Arc 1

Chapter 6

Nobody moved.

The Red team was in fighting positions, Issei could tell that one movement from him could set them off faster than fireworks on the 4th of July. Subtlety, he could try some form of way to defend himself, but the sword at his neck dissuaded him from thoughts at the moment as its owner kept glaring at Issei like he just found out it was him that killed his puppy. As for the rest, as far as he could tell were battle-ready as Kiba: Akeno slightly bent her knees looking at Issei sharply as her hands expelled potent amount of electricity waiting for the first sign of danger from the teen, from the little white haired girl Koneko had flipped behind the couch jumping perfectly in front of Rias when Kiba summoned his sword guarding her King. The Vice Student Councilwoman was in the motion of invoking her magic but stopped when her King raised a hand, Sona kept the same calming look she had the entire evening as if this was the outcome she'd expected. While her friend still looked in awe at Issei like she seen a brand new Mercedes at the car lot or at least that what he kept telling himself.

Issei knew that this couldn't go on forever, he has to be careful about this now that miss loose lips had spilled the beans. Their reactions were expected, his job was known around the world, under and over the realms of every pantheon.

His associates were widely known as the only group of humans that fight the monsters with nothing more than their wits, spare parts, and pure luck. The very idea of random people from all different Religions and walks of life coming together to take down monsters was an admittedly suicidal one, you would imagine it being very chaotic with different people from different races that have different viewpoints of the world fighting alongside one another.

At the beginning that's how things started with people looking down or judging others by their lifestyle like they were the problem of what the world was today but somehow, someway over time a long time the group of shady misfits had come together pushing aside their differences and welcoming each other like long-lost brothers and sister by the bonding over their tragic pasts and have formed what is unofficially admitted by other Pantheons: the strongest Human Faction. They call themselves Hunters, and they are an unorganized group of unique individuals that are more akin to freelancers that take on monsters using unorthodox ways.

Their society remains a mystery to everyone since none have come forth to pronounce their standings and with no leadership roles, the group is nothing more than mercenaries. Mercenaries with one of the most powerful dragons in existence but nothing more.

How it came to be as well known as it began here in Japan when a plague of ghouls overtook an entire town and a whole team of experienced exorcist was sent to deal with it only to be killed quickly as they were too it late to learn a Master of the Arcane Arts was behind the attack. The Church sent another wave this time with heavily equipped exorcist and a group of Angels to investigate after communication was lost on their first detachment, but to their disbelief, another group intervened and finished their job which all their firepower would have taken weeks, but they were astounded when it only took this mysterious group a day.

From there on it was nothing but chatter on how a small team of humans that not only killed over a hundred ghouls with nothing but bullets but fought off a Master Necromancy and won with no casualties on their side. But that wasn't the most shocking part, it was discovered that this group was run by no other than this generation Sekiryuutei or Red Dragon Emperor.

Most members in the group were renown mercenaries from the Church as others were just people with a particular set of skills that could hold their own, there was even talk that one or two members were untrained fighters who came out to fight for the good of others.

Soon after, their little group expanded and by the end of just three years their numbers were already in the thousands, people from all corners of the globe joined with the Red Dragon Emperor to fight the war on evil, stories were told of them killing all kinds of dangers: Rogue Magicians, Vampires, Ghosts, Minor Deities, Devils, Fallen Angels, and the most impressive kill that made them recognized by higher power which never has been done before: An Evil Dragon.

A fight between the Red Dragon Emperor himself with his personal group of Hunters and an Evil Dragon quickly became the highlight of the century since the last time anything remotely similar to that happening was at the end of the Dark Ages. The fight was long and vicious, it came with a high cost, but in the end, they were victorious, they slew the beast by using only mortal means: guns, explosions, swords, cars… That did plenty of damage, but their real triumph card was the Red Dragon Emperor himself who dealt the final blow by cutting off its head (seemingly the groups signature kill).

It wasn't the same after that, other Factions that once thought of them as nothing more than menaces now held them with small respect and some even allowed them to operate in their territory. After another boom in their numbers, Hunters had become famously known for hosting humans as well as recruiting those with Sacred Gears as their power tend to help out.

Sacred Gear holders are the aces up the sleeves, so they tend to be silent about their existence to be useful in surprise attacks and as a way to get away from other Pantheons that try to recruit them. There are many reasons why Sacred Gear users wouldn't join them, and most often they aren't for good reasons.

From a young age or by certain circumstances, the user had knowingly or not unlock their power. For those that knew what they were doing lead them to live their lives the way they wanted, while others that didn't cause them to be different. From their peers who can tell the vast difference by seeing the change either in their demeanor or physical appearance, more often than naught those with the power became social outcasts or in extreme cases orphans because of the power they willed.

Hunters happen to stumble on a lot of them during hunts, it turns out monsters can smell the difference between them and ordinary people which seems to be a sad revelation that those with power are also targeted by a higher power with selfish intention. Their society as a whole now has another goal in mind by finding Scared Gear users before anyone could get their hands on them and train them to defend themselves. For most, their position with Hunters had given Sacred Gear Possessors life meaning, filling them with a sense of belonging of finally being acknowledged for their talents and they're treated like family and less of a tool. As a result, most of them end up joining their ranks, but in a few cases, others still wish to be alone which is respected at least know how to deal with most of those things.

It was surprising they found out he was Hunter, after all, he had a Sacred Gear then it's reasonable to say they would've come to him quickly before anyone else, they already failed in that aspect, but didn't need to know that.

Issei could help but laugh, "If I'd known you would be bringing a sword, I would've taken my gun."

He smiled even as Kiba growled at him as if Issei's own voice seemed to piss him off.

Rias blinked back into reality, "So you are one of them."

It was a confirmation on her part, but Issei didn't seem to realize it as he rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes, yes I thought we got over that already, and we moved on to what you're going to do with me. I just hope it doesn't involve tying me up, I have to explain every time that I'm not into that kinky shit."

In the past, he would've been more discreet at giving lip to the enemy, but now as a powerful teenager that made him a little more cocky with his actions, which he knows is a problem and he tries to fix otherwise it could cost him his life like it almost had before.

Plus he was tired as hell, nobody could tell, but he felt worn out. He could feel the sleep crawling behind his eyes, and it made him a little anxious when he doesn't get his rest or what the red bastard calls [Hussy]. Screw him, he's been tired since this morning from last night's cleanup, and he's had enough listening to people which was why he seemed to be in a foul mood all day but even if he was fully rested his attitude wouldn't change.

Sona asked calmly while Rias went back to scowling at him, "How long have you been a Hunter?"

They couldn't see his face, but they could tell by the nostalgic sound of his voice that it's been a while, "Long, can't say when, but it has been long. Long enough to get this town stable and keep it clean from every danger. But now that you rolled into town I couldn't say that I'm surprised when things started to go south, not even one month here and a lot of people start dying like it's a new fashion."

He could tell they were getting agitated at the accusation, but he was far from finished from the laundry list of headaches that came from them, "Then I get informed that Fallen Angels have moved into the area around the same time you did, if that's not coincidence enough then birds don't sing."

The Devils knew that already, from the reports coming in that the Fallen had sent up a base at the old church had made them wary that they were trying to take over but only came to realize that they were just observing something or someone since they only seem interested in the high schools. They couldn't do anything on their part unless they were provoked to do otherwise and they had to be prepared when either side attacked. But that was a slim chance of that happening thanks to the treaty all Three Factions have agreed on, but that didn't mean everyone was onboard with the ceasefire. Hopefully, things didn't have to come down to it, so they respectfully gave the Fallen room to operate while they took care of things on their end while keeping a close eye on them.

Rias took in a deep breath controlling her emotions, "We are aware of the recent activity regarding the Fallen Angels, but they have not done anything to enact any hostile movement, and same can be said with us when we tell you that our intentions are not but honest the moment you walked through that door."

Issei went quiet as he re-assessed the situation, both parties indeed haven't done anything aggressive (not including the sword at his throat) against him or anyone he can tell. But for some reason inside him, he couldn't forgive them and call him bias he couldn't help but blame all his problems on them since about 75% of all his problems are always some Devil's fault.

The hostility from them may not be more out of anger, but fear that Issei might do to them as they heard from others that Hunters can be callous when it came to their kind, even some go as far as to attack at first sight. It looked a bit much from them as they ganged on him with their numbers when it could've been just between Rias and Sona, but things have been tense lately that they couldn't take the risk of something exactly like this happening.

Issei still held his ground as he boldly turned his head to look at them, "Even if that means telling me why you decided to have my house investigated?" It was casually said as if it didn't mean much to him, but the next words were laced with restrained fury, "When you decided not just to follow me but my family around too?" He hissed at them, it suddenly felt as if the room turned up a few degrees, the sword wielder tightened up his grip trying to keep his eyes from flickering away from the angry teen knowing full well it was directed at him since he was the one to do it as he was told so by his King. Rias realized this and tried for once to peacefully talk him as she felt little guilt for giving her Knight the order to investigate everyone he knew, but it had to be done.

She spoke gently, "I'm sorry for that and for having you followed. I didn't mean for it to come off as aggressive."

Her Vice looked at her with surprise, she continued but with more conviction in her voice, "But we had to make sure you weren't a threat. Its standard protocol that we are to monitor any and all possible outside forces no matter who they are to ensure that our territory-that we thought was under our control." She said quickly as she saw Issei about to object, "For our security and for the safety of the general populace. We were just told to protect the land, there's no need to fear us or feel the need to come after us."

To show how honest she was, she gave the command to her Knight to back away, which he did...very slowly just to intimidate him, Kiba returned to his Master's side (sword in hand) standing next to Koneko who stood there looking calm but ready all the same. Her Vice had turned off her outlet stood straight looking normal even going as far to smile that didn't seem right to him.

"All I want is for us to benefit one another, this uncertainty between us can be solved peacefully if you just let us explain."

Their listener kept quiet this time with no backhand comment, but they could tell he was still pissed at Rias more than likely it was about her nosing around his business and family so quickly as she could she talked.

"Our Lord Maou sent us to here after receiving reports of mysterious characters coming in and out the area, an area which should've been covered sooner but situations back home had us halt any advancing plans we had and risked the lands safety. In regards to that, the current Lucifer had honored our wish to oversee the town as acting Caretakers as well as seeking our education in the human world when we wished to stay."

That was more likely Rias own ambition than what her peers wanted, but they all agreed that Kouh was a nice place and they wouldn't want to leave it.

Seeing as nothing was going to interrupt their talk Sona once again calmly explained.

"We were hoping to ease you into it, but it seems like we don't have to since your well educated enough which makes things more easier."

'More like risker.' Rias thought as she watched Issei stuff one hand in his pocket.

Issei sniffed in disbelief, "Is that right? Then what was all that was all that bullshit you trying to do before?"

Better to play along with their game with a calm mind and get out of this unscathed or as much as he could. Issei admittedly didn't know that much about them, only from word of the mouth by others, so he had to play his cards safe. After all, they knew where he lived. It was dumb of him to come off aggressively, but damn it he just doesn't want this problem right here, right now. Trouble just has to follow him when things looked they were going his way.

'Why can't I just catch a break?'

"We believe you have potential Scared Gear stored within you and we were explaining about how you unlocked it possible without knowing. But it seems that an explanation wasn't needed." Sona stated affirming and judging by the not-so-surprised look on his face she was right on the nose.

"Can you tell us what is it?" Rias asked leaning in a little, who was more than curious to know what his power but sadly for her, he did not want them to know under any circumstance, only those he closely works with knows and that was on accident.

"For me to know and you to never find out." His secrets are not to be given just because someone bats their eyelashes at him, again. Rias frowned but didn't pressure him further, her stomach tightened up in a ball of disappointment, but she pushed it away.

"As Rias said earlier, we are the Caretakers of this town and this school is under Devil supervision. Our responsibilities include knowing all individuals within the vicinity that are unknown to us or when we are needed to establish relationships between other parties. We are to inspect everything that has the potential to become friend or foe, and it so happens you and your group are an unknown at this point. I'm willing to look past our previous talks due to misinformation from our end about you being involved with these Hunters. Now that, that's out the way we can properly converse so that this doesn't happen again." Sona finished with the intent to form a bond or at least a communicable relationship.

It would be a success on their end to at least know who is in charge of them or at least get a rough idea on how many there are in the area. It was a fool's dream to think he would talk about anything about his 'profession' much less even consider talking about his group. He would like to keep private and no doubt if they used brute force it would turn out badly as they don't know anything about him or his Sacred Gear even much less his group.

"We're aware of your group interventions in this town beforehand, but we didn't know we already meet one of you so soon. But now that you're here we can talk, so could you be willing to answer a few of our questions?"

She watched as he silently had a conversation with himself and unknowingly to them he was talking with Ddraig about his options and the only way out of this was to talk since it leads to less of a mess.

Issei's eye refocused on them as he made his decision, "Fine."

He raised a finger at them, "But don't expect a lot from me try forcing things out of me, try and I'll Bruce Lee my way out."

He shook his head, "I don't like this, I got places to go so your gonna have to make it quick with just two or three questions."

He lowered his finger, "Well? What do you want to know?"

He still dared to make threats, but he was willing to talk. It was going to be difficult to ask, but they had to obtain at least the basic understanding of who they are.

Also, he hasn't gone on a killing spree while exclaiming to exterminate their race, so that's a plus.

"Will your team try to come after us?" Rias jumped before Sona could talk, which irked her a little but she patiently waited and quietly was going over on how she was going to lecture the other heiress for being so impulsive.

"The others have their own interests. What I can say is I think they won't come after you if you don't do anything to make them angry. So be on your best behavior, you never know when they're looking."

After that ominous message Rias backed down in deep thought, she was unsatisfied by how he glossed over the question, but it established that he was deeply connected to other Hunters in the area. But how many did that mean when he said they might be looking? Another scare tactic, one that works to an extent as they still didn't have an idea on who she's dealing with which only frustrated her more. She went over this holding herself back on pushing or demanding what he meant by that, but she kept herself back least she gets him angry and making him leave early.

They could've easily hypnotized him and make him talk, but that would've accomplished nothing as he proved to be magic resistant from day one when they sent him an enchanted letter telling him to read and follow their instructions. It wasn't by force more of a nudge in the back of their head telling them it was a good idea which can be ignored by any magic resistant individual or amateur magicians which they concluded when he threw it in the trash.

Manipulating him was a bad idea, not that they wanted to even if they could they have morals and tricking people for selfish reasons is unbecoming of either heiress unless the situation dictates and this one is cutting it close.

Although Rias already asked the question Sona had to be more specific if he were to tell her anything which might not be a lot as he definitely seems the type to keep his cards close to his chest, "What is your goal involving Kuoh and it's Academy?"

She had to get at least a baseline of what his involvements are and what he or anyone he knows might do to her fellow Devils, not knowing doesn't set well for her and those around for that she cares for. Protecting her Peerage comes first as recently she's gotten new members who're still getting used to their biology.

"It's simple Sony: I do what I do and anyone tries to stop me will get the pointy end of my long, sharp stick. We were fine before, and we're fine now. You've done enough just by being here, and I don't need any more of your group to pester my guys. If anyone in your group even tries to snoop around our business they will attack, I don't have the authority or goodwill to stop them. We knew as soon as you moved into town and you already know the rest, so this is your only warning."

He took out his phone checking the time, "I got to go, don't try to cause any more problems for us, that means you Red."

Rias clenched her hands as she muttered through her gritted teeth, "We didn't do anything wrong!"

He looked at her one last time before reaching into his school jacket and pulled out a ball of paper. He lazily tossed it at the expressionless white-haired kid's feet. Koneko looked down and by instinct picked up the paper automatically unwrapping the ball. Her face didn't change when she read what was on it before she handed it to her President.

Rias examined the material over Koneko's shoulder which she thought nothing of when she saw it was just another one of her flyers her Peerage hands out regularly was her first impression, but when the paper was handed to her, and she felt the energy on it, she knew something was off.

A small purple mist floated off her family's sigil like a whisp, she pushed her magic into the small parchment, and it instantly revolted against her like poison. An apparition of a spider came crawling out behind the paper slowly reaching the center, and in an instant, her family's crest vanished and in its place was another sigil with a body of a spider.

Nothing was said as Rais tried to comprehend the complexity of the situation and trying her hardest to remember a time when someone hijacked a Devil's Crest before disturbingly realizing she has not, not to her knowledge. Newfound horrors arose inside her as she realized an outsider managed to decode, corrupt and refine countless centuries worth of power. Who knows what else the Stray Devil could've gotten from this, not that it was worth much just a simple summoning which she was grateful for just imagining what the Stray could've done if the summoning contact was imputed with something more important, centuries worth of secrets passed down from her lineage easily could've been listened by this monster like public radio.

She thought of other parties that would grovel to their knees to see the insides of her family's crest. For a second, Rias suspected Issei might've tried, he was a Hunter and information about their weaknesses was as valuable as gold to them before she decided against it. He didn't seem to type to dissect ancient texts, but that didn't mean he let others on his team have a crack on it. But that leads the question of why he's giving it to back to her when he could've kept it a secret? No doubt was trying to prove that he was right and someone had access to come at her at any moment.

Just thinking of it sent chills down her spine, the Stray could've easily come to her in a snap, merely reversing the summoning but it didn't, and they had so many opportunities when her guard was down like at night when she was sleeping. Her worry for her family outgrew her own as she remembers that the crest just didn't stop at her but extended to her Peerage as well. For months they were in constant danger, and they didn't even know about it, and all it took was one simple little paper.

She was indebted to this stranger for stopping an ingenus madwoman.

Seeing as she wasn't going to say anything else Issei continued with a small hint of gloating, "Well now, don't suppose you have an explanation for that?"

She continued to be silent, "Right, now here's what I'm going to tell you: Out there is our territory when you step foot on that road know that you'll be watched. We weren't happy when you came here, but everyone sucked it up and let you do your thing. I'll tell the others not to go after you since you've been 'welcoming,' but that's all I'm willing to give you. Keep your hands clean, so we don't have to dirty ours."

With that, he opened the door, "You still haven't answered my question when I said what your goals, you only answered what your group does."

Sona actually intended it to be a doubled question, she had to get a good read on him if she wanted to judge his character more clearly. If she couldn't gather their mission objective then the least she could do is judge one of them, it might be unfair to judge one person to reflect the entire group but she's doesn't have the proper means to do it herself. Issei is by far what she would describe as an ideal ambassador, she had to gain his trust if she wanted to meet with anyone else that might be more 'open-minded' talking to her kind than he is. She takes what she could get and as the saying goes 'goals describe a person, but actions are what define them' she hopes he wouldn't be as judgmental than she thought they were known to be.

Growling both annoyance and frustration he decided for once, to be honest with them, he abruptly turned around, "Every time."

Issei glared at all of them as he slowly built up the heat in his voice, "I mean every time, I hear about your kind makes me want to wish I can throw you all into a pit of fire."

Her expectations burned in front of her.

"You make life harder just by existing, the cost of you being around normal people always comes with a heavy price because of you. Family, friends, they don't matter to any of you as long as you get what you want. It doesn't matter how many sacrifices have to be made, you won't stop until you're satisfied! I've seen it all the horrible things your people are capable of that make my worst nightmares look so damn bright and colorful! So why I do this is to stop those things from happening and find everything out there that goes bump in the night! Saving people, Hunting-!"

He stopped quickly, eyes closed tight, his whole body shuddered very faintly, but he returned to his normal hateful state but with less spite than before, "Don't get in our way."

That being the last warning he left slamming the door behind him.

The first contact will not bode well with their superiors, but at least it wasn't as disastrous when they first surfaced a couple years ago.

A few moments later, Sona turned to her Vice, "I guess we'll postpone our conversation on a later date." She adjusted her glasses, "Please wait for me at the main room, the committee board members still need to go over a few things for the upcoming festival."

Her Vice bowed her head and left the group. Sona looked at her friend's Peerage each sporting a different look, but it was Rias herself that Sona stared the longest when she saw conflictions both anger and sadness dwell in her eyes.

This new information will surely leave a mark on Rias as much as Sona wanted to help out her friend it won't do much for her when they learn that she indirectly caused the death of hundreds. Careless indeed and to make matters worse it won't help with her problem with her delayed marriage if her parents agree if she was incompetent to oversee the territory forcing her to come home early.

"Can we talk?"

Rias gazed at her before realizing where she was.

"Y-yes, can you please give us a minute?"

They all nodded and went out the room for both of them to have a little chat. Sona cast a soundproof spell around the room before looking at her, "How many people can you tell that have deep connections with Hyoudou?"

Rias thought back to Kiba's last report, "One, maybe two but we're still not sure on that. Someone else his age was seen hanging around with him after hours they always head towards the same direction some nights, but every time they somehow kept swindling us."

Sona nodded, "They're good. If we can only track two of them, then we may need to pull out our forces and stop our summonings immediately. I'll call my team gets a full recount of every seal we handed out this month until we have a better understanding of the situation."

Knowing about their existence in Kouh wasn't a surprise but unknowingly picking up someone random that turned out to be a Hunter was problematic the next time they meet. Yes, there will be a next time this town maybe big but it just a matter of time they'll run into each other again.

Not to mention she still needed that chat with him alone.

If Hyoudou was the first to surface then there's no doubt that others in the area have been compromised, there's a chance that every potential Gear User in town is one of them. It narrows down the list by quite the margin and all they had to do is keep an eye out.

"What are your thoughts about him?"

"He's…Complicated. Hyoudou got to be the most paranoid person I've ever met and would no doubt keep his word when he said he'll kill us. His loyalty to their cause is unquestionable, so we-I don't have a chance at talking to him since he doesn't trust me as much."

Sona nodded her head, "Then we have to keep vigilant, I'll recall my team and inform them what transpired here."

A short talk between them nothing too in depth just two leaders discussing what's already been said and what conclusion they came up with. Sona could trust Rias to make the right decisions and not anger the bee's hive. She couldn't have fault Rias for acting so defensive on behalf of her family, but she still needs to control that temper, Sona hoped this would be an experience for her to remember.

"How are you holding up?"

Rias let out a depressed breath, "I didn't know, I've been so focused on myself I've neglected what my actions might have caused." She laughed humorlessly, "I couldn't even see what was happening in front of me and it took a complete stranger to point it out. If only I've been more carefu-"

"It's not your fault."

Rias looked wide-eyed at her friend for a moment before she exploded, "Of course it is! If I hadn't been so occupied with the things going on in my life, then none of this wouldn't have happened!"

Sona sighed as she took off her glasses which she has no need for, it was just used to make her look more professional.

"Rias, we can't always be expected always to know these things. This was not something anyone could have foreseen, we just need to accept this as it is and be thankful that Hyoudou intervened when he did. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but you need to accept this as something that can happen by pure chance."

Sona put a hand on her shoulder, "It's nobody's fault. I sure your brother would agree with me when I say that this was one of those times. We all make mistakes, sometimes they feel unforgivable, which they should, to help us learn our flaws and seek to do better. It's our jobs as Heiress to hold our heads high and take it with dignity and pride."

Rias didn't look any happier, it would take some time for her to get over. Sona knew her well enough to know that Rias will pull through in the end, if it's one thing she inherited from her family it was their tenacity to endure anything that was thrown at them.

"I'll get started on writing the report."

Sona nodded giving her space, she deactivated the spell and left but not without shooting another worried glance. She passed Rias' Peerage informing them it was okay to go back in.

She has her own report to fill out as well as find out more about their mysterious resident.

(Line Break)

Issei walked briskly down the road watching every corner as if to expect someone to appear. His body was moving robotically to his next destination, but his mind tracked back to the conversation he had with the Devil's. Well, more like he talked and they listened which didn't progress the way they originally had in mind. His temper got in the way once more, and it's going to cost them later on, but he'll deal with it when the time comes for now he has someone to meet.

Turning a corner, he saw a familiar blonde hair around his age wearing black dress pants and white with blue school uniform suggesting he comes from another school. He casually strolled up passing him as he joined Issei on his walk, "Hey Issei, how you been?"

Standard talk and every time he asks Issei always gives the usual grunting that roughly translated to 'Absolute shit.' His walking companion gave him another look, "It's kinda late, what was the holdup?"

Issei ran his hand through his hair as he let out a tired sigh, "They found me, Saji. The little Devil society had enough and forced me to meet with them."

Genshirou Saji looked worried as Issei explained what went down at the meeting leaving out no details. When he got to the part of exposing the Redhead the worried look slowly went away when Issei finished.

"And you just walked out on them?" Issei nodded his head uncaringly.

"Issei that's stupid." Saji didn't even bother to hide his disappointment, Issei hardheadedness might have caused them more friction with the Devil's that they could've at least benefited from the only group that said to be tolerable to humans. He might not know much about them, but he could tell they weren't genetically evil or done anything malevolent as far as he looked. He hoped they could come to an understanding which he was considering to bring up to the group about setting up a meeting and using diplomatic means. But things moved too fast, and Issei had to do his piss-over-the-carpet and telling them to fuck off routine which screwed up his chance of meeting them on good terms.

It wouldn't have been a bad thing if they got help from others. Saji and a few others are the only ones active at the moment since the movement of Fallen Angels part of the group left for reasons, and he's not sure when they'll come back. They're severely short staffed and every hand they can get bits of help.

He would've tried to get the others to help them out, but the few they have are recently newbies. They were too afraid and unskilled to do anything other than being a burden. He understands the feeling of helplessness when he told the others they couldn't come and some understood which only made them feel more pathetic by letting others keep them safe making them feel useless and weak. He remembers a time when that happened to him and how mad he was. His only mindset was to keep on getting stronger, faster, smarter spending every waking moment diving into the folklore of all kind building himself up to never feel that way again. They have a long way to go, but they'll get there, even those that want to live in peace needs to be strong because they had no other choice. Because of what they are, what they didn't consent to.

They're just byproducts of bad luck….Just like him.

"It's the way things work around here." He snapped, "I'll tell you what I told them: Don't cross the line, you're not in charge of us, we do whatever is necessary to protect this town, if they don't like it they can leave." He growled with the same tone of the promise he told them,

"They left this place, and we did our damndest to keep it. Cleaning up their mess with the Exorcists leaving and the Devil's going down to bumfuck Georgia for a vacation. I don't need to remind you what's been going on during their absence? Or what problems we had to deal with because they decided to go AWOL these last few years?"

Saji turned his head biting the bottom of his lip as he remembered, old but unforgotten hate burned inside him like fire running through his gut. He pushed it down and dropped the subject, Saji wasn't going to argue with the person that saved him so many years ago. He instead nodded his head slowly but unquestionably, "Yeah sorry, it's just things hadn't been going so well these past few months."

Issei placed a hand on Sajis shoulders reassuringly, "Don't worry, as long as we're here we'll stop the bad from happening, but when that happens…Let them pray we don't hear about it." Green eyes flashed dangerously from the young dragon wielder.

Saji looked ahead, his mind racing to find a solution to their new problems. His hands stuffed back into his pockets while Issei looked forward casually looking around to see if their being followed.

Saji knew Issei has been under a lot of pressure lately and it would do him some good to get away from any stressful situation, and the Devil's finding out what he was would only make things worse. He knew nothing that would alleviate the stress, but he could do something to take his mind of the situation by retelling his own short encounter.

"I got a girlfriend today."

Issei turned to Saji with amazement like someone had told him they were giving away free burgers. The frown on his face twisted into a sharp grin for the first time today he looked thrilled, "The day has finally come my little Grease Lightning Doo-Wop's his first lady? I have been waiting for this moment forever!"

He spoke with an excitable tone before Saji could say anything, "Next time you see meet her be sure to look her in the eye." He demonstrated by doing it to Saji, it made him extremely uncomfortable like he was pulling the moves on him, "And say to her, 'Your the Summer to my Nights' then both of you go out to a bar, be sure to get her a light drink. I'm thinking Sex on The Beach." He raised an eyebrow, "She's not one of those looks harmless on the outside but probably is a freak in the inside types?"

He remembered a few encounters.

Whoo!

Saji mind went into overdrive as he violently backed away regaining his space, "What?! No! It's not-! Why do you!?-I'm not sure-Waitwaitwaitwait! I'm not old enough to drink! Not everybody thinks of sex when you meet them!"

Issei rolled his eyes at his innocence and misconception when he meant alcohol...Although sex on the beach wasn't a bad idea, "She agreed to be your girlfriend for a reason, and it wasn't to get inside your brain, but for your other gun." His grin grew when Saji turned redder, "You gotta have more confidence in yourself Saji-boy. I was planning on teaching you later but now is a good time as any."

He raised his hand and spoke like a prophet, "Remember when I say that girls are just as horny as guys."

Saji rubbed his face, cheeks burning, "I don't think she was interested in any of that."

He looked at Issei, but it was kinda hard to take seriously with him still red-faced, "Especially when she comes from a school, I never heard of before."

Just like that Issei easily lost all humor, "Fallen?"

Saji nodded his head, "Unless she's a Magician, she hides her identity well. But her associates aren't as stealthy as they think they are."

Issei nodded approvingly at his deduction, they were finally making their move. This was what they've been waiting for, it wasn't hard to deduce they were looking for someone who clearly stands out like saying Sacred Gear-wise it not hard to notice when all of their targets seem to follow high school students and some of his guys, Issei suspected they would come after him but so far they haven't which was surprising and suspicious.

The Exorcists have been moving around a lot as of late, their main focus had been around Middletown district area where most people go to hang out and some of the darker parts of town. They were following people who took those Devil Contract, it didn't take a genius to know that they plan to most likely to murder those people. The Hunter's in the area had to do with some Rogue Priests, the most information they got out of them was they weren't supposed to be making a scene but were growing restless at their bosses insufficient actions.

His chat with that Gremory girl came back to mind. They didn't know what was going on and it's happening to their supposed clients right under their noses, Issei wanted to grab his hair in frustration of how lazy or ignorant (perhaps a mixture of both) of how their group operates.

Another thing in mind was getting more information about them, telling them that they weren't going to have them investigated was, of course, a lie, it was common sense for any person who was put in a leadership position to lie then spy on them later. They will be kept under watch for the time being while his connections bring back some intel about the groups. Especially that Sona girl, he can't put his finger on it, but there was something about her that keeps on bugging him, the way she never lost her cool or that she didn't bat an eye when her friend told them what he was. She seems like the observant type, and he was betting his bottom dollar she knew more about them than what she let on.

"There's also been sightings of a Stray around Type C Class being spotted around the abandoned Storage Facility area." Saji interrupted his thought piling more on his plate which was enough to fill his evening.

Issei rubbed his nose, breathing out irritably, "Damn it! Can there just be one night where things stay quiet?"

Saji quickly tried to calm him, "It can just be Renji-sensei and me, it won't be any problems for us, we both have been preparing for something like this to happen."

Issei waved him off, "No I'll come," He grumbled something under with breath, "you never go on your own that's when shit hits the fan."

Saji understood, things turning sideways from time to time and it never was a bother to bring in a few more people to deal with Strays. But lately, he's been wanting to try to get out there on his own, but Issei kept reminding that he's still got along way to go if he wanted to fight them toe to toe.

"What the plan then?"

Issei rubbed his face, "First we go deal with this pain in the ass, the Exorcist will be on standing by. If they try something, you'll be first to know if they plan on attacking."

He glanced at Saji from the corner of his eye, "Did you set up a time?"

Saji nodded his head, "Yeah, this Saturday at the Mall District around 12. I was planning on Sunday for more time, but she was really persistent going not going that day."

Then something was going to happen this Sunday, his mind going into overdrive before he nodded his head reassuringly, "Then we get ready tomorrow, since today's Thursday we probably have to pull another all-nighter to get our equipment ready for the Stray before solving your relationship problem."

If they have to they'll skip school if necessary, Issei might not be able to fool his parents, but the school would allow it to have one of their 'precious' star student to stay healthy. Sacrifices had to be made, and his attendance score will have to suffer his parents will no doubt bitch about then so be it.

He looked dead in Saji's eyes, "Be on guard if something even remotely happens you call us, you understand?"

Saji nodded obediently, "I will."

He wasn't going to screw this up, he learned that the hard way. Even since his last mistake, he's tried to make up for it anyway, anyhow possible. He's gained a lot of wisdom over the years from their third confidant which he was grateful for at times when's he's not drinking. In one of those times he always learned to be aware of his surroundings and others, he could spot lies very well by noticing all the twitches and words they use when talking to others.

It wasn't hard to see through her deceits, some of the liners she threw at him were too much even for him, she was a phenomenal actor, but he noticed when she had to force some of the words out her mouth. She didn't know much about him except he was some top student who was a hard worker, respectfully, kind of a teacher's pet and never failed to miss the mark. So basically what parents expect their kids to act, from an outside look another goody two shoes, she was going to be in for a surprise.

"I got to head home to drop off some stuff, we deal with this lesser evil."

Saji nodded his head, "Ok, meet you at Renji's."

"Before you go I have to ask." He said very seriously, Saji listened to him very attentively, wise words or even relevant information that could test his character or change the course of his life.

...

Ok, that last one was stretching even for Saji, but it could be significant.

"Did you finish your homework?" And right then was when he decided to be himself again, sometimes he wonders if he's bipolar.

An annoyed sigh escaped the blonde's lips, "Are you seriously asking me that?"

"Got to make sure my boy grows upright, otherwise what type of role model would I be?"

"You're the same age as me!" He cried in outrage.

"Doesn't mean you don't have to live up to my expectations. Come on, tell Papa what he wants to hear."

A small huff of anger blew out his nose as he practically strangled himself to say, "Yes, I did everything before I left." It was his turn to grumble, "You happy?"

"Papa is thrilled."

Issei turned the street towards another direction with cheeky satisfaction. Saji opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out at first, he hated to ruin his good mood, but he needed to voice his concerns since this was the only chance he had to be alone with him, "Are you sure everything's ok?"

He called out to Issei. The Red Dragon Emperor froze for a moment his smile gone before saying back neutrally, "Yeah, everything's fine."

Saji stared at him looking lost before nodding his head not that Issei could see but more for himself, "Ok." Was all he said as he left.

Issei released a breath he didn't know he was holding before moving towards his second-actually third to last stop. Ddraigs words were echoing through his head like drums and his own thoughts being thrown in the mix both fighting each other like opposing elements. In the end, the voice of reason told him it was time to stop this nonsense and actually man up like he's supposed to.

Old fears came back, but out of that dread hope bloomed like a flower. He knew what to do and how to do it. He had to take the first step, but it felt great just knowing, he felt the weight that hadn't been there before lift off him and his tiredness going with it.

It felt good.

As a matter of fact, he felt new, like someone has taken his aches, groans, and pains away then gave him the elixir of life that came in a Red Bull. His mind clear, his determination rushing hot with adrenaline as he looked forward to this evening with his small group. Everything fell in place as he walked off with a little more strut and confidence, he hasn't realized it but a smile turned from his lips and his eyes beamed ever so slightly as if a sense of purpose drives him.

The sun was barely setting as he came to a clearing with mowed grass and a road to drive up to the front of an extensive building. At the gates, small entrance stood a shorter person facing away from him leaning against the metal structure with headphones on music blasting into their ears.

He casually strolled up and with a mischievous grin he roughly but gently placed both hands onto their shoulder causing them to yelp while turning around looking frantic as the headphones slipped down to their neck, Classic Rock blasted into the evening air. When they saw Issei, an annoyed pout escaped as the little girl angrily kicked at his shins, "Geeze, Bro! You nearly scared me to death!"

Issei chuckled as he tried to dodge her weak attack by using his hands to block, "Well you should turn your back, otherwise." He said seriously that made her stopped and looked at him, "The Boogeymen will get you."

His younger sister scowled, "Nuh uh! You said that you killed the Boogeyman!"

Issei laughed some more, his sister forced him to hold her hand as they walked home, "I sure did, Pup. I sure did."

He walked with his Eight-year-old sister while she blabbed about her time at school.

Tonight will be the night when everything moves into motion, soon very soon the future will come.

For a couple of months, something started to bother her after his arrival back home. It wasn't until now he brought it up, and with the silence now she could ask, so with innocent curiosity she asked, "Bro, why are you now calling me Pup, what happened to Kitten?" Issei made an annoyed face, but to her, it looked like he ate a sour lemon, "I just learned recently that I'm allergic to cats."

~~, All in all, you're just another brick in the wall~~

~~, All in all, you're just another brick in the wall~~

And Done. Took a bit longer than expected after all it's been a while since I wrote, but hopefully, plenty of you are satisfied. Don't worry more action will be coming up soon and Cases for Issei to solve. It might have occurred to everyone that Sacred Gear users are often to the most victims since monsters could literally spot them from a mile away like Fallen Angels for example and even Devils seem to know judging the beginning of the story when Rais saw Issei, so it's not a far stretch to think Stray Devils also know this as well causing me to believe a few humans they kill are possessors of Sacred Gears. So this is my catch that every monster in existence know when a human possesses a Sacred Gear and try anything to recruit them before anyone else does. Reasons like this are what made the Hero Faction and why some want nothing more than to kill every supernatural being in existence other than being brainwashed. And it's for that reason why most Users are usual hunting grounds for every Faction that want more numbers in their group to make their House stronger. So that's my take on the matter that humans with Scared Gear have some sort of tragic background, but that's my background I need them to be more relatable than just making them evil for the sake of evil crap. Thanks for the feedback I'll plan on fixing the smaller things which will require a sweep of my previous chapters which I know will be hell of a time but I'll try to make time but expect a long hold for that to happen (2020?...Just Kidding...Or am I?) I was planning on uploading it at Christmas as a special, but a freak accident occurred to me, so I stopped and completely forgot about it. But I got it in now so yay?

See You soon Space Cowboy,

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