DxD : kuoh’s Hidden Star

". .

But, a Sacred Gear capable of transporting almost [Ultimate-Class] beasts across different spaces, to and from the Underworld, in the possession of traitors…. ? What sort of catastrophe are we witnessing unfold right now.

. ?"

". .

What sort of enemy are we faced with is the better question. "

"That isn't something we need to concern ourselves with. That can be discussed by [Beelzebub-sama] and his colleagues.

We've already wasted enough time talking amongst ourselves. Our first priority is to provide enough support to seal or capture the "Whale" and any other high level beasts are also included.

"

"Ah, I'm afraid I must depart. My objective was to assist in maintaining a perimeter in which there resided no beasts.

The associates of the [Sitri organizations] are currently attending to any humans who are wounded. They are also rescuing those currently in danger.

Once they have contained them within a certain barrier together, they will erase their memories and create the false narrative of a natural disaster in place of everything. It should be easily accepted, considering the destruction and lack of connection with the outside world, as of currently.

Indeed, if this were an attack on a highly populated capital, then the situation would be nearly impossible to cover up. "

"I see. Good luck with that then.

"

"To the two of you as well. "

The Devils ended their conversation, seemingly as they were about to depart.

'. .

Are they leaving?'

Shiin!

But right before they left, Issei's gauntlet shined a bright light and even seemed to release some energy. The Devils didn't fail to take notice of it.

"Did you feel that?!"

"Yes. .

Behind us. "

'. .

?! Wha—?! They found us! What just—!'

[Partner, drop the girl. ]

'What?!'

[I revealed ourselves to them. I won't risk your life by allowing you to protect this girl any longer.

Separate yourself from her. Just do as I say.

They won't hurt her. Separate yourself and hide.

Trust me. ]

'Wha—?! Ddraig, you—?!'

Steadily and warily, the trio of Devils began to approach the group of shrubs that Issei had hidden himself within.

"It must be coming from there. .

"

"Yes. That feeling… It couldn't be a beast, could it.

. ?"

'They're getting closer to us?!'

[Do as I said, boy. ]

Issei closed his eyes in frustration as the Devils cautiously approached him. The closer and closer they got, the more his fear heightened.

"This presence. .

. Is it a human?"

'Dammit!'

Issei finally released the girl and moved further down into the foliage, causing it to rustle.

Rustle!

"Wha—?! Who goes there?! Are you hurt?! Don't be afraid!"

[Don't answer. Be quiet and hold your breath.

]

Issei kept his eyes shut, curled himself into a ball, and covered his mouth. He could only distance himself a meter away from the unconscious girl.

Had he moved any further, they would have noticed the distance between her body and the rustling.

Rustle. .

One of the Devils finally approached and separated the shrubbery, revealing the child.

". .

It was a human after all. "

The Devil pulled the girl out from the shrubs and held her in his arms.

"She is alive, but unconscious. She must have hidden here and passed out.

But that energy…. Could she possibly possess a Sacred Gear of some kind?"

'They…. can't sense me…?'

Issei breathed a silent sigh of relief.

"Nevertheless, I shall take her to the Sitri's associates. Remain vigilant, you two.

"

"Very well. "

"Good luck. "

The three men— No, Devils, extended their black, leathery wings and flew off. One went in a separate direction from the other two.

'What is going on?. .

. I didn't understand any of what they said.

Is this their fault or not? Why is this happening to us?'

[Do not concern yourself with that now, partner. If you wish to find your family, now is the greatest time.

Though, I still don't recommend that course of action. This "perimeter" that the Devils have created may not stretch as far as your home.

In fact, that place may now be infested with other beasts. At the very least, I can say that it thankfully isn't as clouded by beasts as the north was, but I suspect it is still the second worst place to be.

]

Rustle!

Issei jumped out from the bushes and ran towards where his house should be, not caring for Ddraig's warning.

'Mum! Dad! Please be okay! I'm coming home, so please be okay! Please!'

—His body felt heavy, heavier than ever before. He couldn't believe the physical stress he was under.

His entire body was on the verge of collapsing. Pure willpower was what kept him moving forward.

His sides hurt. He was hungry.

He was exhausted, mentally and physically. He was hardly aware of his surroundings anymore.

It all really felt like a dream. It was surreal.

It didn't feel real in the slightest. But that's alright.

When he saw his parents, he knew it would all be alright. He would "wake up" when he saw them.

The three of them would have breakfast together and his mother would comfort him after his bad dream, like always. He knows it.

He'll apologize for everything he's ever done. He'll be the greatest son ever.

He'll make his parents proud. No more perverted stuff from the old man from now on.

No more pranks against his aunties or uncles. No more being depressed about Rin.

No more difficulty making friends. No more troublemaking.

He'll take that martial arts class his dad wanted him to take. He'll ask his mum to color some coloring books together with him like when he was a toddler.

He'll kiss him mum every morning. He'll hug his dad everyday.

He'll never ask for anything he doesn't need or act spoiled. He'll never cause problems for his parents ever again.

He'll do all of that and more. That's why.

. .

…

'—That's why, please be okay!'

Out of nowhere, Issei slipped on something and lost his balance.