DxD: Ascension - Redux

This chapter marks the beginning of Volume IV: Khaos.

Azazel's apartment (BGM: Persona 5 - Blood of Villain)

Azazel released his wings. "I am Azazel, the head of the fallen angels."
"Wh-what do you want?" Issei asked.
"Well, after what happened with Kokabiel, I just thought I'd drop by. Oh, and one other thing. I happen to have a special interest in that Boosted Gear of yours. Looks like Albion did some good work, didn't he?"
"What do you mean? Are you talking about the White Dragon?"
Azazel nodded. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there at the time, so I had someone else take care of it in my stead. I must say, I was impressed with how well he followed directions this time."
"We had it covered!" Issei protested.
Azazel simply laughed. "You'd never have been able to defeat Kokabiel with the amount of power you've got. Even that Praktum boy, amazing though he may be, would've been killed. It really doesn't matter how hard you try. And another thing: due to the recent events, the leaders of the angels, devils, and fallen angels have decided to hold a summit."
"Wait, when?"

Occult Research Clubroom, the next day (End BGM)

"I'm absolutely livid," Rias growled. "The Governor-General of the fallen angels has infiltrated my territory and interfered with my business. And on top of that, he's attempting to make advances toward my prized servant! He deserves to die a thousand deaths!"
"That's excessive," Zach commented. "He hasn't done anything to harm Issei. And who said he wasn't allowed to call a devil for a contract? He's just as much a customer as Mil-tan. That doesn't interfere with anything."
"That bad, huh?" Issei asked. "And don't mention Mil-tan! That dude is creepy!"
"So are there really gonna be a bunch of leaders meeting here?" Koneko asked.
Rias nodded. "Afraid so. I received confirmation from my brother earlier. We're going to need to make a plan and discuss what will happen in the future. Any thoughts on the matter?"
"I still can't believe this happened," Xenovia said. "All relationships have been changed. Nothing's the same between anyone. Devils, angels, or fallen angels."
"That's why a meeting of this sort happening so suddenly could make things more complicated. I can't help but wonder what's really going on. But I do have a theory. It has to do with Azazel."
Issei looked at his hand. "Let me guess. You think he's after my Boosted Gear, don't you?"
"No matter what, it's going to be okay." Rias pulled Issei into a hug, burying his face in her breasts. "I will do everything in my power to protect you."
"Let him go, Rias. You're gonna suffocate him," Zach chided.
Rias let go of Issei, who was quietly cursing at Zach. "Is there anything constructive you would like to add to the conversation?"
Zach nodded. "Yeah, actually. I have an idea about why this meeting is happening now. Pretty sure Azazel called this meeting to order to apologize. After all, Kokabiel was acting against his wishes. But that can't be the only reason. If he wanted to apologize or clear the air, then all he'd have to do is send a message to the Satans and Seraphs explaining everything. There's another reason for this meeting. We just don't know what it is yet..."

The next day, outside Xenovia's apartment building (BGM: Persona 5 - Tokyo Daylight)

Issei, Rias, and Asia met up with Xenovia on their way to school.
"Good morning," the latter called as she saw them approach.
Asia smiled, rushing ahead of Issei and Rias. "Hi, how are you doing today?"
Issei walked up behind Asia. "What's up? From the look of things, I'd say you're getting used to living here."
Xenovia nodded. "Yeah, the place Rias prepared for me is quite comfortable. I'm adjusting well."
Rias caught up with her friends. "This entire place is supported by the devils, so it'll be a very safe environment."

Kuoh Academy Pool

Issei stared at the filthy water. "Yuck, what is that crap?"
Akeno giggled. "It hasn't been used since last year."
"And we have to clean all of it?"
"Why does our club have to clean the swimming pool?" Xenovia wondered.
"It's supposed to be the student council's job, but we're taking over for them," Rias explained. "I thought that doing this for them would be a great way to thank them for the help against Kokabiel. And on the bright side, once it's all cleaned up, the pool will be ours to use whenever we want, at least for the rest of the day."
Zach summoned his Boosted Gear copy and dipped one of the gauntlet's fingers into the water. It came out filthy and slightly corroded. "Word of warning: some leftover magical residue from the fight is in this water. Not enough to affect any of us, but I thought I'd mention it." The gauntlet disappeared.
Issei was too distracted by his thoughts to hear Zach. "No way, we have a pool?!" Pools mean swimsuits! If Rias and the girls want to swim, they'll be wearing super sexy swimsuits! He raised both hands into the air. "Yes! I love cleaning pools! Hell, I live for it! Raise your hand if you can't wait!"
"Raise two hands if you're just trying to be a pervert," Koneko countered.
"Harsh," Zach commented.
Rias fist pumped. "Then let's impress everyone with how clean we can make this sucker!"