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"_" = Speaking.

( _ ) = Translation/Other Meaning

[ _ ] = Personal Title.

{ _ } = Item/Ability/Sacred Gear.

["_"] = Speaking via Alternate Means.

["_"] = Speaking through Sacred Gears.

[{"_"}] = Sacred Gear Command.

and Limited Edition:

Name = Point of View/Narration Change*

It was the spring of 2007, and I, Hyoudou Issei, was about to begin my first year of high school.

"Hyoudou-san. The Fukukaichou (Vice-President) will see you now."

"Thank you."

Though I had received six years of education in the Underworld, it was a requirement for younger devils to establish themselves by integrating into human society in order to better learn the relationships that run the overworld. Call it post-educational studies of potential contractors and possible future servants.

High-class devils especially were required to at least attain a high schools worth of education before being granted their own territory to govern over the supernatural. While it was a different terminology of ownership, the better description for the role would most likely be warden since the devil in charge took responsibility for defending it more than they did managing it.

Since the technicalities behind ownership are also pretty sketchy considering that only the Devil's Faction would recognise it, with maybe an acknowledgement of activity from the angel's and the Grigori.

Because I was turning sixteen, I was required to "make this journey for the benefit of devilkind", or so everyone in the Phenex Household decided to word it. Ravel was a year younger, so my participation was sort of like a test run. As Kuoh was my hometown, it made sense to make the easiest new start to be where I grew up.

I turned up to school on the first day after the summer break, having taken the entrance exam shortly after the New Year. I passed, thankfully, but it was especially hard to get in due to the academy's recent change from an All-Girl's School to Co-Education meant that almost every boy in the vicinity wanted to try their luck to get in. Not only that, it was an escalator school, so all previous students from the Middle School had to be taken into consideration before any transfers could be met.

When tallying the necessity to include boys into the school by how many classrooms they had, there were only really twelve spots across five classes reserved for the first year of High School reserved, so the pressure was on.

I passed third overall out of those twelve acknowledged male applicants, but only fourth out of twenty in both sexes, but the problems of enlisting didn't end at simply passing;

I was entering the student council's office for this very reason.

"Please, take a seat."

As I was a devil, entering a human school, the current devils presiding over Kuoh as a territory had to officially endorse me. Though the territory had not had ownership since Lady Cleria Belial's death almost eight or nine years before, it was currently being administrated by two underage high-class devils, both of whom where the younger siblings to the Maous Lucifer and Leviathan, which explained how they obtained the right to study in unoccupied territory.

It was more common for devils to study within the existing territory of another high-class devil, but usually this would require owing the presiding warden a couple of favours, so more often or not devils would only participate with family or close acquaintances. Plus, this wasn't a usual occurrence since there weren't too many high-class devils of childhood age to begin with, which was probably why this necessity became a grab of power for the older devils.

As I sat down unto the chair at the centre of the room, I was waiting patiently to be heard from by one of these two residing devils.

Sona Sitri, heiress to the [Prince of Sitri], better known by her human alias, Shitori Souna, the current vice president of the student council. Though she wasn't the one who applied to obtain this territory in the overworld, nor did she have any long term commitments to continue residing here post-graduation, she did legally have the most authority at this school presently. More so than her childhood best friend did.

Short black hair cut to her jawline, and piercing purple eyes behind her faux glasses, she sat in the seat to the right of the student council president's seat rather than in the latter, as she combed her eyes over several pieces of paper.

Because this was an issue between devils, Sona was the once handling the situation "on behalf of the current kaichou". As the current president at this point, Takatsuki Yoruko, was only human, this was not something she should ever need to be dealing with.

I never once really met her during the entirety of my first year at Kuoh, except from occasions where she made public addresses, but from all the times that I could hear the devils of the student council talk about her, she was apparently very weak minded, and easily susceptible to thought suggestion based magic, allowing Sona to essentially run the supernatural affairs behind her back with no problems and no questions asked.

It's quite scary thinking about, when the only thing potentially protecting my own thoughts could have been an act of conduct between devils rather than my own magic resistance, which if I am perfectly honest was pretty low at this time.

As I waited for her to finally speak to me, I subconsciously surveyed the room, noticing three other presences in this room alone besides the heiress and I;

The first, standing right to Sona was the Queen of her peerage, Shinra Tsubaki who served as treasurer. Had it not been for the more obviously oriental regal posture and features, she could have easily passed off as a mirror of Sona's image with her black hair, purple eye and bespectacled face, except of course that her hair reached all the way down to the backs of her knees, and her heterochromia gifted her with a purple left and an amber right eye, but details aside.

Her stern observing face was also very much a carbon copy of her King's as she kept watch over me while her superior continued to fiddle through several important documents that were spread before her.

Standing right behind me, guarding the front entrance with her back to the wall was her Rook, Yura Tsubasa, who was Public Morals Officer, which basically gave her the same authority as the Disciplinary Committee chief, except without an extensive number of subordinates and instead having to rely on whoever the Student Council decides to send as support. The subsequent merger of the role within the council was probably reliant on the prenotion of the school having only previously catered to girls only.

With her blue hair and darker blue eyes on her bishounen face, she was very tomboyish in her looks and style. Rolling up her sleeves didn't quite suit a member of the student council, but it was very fitting on her.

Though, I think she should have been more aware of how high her left knee was in that posture. This is no longer an All-Girls school, and not everyone will simple be as deliberately ignorant to it.

And lastly, seating herself to the desk to my right sorting through other important papers, and Sona's Bishop, First Year Secretary Hanakai Momo, the person who had also welcomed me into the room. Snow white hair and soft azure eyes, and a soft personality to match, acting in her given role was definitely her forte.

I heard a rumour that her hair used to be black, but I never choose to delve any further than a misconcepted hearing into such things. The only thing I remember of it was that it something to do with reversal magic, but was never corrected which based on the very natural result I could hardly blame her.

There was also supposed to be another member of the Student Council present, Meguri Tomoe, Sona's Knight, but she was busy completing business with Takatsuki-kaichou as a way of keeping her occupied till my registration was completed.

After she was finally through looking over the various papers that blanketed her desk in white, she finally put down one pen and handed the documents she no longer required over to her Queen. When she finally lifted her head in my direction, the light fractured over the lens to which her eyes disappeared behind a screen of white.

"Hyoudou Issei, correct?"

Partially started when her apparent inhuman guise caught me by surprise, I had to take in a breather before I could answer her question.

"Yes. That is my name."

"You're fif-, no sixteen, is that correct?"

"Yes."

I nodded again, having regain confidence when her head edged away from the light and her visual direction returned to my sight. I was quite lucky that this year happened to start on my birthday, which meant that I was starting High School at sixteen, so I was feeling most ecstatic when she corrected herself.

Though I will admit that since she said no more, I was a little downtrodden that I didn't even get a 'happy birthday' from her.

"And you have been serving the fourth legal child of the Phenex Household since you were thirteen, yes?"

"No. I was the Pawn of Lady Rozalva Phenex for approximately over a year and a half before I came into Lady Ravel's service. But, after that, yes I was and still am her Pawn from then onward."

She looked back at her papers, before readjusting her glasses and proceeded with the corrections to her information.

"I see, thank you. I guess that also answers my next question to which piece you preside." I didn't wish to make more hassle than necessary, but I think I can interpret that the current vice president would rather have more work with correct information than less work with incorrect ones. "You were originally human, correct?"

I nodded again, pointing to the copy of my birth certificate buried between my school records from my elementary school days.

"Yes. I was human up until my thirteen birthday."

"And you used to live in this town according to these records."

"That is also correct. Until sometime when I was ten years old."

"That reason being?"

Our flurry of quick backward and forward exchanges abruptly halted when she asked that question. I had to take another breather.

"The m- . . . murder of my parents."

It was still hard to say it out loud. I even choked a little whilst trying to pronounce the words. Though it had been around six years now, then residual wounds never healed. I was pretty sure if she looked hard enough, she'd find it among my records out in front of her; a police report of the incident should have been included somewhere, and possibly the legal documents pertaining to my transfer into the state's care per court decision.

There wasn't a large amount of gasps circulating the room, and not just for the fact that including myself there was only four other present.

"My sympathies" she replied in a mannerful tone, but her expression didn't seem to change so I did question if she really put any heart into her sympathies. "Have you ever been back to the human world since your reincarnation?"

"Once. By accident; it was a mishap with my teleportation attempt, and I ended up back in my old home. I ended up getting into a scrape with a stray devil who was residing there in my absence. I was there for no more than an hour though."

I saw no need to withhold any sort of information, even if it was something as potentially threatening to my placement as this. The reason being that she most likely already had some brief note hidden among the layers of sheets that she piled before herself. Maybe I was over thinking this, but the prospect of failure wasn't as unlikely that I couldn't imagine it being possible.

Thankfully, my honesty appeared to pay off. Without further need to question me, I saw Sona signing a document, and then handed the pen to her Queen, who signed it also. Judging from I guessed that the interview had reached its culmination.

Only when the papers were neatened up, stacked and piled up back into my folder before being tidied away did I understand the notion that it had ended on a good note.

"Thank you for your honesty" Sona replied after everything had been put away, briefly taking off her glasses in order to wipe the lenses over with her fingers. "As you know, there are certain privacy allowances afforded to servants of other houses, so I have no legal right to wring out information from you by force or other similar means. But I do expect your full cooperation to the running of this school and by extension this territory whilst you are residing here. Do you have any objections?"

I willingly shook my head in response. I admit that it felt nice that the end of the interview became a conversation after the interrogation. I felt a little more at ease and the answers came out a bit more natural than how I had been communicating with her thus far.

Though, I couldn't help but continue speaking formally.

"None at all, fukukaichou."

"I will not demand that you grant aid to my peerage for hunting strays nor will I ask anything of you that will put you in deliberate danger unless I receive word from your King. So long as you remain a student of Kuoh Academy, I will do everything within my capabilities to ensure your safety as much as I would with any student, human or devil. All I ask is that you cooperate with us as you would with any school authorities and that you comply with the laws set by this education body. Do you find this acceptable?"

"I do, and I will comply with the best of my abilities."

"Thank you, Hyoudou-san. You will be joining Class 1-A as of today, and you are expected to be on your best behaviour both as a devil serving under one of the Seventy-Two Pillars, and also as a male student. Apart from that, on behalf of the student council, welcome to Kuoh Academy, Hyoudou Issei-san."

"Thank you, Shitori-fukukaichou."

I stood and thank the vice-president for her words of compliments with an ojigi (formal bow), before I began to turn my head and leave the room.

"And, Hyoudou-san."

I stopped and turned my head again, but I had no time to reply before Sona added to her intervention;

"If you have the opportunity, I ask that you give your introductions and regards to Rias Gremory before the end of today. Though I may be a member of the student council, I am only sharing responsibilities for this territory on a temporary basis."

I nodded in response, but as soon as I reached the door, she spoke up once again.

"Oh, and could you please return here tomorrow afternoon after school has concluded. Nothing too serious, but I will need to designate an area where you may deliver your contracts out without interfering with the current routes performed by mine and Rias' servants."

I nodded, gave my final bow, before closing the door behind me and leaving the student council room for the first time in my attendance at my new High School.

After Hyoudou had left the Student Council room, I, Yura Tsubasa, watched as Tsubaki pressed the question to Souna.

"Sona-san, I assume you were aware of its presence."

Tsubaki was the only one to address the King of peerage in such a manner due to the fact that the two of them we essentially best friends as well as closest confidants. While I am speaking also for Momo and Tomoe, I can say that the three of us found it easier to continue addressing her by her human alias, Souna, over her real name.

Tsubaki on the other hand, who was brought up in a traditionally rich family found it much easier switching her names around between when we were in public to when we were in private company.

In response to Tsubaki's question, Souna replied with a nod.

"Indeed. Suppression magic."

"Seriously?"

"Are you certain, fukukaichou?"

There was a short delay after both I and Momo made our surprise aware.

She adjusted her glasses again shortly before she spoke. Having known her for a little over a year now, this was her way of delaying her response so that she could process all the information that was flowing through her head. It was a pretty solid habit that she had unfortunately adopted and now can't get rid of as a result of using it on so many occasions.

"It's a sensory-awareness based spell. I wouldn't be able to uncover it so long as I don't know what it is he's hiding."

"Should we keep him under observation?"

The question I then pressed was the logical one; though I knew very little on the details about this arrangement made for Hyoudou to be studying here, but from what information I was asked to memorise, it would seem that these sort of occasions are quite common.

Still, to be hiding something meant that there was always a need for concern. Even when it's your allies that are the hiding from you, which only makes it more suspicious.

However, Souna decided against that call.

"No need. If this is something the current [Marquis of Phenex] has arranged for him, I cannot make any attempts to uncover it deliberately nor without due cause. So long as he complies with the laws of this world, there is to be no actions taken against him. Understood?"

"""Hai!"""

I, Hyoudou Issei, left the Student Council's office and proceeded to tour the corridors of the school. Why? Well because it was empty and I was too early for class.

"Still just under an hour away. *sigh* I really thought it was going to take longer. It certainly felt longer in the reception area."

Though I had arrived here at 7:30 am as asked, I was surprised at how quickly I was only kept in the reception for a quarter of an hour before the interview began. With such an early designated time, I presumed it would have taken longer to schedule in my meeting, or at least they had assumed that it would have lasted longer at least.

Which was why as 7:54 am, I was now exploring the school I would be spending three years studying at. I have no idea what my expectations were, but all I could note about it was how unusually clean it was.

"Well of course it is, this is the new school building after all."

I was almost snickering to myself how stupid I was for thinking it would be any different, considering that even though the school had been around for more than fifty years since it's half centenary anniversary was a couple of years before, and the very discerning fact that there was a reason this building was still labelled as "new" when the old original building still stands to the south east of the grounds.

"Hmm, should I wait in the assembly hall like everyone else, or would finding my classroom beforehand be worth my time?"

It probably looked strange to see someone walking around talking to themselves, but with Ddraig keeping his mouth shut while we were still in the vicinity of two high-class devils as well as somewhere between seven and nine other devils wandering the school, it was just too big of a risk to even attempt it during daylight hours.

Which leads to the bigger question; was I even speaking Japanese, or were all the eyes that occasionally cross paths around me hearing me speak Deftodiz instead? Even now I still don't fully understand how the translation function works without direct conversation.

The dense person I was at only newly sixteen was completely oblivious to the idea that a boy walking around a formerly All-Girl's school would obviously catch the attention of any girls who had been attending here before I.

Or perhaps it was the obvious uncomfortableness I was in whilst wearing the winter uniform around the school, with me constantly trying to adjust my shoulders as the back of my school jacket and shirt, which I ended up having to undo both to allow my arms some maneuverability. It also didn't help that the long sleeves were also getting caught on my upper arms.

It couldn't be helped when there wasn't exactly a wide variety of sizes for the new first year boys in high school, but I wish I didn't have to dress so untidily on my first day, but I couldn't exactly be walking around looking fidgety as I try adjusting my new uniform by pulling it for six hours every day.

It probably would have been better if I had a t-shirt or something underneath, because it felt a little embarrassing to have my shirt unbuttoned almost halfway down my chest.

I wasn't stupidly bulky, nor was I was notably toned before you start getting any unsavoury thoughts; though I definitely could have been worked till my muscles were popping through my skin, that wasn't was equated to strength nor did it provide much aid in defence as you may think, or so Tannin-ojiisama informed me.

Exposed muscle meant it was easier to damage, and too large meant that it was prone to ripping by itself if I overstrained it. In addition, having a thicker layer of skin was better for resisting changes in temperature while also providing even a little cushion between my muscles and the cause of the impact, while not gaining enough that it would hinder my speed or flexibility.

And I'm not saying I can stop myself from combusting if I jumped into a pyre, but I do have a higher tolerance for it, while having a dragon-type sacred gear does provide those kinds of added benefits.

Ok, enough of the self-egotism, moving back along.

I probably wasted a good fifteen to seventeen minutes wandering the halls and corridors before I caught myself at the bottom of the left-hand stairs by the front entrance when I caught the sight of red and black in the corner of my eyes.

Having stopped to examine this familiar sight, it was a nostalgic presences of red hair that swept across the open air like a wave of scarlet. Having only just seen her mother less than four months ago, even from the highpoint of the top window, it was like seeing a reflection of Lady Gremory with lord Gremory's colours.

'Riri?'

And following her tail close behind her, was yet another familiar sight. Not one that I could have pinpointed from a crowd as easily, but there was no mistaking the obvious nadeshiko;

'Akecchi.'

Black hair tied into a ponytail that reached to the back of her heels in two strands when straightened out, and a pair of violet eyes that seemed to prevail among the Five Families of Japan, but that was just a bias based on having noticed the coincidence between the descendants of the Himejima and Shinra clans.

I am not to say that I had been ignoring their more obviously defining . . . *ahem* figures. It is ungentlemanly to make such descriptions without their consent, so I shalt refrain until another time.

In addition, to describe them would cause all manners of

Though I hadn't seen either of them in so many years, the nicknames we exchanged were more naturally responsive in my head. But, there was no way I could say them out loud again after so long of time has passed since then.

Before I said anything, I should have thought thoroughly about that cold look abhorring me from the top of the stairs.

"Gremory-sa-, Gremory-senpai. I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to study in your territory. It's my hometown and I-"

She walked straight passed me.

As I caught one last sight of her long red hair whipping in the open air, part of it even unwillingly slapping my right cheek. I barely had the chance to meet her face again when it was no longer possible to see.

I turned in surprise at how she completely refused to acknowledge me. Even if she didn't recognise me, I wasn't willing to believe that the girl from five years ago would change so much that words unbefitting anyone of moral standards to use would suit how I wished to encompass her.

And I full heartedly supported what I remarked, though chose to keep it to myself.

I flinched when a hand touched my left ear.

"Ufufu, I'm sorry to have startled you like that."

Covering her mouth to conceal her laughter while I jumped and clasped over my ear to protect it from theft, Akec-, Akeno was standing right in front of me now before I had realised it.

I had little to no time to react while trying to wrap my brain around what was happening, as she started to fix up my appearance; dealing from the excess of loosened button on my shirt, but managed to leave the top one undone, and then even fixed my poorly hanging ribbon into such a way that it disguised the unkemptness of the top of my shirt.

The way she was fiddling around with my chest, whether it was necessary or by intentional means that she was reaching around my sides pulling at my shirt to get it to interlock, and then pressing both her hands into my abdomens all the way up to my pectorals as she fixed them one by one. All these actions were just stimuluses to my embarrassment, and to my precognition of maintaining self-composure to these events.

If Ddraig had been allowed to talk, he probably would have made some form of 'helpful' remark to describe this situation.

"I apologies for Buchou's behaviour, but we are in a hurry to make it to our clubroom before the first bell."

It was a poor excuse, but considering she was fixing my appearance as well as attempting to make amends for the way her King acted in front of me, I couldn't very well deny the kindness she was offering me.

"Thank you, Himejima-senpai."

She shifted her head slightly to her side, with a very natural looking smile before walking after her King. But not before she turned around one last time with a polite forming bow to mark her exit.

"I hope to see you around though, Hyoudou-san."

With our reunion at a close, I walked on through the school till the opening ceremony could begin.

At the Occult Research Clubroom, a few minutes later after our reunion with our new underclassman, I, Himejima Akeno, attempted to soften out my best friend.

Though I had known Rias for a very long time, there were times where even I could not even guess what was plaguing her to the point that she seemed unresponsive. This wasn't one of those times however.

It was clear as day was troubling our club president this early morning when a new devil happened to show up bearing the circle of the Phenex clan on his left hand. Had it been another family's symbol, I don't think she would have acted with such obvious rudeness. But, that was to be expected when she saw it.

As such, I felt it only right that I tried to drown the flames before they could ignite, so to speak.

"Don't think you were being a little cold to our new kouhai?"

". . ."

The silent treatment. Rias' way of saying she refused to talk about something. Definitely a much more sensible option when compared to letting her emotions engulf her, but bottling her negative feelings wasn't exactly an ideal option either.

Should she blow-up from something more minor, then it would only cause more problems. As her Queen, it was my duty to make sure that didn't happen. As her best friend, it was my responsibility to make sure she gets everything off her chest, no matter how large.

"Do you not remember him? Only Ise-kun has a small scar on his ear like that."

When I first saw him, I just had to verify it for myself. There was no mistaken the obviously small bit mark that lined his upper part of his ear from all those years ago.

It was quite a surprise seeing him again, only to then get the surprise that he was a peerage member to the House of Phenex. Though we both should have realised it sooner when we met years ago that he was probably under the same conditions as I; was conditioning him in order to allow him to naturally transition into a future peerage member.

No, maybe I'm putting it into words a little too cruelly. Then again, the sound of it does sound like something I wouldn't mind being subjected to if they decided to do it the cruel way.

Or perhaps even initiating should the opportunity present itself. Ara-ara, Ufufu.

". . ."

She still refused to talk about this, but she couldn't keep persisting like this even as she started her preparations for entering the new shower she had installed into this room.

"It's because he's a servant to the House of Phenex isn'-"

"You should be getting to class soon, Koneko. It would be improper for any of my servants to be late on their first days of the term."

Instead of responding to my questioning, Rias instead chose to ignore me completely. Rather than continue to delay her unresponsiveness, she pushed her attention towards our youngest member Koneko in order to relive herself of the pressures of bottling her.

Though if I am to correct myself, Gasper was in fact our youngest member by nearly four months, but our poor underclassman had to stay in solitary confinement in the room down the hall for his own sake.

Koneko, who had been sitting in her seat on the left far side, closest to Rias' desk, and eating her early morning snacks before class. At Rias' instructions, she began to pack away her treats for the day into her bag.

"Hai, Buchou."

Koneko straightened her uniform out, and brushed the crumbs off her middle-school sailor's uniform. It wouldn't look good for the representative of the middle-school to have food over the front of her. It would only serve to encourage the boys who already want to eat her up, ufufu.

Though I'm glad Rias didn't decide to snap at our kouhai and comrade from the middle-school division, but she was still avoiding the issue.

"Rias, we-"

"Akeno, please. We'll discuss this no more, understood."

Her tone wasn't stern, but I could feel no positive note in any of her words. Even if I was supposed to be her best friend and persist, I ultimately chose my duty to her as her Queen and obeyed her order.

"As you wish, Rias."

". . . Oh! Koneko."

"Yes, Buchou?"

"I'll need you to keep an eye on our new arrival after school for this week. I'll tell Kiba to do the same for school hours when he returns here for lunch."

"Hai, Buchou."

When Koneko had left the room, Rias had finally removed the last of her clothing and entered the shower room to the back. I had taken precautions beforehand; closing the curtains and locking the windows in the main clubroom, prepared her spare uniform just outside the shower, and was finishing collecting the uniform she had left in a trail from halfway through the room to her destination.

"That seems a little excessive, don't you?"

But to no avail did I receive anything remotely similar to a reply from her, which finally forced me to give up on my venture that day.

"I'll be seeing Sona about this after school, so continue with your contracts as normal and hand in the tomorrow morning."

"Very well, Rias. I'll take my leave now."

I placed her clothes in the hamper by the door, and proceeded to leave the room. Hopefully, with no one in the room, she won't get peeked on by some wandering boy looking around the old school building instead of attending the opening ceremony.

Ufufu, wouldn't that have been situation worth discussing.

兵藤 一誠

"I'm Hyoudou Issei. I've lived abroad for about six years so my Japanese may be a bit rusty. I hope we get along."

片瀬 優子

"Hello. I'm Katase Yuuko. Let's do well together."

木場 祐斗

"Good morning to you all. My name is Kiba Yuuto. I'll be in your care, and I hope we all have a splendid year."

桜山 大樹

"Sakuyama Daiki. That's all."

For the new Class 1-A in the co-ed Kuoh Academy, it was probably quite the surprise when three boys ended up transferring in, including myself, Hyoudou Issei.

After the opening ceremony, in which we heard the speech of address by the Student Council president, Takatsuki-kaichou, who gave in the usual words of encouragement to the first years, continued pursuance from the second years, and a final hurdle overcoming towards the third years. I didn't catch too many of her words however, because I kept feeling this strange gaze looking at me, but I wasn't even sure it was a single one. Multiple in many directions maybe, but it seemed to collect together like magnet and focus in one place: unto me.

As new transfers to the school, it was by tradition that we introduce ourselves in front of the class by writing our names and making a small statement that basically summarized what we hoped to achieve from our new application to this school;

I, who went first by occidental alphabetical order, just wanted a decent school life, but also acknowledged that I had been away for a little too long and was going to need to adjust. I didn't look like the type of guy who needed help, but my friendly and slight show of vulnerability was good in keeping my presence away from looking hostile.

Katase, who was already being scouted by the kendo club, didn't need to make much of a speech since her place was already being secured. Plus, she had the added bonus of being the only girl to transfer into this class, so she would naturally be easier to approach than the other three boys standing next to her. Matching peach blossom hair and eyes was also very comforting to the classroom, almost soothing also despite her more energetic introduction.

Kiba, with his sandy blonde hair, cool grey eyes with a distinctive mole that emulated into a beauty mark beneath his left eye, was already setting himself up as the prince among the first years, not that I was looking to take his shoes.

And finally, Sakuyama however seemed so disinterested in school that he spoke only his name and proceeded to sit down. Dark hair that looked navy in the light but was closer to midnight black, and eyes with a green hue that was like a pair of daggers to anyone he looked directly at, he was definitely setting himself up to be avoided, most likely by his own design. But I would never know his reasons until a few weeks after summer had ended, but I won't say anything else.

After our introductions, Miss Okayama, our homeroom teacher allowed us to choose our seats out of the fourth row. I ended up choosing the third column from the door seat, and so homeroom began.

As we all started getting swarmed with questions at our desks by questions, some more than others, while others not at all. I don't particularly remember what was being asked despite how very little came to welcome me unlike both Kiba and Katase, but that was to be expected from a class that was outnumber by girls by nearly 7:1.

It was not worth mentioning, so I will just omit the majority of homeroom. I ended getting so caught up on my own thoughts that time was unconsciously passing by me without I noticing.

I had a lot to placate into my mind; there was what I might do in school. What club could I possibly join? I couldn't do a lot of physical sports without my obvious stronger devil physiology being a problem in containing which would not bode well if I end up getting competitive. I wasn't too much of a creative person so I wasn't looking for any clubs that involved crafts, which left me pretty much without luck on that front.

I then continued to ponder more things, until I was subconsciously struck by a hand grasping my shoulder and the sound of my name.

"Hyoudou-san?"

"Here . . . huh?"

I was awoken from my thoughts my the call of my name, which came as quite a shock to my psyche how was only aware I was still in class, and instinctively assumed my name was being called for registration. It was not however.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you from whichever place you were visiting."

I looked over to my left, where Kiba was seating, finally processing that it was him who was trying to incite a conversation between the two of us. All the girls that had swarmed him initially had returned to their desks, but many of their visions had never allowed him to escape.

I blinked a couple of times, even wiped my bottom lip in case I really had been sleeping, but I found no drool of which to clear away.

I regained my composure to the sight of his openly welcoming smile. A better contrast to the neutral greeting I received from Sona, and especially the dark cast Rias Gremory shook from me.

"It's ok. It . . . wasn't that important."

"Well, I just wanted to say I hope we can get along, Hyoudou-san."

I was shocked to see him extend his hand over to me, only to stop halfway between the distances of our desks. It wasn't his open gesture, but because his left hand bore the brand of the House of Gremory. It wasn't a physical symbol, not it was an implanted one, made by the Evil Piece's system, but it wasn't always visible to the naked eye.

I too had the same symbol, but currently it was that of the House of Phenex, shining the same gold as all their other magic circles. I remembered when I first saw it, appearing a few days after I had become a devil, but it was blue for the House of Andrealphus when I first received it. Instead of the phoenix soaring as it is now, it was three eyes with a laurel hanging over the middle.

As I was wary of the Gremory's after receiving the harsh end of the cold shoulder by his King, I was hesitant that I should be accepting it. I numbered a few reason in my head why this wasn't a good idea, even when it wasn't mine;

The biggest options, were obviously the worse ones also. That being he was either unaware that there was supposed to be some hostility between us, or he was aware of who I was beforehand and was acting under orders. Neither option particularly settled well with my conscience.

But looking again at his friendlier demeanour, and also by how unhostile Akeno had been even after all these years apart, I braved passed the mental barrier and accepted his handshake of camaraderie hallway.

"Issei is fine. Besides, we're both boys, there's no need to be so formal since we've naturally got to stick together."

Despite the fact that he could see my brand now, he didn't deter from his earlier actions, which comforted my spirit slightly. I didn't know how long this would last, but I was going to appreciate how much time I had.

"I couldn't have said it better, Issei-san. Then, feel free to call me Yuuto if it pleases."

"Very well, Yuuto-san. Let's have a good High School life, starting today."

I could have done without the sudden whispers that started whipping up after our hands grasped each other and our names lost formalities, but I started thinking that this school year wasn't looking too bad after all.

. . . Although, I turned my head when I felt the presence of a flash in the corner of my eyes, only to see nothing was there.

In the Student Council's office after school had finished, there was an intense argument going on between the two devil heiresses, while I, Yura Tsubasa, like the rest of Souna's peerage were waiting outside of the room.

"Here's clearly here to keep an eye on me, Sona."

"There is no evidence to suggest such a thing, Rias. The probability of such a move is below 2%, which in my book makes it an improbable reason."

The reason for this was obvious: Hyoudou Issei. It wasn't that he had done anything wrong or outside of his position as far as either Tomoe, Momo, Tsubaki nor I were aware of at the very least. But from the distressing tone of the Occult Research club president, it was obvious that she at her wits end with his presence being so close in proximity.

The absence of Himejima was the real reason Souna had decided that we needed to leave to room, not that I didn't blame her for anticipating something like this may be necessary.

"But not impossible. You said it yourself."

"2% has less meaning when you weigh up the facts; he was born here, he lived here, and since this territory is not under any legal ownership there are no favours to be had under the table."

As always, Souna was very acute to the mark. Though there was every reason to suspect that Hyoudou could have been a spy, the evidence to support it wasn't sufficient enough to counter the more sensible argument that. It was the more human reason in all irony.

The only thing that appeared painfully shady was whatever he was deliberately hiding from us. But even that had been dismissed by Souna, so we could do no more on the subject until her opinion changes.

"You also have to weigh your public image into account, Rias; you have four servants thus far, with one under strict house arrest, and two who avoid utilising their full potential. Why under earth would they go through the trouble of sending a spy who at best can only legally observer you for six hours every day? And, if so, what good would it do for them to observe you when it's very unlikely you will have the chance to defeat Riser at your current strength?"

". . ."

It was all logical, the only way that our King and the vice-president liked to function when it came to important matters such as these. Lady Rias' response was also evidence to support that she knew that Souna was right.

"*sigh* I don't know what you want me to say, Rias; as long as he breaks no school rules or devil laws, he has no qualms with myself nor my peerage. He's here because he wants to learn, and he has legal permission to do so long as he remains a student of this academy."

"No one asked for my permission."

"We're both still underage, so it's not a surprise that our parents would make such arrangements behind our back. In case you haven't noticed, we're are still under watch, and the strongest of strays are always taken care of without either of our interventions. It shouldn't be too hard to decipher that we're not a free as you had hoped coming here would allow us. We got lucky when our elder siblings allowed us to share ownership of this territory for twelve hours each despite being underage."

"So that's it, is it? You will do nothing on this matter."

"There is nothing that can be done that you want done. I am however going to do what is required of me, both as sub-owner of this territory and as student vice president, which is to ensure that unless he violates any given rules that his educational and security needs are met the same with everyone."

She went on to say: "It's not that I don't feel for your situation, but do you really think that the House of Phenex would go so far just because you intend to contest to your engagement? No matter whether it is true or not is to be seen, but it means that someone is scared of losing this match."

"Of course I'm scared. I'm terrified even. My entire future rests on one game. One game, and if I lose, I lose everything; my life here, my dreams for the future, my freedom to do so many things.

"You forget that I am in the same boat as you."

"But you never make a move unless you're certain you can win. If Connerbythe Stolas can beat you at chess, that will be the day Armageddon starts."

As the two diverted their conversation from the matter of a single devil to the prospects of the two of them defusing their own engagements, each now substituting their fears for laughter, the same couldn't be said for us who were still waiting outside the door.

"Have you detected the other anomalies entering our school this years?"

"I can only see two thus far; both from our mythos alignment; one displays evidence of having connections to the church."

"Always a problem, isn't Tsubasa?"

"It is, Tomoe. The second?"

"The second, I cannot say for certain, but I an uncomfortable presence from him."

"So, you suspect ties with the Grigori, or some other fallen angel sect, Tsubaki?"

"I'm unsure. It feels evil, but not demonic like us. I'm afraid that's all I can be sure of."

"{Summoning: Karuka!}"

When I returned home that evening, after I went to do a little bit of shopping for a quick meal before I finished my work for the day, I, Hyoudou Issei, decided to introduce my familiar to my new side home in the human world.

Karuka, my cockatrice familiar was about the size of an adult cockerel now, but he was still years from maturing. And unlike a chicken, he actually had enough intelligence and personality to show that he knew who I was the moment I summoned him into my apartment.

Yes, I did say it was an apartment.

It wasn't that my old home couldn't have been repaired in all this time I had been away. It was on the contrary; I didn't want it to be repaired.

I know it sounds weird, but it was part of mental commitment to this new life I was in. It was the one I made that day when I had a part in destroying what had once been my home. The moment I walked away from it was when I had turned my back to my old human life and fully embarrassed the new devil one I had been entrusted.

My old home was kept in its ruined state, but it had not been sold off and demolished by any new owners. For whatever reason they had, Lord and Lady Phenex never did anything else to the sight after I had asked they not repair it.

Of course all the stuff that had been inside were removed, fixed and placed back into storage, but the skeleton of my old home was still there. Broken walls and smashed windows. It was no longer an able house for strays though since it was still quite visible from the streets which made it terrible to use for hiding in.

Although I did walk away from it, I did revisit the site this very evening before coming home, to lay flowers at the doorstep. Not for my parents. No, I laid their flowers on the family grave near the shrine at the north side of the town back on the date of their demise. I even cleaned it up after six years of apparent neglect till it was spotless since the day it had been first purchased. The flowers for the house were for my human life, which I was going to do every year on my birthday for the duration of my semi-permanent residence in this town.

Without a home to live in, I was arranged to rent an apartment in the east side where the new developments were underway. It wasn't cheap to live here, but since I was sponsored by the Marq of Phenex, my expenses were automatically covered as part of my employment scheme, or something along those lines.

As strange as it sounds, I am given a wage for my employment despite how uncommon it was to pay peerage members. Although, it could be there way of saying that I have been granted an allowance without making it sound like I was being treated like a child.

"Have you been productive today?"

As I asked the dragon bird my question, stroking him in the ruffles of soft feathers below his neck, he made an appreciative sound of approval that as a mix between a coo from a bird and the deflating hiss of a crocodile which meant he felt relaxed.

Believe me when I say it's not easy writing down the kinds of sounds my chimeric pet makes.

"I guess not. I don't exactly know where you go between spell sequences. But, I'm happy knowing you don't hate me still for leaving you there."

I picked up my little chicken sized familiar and placed him on the worktop in the kitchen that split the entrance room between the kitchen and the lounge. His claws were a worry if they started scratching the surface, but I was sure that they weren't sharp enough yet to leave anything too deep if he did sink them in. I then proceeded to move the carrier bags unto the island so that my pet wouldn't start helping himself by ripping into them like some scavenger.

As I started taking out the fruit and bread, I informed Karuka of his new job description as I went to dig out the meat.

"Tomorrow, you get to have your first job for me. I don't know how many, but I hope you can handle the work."

"*Kyurrack!*"

"I'll take that as a yes."

As I continued emptying both bags, I finally found what I was looking for. I specially went down the fish mongers in the south part of town by the quay for this special treat for my favourite little familiar.

"Hope you like seabass."

"Kooah! Kssh-Kssh-Kssh-Kuwark!"

I presumed it was a definitive yes, and by his obvious eyeing towards the freshly raw fish in my hands he was edging to snap it from my fingers.

- Think of me when you look at it. Ok, Ise? -

I kept my promise to Lily also. Even when I don't know where she has gone today, I haven't forgotten even after all this time since then.

'[You have seriously got to get more friends, Partner. Talking to that chicken all day is going to get you nowhere.]'

'Are you jealous that he gets fish from the market and you don't?'

'[No comments.]'

I sighed internally. It wasn't a secret that Ddraig was getting a little sick of being kept in this state of permanent isolation longer than necessary, but with two devils that could possibly detect his presence less than seven miles away, we just couldn't.

'I would if I could, but summoning you here is too risky. Even if for a second either of them catch whiff of a dragon, our cover is exposed.'

Ddraig said no more after that. We actually discovered that his jewel on my hand actually opened up, and by inserting items into it he could in fact replicate a sensation similar to tasting so he had some way of expressing a way of eating despite having no such need for sustenance.

Where it all went after he's "eaten" it was a mystery even to me.

Having finished handing the last of the smaller portions of raw fish to Karuka, I let him go wander the rooms while I fixed up my evening meal.

'Grilled fish, and some rice. Did I pick up any soy sauce? I'll do without if that's the case.'

I flickered through cupboards as I searched for plates, cutlery, saucepans and what not. Having only just moved in, everything had been set up beforehand, so I was having a little difficulty finding where everything was.

Much to my surprise, once I found the draw containing the silverware, everything seemed to naturally revolve around that one place and the next succession of searches brought up every other necessity one would be looking for in the kitchen.

If I start to sound like an old woman, than I sincerely apologise.

On the downside to having access to such a large variety to cooking utensils, was the underlining fact that I had only the most basic of cooking skills with only more complex dishes coming with pre-served instructions after being pulled out of the fridge or the freezer.

It may seem poor that a servant who is currently living alone to not be able to cook better, however one must remember that I was spending the majority of my time since reincarnation learning the skills needed in order to initiate fitness, magic, utilising my sacred gear, and other skills necessary for my position.

Becoming a master chef like many light novel protagonists and/or their primary love interests had never been a part of the agenda. Although, I would actually like to increase my skill in this department eventually. I don't think I'll be able to live on fish and rice every day for the next three years.

And I would need to get some soy sauce next time I go shopping. It's strange to say it without sounding like I'm falling under a prearranged stereotype, but it really does make plain foods taste great.

As I was prepping myself to start cooking, Karuka returned to the kitchen from my bedroom, but he was also bringing something with him.

Scruffed between his beaks was a small tab of brown paper. It was no larger than his head, but it was still significantly small by comparison to a letter or an envelope.

Having had to play a short game of tug-of-war with my familiar before I needed to order him to let go, I plucked the paper from him and brought it to my face.

Upon closer examination, it was more than just brown paper, but it was package paper wrapped tightly with string. Flipping it over from the back was a wax seal that kept the string firmly fixed unto the paper. An orange wax, with the devil letters for "R.P." pressed into the now solid substance. As every wax colour was a unique creation that was assorted to every devil family, this particular colour and the ending initial on the seal could only belong to the Phenex clan.

Unfortunately, with so many of the Phenex clan bearing the first name initial "R", it became a guessing game as to whom this gift was sent from; By short deduction, both Lady Rozalva and Lord Ruval were omitted due to their differences. Lady Rozalva's seal bore a third initial "A" sitting between the "R" and "P" to signify her maiden name "Andrealphus". And Ruval, while having made no change to his seal also attached a ribbon of black and silver, with red outlining as a symbol of his ascension to the Ultimate League.

Guessing the sender from the only viable candidates left would be better served by just opening the letter than further delaying it.

Inside the brown paper was a another sheet of paper, smaller than what you would expect from a postcard, but it was the right size and length to wrap around the true gift beneath the sheet. Though I was anxious to uncover my gift, I took great care in freeing it from the paper and finding the message left for me inside.

Father found a gifted magician who was more than pleased with his own work, and was willing to craft this as a side project. It should also work better than the seal you've been accustomed to until now.

Use it well & Happy Birthday, Issei.

- Ravel

Reading upon the paper, I couldn't help but stain the paper once by an unconsciously fallen tear that fell off my smiling face. As always, she never forgot my birthday. Even after being separated by the mantle between the surface and the Underworld, she was still able to send me a birthday present.

Beneath the paper was the gift she had sent to me; tied to a string of golden threads was an omamori (good luck amulet) of black and silver; the black was the predominant colour for the base, with the silver forming embroided flowers and a border that marked the edge of the boundaries.

And also, written in golden coloured ink with a layer of varnish layered across it to prevent the calligraphy from eroding away. It wasn't the Azaberkna as I had expected to see, but it was a combination of Japanese Kanji and Hiragana made into three simple words;

常と永

"Always, and Forever."

The use of characters was a little crude in order to allow room on the limited amount of space available that it might as well have said 'Endless and Eternity", but the thought that was imbued into this was what I truly treasured.

I took this most precious of gifts and immediately placed it around my neck. I heard a quick shatter when the binding spell placed on me since years before finally broke, but I felt no more uneased by the results as the amulet now hung around me emulated a smaller magic signature that simulated the same magic.

I gripped it in my palm once more to confirm that this was the real thing and not something I was figmenting with my thoughts before I let to fall and swing against my chest.

I folded the paper up and placed it in my trousers rather than throw it away, then I had to stop and think about what I should do next, having gotten my thoughts a little muddled while I returned to what I was doing later.

'That's right. I was making dinner.'

I recalled my earlier actions, but before I could start it, I realised that my familiar was now starting to get restless having been ignored for a few minutes without his permission and was now looking to get an extra helping of my dinner to himself if he could learn to fly a little sooner.

"Sorry, but it's time to sleep, Karuka."

I bid my familiar a good night before sending him off back into the nether where he permanently resides once more. I felt bad having to send him away each time, but the apartment complex I was staying in was a strict "no pets" kind of place and keeping him out as often as I did would eventually warrant attention when they hear some sort of bird squawking and hissing in my room.

I started getting the rice into a saucepan full of water and onto the boiling rings above the oven, whilst preheating the grill for the fish, but it would take a little while.

"I think I have a little time to quickly change before dinner is ready."

As I began to undress myself of my school uniform, I was interrupted midst removing my trousers when a navy coloured magic circle erupted next to my left ear.

"Maybe not then."

In a small homemade chapel in the basement of a house, I, one who serves the Lord God, met with the local priest assigned to this town with my startling discovery.

"A new devil, you say?"

"Yes. I took the picture myself for authenticity. Its seal was present on its left hand."

As part of my cover, I had infiltrated Kuoh Academy during the New Year via transferring into the high school division. Though I had been active since January, I was not permitted unto the school grounds where the two major devil clans had gathered together.

I was lucky enough to get admitted into class 1-E despite my low aptitude for Japanese which took months of drilling before I even had the grip on this language. The worst of it is that the boys who transferred in are complete sickeningly lewd and proud of it.

When someone knocks their blocks off, the better it will be for all of human kind. I was wavering between whether they were worse creatures than devils.

The church we were supposed to reoccupy however had started to gather a few bad companies before I became aware of such transgression upon our Lord's grounds. Not the devils mind you. Those who have strayed the path of righteousness, the fallen ones have taken it into their possession before we could make a move.

So now instead, we hold our private meetings in this small homemade chapel in the basement of the good Father's home. Though I must say that the sheer lack of devotion in this town is deplorable.

"Interesting is it not?"

"I am more concerned about this, Father; we know that the devils Gremory and Sitri claim this territory, but neither of their seals match to this one's. It isn't even the same colour as either of them."

I happened to walk past class 1-A on my way to snapping pictures of all the devils in the school; I avoided the second years since not only their magic would have caught onto what I was doing, but I didn't need to grab the photos of the four known on school grounds as "The Great Onee-samas". Even if I must purchase such pictures from unsavoury sources, it is God's work and it shall be forgiven.

Class 1-A had become unlawfully annexed by three devils, all of different varieties; the first was female in shape with white hair sitting second row, three columns from the door. She bore the blue necklace symbol associated with Sitri. The second was male with light sand hair and a mole under his left eye. He bore the red rose of Gremory, and was also seated fourth row and second column, right next to the third devil to his right, and that was where I was stunned.

Brown hair and amber eyes, male also but taller and larger in form. Detecting couldn't pick up anything by looking at him, but he seemed to naturally emit power of some kind. And on his hand was neither blue nor red, but yellow. A yellow circle with a bird rotating upon it.

If it hadn't been for church technology, those symbols may have been missed by the naked eye. But this camera has seen through their demonic disguises with God's will.

Having displayed these to the Father, he analysed the one I specifically picked out for him to see. With his greater experience in studying the necessary parts of the occult he required for his job, I knew that out of the three of us in this town, he would be the one to know which heathen this symbol belonged to.

"I know this; this neither the crimson of Gremory, nor the cobalt of Sitri. This is the gold of Phenex."

A third devil? Well, of course I knew it had to be, but knowing that it happened to be a third devil of strength it only meant that our work here may become that more challenging. Truly, I believed that God was setting more trials for my mission here.

"Phenex? But why would a new devil suddenly appear, and a servant at that without its master? It's beyond logic for these heathens."

"That I cannot verify, but this is not uncommon for devils in education to seek the protection of others when entering our world. And they are not heathens. Remember, my child, even a heathen believes in the divine presence of God, no matter how wrong their vision may have been clouded. But these are demons, creatures that openly reject the blessing of God and scorn his ideas, only to twist them, defile them. Blasphemers is too kind a word for them, for they know exactly what they do. Do you understand?"

"I do, Father. Forgive my ignorance."

"But you also know why we mustn't act out irrationally as they would want us to?"

I couldn't hear the logic in the Father's logic until I had already lashed out at him for his supposed lack of faith.

"You expect us to believe that they will uphold a treaty that only serves to benefit themselves? As we speak, they continue to recruit lost souls into their ranks. They claim that whole settlements, villages, towns, cities are there's and that they have full authority to reign over the populace as kings without showing their true identities to them."

The way he was talking, he made it sound like devils were just as capable of keeping their words like humans, but I never had delved too deep enough to realise just how wrong I was.

"While they may be the incarnations of evil, it cannot be we, the Church, who decide to break the treaty unless God himself permitted we do so. In any case, we have nothing to fear on their part; while not prone to righteous acts, they are loyal to their contracts and are very thorough in maintaining them so long as it is in their benefit. War is not in their benefit, even now after they choose to adapt rather than stay stuck in their old ways. They will not break the treaty you can be assured of that on their part."

"But they have already, and you make excuses for them. Just last week we had to hunt one down that was stalking the woods, brutally mutilating bystanders I might add."

"Merely the strays and rebels who cannot even be considered civil enough to be devils. It's rather amusing that there are even more horrid beings out there worse than demons, don't you think so?"

"You seem to exercise such protective measures towards these demons, do you not, Father?"

I was then foolish enough to think that I had the right to draw my sword against the Father. As the beam of light erupted from the hilt, I callously defiled even this place by pointing it at him. Even if it makeshift it was still the Lord's place and I should have had more respect for it.

I overstepped my bounds, and I was taught the lesson I needed when the Father easily disarmed my weapon with a chop into the underside of my right elbow, which made me drop my sword at his feet before I could recover my grip. He didn't make any further moved when I also realised that he was no longer in front of me. But behind.

"I am merely expressing my wisdom that I have accumulated over the course of many years and previous encounters."

I turned around to find him leaving his back deliberately exposed, but he made no attempts to defend it. I never moved once he started speaking further.

"I do not abide by their culture nor by their nature, but knowing thyself and knowing thy enemy equates to a thousand victories in a thousand battles. Even great heathen writers knew the basics of that. Even if their faith was misplaced, it doesn't mean that one cannot learn from them in order to strengthen yourself."

Realising my own folly, I fell to my knees in disgrace.

"I-I . . . I didn't think that far ahead. Forgive my trespasses, Father."

I kept my head low, as his footsteps started moving. But instead of the hard justified retribution he deserved, he simply lowered his hand on top of my head for a second before removing it again. I looked up in confusing, but he had already walked past me again and taken up my weapon, unignited, in his hands.

I stood up, as he handed me back my light sword. Even as I looked into his face, it only became that much more apparent that I hadn't seen his expression move one inch since we talked. He had still been smiling all this time between my cooperation and my brief attempt of defiance of ignorance.

"I already have. It's not like I cannot forgive a fellow lover of God for simply expressing her devotion to our cause. Especially when it is the [Christibefürworten] who asks for such. Now, we need to discuss the possibilities of attack, even from our small outpost here in the Far-East. I received word from our Danish branch, and from the Latvian Orthodox Church that two top-ranked exorcists have turned rogue. Both with unknown locations. Though an attack against us is small, the chance is never zero when criminals are concerned."

"Identities?"

"Ooh, this isn't what you want to hear, but the one from our Latvian branch is [Chaos Edge Sieg]."

"The Demon Sword wielder?"

I had heard of him, the descendant of the heathen Siegfried of whom he shares his name. I never agreed with his affinity towards demon swords despite his church's branch allowing such blatant acts against God under their roof. I believed that they deserve their fate, but I was far from realising how much worse this situation was one the second was identified.

"The same, but he's the mook in this line up when the one who betrayed and killed quite a few of the Danes was [Wildfire Freed]. One of those guys with a bite that match his bark."

A new school year starts

in a new home and new life,

but the same old town.

With allies so few

and enemies a plenty,

just what awaits me.

Before the games and

duel of the fates, I will see

what's put aside for me.

Omake IX: Collaboration Expectations

Rose: (crying whilst huddled up into a ball) *sniff* I didn't ask to get taken to this place, and yet even here I have no discernible purpose. *sniff* It wasn't bad enough that I didn't get any plot development since becoming a devil until nine volumes later. An- *sniff* And I'm still considered a minor character.

Alek: (having finally caught up) *gasp*gasp*gasp* Finally! (falls face first)

Rose: (turning around) I've been waiting here since Day Seven, but now it's twelve days later. Where were you for five days?

Alek: To be fair, Xenovia did hint that it would take twelve days. (pauses before he counts his fingers) Oh wait. It's thirteen days now. (shrugs his shoulders) Still not two weeks though.

Rose: (questioning him) How would you know? You were long gone chasing after me when she said that.

Alek: (outstretches his hands) This is my Universe. I am God here, so I know everything that happens. (coughing) Except for Banoffe Pie bombs. (confused) Wait. I know that I know, but how do you know?

Rose: (shrugs her shoulders) Anime logic.

Alek: (internally cursing) Damn this universe and its anime logic (sighing) Ok, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for your treatment.

Rose: It's not just that. This is late coming and yet you didn't even explain why it was taking so long when it doesn't even compare to the last one.

Alek: (pressing his hands together) Sorry, but University started again, and then my car broke so I had to get a bus, and (rubs his temples) the early mornings were a bitch. It was also a waste for the first week since we did nothing at all.

Rose: (renewed determination) As a teacher, I favour learning over pointless comedy so; (points her finger at Alek) As a true apology, I want you to study for University! Stop this writing and buckle down this instant!

Alek: (sweatdrop) All that build up for a lesson. (crosses his arms) I refuse!

Rose: What?

Alek: (looking upwards) I have created something that many people have come from across the globe to one site just to read it chapter by chapter. They write to me, complain to me, and even offer plenty of gifts to me . . . thanks by the way. (continuing) But, I will never give up on this. I have promised I wouldn't stop until I have reached a good point to conclude this, and I shall prevail. I keep my promises, even when the road ahead is hard and treacherous. So what if University will set me bac for a few weeks, I will give them a new chapter when I can. I will write it on the beaches. I will write it in the hills. But I will never surrender!

Rose: (confused) Did you just ripoff Churchill?

Alek: (nodding his head) Oh yes. (coughs) Ok enough with the puns and innuendos. Let's get to the reviews.

Rose: (panicking) Um-m-m-, ok (reads he first review) User:RuinHuntr asks "What's with all the flashbacks?" (confused) Didn't he read that it was a compliation fo short stories in the opening paragraph after the disclaimer?

Alek: (shaking his head) I don't think he did. (picking up the next review) Moving along then: User:ferodile says he is also a fan of Xenovia. (beats his heart) I respect that deeply. You are now my blood brother for life. Help you out, kill a man, bury a man, I'll aid you in anything you ask.

Rose: (visible shocked) That's a little too far don't you think?

Alek: (closing his eyes) The Waifu Wars are a dangerous battleground for all anime fans, young Rossweisse. We stand united with our brethren or we die like trampled flowers. It matters not that we were born apart, for one those day we fight as one!

Rose: (sweat dropping again) S-sorry I asked. (reads the next review) User:AcclainingTR is saying you gave User:The-Dragon-Lord credit for his review last omake.

Alek: (holding two fingers up) First, I hear he likes to be known as User:Dr4cul now. (lowers one finger) Second, it was Ravel who made the mistake, since I wasn't even there to read out the reviews.

Rose: I'll tell her you said that.

Alek: (remembering the Great Fire of the Third Omake) P-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-p-pleas don't. I had enough trouble repainting this place after she burnt it down to the ground once before. We even had to replace our cat because of her. (coughing and continuing) User:WolfeArisen wants to remind me about the name of Dovahzul, despite the fact I addressed the name issue back in Omake III. Thank you for your consideration, but I did already go over this, plus my translator is called which was why I was inclined to call it as such.

Rose: (taking the next review and smiling as she puts it to her chest) Thank you User:Dr4cul, this means a lot to hear you say that about me.

Alek: (takes the next questions) I'll see about Koneko in the furture once I sort out the ones who are already here. Also if you want a nice song, then here: watch?v=aGxeZdYgLKw. It's "Everytime We Touch" by Cascada in Nightcore. I'm not lying when I say that it makes me cry listening to it in the nice sort of way. (reading the review from User:IonicArchitect) How did you know that!?

Rose: What?

Alek: (skipping the subject) Nothing. (picking the next one.) User:Muzaka writes "The Phenex Clan has meta-level regeneration as long as they have enough demonic power, their soul doesn't take damage (which drastically weaken their spiritual power and this lower their demonic power: ex: holy weapon), or if their ability is negated so the state of their physical body isn't that important. Their regeneration is borderline a form of immortality in battle, but by fighting, they can use their stamina and decrease their demonic power by attacking so they can still be beaten normally. Of course, Gasper can negate Phenex regeneration, but you make it sounds like their regeneration is weaker than canon so I just rectify that!"

Rose: (flicking through the notes) Does he ever mention that you can't regenerate if you are fatally struck?

Alek: He does not. I understand what he is trying to convey, but he seems to be getting his sources from some place I have no access to. From what i have read from the translation, I haven't seen such intricate detail as this so i cannot accept this as fact unfortunately, so sorry. All that is verifiable is that it is an advanced healing factor that only the Phenex clan possess, but to the extent of its ability has never been tested so I simply went with the assumption that being struck fatally would not be fixable if it kills them.

Rose: (continuing onward) Umm, User:bk42bk42 sends us . . . (reads the letter closer) . . . a box of infinite cookies-

Alek: (snatches the box) Gimme! (starts devouring them)

Rose: (continuing) . . . that are healthy for you.

Alek: (stops eating) . . . (spitting them out and cleaning his mouth out) Arrrgh! Why would you do this to me? I hate dried fruit! I don't eat cookies because they're healthy. (breaking into anime tears) I thought we could be friends.

Rose: (sweat dropping) Overreacting much? (counting and shaking the box) How many did you eat?

Alek: (wiping his tongue down) I fwon'b know? I fink maybe tuenty? Firty? Une hunbwunb?

Rose: You're lucky you spat them all out then. I don't think you designed a universe to compensate weight gain. It did nothing to cure your hangover from over-drinking if I am correct.

Alek: (surprised) They told you about that?

Rose: Everyone already knows. Rias saw it all remember?

Alek: (recalling the events) Oh, yeah. Fuck. (takes the letter) Oooh! I also get . . . let's see here: (wickedly smiles) a

Rose: (eyes suddenly widen) D-D-Don't you dare think of using it on me!

Alek: (stunned) Fine, I promise. (whispering with an evil smile) I still have four other people trapped here who can still be useful.

Rose: Why did he even make cookies if he was already going to give you a gun?

Alek: (looks at her) Well, I guess someone not going to have them, (tapping the review) reviewers order.

Rose: (shocked and grabs the review) *gasp* . . . (crying) Aww, no fair! I actually like oat and raisin. Why do things always turn out like this for me. It's not bad enough that I couldn't get a boyfriend till I had already been made homeless and jobless, but now I'm stranded in the middle of nothingness with a box of cookies I'm forbidden from eating. Why is karma so cruel to me!

Alek: (getting uncomfortable with the situation as the water level rises) What is this, "Alice in Wonderland"? Am I going to drown in he tears? (sighing) Look, if it makes you feel any better, we'll stop doing these reviews and do something fun for a change. (mouthing to the remaining reviewers) *I'm sorry, but I need to sort this out. I apologise to all of you who will be unanswered. even you, User:RangerElk76.* . . . Oh, and User:DragonRider66, your first answer is on Volume 22 Life 3. Rosseweisse got traded to Issei before the opening of the Azazel cup. And Second is soemthing you'll have to ask her, I have no idea what goes through her head in this place.

Rose: (stops crying) Wh-what?

Alek: (rubbing the back of his head) . . . I have another idea for a High School DxD story, that I want to write.

Rose: (wiping her face) But, you already have a story to write.

Alek: Yes, but it wouldn't hurt to just get an idea down and planned out ahead of time. Since you're so learned, I thought . . . you might like to help me.

Rose: Really?

Alek: (beats his chest once) Yes, let's do that. Let's collaborate on a story together! (notices a large pile of work appearing out of no where) Where did this come from?

Rose: I brought all with me, for reference material. I had them all placed outside of space with Norse magic and when you adhered to my request I brought them all here.

Alek: (confused and sweat dropping) . . . Why?

Rose: (explaining) Well, when Lord Odin decided he would be going to Japan, I had to study up beforehand so that at the very least one of us wasn't clueless. (sweatdropping) Despite the fact he ended up abandoning me anyways.

Alek: Well, you certainly have a lot of . . . (inspects the papers) Manga? Light Novels? (confused) Didn't you have anything more . . . formal? Like a history book? Travel guide? A map at least?

Rose: (whited out) ? ? ?

Alek: I'll take that as a no. (sighing) Well, considering that their world is exactly like an anime, manga and light novels were probably the safer option as research material. Plus, since we are writing a story this is actually perfect. (stars in his eyes) Let's get starte-

Rose: (stopping him in his tracks) Wait! You have to end this omake before you start anything else!

Alek: (realises she's right) Oh, well until next time, yadda-yadda. See you when I can. Bye-bye! (back to his writing) Quick! I just thought of a plot device. (lights up again) And a new villain! (again lights up) And a new power-up. Oh, this is going to be good.

Rose: (sweat dropping) Have I made a mistake?

Thank you for reading, and review at your nearest convenience.

Special thanks to 'LordGhostStriker', 'RuinHuntr', 'ferodile', 'Dr4cul', 'AcclaimingTR', 'Muzaka', 'DrunkenFistNinja', 'IonicArchitect', 'RangerElk76', 'Dragon Rider 66', 'WolfeArisen', 'bk42bk42', and 'RedSS' for their reviews, I really do appreciate it.

I'm back at University, so I will update for as long as I can, but don't expect consistency at the cost of quality because I'd rather have something good that takes a while than something passable regularly. I will try to keep it weekly, but do not be surprised with one or two day delays.

Well, until next time everyone. Bye!