Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to Highschool DXD.

Chapter 14: To Protect What's Mine

RATTLE

It was the sound of metal falling across metal that woke me. An immense pounding in my head echoed through my body. I feel so weak and nauseous that it makes me want to hurl.

Its surprisingly had to open my eyes. As I do manage to force them slightly open, a dim light seems to be all it takes for my head to explode in anguish once more. It took me several more minutes before I could actually peek around the room. I found anything more than five feet from me was just a blur.

The cold stone beneath my fingers had not been comfortable to rest on. As I tried to raise myself up two things happened at once. The first was an immense dizziness that overwhelmed me. The second was that sound again.

RATTLE

The sound continued as I began to throw up. To many overwhelming stimuli at once had been too much. It's always interesting how much better I feel after throwing up. I felt good enough to actually look around the room a bit and find a wall to lean against. It was as I crawled to it that I realized what kept making that god awful metallic clanging noise.

I am in chains.

My mind started swimming, but this time it was to try and recall what had happened. As hard as I tried, all I seemed to be able to do was intensify my headache. My first reaction was to attempt to cut the chains with my light blade. That was when I discovered that I couldn't summon it. Desperately, I tried to bring out my wings, I couldn't do that either. Somehow my angelic power had been sealed off.

Perhaps my sacred gear still worked, maybe I could…

"Issei, are you awake," called my Heart.

"Yuuma," I almost shouted, "I'm so glad you're okay? Where are we? What happened? Is Vali here too?"

A sharp sniffle shut me up, "You...you don't remember at all, do you?"

"Remember what," I asked slowly.

As my vision cleared a bit more I began to get a clearer view of the room I was in. Whereas before I could only make out splashes of color, now I could make things out. I was chained in a corner of the room. The room itself was actually quite lavish. Dark purple curtains adorned the walls and a cushy rug covered most of the room, just out of my reach of course. In the center of the room was a large canopy bed, colored in purple and black, and chained to it...was Yuuma.

"I think you may have a concussion. That was a nasty blow you took to the head. I'm just glad that you're okay," she replied.

Her tone was weak and it had me worried, "Yuuma, are you okay? What's going on here? What has happened and why can't I remember?"

I could hear her sighing from the bed. Another short whimper followed. Her mind must be racing as well, trying to find an angle to get us out of this mess. Her chains seemed much more restricting than mine, something that made no sense to me, until I noticed her position that is. While she was still clearly dressed, her legs were spread wide and arms chained down.

My anger boiled inside me, "Yuuma," my voice was clearly hostile now, "What have they done to you?"

Her face turned towards me, it was probably all she could move, and I saw a sad smile, "Nothing yet. We've only been in this room for a few hours."

"I won't let them touch you! I swear to you that I will not let your purity be robbed from you again! I WON'T LET YOU FALL," Nothing but rage flowed through me towards our unknown assailants.

"It's okay," she spoke softly, and for a moment it muted my feelings, "No matter what they do to me, I won't fall. I don't love any of them and I won't let them destroy my life now. Nothing short of death will take me from your side. I won't fall this time."

The solemn determination in her eyes gave me chills. She had resigned herself to her fate. Whoever they were, they intended to make her relive her worst nightmare. As my anger waned a bit I was left to wonder what I could do.

"Hey Issei," Yuuma called once more, but her voice was softer now.

"Yeah," I breathed out the word in my frustration.

"Can I," she hiccuped as her tears flowed, "Can I ask you a question?"

I began to crawl the few feet my chains would allow me towards her, "Anything."

I could tell by the look in her eyes how desperate she was, even in this poor lighting, "Once they're d-done with me... You'll still need me, right? Y-you'll still w-want me, right?"

I wanted to make her a thousand brave promises. To tell her that I'd let no man touch her. That I would protect her from anything. All I wanted was to keep her safe and promise that I'd always be there for her. But this situation humbled me.

"Yes," was my sad reply, "No matter how they may try and use you. Regardless of what happens, I will keep you at my side. Nothing they could ever do would change the way I feel about you. Even if no other angel wanted to even look at you, I would stay with you."

Her reply was simple, "Thank you."

Now it was my turn to get pissed, "That does not mean I'm going to take this sitting down. I will rage, and I will tear this building to the ground before I willingly allow them to touch you. I swear whoever did this to us will suffer for it."

"Don't say that," she replied quickly, "You don't know what happened, you don't understand."

That was enough to confuse me thoroughly, "What?! Why would you ask me to spare whoever did this to us?"

"Because," Yuuma looked at me tearfully, "It was Vali."

That one name sent me to my knees. My mind flew to the last member of my group that wasn't here. Vali? How could it be? How could she have betrayed me like this? I can't understand and I couldn't remember. What in heaven happened during my memory lapse?

"Yuuma, I really think you need to tell me what happened now," my voice was stern now, commanding.

"Right," she could barely nod, "What is the last thing you remember?"

I had to think for a second, "We were supposed to come to hell, right? After I had that meeting with Michael, he and I decided that we needed to speak with the Four Lords of Hell. Michael felt it imperative that they know not only had I converted the last living heir of the House of Lucifer, but also the actions of Vali's grandfather."

My Heart nodded, "Anything else?"

I pondered for a moment, "I...remember a train but," I had to clutch my head due to the pain, "Anything more is too painful."

The bound maiden of purity attempted to nod once more, "Then let me fill in the blanks."

Several Hours Earlier

"So, do you remember everything you're supposed to do," Gabriel asked.

I smirked at her, "Yes Gabriel, for the twelfth time. I know I'm going to hell but it's not like I haven't been their before. Besides, I won't even have to fight this time. I'm just going their for a meeting."

Why do those feel like famous last words?

She pouted at me, "I am allowed to worry you know. Not only are you taking a trip to hell of all places, but you are doing so with two of the three women who consider themselves my romantic rivals. The third of which is undoubtedly awaiting you in hell. Not to mention Serafall, I'm sure once she hears of this she'll be all over you."

I audibly gulped as I thought about being glomped on by the only female Lord of Hell. If the woman was anywhere near as powerful as Gabriel then I wasn't sure there would be much I could do about it. Still, I wasn't worried and I knew my beautiful girlfriend was just freaking out a bit.

"Hey," I said softly, "No matter what happens, I'm yours. Got it?"

She nodded, a light blush decorating her cheeks, "Just come back soon, okay? I have a bad feeling about this. If that man is as awful as young Vali has said, then I worry he will not simply take this lying down."

CHOOO

A sharp whistle came, warning me the train was about to leave, so I gave her a small kiss and then stepped back into the waiting doorway of the train, "No worries, I've got all the Lords of Hell there and I'm certain they'd help if we needed it. What could possibly go wrong?"

Yep, dead man walking.

As the train took off, I waved goodbye. I kept my eyes on her until I couldn't see the slightest glimpse of her. It wasn't till I looked around that I noticed the two light glares I was receiving from my Heart and Spade.

"Jealousy isn't very flattering on angels girls," I teased them playfully.

Vali just humphed and plopped down into the plush seat while Yuuma leered at me, "Doesn't mean you have to rub it in our faces. We are fragile maidens after all. Do you take our devotion so lightly?"

Fragile Maidens? Uhhh, what now?

I should know better than to verbally spar with this woman. She had way too much experience. Not to mention the fact that she doesn't embarrass nearly as easily as I do.

"Okay, okay, my bad," I relented.

"Good," Yuuma's face became cheerful in an instant, "Now that that's settled, you can repay us for the heartache you've caused."

I wasn't the only one blushing as Vali seemed equally confused, "Okay, but...repay you how?"

A devious smirk graced her lips, "How about you take turns laying your head in our laps? Then we can spoil you a bit and feel better."

I immediately made an 'X' shape with my arms, "That's a no go. That's a special thing I do only with Gabriel. Please understand."

"Mooooh," Yuuma pouted, but from the look on Vali's face, I'm not sure if she could've handled it, "Fine, then at least let us rest our head on your shoulders. It's supposed to be a long train ride."

I realized that this was probably the least I could get away with, "Fair enough."

As I sat, Yuuma was almost instantly at my side, wrapping herself around one of my arms. She took full advantage of the situation and positioned my arm between her breast and laid into me. In the past few weeks since the incident at my home in Japan with my mother, it had become clear that she would be very physically open about her affections. She seemed to know exactly where that line to not cross was and would brush right up against it as best she could without going over.

Vali, my ever shy Spade, took a different approach. While possessing equally formidable features as her sworn sister, she used none of them against me. Instead, she slowly edged closer to me on the seat, almost jumping at the first bit of contact. With a practiced grace, she rested her head against me with our bodies touching gently. Her innocence was such a sharp contrast to Yuuma's that it was hard to not take notice.

The rest of the ride was quiet as the two milked the moment for all it was worth. It is interesting to consider how far we three have come in less than a month. Yuuma, my Heart, my plotting schemer, has become a constant support and pillar for me to rely on. Vali, my Spade, my draconic other half, through her grace and subtle charms give me relief in the most stressful of times. I feel that with the two of them I will never fall.

While my angel of purity has certainly changed since she was first born, I wouldn't have her any other way. Somewhere between her jokes and flirtation lies the purest heart I've ever known. Her pure battle power isn't as high as say mine or Vali's, but her strength is nothing to scoff at either. The woman has a keen ability to read people and predict movements in battle. She's the first person I've ever seen give Griselda a run for her money, even besting her on occasion.

Then, of course, there is my elegant white dragon who has lost so much. Her resilient nature, despite a dark past which she rarely speaks of, is inspiring. In training, she never yields and fights with the spirit of the dragon sealed within her sacred gear. She wields a frightening amount of magical power and considering that she can drain power from her opponent, she is a terrifying adversary.

My sincere hope is that the Four Lords of Hell will see fit to imprison her grandfather. Since he killed her parents, I'm not sure that will happen. He is the last of a great line considering Vali has rejoined the angels. I'm not an expert, but by the display of importance made at Rias' engagement party, I can see how important the pillar families are. Regardless of the outcome, we still have to go and declare Vali's freedom from the man once and for all.

The hum of the train. The gentle breathing of the girls who are resting on me. All of it soothed me and began to lull me to sleep.

Yuuma POV

When Issei began snickering I let out a silent giggle. His head had lulled over towards mine and I could feel his hair tickling my cheek. We really had been putting the poor boy through the ringer lately.

Even though we certainly had better things to do then fill his life with romantic turmoil, the boy needed to take a break sometimes. He trained so consistently, and vigorously, that I had Vali got worried. It shouldn't really surprise anyone though. After all the fighting the dragon user has done since his rebirth I'm sure he is paranoid about battles around every corner. That's why I've taken it upon myself to help him.

Truthfully, for me to get better I need to know my teammates. I am best with support and recently I've been studying forgotten magic. So bonding with Issei and Vali can really be considered dual purpose for me.

On the other side of my unrequited love, Vali is snoring peacefully. I can't believe how quickly she's taken with Issei. I honestly didn't believe that she would bond with him so quickly. With as squeamish as the girl had been when I first met her, to be resting against a man so comfortably is amazing progress.

I had almost drifted back to sleep myself when I began to take notice that we were slowing down. Considering how much time had passed we must have still been a half an hour shy of our destination, maybe more. Vali began to stir as well when the train finally jerked to a stop. I couldn't deny the bad feeling that I was getting from this.

Standing up, I took a slightly defensive position. It was then that a magic circle I didn't recognize appeared on the floor. A well dressed, silver-haired man, along with a few men in masks, now stood at the opposing end of the train car.

"Who are you," I asked calmly.

The aged man stepped forward and gave a small bow, "Greetings Yuuma Amano, I am Rizevim Lucifer. I have come to fetch the three of you."

I glared into the man's hazel eyes as he played with his beard. His aura felt wrong, and at the same time bottomless. He wore a similar attire to the current Maou Lucifer and stood arrogantly.

I cursed the fact that Issei was still asleep as Vali took a very nervous position behind me, "Issei, wake up! I could really use your help right now!"

Issei began to stir at the sound of my voice when the Lucifer patriarch spoke up, "Oh, don't wake the dear boy. Valentine! I command you to help your friend back to sleep."

Who the hell does this guy think he is?

"Vali isn't your pawn anymore! She is free from you! You can't command her ever again, right Vali," I spat at the man.

Turning, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Vali had raised her leg and brought it down over the back of Issei's head. The ax kick had knocked him out cold.

"Vali! What the hell?! You don't have to listen to him," I both yelled and pleaded until I noticed how hollow her eyes were, "Vali?"

She didn't respond. The life had left her body as she simply stood there as a puppet. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Completely forgetting the enemy in front of me I grabbed her hands in my own.

"Vali, it's me, it's Yuuma. Come on, look at me, don't you recognize me. Please, Vali, don't do this," I begged as the tears fell down my cheeks.

"Your words will not reach her dear girl. I have trained her for years, she is under my complete control. How do you think the fallen were able to take custody of her so easily?" he taunted me, "Now you my dear have some people who'd very much like to see you again. You wouldn't believe how excited they were to learn you had somehow regained your purity. They'd love the chance to take it from you again."

Whipping around to face him I growled at the man, "You bastard!"

"Such language, not at all befitting of an angel," he snickered, "Valentine! Restrain the girl."

Present Time- Issei POV

"That's the last thing I remember before I woke up here. Vali she...she can't control herself. I think whatever they have us chained up with is restraining my light abilities. I'm not honestly sure how long we've been here but it's hard to track time. All I know is that I wouldn't count on the cavalry coming to our rescue any time soon," Yuuma explained with her eyes still focused on me.

Finally having the presence of mind to think I realized that I couldn't use my light powers either. Fruitless though it may be, I began to yank and tug on the chains. Nothing about this room seems new, as if this bedroom/dungeon has been this way for quite some time.

"You forgetting about somebody partner?"

"Ddraig!" I was so excited I shouted out loud.

"Yes, but I suggest you keep quiet. Let us not allow the enemy to know that you can still use my abilities."

'Yeah, you're right. Let's do this Ddraig!'

BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST

The chains that felt old held fast never the less. The power of five boosts didn't even seem to really strain it.

"Issei, what's going on?" Yuuma called out.

I looked back, "I don't know, the chains won't break. I'll just have to boost more."

"Give it up partner. It won't work. Those are enchanted chains and they have sapped your holy power. You are boosting from your human strength. It would take more boosts than your body could handle to destroy those."

I didn't have a chance to argue when the doors opened. A man with flowing silver locks stepped through that I didn't recognize. Looking to Yuuma, I could see her glaring at the man.

"Oh, so the mighty hero is awake this time," mocked the man, "Too bad that you are out of commission."

"Take these chains off and we'll see just how cocky you are then," my words sounded more like growls at this point.

The man just laughed, "As fun as that sounds I must decline. You see we have business to attend to. I had fixed it so that you could watch the show as our sweet angel here is defiled and falls once more, sadly different arrangements had to be made. They want to watch her wings change as she falls so I had to prepare different accommodations. Don't worry though, they aren't too far. I'm sure you'll still be able to hear her scream for her, begging for her valiant hero to save her once more."

Never in my life had I been so angry as I lunged at the man, only to be held in place by the chains, "I swear, once I get out of this I'll come for you."

The silver-haired man simply waved it off, "Yes, yes, idle threats. I must thank you for returning my granddaughter. Such a willful child. Perhaps she will be of more use now that she is an actual angel. Otherwise, I'll just dispose of her again I suppose."

"Rahhhhhh," I screamed at the top of my lungs, tugging so hard on the chains that I thought my wrists and shoulders would come out of socket, "It's you! Son of Lucifer! I'll kill you, I swear it!"

"Oh my, such vulgarity from an angel. Be careful not to fall my boy. Ah well, enough chit-chat, take her away," he waved as he turned to leave.

Several devils came into the room as Rizevim left. One of them held a very familiar collar. I was helpless to watch as Yuuma thrashed about on the bed as much as she was able. Never the less, given her bindings, it took little work to secure her.

Her screams echoed my own as they dragged her from the room.

"Issei!"

"Yuuma!"

"Enough partner, this isn't helping. I think we may be able to generate just enough power to flee this place by destroying the wall instead of the chains. Once we do that you'll be weak though and we will have to run."

'Run, we can't run Ddraig. Not without Yuuma and Vali, you can't mean that.'

"I do, and still you must go. They will take your Heart, they will violate her and likely do unspeakable things to her. We must even face the reality that if she refuses to fall they will either take her or kill her. Not to mention whatever has been done to the white one. That doesn't change what we must do."

The very suggestion was setting my heart on fire, 'I don't know what's gotten into you Ddraig but we aren't leaving them. What happened to the legendary heavenly dragon? When did you start acting so weak?'

"You can't goad me partner. We both know I'm not the weak one here, it's you. You have spent so much time training your angelic powers and playing house that you've neglected your sacred gear training. Now your mate will pay for it. You are too weak to save her. Too weak to help anyone."

"Shut up!" I bellowed now.

"Issei!" my Heart called out to me but I could not see her.

"I won't do it," I cried out, engaging my Boosted Gear, "I won't leave her! She's coming with me! I'll never see her hurt again. Yes, I was too weak to protect them, and yes, that's why we're here, but I swear to you Ddraig...I'LL NEVER LET THEM DIE!"

"That's it partner, you did it!"

BALANCE BREAKER!

BOOSTED GEAR DRAGON'S MIGHT

As I continued to shout, I noticed it turned into a roar as I unlocked my balance breaker. The power that rippled through me was incredible. My BOOST has nothing on this.

"I knew you were close partner, I'm just glad that my gamble worked. Now, we don't have a lot of time. Grab the girl and let's go find the other one."

'Right,' I agreed.

I snapped the chains like brittle twigs and took off down the hall, my angelic might restored once more. The sound of her screams brought me to a nearly identical room as they bound her. One of them was attempting to lick her. He was so preoccupied that the man didn't hear the dying gasps of its companions. The vile worm finally took notice of me as my hand wrapped around his throat.

Lifting off of the ground with one hand he squirmed in the air. Short grasps escaped from his throat as I squeezed. His eyes bulged slightly but I only tightened my grip.

Something boiled up inside of me, I felt angry, possessive, furious, "Lowest of the low. A vile creature such as you deserves not even a name! You dare lay your hands on my Heart?! YOU DARE TOUCH WHAT'S MINE!"

Pumping light energy into my hand, empowered by my dragon's might, the devil disintegrated. My breath left me slightly ragged for a moment as I turned my head. Finally, my eyes locked onto my Heart's, as hers were with mine.

Walking over to Yuuma, who still seemed in awe and tears, I quickly snapped off her chains and lifted her into my arms. That seemed to snap her out of it as she curled into my chest. She whimpered softly as her hair draped over her face. She'd had to be so brave because I lacked power.

"Issei," she cried softly.

I dug my head into her raven locks and inhaled softly, "It's okay, I'm here. No one will ever touch you like that, not while I'm around."

Her head nodded against my chest, her silent show of faith in me.

My neck snapped to the door when I heard voices and saw the nob turn, "Yeah, I heard the guys who did her last time never got over it."

"You think it'll be different from when the bitch was one of us?"

"Who knows, I can't wait to find...out..." the words seemed to leave them all as they opened the door and saw me.

As an overly showy gesture I cracked my knuckles and released my angel wings, "I may not be the angel you were expecting, but I'll play. So, which of you wants to be my bitch first?"

The trio didn't even have the chance to scream as I blasted them with a wave of light. The impressive thing was that the attack was a simple wave of my hand.

'Ddraig, what's with this insane power?'

"Your exposure to that orb in Seventh Heaven seems to have allowed you to grow in an odd way. This balance breaker gives you temporary control over my full power. You must hurry, your body can't handle this for long as it hasn't been trained to use it."

I could tell he was right. It felt like the sheer power was trying to escape from every pore of my body. If I held this form too long it would destroy me.

Ever since the girls had become my Heart and Spade respectively I've been connected to them. I don't really know how to put it into words, but I could tell where Vali was. I could also tell that she was afraid. And that...that made me angry.

I turned briefly to Yuuma, "Can you keep up?"

She nodded, "I've got my powers back now, I'll be fine."

As I stepped out of the room I came to one instant conclusion. This place has too many halls and doors and I am in no mood for the delay. The direction my Spade is in pulled at me. Her emotions flooded me and I had had enough.

"Screw it," I sighed and charged straight towards her...through the walls.

I'll say this, the two bathrooms, library, eight bedrooms, and kitchen that I plowed my path by running straight through the building itself, were quite elegant. I'm no interior designer, but this place was nice. I say was because the entire floor is now structurally unstable.

Looking around, I found us in a far more empty chamber then the one that I woke up in. A lone devil in a mask sat in a chair, seemingly to in shock of everything he'd just witnessed to move. Yuuma didn't give him a chance to recover as she hurled a light spear into the devil's chest.

Vali wasn't hard to find as she hung suspended in the air. I honestly felt a bit bad as I gazed at her. She simply looked so beautiful, suspended in the air like some kind of doll. In the end, what really moved my heart was the sorrowful expression on her face. Her emotions were screaming into my heart now, she felt alone, lost, and afraid.

I summoned my angel wings forth again and let my aura fill the room. In my balance breaker state, I could feel it bursting to new heights. It actually eased the tremendous pressure on my body to pump out so much aura. In no time at all the spell holding her there had collapsed. She had only just begun to fall when I caught her in my arms, carrying her bridal style just as I had for Yuuma.

Her eyes fluttered open, her voice hoarse and soft, "I-Isseiii?"

"It's alright, we're getting out of here," I said softly.

Again, I waved my hand and a wave of energy destroyed the outer wall. With as much aura as I was putting out and the damage I'd already done the entire building started to shake. I still didn't let up on my aura because it was reducing the strain to my body. Honestly, I wasn't sure if I could stop without releasing my balance breaker at this point. And I was scared that if I did what kind of shape that I'd be in.

As we flew out the hole and an entire side of the building collapsed. The old gothic style architecture seemed to fit the collapsed side quite well. All seemed well until a horde of devils came flying out of the castle. I could have flown away faster but Yuuma couldn't.

As they gained on us I noticed someone in front of us, several someones actually. The first person I recognized shouldn't have surprised me at all, standing there in her magical girl outfit. The crimson-haired devil to her right told me the four main people I was looking at. I was able to reach them before the devils pursuing us got too close.

"You're running a bit late Issei," joked the crimson devil king.

"Sorry about that, ran into some train problems. You know how it is," I quipped.

Gently, I sat down Vali beside Yuuma who supported her, "Wait here."

The pressure of my own power had started to build. It felt as if my bones were being ground to dust by the weight of it. Expanding my wings once more I walked to the edge of the cliff that we all stood on and braced my arms outward towards the incoming masses. Gathering all the energy I could, I lashed out.

By no means was it some kind of special technique or move. I simply called upon all the power that was built up inside me and focused it into light energy. Pure light erupted from my wings and shot forth. The entire horde of devils was instantly wiped out and burned to ash as the holy light struck them. Screams of pain and agony filled the area as we watched them perish.

As the energy left me I allowed my balance breaker to release and felt dead tired. All the pain that I'd been feeling truly set in and I collapsed. In the end, all I could really do is laugh. How odd is it to be incapacitated by your own power? I guess I really am pathetic.

'This is a sad day for the red dragon emperor, eh Ddraig?'

"Trust me partner, no one saw this coming. My typical balance breaker comes in the form of an armor. I get the feeling that your unusual growth is far from over."

'Heh, guess we'll see.'

Suddenly, a pint-sized magic girl appeared above me, "Well now, see something you like?"

As the tiny Maou playfully raised the edges of her skirt, revealing her skimpy underwear, I found that I couldn't even turn my head. Considering this new level of teasing I guess she found out.

I couldn't help but sigh, "I'm guessing you heard about Gabriel and me, huh?"

"No," she sounded completely clueless, "What about you and my rival?"

"N-Nothing," I stammered nervously.

A mischievous look crossed her face, "Oh? An angel wouldn't lie, would they? I mean, as a devil, I'd have to do something about that. Especially if they're a fan of mine."

"Yuuma, Vali, a little help please," I begged.

Sirzechs was the one who ended up coming to my rescue, "You're fun will have to wait Serafall. We need to get them to a hospital and get them debriefed. Our fears about Rizevim being a part of the Chaos Brigade seem to be true. Although he hasn't seemed to have aligned himself with the Old Devil Faction. Your girlfriend is quite worried about you Issei."

The wicked grin coming from the man told me he knew everything.

Serafall, however, was very curious, "Oh, who's the new girl huh? I haven't had a chance to break those soft wings of yours in. One of you two perhaps?"

The dangerously suspicious look that Leviathan was giving my Heart and Spade made them shake their heads rapidly.

Traitors.

"Hmm, who could it be? Oh, it must be our little Ria then!"

It was Lucifer's turn to dismiss that idea, "Not her."

As the group flew away, me being supported by Yuuma and Vali, the magical girl stood and pondered for a moment longer, "It couldn't be."

The red maned devil chuckled, "Seems she's figured out your secret Issei."

I couldn't help but pout a bit, "And here I thought we were friends."

"You bring him back here," shouted the angry Maou, "He's my fan!"

Sirzechs smirked at me, "I could leave you with her."

"We're cool," I quickly forgave the man who was helping me make a quick getaway.

Even he though couldn't prevent me from having a large screen TV rolled into my hospital room and all six seasons of Magical Girl Levia streamed for me. Of course, this was the special edition with Lady Leviathan's special commentary too.

I really am in hell.

ELSEWHERE

"Now why exactly did I have to leave Valentine behind, we just retrieved her," seethed the old Lucifer.

A man with ebony wings shook his head, "Don't get ahead of yourself. I purchased the girl, what I do with her, and where I leave her, is no longer of your concern. Just be glad I pulled you out of there."

Rizevim scoffed, "Please, as if that child could touch me."

Angry eyes flashed at the arrogant devil, "You think you could match the full might of Ddraig? You are a fool. The boy has somehow unlocked the dragon's full power. He is starting to become a thorn in my side. Both of those girls belong to me and I will have them, but first, I will have his head on my wall. It will look handsome beside that wretched Azazel's decapitated face."

The devil laughed a bit, "Yes, I agree. If only the descendants of the original Maou were as powerful as their ancestors then they might not be so useless."

"Oh," the fallen one spoke with glib, "You think you match the power of your ancestor do you, the original Lucifer?"

The sound of grinding teeth came from the descendant of the first to fall, "Watch your tone with me. We are only working together to put things right. One day, you and I shall be on opposite sides of the battlefield once more."

The fallen angel chuckled as his holy power crackled in his hand, "Nothing would please me more."

A/N: I'm baaaack! Hey guys, long time no see. I know, you've waited a long time for this chapter. Hopefully, it lived up to your expectations. The story is moving along again and we're finally meeting some of the bad guys. A lot of new mysteries are begging to be solved. Issei has a new power and has another boost on the way.

Oh, and just in case people are curious why the chains didn't stop Issei from using his sacred gear, I'll explain. I find it unreasonable to think that they could stop any and all forms of power. I mean, magic, devil power, light power, and sacred gears are all different. Since it was a devil castle I thought that chains that restrained angels made since though, so that's why it only canceled their angelic abilities.

Truthfully, I had to step back and reevaluate my story a bit. The story that originally inspired me to write this started using some ideas that I had planned for the future of my story. It was very frustrating. I had to re-imagine a lot for Issei. Honestly, his original Balance Breaker was crazy similar to the one in Jack of Hearts, if you've read that. Also, I had a plan for the Excalibur shards, since my Issei has always been a bit of a swordsman. Then the Issei in JoH got an Excalibur. I hate the thought of being accused of plagiarism so I had to think about what I was doing. I hope you like what I came up with. Most of you on here who write can probably understand why I had to take a break from the story now. Still, I'm glad to be back to it and for you guys to still be reading it.