33Chapter 12: Incoming trouble
Since Rias decided to move in with Issei, things have gotten a little more interesting in the Hyoudou residence. The morning after their date, Rias showed up with her luggage and requested Issei to help her settle in, much to Asia's surprise and apparent jealousy. Almost instantly after moving in, Rias had made herself at home. Asia would get teary-eyed and pout whenever Rias sat beside or cuddled with Issei, something Issei found cute. More than once, she would take the opportunity to sit on Issei's other side and cling to his arm.
Issei woke up the next morning feeling better than he ever did in his seventeen years of life, and the reason why was because there was a fully naked Rias using him as a hug pillow while she slept. From her close proximity, his nostrils were filled with her unique scent, her boobs were close to his face, and his left arm was sandwiched between her two thighs. His inner dragon and teenage hormones were already reacting to the situation. Yet, despite his good mood, he wondered when and how she got into his bed without him knowing. Usually, he could sense when someone was close conscious or unconscious. Still, he was unable to sense her when he was asleep. Not that he was complaining, of course, as any man would give anything to be in his current position. "I. . .must be the luckiest man. . .in the world," Issei breathed as Rias moved closer to him.
As he said that, Rias opened her eyes and looked at him with her blue-green eyes. "Good morning, Issei. Did you sleep well?" She asked with a soft smile.
"U-um, yes, Buchou. I—" he was silenced when she put a finger on his lips.
"No, no, Issei. Remember what you're supposed to call me when we're alone?"
He gave her a small smile. "I slept well, Rias," he said when she removed her finger. "Not that I am complaining, but what are you doing in my bed? I thought you would be sleeping in the guest room." He was trying to keep his eyes from scanning her naked body.
"I'm sorry. Last night, I was tired and decided to let myself in to use you as a hug pillow after you fell asleep," she replied. "It was actually quite comfortable."
"Uh-huh," Issei saw a tiny flicker of mischief in her eyes. "So you crawled into my bed to get comfortable and not because you wanted to lay next to me, right?"
Rias brought one of her legs over his waist. There, Issei got a great view of big dangling breasts while she hovered above him. "Would it be wrong if I said that was another reason?"
"No, not at all. I actually like it myself. It's just that—"
"Issei," she said, following his curious eyes as his right hand unconsciously made it to her waist.
"Sorry, it's just you have an amazing body," he admitted. Rias hugged him tightly, feeling very happy.
"So you really like my body. What about my boobs?" She asked into his ear.
"Yes, they are very attractive, as are you," said Issei. Who was blushing, trying to hold back his excitement and contain his roaring inner dragon for him to take her. In response, she kissed him on the forehead, then pulled her head back so their eyes could meet.
"Glad you approve," she grabbed his hands. "Why don't you feel them," her tone was sexy as she maneuvered them to grab her breasts.
"As expected, when you touch me, I cannot help but feel so hot." Rias moaned when he gently squeezed them, feeling a rush of pleasure surge through her entire body.
"Maou, woman. You are going to drive me crazy. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to hold back," Issei moaned.
"Do you want to come at me?" Rias seductively inquired, wanting to push the boundaries even more. "Come on, I'll do anything and everything you want."
At hearing those words, he sat up, bringing his lips to hers, where she happily reciprocated and pushed him back down in the bed. Rias was no longer able to control herself; giving in to her desires, she dipped her tongue into his mouth, where she moaned as their tongues started dancing. It didn't matter that they had different rankings as he was her boyfriend. Her lover. The other Devil heirs could never hope to compare to her Issei. He was hers. Another moan escaped her mouth when he started fondling her breasts and pinched her nipples between his thumbs and index fingers.
Issei's rational mind was being overtaken by his inner dragon and the level of emotions he was feeling. In the back of his mind, he knew he should have had more restraint, but having someone as beautiful as Rias on top of him washed away his sense of caution. Damn, the woman was so enticing. Unconsciously, he thrust his hips up, eliciting yet another moan from her. The two continued making out for a couple more minutes until the need for air became necessary, and they separated. Rias then placed a hand on his cheek. ". . .that's a good way to start the morning isn't it?"
"You are such a greedy woman," Issei commented. Just as Rias' lips were about to return to his, there was a knock on the door.
Knock Knock Knock
"Issei-san are you up? It's almost time for your morning training." Asia's voice made Issei regain his rational mind. He remembered that he not only had his morning training but also failed to think of how Asia would react if she saw the position he and Rias were in.
"Y-yeah, I'm awake. Just give me a minute," Issei said as he sat up, and Rias shifted to his right.
"Asia-san, would you wait for a few minutes. Issei and I need to get ready; we're both still in bed," Rias casually added. Issei mentally groaned at what she said and with good reason. The second his door flew open, the two came face to face with a confused and very displeased, teary-eyed Asia.
"Hello, Asia. Good morning," Issei said, traces of awkwardness trailing down his voice.
"U-Uh, let's try to keep things calm." Issei tried noticing the expression on Asia's face. But it was a wasted effort as his words fell on deaf ears.
"I will also get naked too! "I don't want to be left out anymore!" Asia declared, removing her shirt.
And that was the start of the regular morning, which Issei quickly became accustomed to dealing with. The usual antics between Rias and Asia. Just like what Ddraig said: Dragons attract attention from all sides. Swiftly, he grabbed some clothes and exited the bedroom as the two continued their little argument. When he was safely outside of the room, Issei swapped the clothes he was wearing for the new ones he picked up and began his morning exercise.
By the time he returned, things had calmed down, with both girls in his kitchen making breakfast. After grabbing a quick shower, he dressed in school attire and sat at the table where they just finished bringing out the food. Together, the three started eating.
"Wow, this is amazing. I never had miso soup like this before," Issei had no idea she was so proficient in cooking or household duties. In the time she's been living with him, she demonstrated skills in doing laundry, helping to ensure that the house remained clean, and cooking a wide array of dishes, Chinese and Japanese. Hardly what most would consider a norm for a High-ranking Devil like her. But then again, she's been living in the human world for quite some time.
"Thank you. That was sweet," Rias beamed at the compliment.
Asia, though, puffed her cheeks out in a cute pout at how Issei complimented Rias for her cooking skills and pinched his arm underneath the table. Issei diverted his attention to the pouting Asia, gently patting her head. "I enjoy your cooking as well, Asia." The former nun perked up at what he said and was now smiling. If anything, Asia was like a onee-chan, always looking for some form of acknowledgment.
"Oh, Issei, do you mind if I ask you for a favor?"
"Go ahead."
"The Old School Building is having its usual spring cleaning, and so we will be unable to use the clubroom until it is fully clean," Rias informed. She went on to say, "would it be possible for the Occult Research Club to have our meeting here tonight?"
Issei nodded, giving his consent. "Sure, I don't mind. Do you want me to prepare some tea and snacks for the meeting?"
"If it wouldn't be too much trouble," said Rias.
There, it was decided the Occult Research Club members would meet at Issei's house later today. Rias said they would discuss the number of contracts everyone has gotten this past month. Not to toot his own horn, but Issei felt like he did pretty well, all things considered. Whereas Asia felt a little nervous.
(00)
The three soon finished breakfast and then headed off to school. On the way there, after walking past the gate, Issei blocked out the glares and angry comments the other males were sending him. This was likely to be expected with him walking to school with two super cute girls. Thankfully, none of the boys knew that he and Rias were lovers.
"Damn you, Hyoudou. Damn you," one of the boys said, watching him stroll to the main building with Rias and Asia.
"I'll kill you, pretty boy!"
"He's walking with Rias onee-sama and Asia-san? Are the three of them in a relationship together?" Someone else said. Several of the girls were openly staring at Issei, a handful of them blushing while scanning his body with their eyes.
"Wow, Issei-san sure does have a lot of admirers," Asia quipped.
"That he does," Rias said, clinging to his left arm and kissing him on the cheek as they entered the building. "Good luck today, my Issei."
"I don't want to be left out," said Asia, who kissed his other cheek and dragged him to their classroom.
Not long after entering the class, the two found their seats, and the teacher began their lesson for the day. It became a well-known fact that the teachers all seemed to think highly of Issei as he proved himself to be smart and respectful. A few of the boys, specifically Motohamu and Matsuda, sent him death glares whenever the teacher had his back turned. Something that he ignored and couldn't care less about as they were only jealous he was hanging around some very beautiful women like Rias and Akeno-san. The great ladies of Kuoh Academy. It got even more intense when Asia was soon added to the mix.
Around lunchtime, Issei found solace in deep thought about the recent activities he'd been involved in. Helping the ORC members train for the Rating Game against Riser's peerage, defeating Riser, and annulling Rias's marriage contract to him, he and Rias becoming a couple. Yep, life for him has certainly gotten interesting. His thoughts were interrupted when a pair of hands slammed down on his desk.
"Oi Hyoudou," Matsuda glared at Issei with hateful daggers. Motohama soon joined him.
"What do you two want now?" Releasing a long breath. He did not want to deal with these two at the moment.
"How the hell did you get so close to Rias-senpai and Akeno-senpai?" Matsuda demanded. "And according to the rumors floating around, you are doing all kinds of lewd and sexy things with them behind closed doors."
"Who told you that garbage—" Issei tried to ask but was cut off by an equally angry Motohama.
"It is not just them either. You've been doing all sorts of stuff with the school's mascot, Koneko-chan." Motohama looked at him accusingly. "However, you've been lusting after her petite form and are doing all kinds of deprivable things with her."
Raising an eyebrow at the two. "Well, I applaud your levels of intellect for being able to come up with those rumors all by yourselves," he mockingly replied while clapping. "Maybe the two of you can start a rumor about me setting my sights on the Kaichou.
"Don't mock us. We know that you've been—" Motohama's rant was interrupted by a feminine voice.
"I see the two perverts are up to their usual tricks," behind the two stood a girl with messy brown hair, which she styled in twin braids. Much like Motohama, she also wore glasses. Her name was Aika Kiryuu. She was another student in class 2-B who wore a Kuoh Academy female uniform. The girl was also as perverted as Matsuda and Motohama. "Please do not tell me you are trying to corrupt Hyoudou-san as he is way out of your leagues."
"Back off Kiryuu! This has nothing to do with you. We can do a better job of getting a chick's attention. Better than even him," Matsuda said, pointing at Issei.
"Oh, I doubt that," she said with a superior grin. "In the short time that Hyoudou-san's been here, he's already attracted the attention of several of the Academy's girls with his good looks. Even the older students like Akeno-senpai and Rias-senpai," her grin grew into a full-blown smile. "Just so you two know, he's already attracted the attention of Rias-senpai, and it wouldn't surprise me if they were already having relations."
"Relations!" The two shouted in unison.
"Hey, Asia-san," Kiryuu called over to Asia, who was sitting at her desk. "You should know that your boyfriend has a real big package."
Asia's face immediately went crimson at what the spectacled girl said. "B-B-Boyfriend?" She exclaimed while Issei, who was also blushing, covered his private parts.
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not her boyfriend," said Issei as the redness in his cheeks started to fade. "I'm only helping her because she's new to this country."
"Really? Then why are you two all over each other every day? You practically look like a couple the way you are always around each other. I imagine things must get rather steamy between you two because you live under the same roof without any parental supervision. Asia's even been asking about—"
"No, stop it, Kiryuu! I don't want you to say that stuff anymore," a flustered Asia said, covering her hands over Kiryuu's mouth. Issei had never seen this side of Asia before. What Kiryuu and she discussed must have been really confidential since Asia's face was the same shade as a tomato, and she was highly embarrassed.
Suddenly, Issei cried out in pain, clutching his left arm. The dragon's power from his Boosted Gear when he made the trade with Ddraig started to act up. Asia saw this and hurried to his side.
"Everything okay?" She gave him a look of concern.
"Need to see, Akeno-san," whispering to her.
"Your arm again," realizing what was causing him so much pain.
"Yeah. . ." with that, he left the classroom, leaving the other three students around Asia surprised and wondering where he was heading off to.
In the ORC clubroom, Issei sat on one of the sofas with his shirt off, waiting for Akeno to come out of the shower. Fortunately, he did not have to wait long because she stepped out wearing a white see-through robe the next second, still wet. "Sorry about the wait," Akeno apologized, removed the orange ribbon from her air, and sauntered over.
"No, it's fine. Actually, I'm the one who should be apologizing for having you do this again on such short notice. Since giving Ddraig my arm, the power of the Red Dragon Emperor seems to be overflowing again, and I could use help."
"Its fine, Issei-kun. After all you did to help us grow stronger and defeat Riser-sama, this is the least I can do for you. I'll begin by sucking power out from your fingertips," Akeno seductively said, kneeling before him.
"Alright then, let's begin. I'm ready when you are," he replied, watching as she took his left hand into her arms.
A small giggle left her lips. "The thing is that your dragon arm is far stronger than any of us have expected. Changing its shape with magic is only a temporary solution." Akeno started salivating while sucking each of his fingers, causing him to release a light moan at how erotic she was being. Still, he could feel the excess power draining from his fingers.
When done, she wiped the drool from her mouth with a towel. "the dragon spirit is gone for now. You should be fine, at least for a while
"I appreciate it a lot. Thanks, Akeno-san," Issei began. "If I didn't know any better, I say you were enjoying sucking the power from my hand."
"Ara, Ara, what would give that impression? Did you enjoy it?" A light amount of teasing dripped down her voice. Issei blushed a little. "Say, Issei-kun, do you remember your battle with Riser?" He nodded his head. "The way you fought and defeated someone like him to ensure Rias's freedom was the definition of manliness. Defeating someone from the House of Phenex who is supposed to be an immortal High-Ranking Devil is no small feat. After seeing such a display of power and courage from a person in a fight, I cannot help but wonder. . . Is this love?"
Issei momentarily lost his breath under her lustful gaze, though he quickly regained it. Whether she was being serious or just teasing him was unknown. "I was only doing what I thought was right. Buchou, you—everyone deserved better. Speaking of which, you were able to defeat his Queen. While it wasn't official, the gap between your respective powers was noticeable. In addition to that, you are a very caring and compassionate person."
This time, it was Akeno's turn to blush and be at a loss for words. "Ara, better be careful with what you say, Issei-kun, or I might end up falling for you." She said, tracing a finger down his muscular chest.
The bell then rang, signaling that class was over. "I'll see you again later, my precious kouhai." She turned to leave, but Issei stopped her.
"Hey, Akeno-san. Before we go home after school is officially over, can we talk privately?"
"Of course. We speak in your classroom when everyone has left for the day." Akeno returned to the bathroom to get changed.
When the final bell rang and school was officially over for the day, Issei told Rias to take the others back to his place while he and Akeno had a private chat. The knowing look he gave let her know what the conversation would be about. Making sure they were completely alone, Issei locked the door and faced Akeno, silently contemplating how this would turn.
"All right, Issei-kun, what did you want to discuss with me?" She asked with a pleasant smile adorning her face.
This could either end good or very badly. Deciding to take his chances, he took in a sharp breath. "I noticed something odd about you. Both during our time at the Gremory villa and at the Rating Game."
"What do you mean?"
". . . Similar to Koneko-chan, you have also been hiding your true self. I can tell you are part Fallen Angel," he said bluntly. The expression on her face confirmed what he said as her beautiful face cracked; her smile changed into a mixture of deep sadness, fear, and worry.
"H-How did you know?" Akeno stuttered with a sense of dread rolling off her. She knew Issei-kun hated Fallen Angels and worried that he might resent her for that side of her. The side she had heavily been suppressing for years.
Issei gave her a soft, reassuring smile. "Did you forget? I am part dragon. We have heightened senses. If it's any consolation, you're better than Koneko-chan when concealing your true nature." He walked towards her frozen form. "There's nothing for you to worry about as I hold no resentment towards you."
"What?" Her voice was small, barely audible. "But I'm a hybrid of the same people who took your mom. Don't you hate or resent or want me dead?"
"Maou, no," Issei said, startling her. "Look, I do not judge an entire species or faction based on the actions of a few. While it is true that I despise the ones responsible for taking my mother away. . .you are not like them. For I have seen the real Himejima, Akeno. She is a kind, caring, and loyal person."
Akeno threw her arms around him tightly as a few tears fell down her face. "Thank you, Issei-kun."
"You're welcome," he pulled away. "You have my word that I will not force you to tell me about what, as I am sure it is a painful memory. But I'll be ready to listen if you ever want to talk about it," making a promise to her. "I haven't even said anything to the others. Only you, Rias, and I know this."
"I appreciate it, Issei-kun."
(00)
After their talk, Akeno and Issei used a magic circle to travel to the Hyoudou residence, where the others were waiting. "Issei, is this your mom?" Akeno pointed to the picture on the wall.
"That'd be her all right. Give you one guess who the little boy is," he replied, heading into the kitchen.
Akeno didn't say anything further, instead choosing to head into Issei's room, where the others were, while he prepared some tea and snacks for everyone. Like her, he had lost his mom when he was younger, and it was obviously a sensitive topic. It was clear that he loved her very much and still thought fondly of her.
Between ten and fifteen minutes later, he came into the room with a tray of snacks and cups of green tea. "Here you guys go," setting the tray down in the center of them. Predictably, Koneko was the first to grab a cup of tea and a snack from the tray.
"As expected, Issei-senpai's choice of snack is always the best," she said, eating the protein bar.
"Mm. . . These are good," Kiba agreed. "Where do you get these anyway? I doubt they sell them at any regular market."
"I buy them from that business market, and they sell in bulk. I'll show you where it is another time," replied Issei. He then looked at Rias. "Buchou, would you like to kick things off?"
"Of course," she replied from her seat on Issei's bed. "Now, then, let's begin our regular meeting. This month's contract numbers are in. Akeno had eleven."
"That's right."
"Koneko, ten."
"Sounds good."
"Kiba had eight."
"I did."
"Three for Asia."
"That's impressive for a beginner, Asia-san," said Kiba.
"Truly, three is a good start. Considering your brand new at contracts," added Akeno.
"Oh, my goodness. Thank you all so much," she smiled.
"And finally, Issei had Ten," Rias finished with a big smile.
"That's incredible, Issei-kun. Ten contracts in your first month with us is most impressive," said Akeno.
"Just doing my job," Issei grinned. "Oh, and Buchou, you might want to recount in a few seconds."
"Why is that?" Raising an eyebrow. Issei then brought up three fingers.
"Three. . . Two. . . One," pointing at the door, and a knock was heard. "Come in," the door opened, revealing a clone of Issei who had a similar grin.
"Given your expression, I say it went well." In response, the clone tossed over the roll of money and the contact before disappearing. Issei then handed them over to Rias, who accepted the two and separated the money, handing Issei back his earnings.
"Make that eleven contracts you've earned," Rias commented, reading over who the contract was with.
"Dang, it looks like I now have some competition," Kiba halfheartedly joked while looking at his friend. "Guess I will need to work harder. Can't have you showing me up now, can I?"
"Then what do you say to a friendly little competition? Seeing as we are the same age and in the same year, we should make things a little more interesting," Issei returned. "You know a game?"
"I'm listening. . ." Kiba leaned in with interest.
"Starting now, we see who can get the most contracts by the end of the month. In the end, the person with the most contracts decides where they get to have dinner the next day."
Kiba thought for a minute. "I'm in. What are the rules?"
"What do you want?" It was a shrewd question.
"Let's start with no use of our sacred gears. . ." Kiba and Issei began making the rules while the girls watched with amusement.
"Ara, ara such spirit between you two," Akeno said, observing her two Kouhais.
"Better get used to it, Akeno-san. This is how we men bond and grow stronger. Competition will help keep us motivated," Issei replied while he and Kiba finished finalizing the rules between them. The two then asked Koneko-chan to be their referee, which she agreed to on the promise that she would also be able to take part in the winner's victory dinner. This was done so it wouldn't seem like either would have an advantage over the other.
Rias smiled at her Knight and Pawn. In their short time together, Issei and Yuuto have become best friends. Each helping the other to improve. She then got from her seat on the bed and went to Issei's bookshelf, where she pulled out two of his photo albums. A blue and an orange. Rias handed the blue one to Kiba.
Together, they all laughed and giggled, looking through Issei's childhood pictures. He blushed when they commented on how cute he was in some of the naked pictures. Rias soon spoke after flipping a page, and her eyes settled on a particular picture. "This picture certainly brings back memories," showing everyone while pointing to a picture of them sleeping underneath a tree. "We had just got done playing in the garden and were both tired."
"I remember. Sirzechs-sama snapped the picture of us sleeping and started dancing like a loon," Issei replied.
Asia was the next to speak. "Wow, this is what the two of you were like with your moms. Looks like they were really close." She was looking at the picture of Issei's mom and Venelana sitting outside in the backyard, enjoying a cup of tea while their kids played.
"They were," Rias confirmed. "My mom still thinks fondly and misses her dearly. Even before Issei and I were born, she still served another House as a Bishop. Mrs. Hyoudou was my mom's maid of honor, my parents' business advisor, and primary legal representative."
"Your mom was a Lawyer, Issei-san?" Asia asked in a surprised tone.
"And a damn excellent one at that," Issei replied without any hesitation. "Venelana-sama may be a highly skilled and shrewd businesswoman, but when it comes to legal matters such as laws. . . Let's just say that anyone wishing to enter a legal battle with my mom will soon be left at a loss of words and be begging for mercy."
"You hold her in high regard, and she sounds like a wonderful woman," Kiba said, still looking through the blue book.
"Say, Kiba, did you ever have a family?" Kiba didn't appear to hear the question as his eyes were glued to a specific picture.
"Hey, Issei-kun, about this picture. . ." pointing to the one of him and another child.
"Yeah, that was another childhood friend of mine, Shidou, Irina. She and her parents used to live down the street from me. We would play together either at each other's houses or at the park until she eventually had to leave the country because of her parents' jobs. Ironically, I initially thought her to be a boy, given the way she acted and dressed." Issei smiled fondly at the picture of him and his old friend.
"Hey, do you remember this sword?" Kiba's eyes were transfixed on the sword behind them. Yet Issei saw a brief trace of deep anger and rage in his eyes.
"Sword?" He leaned closer to get a better look. "Hmm. Now that I think about it, I do recognize it. It's a holy sword."
"Indeed," this time, a subtle amount of dark edge was embedded in his voice. "I never would have expected you to be so close to a holy sword."
"What do you mean?" Wondering why the sword seemed so important to Kiba.
"Never mind. It's nothing," he replied. The hostility in his voice was as if it was never there, and he closed the book. "Great pictures, man."
(00)
Sometime later that evening, Issei received a summons from a new person. Pulling out his demonic locator, he checked to see where their destination was and became surprised. It'd been a while since he'd seen this person face-to-face. Nevertheless, a summons was a summons, so he created a red magic circle to travel to a luxurious living room apartment. As he looked around, Issei turned toward the hallway when he heard a familiar voice. "I wasn't entirely sure you would show. Though I am happy all the same ."
"Hello, Azazel-sama, it's been a while." Issei smiled at his former mentor. Azazel had the appearance of a tall man in his twenties, with violet eyes, black hair with gold bangs, and a black goatee. He was in a tan yukata, wearing an easy grin and looking as laid-back as always. "I never would have expected you to summon a Devil."
"I never expected you to join a peerage," said the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels. "It caught me by surprise to learn that my former pupil had suddenly joined a family after denying other requests. But I guess anything can happen now. Your battle with a member from the House of Phenex was most entertaining."
"I'm gonna take a stab at it here and guess that my old man and Sirzechs-sama were the ones who told you." Azazel only grinned. "Alright, so what's your request?"
"I was hoping to have a drink with someone, and I thought, why not with my former pupil," Azazel said, bringing over a tray with two glasses, some ice cubes, and a bottle of sake.
S-Seriously?" Issei asked, though he really should have suspected something like this as Azazel has always had a knack for surprises and loved to indulge himself in alcohol and booze. "All you want is a drinking buddy for your request?"
"What is that a bad thing?"
"Not at all," holding up a hand. But it seems you've forgotten that I'm still underage."
Azazel chuckled. "Shoot, it appears that I did forget. You are only seventeen. So, will water suit your fancy tonight?"
"Sure, that'll work."
Roughly a half hour had passed since Issei's arrival. Azazel and Issei were each sitting on a couch discussing the recent developments in which Issei had been involved. Azazel was having a ball, enjoying what he was hearing.
"Well, you sure have been busy. In addition to giving the third son of the Phenex House a much-needed lesson in humility, you broke off your master's engagement, and you two are now dating. I always had a feeling you and the Ruin Princess would get together one of these days," Azazel laughed, drinking some more of his sake. "Will wonders never cease? You are a really lucky guy, and I assume Sirzechs approves."
"He does. However, I'm still surprised to see that you've taken up residence in this town," Issei's gaze fell to the shelves near the wall and grinned. "You have certainly been busy as of late."
"What can I say? I'm a collector," Azazel confirmed, following his gaze to the shelves full of items. Game systems he had acquired. Issei assumed he had every game system on the planet. "Well, I've had my fun for the evening. So what would you like as compensation? Take your pick, as I got a lot of stuff."
Issei cleared his throat. "Good question," he thought for a few seconds, and his eyes fell on the painting hanging on the wall above Azazel. "Can I have that painting above you?"
Azazel looked behind him. "Sure, it's all yours." He removed the painting from the wall and gave it to Issei, who put it in his dimensional storage space.
"Thanks, Azazel-sama."
"No problem, kid. Don't worry, I'll be calling you again soon. The next time you're here, we'll play some video games," Azazel replied.
"It's a deal. If that is all, I will take my leave for the night. Try to stay out of trouble while I'm gone." Azazel laughed as Issei used a red magic circle to teleport out of his living room.
"No promises," pouring himself another glass.
(00)
At the abandoned warehouse where they fought the stray Devil Viser, the members of the Gremory family were currently waiting for Issei to arrive. A split second later, a familiar magic circle appeared before them, and the person they'd been expecting came out. Rias explained the mission—another Devil servant has turned against her master and is now a stray. Therefore, they had to eliminate the Devil before she could grow stronger. The plan was simple: Koneko, Kiba, and Issei would go in and draw out the enemy while Rias and Akeno stood outside, ready to finish it off. Asia would be on support should any of them get injured during the confrontation.
"Well, there's no time like the present to handle a stray," Issei materialized his boosted gear. (Boost)
Rias then instructed the three of them to head inside. While Koneko and Issei seemed ready to go, Kiba was deep in thought, and it took Rias's question to bring him back to reality.
"Yes, I got it. Let's go," Kiba said, holding his sword to his left side. Issei could tell that Kiba was thinking hard about something but didn't press the issue as they had a more immediate matter to attend to first.
The three of them walked towards the entrance, where Koneko knocked down both doors with a single punch. They then walked inside and spotted a long-haired girl hiding behind a large pipe. The stray Devil looked scared and acted like she was about to faint, but it was all an act as her face changed into something monstrous. A horn appeared on her forehead, and spider legs appeared from the back of her head. She may have the upper body of a normal woman, but her lower half is that of a spider.
"This should be interesting," commented Issei. (Boost) (Boost) Ddraig said as the green jewel lit up, showing that Issei's power had increased.
"Yuuto-senpai, please. . ." Koneko expected Kiba to attack, but he stood there like a stone statue. "Yuuto-senpai!" She said louder, getting his attention.
But before Kiba could react, the stray Devil sent Koneko to the ground after shooting some acid and destroying part of her shirt.
"Bastard!" Issei exclaimed, stepping protectively in front of Koneko. "Dragon shot!" The monster was pushed back a couple of feet by the crimson blast. "Damn, I should have put more power in that. Kiba, what's wrong with you? Get it together!" Issei yelled, snapping Kiba out of his thoughts.
"Huh? Right," he immediately took out his sword and, with a quick slash, cut off one of the monster's arms. However, the thing was far from finished. Kiba tripped over a pipe. The stray then jumped on top of Kiba, trying to bite his face off.
"Kiba!" Issei screamed, jumping into the air and performing a spinning double kick, knocking the monster away from Kiba. "Koneko-chan, would you like the honor?"
"Pleasure. . .time to fly," she grabbed her remaining arm and threw her straight up through the roof's window. Where at Rias's request, she sent it to the ground, smoking with a blast of her lightning.
"Wanton Devil, you who left your master and ran wild to fulfill your own selfish goals." Rias walked toward the broken stray. "For such a crime, you deserve to die a thousand times over. Now, in the name of the Marquis of Gremory. You shall pay with your life. Time to die!" Rias declared, sending two waves of her signature Power of Destruction, obliterating the stray Devil entirely.
"It doesn't matter how many times I see it. The Power of Destruction both impresses and sends shivers down my back. It's astounding how powerful and skilled Buchou has become when using her inherent Demonic power," Issei said as he, Koneko, and Kiba came out of the warehouse. "Hey, Asia. Would you mind tending to Koenko-chan's injury? She got hit with some acid."
Asia walked over to Koneko. "Sure, Koneko-chan, let me heal you."
"Yes, please," Koneko showed her injury to Asia, and she immediately got to work using her Twilight Healing on the wound. Less than a second later, the wound was gone like it never existed.
Slap
Everyone turned to where the source of the noise came from to see that Rias had her hand up after slapping Kiba across the left side of his face. If the red handprint on Kiba's face was any indication, it showed that Rias was visibly displeased with him.
"Did that wake you up?" The angry tone in Rias' voice could be heard. "With a mistake like that, you put the rest of us in jeopardy."
"My apologies for that," Kiba loosely said.
"What's wrong, Yuuto? This isn't like you. You've been acting odd lately," Rias inquired. "I've never seen this side of you before."
"I'm fine, Buchou; just having an off day. Now, if you will excuse me," he coldly replied. Kiba bowed at Rias and started to walk off. Yet Issei was not going to let him go so easily without getting his two yen in.
He caught up and placed a hand on Kiba's shoulder. "Hold it, Kiba! Just what is your deal today? Since the meeting, you've been acting really strange. "What's going on?" He took a quick breath and narrowed his eyes. "It's about that picture you saw, isn't it? The one with the holy sword?"
"It's because of that picture that I was reminded of my purpose for living," Kiba turned to him with a cool gaze, yet there was a deep anger laced in his eyes.
"Look, Kiba, it's obvious you are bothered by this, so let's discuss it. "We're friends, aren't we?"
"Friends? Look, Issei-kun, I appreciate your passion, but this is an internal matter for me," said Kiba. The blond-haired Knight added, "I remember why I fight now."
"What, you don't fight for Buchou?" Issei gave him a half-confused look.
"No. All I want is revenge. To destroy Excalibur. That alone is my sole purpose." Issei had never heard such fierce determination wrapped in anger from him before.
With that, Kiba turned and walked away, leaving a stunned Issei to stand there in deep thought about what he said. The change in his attitude was surprising, and whatever happened between Kiba and the swords of Excalibur must have been a traumatic and painful experience.
(00)
After the stray Devil was defeated, the members of Rias' peerage returned to their homes, or in Rias' and Asia's case, went back to Issei's house with Issei. Upon their return to his house, the weather took an unexpected turn, with the clouds becoming angry grey, and it started to rain hard.
The three then gathered in Issei's bedroom to discuss Kiba's attitude. Asia and Issei sat on the bed, whereas Rias sat in the computer chair, explaining Kiba's connection to the holy swords of Excalibur. Her voice clearly showed that she understood his pain regarding the topic.
"You are aware of the effects a holy sword has on a Devil, right, Issei?"
"Yes," he got up and walked over to the shelf, where he pulled out the blue photo album and turned to the page containing the picture of him, Irina, and the holy sword. "They are by far the worst weapons that can be used against Devils. Only a single cut from one of those swords could mean instant death. A holy sword can obliterate a Devil."
"Correct. However, the number of people capable of wielding them is extremely limited, which is the sword's greatest weakness," she explained. "That's why the church decided to create a project to raise people artificially to wield Excalibur, the greatest weapon against Devils. The Holy Sword Project."
"The church must have kept it super-secret because I never heard a thing about it," Asia replied with worry in her voice.
Rias continued. "I would think not. It happened a long time ago, and from what I've heard, the project failed completely. Many of the subjects were disposed of after they failed to adapt to Excalibur's power. All of them except for one—Yuuto. Yuuto is the only survivor of the Holy Sword Project."
"Poor Kiba-san. . ." A shocked Asia looked on the verge of tears.
"That definitely explains why Kiba started acting strange after seeing this picture." Issei brought over the album and pointed to the picture—more accurately, to the holy sword behind him and Irina. "The minute he saw the holy sword, I could see and hear the anger and pain in his eyes and voice.
Rias placed her index finger on her chin, ". . .undeniably, this is a holy sword. But it is not as powerful as Excalibur." Studying the picture more closely, she narrowed her eyes. "What concerns me is why you were so close to one of these or a wielder of one?"
"See this person right here?" He asked, pointing to the chestnut-haired person sitting beside him. "Irina-san and I used to play together when she lived in the neighborhood. If I remember correctly, she and her parents were Christians, and sometimes, they would invite my father and me to attend church with them. Though we would always decline."
"So that's it then," Rias said in deep thought. "I understand why the predecessor who was in charge of this town before me is gone. But I thought. . ."
"You thought what?" Issei inquired.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Look at how late it is. Let's go to bed," her expression and voice did a complete one-eighty, and she was now in a better mood. She then began removing her clothes.
A slightly uncomfortable and embarrassed Issei then asked. "Buchou, why are you taking off your clothes?"
"What? You know I cannot sleep unless I am completely naked," stripping off her clothes until she was left in only her bra and panties.
"No, I mean, why are you doing that in here? Your room is across the hall," Issei said, trying to understand what she was thinking.
"Isn't that obvious? I intend to sleep with my lover tonight," releasing her boobs after her bra was removed.
"Then I am, too! I'm also sleeping with Issei-san," Asia hastily started removing her clothes as well.
"Wait, Asia! What are you doing?!" Issei's question fell on deaf ears as the two girls were now only in their underwear, looking straight at each other.
"Fair is fair. I claimed Issei, so he is mine tonight!" Rias stated.
"But that's not fair. I think I deserve to spend the night with Issei-san. So, therefore, I will be spending the night with him!" Asia retorted.
"He's mine tonight," Rias said while pulling onto Issei's arm, directing him to the bed. Issei had to swallow a lump in his throat; resisting Rias's sexy charm was difficult.
Asia gripped tightly on Issei's other arm, trying to pull him towards her. "No, he's mine!"
"Asia-san, why don't you give me Issei for the night? After all, I've known him longer."
"I won't! I want to get close to Issei-san."
This continued for a few minutes until they all toppled over, with both girls sitting on top of Issei. The chair then fell on his face. "Can I offer a solution?"
"What kind?" The two of them asked at the same time.
"One, let me get this chair off my face," they both got off of him so he could remove the chair and wipe the blood coming out of his nose. "Alright. How about instead of fighting, why don't we share the bed tonight?" He suggested.
They thought it over briefly before agreeing and pulling him onto the bed. He ended up in the middle, with both girls lying on my left and right sides with both my arms underneath them. A large part of Issei felt good about this arrangement.
(00)
As the rain continued to rain over Kuoh, two figures wearing white robes with teal blue outlines on their hoods entered the ruins of a church where the Gremorys fought the stray exorcist Freed Sellzen and two Fallen Angels. The one in front had a big sword wrapped in a bandage with a golden emblem on its back. They looked around the destroyed inside of the church to see if they could figure out what happened there. The two figures stopped when they made it to the altar, with the one in front being the first to break the silence.
"I'd say that "utter ruins" describes this place," said the person in front.
"From what I heard, there was a disturbance here caused by Fallen Angels and Devils. However, this mess looks like it happened way before their battle. What's that over there?" The second figure asked, looking at the pile of ash near the wall.
The hood of one of them was removed so their faces were visible. A seventeen-year-old girl with brown eyes had sapphire-colored hair and a green bang. "You are positive this is the place we are supposed to meet them?"
There's no way I'd be wrong! After all, I did live in this town with my parents when I was younger." The second person had removed their hood, revealing another girl the same age. She had long chestnut brown hair, which she tied into twin tails, and violet eyes. "Give me a little credit," she pulled out a picture of her and her childhood friend.
"Before we proceed, though, I'd like to pay a visit to an old friend of mine. Rumor had it that he is still here," the chestnut-haired girl added. Thinking of the same brunette-haired boy in her picture.
(00)
Across town, in an alleyway, the rain continued to pelt the ground and on Kiba's face. The short blond-haired Knight of Rias Gremory was walking in silence, with his blue eyes showing determination to accomplish his one goal. 'I'm sorry, Issei-kun. But I am not supposed to be having fun or have friends. I do not deserve that. . .' He thought to himself, brushing off what Issei had said earlier.
Kiba suddenly encountered a panicked and injured priest who was obviously terrified and came out of nowhere begging for help. "P-Please help me—!" That was all the priest was able to say before collapsing to the ground dead.
"A priest?" Kiba questioned, looking at the now-dead priest. His attention was soon drawn elsewhere when he heard someone laughing.
A familiar person emerged from the shadows, waving his sword in the air, clearly happy with his actions. "Neener, neener! Yoohoo! It's been a while, huh, you shitty Devil? Did you miss me? Long time no see, pretty boy."
"Freed Sellzen," Kiba's voice was cold and dark, and he looked murderous at Freed.
"Oh, I'm so glad you remember me," Freed laughed. "Man, it brings a tear to my eye at our little reunion."
"I'm in no mood for jokes tonight," Kiba said, materializing a sword in his hands.
Freed maniacally laughed. "That's good! This weak ass priest was so boring," he said, waving his sword around, and a faint yellow-orange aura emerged from it.
"That light. . . That aura. . . It can't be—" Kiba took a step back.
"Nice timing! For your previous actions, I'm eager to see which one is stronger, your Devil sword or my holy sword, Excalibur," Freed goaded, continuing to maniacally laugh with a psychotic look on his face.
Kiba's anger intensified as he prepared to engage in battle. "I will never forgive Excalibur for what it did to me!"
A/N: Season two has begun. Issei and Kiba will now be competing to see who can get the most contracts in a month. People do better with competition. It will help them stay motivated, and it's how men bond.
Uh-oh, trouble is afoot with the arrival of the Excalibur holy swords.
Next Chapter: The arrival and warning from the Exorcists