(Chapter 2)
(The next day…)
"Ugh… my everything hurts. Am I dead?" Issei slowly opened his eyes, to find himself staring at an all too familiar looking ceiling. "Wait…. This is my room, in my apartment. Yinglong, status report."
[Well, you're probably the luckiest person alive. The storm didn't kill you. I won't tell you exactly what happened, I'm sure you can figure that much out on your own. I will tell you that your at about 40% full power and I would take it easy for a while, no more hurricanes.]
"What do you mean you won't tell me?" Issei sat up in his bed and that's when he realized he'd been stripped. 'Okay, just what the hell is going on.' Issei looked to his left and saw a human shaped lump in his covers.
Issei jumped out of his bed in shock. "Holy shit there's someone in my bed!" He sat in silence for a moment to gather himself, before eventually making a reach for the his blankets. "WAIT!" He disciplined himself mentally. "Come on Issei be smart about this."
Issei's right Iris began to shine a bright gold, allowing him to see through sheets and blankets without waking his sleeping guest. But upon discovering the truth, a small stream of blood began to trickle down from his nose. "T-that's Rias Gremory and she's naked!"
[Oh wow. Someone is really perceptive. How long did it take you to figure out the naked part?]
"Shut up! This is a big deal!" Issei scolded the dragon as he tried to return to reason and calm his libido.
[Man, you're such a virgin. Grow a pair.]
"Shut it will you! That's not the big problem here! The problem is that some stranger broke into my house and is sleeping in my bed. I should just blast a hole in her chest and get it over with."
[Before you do that you should probably know that this girl carried your unconscious body through wind and rain and saved your life. Maybe you could over look the fact that she crashed at your house and helped to replenish you with magic, before you killed her.]
"Wait really?... She did that for me?... But why?"
[Maybe because she's a good person. But it's more likely she wishes to make you her servant. That's kinda what they do.]
"Be her servant?! Well that's not gonna happen. The only person I serve is myself." Issei thought to himself with a smirk, thinking it sounded cool.
[I don't know, from what I here it's not too bad. Immortality, demonic powers, and if you rank up high enough you'll be able to acquire servants of your own. I guess it really depends on who you're master is, and from what I've seen of her so far she seems nice.]
'Hmmm, Yeah we'll see. It still sounds degrading.' Issei said allowed keeping his eyes on the lump in the sheets as it began to move.
'Huh… It's morning.' A groggy voice escaped from the sheets as a bush of red hair began to emerge. Once Rias' head had fully escaped the pillowy cave, she was met with a less than friendly glare. 'Oh, good morning Issei-kun.'
'Okay, two questions. One why on earth did you decide to sleep with me in my house, in my bed, without your clothes on. Secondly who the hell gave you permission to use my first name.' Issei tried to go for an interigation aproach, but his harsh tone and words did nothing to damper Rias' cheerful mood and bright smile.
'Well, silly. After I found you unconscious in the middle of that hurricane you caused, I felt I need to sleep with you to make sure you were in fact alright. I used my body to heal you all night long.' As Rias said this, the blanket covering her fell off, and her enormous chest was exposed right in front of Issei's eyes.
'Yeah about that. You might wanna put some clothes on…' Issei made an effort to shield his eyes, not wanting to distract himself.
'Oh come on Issei. Koneko told me about one of your abilities, I doubt it's anything you haven't already seen.' Nonetheless, with a snap of her fingers and a flash of red light, Rias had magically summoned a set of lingerie that covered all her unmentionables. 'And as for your second question. I didn't think I needed permission to use your first name, I am your senior after all.'
"Damn this is infuriating. It's like no matter what I say or do, I can't get power over the conversation. The way she's carrying herself, without a care or worry but overwhelming confidence. It's like I'm already her servant." Issei became angry for a brief moment but was able to calm himself, and accept the situation. 'Why'd you save me anyway to make me your servant or whatever?'
'Let's get one thing clear right now. I have every intention to make you my servant, I believe your power would make you an invaluable member to my family.' Rias' light hearted and cheerful personality had been replaced with one completely serious.
'Huh..' Issei sighed, he sounded disappointed even though his assumptions had been spot on. 'Well I suppose I do owe you. If that's truly what you ant than what's fair is fair.'
'Wait, let me finish. I want you to be my servant, but I want it to be a decision you make 100% on your own.' Rias shines a smile of reassurance at the confused boy. 'If I wanted you to be forced to join my family, I would've preformed the ritual while you were unconscious.'
'My choice huh. I don't know if that was the best decision on your part. I am pretty busy. Maybe I'm too busy you know. I'm guessing that all those Occult Research Club members are all affiliated with you in some way. No offense you guys are popular and whatever, but that's not really my crowd you know. Why would I wanna join you guys.' Issei's self confident smirk returned, and now he felt like he had control over the conversation.
[Busy doing what exactly?] Yinglong asked as Rias took a moment to think.
"Shut up! I do things!"
[Yeah… Right]
'Look.' Rias finally spoke up, interrupting the mental conversation. 'Like I said, your power is a valuable asset that I wish to acquire. I don't know a lot of humans who could over power a fallen angel, even those who possess Sacred Gears. Your power is rare but irreplaceable. And unlike you, I have plenty of time to find a replacement.'
'Huh, ok I get it. You don't need me, but why do I need you.' Issei retaliated.
'That's simple, you don't. I don't offer you anything that you require to live, nothing you NEED. You have enough power to defend yourself, just need to work a bit on your decision making. You have good enough looks and intelligence to live a successful life…. Successful but lonely.' This got Issei to raise an eyebrow, as Rias pulled a notebook out of seemingly nowhere and began to read allowed.
'Issei Hyoudou, Second year. This one has an interesting aura about him, requires further investigation… Sacred Gear confirmed. Issei wields a powerful dragon type Sacred Gear with a light attribute, suspected connection to legendary dragon Yinglong, requires further investigation….. Behavior and personality…. Issei Hyoudou is handsome and intelligent by human standards. People who have had conversations with him often regard him as both kind and polite. Strangely though after a month at Kuoh Issei has yet to form any significant friendships to speak of.' Rias closed her book and looked up at Issei with serious eyes. 'You have no friends.'
'Yeah I noticed….' Issei rolled his eyes, not wanting to let on just how embarrassed he was.
'And why is that? Is it because of your true feisty personality, it kinda caught me off guard but I wouldn't say I dislike it per say. Is it the fact that you're a perv, no must of the girls even in my grade have said that they would date you if they could.' Issei started to grit his teeth as Rias continued making her point. 'You wanna here my theory, I think that you're afraid of making those connections. You think because you're different, that people will reject you if you're found out. And that….' Rias stopped as she was interrupted.
'No thats not it.' Issei spoke up. 'I'm very good at concealing myself. I'm not worried about being found out. I just don't do well in a high school environment, it makes me feel awkward. But maybe you're onto something. It would be nice to make some friends.'
Rias perked back up. 'That's great than why don't you…'
'But I don't think that's how it works. Even if I agree to join your peerage, it doesn't mean I'll like or get along with any of the others. I mean you all seem like nice people, but you never know right? So I don't think that potential friendships are enough to sell me, sorry.' Issei waved dismissively.
'Hmmm….. I see your point.' Rias massaged her chin, as she thought up a compromise. 'What if I let you join the Occult Research Club first, that way you can get to know my peerage and see if you like them before becoming a devil.'
'Join the Occult Research Club.' Issei repeated, thinking it over in his mind. "That sounds pretty good. It's not like I'm actually that busy. Plus being in the same club as Koneko Toujou, Akeno Himejima, and Rias Gremory sounds like it could be intriguing…" 'Alright, I'll agree to those terms.'
'Great! I'll see you after class today then….' Rias beamed a bright smile at the boy that made him flustered.
'Uh…..Yeah, sure…. See ya then…..'
(Later, at school)
Issei sat quietly at his desk, just looking out the window at the outside world, just thinking about recent events. "So, um.. Are we actually doing this? The whole devil thing?"
[I can't see any reason why we shouldn't. That girl seemed nice, and I know you liked all that attention she gave you. Just think of what immortality could mean for someone with your power. Plus it's been nice be awake, and I don't really want to go back to sleep for another thousand years.]
"Who knows, your next wielder might be able to awaken you too…" Issei and Yinglong continued this mental conversation, before being interrupted.
' ' Issei Hyoudou!' ' Issei was confronted by two Irritated looking boys. One had scruffy hair and large foggy glasses. The other had a shaved head and large ears. Both of them got aggressively close to Issei. 'What the hell is with these rumors of you walking to school with Rias Gremory?' The boy with glasses accused Issei violently,before being followed up by the one with the shaved head. 'Yeah man. She's off limits dude.'
'Um, excuse me.' Issei answered with a smile, putting on his polite persona. 'I'm sorry, I'm still getting used to this school and I don't want to be rude. What are your names again?'
'Oh, damn! You really are polite!' The shaved head boy jumped in shock.
'Damn you charming pretty boy!' The glasses boy hissed.
'Hey! What are you two perverts doing talking to Hyoudou-kun!' A girl yelled from the other side of the classroom.
'Yeah! You two need to go die or something, just leave him alone. I'm sure your perversion is contagious.' Another girl added.
'Oh calm down!' The glasses pervert fires back a the girls. 'We're just looking for some answers here.'
'Oh, so you're those two perverts everyone's been talking.' Issei spoke up again, but even those somewhat harsh words sounded warm and friendly. 'You know you should really stop behaving that way, it's not cool.'
'Shut up! We aren't under interrogation here, you are!' The boy with glasses refused to be sidetracked.
'Yeah, man! Tell us why you were hanging out with total babe.' The bald boy backtracked.
'Oh that, well I just wanted to ask her about joining the Occult Research Club and so we were just talking about that.' Issei smiled and waved off the issue. 'We aren't seeing each other or anything, so you guys don't have to worry. As far as I know both of us are still single.' With that, both of the boys slowly backed away awkwardly, clearly feeling embarrassed for jumping to conclusions.
[Hey Partner, have you ever considered theatre, I think you have a calling for it.]
"Ya know it's funny, I never even learned those losers names…." Issei turned back to daydreaming, but before he could fully doze off, he felt another presence looming over him. "Oh great, this again. Why won't these assholes leave me alone." 'Oh, excuse me. Did you need anything else?' But rather than finding the two perverts, Issei was met with another bright smile shiny blonde hair.
'Issei Hyoudou, My name is Yuuto Kiba and I was instructed by Buchou to bring you to the clubhouse if you aren't busy.' Kiba then politely bowed to Issei.
'Oh, ok. I guess I'm not really busy.' With that the two boys exited the room.
(Occult Research Club)
Kiba opened the door, and escorted Issei inside. Waiting for him was Rias Gremory and the two other member, Koneko Toujou and Akeno Himejima both of who were almost as popular around the school as Rias herself.
'Hello Issei I'm glad you could join us today.' Rias smiled from her large wooden desk. 'I hope you'll introduce yourself to my peerage.'
'I still don't know that I'm ok with where we stand on the whole using my first name thing, but yeah I'll introduce myself.' Issei turned to the other three who had seated themselves on couches surrounding a coffee table and politely bowed. 'My name is Issei Hyoudou, I'm a second year. I'm well aware that you guys are devils but it's nice to meet you nevertheless.'
'Oh, how polite. So the rumors are true.' Akeno smiled. 'My name is Akeno Himejima, nice to meet you.'
'We've already met, but I'm Yuuto Kiba. A pleasure.' Kiba bowed back.
Now all attention was on Koneko, the last to say anything. '... Pervert….'
'Wait.. What?!' Issei exclaimed as Koneko turned away as she refused to look at Issei.
'Oh, I'm sorry Issei-kun..' Akeno apologized for Koneko. 'She seems to think you have an ability that lets you see through objects. Like women's clothing or the walls to a dressing room.'
'Oh….. well….' sweat began to roll down Issei's forehead.
'Really? You have such an ability?' Despite her words Akeno didn't look disappointed or upset, rather she continued to smile. 'That's no good Issei-kun, you shouldn't look at girls without their permission.' She began to step closer to Issei, her sensual form only becoming more apparent to the boy. 'Besides, for someone cute like Issei-kun, you only have to ask.' She got up right next to Issei and whispered into his ear. 'So, can you see me…'
'Uh… I…. Um…. I don't know….' Issei got flustered and began to fidget as he began to feel Akeno's warmth against him.
'Akeno!' Rias spoke up, with a demanding voice. 'What do you think you're doing?'
'Well Buchou told us earlier to try are best to make Issei feel welcome, and try to convince him to join us.' Akeno explained. 'So I was convincing him.'
'That's not what I meant.' Rias Deadpanned. 'Whatever your reason, you need to stop. I wanted to bring Issei in today because we have a job to do and I wanted him to see us in action. I just got word from Onii-sama that there's a stray devil here in Kuoh that we need to take care of.'
'Wait stray devil?' Issei asked.
'I'll explain on the way. All I'll say now is, prepare your stomach. These things can get pretty nasty.' Rias smiled, prompting Issei to take a nervous gulp.
(Later at a creepy old warehouse district.)
'So you're sure she's here?' Issei asked with a whisper, but was quickly shushed by Koneko. "Hmmm. fine, I'll find out myself."
Issei summoned his Sacred Gear and his eye went black, as the golden pupil formed in the middle. Now Issei could see auras and easily located the devil. 'She's directly in front of us, in that warehouse.' Issei pointed it out. 'It looks like she's hiding, and she might be eating something.' He focused his vision. 'Yep, she's eating what looks like a person….'
'Hmmmm. So that ability does have beneficial uses. Who would've guessed.' Koneko commented coldly.
'Good job Issei.' Rias said with a nod. 'Now let's move in. Kiba you and Koneko will create an opening and Akeno you finish it off.' Issei couldn't help but marvel at her natural leadership skills.
Issei, Koneko, Kiba, And Rias all entered the building. Koneko and Kiba took the lead as Issei and Rias fell back. 'Can we get a bit of light please?'
'Right!.' Issei said as his eye illuminated like a flashlight, revealing the stray devil and all her gruesomeness. 'Gross.'
She stood at least two stories tall, her upper body was that of a beautiful woman but the rest of her was monstrous and grotesque. She had four disgusting and vicious looking legs and a beast like body with a gaping mouth on her stomach.
'Stray devil Viser, you will pay for betraying your master. I Rias Gremory, will personally make sure of that.' Rias said as she struck a commanding pose.
'Give it your best shot princess. I'll kill you all! RRRRRRAAAAHHHHHGGGGG!' Viser shrieked as she prepared her attack.
'Kiba!' Rias gestured for her knight to attack, and Kiba disappeared in burst of speed. 'Kiba is a Knight, which increases his attribute of speed. Making him formidable in combat.' As she explained, Kiba demonstrated by slashing off the monsters two front legs with a blitz of super speed.
'Alright Koneko, you're up.'
Koneko charged forward, before leaping at Viser who managed to catch her in her mouth.
'Koneko!' Issei called out, but Rias was quick to reassure him.
'Don't worry about her. Just watched.' As Rias said this, large thumps could be heard from inside the strays mouth. Suddenly Visers mouth was forced open by the small girl. 'The rooks attributes grant them super strength and durability. That lets them survive nearly any attack and dish out some damage in return.' Koneko then broke the monstrous jaw she was in, before sending Viser flying with a powerful punch.
'Alright Akeno finish this!' Rias said confidently, not paying attention as one of Visers arms began to creep up on her.
'Watch it!' Issei pushed her out of the way before firing a golden blast of light at the arm causing it to explode. 'Hey prez! Keep your guard up.' Issei scholded.
'Y-Yeah… I know that.' Rias said, sounding slightly flustered.
'Ahhhhh!' Viser screamed. 'Light! It burns! HHHHAAAAAHHH!'
'Oh, so you could feel that?' Akeno commented as she slowly approached the stray. 'Well if you think that hurts, then you haven't seen anything yet.' Akeno looked up, with a crooked smile and a dazed look in her eyes.
'Akeno is my queen, she's my most powerful piece.' Rias continued her explanation as Akeno began to to laugh as she delivered shock after shock of powerful lightning magic to the stray. 'She's also totally sadistic.'
'Interesting….' Issei commented, not knowing what to make of the scene in front of him.
'Enough! ENOUGH! Just kill me already!' Viser begged for death, prompting Rias to step up.
'I'll take it from here. Stray devil Viser. For your crimes against devils, I Rias Gremory sentence you to die.' With that a red magic circle appeared in front of Rias' hand and streams of red and black magic poured from it and onto Viser, totally disintegrating her. 'And that takes care of that. So Issei what do think of my peerage.'
Issei paused for a minute. '...Definitely interesting. Which I gotta admit is much better than boring.'
