Okay, let me start off by saying this: my bad. I deleted Chapters 7-12 of this fic, which I know surprised a lot of people. Then I followed up by deleting chapter 6, and replacing it with this chapter- my bad again. Here's why:

I did not like where the other story ended up. The relationship started off good but progressed too fast, and Issei's random power boost felt unearned. The Bune story ended up being a lot less interesting than I thought it would, and a couple of other things to boot. Anyway, long story short- I hated where the story was at.

But, rather than simply trash it, I've chosen to rewrite it from a point before everything went wrong. Think of it as loading a save game. I know a lot of you followed this story because of what it was before the rewrite, and if you don't like what I've changed here, feel free to unfollow or unfavorite- I understand, believe me. But as it was, the story was simply not something I enjoyed writing, and it's extremely challenging for me to write something I don't enjoy. I'm sure a lot of you, especially my fellow authors, will understand.

Anyway- what changed?

So in the first version, Issei becomes a dragon. That's out.

Issei joins the devils. That's out too.

Kuroka and Issei have fallen in love by chapter six. That's definitely out.

In this story, at this point, they are both beginning to feel what evolves into love- and while it's true that yes, you can fall hopelessly in love in a week, that's simply lazy writing and I made a rookie mistake when I committed to that. Here's the shape and the point of the tooth:

Kuroka and Issei, when they meet, are both completely alone. They find one another, each the other's light in a dark place, and basically get really attached really fast. If I'm being honest- it's a perfect setup for the "love in a week" thing I mentioned, but that's just not how it's gonna play out. They'll get there, but it's not gonna be that easy. Kuroka has a difficult personality, and while she would be quick to imprint she would also be hesitant to commit.

I'm sorry to all of you who have been confused by the random updates. This is the last time I'll rock the boat this week, I promise. Anyway, I'll get out of your way now. This is a pretty short chapter, but I wanted to put it out fast so I could reassure everyone that this story is still being continued.

"What? Really? The Red Dragon?"

Azazel nearly fell off his chair. He looked at Raynare with a renewed interest, eager to hear all about what her foray into Kuoh had revealed.

"Uh, yeah. And get this; he's already pissed off Sirzechs."

"He...he pissed off Sirzechs? Is he stupid? Or is he just that strong?"

"So, from what I can tell, he's super weak. I even mistook his gauntlet for a Twice Critical when I saw it. He's only just learned about the supernatural, but from what I saw he basically threatened Sirzechs with war."

"War? And he's only just awakened his Sacred Gear?"

"Yeah. And there's more. He threatened Rias Gremory, too."

Azazel leaned in, now very invested in this conversation.

"And he's still alive?"

"Apparently."

"Tell me the full story."

"College? Sounds boring, nya."

"Yeah, well, I'm sure it's not a riot. But I've gotta fill out these applications, so-"

Issei picked up the black cat on top of his head by the scruff of its neck, setting her on the ground.

"-don't distract me."

"Distract you? Don't treat me like some common housecat, jackass!" Cat-roka swatted at Issei's foot with a paw. "You're lucky I'm not strutting around the house nyaked. 'Distract.' Bah!"

"Okay, first off, that sounds fantastic, and secondly- why are you a cat, anyway? Isn't that like, hard to maintain?"

"Oh, sure. But it's fun being so small."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. I could never sit on your head in my real body. Your face, sure, but not your actual head."

Issei nearly choked, not at all prepared for that sentence nor the resulting mental image.

"Nyahaha, cat got your tongue? What's the matter, poor Issei can't take some dirty jokes?"

"You damn-"

Issei was cut off by a knock at the door. He rolled his eyes, wondering what sort of visitory he'd be dealing with this time. Cat-roka stalked over to the window and looked outside.

"Oh uh."

"It's not Sirzechs is it?"

"Nyope. But almost as bad- sort of."

"By all means, spit it out."

"Azazel."

"Azazel? As in, leader of the Fallen Angels?"

Issei's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. She'd given him a crash course on the major players in the Supernatural world since he seemed determined to piss them off on her account.

"Compared to Sirzechs, I've always found him the more reasonable of the two, nya."

"Oh. Well, that's good at least."

Another knock.

"Same plan as last time?"

Cat-roka looked up at Issei, her tails rigid in anticipation.

"Uh...no plan?"

Issei looked back down sheepishly, not really having thought about it.

"We're so dead, nya."

"Yeah, yeah. Go hide. I'll think of something."

Issei fled the room, heading towards the front door. A peek through the peephole revealed a man with short two tone blond and black hair, wearing a dark kimono and traditional wooden slippers. He had a smile on his face, quite unlike the all-business expression of Sirzechs.

Sighing and resigning himself to bullshit, Issei opened the door.

Immediately Azazel was at his throat with a spear of pure blue light, walking forward with the tip of the jagged weapon at his jugular while Issei instinctively backpedaled.

"I'm guessing Sirzechs was a little more diplomatic?" the Fallen asked with a smirk, backing Issei up all the way against a wall before stopping.

"Among other things, yeah." Issei kept his cool, not letting his extreme fear leak onto his face.

"Haha! You'll have to forgive me, I'm such a geezer that I couldn't care less about things like diplomacy and red tape. Sorry for the scare, I just wanted to confirm some intel."

Azazel dispersed his spear, giving Issei room to breathe.

"Name's Azazel, leader of the Fallen Angels."

"Issei Hyoudou," Issei said his name with an annoyed look on his face, a little frustrated at his bluffing having been so thoroughly thwarted.

"You're not even at the level of Balance Breaker, are you Issei?"

Issei eyed the Fallen leader warily, knowing this would be an entirely different game than it was with the devils.

"No. I only just learned about the supernatural. I'm out of my league..." Issei, giving in, laughed and rubbed his head.

"Yeah, that's the intel I was confirming. You're lucky it wasn't Sirzechs who found that out, kiddo. You threatened one of the most dangerous men on the planet. Also, I'm glad you said that- means you're willing to play ball. If you had tried to bluff me, I'd have stabbed you in the foot."

"So what do you want?" Issei went over to the door and closed it, gesturing for Azazel to take a seat on his couch. The older man complied, and Issei sat across from him.

"I had to see the size of your balls myself. Like I said, threatening Sirzechs- kid, you've got some big brass ones. Why'd you do it? You don't have a political agenda. You don't really seem to care about power. What's your goal?"

Azazel stroked his goatee, eying Issei with keen interest.

"Uh, well...to be honest it's not really anything that complicated. I don't want to fight anyone, but-"

"It's a girl, isn't it?"

The pieces clicked for Azazel immediately. He leaned forward, eager for Issei's reply.

"...yeah."

"Hah! A tale as old as time. Kiddo, you seriously picked the wrong guy. Let me tell you what's gonna happen. They're probably trying to work out a deal for you right now, and they're gonna present it to you with two options- take it, or you and your lady friend get a dirt nap. They're devils, too, so it's probably gonna be a shitty deal. You get me?"

"Yeah, that's about what we figured."

"Sounds rough. How about a third solution?"

"Is that why you're really here?"

"Kinda. Kinda just wanted to talk to you about your Sacred Gear, but also- yeah."

"So what is it?"

"Here's the deal- we Fallen? We couldn't care less about all the red tape and stuff devils wrap themselves in. We're creatures of desire, and we do what we want."

"Can you just get to the point? I'm really not one for politics."

"Join my side. Become an ambassador and informant for this town, answer to me, and I'll announce you and your girl are under my personal protection. Not to mention- I've got something you really wanna know."

"And let me guess- I have to agree for you to tell me, right?"

"Oh no, nothing like that. Matter of fact, I'll tell you right now. Have you spoken to your Red Dragon pal?"

"No. I've been told it's because I'm not strong enough yet."

"Ha! You're really knee-deep up Shit Creek, aren't you? Okay, here's the deal. You know what the Red Dragon is, right?"

"Of course."

"And the White Dragon?"

"I've heard the name. Supposed to be my rival or something?"

"Exactly right. Here's the deal- the current White Dragon, Vali- is in my faction."

Issei's eyes widened. In reality, he knew quite a bit more than that, as in between training and flirting Kuroka had somehow found time to lecture him about his place in the Supernatural world. The Red Dragon and White Dragon cooperating under one banner would be quite the rarity indeed.

"And I'm guessing he's way more powerful than me?"

"Oh, by a ton."

"Great."

"So, let me explain this in a way that maybe you haven't heard yet. You, being the Red Dragon, are a force to be reckoned with. Most would rather not get in your way, or leave you be, which is the team I'm on. There are some, like the devils, who would put you to use for their own ambitions."

"And those are…?"

"Honestly? It's up for debate. But let me tell you my ambitions: peace in our time. That's it. I'm like you, kid- I'm a lover, not a fighter. I'd rather talk than fight any day of the week. But there are some people who aren't like that. Anyway, here's the deal-"

"You become an ambassador to this town. I'll occasionally ask you to poke around and gather intel, and the Fallen already here will be put under your watch. You fly our colors for a while, I grant you political protection, and life is good. Not to mention, and this is the good bit so listen up- if ever you wanna spread your wings a bit more, you can feel free to leave our side the moment you think it's necessary. That said, if you do leave, I can't protect you anymore. Nothing more than that outta you, and you and your girl get to stay safe and procreate to your heart's content. Whaddaya think?"

Azazel spread his arms out wide, acting like he'd just pitched the sale of a lifetime. In all honesty, to Issei- he had.

"Are you sure political protection is even something you can give? My girl isn't exactly someone the devils are okay with being here."

"Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure. How bad could it be?"

"SS-class criminal Kuroka."

Azazel was silent for a second, then cringed.

"Yeah, that would complicate things just a bit...but, in theory, it'll still work the same. It'll just take a bit of extra work on my part. Offer stands. Is she here, by the way?"

"Damn right I am, nya."

Dropping her illusion, Kuroka appeared behind Issei in her black robes. Realizing she must've been there the entire time, Azazel nodded in appreciation of the skill it took to fool him.

"Well, there you have it. I guess you're gonna use telepathy, so I'll give you a second to talk."

"Sounds like a good deal to me. He's not lying, either."

Kuroka spoke into Issei's mind with Senjutsu while Azazel got up and meandered around the room.

"You can tell?"

"Of course I can. Anyway, that would get Sirzechs off our backs."

Nodding, Issei spoke out loud.

"I accept."

"I wasn't done!"

"Uh...oops."

Kuroka looked at Issei like he was a moron, and he kinda felt like one.

"Great! I'll put out the word immediately. You'll get some more visitors tonight, and probably another visit from Sirzechs- but it won't be like the last one. If anything, he'll probably congratulate you for pulling the wool over his eyes."

Azazel offered his hand to Issei and they shook, Kuroka's eyes drilling holes into the side of her new boyfriend's head with intent to kill.

"I'm really glad we're on the same page, kiddo. I'll contact you more later, but for now, just remember: peace in our time."

Azazel flashed a peace sign, then opened the door and left.

Issei closed it behind him, then collapsed against the side of it and fell to the floor.

"You good?" Kuroka asked, not really sure why he looked so out of it. Everything seemed to go well, from what she'd seen- and, that is to say, all of it- she'd been not even a foot behind Issei the entire meeting, ready to react in a moment's notice if shit hit the fan.

"Oh, yeah, I'm good. Just give me a second to contemplate how I landed myself in this mess."

"That's what you get for taking in strange women, nya."

Rather than helping him up, Kuroka sat down beside him against the door and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I really owe you one, you know?"

"Nah, you don't owe me-"

"Shut up and let me finish."

Issei was a little surprised at that, but he didn't argue.

"I know we can just read each other's feelings and stuff, but to me it means more when I say it myself so that's what I'm gonna do. I do owe you. Listen. All my life, I've been running. Not a single soul so far has ever even tried to help me, much less bent over backwards like you have. It might not seem like a big deal to you, but it is to me. I know I act like a carefree cat, but I think about this stuff a lot."

"We've only known each other for like two weeks now, but in that time, you've really done everything you can to take care of me, which is more I can say for anyone else, even my own so-called family. So you might not think so, but I do owe you. Or at least, I feel like I do. So what is it you want?"

"...what?"

"What is it you want? Everyone always wants something. Nobody does anything without wanting something in return."

"What is it I- Kuroka, is that seriously what you think? I only helped you because I wanted something from you?"

"Did you not?"

Kuroka didn't even seem to disbelieve him- she seemed genuinely shocked, like she couldn't understand why someone would do something for nothing.

"When you came through my window, I helped you because I thought it was the right thing to do. When Sirzechs tried to take you, I defended you because I thought it was the right thing to do. Even just then, I agreed with Azazel because I thought it was the right thing to do. I don't do these things cus I'll get a reward out of them."

"But that's not how it works!"

Kuroka raised her voice a bit, not understanding. She wasn't yelling, but they'd been talking low before so now it sounded loud in comparison.

"That is how it works. I know you haven't had an easy life, but tell me if I'm lying when I say this:"

Kuroka looked him in the eyes.

"The only thing I want is you."

He wasn't lying.

"Ah. So that's what it is. I knew you wanted something."

Kuroka stood up and her robe fell off her shoulders, giving quite the revealing view of her back.

"Go ahead and take me, then. If that's what you're after."

Her normally flirty attitude was replaced with one of somber acceptance.

Issei, his mouth wide open in shock, stood up behind her. After a moment of silent complentation, he pulled Kuroka's robe back up over her shoulders from behind, then grabbed her arms and turned her around to face him.

"That isn't what I meant, you damn cat. I don't want you, I want you."

Issei pointed to her chest, just above her bust. She looked up into his eyes but couldn't come up with anything to say. He'd surprised her with everything he'd said so far.

Sighing in annoyance, she conceded and tucked her head into his chest while he pulled her into a hug.

"You're kinda gross, you know that?"

"Really? How?"

"Here I am recounting my tragic past to you, and you're all romance this and love that. There's no way you don't want anything from me. I'll find out what it is eventually."

"Well, that's how it is. Guess you gotta live with it."

"Just how many gods and monsters are you gonna piss off for me, huh?"

"Depends how many knock on my door."

"You're an idiot."

"Your idiot."

"You better be. If I find out there's some other catgirl you're doing all this stuff for too, it'll be your balls."

"I think one catgirl is more than enough for me, thanks."

There was a pause, and Issei realized the position he was in. He blushed a bit, then came up with an excuse to move.

"A-anyway, I guess we're going to have guests later today, since I'm now the Fallen ambassador to Kuoh or whatever."

Issei pulled away from Kuroka, and started idly tidying up the living room while she plopped down on the couch.

"Are you worried?"

"Nah, not really. It's reassuring to know there's someone on our side."

"Now you get how I feel."

Yeah, so in the original chapter six, there was a pretty heartfelt moment- but to me, it felt unearned. This one sets the tone much better and in a much more realistic way. Kuroka's character at this point is very similar to Cait from Fallout 4 (minus the drugs). She wants someone to trust, but can't let herself be so vulnerable so fast. Anyway I'm sure there's more I should be saying- but I'll leave it at that for now.

If you have suggestions or anything like that, or just want to say hi to me- feel free to join my Discord server:

discord .gg /QgtB9JC

That's all for now. Please leave a review if you've got something to say, and as always-

See you next mission!