KU DXD Chapter 4 An Interesting Story (Patreon)

Space

Far above the blue-green marble of Earth, a massive silver warship drifted silently in orbit, its sleek hull glimmering faintly under the distant sunlight. This was no ordinary vessel. Every line of its design radiated power, the mark of Devilukean craftsmanship and the pride of a galactic empire.

Inside, the bridge hummed with activity. Panels of glowing blue light pulsed across the walls, and the air carried a faint static hum from the ship’s advanced systems. Two figures stood trembling before the captain’s seat, their sleek black suits scuffed and torn, their hair disheveled, and their faces pale with exhaustion and shame.

The taller one, Maul, tried to straighten his back despite the bruises marking his face. The shorter one, Smutts, stood beside him, eyes darting nervously between the floor and their superior. Neither dared to meet his gaze.

Before them, seated upon the central chair, was a man whose very presence filled the room with silent authority. Zastin.

His armor gleamed with a dull silver sheen edged in black, its design both regal and battle-worn. A long, dark purple cape hung from his shoulders, brushing lightly against the floor. His grayish hair fell over his sharp blue eyes. The faintest flicker of his tail, thin, long, and ending in a sharp, scorpion-like stinger — was enough to make his subordinates flinch.

Zastin’s voice, when it finally came, was calm. “Let me make sure I understand this…” His tone was measured, each word dripping with quiet disappointment. “You two… the elite pursuers of the Royal Guard… managed to lose Princess Lala… to a single human boy.”

Maul winced, his throat tightening. “W-We underestimated the Earthling’s interference, Commander Zastin. He displayed… unexpected power.”

“Power?” Zastin’s eyebrow arched slightly. “You were taken down by a high schooler.”

Smutts cleared his throat weakly. “He… had a strange red weapon, sir! It appeared out of nowhere and broke through our restraint fields!”

Zastin stood slowly, the metallic plates of his armor shifting with a faint, menacing hiss. He walked forward, his boots echoing heavily across the floor until he stopped before them. The two men instinctively lowered their heads.

“A strange red weapon…” He repeated softly, his sharp blue gaze distant for a moment as if weighing the meaning behind those words. “And this caused you to retreat?”

Maul swallowed hard. “No Commander Zastin, W-We were… forcibly transported, sir! The Princess used one of her inventions… something called ‘Go Vacuum-kun’—”

Smutts trembled. “It ate us, Commander.”

Zastin blinked once, expression unreadable. “It… ate you.”

“Yes, sir,” Maul said miserably, staring at the floor. “And then… exploded.”

Silence fell over the bridge. 

Zastin brought a gloved hand to his forehead and exhaled through his nose. “Of course it did.”

He turned away from them, cape fluttering faintly as he gazed through the massive observation window at the planet below. Earth glowed softly beneath him, an innocent, fragile, underdeveloped world blissfully unaware of the intergalactic chaos brewing above its atmosphere.

“Princess Lala…” He murmured, his voice quieter now, carrying both respect and exasperation. “Always one step away from disaster.”

He rested one hand on the back of his chair. His expression softened for just a fraction of a second, not fondness exactly, but familiarity. He had protected her since she was a child, watched her grow into a brilliant, reckless, and endlessly curious woman. The galaxy itself had not been large enough to contain her imagination.

And now, she was hiding on a backwater planet at the edge of nowhere.

“She must have her reasons,” He finally said, turning back toward his subordinates. “But it changes nothing. The King wants her returned safely… and that is exactly what I will do.”

Maul’s eyes widened. “S-Sir, you mean you’ll go yourself?”

Zastin nodded once. “Clearly, this mission requires more than simple muscle.” He shot them both a withering glance that made them straighten instantly. “You’ve proven that much.”

Smutts wilted under the weight of that stare. “We… we can try again, Commander—”

“No.” Zastin’s voice was firm, final. “You’ve done enough.”

He stepped toward the center of the bridge, and as he did, the metallic platform beneath him glowed with intricate lines of purple energy. The ship’s AI recognized the command sequence immediately.

“Prepare my landing craft,” he ordered. “I’m heading to Earth.”

The crew on the bridge, the few still brave enough to breathe, snapped to attention. “Yes, Commander!”

Maul and Smutts exchanged terrified glances, then bowed deeply. “Forgive our failure, sir. We’ll prepare the coordinates.”

Zastin ignored their fumbling apologies, his gaze still fixed on the world below. His voice was quiet, but the determination behind it was ironclad.

“If the Princess truly intends to remain on this planet… then I will bring her back myself.”

—----------------------------------

5th of March, Wednesday, Morning

Kouh, Hyoudou Residence, Issei’s Room

The morning sunlight crept through the blinds of Issei’s room, slicing across the cluttered floor. Dust motes danced lazily in the beams, drifting over posters of anime girls, scattered manga, and the faint hum of an alarm clock that had been ringing nonstop for nearly a full minute.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Issei Hyoudou groaned into his pillow, half-buried beneath the blanket. He muttered something about “five more minutes” and tried to roll over—only to realize something warm, soft, and very human-shaped was holding him down.

His sleepy mind didn’t process it at first. He wriggled a little, trying to escape the warmth, but the arms around him only tightened, pulling him closer. His head pressed against something… soft. ‘A pillow?’

And then he heard it — the soft, rhythmic sound of breathing. A feminine voice moaning and breathing. His eyes cracked open and his world froze.

Right there, inches away, was Lala Satalin Deviluke, sleeping peacefully with the sunlight caressing her pink hair like a halo. Her arms were draped around him, holding him close as if he were some kind of oversized plush toy. Her bare skin glowed faintly in the morning light, smooth and unblemished, and her expression was relaxed, serene, utterly content, it made her look like an angel. A completely naked angel.

For several seconds, Issei just lay there, brain buffering. Then his eyes widened to the size of saucers. His body stiffened. “Wha—wha—wha—!?!” A strangled squeak escaped his throat. His brain short-circuited, rebooted, and immediately exploded with a thousand thoughts.

‘T-There’s a naked girl in my bed! There’s a naked girl in my bed! Oh my god, she’s holding me! She’s naked—! Her skin—! Her—oh sweet heavenly Oppai, this isn’t a dream!!’

He looked down. Yes, he was in his white t-shirt and boxers. Yes, this was definitely his bed. And yes, Lala was very, very real.

He almost cried. Tears welled up in his eyes as he whispered, “I… I did it… I’ve ascended… my dream has finally come true…” Then his brain kicked in. ‘Wait—why is she here!? Didn’t Mom and Dad give her the guest room last night!? What—how—did she sneak in here!?’

The alarm continued to blare.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

He really wanted it shut up but his arms were currently occupied. He exhaled shakily, trying to calm his racing heart. His body was rigid, afraid to move even an inch in fear of waking her. But his heart wasn’t listening, it pounded so loudly he was sure it’d wake the entire house.

‘Okay, Hyoudou… think. I could skip school and just stay here. I mean we're engaged, I think, so it must be fine. But mom would kill me if I did.’

But fate, as always, was cruel.

Lala stirred. Her body shifted slightly, and her hold on him loosened just enough for her to yawn adorably. Her emerald eyes blinked open, unfocused at first, before locking on his face.

When she smiled, it was the kind of smile that could melt ice. “Good morning, Issei~.” Her voice was warm, gentle, completely innocent — and somehow that made it ten times more dangerous.

Issei’s brain exploded. ‘SHE SAID GOOD MORNING. SHE’S STILL NAKED. SHE’S STILL—OH GOD I’M TOUCHING HER WAIST—!’

“H-h-hey! G-good morning! Uh—how are you—um—why—uh—WHY ARE YOU HERE!?” He stammered, face turning crimson.

Lala tilted her head, sitting up slightly, which only made things worse. The blanket slipped down, and Issei immediately slapped both hands over his eyes, sputtering like a malfunctioning robot.

“I-I-I mean not that I’m complaining, it’s just—uh—you have your own room! T-that guest room! Remember!?”

Lala blinked innocently, completely unfazed by his panic. “Oh, that! Well, I got lonely.” She smiled sweetly, stretching her arms over her head, blissfully unaware of the heart attack she was causing. “It felt weird sleeping all by myself in a new place, so I came here! You looked comfy, so I just snuggled in.”

“Sn-snuggled—!? That’s not snuggling, that’s—!” He stopped mid-yell, burying his face in his hands. “I’m gonna die before I even graduate…”

Lala giggled softly, leaning forward with her usual energy. “You’re so funny, Issei! You make the cutest faces when you panic~.”

Issei peeked between his fingers, instantly regretting it when he realized just how close she was now. Her smile was only inches away, and the faint scent of her hair, sweet, floral, faintly electric, filled his head.

“L-Lala, please—” he squeaked. “Clothes! You need clothes!”

“Hm?” She blinked, looking down at herself as though realizing it for the first time. “Oh! I forgot again. Peke went into sleep mode last night while recharging.” The little white doll floated up, blinking sleepily as it was called.

“Good morning, Mistress Lala…” Peke’s voice buzzed softly. “Power fully restored.”

“Oh, Peke! Perfect timing!” Lala beamed, raising her arms. “Clothing mode, please!”

Peke hovered higher, glowing brightly before bursting into light. In an instant, her body was enveloped by shimmering particles that reshaped themselves into fabric — the futuristic bodysuit and frilly skirt reappearing in seconds. The room filled with a faint whirr before fading back to silence.

Issei exhaled loudly, collapsing backward onto his pillow. “Thank you, merciful gods…”

Lala giggled, adjusting her gloves. “Better?”

“Y-yeah,” he muttered, eyes still spinning. “Better. Much better. I think my soul came back to my body.”

She leaned closer, poking his cheek playfully. “You’re so silly in the mornings~.”

He stared at her, still red-faced. “You broke into my bed while naked, Lala. Anyone would be silly after that!”

Lala tilted her head, thinking. “But I didn’t break anything! I used the door.”

“That’s not—! You know what, never mind…” He sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “I need to get ready for school before Mom—”

Right on cue, there was a knock on the door.

“Issei!” came Miki’s cheerful voice. “Breakfast is ready! And make sure you’re not running late again!”

Issei froze. Lala froze. Peke's face blinked, now on the large white hat.

The silence was deafening.

Then, in the smallest whisper possible, Issei hissed, “Don’t. Move. A muscle.”

Lala, utterly failing to grasp the gravity of the situation, smiled brightly. “Okay~!”

Issei scrambled for his uniform, tossing his blanket over Lala in the process. “Mom! I’ll be down in a bit! Just, uh—getting dressed!”

There was a pause. “…You’re not hiding another magazine under your bed again, are you?”

His soul left his body. “W-What!? Of course not! Don’t be ridiculous! Ha-ha-ha-ha—”

“Mm-hm.” The sound of footsteps faded away. “And tell Lala to come down to eat as well.”

This caused Issei to blink as his mom already knew that Lala was her.

Lala tilted her head. “Your mom sounds really nice~.”

“Yeah,” Issei muttered dryly. “Let’s just go downstairs and eat breakfast.”

Lala pouted a little but nodded. “Okay~!”

As she happily floated toward the door, humming to herself, Issei groaned and ran a hand through his messy hair.

‘This girl’s gonna be the death of me…’ He thought, pulling on his uniform shirt. Then, despite himself, a tiny smile tugged at his lips. ‘But… she really is cute when she smiles like that.’

He shook the thought away, standing up and stretching. “Alright, Hyoudou. I have to get dressed.”

—------------------------------------

In another sector of Zastin’s ship, the landing craft chamber rumbled to life. The commander stood before his small shuttle, the sleek craft shaped like a dagger poised to pierce the heavens.

Maul and Smutts stood at attention nearby, still bruised but determined to redeem themselves somehow.

Zastin adjusted the strap of his scabbard, the sword at his side glowing faintly with Devilukean energy. His cape fluttered as the hangar doors opened, revealing the endless void beyond and the shimmering curve of Earth below.

“Commander!” Maul called out suddenly. “What are your orders if… if the Princess refuses to return?”

Zastin paused at the shuttle’s ramp. He didn’t look back as he answered. “Then I’ll have to convince her.”

Smutts gulped. “And if this human interferes again?”

Zastin’s lips curved into a faint, knowing smirk. “Then I’ll see what kind of man my Princess has chosen.”

He stepped aboard the shuttle, the door sealing behind him with a hiss. The engines flared to life, and in a brilliant burst of blue light, the craft detached from the main ship — streaking toward the distant blue world below.

As it vanished into the planet’s atmosphere, Maul and Smutts stood side by side in silence.

“Think the Commander’s gonna bring her back peacefully?” Smutts asked quietly.

Maul sighed. “I think he’s about to find out what kind of trouble Earth really is.”

Their gazes lingered on the glowing planet below.

—-------------------------------------------

The scent of grilled fish, rice, and miso soup filled the Hyoudou home with comforting warmth. The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, making the kitchen glow in soft amber hues. Birds chirped outside, and the faint sound of neighbors getting ready for the day could be heard through the open window.

Lala sat with perfect posture, her smile radiant as she shoveled another bite of rice into her mouth. “Mmm~! So delicious!” She said brightly, eyes sparkling with genuine delight. She hummed cheerfully between bites, her emerald eyes gleaming as she devoured her breakfast with enthusiasm and grace. 

Miki and Gorou, on the other hand, hovered nearby like doting parents seeing their dream come true.

“Oh my, Lala, you eat so neatly,” Miki said with genuine delight as she refilled the pink-haired girl’s bowl. “Would you like another serving of rice? Or maybe some grilled mackerel?”

“Yes, please, Mom!” Lala chirped with radiant joy.

Miki’s hands froze mid-motion, then she giggled, cheeks tinged pink. “Ahaha~ She called me Mom!”

Across the table, Gorou chuckled, puffing out his chest with fatherly pride. “And she called me Dad earlier, remember? What a sweet girl!”

Lala smiled brightly, completely unaware of how her words had just melted two adult hearts. “Your cooking is amazing, Mom! The best I’ve ever tasted! I could eat this every day!”

“Such a good daughter-in-law,” Miki sighed blissfully, pressing a hand to her cheek. “So polite and cheerful, too.”

Issei, meanwhile, sat frozen at the end of the table, chopsticks halfway to his mouth, face full of disbelief. His parents’ delighted laughter echoed through the dining room as he sat there in an existential crisis.

‘What… is even happening right now?’ He looked between his mother, who was practically glowing, to his father, who looked one toast short of tears, and Lala, who sat eating like it was just another happy morning.

Issei finally found his voice. “Uh… Mom, Dad. Why are you two… treating Lala like she’s some kind of royal guest?”

Miki turned to him with a bright smile that sent a chill down his spine. “Because, dear, she’s your fiancée!”

“WHAT!?” Issei practically choked on his rice. “You’re still going with that!?”

Gorou chuckled, sipping his tea with an overly satisfied grin. “You heard your mother, son. We finally have a chance to be grandparents before we die. Do you have any idea how long we’ve been waiting for you to bring home a girl?”

“I’m sixteen!” Issei spluttered. “I’m not even out of high school!”

“Exactly,” Miki said cheerfully. “And yet here you are, sitting next to a lovely girl who actually likes you. You think we’re going to question a miracle like that? Absolutely not.”

Issei stared at her, speechless. “Y-you make it sound like I planned this! I didn’t even— she just— it’s not like that!”

Lala tilted her head, swallowing another bite of rice. “What do you mean, Issei? We are engaged, remember?”

Miki nodded along. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth, sweetie. If a gorgeous alien princess wants to marry my idiot son, I’m not about to talk her out of it.”

Gorou nodded in firm agreement. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to this family. Don’t mess it up, boy. We finally have a chance to be grandparents!”

“That’s right!” Miki said with a gleam in her eye, clasping her hands together. “After all these years of wondering if our hopeless, perverted son would ever find a girl who could actually stand him — now look! A beautiful, kind, intergalactic princess is calling us Mom and Dad!”

Issei groaned, dropping his head into his hands. “You people are insane…”

Across the table, Lala tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “Grandparents? Oh! Are you two hoping for us to have children soon?”

Miki’s eyes lit up like fireworks. “Eventually, yes!”

“Lala you don’t have to answer!” Issei yelped.

Lala blinked innocently, glancing at him. “Why not? You’d make a great dad, Issei~.”

Issei nearly slid off his chair. His parents, on the other hand, looked ready to cry tears of joy. Gorou even sniffled. “She’s perfect. Absolutely perfect.”

Miki giggled softly behind her hand. “Oh, Lala-chan, don’t mind him. He’s just shy. He’s always been that way when it comes to girls.”

Lala smiled sweetly, turning to them again. “Oh, that’s okay! You don’t have to worry, Mom, Dad. Issei’s always kind to me!  He helps me, protects me, and he’s so funny too!”

Miki clasped her hands together, utterly smitten. “A girl who defends him too! Lala, dear, you don’t defend him too much, dear. He may act sweet, but our boy’s still a handful. If he ever gets out of line, you just come to us, alright? We’ll set him straight.”

Issei sweatdropped so hard he could almost hear it. “Great. My parents are now encouraging my fiancée to report me…”

Lala tilted her head again, beaming. “But Issei would never do anything bad! He’s super nice!”

“That’s what they all say in the honeymoon phase,” Miki teased.

Issei blushed red. “M-Mom!”

Gorou patted his son’s shoulder, looking deeply sentimental. “I’m proud of you, Issei. I always knew there was a good reason you were so… passionate.”

Lala giggled behind her chopsticks, clearly entertained by the family dynamic. To her, this was all fun and warm, a kind of domestic peace she hadn’t had back home in the royal palace. “You’re all so funny! Breakfast here feels so cozy!”

Gorou and Miki practically sparkled with pride. “She’s adorable,” Miki whispered to her husband.

“I know,” Gorou whispered back. “She’s way too good for him.”

“Hey!” Issei protested, but neither of them paid him any attention. Before Issei could argue further, the sound of the front door opening broke the commotion. The quiet shuffle of shoes, followed by approaching footsteps, drew everyone’s attention.

“Uncle, Auntie, we’re here!” Came a familiar voice from the hall.

Issei’s heart sank. “Oh no…”

A moment later, Mikan entered the kitchen, her brother Rito following behind her. Both were in their school uniforms, carrying their bags.

“Morning!” Mikan greeted politely and then stopped mid-step, eyes widening slightly at the sight of the unfamiliar pink-haired girl sitting happily at the table. “Um… who’s this?”

Rito blinked in confusion, his gaze bouncing between his uncle, aunt, and the Lala. “Wait, am I in the right house?”

At the head of the table sat a radiant, pink-haired girl in a futuristic outfit, smiling and eating happily. Miki stood beside her, glowing with maternal pride. Gorou waved cheerfully.

“Ah, Rito, Mikan! Perfect timing!” Miki said, motioning toward Lala. “Come meet our new houseguest, Lala-chan, your cousin’s fiancée! Issei and her just met and quickly got engaged.”

Both siblings stared blankly.

“…His what?” Mikan asked flatly.

“His fiancée!” Miki repeated with enthusiasm. “Isn’t she adorable?”

Lala waved brightly. “Hi there~! Nice to meet you both!”

“Uh… nice to meet you too,” Mikan said slowly, her tone cautious.

Rito’s jaw practically hit the floor. His brain did a full system reboot. “Fiancée!? As in… married-to-be fiancée!? To I-Issei!?”

Issei buried his face in his hands. “Please let me die right now…”

Mikan blinked between Lala and her cousin, then sighed. “Are you serious?”

Lala leaned closer, intrigued. “Oh! You’re Mikan and Rito, right? Issei told me about you yesterday!”

Rito sputtered. “H-He did!?”

“Mm-hmm!” Lala said proudly. “He said you’re both really nice! And that you help him a lot when he’s in trouble!”

Mikan smirked, crossing her arms. “Oh, we help him, alright. Usually by dragging him out of the messes he causes.”

Lala giggled. “Then we’ll get along great!”

Rito, meanwhile, looked like he was watching his sanity unravel in real time. “A-Aunt Miki… are you seriously okay with this!? You just said that they had recently met?”

Miki smiled warmly. “Of course! She’s sweet, polite, and calls me Mom. What’s not to love?”

Rito opened his mouth to argue, then closed it. “…You know what? Sure. Why not? Reality clearly doesn’t apply in this house.”

Mikan nodded in agreement, deadpan. “Welcome to the family, Lala. You’ll fit right in with the chaos.”

“Chaos?” Lala repeated, tilting her head. “Oh! You mean fun!”

“Sure,” Mikan muttered. “Let’s go with that.”

Issei groaned as his mother poured Lala more tea and his father gave Rito a wink that said ‘Hopefully you bring your girl here next time.’

Then after the reveal of Issei’s fiance, they returned back to sit on the table and continue their breakfast. Lala sat happily at the table, savoring her breakfast. Miki was practically glowing, Gorou was laughing over every word Lala said, and Issei was quietly debating whether he could crawl under the table and never come out.

Across from them, Mikan and Rito were still trying to process what their aunt had just said.

“So… you’re really Issei’s fiancée?” Rito asked, eyes wide, his chopsticks picking food.

“Yup~!” Lala replied cheerfully, taking another bite of rice. “It just sort of happened last night!”

Mikan gave her cousin a flat stare. “You got engaged overnight. To a girl you just met. Who your parents immediately accepted.”

Issei groaned, rubbing his temples. “You make it sound like I had a choice in any of this…”

Gorou chuckled. “A man doesn’t question fate, son. He embraces it.”

Miki clasped her hands together. “Exactly! Besides, you and Lala look so cute together!”

Lala giggled at that, leaning over to Issei’s side. “He really is cute, isn’t he~?”

“Stop agreeing with her!” Issei sputtered, his face crimson.

Rito and Mikan exchanged a look that could only be described as pure disbelief.

Finally, Mikan tilted her head slightly, eyes studying Lala’s outfit, the pristine white bodysuit with purple trim, the short open skirt, white gloves and boots, and the large white hat with wings.

“So… Lala-san,” She began politely, “Those clothes of yours are… really unique. Are they from some kind of cosplay event?”

Lala blinked, then smiled brightly. “Cosplay? Oh! You mean fashion on Earth? Nope, this is just one of my everyday outfits! Peke made it for me!”

“Peke?” Rito asked, confused. “Is that like… a designer brand?”

Before Issei could stop her, Lala perked up. “Oh! I can show you! Peke introduce yourself.”

She lifted her hand, and petted her large hat that had swirling eyes.

“Good morning, everyone!” Chirped the hat. “I am Peke, Mistress Lala’s multi-function assistant and outfit system!”

Rito blinked twice. “…It talks.”

Mikan’s jaw dropped. “Whaa?”

Lala grinned, tapping her fingers together excitedly. “And it can do this! Peke, transform please!”

“Understood!” Peke buzzed.

In an instant, a bright light enveloped Lala. The entire dining room filled with a low hum as the futuristic bodysuit dissolved into glowing particles and reformed in a completely new outfit. When the light faded, Lala was now wearing…

Miki’s favorite floral home dress.

Everyone froze.

“Ta-daa~!” Lala sang, spinning once. “Now I look like Mom!”

Miki nearly fainted from joy. “She called me Mom again!”

Rito’s brain short-circuited. “Wait—w-wait—what just happened!? Did her clothes just disappear and reappear in a second!?”

Mikan gawked. “How?”

Lala tilted her head, tail swaying behind her as if to punctuate her point. “Pretty great, right. I made Peke myself with Devilukean technology!”

Issei froze mid-sip of his tea, choking slightly. “L-Lala—!”

Rito blinked, brow furrowing. “Devilukean? What’s that supposed to—wait…” He stared as something black flicked behind her. “…Is that… a tail?”

“Oh, this?” Lala asked casually, flicking the heart-tipped tail behind her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “This is my tail. It’s cute, right?”

The room went dead silent.

Rito’s jaw hung open. Mikan’s eyes twitched.

Finally, Rito pointed shakily. “T-T-Tail—she has a tail—!!”

Mikan stood up, leaning over the table. “That looks so real!? Are you an alien?”

Lala blinked in confusion. “Of course. I thought it was obvious!”

Issei slammed his face into his hands. “Lala, you’re not supposed to tell people you’re an alien!”

“Eh? Why not?” Lala asked innocently. “Aren’t they your family? Families share secrets!”

Rito’s brain was barely holding together. “So… you’re saying you’re an alien princess from outer space… with a clothing robot… and a tail!?”

“Yup!”

Peke then chimed in proudly. “Mistress Lala hails from Planet Deviluke, first princess of the Devilukean Empire and heir to the galactic throne!”

Mikan slowly sank back into her chair, expression flat. “Okay. Sure. Why not? This day can’t get any weirder.”

Rito rubbed his temples. “I think I’m having a breakdown.”

Mikan turned toward Issei, her voice deadpan. “Okay, Issei, explain. Now.”

Rito nodded vigorously. “Yeah, before my brain implodes.”

Issei sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, now that the secret’s out, I guess there’s no point hiding it anymore.”

Miki and Gorou exchanged curious looks, both clearly intrigued. “Issei, what did happen last night? You and Lala disappeared from your room, and when we checked, the window was open.”

Issei sighed again. “Yeah… about that.”

He glanced at Lala, who blinked innocently while sipping her tea.

“Okay, so… it all started when Lala randomly appeared in my bathroom.”

Mikan raised an eyebrow. “...Excuse me?”

“She was naked,” Issei added before realizing what he said.

“EHHH!?” Rito yelled in surprise.

Lala waved her hands frantically. “Ah! It wasn’t on purpose! My teleportation device malfunctioned, and I ended up materializing there by accident!”

Mikab blinked. “A teleportation device!?”

“Yup!” Lala said cheerfully. “It’s supposed to take me anywhere instantly! But I can’t control where it takes me and sometimes it sends me to weird places…”

Mikan sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Of course it does.”

Issei cleared his throat and continued, “Anyway, right after that, two guys showed up out of nowhere — aliens like her. They said they were here to take Lala back to her planet because apparently, she’s supposed to marry someone.”

Lala puffed her cheeks. “Exactly! I don’t want to get married just because my dad said so! That’s why I ran away!”

Issei nodded. “Yeah. They tried to drag her off, but I got involved and told them she should be the one to decide who she marries.”

Miki’s expression softened. “Oh, sweetie…”

Gorou smiled proudly. “That’s my boy.”

Rito blinked. “Wait, so you picked a fight with aliens?”

Issei scratched his cheek awkwardly. “It felt like the right thing to say and do! But me getting involved wasn’t necessary as Lala was able to defeat the two by herself.”

Lala smiled warmly. “That’s not true! You were amazing, Issei!”

He blinked. “Huh?”

She clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling. “You looked so cool with that red glove on your hand! You protected me and carried me away from them like a real hero!”

The room went quiet.

Rito and Mikan turned to stare at him again. “Red glove?” Mikan asked.

Issei rubbed the back of his head nervously. “Ah… yeah. About that…”

Miki leaned forward, curious. “What glove?”

Mikan looked skeptical. “Is it another alien gadget?”

Issei rubbed his head sheepishly. “I don’t know what it is. It just kinda… appeared when I needed it.”

Lala’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “You have to show me! Please, Issei! I want to study it and it looks so interesting.”

He looked at her, flustered. “I-I can’t! I don’t even know how I did it!”

“Hmm…” Lala tapped her chin, thinking deeply. “Then maybe try doing what you did last night! What did you feel when it appeared?”

Issei thought for a moment. He remembered the desperation in his chest, the desire of power, the fear of losing Lala, the need to protect her. His heartbeat quickened. “I… I just wanted power,” He said softly. “To move. To help Lala.”

The air in the room shifted, a faint hum began to fill the space, subtle but growing stronger. A soft red light flickered across Issei’s left hand.

Lala gasped, eyes wide with awe. “It’s happening again!”

Before anyone could react, a flash of red engulfed his arm as metal-like scales shimmered into existence, forming a sleek red glove that pulsed with life.

Everyone jumped in surprise.

Miki’s teacup rattled against the table. “Wh-what just happened?”

Rito’s eyes bulged. “Okay, what the heck is THAT!?”

Mikan leaned forward, jaw slack. ”

Issei looked down at the glowing glove, breathless. The faint red light reflected off his face, and for a moment, he could almost feel the power surging beneath his skin again.

Lala beamed, clasping her hands together. “Wow~! It’s even cooler in the daylight! It must be some kind of ancient weapon!”

“Or maybe,” Issei muttered, staring at his hand, “it’s just another reason for my life to get even crazier…”

But despite his panic, Lala only giggled, fascinated by the artifact now gleaming on his hand and leaning closer until her nose nearly brushed the glowing green gem embedded in the glove. “It’s alive, isn’t it? Or maybe semi-organic! Oh, I wonder what kind of energy core it uses!”

Issei blinked, leaning back as her eyes practically sparkled like a child at a science fair. “Uh… I dunno. Remember it just kinda… showed up when I needed it.”

Lala tilted her head. “Can you feel anything inside it? Like a heartbeat? Or data flow? Maybe a neuro-link?”

“...I feel like I’m in a science exam,” Issei muttered, sweatdropping.

“Does it talk to you?” Lala pressed on eagerly. “Or react to emotional surges? What’s its name? How does it interface with your body?”

“I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know, and—still don’t know!” Issei said quickly, waving his free hand. “You’re asking too many questions, Lala!”

Lala frowned slightly, pressing her finger against her chin as she circled around him like a curious cat studying a new toy. “Hmm… maybe it’s a combat-type technology? But it fuses directly with your nervous system… so it might be bio-symbiotic tech. Or magic-based? Ugh, if only I had my lab equipment!”

“Lab?” Rito repeated nervously, glancing between them. “Please don’t tell me you’re thinking of… experimenting on him.”

“Of course not!” Lala said cheerfully. “Not without his permission!”

“...That doesn’t make it sound better,” Issei mumbled.

Miki leaned forward from the table, worry in her eyes. “Sweetheart, does it hurt you at all?”

Issei blinked, looking at her. “No, actually. It doesn’t hurt. It feels… natural, like it’s part of me.”

Gorou nodded slowly, eyeing the gauntlet. “And you’re sure it’s safe? That thing looks like it could punch through a tank.”

“I’m fine, Dad,” Issei reassured. He flexed his fingers, the metallic red scales glinting in the light. “If anything, I feel stronger. Like my body’s lighter, and I could probably run faster or jump higher than before.”

“That’s incredible!” Lala gasped, eyes widening. “So it amplifies your physical capabilities! But that can’t be all… there must be hidden features! Maybe it channels energy bursts or manipulates kinetic output!”

Issei laughed nervously. “Uh… I have no idea what you just said, but sure.”

Lala clapped her hands together, determination gleaming in her eyes. “If I had my lab set up, I could analyze it properly! I’d just need a few reactors, some quantum relays, and a graviton stabilizer, easy stuff!”

Rito paled. “That doesn’t sound easy…”

Mikan sipped her tea calmly. “Please don’t blow up the neighborhood.”

Lala waved dismissively. “Oh, I never blow things up on purpose!”

“Keyword being ‘on purpose,’ Remember your octopus that blew up the park.” Issei muttered under his breath.

She turned to him with a smile. “Don’t worry, Issei! I’ll just set up a small lab here later. Once I’m done, we’ll figure out all the secrets behind that red glove!”

Issei sighed and let the energy dissipate. The glow faded from his arm as the glove broke apart into streaks of light, vanishing completely. “Yeah, that sounds fun and all, but not today.”

Lala blinked. “Eh? Why not?”

“Because,” Issei said, standing up, “we have school.”

Her expression fell instantly. “School?”

“Yeah,” He said, gesturing to Rito and Mikan, who were already packing up their bags. “Me and Rito gotta head to Kouh Academy, and we’re dropping Mikan off at her school first.”

Lala puffed her cheeks, tail flicking in disappointment. “But I wanted to spend more time with you and see more of Earth! And help you study the glove!”

Issei gave her a small, apologetic smile. “Sorry, Lala, but we really can’t skip. And besides…” He glanced toward the window cautiously. “You probably shouldn’t go outside just yet. We still have to keep the whole ‘alien princess’ thing a secret, remember?”

Lala’s pout softened, her expression turning thoughtful. “Oh… right.”

“Tell you what,” Issei said, softening his tone. “When I get back this afternoon, we can hang out. I’ll show you around the town, and then we can spend some time messing around with whatever tech you want. Deal?”

Her eyes brightened again almost immediately. “Promise?”

He smiled. “Promise.”

Lala beamed and gave him a cheerful thumbs-up. “Okay! Then I’ll wait here and get everything ready!”

“Good,” Issei said with relief. “Just don’t… build another ‘Go Vacuum-kun,’ please.”

“No promises!” Lala said with a wink.

He groaned.

Rito chuckled, he had finished his food and got up as he slung his bag over his shoulder. “Man, you’ve really got your hands full, huh?”

“You have no idea,” Issei muttered as he put on his shoes by the door.

“Bye, Mom! Bye, Dad! Bye Lala.” He called.

“Don’t forget your lunch!” Miki said, handing him a bento box. Then she turned to Lala with a warm smile. “And you, sweetie, don’t worry about being bored. You can help me clean the house today if you want.”

Lala gasped in delight. “Really? I’d love to! And maybe after that, I can start setting up my lab here!”

Miki chuckled, already imagining the chaos that might follow. “Sure, dear. Just… start small, okay?”

“Got it!” Lala said, giving an energetic salute.

Gorou finished his coffee, glancing at the clock. “Well, I should get going too. I’ve got a long day ahead.” He grabbed his briefcase and smiled at the group. “You kids behave. Especially you, Issei.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Issei said with a grin as he and Rito opened the door with Mikan stepping out.

Lala waved happily from the dining room. “Bye, Issei! Bye Rito! Bye Mikan Have a great day at school! I’ll make sure the house doesn’t explode while you’re gone!”

“Wait—what!?” But before he could respond, the door had already closed behind them.

Outside, the three Hyoudous and Yuukis began their walk down the street, the morning sun painting the road in gold. Issei stretched and sighed, feeling the faint hum of residual energy still pulsing through his arm.

“Man,” he muttered, “what a crazy morning.”

Rito smirked. “Crazy? This is your life now, dude.”

Mikan sighed beside them. “I feel bad for Aunt Miki. She’s probably about to regret letting Lala help her clean.”

Issei chuckled weakly. “Yeah… probably.”

Back inside the house, Miki set her apron on and looked toward Lala, who was already floating in the air.

“So, Lala,” Miki said kindly, “how about we start with dusting the shelves?”

Lala nodded enthusiastically. “Right! Cleaning first, science later!”

And though Miki couldn’t have known it yet, by the end of the day, “science later” would mean half the living room filled with floating tools, glowing wires, and half-built alien machinery humming dangerously beside the coffee table.

For now, though, the morning remained peaceful — calm, bright, and deceptively normal.

Finally Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. This commission was brought to you by Galaxy Shard Star, so make sure to thank him.