Here's 9…Like I said, I have time to type since I have nothing else to occupy me during most week nights. Also, just as an aside, I kinda got in the mood to actually write this because THEY ANNOUNCED DxD SEASON 3!
Chapter 9
The roar fading Issei's head focuses on Riser, the high class devil not sure what he's looking at as a low growl escape's Issei's lips.
Looking at him closely Issei's appearance has changed since he first donned his armor. The relatively 'normal' looking helmet has changed, white horns protruding from the top of the skull with the hands and feet changing into claw like appendages. Looking at it Riser can't even begin to fathom what the transformation could mean, or why those words Issei said sounded to filled with hatred and evil.
"Is this some sort of Super Dragon Mode or some other nonsense you've invented to try and make yourself as strong as-urk!"
In the span of a moment Issei is standing right in front of him, the White Dragon Emperor crossing the distance between them in the blink of an eye, his clawed hand wrapping around Riser's throat. Raising Riser into the air the Phenix heir summons flames from around him, thrusting both open hands toward Issei to attack him with the fire.
The flames smacking into Issei nearly his entire body is consumed with the fire, only a small section of his arm and the hand wrapped around Riser's throat not consumed with fire. Unfortunately for him Riser doesn't feel Issei's grip even falter as the flames begin to quickly burn out, the fires leaving behind Issei's unmarred body, the draconic face staring at him with malice in his eyes.
"Wha…what are you?" Riser manages to demand through his constricted wind pipe.
He's never met a low class devil that could survive his fires completely unscathed. Worse Issei didn't even try to defend himself from the attack, he'd simply taken the hit from the flames and shrugged them off. For a low class devil that is in and of itself impossible. No matter what kind of Sacred Gear Issei has it shouldn't have allowed him to just shrug off the Phenix fires without even an iota of effort. There are even some high class devils, like Rias Gremory, that can't even do what Issei just did.
"Absorb." Divine Dividing speaks.
Blinking Riser has a half second to wonder what that means as the remaining jewels on Issei's armor begin to glow. A moment later electricity arcs out from the jewels. The lightning striking Riser it feels like fire flowing through his veins. Opening his mouth Riser screams in agony, his pain echoing around the nearly packed arena.
"AHHHHH!"
Screaming the pain is like Issei sucking out Riser's very soul. The electricity arcs between them for only a handful of moments to the onlookers, but after a seeming eternity for Riser the electricity disappears, Riser feeling like something has sucked the life out of him. Raising his arm again Riser thrusts it forward, trying to summon his fires and hit Issei again.
His arm thrusting forward nothing happens. Blinking in surprise Riser turns his hand toward his face, the high class devil staring at his palm in disbelief.
Issei's claw opening Riser drops to the arena floor with a thud. Feeling the impact Riser can feel a pain shoot up his left leg from his ankle, the pain sharp and stabbing Riser looks down at his foot to see his foot twisted around at an unnatural angle, Riser blinking when he realizes that he must've twisted his ankle…
I hardly fell, and the pain…
Trying to twist his foot back to normal Riser doesn't see the Phenix flames appear around the injury, the pain doesn't start to go away after a few moments like it always has before. Staring down at his now twisted ankle a very shocking realization dawns on his mind.
My powers…is he suppressing them somehow…?
Looking up Riser sees Issei draw his left arm back, his hand flat with his claws pointed toward Riser the high class devil has a moment to realize that is how he's going to die before Issei thrusts his hand forward, using his claws like a blade.
With a wet cutting sound Issei's hand slices through Riser's skull, Issei's hand cutting into Riser's skull just below the eyes, the look of disbelief plastered on his face for all eternity as Issei flings his left hand to the left, the top of Riser's head flying away as the rest of his body falls limp to the arena floor. His body lying there no flames spew from Riser's now severed head, both parts of Riser's body simply lying there, blood pooling from both parts of his body.
Watching in silent awe many of the spectators can't believe what they're seeing. To see a Phenix taken down so easily and actually killed. The blood members of the Phenix family are practically immortal, though the reincarnated devils brought into the family through the Evil Piece system don't possess that same power.
Throwing his head back Issei roars again, this time the dragon cries out victoriously.
"RAAAAAARRR!"
XXX
Standing in the VIP observation area Rias can't believe what just happened. Looking on all the members of the Occult Research Club can't really believe their eyes. Not only did Issei just win, but he somehow managed to do it by cutting Riser's head in half.
The roar fading Rias opens her mouth to say something when Issei looks down at the body at his feet. Dropping to his hands and knees Issei's mouth takes a big bite of Riser's right arm, the sound of flesh tearing and blood splattering somehow loud even though the VIP area is 30 feet away from the arena floor. Watching Issei chews on the chunk of arm he's just bitten off, swallowing it before going back to bite off some more.
"Oh no…" Asia's voice quivers, watching Issei commit cannibalism Asia can't bear the sight of it.
Standing next to her Raynare reaches out, pulling Asia's face toward her, the Fallen Angel trying to shield Asia from the horrific sight of Issei eating another devil's flesh and blood. Glancing to Asia Rias is somewhat surprised to see Raynare trying to shield the blonde former nun from the brutality on display.
Standing up from his throne Sirzechs narrows his eyes toward Issei, still chowing down on Riser's body.
"He's…" Sirzechs begins, only to hear Rias clear her throat, the sound cutting him off and drawing his attention toward his younger sister.
Rias gently shaking her head Sirzechs is reminded of Asia's relative innocence and nods his understanding toward his older sister, his attention again shifting back toward Issei and his continued feast.
"What is he doing?" Sirzechs asks. "What happened to him? It's like he's completely different person."
"I…" Rias begins slowly. "I think I might know."
All eyes drawn to her even Asia manages to look, Raynare holding the young girl close in spite of the fact that Asia is less than comfortable being close to the Fallen Angel.
"Well…?" Sirzechs asks.
"I read in a book about Sacred Gears that the Longinus with the Heavenly Dragons sealed in them have a forbidden power called Juggernaut Drive." Rias explains to them. "Very little was mentioned about it, other than it releases the full power of the dragon sealed inside the Sacred Gear, while turning the possessor into a berserker state…"
"Can he be stopped?" Sirzechs asks, and Rias shrugs her shoulders.
"I don't know. Other than what I've said the book didn't say anything about Juggernaut Drive. If he's in a berserker state it's possible that he'll just calm down on his own…" Rias suggests hopefully.
Looking down at the arena floor Sirzechs shakes his head in defiance.
"If what you've said is true and he really does have the full power of the Vanishing Dragon then we can't wait around for that to happen. Were he to actually try and escape the barrier he could rip through the barrier and kill thousands of people. As a Maou I can't let that happen."
The color draining from Rias' face her older brother's intent is as clear as day to everyone around him. If Issei can't be calmed down and tries to escape the arena Sirzechs will have no choice but to kill him. As Maou it is Sirzechs' responsibility to protect those devils under his care. No matter how much his little sister may adore her only pawn the choice is clear, one life versus thousands of others is no contest.
"We may be able to stop him though!" Rias insists, not wanting to think about what would happen if her older brother fought against Issei as he is now.
"How?" Sirzechs asks evenly, Rias swallowing the saliva in her mouth.
"Well…if we were somehow able to trigger an emotional response in him then we could bring him back to his senses." Rias explains, and Sirzechs nods.
"All right, how do we do that?" Sirzechs asks, and Akeno steps forward.
"I think I can." Akeno speaks up, and Sirzechs turns his attention to Rias' Queen.
"What makes you say that?" Sirzechs asks, and Akeno smiles.
"Issei-kun and I are lovers. I think if I try and talk to him I can get through to him."
"Are you sure?" Sirzechs asks, and Akeno nods.
"I am." Akeno assures, and Rias glares at her Queen.
"What makes you think you should go? I could get through to him!" Rias tries to argue.
"You can't go Rias." Akeno denies. "If you go down there and die the Gremory family loses it's heir. If I die I'm nothing more than a reincarnated devil."
Much as Rias may not want him to Sirzechs nods approvingly at that.
"That doesn't matter. Issei and I are lovers, just like you are!" Rias tries to argue, and Akeno smiles.
"Ara-ara, but I'm Issei-kun's girlfriend." Akeno replies. "He still even calls you 'Buchou.'"
Suppressing a growl Rias can't argue that point. Much to her own chagrin Issei still calls her 'Buchou' even outside of the appointed club time, even though she's told him she doesn't want him referring to her in that manner. She also can't argue that Issei thinks of Akeno as his girlfriend rather than her.
Not liking what Akeno has to say Rias still can't argue it. Sighing in frustration Rias' displeasure is clear in her response.
"Fine." Rias agrees, and Akeno turns her attention to Sirzechs.
"All right…" He begins slowly, turning his body toward the barrier between them and the arena floor. "I can open the barrier for a few moments, enough for you to pass through and try and talk to him. You need to understand though if you go through with this you'll be alone. If I go down there with you it's very likely Issei-kun will view me as a threat and attack."
Nodding Akeno doesn't even care about that.
"I understand." Akeno agrees, Sirzechs reaching out and 'grasping' the barrier in front of him.
Pulling his arms apart like a man opening two sliding doors the barrier slides back, an opening several feet across appearing in the barrier. Holding the barrier open Sirzechs looks back toward Akeno.
"Go! Now!"
Nodding Akeno takes off, running toward the opening and leaping through. Passing through the barrier Akeno unfurls her devil wings, soaring through the arena air and gliding toward Issei, who just happens to be finishing up his meal as Akeno lands nearby.
Her feet touching down Issei notices the sound, his head spinning around to see her standing there, a smile on her face as Issei stands up straight.
"Issei-kun…" Akeno begins, the dragon staring at her, not sure what is happening as Akeno takes a SLOW step toward him.
Reaching up Akeno slowly undoes the tie around her collar, setting it aside Akeno begins to take off her blouse, speaking as she does, her voice soft and comforting.
"It's all right Issei-kun." Akeno speaks in a calm, soothing voice. "You've won now, you don't have to fight anymore."
Staring at her the dragon doesn't do anything as Akeno unbuttons her blouse, Akeno taking another step forward as she slips the blouse from her body, letting it fall to the ground as she continues, revealing to the entire arena that she's wearing a lacy black bra.
"You've won, so please come back to me Issei-kun." Akeno continues, reaching down to open the clasp on her bra, revealing her chest to her boyfriend. "You can have my breasts as much as you want, so please, come back…"
Standing there a sound comes from Issei, the sound like his human voice.
"O….oppai…?" The voice manages to enunciate, and Akeno smiles at him.
"Yes, these oppai are all yours Issei, so please, do whatever you want with them…"
"Oppai…" Issei's voice is clearer, louder.
Throwing its head back the dragon roars again, the roar lasting for only a few seconds before white light shines from all over Issei's body, the light fading along with Issei's roar to reveal Issei's human body standing there. Blinking in surprise Akeno's wings disappear into her back as Issei's pivots forward, Akeno running toward him and catching him before he hits the ground.
"Issei-kun…" Akeno trails, his head somehow managing to find her right breast as a pillow, even though he's apparently unconscious.
Looking down at him he isn't exactly as he was before the match. His hair is now silver rather than brown, Akeno not knowing what's going on as Issei groans, his eyes opening to look up at her, Akeno quietly noticing that his eyes are blue now.
Just like the Vanishing Dragon is supposed to be…could it have something to do with that Juggernaut Drive thing that he used against Riser?
"Akeno-chan…?" Issei whispers tiredly, Akeno unable to help the smile on her face at Issei still being conscious.
"It's all right Issei-kun…" Akeno assures him. "You've won. You don't have to worry anymore."
His eyes barely open Issei barely tilts his head up and down.
"That's…good…" Issei manages to whisper weakly before his head lulls against her chest again.
Feeling a burst of panic Akeno is about to call for help when she feels his breath against her skin, Akeno realizing that Issei is just unconscious again even as the announcer from the beginning of the match blares over the arena.
"And the winner of the match Hyoudou Issei!" The voice loudly proclaims.
The barrier disappearing a moment later it takes no time at all for the members of the Occult Research Club to come running, Sirzechs among them, Rias' worried voice calling out to Akeno even as Raynare carries Asia in her arms, the blonde former nun not yet used to using her own wings to fly.
"Issei!" Rias shouts, her worry not for her Queen, but her only pawn.
Unfortunately for her said pawn can't hear the concern in her voice.
XXX
Looking around Issei finds himself in the room with Albion, the Vanishing Dragon looking down at him.
"So partner, you managed to win." Albion speaks to him, and Issei nods.
Bobbing his head up and down Issei can see that his hair has changed from brown to silver.
"Wha….my hair!?" Issei asks, and Albion chuckles.
"Thanks to the Juggernaut you're hair and eyes resemble mine now." Albion replies. "That isn't the only things that have changed about you though."
Hearing that dread forms in Issei's stomach like a lead weight.
"What are you talking about?" Issei asks, his terror clear in his voice.
"During the Juggernaut we absorbed that fool devil's powers and consumed his flesh. It was the only way to kill him that didn't involve mass bloodshed." Albion explains to him. "Thanks to that you've gained a fraction of his abilities, though not all of them were successfully absorbed."
"So…you're saying I have some of Riser's powers?" Issei asks, and Albion nods.
"You can control flames like he did, though the level of your flames is tied to your own general strength. You can heal like he does, but using that healing will drain your stamina, and you can't regenerate your stamina and strength like he did. Exhaust your power and you'll still be exhausted. Also, any wounds inflicted using holy power won't be affected by the healing."
"I…" Issei trails, absorbing that information. "I see."
He doesn't remember anything that happened during the Juggernaut. The only thing he remembers after opening the door is Akeno standing in front of him with her Oppai in clear view, asking him to come back. He'd barely managed to do that and he managed to put his head against her chest.
"There is something else, partner." Albion begins grimly, and Issei blinks.
"Bad news?" Issei half asks, and Albion nods.
"Using the Juggernaut Drive comes with a heavy price." Albion explains to him. "I warned you not to do it, but you did anyway."
"What price?" Issei asks.
"The cost is your remaining life span." Albion explains to him, and Issei's mouth drops. "Near as I can tell you have just over a year left to live."
"What!?" Issei can't believe what he's just heard. "Buchou said that devils can live for 10,000 years!"
"That's true." Albion affirms for him. "Juggernaut consumes that in order to release my full power. You're lucky that you managed to come back from it." Albion explains to him. "You're the first partner I've ever had to manage that."
Blinking Issei takes no pride in that.
"So, I only have one year left to live?" Issei asks, and Albion again nods.
"Maybe a year and a few days." Albion tells him.
"Is there anything I can do to prolong that?" Issei asks, and Albion sighs.
"I don't know of any way to increase your life span. All I can tell you is not to use Juggernaut again. If you do you'll surely die after a few seconds."
Nodding Issei swallows, a part of him accepting what Albion has just told him easily.
If not for that power I'd already be dead. I've already lost my virginity and even taken Buchou's virginity. Even if I do die in a year I can at least die content…
"One other thing partner…" Albion continues, and Issei blinks in surprise.
"What is it?"
"Using Juggernaut has increased your total Balance Breaker time to twelve minutes." Albion explains, and Issei nods.
"Five more minutes…" Issei trails.
XXX
Sitting next to Issei's sleeping body Akeno refuses to move from his bed side. After winning the match they'd moved him to the Gremory Estate and ultimately to one of the many open guest rooms in the manor. Ever since then Akeno has refused to leave his side, leaving only long enough to use the bathroom and return, Akeno eating, and sleeping next to her boyfriend.
He's been examined by a Devil Doctor, the doctor saying that physically Issei is fine. His body is the epitome of health; save for the apparent exhaustion Issei is suffering from. The only solace Akeno took from the doctor being that whatever Issei did to kill Riser didn't leave any lasting taint on his body.
Taking his right hand in hers Akeno ever so gently wraps her fingers around his, Akeno holding his hand to her chin, her worry that Issei will never wake plastered on her face as she stares down at her still sleeping boyfriend.
The door opening Akeno half expects to see Rias walk in instead Rias' Queen is surprised to see Sirzechs walk into the room, his Queen Grayfia at his side.
"Sirzechs-sama…Grayfia-sama…" Akeno offers in greeting, standing up to bow when Sirzechs holds his hand up, telling her not to lower her head.
"There's no need for that Akeno-chan." Sirzechs casually rebukes her.
Swallowing Akeno turns back to Issei, Sirzechs walking to her side, Grayfia following quietly.
"There's been no change?" Sirzechs asks, and Akeno shakes her head no quietly.
It's currently late, some would call it early. At the moment Rias and all the other members of the Occult Research Club are asleep in various rooms in the Gremory Estate.
"He looks peaceful…" Grayfia comments, and Akeno nods.
"I'd much rather he was awake and fondling me…" Akeno replies, and Sirzechs chuckles.
"I can whole heartedly agree with that." Sirzechs grins, earning a scowl from Grayfia.
Rather than smile at the Maou's joke Akeno just stares down longingly at Issei's face, a part of her wishing that he would just open his eyes and smile at her.
"Is there something you want, Sirzechs-sama?" Akeno asks tiredly, and Sirzechs lips flatten.
"Actually…yes." Sirzechs begins. "I thought I would tell you that I made a private wager with Lord Phenix."
Hearing that Akeno isn't the least bit surprised. Betting on things like the Rating Games is a common practice and it's no stretch to think that people would bet on a death match just the same. What Akeno doesn't know is what the terms of this bet could be, or why Sirzechs would be telling her about it, rather than Rias.
"What was the bet?" Akeno asks tiredly, Sirzechs grinning as he replies.
"That Riser's Queen, Yubelluna, is being gifted to Issei-kun."
"What!?" Akeno asks, turning her head toward Sirzechs.
"The bet was if Riser won the fight, Rias would become his slave." Sirzechs explains to her. "If Issei won one of Riser's former pieces would be gifted to Issei-kun as a future servant, and Yubelluna-chan was chosen."
"That's insane!" Akeno denies. "She'll try and kill him because he killed Riser! There's no way she'll obey him!"
Shaking his head Sirzechs doesn't agree with Akeno's statement.
"Riser is dead now, and Yubelluna is a free piece. Much as she may not want to admit it she has to do what Riser's family wants her to do, and Lord Phenix wants to give her to Issei-kun, especially since he heard the doctor's report about his body."
Recognition flashes on Akeno's face.
"You mean the fact that his body has some of the same properties as a blood member of the Phenix Family?"
Nodding Sirzechs smiles slightly.
"Believe it or not that actually works to our advantage. Lord Phenix is talking about formally adopting Issei into his clan, and using him to forge the union between their clan and ours that was originally going to occur with Rias and Riser."
"And you're just going to allow that?" Akeno asks. "Rias was the one who reincarnated him. It doesn't matter if he gains the ability to use the power of destruction or any other clan specific abilities. The rules state that a reincarnated devil belongs to the family of the devil that reincarnated them and can only break ties with that family by a willing trade to another family." Akeno explains.
"I know that." Sirzechs counters evenly. "However, Issei's situation is far from normal."
"So you're just going to sell him off without even asking if Rias is OK with it?" Akeno asks, and Sirzechs shakes his head no.
"None of this is set in stone Akeno-chan." Sirzechs reminds her. "I just want you to know that Lord Phenix is considering offering to adopt Issei into his family. If he agrees Issei-kun will be given the name Phenix and arranged to be married to Rias-chan."
"And what about me?" Akeno asks pointedly.
"As you know devils often have multiple lovers." Sirzechs needlessly reminds her.
"So that's it?" Akeno asks. "I'm supposed to just settle for being his mistress?"
"If he is adopted by the Phenix family." Sirzechs reminds her. "I hardly doubt that it will happen though, Rias-chan would have to agree, and I highly doubt that she would."
Nodding Akeno feels a minor sense of relief at that. Her eyes turning back to Issei Akeno just wishes he would wake up, Sirzechs standing next to her quietly.
"At least that's something…"
XXX
Opening his eyes Issei feels tired. Taking in an unfamiliar ceiling Issei quickly comes to the realization that he's not in his normal bedroom, but probably a room in Rias' home in the Underworld.
Seeing a wall on his left Issei looks right, seeing Akeno sitting next to his bed, her arms crossed with her head on the side of the bed, Akeno gently snoring with her head resting on her arms. Looking at her Issei feels his lips curl in a smile.
She waited all this time even though I was out like a light…How long was I even out anyway…?
As if on cue Albion comes to Issei's answer.
Two days partner... Albion explains to him.
Nodding inwardly Issei pushes himself to a sitting position. Wincing slightly Issei doesn't hurt, but his muscles are all cramped from spending so much time in bed, Akeno stirring at the same time Issei moves, Akeno feeling the movement of the bed, the sensation jarring her awake as the buxom half Fallen Angel opens her eyes, turning her attention toward him Akeno blinks in surprise, her eyes going wide at seeing Issei's open eyes, his lips curled in a slight smile.
"Issei!"
The next thing Issei knows he can feel Akeno's breasts against his chest, her arms wrapped around his neck, Akeno squeezing him joyously.
"You're awake! I'm so happy you're awake!" Akeno gushes, her happiness undeniable at Issei simply waking up.
"It's good to see you too, Akeno-chan." Issei offers, not sure what else to say in that situation.
Smiling Akeno pulls her face back, looking into his her smile is practically ear to ear.
"I love you!" Akeno proclaims, kissing him.
The next thing Issei knows his back is pressing against the bed, Akeno on top of him, her legs straddling him, her breasts pressing against his chest, Issei not quite sure what is going to happen next.
The door opening Issei barely hears it. What Issei does hear is Rias' voice calling out a moment later.
"AKENO!" Rias screams, the sudden scream cutting through Issei's mood, Akeno no longer sucking on his tongue before she pulls back, turning her head casually toward Rias.
"Oh, Rias…Good morning." Akeno offers casually.
"Good morning?" Rias asks pointedly. "Is that all you have to say when I find you practically humping Issei?"
"Ara-ara…He's awake you know…"
Blinking Rias stares at Akeno in disbelief.
"I can see that!" Rias insists. "What I'm upset about is you breaking our deal!"
"D…Deal?" Issei manages to ask, and Akeno's lips flatten.
"Rias and I made a deal while you were asleep." Akeno explains to him. "When you woke up we weren't going to try and take you for ourselves. We agreed to share you."
Blinking Issei looks at Rias, and then back to Akeno.
"SHARE ME!?" Issei swallows.
"Ara-ara…as in threesomes."
Just thinking about having Rias and Akeno together at the same time Issei can imagine all sorts of scenarios. Lying there Issei can practically see the two of them together, the two most beautiful women of Kuoh Academy both sharing his bed at the same time…
Blood spurting from his nose Issei collapses on his bed, the young devil unable to take the stimulation, his arms and legs twitching slightly.
Looking down at him Rias sighs.
"And we didn't even tell him about Yubelluna…"
