Chapter 5-) Unexpected Outcomes.

So, I'm at it again, why? Even I don't know tbf.

This fic either drives me crazy or makes me yearn for it to be completed, no in between. The thing is, I planned out a flashback-esque type of chapter labeled 4.5 that would explain most of the stuff that would ground the base for CL's universe and how much I've derailed from the canon, however, I don't think it would fit the current story at this moment. Just because the characters and foreshadowed plot points wouldn't be included for at least 10 chapters later.

I'd made it, finalized the draft and put in 15k work of art or shitpostery, don't mind y'all calling either tbh. However, as I got thru the latest chapter, I don't think this fic needs it at this moment, maybe a few chapters later, maybe not at all. It depends on two things; first is what would you guys and grilles want, honestly, if you think it would be right to explore some background and derail from the plot for a while, then I'll finish it and publish it. If you think CL is fine as it is and you'll be able to keep up with the unorthodox connections between some key characters that canon Issei doesn't bond with until the end of Vol22, I'll scrap the idea and continue with the plot of this fic.

Shoot your opinion lads and ladies, for I desperately need em atm.

Tldr; Do you wanna know how Issei fucked up? Then sweet democracy it is.

"Check"

Cornered yet again, Sona Sitri underestimated the brilliance of the Spiky haired gentlemen before her. She should've expected it, frankly. The way he insisted on playing a Bullet game with her, taking her away from her comfort zone by seizing the initiative and playing White, Hyoudou Issei planned on becoming victorious even before they set up the board. Why did she go along? Was it her pride and arrogance? That she couldn't be beaten on the board? Walking right into the trap he had delicately set up was no one's but her fault, the beauty would rightfully bear the blame.

Eyeing the timer right beside her in a split second, Sona acknowledged the shortage of her time, when they began to play, both had a minute, as per the nature of the game. Now, Sona had gone down to 33 seconds whereas her opponent had 34 seconds on the clock. Even a fraction of one second mattered when it came to a Bullet game, Sona knew that. However, Hyoudou's never-ending grin and instant replies to her moves was beginning to unease her.

Taking up her manners once again, Sona Sitri reminded herself of the fact that in her House, nobody would walk away with victory against her, not on the board. Moving up her pawn situated at G7 and unchecking her King by eliminating his pawn on the F6 square, Sona awaited Issei's move before lightly tapping on the timer to stop it from further draining her limited time.

"Just so you know, Kaichou. I'm unbeaten at Bullet, and I'm about to show you exactly why." His reply came in the form of his Knight, placing it from F3 to E1 and stopping the timer once more. Issei's grin continued to spread across his face.

"Playing against inferior opponents and racking up my record is not exactly my forte, however, I'll humor you, Hyoudou-kun." Sona Sitri's move followed his, taking up her pawn at the E6 square and placing it on E5, directly threatening his pawn on D4.

The Brunette's playstyle on this particular match had her mesmerized, he was not afraid to sacrifice his pieces and even offered to take the initiative and strike her on most unexpected angles, It made her respect the opponent against her even more so. Her opposite, one man that could challenge her on the subject at which she is regarded as the master, the apex. Polishing the already existing tactics and moves on her arsenal and forcing her to adapt to his unorthodox style, Hyoudou Issei was making her feel something she had long forgotten the name of.

The Feeling of Loss

Everytime he challenged her on the board, Sona knew that it was inevitable. She would eventually lose to his brilliance, a matter of not if, but when. Today was no different, when he made the call to meet up to fulfill their end of the deal because of yesterday's events, Sona was ecstatic. Quickly inviting the brunette to the apartment complex in which her Queen Tsubaki and herself resided, hoping to get a rematch with him once they've fulfilled their duties and exchanged intelligence regarding the town they've come to rule.

Thankfully, no new events since they'd begun to operate together had emerged, something both of the youngsters were grateful of. Even when it had only been a day since they've completed their deal, Sona knew that if she drops her guard, there will be predators lurking around, awaiting their downfall to strike through the core of the town. Hyoudou's actions and precautions showed her enough on the matter, the fact that he had dealt with anyone that dared to prey on the residents of Kuoh was the icing on the cake.

"You're getting distracted, Kaichou. What's the matter? Could it be that… the Ice Queen of the Academy is losing her patience?" Snarkily asking once again with an unnerving smirk, Issei made the bold decision to awaken the monster of a tactician within her. Since when have they begun to unleash such futile tactics? Hyoudou's demeanor and way of speech indicated that he was absolutely crushing the opponent below, which couldn't be said to be the case as it is. They were even, the materials, the state of the board, nothing favored either of them.

"As if." Not giving into the remarks of the brunette, Sona realized that he not only made his move, but also stopped the timer on his behalf, now the difference between them had gone up to three seconds, not in her favor, as expected. Hastily deciding to reply to his move, Knight to D3 from E1, Sona used her own Knight, ordering it to conquer the space between his Knights and threaten his Rook situated at B1, placing her piece on D2.

"Not gonna give you that one, Kaichou. Keep trying, though." Sensing the danger pointed at his Left Rook, Issei made the call to push it forward and out of the Knight's range, effectively protecting his piece by moving it from B1 to B2. Every move they've made up until this point was within their wits and tactics, however, Bullet differs from a normal chess game in one crucial way. One can shift the aim of the game whilst being completely aware of their opponent's moves to trick them into offense when they should not.

The way their pieces laid out on the board, it was fairly easy to guess the next move of the beauty. His Rightmost Rook at C1 could directly be threatened by her second Knight, that Issei was fully aware of, however, when it came to sacrifices that needed to be done, he was no foreigner. Sona got a hold of her position, and she played out the exact outcome he had predicted. Moving her Knight on A5 Square to B3, her Knights now had protected each other, even if he ordered his Rook on B2 to take the Knight out of the board, Sona would then use her Knight on D2 to retaliate.

Truly the predicament Hyoudou Issei has to solve, however, Sona Sitri had learned that when it came to this very individual, they always had found a solution, even if it was unorthodox.

"Let's pull a Levy, shall we?" Furrowing her eyebrows at the implication of a foreigner name, Sona braced herself for the bloodbath that was about to happen. The best move in this position was to take the Knight on D2 with his Rook on B2, then she would be able to take out his Rook. Any other move would result in material loss, and the game would in turn be quite the puzzle to solve without depending on a powerful piece such as Rook, especially as they're still equal on material.

"D4 Pawn to E5"

"You didn't…" Her violet eyes widened at the sight that unfolded before her, had she not closed her mouth at the right time, Sona Sitri would then proceed to do such an act that did not fit the criteria of being an elegant lady.

"That I did, Kaichou."

That… was a waiting move, to give the opponent the momentum they needed, a double edged sword that had to be wielded in order to conquer the foe before them. Hyoudou Issei sacrificed the Rook. If Sona captures the Rook, she would not gain material advantage nevertheless. A loss she had not calculated in the slightest, and the first time in their rivalry that she had no definitive answer to his move.

Sona had always been proud of her status as the unbeaten master of the Sitri household. The beauty had played against opponents of all kinds, grandmasters that would put ordinary players such as Hyoudou himself to shame, prodigious youngsters who she had defeated in less than thirty moves. Alas, it was also the first time in her life that someone managed to leave her absolutely speechless when it came to the board.

This type of move could only be found in Engines, artificial intelligence chess bots that determined the importance of the move and the best move in every possible situation. Even the highest level of bots would suggest the move Rook to D2, because it is the fastest way to close the gap in material when Black captures the Rook on C1. However, Hyoudou Issei managed to find the Brilliant Pawn to E5. The premise of this move is to allow Sona to take the Rook, however in the next move, he had a clear path ahead of him to allow checking her King by taking out another pawn right next to her King, effectively closing the gap when he eventually captures her hanging Knight.

What is the use of playing further after such a move?

As such, Sona Sitri had another first time on this very night.

"Seriously?!" As if charmed, Hyoudou Issei continued to look at the hand that reached out to him in a trance, dazzled. Seeing the Genius of the Academy, defeated and opting to resign after only thirty moves made him incredibly awkward. The Rook sacrifice wasn't something of this magnitude, it was only to gain tempo and force Kaichou out of her far superior position. Sure, it would eventually allow him to win the game by stalling her, but it wasn't enough on its own to make her surrender.

The brunette could feel the muscles on his mouth starting to get numb, as if he had been given an unhealthy amount of anesthesia. His eyes were not in their best condition either, after blinking for a while they'd become dry. He was genuinely shocked, Sona Sitri could easily turn this around! After she takes his pawn he's still down in material no matter where one would look at it.

"If Shitori-Kaichou decides so…" Even if he was displeased by the decision, Issei was still a gentleman at heart. He would not complain, nor brag about a victory like this. Lightly getting up without using too much energy, the brunette appreciated the handshake and finalized the deal. On this zero-hour, Hyoudou Issei managed to emerge victorious against the Pride of Sitri in her own field.

"This match… has taught me more than you could imagine, Hyoudou-kun." In the most sincere version of herself, Sona Sitri acknowledged his superiority on the board. To her, this night was most valuable. When it comes down to split second decisions in times of urgency, Hyoudou Issei excels. In under just one minute, this gentleman showed her how much she needed to work on her decisions more eagerly than before. That he could deliver the promises he makes, believing in his own record to go unbeaten on Bullet.

"It's my pleasure… Kaichou." Seeing her like this, being genuine and honest, made his entire mind go haywire. He couldn't pick the words to string together a coherent sentence, amazed by the very little emotion the strict president could show. Was she always capable of smiling so brightly? If so, Issei damned himself to have not encountered this side of her sooner. Her smile, able to melt the snow at the mountain's peak, also made the coldness accumulated on top of his heart warm up ever so slightly.

The joy she had felt, even at loss, could be seen in her eyes, glazing at the battlefield they had shared just a couple moments ago. As if to say, even if she's been defeated, she was content that it was against someone that she herself cheered to surpass her, that it didn't negatively affect her at all. As Issei dared to look at her eyes once more, he managed to find the little bit of the real Sona Sitri still standing, indicating that her happiness is, indeed, genuine.

Leaning back against the chair he made himself comfortable, Hyoudou Issei enjoyed the sight at which made the inner Issei marvel. To observe Sona Sitri up close and like this was one in a million, and he would savor it until the very end. Unfortunately for him, the show would come to an end soon enough and the beauty composed herself before congratulating her opponent once more.

"Would you like anything, Hyoudou-kun?" Taking the cup of tea that she had ordered Tsubaki to make, Sona could see that Hyoudou-kun had indeed enjoyed the little snacks her servant prepared. When she had been summoned to his House for their second round of Classical Chess, Hyoudou Issei had gone beyond preparation and took extreme precautions to make her as comfortable as possible, even providing her with a mattress on her seat.

So, when he approached her with the idea of another match, dead in the night, she found herself inviting the boy without thought. To give credit where it's due, Sona had to be thankful to the combined efforts of Tsubaki and Tsubasa, that she had been able to serve Hyoudou-kun properly this time. If she hadn't returned the favor, Sona Sitri would've brought shame upon the House of Sitri, the only thing that she'd kept above her duties and life.

"Another cup of tea would be good, if possible." Issei had to admit, for the past couple of days he had been consuming so many snacks that he felt the need to go on a snack diet. He'd have been successful if not for the fact that he had been raised as a gentleman, when presented with food, his mother had always insisted that he needed to show respect to the people that they were visiting. So, hearing her servants specifically made the snacks and tea just for him and Kaichou, Issei had no choice but to chow 'em down.

"Tsubasa!" Calling onto her Rook, Sona put both of hers and Hyoudou's cups onto the tray. The President could enjoy her own cup of tea after such an interesting match, and analyze the board at the same time. She had known the answer to the question that boggled her mind, Could she find a way before she surrendered? Short answer, Yes she could. However, Bullet's specifications made it improbable for her to reply to his move in such a short time. Had they continued, Sona would emerge victorious, taking into account that she had another ten seconds in contrast to her remaining 18 seconds.

Hyoudou Issei deliberately stalled her on certain moves that made her lose those valuable seconds, sitting atop at 24 seconds, only losing time to move his pieces. Beyond the move 51th, Sona would've run out of time and the brunette would still be victorious. Hyoudou, however, would still have exactly 11 seconds if he continued to oppose her right on time. Which gave away the answer to his improbable win streak according to him.

"Coming in! Are you done, Kaichou?" Hearing the girl's voice, tempted to burst in and catch them in the act of committing a heinous crime. Tsubasa Yura had been turned into a Devil by Sona before the boyish girl became a Third Grader, Issei knew it due to his connections and he had wondered what could Kaichou offer to someone that could get them to forfeit their Humanity. The answer? He hadn't found it yet, however, knowing the Heiress and the Tomboy, it would probably be something he'd not understand in his circumstances.

"Far from it, the night's still young." Adjusting her glasses, Sona's reply confused both of the teenagers. Their match was over and they only agreed to share one match for the sake of their valuable time. It wouldn't bother Issei to stay through the night until dawn and polish their skills. Speaking of which, he had to take notes down to his notepad to analyze further when he had free time. For the time being, the brunette had seven blank points that gave away her style on Classical and they were on the strategies she would deploy on White.

"Eh..?" Issei made his confusion apparent by looking directly into the eyes of Sona Sitri, who gave him a smile that he would come to regret. The Wolf known as Sona had taken the smell of blood once, the beauty wouldn't give him rest until she managed to beat him on Bullet. That's something he had expected, honestly. To brag in front of Sona Sitri like that in her own field? Issei signed his death warrant the moment he managed to come out on top.

"Kaichou?" Opening the door, Tsubasa made her presence known, directly staring into the eyes of the brunette, confused. What the hell Hyoudou Issei was doing in Kaichou's room?

"Yes?" Unassuming, uninterested, her violet eyes clashed against her Rook's blue ones, unable to find the source of her apparent confusion.

"When I was told by Tsubaki that you'd have a match against someone that could push you, I didn't expect to find Hyoudou-san in your room."

"Who had you expected, then? Care to tell me, Yura-san." The last name basis, their master only used it once they crossed a certain line which irritated her. Tsubasa knew better than to evoke the wrath of the Ice Queen.

"N-No one. My curiosity got the better of me, forgive me Kaichou." Bowing in front of the brunette, Tsubasa offered her sincerest apology at the moment. Questioning the actions of their Master wasn't an act that could be forgiven easily, however, for the sake of her image, Sona could sway this one under the rug for the time being.

"Nah, I wanna know too. Pray tell, Yura-san. Who did you think could push the Kaichou that we know of?" The brunette gave his two cents, then was met with the side of Tsubasa Yura pleading not to do the aforementioned act. It seems that Sona Sitri is adamant on keeping their relationship hidden, something that Issei found amusing. Considering that he was now one of the de facto leaders of the Town, it made absolutely no sense. However, he could see where Kaichou was approaching the issue at.

"I.. I don't know! I just didn't expect someone like you! I'd have understood Rias-sama, or Vali-sama." Yura's face was worth a fortune at the moment, the more she spoke, the more furious Sona got. The pressure that they've given her from their seats was more than enough to make the Rook of Sitri crumble. Looking at the eyes of his Rival, Issei knew that Sona would need to introduce him formally to her peerage, as they'll begin to work together on certain occasions, it was for the best to avoid situations like this.

"Haah… I'd planned to make this official tomorrow, but now I have no choice, do I?" With a sigh of exasperation, the Master of the House compiled with the never-ending curiosity of her servant. Signaling her servant to come closer, Sona left the brunette to fend for himself, as he himself was present, the obligation fell from her shoulders to him.

Tsubasa Yura could be described as a fairly simple individual, although unknown, her origins state she had been aware of Supernatural long before she came into contact with Sona of the Sitri household. Timid and hesitant, one of the weaker links of the Sitri Peerage. Precaution Level; Moderate. This individual possesses [Mystic Eyes of Perception]. Do not engage under normal circumstances. Advised to use different methods of unorthodox cloaking when around.

He had done his homework before engaging with the Devils of the Kuoh Academy, personally investigating each and every single one of them. Tsubasa was no different, when presented with the opportunity to gain prestige and power, she had succumbed under the strict rule of the President. Still, he knew better than anyone to judge a book by its cover. Some of the mightiest people he came across looked much and much worse than the current Yura.

The turquoise-haired girl presented herself by bowing in front of the brunette. She made bold assumptions and ridiculed their guest, for it Kaichou had gone angry. Yura knew better than to double down and continue to show enmity towards the brunette, however, her lack of information would soon come as a detriment in this conversation, allowing Issei to pry deeper than intended.

"I believe we've been acquaintances since the second grade, Yura-san. I'm pleased to make this official." Without even breaking eye contact he held the Rook in. Issei went for a hand-shake, which the girl accepted rashly, coming out of the deep bow she had forced herself to. To understand one's strength and belief in themselves, a single hand-shake provided the opportunity required. Firm yet wavering, as if to show her uneasiness from the nature of their introduction to one another in such setting.

"I'm grateful as well, Hyoudou-san. I apologize for my comment earlier, I had no clue that you and Kaichou shared this kind of relationship." Inclination of something more than friendship at the end of her sentence, Tsubasa pressured in. Their master had never kept something of this value as a secret, even if it involved her private life. Then it meant, Hyoudou Issei is no normal acquaintance. From something so innocent and simple, Tsubasa could deduce this.

"Haha, believe me when I tell you this, Yura-san. Kaichou and I only meet up to play chess, nothing more. Although, from where we stand and how we stand. I can see how this could be misunderstood from an outsider's perspective." Tsubasa Yura's been absolutely correct to mistake them for sharing another kind of relationship, Kaichou herself keeping their rivalry secret from her peerage apart from her Queen, her greeting him in her night-gown, taking him up to her own room and locking the door beforehand. It all pointed to one thing that both of the self-proclaimed geniuses haven't thought of.

"I'll just take your word on it, Hyoudou-san." Still doubtful, Yura continued to observe the duo.

"Tsubasa, Hyoudou-kun and I would like to enjoy another cup of tea before we proceed." Pulled right back into reality by the ferocious President, Yura remembered the reason she was called here for, to serve Kaichou and her guest whatever their hearts desire. She couldn't afford to lose to her curiosity another time, Prez would surely punish her disobedience by then. Quickly excusing herself and taking the tray with her, Yura tried to hurry out of the room before she unknowingly revealed sensitive information. That is, if she hadn't turned her head back one more time, would have succeeded in doing so.

Seeing the brunette gaze right into her eyes from the rectangle frames of his glasses, in contrast to Sona's round, rimless glass frames, made his brown eyes stand out more, giving him a look akin to a book-worm, Yura found herself stopping right at the door frame, unable to continue on her path to the more normal side of the apartment complex shared by Kaichou and Fuku-Kaichou.

"Is there anything else you wish for, Hyoudou-san?" If their guest wanted some kind of appetizer, or even out-right wanted to have dinner, that could be arranged, not by Yura herself, of course, she had come here to do the less interesting kind of work burdened upon herself by Tsubaki. If not, then she couldn't explain the interested eyes of Hyoudou Issei on her own.

"Nah, I'm good, a cup of tea would suffice. However, I want to ask you something prior." Nodding calmly to indicate the opposing party to continue, Yura braced herself. Hyoudou Issei got curious in the span of a few seconds, enough to personally enquire about it. What could that be? Was he on to something? No, that would certainly not be the case, would it? If so, Yura needed to start digging her own grave. At the end of the night, Kaichou would put her there personally.

"So, I've been wondering. You're as young as both Gremory-san and Val, why did you call them your -sama's, Yura-san?"

Upon hearing Hyoudou's question, Yura lost her cool. He was able to deduce some kind of respect Yura had towards the Heirs just because she used a suffix?

"Ah, the body language never disappoints. Does it ever, Sona-san?" Resting his chin atop of his palm, Hyoudou Issei continued to look at Yura with an expression that would've fit the Devils. Arrogance.

"I don't recall giving you permission to call me by my first name."

"This ain't about you, Kaichou. Lemme have my moment here."

"Trembling? Check. White chuckles? Check. Unable to maintain eye contact? Check. Hazy breathing? Check." One by one, he listed the very details he was able to observe in one look. To give credit where it's due, this was only possible because Yura herself was more in touch with her emotions compared to people like Sona. Reading more apparent body signals was one of the first lessons he had undertaken when he was tutored by his mentor. It would give away if someone's guilty or not pretty quickly and it was also fairly accurate.

"I knew it, you're serving Kaichou, the Twisted Dominatrix of the Student Council. Val and Rias-san are in it too. Imma spread it to the whole school tomorrow, I bet Mira would like to hear some top quality insider from the man who infiltrated the Student Council."

"D-Dude? Are you aware of the shit you're spewing right now? Who would believe something like that?" All the seriousness in her body left her in an instant, this man believed that Kaichou was some kind of mistress that had her way with the girls of the Council. Yura fought the urge to face-palm, as her hands were still full.

"Dunno. Would've probably made a good rumor not gonna lie." Stretching on his seat, Issei broke eye contact for a solid moment. He did it again, started as serious as an old man and couldn't contain himself and get to his point. Being serious didn't suit him, it was Sona's forte.

"Anyways, I'm aware. You don't need to tip-toe around me." Dropping the bomb so nonchalantly, the brunette continued to look at the Rook. Her response, was something he anticipated.

"Aware, as in?"

"Woman, don't play dumb. I know the whole school is practically infested with Devils. Val, the entirety of Occult Research Club and Student Council are supernatural entities from down below."

"For how long? Pardon my curiosity."

"As long as I enrolled here, even before that. I'd love to open my delicate history right here, yet I fear that I'll ruin Kaichou's plans should I do that. So better wait for tomorrow."

"Why should I trust you?" This sentence became a part of Issei's life as he continued to meet with people that he didn't share kinship with. Always suspicious, on their guard and refusing to cooperate. He was practically used to it, to be honest. It led to him developing to speak with his Spear first rather and ask questions later type of mindset, the cruelty of the world in which he lived had done its numbers on him.

"Because I do, Yura. The people I form a contract with are, frankly, not up to you to judge." This one, however, was an entirely different story. Up until this point in his life, Issei only received trust from people he considered his family, not the biological one, but the one he found himself to be a part of. Now, a Devil he had only bonded for three days had extended the flag of cooperation to him. Being treated like this, proved to be a refreshing experience.

"Understood, Kaichou. Forgive me for prying further than I should've, Hyoudou-san." At least, Tsubasa's loyalty proved to be stronger than her curiosity. That is something Issei himself can congratulate Sona about, for one group to stick together through uneasy times, they would either need unwavering trust in one another, or an iron-tight leadership under someone that could either be feared for their power or knowledge. Kaichou seemed to be the latter of those.

"Apology accepted." Waving his hand, Issei smiled brightly. Now, he wouldn't make it hard for either of them. The time he had spent in Sona's apartment was his own valuable time, he would like to make the most of it.

"If there isn't anything else, I need to take my leave, Kaichou." The Rook awaited confirmation from her King, who dismissed her with a look of her own. This development was unexpected, however, it should prove to be adequate considering the current situation in which Hyoudou put her. Every single event involving the brunette seems to resolve in a peaceful manner, it happened the day before as well. He was very well informed, enough to solve debates and rule over them without interfering as much as the regular person does.

"I assume you have time, Hyoudou-kun. I made a one-sided decision to continue in my time of excitement, however, I'll be able to reschedule should you happen to have undisclosed business." Always thoughtful, Sona Sitri shot her question with a hint of displeasure. The beauty was, as expected, eager, it had been quite some time since someone had managed to get the upper hand against her on the board. Understandably, this match reignited something in her heart that she had long forgotten. Competitive Spirit.

It was in vain to tell Sona Sitri that she was the greatest chess player in the Underworld, even if she had been able to defeat everyone that dared to challenge her. She was already informed that she would go on to be undefeated the moment she managed to come out on top against Lord Sitri, one of the finest tacticians of the Civil War. It was no destiny, no fate. Sona knew that in her own realm, nobody would be able to defeat her, as such, she made the decision to bond her marriage contract to a simple game of chess, practically leaving the Council defenseless when they came with an arranged marriage proposal.

Chess had become her way of life, her measurement when she needed to get to know someone. It had never failed her and it didn't fail her now, even back then, when she first met Hyoudou Issei, Sona was certain, this day would come. The brunette was, simply, unpredictable. Surely, she was able to guess his moves, his playstyle, yet she couldn't read him like she had read people on the board. He was unorthodox, a change to the plain and simple chess. Alas, Sona knew that everytime she had gone against this man, there was a slim possibility that she would inevitably, savor the feeling of defeat.

She had lost the match from the very beginning, when he made the decision to play as White in Bullet. Coming from someone that she was only able to analyze for fifteen minutes a day, Sona gave in as she wanted to push the boundaries of her capabilities, accepting to play as Black. Even from the first move, Hyoudou Issei pushed the limits of her rationality. Making unnecessary moves and toying with his pieces, yet, he managed to salvage enough time to make the difference in the board less than twenty moves, when she dropped two seconds down compared to him.

Bullet was an entirely different category in Chess, it involved split second decisions and unwanted mistakes. Alas, one could, instead of going for checkmate, go for time. That was the first mistake she had committed, not taking into account that he took White to play defense. In Classical Chess, one primarily wants White to go on offense, as White always has one more move compared to Black in end-game, playing defensively as White pieces didn't favor the player in the long run.

Hyoudou-kun, however, prepared the perfect illusion to capture her in her most vulnerable state, forcing her to resign. He took her out of her comfort zone, forced her to play offensive on Black, gave her the position she needed and Sona, without ever realizing, had given herself completely into Chess, going band for band, trying to breach his defense. Issei managed to completely lure her into the position he wanted by offering his pieces one by one, when he finally sacrificed the Rook, Sona was then able to look at the board clearly.

Sona Sitri, the official Grandmaster of Sitri Household, had been tricked to play a losing game against him. It was only after the last move that she made herself aware of this fact. If they continued, Hyoudou Issei would collect her Knight, and three moves later, they would exchange Rooks, leaving her with One Rook and One Knight, whereas, he would have Two Knights against an open King, pawns that are completely blocking her path and in the long run, two Knights would then be able to fork both her Rook and King, leaving her with only pawns.

"I should've, gotta check." Reaching to his pocket, Issei pulled out his phone. He still had time, it seemed. Like Sona said, the night is still young and he had plenty of time to spend it with her to strategize and enjoy the beauty of this simple yet brilliant game, however, upon going through the unending notifications caused by the absolutely unnecessary applications, Issei realized that something was amiss.

1 Missed Call: Alaya Schneider

1 Missed Call: Kaa-san

'Oh… Shit.' Both of the notifications were enough to keep him worried should he not return to them, as his mother wouldn't call him home out of the blue, in contrast, Miki always insists that he should find friends to spend time with, rather than locking himself to his room and not coming out until he's called. Alaya, however, would only call him if Mira stepped out of boundaries and committed to something that would otherwise leave her hurt.

"I got a few calls to make, is it alright with you, Kaichou?" Awaiting affirmation, Issei kept his gaze intact. It was not long after Issei got the answer he needed in the form of Sona, quickly grasping the tight situation the brunette found himself in without even needing context. That was one of the things the brunette found himself amazed, frankly, Sona Sitri could understand the way he operated with just one glance and give him the permission he needed, as she demonstrated when he wanted to go overboard with Vali.

Excusing himself to keep his privacy to himself, Issei stormed out of the room, dialing the number in the meantime to keep it short to not waste any time, as it would be rude to Kaichou.

Ring

Ring

Ring

Ring

Issei's a man with very straightforward priorities, even if his former teammates called him on the phone at the same time with his mumsie, he wouldn't think twice before dialing the one that mattered to him the most. It was the way his father raised him, and bless him for putting his family before anything else as it made Issei the man he became today.

'Hey… Kaa-san. Is everything alright? Sorry for not returning sooner, I just noticed that you called.'

'Ah… It's nothing dear, your father is just a little bit worried that you haven't returned yet. However, I'm keeping him under control, don't you worry. I'm sure you have your reasons.'

'Yeah… Thanks Kaa-san, I'm over at one of my friends, chilling and spending some time.'

'Haaa… Which one? Is it your Xen-chan? I remember you being fond of her, you wouldn't stop talking about her on the phone!'

'Nah… We haven't been talking for months, Mom. I don't even know where she lives, honestly. I'm over at Kaichou's.'

'You've been spending so much time with her! I'm glad, my little boy.'

'It's nothing like that, ma. We just have similar interests, that's all.'

'Your father and I started out as acquaintances in the drama group, Ise. I know how it goes, one day you're just minding your own business, trying to finish college and the other, you're happily married.'

'Trust me, Kaa-san. I don't have such intentions, not yet.'

'Alright, alright. Just a little reminder, don't keep to yourself, Ise. Having friends that you can turn into is a blessing in disguise. I'm just happy that you are finding people that you can rely on.'

'Thanks, Mom.'

'You don't know how happy your father will be when he hears this! It's the first time you're spending time with your friends since you came back, isn't it? Way to go, Ise!'

'That's right, Kaa-san. It's refreshing, honestly. I guess I finally found people that I can be comfortable with.'

'That's the spirit! Now, I shouldn't keep you anymore. Do you have your keys on you?'

'I do, Mum. Don't wait for me, I don't know when I'll come back.'

'Great! Have fun, my little Ise.'

'Thanks a lot, Ma. I will.'

Having such parents behind him, how could he even fail at life? Every step he took, they applauded him and had his back no matter what he did. Issei always felt that he was among the minority in his generation that had such a good relationship with their parents, he was glad to have such understanding people in his life. He understood the blessing that came with protective parents and acted on them, carefully taking light steps so as not to let them down at every moment in his life.

Of course, he wouldn't succeed in disappointing his parents, that was simply not possible. Not with the way he's raised.

Upon taking another glance at his phonebook, Issei made the hasty decision to get on with it and call the second number. Alaya Schneider, a girl possessing extraordinary sight and precise footwork, able to work her place up to Mira's right hand, navigating the group in her absence. One of the first to ever ask help from him, long before Mira herself was even aware of his existence.

In times that Mira forgets her boundaries, Alaya comes running straight at him, to ask Issei to remind her that not everything can be dealt with might alone. Having a missed call from her could only mean one thing, that Mira and her group is in serious, serious trouble. Expectedly, the Leader herself wouldn't ask his aid due to her pride and stubbornness.

Ring

Ring

Ring

Ring

"Evening, Alaya."

"Gooooood Evening, Hyoudou-san!"

"I'm sorry for my late call, what's up?"

"Ah… It's about Mira."

"Figured as such. What's she gotten herself into now?"

"That's why I reached out to you in the middle of night, Hyoudou-san. We, don't know exactly what we are up against."

"Hmm… Describe it to me, thoroughly."

"It's made up of Skulls, thousands of them. A Giant Skeleton that never stops wandering the Forests of Kuoh. No matter what we try to do, it never bats an eye to us. Just wanders, without aim. Laying destruction to wherever it sets foot."

"That's… problematic, but I think I know what that is. One last question to identify it, does it murmur 'Gachi, Gachi' from time to time?"

"Uuuu… I think it does? I'm not exactly sure."

"Damn… You've encountered something that you can't quite purify with what you have at the moment. Where are you all at right now? It seems that I have to interfere."

"I… can't be sure, we've been following this beast for an hour. I can share my location with you, though."

"Great, do that. I'll be there in a few minutes, also, stop Mira from ever approaching that thing. It won't end well for her."

"I'm counting on you, Ise-san."

Ending the call by lightly tapping on the red button, Issei stood still for a moment. What they've gone up against doesn't appear in normal circumstances, something must've provoked or conjured it. Laying his back against the wall, he awaited the information of their location. It seems that his night with Shitori-Kaichou would end before it fully blossomed.

With a notification sound alerting him, the brunette made his way back to Sona Sitri's private chambers, who had been patiently awaiting him, taking elegant sips from her cup. As she located him, Sona made the inclination for him to take his seat, that she would pay him back dearly for his unorthodox tactics.

"I…"

"Need to go somewhere?"

"Yes."

"Understandable, I wished that we could spend the night together, yet I see that we have our own duties to take care of. Tend to them, I will be preparing for our next match, whenever that might be." Her eyes radiated a tiny bit of sorrow, that Hyoudou-kun has to cut their private night in, due to unforeseen circumstances.

"I'll try to sort out everything and come back. My apologies, Kaichou."

"No need, it's been a pleasure, Hyoudou-kun. We're the official authorities of Kuoh, we can't declare any time off when Kuoh and her people are under risk."

Being the elegant and kind lady Sona is, she wouldn't even dream of bringing shame upon the Sitri household by having her servants show her guest off to his destination. Only then, the beauty would feel at ease as he's becoming one of the only real people she's come across in Overworld, not afraid to open his arms against beings that are from the other side of the world. Standing by the door, Sona awaited him, as it was clear the fairly handsome boy still had things to say to her.

"Thank you, for your understanding, Kaichou."

"We are not at the academy at the moment, Hyoudou-kun." Her eyes, glaring against his, due to his formal approach to Sona. Insisting that Sona Sitri and President are two different sides of her, that he's now dealing with Sona, the young lady of Kuoh, instead of President, the Heiress of Sitri of the Underworld.

"You get mad at me when I call you Sona-chan. It's what I'd want to address you as, to be fair."

"That is only due it's inappropriate."

"Hmm… Sona-san?"

"Again, inappropriate."

"Sitri-san?"

"That, is adequate."

"Last name basis, heh. I wonder if there's anyone that can call you Sona-chan, though, apart from me."

"Only if they're suicidal, I wouldn't recommend attributing me pet names, Hyoudou-kun."

"It's no pet name, but you do you, Sitri-san. I might get used to this, y'know."

"I have no desire to be acknowledged on a first name basis as of now, Hyoudou-kun. I'd like to think you feel the same, especially within Academy grounds." Stating that her worries are only due to societal differences between them, Sona Sitri fortified her desire to only and only be acknowledged in the proper way in regards of their place.

"I'm not raised as strictly as you've been, which is understandable as you're basically coded to become a successor to the Sitri familia. I frankly don't care whatever you call me, wherever you do. Call me Hyoudou, Issei, Sei, Ise or even SS. Yet, I'll respect your wishes. Sitri-san." The difference of the way they've been brought up, the circumstances they've been in. That's the stark reason Hyoudou Issei and Sona Sitri are two distinct people, no matter where one looks at it from, yet as they're both professionals, they won't let something as trivial as customs stop each other from contributing to their joint cause.

"As curious as I am about your pet name, I'll be keeping to myself about it for now, due to your lack of time, Hyoudou-kun."

"Have you read my file?"

"I haven't, what of it?"

"You'll find the answer within, it's an abbreviation of something I'm still ashamed of. Call it one of my numerous rookie mistakes."

"You're certainly aware of building a fair amount of suspense in someone, Hyoudou-kun. I think it's decided how I'll spend the rest of the night." Adjusting her glasses and faintly smiling to herself, Sona Sitri had no idea of the effect her monotonous actions resulted in on her opposite.

From his perspective, Sona Sitri shifted from the cold, distant and unapproachable president of the academy, to just, Sona. Someone that he could call and speak with regardless of time and place, always making sure to hold herself accountable for his feelings, not afraid to speak on behalf of those who can't, adamant on her boundaries yet for those that she shows respect and care, Sona is willing to make herself the less comfortable side. As if…

The President persona is just a mask.

"Y'know, I expected you to be able to handle a Gashadokuro on your own by now, considering your insane growth, Mira. Looks like I need to reevaluate certain things." Smirking to himself at the top of a tree, Issei observed as a group of 3 tried numerous strategies to tackle and hinder the movements of a Yokai, a subspecies of one, to be truthful. Each step taken by the creature resulted in a crater, destroying the beautiful fauna of the Forest bit by bit, wandering vengefully.

"I can and I will, Hyoudou." Her words, uttered with venom towards the boy. Competitive and stubborn to the core, the current possessor of True Longinus marked the beast as her own to deal with, prohibiting from interfering with her eyes alone, that shined in the dead of the night with ferocity

"Don't act like Devils, you're not as tough and threatening, Adria." Everyone needs to know their places, even people Issei cherishes and feels himself responsible for. This kind of behavior would only result in Mira taking on challenges bigger than herself and eventually meeting her end untimely. Issei knew that by heart that the golden-haired girl doesn't exactly hate his guts or antics, just that she feels partially responsible due to living in Kuoh and having the means to protect it.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Confused, the Leader of the group shot back as she lunged towards the Giant Skeleton once again. For almost two hours, she had been doing nothing but trying to stall the beast by trying to conquer it with her might, to no avail. As if the Beast is fortified to physical trauma, it never responded to her attacks. Even when she wielded the perfect weapon against the evils of the World, Mira couldn't help but feel absolutely worth jackshit.

"Nothing, still want me to sit this one out?"

"Just… tell me." Desperate, Mira knew that she couldn't take on the Beast with her current knowledge regarding it. It didn't help that both of her spell-casters weren't present on this expedition, in her wisdom bringing Naruhito and Alaya with her was enough against this creature.

"Tell you what exactly?" Amused, the brunette shot back smugly.

"How to subdue it."

"You can't subdue a Gashadokuro, Mira. That's simply not possible with physical might."

"I beg your pardon?" Dumbfounded, the girl stopped dead on her tracks, sweat dripping from her golden silk hair down to her cheeks. As she made eye contact with the boy, she found him staring deeply at the creature, with hints of sadness in his eyes.

"You're oblivious to Japanese folklore, so I'll explain it to you. Gashadokuro are vengeful wanderers, only materialized if the malice of the slain people reaches unseen levels. You and I both know that this town has been through its fair share of trouble in the past few months, it's been inevitable. As long as their malice continues, and amends are not made, Gashadokuro won't stop." The harsh reality behind the creature's birth, albeit for a just cause it wanders.

"I… see." Realizing the obvious fact, the beautiful lady could only look at the beast with newfound sadness in her eyes, just like Issei. The dead still remember the injustice done to them, reaching out beyond the grave and spreading their malice through the Gashadokuro. In the end, the people they couldn't protect had raised their voice against them, for Issei and Mira failed.

"It's not easy to comprehend what they've gone through, what they felt. These people, they haven't done anything wrong and as such, they're trying to haunt those who murdered them, they won't stop until every single soul is avenged. Yet, as the living, we still have a duty, Mira."

"To make sure no one suffers the same fate…"

"Exactly."

As they make eye contact, Issei understands the goodness in Mira once again. The same girl that blamed herself for being assaulted, only escaping through the interference of the boy above her. Seeing her all worked up and just, made the love for Humanity inside him reignite. Everyone in her group had it hard, only due to her efforts they've found solace. They found, Mira still hasn't.

Playing the Hero isn't a job for everyone, Issei knew that dearly. He himself wasn't one, either. The brunette tried that lifestyle long before coming to Kuoh, and found it only suitable for those that had nothing left to lose, such as Mira herself. Only through helping others, people like Issei and Mira could feel at ease, because they've both tasted what it means to be weak, to be under everyone and everything.

In time, Issei found reasons to not waste his life reaching for something undesirable, Becoming a beacon for those that couldn't find the way. However, he lost his own light a year prior, and could only now start to heal. He will still try to protect them as much as possible, that is no doubt. Yet, to make it his only responsibility? That was something he swore to never do again.

Mira? She started to be involved in this chaotic world only a few months ago, she will in time understand what it means to be used, to be thrown away when there is no use of keeping her around. This beautiful lady will discover the true reason of her struggles and will grapple with her own conscience, whether she does what she does because it's the right thing or to please her own guilty heart.

'Until that day, I'll be around to guide her to the right path.'

"Yet, we can't leave it as it is. Finding the culprits would also be hard. There remains one thing to do." Resonating with her own idea, Mira gripped the handle of her Longinus tightly, her chuckles turning completely white.

"That's right. So, you want my help?"

"I have no other choice." Prideful, yet knows her limits. Mira Adria would never ask the help of a third party even if it means she wouldn't be able to vanquish her foe and perish, unless the Third party is someone she has witnessed the strength of first-hand.

"Heh, you actually do, but I'm not comfortable enough to lend you one of my finest spears."

"It seems that I haven't proved what I am capable of to you, yet. Ise-kun." Daring, she exclaimed, in a positive sense. Respecting the person before her and implying the degree of their relationship with the first name basis.

"Oh you indeed have, I'm still surprised that you figured out the strengths and weaknesses of your Sacred Gear in such a short time. Still, this one's a bit tricky, trust me you wouldn't want something like this to fall into your or anybody's hands, ever." Stating that the origins and the capabilities of this one weapon is not to be underestimated, Issei leaped out of the branch he's been observing the situation from, landing right next to Mira.

"Why?"

"You'll understand in a bit." Fixating his gaze on the Beast that has gone further away from them during their talk, Issei steeled his concentration to not fail what he's about to do.

"Sorry, Ska-chan. Need to borrow this one for a bit, again." Mira heard him mutter this under his breath whilst channeling for a power that didn't promise any good.

Reaching out to the empty space behind him, as if to pull something out from it, Issei seemingly held the handle of something not conceivable to the human eye at first. Struggling to materialize the most prized possession of Castle of Shadows, the brunette hardened his mind once more. If he failed here, if he loses the battle against the Ghost of D'un Scaith, the price could be heavier than the last time.

"Gae Bolg… Alternative!" Materializing in an influx of crimson and pitch-black aura, stood before him a spear of exceptional abilities. The Soaring Spear of Piercing Death, able to infuse any thing with the Concept of Death, even Beasts that have long perished before, Undeads. A weapon many would seek for, as it not only enforces the idea of Death to the opponent, but also is able to kill in one definitive strike, earning its moniker of Soaring and Piercing Spear.

Yet, no power is truly without any backlash. Rhongomyniad only serves those that are aligned with the interests of Humanity, a condition he provides. The condition to wield the extraordinary and defying power of Gae Bolg Alternative is to…

'The Mad Dog will pay for his sins.'

To have your consciousness invaded by one of the most vengeful souls of all time.

Scathach of D'un Scaith.

'How could you do this to me..? To your own teacher…'

'I've taught you everything you know! That's how you repay me?!'

'I will never stop, never…'

'Until your bloodline runs dry.'

'Until every last crib falls without a descendant'

'Until your very existence is one bleak page in the annals of history.'

'I'll never stop hunting you down.'

'Cu Chulainn!'

The cries of one mother, of one soul that has been targeted by her whole pantheon just because she had transcended over one thing, even Gods she devoted her life to, started to feel afraid of her. Only because she had become the exact thing they needed her to be, that this benevolent soul turned to be a malevolent one. A mistake she committed, believing her connections were of pure origins. Only to be backstabbed and forever damned to her signature Spear, eternally torturing those that ever try to wield it.

A Pseudo-Sacred Gear.

A Shortie, yey.

I didn't plan to make this chap only 9k, but I think it's enough for now as I'll be structuring this fic a bit differently compared to before.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this pos lule.

And, self advertisement time xdddd, check out my other story, Radiowaves to Heaven, a Regression/Apocalypse fic.

I'll be crosspostin this fic on Ao3 as well, because FFnet is one big joke that I can no longer tolerate.

R&R Boys and Grilles.

Shiwftie, out.