Kuisha sat across from Apollo. A look of strain was on her face as she concentrated on what was within her hands. A black sphere was spinning wildly between her palms, its energy spiking at random places, some striking her causing the devil to wince.

"You mustn't force it. The energies have to flow naturally or-"

Before he could warn her, the sphere collapsed in on itself and fizzled into nothing. A few sparks grazed her skin causing her to flail her arms in an attempt to alleviate the stinging sensation. The queen looked at her palms, seeing the red marks from the failure. She sighed out of frustration and lowered her head in defeat. Drenched in sweat, she had been at this new training since Issei and Artemis left to go hunting. That was hours ago.

Apollo chuckled softly, garnering the young blonde's attention. "Let's take a break for now. You won't be able to succeed when there seems to be a lot on your mind."

The Queen tensed. "H-How did you know..?"

Apollo chuckled again. "Child, when you're my age, you tend to pick up on a lot of these things. Although, it would be hard not to tell." She pouted at his jab but he gave her a reassuring smile soon after. "Would you care to discuss it? Is it the actual training or something more?"

Kuisha glanced over to the last place she saw Issei and Artemis disappear to. Apollo caught where her eyes went and the gears in his head began to turn. Of course, he knew of his sister's reputation amongst those outside of his pantheon and his thoughts focused on that.

"She's not how they say she is," he commented. It caught the girl's attention as she looked back to him, confused.

"Huh?"

"My sister. She's not the man-hater everyone portrays her to be. She, more than likely, just hates me, haha."

He tried to get the laugh to spread to her but it didn't even get a smirk. Soon enough, his own smile disappeared as he continued to study the girl and her conflicted expressions. She sat there, looking down at her feet, a frown marring her face.

"I'm sorry if that joke was in poor taste," the god apologized.

"No, it's nothing like that. It's more so..." Kuisha paused. She bit her bottom lip, conflictions continuing to rage in her mind.

"Is it Issei?" He then asked. Kuisha's eyes widened like a kid being caught with their hand in the cookie jar. He almost missed it due to her hanging her head low. "You worry for him."

Kuisha sighed. There was no reason to hide it. The god would probably keep digging if she did. "I'm worried for him."

"I wouldn't worry much. My sister knows these forests like the back of her hand. And she is more than capable of handling whatever beasts dare challenge them."

The Queen released another sigh. "It's not like that. Issei is strong, really strong. At least physically. I fear more for his mental and emotional state."

This made the god raise a brow. "But Issei seems to carry himself highly. He's quite the man to follow."

"Yes, he carries himself well in front of others but that is because-." It took a moment for the curly haired male's words to reach her. Her immediate reaction was to blush, knowing exactly what the being meant. "Wait, me and Issei aren't...that...way..."

Apollo rose a brow. "Oh? I would assume by your chemistry with one another."

"We're just really good teammates-!"

"But you wish to be more," the god cut in. His first response was the Queen turning a deeper shade of red. His second was light murmurs that fell out of his hearing range. "I'm sorry? Would you mind repeating that for me?"

Kuisha bit her bottom lip once more. "I said...I wouldn't mind."

"So why not tell him?"

Kuisha's eyes widened and her mouth fell open for a few seconds. "I...I could never!"

"Why not? You are infatuated with him. Why hold your emotions in and leave yourself in such a state?"

The blonde's eyes fell once more. They lingered on the pile of woods that sat between them. She clasped her hands together, her thumbs twiddling together, one over the other. Her feet even played together, the tips rubbing over one another, easily displaying the devil's uncomfortable state.

"It's the reason I worry for Issei's well being. The reason he's like this, it is the reason why I fear the emotions within me."

Apollo's eyebrows furrowed. He leaned forward, placing his forearms on his knees. "Please, elaborate. I wish to understand."

"Issei...the way he joined Sairaorg wasn't on the best of terms."

"Yes, I heard the stories. That Gremory girl was a fool to trade the Red Dragon Emperor."

"That's just it. The fact that she did that is what caused such problems for Issei's unstable state."

"You mean the rumors of a whole new form when he fought the fallen general, Kokabiel?"

Kuisha nodded her head. "He looked at her, several times during that fight, expecting something from her. During the peace meeting, he held on to my hand because he said it was hard for him being in the same room as her. The moment he made eye contact with her, his grip increased, and it was like a vice. Whenever she spoke, his hand grew sweaty. It's...it's like..."

"You believe he still has some attachment to her?"

"I do." There was no sign of hesitation. "It may not be the same as when he was a part of her peerage but..."

"You feel that there are untreated wounds still there," Apollo surmised. Kuisha nodded her head once more. The god hummed and even placed a hand to his chin for added effect. "Well, from what I've noted, he shows no signs of wounds. When you two are talking, it doesn't seem forced or strained. You talk, laugh, smile, and enjoy one another's company in a way that seems far beyond what's expected as teammates. And even past friendship. It is why I assumed you two were...more."

The queen had heard his words but it took a little longer for them to register. "I know…" She nodded and bit her lip. "The way he smiles, the way he laughs, it seems like everything is alright. But time and time again, I see this crestfallen look. This look of fear, hesitation, and even anger. And...it makes me worry for him more."

"Do you feel that any of that is directed at you?"

"No!" Kuisha denied. She blushed at how quickly she had responded. "I mean...I don't think he'd ever blindly direct those feelings towards me. Issei's not that kind of person who pushes his feelings onto others. He just holds up this front and I feel that, sometimes, he does it to me or Sairaorg so we won't worry. He tries to do it for my...our sake but...I know how he truly feels."

"Hm. Would you care for the advice of an old god?"

Kuisha turned to him to see Apollo smile softly. He wanted to help her, truly. Not all gods were pompous pricks, like their Roman counterparts. But you didn't hear that from him.

The young woman gave him a soft nod.

"I think you should try entering a relationship with him."

"What..?" She said in a hushed tone. It did little to display the genuine shock she was feeling. It could have been seen as calm if it wasn't for her widening eyes. And why would she not be surprised after everything she just told him.

"Hear me out." He shifted on his seat, trying to find a more comfortable position. "The reason Issei is the way that he is, is because of that Gremory girl, correct?" Kuisha nodded. "And he was first turned to a devil after some fallen angel killed him, after seducing him, correct?"

This made the blonde's eyes widened to full size. "How did you know?"

"A man of his power and of his feats, the origin story wouldn't take much digging to find out. And a man of music, such as I, knows how to find these things easily when you know where to look," he answered with a sly wink. "Now, would that information be correct?"

Kuisha nodded slowly. She had to remember she was before a powerful god. Information about Issei couldn't be kept secret. It's just because of who he was. Everyone had to know one form or another of it. "That is what he told me."

"So, and this is a simple assumption, wouldn't another woman be able to solve his current woman troubles?"

"I don't think that..."

"Think about it. Issei had been betrayed once by a woman he found himself infatuated with. She killed him and broke his heart. The Gremory girl swooped in, doted on him, offered him a harem, and he was as happy as can be, correct?" Kuisha hesitated for several seconds before nodding again. "Then what's to stop you from doing such a thing again? Besides the trading and heartbreaking piece, of course."

"I don't think Issei would-." Apollo rose a finger.

"Child, he is but a young man. One who has had his heart broken twice. He is searching for something, or someone, to mend it. Or to, at least, distract him from such hardships. Albeit, he'll be cautious and have many defensive barriers, but if you stay by him, I assure you he will open up and let you in."

"How can you be so sure? What if he doesn't see me that way?"

"Trust, I know how men are. I have created love, broken couples up, brought them back together, Tartarus, I'm the reason my sister has staved off men. I know that you would do more than heal him." The god then leaned forward, resting his cheek on his fist. "And if he somehow doesn't see you in that light, would you truly hate staying as friends?

"No," she answered immediately. Her fist tightened as they rested on her thighs.

"Then you should have no fear." Kuisha looked up at god. "Friends, teammates, partners, lovers, it shouldn't matter. You seem to care mostly for his happiness."

"I do."

"Then focus on that. But don't be afraid to also be a little selfish as well. A being of his caliber won't be able to stay single for long."

Kuisha looked into the god's eyes. She could see a mischievous twinkle. The slight upward turn on one side of his lips. It was even more pronounced by how it was mushed upward by his own fist digging into his cheek.

"You're teasing me," she concluded.

"I merely state facts. He is a dragon and they are known for their power. And with power, comes enemies and potential mates. It's up to you where you wish to stand. Near him, or with him."

Kuisha looked down at her hands. They were still clenched into fists. There was still confliction inside of her. Her emotions, her thoughts, and yet it all revolved around Issei. He never stayed out of her mind for very long. He was always there. His smile, his laugh, his sadness, even his tears. And the way he looked after the fight with Kokabiel. She never wanted to see him like that again. She didn't want to be a spectator to the day he may lose his life trying to do everything himself. She had to be there for him before he got himself killed.

But who would she be at his side? Was it really okay to be selfish?

The queen thought back to the meeting with the Phenex clan. The way Ravel had looked at him. The blushing, the hazed eyes, the slight squirming, it was obvious the girl was infatuated with him. And she had to remember, there were plenty of others who wanted Issei for their own. Would she simply sit by and watch as he was fought, bought, or even seduced over to whatever whore's bed chamber? She wished not to think such things.

Apollo was right. Her hesitation had the possibility of losing him forever. And yet, she still hesitated now. She didn't know how to approach him or how to tell him. And that was if he was even ready for such a talk. Who knows how the boy's heart was and if he was even ready to try and let someone in again. They talked and laughed, yes, but it was always with an air of friendship. At least, that's what she thought. But was there really something more? Was Apollo right to say such things about how she and Issei interacted?

"As I said, Kuisha, it is my advice to strike now." Apollo then stood. "After this is over, things may not be the same when you return home." And he walked off.

Kuisha watched him go before turning back to her hands. She sighed with exhaustion, her mind having a flood of thoughts running through. She knew that the god was right, but she still felt herself holding back, unable to come to a true conclusion for herself. Unable to truly know how Issei would react if he knew.

Apollo said such a chance may never come again. And the worst was going back to friends, it would seem. But would she really be okay with that?

She then smelled the results of her labor. Being alone allowed her to take in the things around her once more. And it made her nose scrunch up in disgust.

First, a wash, then, Issei.

-XOXOXOXOX-

Issei was panting lightly. It was obvious he had been working hard by the fresh sheen of sweat covering his upper torso. The Boosted Gear shone off the rays of the early morning light.

The pawn went through his stances once more, lifting his bow. He pulled the string back but without a notched arrow. He closed his eyes, focusing on the weapon in his hand. He took a few calming breaths, following the instructions Artemis had taught him. He pictured an arrow notching itself between his fingers as he continued to slow his rapidly beating heart.

"Boost..."

[Boost!]

A flicker a green sparked between his left fingers, the shimmer of an arrow appearing. He dared not open his eyes, trying to keep focus but he could feel it slowly bring itself to reality. His heart was still pounding, becoming harder to ease as the excitement grew in him. He was close, so very close to a breakthrough. It was literally between fingers.

"Issei..."

Psss...

And, just like that, it was gone. Just as it finally began to solidify, the arrow evaporated instantaneously. It forced out another dejected sigh from the already frustrated boy. But it was no fault of the arrows or the Boosted Gear. There was just too much on his mind as is.

Defeating Vali was a huge part of it, as well as Zeus' words about Hades. Somehow the two were connected and that wasn't a good thing if anyone was working with Vali. Especially if it involved reviving the Evil Dragons alongside a literal god.

Then, there was Artemis' words and Kuisha...

"Issei?"

Ah, he was going crazy. The queen was stuck on his mind. Protecting her, keeping that same warm smile on her face...

"Issei."

Wait, that wasn't in his head. The brunette turned to see the person of his affection standing behind him. He inwardly cursed himself for his screw up. He didn't even notice her presence having been too caught up in his thoughts.

Although, it wasn't all that bad.

She looked so beautiful in the morning glow. She looked almost angelic if it wasn't for the clear fact she was a devil. Devilishly gorgeous? Could he say that? Either way, he would have missed such a gift if he spoiled it by sensing her arrival.

"Oh, hey, been there long," he asked, trying not to be awkward. Or be caught staring. "It's such a beautiful day. Really have to appreciate nature sometimes. Explore and see all the beauty it has to offer. If we didn't have such an important mission, of course."

Kuisha giggled. "If the situation was different, I would have been happy to."

The duo stood in a moment of awkward silence. It had become a sad normality for them. Who created the atmosphere, neither knew, but they had knowledge of the awkwardness that would ensue between them. A lot of their idle chatter always ended like this, just before a point that couldn't be taken back.

It was always moments like this that led to them changing the subject or splitting away from one another. Neither felt they could continue forward, always waiting for the other. A sign, a suggestive glance, or open motion, something that would give them the "okay" to push for the conversation to be something more.

"Not like that, though!" Issei panicked while shaking his head. "We don't have to be like that together! I mean, Ladora, Sairoarg, any of them can also come, hehehe..."

And just like that, the moment had begun its decline, like usual. Issei's fears crept up again and he began to backpedal, fast. No matter how much he wanted it to be more, he still found the walls holding strong and him running behind them once more. The shackles of his past continued to pull him deeper into the abyss.

Rias and Raynare were looming over him. A look of cruel satisfaction on one's face and a look of disappointment on the other. Both hands wrapped around his heart, squeezing tight, filling him with fear. Fear of the past repeating itself.

"Actually," Kuisha spoke up. She stepped forward, taking Issei's hands between both of hers. "Maybe it can be just the two of us next time."

Wait...

"Y-You mean it?" He asked in a hushed tone, disbelieving. He was unbelievably tense, his palms sweaty in her hands. But the queen couldn't tell if it was from his nervousness or his training. "I mean, you don't have to do it for my sake. It's okay, I get it."

Kuisha smiled softly. It was a warming smile for both her and him. She wanted to reassure him but also reassure herself. Apollo's words rang in her ear again and she couldn't help but see it clear on the boy's face now. The hopefulness that hid behind the fear. He really did desire the love of a woman but was too afraid to make the first move. How could she have been so blind?

"Yes Issei, I am sure. I'd love nothing more than to continue spending time with you."

"That's...that's great!" He said in a breath of relief. He also seemed to grow a bit more relaxed as his shoulders sagged. "All of this has been too much. For me and for you. I thought about it just because we need a break every now and then."

"I agree. Especially with how you've been grinding yourself into the ground, mister," she teased, tightening her grip on his hands. "Training so early in the morning after training late in the night with Lady Artemis. Talking with Ddraig and Apollo on different types of abilities. Even back then, after the fight with Kokabiel and Vali, you still went right back to training. You need to stop before you send yourself to an early grave."

This made his eyes darken a bit as he turned away from her. "I can't. I have to get stronger."

"You can do that without putting your body and your life on the line so many times." She twisted herself to try and look him in the eyes but he just turned again. "Issei..."

"I can't Kui-chi. Not when so many strong enemies like Vali and Kokabiel can come after me. Or you." He bit his bottom lip. "I was weak against Kokabiel and almost died. And then Vali, I got lucky because he underestimated me. But I don't want to go against someone who's super strong and rely on others again. I have to get stronger, strong enough to defend myself. Strong enough to protect you."

"Issei, I'm not some damsel in distress. Remember, I trained you."

"Even still, I want to be strong enough to be there for you. I don't want to let you, or anyone else, down ever again. It's something I have to do. I'd never live it down if you got hurt...or worse."

"You can't keep placing this weight on just yourself." There was hurt in her voice and he dared to spare a glance back at her. "We told you, we, every last one of us, are a team in this. You can't keep putting all this stress on yourself and leaving us out. Leaving me out."

Issei bit down on his lip, hard. "Kui-chi-."

"No Issei, you have to promise me! Promise me you won't leave me out!"

"I..." He hesitated. He could feel her searching gaze. It burned into the side of his head. Her hands were now holding him in desperation. He could feel the slight trembles and had to turn away again as she tried to find his gaze. "I can't..."

"Why...?" She sounded hurt. More than any physical pain could give her. "Why won't you let me in?"

"Because I'm scared," he said, much to both teen's surprise. Both of their eyes widened and Issei turned back to see Kuisha's equally off-guard expression. "I..."

"Why are you afraid?" She asked, recovering much faster than the brunette. "I've always told you that you could come to me about anything. So why are you afraid now?"

She had to push. This was her chance. And she would be selfish and take it.

"I...I can't say..." He muttered out pathetically. He tried to pull his hands away but they were in the queen's tight grip. He shook his head, his heart beating rapidly. He could see their faces again. He could hear their voices, their laughter, the same laughter at his expense. "I can't. I just can't. I dont want to. I can't. I...I...I can't, okay!?"

Kuisha could see the panic in his eyes. The way he tried to yank his hands away from her and run away. But she couldn't allow it. These were the walls Apollo spoke of. She had to break them down and him running away was going to make things all the more harder. She had to push forward. She had to swallow her fears of what she thought in favor of saving Issei from his own fears that would swallow him whole.

"You can tell me, Issei." She held him firmly, moving herself closer. "You fought to protect me. Against Kokabiel, you fought the general, instead of me. I was more experienced and could have held him off, but you did. I could have helped you but you didn't want that because you wanted to protect me. You even took on Vali by yourself, all to protect me. So, tell me, why? Why do you continue to fight for me when you know I can fight for myself?"

Issei stopped his poor escape attempts. He looked back at her to see how close she had actually gotten. Her eyes were hard and filled with a resolve to find out. And, for that moment, the voices were silent. The faces were gone. Those eyes were no longer piercing at the back of his mind. All he could see was her. The beautiful woman he had somehow fallen for.

"I..."

She pulled him closer to the point their noses touched. "Why Issei?"

"Because I love you."

Yay, we're back. And what a chapter to come back on. Now, to disappear for six more months and leave you on a cliffhanger of what happens next. Do they kiss? Will they do the nasty? Will someone interrupt? Who knows. Wait, I do! Mwuhahaha.

Anywho, hope you enjoyed. Leave a review and all that.

Ciao~