NMHA Ch. 70 - As High, As Low


A/N - Who's ready to keep things rolling? I am! I am!

Since I have the spark to keep writing, I figured I may as well keep going.

Hopefully, I'll be able to return to the twice-a-month schedule!

...Though knowing work, that may be easier said than done.

But eh, not everything worth doing is easy.


"Lunarunn. Another report."

The brunette fought off the growing headache by pinching the bridge of her nose, but let out an exhale and nodded her head, gesturing with her prosthetic to the stack of unread reports to her side. "Leave it here, Benjamin. I'll get to it when I have the opportunity."

"Of course. It's good news though, from what I can see." The administrator stepped forward and set the paper down. "I haven't read through the entire report, but it looks like another regiment of Exorcists abandoned the Church."

"Really?" Luna glanced up with a quirked brow. She smiled. "That is good news. Were you able to pick up where they were going?"

"I imagine that's further in the report, but I cannot say I know that for a fact." The white-haired man adjusted his glasses. "Have you determined our next target?"

"Not quite yet," she replied. Tapping the table, she glanced at the slowly growing pile of reports, then to the magitech holoscreen with a feed of the most recent news from the largest sources both supernatural and not. "I do have a couple ideas, though."

"Then I shall leave you to it, Commander." With a short bow, the older man took his leave. Lunarunn's smile faded as she turned around and stared at the news reports she had pinned up behind her, between the windows.

"Leaks? More Like a Flood of Biblical Proportions! Religious Institutions Reeling After Onslaught of Reports Released Online!"

"The Dawn Legion: Heralds of a New Day, or Hypocrites of the Highest Order?"

"Lights for the Lost - Nonprofit for Orphans, Refugees, and Homeless Reveals Ties to Paramilitary Organization."

"Mayhem and Madness: Infamous Criminal-turned-Terrorist Lunarunn Noname Murders Savior of Devilkind Ajuka Beelzebub, Sirzechs Lucifer Vows to Deliver Madwoman to Justice!"

"Was Nietzsche Right? Leaked Documents Indicate Collusion Among Cardinals to Cover Up God's Passing?"

"To the Pits - How Immortals Die."

Finally, Luna's favorite, though it wasn't exactly an article: "The Darkness Before the Dawn - The Story of the Dawn Legion's High Commander."

No, it had nothing to do with how she authored it herself- or how it had become something of a hit in the supernatural community. Whether it was to critique it, enjoy it, or just to familiarize themselves with the woman who had publicly disbanded the Takamagahara-Abrahamic Summit and claimed Ajuka Beelzebub's life, her book was flying off the shelves.

More money for the coffers, but she had to admit, it was nice to create something so widely read.

It was nice to make things. Maybe that's why Ajuka had decided to let Sirzechs call the shots, so he could enjoy his real passion.

She stared at another paper, lips now turning downward as she dispelled the grim thought.

"Nobles of the Underworld Still Missing: Kidnappers Yet to Reveal Affiliation. Related to Appearance of 'Dawn Legion'?"

There was certainly enough for Luna to worry about. She hadn't heard hide nor hair from Ruval in the past week... nor Serafall for that matter.

What the hell happened down there? Did the True Satans already make their move? Diodora had also fallen silent, which further fanned her concerns. Had he gotten caught in the dragnet? Or was it...

Thankfully, a ping on the side of the holoscreen caught Luna's attention, and she opened up the chat page to read the message that had appeared.

NotAWizard: Azazel is asking for you.

He was? Huh. She figured he'd try and lay low, maybe figure out if he could escape.

Not that he'd have an easy time of it, given the multitudes of enchantments over him, his cell, and the entire cell block to boot. Maybe he realized that, and was trying to plumb her for information?

She replied swiftly.

150-Proof: Thank goodness. I need something to pull me away from all these reports.

A few moments later, her Pawn replied.

SeeingRed: You're the one who wanted to get the full disclosure on the goings-on of the big splash.

150-Proof: And I'm quickly learning why I have you and Kuroka as my Peerage- at least, if Kuroka wasn't still out on leave.

YourMoveHolyMan: Is she still looking after her sister?

150-Proof: Yeah. From what I heard, Shirone's pretty beat up about both missing the Summit and how Rias ended up getting caught in the big noble kidnapping maneuver.

SeeingRed: On the plus side, the Underworld's still in disarray.

150-Proof: Sure, for now. But once Sirzechs manages to spring everyone out, they'll practically be honor-bound to elevate him to Zekram's position. If he does that, the Underworld's at full-on war with us.

NotAWizard: And Ruval?

150-Proof: He's got a strong military, good enough to distract the others long enough for us to get in and form a full battlefront if need be. But I haven't heard from him since the kidnappings. I think he was taken too.

SeeingRed: Then I believe we have our bearings for our next primary operation.

YourMoveHolyMan: You sure? Nineveh Division may have been gutted by desertion or defection, and plenty more Exorcists left for parts unknown, but the Church is in a furor to get back at us. If we show our faces again so soon, they and Heaven will come down on us hard.

NotAWizard: Nervous about meeting your sensei again so soon?

YourMoveHolyMan: He was my sensei. I think that should speak for itself. Especially with his transfer to Sinai Division...

150-Proof: Ah, right. That...

YourMoveHolyMan: I worry about Irina. She confronted me last Sunday about the attack on the Vatican.

NotAWizard: What did you reply with?

YourMoveHolyMan: The truth. I'm not going to lie to my shishou's daughter. Conflicted didn't even begin to describe her after I was done.

150-Proof: Did she listen?

YourMoveHolyMan: ...I think she did. The evidence is pretty damning- no offense to the Devils in here.

SeeingRed: None taken. I for one take schadenfreude at seeing the skeletons come tumbling out of the Church's closet.

150-Proof: Was Griselda's daughter there too?

YourMoveHolyman: No. According to Irina, she's been having... a significant crisis of faith, with the death of her mother and the reveal of God's true status. Hasn't left Issei's house in days.

150-Proof: I imagine she's not in the mood for excuses right now. Though I still need to have words with Indra about blowing up the school so recklessly. I was trying to not kill the Exorcists, damn it. Jasp, what about the Church's response?

SeeingRed; The propaganda machine is rolling at full steam to label the reports as libel and slander. But they're fighting a multi-pronged war on that front considering all the allegations. I predict they'll give up the ghost in a couple weeks when their damage control blows up in their faces.

150-Proof: And you?

YourMoveHolyMan: I told you all those years ago, didn't I? It doesn't matter if He's alive or dead. My faith is in that we can be the good He would want to see, regardless.

SeeingRed; Such a belief is almost admirable. Almost.

150-Proof: Be nice, Jasp. I happen to like that belief.

NotAWizard: Because that belief happens to be in line with our mission?

Luna sent a stuck-out-tongue emoji at Georg's wry comment, closing the holoscreen before rising to her feet with a wry chuckle.

Time to go speak with the prisoner.


"I have to say, the amenities are simply to die for," Azazel commented airily, kicking his feet up on the table. "Three square meals a day, a nice bed, and the ability to requisition books on the holoscreen here? Truly, I'm flattered by such hospitality."

Lunarunn rolled her eyes, slipping her hands into the pockets of her longcoat. "Just because you're a prisoner doesn't mean I'm going to treat you like dirt, y'know. I'm the Monster to Devour Monsters, but I'm not monstrous."

"The Underworld begs to differ," The heterochromatic-haired Fallen shrugged with a wry smirk. "According to what I've been reading, they're calling you the next coming of Trihexa."

"Nah. Just the herald. All things break in time- I said it before, didn't I? Cataclysm Eclipse is proof."

"Could have fooled me."

"You really mean to say you didn't see the cracks in the ground beneath you before it gave out?" Luna lifted a fine brow, tilting her head slightly downward as she met Azazel's gaze. "You're a smart guy. Charismatic too. Should've guessed Wisdom was your dump stat."

"And it isn't yours?" he fired back. "You declared war on both sides of Hell, Heaven, organized religion, the Greeks, and enforced embargoes on the Duat. Do you really think you can win?"

"I seem to be doing pretty well so far." She gestured to him.

"You got in a sucker punch," he replied nonchalantly, waving off her point. "You have us dazed, sure. But the instant we gather ourselves back up, your little rebellious phase is six feet under."

Luna stared at him for several long seconds, before shaking her head slowly.

"Do you even hear yourself right now, Azazel? Rebellious phase? The entire world is up in arms now that the truths of our respective societies are starting to come to light. That's not just a 'phase'... besides, you're not exactly one to talk about 'phases' when you did the exact same thing with Yahweh."

Azazel's jovial expression fell, revealing his true, acerbic feelings. "I chose to stand up to Dad because I didn't agree with the way He was handling things. I never wanted to fight Him though. That was Lucifer's desire, not mine. And that's not even talking about..." he trailed off, head swiveling from side to side. "That's not the point. You're taking the same path the Demons did- and just like them, you're going to lose everything for it."

"So what, am I supposed to just turn around and say 'Oh, I'm sorry for killing Ajuka in a one-on-one battle where it was either me or him, here, why don't you take my head as recompense?'" Luna rapped a single metallic finger on the cell door twice, scowling. "Newsflash, douchebag: I'm not that selfless, and neither are you, so can the holier-than-thou bullshit. At least I own up to what I am, and what I want, and what I'll do to achieve it."

"But are you? Are you really?" he replied, acid and nonchalance mixing in his tone now. "Because from where I'm sitting, the Underworld might have a point that you're the second coming of Trihexa."

The brunette's scowl morphed into a smirk. "And you're sounding an awful lot like the dad you resented enough to break away from. So dogmatic, what would the other Fallen think, about their Governor-General being equally a machine and a dog?"

"Why thank you. I don't hide what I am; an invention-making machine, and a horndog of the highest order."

Luna snorted, crossing her arms and looking away. Damn him for his witty repartee. "...You were about to say something about someone else. Back when you were comparing your path to Lucifer's. Penny for your thoughts?"

"I consider my thoughts worth far more than a penny."

"And you're lucky I'm too nice to kill a prisoner unless they really deserve it. I hope for your sake that luck doesn't run out."

"Ah, so brutal. Then again, the organization reflects its face, and you've had quite the violent debut, haven't you?"

The brunette beamed at him, replying in sing-song. "Only the finest violence for the finest hypocrites~"

"Hah. Fine, if you're so insistent on getting my full thoughts, then I'll happily waste your time."

Luna tilted her head. "...So, who is this third person aside from yourself and Lucifer? Kokabiel called me a second 'Outsider', and I have a feeling the individual who the original Luna sold her soul to was the original. I'm pretty sure she and I look the same too."

"He did, did he?" Azazel hummed, crossing his arms and closing his eyes. "Huh. He may well have been onto something. I wasn't entirely sure before, but it adds up. The third pair of wings you showed off, the body, the unusual powers and unusual method of acquisition... it does add up."

Once more the Worldweaver rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd consider my body a point in favor of me being the 'second outsider'."

"Believe me, as much of a psychotic bitch as the original 'Outsider' turned out to be, she was a fine specimen. Otherworldly, even." Azazel grinned shamelessly, hands twitching as though pantomiming a groping motion. "It's almost a shame that her face and name are a complete enigma to me. At least I can remember yours, even if you seem to be following her footsteps pretty well."

"'Psychotic bitch', huh?" Luna frowned, looking away as a thought came to mind. Finally, she came to a decision. "...That wouldn't have something to do with her allying with the Demons, would it?"

A long pause.

"Oh?" Now curiosity laced the Governor-General's tone. "You know more than you let on."

"Only bits and pieces. I've kept a dream diary ever since I realized what I was seeing while asleep were more than just normal sleep patterns."

"Maybe I could corroborate."

"And ingratiate yourself to me, so I eventually release you- only to find a knife in my back."

Azazel was all smiles. "What, me? Why, I would never! I'd have Shem do it for me."

The smile dropped, shoulders sagging as he stared at his lap. "...What happened to him, by the way?"

"He was captured too. Not as... gracefully, as you were. But he's on the mend. I had you two sent to different cells, just in case you try to plan something. Closer to the medical wing, too. He's in good hands." She scratched the back of her head and looked away. "Tell you what: I'll give you my dream diary to go through, you fill in whatever I'm missing to the best of your ability, and I'll let you two have a voice chat. Monitored, mind you, but... I'm sure you're worried about him."

"I want to see him."

"Video chat, then," she amended. "But I'm not going to put my men or my organization at risk by letting you two start brainstorming ways to stage a breakout together."

Azazel frowned. Luna sighed.

"I don't know what exactly happened to make the original Outsider join forces with the Demons, but I'm not that person. Nor do I want to be. If you help me understand what happened in the past, I will know what steps to not take going forward." The brunette crossed her arms. "I might be stirring up enough chaos to cause a War Throughout the Heavens, Ragnarok, the Apocalypse, whatever. But if I can find a way to fix this mess of a planet we live on without needing to resort to violence, I will."

"And you couldn't let the most ambitious peace project in centuries slide?"

She scowled. "No. I couldn't. You're not stupid, but you were willing to kick out your own brothers and sisters who refused to play along. How the hell is that fair?"

"Life isn't fair."

"So it's up to us to make it fair." Luna turned away, uncrossing her arms to return them to her pockets. "And I'll do that, even if I have to burn out the decay to do so."

She started walking, but paused when she heard a snort from Azazel. Turning back around, she noted him shaking his head.

"Honestly, if Kokabiel didn't have it out for you, you two would have gotten along well."

Luna bowed her head, debating whether or not to say something about that, before stating something else. "The offer will remain open for you to see your friend."

"I'll pass. That he is recovering is good enough news to tide me over until we finally get free."

She hummed. "So be it."

"And what about you? How are you holding up, after killing yours?"

The brunette flinched as though slapped, and immediately reprimanded herself internally. His only available weapon were his words, and he now knew he'd scored a clean hit with that comment.

She didn't dare look back at the Fallen Angel.

"It's been years since that gala. I figured it'd be over with him, that I wouldn't feel bad about doing what I had to, but..." she shook her head. "It still hurts."

"Why is that? Were you still harboring feelings for him?"

The Worldweaver snorted.

"Hope, more like. Hope that there was a reason he chose to follow Sirzechs." Luna's shoulders sagged. "He could have done so much good. He did so much good. He could have done so much more too, if he had been willing to just make his own choices."

"So you killed him." Azazel spoke neither question nor accusation, but simple fact. "Yet you killed Kokabiel too."

Again, she had to bite down a retort. "It was either me or Ajuka. But..." she looked down, running a hand through her ponytail. "Ajuka was a friend, once. I... never wanted this for him."

He clearly wasn't convinced if the snort was any indication. "If you say so."

She shook her head, letting out a grunt as she started walking again. Azazel raised his voice.

"You know, he'd spoken with me about you more than once." Luna paused once more, turning back around to see Azazel standing right up against the enchanted glass polymer separating them. "After you were abandoned by the Satans."

The two-tone-haired Fallen scratched his ear, glancing to the side, volume lowering after he got her attention. "Even then, he didn't stop thinking about what he had done. He and Sirzechs were blood-brothers. He made a vow to follow Sirzechs to the grave if need be. They loved each other, plain and simple. Even then, Ajuka spoke with regret. Not that he followed Sirzechs, but that Sirzechs wanted to leave you high and dry."

He sighed. "You know as well as I do how much Sirzechs cares about his family. Yet you took his brother from him, his first real friend, the one person he trusts - trusted - even more than Grayfia. I can only imagine what Sirzechs is going through right now. Once that grief turns to rage, I fear for the devastation that will follow."

Their gazes met, Azazel's wary, but not outright hostile. "Was that why you chose to kill Ajuka, when you could have walked away?"

Luna frowned. "Ajuka was an enemy. He wouldn't stop- he damn near took my life. I tried to let him surrender, but he refused. It was me or him, end of story."

Azazel wasn't impressed. He crossed his arms. "I read the reports. He was mutilated and beaten, after you pulled some bullshit with that third set of wings you manifested. But you still killed him. Why?"

"It was the fair thing to do," she defended herself. "How many people suffered, died, under his watch? How many could he have saved if he chose to speak up? Regardless of how I feel about it, I won't stand by and do nothing like he did."

"With that logic, everybody deserves to die."

That shut the brunette up, and for a moment, Azazel could see something flicker in her eyes. Hurt? Regret? Resignation? He couldn't quite tell.

The moment passed, and it was gone.

"Maybe they do," she agreed softly. "But some people deserve it far more than others. Life is a gift, damn it, and I've had enough of the shitstains in power either stealing that gift from those who can't fight back, or abetting it. Even if those shitstains were once my friends."

Lunarunn turned around, not paying the Governor-General any further heed, and left the prison block, silent as a shadow save for two parting words.

"Especially them."


Ruval sat, hands manacled, in a large cell.

It was cold. Dark. Clammy. Even for a Devil, the conditions left much to be desired, especially given whatever the True Satans had in place to suppress his power. Perhaps especially; Devils like himself were used to finer conditions. He grimaced, forcing down the slop the TSF gaolers fed them.

Even though it had been nearly a week since they woke up, Ruval cracked a smile.

"At least they aren't starving us," he offered, only to get a half-hearted glare from the red-headed heiress sitting across from him. The brown-haired matriarch that completed the triangle scoffed.

"Lord Phenex, your intentions are appreciated, but the comment itself leaves much to be desired," Venelana replied, shifting the torn-off cloth from her gown that she had repurposed as a makeshift blanket. "Our situation is dire, there is no point in dismissing that."

"Which makes it more important to count our blessings," he replied, gesturing to them both. "Whatever the TSF has in mind, they need us alive to accomplish it."

Rias's jaw clenched and she turned away, not speaking a word.

"That... is true," the Gremory matriarch admitted softly, crossing her arms beneath her bust. "Yet they did not hesitate to gun us down during the ambush itself. It is only because I was fast enough to get Rias to the ground that the Gremory Pillar isn't extinct."

She looked over at her daughter, voice softening. "Rias, dear. I know it's hard, but we do not have the luxury of processing Zeoticus's passing. Force those feelings down for now; we must strategize."

"I-" the young Devil in question turned to meet her mother's implacable gaze, before nodding once and staring at the ground. "R-right." She swallowed, hard, eyes squeezing shut for multiple seconds before letting out a harsh breath. "Father would want us safe. So we need to focus on that first."

Ignoring the pleased look in Venelana's eye, Ruval gave Rias a nod. "Agreed. Thankfully, my family wasn't present at the Assembly, so they will be able to sound the alarm and gather a rescue team."

The brunette looked at the blond askance. "Even though your relationship with them is so strained, based on what your mother has shared with me?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Even if my relationship with Mother and Father is much like my relationship with the rest of the aristocracy, the political benefit our house would receive from saving the rest of the Underworld nobility would be too large a boon to deny. Besides; us Phenexes look after our family, through thick and thin. They will come, of that I am certain."

He looked between them. Rias had a focused, if somewhat neutral expression on her face, and Venelana seemed to be scrutinizing him with a thoughtful gaze.

Ruval continued. "Our priorities are currently twofold; first, whatever the TSF has planned for us, we need to stall for as long as possible. Compliance is key, but so is being as unhelpful as possible without inciting repercussions."

"You seem rather well-equipped for such a situation," Venelana said lightly, a faint smile playing at her lips.

"It's..." he paused. "It's something I've done a bit of research on, after the Dark Moon Incident." The Phenex sighed. "Even now, I wonder if Lunarunn knowing what I do now would have kept her from going mad."

He looked down, and Rias looked away, a conflicted expression on her face.

Venelana placed her own manacled hands on his arm.

"We all wonder what we could have changed in the past," she soothed, locking eyes as he looked up at her. "But the past is dead. So focus on what's in front of you right now. Especially right now." They were imprisoned, after all. "Can you do that, Ruval?"

The young Phenex lord remained silent for a few moments, before nodding and offering a smile. "Of course. Thank you for your sage advice."

Venelana nodded back and withdrew, seemingly satisfied with Ruval's response. She glanced back to the bars that kept them trapped. "But you are correct. We must focus on either stalling the enemy, or figuring out a way to escape. Ideally, both."

Ruval nodded, rising to his feet to inspect the bars again, though he didn't get too close. Cold Iron may have been most effective against the Fae, but it still had its uses against Devils. He figured that out the hard way, when he first woke up.

"Well, let's recount our situation," he said, glancing back at Venelana and Rias. "We're trapped in an unknown location by an unknown enemy, though I fully believe it is the TSF given Aesle's appearance at the Assembly."

Rias, looking between Ruval and her mother with a faint frown on her face, snapped back to Ruval as he spoke, nodding once before lifting a hand to cup her chin. "If they're putting us together, then that suggests that they don't have enough cells to separate everyone. That means we may be in a locale the size of a small to medium estate, depending on whether the three of us are on the higher or lower end of Devils packed together."

"At the very least, you are one of the more tolerable Devils to be forced to share a room with for as long as we have," Venelana mused aloud.

Ruval cracked a grin. "Ah, see? I knew my humor from earlier would help lift our spirits."

The Gremory matriarch sniffed. "Hmm, whatever helps you sleep."

He closed his eyes and listened for a moment - but as usual, the only sounds that reached his ears was the cold ambiance of their cell.

"I still can't hear anyone. Perhaps the others are kept in separate parts," he offered.

"Or that we've been split up," Venelana pointed out, to which Ruval conceded the point with a bob of his head.

"Or that we've been split up," he affirmed. "That would make both breaking us out and keeping us in more difficult respectively. The TSF forces would need to spread themselves thin, but at the same time..."

"If they have the preparation and the numbers to do so, we can't expect anyone to come for us any time soon," Rias finished, hands clenched into fists. "And based on the fact that they attacked us all at the very seat of the Underworld's power..."

Venelana nodded slowly, closing her eyes in thought before opening them again. "They had an insider," she declared. "None of the guards that were stationed at the Assembly reacted as they should have, and none of the wards worked either. That means whoever their mole is, they were very high in our military echelon."

"A Marchosias would be able to slice the wards," Ruval said. "We had grown complacent on the extinction of their line, but Aesle has laid claim to the name."

"So they supposedly have." The brown-haired Devil rose to her feet and began pacing. "But that would also take time to do so in such a way that we wouldn't notice when the rug is pulled out from beneath us. A separate, dummy ward to deceive our senses, perhaps. As such, this Aesle individual would need to be onsite for at least an hour, and whoever was assisting them would need to be nearby to maintain the barrier."

"You seem rather confident that it would take at least an hour, Lady Venelana."

She shook her head. "Please, no formalities. Not when we're in a situation like this."

At Ruval's slight nod, the former Bael continued. "Unless we were all trapped under an illusion powerful enough to trick all of our senses simultaneously, it would take time to ease away the traditional wards in place without one of us taking notice. With the death of the Dantalion family, the only Mentalist powerful enough to perform such a feat would be Serafall Leviathan. Even then, she would need to be close by. Yet she was wholly absent from the meeting. The simplest explanation is usually the correct one, so if we're discounting the use of Mentalism, then we can deduce that a ward specialist is our culprit." Her head shifted over to her daughter. "Rias, here is a pop quiz for you; which of our generals are known for their prowess in defensive applications of Id?"

Rias snapped to attention, her back straightening out. "If I recall properly," she started, lifting a finger to her lips, "We have three generals with the kind of expertise required to pull off a ward easement or enough favor to limit the number of guards at such an important meeting: Caylon Stolas for the wards, Sayros Beleth for rank and influence..." Her body tensed up, eyes widening as she realized what she was about to say. "...and Falbium Asmodeus for both."

"Caylon and Sayros don't have the motive - Sayros is certainly more withdrawn and doesn't show her face much, but neither has she raised complaints about her family's actions against me." Ruval crossed his arms. "And Caylon is a traditionalist, but he's also a military man through and through. He wouldn't raise his weapon against civilians unless forced, even if those civilians are on the same tier of power as him."

"My son did say that Falbium was growing increasingly disillusioned with the rule of the remaining 72 Pillars. I figured that he would leave like Mephisto did all those years ago. But to ally with his old enemies like this?" Venelana sneered, though it wasn't directed at either of her cellmates. "Just what is going through that man's head?"

"Why not ask that man himself?"

Quiet as the night, stepping from the shadows of the cell hallway, the Satan - former Satan? - stepped forward, dressed in armor, general armor gleaming, eyes keenly taking in the reactions of each of them to his sudden appearance as he came to a stop in front of their cell door, arms behind his straightened back.

Rias drew back, eyes wide. Venelana bared her teeth in a grimace, but also backed off slightly.

Ruval stared Falbium down, his own gaze equally calculating.

"Bold of you to wait to show your face until we put the pieces together," the Phenex said, getting a smirk out of the Glasya-Labolas.

"I like to know that the people I spend my time on are worth talking to. Life is tiring enough without wasting it on dullards."

"Falbium, dear, do you really consider me of all people a dullard?" Venelana asked, sickly sweet.

"Of course not." He waved off the accusation. "But one can never be too certain. The world is changing, whether we like it or not, so it falls upon us to ensure our vision remains clear."

"So you joined forces with the True Satan Faction," Ruval drolled, quirking a brow. "A faction dedicated to the reign of the Demons, and their direct kin, who would pull our society back into the dark ages."

"Joined forces? Yes, I suppose that's a good way to put it. They have numbers. They have brilliant commanders. They have finances, and a similar goal as I - the destruction of the Great King Faction."

"But why!?" Rias finally burst. "Why would you do that!? What we had, sure, it might not have been perfect, but it's still so much better than what your 'allies' want!"

Falbium tilted his head, examining the redhead closely.

"You say that, being at the pinnacle of this keep," he replied. "Have you gone to the cities, and looked in the backstreets?"

Rias scowled, but nodded once. "...Yes. I've gone there."

"Rias!" Venelana rounded on her daughter, aghast. "Was this when you went out with Ravel and Sona?"

"Yes, mother," she replied dully. "Ravel asked us to figure something out for her. Sona and I were uniquely positioned to do some investigation for her. We met in Lilith at one of the backstreet restaurants."

After a moment's pause, Venelana nodded slowly. "...While I am pleased with your furthering your ties within the younger generation instead of spending your free time with only Sona, we will have words later about your leaving for such dangerous locales despite knowing that someone is out and about destroying Pillars."

"What did you see while you were there?" Falbium interjected, prompting the attention of the mother and daughter.

"...Squalor," Rias replied after a long second of fishing for the right words. "People who had given up, and were wasting their lives away."

"Ah yes, the beggars, pickpockets, and thieves." The former Satan crossed his arms. "The lucky ones."

"Lucky?" The redhead looked affronted, maybe even a touch alarmed. "Are you serious, Falbium?"

He nodded once. "I won't go into further detail, but what I will say is that the Old Satan Faction's... questionable actions go far deeper than they let on."

"We always knew they were rather despicable individuals, but they are Pillars." Venelana clicked her tongue. "Besides, you have very little room to speak, traitor."

His eyes slid over to Ruval, ignoring Venelana's interjection. "Which may explain, perhaps, why your lands have been expanding so rapidly."

The blond tilted his head, crossing his arms. "It's also how the FFP was formed; disenfranchised Devils banding together to find a voice."

"Indeed." A ghost of a smile crossed the usually-lazy Satan's face. "Funny how they ended up... disappearing."

The Phenex's eyes narrowed. "You know something."

"I know a lot of things. Like what awaits you three, for instance." Falbium's smile dropped. "As the family of my former friend, and as the Devil who has done the most for the forgotten since the fall of the FFP, you deserve to know that much."

Venelana's frown deepened, eyes narrowed at the casual dismissal of her prior words, but she nodded at him all the same, crossing her arms beneath her bust. "Continue then."

"The goal of the True Satan Faction is to return to the rule of the original Demon bloodlines, correct?"

Ruval blinked at the non-sequitur. "Correct, but what does that have to do with-"

Falbium continued. "And how would one return to a style of rule when the current ruling party would fight tooth and nail to prevent it?"

"By causing a coup..." Rias trailed off again, eyes glimmering with concern. "But if that was the case, why not kill us when we were unconscious from whatever bomb they used in the Assembly?"

The former Satan continued. "Because just like the rest of the nobility, the True Satan Faction places high value on purity of blood."

Venelana caught on first, her pale features turning ashen as her arms slowly slid back down to her sides. "...Falbium, are you suggesting...?"

His head turned to look at her directly and nodded once, and the noblewoman's hands lifted to her mouth.

Ruval realized Falbium's implications next, his eyes widening in alarm, running up to the bars to grab them, only to draw back with a hiss as his hands started smoking. "Gah- Wait, you mean-?!"

"They're going to use us to make a new generation to rule over," Venelana whispered, eyes darting over to Rias. It took a moment for the younger woman to realize what her mother meant, but then her own eyes widened, and where Venelana had paled, the sitting redhead leaned over, resting on one hand, covering her mouth with the other to try and fight down the revulsion and dread that threatened to spew out.

"Fuck," Ruval growled, holding a hand to his head before his eyes flicked over to Falbium. "But how would that work? It'd take potentially centuries to breed a new generation of pureblooded Devil! By then, Sirzechs would have come down like a meteor on the TSF. How in the blazes would you speed that process up when all the Mentalists were killed off?"

Falbium held up two fingers. "There are two answers to your question. Neither are good."

Once more Venelana was the first to pick up on the subtext. "They already have a Mentalist working for them, don't they?"

"One of the most dangerous I've ever seen," he admitted freely. "Especially now that he's... changed. I think you might know who, Ruval."

There was a long pause.

"Diodora Astaroth," the blond declared, brow drawn together.

"What?" Rias looked up at Ruval. "How? He's far from the strongest High-class Young Devil- he's one of the weaker ones, right?"

She paused, before looking down as the realization struck.

Ruval spoke first. "In the Rating Games, certain types of magics are banned for not being competitive, lack of visual spectacle, or an unavoidable danger to the user or those around them. Mentalism happens to fill all three categories to a significant degree. It's why Dantalion Devils almost never joined the Rating Games."

"The aristocracy didn't want to see Kings being attacked by their own Pieces. Both to put on the appearance that the Kings are the best among the Peerages, and because of the potential fallout that may occur within Peerages at the forced betrayal." Falbium shook his head. "Diodora's talent was Mentalism from the start, to the point of being mediocre everywhere else. I believe the term is 'savant'. His tolerance for its more addictive effects was remarkable for someone so young, and his power with it was impressive even before."

"Yet as someone who didn't fit the mold of the traditionalists, or the Great King Faction, he was an outcast, never given a chance to prove his strength." Venelana mused. "And when the FFP rose to power, with him as a significant player within the wedge faction..."

"You're catching on," Falbium remarked. "Unfortunately, he is not the Devil he used to be. He's fully in line with the TSF, at least for the time being. If anything, he seems to relish the prospect of laying the upper class low."

"Why are you telling us?" Rias asked.

The bald Devil drew in a deep breath, and exhaled. "Because even if I joined forces with the TSF, we are not allies, and what they seek to accomplish is something I cannot abide by."

"So does that mean you're breaking us out?" Ruval leaned on the wall. "I'm guessing that's not the case, since you haven't done so already."

"Of course not. I have a part to play in this madness going forward. But I did leak your location to certain third parties." He glanced at the three imprisoned Devils. "Tell whoever comes to rescue you that Falbium Glasya-Labolas sends his regards."

"Your request has been noted," Venelana replied noncommittally. "So, what is the second answer you mentioned earlier?"

Falbium's frown deepened. "The TSF has the Sephiroth Graal."

"What?!" Ruval took a step forward again, but as his hands were approaching the bars, he remembered what happened last time and stopped just before. "How?!"

"Their leader has... an uncanny knack for finding powerful individuals to bring into the fold," the former Satan replied. "I don't know how, but I have a few theories. Back to the Sacred Gear, however."

"You suggest the Sephiroth Graal can create life," Rias mused, brow creased. It deepened as Falbium shook his head.

"It cannot. It can change life, but it cannot create it." He let a moment pass to let that comment sink in. "But that does not mean that it cannot encourage the process of conception."

This time, Rias fit the pieces together first. "By the Morningstar..." she breathed. "That includes fertility, doesn't it?"

"Fertility, Id manipulation, enhanced mana throughput, hyperactive hormones, sensitivity to aphrodisiacs; you name it, the Holy Grail can induce it. It would not be a psychological change, not like with Diodora's Mentalism. But if you combine the two..."

One could hear a pin drop in the silence that followed.

"And you would leave us here to suffer that violation of everything we are?!" Venelana screeched, palms facing forward on either side as though attempting to summon the Power of Destruction into them. "Do you truly despise us that much, that you would burden us with that knowledge and no way to escape that fate?!"

"That is a question I will leave for you to decide." His cloak billowed as he turned to the side, nodding his head toward Ruval specifically. "Guard them well, Lord Phenex."

And with that, he was gone, leaving a confused Ruval, a livid Venelana, and a still Rias in the cell.

"'Lord Phenex'?" The brunette caught onto that immediately and snapped her gaze over to the blond. "Are you two allies in some grand scheme?"

"No. At least, we haven't spoken directly until now. Not since the DMI." He shook his head, maintaining his own composure well in the face of Venelana's perturbed reaction. If anything, Falbium's last comment seemed more... an acknowledgement of some sort? Ruval wasn't sure, but that seemed the most likely case. "Yet he's made his point clear. He means to stay with the TSF, at least for the time being. Yet, he's not directly their ally."

"He means to destroy everything we've worked for!" she insisted.

"Not everything. If that were the case, he wouldn't have spoken to us at all." Ruval lifted a hand to his chin, stroking his light goatee. "No, he spoke with us because he wants us to be ready."

"For what?" Venelana demanded. "All we have is a vague promise that some 'third party' knows where we are, much less that they'll actually come for us."

Ruval glanced back, at the way Rias stared at the floor, eyes wide, unseeing, imagination clearly running wild.

He did not miss the pace of her breath quickening.

She hadn't asked for this. Neither had any of them.

His jaw tightened.

He could keep hiding it. It would be the best thing to do here.

But what sort of noble would he be if he just let a girl languish in uncertainty if he could stop it?

Ruval stepped over and knelt down, placing a hand on her shoulder and shaking it gently. Such an action could be considered a faux pas in high society, but right now she needed a physical stimulus. "Rias. Do you know my secret?"

She looked back up, blinking the confusion out of her eyes, though he could see the relief in having something else to think about. "W... What?"

Her mother lifted a thin brow. "...This has something to do with what she went to speak to Sona and Ravel about, doesn't it?"

Rias blinked a couple more times, the dots beginning to connect. "Wait, you mean...?"

A faint smile crossed Ruval's expression. "She happened to confront me with a rather impressive roster of reports. Finances, personage investigations, stock reports, you name it. Ravel was rather insistent that I was hiding something."

He chuckled faintly. His lips rose further. "She was right. And if Falbium means what I think he does... we may not be here for as long as we may otherwise have feared."


In the week that followed the debacle in the false Kuoh Academy, life went on. Issei returned to school, a small glamour courtesy of Raynare hiding his active Boosted Gear as he continued to sit in class.

Idly, he felt another boost join the stock he was building. Thankfully, Ddraig was directing the boosts to build his ceiling upward. At this point, if he were to express it more outwardly, he'd be a blazing beacon to anyone with a modicum of ability to sense power.

'Even so, it's still not enough.'

Issei tried to pay attention to the lecture, he really did, but there was so much on his mind that even now, he could feel his thoughts drifting.

Without much in the way of supernatural contact, Issei had taken to watching the news. So many religious institutions were being lambasted, evidence of heinous crimes hidden by those in power piling up more and more.

There was no doubt in his mind who the culprit was for the leaks - if they could even be called that at this point - but the sheer volume of verifiable allegations left even Issei astonished. Asia was heartbroken, but took them with such grace that Issei's respect for her grew greater still.

"I always wanted to leave the Vatican and explore the world. I think I understand why, now." She had smiled, but there was a tinge of sadness to it that had prompted Issei to pull her into a hug.

Then there was his newest guest at home.

Poor girl hadn't left the guest room in a week. Even Raynare had ended up bringing her food more than once.

The priest returned to the church and had resumed his services, according to Irina and Asia. He even asked about Xenovia, without prior prompting.

'He knows.' He was a part of that woman's plans, Issei was sure of it. The question was, how complicit was he in Lunarunn's ascension? They were friends, after all.

Issei heard the bell ring, and without another word got up, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and left the classroom. He nodded a greeting to Asia and walked out of the school with her. They were shortly joined by Irina.

In the week that had followed the incident, Irina and Xenovia had both chosen to remain in Japan; the former stayed because she wanted to spend time reconnecting with her hometown after everything it had gone through, and the latter...

Well, he figured that she wanted time to process what had happened to her mom. She hadn't spoken much when he'd delivered food to her room a few days ago. Usually it was Irina, Raynare, or Asia.

Even though the world seemed like it was tearing apart, even if the ORC was now nowhere to be found, life went on. As they walked along, Issei could see the scaffolding of buildings being rebuilt, the construction men and women hard at work.

Eventually they stopped by a cat cafe, one of the few places that had emerged relatively undamaged from Lunarunn's explosion, and stepped inside, where they were greeted by one of the waitresses.

"Welcome to Cafe du Nya, how can-" she paused, recognizing the visitors. Issei raised a hand, a faint smile crossing his features.

"Hey Yuuma-san," Raynare had mentioned she preferred being called that in public. "Busy day?"

"Considering that other places are still opening back up..." she let the act drop briefly with a rough sigh, shaking her head. "Whatever. Table for three?"

"You're welcome to join us, Amano-san," Asia offered. Irina glanced at her, then to Issei.

She was still wary of the Fallen, but if the way the exorcist gave a slight shrug was any indication, Irina was willing to continue giving Raynare the benefit of the doubt.

"I might have to. I needed to take a break soon anyway. Let me bring you three to a table, and I'll go speak with the boss."

A table and a few drinks later, and Issei found himself sitting next to his girlfriend and two gorgeous girls that (he was pretty were) were also his friends. He idly noticed two cats nearby, one pitch black and one pure white, the white one seemingly interested in their presence.

Pretty sure he saw a light novel that went like this somewhere...

He got a nudge from a pouting Asia, before he realized that he'd gotten lost in his thoughts again.

"Ise-kun..."

"Sorry, sorry." He held his hands up, smiling slightly. "You were saying?"

"Life, the universe, and everything," Raynare supplied with a roll of her eyes. "We were waiting for your input. Let me guess, pervy stuff again?"

"H-hey! Evermore is a great visual novel!"

"That also has a shitton of sex in it."

"Yuuma-san..." Asia's pout turned on the Fallen.

"Well, yeah, but- wait, how did you know that?"

"I mean." Raynare gestured to him. "It's pretty obvious considering who you are."

"Ise-san really did grow up to be a lust-addled man, didn't he?" Irina murmured to herself, clasping her hands in brief prayer. "Dear Father in Heaven..."

Her eyes widened as she realized what she was doing. "...Ah." Then, she looked down at her hands, her brow creasing as she exhaled softly.

"Just because the big guy isn't up there doesn't mean nobody's listening," the Fallen stepped in quickly. "Pretty sure that goody two-shoes Michael's been keeping up as best he can. That's what I've heard, anyway."

That didn't seem to lift her spirits. "But..."

"It's not the same, is it?" Issei guessed, to which Irina nodded slowly.

"Y-yeah." She shivered. "I spoke with Father Masaomi, but I'm still... there's still so many questions. It's not easy to be faithful when even Heaven's emissaries have admitted that..."

"That God is dead?" Asia stepped in, voice soft.

Irina's jaw tightened, but she nodded once, taking in another breath. "That. I... I've grown up in the Church. But that was after I left Kuoh, I mean. Xenovia was already grieving for her mother, but... the Church is all she knows. She was raised there as long as she can remember. So to see that there's so many... awful things that they were hiding..."

The exorcist shivered again, shaking her head as if to dispel the thought. "I want to get back soon. I've never seen Xenovia as despondent as she is now. I'm worried for her. Really, really worried."

Issei felt a chill go down his spine at the admittance. "Has she been eating since I last ran food up to her room?"

"Enough to get by. Barely, though," Raynare answered, frowning severely. "I'd say I feel bad for her, but honestly, you lot are so melodramatic."

"Yuuma-san, she lost her mother," Asia gently chided, to which the black-haired woman shrugged.

"Can't relate." She raised a brow at the flat looks she got in return. "What? Just because I'm willing to lend a hand here and there because Issei and his parents let me stay at his house doesn't mean I'm suddenly all empathetic."

"That's..." Issei lifted a finger, then lowered it, and sighed. "That... makes sense. Still your turn to deliver dinner."

"...I'll let you touch my boobs if you do it instead."

"PSSSSSH-" "Kyaa!" "Oof!" "Ah, I'm sorry Asia-san!"

Asia yelped, diving out of the way of the stream of tea that geysered from Irina's lips, the former nun landing on Issei's lap in the process, the approaching white cat speeding away, the black one following suit afterward.

He and Irina coughed, one from the spittake and the other from having his girlfriend suddenly drop on his lap without warning. Not that he was complaining. Still, he glared at Raynare, who had a shamelessly false innocent smile on her face.

"You did that on purpose."

She ignored his accusation. "So? What do you say?"

Issei stared at Raynare, an eye twitching.

"Do you really think you can buy my services with your body?"

She stared right back, completely serious. "Yes."

From his lap, Asia sighed.

"Ise-san, are you really going to stoop to such a sinful exchange?" his oldest friend exclaimed.

The young man in question wiped away a thin trail of blood leaking from his nose, not breaking gaze with the Fallen Angel.

"You're goddamn right."

Ddraig groaned. "I'm not sure whether you're a disgrace to dragonkind or an honor to it, Issei."

"ISE-SAN!" Irina gasped, before slumping over with a defeated moan. "I knew you were a degenerate, but this...?"

"Ise is going to be Ise," Asia said from her place on his lap, pouting cutely. "...B-but if it really means that much to you Ise-kun, then you could touch mine-"

"It's spreading..." The exorcist whispered with growing horror. "Not you too, Asia-san...!"

"Ah-" Asia blushed, rising back up with puffed cheeks and pinched lips. "S-sorry, Irina-san. But Ise-kun is my boyfriend. I need to... er... stand my ground?"

"By saying you wouldn't mind if he touched you." A growing grin on Raynare's face shone sinisterly. "My, I didn't realize cute wittle Asia-chan had such a debauched side to her."

The blush on the blonde's face grew brighter, shaking her head. "N-no, it's not that, it's just that- ah..."

"Didn't I catch you about to suck him off in the Kuoh Academy dojo a few months ago?"

"T-that never happened!" the former nun squeaked, Issei's head on a swivel between her and Raynare as they exchanged fire, practically gawping.

"I dunno, I'm pretty sure I remember offering you advice on how to actually do a blowjob-" Now she was practically beaming, holding up a hand and making a circle with her thumb and all fingers save for her pinky, which was stuck out. "If you're willing to hand off your boytoy, I could give you a firsthand demonstration how to use your mouth-"

"I... I..." the poor girl was practically steaming from the ears now, and so was Irina, just as a spectator.

"E-enough of this d-debauchery!" the exorcist stammered, raising a shaking finger. "Don't you infect me with your perversions too, you- you lewd zombies!"

Issei and Raynare's eyes met again, and they nodded their heads simultaneously, raising limp-handed arms toward each other.

"Oppaaaaaaaii-" / "Diiiiiiiick-"

"UWAAAAAAAA!" Irina couldn't take it any more, bolting from her seat, leaping over the table behind it. She landed in a crouch in a remarkable display of athleticism, and proceeded to high-tail it out of the cafe. Raynare proceeded to start snickering.

"You two are so mean," Asia pouted, puffing out her cheeks again as she rose back to her seat, sipping what little remained of her cinnamon latte.

The look she gave Issei from behind the cup, however, held its own glimmer of amusement.


As Issei, Irina, and Asia left the cafe, Raynare made her way back to the break room, to get ready for the next part of her shift.

"I'm glad that you enjoyed your break with some friends, Amano-san!"

"They're not my friends, Hanegawa-san," she replied almost immediately, not turning around as she began washing her hands.

"Hmm... could have fooled me." The smiling middle-aged woman who ran the cafe gave a soft hum as she opened a nearby cabinet, rummaging through it. "Certainly, it sounded like you four were having a good time."

"You were listening in?"

"You were rather noisy," she replied, not missing a beat as she pulled out a pair of gloves, slipping them over her hands. "Especially with how you and that young man teased the other girls until they were tomatoes... honestly, it reminds me of me and my Kiyama-kun back when we were your age."

Raynare rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Argento-san and Shidou-san have had a lot on their minds. They're practicing Christians, and Shidou-san's friend is grieving."

Hanegawa made an 'ah' of understanding, her usual cheer evaporating as she caught on to the implications. "A lot on their minds indeed. My condolences to her friend. Then you two were giving them something else to think about?" The chipper tone returned. "If the way they both were flushed red means anything, it worked."

The Fallen in disguise paused, looking at the gloves in her hands as she glanced back over to her manager.

She still remembered the way that idiotic human nearly gave his life to save the town. How he'd Boosted the barrier the other Fallen had been keeping up just enough to keep a disaster from turning into an outright calamity.

Then she heard about how he had rushed into a building that had been hijacked by a paramilitary organization to try and stop the mayhem that organization's leader wrought. He failed there, but even so...

Not everyone could do that. Not everyone could throw themselves into danger so easily, and come out stronger for it.

She certainly couldn't.

"Issei... is not your usual person."

"'Issei'?" she caught onto the lack of honorific immediately. "Ah, so that's his name."

The smile that grew on Hanegawa elicited a spike of irritation in the black-haired girl. Was she jumping to conclusions again?!

There was a crash in the distance, and a yowl of a cat, the two of them immediately hurrying out to see the source of the commotion.

Another waitress - Miyumi, Raynare recognized - had apparently tripped, the tea she had been carrying spilled out across the floor.

"A-ah, I'm sorry!" the poor girl insisted.

"No, it's fine." The bespectacled young man adjusted his glasses, turning away. "I was already leaving. Keep the payment."

The way that was said was nice enough, but the lack of emotion suggested some level of offense.

"Thank you for your patronage," Raynare said, smiling and bowing - as per custom - in Miyumi's place as Hanegawa helped the other girl back to her feet.

The look of acknowledgement she got back was cold. But there was... something more to it, that sent a chill down her spine.


When Issei, Asia, and Irina reached the Red Dragon Emperor's house, he immediately realized that his friends weren't the only visitors.

Indeed, sitting at the table with his mom and dad were two young women, one with white hair, one with black... and their ears and tails out prominently on display.

"Koneko?"

She turned to him, and lifted a hand.

"Hey."

The black-haired Nekoshou glanced. "Is he the one you've been keeping an eye on, nya?" She peered at him with one eye, tails waving lazily behind him. "I can see why, mrowr~"

Koneko leveled a flat gaze at the other girl. "Don't be so lewd, Kuroka-nee." She then turned to Issei's parents and bowed. "My apologies for my older sister's uncouth behavior. Our upbringing was not the kindest."

Miki hummed, holding a hand to her cheek. "Thank you for your apology, Koneko-chan. Certainly, I would prefer it if my son wasn't ogled like a piece of meat."

"She can ogle me. I don't mind." Koneko stared deadpan at Issei's reaction, but did the corners of her lips twitch upward?

"Pervert." "Degenerate." "Ise-kun..." "Cultured~"

"And proud of it." Issei grinned, giving everyone in the room a cheeky thumbs-up before his expression firmed. "So, what brings you here? I'm not gonna dig into the 'twin-tailed catgirls' thing." He technically had an idea already, but there were more important matters to discuss. "But since you're being pretty obvious about what species you two are, I'm guessing something's up?"

Kuroka's lewd grin slid off her face, revealing a focused mien of her own as she gestured to the three. "More than just 'something'. There's a lot going down, and we need your help."

Gorou and Miki exchanged glances, before the former spoke up. "Miki will make dinner; is there anything you may need from me?"

"Not at the moment," Koneko replied, glancing over to Issei, Irina, and Asia. "But we'll see."

With a furrowed brow, he nodded, rising from his seat and leaving, with his wife following shortly after.

After the traditional humans left, Irina spoke. "So you were Reincarnated?"

Issei looked at Irina askance, but Koneko nodded. "Yeah. Is that a problem?"

"...Not too long ago, I would have said 'yes', but..." The brunette's brow furrowed. "It's not that simple. So what is it that you need Ise-san's help for, exactly?"

Koneko's small hands clenched into fists, and took a small breath.

"Buchou was kidnapped. Help us break her out."

THUMP.

Issei's heartbeat pounded in his ears. Rias? Kidnapped? Thousands of images flashed through his mind, but only a single word left him.

"How?"

"There was an important Assembly meeting called. Everyone and their heirs were expected to attend." Kuroka crossed her arms. "But then they were ambushed by mercenaries hired by the True Satan Faction."

"We don't know the full details," the white-haired Nekoshou continued. "Nearly every Pillar and their heirs were taken from the Assembly Hall, one of the most well-guarded places in the Underworld. Not sure how."

"But the point still stands that they're now all missing," The more physically-mature of the two Youkai-turned-Devils finished. "The Underworld is in disarray after Lunarunn killed Ajuka, and the individuals who function as their parliamentarians were all swiped from the very seat of their power. From what I was told, they don't have time for the Underworld to break them out before something bad happens."

"Something bad?" Asia parroted.

"I wasn't told the specifics," Kuroka admitted with a shake of her head. "But based on the insistence that I was asked to help head this breakout mission, it's probably better that I don't. Otherwise Koneko and I might be emotionally-compromised."

"I'm already heavily invested enough, Buchou is my friend." Koneko met Issei's eyes. "She messed up with how she treated you. But... I don't want to see her hurt or worse."

Issei was silent, crossing his arms, expression scrunched up as he closed his eyes in thought.

Asia and Irina looked at him, equally quiet.

Finally, he chuckled, the white-haired Nekoshou's brow furrowing in confusion.

Issei lowered his arms, shaking his head as he set a hand on his arm. "I... wish I could say I'm surprised. If it's not one thing with her, it's another."

"Buchou's life is certainly eventful," Koneko agreed dryly. "Will you help?"

"Of course I will," he replied emphatically. "I might not want anything to do with Rias, but she needs help, and I can do that. Feelings aside, I'm pretty sure she doesn't deserve whatever awaits her otherwise."

"Like that jerk that you helped back to the disaster response camp when we went to Pakistan?" Asia offered.

"Ugh, don't remind me. I had three-quarters of a mind to drop that asshole on his head despite him being concussed," he affirmed with a groan. "If you hadn't passed out from pushing yourself too hard, I probably would have asked you to heal him so I could do just that."

"Someone clearly has a story to tell," Kuroka teased, to which Issei fixed her with a pointed look.

"Blame the old geezer for taking me traveling in the summer with him and Asia ever since we met."

"My tou-san," Asia helpfully supplied. "He runs the church here in Kuoh."

Kuroka's expression brightened as she connected the dots with the blonde's last comment. "Wait, you're Masaomi's daughter?"

"Adopted," she admitted, but with a beaming smile. "But you know him too? That's great!"

Issei's brow furrowed. Where would Kuroka know Masaomi from?

"Aw, that's adorable!" Kuroka cooed. "It really is a small world, isn't it?"

"Back on topic," Koneko pressed, getting a pout from her older sister that she promptly ignored. "The sooner we can leave, the better. Not sure when we'll get back, either. Hopefully, no more than a day."

"But... Xenovia..." Irina looked down, brow drawn in thought. Issei's eyes shifted upward, to where he knew Xenovia was at this moment.

"We have someone else we need to look after too," he agreed. "After the shitshow that was the Conference, she's been in a bad state. Mom and Dad are great, but... they don't understand what's been going on. Not for lack of trying, it's just an entirely different world."

"Is something wrong with her?" Kuroka offered. "I'm an expert at Senjutsu. If she's sick or hurt, I could heal her."

"Her mom died," Asia said, quietly. The black-haired Nekoshou stilled.

"...Ah." Her expression fell. "Well... maybe I could have a word?"

The way Koneko didn't immediately shut Kuroka down said volumes, at least to Issei. Apparently Irina didn't catch it based on her slightly affronted expression. "Are you really suggesting that as a stranger, you might know better than us what she's going through?"

Koneko frowned severely, but still didn't give voice to her thoughts. Kuroka, on the other hand, shrugged. "Maybe. I'm not gonna say I do or don't, but if she's the reason you all can't lend a hand, then wouldn't it be fair for me to try to lend mine?"

"...I could stay instead," the brunette offered, drawing looks from the other gathered individuals. "Xenovia's my friend. I'm more than willing to stay behind, if it means you two can help free this Rias girl."

"Irina-" Issei tried, only to be shut down when she turned to him.

"It sounds like I'm making some big sacrifice- some final stand against some hideous monster, doesn't it?" She giggled. "I'll be fine, Ise-san. My friend needs my help. Yours does too."

"She's not a friend-" He looked away, expression softening. "But I get it. It's just- it's been a while. If we're not sure how long it'll be, then by the time I get back you two might have gone back to the Vatican."

"That depends on Xenovia," she replied simply. "I'm not leaving until she's ready to. If that takes a long time, then that's fine. I just want her to be alright."

From the corner of the room, where the stairs led up to the bedrooms, Koneko caught a brief glimpse of blue hair.

"I do too," Issei agreed softly. It took several seconds, during which Asia slipped her hand into her boyfriend's, squeezing it once, before he conceded the point with a sigh. "But you're right. I can't let wanting to see an old friend get in the way of helping someone who needs it. When did you get so wise, Irina?"

"Exorcist, remember?" Irina teased, pointing at herself. "You could say I had a good role model to live up to."

There was another flash of blue hair behind them, this time prompting Asia to look back at the sound of footsteps retreating back upstairs. By the time she had, they were gone.

Kuroka smiled. "Then it's settled. We'll rendezvous with the rest of the rescue team as soon as you two are ready to go."

"Ise-san." The Red Dragon Emperor's head swiveled over to the smaller youkai-turned-Devil, who met his gaze for a long moment. She bowed her head. "Thank you."

His eyes glanced back to Asia, then back to Koneko, and half-smiled. "I'm just glad I can help."


A/N - And so the Breakout From Hell arc begins. Clearly, nothing's in the works here, it's gonna be a real simple, cut-and-dry rescue mission.

After all, rescue missions have gone so well in the past, right? The last big one didn't end up in people getting slaughtered by rampaging Devils.

Oh, what could possibly go wrong?

...I think you know as well as I do the answer to that. Tempura Wizard, out.