Hey guys, been a while! Wondering where I've been? I assume you have. I actually have a really long explanation contained within the last chapter of [A Fool's Heart]. I don't want to write the explanation out all over again because it's emotionally exhausting to think about, but I can at least paste it here for those who missed it:

[Hey guys. It's been a very, very long time. Some, or should I say, many of you have been wondering where exactly I went. A few of you already know through PMs, but for those who are about to find out, all I can say is that: it isn't just a regular hiatus. Life has been really rough. And I mean that. In fact, this has easily been the worst year of my life. There's probably many people who would agree that this year of 2020 is absolutely terrible, but it has been especially terrible to me. I've been through a lot in life. There's a lot I can take. But this year really broke me. Anyone who knows me knows that my worst nightmare in life is something happening to my siblings. I have several brothers and a couple of sisters. I of course grew up mainly surrounded by my brothers. None of our fathers stuck around very long, whether because they died or because they just didn't want to. As a result, we basically all raised each other. Growing up, my brothers were all I had. They are all I have. And this year, my words nightmare came true.

It started in April. My grandfather, who is my last living grandparent, tested positive for COVID. Because of the amount of old folks that are kept in elder homes, this was happening a lot where I live. This sent my family into disarray a bit. We spent the whole month trying to think of what to do, since he needed 24 hour care that we could provide, and we couldn't even visit him. At this point in time, he is still alive, but we aren't sure if that'll change unexpectedly. And it'll most likely leave him with permanent damages that shorten his already short lifespan.

Then May happened.

On May 20th, one of my brothers, Alex, died in a head collision with a Ford F-150. It was only a couple of weeks after I had seen him. He was always working so I didn't get to see him often, but I remember making plans with him so we could see each other more often. I didn't know that would be my last conversation with him. Thanks to COVID, we didn't get to have a proper funeral for him either. Although we did have family gatherings to make up for it. We had his "services" on May 29th, nine days after his death. 6 days after his death, May 26th, was the day of my brother Nathan's birthday.

But on that same day of Alex's services, nine days after his death, May 29th, my brother Nathan, who's birthday had just passed 3 days before, was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler after his car inexplicably stalled in the middle of the freeway. Two crashes only nine days apart. My brother Nathan survived his crash, but he was left with a severe brain trauma and was placed under a medically induced coma immediately after being admitted. They performed a craniotomy on him and he spent almost two months in the hospital. As of currently, he is in a rehabilitation center, receiving various forms of therapy for his recovery. He received severe damages to his occipital lobe and it's uncertain whether he'll be able to properly see, but his memories and ability to speak are intact.

Add to this, I and many of my family members live in southern California, which is not only a hotspot for the virus, but also ridden with chaos thanks to the George Floyd incident. During the time of my brother's hospitalization, many places were being burned and broken into all around us, and the doctors couldn't even provide my brother with proper care at the time because the trauma center was filled with head trauma patients and tear gas victims due to the protests. Of course this has all died down, aside from the virus which is running rampant, but it was tough.

So yeah, life hasn't been pretty. No one has been having a good time this year. We're all suffering. I'm not trying to make anyone feel sorry for me. I just wanted to provide the entire explanation for the uncharacteristically long hiatus.]

Anyway, I was having trouble deciding whether to update this story or A Fool's Heart first, since the AFH chapter already had some progress on it, but whichever I choose is really just based on a whim. I get inspiration fairly randomly. I recently just purchased the collectors edition box set of the High school DxD seasons so I've been watching them all again. And I don't know if this will surprise anyone (not sure if I've ever said it really), but my favorite season is definitely the second. Why? Because my favorite DxD arc is actually the Kokabiel arc, believe it or not. In fact, I'd go as far as saying that the Kokabiel arc still holds up to this day as being one of the best arcs in the series. Character moments are everywhere, stakes are high and well established, and the story takes a major turn beyond that point. The Kokabiel arc was the arc that really showed fans, me, and probably even Ishibumi himself, that DxD can not only take itself pretty seriously but also be damn good while at it. Not many harem series can say that about themselves. It was after the Kokabiel arc that the world of DxD actually started to expand itself and have greater potential. Whether it lives up to the potential or not, that's subjective lol. That aside, I think I've made my point clear that I'm taking this arc specifically pretty seriously. When it comes to LDE, this is without a doubt the arc that I have been anticipating the most out of any in this fanfic. I wouldn't say it's the most important arc, unlike Issei's backstory arc, but it's still the arc I was always personally looking forward to the most. This, along with the peace treaty and Diodora arc are my most anticipated ones. "Anticipated" as in: I already have a ton of moments written for these already lol.

All of that aside, there's gonna be quite a bit of differences between the canon version of Kokabiel arc and this story's version, I think that goes without saying. And I'm not going to spoil anything, but one of those things that's going to be changed is something I may as well tell you about: that is the power scaling. When you go back into the Kokabiel arc in canon and take a good look at it, you'll notice that there's really only one major flaw present throughout it. The power scaling is trash lol. Actually I think this might be true for a lot of the early volumes. You don't really realize it the first time watching or reading, but upon secondary examinations, it sticks out like a sore thumb. Kokabiel, who is an ancient being, a Cadre-class fallen angel that survived battles with the original Lucifer and God himself, somehow gets bodied by Vali in like two seconds lol. I mean sure, Vali has Divide, which weakens his enemies and strengthens himself, but come on you really think it'd go down that fast? Vali even says "I promised to bring you back even if it took everything I had", but that shit was 10 frames long lol! Just because Kokabiel's technically the weakest of the fallen angel leaders don't mean he should go down literally without a fight. Honestly, I don't even like the idea of him being the weakest leader anyway since it doesn't make sense in the first place. I mean how the hell does a war maniac who was probably involved in every battle between the three powers end up being the weakest one LMAO? (But whatever, I guess I'll keep him as "the weakest" just for the sake of the story.) Not only all of that, but even Cerberus, the guard dog of Hades (which Kokabiel has for some reason) is multiple dogs instead of one, and can actually be held off, even defeated, by the Gremory group + Xenovia?! Yeah, no. It's obvious that the reason the power scaling is off in this arc is because even Ishibumi himself didn't really understand his own power scaling just yet. Which makes sense, it is really early on into the series. But this problem becomes glaringly obvious when you go several volumes ahead and learn that someone like Sirzechs can obliterate half of Hell just by whipping his cock out I MEAN UH, just by standing still, yeeeaa that's what I meant… Ahem, so yea, power scaling bad. It makes sense but it's also hard to ignore when you look back, and I know I'm not the only person who's ever noticed. That's why, in this version of the Kokabiel arc, do NOT expect Kokabiel to be one shotted so easily. And don't expect Vali to be the one to do it either. Lot of things are going down differently this time, you can imagine why. This Issei that we've come to know doesn't take kindly to threats, not kindly at all… and the warmonger of Grigori, unlike most, doesn't flinch at the sight of the Boosted Gear or its aura either… in fact, I daresay his reaction would be quite the opposite, wouldn't it?

Prepare yourselves. If you thought you had an idea of how powerful Issei was when he fought Raiser was, you didn't. This time...you'll get to see what it's like when he goes all out.


[-DxD-]

Act 2


BEGIN


Somewhere in Japan, there was an empty, cold, desolate house. Devoid of life and joy, without a sound to be made. A house that was nothing more than a hollow memory from the past..

.

.

.

.

"Hyuu…"

—Perhaps that wasn't the most accurate description for it nowadays.

"...Since when was it that the first thing I saw the moment I opened my eyes were a woman's breasts?"

[If I recall, something similar has happened before. Quite regularly, in fact. Although, I don't recall hearing any complaints from you about that woman being nude specifically.]

"That's because she wasn't naked."

[Oh? Is that why?]

"Well… sort of."

"Muu, Ise…"

"Ugh.."

While lying in bed, the current host of the Sekiryuutei— the Red Dragon Emperor— Hyoudou Issei, groaned painfully. Painfully, but in a figurative sense. His body wasn't actually in pain, rather it was just his soul.

That's because he is currently trapped in a situation which not only aggravates him, but also exhausts him. This despite the fact that he had just awoken from a relatively good night's rest. What constitutes being a "good night's rest" is subjective, considering that to Issei a good night's rest is having only one or two unpleasant dreams in one slumber.

Speaking of which, this situation that Issei is dealing with was familiar to him, yet also somehow a new experience.

—That of course being that there is a nude, red-headed female Devil clinging to his arm as she slept. The Devil part is the new part.

"...Of everyone I know, you least of all... As I thought, I should've exterminated the Devils when I arrived here, Ddraig. Ugh, what a pain.."

[I wish you luck, partner. You've become a patient man lately, I'm sure you'll figure something out.]

"...The hell's that supposed to mean?"

To that question, Issei received no answer from his spiritual companion.

"Fucking gecko."

"..Mm, a lizard? Ise? Is there one at the window?"

The red-headed Devil finally woke up, speaking with a yawn and lazily rubbing her eyes. Now that she was properly awake, Issei had the perfect opportunity to question her.

"Rias Gremory… What the hell are you doing in my bed? No, more than that, who let you into my home?"

"Oh, I let myself in late last night. I wanted to speak with you, but you were already asleep."

"..And? How does that lead to you sleeping in the same bed as me?"

"Sorry, I wanted to sleep while using you as a body pillow. It's difficult for me to sleep without holding something."

"...And what does that have to do with you being naked?"

"Oh, I can't sleep without being nude."

"..."

Issei was left silent for a moment. At this point, he can't really tell whether she's making excuses or just telling the truth. Out of every person he's met, this Devil must be the most eccentric person, besides maybe the woman he loved. Even now, he still isn't sure how to deal with such people.

"Well, even though I've said all of that, I must admit that it was quite difficult to sleep here. Clinging to your body feels like the most comfortable feeling for me, but it's also spoiled slightly by the unsightly artifact sitting on your chest."

The artifact that Rias was referring to was the cross that Issei had his right hand lying on when he slept. Usually, he'd have both hands clasped over it, as it helps prevent nightmares for him. But this time was different thanks to Rias using his left arm to sleep.

Also, the irony of Issei's usual sleeping posture resembling a prayer (or dead person in a casket) was not lost on him.

"..Don't call it "unsightly." Unless you'd like for me to use it on your eyes as punishment."

"You've always been one to make your threats sound like some sort of poetic justice, Ise. Although, now I find it to be one of your charming points. It reminds me of a child trying to sound cool during play; it's cute. Anyway, it's fine. I know how much that item means to you so I won't ask you to remove it. But at the very least if you could wear it on the arm furthest from me, as a bracelet or something similar, that would certainly help."

"Don't count on it. I'm not wearing it for you. I decide where it goes."

"I figured as much. Well, that's okay. In the end, I'm more concerned with the artifact under your bed rather than the one on top of it."

Issei narrowed his eyes.

"..So you noticed it huh?"

"It goes without saying. My group and I noticed it the first time we entered your house. Any Devil would realize there's a holy-sword in their presence the moment they entered its surroundings. And with a holy-sword of this level, even other types of supernatural beings would find it hard to miss. Of course, we didn't know it was a holy sword when we entered, but we felt the chill nonetheless. And as a Devil, I must say, it makes it absurdly difficult to sleep, especially when it's right under you. If it wasn't for me holding onto your body, it would be impossible. Thankfully, your latent aura is almost enough to overpower that chilly feeling. It's an odd combination of warm and cold sensations. If only you made an effort to "warm me up" or "tire me out" before we sleep, then maybe I'd have no complaints, ufufu."

Rias ended the last bit with a certain slyness to her tone. Issei simply rolled his eyes away from her.

'So she can't tell that it's an [Excalibur] after all..?'

Munyuu..

For a moment, Issei thought to himself, but that contemplation was cut especially short when he felt a soft sensation rub against his abdomen.

"Neh, Issei… If it wasn't for that cross, I'd be able to come up closer to you than this. Or maybe.."

Rias then brought herself further up Issei's body while avoiding the cross on his neck and hovered over his head, breasts openly hovering above his nose. And without warning, she laid her bare breasts on top of him, almost smothering his face entirely. To which, of course, Issei was frozen from surprise.

"..Do you prefer this kind of thing? I remember there being times where you gave me snide remarks about my breasts as insults, but now that I think about it, these things must be what interest you the most, Ise… You know, we still have two full hours until we need to start getting ready for school.. And thinking back to it, I still have yet to properly thank Ise for saving me from Raiser… Maybe I can use this chance to repay you?"

Issei spoke through the supple flesh between Rias's bosom while holding his eyes closed. Was it an unconscious act of modesty..?

"..Stop messing around. I don't have two hours, Raynare needs her daily training."

"Ara, Ise.. Would you really so coldly abandon me for another woman? Even though I'm trying to repay you like this.."

With every breath Issei took between Rias's breasts, he noticed her heart beating faster. He shouldn't let this escalate any further.

"..I never asked for your thanks about anything. Besides, you've thanked me so much that it annoys me already. Any more is unnecessary."

"On the contrary, Ise, I don't think I've thanked you anywhere near enough. You changed my life… More than you realize... For that— No, for you… I would do anything. That's why, Ise, let me reward you as thanks. Not like last time. No, this time, I'll do it properly…"

Rias proceeded to slide her hand down Issei's abdomen, feeling the ridges of the toned muscles leading down to his lower half. That's when her hand finally landed over his boxers, specifically the fabric covering his crotch.

"Wai— Oy!"

"Ise.. This place has gotten firm… Would you like me to take care of it for you?"

"That—!"

This was a problem. No, this has been a problem for a short while now. Ever since Issei gave up his hatred towards Gremory— (or more specifically, his hatred towards Rias herself)— he's faced the problem of maintaining a simplified perception of her. As of now, she was his Devil "friend" Rias Gremory. But even more than that, she was a woman. An attractive woman. And despite how innocuous his conscious perception of her may be, just acknowledging the fact that she's a beautiful woman alone is problematic for him on a subconscious level. Because now this acknowledgement allowed for unconscious physiological reactions from his body.

To put it simply, the "heiress of the wretched Gremory" is nothing more than "Rias the woman," and this gives room for Issei's second brain to start thinking for itself.

"Ise.."

While Issei was cursing at himself for having these unintentional reactions, Rias was already lowering herself towards his abdominal area. When she got there, Rias gave Issei a little peck on the spot right above his briefs and looked up at him bashfully, but confident.

"..Just leave it to me, okay?"

"..."

Issei was truly lost for words. This is not how he expected his morning to go. At all.

"Issei-sama, are you awake?"

The person who opened Issei's bedroom door to interrupt the occasion was one of Issei's supernatural housemates, the Fallen-Angel Raynare.

"Ah."

First thing in the morning and Raynare was already greeted by the sight of a Devil ready to perform fellatio on the Sekiryuutei. Her face became deadpan at witnessing the scene.

"Do you mind, Raynare?"

"...Seriously?"

While the two girls were staring at each other with similarly irritated expressions, Issei's most important housemate, the holy priestess Asia, could be heard ascending the stairs.

"Raynare-san? Is Ise-san awake?"

When Asia made it to the top of the staircase, Raynare held her hand out, signaling Asia to stop.

"Don't come any closer, Asia."

"Eh? What's wrong, Raynare-san?"

Just as Asia was questioning it, Rias made an attempt to answer.

"Ah. Asi—"

But Issei immediately clamped her mouth shut with his palm. Both he and Raynare had equally unplayful expressions.

"What is it, Raynare-san? Why can't I see Ise-san?"

"Issei-sama is naked."

"Eh?! Hawawa, I'm so sorry! I'll wait downstairs!"

Asia scurried back down the stairs in embarrassment. Issei removed his hand from Rias's mouth, his conflicted attitude from before already gone.

"Honestly, you two. There's no point behind hiding such things from her, is there? She's better off knowing that those who strike first, win."

Issei was going to retort, but he was beat to the punch by Raynare.

"Shut it, slut. Anyone who troubles Asia is an enemy of this household."

Raynare's response was far harsher than what Issei thought of. Perhaps he's lost his touch.

Rias frowned and waved her hand back and forth in a dismissive manner.

"I don't want to hear that from a Fallen-Angel who was cast out from the heavens thanks to her lust for the [Ash Crow] of all people."

"Tch! Spoiled brat!"

"Wingless pigeon!"

Raynare winced, giving Rias the impression that she touched a nerve, thereby winning her this round. All the meanwhile, Issei ignored the two and began sifting through his closet.

"Enough already. Will you two just get lost? I've got to get ready."

"Oh, Ise, are you getting dressed?"

"You can tell just by looking, can't you, Ichigo-chan?"

"I certainly hope so. I've still yet to see you fully naked yet."

An irritated half-smile and a vein popped onto Issei's face, at which point, he promptly tossed the nude Rias out of his room.

"Wouldja' get fuckin' goin' a'ready!"

DAKUN!

With the accented yell of Issei and the slam of the door behind her, Rias stood up and dusted herself off before making her way downstairs with a huff.

"Geez! At least let me watch the undressing part! What kind of man throws a naked woman out of his room with such a perfect opportunity!?"

Raynare watched Rias descend with an unamused expression.

"...At least put on some clothes first, you tramp."


After Issei and Raynare finished their daily training for the morning, it was time for breakfast. During their training, Rias and Asia made breakfast together. Issei questioned why Rias invited herself to their breakfast again, but since she helped cook it, his Japanese side prevented him from kicking her out. If only his parents and his aunt hadn't raised him so well.

"By the way, Ise. It's best if you hide that holy sword of yours somewhere else in the house rather than your room. Later on today, the rest of the club members will be coming here for our club meeting so it's a good idea to put it somewhere out of mind."

Issei halted his breakfast mid-chew and looked at Rias with half open eyelids.

"...And why the hell would the rest of the Devil doggies be coming to my house for a meeting?"

"Well we can't have it in the clubroom. I'm having it renovated. Where else would I have it?"

"How about in your stole— newly acquired royal estate? You know, the house right fuckin' next to us?"

"Oh, that won't do. That house isn't accommodated for guests. It's a property I purchased to please Ise so it's mainly just accommodated for me."

"No, that's obviously bullshit right? Like, you don't think I'm actually stupid enough to believe such a terrible reason, right?"

"In any case, it's best to put that thing away somewhere less noticeable. We may even end up hanging out in your room after all."

Issei kept his deadpan gaze locked on the still eating Rias for a few seconds.

"...No. Your suggestion has been rejected."

"—Ise."

Just as Issei was about to continue eating, Rias leaned in with a concerned expression.

"This isn't something I'm asking out of some selfish desire to have authority over you. I can't tell you right now but there's a very special reason behind this. I know it may sound selfish but it's a humble request. I'm not asking for myself, but rather on the behalf of one of my precious servants. Okay? Please, Ise?"

'On behalf of her servant..?' Issei thought perplexedly.

Feeling unsure on how to respond, Issei simply stared into Rias's eyes. They clearly displayed the honesty in her plea.

"...No, well.. Even so, that's—"

"—Um, Ise-san."

From Issei's other side, Asia spoke up, twiddling her fingers earnestly.

"..If it's just for one day, it shouldn't be too much, right? I don't want to trouble you, but B-Buchou-sama seems to be making an earnest request.. And, if it's for the sake of our friends, it could be okay, I think?"

"Asia, why would... could it be, this is something you want too?"

"Well, it's just…. I've always wanted to have the experience of what you could call a "sleep-over"... Or rather, I've just wanted the experience of spending time with friends at each other's homes… Although I never had friends or a home…"

Now even Asia was pleading on behalf of Rias. No, it's likely as much a plea for herself as it is a plea for Rias.

"…."

While looking down at Asia's face, Issei's vision seemed to blur and blend the translucent image of another woman on top of Asia's form.

("..It's okay, isn't it, Écaille?")

For only a moment, Issei's eyes gained a certain "deadness" to them, and he replied somewhat monotonously.

"...Well, I guess it's okay… I can't say no to you. I'll make sure to move your sword..."

Issei's moment of oddness going unnoticed by the girls, Rias smiled warmly at Asia.

"You really are a considerate girl, aren't you, Asia? You have my gratitude."

"Eh? A-Ah, no, it's nothing! I just want everyone to get along. Also, having everyone over at the house..is something I've always wanted to do once I had friends. But I also don't want to trouble Ise-san.."

"You're a good girl, Asia. Even so, I still can't lose to you."

"T-Thank you very muc— Eh? Lose?"

Asia tilted her head curiously but Rias just kept eating her breakfast. From beside Asia, Raynare glared at Rias.

'Tch.. You're lucky Asia's kindness helped you out here. If it wasn't for that kindness, I would've skewered you already, Devil brat.'

At this point, Issei was practically done with his second plate of breakfast, and he already felt exhausted by the atmosphere.

Part 2

Ding-Dong~

The academy's bells chimed throughout the school, signaling the beginning of lunch. After lunch, Issei, Asia and Raynare were meant to meet up with the rest of the occult research club members in the clubroom. At school, the three of them don't always eat lunch together, but that's less by choice and more by circumstance. Because Asia and Raynare are usually surrounded by their group of female friends, meanwhile Issei somehow ends up being stuck with the two everyone calls the "perverted duo."

As a result, Issei tends to rush through eating his lunch. His brain can only take so much of their perverted speeches about which genre of porno is the best or most iconic.

Because of this, Issei now commonly ends up making it to the clubroom on his own before anyone else. It was the same situation today.

"Damn perverts. Boobs this and butts that. Reminds me of the geezer from back in the day.."

Issei muttered his complaints after entering the clubroom. Although he complained, some part of him may have only associated with the perverted duo because of a sense of nostalgia for a certain old man from his past… Though he'd never admit it.

"Ara Ara, if it isn't Ise-kun. Good afternoon."

Issei was walking towards the sofa on autopilot, so he didn't notice that Akeno was already in the room. Surprisingly, this was one of the few times that Akeno openly acknowledged him first.

"...Yo."

Perhaps she was just making an innocent attempt to act friendlier than usual, but Issei was always a suspicious person thanks to his perceptive uncle Satoshi.

"Would you like some tea? I just made some."

"Sure."

Keeping his responses fairly terse, Issei lazily sat down on the couch with his arms stretched wide. Despite his relaxed posture, he still kept his gaze on Akeno as she prepared him a cup of tea.

"You're here early."

"Yeah."

Issei silently drank his tea, still without removing his gaze from Akeno. She merely smiled.

"How is it?"

"It's fine."

"That's good to hear."

Issei isn't too keen on fake attitudes or fake faces, so he decided to say it upfront.

"If this is about having to use my house for the after school meeting, you can drop the polite act. It's irritating. Besides, it's just you and me anyway."

This was just an educated guess. Issei himself is also Japanese, so he understands the logic.

That being said, even after Issei said that, Akeno appeared to maintain her friendly smile.

"...I see."

But she did stop speaking after that point.

'So it was about that after all?'

Once Issei finished his tea, he brought his legs up on the couch and laid back. There was still about 15 minutes left until lunch was over, so he figured he may as well take a short nap.

"..."

But now that he thought about it, it's interesting to realize that Issei's intuition was right after all. This proved something to him. Akeno, regardless of her mysterious circumstances, was undeniably Japanese through and through. Issei could only assume she had Japanese parents.

Or just "parent"..?

….This was probably the first time that Issei was ever alone in the same room with Akeno. This would be a perfect opportunity to ask her something... Something specific.

"...Say. Himejima."

"Yes, Ise-kun?"

"...Do you remember that day in the forest?"

"—."

Although Issei had his eyes shut, he could tell that Akeno froze in her place, between sips of tea.

"...What day?"

"You know what day."

Issei's approach was fairly straightforward. Anyone who knows him knows that he is a "no-nonsense" fellow. Beating around the bush is simply not his style. That being said, if you're going to address something that someone doesn't want to address, you need only be "half straightforward." Acknowledge that you're both aware of what the subject is and that playing dumb is worthless, but don't mention it by name. Not until they do at least.

Force them to address it themselves. They will, at some point.

—However, Despite Issei's approach, Akeno was unreceptive and there was a subtle shift in her tone.

"...I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about—."

"—Yes, you do."

"..."

"Would you really forget the day that you met your best friend?"

"..."

"Is it only the events of that day that you don't want to remember, or is it the context surrounding it?"

"..."

No dice. Issei understands this type of issue very well, so he knows that persistence is king here. So long as he persists, he will receive a response, negative or positive. Too bad for the girl, Issei is epitome of persistence.

"You know, regarding all of that, to this day, you've still never answered my question."

His vagueness finally prompted a response.

"...What question?"

"My question. You know, the one from the day I met all of you Devils..."

If Issei had been paying attention, he would've noticed Akeno's mouth open slightly as she recalled a certain memory. That memory being Issei's last words to her before he walked out of the clubroom for the first time.

("That day… At that time... Were you human?")

"I wasn't clear then, but what I was basically trying to ask you was: [That day… "Back then", were you just a human being pursued by Fallen-Angels? Or were you a Fallen-Angel being hunted by humans?]... Or perhaps, were you both—"

"—Ise-kun."

Issei opened his eyes to look at Akeno, only to see that she had no inkling of a smile left on her face. She appeared more serious than he'd ever seen before.

"I am Rias Gremory's Queen. That is all."

For a moment, there was silence between them.

"...I see."

In the silence, Issei simply turned away from her and laid on his side, as if to finally sleep.

"...[Himejima]... Was that your mother's name or your father's?"

To Issei's question, there was no answer. —No. A quiet mutter slipped out from Akeno's lips, in a very somber tone.

"...It was my mother's.."

And that was seemingly the end of their exchange.

Seemingly.

"...It's a beautiful name."

...

"...You... I—"

The doors to the clubroom opened before Akeno could utter a confused word more. Rias was the sole person to enter the room, and she acknowledged the silent duo immediately.

"Ara, Ise, Akeno. So you two were here already."

"Yes, Buchou."

For some reason, Rias felt that Akeno was giving off a peculiar vibe.

"Akeno? Is something wrong?"

"Ara, of course not, Buchou. What could you possibly mean?"

Akeno appeared to have her usual smile and attitude, but Rias curiously raised a brow. She couldn't help but wonder if something was "off" about Akeno. Perhaps it was worth asking about later.

But, for now she shook it off and went over to the "napping" Issei.

"Why, Ise. You shouldn't leave yourself so defenseless in the clubroom. Even if you aren't a woman, anyone could come in and take advantage of you, you know?"

Rias finished her statement by leaning down towards Issei's face with her lips puckered.

"I'm not asleep, bimbo."

"Ah, good. In that case, you can turn this way and.."

Of course she never paused her approach.

"Ugh.."

Issei sighed heavily and flicked Rias harshly on the forehead.

"Ow!"

"Devil brat."

Rias rubbed her forehead with a pout, but she didn't have much time to linger on her disappointment. Not long after Rias came in, another group of people entered the room.

"Pardon the intrusion."

Issei sat up, sensing that Asia and Raynare had come in, but the duo was also accompanied by two other familiar persons. Well, one of them was familiar at least.

"Ah, Sona. How nice of you to visit us. Have you come to make introductions?"

"Indeed. I've brought along the newest addition to my peerage."

"I see. Well, by all means. Ise, you remember Sona, don't you?"

Issei was ignoring anything outside of Asia and Raynare until his name was called. When he looked up, he saw the familiarly analytical stare of the student council president.

"...Ah, Seito-Kaichou, right? I think I remember your face."

Sona pushed up her glasses, never breaking from her overly professional demeanor.

"Ara, Hyoudou Issei-san. I'm hurt. I was sure you would recall exactly who I was, I am the one who technically began negotiations between you and us Devils after all. All the meanwhile, my allies were hopelessly shaking in their boots. I was hoping I left a better impression at least. In my case, I could practically never forget you."

"Oh yeah. Now it's comin' back to me. Although, if I remember correctly, you were quivering just as much as your play pals."

Issei remarked smugly, but Sona was indifferent to his little jab. Witnessing Issei's transition from bloodthirsty devil-hater to "Rias's best friend" was enough to remind her that he wasn't much to fear if you were an ally.

Sona's companion, on the other hand, did not take kindly to Issei's snide remarks at all.

"Hey, watch your mouth, asshole! Show some respect to the Kaichou of your school!"

Sona's plus-one, a second year with mellow colored hair, chided Issei angrily. Issei could only stare at him blankly.

"...Um.. Who are you?"

"My name is Saji Genshiro! I am the student council secretary! And as a servant of Sitri, I won't allow anyone to disrespect Kaichou and get away with it!"

The boy, named Saji, pounded his chest proudly. "He must be an idiot," Issei thought. To not even realize the difference in strength between himself and Issei, he's either a complete amateur, or a retard. At the very least, Issei respects the bravery.

Or is it really just stupidity after all..?

"Saji. Enough."

Saji appeared proud of himself for a moment thanks to Issei's lack of response, but Sona sternly reprimanded the boy.

"B-But, Kaichou..! This guy—!"

"No. I don't want to hear it. Knock it off. No matter what you did, you wouldn't be able to defeat him in your current state. No, actually, it's not inaccurate to say that this man could probably defeat you using only one limb. At your level, starting a fight with him would be like a duckling fighting a bear."

"Say what?! A-A duck and a bear?! Is the difference between us seriously that great?!"

"No, it's probably even greater. This is the man who defeated an immortal, undefeated heir of the Phoenix household without even resorting to Balance Breaker."

"Wha—?! This guy was the one who defeated Raiser Phoenix one-on-one?! I was so sure that it was Kiba-san or Akeno-senpai.. using some sort of special technique…"

"That's right. This man is this generation's current Sekiryuutei. The host of the Red Dragon Emperor. You may have taken up four pawn pieces to reincarnate, but even so, compared to this man, you are even less than child's play."

"The S-Sekiryuutei.."

After hearing that, Saji's cocky attitude quickly disappeared. It almost looked like his spirit was crushed. Sona sighed hopelessly.

"It's fine as long as you get along, Saji. Introduce yourself properly."

Saji defeatedly walked over to Raynare and Asia, shaking their hands and greeting them first.

"..Nice to meet you, I'm Saji Genshiro.. Let's get along."

"Uh-huh, whatever you say, kid."

"Yes, nice to meet you, Saji-san!"

Raynare gave an indifferent response, but Asia greeted Saji with a friendly smile. Somehow, this seemed to fill Saji with energy again and caused him to firmly clasp his hands around Asia's own.

"Ooh! It's all my pleasure, Asia-san! Let's be good friends from now on!"

Asia, in her innocence, nodded gladly. Meanwhile, the murderous looking silhouette of Raynare was creeping up beside Saji without him noticing.

But before Raynare could do anything, Issei removed Saji's hands from Asia's and gave him a handshake. A very painful handshake.

"Nice to meetcha', Saji-boy. Let's get along. And if you lay a hand on Asia again, I'll destroy you without remorse."

"And I'll skewer you."

Both Raynare and Issei were leaning in and delivering various threats to Saji, causing Rias to sigh deeply.

"It seems you have it hard, Rias."

"You too, my friend.."

—While holding (crushing) Saji's hand, Issei noticed something odd. He brought Saji's hand up closer to his face and stared at it dubiously.

"Hmm? What's this?"

"What is it, Ise?"

Rias questioned why Issei was holding Saji's hand in the air like it was some sort of unidentified object. He was practically lifting the poor boy off the ground.

"...Dragon? This guy?"

Issei spoke to the back of his left hand as if someone were listening to him. His friends realized that this likely meant he was speaking telepathically to the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig. Even Sona was attentive enough to put the pieces together. Which means that basically everyone in the room besides Saji himself realized it.

"Eh? W-What? What's going on? Why's everyone got that look?"

"Hey, Devil-Kaichou. Does this guy have a Sacred Gear?"

Issei ignored Saji and asked Sona, to which she nodded in response.

"Yes, he does."

Issei then looked Saji directly in the eyes and gave him what basically sounded like an order.

"Oy, bring out your Sacred Gear."

"—?! Huh?!"

"Do as he says, Saji."

Saji was shocked by Issei's demand, but Sona told him to comply.

"What?! Kaichou?! Why would..?"

Saji wanted to question it further, but there was a noticeable, curious glean in Sona's eye.

"Bring it out, Saji."

Seeing that he had no choice, Saji reluctantly complied. A brief, purplish light flashed atop of Saji's left hand. When the light was gone, there was an odd glove or gauntlet looking device covering a portion of Saji's hand. It resembled a chameleon, black in color, with even two little eyes and a mouth.

"Oh, what a cute looking face!"

"Yes, it's quite a charming appearance, isn't it?"

"Hmm… looks familiar.."

Rias and Asia inspected the Sacred Gear with amused gazes, while Raynare thought that she may have seen the device somewhere before, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Maybe in some documents..?

Sona, however, kept her eyes on Issei, waiting for his reaction.

"This is.."

[Ho, if it isn't Vritra.]

Suddenly, a light flashed out of Issei's own hand and a gauntlet spawned over it. With it, the jewel on Issei's gauntlet began speaking aloud.

"That is... the Welsh Dragon. "Y Ddraig Goch", was it?"

[Ddraig, Devil-woman. It has been a short while since my host has threatened your life.]

"Is that how you tell interactions apart? You must have it hard."

Sona and Ddraig had a brief exchange before Issei cut them off.

"Who cares about that, Ddraig? More importantly, this guy!"

For some reason, Issei's voice seemingly had a tinge of excitement in it.

"You! Why didn't tell me you were a dragon earlier? This is my first time encountering one of my own kind like this, who would've thought you'd be a Devil? Ha! I guess we're lucky we met later on, otherwise we might've been real "to-the-death" enemies. Or, maybe since you became a Devil only recently, we would've been fine? Still, what are the odds? To meet a Dragon-king in a place like this.. So, where's your partner? He snoozin' right now or somethin'?"

Issei tapped the chameleon head on Saji's hand curiously. Saji, and most of the others, had no idea what Issei was going on about. Ddraig was the one who cleared it up for him.

[Partner. Remember that this is Vritra. That guy was a special case. When he was sealed into the Sacred Gear, he was split into multiple pieces, unlike Albion and I. As such, he probably doesn't have his consciousness present with only one piece. If this piece is all that this Devil possesses, then Vritra cannot communicate with him or us. He is still scattered about in this world.]

"Oh. That so? That's unfortunate. I thought for a moment that you might have a companion, Ddraig. Oh well, as long as he can still use its power, that's all that matters."

"Ise, what's going on? Are you meaning to tell me that this small device is a piece of the Dragon-king Vritra's Sacred Gear?"

Rias asked curiously, questioning if the Gear on Saji's arm was the real thing or a common type Gear. She might've known about Vritra, but she didn't know the physical appearance of the different pieces. Issei explained it clearly so everyone could understand.

"Yeah, this is undoubtedly [Vritra], the ["Black Prison Dragon"]. It's one of the singular fragments… From the looks of it… Since it has a mouth, I have to assume it's the [Absorption Line.]"

At that moment, Raynare's memory sparked a vision from the past in her mind.

'..?! That's right! Now I remember! Vritra, the Black Dragon-king! Those fragments that Azazel-sama was showing off to Vali-sama— those were pieces of Vritra!'

The image in Raynare's mind was that of a handsome middle aged man and a white haired pre-teen standing next to a display with 3 black colored devices inside of it.

("Hey, brat. Take a look at this. It seems like we've found one of your "friends." You can thank Bal for locating these.")

("If it can't wake up and fight, then it's worthless to me.")

("Heh. You really are hopeless, aren't you. It seems like you've entered your rebellious age. Well, I'll see what I can do.")

—Raynare shook her head to rid herself of the memory. She doesn't like thinking back to her time at Grigori. Or rather, she doesn't enjoy reminiscing about the past at all these days..

"—Sona Sitri. I'm assuming you've tested this device's capabilities already so tell me: does this thing shoot out a rope or tentacle of some kind?"

Issei asked Sona, to which she nodded in confirmation.

"Yes, it does exactly that. From the device's "mouth", a line which resembles a glowing tentacle is shot out towards a person or object. Through the absorption, power can be siphoned to the user and even transferred elsewhere. It also works as a method of capture, since it can seemingly extend as long as the user intends. Although Saji appears to have a limit of twenty meters. Perhaps it's his lack of demonic power."

Rias raised an intrigued brow and almost teased her friend.

"Ara, Sona. It almost seems to me as if you yourself weren't even certain that this device was a Vritra Gear."

"Well, I had my suspicions. Everything seemed to align with my research so we operated under the assumption that it was the original Absorption Line, but you know me. I prefer to leave nothing to interpretation. It was difficult to confirm whether it was a Vritra Gear right away due to not having an immediate testing method. As a Devil, I have no access to holy weapons which could easily test the theory. And the documentation I obtained didn't mention the appearance of the Gear, only the functions. Thankfully, however, I ended up not needing to test anything. After all, what better certainty than confirmation from the Sekiryuutei himself? You have my gratitude, Hyoudou-san."

Hearing Sona's speech of an explanation, Issei felt his creative brain spark in interest.

"Sitri. I assume that you've already tested the limits of his Sacred Gear up to this point, correct? For example, the amount of power he can absorb and transfer?"

"Yes, we've tested it all. From his power drain limit, to the length of his connection, to the limit he can transfer from one person to another. I've collected all of the necessary data."

"Really? Earlier you mentioned that he can transfer power to and from objects. This means he's able to siphon power from objects that have magical effects or supernatural energies, doesn't it? And he should be able to transfer that to others as well."

"Exactly correct."

"Then what about magical attacks? Have you tested whether it's possible if the Absorption Line can absorb incoming attacks themselves?"

Unbeknownst to her, the continuous exchange with Issei caused Sona to grow a little smile.

"How very astute of you, Hyoudou-san. Coming from the Sekiryuutei who utilized a previously unheard of ability to quite literally "consume" the Phoenix's flames during battle, I should've known you would ask that question. —Yes, it does indeed possess the ability to absorb magical attacks. However, it isn't possible to do it immediately. If an incoming attack is charging towards the user, there is no way they'd be capable of absorbing the attack before it reaches them, since the absorption is a gradual process. They can, however, absorb a magical attack that is stationary. Although, I think you understand why this makes absorption unviable in most battle scenarios."

"It goes without saying. In that case, have you tested whether the length of time for absorption varies from opponent to opponent?"

"Actually, we have. The rate at which energy is absorbed is a flat rate. It does not change whether the target is stronger or weaker, the rate of absorption stays the same."

Issei rubbed his chin curiously.

"...That's unfortunate. The combat potential could be raised considerably if the Gear had such an ability... In that case, you should have Saji "break" an evolution into the Gear. With such a simple modification, even an idiot could pull it off."

That's what Issei said, but he wondered if that was possible for Saji. Issei himself is capable of modifying/evolving his Gear not only thanks to sheer will, but also because his potential with the Boosted Gear is and always has been high. As for Saji's potential, it's probably much lower considering that he can't even extend his "line", which is his main ability, beyond a certain point.

Sona prodded Issei in concern with his phrasing.

"[Break an evolution in]... Is that in reference to Balance Breaker, Hyoudou-san?"

"Huh? Oh, nah. What I mean is just forcefully modifying the Sacred Gear by causing it to evolve in some way. Balance Breaker is unnecessary. If Saji can pull that off, he can have virtually any ability that he wants in his Gear. As long as it stands within reason of its initial abilities, of course. That's how I was able to create that so-called "unheard of" ability known as [consume.]"

To that suggestion, Sona raised a curious brow.

"I'm not sure that's something Saji is capable of. As a [Pawn], he absorbed four pieces from my set to reincarnate, so he certainly has some sort of potential. However, his ability is far too low due to, in no small part, his severe lack of demonic power. Something of that manner is likely still far beyond his reach."

"Bullshit. I'm a human so as far as I know, my magical ability is zero. And I certainly don't have any demonic powers. Still, I managed to pull it off, didn't I?"

"Even so, Saji is still much too lacking in experience. If he attempted that, it could potentially shave off years from his lifespan, if not kill him."

Issei simply shrugged his shoulders.

"Sacred Gears bend to the will and desire of their users. —Where there's a will, there's a way."

For some reason unknown even to herself, Sona's smirk grew even wider.

"Hmm. You really are quite a sharp person, aren't you, Hyoudou-san? You seem to have thought of everything."

"I could say the same to you. Every question I asked you, you answered with yes."

"Oh please, you flatter me. I simply tested and considered every possibility through the logic presented to me. It's nothing that any normal person with basic skills in deduction couldn't manage."

"How humble for a Devil. I myself don't find any issue in admitting that I'm a genius. Dragons are prideful creatures after all."

Sona then did something that shocked even her childhood friend Rias.

She giggled.

"Hehehe. —Ahem. I suppose that's true. But a little humility couldn't hurt, could it, Hyoudou-san?"

Issei waved his hand around dismissively.

"You can cut it out with the "Hyoudou-san" shit. Just Ise is fine."

"Very well, Ise-kun. In that case, you may also call me "Sona." It would be problematic for me if you were to walk around referring to me by my family name on campus after all."

"Deal. I hate formalities."

The two came to an equal understanding and smiled at each other in a friendly manner.

—Rias, out of every crisis she's experienced in her life, has probably never been as concerned as she is now. Her eyes kept darting back and forth from Issei to Sona. These two weren't just "getting along", they were connecting. They related to each other somehow. You could even say that they almost had an intellectual "kinship" of some sort.

And Sona. Rias doesn't even know if there's ever been a time that she's seen a man make her friend laugh, let alone chuckle. Not only that, but the worst part to Rias: Sona's eyes. The look in Sona's eyes while looking at Issei, she had never seen it before… it was almost like she had some type of keen fascination with him or something..

Rias finally reached her breaking point the next time Sona spoke.

"Say, Ise-kun. How do you fancy a game of chess? I'd like to have a match or two the next time we meet, if you don't mind."

"Chess? Mm, well... I'm more of a shogi guy myself, but sure, I'll take you on—"

"—Absolutely not!"

Rias immediately cut in between the two with an exasperated expression. She then clung onto Issei's arm without shame.

"Sona. Ise may not be my servant, but don't be fooled. This boy belongs to me! Even if you are my childhood friend, I won't forgive you, Sona..!"

Issei was annoyed by Rias's abrupt interruption, but for some reason, he also began to get the impression that there was something else going on that he didn't understand.

Sona responded to Rias in a calm, but mildly irritated manner.

"Rias. It's nothing more than a game of chess. You're assuming too much. —Besides, it is precisely because he is not your servant that I find no problem in requesting such a thing from him."

"That only worries me more… If you're willing to risk that only because he isn't my servant, then doesn't that just expose your true intentions?"

While Rias basically glared at her friend, Sona simply kept her eyes closed and sighed.

"...It's a simple game of chess, Rias."

"—It's the final test."

Sona opened one of her eyes to peek at Rias who was glaring at her. Sona's usually not one to tease her friend, but she felt especially spiteful thanks to Rias's presumptuous attitude.

Sona scoffed lightly.

"Hmph... Well, I suppose that all depends on whether he passes said test or not, doesn't it, Rias?"

"Sona!"

"—Kaichou."

Akeno then appeared from the side and interrupted the argument.

"Isn't it about time for you to return to the student council room?"

Sona silently stared at Akeno for a moment before glancing at Rias and Issei. Her eyes momentarily hung on Issei before looking away. She then turned on her heel and called out to her servant.

"Yes, you're right. It's about time we head back. Saji, let's go."

"Eh? Ah, y-yes, Kaichou!"

Saji joined Sona by her side and she said her goodbyes to Issei before leaving.

"Well then, Ise-kun. Until next time, when we have our little duel. I'm expecting quite a bit from you, so I hope you won't disappoint me. Although I don't expect you to win, I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing you put up a good fight."

"Ah, there's the arrogance of a High-Class Devil. About time. Well, whatever. Just don't blame me when I win yea? I don't wanna hear shit about it."

Unbeknownst to everyone around her, Sona smiled before walking off with Saji in tow.

"Blame you? What are you saying, Ise-kun? Of course I'll blame you. After all, if you do win, I might just have you take responsibility for it."

Sona's last words to Issei left him confused. He was a smart man, but he wasn't smart enough to understand what that meant. As soon as the student council duo exited the room, Rias warned Issei sternly.

"Ise. Whatever you do, don't ever take up that woman's challenge. That girl is not only smart, but a crafty one as well. And I know that Ise isn't the type to give up, even if he loses. Our lives would be upset greatly if you were to beat her in that game so avoid it at any cost, okay?"

"What does that even mean? Why does it seem like you Devils are always up to something?"

"It's because we are. Don't trust us Devils, Ise."

Issei furrowed his brows in confusion towards Rias's unexpected reaction to his words.

'Is it really that serious to you?'

Out of nowhere, Asia also came up to Issei's side and wrapped herself around his arm with a troubled pout.

"Mou… Even though Ise-san has me.."

By this point, Issei was starting to feel more tired than confused and just sighed.

"What is it with you two…"

Part 3

" " "Pardon the intrusion!" " "

After school, the occult research club gathered in Issei's home while the old school building was being renovated. All much to Issei's dismay.

"This is Ise-kun's home huh. We were here once before but there wasn't such a warm welcome last time."

Kiba said it with a smile.

"Warm welcome? So then if I punched you, would that be a cold welcome or would that still count as the warm part, Arthur-kun?"

"Aha… As charming as ever, Ise-kun.."

The group was gathered in the living room, interacting normally while maintaining a certain politeness, since they were just visitors after all. However, there was clearly something apprehensive about all of their attitudes. Issei assumed that it must've been the atmosphere given off by Marie's Excalibur making them uncomfortable. He moved it to another place, that being a closet further into the house, but it didn't seem to have a drastic enough effect. No surprise there. It's an Excalibur.

—Asia, Raynare, and Koneko were sitting on the couch, while Rias and Akeno prepared tea in the kitchen. Kiba was the only one standing around besides Issei, taking curious glances around the room. Kiba was also the only one to acknowledge the chilly atmosphere with an awkward smile.

"..I have to say, Ise-kun.. Not to offend you, but I couldn't help noticing that your home doesn't feel very attuned towards Devil sensitivities."

"That's because it's not supposed to be. I never meant to have Devils here in the first place. Besides, Asia has crosses all over the house due to her beliefs."

The last bit about crosses was a lie. But it was necessary to keep Marie's Excalibur somewhat of a secret. Rias knew that it was a holy-sword, but she didn't know that it was Excalibur Blessing. For some reason, Issei got the impression that it was a better idea not to mention that it was Excalibur. Because if there's anything Issei remembers about the things Marie constantly hammered into his head, it was the fact that an Excalibur was far more than "just a holy-sword." It was the holy-sword. Or at least it used to be, before it was "split into seven", as she said.

Considering this, Issei deduced that it's likely not a good idea to recklessly let that information slip out.

"I-I'm sorry, Kiba-san.. I know that everyone has issues with holy items because of their Devil nature. I should have asked Ise-san to take them down and wrap them in some of my cloth."

Asia sold Issei's lie for him. Of course she knew about the circumstances, so she agreed to help Issei. She didn't like lying to everyone, especially since they were her friends and lying was never her forte either. Issei also felt bad having Asia lie for him, as it clearly made her uncomfortable. But it was for Marie's sake.

In a way, Issei was also convinced that it was just as much for Asia's sake as well… Who could know why he thought this.

'So the holy atmosphere around holy items can be hidden, or maybe even "dulled" with just a simple cloth..? No, maybe it's a special cloth provided to Asia by the church… That's right, Marie had a cloth she wrapped around her sword's sheath too… I kept that with me. I guess I should dig it out of my drawer.'

Issei was lost in his own thoughts. Rias and Akeno eventually returned with the tea and served some to everyone. It was when Kiba was curiously looking around that he noticed an eye-catching book underneath the television set.

"This looks like.."

"Oh, looks like you've noticed something interesting, Yuuto."

Rias pulled the book out from its place under the TV. It was undoubtedly a photo album.

"Keen eye. I hadn't even noticed this before. Maybe there's some baby Ise pictures.."

Right as Rias was about to open the photo album, Issei swiped it out of her hands.

"Don't go snooping around through people's personal belongings."

Issei said it in his usual stern tone, but there was something visibly unusual about his behavior. He wasn't even facing the two when he swiped the album away.

"Just looking at photos is alright, isn't it, Ise?"

"—These aren't meant for Devil eyes."

The room was momentarily quiet after Issei's response.

Gradually, Rias's expression shifted into a morose smile.

"..."Devil eyes"… As your friend, it hurts to hear you say that, Ise.."

The next part she muttered sadly under her breath.

"...I thought we'd finally made some progress.."

—Issei's world stopped.

.

.

.

...What a familiar thing to say, he thought.


Whilst walking beside each other in public, Marie teased Issei with a victorious looking smirk.

"Sooo~, Issei! Now that you've acknowledged me as your partner, how about you start calling me [onee-chan] from now on?!"

Marie asked excitedly, with practically stars replacing her eyes.

She always wanted us to call her onee-chan, haha..

But Issei gave a much less-than-friendly reply.

"Hah? Don't fuck around. There's no way I'm callin' ya that. What am I, fuckin' five? Ain't just your name fine enough? Moron. Don't act so casual with me. We ain't friends."

Marie stopped walking without saying a word, leaving Issei to realize she wasn't beside him a few seconds later. When he looked back, he saw Marie with her head down towards her feet, which were awkwardly pointed at each other and shifting in place.

She muttered under her breath disappointedly, but thanks to his supernatural hearing, he caught it.

"...And here I thought we just made some progress… I really am a moron.."

Marie could hear Issei approach her and lifted her head.

"Hey."

When she looked up, Issei wasn't facing her entirely, but he had a hand extended out towards her.

"...I… I've always worked alone, so…. I ain't the easiest guy to get friendly with… And I'm not all that good with people yet either. That's why, um… My bad, I guess…. How 'bout we just stick with [partner] for now and go from there, yea?"

For a moment, Marie was quiet, and she stared at his outstretched hand. Then, her eyes lit up, and she clasped Issei's hand within her own.

"Yes!"

The sparkle in her eyes returned and so did her radiant, beautiful smile.

"Let's go with that! Partner!"

A smile...like no other..


—When Issei returned to reality, he was standing in a silent living room with a heavy atmosphere.

".…"

Issei didn't say anything. With his back turned from everyone, what sort of expression he was making was a mystery.

However…

"Ise..?"

When Rias raised her eyes, she noticed that the photo album was being held out right in front of her.

"...Just make sure...that Asia gets to see them.."

Issei's expression was still difficult to make out, but his eyes alone could still be viewed from a side-peek. Eyes which appeared to be hollow, empty husks..

Touch..

Rias gently placed her hand on Issei's own and looked up at him with sympathetic eyes and a kind smile.

"Let's look at them together.."

A beautiful smile…. But it's not the same, is it?

.

.

.

"..."

Issei kept his gaze away. He didn't want to look at the photos. He had no desire to.

...No, is that really true? Out of everything in this world, wouldn't seeing the faces of the ones he loved be the number one thing he wants? He should look back at them with a rejuvenated smile. Yet he doesn't want to.

Wrong. You're afraid. You're afraid of looking back, because you're not alone right now. If you look back now, your vulnerability will be exposed- out in the open. Isn't that it, Hyoudou Issei?

Ignoring the all-too familiar sound of his doppelganger's voice, Issei reluctantly, and slowly, went towards the couch and sat down beside Asia.

Rias took the space beside Issei while Kiba stood behind the couch with Akeno.

Issei hesitantly placed his hand on the corner of the book..and opened it.

—The first thing he saw - were the faces of his parents, smiling in their wedding photo.

"Heh.."

Of course, only the fondest of smiles grew onto Issei's lips.

"Ah… I remember this."

Issei pointed to a random photo that caught his eye.

"This was my first time at the beach… I was only two, but I remember trying to make a sandcastle for the first time with the help of my mom. In the end, the best I could do was just a mound of sand with a stick in it as a flag… Would you look at that? I've even got a dragon toy with me… What are the odds huh?"

While Issei pointed to various photos and told the backstories behind them, everyone remained relatively quiet. The only time anyone spoke was to say something complimentary about his parents..

First, it was Asia.

"Ise-san's okaa-sama… she is very beautiful.."

"...Yeah. She really was."

Then, Rias.

"Your hair looks just like your father's.."

"Yeah… Somehow, it always turns out this way when I grow it out past a certain point. I've tried styling it many times before, but it would always end up this way… In the end, I'm okay with it.."

Then, even Koneko.

"Warm… Their eyes are warm.."

"Yeah…. They were."

Again, a silence overtook the room as Issei flipped onto the next page of the album. On Issei's face, there was a smile. An unassuming, regular smile. Regular… Except…

"Ah. This is the first time we all went fishing together.."

Issei pointed to a photo that contained a child version of himself with his parents side by side. In the photo, Issei was yawning tiredly, his mother was wearing a strained smile with bags under her eyes, and his father was beaming with a proud smile. In Issei's father's hand, there was a small fish caught on a lure.

"That day, me and my mum were dragged along by my pops to go fishing… Usually, my mum wouldn't go, but since it was my first time fishing ever, dad somehow managed to convince her. I remember being super sleepy that day. Hell, I even ruined the photo by yawning. Even mum was falling asleep in the canoe. In the end, we ended up catching a fish with my lure, but it was so pathetic of a thing that not even a goldfish would be intimidated by it, haha…. Still, my dad was proud, somehow. I'd never seen him happier in my entire life."

Issei paused for a moment.

"...That old man... He promised to teach me how to do it properly one day, you know?...Hehe..."

On Issei's face, there was a smile.

A regular smile.

And yet...

.

.

Drip…

—Out of Issei's eyes, there was a stream of tears falling down, from his cheeks, and dropping onto the album below.

"What a terrible joke, heh."

….

….

Without saying a word, Asia held onto Issei's arm tightly.

"Asia..?"

When Issei looked down, Asia seemingly refused to meet his gaze and her body seemed to be trembling .

Then, on Issei's other arm, Rias clung onto him. She discreetly wiped away what was at her eyes.

"Ise.."

When she lifted her head, Rias simply smiled up at Issei.

"Could you please show us some more?"

Issei nodded.

"Yeah. Sure."

Issei flipped onto the next page.

How could Issei display such emotion at a time like this, Rias thought. Under normal circumstances, Issei would never dare to show such vulnerability. And yet, here it all was, out in the open.

At this point, Rias deduced that there must've been only one explanation.

—That is… Issei's sorrow is so deeply ingrained within his own psyche - that he wasn't even aware that he was crying at this moment.

"Oh.."

When Issei had flipped onto the next page of the album, he realized..

It was empty.

"...Sorry. Looks like that's as far as it goes."

Issei said, his smile saddening just a bit. Not even a quarter of the way through the book…

Dink..

Akeno retrieved the tea tray from the table in front of everyone and went into the kitchen without saying anything, as if to refill the tea cups. But most of them weren't even finished yet.

Once Issei had noted that there wasn't anything on the next page, he returned to the previous page. It was then that Kiba noticed something in the corner of his eye.

"Ise-kun.."

"Hmm? What is it?"

Kiba pointed his finger toward a certain photo in the album. A photo containing Issei and another boyish looking child.

"...That photo… Do you remember this?"

"Oh, yeah. That's a friend of mine from my childhood. Rin...Shidou, I think was his name. I used to hang out with him a lot. I also used to go to church with his family too. They were catholics.."

Issei's eyes widened slightly when he noticed something in the background of the photo.

"...That's.."

It was the first time he had seen the photo in ten years so he didn't even realize it till now.

"—It's a holy-sword."

Kiba finished Issei's sentence for him in a whisper.

"Even things like this can happen huh.."

On Kiba's face, there was an unnerving smirk.

"..."

And Issei recognized the look in Kiba's eyes very...very well.

Part 4

Later that night, The ORC had some business to handle near the ruins of the old abandoned church. Stray business.

Considering that there was practically nowhere they could hide in a place like this, they found their targets, three Stray Devils, easily. They were in a group.

"This is a rare occurrence. For stray Devils to group up like this, you're all usually loners. You must be from different families. A rare occurrence indeed."

Rias acknowledged the three strays that were loitering around the wasteland that formerly made up the abandoned church. The three strays also noticed Rias's large group and began glaring daggers at them.

"That crimson hair..! That's without a doubt—!"

"Yes. I am Rias Gremory, heiress to the Gremory clan. A pleasure to meet you, "Belkov", "Flayd", "Anzela." You three will answer for your crimes. As the representative to Gremory, I will see to it myself that you are properly punished."

Rias proclaimed it with confidence, but the three strays spat at her with disgust.

"Tch! Wretched Gremory!"

"If you really think you can do something, then do it!"

The strays went into battle mode, bringing out their wings and transforming parts of their bodies into larger, more grotesque looking pieces. Rias simply lifted her hand towards them, signaling her servants forward.

"Advance, my cute servants! Show them that even odds aren't going to be helping them tonight!"

" " "Yes, Buchou!" " "

As Rias's three servants faced off against their respective opponents, Rias, Issei, and his two housemates stayed back to watch over the fights. Out of Rias's three servants, Akeno was having the easiest time, clearly just toying with her female opponent for enjoyment. Koneko was doing relatively well in her battle, although she had a lack of items to toss around at the constantly flying enemy. In the end, she opted for countering whenever her enemy went in for a dive attack.

Kiba, on the other hand, seemed "off." Issei hasn't observed too many of the Gremory group's battles, but from what he has seen, Kiba was far more attentive than how he was now. His speed wasn't up to par with his usual either. In fact, his behavior in combat suggested that he was on some sort of "autopilot." It's the type of attitude you could have if you were distracted during your daily training or something.

But during a real fight, it was fatal. He could easily die in a place like this.

"Oy, Koneko-chan! Take out as many teeth as you can! Every tooth is a hundred yen's worth if you catch my drift!"

Issei shouted that from his place beside Rias while Koneko was fighting her opponent.

"What?!"

"Hai, senpai."

The stray was confused by the odd interjection, allowing for Koneko to knock out a whole eight teeth with one kick-uppercut while she made her signature little "Ei." vocalization.

Rias commented on Issei's actions in an intrigued manner.

"Ara, Ise. When was it that you got so close with Koneko? Only a couple of months ago it seemed like you would never get along. Even nowadays, I never see you speaking to each other. And yet, Koneko is usually willing to take a free spot on the sofa next to you, as well as taking your suggestions during a battle? Have I gotten the wrong impression? When I'm not looking, are you actually a sly man, Ise?"

Rias sort of teased Issei, but she was curious. In a slightly jealous way, most likely. Issei only shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly in response.

"Well, who knows. Believe it or not, I actually have a thing for cats though. Or more like they just don't leave me alone sometimes.."

While Issei was reminded of exactly how many cats (or cat-like persons) were present in his life, Asia replied with what appeared to be a proud smile.

"Ehehe, Ise-san has been secretly treating Koneko-san with sweets whenever she performs well in battles and such. If he notices her name in the high tier of the placement board for testing, he also rewards her. He even packs an extra snack in his bag that he never eats and only gives to Koneko-saaa~!"

Asia's words were cut off into a sound of displeasure as Issei pinched her cheek. She said things like "it huwts, Iseh-han~," but it was only really a light pinch.

"Don't phrase things like they're some scandalous affair, Asia. It's unladylike."

When Issei released Asia's cheek, she pouted, and Rias went right back to teasing Issei.

"Why, Ise~ I wasn't aware that you'd become buddies with my servants like that. At this rate, I'll have you joining my peerage in no time after all."

"HA! —Good one."

"Oh come on, Ise. Considering our relationship, don't you find the idea of forming a "master-servant" connection exhilarating?"

"What "relationship" are you talking about huh?"

"Isn't that obvious? The type that lets a man and woman sleep together in the same bed at night of course."

"In your dreams, princess."

"Oh silly Ise. By now you already know that you're always in my dreams. —The dreams I'm having while I'm sleeping with you, by the way."

"Ugh."

Issei couldn't help but rub the bridge of his nose tiredly.

'You've just gotta add that last part no matter what huh…'

ZIN ZIN!

"Hm?"

With two last decisive slashes, Kiba seemingly ended his battle with the only male stray opponent. When the stray fell to the floor however, Issei noticed something. There was a vacant look in Kiba's eyes. It was a look that suggested his heart wasn't in it.

..But Issei knew well enough to understand that when your heart isn't in it, most of the time, your brain isn't either.

—And because of this combat experience, Issei was able to notice the stray shuffling ever so slightly while on the floor. That was, until he shot up for a surprise attack towards Kiba

[—?!]

"DIE!"

"Yuuto!"

ZIN!

The spine-like blade that protruded from the stray's wrist was stopped just short of Kiba's nose. That was when Kiba realized that the tall figure that had suddenly appeared between him and the stray, was Issei.

"Yo, pretty boy… What's wrong? Scared stiff?"

Even though Issei had caught the blade with his bare hand, he easily destroyed it in his grip like it was made out of glass. The stray didn't even have a moment to register his shock before he received a knee to the chin that sent him flying back.

BAM!

Seeing that he was already taking down one stray, Issei thought "might as well," and immediately proceeded to attack the others. He appeared behind Akeno's opponent and punched her straight in the gut, temporarily bringing her to her knees. He then kicked Koneko's opponent away from her, causing the stray to slam into a tree harshly.

"Don't worry, shiro-chan. You'll get what I promised."

"Thank you, senpai."

For some reason, hearing Koneko's thanks severely irritated Issei. Almost to the point that he wanted to tell her to shut up, but he held back. It always annoys him when people express gratitude to him so sincerely.

..It reminds him of the times that Marie would tease him for being "a kind person in disguise"...

—The male stray brought himself back up to his feet while holding his jaw.

"You bastard! What is a human doing with a group of Devils like Gremory?! Who are you?!"

"...me? Well, that doesn't really matter, does it? It's probably best for your sanity if you don't know."

In their collective confusion, the strays failed to notice the red gauntlet sitting on Issei's left arm. And by the time they realized it, it was too late.

"That arm! Sekiryuut—!?"

Before the sole male stray Devil could utter the name of the beast, his head was already off of his shoulders, and Issei was standing past the stray's headless body with the severed head in his hand.

"...wha….what hap...pened.."

Those were the last words that came out from the severed head's lips - right before Issei popped his head with a single hand, like a giant grape.

Splat!

"...Watch and learn, devil brats."

Issei tossed aside the squashed head like it was a wet, plastic bag. The hollow glare he sent towards the remaining strays made them realize very easily: they were going to die.

"This is how you put down stray dogs."

Immediately after this, the stray that Akeno was facing, "Flayd", transformed into an even uglier monster than before. Instead of just having a spearheaded tail and enlarged arm like before, her entire body began to change. Her arms became like crab or lobster pincers and her lower half morphed into an arachnid esque body.

Once transformed, she wasted no time in trying to kill Issei and grabbed onto him with one of her giant crab pincers.

"Eat this, human!"

When the stray clutched onto Issei, she bore her sharp teeth and tried to tear into Issei's neck.

Unfortunately for her, there was too much resistance.

"What is this?! Why is this human skin so tough—!"

"Sorry, what was that thing you said? I only caught the first part. "Eat this?" Heh. Lucky for you, I actually love eating seafood."

With one hand that Issei effortlessly removed from the pincer's grip, Issei reached back and pulled Flayd's head away by her hair.

"Here. This part is tastier for you."

Issei then punched Flayd in the face with his gauntlet, breaking all of her teeth and her ironclad grip on his torso. Even with her large, grotesque body, the force of Issei's punch was enough to send her back a bit. But not enough to get away from Issei.

Grip!

Issei decided to remove this stray's pride: her arms. He caught onto her pincers before she fell back and held his feet against Flayd's face, as if trying to push her away.

"You mind if I get a couple leg stretches in? Thanks. One…"

Issei hardly pushed against Flayd's body, but her arms were still effectively separated in one fell swoop. When Issei fell onto the ground, he feigned annoyance.

"Oy, seriously? I barely even got a single rep in…"

Issei got up and rubbed his bum. Out of an overwhelming sense of fear, Flayd was already making a break for it. But Issei didn't allow her to escape.

[Shot!]

The devil's wings were destroyed by two quick shots of energy before she could even make it a few meters off the ground.

"You can't run."

By the time Flayd crashed into the dirt, Issei was there to pick up her monstrous body by her spider-like butt. He then tossed the stray in the direction of her comrade with such power that her comrade didn't have any time to react. The two of them collided and crashed into multiple trees together. Issei took a low position and "charged" his legs for a jump. He lept into the air and landed straight on top of the two with overwhelming force. The stray Anzela, who was trapped underneath her larger comrade, felt the brunt of the crushing blow. Just like that, the two were easily incapacitated. When Issei hopped off of them, the almost crushed Anzela begged for her life while coughing blood.

"Kuha..! P-Please…! Have mercy! D-Don't kill me! I'll…! I'll do anything! Anything you want! Just— please!"

Issei looked down at the stray with what seemed to be pity.

"You're almost completely smashed… Poor thing."

Shockingly, Issei pulled Anzela out from under her comrade's body - and held her gently. He brought her into what looks like an embrace.

"..?!"

The stray was shocked, but even more so overcome with relief.

'...This human.. he's too strong. I can't resist.. He may do unspeakable things with me, but it's a small price to pay to live… To think that I'd only end up as a slave again… at least now, to the Sekiryuutei instead of a Devil..'

That was what Anzela thought, but unfortunately for her, Issei had no intention to spare her.

Crack!

Following a crunching sound, Anzela felt a sharp pain in her spine. That's when she noticed that Issei's grip around her body was tightening.

She realized it too late.

"...poor thing."

He was squeezing her, tighter and tighter… bit by bit.

Crunch! Crack!

Anzela made attempts to scream in terror, but instead of her voice, only blood spurted out of her throat. Every attempt to scream was cut short by sprays of blood.

"KAH! A-GUHA!"

And with one last squeeze of Issei's arms, Anzela's body snapped like a twig and released a reverberating sound resembling the pop of an exploding soda can.

PAH!

Blood poured onto the ground, creating a puddle, and the corpse from which blood spilled out of soon lifelessly dropped onto the dirt.

Finally, the last surviving stray, who had just now regained consciousness to see her murdered comrade, evaluated her situation and began to panic. Issei on the other hand, calmly dragged Flayd towards Rias's group by her hair as she hopelessly struggled.

"Lucky for you, I'm actually in a good mood today. That's why, I'm going to let you die by your own."

Issei tossed the stray in front of Rias.

"..Stray Devil, Flayd. For the crime of usurping your master and attempting to live as your own peerage, you will be judged. On behalf of the Marquis of Gremory, I will blast you away."

Rias spawned a blotch of her "power of destruction" in her hand, causing the stray to gain an expression of terror. She glanced at Issei who was standing to the side.

Seeing this, Issei opened his arms and gave Flayd a sinister grin.

"What's wrong? Want me to do it after all? Okay… Here. Come into my embrace."

Flayd's expression changed one of horror to one of despair. These were her only two options. An instant death at the hands of Gremory, or...something worse.

...How foolish. She knew there was truly only one option.

So, she quietly accepted her demise from Rias.

BOOM!

With that, every stray in the area was properly dealt with.

"...You could easily kill every one of them with a single blast, yet you always end up just beating them to death… As I thought, maybe you're a sadist like Gremory's hybrid girl after all... I'm surprised you don't get along.."

Raynare made a comment like that to Issei. Issei noticed that, for some reason, she was speaking with a slightly shaky voice..

"Excuse me."

Issei didn't respond to Raynare's comment, but someone else did. That person being Akeno herself, with an a̶l̶m̶o̶s̶t̶ angry face.

"Don't refer to me in such a displeasing way. I am Rias Gremory's Queen. If you continue to say such detestable things, I will be forced to express my indignation through other means."

That was all Akeno said to the two before walking away.

"..She really seems to have a problem with her heritage.."

"I told you not to mention it, didn't I?"

Asia tilted her head out of concern.

"Is something wrong with Akeno-san?"

"No, nothing for you to worry about, Asia."

While Issei petted Asia's head, a loud smacking sound was made in the area.

Slap!

Rias had slapped the emotionless Kiba in the face.

"Did that wake you up? —Honestly, what's going on with you? A shallow cut? From your sword? How many years has it been since that's happened? And this time, it could have gotten you killed! What would have happened if Ise wasn't here?"

Rias scolded Kiba, but it was clear that it was from a place of worry. Even so, Kiba didn't gain much of an expression beyond an empty smile.

"..It's enough that we won, isn't it? Even if the Sekiryuutei wasn't here, I'm sure it would turn out fine. This is it for tonight, right? If so, I'll excuse myself. I'd also like to be exempted from further club activities.."

"Wha— Wait, Yuuto!"

Without waiting for Rias's words, Kiba began walking away from everyone.

The night sky had become enveloped in clouds, and there were even sounds of thunder and lightning flashing in the near distance. Kiba merely gazed into that sky while walking. His eyes were like an empty, cold abyss..

A familiar darkness to...

"Is it revenge?"

—Kiba halted midstep, and lightning struck the sky.

…..

Even before Kiba took a glance back, it was obvious who said it. Yet, he looked. And what he saw was Issei standing with his hands in his pockets, relaxed.

—But an identical look to his own, in Issei's eyes.

.

.

"...It's none of your concern."

Kiba remarked, turning his gaze away.

Looking into Issei's eyes left him with a perplexing— no, an inexplicable feeling. Was it negative? Or…

"..I guess you're right. Not my problem huh."

Issei shrugged his shoulders indifferently to Kiba's response. Kiba's conflicting feelings left him after that. However..

"But—."

Just as Kiba was about to continue walking, he was stopped again. When he looked back this time, Issei's face had somehow gotten even darker, and he couldn't even make out his expression until lightning once again illuminated the sky with a thunderous clap.

"If you betray your comrades for the sake of vengeance— I will kill you."

FLASH!

….

….

….

For some reason, Kiba smirked.

"I see."

And he walked away without a word more.

….

Issei silently kept his gaze on the gradually disappearing figure of Kiba. The thunder continued to roar in the sky as rain drops began to fall.

—Yet, no matter how brightly the lightning illuminated the world around, there was not a shred of light reflected in either of these men's eyes.

FLASH!


DxD

An hour later, two figures cloaked in white robes stepped onto the muddy ground of the ruined church.

"..This is the place?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it. This was the place in which my parents would bring me every sunday… And yet, now it's nothing but a total wasteland."

"Was it the work of Devils?"

"Possibly. We received intelligence that suggested there were also Fallen-Angels present in this territory months ago. Perhaps they destroyed it during an encounter with the Devils in this town."

"So this is the power of Gremory? We may have underestimated them, Irina."

"Well, it's fine. More importantly, Xenovia, I'm worried about where we'll be taking shelter for the night now that it's destroyed. It's pouring rain and we have nowhere to stay."

"I blame you for requesting so little from the church in our required materials section for this assignment."

"Less is more, Xenovia. Any great believer can manage on just their faith alone."

"In that case, I hope you find a bigger tree to sleep under than me, because I won't be sharing."


Part 5

An hour after Issei and his housemates returned from slaying the party of stray devils, Raynare was washing the dishes used from dinner in the sink while Asia prepared the bath and Issei wasted time in the living room.

In the kitchen, Raynare washed the dishes while on some sort of autopilot. If anyone looked at her directly, they would be able to tell that she was lost in her own thoughts.

("P-Please…! Have mercy! D-Don't kill me! I'll…! I'll do anything! Anything you want! Just— please!")

The demise of those stray Devils was all she could think about. The sound of Anzela's voice crying out in terror. That sound was reverberating off of the imaginary walls of her mind.

A pathetic, pitiful creature that cried out in fear of losing its life. Begging for mercy.

...It reminded her of something.

("PLEASE DON'T KILL ME, SEKIRYUUTEI-SAMA! I DON'T WANT TO DIE!")

"Ha… Hah.."

A hitch in Raynare's breath and a sudden tightness in her chest. Gradually, she started to be overcome with an avalanche of sensations, and her breathing became even more rapid.

The feeling of flesh tearing off from her shoulder blades.

The blazing heat from the flames of hatred burning her back.

The searing, lingering pain from wounds that had scarred into charcoal. Wounds that she could reach back for and scratch the skin off of like it was a brittle rock, only for blood to leak through the cracks.

"Hah..! Ha, ha! Hah!"

—By this point, Raynare's breathing pattern had already descended into hyperventilation. Her vision became distorted and all she could hear were her own screams, echoing in her ears.

And despite weighing even less than half a kilogram, Raynare's hands lost the strength to maintain her grip on the plate she was washing. The plate crashed onto the floor, shattering into multiple pieces.

Pka!

All she could see in the scattered pieces of the broken kitchenware below - were the severed parts of her body spread across the ground, like a broken doll. And a dark, grotesque creature burning the remains.

"HA! HAH! HA!"

("I DON'T WANT TO DIE!")

("I DON'T WANT TO DIE!")

("I DON'T WANT TO DIE!")

—In the next moment, that very creature had grown to magnificent size and its dark form appeared right behind Raynare, reaching out to crush her.

"Raynare."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"

.

.

.

.

When she had turned her body, Raynare realized that it was only Issei who was standing behind her with a bewildered expression.

"...Is...sei-sama…"

"—Raynare-san!?"

By the time Raynare realized what was happening, Asia was running down the stairs out of concern.

"Are you alright, Raynare-san?!"

When she got to the kitchen, Asia was surprised to see Issei already with Raynare. Issei explained it while Raynare remained silent.

"It's fine, Asia. Raynare just broke a plate and spooked herself. It's nothing to worry about."

"R-Really? Was that it, Raynare-san?"

Raynare answered in a low voice without lifting her head.

"...Yes… I'm sorry."

"See? Nothing to worry about."

Asia was reluctant to believe it, still worrying for the clearly trembling Raynare. But it was nothing that she couldn't discuss in the bath.

"A-Ano… The bath is ready to enter.. May we go, Ise-san?"

"Yeah, go ahead. I'll take care of the rest."

"Thank you.. Then, Raynare-san..?"

After a quiet pause, Raynare lifted herself off of the sink that she was leaning on and started walking.

"...Yeah… Let's go…"

Issei watched the two as they disappeared around the corner. He glanced down at the shattered plate and while looking at it, he thought, that this was an all too familiar scenario...


In the bath, Asia was scrubbing Raynare's back gently with a washrag. Despite calming down, Raynare still couldn't get those bothersome thoughts out of her head.

("NO, PLEASE! ANYTHING BUT THAT! TAKE MY LEGS INSTEAD! PLEASE, ANYTHING BUT THAT!")

Once again, Raynare's body began to tremble.

"...Raynare-san?"

Asia noticed Raynare's quivering, as well as how she was holding herself in a self-embrace.

"...Asia… Can you please…"

"Yes."

Without Raynare even needing to finish, Asia understood exactly what she wanted. Soon enough, Raynare felt the warm, calming touch of Asia's Twilight Healing on her back. And all of the imaginary "twisting" pain that Raynare felt in her shoulders gradually disappeared.

She felt at peace once again.

"...Thank you, Asia."

"Of course."

"Even now, I… I don't deserve your kindness."

"Don't say that. Raynare-san is my friend, so I'll of course do anything to help her."

To Asia's words, Raynare went silent. For a moment, Raynare pondered on what to say, but… after a short while, the words came to her naturally.

"...Asia."

"What is it, Raynare-san?"

"...You are light."

"Eh?"

While gazing into the reflection contained within the washbowl in front of her, an ugly reflection that she detested, with tears built up in her eyes, Raynare expressed her true feelings..

"When I think about my life… I can only think of myself as a failure. No, that is all I am… I am a traitor, a killer, and a fiend... Even so, the greatest pride in my life…it comes only from you. You are my happiness, Asia. Did you know that..? If it's for you, then I would do anything. No matter what happens, I will always protect you. I promise. Because I owe you my life… No, even more than that, I…. When I look into the darkness that is my life, at the end of it, all I see is you…. Asia…. As I thought, without a doubt.."

Raynare mustered up the strength to turn back towards Asia and smile. To Asia, it was the most beautiful smile she'd ever seen. And to Raynare, Asia's silhouette was very fittingly illuminated by the bathroom light on the wall behind her.

"...You are my light. And I'm not afraid of saying it anymore."

Asia's eyes widened before watering a bit. She then covered her face as it went red.

"Raynare-san, I… I-I don't know what to say… I'm so happy. To me, Raynare-san is like my greatest friend, so.. W-When you say something like that, I end up feeling very shy. Uwaa, I don't know what to say. Please don't be disappointed with me, Raynare-san.."

"Asia."

"Y-Yes?"

Without warning, Raynare hugged Asia.

"Hawawa?!"

"Thank you."

As unexpected as it was, Asia didn't fail to appreciate it, and she smiled happily.

"M-Me too.. Thank you, Raynare-san."

—From outside of the bathroom door, giggles and laughter could be heard. The once cold, dark room which had no life in it for almost 10 years - these days, it was filled with light and joy..


Splash!

Shortly after Raynare and Asia exited the bath, smiles and all, Issei entered on his own. Unlike the previous customers, Issei was relatively quiet during his time in the tub.

While soaking silently in the water, Issei could only think about the happenings of the day. Most especially, regarding Kiba Yuuto. Although, his mind drifted towards Raynare first.

'...That was a pretty gnarly scream from her earlier… Seems like she gets like that every time I approach her that way. Although I didn't intend to sneak up on her at all.'

Issei thought back to the type of expression she was making. More than afraid— terrified— petrified— frightened. It was an expression that Issei had seen countless times on the faces of his foes. Yet, this time, it seemed to unsettle Issei. Greatly. For some reason, the thought of it made him feel anxious in some way.

...Was it remorse?

"Ddraig. Tell me something.. Is it really that bad to lose your wings?"

Issei asked his partner sincerely. The answer he received was not one he would have enjoyed listening to.

[Partner. I won't lie to you. As a natural born human, you may not understand it. However, to supernatural beings like Devils and Fallen-Angels and such, having your wings taken from you in such a manner, something like that is a fate worse than death. Any unfortunate one subjected to that would likely prefer to be dead. Even in my life as a Dragon, I would've rather burned them whole as opposed to the alternative.]

"...It's really that bad huh."

[To most beings like that, being subjected to that type of suffering is worse than losing their legs or even castration. If you were aiming for cruelty when you did that to the girl and her lackies, then you most certainly succeeded.]

After hearing that, Issei went silent again. His hand slowly came up from underneath the water and he watched as the water in his palm gradually spilled out until there was none left.

"..."

Eventually, however, Issei's mind drifted towards Kiba Yuuto next.

("It's none of your concern.")

Issei recalled the look in Kiba's eyes… It was a look that was all too familiar to him. No, it wasn't just a look in Kiba's eyes.

Those were his own eyes that he was looking into.

Drip..

A drop of water from Issei's hair fell into the tub and rippled the water, replacing Issei's own reflection...with Kiba's.

….

….

Issei sighed heavily.

"...Haah.. Why'd all these problems have to come at me at once?"

[It's rare that I see you worrying about others to such a degree, partner.]

"Who the hell said I was worried about anybody else's problems?"

[Would you care to enlighten me on which issues you're currently dealing with that are specifically your own then?]

"..."

[See. That church girl has changed you after all, partne—]

"I've heard enough of those words, Ddraig."

Issei looked back down to the water and…

When the reflection of Kiba in the tub inevitably returned to Issei's own reflection… Issei batted the reflection away.

Splash!


KNIGHT

—An hour ago, I had a fight with Buchou...

For the first time in my life as a Devil, I rebelled against my master who saved my life. It was my failure as "Kiba Yuuto."

...No, it is my failure as a [Knight of Gremory.]

Even so, it was inevitable. I have never forgotten about my comrades, nor my vow to them. I was just becoming senile thanks to my daily lifestyle at school dulling my edge.

—I then remembered the words that Ise-kun said to me.

("Is it revenge?")

….Is this something that he has experienced as well? The feeling of having my instincts dulled over time. The hollow realization that, beyond the purpose in my life that I must strive towards, I am an empty shell…

Surely, he, who hated Gremory all of his life before meeting us, must understand it…

("If you betray your comrades for the sake of revenge— I will kill you.")

...Is that the reason he said those words to me?

Heh, I won't betray my comrades. No, if anything, what I am doing right now...it is for the sake of my comrades. For the sake of my comrades, I must..

—The face of Ise-kun flashed in my mind. His look of hatred that he wore on the day that he met us… Those eyes must have been like my own.

….

I also recalled the image of the shrine that was in Ise-kun's home. The place where his parents' photos were at. It's a room that I've only ever seen from a distance, since we Devils are not allowed to enter.

I remembered that room, and while thinking of it, I thought: ...I've never considered myself as someone worthy of continuing to live my life— to find happiness — on my comrades' behalf...

—I'm sure you've had a similar thought, haven't you, Ise-kun?

Splash!

As I walked aimlessly through the town, rain pouring everywhere around me, a person stumbled out of a corner in front of me. The two of us were both drenched in water, having been out in the rain for too long.

However, the fundamental difference between us two became clear immediately.

"H-Help me..!"

It was a priest. A man in religious attire, carrying the cross of the God that I hated around his neck. He called out to me weakly with a hand stretched out. But he collapsed before he could even get near me.

I felt my eyes blink once disinterestedly as he fell before me. Of course I felt nothing watching him die inexplicably.

—!

However, my guard was inevitably brought to a high point when I sensed something terribly ominous. This feeling..!

"YAHOO~!"

From seemingly out of nowhere, a person attacked me from behind! I was able to defend myself with my blade at the last second, but the sword I created was shattered immediately!?

DIN!

After having successfully deflected the attack at the cost of my sword, I saw the figure of the one who attacked me. Once again, a person in religious attire. But this time, it was a person who was vaguely familiar to me.

"Yahooo! I found a Devil while fishing! Nice catch! Lucky~! I was just starting to get bored hunting small fry."

This person…! That's right. If I recall, this was that mad priest from the time that Ise-kun rescued Koneko-chan and Asia-chan! By the time I had seen him, he was already passed out on the floor thanks to Ise-kun, but I still saw his face. It's him, undoubtedly.

"Freed Sellzen..!"

That was the name that Asia-chan told us. The name of the rogue priest who was called a heretic and excommunicated. So Ise-kun didn't kill him after all..

"Ah? Who are you?"

Although I acknowledged him, the priest didn't recognize me. That's only fair, he was unconscious at the time.

"..I am Kiba Yuuto. Rias Gremory's [Knight.] You may not believe it, but you and I have met once before, in a manner of speaking."

The mad priest Freed dug into his ear with his pinky in a confused and disinterested manner.

"Hah? No, no, that's obviously wrong though, Devil-scum~ We couldn't have met because you are still alive right now. Any Devil-scum who comes into contact with me dies you know? Plus, I don't remember you at all, so obviously this is our first time meeting~ Are you not sure it's because you're a shitty Devil with no brain that you don't know this?"

Freed says it to me while needlessly and carelessly kicking the corpse of the priest in front of him. Whether or not it was his ally, I do not know… However, watching him do such a thing so absentmindedly… As a knight, it still irritated me. This person has no honor or respect. It is no wonder Ise-kun spoke of him with such great disdain.

"Ah, but it doesn't really matter, I guess! As long as I get to slice and dice you into cute little Devil ribbons, I'm happy— Super duper mega happy!"

The mad priest was waving his blade in the air above his head carelessly and threatening me, but it didn't faze me.

"Hmph… Well, unfortunately for you, I am actually in a bad mood today. You may find that it won't be me turning into ribbons.."

—The moment I created a demonic-sword in my hand, the long sword that Freed was wielding started emitting a bone-chilling aura.

"That light..!"

To my shock, Freed cackled maniacally.

"Nyahahaha! Did you just notice it, shitty Devil-scum~?! That's right! This is a sword that hates Devils to the core! Say hello to my little friend, Excaa~alibur ! So what do you say, shitty Devil? Wanna test out which is stronger, my Excalibur-ch~yaan, or your impotent little demonic-chinpoOO?!"

Without warning, the psychotic exorcist charged me and attacked! I defended against his Excalibur with my demonic-sword, but it was shattered instantly!

"How's that?! Looks like your dysfunctional buddy demonic-sword can't do anything against my little baby Excalibur-tan! In that case, ALLOW TO TAKE YOUR HE~AD!"

We clashed. This bastard..! He's more skilled than he looks! But even worse than that, my demonic-swords can't hold up against his Excalibur! Every time we make a solid exchange, my sword ends up being destroyed immediately! Each and every sword of mine breaks like glass and scatters into the rain like hail.

So this is the enemy that Ise-kun took out with a single hand. He may not have had Excalibur back then, but it probably still says enough that I'm having trouble with him right now. I have to switch up my strategy…

Slice!

"O-toh!"

I slashed at Freed in a manner that would hopefully cause him to retreat temporarily. It worked! He jumped and flipped away from me acrobatically, not caring for how he landed. There it is! His reckless nature is my chance!

"Sword Birth!"

I plunged my blade into the ground below me, causing a volley of swords to shoot up from the cement and head towards the unbalanced Freed.

"Oh, shit! Wait, time-out—!"

The swords reached his abdomen before he could defend himself! It's my win—

ZIN ZIN ZIN!

Just as I was assured of my victory, multiple light spears of the same color collided with my swords and destroyed them on impact.

[—?!]

"Who's there?!"

I called out to whoever interfered, but it was Freed who acknowledged them first.

"Ah? Oh, if isn't Donashithead."

When I looked at the place that Freed was facing, I saw a vaguely familiar person in a trench coat with a blindfold. That's..!

"Freed. You're needed back at our meeting place."

—Donasheek! Raynare's former ally! He was one of the Fallen-Angels that we saw unconscious on the floor the day that Ise-kun saved Asia!

"Oy, you blind coot! What's with you eh, you could've hit me!"

Freed shouted at his ally in a frustrated tone. Wait… Weren't Raynare and all of her allies de-winged? But how can that be? This man, Donasheek… He has wings protruding from his back!

"Calm down, Freed. I may be blind now, but I've become accustomed enough to it to aim properly."

"Aim?! What aim?! You're blind, shitface! There's no such thing as aim when you have no sight! At that point, it's basically just guesswork!— Wait, did you say that we have to go?"

"Yes. Our master is calling for us. We must return."

Master..? Who commands this arrogant duo?

"Hoho, if that's the case then I have no choice, do I? Oh well, I guess that's that! Sayonara, Devil-kun~! I'll make sure to split you open with my Excalibur next time!"

Freed announced his departure while bringing something out from his pocket.

"..?! No, wait—!"

Before I could do anything, Freed had already thrown something onto the ground and disappeared in a flash with his ally.

"Bye-Bye~!"

Flash!

My eyes were blinded, but the moment I regained my sight, Freed and Donasheek were already gone.

I was left there in the rain, alone.

….

….

….

"...I…will never forgive Excalibur.."


END

And that's a wrap on the introduction of the 2nd act and the first part of the Kokabiel arc! Originally, I was planning to make this chapter longer, but at some point, I realized that if I did what I planned, the chapter would be WAAY too fucking long. Like, A Fool's Heart Sairaorg vs Ise levels of too long lol. And to be honest, I'm in no particular rush to get through this arc, I think that goes without saying. Besides, splitting it up will make it easier to give you guys something now instead of waiting.

Anyway, I wanted to say something. Don't take this the wrong way guys, but: if you do feel the desire to leave condolences or express sympathy of some kind in the reviews, that's totally fine, but I hope you won't make it the main focus of your comments. I deeply appreciate the kindness and support expressed to me over the time after I've revealed these things, trust me I do. But I do hope that you guys can talk about the story without having to feel obligated to say something nice to me. Again, I can't express how much I appreciate it, but to be honest, I'd really prefer to see more discourse regarding the chapter rather than what's going on in my life. It would make me feel better if I could escape a little into the feeling of normalcy that comes from fanfiction. I hate saying this because it feels like I'm telling people to fuck off, but I'm absolutely not. I just wanna see everybody talk about the story carefreely like in the past, it'll help me feel like maybe life's not so rough all the time.

So yeah. Um, I'm pretty happy with how this chapter turned out I must say. In general, I feel like my writing has become more refined in my time away from fanfic, because I've gotten a lot practice writing my novel. Just by looking back at previous chapters and this one, I can see the gradual increase in quality. I hope my writing continues improving in the future as well. (P.S. If you're wondering about what the 《text》 is, all I can say is... take a look back at previous chapters and check who has dialogue like that..)

Alright then! Now go ahead and tell me what you thought!

How did you guys like this introduction to this new arc (and new act)? What are your thoughts on everyone's current relationships with each other? Which character conflict do you currently find the most gripping? What are you most excited to see in this arc? What do you even think will happen? Let me know!

Read, Rate, Review.

Stay frosty.