Ah I given up on this fic for some time now. No excuses. I just hadn't been feeling so good. Once again I owe nothing.

"Are you going somewhere?"

Keisuke was packing his staff without looking at me.

"Yeah. I got sudden orders to scout for some potential members to join the Angels before they disappear of the radar. To these day only two people were successful in being reincarnated. I know I said you were the first, but that's not really true."

It doesn't really bother me.

"In reality, there are two successful reincarnations with you as the second. There were some circumstances regarding the first successful reincarnation unlike yours, so it doesn't count as a complete success."

"And aren't you the first?"

He shakes his head. "Nope. I'm not a proper angel, hell I'm not even a half baked one like you."

"Don't joke around."

I seen you use your powers before.

"Have you seen my wings?"

That's such a random question. But now that I think about it...

"Nope."

He simply cuts me off. What a brat. I can't believe the angels would use him as a messenger.

"That's because I don't have any. I do have angelic powers and give off a similar aura to one, but that's only I received them in a direct but different manner from them compared to you."

He lifts one finger up as his face turns solemn.

"Look, what I'm about to tell you has to be kept secret all right? Lady Gabriel and several others angels will be pissed if I told you this."

"Tell me what?"

"Promise me first."

I sighed before I agreed to it.

When he felt secure, he then spoke up. "Look when I was young, I was a very sick child. My parents didn't think I was going to live past 12. That all changed when I met Lady Gabriel. She gave me some of her blood to survive."

"What's so bad about that?"

Why does he need to keep it secret?

"Doesn't so bad right? Well remember when I told you Angels were a dying race?"

"What?!"

No you didn't. Also how is it possible for that to happen? Weren't Angels supposed to be near ageless?

"Oh right. I only told you there was a truce. Well long story short, a war happened long ago and we lost a lot. However only the Devils could rebuild themselves as they had a reincarnation system while we didn't. It gets worse as the Fallen Angels poach our kind by making them fall."

So the Angels are the ones who suffer the most. With a strict system I can see why. Though what about God? Can't he fix this?

"If you must know, God is dead."

...What?

This is a joke right? The almighty God is dead?

"They said he died taking down Lucifer and the other lords of hell. This is the reason Heaven can't rebuild itself."

...I was never a religious guy, but shouldn't something like this news be extremely important and should be well known?

"These are the two greatest secrets that must never be known. First up if think about it. There are countless all over the world who believe in God and see him as a support. If word got out, it would be mass chaos everywhere."

That makes a lot of sense.

"Also most people believe in the Angels. To say that it would cause a scandal if it was revealed that were dying out and have to rely on humans would make us look weak. Lady Gabriel and Lord Michael said after God's death, almost half the supporters left. Heaven can't take another blow like that."

"So how do you know about this?"

He smirks at me as he sits on my bed. Really this kid has no respect for anyone other than his master. "I was one of the few...test subjects. The Angels and the church tried various methods, some was disastrous, while some had...limited success. I am of the latter. The blood I received cured my illness and gave me a limited amount of power, but I am far from an Angel."

I really don't know what to say. I want to be pissed that the church and religion my parents are into have been lying to them the whole time, but at the same time I can't help but feel sorry and angry at the other Angels.

On the other hand…How can he so nonchalant about being experimented on? "Wait, are really all right with what they did to you?"

He snorted in response. "I have mixed feelings about that. I'm grateful that I'm still alive, but knowing that others like me died when they were considered failed experiments bothers me."

That's just sick! And their supposed to be messengers of god?

"The real reason why I'm fine is because almost all of the subjects were people who were going to die like me. They either had terrible illness or were going to die through some other means, so even if they failed, the end result would still be same. It wasn't like they were kidnapping people of the streets and experimenting on them. They even asked some for permission and didn't sugarcoat their words."

Well that's not so bad though. I guess they retain some morality even in desperate times.

As if sensing my displeasure, Keisuke spoke up for them.

"As people, the Angels aren't too bad, in fact their quite nice. However they are a cowardly bunch, because of their fear of breaking the system, they don't intervene in human affairs unlike Devils. Anyway, I left you one last gift in the storeroom. I told your parents not to touch it."

"What did you leave behind?"

Given your nature, I'm kind of worried.

"You can figure that out for yourself." He jumps of my bed and finishes packing his stuff. Once he did so, he jumped onto the ledge of my window. "Last thing before I go. Try to avoid the Fallen Angels at the church. They aren't making any move because Gremory is in charge of this town. That doesn't mean they aren't planning something. It's best if you avoid them, especially since there's a chance that Kokabiel is nearby as well."

My senior then jumps out of the window without even saying goodbye.

What an asshole. He just comes in and eats for free and trashes my house and runs off while in a dangerous time. I hope you get hit by a truck or something.

Then again he's not a normal human. I don't think that's going to kill him.

I let out a sigh as I start to clean my room. The bastard threw out most of my porn so there really isn't anything valuable inside. All that money and time spent collecting it...all for nothing.

You know what? I give up. I can't be bothered to do anything now.

No in fact, I don't even know what I'm supposed to do.

I'm going to take a short walk. I really can't think how my life is any different. I'm still going to school and living with my parents. I just happen to have enemies and powers now.

Mom and Dad haven't been around much ever since Keisuke arrived. Mom is usually out buying groceries and Dad just happens to have more work suddenly.

Keisuke mentioned before that I probably don't have to worry about work since I'm not a real Angel. Not that they have much work to do so, especially since I'm not in a church or anything.

I feel very refreshed during the day time. Then again it's mostly my powers at work. I heard I function better during the day compared to night. Which is why I need to return soon.

When night falls, even walking feels so tiring. Something about the day belonging to Angels and night to Devils. Keisuke said it was only a problem if I continued to remain weak.

I kind of wonder how I'm going to attend school knowing that the number bishoujo Rias Gremory is a devil? Just thinking about it makes me scared. Just some time ago, we were strangers, but now? I'm not to sure what our relationship is. It does scare me not knowing how they're going to react to me.

"Ah!"

I heard a familiar voice calling from behind me.

Immediately I froze at the sight of the beautiful girl in front of me.

It's Asia.

"Issei-san? What are you doing here?"

"Ah…"

She looks surprised to see me. I want to say hi or something, but my tongue is tied up.

This meeting is like one those shounen mangas. It just happens whenever someone goes out taking a walk when he has something on his mind.

"Are you feeling well?"

She steps closer to me and looks up into my eyes.

"Yeah I'm fine. I was just out taking a walk. What about you?"

I see her shuffle about uncomfortably. But then again, she's being forced to work for a psyco EX-priest.

Ah I really want to help her, but I don't know what to do.

"Ah..."

I know I've been called an idiot many times, but this is one of the few times I really feel like one.

"If you aren't busy, want to accompany me?"

If the church won't care for her, then I will.

Ah...this is the life. Watching Asia-chan trying to eat a burger is pure bliss. This may seem likè the time my Ex Fake girlfriend took me on a date, but I digress. Unlike Yuuma, I can feel the difference between the two.

I was so caught up in the moment the last time, I never suspected Yuuma could be up to something. She was...too perfect. Also unlike her, I know about Asia and her circumstances.

I'll bide my time until she's comfortable before talking to her.

Thinking about it, she's really something. So nice and so pretty and even so clumsy. Any guy would want her for a girlfriend even me. But damn it, I'm an Angel.

"Sigh…"

"Issei-san, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

Ah thank you Asia. You are the first person to treat me so nicely after so long.

What I'm upset is about is the realization that my dream to be harem king just became a lot harder. Angels have an incredibly hard time getting a relationship or so I'm told. Even if I'm a bug in the system, the church and the other angels would be pissed if they found out about it.

That said, it's just not fair. Even if I wanted to just ignore the rules and pursue my dream, I'm outclassed by pretty boys like Kiba. It's just not fair.

Afterward the meal, we took a walk. I didn't know how to invite her, so I just had some fun with her. Asia truly is perfect.

Oh why can't I have a girlfriend like her? Oh yeah, it's because of those two idiots at school I hang out with. Definitely their fault, not mine.

"Waaahhh!"

I heard a kid cry as he tripped and fell. Immediately Asia ran to his side and helped him up. There was a nasty cut over his knees. It was then did Asia summon her sacred gear. A pair of glowing rings.

Twilight Healing. This was the item that led her to be called a holy maiden in the first place. A sacred gear that heals everything and everyone.

When the kid was healed he ran off telling his mother. Instead of thanking her, she quickly ushered her son away.

"Stay away from that freak."

I heard it with my enhanced hearing. Damn bitch, Asia was only trying to help. If it weren't your young son, I would have given you a piece of my mind.

"Sigh…"

Asia sighed sadly as she put away her sacred gear. She looked exhausted, but more importantly, hurt. Even though she was smiling, her eyes gave it away. I continued to examine Twilight Healing and she noticed it.

I didn't even ask for it and she went into explanation of how she was introduced into the church and eventually kicked out, but there was something missing.

"Weren't you kicked out because the Devil killed someone?"

At this statement, her eyes widen.

Opps...I said something stupid. I know I'm not a very smart person, but I didn't think I would mess up like this.

"How-how do you know?"

It's better to show you instead.

"Sacred Gear!"

I summoned the boosted gear in front of her and left her shell shocked.

"Yeah...I'm just like you. I was targeted because I had a power of my own left behind by God just like you. A friend of mine who's an Angel told me about you."

Although I have nothing to do with the church, and I can't really call Keisuke a friend.

Friends don't bother and mess other people's life because they have nothing better to do.

"I happened to be saved by an Angel, why don't you come with me? It isn't fair that you didn't get a second chance when I did."

I saw her fidget. This whole thing must be overwhelming to her.

Well why wouldn't it be?

"So what do you say? Why don't you come with me? I'm not with the church so it's fine."

I awaited her answer patiently. I hope she takes the right one.

Ah to hell with this. I don't know what I'm supposed to do now.

"Maybe I should call him."

There was nothing left for me to do but head home.

Asia rejected my offer because she didn't know to react. I knew it came out of the blue, and maybe I should try again. It's just pisses me off knowing that she's working against her will with those Fallen Angels.

Hmm?

The lights to my house is on. Did my parents return home already?

"I'm back."

No response, but I heard some movement coming from the kitchen.

"Mom? Dad?"

I froze the moment I walked into the kitchen.

"Hello."

Neither my mother nor father was here. Instead, there's a beautiful woman with long curly hair and large breasts wearing a robe sitting at my dining table drinking a cup of tea.

"Uh...hi?"

I could only reply lamely. The whole thing was just too much for me to take in.

The woman put away her cup of tea to examine me.

"Wait, who are you and what are you doing in my home?"

I asked the first thing that came to mind.

"Are you Hyodo Issei?"

She sweetly asks me. This woman has no sense of tension at all.

"I am, now who are you?"

She places one hand over her breasts and sweetly introduces herself.

"My name is Archangel Gabriel. It is an honour to meet you."

...Wait.

The Archangel Gabriel? The one who saved my life? The one who is supposed to be my boss?

"I apologize for the unwanted intrusion, but I felt that I absolutely must speak with you."

Grandfather, I think it's safe to say that I've done you proud. I'm currently serving miso soup to a very beautiful woman.

"Oh my, this looks lovely."

Her eyes brightens up as she proceeds to drink it all at once. A normal person wouldn't be able to bear the heat. The way she acts is almost like a kid. Is this woman really an Archangel?

"So what are you doing here?"

"Oh right."

She snaps to attention when I asked the question. Seems like this woman has a short attention span, getting distracted easily.

"I'm here to check up on you. Do you by any chance know what happened to you?"

"Yeah Keisuke explained it."

Suddenly she sighs. Did I say something wrong?

"This is exactly what I'm here to discuss with you." She turns away and mumble something I couldn't understand.

After a moment or so she turns back to face me. What a change in the atmosphere. She doesn't seem anything like that little girl a moment ago.

"First up, I want to apologize for turning you into an Angel. If you wish to blame me afterwards, I do not mind."

"Why would you do that? You saved me didn't you?"

She shakes her head before replying.

"That wasn't entirely for the sake of goodness. In reality, the prototype brave saints were few in numbers, and I almost didn't use it on you."

"Brave Saints?"

What a corny name. It sounds like something out of a manga or so.

She nods before proceeding to explain. "Did Keisuke explain the Evil Piece system used by the Devils?"

"Yeah he did, why?"

"The Brave Saints are our version. We attempted to copy them in a different manner. We experimented with many different methods and used whatever powers we had to try and create a new system of our own. However the time and effort spent is a lot. It is made even harder by the fact that we have to keep it secret. Which was why my brothers and me only ended up with a few cards each at most."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"I was getting there. Because the cards were few, we were told to only use them wisely. My brother advised trying them out on people with potential, or great power."

I let out a breath I didn't even knew I was holding as the knowledge sunk in.

"So you were only interested in my power right?"

She hesitantly nodded.

"So what would you have done if I didn't have this power?"

She never replied, instead she looked away. From her silence alone, I could tell what her answer is.

My good image of the angels has been destroyed. They aren't like the good people everyone imagines them to be. Don't help others because they can't risk the system of heaven being destroyed? Yeah what a convenient excuse.

Asia wasn't the only one they left behind. Keisuke did mention that there were several others like her. The church and Angels only helped those that they think can benefit them. I don't know how many people they let suffer because of that reason, but it can't be a few only.

"So you would have left me to die." I wasn't able to keep myself from slipping out an angry but silent remark.

Gabriel flinched at my hostility but otherwise didn't say anything.

"But you did save me in the end, so it's all right."

"Eh?"

My word catches her off guard.

I couldn't stay mad at her. She has some remorse and regret for what she has done, and she's like what Keisuke said, honest. Though it would take some time before I can trust her fully.

"Also, I have so many things to ask as well if that's all right."

"A-a-" The way she gets embarrassed is easily is so moe. "Go-go ahead."

She quickly coughs to try and rebuild her image. It's too late for that. Underneath her mature and beautiful appearance is an innocent airhead girl who's easily embarrassed.

"I was wondering what happens to me now? Such a big thing happened to me, but my life otherwise remains the same."

"And it would most likely stay that way. You have never been involved with the church or Angels even once. We would like you to stay that way. Forcing you to work for us despite what anyone says would make us no different from kidnappers. I have negotiated with a Maou who happens to have a strong influence here."

She sighs as she looks away. "She agrees to allow you to return to school in exchange for a small favor. Eccentric she maybe, but she is not unreasonable. If the Devils give you any trouble, please inform me."

Wow! To think this Onee-san would go out of her way to help me! I really might have to rethink my opinion on her.

"Also...I was wondering if Keisuke did anything wrong while he was here? A nice boy he is, but I often receive complaints that he is too playful."

That's an understatement, but I don't want to trouble her.

"He didn't do anything wrong."

"Oh good." She claps her hand as she smiles brightly. Wow this woman is really bright, in a literal sense. It's almost as if she's sparkling when she smiles like that. "For a moment I thought I was going to have to fix another building. My brother complaints greatly whenever I have to do so. Constantly telling me to sent one of the senior church members to discipline that boy."

It's long overdue if you ask me.

"But he's just a child wanting attention." She shakes her head before looking back at me. "Now then, I believe you had a few things to ask me?"

"Oh umm...it has something to with Asia Argento. Do you know her?"

Her eyes widens in surprise before she tilts her head to the side.

"Yes, but what about her?"

"Keisuke told me that the church couldn't take Asia back in, but what if I chose to do so on my own?"

"That-" She's thinking about it. It seems that she was caught off guard. "-could work, but I wonder if you truly thought it through."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Even if you aren't working for us, you are still our responsibility. The Angels, or rather me and those around me have an obligation to watch out for you. However if you choose to take Asia in, we won't be able to do so any longer as she is no longer one of us."

"What's so bad about that?"

She sighs as she scratches the back of her head. "I received a notice from Keisuke of the reason why you were killed. There have been many cases like that regarding Sacred Gear users who were either killed or recruited by either by persuasion or force by Fallen Angels and Devils. Now that you have awakened to yours, you might run into more like that woman who killed you. It would be dangerous to be without any form of protection."

True, I was able to defeat that Devil a while ago, but that was the weakest kind around.

If that's the case…

"Then what if I got stronger? Could I take her in then?"

She crosses her arms under her massive chest as she ponders that thought for a moment before replying. "That...might work, but you need to get stronger, much stronger than you are now. Either that, or you could find somewhere to safe to house her."

"Where am I supposed to find that?"

"There are not many places like that. I only know one particular person who could house her, but I highly doubt he would help."

"Who?"

Gabriel pouts as she does some more thinking before replying. "The other person who succeeded in becoming an Angel other than you. He's not with the church or our side entirely, and he is very powerful. We often employ his services to train newcomers. As our numbers are small, we must make our warriors more powerful. Quality over quantity as they say. His methods of training are rather...dangerous, but those who make it through have shown great-" She shakes her head before continuing. "-no rather extreme progress in a short time."

A stroke of luck! Without any hesitation, I immediately stood up and asked the first thing on my mind.

"Can he train me?!"

Off course other than Asia, I also have other reasons to get stronger.

The Archangel frowns as she stays quiet. Did I ask something wrong?

"He trains almost anyone. It's just that his terrible character tends to scare many people. If you are truly determined, I would bring you to him."

"I'll take that risk."

Yeah no pain no gain. Besides, I want to know what type of person this guy is.

"Very well. Make preparations to stay overnight and do inform your parents. Do not worry about accommodations at the other side, preparing for a single person is easy enough."

Wow she's considerate, though the way she speaks really makes her seem like one of those Onee-san types who nitpick at everything.

Though one thing still bothers me.

"By the way Gabriel-san. Keisuke told me that he was going to leave when the two exorcists he sent for would arrive, but I haven't seen them yet. Do you know where they are?"

I see her beautiful face twitch for a moment. It seems something happened.

"They...they spent all their transport fees on charity, and so they are trekking halfway across Japan on foot as we speak. This is not the first time something like this has happened when it comes to them."

That far?! What are they thinking?!

"I do believe that it would take them some time to arrive. I will however standby this town for some time."

Wait isn't that a problem?

"Um Gabriel-san, aren't we going to help those two? And isn't your presence here going to scare the Devils?"

"Like I said, I negotiated with one of the Maous, so I'm given permission to stay here for a short while."

She definitely thought things through. It's nice to have to someone like her watching out for me.

I called my parents telling them I was staying overnight at a friend's house and they didn't even suspect a thing.

"It's not nice to lie simply because you can Issei-san." Gabriel frowns at my actions as she places one hand over my shoulder.

"Ah, but I don't want to worry them."

"Muu...I still do not know if it was the right thing either way, but it is not my place to judge."

Suddenly I was enveloped by a large amount of light. It blinded me for a moment, but when I awoke, I found myself in a strange place.

"Where are we?"

It's quite a small room, not much bigger than mine. There's a small bed, a single table by the windows, and a shelf which held a bunch of books and figurines. Interestingly enough, most of the books were manga and comics with a few university textbooks there, but what stood out the most were the figurines. They were all high quality anime female characters in rather obscene outfits striking impressive poses.

I had been to enough conventions and seen enough to know this guy is like me to an extend. A pervert and an otaku.

"Oh my, as he been collecting more figurines? I hope he hasn't been neglecting his health."

Gabriel-san doesn't seem bother this? Seems like she's quite the airhead.

At this moment, the door opens up and my jaw drops as gorgeous lady with long black hair tied into a braid steps in. She was wearing casual clothes, but that did nothing to hinder her allure.

When I first laid eyes on Gabriel-san, I could hardly believe that such a beautiful woman exists, but standing in front of me is a girl that might be able to match her. If only she wasn't so flat.

"Gabriel, didn't I tell you to use the doorbell like any normal person? Do you even remember what anyone other than Michael says to you?"

What a rude woman! The person in front of you is one of the top of Heaven, and you treat her like that?!

"I'm sorry I forgot again Al-chan." She glances at me before turning back to her. "This is Hyodo Issei, the second human that we successfully reincarnated. He is the wielder of one the thirteen Longinus, the Boosted Gear. He wanted to train."

The girl's eyes widens slightly and she doesn't say anything for a while.

"Umm...nice to meet you?"

Yeah that was rather lame of me.

"So…" She grins excitedly as she trails off and examines me from head to toe. It's so creepy. Stop that! After a minute or so, she finally steps back and speaks."You're here to train huh? Well I got nothing better to do. Meet me in my basement in ten minutes."

She turns around and walks away. Man she's so different from Gabriel-san. If Gabriel-san is gentle caring Onee-san, she would be cool and collected type instead.

The moment she did so, I turned to Gabriel-san and asked.

"So who was that? I never got her name."

Gabriel-san however gives me with a questioning look.

"That was Altheria Silvercraft. The first successful reincarnated subject. Why do you call him a she by the way? Altheria is a boy."

...what? No I'm sure I heard wrongly.

"But Gabriel-san, that isn't possible. That kind of appearance can't be male."

"I know I received complaints regarding his appearance, but I don't see what was wrong with it."

So that beauty was a trap? Oh god! I can't believe I was going to hit on him. And seriously? How can you treat him like a boy so simply?

"Anyway, it would be best if you did not keep him waiting."

I didn't know my way around his house, so Gabriel-san had to lead me. It seems like his room, his house was rather small and run down. But despite this, it was rather comfortable. After some time, she brought me to a door.

"This is it."

She opened the door the basement and I was blown away...literally.

By a large blast of wind and snow.

"What the hell is this?!"

The moment I got up, I ran inside. Snow and ice everywhere. The whole place is literally a frozen wasteland. What happened?

"Language Issei, this is Altheria's training ground. He has connected this selected space to his basement. To put things simply, imagine his basement is a doorway to the north pole."

"Seriously?!"

No wait, I shouldn't be too surprised. Gabriel-san did teleportation with me. But still this is damn impressive.

"Are you done gawking?"

"Waah!"

I screamed as I heard Altheria's voice from behind me.

The moment I turned around, I saw a flash of light.

When it died down, I felt pain. Lots of it.

Far more then when I had been stabbed by Yuuma. I looked down at my body, and saw a massive hole in my chest.
"What are you waiting for? Training has already started."

I got a few things to say here. The OC's won't take a large part in the plot. They are only there to advance the plot or to help Issei go through with it.

Think of it like the Zelda games. People give Link the tools and teach him the skills for the job, but ultimately he is the one who single handedly deals with everything.

Anyway, this might bother some people, but this is NOT going to be a Rias pairing. I'm honestly sick of her as she's overused. Yeah she's hot, supposedly caring, nearly flawless and is not afraid to flaunt her body, basically every boy's dream, but to me, it's a different story.

DxD has so much potential. Other characters of her peerage is even more interesting than her. The world is so large, you could even fit in original characters if done properly.

Yeah sure Rias has had problems, but apart from emotional issues regarding Issei, I have never seen her actually solved or attempt to solve anyone of them. Her family didn't support her in volume 2? Seems bad right and that's true, but the problem is she never had to lift a finger as Issei solved almost everything for her. Likewise with her peerage in the later chapters as they steamrolled Sona's peerage allowing her to advance without any issues to checkmate her.

Don't get me started on how everyone of the ORC who happens to have the most potential in the world just land in her lap without question or doing anything. She either finds them in extreme situations, or they were broken, or they just happened to be dead or dying. I would hold her in higher regards if she had solved or gain their loyalty through working like other characters from other anime or manga. Take KHR for example, Tsuna had to help his friends through emotional turmoil or even fight and beat them to gain their respect before they became friends or his guardians. Or Negima, where Negi takes months of working with them to gain their support. And many other series as well where they work for their companions.

Off course I'm not sure if I'm doing a Gabriel pairing either. I don't know enough about her, other than she's a nice woman who's an airhead, looks gorgeous and is an opportunist. She's basically Issei's manager.

Pairings have yet to be decided, but while Rias is NOT the main pairing. She would have an arc revolve around her though.