A/N: Welcome to Chapter 18! This chapter will build up to the battle between Riser and Rias Hope you guys enjoy the read. I don't own Dxd or any of the characters I write about. Credit is given to their respective authors.

"Talking"

'Thoughts'

'Nebula'

{Nebula Ability}

"Force"

(Force Ability)

(Albion)

[Ddraig]

Other Abilities/Move

(A/N)

*Actions*

*Time Skip Or Scene Change*

Chapter 18: Prelude to Issei vs. Riser

"You're mine Rias! Never forget that!"

"NOOO!" Rias jolted up awake and terrified, sweat covered the bed as she breathed heavily. The events of the Rating Game rushed into her head making her grimace and realize that yes she had indeed lost.

"President!" cried out Kiba as he and everyone else rushed into the room. All of them looked better, their injuries healed and any burn marks afflicted by Riser were mostly gone with a few discolorations still present

"W...We lost..." Rias said depressed as she moved her knees closer to her body as she began to cry, not caring that her peerage was there watching her.

"It's not your fault." voiced another person as multiple people walked into the room.

Rias' peerage stared at their trainers feeling as if they disappointed them while Rias was still crying at how she let her, her peerage, and Marina down.

"Cheer up Kiba. You did amazing and I'm so proud of you. Well more of the fact that I'm an amazing trainer." Noct grinned before feeling a tinge of pain and chuckled nervously. "And Jane and Alec were amazing as well."

Kiba only looked down, "I could've done better..."

"And that's ok." Noct reassured, "A loss is a step in improvement."

"But that loss determined the fates of my friends!"

"But don't let it cloud you. I'm proud that you did this much improvement in such a short time but even if you lost, don't ever let one loss hinder your progress."

"You guys did amazing. But the only reason why you lost was because Riser cheated." said Issei making everyone in the room even his peerage widen his eyes.

"What do you mean?" asked Sumire.

"I was able to feel his power level during our meeting in the clubhouse. At most, he wouldn't even be able to summon fire attacks of the magnitude he summoned at the game. Even if he trained which he probably didn't, he shouldn't have been that strong." Issei explained.

"Even if he did cheat, there's no way the cameras wouldn't have seen or detected it." Rias said softly. Akeno made it to her side rubbing her master's back.

"Yes but the next thing that surprised me was the fact that his peerage knew information about you guys. Information only we knew about. Secretive information that Sirzechs covered up. There's no way Riser would've been able to find this information out." added Issei.

"What are you saying?" Rias lifted her head, eyes puffed, as she stared at Issei.

"Riser had illegal outside help." Issei firmly stated.

"Right. We trained you guys," Marina peered across the room, "All of you guys to be on a higher level then Riser and his peerage. You guys were all able to defeat them quite easily. But because Riser has illegal help, he was able to defeat you guys even without his own peerage."

"And to make sure, Issei even asked for a full video of the game. Of both sides!" Raviel exclaimed.

"Yup. And check this out." Issei ushered to the tv in the room as he opened it and played the events. He stopped at the beginning of the game. The tv was showcasing Riser who had cupped his hand and covered his mouth, "Anyone would see this as a cough but since I'm part Dragon, I can see things more clearly and as you can see, there's a big of a white tinge on the edge of his hands." Issei pointed in the screen, zooming in and indeed there it was. The edge of why seemed like a pill. "What's more is," Issei continued the video stopping as Riser was beginning to laugh, "See those papers on his desk? Even if the Game directly replicates the Kuoh Academy building, these papers should never be there."

"Are you saying those papers have our information?" asked Akeno.

"Yes. Though I can't exactly show this to Sirzechs because of my status, I hope it shows that you guys had a hundred percent chance of defeating Riser if he did not cheat."

Rias fell back on her head and covered her face, "What's the point? We lost and I sentenced my peerage to an eternity of servitude to Riser. There's no more point in fighting back. My destiny has been written."

"Who's to say that destiny can't be changed?" Issei closed the tv and placed the device on Rias' bed, "Of course, you guys can continue to improve but just because you've lost today doesn't mean someone else will tomorrow."

"What do you mean?" Rias peeked through her hands in confusion.

"Nothing." Issei smiles before beginning to leave, "Forgove me but I must leave, I have a few calls to make. My peerage will accompany you for a few minutes." He gave a look at Marina before leaving the room.

Issei walked outside as he sighed at his phone.

"Are you planning on helping her?" Asked Marina, walking up behind Issei.

"I want to. I don't think anyone deserves this fate. Love should be sought out and not confined to traditions like this. What do you think?"

Marina glanced at the ground, "If you asked me ten days before the Game, I would've said that Rias deserved it, but now. I can't help but feel bad. She doesn't deserve it and I'll do anything to help."

Issei smiled peeking Marina in the lips, "Agreed."

Marina blushed and coughed, "Then what do we do? You can't exactly help her. You ARE the Devil Liaison and as such you need to be neutral in these affairs."

This is where Issei then falters his smile, "Yeah my role does complicate things. However, I believe Sirzechs is about to do something."

Marina widened her eyes, "You mean he's going to stop the marriage?"

Issei shrugged his shoulders, "I would do it in his shoes. Stopping my younger sister from marrying a pig playboy like Riser who will only see her for her body."

"What is Sirzechs going to do?"

"He's probably going to summon me to his office or approach me. Remember how I have three favors from the Devil Kings?"

Marina smacked her head with her hand, "Oh shoot. I completely forgot about those favors."

Issei chuckled at his mate's behavior, "Yeah he'll probably ask me to help."

Marina raised an eyebrow, "And you will? Right?"

Issei nodded, "Definitely."

Nodding at what Issei was projecting to happen, she then shook her head in confusion, "What about those three favors?"

"I think he'll tell everyone that as one of the favors, he'll grant me Rias or something like that. He'll do anything for Rias to be happy after all."

Marina narrowed her eyes, "Then you'll only have two favors!"

"Well sort of? To the rest of the world, I'll only have two favors but the Devil Kings will know that I actually have three favors." Issei's phone began to ring, "And speak of the Devil." Turning to Marina, "Make sure the peerage returns home. Tell them I have an important meeting with Sirzechs and make sure they know that they might be going into a Rating Game."

Marina nodded and went back, leaving Issei as he opened his phone waiting for Sirzechs to speak.

Riser grunted as he finished inside of his queen Yubelluna as his other pieces except for his sister were begging for their own turn. He smirked before picking the twin youkais who both excitedly ran up to the bed and purred for Riser to put it inside of him. Before he was going to ravage his two pawns, he felt a presence behind him.

Sheev Belphegor/Palpatine was standing there, amused on the outside but rather sickened on the inside. Riser immediately pulled his pants up and ushered his peerage away. The twin youkais purred for Riser to just put it in but a single glare sent them running. Seeing that his peerage was gone, Riser coughed and greeted the Devil King.

"My lord. Riser did not anticipate such an entrance! What is the purpose of this entrance may Riser ask?" Riser bowed his half naked body at the Devil King. Palpatine raised his nose in annoyance at the Phenex but spoke in an exalted tone.

"I am congratulating you Lord Riser. Your performance was on par with my expectations. Your claim for Rias is now sealed." Palpatine ushered the young Phenex up only to see a smirking Riser.

"Thank you my lord. Riser did not need your power but it was so strong even Riser had to test it out." arrogantly said a smirking Riser.

'You imbecile...' Palpatine quickly corrected his facial expression, "Of course. But I will offer you more."

"Why my lord? I have no more use of such power. Rias is mine and no one can change it." Once was a look of confusion turned into a look of a cockiness.

"Yes but others will fight for her hand."

"Riser will destroy them! I am a Phenex!" Riser boasted showing off his fire.

Palpatine almost smiled...at how pathetic Riser was, "Yes yes. But Issei Hyoudou will fight for her hand. I reckon he'll attack during your wedding. You must be able to defeat him to fully show your claim over Rias. Besides, defeating the Devil Liaison, think of how people will see you! You will be seen as someone on par with us!" Riser's eyes got bigger, smirking at this.

"Yes. Yes. YES! My lord is right! Defeating this lesser being and showing who is stronger will show to the people Riser's true strength!" Not even thinking about the logic of why a neutral figure like Issei was to fight him, he boasted his strength and stature.

"Lord Riser, I will help you on every step of the way." Palpatine had a coy smile on his face before opening his hand showing an orb of darkness.

"My Lord, what is that? Riser is very confused on what is on your hands." The trance of the orb drew Riser in, the call of power, the call of victory.

"This Lord Riser, is what will give you the upper hand. If you decide to take this, you will be considerably stronger then our Devil Liasion. But take it before the wedding takes place, as the upgrade only lasts for a few hours." Palpatine let his hand go, letting the orb float in front of an entranced Riser before making the orb disappear, "Of course, only if you accept this warning."

"Riser heeds no warnings! Riser is a Phenex! He will take the orb!" Riser almost yelled, he was practically addicted to the pulse of power the orb had given to him.

Palpatine only smirked at this, summoning the orb back, handing it in front of Riser, "Don't show anyone this. When you take it, you will transcend and become a strong Devil!"

"Yes my Lord!" Riser was about to reach for the orb when he stopped, "But even Riser has to wonder, why Riser?"

Palpatine's face broke for a split millisecond when Riser pulled his hand away, not expecting a person like Riser to question him, but quickly fixed it without Riser noticing, "My boy. I've always loved the Phenex family bloodline and more specifically you. Your show of power is almost legendary and under my guidance, you will surpass even the likes of Sirzechs Lucifer and Abuja Beelzebub! The one condition is that you do not tell anyone about us. Do this and you might even take my place as Devil King. Think about that Lord Riser no Lord Belphegor." Palpatine smiled at the basically now excited as hell Riser.

"Of course! Riser appreciates you my lord! When everyone else doubts, you are here to guide me! Riser will now take this orb with gratitude my lord!" Riser quickly snatched the orb and snatched it, 'A Devil King!'

"Good. Gooood. Now I shall take my leave. I believe you will head the future of our pure and strong race!" Palpatine turned around and closed his eyes.

"Of course my lord! Riser will not disappoint you!" Riser bowed while still grasping the orb. The leaking of energy practically made him drool, ruining the surface he was on.

"I know you won't." Palpatine smirked and opened his eyes, showing his sinisterglowing yellow eyes before teleporting away.

In Sirzech's Office*

"Sirzechs, you called for me?" innocently asked Issei who teleported into the office of the said devil king. Grayfia was by his side who raised her eyes at Issei's gesture.

"You can stop the acting Issei." Sirzechs amusedly said ushering Issei to sit in front of him. He had sent a devil servant of his to meet with Issei to get him to come to his office. To the devil's surprise, Issei had said yes much to Sirzech's delight.

"Of course." chuckled Issei. He sat down and waited for Grayfia to serve them both tea.

"I presume you know what this meeting is about?" Sirzechs drank from his cup, not once leaving Issei out of his sight, his eyes glistened as Issei smile.

"It's about Rias isn't it Sirzechs?" Issei did the same as Sirzechs, drink his tea and not leaving the latter out of his eyesight.

"Yes. I have a job for you." Sirzechs sat back sighing as he urged Grayfia to bring an item, "I want you to free my sister of her marriage." When Grayfia brought the said item, he presented it to Issei, "My sister is miserable and I would do anything to free her." With a sharp stare at Grayfia who stared back, "I would give you this. The Demonic Soul which you want to protect."

Issei's eyes widened at the item. He quickly stared back at Sirzechs who stared back with serious eyes.

'The Demonic...Soul. Issei.' Nebula herself widened her eyes at what Sirzechs just offered.

"Sirzechs. There is no need for such an offering...' started Issei.

'Issei. That's the Demonic Soul. If we take it now, we can protect it!'

'But I believe it'll be safer with the Devils. We only have a peerage, they have an army of elite fighters that are on par with me.'

'I'm with whatever decision you make but for this one, I'm not so sure. Remember your nemesis' agent has infiltrated Devil Society. Taking it now will guarantee it's safety.' urged Nebula.

'I understand but I have a plan for that.'

"Issei?" Sirzechs raised his eyebrow at the suddenly quiet Issei.

Issei snapped back to reality, "Ahem. As I was saying, there is no need for such an offering Sirzechs. The Demonic Soul would be much safer in your hands. But back to Rias, my peerage and I will try to free her. While training them and going to school with them, we've developed a friendly relationship with each other. I don't think Rias should end up as a tool for Riser."

"That I can agree on." Sirzechs sighed in relief before asking Grayfia to take the item back only to stop when Issei coughed.

"I want to ask one thing though. Make sure that the Demonic Soul is guarded by your own peerage alone and that the only person who can go through is you and you alone."

"Is that a favor?" The eyes of the Devil King glimmered in amusement.

"No. Rather it is the price for helping your sister." Issei's own eyes glimmered as the two stared each other down.

Sirzechs gave a hearty laugh before ushering Grayfia to place the Demonic Soul in its former holding area, "Of course. But how will you challenge Riser? I must presume you don't see my sister in that way?"

Issei let a breath of laughter come out, "Who knows? I might ravage her the night I save her."

Sirzechs' eyes glowed red, "Careful Issei."

"Relax. I'll come with my peerage and say that as one of my three favors granted by you, I would be able to fight for Rias' hand in marriage." explained Issei.

"Hm. There will be guards and you will be uninvited as Riser and his family control who gets into the party with exception to the higher ups." added Sirzechs as the two began to plan.

"That is quite understandable. We will come in, knock the guards out and try not to start huge fights. But where is the wedding anyways?"

"Ah about that. All the higher ups were given a teleportation leaflet to the wedding. I'll give you mine." Sirzechs handed Issei his own leaflet, "I'll travel with Ajuka or someone else. Take it."

'And if all the higher ups are there, I might be able to find out who this agent has disguised themselves as.'

"But there is one issue. By doing this, it might make you lose standing with the Devil Houses and with the Devil Council." warned Issei.

"That will be an issue. But why, to hell with them. I'll do anything for my little Rias." Sirzechs closed his eyes and sighed.

"Then we have a plan." Issei stood up along with Sirzechs.

"We indeed have a plan." Sirzechs smiled and shook the hand of Issei's as they both nodded at each other.

"I'll see you the day of then." Issei smiled before teleporting away.

*At Issei's House*

Issei teleported into his home and rounded his peerage up.

"What's up? I was told we were crashing a party." smirked Noct, bashing his fists together.

"Exciting." Jane commented.

"Haha. Yes indeed. We will crash Rias' wedding and free her. We move in tomorrow." Issei presented the leaflet, "We get there with this so make sure everyone is here tomorrow. Oh and John and Seraphina, it'll be a Rating Game most likely, so make sure to polish up. This also goes for all of you." Issei reminded his peerage who nodded in agreement.

"We gotta show our trainees what we can do." Marina added making the peerage nod again.

"Now let's get ready. We have a wedding to crash." Issei smirked making his peerage excited, cheering at how they were finally going to be fighting.

Little did they know that these next few weeks were going to be quite exhilarating.

*The Day of the Wedding*

"Remember, just knock out the guards." reminded Issei as his peerage dressed up in their finest clothes. Seeing that everyone nodded and surprisingly Tiamat too, he used the leaflet and brought his peerage directly outside the building where the marriage was taking place.

They were making their way to the doors when they were halted by five Devil guards, each with eight wings.

"Halt!" shouted one of the guards. Suddenly all five were lifted into the air and slammed down at the ground, making them unconscious but at the same time making a loud thud.

"Don't wake the whole block up!" whispered a shouting Issei.

"Oops. Sorry." Marina giggled.

They were met with a few more guards that were easily dispatched by Noct with his shadows. They were soon at the door that led to the main event when several more guards appeared behind them. Not several. A few dozen.

*Inside*

"Dammit. Why is this wedding taking place so quick?" Sumire growled as she tugged at her dress. She glared at another male devil who seemingly ogled at her.

Akeno giggled, "Devil Society sure is quick." A look of sadness settled on her face, "Poor Rias." Sadness turned into frustration, "If we only trained harder."

Kiba placed his hand on her shoulder, "Riser got the best of us Akeno."

"Through cheating." states Koneko with some anger laced in her words.

"If it isn't the Gremory Peerage." The said peerage looked over and saw Riser's peerage. The two peerages stared at each other in a standoff before Yubelluna broke the tense air.

"You all put a great fight. I hope that battle does not put us in bad terms." She raised her hand. Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Sumire glanced at each other before Akeno shook the hand.

"Know that master Riser will treat her the best he can. He isn't as horrible as rumors make him to be." Humbly said Mihae bowing to the peerage. Sumire thought to herself at how ironic that was.

"Your swordsmanship was great. When we are to live together, mind giving Siris and I a few pointers? And who was your trainer?" Karlamine smiled bumping Kiba's shoulders who chuckled. Siris looked annoyed at being beaten by Kiba but nonetheless still wanted to get better.

"Sure, I'll give some pointers. And um my trainer wants to be kept secret if that's alright." Kiba smiled before feeling a hand on his cheek.

"Our offer is not up yet handsome. You can still be our butler you know?" slurred Shuriya making Kiba nervously chuckle more.

"Koneko was it?" asked Xuelan as she faced the smaller rook. Koneko glared at Xuelan who quickly bowed. "I never meant to mean harm. What I said was in the heat of the moment. Please forgive me."

Koneko didn't let her glare go away, "I forgive you..."

The two later were seen talking and throughout the conversation, Koneko's glare seemingly died down as the two rooks talked about themselves.

"You put up a decent fight Red Dragon...or should I say Sumire?" Isabella stood next to a nervous Sumire.

"A..Ahahaha. Yes." Sumire rubbed the back of her head making Isabella laugh.

"Haha. But really, I enjoyed the fight. Maybe when this is all over, we can spar again?" Isabella offered her hand for a handshake.

"Um sure?" The two shook hands making Isabella grin.

Soon the peerages both engaged in small talk, both finding each other to enjoy the other's presence until Ravel called them back to her brother.

"Enjoy the rest of the wedding." Yubelluna bowed with her fellow peerage before walking away. The Gremory peerage were left to their devices as they contemplated their new life.

"I just hope, that maybe we can get her out someday." Sumire glanced at her king. Rias was beautiful to say the least, the makeup making her quite angelic quite ironically as she was a Devil. While talking with other devils, she was showing happiness and excitement in marrying Riser but inside, inside she was actually depressed and lost of all hope.

Suddenly, music from a piano was heard as everyone moved about. It meant that the wedding was about to commence making Akeno usher the peerage to Rias' side as they hugged their king.

"I'm sorry Rias." Sumire apologized first followed by everyone else.

"It's ok. Just know that no matter what happens, I love you guys." Rias sniffed as Riser was seen entering the altar, "Know that this will not bring us down."

"We will free you someday Rias. Me and Ddraig swear it." Sumire raised her arm which Ddraig took from her during her fight with Riser, "We will!" Everyone else agreed as Rias broke out into tears, thankfully some Devil magic saved her makeup, as the peerage hugged each other.

A few moments later and Rias was later seen with her father walking down the aisle to a smiling Riser. Rias knew that under that smile was a lustful beast that won't stop fucking her after the wedding. She almost made a face of disgust but stopped at the last second, reminding to herself that it would do more harm then good. Suddenly, she looked up and Riser was suddenly in front of her. She didn't pay attention to the Devil announcing their marriage as she looked outside. There it was. Freedom! Instead of being locked up to live this forceful life, she wanted to be out there! Free! Free to find her own love. She stared back at Riser when she was pulled in by the said devil.

"I do." Riser smirked. The Devil looked at Rias who gave one last look at her family, her peerage, and outside before taking a deep breath.

"I-I." She shakily said. She was suddenly nervous. She couldn't say it. No. She didn't want to.

*SLAM!*

A devil guard was thrown breaking through the door and flying across the room right at the refreshments table. Several devils groaned at such a loss not even caring for the guard's safety.

"I object to this!" shouted Issei as he and his peerage stood there smirking.

"Issei?" Rias snapped her head away from the kiss looking hopefully at her crush. Riser grew annoyed at this, angry that Rias dodged the sealing kiss signifying their marriage. He glared at Issei.

"You! How dare you?!" Riser sent a fireball, which was quite massive at Issei.

{Gravity!}

The fireball was absorbed into Issei's spear which was by his side. Much of the Devil crowd were surprised and were giving Oohs and Ahs at what power Issei held.

"Enough." Sternly said Sirzechs stopping Riser from launching any other attacks.

"What is the meaning of this Lord Lucifer?" shouted Lord Phenex who stepped up next to his son, "Who dares interrupt my son's wedding?"

"Names Issei Hyoudou! Your Devil Liaison." He bowed showing off his spear as his peerage did the same, showing their sacred gears and bowing at the Devils.

"The Devil Liaison is to not get involved in this! It's unacceptable!" yelled Lord Phenex point his finger accusingly at Issei and his peerage.

Rias still looked hopeful at Issei as her own peerage came back at her side.

"Issei's here to save you?" whispered Sumire.

"No. He's here to save us." Rias' eyes filled with tears of hope as Issei himself talked back to Lord Phenex.

"Yes but as I see to it. I have three favors. And one of these three has been granted by Lord Lucifer." Issei smiled.

"What favor?" Lord Phenex's fists began to tremble in rage. He knew what the flavor must've entailed but it enraged him.

"Well to fight for my dear Rias' heart." He walked forward and opened his arms at Rias who was still a few meters from him.

"She is mine!!" Riser stepped forward angry that Issei was actually here. Suddenly he remembered his conversation with Lord Belphegor. Coughing, he calmly pointed at Issei. His father was perplexed as to how his son who was just angry as hell became this calm of a person, "But if we must, we will have a Rating Game to show who has the right to her."

"She is not an object you sicko!" shouted Issei in response. Rias blushed squeezing Akeno's hand.

"As I can see that both parties have agreed. A Rating Game will commence between the peerages of both Issei Hyoudou and Riser Phenex. The Arena will be the same as between Rias and Riser." Sirzechs interrupted the two as he sent Grayfia to prepare for the Game, "Unfortunately for you Issei Hyoudou, Tiamat is not allowed to fight in Rating Games."

At the mention of the Dragon King, Tiamat growled and stepped forward nodding. Whispers were suddenly heard and exchanged between multiple devils about how Issei had managed to have Tiamat as one of his pieces. Then more talk rose as several of the devils shakily pointed at the two vampires and told those around them of how those were two legendary vampires Jane and Alec. At this, even more chatter was heard with many questioning who else was in the peerage of Issei if he has three powerful beings at his side already.

"Fine by me." Issei smiled, crossing his arms, and smirking at Riser.

"You will learn respect from a Phenex. That I guarantee." With that, Riser signaled for his peerage. Issei did the same as his peerage with the exclusion of Tiamat huddled closer.

"But wait. I have one more piece." Issei shouted much to everyone's confusions even of that if his own peerage.

"You mean..." Marina gasped as she felt her presence. Everyone in the peerage felt it too, they all looked behind themselves and saw her.

Their Queen was here

"May I present my Queen? Valiana Lucifer, the White Dragon Empress." Issei turned around and showed Valiana Lucifer to the rest of the crowd. She was in a stunning silver dress, and her looks alone surpassed Rias by a long shot. Most of the male devils were drooling at the sight of her. Vali smiled and she looked even more angelic then Rias. She stood next to Issei who smiled at her.

*Yesterday*

Issei picked up the call and expected to hear Sirzechs' voice. But it wasn't Sirzechs Lucifer but it was indeed a Lucifer.

"I'm coming." Vali firmly stated into the phone shocking Issei.

"Vali? Coming for what?" Issei asked still surprised.

"The Rating Game that will happen. I know you Issei. You will fight for her freedom and I want part." Vali said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"But then your identity! It will be exposed!"

"True. But we'll work around it. Just know that I'm coming. I do have to make a grand debut after all." Vali cut the call making Issei chuckle at his mate's/queen's antics.

"Alright then."

*Back to the Present*

More gasps and whispers were exchanged as Issei had presented surprise after surprise. First it was Tiamat but now a Lucifer that was also the White Dragon Empress? Wait what?

"A half-breed..." Lord Phenex sneered as he looked disgusted at Vali. Akeno widened her eyes are the mention of a said half-breed. Partly because well Vali was a half-breed but also because she remembered something in her past, her mother and father telling her of another hybrid like her that held the (Divine Dividing)

Suddenly Lord Phenex was sent down, kneeling as he tried to stand up but to no avail.

"I will not tolerate the shaming of my Queen and mate." Issei growled as cracks were seen on the floor as Lord Phenex was pinned down.

Rias widened her eyes, 'Thats who she is! She's so pretty. So much more prettier then me. How do I compete against that...'

Sumire was shocked at the sudden information. Valiana Lucifer, a descendant of a powerful and one of the original Devils, was her rival in both gear and love! No way she could match up with that. And she was drop dead gorgeous!

Akeno only looked at Vali quizzically trying to place the pieces together and Koneko looked bored but inside she was panicking, she now had to deal with not one, not two, not even her sister, but with someone like Vali to get to Issei

At the sight of Lord Phenex on his knees at Issei's mercy, all talks of Vali being a half-breed and hybrid stopped. Everyone was quiet while at the same time waiting for Lord Phenex to say anything.

"I...I'm sorry..." Lord Phenex grimaced out making Issei nod and retract his power over the Lord.

Sirzechs coughed making all the attention come back at him, he began to talk about the game which Marina ignored.

"Pst. Vali! It's good to see you but why didn't we know of you coming?" whispered Marina. The peerage heard what she was saying, nodded at their queen and tuned in.

"Issei wanted it to be a surprise." Vali whispered back before feeling herself being slightly pushed as Issei had his arm around her.

"Yes Lord Lucifer." He turned around towards his peerage telling them that the game was to start. Nods were seen making Issei nod at Sirzechs who teleported his peerage and the peerage of Riser and Riser himself to the Rating Game Arena.

"I am Grayfia Lucifuge and I will be this Rating Game's commentator. Both peerages will have one minute before this match begins. The Victor of this Rating Game will have the hand of Rias Gremory in marriage. Good Luck."

When her voice cut out, Issei turned around and met his peerage's eyes. He was about to talk with them when Nebula suddenly spoke to him.

'Issei! I sensed parts of Sidious inside Riser!

Though I couldn't sense him directly due to Sidious most likely giving part of his power to Riser, he is here. Watching us. So be careful!' warned Nebula. At the same time, Palpatine was standing next to Sirzechs. He had a mysterious look on his face, while at the same time, smiling as he looked at Issei Hyoudou.

"Alright. This should be light for you guys. Make sure to now waste so much energy fighting. I want Noct to go solo. Do whatever you want Noct. This should be nothing for you.

"At once my king." Noct bowed, smirking at what fun he was going to have.

"Marina stay with John and Seraphina as they are new. Jane and Alec, follow them and help them take the gym. We do need to have some strategy again."

"Let's do this!" Marina exclaimed making her team nod in agreement. Seraphina was nervous but John helped to calm her down.

"Raviel." The young rook looked at Issei who paused then smirked, "Do your thing."

"Hell yeah!!!" shouted an excited Raviel.

"Vali."

"Gotcha."

"But I didn't even..."

"I'll stay with you don't worry. Issei babe, you're so predictable to me." Vali grinned as she summoned her wings standing next to Issei. Everyone summoned their gears as ten seconds were left before the battle started. Those who didn't have scared gears just prepared themselves.

"Oi oi oi! We agreed to share!" Marina shouted.

"Yeah." agreed Jane.

"Good luck Issei!" Noct grinned.

"I fucking hate you." Issei rolled his eyes.

Rias and her peerage sighed at the antics of their trainers but the female portion which was the majority looked a bit depressed as Vali showed her claim over Issei. The battle was shown to all of the attending devils and most of them were amazed at how close yet powerful Issei's peerage was. Some even began to place bets with many being forced to take Riser's side due to Lord Phenex.

'Please Issei. Stay safe.' Rias though clenching her hand over her heart as she stared at the screens.

"The match has begun!" announced Grayfia.

'Stay safe...' Was Rias' last thought as she watched Issei and his peerage look excited and with their scared gears as they left their base to fight Riser and his peerage.

A/N: That's it for Chapter 18! Next chapter will be the Rating Game between Riser and Issei! Who do you have your bets on?

Don't forget to review and hope you enjoyed this chapter!

CrazeEmperor Out!