This morning feels different. Miki Hyoudou couldn't help but think, while smiling.

"And then by the end, the pigs literally ended up building some kinda perpetual motion machine. I swear the entire time I was on that island, it felt like it was a fever dream." Issei was telling a story about how he and his Chaldea friends ended up on a deserted island and apparently remade civilization there. In a fashion.

"Hahaha, the, the image is so cute but so funny." Asia was laughing heartly at the story.

"Sadly, turns out the giant boar we defeated at the start was a nemesis of Artoria and in the future of that island it destroys the piglets civilization."

"Wait, what!? That's horrible! What about the poor pigies?" Asia said in worry.

"Oh it worked out, we obviously beat it. But it wasn't a simply discovery that it was the big bad villain responsible for all that happened. Basically..." Issei continued to tell his tale, sometimes out of order, sometimes backtracking to clarify certain events or shed new light about them. He seemed to perfectly keep Asia engaged and entertained.

And that was just it. For Miki, her son just seem lively this morning. There was always this since of calm heaviness since he returned from his otherworldly adventure, but he seemed more like himself than he had in a while.

There was still maturity in his eyes, but the wary tiredness behind his smile seemed gone. The Hyoudou matriarch didn't know yet why this happened, but she couldn't help but be glad for it.

"Issei, Asia" Gorou spoke up with an excited grin. Miki shaped her husband's smile as she already knew of what he planned. "So at work I decided to cash in on those vacation days. What do you say we go some place as a family together during your school's vacation days during Golden Week."

"Oh? That's great!" Issei grinned back.

Kuoh Academy had a policy of giving the week before Golden Week off for students, to let them have a chance to finish any homework they had in that week, so they can enjoy the actual Golden Week free of studying.

In actuality either students are forced to do extra work the teacher think they are free to do in two weeks, or they are forced to study harder for quizzes or tests after the holidays period ended. And of course there are some like Issei and his perverted friends who either finish the work early, or leave it to the last minute and just take the whole thing as a two week vacation.

It was nice family plan for them to spend those two weeks at Hokkaido, at a coast town called Erimo.

Miki felt giddy at thought of a vacation like that. It might eat into hers and her husband' savings a bit, but it's worth it to get back the time they lost with their son.

"Mom, Dad, Asia." Issei spoke up. "There's something I want to talk to you guys about."

If something is too good to be true, then it likely is.

It was a common piece of wisdom. Asia Argento was familiar with such adage, she just never felt like she experienced it till now.

Asia's life since her Sacred Gear was discovered by the Church at a young age had been good. She never wanted to fall into greed and demand more. She simply had to wake up, pray, eat, pray, read the scriptures, eat, pray then go to sleep. Sometimes she would be requested to heal someone by the Church, either priests, exorcists or people that need aid. Although those people noticeably were dressed really well, or had to arrive in secrecy.

Most time when Asia which to travel outside in the town she was in, she'd be escorted by a senior priest. There she would either play with the local children, and heal what people she found in need of aid.

Thus was the routine of Asia Argento's life. She was seen as a Holy Maiden for her efforts, which Asia didn't feel was deserved when her God's gift is what allowed her to do anything.

There was... something however that she wished for. A secret desire that she didn't voice out of shame.

She wanted a friend. A genuine one.

The people around her, be it the Church or the townsfolk, they were good people, they were kind with bright smiles.

But their smiles sometimes felt like it was hiding something, like they wanted something from her. It was gone when she healed whomever needed help. But that "want" being there made her feel comfortable.

As for the kids she played with, it felt more like she was a babysitter. Which she didn't hate but she would like to also be the one playing, rather than looking after others.

When she met that injured person, that later turned out to be a devil, she just did what came naturally to her. Heal the sick.

Then turn into a crazy mess where she was condemned for healing a devil. Accused of conspiring with them. Told that her powers were God's gifts. It all happened too fast.

And before she knew it, Asia was excommunicated.

Was she wrong for wishing to have more than her static life? Should she have been content with what she had, rather than greedily ask for more?

Then she found herself flown to Japan, a foreign land with a foreign language, where she knew no one, and she was suppose to join a group of fallen angels and stray exorcists. Because she was a witch now. That's what she was, what everyone called her.

Yet, regardless of what anyone called her, in her heart she was but one of god's lamb, so she did the only thing she knew and could depend on in this trial life threw at her.

So she prayed.

"Hey, are you lost? ...Sorry, I know little Italian. Do you know English? I can speak that better."

And her prayers were answered.

Since that day when she met Issei Hyoudou, Asia understood.

God had answered her prayers.

She wasn't punished when she was excommunicated.

That devil was simply put her path so she may eventually meet Issei, his parents, his home and family that... that felt like her own.

For the first time she had a family and a home she could call her own.

"When I went to Rias on a trip to one of her clients, I learned that I could go back. Specially to that world I was in."

And now Issei was telling them he would leave.

Was I delusional? Did I misunderstand, or is this another trial O' Lord? Asia thought.

The conversation went on for a while, but Asia wasn't able to focus on it.

"H-How would you come back? ...You are coming back, right?" Asked Miki.

"Of course, I'm coming back!" Issei said with a laugh, the broke the tension.

"Huh?" Asia found herself mentally zooming back into the discussion, focusing on it.

"Did you all think I'm leaving for good? How am I suppose to introduce you to Ritsuka if I did that?" Issei said with a chuckle.

"Wow, you really are committed to the long distance relationship, huh?" Gorou jested.

"Yeah," Issei chuckled some more. "It should be possible for me to travel back and forth through the Dimensional Gap with my armor on. I'll come back with Ritsuka once we figure out a way for me to safely bring people with me. If not I'll just keep coming and going between our world and hers."

"How much time would that take? At least the travelling part?" Miki asked.

"I'm... not sure. Ddraig?"

[The concept of time doesn't exist in the Dimensional Gap. Could be a minute, could be years. Odds are, as long as that All Genius Hedonist is around in Chaldea, we'll be able to make it back in no time.] Ddraig said. [If not? Eh, we can probably figure something out with Penetrate to bootleg a quick way back.]

"So that means...?" Gorou asked for everyone.

"It shouldn't take that long. Either I succeed and get back in a few weeks, a months at most, or fail and get back right away." Issei replied.

"So when will you be leaving?" Asked Miki.

"I'm thinking... last day of of the holidays? At least that way if I end up gone for too long, maybe Rias can cover for me?" He gave a nervous grin.

"Why not the middle of Golden Week?" Gorou asked. "You'd be able to get back before school starts again." He asked, before wilting at Mama Hyoudou's scowl.

"Because I wouldn't get to spend time with all of you." Isse smiled.

"Aww," Miki cooed. "We love you too, Ise!"

"Mom!" Issei protested with his cheek flushed. "...Thanks."

The Hyoudou's chuckled at their son's embarrassment to their affection. Gorou rubbed Issei's hair and messed it up, making Issei mock growl at him and shoo him away.

"Oh thank god." Asia didn't realize realize she said that out loud as the Hyoudou family looked at her. "I mean, um, I'm glad that Issei isn't leaving for good. Mama-san and Papa-san would have been sad."

"Of course not," Issei smiled and patted Asia's head. "What kind of person would I'd be if I bailed on my family? Don't worry, I'll make sure to come back with souvenirs for you."

"A-hem." Miki coughed loudly and pointed at herself.

"You get to meet Ritsuka." Issei replied.

"What about me?" Gorou joked.

"You get to have me for company?"

"Pass, can you bring any good sake back?"

"Oi!"

As the family joked around her, Asia felt warm and reassured. Yet the quiet dread inside her stayed.

Would this joy stay in her life for long, or would it be temporary?

Would she be greedy to ask for it to stay and punished, or would she face another trial to realize that wish?

Asia didn't know. The future didn't set her at ease.

"Say what?" Vali blinked in confusion at the phone call he got.

"I'm asking if you'd join me and my family at our stay in Erimo during Golden Week. I told you I'd set the date for our match during Golden Week, and if we're there we can have the match at sea, so as not to worry about collateral damage." Issei replied to him.

"You are inviting a devil. A child of Lucifer. To your family vacation." Vali stated bluntly.

"Well I asked Rias but she said her brother took her and her peerage for some surprise family vacation, so that's out. Also, why do you make it sound so edgy? So what that you're a Lucifer? Are you gonna go do some evil shit because you're compelled to do so by you nature and go 'muwahahaha', or something?" Issei deadpanned.

"No. And never do that laugh again." Vali grunted.

"Then that's that. What did you never get invited to hang out before or something?" Issei said with a teasing note.

"I've been invited to many places you wouldn't even believe." Vali immediately said back.

"Heh, we'll see about that. I bet my stories trump yours on the 'outlandish and bizarre' scale." Issei chuckled.

"We'll see if fast talking if the only thing you can do once we have our duel." Vali smirked.

"Cool. I'll see you there then. Oh, and of course, Azazel isn't invited. But if you could rob him to pay for the whole trip, I'll use a Juggernaut Drive move on you. Later." Issei said quickly and ended the call.

"What the heck is that suppose to mean?" Vali looked at his phone in confusion.

Did his rival imply that he wouldn't use Juggernaut Drive to its full extent?

"Oh, I'm gonna make you eat those words, Rival."

[Hmph. We'll make sure of it.] Albion said, to which Vali nodded.

Now, where does Azazel keep his safe for quick cash and booze again?

"Mom, Dad, Asia, this is Vergil, I mean Vali." Issei introduced the White Dragon Emperor.

"Oh, you're the friend he invited! It's so nice to meet you." Miki greeted the silver haired teen.

"Any friend of Issei is welcomed here!" Gorou extended a hand, that Vali carefully shook.

"You're not even remotely as cool as Dante." Vali bite back toward Issei, before looking at his parents with awkwardness but not displeased, just unused to this joyful cheeriness. "And, um... thank you for having me." He nodded and stepped back.

"So, everyone ready?" Issei said to his parents and Asia, before turning to Vali, raising an eyebrow, giving him the same question with the look.

"Yes," Vali nodded. "Obviously. Get it over with."

"Heh," Isse chuckled and cast the teleportation circle his feet and it expanded to encompass everyone.

Issei had gotten the coordinates and design of the long range teleportation spell to Erimo, Hokkaido from Rias.

He took a minute to ensure the spell was stable and bring up the magical energy needed for it.

Then he let the spell activate and light glowed from the magic circle, engulfing everyone.

When the light show stopped, and everyone looked up again, and saw how their surrounding changed.

No one seemed to notice them for a few minutes. A perception filtering spell for people without magic not notice them. As they began moving toward the first hotel they saw, they because noticeable again, but as they looked like normal tourists, most didn't give them more than a glance.

"Woah, magic is amazing!" Miki said in awe.

"We saved up on so much gas!" Gorou was equally ecstatic.

"I know, right, honey?" Miki agreed with her husband.

"Say," Gorou blinked as he looked at the hotel, closely now. "Issei, that's not the hotel we made reservations at?"

"Oh, didn't you hear?" Issei smirked. "Azazel, out of the kindness of his heart, decided to pay for your vacation. So I decided we should go for something more lavish."

Miki and Gorou blinked at that, taking a minute to register what was said.

"Yeah, he's very sorry and all that." Vali interjected, almost in a grumbling way of wanting to get things over with. "Here, have these. And the hotel rooms are basically reserved for a whole 30 days."

Vali handed the Hyoudou couple, as well as Asia and Issei, a credit card each.

Issei's parents knew how Vali was, and his relation to Azazel as Issei told them. They were skeptical of the boy, but Issei told them to treat him like a normal teen, as he had a good feeling about him.

So they did just that, and found the boy much more polite and nicer than someone related to Azazel would seem like.

Miki and Gorou looked on in surprise at the gifts. Asia stared at the shiny card in confusion. Issei pocketed his.

"Vali-kun, you didn't have to do that." Gorou said with a reluctant look.

"Thank you, Vali-kun. You're a good kid!" Miki stepped forward and patted the boy's head.

Before Vali was standoffish, now he looked thrown off, slight blushing, while looking around in confusion and wanting clues on how to react.

Gorou looked aside coughed, to hide his laugh.

Issei took a picture.

"Oi!" Vali growled, and stepped back from Miki's reach.

"Is it okay to use these? They're not gonna cause a problem." Gorou asked.

"He probably won't even notice." Vali shrugged.

"Penemue, what happened here?" Azazel, General Governor of the Grigori, asked looking puzzled at the safe in his office left open.

"It seemed someone had opened your personal safe and emptied it, Sir." Penemue said with a calm air. The Chief Secretary of the Grigori had a slight relaxed smile of amusement on her face.

"Yes, I can see it." He said, giving her a side eye.

"It seems Vali was the one to do it." She noted.

"I can see the written note, Penemue. I'm asking why and when did this happen?" Azazel said with annoyance.

The note read:

"Going on vacation. Taking the money and stuff for unknown expenses. —Vali"

"Why did he also take the liquor with him? Do you know how difficult it was to make that white Russian with Amrita?" Azazel whined.

"Maybe he's having a teenage rebellion." Penemue asked, uncaring.

"No." Azazel's eyes widened in shock and understanding, before a proud smile entered his face. "No, taking money? He's being lazy about asking, or going to any of our banks. But taking a booze?" He sniffed, and wiped an imaginary tear. "My boy's finally grown up. He's going to party and get drunk with girls."

"...Yes, I'm sure it's that." Penemue deadpanned. "Now about the budget this month... Sir?"

Azazel now looked worried.

"...Vali took the cards to my private accounts." He said after a moment. "Those are the ones for my personal researches."

"You mean whenever you're bored and something shiny catches your interests?" Penemue asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Yeah. those. So, um, Penemue, can I borrow—"

"No."

"Alright then, onward!" Gorou now said with enthusiasm, pumping his fist in the air.

""Yay!"" Miki, Asia and Issei echoed his sentiment, and mirrored his actions.

"...Yay." Vali weakly copied them.

In the Underworld, on one of the many territories of Gremory Family, were Rias Gremory and her Peerage, invited to a beach resort by her brother, Sirzechs Lucifer.

They were all currently at the beach in various swimwear outfits.

This included Sirzechs full Peerage members too.

"Nii-sama, I'm thankful for the invitation but..." Rias pouted, not sure how to explain her feelings.

She had wanted to invite Issei to a vacation spot of her own during the Golden Week holiday, before she heard he had plans of his own, and then her brother's invite came out of nowhere.

Rias couldn't well say no to her brother as she knew how hard he worked, and how little time off he took, so she had to cherish the time Sirzechs made for her.

"Why did you come with everyone?" She meant his Peerage. "Also, even telling me to unseal Gasper... is there something more to his vacation?"

"Haha, why wouldn't I just want to spend time with my sister?" Sirzechs chuckle, standing with Rias at the beach. He was wearing what looked like a 1920s one piece swim suit that extended into shorts. "By the way, did I ever show you this trick with our Power of Destruction?"

Sirzechs made a concentrated spheres of crimson and black Destruction energy... then started juggling them.

"Um, no?" Rias said with confusion, as she looked around and started to see each of her Peerage member was being approached by someone of Sirzechs' Peerage to square off away with them.

Bahamut and Enku gestured for Koneko to follow them, and with a reassuring nod from Rias, she did.

Kiba left with Beowulf and Souji Okita.

Akeno went with MacGregor Mathers and Surtr Second.

And nervous Gasper was taken aside by Grayfia herself.

Gasper Vladi was a dhampir turned reincarnated devil by Rias. Saved by Rias after he escape a horrible home life, and having died in the attempt.

He was born with a potent and powerful Sacred Gear, Forbidden Balor View, that made him freeze anything he looked at in time. It made him unable and afraid to socialize or interact with people. Even his devil contracts were made online.

Yet against Grayfia, the effects of his Sacred Gear seemed to wash off of her, thus his confusion and slight easiness.

"Nii-sama, is this... is this some kind of training camp?" Rias asked with some surprise, yet hopefulness. She had at time hoped her brother would help her train for dealing with her eventual unwanted betrothal, but she understood his position, thus never asked that.

"'Training', hahaha, Rias you know I, as Satan Lucifer, can't be biased and help my little sister or give her preferential treatment." Sirzechs laugh her off, making Rias now looked confused. "We're just hanging out as siblings, while we trade stories and I show you some neat things I know about our Family Trait as entertainment." He gave her a knowing look. "I just figured your Peerage and mine could use a break, and now they are just organically hanging out. Nothing else to it. This is just a normal family vacation."

The more Sirzechs talked and more Rias began to smile widely.

"Oh, right. Silly me~," Rias tapped her head with her knuckle and poked her tongue out. "So how I make Destruction Spheres—I mean, Destruction juggling balls again?"

Six days passed by. For Vali, life had always been about the next challenge and the next one after.

He knew how to relax yes. He had people to spar with, even formed his own group, unknown to Azazel or the Grigori, or even Slash/Dog.

People always treated him in relation to his power. They respected him for it. They feared him for it. They wanted to use him for it. They wanted to challenge him because of it.

Only rare idiots like Tobio Ikuse, someone that could be a challenge to him, treated him as just a friend. Or just a child when he was younger.

The Hyoudous and the young former nun, treated him differently. Like friend, like someone they cared for. It reminded him of his older sister-figure, Lavinia Reni. Even then, she was the only one he knew that dared treat him like that, because she was strong, a Loningus user like him.

And because she was a ditz.

He wouldn't say that to her face though.

Gorou Hyoudou, Miki Hyoudou and Asis Argento knew who he was. Issei never seemed to bother keeping secrets from his family. Yet they didn't treat him differently.

Always with kindness and a happy smile.

Thus on this vacation, they had went to the Cape Erimo, and watched the sea from the cliff side.

They went to Toyoni Lake to try fishing, but given that it was a heart-shaped lake, once Miki and Gorou started flirting, Issei, Vali and Asia left post-haste.

They went to the beach, a golf course, and even a local hot spring. Sapporo City where saw the sights there, enjoyed the food and atmosphere of a new place. Decoration for the coming festivals were being put up.

Six days passed by so fast, but they were... nice.

Tomorrow, Golden Week would start in earnest.

"So," Vali said with some excitement as he and Issei Hyoudou stood atop one of the Erimo cliffs next to each other. "It's finally time for our duel." He said with a grin as his nerves buzzed with energy longing to be released.

"Yep," Issei said with a equal grin of his own. The Red Dragon Emperor wanted to appear nonchalant like he was lately, but even he couldn't help but look forward to this fight. "Asia will stay here to make sure to heal you once we're done." Issei jerked a thumb toward the Twilight Healing user who smiled back. "Although... who are they?" Issei pointed at the group of people by Vali's side.

"Yo! Name's Bikou. Sorry but the moment I heard Vali is finally fighting his 'destined rival', I couldn't help but come watch." Said a teen that looked like a ancient Chinese warrior. The staff and golden circlet around his head made something tickle at the back of Issei's head.

A Monkey King fanboy? Issei raised an eyebrow.

"Hellonya~! I'm Kuroka!" The two tailed nekoshou skipped toward Issei, leaning forward to emphasis her breasts. "Wanna make dragon kittens together?"

"No thanks." Issei glanced down once, smiled back and replied all in the same moment.

"Instant rejection!" The other girl in Vali's group, the blonde magician, Le Fay gasped in surprised. "He did the same thing as Vali. They really are the same!"

"Kaaah!?" Kuroka jumped back in surprise, before falling down on her knees, melodramatically shocked.

Vali sighed and spoke up before his team could continue their chaos.

"This is my team. You met Bikou and Kuroka, these are Le Fay and Arthur." Vali wave toward them, to get introduction over with quickly.

"Hello~ Mr. Red Dragon Emperor." Le Fay said back, smiling.

"Good evening, I'm Arthur Pendragon." The blond warrior in a fancy business suit said with a small bow. "I apologize for everyone's sudden intrusion but once they heard about the match, they couldn't help but come watch. And I admit, I felt the same. To see a battle between the legendary Heavenly Dragon wielders could be considered a once in a lifetime event."

"Holy crap!" Issei said with wide eyes. "You actually have friends?!" He said to Vali.

Vali frowned. "What's that suppose to mean?" He crossed his hands. "And I'm not a child to cling to such a childish notion. These are simply my comrades that gathered around me as we share a common goal."

"Wow. Could you, not be any more of a classic tsundere?" Issei said with a smug smirk.

"Bu-wha!?" Vali was gobsmacked.

"Pfft-Nyahahahahaa!" Kuroka belly laughed out loud, holing her stomach.

Bikou joined her, while Le Fay looked to the side to not act like she was giggling. Even Arthur politely "coughed" while looking away.

"Oh, oh nya, so many things make so much sense now, nya!" Kuroka said to herself.

"I'm not tsundere." Vali growled.

"Hey, come on, that's not bad. I mean, originally I thought you were like an emo kid that listened to ONE OK ROCK in the corner or something." Issei said with a "sympathetic" look.

"I don't listen to those." Vali said firmly.

Issei narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "...Linkin Park?"

"Not import—" Vali started to say.

"Yes, he does. He totally listens to them." Bikou said, which made the group laugh harder.

"Please, at least tell me your favorite song isn't 'Crawling'?" Issei asked with mock-concern, but mainly trying not to laugh.

"I'm not Emo!" Vali cried out with gritted teeth, a blush on his face. "And it's 'Bleed it Out'." He said as a counterargument.

"Oh!" Issei's eyebrow rose in surprise and approval as he nodded. "Okay, yeah, that's a good one."

"Isn't that the one that talks about opening scars, in the climax of the song?" Arthur offered as a question, while trying not to chuckle. The rest of Vali Team did instead. Only Arthur was met by confused stares by both Vali and Issei.

"No, it says 'I'v opened up these skies'." Vali said back.

"Yeah, what he said." Issei nodded and gestured with his thumb as Vali.

"No, I heard Vali-kun listening to that one once, it definitely said 'opening up these scars'." Le Fay spoke up thoughtfully.

"No, it says 'skies' that's what makes the song come together." Vali insisted.

For the next few minutes, the sparring match was put aside as Bikou brought out his cellphone, and open up an app to search and play the song. For the next while group listened to the song and replied it at the line they had differences on.

It did say "scars". Both Issei and Vali were actually disgruntled and disappointed.

"Well that's it. My week is ruined. Let's just start the fight with Balancer Breaker, so the day would just get better from here." Vali said with an annoyed sighed.

"Yeah right." Issei smirked back. "We're not fighting to the death. Do you really want to take things into high gear right away?"

"...Nah." Vali grinned back. "Let's see if you actually know how to use that Sacred Gear before we throw power around, Red Dragon Emperor."

"Right back at you, White Dragon Emperor." Issei replied.

The two stood at opposite ends of the Cape Erimo, facing each other.

For a few moments, the two Heavenly Dragon wielders waited. In that time, Asia went to stand by Vali Team's side as Issei's request, so she's be safe from the battle's effects.

Le Fay casted a grand barrier spell with the help of Kuroka to not only have all mundane people leave from the area, not that there were many at this hour, but also mitigate or reverse damage to the landscape. Plus hide their fight from the larger supernatural world, so as not to draw unwanted attention, or accidently piss off someone nosey.

Finally with the barrier complete, the Vali Team and Asia floated away on top of a magic circle to watch the fight from a safe distance.

Issei idly looked toward the Vali Team one last time. Both to ensure Asia was safe and out of curiosity at the group. Kuroka looked like a normal cat youkai, albeit with demonic power emitting out of her. A reincarnated devil? He wondered who her king was. She seemed like the most normal one of the group.

Bikou was a monkey youkai but that attire like an ancient Chinese warrior and that staff and circlet. Was it normal for youkai to emitate famous figures, or would doing that hold an important statement?

Finally there was the Pendragon siblings, and wasn't that hell of a statement. The Pendragon bloodline was still alive in this world? Were they active? Did they have a role in the British government? Why did they give their kids really fucked up names? Either they will have impossible expectations they need to live up to, like Arthur.

Or get made fun off as kid with a name like Le Fay. Obviously that girl was gifted that name for some magical potential they sensed in her, but was she really bubbly as she appeared, or does she have some hidden dark side where she acts like a "witch", because of that hypothetic childhood bullying?

So many questions.

And yet...

Issei took a stance ready to run.

Right now he didn't care about any of them.

"Hoo?" Vali raised an eyebrow as he summoned his Longinus. White wing limbs appeared on his back, with eight diamond shaped energy feathers. "You think to face me without even summoning the Boosted Ge—"

[BOOST]

An emerald circle glowed on Issei's left hand, as he dashed forward.

Vali's eyes widened as Issei near instantly crossed the distance, now in his face, with a knee shooting forward at his stomach.

Vali's instincts kicked in letting him react immediately, turning his body sideways for Issei to pass by him.

Only for Issei to use his forward momentum to plan his dashing foot on the ground, and spin, turning the knee strike into a roundhouse kick.

Val's eyes widened again at the unexpected continued assault, as he had his arms up to block the strike.

The heel kick slammed into Vali's arm guard and was stopped. Instantly Issei pulled his foot back before Vali could grab it, and tag Issei with a Divide. Quickly Issei threw a straight punch at Vali's face.

Vali's grinned as he realized how this fight was gonna go now. His rival was not an amateur.

Issei's punch is parried only for another to follow it up.

Vali blocks and tried to counter, abandoning the idea on focusing on tagging Issei with a Divide and more on landing a hit first.

In the next second, Issei went faster, throwing five punches, each making the wind whined as they passed by Vali, dodging, parrying and blocking—

[BOOST]

Vali's guard was up stopping another full straight punch from Issei toward his throat. Even with his arms up in an x-guard, Vali felt the force of Issei's hit vibrating through him. And his instincts told him his rival was still holding back a bit.

How is he Boosting without summoning the Sacred Gear? Vali cried out in his head.

[It is something possible with mastery.] Albion answered back. [However something like that has to take a toil on the user. He likely exchanges stamina to use the Boost ability in a surprising manner like that.]

Vali back flipped into a bicycle kick to throw Issei back, only to find Issei rushing into Vali's guard once he finished his rotation.

Issei came in with a right hook, Vali anticipated that, blocked that arm, while throwing an uppercut with his other hand.

Issei spun away from the uppercut, grabbing Vali's defending arm and threw him over his shoulder.

The sudden over body throw should have slammed Vali onto his back.

But Vali wasn't a human and didn't have to confine himself to fighting on 2D coordinates.

His Sacred Gear was out already, acting as his wings, thus he simply stopped in mid-air, and flew himself into a flying kick at Issei's head.

Issei dodged by crouching, then turned that into an upper kick.

Vali caught the kick, now halting momentum, and flew up, pulling Issei by the leg.

Issei used his core muscles and pulled himself toward Vali, sending an elbow to the white-haired teen's face. Vali blocked the embow with his palm while continuing to fly upward.

"Gotcha!" Vali grinned.

[DIVIDE]

Vali felt the effect take place. He feel Issei zapped of power, and the energy comes to him and reinvigorates him.

He pulled Issei down and spins to slam him into the ground—

[BOOST]

With a shining emerald flash, the red gauntlet appear on Issei's left hand. His free hand.

Vali barely had time to widen his eyes, as he felt the power explode from Issei's frame.

It seems the Boost without the Sacred Gear only worked on a singular aspect of Issei's power enhancement. Speed, strength, jumping, durability. It seemed Isse used the energy of the Boost for one of those.

But an actual Boost with the Boosted Gear active, now all Issei's power was enhanced by two.

Issei punched forward, slamming his fist into Vali's stomach. At the same time flames burst from Issei's back, as two red wing limbs extended out, with the "wing membrane" being blazing fire shooting out of the wings like jet flames.

With that hit Vali was blasted back, and Issei disentangled himself away from the White Dragon Emperor.

Vali regained his momentum and floated in the air, with Issei floating opposite to him.

Vali couldn't help the excited grin that overcame his face. He held himself back from shaking in glee.

Yes! This was it! This was building up to be the fight he was looking for.

"Hehehehehahahahahahaha!" No, he couldn't help but laugh at how fun this was.

Issei chuckled joining him.

"Oh, this really isn't gonna be disappointing, is it?" Vali said, mainly to himself, even if Issei heard him. "You are surprisingly vicious. I thought you'd be the more cautious type with how meek you always seemed."

"Knowing how to be chill doesn't mean I carry that attitude into a fight. Always take all opponents seriously, you never know if they were hiding their strength, or have some annoying secret technique that's uniquely capable of specifically beating you." Issei said back.

"Wise words." Vali acknowledged with a nod. "So... time to actually do this for real."

"...Yeah." Issei grinned back, his battle lust now reflected in his eyes. "I think so too."

Issei Hyoudou and Vali Lucifer unleashed the true power of their Sacred Gears.

AN: Full battle with BB use next chapter. It is currently up on Pat re on.