This week has been absolutely insane when it came to work that I barely had enough time to work on this chapter. I am so glad that I pre-wrote half of the chapter, otherwise this wouldn't be out. It's kind of amazing about how many reviewers managed to spot where I get the inspiration for Aika is, well her heritage at least. I'd like to thank my editor again for all his hard work and he has been awesome about it. Onto the reviews!
Tokusatsu Universe-MHR: Why thank you. I am glad that you're enjoying the rewrite. Some people said they liked the old version, some liked the new one.
Ah, the Riser Arc. There's a reason why I named this arc differently to The Crimson Age, the italics and brackets were to help people get a sense of where the story is. And you'll see why.
Imperial-samaB: The SS Seize Our Day is going strong.
Karibanu: Ah see, that happens later on. This is different, Issei likes to use loopholes. He's learnt from the best of them and will fully abuse it. Issei and his group will contribute to the Rating Game, just not the way you'd think it would go down like the many other numerous fics.
NinjaFang1331: I aim to please.
ZenithTempest: Now that you mentioned it, perhaps now would be a good time to list the OC's as it were in relation to their continued appearance and the harem list.
OC List:
Olivia - Issei's Little Sister. Brown hair in pigtails and brown eyes.
Reiko - Issei's landlady. Grey hair, cobalt eyes. Youthful appearance.
Achilles - Descendant of the Original Hero and wandering hero. Red-headed guy with green eyes.
Li-Hua Shih - Mercenary, fortune hunter, White hair, blue eyes and has an eyepatch.
Tamamo-no-Mae - Blonde hair, gold eyes. Legendary fox youkai. Shapeshifter.
Harem List:
Rossweisse
Tamamo-no-Mae
Raynare
Ophis
Aika
Rias
Sona
?
?
This continues on…
Sandman001: Memes are life.
Cerberus328: Dude. (An obscure reference)
DragonWalkerDEW: I'm just wondering at this point how many people will comment on Aika's heritage or where exactly I got the inspiration from. At first, it was a humorous reference to it but there is a major story that will feature that heritage and will be told later down the line.
I find shogi supremely interesting in the vein that it has certain abilities that it can do and which I've hinted at and will play a major role in the coming arc.
Traps. Traps everywhere. Although, now it has given me inspiration for a future omake.
Valimesh: Hey, good to see you again. I like to spread out my cliffhangers, just give a little but enough.
The Angel of Death 01: Thank you, I'd love to know what part of the story was absolutely brilliant and what I did was a good job. I'd love to keep replicating the result.
Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: Wait till you see the next few chapters. It's going to be a doozy. I hope you're doing well and had fun with your metal festival.
I'd like to especially point out this anonymous reviewer who has deigned to tell me my story is crap based on the fact that I feature a 'useless' sister.
zzz (guest reviewer): In what way does having Olivia be in the story be in your words 'retarded, not relevant and it makes your story utter shit'? I'm interested to know why you boldly state this but this is iffy because you might never see this response.
It really bugs me that they dismiss the story based on one thing and all the time and effort that I put into writing this is, has been summarily judged before they read all the story. It is ignorance and I do not suffer ignorant fools.
I have no problem with people telling me if my story is bad, if my characters are bad or if the way that I write is bad. But, only as long as it's explained.
Now it's time to get on with this chapter.
Seize Our Day
The Daily Life Saga
The Crimson Age Arc
Chapter 12: 10 Days, 10 Months, 10 Years
"It's been a long time, partner. You seem to have kept yourself busy." Ddraig raised a slitted eye to the miniscule human that rested on his snout. Normally the act of someone sitting on his resplendent self would have ruffled Ddraig but he knew Issei. Then again, he could just knock him off for the hell of it. Bah, who was he kidding? Issei didn't cower in fear of his monstrous appearance, nor did he treat him cruelly. He treated him as an old friend, something that the Red Dragon sorely missed.
"Fate's funny like that."
"You seem to have taken up another mate, too. Your secret dream of becoming a true harem master is getting closer." Ddraig's words caused Issei to cry out in indignation and the dragon found his amusement in teasing his partner again. Some things never changed.
"We've got new visitors that are currently residing inside of my soul. They're kind of weird. And they won't leave me alone."
"Have you tried kicking them out?"
"I don't even know how they got here, let alone how to get rid of them."
"Then we should be cautious." He tugged at the chains keeping him bound and huffed smoke from his nostrils. "You woke me too early. My cultivation hasn't finished yet. This is a setback if you're going to be facing Cao Cao."
"I know but I've got a lot going on right now. Mainly, the business with Rias and her asshole fiancee."
"The redhead devil from your memories, I take it? She is interested in you, you know that?"
"Having one of the Longinus would make anyone interested, Ddraig."
"No, Issei. She's interested in you."
Issei scowled at Ddraig's words. "For crying out loud, she was desperate to get away from the contract. That doesn't exactly scream interest."
"Then why did she not go to her Knight?" Ddraig refuted.
"Because he's probably too chivalrous to do that kind of thing."
"Partner, your scent contains draconic aura. A very miniscule amount of draconic aura, but draconic aura nevertheless. It will only get more pronounced once my cultivation finishes and it is bound to stir up some attention from females of all species."
"That is ridiculous."
"Is it? Women crave a strong mate, one who can protect them and their future offspring, who they are able to benefit most from in life. They want power. It's basic instinct."
"That is not true."
"What about the other devil? The one you call Sona? You seem to share a mutual attraction towards each other."
"We're friends, we share banter."
"The valkyrie?"
"It's been more than a year now, she's probably dating someone."
"The swordswoman?"
"Okay, I helped her through a traumatising event, that does not constitute attraction."
"Why does she still hang around you then?"
"For my jokes."
"And the hybrid?"
"Aika is my best friend. We harmlessly flirt with each other, it's all in good fun."
"I don't know what delusions you are under to possibly believe that." Ddraig pushed Issei off his snout and he tumbled forward. "Leave me to rest."
"Well, thanks for your helpful advice."
"Not like you ever listen, dumbass." Issei was whisked back to the rooftop of his apartment and cracked an eyelid open to see Aika. She was bent over staring at him in deep thought and he was given a great view of her generous bust. Heat started to rise to his cheeks before he narrowed his eyes and squinted at Aika, suspiciously.
'She isn't into me, is she?'
"Oh, you're awake? Haha, you looked so peaceful, I couldn't really bring myself to wake you."
"Thanks for that." Aika's blank face slowly changed to an ever-widening grin and Issei could sense a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Why are you smiling like that?"
"You looked so peaceful that I had to savour this cherished moment." Aika turned her phone around and scrolled through the photos of him. Issei felt mortified seeing an image of himself sleeping in the recliner, drool hanging from the edge of his mouth with Aika giving a peace sign to the camera. "By the way, we have school in about ten minutes and I think Kaichou would let me off the hook if I showed her this."
"Goddamnit, Aika!"
Aika cackled maniacally as Issei raced down the stairs after her to get the incriminating photos. He had a reputation to maintain!
"Catch me if you can, Issei!~"
"You better pray to every deity listening that I don't!"
Rias and Issei were seated across from each other in the Occult Research building. She had requested Issei come, whether out of the hope, desperation or impatience, she seemed excited to see him. He had acquiesced to her invitation and had been seated on the couch for the last ten minutes.
Issei hummed to himself, deep in thought, as he chewed on the snacks provided by Akeno. Rias's eyes would dart to him and then back to the paperwork that she had to distract herself.
Finally, after a long silence that, to Rias, seemed to stretch on for an eternity, Issei spoke.
"Rias." Issei let his gaze settle on her as hers did on him in return. "The first time I ever saw you at Kuoh Academy, I was struck by your hair. I had never once seen hair as red as yours and I had heard rumours of the great Onee-sama. Of her beauty and her intellect."
Rias smiled, remembering Issei's curious gaze on the first day that he came. He had looked right at her before shrugging. That act alone had piqued her interest in him, and she'd wondered what was it about him that made him different?
"And I did see you, I saw what the other students in Kuoh saw. Rias Gremory. At the time, you seemed happy. But I could see it, even between the crowd of students, that there was something in your eyes that just seemed so sad."
Issei chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "I can remember telling myself that, there was this girl who was enjoying herself, enjoying the last days of her freedom and was creating those memories to cherish forever. I wanted to ask what was wrong that, even though you were happy, made you so sad but…"
He trailed off, looking away and he stopped fiddling with the snacks. "I was tired. Tired of helping people. Of giving so much and receiving so little. And I didn't ask. I wanted to be left alone, that's why I hung out with Matsuda and Motohama."
Rias' blue eyes softened hearing his thoughts on her. She could see now that back then, he had yearned to help but something always held him back. A pain that he carried and one that she opened up. All those moments of aggression and hesitation were making sense to her. She sighed, rubbing her forehead as the niggling sense of guilt wormed its way through her.
Issei continued on. "Fast forward to a week ago to your convoluted plan of recruiting me and I have to be honest, I was angry. Very angry at not being given a choice. I lashed out in a petty manner. The debacle with the Fallen exacerbated those issues, but once I saw you there in that church. I felt...relief."
Rias didn't expect to hear that from Issei, and it showed when he chuckled at her surprised expression.
"I was relieved to be proven wrong. That you had a sense of selflessness to help others. So I'd like for us to start over with a clean slate. Hi, my name is Issei Hyoudou. Nice to meet you." He held out his hand and he flashed her a wide smile that brightened up the room.
Rias' lips quirked upward, her hand reaching out to his as she returned the gesture. "My name is Rias Gremory. The pleasure's all mine."
Aika, Asia and Murayama strolled alongside Raynare, whose stiff posture was visibly noticeable, as she walked robotically with them. Asia was happy to be with her friend again, but the Fallen's caginess didn't go unnoticed by her as they followed the blonde knight of Rias. Despite no longer being enemies with Rias, Raynare wasn't particularly comfortable with meeting her again.
Aika nudged her with her elbow. "Relax, you're walking around like you got a stick up your ass."
"I have a problem with strangers. I usually stab them to alleviate that problem, but I can't." Raynare bristled when the blonde they were following flashed her a charming smile.
"I assure you, Raynare-san, we are all allies here and Buchou has promised to make your transition smoother." Kiba said with a nod.
"See, Kiba-kun's an upstanding guy," Aika said, bringing an arm around him, she hugged her assets close to his arm. The action drew Murayama's ire and Aika's smirk told her that she knew what she was doing.
"Did you have to put your arm Kiba-kun to say that?" Murayama said pleasantly through a fake smile.
"Nope." Aika said, popping the 'p'.
If Kiba noticed what Aika was doing, he didn't show it. Smiling serenely, Kiba bowed his head. "Thank you for the compliment, Aika-san."
They arrived at the O.C.R building and Kiba, the gentleman that he was, opened the door for them. Aika practically bounced through the door with Murayama and Raynare plodding behind her. Rias' musical laughter rang through the room as they entered, and they could see Issei sitting opposite her with a faint smile. Akeno was beside her master, a hand over her mouth as she failed to cover her giggles. Oddly enough, a maid was behind Rias and gave them an impassive stare.
"I can't believe that Achilles did that!"
"You should have seen how livid Tamamo was when she found out." Issei recounted and the Great Ladies burst into laughter this time, imagining the serene nurse mad at the red-haired soccer captain.
Issei swivelled his head to the newcomers, a grin on his face as he raised a plate. "Hey girls, want some rice crackers?"
Murayama politely declined the offer whilst Aika immediately dug in, sitting besides Issei and tugging Asia along with her. Raynare opted to stand, although still accepting one of the offered snacks. While Rias gave a slow nod of acknowledgement, Akeno's smile was far more frigid and less friendly.
Rias coughed into her hand. "Thank you, ladies, for coming and for your counsel, Issei." She looked to Issei then at everyone who came with him before turning to Kiba, who smiled reassuring. "There's something I need to explain before we begin. Soon, I will be meeting with my-"
The magic circle on the floor lit up but the seal changed from Gremory to something else.
"Phoenix." Kiba muttered and in a flash of fire, the room was overflowing with heat, sparks danced from the circle and a man stepped out of the flames. He looked like he was in his early 20s with a red suit, but he had a wild bad boy type of vibe. A narcissistic grin was plastered on his face, as he eyed everything with a hint of disdain. "It's been a while since I came to the human world."
"Is it me or does he look like one of those hosts?" Aika whispered with a raised brow to Issei.
"It's not you."
The man strolled towards Rias with open arms. "My lovely Rias, I have come to see you."
Rias' arms were firmly crossed as she stared at him. There was a note of steel in her voice, a subtle loathing for the man before her as he grabbed her arm. "The feeling isn't mutual, Riser. Now, let go."
Rias tried to shake his arm off but he didn't listen, and was about to pull her with him when an arm grasped Riser's hand. "I believe she said to let go."
Rias was stunned to see the Fallen, no Raynare, come to her aid. Riser quirked an eyebrow, eyeing her up and down. "And who might you be?"
"Someone concerned with an asshole being grabby." Issei hid a smile behind his cup of tea.
"That is not your business, filthy commoner. Know your place." Raiser ripped his hand from her grasp and was about to knock her away, however, Aika stepped in, catching the fist. She smiled widely, showing off her fangs. "I appreciate you not hitting my friend."
"Unhand me, cur." Riser spat and tried to pull his hand away with all his might. That was the moment Aika let go and he stumbled backwards, almost falling before he caught himself.
Aika giggled to herself, finding that messing around with Riser was entertaining.
"Um, who is this guy, Kiba-kun?" Murayama asked.
"You haven't told your servants about me, my dear? Even so…" Riser said, rubbing his wrists.
"I didn't see the need to."
"Harsh as always, Rias." Riser laughed off her subtle jab at him. "I am Riser Phenex, future husband to my dear Rias."
Issei knew who the man standing before them was and was prepared for this confrontation.
Aika was not as subtle in hiding her surprise as Riser smirked at her. "This jackass is your fiance?!"
"This tea is quite excellent as would be expected from Rias' Queen." Akeno still had her smile, but it was more strained than anything. There was none of her usual verbal tics that went along with her mannerisms. That said a whole lot to Issei.
"Thank you very much." Akeno said stiffly.
The atmosphere in the room was tense, to say the least. Asia, innocent as she was, knew something was wrong and Aika, well, she looked at Riser with thinly veiled disgust as she saw him touch Rias' hair, hands and shoulders.
Raynare narrowed her eyes dangerously at the man. His attitude and sense of entitlement was grating on her nerves and she believed that Rias must have had the same thought.
Aika turned to Issei, who was doodling in a notebook. "What the hell's going on?"
"Well, Rias has been having a bit of a marriage contract problem. This guy getting all touchy with her is that problem."
"Stop it already!"
Rias' anger echoed throughout the room and she stood up from the couch, glaring down at Riser. Riser on the other hand was smirking.
"Riser! I told you before! I will not marry you!"
"Yeah, so you keep saying. But my lovely Rias, that won't do, you know? I think the situation of your household is quite serious."
"That's none of your concern! If I'm the next heiress for the House of Gremory, then I will choose who will become my husband! Everyone in the clan are rushing this marriage! I was promised that I will be free until I graduate from university of the human world!"
"That's right. You will be free until your graduation. You can go to college and you can do whatever you like along with your precious servants. But your father and brother are worried. They are afraid that your household will become extinct. We lost a great number of pure-blood Devils in the last war. Even if the war has ended, our rivalry with the Fallen Angels and God hasn't ended yet. It's not rare for the successors of pure-blood Devils to get killed in the worthless battle against them, which leads to the household becoming extinct. So for a pure-blood Devil that also happens to carries a noble title. Like your mother from the Bael clan, regarded with the title of King, marrying your father whose clan had the title of Duke. Getting together would be the obvious solution for the forces of Devils. Even you know that these children will be important from now on, right?"
Rias didn't say anything, her eyes still on Riser as he continued to sip on his tea. Rias spared a side glance to Issei, waiting for him to interfere. Issei kept an impassive gaze, listening intently. Riser noticed the subtle look but paid it no mind and got her attention again.
"The newly produced Devils. The ones like your servants, the reincarnated Devils, are expanding in terms of strength and numbers which is good for us. But what about us? The devils with our history and roots to the our ancestors. We will be forgotten. You and I were chosen in order to prevent the purebloods from going extinct. My house is safe because I have my older brothers. But there are only two siblings in your house. And your brother left the house to take up the mantle of Lucifer, forfeiting his right to be heir. Then there would only be you, Rias, to inherit the House of Gremory. If you don't take a husband, the House of Gremory will go extinct in your generation. Are you trying to crush the household that has existed for centuries? Because of the past war, out of the "72 pillars" only 33 clans remain. This future of the Devils rides on this marriage."
"I'm not going to crush my house. And I am willing to take a husband."
Hearing Rias' words, a smile lights up Riser's face.
"A cause for celebration! You were always dutiful to your house. Then let's—"
"But the man I will marry is not you. It will never be you. I will marry the one I acknowledge. Who has earned my attention. Even the Devils from the old noble house have the right to choose." Rias spoke clearly, her eyes hardening. Issei perked up, a grin spreading in delight at the fire Rias was showing.
The atmosphere shifted, Riser's mood dropping and he clicked his tongue in irritation.
"…You know, Rias, I'm a Devil who carries the name of House of Phoenix behind me. I can't let that name get tarnished. I didn't even want to come to this derelict place like this in the human world. Rather, I don't like the human world at all. The fire and wind of this world is filthy. For a Devil like me who rules fire and wind, I can't stand it!"
The air grew stifling and the heat rose, with small bits of fire being started around them. Asia clasped onto Issei's arm, fearful of the power being shown. Aika gritted her teeth, covering her face from the heat.
"I will take you back to the underworld, even if I have to burn all of your servants one by one." Riser hissed.
Rias' aura covered her as her anger rose hearing her friends being threatened. The demonic energy clashed with Riser's blazing aura when Murayama stood between them. Riser raised a brow at Murayama before her hand slapped him straight across the face.
The silence in the room was palpable at Murayama's, in the devils' eyes, suicidal act while Riser was reeling from the slap and the heat dissapated. Rias was astonished by the Kendo Captain's bravery. She'd just slapped one of the sons of the noble houses of the Underworld.
"Have you no shame?" Murayama's voice was low as she glowered at him. "Have you no respect for Rias' wishes?"
"You!" Riser was ready to retaliate against the slight when the look in Murayama's eyes stopped him.
Murayama was not finished and hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.
"A decent man would give her the right to choose what she wanted. You are an angry petulant child, using whatever means to get what he wants. Forcing a woman to do what you desire. If devils like you exist in the Underworld, then I'm glad to see them extinct."
The statement shocked all the devils in the room to the core. None more so than Rias, who did not expect for her to come to her aid. She knew that Murayama had admired her from afar, she had praised her and aspired to be like her. But this response was more passionate, it was fuelled by something else.
And it hit her.
Saito.
The yakuza boss' son had captured and raped her. He had torn her down, broken her and yet she had built herself back up. And here she was fighting for Rias.
Rias' heart swelled at Murayama's courage.
Riser's body was consumed by his own flames as he stared Murayama down. "Your insult to not only me but to my house will not go unpunished."
He flared his power, pushing Murayama back with the force of his heat. She was caught by Aika and Raynare who stared him down, fearlessly. They too were reminded of their own experiences. Of their convictions to fight men like him, and they would face him head on.
"I will not stand for this." Riser growled.
"You don't have to stand, there's a couch right there." Aika quipped and stood facing him as well. Her patience for the man had worn down, as she was reminded of the gangsters and criminals that she fought. She saw those people in him.
Raynare silently stood next to Murayama in support. Her scars tingled and the fresh memory of being tortured by Dohnaseek was still there. That feeling of helplessness. Of despair and regret. She wouldn't let anyone else suffer that. She had a promise to keep with a man, after all.
"Just more trash to dispose of." Riser muttered.
Rias' fist tightened and she let out her own aura, exploding from her body as her hair rose. Matching and overpowering him momentarily. "Enough, Riser! I won't let you hurt them."
Riser staggered back from the force of her power. He let his own power rise to the point where the upholstery burst into flames. Asia quivered next to Issei as she felt the mounting power between the two.
Issei watched the exchange unfold and saw that it was going to reach a boiling point. He muttered softly, covering Asia in a protection spell. She breathed a sigh of relief, not feeling the pressure from the demonic beings.
A voice interjected from the side, Grayfia stepped forward having heard enough. "Please, Ojou-sama, Riser-sama. If you both continue, then I will have to interfere.
The group of girls didn't back down, their glares still heated, but Riser relented, not daring to incur the Strongest Queen's wrath.
"Master, Sirzechs-sama, and those from the House of Phoenix knew it would turn out like this. To tell you the truth this was to be the last discussion meeting. Everyone knew that it wouldn't be solved, so they decided to make a last resort."
"Last resort? What do you mean, Grayfia?" Rias asked.
"Ojou-sama, if you wish to push your opinion forward, then how about you settle it by having a Rating Game against Riser-sama?" Rias was taken aback at the suggestion.
"It's a game that is played by the Devils with peerage. They compete by making their servants battle." Kiba explained to Murayama, noting her confusion on the matter.
"Just as you know, Ojou-sama, only mature aged Devils can participate in an official Rating Game. But if it's an unofficial match between pure-blood Devils, even immature Devils can participate. However, in this case—"
"When it involves the family and household problems." Rias finished. "In other words Otou-sama and the others decided to have a game as a last resort if I was to decline, right? Just how far do they intend to interfere with my life?!"
Rias exhaled through her nostrils, trying to keep herself calm.
"Then Ojou-sama, you are saying you would also decline to participate in the game?" Grayfia asked.
"No, I won't. This is a chance to get rid of Riser for good. I will gladly accept. Let's settle this, Riser."
Riser smirked at her words.
"Heh, so you're accepting it. I don't mind. But I'm already a matured Devil and I have already participated in the official game itself unlike you. Even so, you still want to play, Rias? That's admirable." Riser taunted.
Rias shot back with a fearless smile. "I will. And I will blow you away, Riser!"
"Fine. If you win, do whatever you like. But if I win, you will marry me immediately."
Both of them glared fiercely at each other.
"Understood. I, Grayfia, have confirmed both sides' opinion on the matter. I will be in charge of the game between the two households. Is that okay?"
"Yes/Yeah."
"Understood. I will inform the two households then." Grayfia-san bowed her head after confirming.
Riser pointed at the girls standing before him. "Hey, Rias. Would the ones here be your servants?"
Rias' brows twitched imperceptibly at his words. "They are not, they are friends of Issei's.
Raiser started to laugh after hearing her answer, as if her words amused him.
"Then this match will be a laugh. Only your Queen, the "Priestess of Thunder" can fight on par with my adorable servants. And you have what? Only three servants under you?" Saying that, Raiser clicked his fingers, and the Phenex seal on the floor lit up.
Fifteen people gathered around Riser as they were summoned.
"Are these the ones who we're going to fight, Riser-sama?"
"Yes. And Rias, this is what I will do once you are my bride." He grabbed one of the girls from the group, a purple-haired woman and began making out in front of them. The sounds made Asia blush brightly at seeing such an indecent act.
"Be ready in 10 days. Your peerage won't stand a chance against mine now, but who knows, maybe you'll work a miracle?" Riser laughed before his face turned serious. "The next time we meet will be in the Rating Game."
Issei spoke from his seat. "And in 10 days, Rias is going to hand your ass to you."
Riser didn't take the bait and the magical crest lit up underneath them. As they were prepared to go, a blonde girl in a purple dress amongst the group locked eyes with Issei's before they furrowed and lit up. Issei tilted his head as he recalled seeing the blonde girl from somewhere.
The blonde girl pointed at Issei and Issei's eyes widened. "Ravel/Nanashi?"
Riser left with his group in a pillar of fire.
Issei closed the door to Rias' private room and nodded his head.
"I think that went well."
"I am going to be fighting a man who can literally regenerate himself. I tried it once and it didn't work out so well." Rias scoffed, rubbing her face. "This is why I needed you, Issei. You can beat a man like Riser. If you were my servant, you'd be able to wipe that stupid smirk off his face."
"I could but I'm not going to. I can't solve all your problems for you. I know that I wield Boosted Gear but you need to find your own strength. Murayama, Aika and Raynare stood up for you, remember?"
"I would ask them to be my servants but I don't believe they are quite keen on the idea."
"I have something in mind that might get around that problem. But first, when did this contract begin?"
"A decade ago."
"Have you, in any of that time, trained?" Rias was about to refute the point but realised that she had not trained. She had relied on her natural talent with demonic energy and the Power of Destruction.
"A little...not really." She begrudgingly admitted.
Issei was silent, trying to process the information in his mind, and stood up from the couch. He took a deep breath, grasping both her shoulders and stared at her in abject horror.
"Why haven't you trained more?!"
"It never occurred to me, at the time." Rias stuttered and Issei wilted to the floor.
He wasn't sure whether to be dumbfounded by the sheer laziness or stupidity in Pureblood Devils. "We've got a lot of work cut out for us."
"You'll help me?" Rias asked tentatively. Issei's shoulder shook as he giggled, it slowly morphing into a chuckle. Before long, he was laughing. Rias wasn't sure if she'd broken him. Issei got up from the floor, karate chopping Rias on the top of her head. She held her head in pain, tears stinging in the corner of eyes.
"Of course, I'll help you. Sheesh, you may be a ditzy president but you're my president." Rias pouted at the back-handed compliment. Although she found herself smiling, feeling for the first time that she was headed in the right direction. Towards being free.
"Thank you, Issei."
"Don't thank me yet. You're going to start hating me before training's over." Issei smirked. "So here's what we're going to do."
Tamamo had watched the proceedings between Issei and the young Phenex. How could she not? It was too interesting and her magic mirror allowed her to peer inside the research building with no one the wiser. She knew what Issei was trying to do and recognised it as some sort of plan that he had already concocted up. To be fair, gaining a semblance of what Issei was going to do came with how much time they spent together. Achilles was really in tune with Issei, given that they had the tendency to think on the same wavelength half the time.
For people such as Li-Hua and herself, all they had were very good educated guesses. Sometimes, it didn't work the way they expected it to, but they still came out of it alright.
The newcomers to the group like Murayama, Aika and Asia were in for a hell of a surprise though. They wouldn't see it coming.
The young president's door opened with a slam and Issei strode out with a confident smirk with Rias who had a calm visage. He levelled his gaze across Rias and to her peerage. He turned his head around the room until he was staring directly at Tamamo.
'Figures, he would know.' Tamamo grumbled, having being spotted despite her magic mirror.
"Tamamo, can you please call everyone?"
"No need." A voice said from the corner of the room and everyone jumped as they saw Li-Hua standing there.
"How long have you been there for?" Akeno asked.
Li-Hua lifted an eyebrow. "Long enough. Get your ass out here, Achilles!"
The aforementioned boy burst from the couch, startling Asia as he did so and Tamamo walked through the front door of the club.
Li-Hua waved a hand towards Tamamo and gave Achilles the stink eye. "Why can't you be more like Tamamo?"
"Too boring." Achilles replied, sticking a pinky in his ear.
Issei called them over to him and they were all in a huddle, with the others looking on in bemusement.
Muttered whisperings and occasional outbursts happened in the short discussion. Achilles stuck his head out, eyeing Rias in confusion like she was a strange creature when Issei mentioned her lack of training. Once they were done, all of them stood on the opposite side of the room. Rias and her peerage faced them with looks of curiosity.
"Listen up! We have ten days for us," Issei waved a hand to his group. "To get all of you into top fighting shape. The next thing I require from you is the absolute commitment and drive to be your best."
Rias' peerage found the statement bewildering from Issei, given his low grades and sloth-like attitude.
Issei continued. "Meet us at the basement of Blue Moon Apartments. Your training with us will begin when you get there."
Reiko found it amusing that whatever room Olivia was put into, all women would coo at the sight of the adorable child. Case in point, when she showed up to check on Kalawarner and Mittelt.
Kalawarner's icy visage softened when the little girl greeted her and Mittelt teased her when she did. Kalawarner had to refrain from making a biting comment in the presence of the matronly woman and the child.
Mittelt was playing with Olivia in spite of her own childlike appearance and Reiko saddled up to Kalawarner.
"How are you finding your arrangements?"
"Tolerable." She said simply.
"Ah, you must be hating it then."
"Tch, what gave that away?"
"Do you want to go back?"
"...no. It's impossible at this point. Raynare wishes to live like a human. So I will comply with her request."
"It sounds like you care for her, very much."
"She is my best friend and yet I question her rapid change."
"Hrm, perhaps she was given a moment to herself, to reflect and to see who she was as a person."
"Or it could be her new boytoy that she's so fond of." Kalawarner bit out and Reiko laughed at her answer.
"Yes, Issei has a tendency to unwittingly charm people of the opposite sex." Kalawarner eyed her briefly and leaned back.
"He didn't do it with you, did he?"
"Of course not, I'm just the overbearing landlady. But he sees me as a maternal figure in his life. Whether he wants to admit it or not is another story."
"Who are you, really? You know who we are, what we are and you're not surprised at our existence. You offer a place for us to stay. This seems suspicious."
"You suspect kindness?"
"Kindness? Everyone has a hidden agenda, all of this is too much out of the kindness of your heart. So, what's yours?" She asked with crossed arms. If Reiko was put off by the woman's bluntness, she didn't show it. She seemed more amused by her words than anything.
"If that is what you want, then I will tell you." Reiko leaned close to Kalawarner, whispering in her ear. As she spoke, Kalawarner's eyes widened with each word.
Rias had to admit, she had no idea what to expect when she came down to the basement with her peerage, each of them carrying a backpack full of supplies. She had discussed with Issei about where the training should take place, and Issei had insisted that they train at his place.
So here she was with Issei and his group of misfits, including the other Fallen, at a door in a dusty old basement. He was twirling a golden key around his finger and he smiled her.
"Right on schedule, Rias." The golden key clicked with the lock and the door swung wide open, waving his hand to the portal. "After you."
She nodded, steeling herself before going through. A tapestry of colours greeted her as beautiful green landscapes and clear blue skies could be seen. The horizon was dotted with trees, and islands floated high above them, all anchored with massive chains that stretched below past the clouds. She was standing on a floating island!
Rias wasn't the only one to share that sentiment as all the others who passed through stared at the scenery with gobsmacked expressions.
Koneko was especially taken aback as she could feel the natural energy that surrounded them. It was pure and clean, full of life. She sat on the ground basking in the feeling.
Issei threw his arms wide open, encompassing the entire place. "There were a lot of places that I wanted to take you but I'd figured this one would be perfect for the training that we're gonna do. Welcome to Avalon!"
"This place is beautiful." Rias said, her breath taken away at the incredible sight.
"It certainly is. The dimension here distorts time. One day outside is one month in here. So we've got ten months to ourselves." Issei smiled widely, before Boosted Gear appeared on his arm. "Unfortunately, training begins now!"
"What?!" Rias squawked. Achilles batted Kiba away with his javelin to a far off island. Murayama watched Kiba fly off and beneath her a spinning teleportation ring formed.
"Oh shi-" She fell through the portal with and it closed with pop. Achilles stretched his legs before bounding after Kiba.
Tamamo poked Koneko on the forehead, her head falling back to the ground and she smiled at the sleeping figure before whisking her off to another island.
"Ara ara, things have gotten quite exciting." Akeno commented idly as Li-Hua stood eye to eye with her.
"I wonder how much more exciting it would get with this." Li-Hua's words confused Akeno until she held up an orange ribbon. The very same one that was keeping her hair in check. Akeno's smile turned dangerous.
Li-Hua took out a couple of cylinders from her pockets before they hovered in the air and attached itself to her back.
"Ufufu, I promise not to disappoint you then. Sorry, Buchou, there's someone that needs punishing." Li-Hua took off to the skies with the aid of the jets on her back and Akeno gave chase spreading her devil wings.
All that were left on the island were Rias, Raynare, Aika and Asia with Issei. They watched with a mix of confusion and horror before turning to Issei.
He cracked his fists together, shaking off the kinks in his body. He gave a few punches in the air, his feet bounding back and forth on the spot and he gave a small smirk. "Shall we?"
One does not simply read this chapter without reviewing it.
And here comes what I believe is probably a staple of shonen manga and anime, the training from hell arc.