Issei took Mash to a late lunch downtown and later to the museum. They spent time walking around town and even bought some clothes for Mash. When Mash asked why Issei only replied with, "Well you're probably going to be staying for a while since we're not sure how to go to and from Chaldea yet." Mash seemed to understand where her Senpai was coming from. For all she knew she was stuck there, although she didn't mind that at all. As sunset approached Issei led Mash home, he intended to introduce the girl who had such a large impact on his life to his parents. He looked to the side and saw Mash fidgeting nervously. Issei put his hand on her back to calm her and gave her a warm smile. "Don't worry. I told them all about what happened to me while I was away. To be frank, they have been wanting to meet you for a long time. You'll be fine," Issei reassured her and Mash seemed to relax a bit. They made it home and were stopped in front of the door. "Ready?" Issei asked.

(Azazel) Bringing the girl home to meet mom and dad after the first date. This Issei definitely doesn't waste time.

(Issei) What's that supposed to mean?

Azazel leveled a look at Issei as if he was looking at a troublesome child. The others chuckled quietly.

(Azazel) Do you want me to spell it out for you?

Issei felt like he would get roasted if he said yes, so he decided to back down.

Mash took a moment. She looked at Issei and did something not even she expected. She kissed Issei on the lips. It took him completely by surprise, he didn't expect that from her. She took a deep breath. "Yes, I'm ready."

Everyone was stunned by the action, most of all the FGO group. Mash was never the assertive type (except when it came to Lancelot), so her actions for the past couple scenes on screen seemed out of place. Mash herself felt especially embarrassed and seemed to overload because she was barely hanging on to consciousness.

(Akeno) Ara ara, how bold Mash-san.

Issei took a second to recover from the surprise kiss then opened the door and led Mash inside. "Kaa-san! Tou-san! I'm home!" Issei announced as he came in.

"Welcome home Issei. How did it go?" Issei's mother asked from the kitchen.

"Nothing bad happened right?" Issei's father asked from the living room.

"Well, things were complicated in the beginning but, well things worked out. In fact, I have someone for you to meet." Issei said while holding Mash's hand.

The girls couldn't help smiling seeing Issei so happy, but they all were inwardly thinking, I wish that was me.

There was a moment of silence as it seemed that both Issei's mother and father stopped what they were doing. Suddenly there was scrambling in the other rooms as the pair came into the front hall. There was surprise on their faces as they saw their son holding hands with a girl a bit shorter than him who had an intense blush on her face, while their son had a beaming smile. "Is she...?" "Could it really be?!" The pair couldn't hide their surprise.

(Issei) I wish they would have a bit more faith in me. Honestly the only reason they weren't so shocked when they learned we started going out is because Rias messed with their mind to make it not seem weird that she was in my house in the beginning. Then they just got used to girls being around.

"Tou-san, Kaa-san, I would like you to meet Mashu, my girlfriend," Issei said with pride while Mash's face turned an even deeper shade of red.

Mash managed to recollect herself somewhat and removed herself from Issei's arm. "Good afternoon Senpai's parents. I'm Mash, Mash Kyrielight. And this little one is Fou. It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Mash politely bowed with Fou on her shoulder.

The Hyoudou pair were stunned for a moment but then suddenly Issei's father seemed to realize something. "Wait. Isn't that the name of the girl who you were with in the other world?" His words seemed to make his wife realize this as well.

(Micheal) Looks like they aren't too flustered to think straight. They almost immediately figured out it was Mash-san.

"Yes, this is her. Like I said, things started off complicated. Let's go into the living room and I'll explain."

After he said that they all went to the living room and Issei explained about how the letter was a trap set by a fallen angel and how he summoned Mash to help fend her off. After that the devils from his school came and chased the fallen off and how they set up a meeting tomorrow to exchange information. The parents had a grave look on their face, clearly upset that someone tried to prey on their son's desires in order to kill him. They hoped this event didn't permanently scar their son from trusting anyone who shows interest in him, but from the look on his face as he was standing next to Mash it didn't seem to be a problem at the moment. The pair bowed their heads deeply to Mash. "Thank you so much Mash-san! Not only did you protect our son when he disappeared, but you also saved him again from what was essentially an assassination attempt. There are no words to truly express how thankful we are!"

Mash shook her head. "I'm the one who should be thankful. If it weren't for Senpai I would have died a long time ago. Even when his memory was gone, he still did his best to help everyone. He went beyond what any human could have and because of that everyone was saved. In all honesty I should be apologizing on behalf of Chaldea for essentially kidnapping your son." This time Mash bowed her head to the parents.

(Da Vinci) There's a lot of moving parts in this scenario. I think it's safe to say that that Issei's experience was similar enough to Fujimaru-kun's, so it's probably safe to say what Mash is talking about is the same. The only thing that's still a mystery is Issei's summoning. I know Mythos said he meddled in it, but we don't know what the cause was.

The two stared at Mash a bit then smiled. She is a really good girl. They both thought. They were happy their son met someone like her. Issei's mom put on a mischievous smile and addressed the girl. "Hey hey Mash-san, it's ok if you start calling me Okaa-san."

Mash immediately sat up straight and started blushing again. Jumping in with the momentum Issei's father said his piece as well. "Then you can call me Otou-san as well, and we'll just call you Mashu."

(Issei) Seems just like with Asia, Tou-san and Kaa-san immediately accepted Mash-san.

(Mash) Your parents seem like kind people.

(Issei) Thank you, Mash-san.

Mash didn't know how to respond and looked to her Senpai for help. She was met with a slightly blushing Issei who clearly couldn't hide his happiness. He looked at her. "See? I told you there was nothing to worry about."

As things were starting to heat up, they were all suddenly interrupted.

"He-krzzrt-an anyone hear-kzzrt." Something that sounded like a broken transmission was coming in. The Hyoudou pair were confused and alarmed, but Issei and Mash looked at each other, able to figure out what was happening. Issei created a magic circle with his hand and deactivated the bounded field around his house that blocked communications from coming in and out through magic. With that the signal cleared up. "Mash! Can you hear me? Come in! What's the situa- oh, seems everything is fine." A hologram appeared in the living room and on the display was Da Vinci. The parents were even more confused, but Issei was the first to respond.

(Da Vinci) Seems I figured out how to communicate through timelines. I certainly am a genius after all.

(Ritsuka) You're amazing as always, Da Vinci-chan.

(Da Vinci) I know, but don't let that stop you from praising me.

Ritsuka and Mash showered Da Vinci with more praise before focusing back on the screen.

"Hey Da Vinci-chan. Long time no see. How have things been?" Issei asked casually.

Da Vinci gave Issei a wry smile. "Things have been hectic around here since you defeated Goetia. Lots of paperwork and interrogations."

"Don't you mean interviews?" Mash asked.

"No." Da Vinci said with a smile that clearly indicated that she didn't like the talks she had with the Mages Association.

(Da Vinci) I hate those guys at the Mages Association. Too many strings attached, all so that they don't lose their grip on their power.

(Mythos) They're truly useless people. It doesn't matter how much power and influence they have, they're basically worthless at this point because they're too busy playing political chicken to do anything meaningful.

(Sirzechs) You seem to have strong feelings about it.

(Mythos) I just hate people who flaunt their titles like it actually means something. That's why I'm not a fan of nobles or heroes as a general concept. So what if you come from some distinguished family? So what if your father is some big shot? What does any of that have to do with the fact that if I'm stronger than you I could beat the crap out of you in an instant. Even if you have security or someone to defend you, none of that is your power. It's simply the actions of a coward who can't do anything themselves. The hero title is similar but that's its own rant that I don't wanna get into right now.

(Vali) Touched a nerve?

(Mythos) Not really, it's just I've had a lot of time to think about it. Let's get back to watching.

"But never mind me. What was happening to you Fujimaru-kun? My readings earlier indicated you were in trouble," Da Vinci said with concern.

"It's a bit of a long story." Issei then explained what happened just like with his parents before.

"I see. Well at least things worked out in the end. It looks like that battle was the catalyst you needed to reconnect with us."

"Those were my thoughts exactly, but the question is where do we go from here?" They all sat in thought until someone spoke up.

"Uhm, sorry to interrupt your meeting but would you mind introducing your friend to us Issei?" His mother interjected. Issei laughed, embarrassed that he forgot that his parents were in the room.

"Right, sorry. Tou-san, Kaa-san, this is Da Vinci-san, the other person from Chaldea that I told you about who helped me a lot."

Da Vinci bowed to Issei's parents. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Leonardo Da Vinci, but you can call me Da Vinci-chan." She said with a wink and a peace sign.

(Azazel) I've been meaning to ask, are you that Leonardo Da Vinci?

(Da Vinci) The very same. I thought-

(Mythos) I'mma stop you right there. If you wait a second, it will be explained for you.

Issei's parents greeted her in return.

"Our son told us about you but it's still hard to believe that you are "the" Leonardo Da Vinci considered, well…" Issei's mom was referring to Da Vinci being a woman.

"It's been a while since I got that reaction. It's fine, I am the real deal, but I figured, instead of coming back as a crotchety old man I would take the form of the most beautiful thing in the world. And what could be more beautiful than the Mona Lisa." Da Vinci puffed out her chest to display how proud she was about her decision.

(Azazel) I see. Can't argue with taste. Although now I have to ask, why are you a child here but an adult there?

(Mythos) Spoilers. No more questions.

Azazel seemed dissatisfied with that but reluctantly became quiet.

"We just finished thanking Mashu, but we would like to extend our thanks to you and all your staff for taking care of our son." Issei's mom continued.

Da Vinci had a complicated expression. "Well, it's no problem but…"

"Mashu already told us about how he got there, and we forgive you all. It was an accident and in the end our son became stronger for it. So we'll let bygones be bygones." Issei's father interjected.

Da Vinci gave a grateful smile and turned to Issei. "I see where you got your kindness and understanding from Ritsuka-kun."

Issei had a bit of a shy smile on his face from that compliment. However, Issei's father had a question. "I've been meaning to ask, why do you call Issei Ritsuka?"

(Ritsuka) Oh, are we finally getting an answer as to why he has my name?

(Issei) I'm really curious as well.

Issei was the one to answer. "I mentioned to you before when I was transported I lost my memory, which included my name. So they gave me an alias until I remembered it, which was Fujimaru Ritsuka. By the time I got my memory back so much time had passed that I got used to being called that and even though I told them my real name I also recognized the name they gave me as my real name too. So I said they can keep calling me Ritsuka."

The revelation of what happened to Issei shocked everyone.

(Issei) I… lost my memory?

(Da Vinci) Something must have gone wrong in the experiment to cause him to lose his memory… Or…

(Mythos) I had nothing to do with the memory loss. I just made it so that he got summoned, everything after that was completely chance. Although if you want my opinion, I think Alaya and Gaia may have interfered, because even though Fujimaru Ritsuka didn't exist in this timeline, they knew he was missing from this timeline, so they molded a foreign element, aka: Issei, to fill in the missing spot.

(Da Vinci) I see… That does seem like a feasible possibility since the Counter Force acts to try and prevent the world's extinction, like us.

The parents nodded in understanding at their son's words. But now that the pleasantries were done, they had to refocus on the problem at hand. "So, what should we do?" Mash asked.

"Well, we should establish a summoning zone for you so that we send reinforcements to aid you. On top of that we need to create a way to travel to and from, not only for you but for Mash as well."

Issei was confused. "Why for Mash as well?"

"She didn't rayshift to get to your location, rather it seems you summoned her like someone would summon a traditional Servant."

Issei was surprised by this revelation. "But I thought you needed a catalyst to summon a Servant. Not only that, Mashu is a Demi-Servant, I thought it didn't work the same for her?"

Da Vinci shook her head. "I don't know. I don't have enough data to know the reason yet. The only thing I really have to go off of is the fact that Mash became a Servant thanks to you and you two have a strong connection. The thing that gets me the most is the matter of what the catalyst could be."

[I know what the catalyst is.] Ddraig spoke for everyone to hear.

"Hello Ddraig, how are you?" Issei's mom addressed the dragon happily.

[I'm the same. Thanks for asking.]

(Issei) Am I the only one who thinks it's weird that Kaa-san and Ddraig are greeting each other like friends?

(Ddraig) It is a bit surreal. It's not like I have a reason to speak to your parents in the first place.

"You know what the catalyst is?" Da Vinci asked, surprised.

[Yes. It was acquired during partner's battle with Goetia.] Issei was surprised yet again at the new bombshell. I picked something up at the Temple of Time? [After we thought Mash died, partner used her shield to fight Goetia, and when he dealt the final blow, the shield dissipated into magic particles. When that happened, partner unintentionally absorbed some of the magic into the Boosted Gear. In other words, Mash's shield is a part of the Boosted Gear now.]

(Azazel) How interesting. A Sacred Gear responds to the users will, so Issei must have really wished for Mash to come back and in turn absorbed the catalyst so that he would always have a connection to her.

(Da Vinci) Is that how it works? How interesting. I would love to learn more about Sacred Gears.

(Azazel) Well that happens to be my area of expertise, so I would be glad to share what I know in exchange for something you know.

(Da Vinci) Deal.

Everyone was stunned at what they were just told. Da Vinci nodded in understanding. "I see, then with the catalyst absorbed by Ritsuka-kun along with his magic and strong bond with Mash he was able to do a successful Servant summon without the help of Chaldeas." Da Vinci was in contemplation.

"It's good that we figured this out but we're getting off track." Mash said, trying to get back on topic.

"Right, sorry. Is there anywhere where we can set up a summoning circle?" asked Issei.

"I'm not detecting any ley lines near you but there is a ton of magic around you."

"Yeah, that's my doing. Once I came back, I laid runes all over town for me to use just in case. I especially set runes in and around my house as well as a bounded field to protect it from the supernatural, which was why you were having trouble contacting us earlier."

(Rossweisse) Runes? Issei learned Nordic Magic?

(Sona) Not only that, but he also took precautions to prevent anything from happening to his home, even if he's away.

(Ritsuka) It seems he used the knowledge he got from Chaldea and put it to good use. Meanwhile, what am I doing?

Ritsuka felt like he was inadequate seeing someone who was essentially in the same position as him using the same resources he has and putting them to better use. Mash saw her distraught Senpai and immediately went to comfort him.

(Mash) You're doing good as a Master. If anything, the fact that you're able to do so without the help of a dragon like Issei-san is a testament to your own ability.

"I see. Then in that case it may be possible for you to create a pseudo-ley line in your own home. You just need a place to put it."

"We have room in the basement." Issei's mother said.

"That would be the best way to keep it secret, right?" Issei's father followed up.

"That works. In that case once that has been set up I have a few requests for the first ones you should send to help me." After that Issei and Mash set up the magic circle in the basement. Da Vinci told them that it would take time to stabilize and should be done by the end of tomorrow, but for now she would continue to run diagnostics. Issei's parents led Mash to a spare room and Issei brought the things they bought on the date to her new room. Everyone was exhausted from all the excitement of the day, so they all retired for the night. Issei lay in his bed going over the crazy day he just had. He had been tricked by a fallen who tried to kill him, reunited with his Kouhai, met and set up a meeting with the devils, gone on a date with Mash, brought her home to his parents, and re-established contact with Chaldea. All in all, one hectic day. As he was beginning to drift into sleep, he heard a knock on his door. "Come in," Issei said.

The door opened and Mash was there in her nightwear. She nervously moved in the room. "Senpai, if it's all right. Can I sleep with you?"

(Akeno) I was just kidding earlier! Is this really going to happen?!

Everyone was shocked at what they were watching. The DxD group were more interested to see where this goes while the FGO group, especially Mash, felt like they shouldn't be watching this.

Issei was frozen. His Kouhai kept on finding ways to surprise him, and it had been less than a day. He shook his head to get out of his daze then responded. "I-if that's what you want." He couldn't keep his voice from slightly shaking.

(Rias) I can see a bit of the usual Issei peeking out now. Despite my mixed feelings about this situation, I'm relieved.

(Girls) Same.

Mash closed the door behind her and laid down next to Issei. She moved herself so that she could wrap herself around Issei's left arm. Issei was having a hard time keeping himself calm. His old personality was screaming at him to take her here and now, while his current personality was doing its best not to scare her off. While Issei was having this inner dilemma Mash spoke to him. "I'm sorry Senpai."

"What for?"

"I did a lot of things today based on my own feelings and didn't give you a chance to say yes or no." Issei was wondering what she was talking about, but she continued. "I kissed you without asking, you bought clothes for me because I needed some, and you and your family provided me a room out of the kindness of your hearts. I should have-" She was interrupted by a kiss on the lips from Issei. She was surprised but melted into the kiss. Issei broke off the kiss after a minute.

Both Issei and Mash blushed intensely at the scene, while Ritsuka and the girls showed jealous expressions. The adults of the group looked amused at the turn of events.

"You're overthinking it Mashu. Remember, I was the one who introduced you as my girlfriend. Nobody made me do it, I did it because I meant it. I want to be with you Mashu. Although maybe I should be apologizing since I didn't ask if that was ok with you." Mash had tears forming in her eyes, but she was truly happy at what Issei said. "This might sound ridiculous, but I think it might have been fate that we met. The time I spent away when I returned home was truly lonely for me. We have been through so much; I couldn't just move on from it."

"I felt the same. Even though it was less time for me, I felt it when you left. Chaldea felt so empty without you, and while I tried to keep myself distracted, I couldn't help but want to see you as soon as possible."

(Serafall) This feels like it suddenly became a romance movie.

(Da Vinci) Yeah, it suddenly became very sappy.

The two were pouring out all of the emotions they had bottled up. Then Issei decided to make the next move. "Hey Mashu." He brought her in close. "Why don't I show you just how much you mean to me?"

Once those words came out of his mouth Mash completely passed out. Issei also had blood escaping his nose, as it seemed like this other version of him was about to lose his V-card. Again, Ritsuka and the girls felt incredibly jealous, with the girls looking a bit frustrated that they hadn't even done it with their Issei yet.

He locked eyes with Mash seeking her confirmation. Mash stared back processing what Issei said until finally her entire face turned red. If one looked closely you could swear you'd see steam coming out of her head. Finally, she responded once she got over her embarrassment. "If it's with you then I don't mind," she said shyly.

Issei was celebrating in his mind but kept his cool. He didn't want to mess up this moment, that was important for both of them. Needless to say, neither of them got much sleep that night.

(Mythos) And we're cutting here, because we don't need to watch a porno based on people we know.

(Issei) T-thanks. That would have been really awkward. Although, how can I say this? I'm jealous of other me being bold enough to lose his virginity so soon.

The FGO group looked surprised by this.

(Da Vinci) Wait, have you not done it with any of these girls yet?!

(Issei) N-no…

(Da Vinci) You're sending me all kinds of mixed signals here. You wanted a harem of girls that love you, but you haven't slept with any of them.

(Asia) We sleep in the same bed together.

(Da Vinci) That makes it worse! What the hell are you doing?! Do you just need a hug from a bunch of people or what?! This doesn't make any sense!

Issei looked away, embarrassed and a bit ashamed. He has been dragging things out for a while. He promised the girls he would have his first time with all of them, but they never got around to doing it. Things had become so busy for them recently, but he also hasn't been making an effort to move his relationship forward with them. The girls have been doing most of the work when it came to their relationship. They always started it and Issei followed up and finished it. It was a passive approach. The girls saw such an Issei and were also unsure what to say.

(Da Vinci) Sorry, I overstepped. It's not my place to say how you run your relationships. It's just surprising is all.

Issei just nodded in acceptance to her apology, but it was clear he was in thought about his current relationship situation. Ritsuka had also been in quiet thought about everything. He was currently supporting a passed-out Mash but was wondering about his own relationship with Mash. He had been honest with Mash about a lot of things but never brought up anything about being in a relationship. Granted things would be difficult due to some of his Servants' personalities, but Mash mattered enough where he would be willing to deal with it. He just simply hadn't. The adults saw that now the two protagonists of their groups were reevaluating their lives simply based off of an alternate version of, what was essentially both of them combined. Mythos decided to step in.

(Mythos) Hey you two, I know you're reevaluating your lives right now, but I'll let you in on a little secret. It isn't completely your fault for your situations.

The group looked at Mythos with great curiosity.

(Mythos) As I mentioned before, your multiverses originated from my world, and since you're essentially manga/anime protagonists, you, to some degree, have to be relatable enough to the people watching/reading your story to keep them hooked. And while this might be a bit cruel of me to say, the underlying implication of most businesses is going to be "young virgin teens are going to be reading/watching our product". I'm sure you've all seen it plenty of times in books and T.V. A main character who has someone clearly interested in them but a relationship is never really formed until the end of the series or something like that. That's the situation you two are in too. In Ritsuka's case, he has to be available to satisfy all the various fantasies of the readers ending up with their preferred Servant(s), while Issei is something of a wish fulfillment of having hot girls fawn all over someone who is for all intents and purposes average looking, and as Da Vinci said earlier, with tastes that are less than appropriate for modern society.

The group had various looks of discomfort from Mythos explanation. Seeing this Mythos decided to wrap up his explanation.

(Mythos) My point is, the reason your relationships are the way they are is to not break the illusion of the reader/watcher being able to identify and place themselves in the shoes of the character they're following.

(Issei) So, we're just stuck like this? We don't have a choice in what's going to happen with our own lives?

(Mythos) If I had left things as they were then the answer would be yes. But now that you're here and have been made aware, what happens next is up to you.

The others weren't sure what to make of Mythos' words, so he explained further.

(Mythos) My interference in bringing you here has created another timeline in both your respective multiverses, or rather they will when you return. By giving you knowledge that you had no way of getting I have now shifted the course of events your particular universes will take.

(Sona) Isn't that dangerous?

(Mythos) Most things in life are. You take a risk for every decision you make, because you never truly know what the repercussions of your actions are until they happen. But if you're so concerned about it then there is a simple solution.

Everyone leaned in waiting for the answer.

(Mythos) When you leave here, I can erase your memories of being here, so there won't be any change in your actions and thus making events happen as they're supposed to.

(Vali) And if we keep them?

(Mythos) Well, you become a branch in the timeline. No longer the main timeline but free to get different results than what Ichiei Ishibumi and Kinoko Nasu had planned for you. In a sense, it would be true freedom.

Everyone contemplated what path they wanted to take, now knowing they were simply following a path someone else made for them. But Da Vinci seemed to have a different perspective.

(Da Vinci) While I'm not a fan of having things predetermined for me, going off the beaten path is dangerous in its own way. In our multiverse in particular if we stray too far from a good path then that timeline is erased so that the others can survive.

(Mythos) Like I said, it's a risk. Even in the case of the DxD universe, changing things too much can have catastrophic consequences, like with Issei dying early because of one decision Rias made.

Rias' mood fell when Mythos said that. She didn't want to think about it, but it was true that the bad timeline that was corrected by him was caused because Rias made one decision differently. Issei tried to comfort her, but it only made her feel worse. Mythos seeing this awkwardly scratched his head.

(Mythos) Look, let's just continue for now. There's no reason to think about it now and we have plenty of time to talk about it later. I didn't mean for things to get like this, just from an implied sex scene.

The others nodded in agreement and the viewing continued after they finally woke Mash up.

Next, react, now! Here's the next chapter of this while I work on the next chapter for the main story. I've recently come up with another idea in a similar vain to my main story and have started work on that, but I won't spoil anything yet until it's more developed, but look forward to teasers for it in this series as I work on it in the background. Anyways, even though this is a react story I'm gonna inject some "plot" in massive air quotes to make it a bit more interesting. This series is basically my gateway to interact with all my stories as I see fit and as I work on them (yes including the ones I haven't uploaded for in a while and even ideas that I'm playing around with but don't have stories for). This series will be my linchpin to my eventual crossover story with all of them that I wanna do but have to develop all these stories first before I can even start that. Can you tell I think way ahead before I even get there? It's honestly a pain sometimes to have so many ideas but not enough time to do them. Anyways, I look forward to the comments as always. : )