Chapter 9: Damn I hate Love Triangles

I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I used from other animes.

Welcome to Chapter 9 everybody. Last time the battle between Rias and Riser began. Riser may have had the numerical advantage, but Issei quickly took care of that by taking out all eight of Risers pawns with his boosted gear. With Riser's confidence shaken, Ravel led the group against Issei who was leading the troops while Rias relaxed. Issei quickly dispatched Mihae while Kiba and Koneko used Issei's power to dispatch the rooks and knights in the Phenex peerage. With Ravel and Yubelluna left, Riser finally took the stage and decided to face off against Issei in what would appear to be the final battle of the rating game. Now let's see what happens next.

(Student council room)

"Did he just say Balance Breaker?" Serafall gasped. After all the balance breaker was the pinnacle of the sacred gears power and somehow he achieved it.

"Yes he did, but when did he get it?" Sona questioned. The new revelation clearly caught her off guard.

"Wait, what do you mean when did he get it? I thought you two were training together this whole time!" Tsubaki exclaimed.

"We were, Tsubaki. He must've done it when I wasn't with him." Sona exclaimed. Issei had caught her off guard yet again.

"Well, then this is definitely about to get interesting. He was a monster without the Balance Breaker and now with it, he might be close to unstoppable." Serafall said happily. Everybody watching could only look on in shock as the red armor of the balance breaker surrounded Issei Hyoudou. The final battle of the rating game was about to begin. Who would be the victor, Phenex or Dragon?

(Battlefield)

"When could you use Balance Breaker?" Riser said almost in disbelief. Issei was exuding power like nothing he had seen before and he knew he was in trouble. The only way he could win is by using his stamina to outlast him.

"I've actually had it for a while, but I never saw a reason to show it off. Now seems like as good a time as any." Issei said with a savage grin on his face.

"Before we get started, I need to do one thing." Riser said calmly as he turned towards the two queen's fighting in the sky. "Yubelluna, that's enough fighting!" Riser shouted at his loyal queen. After all if Yubelluna lost the battle he would automatically lose and he definitely wanted to enjoy this battle.

"Akeno, please stop fighting also!" Issei said as well. He understood what Riser wanted to do and he was perfectly okay with the idea. The ironic thing was that Akeno appeared to be winning but Issei stopped her because he didn't want to be denied his battle.

"Aww, why did you stop me? I was about to win!" Akeno pouted as she flew down next to Issei.

"The reason I stopped you is because I want you to watch the battle between me and Riser. Riser seems determined to face me and I'm looking forward to facing off against him." Issei said calmly.

"Hmph, you're just being selfish." Akeno pouted.

"Maybe I am, but trust me when I say this, Akeno. My battle with Riser will be well worth it, and even if by some miracle he defeats me; He won't be able to survive against you, Rias, Kiba, and Koneko." Issei said with pride.

"Alright, but you better win!" Akeno said with a smile as she created some distance to watch the battle.

"Riser-sama, we must face him together." Yubelluna insisted. Yubelluna knew that if she and Riser worked together they could win, and since she still had the Phenex tear, they could turn it around.

"Just like I told Ravel. This battle is between me and him, and after that we'll see what happens." Riser admitted. Riser wanted to reclaim his honor for being so thoroughly thrashed during the battle. Plus with Rias still at full strength the battle was lost anyway since he would need to use a lot of strength to win this battle.

"Alright then, so shall we begin, Riser?" Issei said happily as he got into his battle stance.

"That's right, and to make it fair how about we start on Yubelluna's signal" Riser replied getting into his own stance.

"Sounds good to me." Issei replied as the boosted gear roared to life.

BOOST x 4

"Alright gentlemen, here we go!" Yubelluna said as she rose her hand to the sky. "3… 2… 1… AND GO!" Yubelluna announced dropping her hand to the ground and starting the battle.

"Take this!" Riser shouted as he lit his fists on fire and charged at Issei.

"Try me!" Issei replied with equal fury. Everybody watching on was stunned as the two exchanged blows. Punches and kicks flew through the air and it seemed like it could go either way. After five minutes of punching and kicking the two separated with both parties breathing heavily.

"Not bad, Red Dragon. You're stronger than I ever imagined." Riser said happily. The battle was everything he hoped it would be.

"Thank you, Riser." Issei replied through the gear.

"Shame you have no chance of winning. No matter what you do I can recover from your attacks" Riser said with a savage grin on his face.

"My stamina is pretty good as well." Issei said smiling. Thanks to all the sex he had with Sona and his training, Issei built up a tremendous amount of stamina.

"It doesn't matter. Your stamina will never surpass a Phenex!" Riser said happily. He was certain of his victory in this battle.

"Well let's find out." Issei replied happily.

BOOST x 5

"Very well!" Riser replied happily as they continued their brawl. Just as before, Riser's flaming fist and Issei's gauntlet clad fists clashed and the brutal fist fight enamored everybody in the crowd.

(Student Council Room)

"I can't believe he's keeping up with Riser." Serafall said in complete disbelief. Despite his personality flaws, everybody in the devil world recognized Riser's skill. For Issei to keep up with him was truly astounding.

"Yes, but as a half-devil there will eventually come a time where his stamina falls. That's when Riser will win." Tsubaki said nervously. She didn't want to see Issei lose but it was only a matter of time.

"I'm not so sure." Sona said with a curious glance.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Tsubaki wondered.

"Issei has planned everything out perfectly so far. There's no way he doesn't know about the Phenex's recovery power." Sona said quizzically.

"I guess." Tsubaki replied. She knew that Issei had to have some type of plan, but now he was up against an immortal monster. He would need an extremely good plan to win.

(Battlefield)

When the rating game began Riser Phenex had no doubt in his mind that he would win the battle. He had the experience and he had the manpower. What he didn't expect was that his opponent was the Red Dragon Emperor. The young man was smart enough to keep the battle as a fist fight the entire time. Many people weren't aware of this but the Phenex family's stamina was more useful for magic attacks and that physical strength is the perfect way to wear him down. "Damn, I can't believe he's keeping this up. I might actually lose this battle." Riser realized in shock. This was the third round of the battle and the series of punches and kicks were starting to have an effect.

"Seems like this battle is coming to an end, huh Riser?" Issei said happily. Because of the way he fought against Riser, the stamina advantage that Riser thought he had was fading.

"Yes it is, human. So tell me, how about we end this battle with the next strike?" Riser suggested.

"Sounds good to me." Issei replied happily. He was waiting for this moment the whole time.

"This is it, after this the battle would be decided." Yubelluna said nervously. She had never seen her master so worn out. It was almost impossible to believe but somehow Riser was being worn down with only martial arts.

"Come on, Issei, I know you can do it!" Akeno said nervously. She knew Issei was strong but even she never expected this. He was giving Riser an even battle and some would argue that he was winning.

"Let's go, Red Dragon!" Riser shouted powering up what little energy he had let. If this next attack failed to win it for him he was done.

"Sounds good, Riser!" Issei replied as he geared up for one last attack. He only had enough energy for one more big attack and he knew it.

BOOST x 5

The pair charged each other with fists pulled back ready for one final strike. Everyone watching knew that the battle was over and Riser was the loser. The question is would he take the Red Dragon Emperor with him. Everyone watching was nervous and excited and wondered just who would be the victor in his final strike.

"RED DRAGON!"

"RISER!" The pair shouted as the attacks finally landed and the collision caused a massive burst of energy.

The crowd waited for baited breath to find out who would emerge the victor and when the dust cleared both parties were knocked out with Issei's Balance Breaker having been destroyed.

(Rias Gremory Pawn Defeated)

(Riser Phenex defeated) "With Riser's defeat, the victor is Rias Gremory!" Grayfia shouted out bringing an end to the incredible battle. The Red Dragon Emperor and Phenex leader had tied. This was truly an incredible battle, and one worthy of the rating games. Everybody in the crowd applauded at the incredible display of power that the two men displayed.

(Student Council Room IRL)

"So Rias won the battle." Sona said with relief. Whether it was the knowledge that her friend would no longer be marrying a scumbag, or the fact that Issei wasn't going to join said scumbag was another matter.

"Now the fun part starts, So-tan." Serafall teased.

"What do you mean?" Sona questioned her sister.

"Rias may not have gotten along with Issei before, but seeing how she fought for him will change everything. Now you've truly got a romantic rival." Serafall teased.

"Whatever." Sona pouted as she turned away, not wanting her sister or Queen to see her blush at the implications.

(Scene Skip)

Once the battle was over, Issei and the rest of the ORC returned to the clubroom. Thanks to Issei's plan the rest of the battling force was at full health so they were just fine. Issei was still knocked out from his battle with Riser. Naturally Rias took the chance to give Issei a lap pillow, her own reward for the battle considering she already gave him her virginity. Of course Asia could've healed him, but Rias wanted to enjoy the moment as long as she could. Especially since Issei seemed to be immune to her usual antics.

"He's something else, isn't he?" Akeno said with a flustered expression.

"Yes he is. I never imagined that he was this strong and clever." Rias replied looking at her pawn in disbelief as she ruffled her hair. She was saved from Riser and it happened in a way she never imagined. All Rias needed to do was watch and let Issei dominate and he certainly did. Of course Issei picked that moment to wake up. "Hello, sleepyhead." Rias said cheekily.

"So what did I do to deserve a lap pillow?" Issei said smiling as he got off of Rias's legs and stood up.

"Thanks to you I'm no longer engaged to be married to Riser, and that I'm free to do whatever I want." Rias said with a smile. She wanted to do more but since everyone else was there she had to stop.

"Issei, do you want me to heal you?" Asia said timidly as she walked over to the still worn out dragon. Issei was about to deny her when a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room. Everyone was shocked to find Riser Phenex and his sister Ravel had come to visit.

"Riser, what are you doing here? I won the battle fair and square!" Rias said angrily. Even though she won, she still wasn't happy to see her former fiancée.

Ravel spoke up for her brother since she figured it would be easier. "My brother came because he wanted to ask the Red Dragon Emperor something about their battle. We come in peace." Ravel said calmly.

'Damn, so he figured it out.' Issei thought to himself. "So what do you want to know, Riser?" Issei asked with a knowing smirk.

"Why didn't you use it?" Riser asked knowingly.

Issei smirked before he reached into his pocket and grabbed a small vial. "You mean this?" Issei replied before showing said vial to everybody watching.

"It can't be!" Ravel gasped recognizing the vial and its importance to the rating game. Issei was carrying a Phenex tear, a special item that can restore a person's health completely. Had he used it during the battle with her brother he would've easily won.

"Hahaha, I thought so. You really are a genius." Riser said laughing.

"How'd you know I had the Phenex tear?" Issei questioned remembering the vial they were given at the beginning of the battle.

"You openly challenged me knowing that with your strength, the only people you had to fear were me and my queen. There's no way you wouldn't have the tear ready for it. After all, in the event I used Yubelluna, you'd need a means of healing yourself instantly. Especially since you kept your healer at the base." Riser revealed.

"Correct on all parts. I had the Phenex tear from the moment the first battle started. Then again it turned out I didn't need it. By the way, I'm pretty sure these guys are rare, you can have it back. If I want to get healed, I've got Asia." Issei smirked before tossing the vial at a surprised Riser.

Ravel couldn't' believe what her brother told him. "Wait a minute, if you had the tear the whole time, why didn't you use it in the middle of the battle with my brother? You guys were so even that the Phenex tear would've given you the win." Ravel questioned.

Issei smirked once again. "I wanted to properly enjoy the battle with your brother, and anything like that would cheapen things."

"That's a foolish reason, Red Dragon, but thank you." Riser smiled. "Anyway now that I know that, I'll be on my way. Just make sure to treat Rias well or I will kill you." Riser said smiling before leaving in the magic circle. Surprisingly enough Ravel stuck around for a moment.

"Hmm? What are you still doing here, Ravel?" Issei questioned. He could see the bashful look on her face and was confused.

"One more thing." Ravel said nervously. After all she had her own reason for coming along.

"What's that?" Issei wondered.

"You gave my brother a much needed attitude adjustment. As his little sister, I must admit that he wasn't worthy of Rias before, and thanks to you he's realized that. Hopefully now he can truly become a man worthy of the Phenex name." Ravel said shyly. Even Issei was amused at the embarrassment on her face as she left.

"Well that was odd." Rias gasped in disbelief.

"I think you just got a new rival, Rias." Akeno teased.

"Be quiet, Akeno." Rias said angrily. She had enough on her mind with the Serafall situation and the revelation of Issei's powers.

"Well then, let's go home. I think we could all use a rest after." Issei said smiling. He was tired and he could use the time to relax.

"Let me heal you first." Asia requested as she walked up to Issei. Luckily for them the next day was Sunday so things could return to normal.

(Scene Skip)

It's been a week since battle with Riser and life seemingly returned to normal. Well as normal as it got for a high school kid with one of the most powerful sacred gears in the world on his left hand. Rias clearly fell in love with him, and she even wanted to move in with him in order to work on their bond. A few years ago he would've accepted the offer in a heartbeat, but his current situation made him less comfortable with the idea. He imagined that Matsuda and Motohama would've killed him for turning Rias down, but things had changed. He felt like it would be a betrayal to Sona to have Rias move in with him, all things considered.

"What do I do partner?" Issei asked the Red Dragon as he sat in his bed.

"I can't believe you're hesitating, Partner. The Sitri and you had a purely physical relationship. If you want to add your King to the mix, I don't see the problem."

"Yeah, I know. There's a part of me that would enjoy it. However there's a part of me that considers it a betrayal."

"Hmph, you've come a long way partner. You went from a guy who resorted to peeking and porn mags to get a cheap thrill to now questioning the merits of multiple women that like him."

"All I have is Sona, and possibly Rias." Issei questioned.

"Hah! You've forgotten about the Phenex girl and the nun. Plus a few others."

"I forgot about Ravel, that was…. Wait a minute! How long have you been watching me, Ddraig?" Issei exclaimed. After all he hadn't used porn mags since his relationship with Sona started.

"I've been watching you for your entire life, kid. Trust me, I don't like thinking about it either; If my power was on your right hand, I probably would've never shown up no matter what. I'm still shocked that your old friend's family never helped you to awaken my power."

"Are you saying that that somebody in my life knew about the supernatural before Sona?" Issei questioned. He figured that his first interaction with the supernatural was when he met Sona.

"That's right, it was the family of that girl who moved away when you were six. The ones who always took you to church."

"Wait a minute, Irina was aware of my power?" Issei gasped in shock. Irina was a girl who lived next door to him when he was younger. At first she pretended to be a boy because she felt that it would be easier to get along. Of course right before she moved away, Irina revealed her true gender. It was a shock but he couldn't complain about it, but it definitely affected him.

"I can't speak for the girl. However her father was certainly aware of my strength."

That revelation bothered Issei more than he cared to admit. He was worried that the only reason Irina was his friend was because of his power and he voiced as much to his partner. "Do you think that-"

"Stop right there. Your friendship was genuine, I can promise you that. Plus, if that was what he was after, he would've never left Kuoh." Ddraig admonished knowing what his partner was thinking.

"That's good to know, it would've really sucked if my first friend was because of a power that I had no clue about." Issei said in relief. He smiled for a bit since it had been 10 years since they saw each other. "I bet Irina grew into quite the beauty." Issei said with a smile. His musing was interrupted by a blue magic circle appearing in front of him and that only meant one thing. 'Well this is a surprise. I didn't think Sona would show up. Especially considering Rias's recent attempts at trying to seduce me.' Issei thought to himself as Sona Sitri appeared.

"Long time no talk." Sona said with a smile as she arrived in Issei's room in something that caught Issei off guard.

"What's with the outfit?" Issei wondered in confusion. Now he wasn't complaining since Sona was dressed in the same cosplay outfit that her sister usually employed, however Sona's was blue.

'Man, if Serafall could see you now, Sona.' Issei thought to himself.

"Well, I hadn't seen you in a while so I figured I'd surprise you with this. How does it look?" Sona said nervously. She never liked doing this kind of thing but she figured that Issei would enjoy it.

"You look fantastic, Sona!" Issei said smiling as he got up to kiss the blushing Sitri. He could worry about Irina and Rias another time. For now his focus was pleasing the girl in the blue cosplay outfit. A task he would do rather willingly.

(Scene Skip)

"So what's on the agenda for today?" Issei said smiling as he looked at the naked Sona next to him and the cosplay outfit strewn on the floor. Just as usual he woke up at five in the morning in order to get some early morning training.

"I'm pretty sure Rias was planning to introduce you and Asia to the student council. It's getting to be time for everybody to get their familiars." Sona said with a smile on her face.

"Sounds like fun." Issei said with a smirk on his face.

"Don't forget that you're going to have to deal with Saji." Sona groaned.

"That's what makes it so fun. Saji's cocky for no good reason, and those are my favorite types to mess with." Issei joked.

"Issei, behave. It's bad enough that Tsubaki and my sister know about our relationship. Please don't do something so the rest of council does." Sona groaned.

"Oh yeah… sorry about not telling you about that." Issei said bashfully. Apparently Serafall watched the rating game with the Phenex family alongside Sona and Tsubaki. Sona of course told Tsubaki, and Serafall, well, she knew about it long ago.

"It's fine, consider me telling Tsubaki as us being even. I'm just glad that my sister is okay with our relationship. If she didn't like you, you'd be dead." Sona admitted.

'I wonder should I tell her about the threesome idea?' Issei thought to himself before deciding against it. "Well, I'd love to talk more about family issues, but I need to get going for my morning walk. Plus you need to get back to your house." Issei teased.

"Alrighty then, see you at school." Sona replied back allowing Issei to start his training. Sure their relationship was complicated, but Sona certainly enjoyed it.

That's it for Chapter 9. I hope you enjoyed the clash of Phenex and Dragon and the fun stuff afterwards. I figured that showing Issei's more witty and intelligent side would be more fun. What I do with Irina and the others moving forward is TBD, and like I said in chapter one, I will decide whether or not to add Rias Irina and even Xenovia. Anywho, next chapter Issei gains a familiar and learns about a new threat that makes things very interesting.