonishment falling on his butt in the process while some supernatural force was pulling his truck out of the hole.

When the truck finally rose back to the surface, the man could see the silver-haired person he had previously insulted – both of his hands were gripping the front of the truck and his arms were spread wide and his face…looked totally fine…he didn't seem strained at all, on the contrary he looked rather confident and smug regarding the whole ordeal.

When both he and the vehicle finally fully touched ground, officially out of the hole, the high school teen gave the vehicle one last push that send it rolling five meters away from the sinkhole before stopping. Later said teen approached his bag and nonchalantly picked it up while addressing the man, whose chin was hanging low and eyes were wide open.

"Sorry about the whole phone thing, I can't afford one right now. Anyway I hope that I was of use" Katsuo said adding the tiniest bit of spice to the sea of smugness that was pouring out of his mouth – now in route back home once again, he had just once comment to say to the still shell shocked man behind him "Oh sorry I forgot…do tell your boss and coworkers that you arrived late, because your truck got stuck in a hole and had to wait for a high school kid to pull it out…anyways have a nice day"

He normally hated acting this smug and arrogant…but given the day and the person in question…he felt good about it.

Now back on track on his way back home.

'I don't usually pray…but I've had enough of rescuing cats and pulling trucks for one day…so please God, Buddha or Mao if any of you can answer this prayers let me get home without nothing stopping me…please…'


Something did stop him.

…Someone to be more precise

This Person, his newest obstacle, had a very distinct look; he was tall appearing to be in his twenties with an average build, black hair with golden bangs and black goatee. The man appeared to be homeless when he first appeared before him, begging for food and having a worn out blanket draped on his shoulders…he appeared desperate and hungry, so Katsuo took the homeless man to a local dinner expecting him to share a small yet fulfilling meal…but…the menu didn't even touch the man's hand before all pretense of humbleness was dropped…

Now he sat across him – the man was already on his sixth ramen bowl and third sake bottle while his bowl was barely touched.

He couldn't but deadpan at the sight.

"Ahhhh – that hits the spot – I'm telling you Garyu-kun there is nothing like a good bottle of sake at the end of day to celebrate" the self-proclaimed homeless man said while twirling the bottle between fingers.

"…My name is Katsuo…"

"Whatever you say Garyu-kun" the older man proceeded to drink the bottle of liquor in his hands and after a long, and exaggerated, relief sigh he spoke again "say Garyu-kun; you're a good Samaritan, aside from helping the helpless and feeding the hungry what else is your objective in life…"

He sighed yet responded nonetheless.

"…Graduate, get a job, find a woman who is willing to maintain me and live the rest of my life in peace"

For some reason this made the older man before him loose himself in thoughts; as he closed his eyes and stroked his goatee.

"Hmm, yes, good, you want to live like a bum – admirable!" the man in question responded his eyes now full open and a smirk on his mouth.

As for the teenage boy…well…his forehead dented the table in return.

"…Why people say that…" Katsuo said as a depression cloud washed over him.

That didn't stop the man as he kept speaking in the most serious way possible.

"But that won't be enough, no, if you truly want to live like a proud male lion – you have to get yourself a harem!"

"Waitress can I have the check please" there was no hesitation in his voice only despair.

"Hear me out Garyu-kun! You want to live like a bum that means that you will provide less than the average working male; so in turn you have to find more wives that can provide what you can't…"

…He wanted the world to crush him at this point.

"…I can't believe I'm having this conversation…with another person that isn't Issei!"

As Katsuo began to drown in depression the older man continued his tirade.

"Aside from being maintained; just think of all the boob types you would have in your harem…"

"Not Interested – and I don't like dating more than one girl at the time…It's a bad omen…" his response was quick, if being friends with a perverted devil thought him anything was how to deal with this sort of person.

"To me it looks like you don't even know what it's like to date one girl at the time"

"…why so harsh…" blood tears streaked out of his eyes.

"That won't matter when you have a harem of your own, think of all the butt sizes, all the fantasies you can fulfill – I can share some personal experiences – there was this time…"

Issei normally exclusively talked about breast, he never concerned himself with the rear area of the female body and Issei never spoke from experience just imagination – still he had enough fortitude to resist the fantasies that this man preached.

"…Not Interested…"

Though he denied it, the man with the golden bangs sensed trepidation in his voice and, like a shark that just tasted blood in the water, his teeth blared in delight.

"Ohhh ~ Am I breaking the invincible defense of Garyu-kun, then what about thighs; with their fat being subtly pushed in by the thigh high"

He ignored it and didn't respond with words, opting to eat the now cold bowl of ramen before him yet his cheeks reddened a bit at the mental image instilled on him – that was response enough.

"…"

"I see you are a man of culture, yet a closeted pervert at the same time – then what do you say about cute panties, endless girls with lingerie of all types – just think of…"

This man spoke with experience; not only of the matter at hand but the technique and charisma he exuded. It was as if he had been tempting others with perverted fantasies all his life – the worst of all, it worked. In his years hearing Roman's 'teachings', in the time of knowing Issei unlimited lecherousness, neither of the two perverts had drove him to lashing out…

"…OK, STOP IT…I'm not interested in a Harem!"

…and possible accept a very well kept secret.

"Ding, Ding, Ding, It seems that I hit the jackpot ~ you are a panty-obsessed closet pervert~" the older man took another swing of his bottle and for a second his voice turned a bit serious without losing its previous jester-like charm – with it he spoke very quietly "…but I'm not surprised…if the apple didn't fall so far from the tree I would also be terrified of dating more than one lady…"

That comment intrigued him.

"…What do you want…it's clear you aren't really a homeless man, so what's the deal"

The man before him snorted playfully before responding.

"Well you could say that I've always been drawn to interesting people, I have serious soft spot for Strays specially – so watching one as interesting as yourself drew me in like a moth to a flame"

"…What do you mean to-"

"You'll learn the meaning of it soon enough, but for now let's enjoy the food and liquor "

This was weird; this man was too vague with his words and hinted at things that he couldn't possibly know…unless…this man wasn't human. There was no tingling on his back, which meant no danger or ill intent coming from the older man. Perhaps if Katsuo had any type of reliable supernatural sensory abilities, he would have known the truth…sadly he couldn't sense magic the magic of others despite having an abundance of it himself.

His aqua eyes narrowed and met the opposing Violet ones – there was more to this man that meets the eye…

"Who are you? Really…"

"Who am I…heh…you should have asked earlier – I'm the Governor!"

"…The Governor..."

"YES! I am the Governor – The Blazer Shining or Darkness Blade Governor"

…or the man was completely crazy and he was over thinking things.

"…Oh…you are just some nut…" Katsuo said as all the seriousness and tension of the situation deflated like a punctured balloon "…listen it was well and all helping a 'homeless guy' but I'm in very serious need of rest so I'll be going my way…"

The Governor raised his bottle in a toast to him, unsure if to celebrate him or…no, he was mocking him, definitely mocking him.

"Sure, sure – take heed wandering hero…but first wouldn't you mind paying the bill; I'm just a humble man after all…"

He wanted to get all this day over, he had no energy and didn't want to keep arguing with what he considered was a complete nut case. So he asked once again for the bill and pulled his wallet. The waitress came smiling and placed the bill before him and read the number in joyful delight; at the time he thought his ears betrayed him…he looked at the bill and blinked twice, then a third and fourth time, then a fifth and a sixth – no matter how many times he opened and closed his eyes the number on the bill remained static. Suddenly he heard the voice of the Governor behind his right ear saying in mocking fashion.

"That is a lot of zeros"


Leaving early in the morning to school only for him to return late at night; what was a small trip of one hour lasted him a whole day and what amounted to a day free became a day full of occurrences. Days like these made him want to spend time in detention inside the Student Council room or chasing Issei down with a broadsword through the school woods…hell he would accept being sliced by Kiba again if it meant not having to deal with all the events that took place today.

So it wasn't hard to imagine that when he arrived home he collapsed directly with his bed and entered a deep slumber…


He dreamed of quieter times.

There wasn't much worry back there, no destiny, no curse, no strings of fate attached or so he remembered at the time.

The sound of wood clashing against wood permeated the area and juvenile panting could be heard. From a distance one could only see a small church, behind that church there was a creek, near said creek two figures clashed in battle; one of them was female and had long blue hair while the opposing figure was male with silver-white hair, both of them clad in their respective black battle suit. Their wood swords sang a tune of fierce yet friendly battle, both giving their all in the field…but at the end only one could win.

With one masterful swing the silver haired boy disarmed the blue haired girl and made her trip on her feet.

"No fair – you cheated again…"

"Perhaps I'm just better"

"No way! I've trained longer than you! All of us have!"

"…and I'm still better"

In the past the girl would have gotten angry at his words and yelled in return, but she was older now, by a small margin, but older nonetheless. So in response she simply pouted and crossed her arms in resignation. The boy in turn dropped the wooden blade and extended his arm.

"Come Xenovia – Griselda will get mad if she sees that we sneaked out to train…"

"One day I'll beat you!"

"I'm sure you will"

He meant those words, even if at the time they never came true.

The travel back at the church was quiet, too quiet and uncomfortable. The Boy didn't like that church, aside from Griselda and Xenovia he disliked the people that lived inside it, his so called peers; the girl knew it too…after all she had once harbored the same feelings of loathing against him and, though it pains him to acknowledge it, also he had against her.

"…They still hate me don't they…?"

"What does it matter...it's their problem not yours, so stop concerning yourself with them"

The boy remained calm and didn't answer, back then he was quiet, stoic, and apathetic – he didn't say much when it didn't had to do with the instructions given by their superiors. Still tried to be the best companion to the others as possible, but what was lack of social skills was interpreted by others as arrogance.

He continued walking through the wet soil until from the corner of his eye he saw something glowing in the river. Bright and entrancing, he felt a voiceless whisper compelling him to see what was in there and, for the surprise of the girl beside him, he obeyed this whisper. At the time he felt possessed, like something overpowered his will and strung him out of his path – luck, destiny, chance or God it didn't matter what made him move towards it, he would later learn that this meeting would be inevitable – Now facing the reflective surface of the river he could see clearly what it was hidden beneath the water; giving a an orange shine as bright as the sun, there was a ring….


Déjà vu

Crimson light and red energy woke him up once again; the magic circle of the Gremory family appearing on his floor and lighting up his apartment. The heiress of the House of Gremory appeared before him in a crimson flash, this time wearing a very elegant red and black dress instead of the usual school uniform.

This time he didn't jump out of his bed and headed for his weapon, no, this time his eyes shot open, black bags under them and muttered.

"…kill me…"

The Heiress of Gremory approached him, her vision casted down and her eyes obscured by her crimson hair.

"…Rias…I don't know what to say anymore…"

The Read-head didn't respond, just kept approaching him.

"…if this is about the debt I'm sure…"

His words died in a second when the proud heiress of the Gremory family, the Crimson-Ruin Princess, One of the Great Ladies of Kuoh, kneeled directly on the ground uncaring of her pristine dress and bowed so deeply that her forehead hit directly with the floor.

"Katsuo Hirai – I am sorry!" her voice was strained yet it boomed through his room.

In response to this only a simply sound left his throat.

"…What?"


"This is a bit better don't you think…"

"Yeah…I guess that I was a bit caught in the emotion of the moment…"

Rias sat across him, the small table on the center of the room providing distance between the two. Though she tried to act as composed as always the blush of embarrassment present in her cheeks was a hard tell; both of them had a freshly brewed cup of coffee on their hands that served different purposes – for Rias it helped her cover her out-of-character embarrassment and for Katsuo it helped him stay alive for a few more hours.

The tension was thick, so he tried to break the ice.

"…So…I heard you won…congratula-"

She raised her hand and slightly shook her head. To his surprise the words that would come out of her mouth had emotion, way more than he expected from her, but more than that they had sincerity.

"Katsuo please, let me say my part – first I wanted to thank you for helping me when I was too stubborn to ask for it normally and secondly; I wanted to apologize to you. I have been very unfair to you… so…I'll do this…My name is Rias Gremory daughter of Zeoticus Gremory and Venelana Gremory; I have an older brother named Sirzechs, the current Lucifer of the underworld, and small nephew named Millicas. My birthday is on April 9th. Until recently I was engaged to another high-class devil, a devil I hated, his name is Riser Phenex. The Rating Game I just had was because of that, my freedom was on the line, I didn't tell you back there…but I decided to come clean now for whatever is worth now…" Rias' words rang true to him; it wasn't their content but the way she delivered them there was apprehension, a bit of fear, but also shame and resolution, they were looking for forgiveness. She was honest about them and it showed – the next lines though…he could have done without "…I also attended piano lessons through most of my childhood…and…and I'm afraid of camels – don't judge me, ok! – I'm in love with Issei! And I'm obsessed with all things Japan, I love anime, manga and….and…and I have a very sensitive neck!"

He spat his coffee.

"…Okay, Okay I get it no need for that much information – why are you telling me this in the first place?" he asked, ignoring the mess he had to clean later.

"Because I wanted to be fair with you; you showed me that you are trustworthy and selfless, way too selfless, but also have many secrets of your own – That is why from here onwards I will respect your secrets, just as you've done with mine – and I will be open to hear them only, and only, if you think I'm worthy of them…"

A smile appeared on his face and the words that left his lips were filled with melancholy.

"…Thank you…you are right…I have many secrets, more than I like to keep being honest and I don't think I'm willing to share them with you, or anyone for that matter"

"Then if the time ever comes I will hear them – as a friend"

"Friend?" Katsuo asked, one eyebrow rose in confusion.

Rias noticed that and in preparation her throat trying to act as dignified as possible, despite the clear signs of nervousness – she was truly out of her comfort zone.

"…Well yeah…I came with a renewed perspective from that Rating Game against Riser; I can't do everything alone…I trust my Peerage with my life…but sometimes you need to lower your pride and accept a different point of view from a person completely different form yourself…So I decided to wipe the slate clean between you and me; no supernatural debts, no forcing you into my Peerage and no sending Koneko to shadow you – just a school senpai and her kohai…if you want that of course…I understand if you hate me, so I'll leave you alone if that is what you wish and you will not hear any of me anymore…"

He didn't need to think of his answer; rather he let his lips move on their own.

"Rias, I helped you because I thought it was the right thing to do at the time…I would have done the same for anyone that asked with the same desperation in their eyes, regardless of how I feel about that person…sure you're arrogant, prideful and a bit self-centered, but I can also see a compassionate heart that is more human than mine. You did…questionable things for what you thought were the right reasons; sure…but you know what makes you – human. So if it means that you will stop breaking into my apartment at 3:00 am, I will concede to whatever offer you have in store"

"…Thank you…" Rias' words were muffled and hardly audible, he possibly didn't even hear them, but the relief that was present in her face was visible, like a weight that had been lifted from her shoulders – and a switch that reverted her back to the onee-sama she was known in school as "You always find the most mundane aspect to the most unordinary situations don't you?"

"What can I say…I like to live a normal life after all – so, friends?"

He extended his hand to her.

"Friends"

And she shook his hand in response.

"Great…so I'll go back to sleep; I had enough encounters for a day and I'm sure you are dying to go back to Issei" a yawn escaped his mouth and with no more words he headed to his bed.

"Ufufu, he gave his all you know, not many would have done the same…"

Before letting himself fall to the mattress he added one last thing, as his eyes met hers one last time.

"I know, he is a good guy – take care Rias"

"You too Katsuo"

After the red-head princess left, his face hit the pillow once again and dreamed of a familiar tale, it was a tale of his bloodline; of a lone hero and fabled swords, of families and prophecies, of gods and dragons, of betrayal and revenge – all of it began with a familiar ring.