Clear!
*zap*
Pulse is steady. Yes, HOAD is back. How long has it been again? Err, let's not go there. The important news is that I am writing again. It has been a rough 18 months, with 6 of them being downright hell (no pun intended), but I now have time once again to write. I honestly do not know what my writing schedule will be like next year working full time… but it can't be much worse than what it's been so far… yeah, so you can think about the past 26 months as a trial for the rest of the story.

Writing will likely also be an issue next year, given we work 47 weeks a year, with 10-14-hour days, including weekends on some occasions, so I can't really predict what will happen.

Worst-case scenario, I will write during my annual leave. Once again, I don't abandon stories, but life does lead to times where I physically can't find a minute to sit down and type. I will always come back though, so have no fear.

In other news, since I did take such a long hiatus from writing (all stories in fact), I've started doing previous chapter recaps at the start of each chapter. In all honesty though, it has been a while, so I actually went back and reread the whole thing over a weekend. It would take all of you less time to do this, as in going back, I found errors and typos and had to fix them, which is annoying in itself, what with saving the files, uploading them again and resubmitting the better version. On the positive side, I've actually managed to stay faithful to what I had planned in the beginning of the story, with only one slight change with Raynare for the better, so overall the story is still on track.

With all that said, enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Previously:
Kuroka finished telling Issei and Raynare about her former peerage, following her encounter with them. While Kuroka would reminisce on her first-time meeting with Issei, Serafall would arrive at the Hyoudou residence and after teasing Issei for a moment, would then reveal she was there to receive statements from Issei and Kuroka about the Conduits appearance in the human world. The two were whisked away by Serafall, before bearing witness to the making of an episode of Miracle Levia-tan, after which, Serafall would take their statements following the conclusion of filming the show. Serafall would once again play around with Issei, before convincing him to go on a date with her tomorrow.


Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'

"Ddraig thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Chapter 29 – Date a Serafall

'So, let me see if I got this right, just to make sure I am actually awake, and this isn't some weird dream.' Started Raynare, looking across from Issei and Kuroka, all three of them seated in the living room.

Karlamine and Xuelan were also sitting off to the side listening to what had happened to the pair, having kept their swim session light.

'You go with Serafall Leviathan to give a statement on a stray devil attack… and somehow end up watching an episode of a television show.' Continued Raynare.

'Actually, we watched the making of an episode, not the final product.' Interjected Kuroka, causing Raynare to stare at her with a glassy look in her eyes.

'Right, the making of an episode… following this, you both go and give your statements, but for some reason, also manage to get a date with Serafall, one of the four Satan.' Said Raynare.

'Well, pretty much.' Said Issei after a moment.

Raynare blinked for a minute, before cradling her head in her hands.

'I'm going to need to get one hell of a toy at this stage because everyone keeps jumping the line around here. I'm getting shafted hard here and not in the fun way at all.' Grumbled Raynare.

'I mean, you did get a date at least once, so I don't think you can complain that much.' Said Karlamine, who had been sitting quietly up to this point.

'That's right. You're actually one step ahead of most of us.' Added Xuelan.

'You just played with the wrong spear at the end of the date, which is all your fault.' Finished Kuroka, driving the final nail in the coffin.

'Man, I just keep getting screwed over without actually getting screwed. Next thing I know, Asia is going to have sex before me.' Mumbled Raynare in depression.

'I think you are probably safe on that front for a bit, she is still a holy woman at heart.' Said Kuroka, causing Raynare's head to snap up in irritation.

'He literally just screwed an angel! You think a nun stands a chance if an angel didn't?' Questioned Raynare.

'In all fairness, I think Issei had been waiting a long time for that. Angel or not, nya.' Said Kuroka.

'And Ophis?' Retorted Raynare, causing Kuroka to frown.

'Hmm, actually, that is suspicious. Going for a dragon over a pussy is a serious red flag.' Said Kuroka, with narrowed eyes.

'Wouldn't that mean you have a better shot then, Raynare, since you are a dragon now as well?' Interjected Xuelan.

'Well, so are we and we never tried to kill him… I don't think a rating game style fight counts…' Said Karlamine.

'Nya! Wait, are you saying I have the lowest chance in this room?' Questioned Kuroka in outrage.

'Okay, this conversation has officially gone too far off topic, I'm going for a walk.' Said Issei, standing up and walking towards the front door.

'Hey, you can't leave in the middle of such an important conversation, even if it went off topic! What are you going to do tomorrow?' Asked Raynare.

'I'll wing it… besides, I've played and watched enough dating simulators to know what to do… as long as they don't try to kill me at the end of course.' Said Issei, as he left.

'I didn't know Issei played dating simulators.' Commented Xuelan.

'I mean with all of us here, he could just try dating all of us, like a live-action dating simulator.' Suggested Karlamine.

'Of course, this is assuming he doesn't end up triggering a bad ending like with Raynare and getting killed.' Said Xuelan.

'I don't think that the date was at fault there though.' Said Karlamine, before all the other girls stared at the girl they were talking about.

'Stop looking at me like that!' Whined Raynare, in equal parts annoyance and despondence.

'You're right. You're going to need a really good toy at this point.' Said Kuroka, causing Raynare to growl in irritation.

'That's it! I'm going snooping!' Said Raynare, before standing up and going to ransack Issei's room.

'Should we stop her?' Asked Xuelan, as the trio listened to the girl muttering about figuring out all of Issei's desires, so she could figuratively and literally have him by the balls.

'We could join her?' Suggested Karlamine questioningly.

'Don't look at me, I already have one of his biggest down.' Said Kuroka, indicating her chest.

'Complacency will get you nowhere. A bat in a village without birds.' Said Xuelan.

'Nya? I don't get it.' Said Kuroka.

'If everyone going after Issei has large breasts, it is the one who stands out that will lead the race. In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. Having that extra edge could make all the difference.' Elaborated Karlamine.

'Nya, that sounds like too much work, have fun.' Said Kuroka, with a small yawn, before going to find a nice bed to sleep on.

'So, guess we are going to follow after Raynare then?' Asked Xuelan.

'Seems like it, let's go.' Said Karlamine, before the two followed after Raynare, into the pursuit of Issei's hidden desires.

-line break-

'Why do I get the feeling I should have gotten that lock I asked Sirzechs for before the house was rebuilt… *sigh* too late now I guess.' Mumbled Issei.

Issei aimlessly wandered through town, wondering what to do about his date with Serafall. It wasn't that he didn't know the basics of a date, but what the others had said about it being a Satan made him pause a minute.

"They're all crazy, aren't they… so I guess normal doesn't apply to them." Thought Issei, remembering his brief interactions with Sirzechs and Serafall.

Issei had made his way just past the church where the fallen angels had been based. Changing his direction and backtracking, Issei went to investigate the church. Breaching the threshold of the holy place, Issei saw it had been tidied up slightly since the last time he was here. He guessed this was due to Irina and Xenovia using the church as a base of sorts when they came to retrieve the Excaliburs. Heading for the basement, Issei noticed the bodies were all gone, along with their stains on the bricks and mortar. Wondering if there were some kind of supernatural cleaners who erased evidence of fights, Issei thought of how to contact such a force. There was a possibility that Irina and Xenovia had simply cleaned the place up as a form of respect of the former functioning church, but it seemed a bit excessive, even for them… then again, excessive was their forte.

Finally arriving at the place where Asia had lost her life, Issei noticed the crucifix she had been tied to was gone. The evidence of his attacks was still present however, interestingly enough, but there was no trace of the fallen angels, not even a speck of magic remained.

Issei stood at the spot at the foot of the altar and stared at the masonry. It was a site of significance for Issei. It wasn't the first time he had killed someone, but it was the first time he had lost someone, right in front of his eyes as well. While he had seen people of all types treated like dirt, they hadn't been killed and while Asia did come back, she shouldn't have needed to come back. That still hung over Issei's head like a dark cloud. True, Asia was happier now, but hadn't she already suffered enough before being sent here? She didn't deserve to be killed for a power she never asked for either.

'What are you doing, skulking around here, boy?' Asked a voice, as the sound of footsteps could be heard approaching Issei.

'Surely it isn't a crime to visit a church.' Retorted Issei.

'No, but this is my base of operations.' Said Dohnaseek, finally entering Issei's field of view.

'Why would they have you stationed here? By yourself as well.' Questioned Issei.

'Who said I was alone? As for why I am here, if you haven't noticed, this place is central to a lot of things that have been happening recently. For that reason, the fallen angels need more boots on the ground.' Explained Dohnaseek.

'That's awfully forthcoming of you, are you allowed to tell me that?' Asked Issei.

'Of course, otherwise I wouldn't have approached you and simply let you stew in your regrets for the next few hours.' Said Dohnaseek.

'*tch* Asshole.' Said Issei, clicking his tongue in irritation.

'It's obvious. Even if you are strong, you are just a boy. Boys have regrets. You'll have to learn to move on from them, if you ever want to become a man.' Said Dohnaseek.

'… I'm not sure if you are mocking me or trying to help me, but either way, piss off.' Said Issei.

'Have it your way, just don't stand there too long. I'm not giving you mouth-to-mouth if you pass out, I'll just have your body thrown outside.' Said Dohnaseek, before walking off, back into the shadows.

Issei scoffed at Dohnaseek's comments but didn't make a move to leave. It wasn't that Issei was dwelling on the matter. It was a horrific affair all around, but that wasn't why Issei stayed. Something was off in this church and it wasn't Dohnaseek. Aside from who Issei already knew had been here, in addition to who he had suspected to have been here, Issei got the feeling that someone who didn't fit into either category was also here or had been here and it irked him. After a few more minutes had passed, Issei turned around and left, never looking back. Once Issei had left the church, Dohnaseek's voice could be heard within it.

'Haven't I told you that we are meant to be here in secret, especially you?' Said Dohnaseek.

'I was just trying to understand things a little bit better. After all, how am I supposed to understand him if I can't see what he has done. I mean, I'd be failing if I didn't try to understand what it is that I'm trying to atone for. How pointless would that be?' Said a new voice.

'Your logic continues to astound me. In particular, the sheer lack of it.' Said Dohnaseek.

'Whatever, I'll figure it out eventually, just relax.' Said the voice.

-line break-

'Hey Vali, what's with that attitude? It's rare when factions of Khaos Brigade gather.' Said Bikou, walking ahead of a bored looking Vali.

'Rare doesn't mean it is worth anything. Some things are rare because they serve no purpose, just like this meeting will.' Replied Vali, walking behind Bikou completely carefree, hands in his pockets.

'Here I thought you considered me a worthy adversary.' Commented a new voice.

'I do, Cao Cao, but I doubt you have requested this meeting for a fight with me. Especially since you have gathered those two as well.' Said Vali, gesturing to another group of people.

'Such disrespect from a half-breed.' Said another new voice.

'Yet this half-breed is stronger than you without even trying.' Said Vali, unamused.

'Ouch, harsh but true, can't really argue with that.' Commented Bikou, enjoying the banter.

'If you've had enough of this pointless bickering, perhaps we can discuss what I gathered you for?' Asked Cao Cao, not really caring about their dispute.

'I didn't realise I was bickering, merely telling the truth to Asmodeus here.' Said Vali uncaringly.

'At least you respect the title of the true Satan, Lucifer.' Said Creuserey Asmodeus, a member of the Old Satan faction of Khaos Brigade.

'Good, it seems you have settled then.' Said Cao Cao, tapping a spear against his right shoulder.

'I doubt any devil can be settled around someone who carries around True Longinus like an umbrella.' Commented Bikou.

Cao Cao smiled at this, finding the statement amusing. Cao Cao was garbed in a mix of traditional Chinese clothing and a Japanese school uniform, but all of this was irrelevant when compared to his main weapon of choice. The spear known as the first and most powerful Longinus, True Longinus, which possessed holy power so great a single stab would vaporise a high-class devil with one attack.

'Don't take it as a threat. After all, with those two possessing such great magical prowess and Vali with his own Longinus, I would be foolish to arrive without a means to defend myself, even for a peaceful meeting between allies.' Said Cao Cao.

The meaning of Cao Cao's words was not lost on anyone there. We may be allies, but I don't trust you. Vali didn't mind the distrust, in fact, Cao Cao would be foolish to trust anyone in Khaos Brigade. Outside of his own group, Vali trusted only two other people, Issei and Ophis. Khaos Brigade was unfit for its purpose in Vali's opinion. If Ophis had merely wanted to gather strong people to fight amongst themselves for amusement, then Ophis' vision was spot on. That being said, that was not the goal of the group. The defeat of Great Red was something Vali doubted was possible, but he was willing to try, despite Issei's insistence that dragons should be on the same side. After all, if Vali agreed not to fight Great Red and with Ophis already off the table, Vali would be extremely bored and might in fact turn his attention to Issei. Vali often wondered how a fight like that would go down but knew he would never be able to get Issei to fight him seriously enough. Anything which would get him to that stage would be stopped by Ophis, as she wouldn't want to risk either of them perishing before Great Red, meaning, Vali had only one option. Despite this, Vali appreciated that Cao Cao was in fact a worthy foe as well, but again, circumstance would stop that from happening. Vali always toyed with the idea of defecting from Khaos Brigade to fight Cao Cao, but Vali knew Issei wouldn't like the idea of Ophis being surrounding by fools only. To this end, Vali was forced to bide his time. That being said, Cao Cao was right not to trust him, as given the chance, he would relish a fight with the wielder and it wouldn't end without someone's defeat and possible death.

'Well then, what is so important that you would put yourself at risk for.' Asked Creuserey disdainfully.

'It seems a new potential faction has been scouted by Ophis and I must say, even I find them interesting.' Said Cao Cao.

'You? Are they human?' Asked Bikou.

'No. They are in fact devils, something I doubt you would have expected me to find interesting.' Said Cao Cao.

'You gathered us here for a small faction of devils? What a waste of time.' Said the remaining devil who had been silent until now.

'He speaks!' Said Bikou mockingly, causing the man to glare contemptuously at him.

'Silence monkey. My time is more valuable than this.' Said the man as he turned his back on the group.

'Really? I expected more decorum from the devil touting himself as the one true Beelzebub.' Said Cao Cao, causing the man to pause.

'Are they real devils or fake devils?' Asked the man.

'Fake. That is if you are referring to whether they are reincarnated or not.' Said Cao Cao, causing the man to scoff.

'Shalba Beelzebub does not concern himself with those below him. Come Creuserey, this conversation is meaningless.' Said the man, before continuing to walk away.

The man touting himself as the true Asmodeus followed the man who similarly touted himself as the true Beelzebub.

'Looks like we came all this way for no action.' Said Bikou with a sigh, slinging his staff over his shoulders and letting his arms hang over it, keeping it pressed to his back.

'Such rash behaviour, I didn't even get to mention any details about the group.' Said Cao Cao.

'You should know by now those two are short on patience, yet you still insist on showmanship, Cao Cao.' Said Vali.

'Well, perhaps I didn't really want them to know the details. I just needed to put up a pretence to get the two of you here, since I'm sure you will find this group of some significance.' Said Cao Cao.

'Camouflage for information dispensing? I see you've inherited some attitudes from your ancestor.' Said Vali.

'Of course, after all, you were once affiliated with someone who was affiliated with them in the past. They would no doubt be interested in you as well for your knowledge.' Explained Cao Cao.

'Really? Who would that be?' Asked Vali.

'Why our most recent defector of course. I believe she would also be interested in knowing about this group being scouted by Khaos Brigade. Conduits, as I recall them being described as.' Revealed Cao Cao.

'Here I thought you called me for nothing. It seems you called me for even less than nothing.' Said Vali carelessly, before turning away from Cao Cao and leaving, with Bikou following after.

'Oh, one last thing, Cao Cao.' Said Vali, pausing for a minute.

'I'm listening.' Said Cao Cao.

'You never know when a dragon will strike.' Said Vali, before continuing to walk off.

'If that was said to goad me into a fight, it fell quite short of the mark.' Said Cao Cao, causing Vali to laugh.

'It wasn't, just a friendly warning this time.' Said Vali.

'I'm always prepared for a fight with you, Vali. If it comes down to it, I see no issue with defeating you.' Said Cao Cao.

"I'm not the one you are being warned about, Cao Cao." Thought Vali in amusement.

Now I was just sitting there one day and thought to myself, let's make a short omake series about Rias. The topics, Rias' Japanophile traits magnified. Of course, the first episode will be of the most polarising Japanophile trait…

Rias the Japanophile – Chapter 1 - Ramen

Sirzechs was currently in a bind. He remembered his darling little sister Rias had asked for a souvenir from his trip to Japan. Unfortunately, Sirzechs found himself paralysed by indecision, not knowing what to get. Of course, his first instinct had been to buy everything, but Grayfia had nearly torn his ear off at that suggestion, before limiting him to only one purchase of no more than five hundred yen. It was cruel Sirzechs felt, but he knew he did need Grayfia to keep him in check sometimes, especially when it came to his darling Rias. She was only up to his waist by this point, but she could become a towering pillar of anger if not appeased. His darling Rias was both cruel and adorable. Sirzechs eventually came out of his musings when he saw a sign. "Take a piece of Japan home with you for only five hundred yen!" read the sign. Sirzechs smiled before going to make his purchase.

-line break-

Rias had been waiting all week for this day. The day her brother would return from his trip to Japan. Rias had recently taken a keen interest in the country, having stumbled on some books which depicted exciting stories. Unlike most her age, instead of fixating on the plot of the stories themselves, Rias had become immersed in the culture of the place instead. The clothes, the food, the sites, the rituals. As a devil, Rias' culture was less than exciting, filled largely with battles for supremacy between the devils and other races. Rating games had only started to come into existence in the past few years, but it was still slow going compared to the already developed Japan.

'Rias, I have something for you.' Said Sirzechs, knocking on the outside of Rias' door.

Rias quickly ran up to the door and opened it, seeing her big brother looking down on her.

'What is it, what is it?' Asked Rias excitedly.

'A piece of Japan just for you.' Said Sirzechs, causing the young Rias to jump up and down in excitement, before a small package was held out to her.

Rias took the package and carefully opened, not knowing if what her big brother had gotten was fragile. Opening it up, a small container was revealed with pictures and writing along it. Rias stared at it for almost half a minute, worrying Sirzechs, before realising he would most likely have to explain his gift.

'It is a type of food from Japan. This particular type is called cup ramen.' Said Sirzechs, causing Rias to snap her gaze to him.

'I know what it is.' Said Rias matter-of-factly, causing Sirzechs to blink.

'Oh. Well then, why don't you open it up and try it?' Suggested Sirzechs, causing Rias to look at him as though he had said something sacrilegious.

'I can't eat this! If I eat this is will disappear forever. I must store it and look after it.' Said Rias, confusing Sirzechs.

'But Rias, it is designed to be eaten.' Said Sirzechs, only for Rias to stare him down.

'Store and look after, forever.' Said Rias.

Thus, Rias' hoarding of all things Japanese had begun in earnest.