I feel bad. I did something that Rias would never do. Sure. It made Issei stronger, but she'd never sacrifice someone even if it meant winning. So. Here's the apology chapter. Issei is still unconscious obviously. Again. Sorry. Stuff like that won't happen again.

Chapter 9.1: The Apology

I, Rias Gremory, had called a club meeting before I had to go to the underworld to announce the engagement to Riser. The door opened. I watched as Akeno, Kiba, Asia, and Koneko walked in. Koneko closed the door behind her.

I asked Asia, "And how is Issei?" Asia replied sadly, "He's still unconscious. Looks like the fight took a lot out of him. I put a cold rag on his head before I came here.." Akeno said, "He kept getting up regardless of how many times Riser knocked him down. He fought that hard for all of us. But Koneko? Why didn't you have your defense raised to take that hit?"

I said slowly, "That brings me to why I asked you all here before I had to go to the underworld. Everyone. Sit down please."

Everyone sat down and I said sadly and slowly, "Koneko had her defense lowered cause I asked her to." Kiba looked shocked and asked, "But why?" I replied, "Because of the Mark Koneko left on Issei. It's the Mark. The M.O.T.M." Everyone except Asia seemed to understand. Asia asked, "What's that?" Akeno looked at her and said, "You won't like it cause you love Issei." Asia blushed dark red and said, "Maybe I don't wanna know then." Kiba said with a smile of sympathy. I said slowly, "I am terribly sorry I made a sacrificial plan. I won't ever do it again. Please, forgive me. I feel like absolute garbage for even considering such an atrocious plan. We're like family."

Kiba said, "It's fine Rias. We forgive. We know as king, sometimes a piece must be sacrificed or left behind in a Rating Game for the greater good of the team. Just don't make a habit of it is all." Everyone nodded their agreement. I looked up with tears in my eyes and smiled weakly as I said, "You're all very kind and forgiving." Everyone said in unison, "Of course. You've saved us all before. It's only right to be forgiving to the person who gave us a second chance at life."

The room was filled with a bright grey light and Grayfia appeared. She said, " It's time my lady." I sighed but noticed Grayfias looking around as if to find someone. She asked, "And where is the Red Dragon Emperor?" I replied sadly, "He's still sleeping at his house. He used a lot of stamina and magical power. He probably won't wake for a long time. I'd guess, 3 days at least. But then again, it is Issei we're talking about. He always seems to surprise us." Grayfia seemed to understand and said, "This magic circle will take you to the women only dressing room in the Phoenix Castle." I nodded in understanding and walked to the circle.

I said, "Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko. Can you come with me? I'd like you there for what happens next." They nodded and Asia asked, "What can I do?" I replied, "Keep tending to Issei please." Asia nodded in understanding. I looked at Grayfia and said, "Coming with?" She shook her head and said, "I have…. Other business to attend to here in the human world." I nodded and the magic circle glowed as Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and myself all teleported to the Phoenix castle in the Underworld.

Well. A short chapter for an apology. The next chapter will be Issei's rematch against Riser. I had to get this out. Again. I apologize for what I did. Have a great rest of your day/night. I planned on making an apology chapter right after posting the previous chapter. It seemed like the right thing to do. And some reviews just made it seem even more like the right thing to do. Last chapter was almost 23k words. That's the biggest chapter I've ever made in any of my fanfictions. Catch you all on the flip side.