The next day, everyone was already training in their private spots. Rias was training with her brother Lucifer.

Rias: Can you tell me why you're the one training me...

Lucifer: What's wrong with that?

Rias: It's embarrassing...

Rias crosses her arms.

Lucifer: Do you understand how serious the situation is?

Rias: Yes...

Lucifer: Then focus Rias...You want to avenge Issei, or do you want to end up like him.

Rias: I want to avenge him.

Rias narrowed her eyes and stared at Lucifer.

Rias: Let's do it!

Lucifer: First...let me ask you this. Do you want to marry Issei?

Rias' eyes widen.

Rias: Y-Yes...

Lucifer: Do you want to make him happy?

Rias: Of...Of course, I do...

Lucifer: You do know what his goals are right?

Rias: ...I...

Lucifer: He doesn't only want just you. He wants to love all of you.

Rias went silent.

Lucifer: You're making him lose the benefits for making him stronger. Did you forget why I placed all the girls in your home?

Rias kneeled down shaking her head.

Rias: ...I'll give him anything he wants... if he comes back... I just want him back...if he wants all of us. Fine, I don't care anymore. Just as long he loves me too...

Lucifer smiled.

Lucifer: I'll find a way to bring him back.

Rias quickly looked up at Lucifer.

Rias: Y-You will?

Lucifer: I'll do it later. Right now I need to focus on training you.

Lucifer charged his attacks.

Lucifer: Talking time is over. Let's get started.

Rias stood up with confidence.

Intense training montage.

Rias was panting heavily.

Lucifer: You did great...keep it up.

Lucifer patted her back and vanished.

Rias used her last bit of strength to stand up.

Rias: Hng...

Rias started to walk. She stumbled and fell on the ground, passing out.

Later on, Akeno came to retrieve Rias. She found her laying down on the ground.

Akeno: Rias!

Akeno picked her up and summoned a magic circle. They both appeared in Issei's room. Akeno placed Rias down on his bed. Rias opened her eyes and groaned.

Akeno: Rias, it's good that you're awake.

Rias: ...Akeno...I have bad feelings about this fight.

Akeno: So do I...We have to be careful Rias...

Rias: I want to avenge Issei...

Akeno: Same here...

Rias reached her hand out.

Rias: Let's avenge him...together Akeno... We have to do this...

Akeno grabbed her hand.

Akeno: Yes! We have to.

Rias: Then maybe Issei will come back to us...

Akeno: I hope so...

2 days later...

Morimoto was next to Araya in the park.

Araya: As your leader Morimoto, your job is to make sure we win this fight.

Morimoto: Oh we won't lose. I know for sure.

Araya: It's an order. So don't lose.

Morimoto: You remember how we first met?

Araya: Yeah?

Morimoto: Such wonderful times. We were little boys having a go-

Araya: Morimoto, nobody cares about our backstory. Stop trying to bring out a full story about us in the past.

Morimoto: Alright, as you wish.

Morimoto raised his hand. A giant crack was formed in the middle of the park. Then a green shining light appeared in the sky.

Morimoto: My, this place certainly has some good potential.

Araya: It's perfect. I can't wait.

Morimoto: Oh?

Morimoto pulled out his sword and deflected an attack.

Morimoto: My that was unexpected. But too slow.

Rias appeared in front of Morimoto. The entire team then appeared.

Morimoto: Oh is this your army? You've certainly lack numbers.

Rias was silent. She charged her attacks. Akeno flew up in the air and charged hers too. Kiba moved at light speed and struck his sword at Morimoto. Morimoto parried and kicked him off.

Kiba: GAH! THE HELL?! I CAN'T MOVE ANYMORE!

Morimoto: So slow, gotta be faster than that...Our attacks can easily paralyze anyone within a simple touch. As I said, I surpass everyone's power here even at full strength. I won't need to use my sword for any of you weaklings. This will prove how strong I am barehanded.

Xenovia swung her sword at Morimoto. He blocked and kicked her off. Akeno and Rias released their magic power and attacked together at both Araya and Morimoto.

Rias and Akeno: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Araya swatted the blast away with his own hand. Rias and Akeno's eyes widen.

Araya: Such disappointment...

Koneko jumped in and kicked. Araya blocked it and punched her chest. She fell on the ground holding her chest trying to breathe...

Rias: KONEKO!

Araya: So weak...

Morimoto: Perhaps I was wrong...

Rias screamed.

Rias: YOU BASTAAAAAAAAAAARDS!

Akeno: GO TO HELL!

They both attack together again. Morimoto dashed and kicked them both down. They both took damage. They all fell on the ground struggling to get up. Asia was hiding behind a tree with Gasper. They were both terrified.

Gasper: I FEEL SO USELESS!

Asia: So...So do I...there's nothing we can do... Issei, I'm so sorry... I'm weak and pathetic...

Gasper: I would stop time right now but I'm too scared! Issei I'm sorry too!

Morimoto: Oh such a shame to already finish them.

Morimoto dashed to Rias and struck his sword. Rias flinched and closed her eyes. She was waiting for her death...that is until she opened her eyes again and saw Lucifer blocking the sword with his own weapon.

Rias: Brother...

Morimoto: Not bad...not bad at all. However, you lack speed.

Araya stepped in and attacked at Lucifer with his own fists. He was boxing Lucifer, throwing jabs and hooks. Lucifer was dodging them all.

Araya: Stand still! RAAAH!

Araya threw an uppercut, Lucifer dodged and attacked, Araya grabbed his hand and laughed.

Lucifer: H-Huh?

Araya: You're a tough one...That's nice.

Araya crushed his fist and kicked his leg, breaking it.

Lucifer kicked him off with his other leg. Araya flew back a few meters back.

Morimoto: Hmm...you are definitely interesting. Morimoto pulled out his sword and slashed. Lucifer attacked his arm. Morimoto snickered. He swapped the weapon to his other hand and slashed Lucifer's chest. Lucifer shielded himself before he was completely effected.

Morimoto: Nice job! You shielded yourself. However, you still shouldn't be able to stand.

Lucifer then collapsed on the ground.

Lucifer: D-Damn it! They're really strong.

Rias: Brother!

Araya: I'm disappointed...

Morimoto: Same here.

Azazel came in and kicked Araya. Araya blocked and slid a few meters away.

Araya: Oh?

Azazel: So, let's see how strong you all are.

Morimoto sighed and scratched his head.

Morimoto: I forgot there were so many of you...

Azazel: Oh did you now?

Azazel vanished.

Morimoto smiled and parried the attack.

Morimoto: I can see all of your moves.

Azazel grabbed his wrist and took him down.

Morimoto: GAH?!

Azazel snapped his wrist.

Morimoto: DAAAGH! DAMN YOU!

Araya came in and threw a heavy hook at Azazel. Azazel dodged did a spin hook kick.

Araya: That hook is what I was waiting for!

Araya caught his leg and snapped it.

Azazel: GAAAAAAH!

Azazel fell to the ground.

Azazel: D-Damn it...

Araya helped Morimoto up.

Morimoto: You bastard.

Morimoto kicked Azazel meters away. He landed on the ground.

Morimoto: Alright who's next?!

Lucifer: Is that all we have to fight them?

Azazel: The others are too busy with other things.

Lucifer: This is a threat to both heavens and underworld what are they doing now?!

Azazel: They assumed you can manage this on your own.

Lucifer: This black magic is way too strong... They must have buffed it up... I can't even move. D-Damn it...

Araya: We don't need to fight anymore. We need to finish.

Morimoto was panting.

Morimoto: You're right...screw these pathetic weaklings.

Araya was rising his hand, the light beamed across the land quickly.

A white flash shined. We go back to Issei floating in the dark void.

Ddriag: Partner!

Issei: H-Huh?!

Issei was glowing in red.

Ddriag: Rias, is in trouble.

Issei: Rias?!

Ddriag: Everyone is in trouble.

Issei: ...What can I do...

Ddriag: You...you need to fight. You want to live, don't you? You want to be the Harem King right?

Issei: Yes...I do...

Ddriag: Do you really want to?

Issei: YES! MY LONG AWAIT GOAL! IS TO BE THE KING OF HAREM! I WANT TO HAVE ALL THE GIRLS INTO A HAREM SO I CAN LOVE THEM ALL!

Ddriag: Dragon rebirth...can only be used once... however...you can regain it back... under a small condition...

Issei: Whatever it takes...to be with Rias...and the others again, I'll do it...

Ddriag: THEN PREPARE YOURSELF! AFTER YOU GET THIS POWER NOBODY CAN STOP YOU! THE POWER OF TEN DRAGONS TOGETHER! YOUR WOUNDS WILL MEAN NOTHING TO THIS SORT OF POWER! LET'S SHOW THEM WHO WE'RE MADE OF!

Issei used all of his might and screamed.

Issei: RAAAAAAAAH!

A white flash appeared again.

Araya then stopped. The beam stopped.

Morimoto: What are you doing?! Why did you stop?!

Araya: ...Something is wrong...

Morimoto: What?

Araya: This feeling...it's not right. Something isn't right.

Morimoto: What are you talking about, I don't feel anything.

Araya: Morimoto something isn't right!

Morimoto: What do you mean "Something isn't right"?! WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!

Araya looked straight ahead his eyes widen. Morimoto looked too his eyes widen as well.

Morimoto: I...Impossible...I KILLED YOU!

Issei was walking slowly towards the two of them glowing in red. Had white pupils. Everyone was staring at him.

Rias: I...Issei...

Akeno: Issei...

Asia was looking at him with fear.

Asia: Issei?

Azazel: Looks like he didn't die.

Lucifer sighed in relief.

Lucifer: I'm glad he's not dead.

Morimoto pulled out his sword and dashed to him.

Morimoto: DIE!

Morimoto swung his sword. Issei was standing there. He didn't flinch. A gush of blood came out of Morimoto's chest.

Morimoto: Im...Impossible...I didn't even see what he did... It's like...he used my own attack against me...

Morimoto fell to the ground bleeding out.

Araya: You're a tough one now are you? Morimoto...I knew you couldn't do your job... Looks like I'll have to handle this myself.

Araya went into his fighting stance. He was in a boxing stance. Issei was just standing there. Waiting for him to make a move.

Araya: COME ON! MAKE A MOVE!

Issei: ...

Araya: FINE! THEN I WILL! RAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Araya threw a heavy punch. Issei blocked it with one hand.

Araya: Im...IMPOSSIBLE!

Rias: Issei...

Lucifer: This is...certainly interesting...

Azazel: You can say that again...

Issei was staring at him with a dead expression.

Araya: What...What are you...

Issei crushed his fist and closed his eyes.

Araya: AAAAH! WHAT?!

Issei struck a hole in his chest with his own hand.

ARAYA: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Issei spoke in a dark deep voice.

Issei: This power...is called...Dragon Rebirth...I come back as a normal being, all wounds healed, and have the power, speed, and strength of a dragon...that is 10 times stronger than my Balance Breaker...I've also divided your power, so now your powers are greatly reduced. You stand no chance against me...

Araya: T...THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!

Lucifer: Dragon birth? Haven't heard of that move...

Issei without hesitation struck through his head. Araya died quickly. Everyone was watching in terror.

Lucifer: The kid saved us. But he lost it...

Issei then fell on his knees.

Rias: ISSEI!

Rias crawled to Issei with all of her strength. She reached him and grabbed him.

Rias: ISSEI!

Issei was silent. She looked at her with white pupil eyes. He didn't respond.

Rias: Issei it's me! Rias! It's ME! RIAS!

Issei was still silent. He then grabbed her and raised his hand. Rias' eyes widened.

Rias: ISSEI NO!

Everyone gasped.

Asia: ISSEI DON'T DO IT!

Akeno: ISSEI! STOP! THAT'S RIAS!

Rias then hugged him tightly.

Rias: ISSEI! IT'S ME RIAS! RIAS! RIAS! PLEASE REMEMBER ME! IT'S RIAS!

Issei: Rias...Rias...Rias...

Issei then shook his head and looked at her. His eyes were normal.

Issei: Rias? What happened?! Didn't I black out a moment ago?

Rias was smiling and hugged him tightly.

Rias: ISSEI! YOU'RE FINALLY BACK!

Issei: Did...Did something happen to me?

Issei looked around.

Issei: ...Did I do this?

Lucifer grabbed a pole and stood himself up with it.

Lucifer: No no...it's just we're unable to move, so it was harder for us to get up.

Issei: ...Did we win?

Rias: Yes...you did win...Issei...

Issei: I don't remember...All I remember is that I was slashed on my chest and I ended up here now.

Rias: It doesn't matter anymore...It's all over now...

Issei: Not yet...what about our date?

Rias kissed Issei. Issei went along with it.

Everyone: Awwww...

Issei and Rias blushed.

Later on...

Everyone was back in the conference room. Asia was finishing up healing Lucifer.

Issei: Oh...well, I'm sorry about everything Rias...

Rias: It's...not your fault...Honestly, it doesn't matter anymore...

Asia: I'm so glad you're alive Issei!

Akeno: We missed you so much Issei!

Lucifer: So, I supposed you manage to break out of the tomb we placed you in.

Issei: ...I guess I did?

Lucifer: Well, that's settled. I guess I shouldn't underestimate you so much from now on Red Dragon Emperor. I'll ask you later about Dragon Rebirth.

Issei: Uhm...

Lucifer: You're a lifesaver. We'll celebrate your return tomorrow. Right now, I'm going to sleep to gain back my energy. Then I'm going to have a nice chat with the others in the underworld and the heavens.

Azazel: Good to have you back kid.

Issei: It's...nothing really...haha...

Azazel: Girls, have fun with Issei.

Issei: Wait, what now?

Lucifer and Azazel both vanished. All of the girls jumped on Issei hugging him tightly.

Akeno: ISSEI! WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH!

Rias: DO YOU KNOW HOW UPSET I WAS?!

Xenovia: I COULDN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU ISSEI!

Asia: ISSEI! PLEASE! DON'T LEAVE US LIKE THAT AGAIN!

Issei: AAAAAAAAAAA! GIRLS PLEASE! YOU'RE CRUSHING ME!

Kiba sighed in relief.

Kiba: Issei, you're a strong warrior. I wish for you to get stronger.

Issei: Thanks for the OWWWW! HEY! CALM DOWN GIRLS!

All of the girls: I LOVE YOU ISSEI!

Issei smiled to himself.

Issei: Harem king...so close yet so far...

End of Chapter 9.