Alright, now we're done with the introductory part of the arc, we're in this shit now. No action just yet, but obviously that doesn't happen until the actual peace treaty signing so for now, it's still all build-up. That being said, I'm gonna do my best to blow through all of this extra shit as fast as possible. Especially the Gasper shit. Because as much as I like the little dude, his part of this arc is boring as hell to me lol. At the very least, I'll make his interactions with this no-bullshit, serious Issei interesting. But now that I think about it…. That boy might end up being sidelined a lot in this story… You might not understand why I'm saying this, but when we get to the actual peace treaty battle, you'll probably see it.

Anyway, a lot of stuff is gonna happen in this one too. It's visitation day and things are going to get depressing...or are they?... Guess you'll have to read and find out why!

(Seriously tho, warning: I probably haven't been this emotional writing a chapter since the 11th one, so, ya know. Good luck.)


Part 1

Kuoh Academy, the same morning that the Hakuryuukou intruded the school grounds and confronted the Sekiryuutei.

"Say, Ise, my man… Something up? You've been looking pretty cranky today. Well, crankier than usual, that is."

It was Matsuda of the perverted duo who asked Issei that. Both Matsuda and Motohama were loitering around Issei's desk right now, as they would every morning. For whatever reason, they seem to have invited themselves into positions of "friendship" with Issei, and at this point, it was far too late for him to question it.

Issei, who was resting on his chin and staring out of the window with a scowl on his face, grumbled a response.

"...Nothing's up, Matsuda. Leave me be."

Matsuda and Motohama glanced at each other incredulously, unsure of what to do about Issei's attitude. The duo was already bad enough at dealing with his generally dour demeanor, so there was a very little likelihood that they'd be able to handle his current attitude. This is especially true considering that they've only been able to have proper conversations with him recently, as his attitude has been changing noticeably for the better. Well, at least that was the case.

"Nah, well, you see… With how much you're glaring outta the window like that, you'd think that you were "browsing for a target to kill" or somethin'…. know what I mean?.."

"Yeah, in fact… You, uh, you look like you're raring to kill someone right now, actually…"

The duo stated it hesitantly, as if afraid that they might incur his wrath with the slightest infraction.

Luckily for them, Issei just ignored them and continued staring into nothingness.

Although, to Issei, it wasn't "nothing" he was staring at. Even from his place in the classroom, he could still sense his rival, somewhere out beyond the boundaries of the academy grounds..

"Hyoudou Ise."

"Whoa!"

"X-Xenovia-san?!"

Unexpectedly, Xenovia appeared behind the trio of boys with an uncharacteristically reserved demeanor and hesitant expression, surprising the two idiots. Issei heard her voice, but considering the mood he was currently in, he hardly had the patience to turn around for her.

"—What do you want, Xenovia?"

His response didn't sound very friendly either, causing Matsuda and Motohama to look at each other nervously.

"Look, I'm…. I wanted to apologize for the other day. What I said must have come as a surprise, but I had no intention of offending you, honestly. What I stated was simply my true desires, but I was only thinking about myself when I did it. I should've considered your feelings as well. I had no idea that you valued the concept of "family" to such an extent, but I guess that was my ignorance… No, it should've been obvious from the start that was the case, considering your circumstances. I was just being foolish and self-centered. That's why, I'm truly sorry."

Xenovia then bowed her head despite Issei not turning to see it. Just as the perverted duo wondered what was going on, and more importantly, what Issei was going to respond with, Issei answered simply with…

"...Whatever."

—Indifference.

The "Issei of recent" might've forgiven Xenovia and labeled their interaction at the pool as "water under the bridge," however, unfortunately for Xenovia, the "current" Issei wasn't so forgiving. His confrontation with the Hakuryuukou was already enough to set him off for the day, but placing that on top of the interaction with Xenovia that triggered another encounter with "The Boy"...

Let's just say that, for now, Issei had neither care nor forgiveness to spare.

Seeing that Issei was non-receptive towards her apology, Xenovia turned to walk away. Issei finally said something else right before she left.

"Xenovia."

"Yes?"

"That's "Hyoudou-san" to you."

"...Right."

Xenovia walked away, leaving Matsuda and Motohama to glance at each other once more before giving Issei an uncomfortable reaction.

"Geez, dude.."

"Pretty harsh, Ise, my man…"

Issei didn't pay them any attention. His mind was totally elsewhere. And worst of all, there couldn't have been a more unfortunate time for all of these things to have soured his mood. Why? Well, as the sensei of Issei's homeroom class began the usual lesson, he also outlined the uncomfortable detail that Issei was trying his best not to think about again. The teacher's tone sounded slightly morbid, causing the light in Issei's eyes to dim.

"Alright, everyone... Tomorrow is class visitation day. If you're going to bring your family here, make sure they know where to go. Your family should've been sent the pamphlet including a map of the school so tell them to double-check for it. Remember that for visitation days, attendance is not mandatory. Many of you might not have the privilege of bringing family here due to the unfortunate past….and for that, we are all sympathetic. If you feel uncomfortable attending, you have no reason to force yourself to come. You will not be reprimanded for an absence. And if you do come, any member of your family is welcome, not just guardians. Future attendees from the middle school sections will be visiting as well, so if you are here, try to show them your best face. Understood? …Alright, let's start the lesson. First…"

As the teacher began the lesson, Issei's mind fully drifted off into nowhere.

'Ya hear that, Oji-san? They're havin' the class visits again… Don't worry. This time, you and Baa-san won't have to concern yourselves. You don't have to come for this one… That's no longer your responsibility anymore. From now on, I'll deal with everything going on in my life, in my head, and in my heart, on my own…. So you don't have to worry about it…. I'll do it alone…. Just the way it should be. The way it'll always be….'

Issei continued allowing his thoughts to drift into emptiness for the rest of the day..


Part 2

Another day passed and the awaited time came. It was the day of class visitation.

For Issei, it was a day of loneliness..

"It's your move, Ise-kun."

"Huh? Oh, right. My bad, Kaichou. I zoned out.."

"You seem distracted. Are your nerves getting to you?"

"You kiddin' me? I ain't afraid of a little chess match, Kaichou-chan."

"I was referring to today's occasion, not our match."

As Issei went to lift one of his pawns from the chess board in front of him, he paused.

"...I'm fine."

"Really? Because that's the first time I've heard you speak in that accent in quite a while."

"...Hmph. You're too perceptive for your own good, ya know that?"

"At times. However, it is interesting. I didn't think that Nagoya residents had accents like those, but I have heard there has been an influx of "immigrants" from the Kansai region in recent decades. Is anyone in your family from Kansai, Ise-kun?"

"Obaa-san… My aunt who raised me, she's originally from the Kansai region. I think her accent rubbed off on me… It rubbed off on my uncle first. Few of my friends have parents from Kansai as well. Seems like a lot of people have Kansai roots in my area."

"I see. How quaint. —Check."

"Shit… 'was hoping you didn't notice that."

"You'll learn that I have a keen eye, Ise-kun."

"Heh, nothing gets past you, does it, Kaichou?"

"No. —Check, again."

"Man, you're really bleedin' me dry like a pig 'ere.."

"Your peculiar choice in vernacular is consistently amusing, Ise-kun."

Some time passed, and at some point, Issei realized that he had run out of moves. The match was over. It was Sona Sitri's victory.

"Checkmate, Hyoudou Ise-kun."

With a sigh, Issei conceded.

"Haah… I guess it is."

Issei sat back in his seat defeatedly as Sona began collecting the chess set to put away.

"I'm afraid we'll need to leave it there with chess. I was willing to entertain it at least once because your intellect impressed me in the past. However, as I thought, it's still far too early in our acquaintanceship for us to play this seriously. We should hold off on chess for now. It would benefit us more to get to know each other first. I'm not the type to force these sorts of things, unlike that childhood friend of mine that's always clinging to you. I'm also not very pushy or assertive either, despite my firm demeanor. In any case, we'll take things slow to gauge both of our interests. If none is found, then we leave it at that."

Issei nodded even though he was blank faced. He wasn't entirely sure whether or not he understood any of what Sona said.

"Uh-huh…. Well, I didn't know that chess was so serious for you straight-laced types from the student council, but alright. Not sure what you meant about the rest though."

"I see. Well, don't dwell on it too much. You'll figure it out soon. If you don't, then I'll simply drop it and move on from that possibility. After all, if you can't deduce that much, there's no point in me considering "that" as a possibility."

"Okay..?"

"In any case, Ise-kun, do you plan on returning to class soon? It's unusual for you to skip. Although, I can't say that I blame you, considering the circumstances."

"Yeah, I…. I think I might skip today... I don't really see a point in attending anyway."

"Your family isn't coming to visit? Your guardians? Even if they're from Nagoya, they're more than welcome. This academy makes special exceptions on behalf of families for obvious reasons, you know?"

"I know that, but…. I didn't tell them about it. The way I see it, there's no reason to bother them. They've been looking after me for so long now, and at this point, all I am is a risk to their safety, especially nowadays… They aren't obligated to go out of their way and come here on my behalf, not anymore..."

Issei finished his sentence while solemnly averting his gaze. Sona paused for a moment.

"Ise-kun, are you aware of how notifications from the academy are dispensed to the families?"

"Hmm? Yeah, it's the regular way, right? By mail? I received one of those letters from the school at my place a few days ago. It came with a map and stuff. Asia and Raynare got theirs too."

"Yes, but there's also.."

Sona hesitated to say something before finally placing her chess set away.

"Nevermind. I suppose I'll just let it be. Anyway, if you're not going to return to class then maybe we should have a round of shogi. You did say that it was more your style of game."

"Oh? You're not gonna send me back to class, miss student council president?"

"I see no reason to. It isn't as if you would be reprimanded for your absence anyway. It's your choice on where you spend your time today, so long as you don't impede on anyone else."

"My presence here isn't getting in the way of your duties?"

"The rest of my peerage in the student council should be able to handle things for now. I still have time before I need to head out and assist them."

"Heh, you might not look it, but you're a pretty considerate girl, aintcha?"

"How rude, Ise-kun. I've always tried my best to be considerate towards my peers, especially if they are my kouhai."

"Hmph... Well, thanks."

"Think nothing of it."

Just as Sona had readied the shogi set and the two began playing, someone came into the student council room and interrupted the pair's session.

"Kaichou, it looks like we need you out there after all. It seems like there's more guests this year than last year—"

Saji paused in his step when he noticed that Issei was sitting across from Sona as they played shogi. Saji visibly reddened with anger.

"Oy, oy, oy, oy! What the hell are you doing here, playing games all alone with Kaichou, huh?! Are you trying to pull a fast one on me?!"

"Calm down, Saji. This means nothing."

"I don't care if you're the Sekiryuutei or Buddha or Maou-sama or whatever! No matter how tough you are, there's no way I'm just gonna leave some dude alone with Kaichou in a private place like this! Especially not you!"

"—Saji."

Saji was silenced by Sona's stern voice, causing him to flinch. Her firm gaze didn't ease his nerves either.

"Knock it off. Ise-kun is a guest. As a member of the student council, I expect better behavior than this."

Saji stiffened up in his posture and saluted Sona before bowing to Issei.

"Y-Yes, Kaichou! Please excuse my rude behavior!"

"..Yeah, it's fine."

Issei waved it off since he obviously wasn't fazed in the slightest by Saji's threats. Sona sighed.

"I'm sorry, Ise-kun, but it looks like I'll need to be leaving earlier than expected after all. I won't be here, but you're welcome to stay in the student council room for as long as I'm gone."

"...No, it's fine. I might as well return to class anyway."

"Oh, I thought you were going to skip today? Why the sudden change of heart? You aren't imposing by staying here, you know?"

"I know that…. But it's fine. It's not that big of a deal. I might as well get out of your hair entirely and go about my day. It's not like I have anything else to do anyway."

Issei got up from his chair and began walking out of the student council chamber, whispering something under his breath that gave Saji pause.

"..Besides, on the off chance that there's somebody else there who doesn't have any family either, it's better that they can see they're not the only one, I guess.."

With that, Issei exited the room, leaving only Saji and Sona behind. When he left, Sona let out a sigh and Saji felt an awkward sense of guilt.

"Kaichou… Um, correct me if I'm wrong, but that guy.… The way that he became the Sekiryuutei…. Was it because..?"

"Let's get to work, Saji."

"...R-Right."


Part 3

When Issei returned to his classroom, the next activity was already starting. The classroom had (presumably) a few family members of students standing near the backboard, but Issei couldn't help noting how empty his classroom was in comparison to usual. Many students were missing from their seats today. In fact, there might have only been 12 students present now, not even half the usual number, and three of which were Xenovia, Asia and Raynare.

If those students were unwilling to attend class that day, then it wasn't for some superficial reason. This only solidified how many people had lost someone during the catastrophe…

"Alright, students. For the next activity, we're going to be "sculpting." Use the clay mold in front of you to create something. It can be anything, from a person, to a house, to an object of your imagination. This might be an English class, but for the sake of refining your sense of expression, this will be our activity for the day. Be sure to make something that'll impress your fam…. your attendees."

As the rest of the students began creating whatever they could think of, some of them with encouragement from family members, Issei sat still at his desk, lacking both the idea and motivation to create anything. Right now, the only thing on his mind was the solemn fact that there was no one here to watch him from the back of the room.

'How pathetic… Why am I acting like this when I know there are plenty of others who have it just as hard, if not worse than me…? Hell, even Asia is here, and she doesn't have anyone to look at her either. She never has. What right do I have to feel sorry for myself? What right do I have to be acting like this when this is something I've already come to terms with? Besides, I should be well used to it anyway…'

Issei was lost in his own thoughts, but he was abruptly pulled out from them when he heard some hindered sobs a few seats over from his own.

When he looked over, he could see a random classmate of his that he didn't recognize covering his own face as he cried. The teen was making a clear effort to keep his sobs quiet, but considering that the room wasn't as populated as usual, it wasn't hard to hear him. Everyone else must have noticed it at some point as well, since the classroom gradually became quieter and quieter, until only the boy's muffled sobs were filling the heavy atmosphere.

Issei didn't have to look back to see the image of his classmate shaking in his seat….sitting alone in a cold, dark, empty world, with not a sound but his muffled cries echoing throughout the abyss surrounding him...

In fact, somewhere on the opposite end of that abyss, Issei could hear an elementary age version of himself doing the exact same thing.

And for a moment, Issei felt his legs lifting his body out of his seat..

—However, not long after his classmate started crying, a man old enough to be the teen's grandfather came and comforted him while the rest of the class quietly continued on.

Issei wasn't sure he ever heard the boy's cries stop, but then again, that could all just be in his head again. With the rest of the world moving on, despite the heavy atmosphere, Issei stared down at his clay mold silently.

'That's right…. I'm not the only one…. I never was. That's why, I have no right to act like this... No, as the Sekiryuutei, what I should be doing is…'

Without even thinking, Issei's hands began to unconsciously move the clay around in a manner that suggested that he was creating something.

'That's right. I can't be sulking. I can't be wallowing in my misery. Not now. No, what I need to do… What I must do, it's obvious…'

His hands molded and shaped the clay expertly, as if he was subconsciously creating something ingrained deeply within his memory. It was ingrained so deeply, in fact, that he could recreate it down to the smallest detail.

'I have a responsibility. I have a duty. Because I'm not the only one who suffered this. All of my life, I've been thinking of myself and how much I went through. But that's not where it ends. It doesn't just end with me. "They" didn't just hurt me. They hurt so many more people than they could ever know. I'm not the only one who suffered. My classmates suffered, my townspeople suffered, my people suffered… All because of their "conflicts" and their "agendas," these innocent people suffered… I'm going to correct it. As the Sekiryuutei… As the very existence who's likely at fault for all of this in the first place, on behalf of all of those who've suffered…. I'm going to obtain it. —No. I will obtain it…'

Just as Issei finished his clay creation, he was surprised to realize that he was not overcome with sorrow this time, as he was heavily accustomed to. No, right now, there was only….a rapidly building rage.

And he realized that while staring down at the clay recreation of his mother's severed hand on his desk.

"—Retribution.."


After their English class, Asia, Raynare, and Issei returned to the new school building exterior, where they encountered Rias and Akeno together.

"Ah, Ise, Asia, Raynare. There you are. Oh? What are those?"

"T-They're our clay molds! I tried my best to make something nice, but I wonder… did it turn out alright?"

"Let's see, it's…..a baby dragon?"

"Yes, that's right! I made it because I was thinking of Ise-san! Originally, I wanted to make something for Raynare-san, but….I didn't think I'd be very good at making feathers so I gave up… I'm sorry, Raynare-san. Even though you made me such a beautiful cross.."

"It's alright, Asia. What you made was nice anyway. I'm just glad you liked my gift. I wanted to make something more complex, just like you did, but… Well, I thought it would've been distasteful to sculpt a crucified Jesus on it… But at least you liked mine."

"Of course! I will cherish it my entire life!"

Rias curiously noted Issei's lack of presence behind Asia and Raynare, then noticing the creation in his own hand.

"Oh, Ise. What did you...make..?"

Rias paused.

"It's a beautiful hand, isn't it? Ise-san must be so good at anatomy class!"

Asia stated it obliviously. Thanks to Rias's firsthand observation of Issei's memories, it took only a moment for her to recognize it. She knew precisely what he was holding, unlike the other girls around her.

"Ise, that's…."

She glanced between the clay hand and Issei's face worriedly. Issei's face was devoid of emotion and his eyes appeared unnervingly hollow. Without explaining anything, Issei walked over to a nearby trash can and held his mold over it.

For a moment, he did nothing but stare at it. Then, slowly but surely, he allowed the hand to slip from his grasp, as if letting someone go…

"W-Wait, Ise.."

Thud!

But the mold had already fallen into the unviewable pit of the garbage can, as if swallowed by darkness. Rias felt her shoulders slump a bit in disappointment with herself. Although she and Asia were confused initially, Raynare seemed to pick up on the implications of what was happening.

Issei, for a moment, continued staring at his palm. He couldn't help but feel as if he had never truly released the hand from his grasp. Like he had never let go…

"Did you hear?! There's a bishoujo cosplaying a magical girl in the auditorium right now! They're practically having a photoshoot too!"

"Uoooooooooh! As former members of the photography club, we cannot let this opportunity slip by! Onward, men!"

Suddenly, a mob of male students ran somewhere adjacent to the old school building and could be heard heading straight for the auditorium.

"A magical girl? What the hell are they talking about?"

"It can't be.."

While Raynare questioned it curiously, Rias appeared to have a dreadful expression on her face. Wondering what the fuss was about, the group followed the mob to the auditorium, eventually running into the rest of Rias's peerage inside.

"Oh, it's you guys."

"Yuuto, Koneko, Xenovia. What's going on here?"

"We're not sure. We just got here ourselves."

As the occult research club began to observe the situation, a familiar voice came to disrupt the mob of male students.

"Oy, oy! You can't have a photoshoot blocking traffic here! Break it up! It's an open house today! This sort of commotion is unsightly for students of Kuoh Academy!"

"Tch! Damn student council brat.."

"Why do they always gotta ruin all the fun?"

As the mob dispersed, the ORC recognized the person doing it as Saji. Saji turned to the woman dressed as a magical girl behind him and pointed at her oddly.

"And you! You…! Um…. You, uh, can't wear that here. Unless…. Are you a parent or guardian? Even so, I wouldn't say that outfit's exactly "appropriate," honestly..."

"Whaaaaat?! But this is my uniform!"

"U…uniform?"

From beside Issei, Rias made a sound of realization. However, before anything could be done about it, Sona appeared out of nowhere.

"What's going on here? Oh, I've found you, Rias. Oji-sa— Ahem, I mean, your father has arrived. They're currently browsing the new school buildi…"

Sona's voice trailed off when she noticed Rias's tired facepalm and looked over at where Saji was. Then, her expression shifted into one of dread as the "magical girl" recognized her.

"No… It can't be.."

"Sona-chaaaaaaan~! I've found you!"

Sona was jumped by the magical girl, leaving her in a flustered panic that no one around her except for Rias and Akeno had seen before.

"Oh, it's the person from that night! Does Kaichou-san know that person after all?"

Rias sighed at Asia's curious question. Out of everyone in his group, Issei was the only one unfamiliar with the magical girl, but he could sense that something was "off" with her..

"Haah… Yes, she does indeed, Asia. That person is Serafall Leviathan-sama. She is one of the Yondai-Maou, one of the four that you all encountered on the night we confronted Kokabiel. In other words, a Devil-king. And believe it or not, she is actually….Sona's older sister."

Raynare, Asia, and Xenovia were shocked at the revelation. Issei was surprised, but uncaring. His mind was still elsewhere.

"Rias-chan! Long time no see! Well, maybe not really, but it's still good to see you! How've you been?"

"Um, good, thank you. Are you here to observe Sona's classes?"

"Yeah! But Sona-tan is so mean~! She didn't even tell me about today! I was so shocked that I nearly invaded heaven by myself!"

"As always, you're joking about such scary things so casually… Anyway, I'm sure you remember my best friend, Hyoudou Ise, Serafall-sama?"

Rias gestured over to Issei, who was staring off into space.

"Oh, yes! The Sekiryuutei who disputed the marriage between Gremory and Phoenix and defeated the warmonger pigeon too! Thank you for protecting my little So-tan! Without you around, something terrible might have happened and I might have needed to destroy the world…. But thankfully, it didn't come to that!"

"O-Onee-sama, could you please stop saying such ridiculous things all of the time..?"

Despite Serafall's greeting, Issei didn't acknowledge the Maou. He still appeared to be lost in his own world. It wasn't until Rias nudged Issei that he snapped out of his stupor.

"Huh? What? ….Who are you?"

"A-Ahem, Ise, as I said, this is Serafall Leviathan-sama. She is one of the Yondai-maou and also Sona's older sister."

"Pleased to meet you, Hyoudou Ise-kun!"

Issei didn't give an outward response. Instead, he just made an insignificant sound of acknowledgement.

"Mm.."

After that, he ignored everything around him and continued staring off at who knows what.

"I'm sorry, Serafall-sama. Ise's been out of it lately. You see, today is quite a sensitive time for him…"

"I've heard. —But it's A-OK! Since it's the friendly Sekiryuutei-kun who protected my precious Sona-tan from danger, I'm totally not bothered at all~! It was still nice to meet you, Ise-kun! Neh, Sona-tan, on that night, you told me that this boy was pretty strong as well as smart, right? Why not try playing a game of chess with him and see? Unless…. Gasp! (Psst, you haven't already done it with him, have you?! So-tan!).."

"T-That's none of your business, onee-sama!"

"No way! That reaction means..! You have!? No way, no way! Even if he is the Sekiryuutei-kun who saved you, there's no way I'll allow it! Sona-tan is mine and mine alone after all!"

At some point, Sona's face turned beet red and she scurried off with teary eyes.

"Ah, mou! I can't take it anymore! Baka-oneesan!"

"Eh?! Wait, Sona-tan! Don't leave your onee-san behind!"

"Please don't follow me!"

"Eh?! Wait, Kaichou!? Wait for meeee!"

Sona, Serafall, and Saji all left the scene in a hurry with the latter two chasing after Sona.

"..Well, let's just move on, shall we?"

—With that, the ORC exited the auditorium and made their way back to the new school building.

"Sona didn't get the chance to show me, but I wonder where Otou-sama is…"

The group stopped not too far from the new school building's front exit. While they were standing there looking around, Issei received a notification on his cellphone.

"...Huh?"

"What is it?"

Raynare peered over to look at Issei's phone screen, reading a message notification from a familiar address.

"...Maki?"

"If I recall, isn't that your…?"

It was a question left unfinished. Issei looked at the mail sent to him and opened the attached file confusedly.

It was a photo of his school's front entrance.

"NII-NII!~"

—For a brief moment, the darkness in Issei's world alleviated as the familiar presence overwhelmed his senses. Just as he heard that voice, he turned around to see someone he so dearly longed to see.

"That's…"

This person tackled him onto the ground with no hesitation. And when he pulled her away from his embrace, he confirmed it with his own two eyes.

"...Maki….?"

"Nii-Nii! I've missed you so much!"

It was none other than his beloved "cousin," Maki Aikawa, right before his very eyes.

"Maki….? Maki!? Maki! MAKI!"

And for that moment, Issei lost himself and picked the girl up in his arms, swinging her around with joy.

"Waaaahaha! Nii-Nii, you're spinning me!"

"Maki! Maki! I've missed you so much! Onii-chan missed you so much..!"

"Okay, okay, I get it, just put me down first, hahaha!"

Inevitably, the pair's behavior brought stares towards them, but neither of them could care any less. The two felt perfectly content just being in one another's embrace.

"Oh, Nii-Nii! I know it's only been a few months, but it's too much! I can't bear to be away from you for so long! Everyday felt like my heart was being ripped in two! I couldn't wait to see you so I ran off from everyone else and came here on my own! I knew that I'd find you first if I just looked hard enough!"

"Idiot! You came here all on your own?! What are you thinking, doing something so irresponsible?! We're a long way from central Nagoya right now! Oji-san and Baa-san must be worried sick! Did you even tell them anything before you ran off?"

"—Oy, oy! I think you've got the wrong impression here, ya shithead!"

Suddenly, the reunion was interrupted by another familiar voice and a knock to the rear of Issei's skull. When Issei looked behind him, he saw a familiar lump of honey colored hair atop his best friend's head.

"Narutobi!?"

"In the flesh, muscle-brain."

Issei didn't hesitate in hugging his best friend, while also confused by his appearance.

"OOF! At least let me explain first before you crush me..!"

"Narutobi! What are you doing here? Did you accompany Maki here?"

"Huff… You bet your sorry ass I did! What, didja think I was just gonna let her run off on her own? Hell no! She's basically like my little sister too so of course I've gotta look after her."

To Narutobi's declaration, Maki simply buried her face in Issei's shoulder and made a disgusted sound while flashing her tongue at him.

"Bleh. Pervert."

"W-What?! B-But I didn't say anything perverted though!? Why do you still not trust me after all these years, Maki-chan?!"

"Because you're a weirdo! Bleeeeh!"

As Narutobi's happiness diminished, Issei could only wonder how exactly these two lovable idiots came to his hometown without alerting his family in Nagoya. He soon received his answer.

"Now, now, you two. Is that any way to act around new people?"

"Calm down, all three of you! You especially, Maki! You're causing a scene!"

And so, there they were. The rest of his family appeared, approaching him and his group from the front entrance, while accompanied by two other individuals.

"Oji-san, Obaa-san! And— even Tsubomi and Satoru are here?!"

Satoshi and Akane both smiled warmly at the sight of their "nephew," only to be embraced unexpectedly by the boy.

"Oji-san, Obaa-san! You were here after all!"

"Ah, ah, okay, okay, hahaha. It's good to see you as well, Issei-kun."

"Oh, honey. Have you been eating well? How have your studies been going? You haven't been letting yourself get distracted, have you? I know this school's population is mostly women…"

Issei didn't even have time to answer his aunt's questions as his attention was quickly taken away by his other two best friends, Satoru Inoue and Akane Tsubomi.

"Yo, Issei, what's up? Long time no see, huh?"

"Satoru! Haven't seen you since the baseball game! Your team doing well?"

"Yeah, well, regionals and all that. It's been tough, but it's all good. Sorry I wasn't there to see you off when you left for Kuoh. I should've told my coach that I needed to miss that game after all. It's been bugging me ever since. That's why I thought I oughta come say what's up with the rest of your family to make up for it."

"Nah, don't sweat it. You're a baseball champ, ya gotta do whatcha gotta do."

As Issei and Satoru shook hands and bumped elbows in a brotherly fashion, Tsubomi approached from the side and punched Issei in the gut.

"Guoh!"

"That's for breaking your promise."

"W-Wait, what? But I mailed you plenty, didn't I?"

"Not everyday. You broke your promise.."

"Oh, yeah… I guess I did miss a few days, huh…. Well, I'm still happy to see you."

Tsubomi pulled up her hoodie to cover her face and forcefully pouted.

"Well, whatever.. It's fine. I guess I'll forgive you for now…"

"Heh. Still don't like smiling in front of other people, I see."

"I'm not smiling!"

"Guoh! Ugh… Your fists certainly haven't lost any strength, gorilla woman.."

"Gori—?! Why, you..! And here I was thinking you might have grown up a little while living on your own.!"

As Issei blocked Tsubomi's subsequent punches (which didn't truly hurt that much), Maki unashamedly made an astounding declaration. —To make things even more hectic, she came up beside Issei and ripped her jacket open, as if presenting her tank top to him. No, it wasn't her shirt that she was presenting..

"Look, Nii-Nii! I've grown up a lot too! Believe it or not, but I've gone up another full cup size this year! I'm officially an "F-cup" now! Don't these puppies look great?"

[—?!]

"They're all yours, Nii-Nii! Just wait till we get home and you can have your fill!"

"Maki, what on earth are you—?!"

Before her own mother could reprimand the girl for her actions, Maki was already being choked out by Narutobi in a brotherly manner.

"What the hell do ya think you're doin', ya little snot nosed brat! We're in a public place right now and that's how ya choose to act!?"

"G-Guuuuh! I give, I g-ive!"

Eventually, Maki ceased her struggling and something which resembled a soul escaped from her body, prompting Issei to inflict the same punishment on Narutobi.

"What the hell do you think you're doin', choking out my Maki-chan, you caramel haired bastard?!"

"Guh! I-I'm sorry! My..brotherly instincts kicked in and—!"

But Narutobi couldn't explain himself clearly through strangulation and soon perished in the same manner that Maki did. Now there were two souls floating off into the sky.

Satoshi broke the commotion with a heavy sigh.

"Haah… I suppose some things never change, do they?"

Issei dropped the lifeless Narutobi and refocused his attention towards his godparents.

"That's right, I almost forgot to ask, but…. What are all of you even doing here? —No, more like, why is everyone here? For even Satoru and Tsubomi to be here.. Did something happen?"

"Well, you didn't think we'd miss your class visitation day, did you?"

"What? But… how did you know that was happening today?"

"Didn't you know, Issei-kun? The notification for this event was sent by mail and email. Of course I received it in my inbox."

Issei then realized why Sona asked Issei about his knowledge of the notification in the student council room.

"Oh… I guess I didn't consider that.. I thought it was just the one through my mail slot.."

"Heh, and yet I'm considered an old man, huh?"

Issei and his godfather shared a laugh. Although it was a completely unexpected event for Issei, there wasn't any way he could complain about something like this. If anything, this was a bit like a dream come true. In that way, it felt especially surreal.

Satoshi looked behind Issei to see his whole group staring at them with wide eyes. He was a wise enough man to deduce that it was likely because of Issei's current behavior.

'I imagine they've never seen Issei-kun act like this before..'

"So, are these your friends that I'm always hearing about?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. Um, these are my…friends. We're all in the same club. —Everyone, these people are….well, my family and friends from Nagoya, my hometown. Or…my second hometown, I guess.."

Issei's family and friends introduced themselves to the occult research club members.

"Hello, everyone. It's nice to meet some of Issei's friends from over here. My name is Satoshi Aikawa, I am Issei-kun's godfather. I hope you're all doing well. This is my wife and my daughter."

"Hello, kids. My name is Akane, but you can call me "auntie" if you like. I hope Ise-kun hasn't been causing any of you much trouble. Please let me know if he's treated you rudely, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.~"

"And I am Maki Aikawa, Onii-chan's adorable, irresistible "imouto" partner! I am also Ise-nii's future wife! Pleased to make your acquaintance!"

"I'm Narutobi Hagakure, Issei's number one best friend in the entire world! Nice to meetcha!"

"I'm Satoru Inoue. Hyoudou saved my life once when we were kids and now we're lifelong pals. Nice to meet you."

"...I'm Akane Tsubomi. Just call me Tsubomi to avoid confusion. I'm also…Issei-kun's childhood friend, I guess.."

To no one's surprise, Rias was the first person to introduce herself to Issei's 'Nagoya crew.'

"Good day to all of you. My name is Rias Gremory. I am the president of the 'occult research club', the club of which our friends here are all a part of, including Ise. I also like to think of myself as one of Ise's best friends as well. It's a pleasure to meet the people who helped form the person Ise has become."

Upon hearing her voice, Satoshi recognized Rias almost immediately.

"Oh, if it isn't Rias-san. We spoke over the phone before, didn't we? It's nice to finally meet you."

"Please, Satoshi-san, call me "Rias." Ise's family are the last people who need to refer to me with honorifics. And the pleasure is most certainly all mine."

"How unbelievably polite of you. And what a courteous bow. You're making this old man feel like royalty, haha."

"Please, Rias-chan, don't charm my husband. I don't want him getting used to being spoiled. He won't want to work anymore."

Rias gestured to her fellow housemates.

"And these two specifically are Ise's…roommates. They're the transfer students that you've spoken to before, Satoshi-san. Asi—"

As Rias was about to introduce the pair, Raynare interrupted her, much to Rias's annoyance, as usual.

"It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Satoshi-san. I'm Raynare, and this is my younger sister, Asia."

"P-P-P-Pleased to meet you, Satoshi-san! I am A-Asia Argento! Thank you for raising Ise-san! I am grateful to have m-met him!"

"Oh, sisters? I see. You didn't mention that before. So does that mean the both of you are from Italy?"

"Huh? Oh, well, that is… Uh, we aren't blood related, but… You know, it's…"

"Say no more, Raynare. I understand. Family is family. That isn't a lesson that I, of all people, need to be taught. I won't pry any further."

"T-Thank you very much, sir…"

"As for everyone else…"

Satoshi looked at the rest of Issei's group, prompting Rias to continue her introductions.

"Ahem, yes, well. —As I was saying… This is my vice-president and childhood friend, Akeno Himejima. And these are my other two good friends and club founding members, Kiba Yuuto and Koneko Toujou."

"Ara ara, what a pleasure."

"It's an honor to meet you, sir. Thank you for all of your hard work."

"..Very nice to meet you."

"Ahaha, more courteous bows and kind words, even though I haven't done all that much. Honestly, I'm embarrassed."

Satoshi rubbed his neck awkwardly while his wife just shook her head with a sigh. Rias waved her hand dismissively in response to his comments.

"Do not humble yourself, Satoshi-san. There's no need to be modest. It's because of you that we were able to meet Ise as the person he is today. Many, if not every one of us, has something we owe to him. Who knows what might have happened to Ise if you were not there for him at every point in his life? Truly, I thank you for all that you've done for him. I am grateful to have met him."

As Rias delivered her heartfelt words and bowed again, a couple of her club members following her example, Satoshi smiled somewhat ashamedly.

"What kind words… You say that as if you were there to see all of it…. But had you been there, perhaps you'd know that I deserve no such thanks… For some reason, I've always felt like I've never been there when it mattered…"

Satoshi's voice trailed off, leaving what he said up in the air. But the supernatural hearing of Issei's group allowed them to catch it quite easily, which only brought down the atmosphere. Rias felt almost as if she had no place to respond, but she didn't need to.

"That's not true…"

Issei kept his head down as he spoke.

"...You were always there for me, even when you didn't need to be… Even now, you're still…"

Satoshi gained a softer expression and asked Issei straightforwardly.

"Issei-kun…. Why didn't you tell me yourself that you had class visits coming up?"

Issei went quiet and his eyes were dim, bearing not a shred of light within them. He refused to meet his foster father's eyes and kept his gaze towards the ground beneath his feet. A hollow expression sat on his face, but there was something hidden underneath.

"Well…. That's because it's not your responsibility anymore, Oji-san…. I've already left Nagoya to live on my own here, at home. What I do now, where I end up, that's no longer your concern to burden yourself with…. At this point, you've already fulfilled your obligation to my mother and father…. You've done your duty as my guardian, and… you've done well….. That's why, don't bother yourself about me anymore…. From now on, I'll manage on my own, as is meant to be…"

A long silence lingered in the air. Issei reaffirmed his conviction in his mind and shut his eyes, claiming that this was how it must be. However..

"Issei-kun… What in the world are you talking about? When have I ever once called you a burden on me?"

Slowly, Issei raised his eyes.

"Obligation? Duty? What are you talking about when you say those things to me? Surely, you're not referring to yourself. Because, if I'm not mistaken, I don't remember ever once referring to my guardianship over you as an obligation nor a duty."

"B..But, you took me in…out of pity, right? You felt pity because I had no one else to take care of me, and you even felt guilty because you didn't appreciate my father as much as he appreciated you… So that's why, you took care of me to make up for that…. But that's why I'm telling you that you don't need to do that anymore…."

"Don't need to..? "Don't need to" what, care about you? Issei-kun…. If you believe those things are the reason that I look after you, then you're sorely mistaken... I take care of you because you are my family, and.…your father entrusted you to me. But there's no two ways about it. You are more than just some obligation or promise I've made to anyone, let alone myself…. It doesn't matter where you run off to or what you do, I'm still going to be there when you need me. In fact….even if your father's spirit were to appear in front of me right now and tell me to leave you alone….I'd still refuse. Because as long as I'm alive, I'm going to look after you, no matter what. And that's just because I love you, nothing more and nothing less…. Understand?"

The light flickered once again as tears welled up in Issei's eyes. A feeling that couldn't be recounted in words overcame the boy. He covered his face with his hand and began trembling. And despite the droplets of tears escaping from under the cover of his palm, he didn't make a sound.

Narutobi put his arm around Issei's shoulder and comforted him in a playful, brotherly manner.

"Yeah, what are you, stupid? Family and friendship doesn't just die off with distance, you idiot. You're definitely not gonna shake me that easily. I'll chase you to the ends of the earth if I have to. Geez, you numbskull… Do you even have any wrinkles on that muscly brain of yours?"

Narutobi finishes while comically tapping on Issei's skull.

Sometime in between the silent sobbing, a chuckle came out of Issei.

"Hehe… Yeah, yeah.. That's right.."

Issei put his own arm around Narutobi and wiped his face. When he lifted his face, he was smiling once again.

"I just can't get rid of you, can I?"

Narutobi laughed.

"Haha! Hell no!"

Issei and Narutobi headbutted each other in a brotherly way, but eventually, Maki came in and tossed Narutobi aside, placing herself fully in Issei's embrace.

"Outta the way! —Nii-Nii, Maki loves you with all of her heart! Don't you ever forget that! No matter where you go, I will follow! I love you so much that it burns inside! So no matter what happens, don't forget about me, because Maki won't forget about you, ever! I'll always be by your side! Always!"

"Ahaha… yea, I know, Maki, I know… My bad. Now, uh, let's not cause a commotion, okay? There's uh, a lot of people walking around right now… And they're staring at us.."

Rias couldn't help but smile warmly at the scene, as did the rest of her group. Satoshi felt reassured seeing it.

'These kids… They must care a lot about Issei-kun's happiness. Well, I suppose you would care about that if it's for the person you fancy, but either way, thank you, Rias-san.'

Issei laughed awkwardly as his "younger sister" showered him with an uncomfortable amount of affection. Eventually, a person vaguely familiar to Issei and unforgettable to Rias, appeared from behind.

"Ah, Rias, there you are."

A familiar but not-so-pleasant pair of men (to Issei's eyes at least) approached the large group from out of nowhere. Both of the men resembled each other greatly in terms of appearance, practically appearing to be a young and old copy of one another. They also resembled Rias as well. Of course, it was her brother and father after all.

"Ah, Onii-sama, Otou-sama. We were just looking for you. Sona had informed us of your location but she couldn't properly direct us due to…familial circumstances."

Sirzechs laughed and approached Rias, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Haha, the Sitri family is most harmonious, don't you think, Ria-tan?"

"Onii-sama, please don't add "-tan" to my name, I'm already an adult. And remove your hand as well."

Sirzechs let out a depressed sigh to Rias's cold hearted response.

"Haah…. How heartbreaking.. I remember how my little Ria-tan used to follow me around going, "Onii-sama, onii-sama"... You're so rebellious now…"

"Wha—?! Onii-sama! Don't tell everyone about when I was a kid!"

Rias chided her brother as her father lovingly snapped photos in the background.

"A perfect photo… Ah, I'm so proud of the daughter I've raised."

"You too, Otou-sama?!"

Rias's father noticed Issei after glancing up from his camera and greeted him.

"Oh, if it isn't the boy from "that time." I believe your name was Hyoudou Issei? We didn't have a proper greeting back then, but I am Zeoticus, Rias and Sirzechs' father. I am glad to see you again."

Zeoticus extended his hand for a shake, but yet again, just like the first time the two met, Issei didn't take it.

"...So you were their father…"

Issei almost whispered it under his breath. Zeoticus had failed to notice it at first, but when he and his son first appeared, Issei's expression had taken on a darker shade, and this was reflected as well by his tone of voice. And for the first time in a while, Issei's right eye had shut itself, leaving only his left eye to subtly glare at Zeoticus through.

—Despite understanding that his true target lie elsewhere, even now, Issei still held a quiet, lingering resentment towards Sirzechs and his father. To Sirzechs, for allowing so much destruction and death despite his power, and to Zeoticus, for insisting on touring Kuoh with his daughter that day as a gesture of pride for when he gifted her ownership of the town. As much as Issei wanted to bury his hatred, he couldn't bury the thoughts that convinced him that, without these two, Kuoh would have never suffered through so much.

'If only these two never existed...' — those were the thoughts that never left his mind, even to this day.

Zeoticus could see every bit of that grudge in Issei's eye and resigned from his handshake once again. It was the same result as their first meeting. Zeoticus gracefully moved on from that subject and took notice of Issei's foster parents.

"Oh, are these two your parents?"

"—You of all people should know the answer to that."

Issei replied so quickly that it almost sounded like he completely shut Zeoticus down. It was undeniably a rude gesture, far more obvious than the silent denial of a handshake, that took everyone by surprise. Despite this, Zeoticus still maintained his composure.

"..Of course. My apologies. Then, I assume these two are your guardians? Good day to you. My name is Zeoticus Gremory, I am Rias's father. This is my son, Sirzechs. It is a pleasure."

Although Zeoticus refrained from offering a handshake, let alone even approaching Satoshi and his wife in order to avoid incurring Issei's wrath, Satoshi stepped forward and offered his own hand. This gesture left Issei unable to react.

"Hello, I am Satoshi Aikawa. I am indeed Issei's guardian. This is my wife, Akane. It is nice to meet you, Gremory-san. Although I've only spoken to your daughter twice now, she's always been very polite and considerate. Far too considerate for some old man like myself, if I must say."

Zeoticus paused from surprise, but gratefully took Satoshi's hand in a shake.

"Oh, no, no, haha. Don't say such things, Satoshi-san. Believe it or not, but I've heard a few things about yourself through my own sources. You seem to be quite a commendable person. And considering the type of man you've raised your adopted "nephew" to be, I believe there's plenty of respect to be awarded to you. If Rias ever forgets to award you that respect, please let me know. I'll be sure to inform her mother about her lack of manners."

Rias huffed in the background while whispering, "Who on earth are you accusing of lacking manners? Hmph, baka-otou-sama", as if feeling insulted by her father's remarks. Meanwhile, Issei stood everstill just a step away, with Sirzechs being the one staring at him.

"Ahaha, I don't think that will be necessary. If anything, I'm the one who should be worried about a child's lack of manners. And I'm honored that you hold me in such high regard. I had no idea that I had any sort of reputation outside of being Issei's foster parent. At least not enough for you to know of me without your daughter's influence."

"Of course. I happen to have a lot of connections politically and financially in Japan, believe it or not. A successful financial advisor like yourself also being the godfather to a former national hero like the young Hyoudou Issei, you're not the type of person that just flies under the radar for people like me."

As could be quickly deduced by anyone that was aware of Zeoticus's nature as Devil, this simply meant that he researched Satoshi and his family already.

"Aha, well, don't let little ol' me intimidate you then."

The two fathers shared a laugh with each other, causing an uncomfortably gross feeling to rise up within Issei. He remained silent, but he couldn't ignore the feeling building inside of him. And his expression, though masked by his bangs, communicated those emotions very well.

"What do you say we find a more private place to speak with each other, somewhere away from the kids?"

Zeoticus made that suggestion, prompting Satoshi to offer something very "taboo"...

"Well then, in that case, why don't we use my cousin's house? My family and I will be staying there with Issei-kun for the next few days. We may as well head there now."

[—?!]

Issei's face contorted into a menacing glare that shot up at Zeoticus. Although it was difficult to see it under the cover of the boy's hair, Zeoticus noticed it well enough. Seeing this, Zeoticus smiled.

"...Ah, actually, I'm afraid I must refuse. You see, there are still a few things left for me to do here at the academy, so it would be remiss of me to leave now. However, I am willing to talk tomorrow, if you and your wife are free. Sirzechs and I can make arrangements for the four of us to have dinner somewhere, perhaps?"

The intensity in Issei's glare lowered and he glanced over at his uncle instead. But what he saw made him freeze again.

—Satoshi was staring sternly at Issei from the corner of his eye, the disappointment clear in his expression. That was when Issei realized…. Satoshi had no expectation of bringing Zeoticus to the home of Issei's parents, he was simply testing Issei and gauging his reaction. Once again, his godfather had showcased his superior intelligence. Issei had played right into his hand.

Understanding this too late, Issei lowered his eyes in shame.

"That sounds good. My wife and I should be free."

"Excellent. Sirzechs, can you handle the arrangements?"

"Of course, Otou-ue. Leave it to me."

"Alright, in that case, we'll see you two tomorrow. We should have arrangements settled by tonight, I'll have Rias inform you of them since she'll be staying close by. But for now, you'll need to excuse me and my son. We still have matters to attend to."

"Of course, it's no problem. Until tomorrow then."

The two fathers said their goodbyes and Zeoticus excused himself, leaving Issei and his uncle standing next to each other in silence. Sirzechs called out to his sister.

"Rias, there's also something we need to discuss."

"...Something to discuss? What is it, Onii-sama?"

"We'll talk about when we get to a private spot. Can you also bring Akeno along with you?"

Although Rias seemed to understand that it was something important, she still hesitated. The reason being the same thing she took glances at from behind, the unmoving Issei. Seeing this, Sirzechs excused himself and his sister.

"Sorry, Ise-kun. I'm going to borrow my sister for a bit. Is that alright?"

"...Do whatever you want."

That was all Issei responded with in a low tone, prompting another side-eye from his godfather.

"Thank you. I'll have her back as soon as possible. Now, follow me, Rias."

"...Yes.."

Rias and Akeno followed Sirzechs, with the former keeping her eyes on Issei as she walked away, but Issei did not exchange her a glance. When the trio was out of sight for the rest of the group, a quick thumping sound echoed through the new school building lobby.

Pan!

Suddenly, to the surprise of everyone but his wife, Satoshi had smacked the silent Issei once on the back of his head.

"...Is that how we raised you to act towards your elders? What would your parents think of such behavior?"

"..."

The silence hung in the air, causing Satoshi to sigh.

"Tell me, do you have an excuse for your actions? Anything to say for yourself? Why the attitude, hm? What did that man ever do to you that prompted such a reaction?"

Unexpectedly for Satoshi, his question caused Issei to glare back at him over his own shoulder. It caused him to pause, because never before had Satoshi seen such a ferocious look in his foster son's eyes, let alone directed at him. It implied the depth of a history that Satoshi could never understand. Even so, Satoshi didn't back down.

"...If he did something to you, then I'll have my own word with him. But you need to tell what that is first…"

The hatred in Issei's eyes faltered. He looked away from his godfather, as if unable to meet his gaze out of shame. Eventually, he lowered his head and shamefully closed his eyes.

Then he said..

"...Nothing…. He did nothing. That man….never did anything to me."

That was Issei's answer. It was true that Issei felt a certain way about Zeoticus and Sirzechs, and that there was a reality to another side of the world that Issei simply couldn't reveal to his normal human uncle, but….… In actuality, all of that was irrelevant.

The truth was, Issei truly didn't have a reason for hating Zeoticus. Or at least, not anymore. The truth was just as Issei explained, Zeoticus did nothing to him. His "crime'' was simply existing. That was the reality that Issei was forced to admit, out of refusal to lie to his godfather. No, even if he had lied, Satoshi would have seen right through it. He would've known the truth simply by the shame in Issei's voice. He had no choice but to tell the truth, and that truth was something that Issei had still yet to confront properly, until now that he just vocalized it.

Zeoticus and Sirzechs have done nothing to Issei, that's the truth. Even if they were both the targets to a political attack that took the lives of his parents, that didn't make them his enemies. They weren't the ones who killed his parents. They weren't the ones who initiated the attack. In fact, if circumstances were slightly different, then they could have also been victims, but never the perpetrators.

This is a truth that has already been revealed to him once before. A truth that he must now learn to accept...

"I see…. In that case, the next time you see Zeoticus-san, I expect you to apologize to him for your childish and disrespectful behavior. And apologize to your parents as well, lest you create a reputation that sullies their name. Do you understand me?"

"...Yes…"

Once again, Satoshi sighed. He placed a gentle hand on Issei's head.

"..Every year, you grow bigger and bigger, and yet, I somehow keep forgetting that you're just a boy… Even so, that is no excuse. One day soon, you'll be a man. And when that time comes, that level of immaturity will be unacceptable to display. Not that it's any more acceptable now, but the point is you won't be able to hide behind your age one day. And above all else, I expect the son of Gorou Hyoudou to act differently than that. The last thing you want to do is give your family a bad name, right?"

Although Satoshi couldn't see it from his angle, his words struck a chord deep within Issei. Thus, Issei felt a shame greater than any other overcome him.

"Alright then. Whaddya say we go home for now? Akane and I still need to pick her up from the edge of town and we need you to help us out when we bring her to the house, Issei-kun."

Issei's ears perked up for a second.

"There's still someone else?... Who's "her," Oji-san?"

To that question, Issei's foster family smiled collectively.

"Well, you'll just need to see that when we bring her back, I'm afraid. For now, just head back to the house ahead of us with your friends, okay? Oh, and we'll take Maki with us."

"Whaaaaaat?! I don't get to stay?! Why noooot?!"

"Because you can't keep a secret to save your life, young lady. Now, come along. We'll be back in a bit, Issei-kun."

"Iyaaaaaah! Nii-Nii, save meeeeeeee!"

With that, Issei's foster family disappeared with the reluctant Maki in tow. Narutobi came up beside Issei and placed an arm around his shoulder again.

"So, wanna go for a spar back at the house? Although, I gotta warn ya, I've gotten way better than last time so, uh… You might have some trouble."

Issei could only roll his eyes and smirk reluctantly, still wondering who exactly his family was referring to.


Part 4

"You didn't have to come home with me, you know. My family is my own issue so you could've just stayed at school."

Issei and his group (along with Narutobi, Tsubomi, and Satoru) returned to his home, awaiting the arrival of his family and whoever their special guest was. Issei was perplexed as to why his club mates followed him home, but more likely than not, it was due to curiosity.

"Don't be silly, Ise. It's certainly no trouble for us. Besides, you said you wanted to make dinner for your family, right? Just leave it to the rest of us to take care of that."

That was the response Rias gave as she directed her peerage around Issei's kitchen. Issei looked at Raynare, who just shrugged, and Asia, who chuckled awkwardly. He shook his head.

"Whatever. Just don't get in between me and my family when we're together. And don't say anything weird either. I'll drive you out of Kuoh if you somehow manage to make a fool of me in front of them."

"You're saying that to me, the illustrious Rias Gremory, of all people? Please, Ise, if anything, your family will beg me to marry you by the end of the day. The one you should really be worried about is the feather brained vixen over there.."

Although Rias ended it in a whisper as to not concern Issei's friends, Raynare obviously heard her. Raynare stepped into Rias's personal space and let out a low grumble.

"You have something to say to me, tit-for-brains?"

"Just making sure to remind Ise about your immaturity before his family arrives. We don't want you embarrassing him after all."

"You're lucky his family is coming, otherwise I'd wring you—"

Issei interrupted their little whisper fight by stepping in between them.

"—Enough, both of you. I won't tolerate that behavior at a time like this. Until everyone leaves, you will get along like you're supposed to, got it?"

"..Of course, Ise. The last thing I'd want to do is make a fool of myself or you in front of your family. Let's just hope Raynare here feels the same."

"Oh yeah, whatever you say, Ise-sama. I'll play nice as long as she does…"

"You'll play nice no matter what. Both of you."

The two girls promised to cease their bickering, but continued to glare at each other nonetheless. As much as Issei wanted to reprimand them on that too, he let it go on account of sensing his family's presence just outside of his home. Just then, he came to realize who his family drove 20 minutes just to bring over.

"Wait, that's…!"

Issei ran outside the house without explanation, leaving his supernatural friends confused. That was until they heard Issei's exclamation from beyond the door.

"Baa–chama!"

Every one of Issei's supernatural allies looked at each other incredulously and collectively said..

"[Baa-chama?]"

Not long after, Issei and the rest of his family entered the house together. Rias then recalled who "Baa-chama" was from what she observed inside of Issei's memories.

"Ise's grandmother!"

Issei entered the house with not only his family in tow, but whilst holding hands with an old woman in a wheelchair. It was his grandmother, the mother of his father, Sanae Hyoudou.

"Was the trip alright, Baa-chama? It wasn't too long, was it? Do you want something to drink? Or are you hungry?"

Issei asked his grandmother worriedly, trying to attend to her every need with a concern that his supernatural friends had never seen before. Issei's grandmother simply smiled and shook her head.

"Oh no, dear, I'm fine. I ate before leaving the house, I think… Oh, but I hope I didn't leave the heat on.. Wait, I can't remember what I did before leaving…"

It was easy to tell that Sanae was up in her years. She appeared substantially older than how Rias observed her in Issei's memories, almost too much older in fact. Rias assumed that was due to, in no small part, the terrible loss of her son and daughter-in-law ten years ago. It must've caused her stress that aged her even further. Despite that, Rias still thought that she was a beautiful woman.

Satoshi reassured his aunt about her concerns as Issei lifted her from the wheelchair and placed her gently on the sofa.

"Don't worry, Baa-san. I made sure to shut everything off when we picked you up."

Satoshi was reluctant to mention that his aunt left not only the heater on, but the stove with tea kettle atop as well.

"Oh, is that so, dear? Thank you. You know how I forget."

"Are you cold right now, Baa-chama? How's the heat in here? Would you like a blanket?"

"Oh, it is a little chilly for me, sweetheart.."

"Hold on, let me get you something."

Issei hurried up and down the stairs in no time without so much as sparing a glance towards anything else. Rias introduced herself in the brief moment Issei took to retrieve a blanket from upstairs.

"Um, good day, Miss. My name is Rias Gremory. I am one of Ise's best friends. It is an honor to meet his grandmother. He's— ….I've heard so much about you."

Sanae looked up at Rias and paused, staring at Rias for a moment, as if in a daze. Then, she smiled sweetly.

"...Ah, if it isn't Bell-chan~ You grew out your hair. How nice."

—Fittingly, the atmosphere went cold. Issei almost appeared out of thin air and wrapped his grandmother in the blanket he retrieved with a hollow stare.

"...Marie isn't here right now, Baa-chama… This is someone else..."

Issei's grandmother appeared confused for a moment before realizing it and frowning ashamedly.

"...Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart. I-I thought you were someone else. Forgive this forgetful old lady."

"O-Of course, it's no problem. It's a pleasure to meet you nonetheless, Miss."

It was unnervingly quiet aside from the little noises made by Rias's peerage, who were working awkwardly to cook dinner for a big group. In an attempt to lighten the mood, Akane made a suggestion.

"Alright, well, now that we're settled in, why don't we watch some old home movies to reminisce on some good times? It's rare that we get a chance like this after all, with everyone gathered together again. Maki, would you get the old camera and the tapes from the car?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

Maki saluted her mother and ran off to the car. Issei raised a dubious brow.

"You guys brought the old video player?"

"Well, Ise–kun, it's not often that we can reunite and spend time reminiscing, right? I thought it was a good idea."

"Well, as long as you don't show any of the embarrassing ones, I guess that's fine… By the way, Oji-san, can I have a word?"

"Sure."

Issei and his uncle went aside to talk as everyone else socialized. They whispered to keep things private, and Issei's supernatural friends knew better than to eavesdrop, so they distanced themselves enough to counter their inhuman hearing skills.

"...Her memory's gotten worse, Oji-san. She isn't able to take care of herself anymore.."

"I know. We've already decided that she'll be staying with us from now on. We've already made the proper legal arrangements… Hope you don't mind her using your old room."

"Course not. Have you moved any of her stuff yet?"

"Not yet. I've got it set up for next week."

"I'll help."

"No, it's alright. I've got it all set already, the guys I hired can handle it. We're gonna try to make the layout identical to avoid too much confusion for her. More importantly, we need to decide which room she'll stay in for the next few nights while she's here in central Kuoh."

"She can sleep in the girls' room. The girls will take my room and I'll sleep down here with Narutobi and Satoru."

"She should sleep in your parents room."

"What? No, you and Baa-san should sleep there. The bed is bigger anyway."

"No, we're fine. We can sleep in a hotel."

"Huh? No, no. Stay here. Why would you go to a hotel?"

"We don't need to take up room here. It's unnecessary."

"Unnecessary? Unnecessary? What are you even saying right now? Going to a hotel? Having Baa-chama sleep in mum and dad's room? Don't you realize what you're saying? Don't you see how bad of an idea that is? There's no way she'll be able to relax there. Their photos and their stuff is all in there. She'll freak out. You know how she gets when she's stressed out. She'll probably sleepwalk and end up hurting herself again. Hell, we'd be lucky if she just forgets where she was. At worst, she could forget what time period it is and think mum and dad are still alive…. Worst case scenario and she might even have another screaming episode… You're talkin' weird, Oji-san. You're suggesting illogical things. It's totally unlike you.."

In an uncommon display of role reversal, Satoshi looked away from his nephew's gaze ashamedly.

"...Oji-san. What's wrong with you sleeping in there? What….you think you don't have the right to…? Come on, if anyone does, it's you. You were the one who was paying for the upkeep on this place for all these years. You were the one who cleaned that room with your own two hands every single year, so I know it's not that you don't feel "comfortable" going in there…. Don't tell me that you're really convinced that it's wrong for you to sleep in there…? How long are you gonna hold on to that unreasonable sense of guilt..?"

Satoshi didn't respond for a while, but Issei placed a hand on his shoulder.

"What do you think dad would say if you asked him?"

Suddenly, a memory locked deep within Satoshi rose to the surface. It was his younger cousin's adolescent face grinning at him with a futon in hand.

("Huh? You can just spend the night, can't you? "What about school?" Eh, it's fine, it's fine! I'll just ask auntie to let you skip tomorrow! Sleep where? Well, obviously we're sleeping in my room, idiot. Where else would we sleep? Ah, but don't think just because you're my guest that I'll let you have my bed! Sorry, but only I get to sleep in my bed, hehe!")

—Satoshi couldn't help but let out a chuckle. But then he felt an uncomfortably powerful feeling sneak up and swell within himself. He stuffed it down and sighed, rubbing his forehead with his hand. Even for the hard to read Satoshi, Issei could easily tell that his uncle was pushing something down. He only rubbed his head like that when he was hiding his pain. That only left Issei wondering how many years it's been since he's seen his godfather cry.

"...Alright, I give… We'll sleep in their room. But are you sure we have enough room for everybody here in the first place?"

"Well, if we don't, I can just ask Rias to take the girls over to the neighbor's. Rias's family owns that house so they can just stay over there for as long as you guys stay."

"They own that house? What about the Wakamura family? Is this how you met her?"

"Eh? Er… Well, uh, that's….complicated. For now, just know that her family is basically a bunch of rich oligarchs, so housing is no issue here."

"...Well, alright. Whatever the case, I'll take your word for it."

After settling those issues, the two moved on. Issei attended to his family while his friends cooked dinner.

Maki, having retrieved the old video player from the family car, started playing random footage from their childhoods.

"Oh, look! This was the first time we went to the aquarium together!"

"Isn't this the one where Maki got scared of the stingrays and started crying?"

"Wait, is it?! Nevermind, turn it off! Don't watch this one!"

"Ah, here's the one where we all went to the beach. Maki lost her sand shovel and started crying."

"Uuu, why does every one of these clips end with me being the one embarrassed!? If I knew it'd be like this, I never would have suggested this!"

"You're the one who keeps picking them."

"Wait, here's Hyoudou's first spar with Narutobi after earning his green belt!"

"Oh no, don't show this one! My pride as a man will crumble! Maki-chan was right! This was a mistake! T-This is too embarrassing!"

"Oh wow, you really got whooped, didn't you, Naru?"

"That's why I told you guys not to record it back then! Ah, god, just kill me!"

Issei and his friends and family from Nagoya shared some laughs at the various video tapes being played one after another. Nostalgia filled the atmosphere and everyone was wearing a smile, even amongst Issei's Kuoh group. They couldn't help becoming absorbed by the footage. Even as they finished making dinner, they continued watching from the sidelines. And what a sight it was, to see Issei smiling and laughing so carefreely, as they had never seen before. Perhaps only in this moment, a moment frozen in time, could one see the innocent child still locked deep in his heart, finally let out to play to his heart's content.

Rias's heart was filled with joy as she watched Issei grin gleefully whilst sitting beside his grandmother, his hand in hers. Any more than this and she felt she might begin shedding tears. This was already the case for Asia, who had streams of tears falling down her cheeks as she smiled at the beautiful image of the family set before her. Somewhere in her heart, she felt the need to clasp her hands together and pray in gratefulness. Even Raynare, who considered herself anything but soft-hearted, smiled at the sight. Seeing Issei grinning so joyously filled her heart with a complexity of emotions that she didn't quite understand. Even so, she merely did as she has become accustomed to and refrained from questioning it, simply allowing herself to feel whatever may be. And in doing so, she found that she couldn't contain an awkward chuckle, in disbelief of what she was coming to realize about herself and her feelings. And so, she continued watching him fondly, as did every other one of his friends.

Time passed, perhaps even hours. It was too difficult to tell, as everyone was completely lost in the mood. At some point, as Maki switched out the tapes, Issei's grandmother asked a favor of him.

"Would you mind heating up my tea, dear? I'm afraid it's gone cold.."

"Of course."

Issei stood from the couch and retrieved his grandmother's tea cup, which was on the lamp table beside her. The newly placed tape played in the background, and Maki's voice could be heard shouting around their home in Nagoya. Just from the audio of Maki yelling about her kimono sash being too tight, Issei recognized it as one of the times they attended a summer festival as a family.

But soon, these sounds had caused Issei to freeze in place.

["Oh, oh! The onee-chan in the white Kimono! Introduce yourself for the camera, please!"]

["Who, moi? Aucun problème! If you insist! My name is Marie Bellerose! I am 16 years old and my hobbies are exorcisms—er, I-I mean, baptisms! Ehehehe… Maki-chan, can you cut that part out? I want to start over."]

—Issei carefully placed the tea back down and turned his body towards the television. Without saying anything, he slowly walked towards the tv and silently stood in front of it.

The silence in the room was deafening, only broken apart by the moments long past playing in the recording. No one moved or made a sound, not even Issei. He simply stood in front of the television screen, obscuring most of the view for anyone else. And so, with wide eyes and expressionless face, he watched the footage closely, as if absorbing every minute detail present. And indeed, you could see his eyes move around the screen, taking in everything he saw before him.

For the first time in what has seemed like an eternity, he could vividly make out the appearance and voice of that person again. It was all right there, right in front of him. And just like the last time he saw her, she was still just as beautiful. So beautiful that he could still not remove his eyes from her, and every word she uttered was like a song in his head. So far away…

["And um… Is Écaille watching this?"]

["Nii-Nii? Yeah, he'll probably watch it later with the rest of us. I think.."]

["O-Oh, in that case…. Um, h-how do I look, partner? I've never worn something like this before so I'm not sure if it suits me…. To be honest, I'm quite nervous. I still don't know if you like it yet… I guess I'm about to find out. Um, but whatever the case… I hope we have a good time today. This is my first "matsuri," or whatever you call it. So, uh, I'll try my best not to be a hindrance. So just um, bear with me….yeah, partner? Ehehe…. You know what, Maki.. Can you delete that part instead? I'm afraid it's too embarrassing…"]

And as the angelic figure smiled unconfidently at him, Issei's fingers found themselves hovering towards the screen.

But…

Click…

Their eventual resting spot was the video player's stop button, which he slowly but firmly pressed, causing the recording to cease its playback. And so, nothing but silence filled the room.

…..

Issei wordlessly retrieved his grandmother's tea once again and brought it to the kitchen, where he began remaking it entirely. Maki, who had been sitting on the floor in front of the television, stuttered out an excuse.

"..I-I didn't know which tape it was. It didn't have a label.."

Satoshi sighed shamefully and rubbed his head.

"Haah… Yeah, that was one I had…forgotten to label."

It was the final tape of Marie Bellerose before she disappeared.

With this event, the lively atmosphere died down and Rias thought that the members of Issei's Kuoh party ought to depart.

"..I'm afraid it's about time for many of my club members to leave now. It's getting late and they still have school in the morning. Everyone, say your goodbyes."

Kiba, Koneko, Xenovia, and Akeno bowed respectfully and gave their farewells to Issei's Nagoya party. After this, Rias, Asia, and Raynare began cleaning up everything left after dinner. Narutobi tried to improve his best friend's mood, but Issei didn't seem so receptive.

"So, my man, you popular at your new school yet? I bet everyone's given you a nickname already. Remember back when every club wanted you to be on their teams when we were kids? Heh, even Satoru's baseball team tried to scout you after you struck an insane home run that one time you went to their practice. Your school has a tennis team, right? Have they come up to.."

Narutobi realized that his efforts were fruitless once Issei walked away with his grandmother's tea in hand, not even acknowledging a word his longtime friend said.

"Here you go, Baa-chama."

"Ah, thank you, dear..."

Sanae paused when looking between her tea cup and Issei confusedly. After a moment, she smiled sweetly and greeted Issei. No, not Issei.

"...Oh, Gorou, dear. You came home early today? How was cram school?"

Again, the air grew heavy and the living room was quiet. However, this time, Issei smiled. What face was hidden behind that unassuming smile, no one knew.

"Yeah. It was good."

Issei gently took his grandmother's hands into his own.

"It's late, Okaa–sama. We should get you to bed."

"Oh… Is it that time already? I didn't even notice."

Issei gently placed his arms beneath his grandmother's legs and lifted her body, carrying her like a princess in his arms. Sanae giggled amusedly.

"Oh, dear, you've gotten so big and strong. I feel like just yesterday you were a baby."

"..Yeah, me too."

With that, Issei walked upstairs with his grandmother in tow, soon laying her to bed in Asia and Raynare's room. And of course, the girls didn't question it. Issei returned to the living room, only to announce something while at the bottom of the staircase.

"I'm gonna stay with Baa-chama for a little bit. She tends to have trouble sleeping right after getting confused like that."

"Alright. We'll leave it to you.."

Only his godfather could respond to him, as no one else knew what to say. And it took a long while after Issei had disappeared upstairs that any of the atmosphere's heaviness lightened up.

"...Well, um…. It might just be us now, but there's no reason we can't keep on reminiscing, is there? Would you three like to join us?"

Akane inquired of Rias, Raynare, and Asia, to which they all exchanged glances. Despite what had just occurred, Rias had to admit that she couldn't contain her overwhelming curiosity. Watching the old footage of Issei as a child only sparked her interest even further. After all, when she had looked through his memories, every part of it was in the first person, exactly as it was experienced through Issei's perspective. So seeing it from the outside looking in was something she couldn't resist. Besides, it wasn't as if she had any idea how to comfort or support Issei at a time like this. That was an area she lacked expertise in. Something she assumes that the woman formerly present on the television screen just minutes ago, was well versed in, unlike herself….

Burying the feelings of inadequacy, Rias sat on the sofa beside Issei's god-parents.

"Maki-chan, bring out the scrapbook, will you?"

Regretting what had transpired, Maki hesitantly retrieved the Aikawa family scrapbook from her bag and sat directly between her parents and Issei's friends. Issei's friends from Nagoya also gathered around the couch and watched as they flipped through the scrapbook.

A majority of the pictures consisted of just family photos at different locations. Some at the beach, some at the aquarium, some at an indoor pool, a festival, a fish market, Tokyo city square, and other places. It was clear to tell with a glance that this family was one that spent a lot of quality time together.

However, eventually, the amount of photos in the scrapbook began to dwindle drastically, as if their lives had collectively come to an abrupt halt.

"...Excuse me for asking, but I've still yet to see any photos of that girl…"

Raynare and Asia couldn't help darting their eyes at Rias, shocked that she was brave enough to press such an issue. And everyone besides them seemed to gain downtrodden expressions. Satoshi sighed deeply.

"Yes, well…. They're certainly here.."

He flipped through the scrapbook a bit more, essentially arriving near the back half of it. Once he opened that section, the overabundance of photographs containing Marie Bellerose were revealed.

In fact, it almost appeared as if there were more photos in that section than in the previous one…

"...So many…"

Rias unconsciously let out a whisper as Satoshi combed through the photos. The girl was everywhere, in every photo, together with the family. In fact, just looking at it from the outside, one might assume she was always a part of the family since the beginning.

And in every photograph, she was brimming with happiness. So much so that it even appeared to affect the rest of the family, as their smiles were ever wider, ever more common, and ever brighter with her around. And as for Issei…

There were countless photos with just her and Issei together…. For every photograph of the family as a unit, in any location, there was one photo with just the two of them to match it. And there were plenty of photos of the two spending time together captured by someone else. Eating ice cream together, swimming together, riding a rollercoaster together, falling asleep on the sofa together, even photos captured mid argument. And the photos soon after, which captured their stubbornly pouty faces refusing to look at each other. Yet still, together…as if inseparable.

"...We used to have these mixed in with all of the others, but…. After she disappeared, I thought it was best to separate them. I wanted to reduce the possible risk of Issei-kun finding them and worsening his depression at that time.."

"...Do you know what happened to her?"

Rias asked the big question, wondering how much information the family had about the supernatural world. As insensitive as it might have seemed, it was important to know.

"...We don't know for sure. Issei-kun always refused to speak up about it. All we could ever assume was that something terrible happened…. You see, Issei-kun isn't the type who is unfamiliar with tragic events… Whenever something serious happened, you could see it in his eyes. He always made that same face….. And considering that Marie-chan was a foreigner from another country, we didn't have many resources for finding her. Although, I'm not sure how much that mattered. After all….. I remember once asking Issei-kun if it was worth placing "missing person" adverts around anywhere, and…. He told me that there was simply no point. Because no matter what, we wouldn't be able to find her…. It was after that point that I assumed something terrible happened, and that we wouldn't be able to see her ever again….. Though, somewhere in my heart, I had always foolishly hoped that she was simply taken back to her homeland. But just from looking at Issei-kun, I knew that wasn't the case. And I knew that there was nothing I could do about it….. Yes, nothing…."

Satoshi chuckled awkwardly, but his eyes began to take on a hollow impression. It was just the same as whenever Issei lost the light in his eyes as well.

"...The last thing I remember doing was hiring a private investigator behind everyone's backs. I wasn't satisfied with doing nothing, and yet… it all amounted to nothing anyway….. He told me that he followed Issei-kun one day and was led into a forest somewhere outside of where she was last seen by anyone. Issei-kun went into that forest, stopping in the middle of what looked like a burned field with one single tree standing in the center of it. It was the only tree there. Everything else was scorched….. He said that Issei-kun didn't do anything. He just stood there, silently. As if to…pay his respects….. After Issei-kun left, the PI investigated that tree, and what he found was…"

Satoshi hesitated to admit it, his eyebrows twitching slightly. Maki, who was hearing this for the first time, inquired with a horrified expression.

"...What did he find?"

Satoshi, shutting his eyes for a brief moment, opened them with a more emotionless expression.

"...Nothing, Maki… He found absolutely nothing. Nothing that would lead us to what happened to Marie. It was just a regular tree…. It was a dead end."

—Lies. What Satoshi had said was a lie. The truth is that he just didn't want to admit what was truly there, for Maki's sake. And it worked, because Maki went back to her usual depressed attitude about the situation, rather than a mortified revelation.

But Rias knew what was there, for she had seen it upfront in Issei's memories.

On that lone tree, there was blood. Faded blood stains from when Marie lied up against it. —That place was where she died. That was where the life left Marie Bellerose's eyes, lying right against that single tree which should have been destroyed, her blood covering its entire bottom half.

Even to this day, Rias didn't understand how that tree remained standing. By all accounts, it should have been destroyed. Issei's transformation into Balance Breaker grazed the entire center of the forest, and yet, it left not only Marie, but even the tree she lay against unscathed? It didn't make sense. Initially, she had thought that it was just some warped perception by Issei's trauma-ridden and sometimes psychotic mind, but no. Now, with Satoshi's story, she knew there was no denying it, despite how unlikely it seemed.

Snapping Rias out of her inner monologue, Satoshi retrieved his wallet from his pocket and brought something out from it.

"...It was at that time that I was reminded…of just how useless I am.."

Satoshi said it distaste for himself as he pulled out a photograph from his wallet. It was a photo of a child Issei dressed in a suit, with a middle aged gentleman also in a suit, smiling beside him. But unlike the man next to him, Issei himself was anything but smiling. In fact, he was wearing a frown so morose that it appeared as if he just finished watching his parents die. In fact…

"...Satoshi. Isn't this the photo from the day of the funeral?"

"Yes… This was the day of Gorou and Miki's funeral services…"

It was indeed a photograph of the day that Issei was forced to relive his parents' deaths all over again, and you could see it on his face. Despite that, the man beside Issei with a hand on the boy's shoulder was grinning.

"...Musashi… That man irritated me.. He knew it was the day of Gorou's funeral and yet, you could still sniff the scent of sake on his breath. His excuse for being so jovial was that "it was a celebration of life, not death," but in truth, he was just a worthless drunkard…. I remember looking at him and feeling an indescribable emotion… I think it was contempt, but I wasn't sure at the time. I'd never felt that way about anyone before, or at least, not so strongly. Musashi must have sensed it too, because he tried to nervously get out of our hair, but only after brazenly requesting this accursed photo with his distant "nephew"... Says that "he wouldn't get to see him often so this was a good opportunity." What a joke… Familial connection was dubious at that point, but nevertheless, he was still "family" in some way or another….. And in some desperate attempt to rid him from our sight, I foolishly indulged his ignorant request. And that's how this photo came to be…. It was a mistake. Issei-kun's expression worsened the moment the camera came up. I should've known…. How stupid of me…. Of course it would only make him feel worse. Can you imagine being a child who had just lost his parents, having a useless, old drunkard come up to you, telling you to celebrate their lives, as if you could ever understand such logic after having your entire life and family crumble right before your very eyes, in the most brutal and unfair manner imaginable? And then carelessly taking a photo in front of the building that their empty coffins were sitting in? I was a fool… A stupid, spineless fool. I shouldn't have indulged his asinine request. If it were me today, I would…"

Satoshi's anger subsided, and his eyes were instead filled with a deep sadness.

"...But in the end, I'm useless…. I call myself Issei's caretaker, but that couldn't be farther from the truth…. In all of the years I've looked after Issei, I can't count how many times I've been struck by the feeling that he was dealing with something beyond words, and I was powerless to do anything about it… At times, I would see that look on his face and know that he was struggling, as if he were leading an entirely separate life in a different world from our own, and it was causing him needless suffering…. The only time that alleviated was when Marie-chan came along. It felt like his world had finally brightened up. But…. The moment she was gone, it had gone darker than ever before. Like there was a pitch black cloud following Issei wherever he went. All his life, it's like he's been fighting a battle I have no knowledge of, and no matter what I do, no matter how hard I try, I can't reach him. I can't help him…."

While holding the photograph in a tightening grip, Satoshi's hands began to tremble.

"That face…. I remember seeing it on Gorou too… That's why I could never toss away this tasteless photo. It reminded me too much of his father. Maybe the sorrow in Gorou's eyes didn't match the depth of Issei's own, but still… I have those memories. The memories of seeing Gorou sitting at the back of any family gathering, saying nothing, doing nothing, just sitting with his knees in his hands…. Perhaps it was because his father left his family when he was young. There was loneliness and sorrow there….. But that would always change when our eyes met. The second he saw me, he'd look at me with that stupid grin and start waving….. It was only when I took this photo on the day of his funeral, so many years later, that I realized it. And yet, I was somehow surprised when I found out that I was his next of kin after his wife, that I was Issei's godfather…? How could I have never noticed it? Why was it only me who was the ignorant one? And to think my peers called me a genius growing up. What a joke. I was a fool. A stupid fool who didn't realize what he had until it was gone. I had a brother, and I'd never even realized it. That brother suffered, and I did nothing. He adored me, and I saw nothing….. It's the same with Issei…. Every time I see that face, I know that he suffers. I try my best to do something about it, no matter how small it may be, but it's never enough. Because whatever is causing him pain is always something I can never know, what I alone can never understand, just like with his father. And Issei needn't even say a word for me to know that. I can just see it in his eyes and do nothing….. Even now, it is the same result…"

—And so, a stream of tears silently ran down from Satoshi's eyes and onto the photograph.

"Useless…. Even now, I am still useless to him….. Gorou…. Forgive me. Your son still suffers, and yet, I am still useless to him… I have failed you, Gorou… I…have failed your son…."

Satoshi's wife and daughter hugged him from each side to comfort him, but both shedding their own tears as well.

Issei's best friend, Narutobi, held his forearm to face and stifled his cries. It was clear to tell that he felt very similar to Satoshi, being Issei's closest friend, yet unable to accomplish much on his behalf. Satoru kept a comforting arm around Narutobi's shoulder and said nothing. Tsubomi simply pulled her hoodie over her head and faced the window.

Witnessing this, Rias felt a stir of emotions well up in her. These people truly cared for Issei more than anything. It needn't even be spoken into words, they were undoubtedly his family. As Raynare comforted the crying Asia, who was easily overwhelmed by such honest and heartfelt displays of emotion, Rias composed herself before being lost to her own. She might not be capable of helping Issei much, but at the very least, she would do anything to help those he cared for.

"Satoshi-san… You haven't failed, Ise. Not at all. In fact, you've done a wonderful job in caring for him. I guarantee you, if you were to ask Ise now, he could never believe the idea that you've failed him or his father… Countless times has Ise sung your praises as a father and a caregiver. Ise holds nothing but the highest respect for you…. What happened today with my father is proof of that. The fact that he took your words to heart earlier today…the fact that you were able to get through to him and have him admit his faults, that is proof enough. You might not understand because you are unaware of the circumstances between him and my family, but trust me. Believe in my words. What you did only by speaking with him, it was not something just anyone else could do… in fact, I might go as far as saying that there's no one else who could have gotten through to him like you did. I am amazed by that. I wish I could've been there to witness it myself… It shows how much Ise truly respects you and your words. And I'm sure he's always thinking of you all everyday that he's been here. He loves you deeply after all. In fact… It might be presumptuous of me to say, but… Satoshi-san… I would go as far as to say that Ise loves you as deeply as he does his own father. That is what I believe."

It was a bold claim, but one that Rias truly believed in her heart. Perhaps it was the sheer boldness of her claim or just her attempt to comfort Satoshi, but whichever it was, it proved to be effective in dispelling the heavier atmosphere. Satoshi let out a chuckle as he wiped away his tears.

"Hehe… You always struck me as a bold person, but that's a new one. Well, coming from the girl bold enough to proclaim herself as Issei-kun's girlfriend the first time she speaks to his guardians, I suppose I can't say I'm surprised."

Although Rias was embarrassed at being reminded by that, she was still grateful that her words got through somewhat. Asia and Raynare also chimed in.

"Buchou-san— I mean, R-Rias-san is right! Satoshi-san is an amazing person and an amazing guardian! Ise-san is so lucky to have you as his family! I am also very happy to have met you, it is an amazing honor! And, also! Also! T-Thank you for raising him!"

"...Um, yeah, well…. He's always had our backs so… You know, we've got his back too. I guess…. Ahem…"

After Raynare's awkward admittance, Satoshi laughed.

"Hahaha. Well, just like I thought, it's also reassuring to know that you lot are here for Issei-kun as well. It's relieving. When I first sent Issei-kun here, I was most worried about whether he'd be too lonely or not, especially after what happened back then. But I'm truly glad to know that he has folks like you around."

Narutobi leaned closer to the sofa with Satoru in tow, their previous positions reversed, now smiling confidently.

"Yeah, well, don't go forgetting about us now! Issei's still got us too! Even if we're far away, we'll still come running whenever that muscle-head needs us!"

"Ehe, your confidence never ceases to amaze me, Naru.."

Finally, the heavy atmosphere was lifted. Things had eventually leveled out. Well, temporarily.

"Wait…. Aaaah!"

Suddenly, Maki burst into a mad rage and put her finger in Rias's face.

"IT WAS YOU! YUR' THE SKANK WHO WAS TALKIN' ABOUT BEIN' NII-NII'S GIRLFRIEND OVER THE PHONE! HOW DARE YOU?! ONLY NEE-CHAN AND I HAVE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM NII-CHAN AS BOYFRIEND! I'LL BEATCHA' HALF TO DEATH, YA EUROPEAN HARLOT! AS A MATTER OF FACT, PUTCHA' DUKES UP! LET'S TAKE THIS OUTSI—"

Maki's manic outburst was abruptly cut off by a headlock placed on her by her mother, who was wearing an unnervingly calm smile on her face.

"Oh my. Please excuse our foul-mouthed daughter. We're working on fixing that disrespectful attitude of hers as time goes by, but as you know, teenagers can be a little difficult. Rest assured, I'll be certain to scold her later for her behavior."

Eventually, Maki released a croak and her body went limp. This marked the second time Maki was choked to death in the same day…

The rest of Issei's group from Nagoya was shaking in their boots, including Akane's husband, who was sweating profusely while keeping a straight face. On the other hand, Rias and the "un-holy sister pair" were just wide-eyed with shock, not really knowing how to react. They couldn't have expected Akane to be so….strict, just based on appearances alone. Then again, Satoshi certainly didn't appear to be the strict one. And as they could see now, it was definitely Akane who handled the disciplinary actions in the family.

"Hehehe, well… I doubt it'll be too much trouble.."

Rias could only chuckle awkwardly in response.

—All this time, unbeknownst to everyone else in the living room, Issei was sitting near the end of the staircase, just out of sight, with his head in knees, silently listening..


"Okay, so, remind me why we're here again?"

"We're here to release my [Bishop], Ise. That's what my brother and I were discussing the other day."

Right now, the ORC members were standing in front of the entrance of an unknown room. The doors were covered in an unreasonable amount of seals with Devil markings. Issei, who felt confused (and completely uninterested), poked at the seals to ascertain their power. One of the seals gave him a little shock, similar to the type of minor electric shock you'd get from playing on a playground.

"Hmm. Sealed off pretty ok. I could definitely get through it with some effort though."

"Of course. It's only natural. You defeated Kokabiel after all. I wouldn't doubt it, Ise. —Yes, there's no doubt. You could definitely get through Grayfia's seals. But there's no need, I can just dispel them."

Rias was visibly full of pride as she stepped up to the sealed doors. Issei sweatdropped a bit at the mention of Grayfia.

'These seals were placed by that monster of a maid..?'

With a quick dispelling of the seals using Rias's magic, the double doors were easy to open. However, the moment Rias opened those doors, a terrified shriek emerged from within the pitch black room.

"We're coming in now, Gas—"

"—IIYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!"

For a moment, Issei's Boosted Gear activated and his instincts were on high alert, causing him to push Asia and Raynare behind him.

"A NIGHTWALKER!? Asia, stay behind me! I'm gonna kill that fucking thing!"

Rias sighed deeply.

" No, Ise, there is no Nightwalker.. Ignore your trauma for now. Believe it or not, but inside of this room there is nothing but a noisy child."

Despite how dark it appeared at first, there was indeed a dim light illuminating the room. Once everyone's eyes adjusted, they could all properly see what was inside. For the most part, an empty room, aside from a coffin and a powered off flat-screen tv. The coffin was highly decorated and there was a large amount of stuffed plushies surrounding it. Just from looking at it, one could assume that it might've been someone's habitat. In fact…

"NOOOOOO, WHY ARE YOU IN HERE?!"

A shrill voice sounded off once again.

In the middle of the room, sitting next to a flipped over laptop, tightly clutching a stuffed plushie, there was what appeared to be a blonde girl wearing the Kuoh school uniform.

"Hmm? A younger girl, huh?"

Issei made the astute observation, however…

"No, that's a boy."

"..."

It wasn't so astute after all.

"...Huh?"


End

And there she blows! Wait, is that how you say it? You know, the old pirate saying, "thar' she blows"? Idk, I have no clue. I've never seen it spelled out. Honestly, I couldn't even tell you what it means.

Anyway, I've had a lot going on in my life, never a dull moment really, it's why I've been gone for so long. Those few of you who are close to me outside of FF know what's up already, but I won't bore you all with the details. Just a quick summary: mother was diagnosed with a pre-cancer, had it removed, she's okay now, dog of 15 years died (that was rough), went homeless for a little bit, got a new place, got two jobs, just barely stopped needing the second one (back down to one), close cousin of mine got testicular cancer, beat it/went into remission, metastasized (came back), fighting it again, hoping for the best. And now that I've given up the second job, I finally have some free time again, despite the struggles and stuff. So yeah, never a dull moment. And people wonder why it's so easy for me to channel emotions into writing Lone Dragon Emperor the most lol. Worst part is I've reached a little bit of a plateau in terms of my personal works. Who knew that ADHD could contribute to writer's block so much? I should probably get some meds. Feels like it's only gotten worse over the years. For now, my only inspiration is for Fan fiction so I'll just try my best to use it.

So tell me what you guys thought!

Were you guys surprised by Issei not accepting Xenovia's apology or did you expect that? Did you get the exact vibe from the class visits that you expected or was it surprisingly more one way than another? Were you surprised by the appearance of Issei's Nagoya posse? Was that something you were waiting for? How did you feel about the reunion and the interactions with the Nagoya posse? What are your feelings on Issei's Nagoya posse (as characters) at this point? What do you think is in store for our crew in the coming chapters? How will Issei react to Gasper? What part did you find most interesting in the chapter?

Read, rate, review, go crazy.

Stay frosty.