Summary: It all started with a joke, a drunk truck driver and dreams of a harem and ended with a trip to the hospital, a broken leg, a crutch and the ability to see numbers everywhere. Yeah, Life isn't too kind on Issei. Sadly enough, he could see that it was about to get whole lot more complicated.

Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool DxD or its characters. It belongs to Ichiei Ishibumi.

Beta'd by demonwarrior1029

Chapter 15

Issei woke up to a familiar ceiling. He blinked the sleep out of his eyes slowly, the simple motion taking an enormous amount of effort for something so small.

He groaned, feeling his entire body aching, and sat up on his bed, his whole being protesting at against his decision to do so.

The blanket fell off him, and he looked down to see himself clad in one of his more favored shirts, though he was also still wearing the pants he wore from the night before. He was surprisingly clean, a lot of the dust and grime of the previous night wiped away.

He turned and let his feet rest on the cool floor of his room, taking a few seconds to take in the feeling of it all. He sighed and grabbed his cane from the bedside, entering his bathroom.

He stood underneath the shower of nearly-scalding water for nearly a half hour, doing nothing but laying his head against the wall and letting the water run over him.

He closed his eyes, remembering the events of the previous night.

The peace meeting, Loki, Skol and Hati, the assassin.

Everything just went to hell so quickly, he could barely catch up. Hell, even know he was still reeling from it all.

He slid into some comfortable clothes, and slowly walked downstairs.

Each step was almost overwhelmingly heavy, the time it took for him to reach the bottom of the stairs so incredibly short.

"Issei," His mother greeted him, standing up from her seat in the kitchen dining table and hugging him briefly but tightly, before leading him to breakfast. His dad was on the table too, and seeing as it was way past time for him to go to work, he must have decided not to go. Issei felt that that was a waste of

"Mom," He started, looking down at the ground. "About last night-"

"Shh," His mom smiled at him "Don't mind that now Issei. We trust you. Now come on, your dad bought us food. There's even cheesecake for you later. We'll talk about it later."

Issei stared at his mother in shock before turning to his father who shrugged with a small smile as if saying 'what can you do?'

He sat down on a chair, picking up his chopsticks and slowly digging into his meal. His father began to talk about his office, about how they were going to let go of some people while his mother told them about how she was thinking of buying some new curtains for the house, the regular things they talked about during mealtimes.

It was...odd. Not really unpleasant, but the fact that they were willing to not talk about what happened last night gave Issei a sort of comfort at the thought that they trusted him to tell them when he was ready to tell them.

And Issei honestly did trust them. They were his parents, he loved them, with his entire life even. They deserved to know, more than anyone, about what he was doing. About everything.

"Mom, Dad," He sighed, mentally preparing himself for what he was going to say. "I have to tell you something. It's...it's something really important."

"Are you sure Issei?" His dad asked him, laying down the notebook he was reading through to look at him. "We completely understand if you don't want to show us right now. It's only normal for a teenager like you to keep secrets from his parents after all."

"No, it's...this is something you need to know." Issei sighed. He looked up and looked his mom and dad both in the eye, holding their gazes for a few seconds each before setting his eyes somewhere to the side. "Magic...magic is real."

They both blinked at him in almost complete unison, looking at each other before going back to him. "M-magic? What are you talking about Issei?"

He pursed his lips and held his hands out towards them and with a few calculations, as well as a small effort of will, made a small tongue of fire burst into a dance on the top of his palm. He stared at it for a while, just taking a few seconds to truly appreciate what he was doing, the sheer joy of using magic, of controlling the forces of creation and nature to his will, before meeting his parents' eyes.

They were transfixed by the flames, mouth dropped open in shock.

It got awkward after a while, so Issei shut off his magic, closing his hand around the fire, waiting for their reaction.

"W-well," His mother broke the silence. "I certainly didn't expect that."

"Last night, I thought that you were part of a gang." His dad admitted to him. "Or may be even that you got caught up in that Yakuza, but magic? That's...that's just...magic wow, this is a lot to take in."

"Believe it or not, that's actually the most plain of what happened to me lately." Issei gave a weak smile.

"Magic is the least of what you've been through?" His mom bit her lip, looking worried. "Is that why last night you looked so beat up? What have you been doing Issei?"

Well, he was already telling them the truth, might as well tell them the entire thing. They really did deserve to know what he was up to.

So he told them, leaving nothing out. About Sona and Rias, about Asama, about Beelzebub, his trip to Kyoto, all the situations he's been in since entering the world of the supernatural. He showed them his Boosted Gear, showed them the things he could do with magic, told them about the existence of magic and the supernatural.

He told them about the previous night, from meeting Arianna all the way to the end of the peace meeting. He refrained from mentioning the assassin though. They could do without knowing that for a while.

"Well...um, so...do you think you could get a girlfriend with that?" His mom asked, looking a bit dazed.

"Mom!" Issei groaned, turning to his dad pleadingly.

"That Sona-san did look like a good fit for Issei didn't she?" He wondered, putting a hand to his chin thoughtfully.

"Oh yes she did! She was so cute! And she looked like she was a hard worker too, a perfect fit for our lazy son!"

"I'm not lazy anymore!" Issei protested. "And Kaichou's a devil, so I doubt it would work."

"You'll find a way Issei!" She cheered him on. "Your father and I aren't getting younger, and we're really looking forward to spoiling our grandchildren!"

Issei put a hand to his face to hide his embarrassment. In complete honesty though, he was actually relieved that his parents weren't freaking out, that they weren't judging him or telling him off. He hadn't even thought of telling his parents about what he was doing because he was afraid that they were going to be disappointed with him, that they wouldn't approve.

It was...nice, to have that fear finally assuaged.

Issei and his parents looked up simultaneously as the doorbell ringed.

"Were we expecting someone dear?" His mom asked curiously.

"I don't think so. I'll send them away," His dad made to move. "I need to hear everything else from you Issei."

Issei's eyes widened and his head snapped over to the wall clock mounted on the wall, displaying the time.

Noon.

"Oh that's one of mine." Issei yelped, calling for his cane, his tool jumping to his hand on the command. His mom and dad jumped, Issei apologizing hastily before making his way towards the door.

Arianna stared up at him as he opened it, greeting him in a language that he didn't understand.

Issei stared at her for a while before coming to a realization. He flicked on his choker, and gestured for her to come inside. "Hey. You have any lunch already?" He asked as he led her to their dining table.

"A-ah, no not yet." She blushed, looking down. "But you don't have to!" She waved her hands in front of her furiously. "I mean, you're already taking the time off your day to teach me, you don't have to feed me either!"

"Nah it's fine." Issei assured her. "We were just eating anyways. I could teach you some of the stuff you want to know about after."

"Are you sure?" Arianna asked uncertainly.

"Yeah, I'm sure." Issei shrugged. "This is my mom, and my dad. Mom, is it okay if she eats lunch with us?"

"A-ah, hello father, mother," Arianna greeted them slowly, hesitantly even.

"Issei, you can understand her?" His mom asked curiously, tilting her head at him. "Is this the result of magic?"

Arianna blinked, turning to Issei for help which reminded him of the fact that, while he could understand her because of his ability, it didn't mean that she really was speaking in another language. It was something that he's taken for granted now that he thought about it.

"She said hello," Issei explained to his mother, thinking of a magical spell that made people understand one another even if they were using completely different languages. Maybe Asama knew something about that.

"Ah, hello to you too...Issei, what's her name?" His dad whispered to him.

"More importantly, is she your girlfriend?!" His mom butted in, looking excited at the prospect. "She's your girlfriend isn't she? Oh you're so cute, having a foreigner as your girlfriend! Imagine Otou-san, the Hyoudou family becoming international! Oh, maybe our son will give us grandchildren after all!"

"Don't disappoint us son! I admit, I was slightly afraid that you would be alone in the future because you didn't have a girlfriend yet, but there's hope for us yet!"

The two of them simultaneously turned towards the young girl, who was staring at them cluelessly.

"She's cute. I like her." His mom approved.

"How can you accept someone that quickly!?" Issei yelled.

"What's your relation with her anyway?" His dad asked him.

"Ah, well, she kinda wants me to teach her magic so I did." Issei shrugged.

"Well, if you can, teach her how to use magic to speak our language. I want to hear all about her!" His mom squealed, clapping her hands in delight. She turned towards Arianna and began to gesture towards their spread, beginning to talk to her in surprisingly good English. "Arianna-san, you eat as much as you want."

"A-ah thank you."

Issei would've acted as a translator between them, but it looked like Arianna understood the gist of what she was saying. Besides, his mom looked...delighted to be speaking with Arianna, overjoyed, even against the language barrier and accented English the two of them were experiencing. His mom's eyes were shining in a way that he's never seen before.

Arianna nodded along, having trouble with the chopsticks that the Hyoudou Family used for their meals, eyes furrowed in concentration.

His mom moved to sit beside her, showing her how to properly use it.

Looking at the two of them already acting so closely, Issei felt...he didn't really know. Complicated? Yeah, if he had to say something about how he was feeling, it would be complicated.

"Hey Issei, can we talk?

Issei followed his father up towards the room he shared with his wife. Gesturing further, he stepped outside their veranda.

He took out a case of cigarettes from his pocket, taking out two sticks, placing one on his mouth and offering the other to Issei.

"I didn't know you smoked." Issei said accusingly, taking it and looking at it critically.

"I used to, years ago." He looked at Issei expectantly, eyes flicking to the cigarette in his lips. Issei sighed, before holding his hands out, shaping his magic, a small flame dancing to life on his fingertips. "Not anymore though."

His dad grinned, lighting it and taking an experimental puff. He closed his eyes in bliss, taking it away from his lips and breathing out a cloud of ash.

"You'd be surprised at how much you miss things like this." He said conversationally. "You know it's bad for your health, but it's just...Don't tell your mom this, but did you know I was a serious alcoholic during college?"

"Woah, really?" Issei blinked, leaning forward in interest, rolling the unlit cigarette between his fingers.

"Yeah. Almost every night my friends and I would go bar hopping, even during the night before exams. To this day, I have no idea how I actually passed university." He mentioned ruefully. "Still, I quit doing that when I got my first girlfriend, stopped being a complete drunk, though I picked up smoking from her. Not sure which is worse really." He flicked the ends of the stick, throwing away the burnt ends. "Did your mother ever tell you how we met?"

Issei shook his head.

"Ah, well, it's nothing really. My friends and I, we were all smoking behind the school, skipping class really, when this absolutely gorgeous lady comes up to us and begins to tell us off. 'We're being irresponsible' 'We're wasting our parent's money' and that 'smoking is bad for our health' all that. Then she just sorta glared at us before walking away."

The sound of the cigarette's end being burnt away was all that was between them when Kuzuki stopped to inhale its contents.

"So my buddies were all laughing, they didn't really know what to do. We were all idiots back then, we didn't really know how to treat women. They all just wrote her off as some bimbo that was butting in on our guy time."

"But you didn't." Issei smiled.

"I didn't," Hyoudou Kuzuki agreed. "It was, dammit it's cheesy when I say it but it was love at first sight you know? So I immediately threw away my cigar and chased after her. My friends went nuts, laughing about how I was being controlled by my own hormones, that if I really was that desperate to get laid, I should go to a bar or to the red light district or something." Kuzuki grinned. "When I first talked to her, it was just...wow. Karin's face just scrunched up and told me 'you stink of tobacco' before marching off. That was the day I quit."

"Seriously? All for a girl?" Issei's eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Not just a girl Issei, but my wife." Kuzuki reminded him lightly. "I still remember thinking that, looking at her and telling myself, 'that girl will be the mother of my children'. It took me a whole year of convincing, I quit smoking for her, I began to actually show up to my classes, we had three of them together during our stay there, and began to be an actual adult." He laughed. "My friends, all of them were just floored when Hyoudou Kuzuki, the idiot who thinks with his dick, began to wisen up just for a girl. They quit smoking and drinking around the time your mother and I had our… I think it was our fifth date, our first time going out of Saitama together, when all of them saw that it wasn't just a passing phase, that I really was serious about her." Kuzuki held up the box of cigarettes, shaking it lightly. "I bought a pack of these every week for the past twenty-four years I've been with your mother Issei. This is what led to me meeting my wife, the love of my life. This is what made me into the man I am today."

Issei met his father's amused eyes. "It's okay if you don't smoke though. I'd be a hypocrite if I told someone off for smoking, but my advice?" He ground the still burning edge of the cigarette onto the metal railing. "It's okay every once in a while."

Issei stared down at the white and brown stick before sighing, lifting it up to his lips and igniting it with a flame from his finger. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs up before blowing it back out.

"I'm proud of you Issei, I really am," His father stood up, looking down at him, eyes shining brightly. "You've grown to be such a fine young man. Your mom and I are very, very lucky to have you as our son."

Issei rubbed at his eyes, tearing up from the smoke coming from the cigarette, and because of the effects of the tobacco, said in a quiet and hoarse voice. "Thanks dad."

"Still, magic," He shook his head ruefully. "I never expected that of all things. You looked really cool though."

Issei leaned against the wall, holding his arm out, and a complex mathematical circle appeared, its shape appearing infinitely within itself, spiraling from the top counterclockwise towards its midpoint. He took a few seconds to just admire the piece, not even pushing enough energy to activate the shield, but to just observe how it seemed to pulse with life, how it seemed to come alive in his hands.

"It's...it's the only thing I'm really good at." Issei admitted, staring at his work, transfixed. "And I just really love doing this."

"Even if you get beat up like last night?"

Issei paused, tilting his head to look up, remembering all the pain he's experienced since learning about the supernatural, the multitude of broken bones, the cuts, scrapes and bruises, all the near-misses with death.

Then he thought back to the completely beautiful art of magic, the sheer joy and exhilaration of the act, the comforting aches of the body after sitting for hours in the same position just to learn about a single magical theory. Magic, the only thing he's ever delved into that made him into a better version of himself. Someone who wasn't a burden. Someone who could actually be someone, not just a burden for others…

"Yeah," Issei smiled, closing his hands in a fist in front of him, "Magic is the best."

Kuzuki clapped a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you finally found something that makes you happy then. Now let's go back down before your mom decides to adopt Arianna-san without my consent."

()()()()()()()()()

As Issei passed by the gates of Kuoh Academy, he couldn't help but notice the atmosphere that clung to the grounds, or rather, the lack thereof.

For the place where war was all but declared, it was ridiculously peaceful. The students of Kuoh all milled around like usual.

Then again, none of them really knew what happened in the place, that people had nearly died in the very courtyard most of them stood in.

Ignorance is bliss, he guessed.

"That's a strange look for you Hyoudou." A voice commented beside him.

Issei turned slowly to look at Aika Kiryuu, one of several classmates that had asked him for help in math during the times where they had a free study period.

"Usually you're so excited and everything. Can't say the moody look doesn't suit you though," She joked.

"I wasn't being moody," Issei frowned, looking up at the main building of the school again. There was no evidence of the previous night's events ever taking place. There wasn't even any more magical energy around the school than usual.

"Sure you weren't," Kiryuu drawled, moving to stand beside him. She looked at him before following his gaze. "What's got you all stressed out? Didn't manage to get off this morning? Actually, why are you even here? School's over." Kiryuu made a show of looking closely at what Issei was staring at, even squinting and covering her eyes from the sun.

"I have to deal with some things here," Issei muttered. His fingers began to itch, and he resisted the instinct to reach up and turn off his choker. Instead he took a deep breath and began to walk towards the student council room with confident steps.

The air in the Student Council Room, in sharp contrast to the rest of the entire school. What really surprised Issei however, was Diodora Astaroth's presence, tense and tight-lipped.

As he entered through the door, the male devil's lips thinned even further, and though Sona didn't actually say anything, Issei felt that his presence wasn't exactly all that appreciated in that particular time.

Sona's peerage greeted him, but it was a weak thing, barely a smile and a wave between all of them before letting the oppressive atmosphere back in.

"Hyoudou-kun," Even though all that though, Sona nodded his greetings at him, even if he saw that she was on edge, her usual composure frayed. "It's quite a relief to see that you are, perhaps not uninjured, but well enough."

Issei unconsciously reached for his forearm, rubbing at the scar that he felt even through the clothes he was wearing.

"Could have been worse," He muttered in response. "How's Rias-senpai?"

Sona pursed her lips and she slowly took off her glasses, rubbing at her forehead. Tsubaki approached Issei with a tray, a cup of tea on top of it. Issei made to refuse, but one look at the Queen's expression, of someone looking to the comfort of routine made him change his mind, instead accepting the cup with a quiet 'thank you.'

"Rias is… she's alive, with your quick actions," Sona grimaced, and she grabbed the can of coffee on top of her table, draining its remaining contents with a single swig. "But her arm couldn't be reattached. Ajuka-sama created a prosthetic for her, but...I believe that she would appreciate it if you do not approach her for the next few days Hyoudou-kun. She has a considerable pride in her, and she would not want to let anyone see her weakness for now. She will get used to it with time, of course, but right now…" From the way Sona bit at her thumb, something Issei has never seen the president do ever, she probably wasn't quite sure about that either.

"What does it matter?" Diodora spat, standing up and pacing around the room, restless. "Rias fucking Gremory, the sister of a Maou, was injured in combat against a Norse God, and devilkind does nothing against it? The biggest event for the Three Factions in living memory, and Sirzechs Lucifer, the single devil who embodies the entirety of our race more than anyone else, wasn't even present?" Diodora growled, and he slammed his fist against the nearby wall, hairline cracks spreading out.

"Diodora!" Sona snapped, but Diodora took no notice.

"The entire Underworld is in chaos, and you know it," The princely-looking devil said softly. "None of this will matter if our home is destroyed. We have enemies in front of us and more at our back, just waiting to bury the dagger into our hearts at the first sign of weakness."

"Diodora!" Sona repeated, eyes flicking over to Issei who suddenly felt way out of his league. " Please stop from making baseless speculations in the company of others."

"We have never been this close to extermination since the last war Sitri," Diodora all but screamed, and Issei heard the panic in his voice. "The Great War all but reignited, civil unrest close to boiling over, and the fucking Khao-" He cut himself off abruptly, swearing up a storm, whirling to smash his fist against the wall.

A circle intercepted him half an inch before making contact, the end of Issei's cane pointed towards Diodora.

"Destroying school property isn't exactly going to help things," Issei said, voice firm.

Diodora snarled, stalking towards Issei until they stood face to face. The other occupants of the room stood in alarm, but Issei just looked him straight in the eye.

Diodora didn't scare him, not a single bit. After being faced with death several times the past few months, someone like Diodora didn't even faze him anymore.

Still...it wasn't like he had anything to say about the matter. He wasn't exactly all that politically savvy.

Or all that invested in Diodora really. He had no stake in this fight. Realizing that, Issei simply sighed and backed down. He wasn't worth getting worked up over.

Seeing him, Diodora's anger deflated and he all but collapsed on a nearby chair. "There's a chance that this place would be abandoned by devils if shit really hits the fan." Diodora sighed, setting the back of his head against the wall. "While I don't really care much about this town, Kuoh is a place that we devils defended to the death during the Great War. Leaving it without a devil caretaker will be taken as a sign of weakness, and I do not think we can afford that." Diodora bit his lips, suddenly looking so uncertain, so hesitant, that he looked almost like a simple teenage boy. "I don't know what's going to happen Sitri," He said softly. "I don't like not being in control."

Before their eyes, Diodora composed himself back to his meek, regal expression. "I...I believe I have intruded upon you for far too long Sona Sitri-san. I apologize, and I must get going now. I still have some work to do," With a smile far too perfect to be genuine, he waved goodbye.

As he turned away though, Issei swore he saw his lips trembling.

"Sorry about that Hyoudou-kun," Sona said quietly. "All of us here...well, we're all having problems right now, even more so with something like this," She flicked an opened envelope across the table towards Issei.

He picked it up, unfurling the letter inside it, turning off his choker and reading the contents.

"Kuoh Town will officially host three envoys from both Heaven and the Grigori," Sona explained with a somewhat sardonic voice. "They say that it's a way to keep peace between all of us, that it would foster inter-factionary relations. That's what it officially says on the note. Of course, the reality is that this is simply a way to keep an eye on us, the biggest congregation of high-priority devils on earth, in a place we ourselves see as important, whether culturally, historically, or strategically."

"Well then," Issei laid the envelope back on the table. "That sucks."

"Yes it does," Sona agreed. "But it could be worse I suppose. The hostilities have not officially restarted, but it might only be a matter of time before it all comes crashing down." Sona shivered. "I hope that it does not come to that again, that peace between all of us will happen again.."

"Do you think there's a chance of peace between you all?" Issei asked. "I mean, is there a chance that this thing really is to try and keep peace between all of you?"

"Yes," Sona said quietly. "The higher ups of all three Factions desire peace. If they could only get the ones below them to follow with their vision, even just half of them, then peace will happen in our lifetime. I'm sure of it."

"But what about the Underworld? Aren't they in a civil war?"

Sona pursed her lips. "Hyoudou-kun, Sirzechs-sama and Ajuka-sama are the most powerful devils that have ever existed bar Satan himself. If conflict were to break out between our people, and I dearly hope that it does not come to that, but if it does, then calling it a war would be far too generous. The two of them will annihilate the opposition. In our last civil war, the two of them only stopped to talk peace between the opposite party was because of the love they held for devils, and their wish to prevent meaningless deaths. But if this civil war was to threaten the existence of our race, then I have no doubt that the four Satans, Leviathan-sama, Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama and Asmodeus-sama will do what they have to do to preserve us all, even if it means killing the dissenters." Sona shook her head. "This is going to be a very rocky next few years, for all of us. I'm sorry if I may sound rude Hyoudou-kun, but could you please leave us for the next few days? The envoys to the other factions are slated to come here within the next month, and I need time to prepare."

"Uh yeah," Issei nodded in understanding. "Just... Kaichou, if you need my help, I'm always open."

"Thank you for the offer," Sona smiled, a tired but genuine gesture. "I appreciate that. If you have the time, visit Rias." She hesitated. "Don't show her pity. She does not care for that kind of thing."

"Yeah," Issei agreed. "Well, see you guys later."

Issei exited the room, mind already a cyclone of thoughts.

Placing people from the Three Factions, factions that are at war, and hoping that they play nice and don't kill each other wasn't exactly the best idea Issei's ever heard. Downright stupid really. Then again, who was he to judge? He didn't exactly know anything about politics.

He shook his head, knocking on the Occult Research Club's clubroom.

He frowned up at the large and (supposedly) dilapidated building, wondering how the hell Rias managed to snag an entire building for their club activities. Sona had a larger peerage than she did, and the student council room wasn't nearly as large as the building. Hell, the first floor of the "clubroom" had more floor area than almost the entirety of Issei's house. Who needed that much space for anything?

He never really understood how rich people worked.

Still, Issei entered the room slowly, peeking his head in before going in completely, waving a greeting at all of the people in the room. "Hey."

"Hello Issei-kun," Rias smiled back tiredly, exhaustion obvious from her body language, from the way she was slightly slumped over, to the slightly glassy look in her eyes, to the almost invisible unruliness of her usually immaculate hair. "Please, take a seat. Akeno, give him some tea please."

The graceful Queen bowed to her, taking the teapot on top of the table, placing some on one of the dainty little teacups, and handing it to Issei with a gentle smile that made his heart skip a beat, before sitting back besides her King.

Koneko and Kiba sat directly in front of them, the white-haired middle-schooler munching on some yokan as usual, the blond reading a hardbound novel. The latter looked up to give Issei a refreshing smile while the former simply glanced at him, gave him a nod, and then returned to her snack.

Issei sat on the nearest available chair, the one nearest to the red-haired club president, gaze being attracted to her as he did.

She saw him stare at her left hand, the one that was carrying a cup of tea, and her smile turned somewhat bitter. "A gift from Beelzebub-sama," She explained for his benefit, setting down her drink to show it off to Issei, wiggling her fingers. "It's...weird," She confessed, staring at the limb. "It works almost exactly the same as my real one of course, this one's nearly perfect even. I can barely even tell that it's not my own," Rias sighed, setting it down, clasping her hands on the table. "But I know it's not. If I don't even focus on it, I can't even tell it's a fake." Rias groaned, a rare enough sight as she usually composed herself just as much as Sona, if not more so.

"Is it giving you problems?" Issei asked curiously, hoping that he didn't manage to offend her or anything.

Rias shook her head, and there was an air of frustration in the action. "No. There really isn't any problem at all. It's just...I'm getting annoyed that there's nothing to be annoyed about. Do I make sense Issei?"

"Not really," Issei said apologetically, and he could see that Kiba, Koneko and even Akeno looked like they didn't understand either. He reached forward, stopping just a few inches before Rias' hand. "May I?"

Rias nodded somewhat jerkily, offering her left hand to Issei, turning her body to face him.

Issei's fingers danced on top of Rias forearm, feeling nothing but warm, smooth flesh. He felt Rias shiver through his fingers, and he closed his hand around her wrists, using his magic to reach inside of her, prodding her gently to look for whatever Beelzebub did to create it, to see if he placed any other spells in the replacement.

Goosebumps rose on Rias' arm, standing up beneath Issei's skin.

Issei saw Akeno raise her eyebrows, Kiba closing his book, and Koneko stop her eating to stare at the two of them.

Feeling their gazes, Issei shifted uncomfortably and said, "I'm not doing anything to her," defending himself from anything they'd say.

"Of course," Akeno hid her smile behind one elegant hand, "I didn't mean to accuse you of anything Issei-kun. I'm sorry if I seemed to be doing so,"

"Sorry," Issei said to Rias, still feeling her arm, "If I was just a bit faster then I could have-"

"Issei-kun," Rias said chidingly, still sounding bitter but with a hint of sardonic amusement in her voice. "It isn't your fault. If anything, it's my fault that I ended up like this. If I was only a bit stronger, then I wouldn't have had to end up in such an embarrassing position."

"Still," Issei sighed. "I don't like seeing you like that," He confessed, "The Rias-senpai I know shouldn't be making faces like that. Rias-senpai should always be Rias-senpai, because the usual you is the best," Issei smiled at her, trying to convey as much of his genuine feelings to her as possible.

"W-well, if my cute little Kouhai says something like that, then how can I resist?" Rias smiled back, a hit of red dusting her cheeks.

Issei let go of Rias hand whose fingers lingered on Issei's own for maybe half a second too long, before drawing it back to her side. He leaned back, fiddling with his cane. The limb felt like a normal arm, with skin, blood vessels, and all other important biological functions associated with them, but it still felt off for some strange reason.

He stared at the arm, narrowing his eyes at it.

It felt so soft underneath his fingers, smooth, irresistible. He could have spent his entire day stroking-

Issei flushed, trying to purge that particular memory from his mind. He didn't need any distractions dammit, even if being able to be this close to Rias Gremory was one of the more pleasant advantages to knowing about the truth of the supernatural.

He doggedly avoided Rias' eyes, instead turning his gaze down to the ground, doing several complex mathematical formulae in his head to try and get rid of the thoughts he had in his brain.

Rias was someone he considered a friend, he shouldn't think about her like that.

Instead he asked her about her plans for the next months, about what she planned for the visiting envoys of both the Angels and the Fallen Angels.

Rias sighed heavily, looking out at the window. "I don't really know," She answered him, "The note reached all of us just hours ago. I'll have to discuss with both Sona and Diodora on how we will deal with this. We have a few weeks yet to plan, and we will spend that time in the Underworld, preparing for this. "

"What do you think will happen?" Issei asked.

Rias pursed her lips, looking out at the window. "I...don't know Issei-kun. No one does. It's why this is such a big deal, and why all Three Factions are scared to make a move right now. Something...I don't think anything this big has happened in the past century."

()()()()()()()()()

The bell signaling the end of the school day rang, and Issei gathered up his things, snatching his cane from where it lay on the side of his desk.

"See you guys," He waved to Matsuda and Motohama who were still on their chairs, the two of them bringing out their consoles.

"The Student Council need you again?" His bald friend asked, not taking his eyes off the screen.

"Nah," Issei shook his head, "I have someplace to be today."

"A date?"

Before Issei could even answer, the two of them burst out laughing, bending over their desks.

"As if Issei has the guts to ever confess to anyone," Motohama gasped, wiping a tear from under his glasses.

"No normal girl would ever ask him out." Matsuda replied, shoulders shaking with mirth.

"Ha ha," Issei sounded out flatly, "Anyways, I seriously have to go,"

"Yeah yeah, good luck with your date," Motohama chortled, fixing his gaze back to his screen. "Are you gonna play later this night?"

"Depends. I'll just message you guys if I can make it," Issei began to make his way down, managing to exit the school without any other trouble, meeting up with Arianna who was leaning next to the wall of Kuoh's gate.

"Master!" She greeted him with a wide grin, pushing off and approaching him eagerly. "Thank you for taking the time to help me!"

"No problem," Issei replied, "Besides, my mom would kill me if I refused."

Arianna blushed, looking down at her feet, "I-is it really okay for me to stay with you though? I mean, you barely even know me, and I'm probably just bothering you even though your mom was so nice to me…"

Issei hummed noncommittally, "If my mom makes a decision, then my family really can't do anything about it." Issei glanced sideways at the fidgeting black-haired girl beside him. "Don't worry," Issei tried to reassure her, "I'm pretty sure that my mom just loves you, so I think it's okay for you to stay. It's her idea anyways."

"Still, even forcing you to carry all my stuff back to your house, I feel like I'm taking advantage of your kindness."

"It's okay," Issei tilted his head up. "I don't really mind."

They entered a pretty well-kept, if old, inn, a place that Issei honestly didn't know existed in Kuoh town, Arianna saying her greetings to the receptionist.

The room she was staying at was sparse, a little smaller than Issei's own, and with nothing but a rolled up futon laid to the side, a desk with a lamp on its surface, a chair, two closets, and Arianna's belongings, two duffel bags, and a wheeled luggage bag.

Of course, the contents of those bags were strewn all haphazardly about the room, several articles of clothing hanging in every surface of the room.

"I'm sorry for this," Arianna flushed, moving through the room quickly, grabbing the nearest things in reach and stuffing them down her bags. "It's just, I woke up late so I had to run quickly so I could go to your house on time then I forgot that I haven't showered yet so I had to shower but my clothes became wet so I-"

Issei sighed, and swung his arm lazily through the air, a magic circle overlaying his hand.. Her clothes began to float, folding themselves neatly. Arianna's bags opened by themselves, and the clothes all organized themselves inside them.

Arianna turned towards him, eyes wide.

"Wind magic," Issei explained. "Pretty simple once you get the hang of it. The most troublesome parts of it is controlling the power of the current, but after that it's a breeze."

He summoned another circle underneath the bags, making them light up and then disappear, the bags melting through the circle.

"Teach me how to do that," Arianna's eyes glittered, the shrunken book that hung on her neck getting brighter.

"You're getting too excited," Issei pointed out. "The grimoire's lighting up like crazy."

"O-oh. Sorry," Arianna apologized, frowning at it, "This doesn't usually happen."

Issei filed that particular tidbit away in his mind. He instead stretched, moving to go outside the room, waving to the receptionist as he passed, Arianna already having checked out of the room. "Well, I'm hungry. Wanna pass by a cafe or something? My treat."

"I want pancakes!"

"Already demanding stuff from me? That's cheeky." Issei grinned, before turning thoughtful. "What happened to all that 'Master' business you had going on?" Not like he liked it. It was actually pretty weird

"I-I'm not like that!" Arianna protested, cheeks flushing red. "M-Master." She added lamely

"Don't call me that," Issei said. "Call me Issei. Master sounds so weird when you hear someone calling you that."

"I-Issei...san, then."

He frowned, "Issei-san makes me feel kinda old," He muttered. He blinked. "Is it normal to feel that when I'm just sixteen?" He wondered out loud.

"Let's eat to make you forget," Arianna said slyly.

"All right, all right," Issei rolled his eyes at her. "Pancakes it is."

"Thank you Issei-nii!" She cried out, hugging him and whooping exuberantly. "You're the best."

Issei, unused to displays of affection like this, froze, not knowing what to do. He felt Arianna stiffen and slowly drew back, cheeks aflame. "U-um, sorry about that," She stammered. "It's just, I always wanted an older brother like you, and um, I, what I did was very inappropriate wasn't it?" She ducked her head low, dragging her feet across the ground.

Issei smiled down at her, laying a hand on the top of her head. "I don't mind," Issei said, "A lot better than 'master' anyways."

Issei suddenly blinked, tracing the edges of his choker. What was the italian equivalent of 'nii-san' anyways? It was getting annoying, having to see the numbers just so they could understand each other. And based on what he saw in the morning, his mother really, really wanted to be able to talk to Arianna as well.

"Hey, Arianna," He called out to her. "Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to the one who taught me about magic." Initially, he wanted to introduce her to Sona, but seeing as she was busy, then Asama works just as well.

Asama was...lonely, really. For all her power, she didn't really step out of her shrine, for reasons Issei never really asked. Having another person to talk to would be a big thing for her.

Besides, Issei glanced over at Arianna. He really didn't know where to start with teaching someone else other than throwing beginner books at her and hoping she understands what's going on. That's how he learned most of the things he knew, but somehow, Issei didn't think that was pretty normal.

"Let's eat here!" Arianna pointed excitedly at a cafe, already going inside and seating herself in a booth.

He shrugged, sitting across her, laying his cane on the table side. "I want these!" Abruptly, the menu was shoved into his face, her finger hovering over one particular item on it.

"Don't tell it to me." Issei shoved it away from his face. "Order it,"

"I will!"

Issei's head snapped up, eyes narrowing at the suit-clad woman that was just beginning to enter the cafe. Arianna seemed to have noticed what he was doing, and curled in on herself on the corner of the booth, making a show of looking over the menu.

The sheer magical weight the woman carried with her was enormous, larger than Issei's own. Issei shifted, hands closing around his cane, his magical focus, and the Boosted Gear was a mere thought away from summoning.

The woman nodded upon meeting his eyes, walking briskly towards their table. "Good afternoon Issei-san. Would this be a bad time for you?"

If this was an attack, then it was a pretty pleasant one so far. Issei cautiously let go of his cane, but the Boosted Gear was never far from his mind, laying his hands down on the table. He nodded, never really taking his eyes off the woman.

"May I?" She gestured towards Arianna's side of the booth. At his nod, she slid into it, clasping her hands in front of her. "Before anything else, let me introduce myself. My name is Agata Sibilia, the right hand of Malina Sokolovski." She paused, obviously expecting something from Issei.

Arianna choked on her water, while Issei, not having any idea on who she was, just blinked at her, giving the woman a once-over, trying to recall if he's heard of anyone like her.

Platinum blonde hair that was more platinum than blonde, cut close to her scalp. Grey eyes staring from beneath aristocratic features, high cheekbones, a slightly more square-ish jaw than most women but still easy enough on the eyes. A pale scar, nearly invisible, showed, a long but shallow thing that spread from the middle of cheek to her neck. A sharp business suit, complete with black leather gloves and a pinstriped jacket, hid her figure from Issei's eyes.

None of it rang a bell. He didn't know anyone that looked like her, or even resembled her.

After the silence began to be awkward, Agata coughed delicately. "Seeing as this was an unannounced visit, which is quite rude of me I recognize, I do not wish to take up any more of your time, so if you please allow me to be brief. I would like to express Rosenkreuzer's greetings towards you, Issei Hyoudou, and to extend our invitation for you to join our cabal as a Senior Member, with all the benefits it entails," and to Issei's shock, Agata crafted a circle on the table right in front of Issei, summoning an envelope in front of him. Before his eyes, the envelope opened itself, a small sheaf of papers stapled together showing itself to Issei.

Issei frowned, looking around the cafe, confirming his suspicions. Even after such an overt display of magic, no one in the cafe even looked twice at them. "A veil," Issei muttered. Agata tipped her head to Issei, but there was a challenge in her eyes. Issei's lips twitched. "Anchored on the lighting directly above us," He said, motioning upwards. "You created it the exact same time you summoned the transportation circle. It bends the light around us, and only us, maybe six, seven feet in a circle around us, making it look like there's nothing wrong going on," Issei frowned, looking around, 'cheating' by using the numbers, seeing that the movement of sound was slightly muted, slowed down and transmuted as it traveled further out. "You also distorted the sound, so no one here can probably even hear what we're really talking about. Maybe even something that encourages people to look away and not notice us."

"Not many would pick that up so quickly," Agata's eyes lit up, leaning back in satisfaction, Arianna at her side making herself even smaller, eyes wide, mouth open at Issei's direction. "And I quite believed that the distortion of sound was a subtle touch. I was right to ask you,"

She nodded, as if making up her mind. "Do you accept? The perks of joining the cabal, especially as a senior member, is not insubstantial. You will be paid, of course, as befits your rank, and you can enlist in all courses available to every one of our members as well all free of charge. Of course, as a senior member, you will be required to complete several tasks a month. Nothing major of course," Agata hurried to assure him. "But you will be asked to teach several classes in the institute, if only as just a part time."

Agata smiled, showing a flash of pearly white teeth. "What say you, Issei Hyoudou?"

Issei finished glancing through the contract. From what he's read, it basically outlined all of his duties as a member of Rosenkreuzer, as well as what the perks he's to receive upon accepting.

He sighed, laying it down on the table, and gently pushing it towards the woman, "Sorry Agata-san," He said, actually meaning it. "But I must refuse,"

"I see," Agata looked disappointed, but she didn't take the papers, instead letting it lie between them. "I must say that that is unfortunate. If I may ask, why do you refuse our offer so? This is not an offer that is usually extended. Most members dedicate decades of their lives in order to achieve seniority, and you must admit that it is a very good proposition. You could reach heights you did not expect with our resources at your beck and call."

"Agata-san," Issei exhaled through his nose, "in all honesty, I just entered the world of the supernatural. Magic, devils and angels and fallen, youkai and all that. I just, well, I know it's childish of me, but I just wanna explore the world that I thought I knew without anything tying me down."

That, and there was an irrational part of Issei, that was telling him to not accept, telling him that if he were to accept the offer, then he would never truly reach his potential. That he will stagnate, and that ultimately, he will never truly be him if he just accepted their offer.

"Of course, thank you for answering," Agata nodded towards Issei, "Thank you for sating my curiosity," She took a business card from her front coat pocket, handing it to Issei.

'Rosenkreuzer. Agata Sibilia' it said in gold, flowing script, with several contact numbers listed underneath, "If at any point you change your mind, you can contact us and we will accept you with open arms." She paused for a second before taking out another card, handing it to Arianna who took it with trembling hands. "You too, of course. We aren't ones to push away any talents, even minor ones. With enough guidance and time, even those modest talents become formidable enough. But we aren't just a magical cabal. We are also sellers of information and services, the rates of which depend on the nature of what you want to know, and what you want done. We make it our business to know things," She glanced meaningfully at his left hand.

Issei nodded, before a thought occurred to him, "Last night, I was attacked by an assassin. He used guns, and he did something...I really don't know, but he took away my magic for a while. Do you know any people that does that? And why would they want to kill me?"

Agata's lips puckered in distaste. "Golden Dawn. Only they would do something like that. In the beginning they were a circle much like ours, devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. But sometime in the past century, after MacGregor Mathers left their brotherhood, the order become corrupt, polluted. Their leadership began a civil war, and they all killed each other with the survivor leading the order, locking himself from view. To this day, we have no idea which one it was that survived. We only know that Golden Dawn is a dangerous cabal, one that seeks to end those with strong magical potential before they become any more powerful." She laughed bitterly, "I was one such victim." Agata's eyes locked onto Issei's own. "Be careful of them Issei-san. I was on the run from them for a two whole years before my induction to Rosenkreuzer stopped their attempts on my life. They may not be the most powerful magical group in the world, but they are certainly the most ruthless.

As far as I know, they use a mix of alchemy, magic, and dabbles of metaphysics to their advantage, and they do not shy away from modern killing methods as you have experienced. I truly wish you luck in all of your future encounters with them. Just know that all you need to do is call us and we will gladly welcome you in our fold." Agata took out a wad of Japanese bills from her pocket and laid it down on the table. "Have a pleasant lunch." She tipped her head at Issei and Arianna, leaving the store.

Almost immediately after she left, the waitress came, laying down food and drinks for them both. She collected the bills, and hurried back to the counter with a slightly glazed look to her eyes.

Hypnosis. Issei frowned, sipping at his coffee, glancing down at the business card.

Rosenkreuzer huh.

"Issei-nii, did you-"

"Woah, Hyoudou?"

Aika Kiryuu came into view, looking slyly between Issei and Arianna, actually breaking off her group a couple of tables over to talk to them.

"You're actually on a date? I mean, that's good and all, but she looks like she's in middle school! I thought you were into tits man. Are you that desperate?"

"I can explain," Issei promised, not actually having any idea on how to do that. Dammit maybe he should have asked Agata to keep the veil. He didn't expect to be seen by anyone in his school dammit! "I swear that I'm not a lolicon."

()()()()()()()()()

"Hey Mom, Dad, I'm taking Arianna out again later today," He said when they were all eating breakfast, Arianna finally settling on their guest bedroom that his mom promptly labeled as Arianna's.

"Oh? Already taking your new little sister out on dates?" His mom squealed. "Oh you two are so adorable! We're like family already!"

Arianna, not understanding Japanese, just nodded brightly when his mother beamed at the two of them.

Issei rolled his eyes. "I'm taking her to Asama-nee," He chewed on a bit of beef. "I'm pretty sure that she knows a translation spell or two. If she places it on Arianna, then she might be able to finally talk to-" He got no further as his mother lunged across the table, grabbing Issei by his shirt, forcing him on his toes, nose inches away from her own.

"Do. It. Now." With every word, she shook Issei by his shirt, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

"I'll take her after breakfast," Issei gulped. No way he was arguing with that.

"Now."

"Let's go Arianna," Issei called for his cane, the focus leaping to his hand, wiping his mouth with a napkin, moving a bit faster than normal. "Time to meet Asama-nee!"

"Yes Issei-nii," Arianna leapt to her feet, walking by Issei's side. Issei was of pretty average height for his age, but Arianna was short. She barely stood at Issei's shoulder, looking like a kid. Damn, what age was she again? He never really got the answer.

"They're so cute like that," His mother crooned to his father from behind the two of them. "Oh, I want to take a picture of them!"

"Later dear," His father sighed a fond sigh. "I just hope that this Asama knows how to make Arianna be able to speak Japanese. Arianna would make a wonderful daughter I'm sure. She just adores Issei." Issei heard a sob. "This is finally our time, kaa-san. We've been wanting this for a long time, and now it's finally…"

Issei shut the door behind the two of them, leading the way for Arianna.

"Hey, hey, where are we going?" The girl eagerly tugged at his clothes, "Are you finally gonna show me some magic?"

"Yeah," Issei confirmed for her, "But before everything else, do you know how to use a translation spell?"

"Well...no," She ducked her head, hiding her eyes. "The only spell I know how to use is the one I showed you last night. Why? Is that important?"

"Well, yeah," Issei scratched at his head. "Being able to understand what everyone is saying is pretty important." Now that he thought about it, maybe he should learn a translation spell as well. Though he was sorta used to it, it was still pretty irritating to be bombarded with numbers all the time when there was an alternative that was less annoying.

"It's just up there," He pointed to the almost-mountain where Asama's shrine was located, a few hundred meters away from their current position. Still, the mountain was high enough that it was easily visible from where they were, especially in a residential area where relatively few buildings were more than a few stories tall.

"What's up there?" Arianna squinted at the place, looking for anything important.

Issei knew for a fact that she won't find it. There seemed to be a veil around Asama's shrine that hid it from view that only lost effect once you were at the very foot of the mountain itself.

"Oh, a friend of mine," Issei grinned. "She's like an older sister to me, but a lot smarter than I am. I'm pretty sure she can help you with this particular problem."

"If she's someone you respect, then I'll be sure to behave!" Arianna nodded seriously, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Don't worry, she's pretty cool about stuff like this," As Issei passed the torii, the familiar sense of magic 'washing' over him like a gentle breeze there to greet him, he saw Asama at her usual place in front of her shrine, sweeping the grounds clean of dirt and dust and fallen debris.

She wiped at her forehead, though Issei knew that was more of a formality than anything. He's never actually seen her sweat. Issei paused in his thinking. Did...did she even bathe? Hell, did she even need to? She always smelled nice, like lavenders, but Issei wasn't sure if that was because of her natural scent or if it was the soap she uses. Dammit what was he even thinking about.

"Hello Issei-kun," She smiled at him, oblivious to his inner conflict, "And who is this?" She asked, tilting her head curiously to the side, hair slightly falling to frame her face perfectly, exposing the smooth expanse of her neck.

Issei gulped, bringing up several mathematical formulae to distract him from that particular thought.

"A-Arianna," he stuttered out. He cleared his throat, continuing, "She's...well, she's kinda like a little sister...I guess?"

"H-hello," The girl greeted, hands clenched on her blouse, "I-I'm Arianna Bianchi, n-nice to meet you!"

"Oh, she's just adorable," Asama cooed, clutching her broom close to her chest. "How old are you?"

"I'm thirteen." She mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"Chin up," Asama chided gently, lifting Arianna's chin with one delicate hand. "Always keep your chin up dear. You have beautiful eyes," she smiled. "Issei-kun, not that I dislike having her over, but what exactly is Arianna-chan doing here?"

"Uh, Asama-nee, do you know of any way for her to be able to speak Japanese?" He scratched at the back of his neck. "I… don't really know of a spell like that, hahaha." He laughed sheepishly.

"I actually don't know of one either," Asama laughed. "But I do have a way of transcribing knowledge of Japanese into another person." She toed off her sandals, entering her shrine, beckoning for the two of them to come in.

"Really? That'd be enough, really. That's great!" Issei grinned, following the shrine maiden immediately. After a short moment of hesitation, Arianna did the same.

"The method I do know of is…well, it's not exactly common for a reason." Asama hovered over the platformed altar in her shrine, picking over the various trinkets in there. "Where did I, oh yes," She walked over back to them, a small clay jar in her hands. "The worshippers of the White Christ has those tongues of fire that grants them knowledge, those of the Tuatha de Dannan place upon the tongues of their people the scales of Bradan Feasa so that they gain wisdom and comprehension of languages, but we of the Land of the Rising Sun used this," She shook the small jar in her hands, and Issei heard a swishing sound from it. He blinked at it, reaching for it. Asama allowed him to take hold of it, blushing pink for some reason. "That's kuchikamizake, one I personally prepared a long time ago."

"Kuchi?" Issei frowned at it before understanding set in. He began to blush, stammering, "Y-y-you, this- this came from your mouth!?"

"Issei-kun!" She snapped, flushing a bright crimson. "K-kuchikamizake is an old and sacred tradition of Japan! It has successfully allowed our people to be able to come to an agreement between those who speak different tongues from ou- stop looking at it that way Issei-kun!" She snatched the jar from his hands, cradling it close to her chest.

Issei coughed, trying to get back on track. "S-so Arianna only has to drink this and she'll be able to understand?"

"Essentially? Yes," Asama nodded. Her eyes furrowed. "Though the drink itself is quite strong, and I believe it would take a few minutes for the effects to take hold." Asama untied the string holding the jar close, and Issei felt the subtle power that had gathered around it disperse, power that Issei couldn't believe he actually missed it. Asama took a small saucer from somewhere, pouring a small amount of the liquid into it. "Here, Arianna-chan, drink." Using two hands, Asama handed the thirteen year old girl the alcohol.

She took it uncertainly before scrunching up her eyebrows and downing it all in one shot. She coughed and hacked as it went down, but managed to not throw it all up. She grimaced as she swallowed, sticking her tongue out in distaste. "Eugh. It's too sour,"

Issei reached up, clicking off his choker, the pleasure of finally seeing things normally almost overwhelming. While he may have gotten used to it, it didn't mean he liked seeing everything in numbers.

Arianna began to complain in Italian, and while Asama humored her with an easy smile, Issei frowned as he tried to understand.

"-don't get how old people drink this!" She cried out, in perfect, unaccented Japanese. Issei grinned widely. Asama-nee always pulled through. "it's so gross!"

"Congrats on finally speaking the language." He said cheerfully. "Mom will be so happy about this."

Arianna blinked looking up at him suspiciously. "You mean it worked? I can't tell if it worked."

"It did." Issei shrugged. "But enough about that. Asama-nee, while we're here, could you take a look at Arianna's grimoire?" He nodded towards the small booklet that hung on a chain around Arianna's neck. "It's pretty strong I think, but I can't tell how it works. "

"A grimoire," Asama hummed, leaning forward to peer closely at the book, "A rare enough trinket, but...oh yes, quite powerful indeed, if a bit on the young side. Dear, where does your skills on the ways of the arcane lie?"

"I-I really only know one spell," she admitted with a blush. "S-Sorry…"

"An easy enough problem to solve," Asama smiled. "I believe that I am skilled enough in most arts and schools of magic to be able to help a beginner start their own path." She turned to Issei with a disapproving frown. "I am slightly disappointed with you Issei-kun. How could you not teach Arianna-chan even just a single thing?"

Issei sputtered. "I've known her for all of two days. I didn't have any time to teach her anything!"

"Be that as it may," Asama said critically, leaning over, hands hovering over Arianna's necklace. "May I?"

"Y-yes," The little girl nodded, reaching up to her neck and taking it off, handing it to Asama after a brief moment of hesitation.

"Hmm, Arianna-chan, would you let me test something? Issei-kun, you as well. I don't think you have touched upon this particular brand of magic just yet."

Issei grinned, eyes lighting up. "What is it this time?

"Constructions," Asama hummed. "And no, not what you're thinking of Issei-kun. Constructs, made of the elements, held together by magic. It's more difficult than you'd expect," She said admonishingly to Issei. "In fact, it's one of the less used schools of magic for a reason. It's difficult to imbue inanimate objects with any kind of will, even weak ones. Those usually take lots of magic to do so, and some simply see the practice as not worth it. But," Asama quietly emphasized, "There are people who are simply gifted with the art, and those who do so are very sought after by the magic cabals of this world."

"W-what does that mean?" Arianna asked, leaning forward intently towards the shrine maiden.

"Nothing," Asama blinked at her, "I was just sharing a piece of trivia I found fascinating. Kidding," She winked when Issei's jaw dropped. "I'm saying that Arianna-chan's talents might lean towards that particular school of magic rather than the evocations you so prefer Issei-kun. In fact, would you like to try your hand at it, Arianna-chan?"

"Of course!"

()()()()()()()()()

Issei crouched just outside the shrine, eyebrows furrowed in concentration. The tiny dirt golem, just a over foot tall, vaguely shaped like a barrel with a head and limbs, stared back at him impassively, not moving at all. With a mental command, the golem twitched, moving its right hand up with almost impressive slowness in a wave.

"What am I doing wrong?" He complained, staring at the construct closer. It was beginning to walk slowly around in a circle, as he ordered it to do. He squinted at the golem, scowling.

"Nothing Issei-kun," Asama assured him, reaching out towards the little thing. With another mental command, Issei made it grab onto the maiden's fingers with its rounded arms. "Forgive me for saying, but I believe that this is simply one of those things that you will never excel at."

Issei frowned, leaning against his cane, staring down at his golem hard. Then, he deliberately turned towards where Arianna was practicing. A life-sized, human-like figure that was around Issei's height was currently playing jan-ken with Arianna. The problem was, the golem won a few games, though Arianna didn't look too unhappy about losing to a barely-sentient being.

"How does she do that?" He muttered to himself, crossing his arms over his chest. "We're using the exact same calculations. How come hers is bigger and better?" Issei glowered at the tiny thing who refused to gain intelligence like Arianna's did.

"I don't know," Asama shrugged an elegant shoulder. "Don't look at me like that Issei-kun," She said with a wry smile. "In this particular style, I'm simply mediocre. I don't exactly know the specifics of how it works, or what makes it work, only how to make it work. My particular talents lie...somewhere else" Her grin turned a tad smug, hiding it behind one sleeve.

"Issei-nii, Issei-nii, look, look!" Arianna cried out, and the two of them turned to see the girl being lifted on the shoulder of the golem while it ran around in circles slowly. "I think he can actually understand me!"

"They can comprehend only very basic instructions in my experience," Asama explained to Issei once he turned to her. "Orders for combat usually, though some of them have been used for menial labor and other such things. I don't believe something of that level can completely grasp the more complex instructions," Asama watched as Arianna excitedly told the golem to do a cartwheel. It did it, albeit very sloppily, dirt spilling out of it as it did so. "Of course, this is far from my own specialty, and I have never used a grimoire in using magic and it's undoubtedly affecting Arianna-chan's magic casting. To quite an impressive degree I must admit. Though-" Asama blinked, looking up sharply to the entrance of the shrine.

"What is it Asama-nee?" Issei asked curiously, following her gaze.

"The Beelzebub," she calmly said, just as the figure of Ajuka strode up past the last torii of the shrine.

"Hello, Asama-san, Issei," He greeted casually, before smiling pleasantly at Arianna with a curious look in his eyes. "And who is this exactly? I've seen her in action last night- good work on your creations by the way, a little underdeveloped and underpowered, but done well enough for a child- but I don't really know your name."

"A-Arianna. Arianna Bianchi," She stammered, taking a step back from Ajuka. "N-Nice to meet you."

"And you as well Arianna-chan," He smiled gently, "But I digress. Issei-kun, could we talk?"

"I will prepare tea," Asama said calmly in a voice that brooked no arguments. "You two can talk in my shrine whilst you wait. Arianna-chan, come help me."

Ajuka's lips twitched into a smile as he nodded towards the woman's retreating back.

"Overprotective isn't she? She's placed herself, and by extension, you in her seat of power, the place where she is most likely able to fight me should I ever decide to oppose you all. Not a bad decision all in all," Ajuka shrugged and followed through the door, "But prevention is always, always better than a cure." He unclasped his cloak, throwing it carelessly on the air, where it hung as if on an invisible hook.

Ajuka settled himself into the table, Asama directly on the other side of him. After a few moment's hesitation, Issei settled themselves on the sides.

"So, what's the thing you wanted to talk to me about?" Issei asked, picking up a cup of tea and bringing it to his lips.

"Well, I believe that it's only fair to tell you about this after all your contributions to Kuoh Town's safety," Ajuka said casually, "But the Three Factions have decided on trying something in order to, shall we say, soothe the rather rocky relationships all of us have been having since the incident a few days ago." Ajuka grimaced. "We aren't exactly sure that it will be successful, but peace is a worthy enough goal for us to try everything." He sighed. "We're sending envoys from the other sides into Kuoh Town in order to try and convince the other sides that coexistence is possible between all three of us."

"Bold," Asama acknowledged, "But with little chance of success. Even now, the advantage is still in the Devil's side being that this is Devil territory. For this to have a chance of working, you must all at least try to have equal footing with the others."

"I know," Ajuka sighed. "That's why the envoys that the Fallen Angels are sending includes Baraquiel in their ranks, while the Church has plans to send over Griselda Quarta herself to Kuoh."

Issei heard Asama's sharp intake of breath. "Oh...Are you sure that's a good idea Ajuka-dono?"

"Serafall came up with it," He smiled wryly. "I have only complete and utmost faith in her."

"Are you sure that's wise?" Asama asked in the exact same tone as her previous question.

"I don't exactly have much choice," Ajuka grimaced. "But...it's a start. Maybe if it's successful, we'll start one such as this all over the world, and we'd finally get the peace all of us have been wanting for so long."

"Why can't you just declare peace? If all of you want it anyway?" Issei asked curiously.

"It's...more complicated than that Issei," He blew air deeply. "Politics, so much politicking is the prime reason, and from our side, it's mostly the ones that opposed our ascension to our current seats that is against having cordial relations with the Angels, Fallen or otherwise. And we can't just kill off everyone that disagrees with us, cathartic though that particular thought is. Most of the Pillar families carry an integral value to them that is simply vital to the continued existence of Devils. That, and the fact that if we all resorted to killing people off wantonly, then it makes our allies wary of us, and a coalition of enough of them might be enough to threaten even us." Ajuka frowned before shaking his head. "Just know that we need to do something like this Issei-kun, and that's that."

"So when will this happen?" Issei asked, leaning forward, not-quite dread pooling up in his stomach for the answer. "And how long are they staying? Rias-senpai said it'll be a few weeks."

"They'll arrive here in a month and a half's time, just after the start of your new semester in Kuoh Academy. Most of them will transfer here as students, while the rest will either serve as teachers or otherwise will be employed somewhere in the school to ensure that no foul play will happen."

"So I have to actually deal with them?" Issei muttered. "This is gonna suck."

"Well, you're not exactly being forced to interact with them Issei-kun," Ajuka said. "This is a way of showing that we can coexist with each other, so your presence isn't exactly needed."

"With the way my luck has been going so far, I'm pretty sure at least ONE big thing will happen every month or something." Issei sighed. "I'm not banned from asking them how their magic works am I?"

"No, you're not," Ajuka leaned back, steepling his fingers. "In fact, that may actually be...preferable. Yes, a third party reaching out to share his knowledge...that may actually work." Ajuka nodded. "Issei, if talks go well, then I have a favor to ask of you. Do it, and I will owe you for that single task. It's not particularly difficult. In fact, I believe it might actually be beneficial to you."

Issei growled. "I'm starting to think that someone from the supernatural owing me isn't really worth the hassle of actually doing something for them."

Ajuka actually cracked a smile at that. "It's just you helping the envoys with their magic Issei. I believe that it might actually be a good icebreaker for you to be able to make yourself be liked amongst them. Or, at the very least, for them to give you the respect you deserve."

"I still don't think it's worth-"

"I'll even pay you if you wish," Ajuka continued, "Something like that would actually be similar to the consultations some magical cabals offer. For similar rates, and at your particular skill level, well," He pulled out a phone from inside his ridiculously elaborate robes, punching in a number into the screen and showing it to him, "I believe something like this would be a fair rate for that kind of thing."

Issei nearly choked on air. "T-that's what I get for working a month?" He said weakly. Damn, he may not be the type of person that exists solely for material things, but it didn't change the fact that that's a LOT of money.

"For a twenty-four hour consulting job ." Ajuka corrected. At his dropped jaw, Ajuka explained. "Issei-kun, you may not be able to tell because of your particular talents, but magic is very, very hard work, especially crafting new magic circles on the fly. In fact, for the average magician, just being able to create their own version of three magna-complexity magical evocational circles, and being able to make adjustments without consulting their tomes and grimoires, is a noteworthy feat. You aren't exactly what the world would call normal, and your input as a consultant for this kind of thing is worth this much, believe me."

"Bu-but are you sure?" Issei asked, mind still a bit dazed from the figure Ajuka had shown him. "I get all that just for teaching? That's all I'm going to do?"

"Talking with the envoys about magic yes," Ajuka nodded.

"And I don't have to fight or do anything if I don't want to?"

"Ideally, there would not be any need for such a thing, but essentially yes. You are free to walk away from any conflict you see."

"And you won't hold it against me if I do so?"

"We will not."

"This sounds too good to be true." Issei said suspiciously.

"Well, of course it will bring benefit to us, far more than just monetary in nature," Beelzebub nodded. "What we hope for is, that with you leading lessons about magic, the envoys will be more comfortable when it comes to actually talking to each other."

"It would also make it easier for the other major powers in the world to accept it when Issei-kun would ever expand his influence." Asama observed calmly, "You'd merely point towards this group of Angels, Devils, and the Fallen learning under him and showing how much they learned under Issei."

Ajuka tilted his head towards Asama but said nothing.

"And," She continued, narrowing her eyes at him, "it would do nothing but good things to the devil's reputation when Issei-kun turns into a major power, and it shows that he grew in devil-held territory, perhaps even encourage other magicians to form pacts with devils because of Issei-kun's influence. Is that right?"

"I wouldn't quite say that it would do nothing but good for us," Ajuka hummed, "But most of what you said is accurate. There's really no downside to you Issei, except perhaps, to shine a spotlight upon you, but what you did the past few months has already made you into a hot topic of the supernatural. Something like this really isn't much compared to that. In fact, I'm surprised you haven't been approached by a representative of the major cabals yet."

"He didn't know," Issei frowned as he realized that, looking down at his tea before meeting Ajuka's eyes, trying to hide his inner thoughts.. "If I'm going to do this, then I want, no, need something more from you, and anyone else who's in this plan of yours."

Ajuka's expression never changed. "What is it?"

"Books," Issei replied. "Magical theory on whatever school it is you devils use, what the Fallen use, what the Angels use." He thought for another second and said. "Biology too if you have it. Culture as well. I need to understand all those if you really want me to do what you're asking me to do."

"Of course," Ajuka nodded. "Anything else?"

"Actually, yes." Issei nodded slowly. "I'd consider it a part of your payment for this if you give me all your books on magical constructs."

"Magical constructs?" Ajuka rose an eyebrow, eye flicking towards Arianna. His lips twitched, "Already looking out for someone I see. Well, expect those books to show up in your house within the week. The cash payments of course, will not start until you begin your lessons. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will have to discuss this with Azazel and the others. I'm sure that they'll be happy to know that at least one thing's assured to us." Ajuka finished off the last of the tea in his cup, nodding towards Asama, Issei, and Arianna in turn. His cloak flew towards him, clasping itself around his neck. Asama never took her eyes off him until he left the premises, before shutting the door close without touching it.

"He didn't know," Issei frowned, "I thought that he knows everything that happens in Kuoh." Issei leaned back on his hands, staring at the ceiling contemplatively. "That's actually kind of interesting I guess."

"What do you mean Issei-kun?"

"Earlier today, Arianna and I were approached by someone named Agata Sibilia from Rosenkreuzer."

Asama's eyebrows rose, before sighing. "Could you please catch me up Issei-kun? I'm afraid I don't quite understand just why Ajuka seems so high-strung."

Issei tilted his head, remembering that Asama wasn't actually aware of the events of the previous night. He told her the entire story, from the assassination attempt, to getting to the meeting, to Loki's intervention, to the repeated assassination attempt on his way back home. He also told Asama about the visit from Rosenkreuzer, showing her the card they handed him.

"I got one too. Though I think they were just being polite about it," Arianna handed in her own card, looking a bit disappointed.

"Interesting," Asama looked over at the cards. "The right hand of Malina herself came by to offer you a position. Your name is spreading faster though the international community quicker than I expected."

"Who is Malina anyway?" Issei complained. "She sounds like she's a big deal. How come I don't know her?"

Arianna gasped, while Asama's lips twitched. "Issei-kun, you've been part of the supernatural circle for only a few months so it's understandable that you don't know. But Malina Sokolovski is a legend among contemporary magicians. You do not know her because you have an almost instinctual grasp on Solomon's original draft of magic, and while Merlin's school is far easier, and simpler, to learn, it simply cannot match up to Solomon's in terms of output. Malina Sokolovski was the one who managed to create something that reconciled the two, nearly one hundred years ago, and to this day, it's still the most widely used style of magic, now called the contemporary school of magic."

"That's actually pretty amazing," Issei admitted. "But how did she even- Wait, one hundred years ago? How old is she?!"

"She really hasn't said anything about that." Asama shrugged. "But that only makes her more dangerous. That, and the fact that Rosenkreuzer has connections to everything. The Abrahamic Factions, the Greek Pantheon, the Norse, everyone. They act as the biggest information brokers in the world, as well as outsourcers of manpower. The treasure trove of knowledge she must keep and the sheer amount of people working under her, both directly and indirectly...well, Rosenkreuzer is one of the biggest cabals in the world for a reason."

"Can I worry about that later?" Issei sighed, resigning himself to the fact that he's added yet another thing to his plate. They just kept coming, one after the other. "What do you think will happen to Kuoh?"

"Most likely? It'll just be displays of power, meant to cow one another from attacking. After that, I assume that they will get used to the rhythm of Kuoh Town, perhaps not enough to regard this place as a home, but comfortable enough I would hazard. Maybe tensions will boil over and fighting will restart, but I highly doubt that. Every side wants peace right now, so they'll probably be on their best behavior."

Issei sighed, muttering under his breath. "Why the hell is everything happening in this damned place?"

[Power attracts Power, My Host.]

Issei flinched as his left arm suddenly cloaked itself in power, even though the Boosted Gear didn't show itself. The power gathered itself behind his palm, a sort of green glow appearing on it.

[You've begun to truly awaken as a being with Power, and what you have experienced the past moments of your life since coming into control over the arcane is but the beginning of it all. Many a previous Host of mine has experienced the exact awakening, and many of them have failed to cope. Some have been slain by contemptible adversaries, others have fallen to respectable Powers that they have simply failed to overcome, but many more have fallen to the fangs of the White One.] A sort of grudging respect tinted Ddraig's voice. [The scent of Dragon begins to fill this land, and you will only have more encounters, either with those seeking to ally themselves with you, or those who wish to slay you to test their dominance, until such a time you prove yourself to be untouchable. I suggest you find a way to sear into the world the might of the Red Dragon Emperor, and soon, if you wish to live in relative peace, My Host.]

"Hello Ddraig," Asama inclined her head in an unmistakable gesture of respect, if a slightly shallow one. "Have you been well?"

[As well as can be expected, goddess.] Ddraig answered back, [I have finally began to shake off the lethargy that clings to me whenever I awake to a new host.]

"Y-Your arm can talk." Arianna whispered, eyes shining brightly. "I-is this the legendary Ddraig-sama…"

[That I am,] Ddraig acknowledged. [Constructing entities of magic and matter are your specialty is it not?]

"Y-yes! Yes it is!" Arianna started, apparently not expecting him to address her.

[Not a branch of magic usually explored,] He rumbled, [Not even by my previous hosts. Though it seems my current one is looking to change that.]

"It's...not really difficult to make them," Issei frowned, mulling over his thoughts. "But…I just don't see much point in using them in the middle of a fight."

Arianna seemed to deflate at that. "Y-yeah. I guess it's pretty useless huh."

"That is not what Issei-kun said, Arianna-chan," Asama said, gently but firmly. "Issei-kun specializes in evocation because his particular talents lie in that field. Just because you are not the same does not diminish your value at all. It simply makes you different. Now, I don't want to hear any more negative words coming from you, Arianna-chan. Issei-kun, I fully expect you to reign in that kind of negativity from her."

Ddraig chuckled. [I've never seen this side of you before, Asama of the Mountain. I find myself liking this version of yourself much more than the past faces you have shown me.]

"Circumstances change Ddraig, and even immortals can change given enough incentive."

[Hmph. I wonder what the old Ddraig would have said, should he see what happened to us because of Pride. The most powerful of Dragons, locked into a container that is passed around humans because of our own actions. I imagine I would have laughed at the sheer absurdity of it all.]

"What does it feel like?" Issei asked, " Being in a Sacred Gear like that?"

[Humbling, I suppose,] Ddraig hummed. [We Dragons value our freedom, perhaps much more so than any other race. In my true form, a single flap of my wings would have caused storms throughout the world, my breath could cause even the most powerful and courageous of beings to flee in fear, and my howls alone could make decay the life from all those who hear it. And yet now, I sit impotent in a teenage boy's soul. Yes, humbling is the right word for it I would say.]

"I'll make the world remember the Red Dragon Emperor," Issei found himself saying before he really thought about it. "Just you see Ddraig. I'll be the most powerful Sekiryuutei that will ever be."

Ddraig chuckled. [Talk is cheap, Issei Hyoudou. Your claws and fangs and scales have not yet been tested, not truly. You may have bested Chazakiel, a worthy enough milestone, but not what you should truly strive for. The most powerful of my Hosts have bested two hosts of the White One in his lifetime. You will find yourself hard-pressed to match that feat. But who knows? You have surprised me once, Issei Hyoudou, and you may surprise me yet. ]

()()()()()()()()()

"Oi Issei, what're you gonna do over the break?" Matsuda asked Issei the moment lunch break started.

"Don't have any plans." He shrugged. "So I'll probably just play games or read some books or something. What about you Motohama?"

"I'm tutoring my little sister," The four-eyes grimaced. "She's about to enter middle-school next year, and my parents want her to go to the middle school here, so I have to bring her up to snuff."

"Eeeh? That sounds boring," Matsuda said. "I guess I can join the photography club or something. I think they have an upcoming winter-themed shoot every week of the break."

"Issei-kun," The door to their room opened, and Kiba appeared. After the usual rounds of the girls in the classroom all hurrying to greet the "prince of Kuoh," the blond made his way towards the three of them. "Buchou's asking for you,"

"Right now?" Issei complained. "I haven't even started eating yet!"

"Um, she said it's urgent," Kiba laughed weakly.

"Fine, fine," Issei huffed. "You two better not eat my lunch while I'm away!" He threatened Matsuda and Motohama, grabbing his cane and starting to walk with Kiba.

"Yeah, yeah, sure." They waved off his concerns, already picking their way through his lunchbox.

"Assholes," Issei sighed. "So, what's this about? Dammit, is someone new attacking the town?"

"I'm afraid I don't know Issei-kun, though I don't think that we're under attack quite that quickly. Based on data, I suppose the next one isn't due for another two or three weeks."

"That's really not funny Kiba," Issei groaned. "Fuck, I'm pretty sure that's actually going to happen now!"

"Sorry?" Kiba offered.

"Shut up," Issei scowled. "Dammit, I don't want to get into any more trouble."

Kiba's smile directed at him was strained, opening the door to the Occult Research Club building for him, the magical threshold parting before Issei.

"Buchou, I've brought Issei-kun."

"Issei-kun," The devil nodded, looking a lot better than the last time he's seen her. She looked healthier, less haggard and pale. "I'm sorry if I interrupted your lunch." She inclined her head towards the coffee table in the middle of the room. A box of cake laid open, Koneko picking at a piece she had cut for herself, curling up on herself on the couch.

""Would you want some tea as well? Or I can make some coffee if you'd like?" Akeno asked politely. "And please, make yourself comfortable."

Issei shrugged, laying down his cane and plopping down onto the opposite end of the couch Koneko was on. "Tea's fine. So what did you call me in for?" Issei thanked Akeno as she poured him a cup from a porcelain pot.

"Straight into business already?" Rias said with a hint of a smile. "Can't we have a bit of fun between friends first?"

Issei shrugged. "Sure, if that's what you want."

The smile dropped slowly from Rias' lips to be replaced with a frown. She paused for a while, silence settling over the Occult Research Clubroom.

"You are aware of my betrothal to Riser Phenex correct?"

Issei nodded.

"News just reached me that my lovely fiance," Issei didn't know that it was possible for someone like Rias to put in that much sarcasm in one word, "has just won his eighth victory in the Rating Games."

"And that's...bad?" Issei guessed.

"He won through an overwhelming victory. His opponent didn't even manage to touch Riser." Rias said. "That sets his record as eight wins and two losses."

"Well, there you go." Issei said. "Just look at those two Rating Games and see how they beat Riser."

"Those losses were a gift from Riser to the allies of the Phenex. In reality, those two losses of his did not count. Unofficially, he's been undefeated."

"Oh." Issei leaned back in his chair, keeping his cup floating in the air. "What did you call me here for?"

"Issei-kun," Rias stood up from her chair, walking around her table to stand in front of Issei, and bowed to him. "Please teach us magic!"

"What." Issei said flatly.

"I...I realize now that what I have isn't enough," Rias admitted, still with her head bowed. "I realized that I've been too dependent on my, no, my family's gifts. I've never once tried to learn anything beyond that, and because of that...because of that I got hurt through my own arrogance and stupidity. My whole life I've wanted to be someone other than Rias of Gremory, but I've done the wrong thing by relying on the Bael side of my heritage. So now...now, I want to gain power through my efforts! Please, teach me!"

Issei stared down at Rias. From what he's seen of her so far, he never expected her to bow her head, and to him of all people. She had a pride to her, not enough to be considered arrogant, but a pride enough that said she would bow only to those she considered worthy of her respect.

Issei didn't feel worthy of it. He was just a kid, in over his head. Half the time, he didn't even know what he was doing. So why-

"Me as well," Akeno said, moving to stand beside Rias and following her lead, bowing her head to Issei. "A Queen should always stand beside her King, and how could I do so if I let my King get ahead of me?"

"Me too,"

"...and me."

The entirety of the Occult Research Club bowed their heads towards Issei, waiting for his reply.

He sighed, scratching his head. "Fine," He sighed. "But only if you have a place to study at. I don't think Asama-nee would appreciate it if we go practice offensive magic at her shrine."

"Thank you Issei-kun!" Rias all but shouted, looking up, eyes glittering. "I won't disappoint you! I was thinking of studying back in the Underworld over the break. Our house has a place dedicated specifically for learning magic! There's even a library for all the tomes we have, and then-" Rias stopped herself, looking guilty. "O-of course, that's only if you want to come with us. I understand if you have your owns plans to consider. I'm willing to compensate you for the trouble of course. And I'll even ask onii-sama to-" Rias stopped once again, looking conflicted.

Issei looked at her for a second before starting. "I guess I can do that. I didn't really have plans over the break anyways." He thought for a moment before continuing. "Oh right, and can I bring Arianna too? I'm still kinda teaching her, and Asama-nee will be pissed at me if I just leave her for a month."

"I'll arrange for that." Rias nodded, looking excited. "Of course. I'm sorry if I'm being selfish, but I just… you know?" She gestured helplessly."

"I understand." Issei smiled. "Just message me when we're leaving okay?"

()()()()()()()()()

"Hey Arianna, I'm going to the Underworld. Wanna come with?" Issei asked, laid down on the couch reading a book while Arianna scrunched up her face, gripping her grimoire in one hand, the other spread out towards their table. A magical circle revolved slowly on the tabletop, where a rather large chunk of stone laid at the beginning of their siesta, though it had formed itself into a shape vaguely reminiscent of a human, albeit about three inches high, and was currently running around the house pouring water into a rather large bowl it had fetched for Arianna earlier. Now, the water was slowly twisting upon itself, morphing into what looked like a miniature tidal with emerald orbs made of light acting as its eyes.

At Issei's words however, Arianna lost her grip on the circle, and it splashed back onto the bowl, some spilling out into the floor. The stone construct somehow managed to look sad even with just the barest traces of eyes and a mouth, 'head' drooping down.

"Underworld?" Arianna repeated. "What for?"

Issei shrugged. "Friend asked me for help. So, you want in?"

"Of course!" She grinned toothily. " I've always wanted to visit! But it's too expensive for someone like me…" She trailed off sadly.

"You can pay to go to the Underworld?" Issei blinked. "That's...weird."

"You need a lot of papers to be allowed to go through," Arianna nodded. "And those in major Cabals are given priority. I heard that those in Rosenkreuzer can even explore some places in the Underworld that normal people can't go to. Have you been to the Underworld before Issei-nii?"

"Yeah," Issei confirmed. "Few months ago. It kinda felt like just another town honestly."

"Really?" Arianna sounded disappointed. "Well, I'd love to see it for myself. Are kaa-san and tou-san coming along?"

Issei paused. That didn't sound like a bad idea. He always wanted to treat his parents to a vacation, and this counted...right?

He took out his phone, messaging Rias about it. Her reply arrived around a half minute after his initial message.

"Hey Mom, Dad," he called out. "Do you wanna go see the Underworld?"

A.N.

Fuck, that was a long-ass time between updates. Sorry, but that was mostly college doing its best to screw us students over. Mostly finished this on the Holy Week break, but even then I had to finish 5 projects while writing this.

Reviews are helpful and appreciated

Omake!

"Thank you Lord for this safe flight." A person bent over his seat whispered, hands clasped in a prayer.

Thank you for flying Italian Airlines. You may now leave the plane. Enjoy your stay in Japan.

A host of stewardesses began to guide all of them to the exit, each one of them exceptionally pretty. Most of the males there took the time to give them an appreciative once over and the faithful one was no different.

Still, after a while, he shook his head and left the place, navigating his way around.

"It feels so long ago since I've been here." One Hyoudou Issei said with a wide-if a bit nostalgic- grin, looking around the place to see the minor differences that had happened during his nearly decade long stay in another continent.

[You were away for eight years partner. It's not that long ago.] A voice came from the direction of his left arm, unheard by all except for Issei himself.

Issei rolled his eyes and thought back to the voice . 'I was eight when I left Ddraig. That's half my life so far already.'

[And your whole life yet in front of you.] Ddraig said almost admonishingly. [Stop thinking about the details and enjoy your life.]

Issei's lips twitched into a smile. Trust Ddriag to ruin a simple trip down memory lane into a life lesson. He finally reached the exit, buying a pack of Japanese sweets along the way to go along with the Italian ones he bought in the previous airport nearly twelve hours ago. Though, with the time difference, he had left Italy at 2PM and, twelve hours later, arrived in Japan at 6PM.

""Issei!"" Two shouts of joy reached him, and Issei looked to see his parents, older now, with a touch of grey in their hair and an extra line or two in their faces, but still such a powerfully familiar sight. He saw tears gather in their eyes as they walked towards him eagerly and he felt his vision turn watery. He furiously wiped them away and all but ran forward in his eagerness.

His mother was the first to reach him, literally throwing herself at her son. His father stood at their side, grinning at Issei as the younger man fumbled around before returning the hug.

"You've grown so tall." Hyoudou Takami sniffled, wiping her tears with her palm and beaming up at him proudly. "My little baby boy's a man now."

Issei grinned back, trying his best not to start crying again.

The cab back to their home was energetic, his parents prompting Issei to tell them about his life in Italy.

The chatter didn't stop, continuing as they showed Issei around the house to refamiliarize himself with it. He didn't know why, but it seemed...smaller somehow. Like it shrunk. He knew it didn't make sense, but he swore that their house seemed a lot bigger when he was a kid.

He entered his room, laying down his luggage on the corner of his old room. He smiled as he sat down on his bed, running his hand through the comforter, freshly laundered and pressed. It felt so good to be home again. He may have gained a lot of friends in Italy, but family...family was different. He closed his eyes and laid down on the bed, groaning at the sheer pleasure the simple act gave him. He was feeling kinda tired.

Maybe he should sleep for just a bit…

()()()()()()()()()

Takami fussed around the house, fixing everything she could get her hands on. She dusted the tabletops, rearranged the bottles in the pantry, all while preparing a japanese lunch for her son. Miso soup, tempura, okonomiyaki, tamagoyaki, all ready while a whole cheesecake, Issei's favorite food, waited for them in the fridge.

"Kaa-san, you're too nervous," Her husband wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Why shouldn't I be?" She said. "Our son's finally back with us after eight years. Of course I'd be wanting only the best for him!"

"You shouldn't stress about it you know," Kuzuki sighed. He turned, filling a small plate with manju they had bought on the way to the airport and handing it to her. "Give him this at least, and talk to him. I'll handle everything here."

"But dear-"

"Go," He emphasized his point by pushing the plate into her hands, and giving her a slight nudge away.

"Fine," She rolled her eyes but unable to hide the skip in her step as she made her way towards her son's room. "Issei, do you want some manjuu?"

She paused as she saw Issei, laid out on his bed, sleeping in the clothes he arrived in.

She smiled, laying down the plate of sweets on his desk she kept clean over the years, and crouched down on his bedside to lay a kiss on his forehead.

"Welcome back home Issei."