One-Punch DxD: Legacy


Hello again, folks! Here is the next chapter of my story!

For guest Bogoljub igoja and other guests who reviewed about Saitama should have been a person with unlimited power, etc., etc…. I'd say that you people are reading things too far. While I do agree to your opinions about Saitama's not having limits, the point in the end is that Saitama is a joke character with unlimited strength and power without weakness whatsoever. The limits imposed by his own common sense, is what makes One-Punch Man such a good read in the first place. This is my story, so it's up to me how I want to depict Saitama in my own plans; as long as Saitama is undefeated when it counts, there should be no problem, yes?

Making Saitama too OP in too much aspect might end up making this story too bland for my won taste.

Oh, for those who hope for the solution for Issei x Rias issue, I'll say this once again; their issues will be settled in this arc. In what manner, it's up for me to decide.

Without further ado, enjoy! R&R!


Chapter 41: Heart (II) – Dilemma

Issei was currently standing inside his mindscape, facing his 8 mutated Evil Pieces that looked like huge pillars, together with Ddraig, Elsha and Belzard. If they were looking at the condition of the evil pieces, they would say that it was not a pretty sight. The evil pieces looked like pillars that had been through numerous storms and abuse, with corrosion and cracks appearing on the structures, even some parts of the said structure had begun to crumble bit by bit.

"So…" Elsha began. "You're saying that not only we should prevent the power beyond the gate to burst out of control, we also need to reinforce your Evil Piece?"

"…Yeah, that's basically it." Issei nodded.

[That's a sound plan.]

Ddraig voiced his input.

[Though, we have screwed up by giving this issue a wrong approach. And now, it's going to take a lot of Boost to reinforce the Evil Pieces in this state]

"But this will be an improvement." Belzard quipped. "If we can reinforce the Evil Piece enough to withstand the power and react less violently, it might serve as pain suppressant at the very least."

"Alright, let's get it on, shall we?" Issei said as he equipped his Scale Mail. However, he blinked when he saw Elsha and Belzard also equipped themselves in the same dragon armour. "Elsha-san… Belzard-san… Are those Scale Mails on your person?"

"Of course they are." Belzard said with as-the-matter-of-fact tone. "We might be dead, but we are still Red Dragon Emperors here."

"…Right. Let's carry on." Issei went along and they walked towards the Evil Pieces.

They then began to boost as much power as they could muster, and few minutes later, they put their hands on one Evil Piece each.

[Transfer]

Green glow enveloped some of the Evil Piece, and the three Red Dragon Emperors proceeded to do the same with the rest of the pieces. Soon all of the Evil Pieces were glowing from power transfer.

"…Okay, I guess everything has been set." Issei then turned to the Welsh Dragon. "Ddraig, if you would?"

The dragon hummed in affirmative and moved towards the gate.

[Ready?]

Everyone nodded at the dragon's mark as they prepared themselves.

[Alright, opening the gate in 3…. 2… 1…]

oXo

Asia, Akeno, Koneko and Saitama were circling around Issei, who was sitting in lotus position. It was during training session in the basement of Hyoudou Residence in preparation for the Rating Game against Sairaorg Bael.

Yuuto and Xenovia were practicing their swordsmanship and techniques with Irina helping them, while Rias had to leave as soon as she had finished her training regimen to attend her other duties as King and heiress. Issei on the other hand, was doing his own agenda of tapping into his inner power with the help of others.

Asia and Akeno were proficient in reading magical signature, with the former's healing ability ready to use in case something went awry. Koneko was also on stand-by in case Senjutsu was required, while Saitama decided to help out should… things went out of hand.

It was only after good several minutes when Issei suddenly broke down into a coughing fit, his breathing sounded more like wheezing, as his body was shaking and convulsing with his veins shown on his skin.

"Ise-san/Ise-kun/Ise-senpai!" the girls quickly went to tend Issei.

It could be said that Saitama was the calmest compared with other girls, but the man himself also kneeled down to inspect his son's condition. "….How did it go?" he simply asked.

After series of deep breath, Issei finally calmed down and he fixed his sitting position. "I'm… probably getting something." Issei said as he clenched and unclenched his hand.

[It's working, but far from good enough]

"In the end, you still need to communicate with the rest of your predecessors and convince them to lend you their power." Elsha quipped following Ddraig's conclusion.

Issei drew another breath, taking in Elsha's advice. He then noticed that Asia, Akeno and Koneko were still looking at him worriedly. Even Yuuto, Xenovia and Irina had come over to check when they heard the commotion.

"It's alright, guys." Issei smiled. "I'm fine now." He then stood up to emphasize his point. He stretched his limbs and neck a bit to test his body, before he turned to Yuuto and Xenovia. "Say, what do you guys say if we have a round or two?" Issei said with a smile on his face.

Everyone blinked at Issei's words. It was obvious that they were worried for the boy after what just happened, but now Issei was trying to prove that he would be just fine by having spars with Yuuto and Xenovia. The two knights stared at Issei, as if searching something in his eyes.

"Why not?" everyone turned when they heard Saitama's voice. "The kid's gonna be fine. So why don't you two indulge him and give him some good beatings?" Saitama then glanced at Yuuto and Xenovia, who were staring at him wide-eyed. "…If you can, that is."

Everyone blinked again. Did Saitama just taunt Yuuto and Xenovia? Not unheard of, but it still sounded weird.

Finally, Yuuto and Xenovia let out a smirk as they accepted the challenge. "If you insist, then." Yuuto stared at Issei. "…But I won't go easy on you, neither will Xenovia." The said female knight brandished her Ex-Durandal to show her point.

Issei's smile widened, but before things could have proceeded, the door was opened revealing Rias. "Alright, that's all for today's training, everyone."

The rest quickly obeyed and began to leave the training hall. Issei, Yuuto and Xenovia, however, were not sure if they wanted to leave. After all, the three were just eager enough to test each other out. "Hm? What's wrong, you three?" their master asked with raised eyebrows.

"Um, well…" Xenovia replied first. "Is it okay if us three just have a round of spar?"

Rias blinked at her Knight's request, then she checked the clock. After pondering few seconds later, she shook her head. "Sorry, Xenovia. But we have a big day tomorrow. It's good that you want to grow stronger, but I need all of you to be on your tip-top condition since we are having a press conference tomorrow. I'm not going to take any chances of you all straining yourselves too much."

"Wait, what?" Issei furrowed his eyebrows. "Press conference?"

"Why, yes." Rias replied simply. "We will be interviewed along with Sairaorg's group, and the conference will be broadcasted on television. Of course I want all of us to be presentable."

Issei blinked owlishly at the news, he and the two knights then glanced at each other again for few seconds. Then, it was Yuuto who relented first. "…I guess orders are orders." He said with a small sigh.

Issei and Xenovia only gave him a look, and the latter only shrugged. "No offence, Ise-kun. I hate to admit, but I don't have your resilience. And if my King wants me to be at my best condition tomorrow, and I shall comply."

Issei and Xenovia glanced at each other this time. Few seconds later, the latter sighed. "Well…. I guess Kiba has a point." Issei raised an eyebrow, expecting some explanation behind the reasoning. "No offence, Ise. Even with your limits and all, you're still pretty much a beast compared with the rest of us."

Issei gave a dry look, unsure if he was flattered or insulted. But in the end, Issei sighed in resignation. "Fine… So, another time?"

Yuuto and Xenovia smiled pleasantly at the words. "Yeah, next time for sure." The former said with resolute eyes.

Everyone then left the room and turned in for the night.


Next day, after school activities, Rias and her peerage went to the restaurant located at Gremory territory. In the waiting room, Issei was sitting in the sofa, wondering what kind of interview he would deal with.

He would be lying if he said that he was not nervous, but he was doing his best to keep his composure as he took a deep breath and let his body sink into the sofa. He scanned around the room, on his comrades to be precise; all of them had varying reactions on the upcoming interview. There were those who were maintaining calm composure – Rias, Akeno, Yuuto, Xenovia and Koneko, who was sitting on his lap while eating snacks; and there were those who were not – Asia and Rossweiss who were busy checking their appearance over and over in front of a mirror, and Gasper who was being his usual shy self. But composure aside, everyone was all dressed up nicely and more than presentable enough to do the interview.

Issei then felt Koneko shifting on his lap. On a second thought, Issei noticed that Koneko's snack was…. More proportional than usual; he also noticed that the girl's movement while eating was different, probably kind of frigid, than how she usually did in the clubroom. Not to mention, during the trip from the human world, she had been clinging on him by holding the sleeve of his shirt.

"Are you okay, Koneko-chan?" Issei asked as he craned his head a bit to see Koneko's face.

The tiny Rook's face reddened, as she shifted her sitting position again to make herself comfortable. It appeared that she was just as nervous as some others, and she had been doing her best to keep her composure. That explained the amount of snacks she was eating. "…Today the grilled-chicken princess isn't around, so I can have Ise-senpai's lap for myself."

"My, my, ufufufu…" Akeno overheard the conversation and started to giggle. "Koneko-chan is afraid that Ravel will steal Ise-kun from her." Her comments seemed to get some amused reactions from the others as well.

Issei on the other hand, felt his face getting warmer as well at Koneko's flustered attitude; the girl was so cute that it was kind of unfair. "Come here, you cute litte…" With sheepish smile, Issei wrapped his arms around Koneko's torso and pulled her closer, eliciting a small yelp from her.

"Nya-!?" Koneko's face was blushing even deeper at the proximity, her nekomata features sprung up out of instinct, and before she could have said anything else, Issei moved one of his hands to softly caress the top of her head.

"There, there…" Issei's administration on the right spots caused Koneko to purr in bliss. Issei had to admit that hugging Koneko like what he was doing at the moment, affected him better than he expected.

Many girls were looking with slight jealousy at the sight of Issei and Koneko together, albeit the jealousy was also mixed with an odd sense of warmth at the sight of Koneko's cute attitude.

While watching the moment, Akeno noticed Rias' expression from the corner of her eyes. The heiress was smiling pleasantly, but there was something else in her teal-coloured eyes as she watched Issei. It was not just sadness and jealousy; there was something else that had been bugging her as of late.

"…Rias?" Rias blinked at turned to her Queen. The said Queen was looking at her with concern. "Everything alright?"

"Y-yeah, everything's fine. I guess I'm a bit nervous myself." Rias replied with few (forced) giggles. "Thank you, Akeno."

Akeno furrowed her eyebrows, obviously not buying it. After all she had been Rias' best friend for as long as she could remember, and she was one of handful people who understood Rias the most. Thus, she knew well that Rias was not just nervous.

However, before she could have pushed her question any further, the door of the waiting room was opened, revealing a staff of the establishment. "Everyone, it's almost time."

"Ah, yes." Rias then quickly walked over the door, effectively avoiding Akeno's bullet, much to the latter's chagrin. She then turned to address her peerage. "Is everyone ready? We're moving out."

oXo

"Ah, Rias-senpai, Hyoudou and the Occult Research Club."

On the way to the interview venue, Gremory group encountered a familiar face. "Saji? What are you doing here?" Issei asked the Pawn of Sitri.

"Obviously, because we are still contestants of Rating Game. Although, the match between losing teams didn't get much attention." Saji shrugged.

"I see, the match with Agares, isn't it? So Sona's group is having interview as well?" Rias surmised, receiving a nod from Saji in return.

"Yes. Our match will be held at the stadium on the floating island in Agares territory." Saji then scratched his cheek sheepishly. "But as I said, people are more interested with the fight between Rias Gremory's group who housed the famous Red Dragon Emperor, against Sairaorg Bael's group who happened to be the strongest of the current generation."

Then, another voice was heard. "Gen-chan! We need to get going or we'll be late." It was Hanakai Momo, Sona Sitri's Bishop.

Issei blinked at how the Bishop was addressing Saji, whom turned to reply the said Bishop. "Got it!" Saji then gave one more bow to the Gremory group. "Excuse us, we'll be off, then."

"Yes, until next time. Please send my regards to Sona." Rias said back, and Saji left with Momo after giving her one last nod.

The group then continued to trek towards the venue, which happened to be another hall upon arrival. The said hall was also filled with many people waiting for them – the reporters and journalists showed their eagerness as they applauded the group's arrival. There were also flashes of cameras taking their pictures.

Amongst the camera's flashes, Issei could make out that the event was not just a mere interview. Writings of 'Gremory vs Bael' was held up high above the audiences, camera recorders were ready, journalists and reporters had prepared their notes and recording equipment to learn every single details.

Issei also noted that beside the table where Gremory group would be stationed, Sairaorg and his peerage had been seated as well.

This was not the match, but the intensity inside the hall was barely bearable.

The group then took their seats, with Rias, Akeno and Issei being in the middle to gain attention, since Rias was the King, Akeno was the right-hand of the said King, and Issei was gaining popularity due to his status as the Red Dragon Emperor.

The host of the conference then scanned the guests for a second and he nodded in confirmation. "Now that everyone is present, let's begin the press conference."

Time passed by, and the conference went quite smoothly thus far. Information and outlines were given, questions were asked, and answers were provided. Both Sairaorg and Rias were doing an excellent job in representing their respective groups as King – calm, dignified, and confident.

Sairaorg's peerage did well in addressing each question. However, there was one individual that caught the attention of everyone in the hall; it was a large figure covered in hooded cloak. The size was enough to be considered humanoid, but the bulky figure made it hard to discern the person's posture. The only thing they knew was that the individual was Sairaorg's one and only Pawn.

When the audience asked about the Pawn's identity, Sairaorg made it clear that he had the right to keep his Pawn's identity secret until the right moment; and further question would be regarded as an offence and harassment against the Great King. Sairaorg's statement and pressure were enough to make the audience left the topic for another time.

The servants of the Gremory group also fared well enough to take the questions. After all, the group possessed many attractive-looking rookie devils who had been recently reincarnated. Issei was doing his best to keep his composure, but he could not help but to dread the moment the question was directed to him.

"I will ask Hyoudou Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor, whose name is raising popularity as of late."

Ah, speak of the devil.

"There are rumours that you are courting your King, Rias Gremory, into marriage. Is that true?"

The question caused Issei and Rias to blink. The former openly flustered on the question, while the latter was able to keep her calm expression, albeit there was a pink tinge on her cheeks.

"Err…." Issei glanced to Rias, who only looked back wordlessly.

Rias meanwhile, was not sure either of what to say. "How did the words leak out?"

On one hand, revealing their engagement status might be a good way to show the other nobles to re-think of asking Rias' hand in marriage. On the other hand, those said nobles would not go silent if they found out a pure-blood devil, a heiress to add, was going to marry a low-class, reincarnated devil. Issei's status as the Red Dragon Emperor and the possessor of the Boosted Gear could only do so much to help the situation.

Issei and Rias only glanced at each other for a moment, until Issei finally decided what to do. He took a deep breath, and he steeled himself in front of every audience in the hall. "…No comment."

Smooth, Ise. Very smooth.

The audience then decided to press the question further, hoping to get any form of juicy information for their stories. Apparently, the 'no comment' answer was more than enough for the journalists to make several conclusions.

Everyone only turned to stare at Issei, who was blushing crazy at the sheer lameness of his answer. Rias could not really blame him, but she could not help but giving her fiancé a bit of stink eye. The rest of the peerage was doing their best to comfort the Pawn.

Thus the conference went on…

oXo

"Don't be too hard on him, Rias. I think that's not a bad answer."

After the conference, both Gremory and Bael group were resting in another room. Issei was still a bit down, and his friends were cheering him up. Currently, Sairaorg was placating Rias, who was still a bit miffed at what happened.

"I know, I know." Rias sighed at her cousin's reasoning. "But that 'no comment' reply was enough for people to start rumours. Who knows what kind of can of worms we just opened, once other noble families find out about this."

"I'm so sorry about this…." Issei said with a heavy sigh, while his head remained down.

"I told you not to worry about it." Sairaorg waved off. "In fact, I believe we should just focus on our upcoming match. Leave those people be, as long as you lot perform well in the Rating Game, they would not dare to raise any question about your decisions."

After all, devils do respect power and those with it.

"I'll take my leave. Tonight has been fun." Sairaorg then prepared to go. "The next time will meet will be on the match. I'll see you on Agreas." Sairaorg then turned to his peerage. "Let's go, everyone!"

"OUGH!" Sairaorg's peerage replied with fully-spirited cry, following their master.

The Gremory group watched their soon-to-be opponents went their way, all of them were determined to give their all, for the better or worse.


"…Huff~" Issei let out a breath as he relaxed inside the bath of his house, immersing his body inside the hot water.

However, his thoughts drifted back to the conference, particularly when he was answering the audience's question about his relationship with Rias. He answered 'no comment', but those 2 words alone were enough to start rumours, and who knew what kind of headlines Issei would read from the Underworld newspaper in the following day. Things could go scandalous at this point.

On another note, there were two baths in Hyoudou Residence. One which Issei was currently using, the large-size bath in the basement; and a regular-size bath on the first floor. The large bath was for Issei and the girls to use, while the regular-size bath was for Issei's parents' use.

Despite the fact, however, Saitama would occasionally use the large bath whenever he felt like it, causing some 'moments' much to the girls' embarrassment when they ended up running into the naked Saitama in the bathroom. Issei recalled that only Xenovia and Koneko who did not mind sharing bathroom with Saitama.

In the end, it took Haruka's 'convincing' to make Saitama complying to use the bathroom on the first floor. On that note, Haruka also volunteered to only use the first-floor bathroom to accompany Saitama, and Issei felt that he must never set his foot inside the first floor bathroom from there on out, especially if Saitama and Haruka were using the said bathroom. Considering how Haruka spent her time with her husband, who knew what happened in that bathroom whenever those two married couple were using it.

Having enough of hot water, Issei decided to go to sauna next (yes, the bathroom also had sauna installed). After making sure that he had set enough steam, Issei then sat on the stool and let his skin to sweat for good few minutes.

While enjoying the hot atmosphere, Issei then noticed that the door to the sauna had been opened, revealing Rias Gremory in her naked glory. With her creamy skin started to glisten in bath water and sweat, Issei was glad that he had his towel around his nether region, it would be awkward if his little guy suddenly popped up for Rias to see.

"Oh, Ise." Rias greeted.

"Uh… Hi." Issei awkwardly replied while doing his best to reign over his instinct.

Rias then helped herself to sit next to her fiancé, crossing her legs. She could feel Issei would steal glances at her body, and if it were any other man, she would take slight offence to that, but Issei's flustered expression while he silently fought between his conscience and desire was just so cute sometimes.

"You know…" Rias then spoke up. "I… actually heard about what you did with Xenovia in Kyoto."

Issei inwardly flinched. And while the sauna had been hot enough, Issei began to sweat more than he's supposed to. At his expression, Rias only giggled.

"Geez, you don't need to react like that, you know. I'm not mad." Rias gave a sly grin. "Seriously what am I going to do with you? First was Asia, then Xenovia. I wonder who you will lay your hands on next? Akeno? Irina-san? Or perhaps…" she then leaned closer to him. "…Me?" she whispered next to his ear. "There's only two of us here, you know."

Issei swallowed a lump at the gesture. Would they continue where they left off that night? Issei felt his heart-beat began to quicken, and he felt that his little guy was tugging against the towel over his crotch.

He needed to keep his composure; he needed a distraction. And the said distraction, ironically enough, was from the same girl that was slowly thinning his rationality bit by bit.

"…Were you taking shower faster than usual? And did you use new soap and shampoo?" Issei sniffed the air that was mixed with steam and sweaty smell.

"…You can tell?" Rias blinked and pulled back, a bit surprised at Issei's words.

"It's just…" Issei tried to describe. "Your scent is usually kind of thick… You know, like you spend some time in the shower, and now, your scent is… kind of not as thick as usual, meaning that you just took a quick shower. And of course I know what soap and shampoo you usually use." Issei smiled sheepishly.

This time, it was Rias' turn to feel her heart skipping a beat. Issei had been paying attention at her all the time, and it made her so happy. So happy that she felt another pang on her conscience. However, she had been set on what she planned to do here, in this very sauna, with Issei.

Without another word, she lifted her hand to grasp on the side of Issei's head, and when his face was right in front of her, Rias lunged forward, capturing his lips with hers. Issei widened his eyes at the sudden contact, but soon enough, he closed his eyes as he placed his hand on Rias' hand that was holding his face, and he kissed back.

Their lips moved in tandem, and it was Rias who took the first move to prod Issei's lips with her tongue, requesting access. Their lips were completely meshed with each other as they explored each other's mouth with their tongues; their conjoined mouths would part every now and then so they could take quick breaths. Before Issei could have brought his free hand to grab a hold of Rias' body, the girl had already moved from her spot to straddle him.

Their make-out session heated up as Issei's arms were wrapping around Rias' hour-glass figure, they kept kissing and tasting each other with their torso pressing against one another. When Rias was straddling him, their nether regions were separated by only one piece of cloth. Rias moaned into the kiss when Issei's erection pressed against her private through the towel. Few seconds later, as they maintained their conjoined mouths, Rias began to move her hips and rub her nether region against Issei's bulge.

Issei also groaned at Rias' administration. Who knew that Rias could be this aggressive? Last time it was him who took the first move. He remembered well her taste, feels, and other things that he could never had enough of. Issei then moved his hand, from Rias' waist, until her hips, and he squeezed her buttocks, eliciting a louder moan from her.

At the same time, Rias also pried herself off from Issei's mouth, and proceeded to give him licks and love-bites; starting from his jawline, down to his neck, collar-bone, and chest, while she kept rubbing herself against Issei's erection. Issei groaned as his sanity was wearing thinner and thinner under Rias' ministrations, their breaths became heavier as the heat in sauna was playing tricks on their minds.

In the midst of pleasure, Issei managed to note that Rias was indeed being aggressive at the moment.

Things went up a notch as Rias pushed Issei down, making the boy laying with his back on the bench, as she returned to furiously kiss him senseless, while keep rubbing herself against him.

"Seriously, what's gotten into her?" Not that Issei dislike it, but Rias was very assertive than he originally thought. He would have asked what was wrong if Rias was not driving him crazy right now.

However, that was the time that Issei noticed; Rias' body was trembling, and she was panting hard after she pulled out from him, her naked body was towering over him. Not to mention, Issei then felt that something wet dropped on his face; and that was when he finally got a hold of what was going on.

Rias was crying.

Issei blinked at the sight of tears streaming down on Rias' face. It was normal for the girl to tear up when they were doing the 'deed', but Rias' tears at that moment was that of anguish, pained.

"…Rias?" Issei asked, wondering if the girl was alright. "What's wrong?"

"…Eh?" Rias let out a shuddered breath, as she began to frantically wipe the tears off her face. "Wh-… I…" she then looked over her state as well as Issei's.

How could you?

"Ah…" Rias eyes widened as her previous nightmare returned with vengeance. She covered her face with her hands as she relieved the image of Issei's hateful face.

You don't love me.

"No… No…! It's not!" Rias' body trembled even more as she shook her head slowly.

"…Rias?" Issei was really worried at this point. She looked so distraught.

Goodbye, Rias.

"I… I'm sorry." Rias then slipped off from Issei's prone form, and quickly moved towards the door. "…I'm so sorry." She said without looking back and left the sauna.

Issei woke up, staring at the door where Rias just left. "What the hell…?"

Yes, what the hell, indeed. Things were going great, and suddenly Rias was crying, trembling, and apologized before she just ran off.

[What are you doing, still sitting here!?]

Issei blinked and dumbly looking around as he was caught surprised by Ddraig's voice. "Huh? Wha- What!?"

[Go after her, you dolt!]

"Err…! R-right!" Issei shook his head as he proceeded to leave the sauna. The woman he loved was obviously hurting, what was he doing? He needed to know what was going on.

Securing his towel around his waist to cover his modesty, Issei quickly bolt out from the bathroom, just in time to see Rias' crimson hair disappearing at the staircase. "W-wait, Rias!"

Rias was running like never before towards her bedroom, without anything covering her modesty. "WhathaveIdoneWhatamIdoing?!"

However, Issei could still run faster than her in the end. When Rias arrived and was about to enter the room, Issei's hand shot out and grabbed hers, stopping her just at the door. "Rias, what's going on!?" Issei asked with urgency and worry in his tone.

Rias could not bring herself to face Issei at this point. Closing her eyes in despair, she only tugged to break her hand free.

"Please…" Issei blinked at Rias' plea. "Just… Just leave me alone…" when Issei leaned closer to get a look at Rias' face, he was frozen at how hurt she looked. Tears were still flowing freely from her eyes, and the girl also refused to look at him.

And few seconds later, Issei's hold on her loosened, allowing her to break free and lock herself in the room, leaving Issei standing in the hallway. A minute passed, and Issei was still standing like a statue in front of Rias' bedroom, listening to vague voices of Rias' sobs.

[…Partner?]

From inside his soul, Ddraig asked with worried tone.

[Partner? You okay?]

"Ise?"

Before Issei could have replied to the Welsh Dragon, Issei turned his head to see his mother was standing before him. "What happened? I heard commotion from downstairs and saw Rias running naked, followed by you."

"I… Err…" Issei tried to come up with an answer, but it was futile. "…I don't know." Issei only closed his eyes in resignation as he sighed with his head down.

Haruka only stared at her son with discerning eyes for few seconds, before she spoke up again. "Would you like to talk about it?"

Issei looked up to see his mother's gentle smile, and somehow he found himself blushing at his own mother.

[…Momma's boy?]

"Shut the fuck up, Ddraig…" Issei inwardly twitched at Ddraig's snickering at him.

Seeing his son scratching his head awkwardly was enough answer for Haruka about what Issei needed. "We'll need some privacy; we'll talk in my room." Haruka then turned around and walked off. "…And put some clothes on before you come." She said while throwing Issei a teasing smirk.

Issei yelped a bit when he realized his own state of dress. Blushing even deeper, Issei quickly ran back to his room to get some clothes for himself.

oXo

"…Why is he here?" Issei raised an eyebrow as he sat at one corner of the king-sized bed, his parent's bed to be precise. His eyes were set on Saitama, who was also sitting on his own spot of the bed.

Currently, Issei, Haruka and Saitama were sitting together in triangle formation on the bed of the parent's room.

Issei then realized; he was sitting on the bed of his mother and father. He looked down, and his face got pale as his mind raced – what kind of deeds had his parents done on this very bed?

However, before Issei could have dreaded about anything more, Saitama's snapping fingers woke him up. "Hey. Focus, kid." Saitama chided. "Your mom is going out her way to hear your problems. Might as well to get your mind out of the gutter."

Issei blinked, and he took a deep breath to calm himself. Honestly, he just began to wonder why he complied to talk with his parents in his parent's bedroom nonetheless, while there were several other places that could be used. But what's done was done, and as Saitama said, Issei had to focus at his own issue. However…

"Does he have to be here too?" Issei pointed at his father again.

Saitama was a bit offended at the remark, but at the same time, he was not in mood to provide counselling, even for his own son. "Yeah. Do I have to be here too?" Saitama asked his wife.

"What are you two saying?" Haruka replied. "This is a perfect opportunity for family bonding!" she said ecstatically. "Do you know how long I've been waiting for this moment, Saitama? Ise is asking us advice about his love life! Isn't this exciting!?"

Saitama and Issei only stared at the woman for few seconds, before they glanced at each other. The son raising one eyebrow in question, while the father only shrugged, silently said, "Just get on with it."

Issei then looked at his mother again, who was eagerly ready to listen. "Whenever you are ready, sweetheart." Haruka nodded.

"…Here goes nothing, I guess." Taking a deep breath, Issei began to tell his story about his relationship and Rias.

However, at the first one minute when Issei said that he was 'engaged' with Rias, Haruka exploded.

"WHAT!?" she cried with wide-eyes. She then proceeded to pull her son into a tight hug, burying his face into her bosoms. "Omygodomygodomygod!" Haruka was completely ecstatic. "Engaged! You are getting married! Congratulations! I'm so proud of you! When's the wedding!?" she let go of her son only to hug her husband next. "Honey, we are going to have lots of grandchildren!" Haruka said with ecstatic laugh.

"You didn't tell her?" Issei turned to his father, who was trying to pry Haruka off him without hurting her.

"Err… It slipped my mind." Saitama replied. "Besides, Venelana told me that your status with Rias is still a secret."

Issei could not really refute that statement.

"Um, Haruka?" Saitama turned to his still-ecstatic wife. "Issei hasn't finished with his story, remember?" he hoped that his wife's attention would be re-directed from him.

That managed to stop Haruka as she let go of her husband. "Right, sorry." Haruka bashfully apologized. "It's just… I mean, engaged? This is such big news! I know you are popular among the girls, but…" Haruka then cleared her throat. "Anyway, we're getting side-tracked. Carry on, Ise."

"…Okay." Issei said as he took another breath.

Thus, the boy continued on with his story, of how he was engaged (in a sense) with Rias, how their relationship had gone so far, how Rias suddenly started to act weird, to say the least; and until the scene in the sauna.

"And… There you have it." Issei said with another exhale. "So…?"

Saitama looked stoic and impassive as ever, while Haruka was staring at her son with somewhat scrutinizing eyes. Issei found himself so small under the gaze of his parents, especially his mother.

"Ise."

The boy almost jumped when his mother called to him. "Y-Yes?" Issei stuttered. It was not like Haruka looked angry, but her jovial expression from earlier had been replaced with seriousness.

"…What have you done to Rias?"

At the question, Issei only blinked at her mother. "I... I don't know!" Issei made sure not to raise his voice too much. "Like I said, she suddenly just cried, apologized and ran off! I have no idea what's going on either!"

"Ise." This time, it was Saitama who spoke. "Let me tell you something. When a girl, any girl, apologize to you… Then it's definitely your fault."

"What?! How!?" Issei was incredulous. "That-that makes no sense!"

"Exactly." Saitama said back. "…But that's just how it works when it comes to relationship between a man and woman. Nothing makes sense, and it probably won't ever make any sense." Saitama then pointed his thumb to his wife. "Trust me, I've tried with your mother over here." The woman in question seemed proud of it.

"…Whatever." Issei shook his head. "So what do I do? The problem now that she doesn't want to share her problems."

"Now that's the one-million dollar question, isn't it?" Haruka hummed. "There is no concrete answer to that question, Ise. It could be that you need to push on, or you need to give her space to think things over. But let me share something."

Issei then nodded, paying attention to what his mother wanted to say. After making sure that his son was ready to listen, Haruka began.

"Do you know that… my relationship with your father was a rocky road?" Haruka glanced to her husband while smiling in reminiscence.

Issei blinked. He knew that Saitama could be insufferable sometimes, but he never thought that way about his father and mother; considering how head over the heels Haruka towards Saitama.

"I mean, your father is literally an alien."

Issei had to give his mother that. After all, living with a person without a legitimate identity would bring more problems than one. "So you told her?" Issei turned to Saitama.

"Yeah, at some point." The man shrugged. "You know that we can't keep things from her, it's a matter of time." Issei nodded in agreement; the boys in Hyoudou household could not stand a chance against Haruka.

"It was a challenge for me to get used to your father's… habits and lifestyle." Haruka continued. "I didn't know what actually happened, but whenever your father is going out, I'd always see…. Bizarre news and events involving him from television."

Haruka recalled the memory that the news were usually those about disasters, crimes, etc. where people's life were in danger. "…And every time I watched the news, I'd hear and see information about your father saving the day."

"You showed up on tv?" Issei furrowed his eyebrows at Saitama.

"And surprisingly, nobody ever found out about his identity." Haruka quipped. "I got an inkling of how he did that, but who cares, it's all taken care of when he came home." The woman shrugged.

"Going back to the main topic; long story short, it took… a lot of communication and obstacles for us to finally…" Haruka then blushed, while smiling demurely. "Accept our feelings."

Issei blinked, not only finding his mother's smile, he also noticed that Saitama also gave a small smile of his own.

"To be honest, what we have gone through is kind of similar with what's happening with you and Rias." Haruka said. "We refused to open up to each other."

Issei only raised one eyebrow, a gesture that showed that he was curious of what was to come.

"I… never thought of settling down." Saitama was the first to speak. "…Until I met your mother, that is." He continued as his eyes trailed to his wife.

"For as long as I've been living most of my life, all I know was punching the daylights out of bad guys. Other than that, I barely have any skills to make money." Saitama shared. "So, while I was living in your mom's home, I still played hero to kill time."

"…And that's the problem; back in my old home, being a hero literally pays off. But here, it doesn't work that way." Saitama carried on. "And… I always felt that I was only dragging her around."

"…So you always know that you are an annoyance? Wow, I was wrong about you." Issei raised is eyebrows.

"Shut up! Your parents are sharing here!" Saitama shot back, with Haruka merely giggled in amusement.

"So, I've always felt bad that… In that world, I felt that I brought nothing but trouble to your mother." Saitama confessed, making Haruka giving a slightly sad smile. "….And, perhaps that was the most dishonest moment I've ever experienced." Saitama sighed.

The room fell into silence, with Issei only gave Saitama narrowed look, clearly curious of what happened next.

Few moments later, Saitama continued. "When I told her that I'm leaving…. That's actually the moment when I realized that I can't live without her." Saitama bashfully scratched his cheek.

"And do you believe that it took couple of weeks for your father to finally come to me and ask if he can always stay with me?" Haruka quipped, giggling as if she was fond of the memory.

"It's my first time to feel so insecure after a long time. But no matter how much bullshit I forced her to go through, and no matter how much I felt sorry about it, at the end of the day, I just want to live with Haruka." Saitama said with tinge of embarrassment all over his face.

Issei only raised a single eyebrow again; he started to feel confuse of what his parents were trying to say.

"But that's the story for another time. What we are trying to say is, there must be NO secrets in relationship. And… sometimes it takes drastic measures for both of you to open up." Haruka concluded.

"…Okay." Issei nodded. If anything, Issei thought that the story Saitama and Haruka shared almost had zero relevance with their conclusion. Well, there was the part where Saitama left home and realized his feelings, but… never mind.

"And, with no secrets, opening up, you also need to open up your 'shelter'; be someone and place where Rias can run to."

"…Shelter? Run to?" Issei quipped, not sure about the meaning.

"Imagine that love is a battlefield, where guns, bombs and flames are blazing from every direction. And you and Rias are in the middle of it; if you don't move, you die." Haruka used her lecture pose. "Let me ask you this first; what will you alone do in that battlefield?" Haruka emphasized the two particular words for Issei's clues.

"I… make the run for it." Issei answered.

"And, with making the run, I'll ask you this; what do you feel about Rias?" Haruka asked again.

Issei stared at his mother's eyes for few seconds, before he glanced at his father, whom was also staring at him. Issei then closed his eyes for a second before he opened them, showing his conviction for his parents to see.

"I love her."

Those were just 3 simple words. No poems, oaths, claims, sugar-coating, nor any other sort of romantic exaggeration plastered over them. However, those three words alone, accompanied by the look in Issei's eyes, were all Saitama and Haruka needed to know how far Hyoudou Issei would go for the sake of Rias Gremory.

"…Well said." Haruka smiled proudly, with her husband gave approving nod. "That means that you're already armed to the teeth. However, Rias on the other hand, is lost, insecure, confused and doesn't know where to run." Haruka then jabbed her finger on his son's chest. "…And it's your job to reach for her, show her that you can be her emotional safety."

Issei took in Haruka's words for few seconds, before he began to speak again. "So… I need to keep pursuing her, so she can open up and we can gain understanding."

"Essentially, yes. But don't forget that it's still possible that all she needs is just some time alone." Haruka nodded. "And if Rias does love you back as much as you do to her, everything will be just fine."

"So you think she loves me? I mean, she doesn't hate me?" Issei asked with hopeful tone.

"Please, if she does hate you, she won't be staying in this house in the first place." Saitama replied with a scoff.

"Honestly, Ise?" it was Haruka's turn to gave her opinion. "The day Rias comes to hate you is like the day your father grows hair."

That comment actually caused Issei to almost burst to laughter. Haruka was also giggling like crazy over her own comment, resulting a glare from her husband. After the amusement died down few minutes later, Haruka turned to her son again. "So, in the end, do you know what to do now? Or do you still have other questions?"

Issei stared at his parents for few seconds before he smiled sheepishly. "…Yeah, I guess I do." He scratched his cheek. Then, he looked up at his parents again. "But… if Rias ends up… You know…" but he could not help that there was still anxiety in his heart.

"You can talk to us again." It was Saitama who replied with a shrug, which Haruka did not really see it coming. The wife blinked and she smiled in approval before nodding to her son.

"…Thanks, mom." Issei then proceeded to give his mother a hug, which the said mother returned gladly.

When Issei was about to leave the room, however, he stopped at the door to look back at Saitama. "…And thanks to you too…. Dad." Issei quickly vanished as the door closed.

Haruka and Saitama stared at the door for few seconds, before Haruka turned to Saitama with glittering eyes. "Did you hear that?" the wife said.

Saitama only blinked in confusion. "Hear what?"

"Ise just called you 'dad'! Again! After a while!" Haruka's face brightened as she proceeded to lunge and push her husband down to bed, her body straddling him. "Hahaha! I knew I made the right choice to take you along!"

"Whoa, whoa, calm down there, woman. So what if- mmph!?" Saitama's protest was silenced by Haruka pressing her lips on his own.

When Haruka pulled back, Saitama held back a sigh when he saw that look on his wife's expression. "Just shut up and kiss me, you fool." Haruka bit the corner of her bottom lip as she proceeded to undress herself. "This is something to celebrate for!" she then returned to kiss her husband senseless.

"That's your idea of celebration!?"

Saitama frustratingly thought as his wife 'assaulted' him. However, he did not do anything to stop Haruka's advance; and instead, he simply made the best out of it. With what just happened, it was possible that none of them would get enough sleep by the morning came.

oXo

When Issei arrived at his room later on, he found the girls were standing right in front of Rias' room that was adjacent to his own. Everyone turned to him and sported worried looks.

Without even asking, Issei already knew what their concerns were; Rias was locking herself in her bedroom without willing to see anyone. He gave a nod, and the girls wordlessly made a path for him, giving him small nods in the process. Issei then stood in front of the door, steeling himself. He raised his hand to knock on the door, but before his hand could have moved, Ddraig quipped.

[I highly advise you to think things over, partner. What you are going to do and say will decide what shall happen next.]

Issei paused; the Welsh Dragon was right. He knew what he needed to do, but at the same time, he must not be hasty. He needed to pick his words correctly if he wanted to solve this issue.

Taking a deep breath, Issei decided his course of action and knocked on the door. "Rias, can you hear me?"

Everyone waited for few seconds, and when a minute had passed, Issei actually considered to break the door down. However, Rias' tearful expression flashed in his mind. Releasing a breath, Issei spoke up.

"I don't know what is going on, but I want to help you. If it's something that I did to you before, I apologize." Issei closed his eyes for a moment. "I'm not gonna force you to share. I'll wait as long as you need to gather your thoughts. Have a good night, Rias."

With another sigh, Issei then turned around to face Akeno, Asia, Koneko, Xenovia, Irina, Rossweisse and Ravel. They stared at each other for few seconds before the Queen spoke up. "…Well?" That one word alone was enough to convey the message that they wanted to know what was going on.

"Honestly, I have no clue." Issei shrugged. "It's probably– most likely my fault, but…." Issei then sighed again. "I'm drawing blanks here."

Akeno then narrowed her eyes at Issei, as if she was searching something. Rias had been her best friend, and she was still her best friend. If there was a chance that the man before her was the cause of her best friend's distraught, regardless of her own feelings, then….

"….I guess we need to find out tomorrow." Akeno sighed. When she opened her eyes, her looks and expression had considerably softened. "Let's go to bed, everyone. We still have work tomorrow." Doing her duty in her King's absence, the Queen then took charge.

Thus, the night ended with uneasy peace.


Next morning, everyone found that Rias had woken up in the early morning and had gone off to school by herself. It did not take a genius to figure that Rias was deliberately avoiding Issei. However, she did leave a message to Akeno to take charge of her peerage for the morning duties.

Strangely enough, Saitama and Haruka appeared to be a lot calmer when they were told about the issue. When everyone was about to go to school, they blinked at the sight of Saitama and Haruka giving encouraging tap and nod to their son, whom also nodded in return.

"What's that about?" Irina voiced the question in everyone's mind.

Issei simply gave a knowing smile and walked off. "…Let's go, everyone."

"Hey, wait up!" the girls then proceeded to hurry after the boy.

Long-story short, Issei was sitting in the Occult Research Club with Yuuto and Gasper after school. That afternoon, the Occult Research Club were going to have a meeting with Azazel, to discuss about the upcoming Rating Game against Sairaorg Bael.

While waiting for the girls, the boys were spending their time with some idle talk, mainly encouraging Gasper who was still doubting himself. Some pep-talk later, Gasper gained back his confidence, and that was when the rest of the club members arrived.

When Rias came in, however, when her teal eyes met with Issei's light-brown, the boy noticed there was sadness and fear in Rias' eyes, before she quickly looked away to avoid any further eye contact.

Thus, with all members of Occult Research Club present, Azazel then began the meeting.

The meeting was about to discuss the Rating Game; however, Azazel had to address the fact that the Hero Faction of Khaos Brigade began to reach out towards everyone with Sacred Gears, even reincarnated devils, and guided them to achieve Balance Breakers, in order to amass power and brew some chaos in the underworld. From what Azazel had gathered, rebellion against high-class devils that housed Sacred Gear possessors was very likely.

Sometimes, it was confusing about why Biblical God would create something so powerful like Sacred Gears in the first place.

"But enough of that. I came here as the advisor for the Rating Game against Sairaorg Bael." Azazel moved on.

Having the atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted by the change of topic, Issei raised his hand. "Speaking of advisor, is my da- I mean, Saitama still Sairaorg-san's advisor?"

Everyone noticed the sudden shift in how Issei addressed his father, but they chose to pretend not hearing that.

"Not really." Azazel replied. "While most of Sairaorg's training regimen is made by Saitama himself, the one who was supervising Sairaorg's team is Diehauser Belial, the Emperor."

Rias blinked at the name. "…The champion."

"Yep, the very one. Considering your goal to win all Rating Games, you will face him sooner or later. Same goes to your peerage as well." Azazel nodded at Rias.

"Moving on, has everyone memorised the date about Sairaorg's peerage?"

Everyone had indeed engraved the footage of Sairaorg's fight with Zephyrdol Glasya-Labolas. The sheer strength and power that Sairaorg showed in the match was not even his true power.

"Sairaorg and his group are rare devils who actually train, just like you guys. They definitely have leveled-up during the time back in their match against Glasya-Labolas." Azazel said.

The high-class devils in general never trained; they simply believed the power of their demonic heritage from respective clan, and they depended on their servants to win their battles. If the servants were deemed to be too weak or incompetent, the King would simply trade them or recruit even more powerful individuals.

So far, Sairaorg Bael, Rias Gremory and some devils of new generation were the only ones who actually trained to strengthen their peerages.

"They also had real-battle experience during the attacks of Khaos Brigade, which makes them even more formidable."

While Azazel was still explaining his piece, Rossweisse raised a question. "…Come to think of it, we never know the identity of his Pawn, don't we?"

True, as far as everyone had remembered during the conference, Sairaorg Bael's peerage consisted 1 Queen, 2 Knights, 2 Rooks, 2 Bishops and 1 Pawn. All in all, the formation was similar with Rias Gremory's peerage.

"Apparently, the Pawn is… akin to a 'trump card' for Sairaorg, and he rarely uses him in battles. As far as I know, the Pawn has the value of 7 Pawn pieces."

Everyone widened their eyes at Azazel's reply. Apparently Sairaorg's team was more similar with Rias' team than they thought previously; one Pawn that was on par with multiple Pawns at once.

The meeting went on, with everyone voiced their opinions and discussed about the strategy, tactics, and counter-measures for the match. Even Irina, who was not involved in the game also gave her input to add more insights, while Ravel put everything down in her notes for reminders and references.

Azazel only smirked in excitement as he scanned the young devils with analytical eyes. Truly, the current generations had surpassed his expectations, especially Rias Gremory's peerage. They had experienced real battles against powerful enemies that could give even gods and demon kings a good run for their money, and lived to tell the tale. It would only be a matter of time until the young generation to enter the Top 10 of Rating Game rankers.

Azazel would not mind to tear off another arm if he could get a front-seat to watch the young devils to fight against the veteran of the Rating Games.

He could sense the breeze of the new era of the Rating Game- no, the new era of the world, flowing in the air.

oXo

After the meeting had ended, Azazel and Rossweisse had to return to their duties as teachers, and the students were left to take care of their own preparations for the school festival.

When Issei glanced at Rias, the former found the latter was focusing on paper-works and documents, but he could tell that the girl's mood was still gloomy, as she still refused to meet his eyes.

While Issei was still mulling things over, a magic crest appeared on the centre table of the room. Everyone then stopped their respective works to pay attention at the glowing magic symbol.

"…Phenex."

Just as Koneko had said, it was Phenex symbol that appeared. A transmission from Phenex clan? Who could it be?

The crest then showed a holographic image of a young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes. On a closer look, one could say that she was the very image of mature version of Ravel Phenex in her twenties. The only difference was that the woman's hair was tied up in grand ornaments befitting that of a noble.

"Mother?"

That explained the appearance when Ravel addressed the woman in recognition.

"How do you do, Ravel." The woman replied her daughter with warm smile. "Forgive me for the sudden call, for I could not afford a free time. It is still school period in human world, correct?"

Despite the woman's polite, warm greeting, Ravel could not help but to feel nervous before her mother. "Y-yes, it is. But why did you call all of a sudden?"

"…Can I speak with Ms. Rias and the Red Dragon Emperor?" was all the lady of Phenex household said in return.

Without delay, Rias stepped forward to greet her guest. "How do you do, ma'am. It has been a while." She greeted with proper manner and elegance as the heiress of Gremory household.

"Ah, Ms. Rias. How do you do, it has been a while, indeed. And…?" Lady Phenex trailed off as if she expected another person to greet her.

Issei then stepped forward so he was face-to-face with the guest. "Hello, I'm Hyoudou Issei. Nice to meet you."

"Hello to you too." The lady nodded. "This is our first time meeting each other, isn't it, Hyoudou Issei, the Red Dragon Emperor? I apologize for introducing myself in such manner."

"It's fine." Issei replied with polite smile. "So, is there something I can help you with?"

"In the light of my daughter living in your house, I normally have to go and greet all of you properly in Hyoudou Residence, however, the circumstances did not allow me such luxury…"

Everyone nodded in understanding at the lady's reasoning. After all, with the terrorist's relentless assault nowadays, the Phenex clan would be busy to provide Phoenix Tears for various allied pantheons and factions.

"Not at all, ma'am." Rias replied amicably. "Your kind words alone are more than enough. You can entrust Ravel with us."

"I see…" relief seemed to appear on Lady Phenex's expression. "…I'm truly sorry for giving you with such a task. After we forced you to deal with Riser, now we're asking you to take care of our Ravel… You have our deepest gratitude."

Lady Phenex then turned to Issei. "And Hyoudou Issei… Please do look after my daughter."

"Yes, leave her to me- to us." Issei gestured his friends, who nodded in affirmation.

"…Then I believe both me and my husband can rest easy if Ravel has these people as her friends at school. But there's another thing. Hyoudou Issei, please make sure that no weird pests come near her."

Issei blinked at the term the lady used, but he nodded nonetheless. "Err… Yeah, sure. No problem. Ravel is in good hands."

"Once again, thank you very much." the lady spoke. "…And, Ravel."

"Yes, mother?" Ravel had become more composed as the conversation went on.

"You know what to do. You have to support Ms. Rias, and you have to listen to your seniors. Most importantly, you have to deepen your relationship with Hyoudou Issei. Work hard as a befitting member of Phenex household."

Ravel nodded at her mother's instruction without hesitation on her face. "Understood!"

The mother nodded approvingly, and she turned to Issei again. "And lastly, Hyoudou Issei… I hear that you are aiming to become a high-class devil?"

Issei was actually busy taking in what Lady Phenex just implied to her daughter; 'deepen the relationship'? But Issei decided to think about it later and focus on what the woman wanted to say this time. "Yes. I am."

To be honest, Issei never really cared about ranks and status; however, considering he was integrating into devil society, he might as well raising his rank along the way. Not only that it would come in handy in future, it was a good thing to have something to work hard for.

"I see… My daughter is currently a free Bishop after I took her from Riser."

"Yes, I have heard that."

"Please remember, my daughter is a free Bishop. She is not affiliated with Riser, nor anyone else. Understand?"

Issei stayed for a few seconds, taking in the woman's words in his brain. Then, Issei grew a smile as he bowed his head lightly. "…Yes, I'm looking forward to it."

Lady Phenex then nodded with satisfied smile on her face. "Good. Then, my business is done here. Ms. Rias, Hyoudou Issei and everyone, forgive me once again for the sudden intrusion. And Ravel, don't forget to behave as a lady should."

"Yes, mother." Ravel nodded, it appeared that Ravel was also glad at Issei's respond of her status of free Bishop.

"Until then, everyone." Lady Phenex then vanished with the magic crest.

Everyone silently released sighs of relief. While the matriarch of Phenex clan appeared to be kind, friendly woman, speaking with a noble would always take some toll on the minds. While still relieving the tension, Issei noticed that Rias was leaving the room.

Issei blinked; that could be the chance for him to settle things. "Rias?" Issei called out. "Where are you going?"

The girl froze on her steps, not daring to turn around. Swallowing a lump and biting her lower lip, she muttered. "Say, Ise…. What do you think about the others?"

"Excuse me?"

"Asia, Akeno…. Everyone. Do you love them?" Rias clarified her question.

The said question caused everyone in the room to perk up, turning their attention towards Issei.

Issei closed his eyes and took a breath. "Alright, Ise… Let's not fuck this up." He then opened his eyes, and took glances at everyone in the clubroom. "…I love them. And I'll fight the whole world if that means I can protect their everyday lives."

Compared to what he said to his parents about his feelings, his answer this time was rather corny. However, he did not care; he had to be sincere, and despite how his answer sounded like, every girls in the room felt their hearts stopped beating for a second and heat crept up to their faces, as they heard Issei's answer.

Even Yuuto and Gasper were impressed at the sheer conviction on Issei's expression.

Rias balled her hands into a fist and clutched them on her chest. "Then…. What do you think of me? What am I? Who am I to you?"

This was it; the moment of truth. Clenching his hand tighter into fists, Issei took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a second to open it again. "You are who you are. You are Rias, our King, our master, our friend; the founder and leader of Occult Research Club of Kuoh Academy, and…" at this point, Issei even started to feel a tad embarrassed of what he was going to say next. "…The woman I love. One of those who I treasure the most."

In any other circumstances, everyone would have given Issei salutes.

However, few seconds later, Rias only shifted her body ever so slightly, before she suddenly stormed out of the room and slammed the door close. Everyone only stared silently at the door where Rias vanished. Then, everyone slowly turned to look at Issei's reaction.

The boy in question only released a heavy sigh as he bowed his head down, his eyes seemed defeated in more ways than one.

[….That could have gone worse.]

Issei's eyes twitched. Welsh Dragon's comment was the last thing he wanted at the moment.

"…I'll go after her." Akeno gave a quick apologetic smile to Issei before she quickly went out of the room as well.

Issei, still standing with his head bowed down, felt someone grasped his shoulder. He turned to see Yuuto by his side. "If it's any consolation, I think you did well there." The Knight said as he gave a comforting squeeze on his shoulder.

"T-that's very cool, senpai!" Gasper also joined in cheering the Pawn up.

Issei only nodded appreciatively while giving bitter smile. He then felt someone was tugging on his pants. He looked down to see Koneko was staring at him. If he did not know her better, Issei would have seen Koneko was being her usual stoic self, but currently, her eyes were that of a supportive person. She even offered him a plate of her own cake. "Please cheer up."

Issei's smile widened a little bit as he proceeded to softly pat on Koneko's favourite spot, eliciting a purr from her. "Thanks, Koneko-chan."

"Ise-kun."

Issei then turned to see Irina, Xenovia, Asia and Ravel were smiling at him. "Let's just sit down for now, shall we?" Asia ushered. "I'll make us some tea."

Soon enough, everyone was seated (with Koneko taking her 'usual spot') and Asia had served the drinks. The room then fell into companionable silence as they gave Issei some time to gather his wits.

"So… would you like to tell us what happened?" Asia asked first as she took the spot next to her boyfriend.

Issei only stared into his tea for few seconds and he drew another breath. "Well…. It's just as you saw earlier." Issei replied. "…I royally messed up, didn't I?"

"I don't think that's the case." It was Irina who replied. "Normally, I would've said that you are at fault, but…" the reincarnated angel then blushed as she averted her eyes away in embarrassment. "…I was really happy when you said those words."

Everyone smiled warmly when they recalled Issei's proclamation.

"But back on track." Irina cleared her throat. "Seriously, what's that all about?"

"No clue." Issei shrugged. "She just ran away, like yesterday."

"'Yesterday'?"

Everyone blinked at the fact that the similar had happened before. "Alright, I believe an explanation is in order." Ravel clapped her hands. "Ise-sama, our curiosity aside, all of us here just want to help you. So…. Please?"

Issei scanned everyone in the room, their expressions alone said that they had no intention of letting him go at this point. With another sigh, Issei then began the story when Rias joined him in the sauna…

"…Wait, what?" Ravel blurted out. "You two… Naked together, in sauna…?!" her face began to flush at the image of the two, sweaty bodies pressing against one another.

Koneko who was on Issei's lap sent him dirty glance, while Asia and Irina were just as uncomfortable as Ravel.

"Hauuu… Ise-san and Rias nee-sama… Geez…!" Asia whimpered with her face flustered as well.

"I-I-Ise-kun!?" Irina stuttered, her face was beet red. "S-so you and Rias-san were…!?"

"Hm, so you're re-enacting what we did back in Kyoto, but with buchou this time? Not bad at all, Ise." Xenovia was actually nodding approvingly.

"I-indecent!" Ravel could only made that one-word retort.

Issei was amazed at how the atmosphere of the conversation took such a turn with a mere mentioning of him and Rias spending time in sauna.

"Come on, everyone. Aren't we supposed to help him?" thankfully, a rescue came in front of Yuuto who stood up to placate everyone. "Let's put that aside and focus of what the main issue, shall we?" behind him, Gasper was actually blushing like crazy as well, but at the same time, he was also too shy to make any comment out loud.

Seeing the point, the girls then quickly composed themselves. "Sorry about that. Ise-kun, carry on." Irina gestured.

"Thanks, Kiba." Issei nodded to the Knight who nodded back. "Anyway, things were going great, and…"

Issei then re-told the events that took place last night, from where Rias suddenly having a break-down, until Issei found everyone was standing together in front of her bedroom.

"…And that's pretty much what happened, really." Issei ended his short story.

"Hmm…. That's…. I didn't see that one coming." Xenovia commented while rubbing her chin with one hand.

"I guess… Most likely the problem is with Rias-san instead of Ise-kun." Irina nodded in thought.

"Then, what do-… Ise-san?" Asia was about to voice her own comment when she found that Issei was more silent than earlier. "…Ise-san?"

Issei was simply staring down, not saying or doing anything.

"…Ise-senpai?" Even Koneko, who was sitting the closest to him, started to get worry as well.

"Say…." Issei drawled out. "Do you think… she actually hates me?" doubt had once again crept to his heart.

Everyone tensed at the question; never once they saw Issei looked so lost. However, before they could have done anything…

SLAP!

Issei felt stinging on his cheek, as someone just literally slapped him across his face. He turned and looked up to see Ravel was glaring down at him.

"Get yourself together, Ise-sama!" the Phenex admonished. "Do you think Lady Rias' feelings towards you are that shallow?"

Issei blinked at Ravel's aggressive approach. Sure, he was being too gloomy and all, but he sure did not expect to receive a slap of all things. "…I'm not sure I kind of deserve that." He could not help but think of that line.

[…I think you do kind of deserve that.]

Ddraig's retort aside, Ravel continued with her 'lecture'. "Look, I might have not known Lady Rias as long as you do, but I at least understand her as a fellow woman!"

The other girls seemed miffed at the fact someone just slapped Issei, but on the other hand, a part of them completely agreed that someone had to snap the boy out of it.

"Now, now, let's calm down." Asia, being a gentle soul she was, placated the angry phoenix.

No need for violence.

"But Ravel-san does have a point, Ise-san." Asia was the one who spoke this time. "I don't believe that Rias-san hates you."

"Yes, yes, that's right!" Irina quipped this time. "She probably just needs some time to sort out her feelings!"

"Hn, I concur." Xenovia nodded. "Even I was lost for words when you said those bold things."

"Listen, Ise-sama." Ravel lectured. "The heart of a maiden is delicate and complicated. So you have to be sure…"

Issei felt warmth across his chest. While Ravel was hammering the concept of a maiden's heart into his brain, he scanned the room, when his eyes met with everyone else's, they smiled kindly in return.

There was nothing to fear of; all of his friends got his back all along. Even if the issues with Rias took a worse turn, his friends, the girls would be there and ready for him to turn to.

Issei smiled as he felt tears started to gather on his eyes. Closing his eyes to prevent any tears from flowing out, he was inwardly grateful that he had met these people.


"Rias, open the door." Akeno asked as she knocked on the door before her.

When Akeno went out of the Occult Research Club's room to chase after Rias, it did not take too long for the Queen to figure out that her King had ran back towards Hyoudou Residence, locking herself up in her bedroom again.

"….Rias, can you hear me!?" she then half-shouted as she started to bang her knuckles a bit harder at the door.

She tried to shake the door handle few times, but despite the strength given through her Queen-piece, Akeno found that the door was sturdier than she recalled. It seemed that Rias had magically reinforced the door to prevent anyone from intruding her.

"…Alright, that's it." she muttered as she prepared small sparks of lightning on her fingers.

Time for some tough love.

However, before Akeno could have done anything else, a hand was placed on her shoulder, causing her to turn to see Saitama standing before her.

"…You might damage the house's interior if you do that." Saitama gestured at the lightning dancing on Akeno's fingers. "Allow me." he then gently pushed Akeno aside and stood before the reinforced door.

"Oh, by the way." Saitama paused to look at Akeno again. "I and Haruka are gonna leave the house for you two alone, so be sure that you'll settle things by dinner time. Is that okay with you?"

Akeno blinked at the man's instruction. On the corner of her eyes, Akeno also noticed that Haruka was peeking from the corner of the hallway, giving her a nod.

Akeno then looked back at Saitama, giving him a nod. "…Yes."

Saitama hummed and nodded, then with relative ease kicked the door open, magical reinforcement be damned. As a matter of fact, one might think that if Saitama were to put more force into his kick, the door would have been completely torn off its hinges as well.

The said man then walked away as soon as the room had been opened after giving one more tap on Akeno's back. "…Good luck."

Akeno gave a wordless, appreciative nod as she watched Saitama and his wife left the house.

When she stepped inside the room, Akeno saw that her King was lying face-down on her bed, burying her face in her pillow; Akeno could heard that Rias was sobbing. The Queen then did not waste any time as she stomped forward. "Rias, what was that all about?"

Rias flinched, and when she turned to face her Queen, Akeno finally noticed the fear and anxiety plastered over her King's face. Knowing that she had to tread carefully, she sighed and softened her expression. "…Rias, please tell me what's wrong. I'm worried, and I care for you."

"I….I'm sorry."Rias sat up, still hugging her pillow. "It-it's just…" She closed her eyes in shame.

"What is it?" Akeno pressed a bit further. "Is it something Ise-kun said?"

"No, it's not like that." Rias refuted. "When Ise said those words…. I was… really happy."

Akeno raised her eyebrows when she sensed that her King was genuinely happy for a second.

"And yet… I was scared." Rias buried her face again into her pillow, hugging it tighter. "So, very, scared."

Akeno's expression became saddened and she scooted over so she was sitting closer to her King. "Rias…." She grabbed her arm, gently tugging them down so that she could see her face. "Please, tell me what's wrong. I can't help you if you keep shutting yourself away from us. Everyone would get hurt if you keep this up."

Rias stared at her Queen for a moment, and she looked down. "Akeno…. I've… I've done something terrible to Ise."

Akeno tensed. She knew Rias long enough to believe that her King was not someone who would harm people around her without good reason. However, the recent events caused her to feel edgy, especially if it involved the boy she loved. "…Enlighten me, then." She softly asked.

Rias then started from the days where she was agonizing over the fact that she had been engaged with some womanizer of other noble clan, without her consent.

That part, Akeno knew well. She still remembered how frustrated her King was.

Rias was at the part where she began to scout for potential peerage members. At that point, she had already recruited Akeno, Koneko, Gasper, and Yuuto. However, note that when she recruited them, it was out of her goodwill. As if by some twist of fate, Rias ended up encountering them when they were at mortal danger.

Akeno was on the run to get avoid being murdered by her own very family – although Rias later learned that she had been rescued before meeting her.

Koneko was about to be executed unjustly for the crime she did not commit. It was by the grace of the Lucifer himself that she was entrusted to Rias.

For Yuuto – Rias was having a winter break, as well as the tip on Europe with her parents to learn about magicians. It was during one of her night excursions that she happened to stumble on a dying boy.

For Gasper – Rias was accompanying her brother, who happened to have a meeting with one of his contacts in Romania. She just happened to run to dying Gasper Vladi when she was horse-riding around the forest near her lodging.

Nobody knew they were mere coincidences or some twisted fate, while Rias wished she could have recruited her servants in more favourable situations, her encounter with them made the kind of group they were at the moment. Rias could not ask for better people to be her servants.

Issei, on the other hand, was different. She first viewed him as a 'jackpot'; a valuable prize that possessed a powerful Sacred Gear, which based on Koneko's observation, contained a feeling of a dragon inside. Dragons were notoriously powerful; a Pawn, the most versatile piece in the Rating Game, with the power of a dragon? Rias would not let go this one out of her grasp.

Thus, she began to formulate a plan to recruit him. She had considered to approach him, asking him to serve her as a devil with all the quirks it could offer, rewarding, even seducing him. However, as far as she had learned about dragons, she was told that dragons and those who possessed the power of dragons, tend not to easily submit to anyone.

She needed something that could ensure his loyalty. Perhaps he might wanted to join her peerage out of his own free will, but when she thought of her peerage again, a small part of Rias believed that their loyalty was from the fact that she had saved their lives, giving them a place they could call home where they have lost their original place in the world.

That gave her the idea – what if she happened run to him when he was in mortal danger? As the saying, 'what happened twice, could happen thrice'; perhaps all she needed was to take it easy in order to recruit him. That was why she assigned her peerage to observe him for the time being.

Then some time later, she found the opportunity when she learned that a fallen angel was aiming him… The rest was history.

"I expected him to die, Akeno." Rias confessed. "This is not just a freak accident; I could have saved him, I should have warned him! But I didn't. And I feel… disgusted at myself." She said with self-loathing tone. "And now…. After seeing him as a mere Pawn to get me out from that blasted engagement… Do I have the right to long for his affection? I just can't bring myself to face him…"

Akeno had been silent as Rias shared what was weighing her mind, her eyes were hidden by her black bangs.

"What if he hates me? When he found out about what happened behind his reincarnation?" Rias' voice started to tremble in fear as tears began to drop again. "I love him, I truly do. I've been trying to move forward, but… whenever I see him smile so brilliantly… Whenever I see him so reliable, seeing me as who I am… Whenever I fell for him all over again…. My chest hurts so much…"

SLAP!

Rias felt her cheek kind of burning, she turned to see Akeno's hand just slapped her across her face; the Queen's face remained hidden by her raven hair.

Rias' tears were renewed, as she understood that her Queen was angry at her. Understandable; after all, Akeno had been head over heels towards Issei, especially after she had made up with her father. Of course she would be angry at the fact that her King had manipulated the man she loved.

Rias looked down in shame and resignation, a ghost of self-loathing smile started to creep up to her face.

"I guess I get what I deserve…"

She thought of those things when Akeno suddenly pulled her into a gentle, warm hug.

"…Eh?"

"You are such a silly girl…" Akeno whispered softly, as she placed Rias' head over her shoulder; her hand gently ran over her, starting from the back of her head until her waist, in comforting manner. "Ise-kun is not someone who could hate you over something like that…"

Rias was silenced at the sheer warmth enveloping her. Slowly, she felt her heart melting, then she proceeded to return the hug while burying her face into the crook of Akeno's neck, relieving her tears as she sobbed.

The afternoon went on with Akeno comforting her best friend. Rias did not know how it worked; after all, it was just couple of sentences, but for some reason, a part of her mind began to believe that…

Things might be just fine in the end.

oXo

When everyone got home by dinner time, Issei and the rest of Occult Research Club was met by Rias who was accompanied by Akeno. Issei could tell just by looking that Rias had been crying her eyes out; however, her mood had somehow been significantly better than before.

"…Ise." Rias merely greeted.

"Rias."

The others did not dare to say a word as the two engaged couple staring at each other.

"I'm… sorry about earlier." Rias averted her eyes awkwardly. "That was… unbecoming of me."

"It's fine." Issei managed to smile, albeit in awkward manner as well. "You probably got a lot on your plate. Sorry." Issei scratched his cheek as his eyes darted here and there. "So…."

"Let's focus on our upcoming match against Sairarorg." Rias suddenly cut off.

Everyone blinked at the sound of Rias just dismissed and moved to a new topic. However, her face was more resolute.

"Until I have finished sorting out my feelings… Can we focus on our Rating Game match…. Please?"

Everyone stared at their King for few minutes, as if searching something. Then, Issei was the first to answer.

"As you wish." Issei nodded with warm smile across his face. "If you need time, then I'll wait."

Everyone seemed to agree with Issei as well as they gave their King their own smiles, wordlessly saying that they would be with her until the end of the line.

"We're home!"

Suddenly, the front door was opened, revealing Saitama and Haruka. Everyone snapped their heads, surprised at the sudden intrusion of the married couple. The said couple only blinked as they stared at the atmosphere where everyone was gathering in one room.

"Um…." Haruka awkwardly scratched her cheek. "Did we miss something?"


Time went by, and it was night before the match.

Issei stood in front of a door, he took a deep breath, and he proceeded to knock.

After knocking several times, the door was opened revealing the topless Saitama. "…Ise? What's up? It's almost at 12 midnight." The man said while rubbing his eyes.

"Sorry." Issei gave a quick apology. "Err… Is this a bad time?"

"Well, define 'bad time'." Saitama yawned as he looked back, seeing that his wife was still deep asleep. "Never mind, actually. What do you want?"

Issei bit his lower lip as he was not sure of any other way to approach. "I need a favour."

oXo

"You sure you only need me around? What about asking Akeno and Asia to help as well?" Saitama asked as he was standing with his arms crossed inside the training ground with his son, who was sitting on lotus position in front of him.

"Everyone else had done well in the training, they deserve rest." Issei took a deep breath. "I, on the other hand, am still far from good enough."

Saitama only stared at his son before he let out a breath and took a seat in front of him. "So? What do you need me to do?"

"I… um, kind of going to do some gamble here – a swim or sink." Issei replied. "And…. I need you in case things went sour."

"…Ise, what are you planning?" Saitama narrowed his eyes slightly.

"…I'm going to convince my predecessors inside the Boosted Gear to help me out. Depending on how things turn out, I might end up going Juggernaut here. You have to stop me in case I'm going berserk; knock me out if you have to." Issei said as he stared right into his father's eyes.

Saitama's expression went serious; clearly that he did not like the whole idea. However, seeing the look in Issei's eyes made him unable to tell him to stop for some reason.

"…Fine." Saitama sighed. "But don't expect me to pull my punch, you hear me?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Issei only smirked as he began his meditation.

oXo

Deep inside his soul, Issei arrived at the hall where the consciousness of his predecessors were gathering. Issei himself was standing together with Ddraig, Elsha and Belzard.

"…Well, here we are." Issei began. "Is this everyone?"

[Yes, I suppose so. After all, apart from Belzard and Elsha, nobody had ever moved from their spot.]

"Say, Elsha-san, Belzard-san… How did you manage to answer my call, when I tried to communicate with the past Red Dragon Emperors?" Issei turned towards his two strongest predecessors.

"They, along with us two might be dead, but our consciousness still possess sentience, at least to a degree. Perhaps that both of us are exceptions, considering that we were the strongest before you." Elsha provided, with Belzard nodded in agreement.

"I see…. So that means that I have to make sure that they got my message, is that right?" Issei surmised, receiving a nod from Ddraig, Elsha and Belzard.

Issei then stepped towards Belzard and Elsha and offered his hand. "Um, sorry. Can you touch my hand?"

Belzard and Elsha raised a single eyebrow at Issei's request. They glanced at each other, shrugged, and proceeded to shake Issei's hand. "…Issei-san, what are you getting at?"

Issei only stared at his hand that made contact for a second. "I see… So I can touch the consciousness of my predecessors."

[Of course you can. After all, you yourself are in your spirit form when you dived into your soul. That's just a natural outcome. More importantly, what do you plan with this information.]

"Just… something." Issei shrugged and he nodded to himself. "…Alright." Issei then turned around and proceeded to walk towards the rest of predecessors, who were sitting together at a large table.

Ddraig, Elsha and Belzard could only wonder of what their current host was planning to do.

[Partner, what are you-!?]

"Snap out of it already, you bastard!"

BAM!

["EEEEHH!?"]

Of all things, they never thought that Issei would literally punched the consciousness of his predecessor right in the face.

More over, Issei did not stop only at one, but also at the other predecessors as he proceeded to punch the next person after another.

"W-what the hell do you think you're doing!?" Belzard could not help but shouted that question, while Elsha and Ddraig were lost for words.

Issei then donned his Scale Mail, and proceeded to shoot multiple dragon-shots towards the rest of predecessors, resulting several explosions.

[Whoa, partner! Time out! Just chill out for a sec!]

Issei then stopped his onslaught, but he was still clad in his armour, as the predecessors began to turn to look at him, much to the other's shocks; they were definitely not amused at Issei's stunts.

"Now listen up here!" Issei shouted at his predecessors. "I'm fucking serious. I'm not going to bust my balls!" He even tapped his own crotch to emphasize his point. "So either you get it together, hear me out now, OR FUCK OFF!"

Without a word, the predecessors' eyes seemed to light up, and all of them proceeded to equip their own respective Scale Mails.

At the corner; Ddraig, Elsha and Belzard were completely lost of what was happening. Hell, they did not even know what surprised them. Whether it was the fact that Issei just resorted to such barbaric and childish methods to make contact with his predecessors, or the fact that it actually worked; if Issei could somehow 'communicate' his intentions towards his predecessors, he would make a significant step to master the power of Red Dragon Emperor.

Nevertheless, as the three watched the total rumble between Issei vs everyone, they concluded that the boy had to somehow win or at least survive the inner fight against his predecessors, and it was a matter of time until Elsha and Belzard had to step in as well.

And Issei only did all this only at one night before his battle against Sairaorg Bael.

To be Continued…


First of all, I deeply apologize for the lack of action in this long-ass chapter. Let's say that I got caught up in the moment, I'm having too much fun in writing this, especially in family bonding moment.

So, what do you think of this one? Please review. Flames are not allowed, while constructive criticisms are welcomed.

Next chapter, the battle! Ahosei, over and out.