Alright, so I know it's been a while, but here we are again with a new chapter. And as always, I want to remind everyone that I do not keep an update schedule. I update when I can after making sure that my chapters are up to par. I don't usually like rushing out chapters unless I'm confident in them.

Aside from that, I also want to give a huge shout out to 'Tohka Yatogami'. She's just written a new version of "Legend of The Heavenly Dragons" very recently. It's a revamped version of her original story that she wrote a long while back, so if you've read that one, then you know what I'm talking about and you know it's gonna be good. While, it's still very early, if you're a fan of her work, then I highly recommend that you go and check it out, since it never ceases to have creativity.

Chapter 21: Broken Rhythm

Many weeks had passed since Shuri's return from the clutches of Shalba. After countless tests, Azazel ensured that Shuri was clear of any contamination, mind control, curses, or illness, much to her chagrin. She had wanted to immediately go home to her husband and daughter to make up for lost time.

"I am not sick. I am perfectly well, and I just want to go home to my husband and daughter." Shuri sighed.

"I see your time away has made you more impatient." Azazel chuckled.

"I see you're still too lighthearted." Shuri glared.

"I wonder how you'll take it when you find out our kids are dating the same guy." Azazel muttered quietly to himself.

"What was that?" Shuri glared.

"Don'tgototheirschool." Azazel answered rapidly, flatly, and quietly.

He may have just signed Issei's death warrant.

At school, Akeno, Vali, and Issei sat at the rooftop for lunch, talking as if the past several years had never happened, as if they'd never been separated.

"So, how's your mom doing?" Issei asked.

"She's gotten a lot better. She's out of her wheelchair now, so that's a plus." Akeno smiled.

For the past two weeks, Shuri had been confined to a wheelchair to safely transport her around. Due to the stress of her transformation into a witch and Shalba's brainwashing, she had been temporarily paraplegic. At first, everyone was alarmed, but with extensive work, the return of her ability to walk was guaranteed.

"That's awesome." Issei let out a sigh of relief.

"So, have you two heard about the Alliance, recently?" Vali asked.

"No, why?"

"Apparently, a god is coming here. My dad is in the talks with getting other pantheons to agree to a peace treaty." Vali smirked.

Issei nearly dropped his chopsticks. A storm was brewing. When immortals came together, things would get tense. They'd argue and compare past deeds and their number of followers. At least, some were coming around. Some of them were even very nice, like Vishnu.

"You have any idea who?" Issei asked.

"Nope. My dad didn't say too much. He just said be careful not to piss anybody off." Vali shrugged.

"Well, let's hope they're benevolent and not a Greek god." Issei sighed

"Let's hope it's not Odin." Vali nodded.

"Why do you say that?" Issei asked.

He'd never met the King of the Norse gods, so he was curious.

"He's…eccentric, kind of. Think of Motohama and Matsuda, but a bit worse." Vali sighed.

Issei's brow twitched. That made an annoyed itch burn down his back.

"Don't tell me…" He trailed off.

He wasn't strong enough to fight a god, but that didn't mean he'd tolerate it.

"No, Frigga stopped him before he could peep on anyone, but you never know if he'll try again."

Issei sighed. He had a bad feeling about this.

When school ended, Issei was stuck with class clean-up. It dampened him a bit that he couldn't immediately go home. To just get back to his room and sleep on his soft and fluffy bed was something that he longed for. He'd finally managed to get some nice sleep after weeks of turmoil and uncertainty, so he relished his slumbers. He could sleep and not worry about someone trying to kill him or his friends.

As he was about to start cleaning, the door to the classroom opened. It was Raynare.

"Raynare…" Issei regarded her awkwardly.

As soon as he saw her, he felt himself blush, growing red slowly. Now that they were at school and alone, it reminded him of her confession. During the Halloween Festival, she had confessed her feelings, giving him time to make up his mind and respond. Ever since then, his mind was stuck on the topic, trying to come up with a response whenever he had a break from life-or-death issues.

"Sorry I'm late. I got caught up with Kiryuu." Raynare chuckled.

Issei's face soured. That was one girl that scared him more than any other. Aika Kiryuu seemed devious. It was like dealing with a female, young, human, bespectacled Azazel. She was a brunette girl that had braided hair in two pigtails, with lime-green eyes. She enjoyed toying with others' words and emotions for her own amusement.

"Please don't let her corrupt you." Issei sighed.

"Oh, she's not all that bad. When Motohama and Matsuda aren't around, she actually gives a lot of wise advice."

"Like?"

"Like not to wait too long…" Raynare muttered.

"Huh?" Issei asked, not quite hearing her mumble.

"Nothing. Let's start cleaning, shall we?" Raynare chuckled nervously.

She shuffled towards the chalkboard and began erasing the chalk. The moment Issei turned around, he noticed that she was reaching upwards towards the top of the board. That, and he immediately noticed her rising skirt.

'Behave yourself!' He berated himself.

'You're a teenage guy, what're you getting mad at yourself for?' Draig sounded slightly annoyed.

Issei ignored him. He'd rather be a decent guy, rather than a typical guy. Still, his instincts told him to turn his head and see her rising hemline. Just a few more centimeters and he'd see her panties. Why was that allowed?

'Now that I think about it, what's up with the uniform rules here?' Issei wondered.

'…You're the beacon of chivalry, Issei…' Draig sighed, completely defeated. This was why he often got nowhere with romance.

"Issei…Issei?"

"Hm?" Issei jumped.

"You're sweeping the dust to the other end of the room, not the pan." Raynare pointed at the ground.

Looking down, his shoes were completely covered in grey particles.

'Why does intimacy always screw with my brain?' He sighed.

"Is something wrong?" Raynare asked.

"No, why?" Issei shook his head.

"You've been really distracted lately. Even though you've looked happier than ever, you're equally distracted. Sometimes, I catch you washing dishes and you end up scrubbing thin air after putting a plate away. Is something bothering you?" Raynare walked closer.

'Don't walk closer to me! You're going to set off my nerves!' Issei protested.

The closer she walked, the more heated and uncomfortable Issei grew. He noticed the smallest details that'd changed about her. Her hair had gotten longer, growing from her upper back to her waist. She'd grown taller, wore less make-up, her bust was slightly larger, her legs were more toned, and her smile was brighter and larger. To add to that, she had a slight spring to her step now, as if she had the temptation to jump for joy.

"Did you change perfumes?" He absently asked, completely unsure of what to say.

'Worst. Pick-up line. Ever.' Draig scoffed.

'Silence!' Issei growled.

Raynare blushed, looking away. She took a strand of hair and started curling it in her fingers. He found that incredibly cute. The way she'd blush, glance aside and play with her hair whenever she was nervous or embarrassed was too endearing for him to ignore. Odd how he picked up on these things nowadays. Maybe it was because nobody was trying to kill him now.

"Y-Yeah, I did. Kiryuu recommended it to me. Do you like it?" She asked.

"Very much so." Issei smiled, nodding.

Raynare's lips curved into a grin.

"I see." She giggled.

Issei turned around, trying to finish sweeping and distract himself.

"Say, how've things been going for you, Akeno, and Vali?" Raynare asked.

Issei gulped, freezing solid. He hung his head low and in shame.

"Pretty smooth." He answered as shortly as possible.

That was no lie, but at the same time, he didn't want to overplay anything. Any more than that, and it'd be rubbing it in Raynare's face.

"I see. Every day, when I see them, they seem so happy. I'm pretty sure it's blissful." Raynare smiled before turning back to the board.

That was just another knife in the gut for Issei. He felt guilty, horribly so. He'd been wasting too much time. He needed to respond to her. This lack of communication wasn't normal for them. Before, it was easy to talk about almost anything, but now, they could barely look at each other without feeling awkward.

"So, how's your family been doing?" Issei asked, trying to find some way to get things to move along.

"They're fine. Right now, they're serving as guards for Grigori. I think I'll go visit them again soon." Raynare responded, though she sounded disappointed.

"Oh, that's good. I'm glad to hear that they're taking things in stride now." Issei chuckled.

"Which reminds me that I need to tell you something." Raynare said.

"What is it?" Issei asked.

"I'm going on a mission with the others for Grigori. I've decided that I need more experience and I need to get stronger. And now, I don't have Stray Exorcists trying to kill me all the time, so I can actually travel and enjoy things. So, I'll be heading out immediately after school for my mission. I should be home tomorrow afternoon." Raynare said.

Issei only smiled at the excitement that she felt about her freedom. He was going to do for her, what she always did for him. He was going to have a hot meal and a smile ready for her. That was the least he could do.

"Alright. Take care and I'll make sure to be there when you get home." He said.

Raynare retuned the expression but slowly, her face changed. She looked a tiny bit downcast as a new thought crept into her head.

"Say, what if something romantic were to happen again for you?" Raynare calmly inquired, her voice barely a whisper.

Issei stopped moving. He didn't respond. Raynare, realizing what she'd just said, stuttered.

"W-Well, y'know, since Vali and Akeno are pretty aggressive, I'm sure something's bound to happen. Anyways, I'll take the trash out since you're done sweeping." She rambled within three seconds before running off.

Raynare bolted for the trash bins and walked out the door, nearly breaking one of them. That was funny. Issei hadn't even finished sweeping.

'I need to answer her. No more beating around the bush.' He sighed.

When he finished his side of cleaning, he returned home to find that Raynare had already left for her mission. He walked away and entered his own room, locking the door so that he'd have time to think to himself. Now that Kuoh wasn't going to become a blazing battleground and he actually had time to sit down, Issei could really think and try to sort himself.

Raynare had grown to be a dear person to him. When he first met her, he was weary, but since everything snowballed after their first meeting, he didn't have an exact image in mind. She seemed devious and used to lying. Over him his perception of her changed.

She was actually warm, generous, protective, and loving. When he watched her interact with her family, she smiled so happily that it was enchanting. She spoiled her adoptive sister, Mittelt, and looked up to Kalawarner and Dohnaseek as real parents. She always looked out for him, waited for him, and cared for him. She had made his cold house into a home. Not even Akeno and Vali had done that.

'She's the perfect wife, if you ask me. She's patient, loving, nurturing, protective, and knows how to take care of herself.' Draig smirked.

'You're not wrong at all, Draig. It's just…I mean…it kind of feels wrong even though I'm already doing it, polygamy, I mean. I was raised mostly like a human, so monogamy feels more natural for me. At the same time, polygamy isn't…a terrible thing either…I think…' Issei sighed.

He'd made his bed, so he was going to sleep in it. Without a doubt, Issei loved Vali and Akeno with all his heart. However, it felt wrong to be with two women at the same time. Was it because of societal pressures? Was it because there was something more to this? Was it because he was just a young confused guy?

'What has you so aversive to polygamy, anyways?' Draig asked.

'My dad.' Issei sighed.

'That sounds like him.' Draig chuckled.

'He told me that if you're lucky, polygamy works out and it gives you a big, loving family. Other times, the family implodes and you're ruined for life with trauma. What happens if I have kids? I can't be in multiple places at once. I have to divide my attention, or I'll be tripping up as a father. What if they get jealous of each other? What if they suffer because their dad has multiple wives? What if I become a husband that neglects his wives? What if I don't teach them right? What if something happens and I'm not there for them? What If I neglect them and feelings sour? It's so much thinking that my head hurts everyday.'

'So, at the least, your feelings for the girls are marriage-worthy?' Draig snorted, though not in a teasing way. It almost sounded happy.

Issei was silent.

'That's too far away to talk about, Draig. Let's focus on the recent. Honestly, I'm not far enough to even answer that question.' He sighed.

'Alright, let's talk. Tell Uncle Draig, how do you feel about Raynare?'

'Well…I really like her, a lot, like very seriously a lot. Like, I'd take a bullet into the brain for her.' Issei responded.

'How and why did that come about?' Draig inquired.

'I don't know. I guess it was when I saw her with her family. They all love each other so much. There had to be a reason for all that. Even though she's been through so much, she's still managed to stay positive. Sure, we started off really bad, but she was doing it because she didn't have a better choice. All that she's done, she's done for the sake of the people that she cares about, even if it has a horrible impact on her. She's so willing to help and selfless. Then, there's the fact that she's so patient. No matter what, she's always willing to give people chances. She's rational and thinks from other points of views. Whenever I give her a crazy explanation, she reasons instead of beating me like some crazy tsundere. She actually listens to what I say and uses logic. Even when I'm being an idiot, she decides to give me a pass. She'll also correct me, so she's not scared to reprimand me. I mean…she puts up with my antics so much, how could I not appreciate it? She never asks me for anything. She's so selfless and nurturing. Only a blind fool would fail to recognize how incredible she is. A blind fool like me…' Issei sighed.

'What'll you do?'

'I don't know at all. I've never dated anyone before now, Draig. My first relationship is a polygamist one. I don't wanna ask Azazel, he'd give me the horny dog lowdown. Baraqiel…would probably roast me for dating someone other than Akeno and Vali. Kokabiel would tell me to do whatever I wanted. Shemhazai would lecture me about why I let it get to this point.' Issei sighed.

'So, you're in a polygamist relationship, and yet, you're nervous all over again?' Draig scoffed.

'It's because the relationship started at one time. This time, I'm already in a relationship with two women. Now, I'm adding to it.'

'Has it ever occurred to you that they agreed and are allowing this?' Draig asked.

Issei instantly went silent. Draig had a point. That thought hadn't ever crossed his mind.

'Hmph…' Draig grunted.

'Come to think of it, have you ever had a relationship?' Issei asked.

'Yes, I did.' Draig solemnly responded.

'Polygamist?'

'No, monogamist.' Draig sighed.

Issei was a bit surprised. He was about to crack a joke, but he then thought about Draig's tone. For the first time in a long time, Draig sounded sad, his voice dripping with regret and grief. It stunned Issei. It was like hearing a fickle ocean go immediately quiet. It was like an ocean without a moon.

'What happened?'

'I was in a relationship with another dragon. I'd hoped to have a brood of hatchlings with her, but the War happened and you know what followed after. Albion and I were sealed and I never saw her again. At this point, I believe her to be dead. It's been eons since I've heard anything about her.' Draig quickly explained.

Clearly, the matter was still too painful for him. The tone he used while talking also made it clear that he wasn't in the mood to elaborate, either.

'I understand that you're young. You're lost on what to do. I'll be honest, the adults in your life aren't the best at addressing the issue. Azazel can be wise sometimes, but he's not as attached to human values like you and let's not forget about his numerous escapades. I'd say, you go and talk to someone who has similar values." Draig chuckled.

'Yeah…maybe that's a good idea.'

Issei stood up and took a deep breath. Then…he realized who it was that he was thinking about.

'Wait…that person'll kill me too!!' He realized.

'JUST DO IT!' Draig roared.

The next morning, with a heavy heart, Issei went to the one other person that he could rely on for advice. With each step, he felt like he was approaching scrutiny. In front of him, was Baraqiel's home in the Underworld. After Shuri had been released from medical care, it was decided that the new Himejima home would be Baraqiel's current residence. They didn't want to risk anyone else coming after them. By staying within the boundaries of Grigori's protective watch, a repeat of the past was less likely to happen.

However, Issei wasn't here to see the man of to the house. He was here to see the lady of the house.

Knocking on the door, Issei waited. He gulped. He had never come across Shuri with these matters, so he had no idea what her views were. He had no idea if she would accept it or castrate him on the spot. She had magic now and she could easily do it. Draig had even estimated her to be on the level of a very High-Class devil now, at minimum.

"Ah, Issei, come in." Baraqiel smiled.

"Hello, Baraqiel." Issei nervously said.

"It's Uncle, Issei."

"Right, uh, does Auntie Shuri knoooow?" Issei trailed off.

Baraqiel shook his head. He chuckled. Clearly, his nephew was worrying more than he really needed to. It was as if the boy was exaggerating just so that he could feel better if things went right.

"Know what?"

Issei jumped. He turned and saw that Shuri was standing in the Living Room, smiling sweetly. Issei's heart began thumping rapidly as anxiety began eating his stomach.

'Okay, don't panic. You won't die, Issei. You just might lose something.' Issei told himself.

'Stop fussing, kid. You'll be fine. Shuri is the nicest person in all of creation.' Draig sighed.

"Did you need something?" Shuri asked.

"Uh, Auntie Shuri, I wanted to talk to you about something, alone." Issei said.

"I'll be outside." Baraqiel stepped out to his garden.

Aunt and nephew sat down over tea and cakes.

"So, what's bothering you?" Shuri asked.

"Auntie, what do you think of polygamy and monogamy?" Issei decided to be direct, kind of.

Shuri raised a brow.

"I'm not exactly supportive of polygamy, to be honest. I'm not against it, but I don't encourage it. I was raised human, so monogamous relationships are something that I'm just used to. The reason why I don't condone polygamy, is because often-times, the families born from it, tear each other apart from within. No one comes out fine from it, not most polygamies, at least. Also, I'm sure there're men and women who engage in polygamy's just for the sexual thrill and carnal activities. Often times, the people who want them, are purely the scum of the earth, whether they're male or female. Even forceful measures are used sometimes or someone's lying." Shuri set down her cup of tea.

He froze when he saw the cup crack.

'I'm gonna die!' Issei screamed in his head.

"So, why do you want to know?" Shuri asked, raising a brow.

"Auntie, have you ever had a crush or liked someone else while another person has had eyes on you?"

"Mm." Shuri made a sound, realizing where he was going.

"Unrequited feelings." She said.

"Yeah. You see, I've loved this person for a long time and I eventually started a relationship with them. But, before all that, I met this other girl. I helped her out with some issues and now…she has feelings for me."

"You mean the Raynare girl?" Shuri concluded.

"What?" Issei paused.

"Oh, I've seen how that young lady looks at you. For the past few weeks while you visited me with her, I've seen how lovingly she gazes at you. Now, continue." Shuri prompted.

"Okay, so after I helped rescue her surrogate family from Stray Exorcists, I ended up…housing her since she had nowhere to go. During that time we grew closer but I never realized it until I'd started dating someone else."

"Who happens to be Akeno." Shuri giggled.

"What?!" Issei looked alarmed.

"Issei, you underestimate me. I've seen how you and Akeno look at each other. I'm sure that if she could have her way, she'd jump your bones at any chance." Shuri shook her head at his obliviousness.

Issei shook off the initial surprise and continued his story.

"Alright, so after I started dating Akeno, Raynare…confessed. She said that she'd wait for me, but I've got no idea what to do."

"Well, there's also the fact that you're dating Vali too." Shuri shrugged.

Issei deadpanned.

"Okay, how, who, when, where?"

"When I saw the three of you interact. Your Uncle Azazel filled me in. It was last week at the Institute while I was healing." Shuri answered in order.

Issei rubbed circles around his eyes.

"Son, we live in a world of complications and strangeness. Polygamy isn't new to me. While, I'll admit, I never expected you to be in a relationship like that, I'm willing to believe that you're doing it out of love. I know your father and mother were against it, but to be honest, they only ever had eyes for each other. Also, I know you've agonized over the same thing that I just expressed about polygamy. Knowing the three of you, I know it's deeper than just physical attraction. Akeno and Vali are like sisters, so I have little doubt they'd try to do something against the other. As for Raynare, I've yet to know her properly, but if she's aware of your relationship with Akeno and Vali, and still confessed, then you'd better just conclude on how you feel first. If you feel the same kind of love for her that you do for Akeno and Vali, then respond to her with those feelings. If you don't truly love her, then you need to stop stringing her along and stop wasting her time and yours. This isn't exactly a matter governed by human laws anymore. So, try to be expansive with your thinking." Shuri advised.

Issei nodded, taking in what she said.

"Okay…thank you, Auntie."

"That's what I'm here for. Did your Uncle give the 'birds and the bees' talk?" Shuri asked.

"Yeah, he did." Issei chuckled.

Standing up, he had made his decision. He was going to confess his feelings. Honestly, it was kind of thrilling but terrifying. It was like being on an emotional high with the fear of falling into depression, even though he knew the answer.

"Alright, I'm off." Issei said, taking a deep breath as he left through a magic circle.

Left alone in the room, Shuri turned towards the hallway.

"So, how do you feel?" She asked out loud.

Walking around the corner, Akeno sat down across from her mother. She looked conflicted.

"You know, for such a flirtatious young lady, you get worried quite a lot. Now, tell your mother what's bothering you." Shuri gently said.

"I…don't know how I feel. Whatever makes him happy, is fine by me. As long as he doesn't get hurt. However, I…"

"You're scared that the numbers will grow?" Shuri asked.

Akeno only nodded.

"Akeno, what do you feel right at this very moment? How do you feel about Raynare?" Shuri asked.

Akeno took a moment to think of her answer.

"Intimidated, maybe not as much as with Vali, but I'm still pretty scared."

"You're intimidated by Vali?" Shuri asked.

"Yes." Akeno nodded.

"Why?"

"Vali's beautiful. In my eyes, she's way more beautiful than I am. She's also very powerful and more technical with magic than I am. She can fight without magic, even. She's also very supportive and nurturing. To add to that, she's so accepting. She takes everything calmly, even her eyes reflect it. When I see her, I'm a little worried if whether Issei will start loving her more than me. And then, Raynare came into the picture. I was fine with it, but when I saw Issei become so conflicted…it worried me. It scares me that he's going to be taken away." Akeno confessed.

"Is that why you cling to him so often?" Shuri asked.

Akeno's silence spoke for itself.

"Akeno, I know I haven't been in your life for many years, but trust me when I say that you don't fall short of those two in any way, nor do you surpass them. You're all unique, so there's no being better from each other in that way. I'm not completely certain of what kind of person Issei is now, but I know that he's still a good young man. He risked his life to save me, however, I did find the way he disposed of Shalba to be much less hesitant than I expected. Regardless, Issei isn't one to throw people away. So, don't worry over those insecurities. You're young and it's to be expected, however, don't let it make your life go into a downward spiral." Shuri placed a hand on her daughter's.

"Thanks, Mom." Akeno smiled.

"Honestly, I used to feel like you sometimes. I made sure to show those other women that saw your father that he was my man." Shuri sipped her tea.

"Just so you know, some women at Grigori fancy Father." Akeno chuckled.

"Oh, I'm aware. I know your father would never cheat on me. I've also made it known that my claim on him is still in place." Shuri smirked victoriously.

Akeno paled at that. Shuri was definitely her mother, alright. When other women approached Issei, she always had that vicious tingle down her neck. Of course, it didn't happen often, but still, she always grew irritated when others trekked upon her marked territory. Not just anyone could have her man aside from the others she was willing to share him with.

After leaving the new Himejima home, Issei decided to return to his own residence. He wanted to see if Raynare was there yet.

The moment he got to his front door, he took out his keys with a big grin. Until, suddenly…

"Issei, I need you to come here, now." Azazel's voice reached his ear as a magic circle appeared.

Issei grumbled. He wanted to get to this right now, but the tone that Azazel was using made it clear that waiting couldn't happen. It was serious, urgent, and left no room for compromise. Whatever the case was, he needed Issei's presence now.

Issei sighed. Perhaps this could wait just a tad bit longer. If this worked out, he could spend a very long time with Raynare.

Arriving at Azazel's office, Issei entered to see a very grim uncle.

"Have a seat, Issei."

Doing as told, he listened as his uncle explained what was happening.

"As you may know, a god was supposed to come to Kuoh for a meeting. However, an incident has occurred." Azazel started.

"Who was the god?" Issei asked.

"Hermes was supposed to come here since he's the messenger of the Olympians. He was to be an envoy for Zeus since we're still finalizing things with allying with other pantheons. However, in the process, Hermes and his guard was attacked. While Hermes was safe, we lost many in the attack by the assailants. However, something else happened." Azazel paused.

"The guards assigned to Hermes were from all three factions. From Grigori, Raynare and her family were a part of the group."

Issei felt his blood run cold. He lost all feeling in his body as he digested what he was just told. He didn't utter a single word. He didn't want to hear what was coming. He could already tell what his uncle was about to say.

"Issei, Raynare's been taken." Azazel said.

That was it. Those were words that Issei didn't want to fear. At first, he dreaded hearing news of her death. With what his uncle said, it gave him some hope, hope that Raynare was still alive. However, the fear of her death was still haunting him. Whoever took her, still had the power to take her life.

Azazel watched his nephew's reaction. All the signs were there. The fear, uncertainty, and anxiety was marked across his face as clear as day. He had his suspicions as to what Issei felt for Raynare. It was already pretty obvious that Raynare was in love with Issei. Why else would she stay with him, rather than go back to her family?

"Where was she last seen and who was it?" Issei growled, his emotions clearly riling up.

The anger in him was already growing larger as his dragon DNA made it stronger. He had the desire to immediately rush out of here and head towards where she was taken. He needed to find her and he needed to make sure she was safe.

"She was last seen in Greece, where she was beginning her guard duties. As for who it was, Hermes said it was Echidna, the Mother of all Greek Monsters."

Issei hesitated. He knew that he wasn't to mess with someone like her without a plan. Echidna and Typhon were the progenitors of most of Greece's monsters. That already told volumes of her power. If he were to be very realistic with himself, with all seals undone, he could defeat her, but it would be a struggle. Echidna was no goddess but her power was very real.

Azazel sighed. He could read his nephew's thought processes. The boy was already trying to think of actions to take. Issei still had this issue from when he was younger. Back then, if something managed to rile him up, then he'd immediately take action, but sometimes, it was half-baked or impulsive. He had gotten much better within recent years, but in those small and rare moments, he would dash off without much thought. Most of the time, it had to do with someone close to him being hurt. That was the best way to get to Issei. It was through his loved ones. Someone was calling him out. Azazel couldn't let him fall into that trap.

"I know Raynare matters a lot to you and I promise, we'll get her back, however, I also need you to help us out. Whoever took her, whoever attacked Hermes, wants war. They don't want this Alliance to happen." Azazel stood up just as Issei did.

"Uncle, I need to go find her." Issei said.

"And what're you gonna do? Do you think you can take on Echidna, Issei? She and Typhon birthed almost all monsters from Greece. If you think you can take her, then you're doing exactly as feared. I don't want you charging in because of you've lost control of your emotions. I promise, we'll find her, but you need to stay calm, Issei. What was the first lesson I ever taught you?" Azazel asked.

Issei took a deep breath.

"Never lose control of yourself. You lose your cool, you die." Issei repeated.

"Exactly. We need to tread lightly. We can't just dash over to Greece and raise hell. Do you realize what would've happened? You'd have lit sparks for war and that's what the people against us want."

Issei took a deep breath. Azazel was right. He needed to calm down and go back to normal. Perhaps it was because he'd finally come to a decision. He was at an emotional high and things were about to change, maybe for the better, but no, fate had intervened again. That's what truly pissed him off. It made him reflect upon his life quickly. His parents were taken from him when he was young, and then, Akeno and Shuri were taken. After that, Vali left too. It was like fate was out to get him by ripping people away from his life, or endangering them. That's also what concerned him. Someone was calling him out. Why else would Raynare be taken?

"What do we do first?" Issei asked.

"We go talk to some friends." Azazel said.

And that's the end of that chapter. I'm kind of dipping my feet back into this story, since it's been a while. That, and I want to save the events that were supposed to be in this chapter, for the next chapter. I hadn't dabbled with the Greek Pantheon either, so I want to do that here and work my way up. It should be fun. No Grim Herald here, so, things should be different.

Again, do make sure to check out "Tohka Yatogami's" rewritten story, "Legend of the Heavenly Dragons", as she's a very creative and great writer. Even if our styles differ, I'll never deny it. Also, don't judge it too early, since it's very young in its lifespan, and I'm sure greatness is on its way.

Anyways, thank you for coming to read once again, I greatly appreciate it and I hope you have a nice evening/day.