Chapter 5

It is time for the DemiFiend to return to his world. However, after the battle at Tokyo Tower, the DemiFiend and his comrades were helping in rebuilding the city and preparing defenses for the possibility that Chiaki will try to attack the town again when Issei returns to his home.

And after many days of rebuilding and preparations, it is time for the DemiFiend to go home but let's see what's been happening on the other side with the Devils and Humans.

(Also, apologies for the typo in the previous chapter, but it was supposed to be twenty-four days in the Demon World and a day in the human world.)


Human World Time: A Month after Issei's disappearance…

Beta: Old Man of the Mountain/Darklord331

"So they still haven't said anything about Issei's whereabouts?" Motohama asked as Matsuda sighed in reply and shook his head.

"No. Issei's parents believe that he's still missing. The police didn't find a body but found blood, so they labeled Issei as missing rather than dead. My dad told me that his friends in Kyoto haven't heard anything about Issei either, so if they don't find anything, they'll possibly label him as missing and dead." Matsuda said as he knew his parents had been friends with the Hyoudou family for years, so they wanted to find Issei and bring him back to his parents, who missed him dearly.

Goro Hyoudou was putting up a strong front for his wife, who cried herself to sleep while feeling like the world hated her for some reason, as she didn't want to believe she lost her third child.

Miki was depressed after losing the first two that she hesitated and thought she did something wrong with the first two miscarriages, so when Miki was pregnant a third time, she did all she could to make sure her baby was healthy and strong before the day came that Issei was born.

Issei Hyoudou. A healthy baby boy was the pride and joy of Miki Hyoudou as she was so happy to have a baby that she could raise and help him grow into a fine young man. And as Miki watched Issei grow into the man he was today, the mother was happy but worried for her son since she wanted her son to be happy but was also concerned about his social status at his school, given his reputation, which is why when Issei is found, Miki wishes to help comfort Issei from any possible trauma before helping him get back on his feet.

Unfortunately, at the school, many people were glad to see that there was one less pervert in the school.

"Tch. Maybe Issei's mother did something wrong if Issei turned out like that." One girl said as she was eating lunch in the school at their desks, which made the Perverted Duo glare at the girl who said such a disgusting comment about Miki since she was a fantastic mother that any child would love to have.

"I know, right? What kind of parents lets their son become such an ugly boy? It's only real men like Kiba and Saji who are the most beautiful and perfect ones. Ugly boys like Issei and his friends should remain perverts and end up in jail. Ahahaha!" Another girl said in the group as the laughter made both Matsuda and Motohama glare at the girl. The other girls in the group laughed at the thought before more continued fueling the fire.

"I know, right? They just are ashamed to have such a failure of a son. They could have another child that's better than the failed brother.

"Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if Issei was killed, so we don't have to put up with that lame kid anymore. I bet he even cheated in the entrance exams to come to our school."

"Hah! A pervert and a cheater? It seems to suit Issei very to a capital T. Maybe Issei finally took our advice and got rid of himself by doing the world a favor and ending his existence. I mean, who would miss him? At least this way, he may have a better chance to become a decent human being and be someone amazing. Ahahah!" The girls laughed haughtily, which made Matsuda clench his fists so hard that he was about to burst until Motohama put a firm hand on his shoulder.

"No. I know you want to; trust me when I say I wouldn't mind seeing those bitches get socked in the face, but we both would get in trouble if that happened. Also, given our reputation, they might expel us if we struck a student, especially since they'll make it look like we attacked them first." Motohama said as Matsuda growled, holding in his rage before taking a deep breath and nodding.

"Fine. It's one thing to mock Issei, but insulting and mocking his mother as well? That's crossing the line."

"I agree, but there's nothing we can do about that. This school believes the women more than the small number of guys, and even if we said anything, they wouldn't believe us. Now if it were Kiba or Saji, they'd believe them."

Motohama and Matsuda said as they held in their rage for the insults thrown at their best friend and his family since they may be perverts, but even they have a line they wouldn't cross, especially mocking one's family. Issei may have been known as plain and ordinary with no skills, unlike the two, but the group's Issei was the heart.

Issei could always tell if a person was good or not just by looking at them. He was the kind of guy you could count on to watch your back and be there to listen when you needed someone to talk to. Sure, the three of them did argue and mess with each other a lot, but they forgave each other quickly and helped each other to get a girlfriend.

'I know it's wrong of me to hit those bitches for what they're saying about Issei and his family, so please let us have this one and make them pay for being rude to Issei's parents.' Matsuda prayed since even though he wasn't religious, he still wanted some punishment for them for the words they threw at two people who did nothing wrong.

And as if his prayer were answered...

SLAP!

The girls and guys were shocked to see Aika slapping the girls with Murayama and Katase even looking at her in shock until Aika looked at them angrily.

"Just shut your mouth slut." Aika said the girls felt offended by this, but they couldn't reply as they were afraid of this side of the Perverted Female Glasses in their school.

"What gives you the right to not only mock but also insult someone who's missing from his home and is probably being tortured, and you bitches dare to insult not only someone dead but also his family? Now that's just really scraping the bottom of the barrel. That makes you less than a bitch. It makes you out to be a cold-hearted slut who doesn't give a shit about anyone other than themselves." Aika said as she grabbed the leader by the collar of her shirt and pinned it to the wall shocking her classmates until Aika leaned into her ear and whispered some words that must've scared the girl as she was pale as a sheet after Aika was done and let her drop to the floor.

"That was your only warning. Insult Issei's family like that again, and I'll make sure you truly know what pain is like." Aika said with narrowed eyes until she turned around and walked away, but before she could leave the room, the girl stood up and asked.

"W-Why defend t-that pervert? He's been a nuisance who defiled this school's reputation and our privacy! So why defend him?"

"Well, if you wanted privacy, why didn't you report the peeping holes so they could be filled in? If you had, the school could've, but I know the truth. About how you like to do certain things in the changing room with your boyfriend when no one is around." Aika said as the leader girl blushed. Aika showed a photo of said girl having a happy face while being pounded by her boyfriend.

"Oh, and I have dirt on the rest of you. Do you say Issei and his friends are perverts? You girls are dirtier than them with the BL manga you bring to school and the other activities you do here when the teachers aren't around, so I suggest you ask yourself who's the real pervert here. Issei may be a pervert, but at least he doesn't go overboard with his actions like stealing your underwear and whatnot, unlike you girls who don't mind leaving your panties around for everyone to see." Aika said as she pulled a pair of black lace panties out of her backpack, which made many of the guys wolf whistles while the lead girl was embarrassed by this before taking it and stuffing it in her bag.

Matsuda and Motohama were smirking at this while Aika looked down at her embarrassment before leaving her alone.

As Aika passed by Matsuda and Motohama, she gave them a nod and smirk, telling them she was on their side, which made the two boys glad that they had an ally in Aika Kiryuu.

Thus the rumors of Aika Kiryuu tearing into the other females in her class spread like wildfire that reached the third year.

"Why must I deal with ridiculous things such as this?" Sona asked herself as she rubbed her forehead to alleviate her discomfort as she heard of Aika's bashing and how most of the girls in her class were embarrassed to show their faces to their classmates now.

Sona sighed as she pondered back to Issei Hyoudou and when she had heard of the search for him instead of believing he was dead. The Sitri Heiress didn't think he was alive anymore since Rias could not bring him back to life after she allowed Issei to be killed by the Fallen but made no move to save him from death.

After an hour of no summoning from Issei, Sona felt sorry for the Hyoudou family since she could tell that Miki loved Issei so much and wanted him to grow happy and loved by a girl who loved him back for who he was. Still, sadly, Issei had gained the attention of the Fallen Angels, who killed him in the Devil Territory—leaving Sona saddened by the fact that she could've saved him but chose not to out of respect for Rias's choice to recruit him in her peerage.

"And because of that choice, we had to deal with not just the Fallen but the rogue who escaped us," Sona said as she pondered back to the night her peerage and Rias's fought the four Fallen at the church.

The first three were dealt with by her peerage, who was able to outmaneuver them as well as kill them before Rias and her peerage were able to fight Raynare, the Fallen that killed Issei on their date, and learned that said Fallen had killed a nun to obtain Twilight Healing. The Fallen could escape them, but they didn't have the time to chase after her since they had to explain the situation to their brother and sister, who weren't pleased that Fallen Angels were in their sibling's territory.

The nun's body was buried in the ground as a sign of respect and to allow the girl to rest in peace instead of being reincarnated into a Devil.

After the report was given to their siblings, they said they would deal with the situation, but both Sona and Rias haven't been given any word as to what happened and if they need to prepare for anything.

"Honestly, Rias. What were you thinking?" Sona asked herself as she knew she had a part to play in Issei's murder. She could've quickly informed him of the supernatural, helped him learn of his powers, and probably even recruited him. Having him on her team would benefit the boy since she could help him become a better person; plus, it would be nice to fill in the Pawn position since Rias already took the one Sona was hoping to recruit for her team.

But none of that mattered since Issei Hyoduou had been missing for a month, and there was still no sign of him.

"I'm sorry I failed you as a president Issei Hyoudou. I can only hope your safe and alive." Sona said as she felt like she failed as not just a school president but also a person who's supposed to protect the people of this town. Looking outside, she saw the sky rain as if it reflected the emotions that many of them felt for Issei Hyoduou's unjust death due to her slothfulness.


Unknown Location...

"D-Dammit." Raynare cursed herself as she walked inside the alley and covered herself with an umbrella while struggling to stand up properly. Raynare's clothes covered her front, but her back was shown to reveal that she had a massive burn and scars on her back to show that she was punished for her actions.

For you see, Raynare was brought to the Grigori a few days later after she could escape the Devils when they attacked the church. Still, sadly, instead of receiving praise for obtaining Twilight Healing and killing a possible threat to the Grigori, the Fallen instead saw only disappointment from Azazel's eyes as he was given a message from Sirzechs and Serafall that told him of Raynares actions.

Azazel voiced that he was disappointed that Raynare killed the boy instead of trying to actually learn what the Sacred Gear was and if he was actually a threat to the Grigori. Learning of what Raynare had done disappointed not just her leader but those who followed him as well.

Thus Raynare was punished by not only banishment from the Grigori but also stripped of her wings so she could no longer fly.

The Fallen wings were surgically removed from her back before being closed off and then burned with a fire that left a scar resulting from her betrayal.

Raynare then looked into the rain and gasped as she saw Issei standing before her.

"I-Issei?" Raynare asked in a small voice as she walked towards Issei and hugged him before hearing Issei reply.

"How can I be alive? You killed me, remember?" Issei asked as Raynare looked to see Issei as a corpse which frightened her until she realized she saw nothing but a mirage of the boy she had killed in front of her.

Issei then pointed to his chest to reveal the hole where she stabbed him, which frightened the Fallen until she heard a clap of thunder which made the mirage vanish, leaving her all alone in the rain.

"Is this my fate? Was this my punishment for falling from Heaven?" Raynare asked herself until she sat beside the alley wall before hearing a voice speak.

"Do you desire a second chance? A chance to redeem yourself and ask forgiveness from the one you killed?" The voice asked Raynare nodded in reply as she spoke to the voice speaking to her.

"I know I'm undeserving of forgiveness after the shit I pulled, so all I want is a chance to redeem myself. Even if that means I must sacrifice my Fallen side and be reborn as a monster." Raynare cried as she could no longer hear the rain, which made her look up at a massive figure smiling at her and holding her hand.

"Then come with me, and I shall give you the redemption you desire." The figure said as Raynare walked forward and saw the hand which, in her eyes, was the key to her redemption. Even if Issei didn't fully forgive her, she wanted to apologize for what she did to him and his family.

Little did she know, she had just signed her soul away to a Devil.

A Devil of another world.


Kuoh Town Park

A portal was sliced open in the middle of the park, and four people emerged.

Issei appeared in his human form, and Naho before Artemis and Yoshitsune appeared from the portal but appeared human.

Issei looked at the sky and felt the rain which made him smile as he enjoyed this. "How wonderful. I never would've thought I would like the rain, but I suppose being in a desert would make one yearn for the rain." Issei said in his bored voice, but the ones with him could hear the joy and relief in his words as Naho looked at a watch on her wrist before nodding.

"It seems a month has passed in the human world. This is amusing, considering it's been much longer in our world." Naho said as Artemis nodded in reply before smiling at the world around them.

"I must say that this is a wonderful little park. It seems to be a very nice place for a social event." Artemis said as Yoshitsune nodded in reply as he felt nostalgic about the trees that reminded him of his life as a human before Issei began to walk towards the fountain in the middle of the park as he could see that there was a section of the fountain that was rebuilt before having a small flashback to when he was human.

Issei clenched his left hand as he shook away the memory before Naho walked towards him and took his left hand into hers. The two looked each other in the eyes, and Naho smiled as she kissed the top of Issei's knuckle before taking him out of the park.

"Let's go home, Issei. I think it's time to introduce ourselves to your parents." Naho said as Issei was nervous about seeing his parents again but wasn't sure if they would react positively or negatively given his new...condition.

However, Naho still dragged him out of the park with Artemis on his other arm while Yoshitsune chuckled at his master's predicament.

"You should just say yes, master. The two of them won't take no for an answer." Yoshitsune said as Issei nodded as he allowed the two females he loved more than anything to take him to his family's house.


The Hyoudou Home

Miki was crying on the couch as she felt empty inside without her son being there. For the longest time, Miki loved Issei more than anything and would do anything to ensure he was safe and happy. Still, when the police came to her home and said he was missing, Miki prayed to any of the Gods to allow her to remain a mother and save her third child.

She didn't think she could bear to lose another child. Not again.

Goro looked at his wife and clenched the paper as he wanted to comfort her but knew it wouldn't be easy since he was also suffering from losing his son. Goro loved his son and would've helped him become a better person when he heard his son ask him for advice on a date which made Goro proud of him and think this was the time for Issei to change from his perverted life in school and become a man.

However, he regretted that day since he wished he could've stopped his son from going on that date because if he had, they wouldn't be so depressed they almost wanted to think he was dead.

But as if the Gods heard their prayers...

Ding Dong!

Goro was surprised by this and wondered who it could be until he heard the doorbell being rung again; he got up, walked over to the door, and opened it.

"Hello? May I help-!" Goro stopped mid-sentence as he looked at his son's face, who was surrounded by a group of three.

"Hey, Dad. I'm back from my date." Issei said as Goro reached out for Issei and hugged him in his arms before realizing that this wasn't an illusion from their mind. It was Issei Hyoudou.

"I-Issei. I'm so happy your back." Goro said as he let Issei come in, as well as his friends before Goro asked if they could wait at the front door a bit longer.

Artemis and Naho nodded, as did Yoshitsune before Goto guided Issei to the living room where Miki was before he gestured for Issei to go to her. Issei nodded as he walked over to his mother and sat beside her before taking her hand.

"Hi, Mom. Sorry for being late, but I'm back." Issei said as he saw Miki's head turn around and look at Issei's face before taking it into her hands as she felt the warmth coming from the head.

"I-I-Issei? I-Is that you? Please don't let this be a dream." Miki said in worry as she was hoping this wasn't a dream before Issei wiped his mothers' tears leaking from his eyes. Miki gasped lightly as she recalled Issei doing this as a baby.

"This is no dream, Mom. I'm back. For real." Issei said in a cold but gentle voice; as Miki hugged Issei in her arms, she let out her cries as she was glad to have her son back in her arms, while Issei let some tears leave his eyes as well since he was happy that he was back home with his family.

"I love you, mom. I'm sorry for being such a disgrace of a son."

"I love you too, Issei. I'm just happy to see that you are alive and well." Miki said as she kissed his forehead before hugging him some more. "But please don't ever scare me like that again."

"I won't, mother. I promise." Issei said as he enjoyed this moment, especially when his father joined the hug until the reunion ended with Issei bringing in his friends.

"Mom. Dad. I know you have many questions, but I want to introduce you to the ones who saved me." Issei said as he introduced Naho, Artemis, and Yoshitsune to his family, who were grateful for the three saving their son's life.

Throughout the night, Miki and Goro learned that when Issei was with his date Yuuma, the two were captured because Yuuma was a wealthy daughter, which meant she was a prime target for kidnapping. They also took him since they hoped to get a little extra cash. For the past month, he's been tortured by them so they couldn't harm Yuuma, but that only make them hurt him even more as they did different ways to torture and break him, but Issei held on for the woman that he may have just met but still loved with his heart.

Eventually, their rescue came as Yuuma's father saved them, but Yuuma was killed trying to defend Issei, which made Issei so mad he killed someone in cold blood. Miki and Goro were shocked at the story as they couldn't believe their son went through such things before Issei explained that Naho and Artemis were kidnapped like he and Yuuma were until they managed to escape. Yoshitsune was the guard who wished to stay with them to ensure they returned safely.

Goro thanked Yoshitsune for protecting Issei's life which made the samurai bow in respect to the father before explaining that he didn't mind as he enjoyed the boy's presence and was glad he was reunited with his family.

Ultimately, it was a wonderful evening that resulted in the Hyoudou Family reuniting.


Later...

"So I take it that mostly you guys and Matsuda and Motohama's families were worried about me?" Issei asked as he was with his father in another room before the man nodded in reply.

"Yes, but surprisingly Aika Kiryuu missed you as well. She even defended your mother at school today." Goro said as Issei watched the video recording of the bashing, which amazed him, before looking out at the evening sky.

"I can tell you've changed a lot this past month, Issei. We're proud of you. Really and we both want you to know that we do love you. Always." Goro said that Issei felt happy that his parents still loved him and would be sure he didn't disappoint them.

However, a parent's job is never done.

"So your dating both girls, huh?"

"...Dad..."

"Hey, I get it, especially since you loved the tomboys very nicely, and I'll say they are your type."

"Dad!"

"What? We're both men here."

"...Please kill me..."

Issei said as Goro laughed heartily as he enjoyed this moment with his son, glad to have him back and see that he's changed for the better and become a bit more mature from his kidnapping.

If only he knew the truth.

Issei smiled as his folks went to sleep before seeing Naho reading one of his manga while Artemis blushed at some of the posters on his wall.

"Interesting. I seem to fit this female character in your book Issei. Is this what you consider your fetish?" Naho asked as she showed the female protagonist to Issei, while Artemis asked her.

"So you like strong girls in uniforms? Am I included in that category?" Artemis asked as she looked at her attire before Issei nodded in reply, which made Artemis blush as she hid in the bed blanket before Naho walked over to Issei with a pout on her face.

"Mm. Issei, you didn't answer my question. Is this your fetish?" Naho asked as she put the book in his face, which made Issei nod in reply. Naho took the book back and dog-eared it before sitting on the bed.

"I'm glad that we could return, even though you wanted to come back sooner after we dealt with the Hydra," Naho said as Issei nodded in reply as he changed into his pajama bottoms before replying to her.

"Indeed, but given the situation that we had with Daidouji and Hell Biker, it made sense that we couldn't leave due to them causing chaos in the streets and their desire to avenge Matador after our battle," Issei said as he recalled the fiendish priest-like Demon and the Ghost Rider knockoff coming after him a few days after they successfully killed Matador and the Hydra.

"How's your body feeling after absorbing the Menorah from the three of them?" Naho asked as Issei clenched his left hand and nodded. He could feel the power of the Menorahs within him until he switched weapons between a saber, a talisman, and a hooked chain.

"It seems my body has allowed me to utilize some of their abilities and powers, like how I was able to use some of the DemiFiend's abilities while also training with Thor to use my lightning spells better," Issei said as he recalled meeting another worlds version of the God of Thunder, Thor, and was amazed when Thor challenged Issei to a battle that resulted in the DemiFiend being defeated by the God until Thor wished to train the boy in better using his abilities which resulted in the two having a master and student relationship. At the same time, Artemis helped Issei train in combat, so he would only sometimes rely on weapons or spells.

It had been so long in the other world that Issei lost count of the days he had spent in the different world with Naho and the others. In the end, Issei matured as he was thankful for his talks with Thor and even Zeus, including the original DemiFiend.

After being with Artemis and Naho for so long, he confessed his feelings for them, making Artemis blush as she felt the same way towards the boy but gave him space as he tried to recover from what Raynare did to him. Naho was flattered by the confessions and decided to continue the admission.

"...That's good. We'll be able to relax for a while due to Lucifer losing three generals and his Hydra. That'll keep him from furthering his plans for a while. However, we can't relax with Chiaki coming after us. No doubt Lucifer will send her to your world to take you out, but for now, it's best we try to see what happens tomorrow."

"Agreed. We all should get some rest for now." Issei said as he lay on his bed with Naho sleeping on his left side while Artemis cuddled to his right. The three fell asleep as they were preparing for the new day.

The day of Issei Hyoudou's return.


The Demon World...

Raynare was screaming as she felt her body tear apart but was coming back together as if the power of the Demon was remolding her before her.

Lucifer smiled at the Fallen Angel as he watched her become a more powerful version of herself. The rings that the girl had on her were incredible and would be helpful for her transformation as she could also replace Daidouji's seat, possibly, given that he was killed due to the DemiFiend.

"The three of them served their purpose because now I can see that the boy is becoming much stronger and has been able to make the city his secret base of operations. However, sending someone there is best to keep tabs on him and locate potential members to fill in the vacant spots." Lucifer said to himself before waving Chiaki to him as she bowed to her father.

"I am here, father. What is your bidding?"

"You have a mission that'll take you to the Human World. Do you accept this, my daughter?"

"Of course, father. This'll allow me to repent for the loss I have suffered from the boy. What is my mission?" Chiaki asked as a portal appeared in front of her.

"You must enter the town of the DemiFiend and spy on him. Learn as much as possible about him and his comrades while locating any potential members to become part of the world I shall build. Do not let the boy suspect you of your true intentions. Hide in the sheep, and don't let the Nahobino or even the demons he has noticed you." Lucifer explained as Chiaki nodded in reply.

"I will not fail you, Father," Chiaki said as she entered the portal. Lucifer smiled at the closed portal before turning to Raynare's body.

"Soon, you'll be ready for your first mission, my Fallen assassin. Soon." Lucifer said he would enjoy this new toy to use in his conquest.

Chiaki exited the portal as she walked through the Kuoh Town Forest and looked to see many humans walking back to their homes for the night, which made Chiaki annoyed as she recalled her old human life of how she wasted it on trivial matters such as school and trying to excel above those who were beneath her.

"Hm. I should find a suitable host to possess. They'll be perfect for my mission." Chiaki said as she became invisible and walked through the park with ease while also keeping an eye out for any potential threats until she sensed a strange feeling near the church.

"Hm? What's this? A poor soul who hasn't passed on from death?" Chiaki said to herself as she looked at the many feathers around the church before seeing a soul above a tiny grave. Chiaki unearthed the body and smiled as her mind displayed a canvas before her that was to be painted on with her brush to make the nun even more beautiful like herself.

"Oh my. A beautiful soul and a pure body ripe for the picking? It seems that my luck truly is wonderful." Chiaki said as she took the soul and then took the body as she then took it with her to an abandoned area of the town.

"Now, to build my perfect host to become my puppet," Chiaki said as an insane grin appeared before she got to work.


The Next Day...

Miki smiled as she was cooking alongside Issei, who was making breakfast for his family and friends, making Miki smile as she could tell that her son wanted to apologize to them for the trouble they had faced while he was missing.

"Issei. I don't blame you for what happened. You were captured and taken away from us for a month. You are still the sweet and honest boy I raised for seventeen years." Miki said as Issei sighed before replying to her.

"I know, Mom, but I still want to apologize for all I've done to cause you and Dad problems thanks to my stupidity. Ever since I was captured, I realized that if I didn't waste my time on being an idiot and a pervert, then maybe I could find that special someone. I want to make you both proud of me, so I will make amends for the ones I've wronged. I'll take whatever punishment they give me because I know I deserve it." Issei said he had much time to think about his mistakes and wished to fix them since he was back home.

Miki was surprised but understood why Issei wanted to do this, so she let Issei proceed with his actions before they both served breakfast. Artemis had some manners, but being a hungry girl who loved to eat any food that was edible and delicious gave her strength to train.

On the other hand, Naho was a respectable woman who reminded Miki of a friend who excelled in manners and being a 'proper lady,' which resulted in Miki learning about the art of being a lady. Goro was amused by the girl's different personalities and how they acted around Issei before they had a lovely time together until the teens finished their breakfast and washed the dishes.

"Well, be heading out, Mom, and don't worry about me going missing again. I promise I'll come back." Issei said as Miki hugged Issei tightly before letting him go as she watched him leave their home. Goro understood that his wife wanted him to stay longer, but Issei was determined to make things right, so he wasn't surprised to see Miki's motherly instincts want to keep her child closer just a bit longer.

"We both know we can't stop him when he's like this. He's determined and wants to make amends for his actions. I find that commendable as both a fellow man and a father." Goro said as Miki nodded as she held his right hand, wanting to know her son was safe, especially after last month's incident that almost broke her spirit and will.

"I know, but it still hurts me when I see Issei growing up after a month of him being gone. I just...I want him to know that he can still come to us when he needs us for anything. Even if it's something small like help with his schoolwork or some advice on asking a girl out. I wish that sometimes Issei doesn't forget that he has us." Miki said as a mother bear worried about their child until Goro gently hugged her and rubbed her back.

"I know, and I think Issei hasn't forgotten us. Thanks to last night when I spoke to him while you spoke to the girls." Goro said as Miki smiled in reply as she was confident that the two girls accompanying Issei would keep him safe from harm.

"It hurts my heart when I see my parents like that after being away from them for so long. I didn't want to hurt them, but..." Issei said as he blamed himself for his mother's state and his father's for trying to keep her together until Artemis clenched her hand, holding his left one before kissing his cheek.

"It's alright, Issei. I know the feeling, too, since it was the same for me when I wanted to protect my mother from Hera's wrath. I was worried that Hera would strike her down, so my brother and I did all we could to protect her. It was only thanks to our father that she was safe from harm. I may not have liked him that much since he was a playboy, and that didn't exactly help me grow up as a person, especially after Orion, but I learned that I couldn't think all men are just like them. You taught me that even though you're a pervert, you've changed and become a better person that's learned from their mistakes and wishes to learn from them. So be proud that you've learned from them, Issei." Artemis said as Naho nodded in reply. Issei was grateful that he had them both to support him.

"Thank you. Really. It's only thanks to you that I'm still alive today." Issei said as he wished he could cry tears of happiness as he was grateful to have two beautiful women in his life that he loved and cherished significantly.


As they neared the gates of the school, Issei was hesitant to go back into the school, but being reassured by Artemis and Naho helped him be able to walk into the grounds as he could feel the eyes of the students of Kuoh Academy around him and his girlfriends.

"No way. Is that seriously, Issei Hyoudou?"

"Yeah. Where's he been for the past month?"

"Maybe he was in jail because someone turned him in. Thank goodness that there is a God to punish people like him."

Issei's body shook slightly as he recalled Raynare's words when she killed him that day.

'If you want to blame someone, then blame God for putting the Sacred Gear in you.'

"I didn't even have one, but Dagda said I did. Does that mean my Magatama replaced the Sacred Gear in me?" Issei whispered as he asked himself that question before Artemis helped Issei by glaring at the girls and telling them to back off from Issei.

Naho just looked at the females and gave them a stone-cold glare that froze their comments in their mouths as they continued down the path until they entered the school.

"...I know I wanted to do this, but I'm starting to regret my decision," Issei said as Naho grabbed his hand and kissed his left cheek.

"Calm down. We're here to help and ensure you don't withdraw from your choice. This is good. Trust us." Naho said as Issei nodded in reply as he made his way to his classroom and looked at the shocked expressions of his classmates before walking to the front and bowing his head to them.

This surprised the students since they were shocked to see Issei was alive but even more shocked by what he was about to say.

"I...I've been through a lot this past month, and I...had a lot of time to reflect on my life which made me realize that I didn't think through my actions. I know many of you won't forgive me for what I've done to you, but I wish to tell you I am sorry. I'm sorry for everything that I've done for you. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but this is the first step I want to take to become a better person." Issei then stood up as he looked at them all, and continued.

"So, go ahead if you want to swing at or hurt me. I'll take it so you know I want to change and become a better version of myself." Issei said as he waited for the females of his school to hit him until he saw Murayama walk towards him with her kendo sword at her side.

Issei didn't move as he looked at Murayama before the girl gripped her sword tightly in reply.

"You think an apology will compensate for what you've done to us?" Murayama asked as Issei made no move or replied. The kendo girl glared at him before punching him in the face, turning his head slightly, but Issei did not move as Murayama continued criticizing him.

"You and your friends violated our privacy ever since middle school. Do you go missing for a month and think a simple apology will be enough? If you want to repent, say you're humanity's worst. Walking trash that shouldn't have been born!" Murayama yelled at Issei as he opened his mouth and was about to speak until Artemis stopped him.

"Heh. I never would've thought I'd find someone like me." Artemis said as she stepped in to stop him.

"What? But Artemis I..."

"I know. Saying sorry isn't enough, and yes, venting your frustration was acceptable since you wanted this, but this girl ordering you to berate yourself even more than you already did? That makes her even lower than a pervert. It makes her a feminist who thinks she's a defender of all women, but there's a difference between being a protector of women and being a bitch who thinks she's right. It's similar to what I believed in since I had a shitty life who only thought I was right and what I thought at the time." Artemis said as she looked at Murayama and continued.

"I used to think that all men were just like my father and ex-boyfriend, but I realized that as I kept thinking that, I looked at all males wrong, including my brother, who was nothing like that. It was when my brother's girlfriend, someone I thought was a good friend of mine, tried to frame him for a crime he didn't commit. It made me realize that I was wrong and that not all men are like them. Yes, Issei is a pervert, and yes, he does deserve punishment, but he's already been punished enough for his actions, and he feels guilty for what he's done. That's why he's trying to repent for what he did. Do you think he did this to gain some pity? No. He did this because he wanted to repent for what he's done, but what your doing wasn't right. Yours just trying to make a statement about how all perverts should be punished in your eyes. You're only trying to make yourself the heroine of this story, but all I see is a woman trying to make herself seem like he's a hero to all women."

Artemis said as Murayama's face became red in rage. She clenched her fist and was about to try punching Artemis's face, but Issei stood between them and took it. This shocked the class until Murayama backed away to see the same cold expression on his face, as Issei didn't flinch from the punch.

"I said I would take the hits as my punishment for what I've done, but that doesn't mean I'll let you hurt them. The ones who helped me when I was at my lowest point." Issei said as Murayama growled at him before turning away and leaving the classroom, while Katase was surprised by Issei's reaction and apology before heading to find Murayama.

Issei then looked at the others in the class before holding out his arms as he waited for the punches to fly from the others until he saw Aika approach him; she then cupped his left cheek.

"They are right, you know. I am the lowest of all humans." Issei said as he looked at Aika before the girl who defended him smiled as she shook her head.

"Not in my eyes," Aika said as she stood on her toes and kissed his cheeks with a warm smile before thanking both Artemis and Naho for coming with Issei. Aika took Issei to his desk and let him sit down as she sat beside him.

The teacher then coughed as she began class by introducing both Artemis and Naho as members of their class as international students. The students were surprised as they saw Issei return and apologized for his actions and the two new students in the class.

Yep. The DemiFiend's return to his home was something he wouldn't forget for a long time.

However, as the day passed by, the rumor mill exploded with many surprises about Issei returning from a month away and with two women with him. This shocked Sona and Rias as the two wished to know what was happening.

"H-How? Where has he been this whole time?" Rias asked herself as Sona wasn't sure how Issei was alive this whole time and if the Fallen that tried to kill him had anything to do with it.

"I don't know, but it's time we speak to Issei," Sona said as she pressed a button on the microphone.

"Issei Hyoudou. Please come to the Student Council Office. Issei Hyoudou to the Student Council." Sona said as she ended the call; she sighed as she looked at her friend.

"I don't know what this means, Rias, but if Issei has come back, then I have reason to believe that other forces are involved in his revival," Sona said as Rias's eyes widened.

"You don't mean another faction, do you?"

"One of the new students called themselves Artemis. I highly doubt that's just a coincidence." Sona said as she mentally prepared herself for what would happen until she heard the door being knocked on.

"President Sitri. It's Issei Hyoduou. I'm here with Artemis and Naho. I hope you don't mind." Issei said as Sona allowed them to enter the room with her peerage ready for any sign of trouble while Rias and her peerage responded in kind.

Issei then opened the door as he walked into the room, and the Devils could see that the human before them had a very intimidating aura now, unlike how his aura was warm and welcoming to others.

"Gremory-senpai." Issei nodded back. He let his gaze travel to the representatives of the Student Council, silently asking the question.

Sona adjusted her glasses slightly as she looked at Issei. "Rias informed me of what had occurred with you a month ago, seeing as we share the responsibility over this territory. I decided it would be best to attend this meeting to ensure you understood as much as possible. Also, to apologize for what has happened to you." Sona said as she apologized for what happened to Issei, who was surprised by this before nodding in reply.

"You didn't know, so I don't blame you. However..." Issei turned to Rias and glared at her before reaching into his pocket and pulling out an old piece of paper with a familiar seal on it which caused Rias to gasp lightly as she knew what the paper was.

"Wait, is that-!"

"Yes. It's a summoning seal. One that your familiar gave me on the day I was killed by Raynare." Issei said as he pocketed it before glaring at her very being, making Rias feel like she was next to a rogue Devil, a Maou-level demon until Issei spoke to her.

"Just answer me this one question. Did you know that the Fallen Angel known as Raynare would kill me? And do not lie. I want the truth." Issei said as Rias hesitated. She couldn't speak due to her fear until she slowly nodded, which made Issei sigh in disappointment as he turned around.

"I appreciate you being honest but know that because of you, I lost so much time to make amends with my parents and the people of this school. You may not have cared what happened to me, but I cared greatly about my family, who suffered while I was in another world and had to fight to live." Issei said as he clenched his left hand before Naho placed a hand on top of his and shook her head, making Issei take a deep breath before exhaling as he nodded back at her.

It was as if they had a conversation with no words. That's how close they were.

Naho then motioned for Artemis to take Issei outside the room while she spoke to the Devils. Artemis agreed, taking Issei outside the student council room before Naho talked to the Devils.

"Know this, Rias Gremory. I don't trust you, your peerage, the Devils, the Fallen, or even the Angels. You and the Biblical Faction only cared about your own goals and didn't care about who lived and died but let me assure you that my people, the Nahobino, suffered greatly because of you. The war between the three factions not only allowed so many innocent lives to be killed but drive a wedge between all three factions after both sides suffered greatly."

Naho recalled the bloody war where many people she knew and cared for had died because either side betrayed them or left them to fend for themselves as the Nahobino tried to defend their human lives.

Sona gasped as she had heard of the Nahobino Clan and how they were defenders of the other world to prevent demons from the said world from attacking innocent humans and kept a more powerful and dangerous monster from breaching their world and bending it to their will.

"But I thought the Nahobino Clan was wiped off the map after the Biblical Faction War?" Sona asked as Naho looked down with some sadness showing in her eyes.

"They were. I'm the last of the Nahobino tribe. I always despised how the three factions spoke of 'peace' and 'Justice' when all they were doing was pretending to give care about each other to further their own goals. You Devils have your Evil Pieces, which force other species to become your slaves that only serve you until they are killed. Tell me, did you have permission to resurrect them, or did you do it when they were near death to help you get your way with them?"

Naho asked as Rias and her peerage were scared of this before Naho scoffed at them. "It doesn't matter, however, because I don't give a care about either of you, but if you allow your peerage to approach Issei's friends or his family to try and bring him to your side, then know I'll gladly take your tongue or wings first so you can feel the pain he went through," Naho said as she glared at them while summoning her blade, which made the others realize that they shouldn't underestimate her.

Sona, the brave one, nodded in reply as she agreed with Naho. "We understand, Nahobino. We won't approach Issei's friends or family to recruit him. All we ask is that we can ask for your help to defend this city." Sona asked as Naho looked at the Sitri Devil with slight concern before nodding in reply.

"Very well. I have to protect humanity and this world from the demons of the other world, so I'll allow it, but that is the only time we'll work with you." Sona said as she walked away from the two peerages and left the room, making Rias sigh in relief until Sona sat in her seat and groaned as she rubbed her forehead to allow her headache to cease.

"Why must you continue to make me clean up the messes you've made, Rias?" Sona asked in annoyance as Rias chuckled nervously as she poked her fingers together while Tsubaki looked at the door and couldn't help but ponder about Naho.

'The way she looked. Her facial features, aura, and how she spoke were similar to... my sister.' Tsubaki said in her mind as she looked at the Nagintana she used as her primary weapon and thought back to its previous owner.

A tall black-haired beauty with tints of forest green color at the ends of it. She wore a kimono as she walked into battle and defeated many stray devils while Tsubaki watched her from behind in awe of her style of fighting that looked more like dancing.

'Is that you, sister? Are you back from the dead?' Tsubaki pondered as she looked at the door before listening to Sona and Rias argue.


Chiaki, the daughter of Lucifer, was constructing her little spy as she was making some modifications to the girl's body before smiling at the soul in her palm, which seemed to be a mixture of gold and pitch black, which made the woman smile until she placed the soul into the body.

Asia's body grunted and groaned as some of her hair became black while some became white. The girl's eyes also changed from green to a dark forest green as she slowly began to sit up and look at herself before tilting her head at Chiaki.

"Who are you? Where am I?" Asia asked as she stood on her feet and began to feel a bit different until Chiaki spoke to her.

"My name is Chiaki, and I brought you back to life, Asia Argento. I do apologize that you were betrayed in such an awful way. It's a shame that a kind and caring soul like yours was tainted by this sick and disgusting world that does not care about people like yourself. That is why my father wishes to rebuild this world into a land where the strong and beautiful will thrive. And I want you to be part of that world." Chiaki said as Asia was in awe that her savior had such a fantastic goal until Chiaki hugged her and whispered into her ear.

"Time to play," Chiaki whispered as Asia's body froze while her head fell as if her head was cut off from being held up until Asia's head was lifted. A dark smile appeared on her face while giggling sinisterly as she looked at Chiaki.

"Hello there, Chiaki. What do you want Freed to do? I can't wait to kill some Devils with this lovely body of mine?" Freed asked as she fondled her chest while her eyes were now blood red and giggling to herself until Chiaki shook her head.

"No. We won't be killing the Devils. Not yet, at least. For now, you and Asia will be my spy within Kuoh Academy and learn as much as you can about Issei and his friends. Get close to him if you have to but don't let them suspect you that you're working with me." Chiaki said as Freed smiled and nodded in reply. She then looked at her bust and played with it more while moaning.

"Hehe. Man, I have such a sexy body that I'm sure all the boys and girls will love to fuck." Freed said as she shook her hips until Chiaki snapped her fingers. Freed froze still until Asia then took over.

"W-What's wrong, Chiaki Onee Chan? Did I do something wrong?" Asia asked as Chiaki smiled and shook her head.

"No. No. You are fine, Asia, and don't worry. You don't need anyone other than me to care for you." Chiaki said as she hugged her head into her chest, which made Asia feel safe and warm. Chiaki smiled as she was going to enjoy this mission.

'I hope you're ready, Issei Hyoudou because I'm coming for you.' Chiaki's smile turned sinister as she would love playing him for a fool with the girl in her arms.


Scene!

That's right. Asia is back, although she'll be slightly different due to the other soul inside of her. The other one is Freed, who is believed she's been in Asia the whole time. Similar to the story of Jekyll and Hyde, Asia is the 'Jekyll' in this story as the sweet innocent girl everyone loves, while Freed is the 'Hyde' in the girl as she represents the evil and killer instincts within her.

Issei is back and will rest for a bit but will be dragged into the Biblical Faction's affairs due to the threats to his home. However, this doesn't mean that the Gremory peerage will affect him since Issei will not care about Rias's arranged marriage until he meets Riser and stomps the guy to the ground.

Now Naho and Tsubaki will have a slight arc during the story, and Artemis from SMT will be surprised to meet her DXD counterpart, her old self.

Issei's demons will also appear in the story as he starts to let them out so they can enjoy his world without causing harm to others.

See you all next time. Ta-Ta!~