One-Punch DxD: NEO

Chapter 5:

He never imagined the day would come. He was looking at the tiny miracle before him as it cried.

He never expected it to happen this soon. Even so, the fact that it even happened was still surreal to the cyborg.

His former teacher, now a long-time bald friend, was standing over a bed, looking at the greatest gift life could give.

His other two. Companions? Acquaintances? He was not sure how to see them, one being a black dog with six ruby-red eyes and the other a short black creature around the dog's height with a tentacle dangling from his head. They were standing on the other side of the bed with curious expressions. The creature with a tentacle on his head was touching the thing as if he encountered an alien object.

On the bed was a beautiful woman with brown hair, fair skin, dressed in the white hospital gown, cradling her miracle that was her newborn son in her arms, rocking the tiny body while humming a soft lullaby.

The baby let out a soft cry, causing the mother to giggle in amusement before turning to the bald man next to her and handing him her son.

The bald man was anxious. He slowly held out his hands as the woman placed the child on them. He was being careful, so careful for the first time in his life as he looked at the cooing, fragile thing, a tear starting to well up in his eyes, an emotion he hadn't felt since ever.

The Demon Cyborg Genos could not believe his eyes that the mightiest hero, Saitama, had nearly cried as he held the boy in his arms.

"Um. Genos?"

"...Huh? What?" The cyborg blinked as he found himself spacing out, distracted by the whole thing before him.

"Can- err. Can you switch with me holding Ise?" Saitama asked with not only an anxious, but also a terrified expression.

Genos blinked again - him, holding a baby, not just any baby, but Saitama's son? Not that he minded, but looking at his limbs, could he hold a baby's fragile frame without hurting him with his metallic arms? Genos suddenly felt a sense of dread growing in his mechanical stomach as his eyes landed upon the small child in his friend's arms.

What if his propulsor malfunctioned all of sudden and accidentally incinerated the baby? What if the metallic surface of his hand was too slippery and he accidentally dropped the baby? What if the bolts and fittings connecting his joints suddenly act out? There was also a problem about the static charges due to a difference in temperature.

The creature with a tentacle, Black Sperm, saw Genos unmoving at the sight of Saitama carrying his son.

"...Hey, if you don't wanna hold him, can I actually try carrying him?"

Black Sperm's response was Saitama giving him the stink eyes.

"Incinerate..." Genos had already pointed his glowing palm at the creature.

"Whoa whoa! I'm just asking!" Black Sperm shouted and raised his hand in mock surrender.

Before things could have escalated further, however, the woman chided. "Genos, Saitama, dear." Her voice was soft, but it was enough for Saitama to relax and Genos lowered his palm a bit to regard her.

"Be nice. This is a hospital, remember?" The woman then turned to the monster, "...Would you like to hold him, Black?"

That was how the woman, Haruka Hyoudou, addressed Black Sperm. The latter of the name alone was a strange chore for her tongue, a feeling shared by most. The creature itself seemed to snap out of it and blinked at the woman.

"...Um, are you sure? I mean, I can wait."

Haruka was more than aware of what he and Rover were. "No, Black, I insist. You and Rover are practically family." She lightly replied.

Her smile was warm, but Black Sperm twinged. The atmosphere around Haruka suddenly shifted, sending a chill down Black Sperm's spine.

"...But please handle my baby boy with care. None of us want an accident on this special day."

Surprisingly, the other three in the room also shared the same feeling Black Sperm was having at Haruka's smile.

"On second thought, why don't we have Demon Cyborg carry the baby first?" Black Sperm said, sweats covering his face. "I can carry him later. Promise."

Haruka only blinked at the odd sudden change, but she shrugged it off in the end. She then returned her attention to Genos, smiling at him in a silent offer of holding her child.

With no escape, Genos nodded and walked closer to Saitama. Genos made sure that his arm strength was readjusted when the bundle was placed in his arms.

Just when Saitama was about to hand his son over, a small smile appeared on his lips as he spoke, "...Alright, Ise. Say hello to your uncle and your god-father, Genos."

Genos blinked and he turned to Saitama with wide eyes.

"...What?"

Issei had to hold the urge to sigh and scowl while Asia did her best to smile politely.

"Ah, welcome home, Asia."

The source of Issei and Asia's conundrum was sitting on their table, his high-class attire more casual than before from his suit to his shoes. He was even enjoying a cup of tea by Haruka who sat across him.

"Welcome back, Issei, Asia. I apologise that I can't tell you about the guest earlier." Haruka greeted them with her usual smile.

"G-good afternoon, Mr. Diodora." Asia greeted the guest sheepishly as Diodora simply nodded with his gentle smile.

Issei on the other hand simply eyed Diodora for a second before he proceeded to the kitchen.

"Mom, where's Rover?"

"He's in your room." Haruka replied. "I can't really let him keep barking at our guest."

Issei could understand as she ocularly conveyed her apology. He could do nothing but nod in understanding as he got himself a glass of water.

Diodora then took another sip of his tea and stood up from his seat, approaching the girl. "Asia, how are you today? Have you been well?"

The Devil closed in, causing Issei to tense, the lack of hostile intent the only barrier stopping Issei from immediately rushing at him, fists swinging.

"Y-yes, I have. Thank you for asking" Asia could not help but leaned away when Diodora closed in.

The guest did not take a step further when Asia stepped back. No one caught the small twitch of his smile, his mask almost cracking from Asia's denying him.

Before Diodora could approach further, Issei slid between Asia and the Devil to provide her a semblance of safety.

"...What are you doing in my house?" Issei asked, keeping a watchful eye of Diodora's slightest reactions. Although unlike before, Issei did not catch a hint of disdain from Diodora's response.

"Oh, I hope I'm not intruding. I'm simply here for a friendly visit."

Issei could not help but feel a hint of smugness in Diodora's tone. "Yeah, but aren't you being a little bit stalky, though?" Issei quipped.

Diodora did not answer as he shifted his sight to Asia behind Issei. "By the way, have you received the gifts I've sent you the other day? Please, I wish to ask if they are to your liking." Diodora asked, blatantly ignoring Issei.

"U-um, yes. All of them are in my room, thank you very much." Asia could not help but feel flustered as she bowed in gratitude.

"Think nothing of it, as long as you're happy." Diodora waved off easily enough.

A day after the assassination attempt, the Hyd Residence received a package containing beautiful flowers and a massive stuffed bear, the sender labeled Diodora and the receiver being Asia, along with several invitations for concerts and dinner dates.

The flowers sat in a vase on top of the living room table, per Haruka's idea, though the matriarch would rather not take a gift horse in the mouth. Asia kept the stuffed bear in her room not only out of courtesy, but also out of genuine fondness for the stuffed animal.

Issei was skeptical at the gifts, but Rover showing no reaction after sniffing the packages deprived any good reason for him to throw them away.

"Speaking of, have you considered my invitations? I'll be honored if you deign to grace your presence at one of those events." Diodora asked again with his hand over his chest.

Asia looked uncomfortable when she remembered the tickets and invitations. While she wanted to experience foreign culture, she also felt out of place when she imagined herself attending the events where many were clad in glamourous suits and dresses above her station. Not to mention going out there with a stranger like Diodora was too much of a hurdle for her timid disposition.

"I'm sorry, I don't think I" Asia trailed as she unconsciously hid herself behind Issei's frame.

On the surface, Diodora seemed unfazed. Before Issei could have interrupted, Diodora replied sweetly.

"Asia, I understand. Yes, it takes courage to attend gatherings of the higher class. I almost forgot about your disposition towards that world. Hmm please take all the time you need to muster your bravery. I am available anytime for you to contact me in case you change your mind"

"Buddy. I think you're misunderstanding something." Issei suddenly interrupted as he interposed to shield Asia better.

"The gesture, the invitation, and all that, it is all fancy and good but they're kinda overwhelming." Issei gestured between Diodora and Asia. "We know you mean well, but your very bad habit of going overboard is not helping her open up, you know?"

For a moment, Diodora's expression was stiff, yet indiscernible as his smile fell. The moment was tense as there was an eerie calm atmosphere around him until his usual smile returned to his face.

"...Perhaps I've overstayed my welcome." He then turned to nod at Haruka, "I thank you for your hospitality, ma'am."

Before Haruka could reply, however, Diodora smiled at Aisa one last time before a teleportation circle appeared beneath his feet.

"May we see each other again, Asia Argento." Diodora bid farewell before teleporting himself away.

After he vanished, Asia suddenly collapsed into Issei's arms.

"Whoa, there." Issei asked as he held her gently. "You alright?"

Asia did well in holding her ground against Diodora's intrusive presence.

"I-I'm okay, it's just" Asia trailed as her face grimaced.

"Overwhelming?" Issei guessed which Asia nodded to. "...Yeah, I know. That guy doesn't have the common sense to hold back. Also, mom? Why'd you let him in?" He furrowed his eyebrows at his mother.

"In my defense, I have never met him before. He simply appeared as a polite guest saying that he knew Asia-chan here Can you enlighten me on what just happened?" Haruka asked.

Issei sighed, recalling that Haruka had yet known about Diodora's involvement in the recent fiasco since she went straight to bed on the night he was attacked. Alright, listen mom. It basically goes like this"

Issei then proceeded to sum up the story about the devil who led to Asia's exile.

"That guy is the Devil that got Asia exiled." Issei started.

Haruka already widened her eyes, flicking her eyes at the spot where Diodora once stood.

"And Well, according to Azazel, that guy also hired the goons that assaulted you and Asia in the park."

Issei didn't stop there and continued to explain Diodora's involvement behind the assassination attempt on his life through his peerage, and how they believe that everything Diodora did to Asia was intentional from the start just to get her, including the rumors that every Devil in his peerage were former Saints and Nuns.

By the time Issei finished, Haruka's face paled with horror that she allowed a monster in her home under her nose. The next second, Haruka quickly dashed to Asia and pulled her in her embrace.

"I'm sorry I'm so sorry. I have no idea that" She whispered as she pressed her lips on Asia's hair.

"It's okay. It's okay you didn't know." Asia gently smiled as she let herself melt into Haruka's warm embrace.

"...I should've kept Rover out, shouldn't I?" Haruka asked as she glanced at her son.

"Yeah, you should." Issei bluntly replied, that way Diodora would leave sooner. "But what's done is done now that I think about it, let's feed those invitations to Rover just in case he comes back."

Using the 'my dog ate your mail' excuse would be funny now that Issei thought about it. He wondered how that guy would react upon hearing that. Maybe Issei should have Rover walk into Diodora's sight just to see him crack a bit further.

"...Wait, so he actually dropped by your house earlier?"

Later that night, Tsubasa Yura asked as she sat on the bed or Issei's room, while the boy took the chair. Both of their eyes were honing at the computer screen, playing Borderlands 2 with controllers in hands, shooting down a bunch of psychotic masked bandits with their colorful guns.

It was one of the nights Tsubasa and Issei hung out since the last time they did in middle-school. Due to Freed Sellzen being still at large, Sona Sitri suspended all calls from contractors for the safety of clients and peerage while assisting Rias in her manhunt. Jobless as she was, Tsubasa still had some spare time before her patrol shift, so she decided to spend it at the Hyd Residence.

"Yeah. The guy popped in out of nowhere and asked Asia out again. It's like that guy has no idea what personal space means."

"I can see that. Asia-chan did refuse him, right?" Tsubasa asked as she mashed the buttons of her controller.

"Of course she did." Issei nodded before his eyes widened at the screen. "Ah, dammit. Tsubasa, I'm down. Wait for me for a bit."

"On my way, hang in there." Tsubasa replied, seeing her friend's avatar got incapacitated and surrounded by hostiles.

"No, no, no, just stay where you are, I can get a second wind." Issei waved off as his game avatar fended off the enemies until he accidentally misfired. "Oh, crap!"

"Ow, you dick! You shot me! Now I'm down!" Tsubasa chided, albeit while smiling in amusement.

"Sorry, sorry! I just got my second wind. Coming to you now." Issei also replied with a mirthful chuckle.

Their game went on for another while until Issei asked, "So, how's the student council today?"

"A little hectic in a different sense thanks to the stray exorcist. Instead of answering summons, we're rotating patrols in pairs every night to find this guy." Tsubasa shrugged as she kept playing.

"Come to think of it, while I'm glad to hang out, but are you sure you should spend time here? Who are you patrolling tonight with?" Issei asked.

"Reya is my tonight's partner. Saji is going with Ruruko, while Tomoe is paired up with Momo." Tsubasa replied. "Speaking of, we might want to find somewhere to save this game, it's almost time for me to meet up with Reya."

"Yeah, we can just save here." Issei shrugged before he turned to Tsubasa again. "...Do you want me to come with you? For the night patrol, I mean?"

"Aw, you worried for good ol' me?" Tsubasa asked back with a teasing grin.

"Duh. We're friends, after all."

Issei's blunt reply kind of caught Tsubasa off-guard. She felt a little warm inside from hearing Issei's genuine worry. On the other hand, the word 'friends' from his mouth irked her for some reason.

Still, the warm feeling won out as Tsubasa smiled at Issei.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be fine. It's not like I'm going alone." Tsubasa reasoned. "...Besides, your mom is a potential target since she's contracted with me, right? Shouldn't you keep an eye on her instead?"

"Hm You're right." Issei grimaced regrettably. "...Wanna take Rover with you?"

The said dog was bunking in Asia's bedroom as her special guard dog. Tsubasa snorted at the offer this time.

"Whoa, easy there. I might be cool with the dog, but I don't think I can pull his reins if he's too riled up. Seriously, he only listens to either you or your mom, and I think he still holds a small grudge against me for kicking a rock at his nose."

"That's not entirely true." Issei tried to argue but failed miserably. "Maybe the grudge part, though."

Tsubasa then smiled at Issei as she met his eyes.

"Seriously, Ise. Look at me." Once their eyes met, she patted his shoulder. "I'll see you tomorrow at school, okay?"

Issei regarded her for a few seconds before sighing. "...Fine, but you have my phone number, right?"

Tsubasa nodded in understanding and winked at him. "Don't worry, pal. I'll call you if things show up." She then stood up and prepared to leave. However, she paused as she turned her head slightly to Issei's direction.

"...Say, Ise."

"Hm?"

Tsubasa chewed on her lower lip out of Issei's sight; truth be told, since that one talk no, more like the Council's impertinent nitpicking of their past, the idea of dating Issei had been latching on her mind as of late

They were besties since that fateful night Well, not like that, more like she held a grudge on him and Rover for a week or two until she started warming up to the boy and atomic-breathing dog. Afterwards, they hung out whenever they could until Issei had to move out of the town after finishing middle school - the good old days.

But to be more than friends? Tsubasa was thrilled and scared at the prospect; when Issei transferred into Kuoh in her second year of highschool, Tsubasa was overjoyed.

The boy she befriended had grown different, yet remained the same simultaneously.

The fact that he had been carrying the Boosted Gear on his person piqued her interest. Still, she was fine with the status quo between them - chatting, joking around, and hanging out for quick snacks, lunch or games without worrying about the student body's reaction of their relationship.

But now her friends from the Student Council had put the silly idea in her head; she did not know how to proceed. Should she dare to take a step down that path?

In the end, Tsubasa shook her head and gave Issei one last smile as a magic circle appeared beneath her.

"...Nah, it's nothing. Goodnight!" Tsubasa waved and teleported away while Issei called her out.

"Wait, I know you have something ." Issei was left alone in the bedroom, blinking at the spot where Tsubasa disappeared. "...Huh."

oXo

Catherine Lazuli was once renowned as one of the rare female members of the church's Templar Order, a simple nun turned proud soldier of God. Her entire life was devotion and crusades, all for the Lord who watches from above.

It was also a life that none would treat her like a woman.

Her faith and discipline allowed her to soldier through the call of her neglected needs Until she encountered a certain devil.

With a disarming smile, charming charisma and eccentric perspective, for once in her life, Catharine experienced a glimpse of a life as a woman. Ever since, she rethought her life's choices as a Templar Knight.

From the days of battle and prayer, she had never seen the latter answered, even after that fateful day of her mission, betrayed and disavowed by the order she pledged her whole life to. The same devil arrived that day, offering an opportunity for her to be something more than just a devout believer shackled by gospels and pontification.

At first, selling her soul to Diodora Astaroth felt correct. She fell for him as he gave her the affection and attention she never received only until Diodora showed her a horrible truth.

The knowledge that she was a mere trophy, the latest, broke her heart, and the fact that she learned of it after Diodora chained her in a position that retaliation also meant antagonizing the might and law of the entire Underworld.

Thus, her eternal servitude to the hideous demon began.

Now, after failing her lord's objective as the leader of her previous assignment, she bore the role as his outlet of frustration as penance. The constant failure of obtaining his latest prize had whittled his mental fortitude. He didn't seem like he could hold the integrity of his mask any longer, his hideous face, his true face, showed more than usual.

Inside the suite hotel room where Diodora and his peerage occupied during their stay in the town, Catherine Lazuli, bound on the king-sized bed naked from head to toe, took the brunt of her master's pent-up stress.

The devil's frame loomed over her body as he kept pounding and violating her, ignoring - revelling - in the small voices that slipped away from her mouth as it echoed in the dimly lit room.

"Master Diodora."

Reprieve arrived with Mary Sapphire, Diodora's Queen as well as his right-hand woman. Catherine sighed, taking in the respite from the torturous pleasure coursing through her body, as Diodora turned to his Queen while keeping his position, his ugly face behind the smiling mask settling down.

"Did you come bearing good news?" Diodora queried with expectation.

"Our scouts have grasped the pattern of the targets' daily life. We believe we can anticipate their next move and infiltrate without raising suspicion." The Queen replied without batting an eye despite the sight in front of her.

"...Excellent." His usual smile finally returned to his face. "Call our contact, tell him to prepare himself in one day."

"Understood." The Queen bowed before she left the room.

Catherine could only take another breath and close her eyes in resignation as her master apparently had not finished with her yet.

"Now Where were we?"

Issei finished the final set of his morning exercise as he jogged around the town.

Tsubasa didn't send a single call last night, only a message that Freed no-showed. Either Freed got wind of the patrols or he had retreated from the town. Issei could have helped with the patrol, but he could not divert his attention from the issue with Diodora Astaroth.

It was only two problems and Issei felt his hands already full.

When he ran across the town's bridge, he found a couple of additions joining his run after a nearby intersection. Glancing behind, he saw a pair of attractive girls jogging behind him. Both of them possessed short hair, one with greenish black while the other had reddish brown.

Both of them were clad in tight shorts and sport bras, revealing their curves and the skin of their legs.

The fact that these girls could stand against the chilly morning air would have impressed Issei if not for several things. First, while Issei could not remember every face in the neighborhood, he was sure that he had never seen them before. Second, his experience with supernaturals alerted him of their inhumanity. Third, which unnerved him the most, that he could have sworn he saw their eyes before.

"...Good morning."

The girl with dark-green hair greeted with a cheerful voice, but Issei could not help but feel her entire conduct sounded 'plastic'. Her companion's smile was flat like an iron rebar forcefully bent in the shape of a smile - or a frown trying to hide itself by hanging upside down.

Nevertheless, Issei knew better than to make assumptions based on first impressions. His father was a prime example of this.

"Good morning." He returned the greeting.

"Good morning. Are you by chance a local here?" the girl with brown hair asked next.

"Yeah. Are you two not from around here? I know I haven't seen you around this neighborhood before." Issei asked as he kept jogging at the girls' pace.

"Yes. We have moved from abroad due to our parents' relocation to the workplace." One of them smiled sheepishly, or at least she tried to look sheepish. "My name is Teresa Augur, and she's Amanda Jade." She - Teresa introduced her companion as well, who nodded with the same plastic smile.

"Issei Hyd, a pleasure." Issei smiled with a small nod. "So, what brings you to this town?"

He saw no wrong with striking a conversation with a couple of strangers even if they do seem off like hell.

"We're looking for a new life." It was Teresa who replied. "...Some of our friends then recommended that Japan is a good place for us to start over."

Issei hummed as he listened.

The reply was rather vague, but kept him from prying further. Not to mention, for a second he could have sworn that Teresa and Amanda's smiles were bitter, yet more genuine at that moment.

"Well, I won't brag that Kuoh is the best town to start, but it's definitely a good one. Also, fair warning, things can get strange here."

He tried to make his voice sounds humorous, but he could not help but wondered if he should warn them of his dog, but something about them didn't seem right.

"...We appreciate your kind words." Then the plastic smiles returned. Amanda then ran a little closer to him as she spoke. "Um, would you mind showing us around? We don't know the area around here, so would you let us follow your course?"

Issei blinked, not expecting the sudden request. Then again, Issei did not sense any hostility, so he had no reason to refuse.

"Um, sure. If you don't mind running with me," Issei shrugged.

Now Issei spent his morning run with two new neighbours as their tourist, showing them the local park, landmarks, shops etc. It did not take too long until they stopped for a short break.

"I feel we've run far enough from our apartment." Teresa noted with a sigh as she wiped a sweat from her chin. "I guess this is where we need to part."

"If you say so. Do you know your way back from here?" Issei asked as he stretched a bit.

"We'll manage." Amanda replied. "...Actually, I hope we're not asking too much, but can you show us more of the town this evening? If you'd like, we can have dinner with us, or some coffee, perhaps?" She gave a sultry smile as she and Teresa sauntered a little closer to emphasize the cleavage and their exposed skin.

The sudden request of two attractive girls, along with the showing-off their bodies, were super effective in catching Issei off guard.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Isn't this a bit fast? I mean, we just met, y'know?" Honestly, he felt a sense of deja vu from the conversation.

"Please?" Teresa also pleaded, clapping her hands together in an attempt to appeal herself. "We're new here, we don't know anyone around, and you're the first guy who actually helped us. We can only ask you at the moment."

He would if there was not a psychotic killer and a scheming Devil on the loose.

"Well, not that I mind, but I can't really leave my house at night." Mostly to protect Asia and his mom from danger and stop Rover from incinerating half the neighborhood in the worst case.

"Just for the afternoon? Perhaps evening? Please?" Amanda clapped her hands together in begging. "We just want you to show us around downtown. We'll make sure not to take too much of your time. In fact, the food and drinks will be our treat as thanks for this morning." Teresa also sent Issei a hopeful look.

At this point, Issei was actually unnerved by the looks the foreign girls gave him, but he could not bring himself to outright refuse them. He did not know their aim, but he had no incentive to deny them either.

[...Partner.]

Issei suddenly heard the voice of the Welsh Dragon in his mind. "Ddraig?"

[Those girls are devils, and they have similar signatures from your attackers the other night. Whatever your excuse, do NOT take their offer.]

Issei blinked warily at the girls before him as they waited for his reply.

On one hand, per Ddraig's advice, he could outright refuse them and keep himself out of trouble. On the other hand, safely assuming that Diodora sent these girls, Issei could dig some answers from them on Diodora's scheme.

He might need a contingency in case something went wrong though but he was not much of a tactical thinker like Sona. He sighed upon remembering how easily Sona wrecked him in chess.

"Yeah, sorry. Something came up back home and I can't miss it even for you girls." Issei denied.

As much as he wanted to try his hand, Issei had no confidence in playing the game of Chess. He preferred beating them up instead in combat.

The girls' facades seemed to crack as Issei could catch that they were racking their brains of how to convince him. Unfortunately, Issei had already decided to book it as he turned his heels around and ran off. "Welp, it's nice to meet you girls, but I can't be late for school! Bye!"

"Ah, wait-!" The girls could only watch as Issei disappeared at a corner.

A few seconds later, Teresa clicked her tongue and placed her hand next to her ear, establishing the telepathic link to communicate with her master. "I'm sorry, master. Target did not take the bait. We shall proceed to plan B."

oXo

"Seriously, what is Diodora doing?" Rias rubbed her forehead as she and Sona were sitting across Issei in the Student Council room.

"Yeah. I am no expert in handling scheming Devils, so I am seeking your council since you are a chess master." Issei referred to Sona.

"Are you implying that you see me as a grand puppeteer, just because I'm proficient at the game of chess?" Sona accused Issei, narrowing her eyes at him.

"...No, I just believe you are very good at strategy games like chess." Issei countered. "Besides, no offence, but the way you carry yourself. It's kind of like the mastermind bad guys you see in movies, the kind of girl that can actually rope a stubborn guy like me into your peerage if you try hard enough."

Sona kept her narrowed eyes at Issei for a second before she sighed. "...I will take your comment as a compliment, Mr. Hyd, only because we have our plates full at the moment with the current state of affairs."

Issei only shrugged at Sona's remark before returning to the matter at hand, "...So? What are we gonna do?"

"...What do you want to do?" Rias ended up asking back.

"Me? I honestly want to beat the answers out of Diodora himself and force him back to wherever hole he came out from." Issei replied bluntly.

"Understandable, but to do so without consequences is impossible." Sona interrupted. "I highly recommend that you withhold your hands as long as Diodora is in a position to claim innocence. We are severely lacking in incriminating sway to stand against him by the Underworld Law."

"Yeah, but that still doesn't mean I don't want to beat him up. He just won't leave me and Asia alone" Issei replied with a small pout.

The room went into silence as Issei, Rias and Sona were thinking for solutions. Eventually, Rias came up with something, "...I can place some of my peerage's familiars around your house, so we can keep tabs on your family."

"Not the best solution if I say so, but it's a good start." Sona nodded in agreement. "What do you think, Mr. Hyd?"

The girls then found Issei looking questioningly at them before he blurted out, "...What's a familiar, exactly?"

Rias and Sona had to hold down the urge to face-palm - we have to explain from there?

"...Didn't Azazel inform you about them?" Rias asked.

"Well I'm not sure. Oh, I remember asking about them but I did not get a straight answer. I got a general idea, but" Issei sheepishly rubbed his head.

How his memory worked, the girls did not know.

"...Think well, Rover, for instance." Sona tried her best to explain via example. "Familiars are a term for companions under contract with the Devil; um, like servants. Rias mistook your dog for a familiar, for instance. We all thought that Rover was your familiar at first sight, honestly. Your dog is the kind to give many wrong impressions. Now imagine other creatures following and obeying other Devils by contract. Are you following me so far?"

"I. see." Issei bobbed his head. "So, like a contracted worker?"

"...Yes, that's actually very close in comparison." Rias nodded her head.

"So why would they follow Devils, then? Do you pay them, or" Issei asked, trailing off.

"We do pay them in some ways." Rias nodded again, a little crossed between calling out for Issei's out-of-line thought, yet he was pretty close to the mark. "In layman's terms, we forge a pact with the creature of our choosing, and the creature will serve us in exchange of Well, usually proper living and protection. It depends on the rank of familiars. For example, Familiars around your dog's caliber usually would only follow those they deem worthy of their service Which reminds me, your father found that thing in the first place, right? What did your father do to gain its loyalty? Rather, what kind of man is your father, anyway?"

Rias and Sona were deathly curious about Rover's origins. How such a beast managed to end up on his father's doorstep, they had no idea. They imagined him to be a Mage or something similar

"Well" Issei rolled his eyes around, trying to come up with an answer. "Dad is. Dad? I mean, the last time I saw him was when I was twelve, maybe? Then again, he is rarely home except for my birthdays, Christmas and new year. Actually, scratch the first one; he only attended until my tenth birthday. Then he only dropped presents and greeting cards afterwards." Issei ended with a scowl on his face.

Rias and Sona stared at him as they listened to Issei's brief story about his father, which sounded quite complicated from that alone.

"Hah, even so, I can't really blame him. He has to work for the family and all that which reminds me, I should sic Rover on Azazel the next time I see him." Issei's scowl deepened.

Rias and Sona glanced at each other; silently agreeing that the topic was a little too sensitive to be brought up.

"I believe we're getting side-tracked." Sona ended the current subject. "For now we can only suggest you to stay with your mother and Ms. Asia as much as you can, while our peerages continue our manhunt. We will send some of our members to check on your house periodically should Diodora make some. More drastic moves."

Issei hummed for a second before looking at Sona and Rias. "...Speaking of the manhunt, do you guys need an extra hand, maybe?"

When Sona and Rias raised their eyebrows, Issei elaborated. "Kuoh might not be some big city like Tokyo or Kyoto, but it's still a big place for you guys to cover, all of you like, what? 10 people? Are you sure you have enough numbers to cover the entire town?"

"Your question only works if we're talking about humans, Ise, which we're not." Rias replied with a knowing smile. "...Not to mention, some of us have our set of familiars to assist our search. Your concern is appreciated, but unnecessary."

"...Okay, fair enough." Issei shrugged. "So, we stay with the plan we came up with, earlier?"

Sona nodded, "I believe so, yes. Unless you have another thing you'd like to mention?"

Issei sighed as he stood up, "...No, I guess that's the best we can get as it is. I'm gonna finish my lunch, catch you later." He nodded to both ladies and walked out of the room.

Staring at the door where Issei vanished, Rias and Sona then sighed at the same time. "...Is it just me, or did troubles arrive after acquainting ourselves with Mr. Hyd?" The latter asked while cleaning her glasses.

"From the stories I heard from my brother, those who are strong attract all sorts of people, for better or worse. I think that theory matches Ise to a tee." Rias commented with a wry smile.

"...And you still want to recruit him into your peerage? Because I'm already considering giving up on him, considering the kind of trouble he had brought himself." Sona asked.

"You know my situation. But that is not the only reason," Rias' smile dimmed slightly. "I need every edge I can get I'll deal with whatever comes later." She ended with a grim look on her face.

oXo

There was still time for him to finish his lunch box before the bell rang, prompting him to make his way to his usual spot on the rooftop. Asia was having lunch with her classmates, while Tsubasa wanted to spend some time with her friends from the Student Council, leaving the dog-owner alone.

Guess I'll eat alone.

When he finally arrived on the rooftop, however, Issei did not expect to find Koneko sitting there - the girl was munching on a yakisoba bread. Around her was a variety of other meals, more bread, a box of cookies, a carton-box of milk, and more.

Issei didn't take her for a big eater given her small figure.

The two went still when their eyes met. Koneko paused in mid-chewing while Issei stood at the door. The silence lasted for a minute until the boy simply waved his hand in greeting,

"...Hi."

Koneko swallowed and nodded to return the gesture.

"...Hello."

"Err... Mind if I eat here?" Issei asked.

The girl shrugged, "There is space around."

Taking the reply as a 'yes', Issei then stepped in and for some reason, took a seat next to Koneko's space, eliciting a raised eyebrow from her. Ignoring her glances, Issei opened his lunch box, his box revealing his rice and a colorful assortment of meat and veggies his mom prepared.

He glanced at Koneko, seeing her salivate with her eyes affixed to his lunchbox. Didn't she already eat half of her bountiful meal?

Then, Issei took a piece of fried egg and held it to Koneko.

"Want some?" He offered with a smile.

Koneko blinked at the unexpected offer, eyeing the food and Issei alternatingly. "...Is it okay?"

"Well. It might feel kind of cheap, but I want to make up for my dog."

Koneko's face softened somewhat. Issei gave her a small smile as Koneko took a bite. He wondered if he should find a way to have Rover warm up to Koneko and vice versa although their relationship was like a cat to a dog for some reason.

Issei watched Koneko chewing the food he just fed her and saw her eyes sparkled at the taste.

"Looks like you liked it." Issei remarked as Koneko looked at him eagerly. The boy only chuckled in amusement and held out a piece of wiener. "Wanna try this one?"

Koneko did as she was told; revelling in the meaty taste of the sausage in her mouth.

"And how about this one?" Issei then fed her a piece of baby tomato, which she enjoyed as well.

When Issei fed her a piece of the grilled fish, Koneko purred in bliss, not unlike a cat. It only took a second for the girl to realise what she just did and freeze on her spot, with Issei staring funny at her. The awkward silence lasted for a few seconds until Koneko abruptly gathered the rest of her lunch and stood up, leaving Issei behind.

"...Thanks for the food."

It was the last words Issei heard from Koneko before she disappeared by the door. As Issei stared at the door, his mind trailed back to Rover for some reason.

"Heh... so you made another friend from Class D?"

Issei and Asia were walking home from school as the former listened to what the latter had gone through that day.

"Yes, Ms. Hase and I got along. She is not used to people, um, like I am, but she's actually very nice! She wants to join us for lunch tomorrow." Asia replied with a beaming smile.

"That's good to hear." Issei smiled as he caressed Asia's head, much to her delight.

The walk back to their house went on without much incident until they walked by the park on their usual route; Asia found Issei abruptly stopped on his tracks - the boy was looking at the empty park illuminated by the sunset.

"...Mr. Ise?" Asia asked with a tilt of her head.

Issei looked around, finding their surroundings surprisingly quiet, too quiet. However, before Issei could have turned to Asia again, a female cry screamed from the park, followed by an animalistic roar.

Asia gasped in fright while Issei immediately prepared himself for combat. He was about to bolt towards the source of the voice, but within a few steps he remembered about his charge and looked back.

"Stay close to me, Asia."

The girl looked hesitant for a moment before nodding and walked a step behind Issei as they made their way through the park. After passing a herd of trees, they found an alarming sight.

A pair of girls with their rears on the ground as a large, grotesque-looking frog loomed over her. Its skin was covered with something akin to scales, with spikes jutting out from its back; its eyes were somewhat reptilian in blood red, and while Issei knew enough that frogs do have teeth, the one in front of him had teeth that were way too sharp and big.

Asia was visibly horrified as she covered her mouth with her hands. Issei was more disturbed than disgusted - the stray demon he encountered before couldn't compare to this one in terms of ugliness. It was as if every monster he met became uglier and uglier each time.

However, what caught Issei's attention was the girls - they were the same girls that he ran into during his morning jog. What are they doing here?

That was something he should ask once he dealt with the monster frog. The thing definitely wanted to eat them judging by its pooling saliva.

"Stay there, Asia!" He told his ward and charged towards the monster with his Boosted Gear equipped.

As Issei engaged the frog monster, none noticed the presence sneaking up behind Asia, flashing a sinister smile at the maiden.

[Burst!]

"Ow!"

Eleven year-old Issei cried out as he unceremoniously fell to the ground. The boy was clad in a white t-shirt and gym shorts, draconic gauntlet adorning his left arm. He was caked in sweat and dirt smeared his clothes.

"You're still telegraphing your movement, Ise."

Before him was a man in his 20s, clad in jeans, torn tank-tops and combat boots, possessing short and spiky blonde hair, pale skin, yet there he seemed more artificial than a man. He bore mechanical arms with visible glowing circles on their palms. Through the fabric of his shirt, metal plates and machine core replaced his flesh and bones.

Black sclera surrounded his sulfur-yellow irises, making his look somewhat inhuman. His default expression screamed 'serious,' though it was more like he couldn't express his emotions properly.

"Uncle Genos." Issei grumbled as he settled on his rear on the ground. "Your eyes are unfair! I'm not even 'telegraphing'! Wait, what does telegraphing even mean?!" Issei pointed a finger at the Demon Cyborg Genos, pouting at him.

"It means your movements are predictable."

"No, I'm not! I'm trying not to be predictable!"

Genos sighed as he smiled a little. If only Issei knew how far ahead he was against others his age.

"Ise, don't fret. My eyes may be advanced, but my main advantage against you is experience." Genos rebuked.

"Eehh" Issei pouted at Genos. "Really?"

"Yes. I faced many foes that could deceive my sight, your father included." Genos replied. "Regardless of your complaints, there are strong enemies that can surpass the limits of machines. I understand your frustration."

"...Then why can't I hit you?" Issei rebuked back. nove(l)bi(n.)com

"You're not at the level needed to force me to take you seriously." Genos replied.

"Yes, I am! I can and will beat you up!" Issei pouted even more, his cheeks looking like a pufferfish.

"Then you must try harder if you wish to 'beat me up.'" Genos blandly stated. "Perhaps you can emulate a fraction of your father soon enough."

"Oh, that's it!" Agitated, Issei jumped back up, ready to go for another round, ready to fight again despite the soreness of his muscles.

"It appears my taunt has invigorated your fighting spirit." The cyborg stepped back a few steps, making distance from Issei. "Your recovering speed has improved as well, somewhat. You are supposed to have overused your Boosted Gear, according to my data."

"Yeah, I'm not giving up because of that." Issei replied with a small smirk.

Issei entered his fighting stance while Genos did the same. The air between them was taut with friction, Issei clenching his fists as he smirked.

His eyes trained on Genos, Issei bolted in, skirting around the cyborg. He found no openings from Genos to exploit as usual, but he still circled him, biding his time as he counted each second in his head.

Four, three, two, one

[Boost!]

Boosted Gear augmenting his speed and strength, Issei shot forth like a bullet, his open right palm aiming towards Genos' chest.

The cyborg parried the hand easily enough, but Issei forthwith threw left straight which fell into Genos' open palm before Genos immediately pulled the offending arm into an armlock. However, before he secured his lock, Issei quickly threw a quick right jab at his midsection.

If it weren't for Boosted Gear's augmentation, as well as his previous training sessions, the exoskeleton frame would have broken Issei's knuckle.

The force rattled Genos' internal circuits, weakening his hold on Issei's left arm, allowing the boy to slip out as he jumped back the moment he landed.

"Ora!" Issei battle-cried as he engaged Genos in a short exchange of blows, though it was more like Issei pounding on Genos' arms for a few seconds before Genos stole an opening and threw a solid palm towards Issei's face.

Issei sidestepped, leaning his head left just in time, barely avoiding Genos' grazing palm, but the force behind it knocked Issei off balance and onto the ground. Quickly, Issei rolled away until he gathered enough momentum to throw himself back on his feet, and Genos was waiting for him.

[Boost!]

Issei felt the boost empowering him, but Genos remained stoically calm as the boy charged at the cyborg again.

The engine inside Genos' body hummed a subtle thrum as he withdrew, hovering inches above the floor as the momentum carried him, and intercepted all of Issei's blows with his palms, blocking and parrying all of them.

When Genos countered with a horizontal swing of his arm, Issei immediately used the opportunity to jump over his uncle and land behind him.

However, much to Issei's dismay, Genos was a split second ahead as his other mechanical arm had been angled towards him with its palm glowing with power.

Issei only watched as the glow on Genos' palm grew brighter by seconds and he could only utter a word as he brought up his guard.

"Shit!"

This chapter is still kind of short, I know. I'm sorry. But hey, chapter 6 is coming along nicely! XD :P