A Place to Call Home

by Luciendar

When a messed up home life leads Issei to a new life, what direction will that take him? How will Issei adapt to his new life, and how will that affect his old one? Finally when his heart, mind, and body start being pulled in too many different directions how will Issei learn to cope? Rated T for now, may change.

7. Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not own anything pertaining to High School DXD. The story alone is my original work.

A/N: Not going to write a huge note here. The most important things to mention are that if you did not see it, I double posted. So if you have not read chapter 6 already then be sure to go back and read that first. Second, here we are you all. The fight you've been waiting for.

Chapter 7: Dragon VS Devil Pig

Three weeks passed by faster than I realized. I had to tell a small lie to my mom. I told her I was with the people she'd met from the church. I also told her that I was going to be undergoing some special training for my future. I just failed to mention what kind of training I was going to be doing. She wasn't thrilled with me missing more school but since I already had approval from the school she let it go.

I'm never happy to leave heaven. More to the point I don't like leaving Gabriel's side. I felt like being in her service had finally given my life purpose, and after everything I'd been through I was ready to embrace that fully. That being said it is always nice to spend time with my mom.

Coming home this time was like coming to a new house. It was like mom had run some kind of everything must go sale while I was gone. Apparently the 'fishing fund' had been a rather sizable one. Seriously what kind of secret fund name was that? 'Oh, what's this 80,000 yen for, I'm hunting for whales.' yeah right.

Still, our home was far from lavish, but now it looked more like a home and less like a man's den where he sometimes kept his family. The smelly recliner had been replaced by a nice couch. The poker table had been replaced by a sturdy looking kitchen table. I think that might even be a new oven in the kitchen, not that I would really know seeing as how I hardly ever cook.

"I'm home!" I shout from the doorway.

That's when I heard a gasp and feet coming above me going down the hall, and then down the steps. My mom looked as excited as a kid on Christmas. Her eyes lit up and she even clapped her hands together with a small giggle. It made me feel a little guilty that part of me didn't really want to be here. I mean of course I love living with my mom, and now that the human waste is gone we can be a real family. It was great seeing mom's full range of emotion that I can only assume she wasn't able to show or maybe feel before.

"Issei, my baby is home. How was it? The trip I mean. Did you learn a lot? Was everyone nice? Are you sure you still wanna do this? You can always change your mind sweetheart," mom was rambling a hundred miles a minute and I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"Whoa, mom! Calm down a bit," I basically had to shake her to get her to stop, "It's good to see you too. The trip was great. It was really hard work don't get me wrong, but I really feel like I've grown. Yes, I definitely want to keep doing this but I'll try not to miss school in the future. Plus I will try to not stay gone from home so long."

I watched as she deflated a little. Some of the over excitement leaving her yet never losing her hundred watt grin. I loved that smile. It was the thing that carried me through the darkness all this time. My mom had to be the most loving woman on this entire planet. The only woman who probably surpasses her would be Gabriel, but of course, she doesn't exactly live on the planet per say.

"So mom, what's for dinner? I have to admit I'm starving and have a big day tomorrow. Or maybe you have a big date tonight? I can always order pizza, you go have fun," I have to admit I loved teasing my mom now.

"Ohh, Issei, you know better. I only have one man in my life right now and that is my wonderful son. I may date again someday but for now, I want to make up for all the time it feels like we've lost. Don't worry about being hungry, I have all of your favorites ready to go. I was just waiting for you to get home to get started. What's this about you going to school tomorrow though? It's a weekend," I'm sure I had explained everything to my mom but with her enthusiasm for me being home, I guess she forgot.

With a small sigh, I reminded her, "Come on mom we went over this. I have to go and talk to the student council president about my absence. It was permitted as an educational experience but I have to turn in the report that I wrote talking about my experience. Then I'll have to fill out some paperwork and get my homework that I've missed...again. I might get Kiba to help me with it though."

"Kiba, Kiba," my mom tapped her chin in recollection, "Oh that nice blond boy who you brought over once. Tell him how sorry I am about the gay jokes that were made. He seemed very nice. Please do bring him over so that I can apologize."

I waved her off, "Don't worry mom, he knew that it wasn't you. I had fully warned him about the welcome, or unwelcome, he may get. With as many girls that flock around him anyone that calls him gay is just stupid. The only reason that guy doesn't have a harem is that he is just too nice. I think that's one of the reasons we make such good friends is how we view the way women should be treated."

Mom simply beamed another smile at me, "Well that's wonderful. Still, I'd love it if you'd invite him over some time. This really is our home now and you shouldn't be afraid to use it. It may take some getting used to I understand. That's why I replaced so much. Oh and I forgot to tell you the best news."

I smirked a bit at moms open-ended statement, "You met the man of your dreams and are finally going to be with someone who deserves you?"

She tried to narrow her eyes at me but her mirthful smile gave her true feelings away, "Oh haha, mister funny man. No, as I said before, the only guy I want to spend time with right now is my handsome boy. My big news is that I got a job. Last week actually, I started working as at a law firm as a paralegal. I was well on my way to a degree in law before I got, well let's just say derailed. Now it seems I'll be able to pick up the pieces. The firm is run by a girl I went to college with and she was so eager to have me come on. Apparently, she's had more work then she can handle. We have even gone out a couple times and had girl's nights."

Honestly, I was so happy to hear that it felt like my smile was eating my face. The smile even started to hurt a bit before I was actually able to calm down. How could I not be ecstatic though, after all these years my mom could actually have a life.

I wrapped her in a big hug, "Looks like we're both out there fighting the good fight now, huh mom?"

She laughed a bit at that, "Yep, my friend works with child welfare law so we'll make sure that no other kids get stuck in bad situations ever again."

Mom hurried away preparing dinner and I set my stuff down, "Hey mom I'm gonna step outside real fast. I think I might have dropped something."

After hearing my moms tale I couldn't help but think someone had a hand in this. Looking up into the evening sky I looked at the stars that were slowly becoming visible. My luck has been too good lately. It was almost like I had an angel in my corner, heh.

It might seem a little odd now but on reflex, I closed my eyes, "Hey God. Oh, and hey Michael and Gabriel if you two are listening. I don't know if you guys had something to do with my mom's good fortune recently but thank you. She has a new job and a friend again. Regardless, if the was your handiwork or now, thank you. You have given us so much, so thank you."

(Elsewhere, unbeknownst to Issei, two seraphs wore large grins.)

The rest of the night was amazing. Mom wasn't kidding when she said she made my favorites. Pad Thai, wontons, steamed vegetables, and miso soup were scattered around the table. We laughed and ate the night away. Mom would tell stories about her new job and how her friend almost socked one client in the nose. I did some impressions of a few of the angels I'd met. My impression of 'Sister Griselda' nearly had mom shooting miso soup out of her nose.

Still, the night wore on and it was time for bed. I had to be up early to meet the devils after all. Maybe I could sleep in, they might praise me for being late, sloth is a pretty big deal sin, right?

The Next Morning

I hadn't really wanted to wake up but I knew that life was already moving around me, hurrying me to my fate. I thought briefly about my decision to fight Raiser and my interjecting in devil affairs. Honestly, I wasn't even able to question myself. I know that were I to face the same situation again I'd make the same choices. All that was left to do now was face the music. As much of a piece of scum as Raiser may be, both Gabriel and Griselda had warned me about him for a reason.

Walking into the old school building I could feel the devils. It was strange, but what should give me a foreboding feel had come to signify some of my friends. Sure, I don't know them all very well, but Kiba for sure, and even Rias now was starting to seem more like a friend. I wasn't sure about everyone else, but peace certainly seemed possible to me. Between devils and angels anyways, I still have my reservations about fallen angels.

Opening the door I was greeted by smiles, "Hey guys, are we ready to get this show on the road?"

It was then that I noticed a face was missing and Kiba's smile dropped, "Hey Issei, it seems that things may have changed in your absence."

"Kiba," I said flatly, "Where is Rias?"

He looked away, unable to meet my eyes, "Raiser came back Issei. I tried to convince Rias to wait for you but… Raiser convinced her that if the two of you fought he would kill you. That the only way to save you was for her to go ahead with the engagement. As her knight and your best friend, I have failed you both. I'm sorry Issei."

Just like Kiba to blame himself for everything. Things hadn't gone as planned but hopefully, it wasn't too late. Lord Sirzechs was crafty. Rias being his little sister and all, there was no way that this news escaped his notice. I'm sure he would have stalled for me.

I took a breath, praying I guess, "How long do we have?"

Kiba was about to answer when a familiar magic circle appeared and an all too familiar silver-haired maid appeared from it. I smiled, now I was certain.

"Grayfia it is an honor. I hope you bring word," I politely assumed with a grin.

Her smirk was almost unnoticeable, almost, "An engagement party is currently being held in the Underworld. Sirzechs would be pleased were you to… ahem, join it."

I spread my arms in a what can I do sort of gesture, "Well if Lord Sirzechs wishes it I must attend. In the name of peace, that is."

"Of course," she replied.

With that multiple magic circles appeared and we were off.

We appeared in front of a large castle. It was easily the largest building I've ever seen. The detailing and stonework were simply beautiful. I wouldn't trade heaven for anything, but it was easy to see the charms of hell. Immediately guards fell upon me and I was forced to hold up my hands in surrender. It looked like things were off to a reeeeeally bad start. That is until a certain silver-haired maid came to my rescue.

Her power flared as she stared down the guard detail, "You would dare aim your weapons at the personal guest of Maou Lucifer? The punishment for that is death."

Honestly, if the men had drawn back their weapons any faster they would have thrown them behind themselves. Panic spread over the faces of the men there as mumbled replies and apologies came from all around me. I waved them off as Grayfia simply bowed to me and escorted me forward.

She led us all the way to a massive set of double doors. They were blood red and lined in gold. The whole place screamed of elegance but these two doors, in particular, seemed special. Places like this always sought to impress outsiders. If I was a betting man, I'd say this was the ballroom.

With a bow, Grayfia spoke, "This is as far as I can take you. I must go and rejoin Lord Sirzechs. Please do enjoy yourselves."

I had thought she was done as she went one way and we walked forward until the split second she passed me. I could almost discard it as myself hearing things. No one else seemed to hear it as I stopped to look back to see her still walking away. I know though, I'm not wrong, she had said it.

"Kick his ass."

With renewed vigor, I marched forward. Now I'm not an impulsive person by nature. Sure, I've been known to make some rash decisions in certain situations, but on the whole, I'm a very level-headed guy. So you might say me kicking the doors in was slightly out of character.

I had the immediate feeling of being underdressed. The members of the ORC and I were all in our school uniforms while everyone in attendance was. I wasn't about to let that slow me down though. I marched straight through the crowd with the ORC hot on my tail. About the time we made it to the center of the ballroom the music had stopped and everyone had moved away giving me ample space. It basically put a spotlight on me, but at that moment that was precisely what I needed.

It was then that I spotted Rias. She looked breathtaking. She wore a strapless, sleeveless gown of white decorated with red and gold. Her hair was slightly curled with a small bun on the top of her head containing about half of her hair. Several golden accessories adorned her wrists and neckline. She had always looked like royalty but now for certain. I knew I was looking at a princess.

Far less impressive at her side was Raiser. A suit of red pluming feathers around his collar made him look like a peacock. His ability to dress himself hadn't improved much having it unbuttoned halfway. Luckily someone had made sure to tuck in his shirt this time at least. Our eyes met and you could tell in an instant, he was not happy to see me at all.

I smirked up at him, "Hey devil pig, didn't we have a fight planned? Don't tell me your chickening out? I wouldn't expect you to duck out of our fight being of the great Phenex clan and all."

Kiba placed a hand on my shoulder, "Uh Issei perhaps you should observe a bit more tact."

I laughed a bit but didn't look at him as I replied, "What do you mean? I got pig, chicken, and duck all in one spurt. Give me a few more lines here and I can call him everything in the barnyard. I have a really good one for donkey coming too."

I could literally feel Kiba and Koneko grimace behind me while I heard Akeno giggle a bit.

"I don't know who let you in here but you are not welcome," Raiser shouted, "Rias here has had a change of heart you see. She has come to me willingly haven't you Rias? So there is no need for this silly exhibition at all."

Rias refused to meet my gaze. Still, I wouldn't look away. Everything about the way she felt and how this situation was affecting her could be read from her posture. Her shoulders were hunched slightly, her eyes cast downwards, and her smile was gone. She looked… defeated.

"Rias!" I shouted causing her to finally snap up and look at me, "Did you think I'd stand for this? Did you think for one second that I would let you do this to protect me? No! I won't let you do this. I have come for you Rias, it's time for you to come home."

"Arrogant fool," Raiser berated me with his fury bubbling over, "Didn't I tell you? She came to me consensually. There is nothing you can do now. Our fight is over, you've lost, now be gone."

I so loved this part. The part where the bad guy was so sure that he had everything figured out. At the very height of his confidence. It is just the best time to take him down a peg.

"Oh?" I questioned him innocently, "Here I thought we were an exhibition to further peace. Since when did this become a fight over Rias? I have no claim to her. I just think you should treat her better. As I recall Sirzechs requested we have this match. Are you saying you went behind the back of the Lord of Hell and did something to avoid a match with me?"

Gasps of surprise could be heard all around the room, but the best was the look on Raiser's face. He had obviously thought he had me backed into a corner. Oh well, it was time to put the final nail in the coffin.

I laughed out loud, "Wait until I get back to heaven. I can't wait to tell everyone about the 'might' of the great house of Phenex."

It wasn't long before Kiba and the rest of the ORC caught on to my antics and started laughing softly. Turns out it was contagious and before long everyone was laughing. Everyone knew what I was obviously. They could probably sense the moment an angel appeared in hell. I wouldn't have expected the mob to turn on a devil in favor of an angel. Now that was funny.

Raiser looked like he was about to explode when a powerful new presence made its way into the room. All eyes turned and bowed as Lord Sirzechs himself made his way to the center of the room. This man might be the craftiest man I'd ever met. Somehow I had a feeling he and Lord Michael would make great friends. Both of them had that twinkle behind their innocent smile that said they were up to something mischievous.

"Oh Issei, so good of you to join us," Lucifer greeted me, "It has been three weeks hasn't it? Well then since everyone is here shall we get started? If you are not ready we can always do this at a later date."

Oh, he's good, "Please, Lord Lucifer, I am ready to begin at your word."

That was it, Raiser had taken all he could handle, "This is absurd. We have an angel in hell. We should do what we will with him not treat him like a guest of honor."

Dead silence covered the room as killing intent washed forth from Lord Sirzechs Lucifer like a tsunami. It was almost hard to breathe as his power flowed from him. An icy glare that I had never seen before on his face was fixed on Raiser and the once proud phoenix buckled at the knees under the pressure of his gaze.

"You dare threaten my guest," the words were like weapons themselves and it was obvious that Raiser was feeling them.

Before he spoke Raiser fell forward and prostrated himself before his king, "Forgive me, my Lord. I was simply overwhelmed at the disruption of such a happy day. We were celebrating the engagement of myself with your dear sister after all. Could we not do this another day?"

This was something I had not foreseen. As prideful as Raiser was I could not seem him begging anyone, even his king. If Sirzechs granted him this all was lost. Truthfully, I wasn't worried for a moment. This is Sirzechs we're talking about after all. I had hardly spent any time around the man but already felt like I knew him quite well.

"So," Lucifer began slowly, emphasizing his words, "On the day you promised me you would have this exhibition you went out and planned this event. Are you looking to shame me in front of heaven? Would you send your Maou to the seraph's of heaven and beg them to give us a rain check? Am I to ask for their…mercy?"

He wasn't just good, he was freaking brilliant.

Raiser couldn't respond fast enough as sweat poured onto the floor from his face that was still firmly planted against it, "NO MY LORD! This is all my doing. I was thoughtless. Please allow me to postpone our pending nuptials and fulfill my previous commitment."

Raiser's form visibly eased as the killing intent dissipated from the room, "Very well."

Before continuing Sirzechs turned his gaze to me and it was all that I could do not to flinch after what I'd just seen, "Nevertheless, I must seek your forgiveness Issei. I have heard of several accounts of rudeness that you have endured since your arrival. I was prepared to grant you a simple request up your victory, perhaps money or land, but now it seems I can refuse you almost nothing. What would you like as your prize, if you win that is?"

Part of me was really hoping that this peace treaty went through flawlessly now. After everything that has happened I knew there was much I could learn from this man. Devil or not, he managed to take full control of a situation and use all of the events to his advantage. He had gotten everything he wanted without even lifting a finger. Good or evil, that was amazing."

I smiled a reflection of the one Sirzechs wore, "Hmm, I see. Well, I haven't had much time to consider given the new circumstances. As an angel you know I'm not one for selfish desires. How about this, I wish that your sister be freed from this engagement. I would wish that she be allowed to choose her own future husband that she may find someone to love."

I looked back and forth between Lucifer and Grayfia before finishing my thoughts in a lower tone, "Love is truly a wonderful thing isn't it my Lord?"

His grin softly turned from that of a careful schemer to one of compassion, "That it is. So shall it be then. If you win I shall grant your wish and this engagement shall be dissolved. So I have said it, so shall it be."

It was Raiser's turn to look on in defeat. That is until he caught sight of me. He may be a fool but it didn't take him long to register that all he had to do to keep his little dream alive as defeat me. If I have to give the guy credit for anything, it's that he doesn't lack for confidence. The look on his face said one thing very clearly, you're dead.

Sirzechs explained the rules of the matches to me quickly and they began to prepare an alternate space for the fight, whatever that means. I was calming myself and reflecting on all my training. In my mind, I danced through all of the moves and skills I had learned. I wasn't alone either, Ddraig was here with me. I could hear his low growling from within the sacred gear in my mind. He was ready too. That was when something slammed into my back and wrapped itself around me.

It didn't take a genius to figure out who it was, but the soft squish from her chest helped, "Rias, is there something you need?"

"You don't have to do this," she pleaded with me, "I've already accepted my fate. Please, I can't watch you die."

Her voice was breaking as she spoke and it tugged at my heartstrings. She was willing to endure an eternity as this man's plaything so that I wouldn't get hurt. It seems like every time I turn around I am finding more amazing women entering my life these days.

Softly I grabbed her chin and brought it up so that we locked eyes, "Believe in me Rias. I understand your fear. I am not so foolish that I would think I could just beat him easily. I am ready, and I will save you. I will not let you down."

Sirzechs then called for me, "Issei, are you ready?"

"Yeah," I turned my face and replied instantly surprised by the feeling of lips on my cheek.

"For luck," she said with a slight blush as she turned and walked towards her servants.

Kiba walked towards me, "You got this. He is a high-class devil remember, and as you saw in the club room, his power is not to be taken lightly. Be careful my friend, I believe in you."

I nodded to him and fist bumped with him before heading towards Sirzechs. I stood a bit apart from Raiser and waited. Suddenly, two magic circles appeared and I found myself in what appeared to be an old stone courtyard. It was sparsely decorated with a broken down stone fountain, a couple benches and a balcony that seemed to lead to nowhere.

Suddenly a voice came from nowhere and everywhere all at once, "This match is a friendly exhibition to further the peace between the three factions. I, Sirzechs Lucifer, shall serve as the judge for this match. Please observe the rules and show us a good fight. May the best man win, be he angel or devil."

BOOST

I prepared myself for battle spreading my wings, wielding a light sword and dawning my sacred gear. I was not going to take this fight lightly. The courtyard seemed to be about the size of a football field. It sounds like a lot but I knew from experience in a fight like this you can cross that distance quickly. While I prepared myself Raiser simply chuckled.

"What's so funny," I asked slightly annoyed.

His amused look wasn't good at all, "You could have been spared all this pain. You could have just walked away. You have no place in the business of devils to begin with, but now that you have sufficiently humiliated me I will teach you your place. As a son of the great house of Phenex, I shall destroy you swine."

BOOST

I relaxed my stance just a bit now that he'd finally decided to put his foot in his mouth again, "Oh, we're back to you being a devil pig again. That's good cause I was getting confused about other people talking about phoenixes and such. Thanks for the clarification."

That was all the prodding it took as the man literally exploded. Luckily the attack, being omnidirectional wasn't very strong. Still, that fact that he could set the whole courtyard ablaze was impressive. Creating his own wings of fire he charged at me. It was at that moment I was never more grateful for Griselda's training.

BOOST

As I sidestepped his attack I slashed through part of his torso. He healed almost immediately while I put a little distance between us again. Repeatedly he charged me, and every time I would dodge and counter, all the while building up my own special little surprise for him.

BOOST

It was then that I heard Griselda's voice in my head, "An angry fighter is a stupid fighter. Keep your wits about you and wear him down. Still, take heed, if he gets his hands on you, you are in for pain."

That last part was what I was afraid of. After about twenty attempts on Raiser's part he hardly seemed to be slowing down at all. To my benefit, however, he was certainly not taking light damage well. Fueled by rage or not, every time my sword cut into him his body burned with pain. It may only be slight, but his regeneration was slowing.

BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST

In his fury Raiser began shouting at me, "Stay still you coward. How do you expect to win the fight if you are dancing around everywhere? Don't tell me that heaven is nothing but winged chickens."

Raiser's taunting did nothing to me. Well, that is until his next sentence.

"I'm sure your master is a lonely bitch too, probably desperate for a real man like me to come and show her what it means to be a woman."

BOOST

My face must have told Raiser everything he needed to know, "I knew it. The master of a weak child like you had to be a woman. I bet she is just desperate to know the touch of a real man. That poor angel has never known the love of a real man. Don't worry though, I'll slum it a bit for you. After I'm done with Rias that is."

BOOST

Truly I knew that I had lost control of the battle. He had completely taken the flow from me. I was not someone who was easy to anger. Unfortunately for me, I had basically fed Raiser everything he needed to know about baiting me, and how he was using it now.

In my fury, I charged at him. Even when he launched a pillar of fire at me I didn't alter my course. I wish I could say my aura completely repelled the attack. That, however, was not the case as I found myself on the flat of my back. It hurt, it hurt a lot. The flames of a phoenix were obviously nothing to be messed with. Before I could return to my feet however more flames washed over me. Lost in my anger I couldn't even defend myself properly and the barrier I deployed was shattered easily.

BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST

I somehow managed to keep from taking enough damage to reset my boost counter, but just barely. When I slowly started to rise I found myself grounded again with a foot pressed against my chest. That cocky bastard pinning me down with his foot. I was completely made aware of the difference in our power now.

BOOST BOOST

I barely registered Raiser talking to me now, "You know, I don't know many female angels. Let alone many powerful enough to have a peerage. There is Gabriel of course-"

I could feel my face clinch in further anger, damn it.

"Gabriel? Are you serious?" Raiser laughed, "Well, this will be a treat, won't it. After I finish with Rias I shall take the most beautiful woman in heaven. Oh don't worry though, I've decided to let you live. I think I'd like you to watch as I take them. Imagine her Issei, the most beautiful woman in heaven begging you for help as I ravage her. Then slowly but surely, she starts to say my name. Raiser. Raiser! RAISER! As I plunge her into ecstasy..."

BOOST BOOST

It seemed like he was going to continue but something in me snapped. No, this was not going to happen. I am done. Grabbing his foot with renewed strength I through the devil off of me.

Slowly I rose to my feet as he scrambled up. I think he was still taunting me, but I couldn't hear him anymore. All that I could see was Gabriel's face. The image of her begging me for help. Of me having failed her.

Whatever he was trying to say he would not get the chance to finish, "I'VE HAD ENOUGH!"

BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST

With what little control I still had left I shouted to whoever was observing, "If you want him to live you had best have him forfeit now!"

EXPLOSION

I formed a light sword into a small concentrated form just like a katana. I entered my stance, readying myself for battojutsu. Raiser was convinced yet again of his victory and just stood smugly waiting to see what I had. Never before had I accumulated so much power. It felt similar to the energy Lucifer had put out earlier. I guess Raiser is just too dumb to notice.

"First technique," I whispered, "Soryusen!"

With a speed that most eyes could not see, much less follow, I dashed forward and slashed my blade clean through him. Typically the slash is done horizontally, but in this instance using my enhanced speed I brought the sword vertically through him. The fear was obvious on his face. He had not seen me move and wasn't aware of it until I went through the motions of sheathing my light blade. As pointless as I know it is, it still feels right.

"Was that it," Raiser dogged me, "After all of the showboating, you accomplished nothing."

That was when the announcement came, "The match is over, Issei is the winner. A team is headed to your position Raiser, please do not move."

As everyone probably guessed the man didn't listen, "What are you talking about I'm not even hurt-"

It was then as he flailed his arms in protest that he noticed something wrong. His vision was distorted and flames erupted straight down his body. Even through the pain, which must have been excruciating, he simply looked confused. Finally, after a few moments, he screamed. I had cleaved him in half, and now he was realizing it. The power of light I used was so immense that it was keeping him from healing. A team appeared within moments. They stabilized him and gave him a sedative. Unfortunately for Raiser, it seemed that his powers were burning through the medicine so they were forced to carry him away whilst he bellowed in pain.

Regardless of the circumstances, I was not proud of myself. Had it been any other devil, they would be dead now. I could not say for certain that he wouldn't be. As I was teleported out of the arena and back into the ballroom I found myself surrounded by applause. Confused, I looked to Sirzechs who gave me a small nod which gave me some small relief.

True relief didn't find me until I was wrapped up in arms again. Looking to find my assailant I was lost in a wash of crimson hair. No doubt, this girl was beautiful. Whatever happened in the fight was in the past, I can only live in the moment now, and the truth of the moment now was that she was free. She was free and I made that happen.

"Idiot," she said as she squeezed me tighter, "you are such an idiot. You could have been killed. We barely know each other and yet you risked your life for me. Why? Don't you have things to live for, people that you love?"

I smiled gently at her and stroked her head while hugging her back, "How could I face any of them again if I let this happen to you? You have a life, friends, dreams, and ambitions. How can I say that any of those are more important than my own? By all rights, I should be dead."

That statement made Rias flinch but I wasn't done.

"It's true. I was killed by that fallen angel and yet I had not one, but two wonderful women come to my rescue. Please, consider this repayment for coming to save my life. I now give you your life back."

"Issei," she whimpered into my chest, "Oh Issei. I didn't want anything from you. Just for you to be happy and alive. Thank you, thank you so much. You are the most amazing man I've ever known. I won't regret what is, but just know that I'll always have a place for you in my peerage should you decide to switch sides."

A smirked a bit at that, "While I wouldn't look for that happening anytime in the near future I am still grateful for your offer."

I stayed at the party for a while longer to be polite. Though to be honest I was ready to be out of hell. No offense to anyone, it was a really cool place as far as I'd seen, but just the knowledge of where I was didn't sit well. Although to be honest that is probably just an excuse. The real issue if I'm being honest is I still haven't come to terms with trying to kill Raiser. In that moment I was doing everything in my power to be rid of him. I wanted to get out of here, I wanted to go to heaven, I wanted to see Gabriel, but most of all the little kid in me just wanted to see my mom.

I was fighting back my sorrow as I was attack hugged for the third time tonight. I wasn't sure it was a good thing that I was starting to memorize the feeling of her breasts pressed against my back.

"Rias," I managed without sounding too upset, "To what do I owe the pleasure."

And for the second time tonight I felt her lips on my cheek, "I'm not giving up on you. I'm not like most devil's Issei. Happy with fulfilling their desires on whatever seems pretty at the time. I want one man in my life. Human, devil, angel, hell you could be a fallen angel for all I care, I would still want you in my life. So take this as my direct letter of challenge. I am determined to become the woman you spend your life with and won't go down without a fight."

She left me there speechless and returned inside where her peerage waited for her. I could see them standing just behind the door. I wasn't sure but it looked like Kiba was laughing…traitor.

With a large sigh but somewhat refreshed heart, I went home to see my mom.

A/N: So a few things I really want to address here. First off I want to reiterate that incest is not wincest in my story and Issei's mom is not one of the potential girls. Please understand the situation and that she is just an affectionate mother who feels like for the first time in her life she can actually be a mother to her son.

Yes. I know some of would have like Issei to have walked in there and just pulled a televangelist smack on the head to Raiser, and had him crying on his knees, but that just seemed in poor taste. As much as I hate him, Raiser has a lot of power coursing through him because of his family. As much as I want to dis the man I can't downplay the power of a phoenix. That being said, what did you guys think of the fight? Yes that was a perfect moment for juggernaut drive but I decided against it. He may have been furious, but I don't think that was enough TRUE misery and fury to bring out the juggernaut drive. Did anybody catch the sword technique Issei used? A golden cookie if you can tell me where it's from. Don't worry the cookie just looks golden, it's still totally edible… I think. Yes, Issei feels guilty about what he did to Raiser. Yes, Raiser will survive but for all intensive purposes that attack could have killed any other demon.

Also, yes, if you hadn't noticed or been able to figure it out Rias is one of the potential girls and I wanted to make that very clear this chapter. Please don't ask me how I would make that happen. She might be the least likely choice in all honesty even though I love that pairing, but think of me as the great and power OZ I can make it happen if I so choose. I already have an idea in mind to do just that if I want. I'm really excited because quite soon I will be introducing the two other girls. One of which well...she's going to have to undergo a change first… tee hee.

Well I hope you guys enjoyed all of that. Be thankful for two chapters because I doubt I'll do that again. I just wanted to make you all happy *tear* so as always R&R. Love it or hate it I want to hear.