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Chapter IX: The Great Ball

Gremory Household

Issei woke up in a cold sweat. As he took in his surroundings, he realized he could see the veins on his arms. "That doesn't look good." He then heard the door open. He turned and saw Rias.

The redhead shook her head, chuckled and then sat on the bed. "You know that's two times you've escaped death my sweet dragon. I'm starting to think you are immortal."

Issei glanced at her confused. "Rias...what...what happened? The headache then hit. "Agh...damn it...my head."

Rias ran to his side, grabbed the glass of water, and two pills. "Here lay your head back. I'll feed you the pills."

Issei complied with her request.

Rias did so. She then laid his head back on the pillow.

The woman finally felt herself relax. "I owe Asia a great debt. If it weren't for her...you would be dead."

Issei nodded. "What even happened? I remember trying to kill Kokabiel and then...that's it."

Rias shook her head sadly. "Ddraig said you overextended your current power level. You almost died. You would have if it weren't for me and Asia. I managed to get you home in time and she healed the damage."

Issei just nodded and sighed in frustration. "Right."

Rias let out a frustrated sigh. She then took his hands in hers. Rias didn't want to get tough with the man she loved but she knew that if she didn't try to curb that temper of his...that he would eventually lose control again. That wouldn't end well. She couldn't lose him. She refused to lose him."Issei listen to me. You've got to stay in control of yourself. Your emotions are the key to your power. They make you strong but they can also kill you. We almost lost you. I..almost lost you."

Issei sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I just saw Kokabiel and..I just lost it. I wanted nothing more than to smite him where he stood."

Rias then took his hands in hers and nodded in acknowledgement. "I understand your pain. More than you realize. I don't blame you for reacting the way you did." She then rested her head on his chest and held on for dear life. "I just don't want you to throw your life away. I..love you so much. If..I..ever lost you..I..don't know how I'd be able to cope." Small tears fell from her eyes.

Issei then quietly stroked her hair and held her close. "I know. I feel the same way." He then let out a sigh. He then kissed her on the forehead. "I swear on my life..I won't ever lose control like that again."

Rias smiled through her tears. She felt all the anxiety leave her heart. "Thank you…you have no idea how relieved I am to hear that." She then pressed her lips against his. Issei was surprised but quickly returned the gesture. Rias then let the sheer robe slip from around her shoulders and got under the covers with him. The two then cuddled into each other's arms.

Yuuto Kiba then walked in with a smirk on his face. "Well I see you two haven't wasted time."

Rias turned to face him with a playful smirk. "Of course Kiba. Have you ever known me to waste a moment?"

Kiba leaned against the doorway and smirked. "Nope."

Akeno then ran in with a worried expression on her face. "Issei how are you feeling?"

Issei flashed her his trademark grin. "Never better Akeno. Sorry for worrying you."

Akeno then hugged him. "I'm so glad. You looked terrible when Rias brought you in." She then broke the hug.

Asia then walked in. She was trembling a bit in her black-and-red bathrobe. "I'm...relieved to see you alive Issei. I was worried sick." She then hugged him. Part of her wanted to kiss him on the cheek but she held herself back.

Issei hugged her back. "I know. Rias told me you were the one to bring me back to health. Thank you Asia. I owe you my life."

The blonde woman smiled at him." No thanks are needed. I'm..just glad I was there to help."

Issei then stared at his arms. "What are these markings on my arms?"

Rias frowned. "When you went over the limit..Ddriag said it was going to kill you. If we hadn't got you to the compound..you would have died."

Ddraig then spoke up. Your body was overloaded with my power Issei. It was unable to handle the amount of power you pulled from my essence. As such..it was going to kill you. You are strong and full of potential but you were not prepared to handle that much power. The markings will disappear in time but you need to be more aware of your emotions. The next time...you may not be so lucky.

Issei hovered his hand over the faint vein markings. "I..see. I'll be more careful next time."

Gremory Household

A day later

The Gremory family was having breakfast.

Issei had volunteered to make breakfast for everyone. It was his way of repaying everyone for what they had done for him. He was currently stewing together some beef stromboli. It was one of his mother's favorite recipes. He then poured everyone a bowl.

Kiba looked down at his bowl. "This looks amazing man. I had no idea you could cook."

Issei turned to him and shrugged. "I've lived alone for years Kiba. I had to learn how to feed myself somehow. This was my mother's recipe." He then poured himself a bow and sat down in his seat.

Rias just smirked at him. "As if I couldn't find more reasons to fall in love with you. You really are full of surprises."

Issei blushed and smiled bashfully at her.

The redhead then kissed him on the cheek and took her seat beside him. She then cleared her throat. "So onto the news I wanted to share with you all...My father has invited all of us to the Great Ball."

Akeno gasped. "The Great Ball? Are you serious? That's such an honor."

Kiba chuckled. "Cool beans. I've been waiting to bust my moves for a while."

Issei stared at all of them. "I have no idea what you all are talking about."

Asia nodded. "Neither do I."

Rias smiled at Issei and took his hands into hers. "It's a traditional event that all the royal devil families hold every millenia. It's basically a celebration. Some of the families even endeavor to find their suitors there. We haven't held it for some time due to the fact that it takes a lot of planning."

Issei nodded "So basically a suit-and-tie affair then? I'm not sure about that Rias. I don't even own a suit. There is no way I would fit in."

Rias glanced at him with a knowing look in her eyes. "If you are worried about not fitting in…you don't need to worry so much. You are the life-partner of the Princess of Ruin. Lucifer's sister. No devil, regardless of his or her status, would dare to try and challenge that. If they do…you have my word that I will handle it. Nobody will hurt you on my watch."

Issei just nodded. "Okay and what am I supposed to wear? I can't just show up in a jacket and jeans."

Rias put two fingers under her chin. "You make a good point." An idea came into her head. "Oh I know. We'll stop by my parents' house. They should have something in your size."

Issei just nodded. "Your..parents? Right."

Akeno then put a hand on his shoulder. "Relax Issei. From one half-Fallen Angel to another..Rias's parents are kind people. Don't worry so much."

Issei then glanced at Akeno. "I..thanks for that."

The Gremory Household, Hell

A few moments later

A teleportation portal appeared in front of the Gremory Household.

Rias and the others then walked out of it. Rias then grabbed the doorknob and racked the door.

The door then opened.

Grimori and Alessia Gremory then stood in the doorway.

Grimori then felt his jaw drop. "Rias..my daughter."

Rias wiped away some of the tears in her eyes.

Alessia smiled at Rias. "Rias…it is so good to see you."

Rias beamed at her parents. "Hi Dad. Hi Mom." She then hugged her parents.

They hugged her back.

Grimori smiled with happiness in his eyes. "It is good to see you daughter. It has been too long."

Rias just nodded. "It has." She then broke the hug. She then gestured to Issei, who was standing behind her. "Allow me to introduce my boyfriend. This is Issei Hyoudou. The current wielder of the Red Dragon Gauntlet and my life-partner.

Issei gulped a bit but managed to maintain his composure. He got a good look at Grimori. The man's face was aged. His hair was crimson red. The same as Rias's. He had a scar that ran across his right eye and a thick beard that covered the man's face. Issei then kneeled before the older man. "It is truly an honor to meet you sir. Serving as your daughter's pawn and confidante is a great honor. "

Grimori then started laughing. He then wrapped the man in a hug and practically lifted him off the ground. "Come now my boy. No need for such formalities." He then set Issei down.

The man was dumbfounded. "I don't understand."

Grimori laughed. "I've heard a lot about you Issei Hyoudou. You have my deepest respect. There aren't many devils out there with the guts to take on the king of the Fallen Angels."

Issei just nodded. "So my Fallen Angel heritage doesn't bother you sir?"

Grimori put a hand on the man's shoulder. " Of course not. Why should it? You have already proven your loyalty to devilkind by helping us wipe out those damned exorcists. Your heritage doesn't matter to me."

Alessia then added. "We only want to make sure our little girl finds someone who loves her for her. Do you love Rias?"

Issei then turned to Rias. The woman took his hand in hers and smiled at him as if to say 'Go on. Don't be shy'.

Issei nodded and faced Grimori with a determined look in his eyes. "I would die for her if I had to. She means everything to me."

Grimori then turned to his daughter and smiled. "So dutiful. I like him Rias. You chose your partners well. Your grandfather would be proud."

Rias felt her heart swell with pride. She then moved closer to Issei and grasped his hand in hers. The woman was blushing. "Thank you Father. I'm glad you approve."

Alessia then smiled. "As do I." She then gave Issei a bow. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Rias's mother."

Issei nodded and bowed back. "A pleasure to meet you ma'am."

Rias then motioned for Asia to come on up. "Come on Asia. Don't be shy."

Grimori smiled at Asia. "And who might you be my dear?"

Asia eyed the man nervously. "M-My name is Asia Argento. I'm the healer in Rias's family. I-It's a pleasure to meet you sir."

Grimori shook her hand. "A pleasure to meet you as well my dear."

Alessia beamed at her. "Welcome to our home Asia."

Dining Room, Gremory Household, Hell

Rias and her servants were having lunch with Grimori and his wife.

Issei took a long look around the room. "Wow. This place is huge. You guys must have guests all the time."

Grimori half-smirked at the man. "Retirement has its benefits."

Issei nodded. "I see." He then took another sip of his soup.

Alessia then smiled at him. "So tell us a bit about yourself Issei. I'm eager to learn about my future son-in-law."

Issei then cleared his throat. "Well as you probably already know…I'm part Fallen Angel. My father was once king of the Fallen Angels. His name was Azazel."

Grimori then nodded. "I know of him. I was Lucifer at the time. We were good friends and comrades."

Issei nodded. "From what little I know...there was a war in the Fallen Angel camp over whoever ruled the Fallen Angels. I was sent away to the human realm with two foster parents for my own safety. Kokabiel found them and slaughtered them in front of me." There was a determined look in the man's eyes. "I pretty much have lived alone ever since then plotting my revenge against that man. I intend to kill him."

Grimori just nodded. "That…explains your vendetta against him. How did you meet Rias?"

Rias giggled mischievously. She smirked at her boyfriend. "May I.."

Issei just nodded blushing. "You..may." Rias then smiled at her father. "We met by accident. He had his head in a book and was walking to class. I was walking to class myself. We tripped and sort of fell on top of each other. It was love at first sight. I later saved his life when he got attacked by a Fallen Angel. The rest...as they say..is history."

Grimori tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I see. Are you happy with him my dear?"

Rias then cradled herself around Issei's arm and sighed happily. She then began planting kisses all over his face. "I've never been happier, Father. He even gave me a promise ring." She then showed off the diamond ring on her finger.

Alessia smiled. "Ah young love. Such a beautiful thing to witness." She then turned to Asia. "And what is your story my dear?"

Asia smiled at her. "Well I used to be a Fallen Angel. I worked for them as an illusionist and healer."

Alessia nodded. "How did you get involved with Rias and her family?

Asia sighed with a bit of regret. " Asia then glanced at the Sacred Gear around her neck. "I have a Sacred Gear called the Twilight Heal. It can heal both angels and devils."

Grimori nodded. "That is fascinating. I've never heard of such a Sacred Gear before. I take it the Fallen Angels found out and tried to take it from you."

Asia shook her head. "No..not exactly. It was more that they killed my family and forced me to aid them in their plan to capture Issei." Asia nodded and added. "I was then charged with both trying to recruit 3Issei to the Fallen Angels and convincing him to kill Rias. I was supposed to do this by using my illusionist abilities to seduce him to their side and using my past history with him."

Grimori eyed her curiously. "Your..past history?"

Asia nodded. He and I..used to date."

Alessia nodded. "I...see. What ended up happening?"

Issei then added. "Asia got caught. We eventually figured everything out and she joined the family."

Rias smiled. "Asia is a huge part of my family now."

Grimori just turned to Asia and nodded. "Well you are an ally of Rias's. That is all that matters." He then turned to Rias and glanced at her curiously. "So what are you doing here my dear? You must have had your reasons."

Rias just nodded "Well the Great Ball is coming up and we have a problem. I want to take Issei as my date."

Issei half chuckled nervously and ran his hair through with a hand. "Yeah...and I have nothing to wear. I've been living alone on a shoestring budget for a long time." The man's hands began to tremble and he looked downcast at his bowl. "I'm not exactly made of money."

Rias noticed this and rested a hand over his and smiled reassuringly. "It's alright. I don't care about any of that. I love you for you my dragonheart. That is all that matters. That is all that should matter."

Issei just gave he a grateful nod. "You are right. Forgive my insecurities."

Grimori then just nodded. "I would be honored. There are still some suits that Sir Zechs left before he took the throne of Lucifer. They should fit a man your size."

Issei then bowed in respect. "You honor me."

Grimori then just nodded. "Let us have dinner first."

A couple of hours later

The Great Ball

Rias and her family finally made it to the Great Ball.

Rias was dressed in a dark red dress with black lace gloves around her wrists. She was wearing a strapping pair of heels to complete the outfit. The rest of the women were dressed in a similar outfit.

Kiba and the rest of the men were dressed in a finely-tailored black suit. It had dark red buttons on the outside.

Rias then interlinked her arm with Issei's. The redhead looked up at him blushing and smiled. "Shall we go?"

Issei nodded. "Of course."

Akeno glanced at them for a moment, grinned, and called out after them. "Have fun you two!" She then turned to the others and smirked. "Time to find the bartender." The raven-haired woman then walked off.

Kiba let out a chuckle. "That woman hasn't changed a bit in the last year. Still as tenacious as ever."

Koneko just gave him a nod. "You are right about that Kiba." Tsubaki then nervously approached the charming devil. "U-um hi Kiba." Kiba turned to look over at her and smiled warmly. "Oh hello Tsubaki. You look radiant in that outfit."

Tsubaki was shaking a bit from nervousness. "T-Thank you Kiba." The woman then looked at him with a nervous smile on her face. "W-Would you like to dance with me?"

Kiba glanced at her with surprise in her eyes. He blushed a bit but managed to regain his composure. "Sure. I'd be honored."

The woman then smiled at him and awkwardly offered her shoulder.

Kiba then glanced at Koneko. "Are you going to be alright alone?" Koneko looked up at him and shrugged. "I managed the last time we were here." She then waved off her friend. "Go on. Have fun."

Kiba nodded. "As you wish." He and Tsubaki then walked off.

Koneko just sighed. Her face reddened. Issei. I..I think I love you. I can't deny this. As much as I would love to. I need to find closure for this somehow. The woman was then deep in thought.

Somewhere in the Ballroom

An hour later

Issei and Rias were busy slow dancing with one another.

Rias was smirking to herself. "You know for a first timer…You dance really well."

Issei chuckled nervously. He then rested a hand on her waist. "Ah..well I..used to practice doing this..with a broom. I got pretty good at it."

Rias snorted and then burst out laughing. " Aww. You really practiced doing this with a broom? That is the most adorable thing I've ever heard." "

Issei blushed and glared at her. His tone was a bit whiny. "Hey. Give me a break. I had a lot of alone time. I..practiced for years hoping I'd be able to put it all to some use. I never imagined I'd actually be dancing with a girl. I really was prepared to live the rest of my life as a hermit."

Rias chuckled and glanced at him with a knowing look in her eyes. "And what changed?"

Issei then rolled his eyes. He twirled her around and dipped. Rias let out a gasp in surprise. There was a mix of adoration and sarcasm in his tone. "A certain devil came in and stole my heart."

Rias smirked at him, knowing the meaning of his words. She then grasped both sides of his face and leaned in for a kiss. Issei relinquished control and allowed for the demonness to take control. I love it when he lets me take control. Come here.

A moment later

The Gremory Family and Sitri Family were hanging out in the lounge area.

Kiba tossed a beer at Issei, who caught it in his hand.

Issei then took a sip of it. "Thanks Kiba."

Kiba grinned at him. He then took a sip of his own. "Hey, a promise is a promise."

Sona then cut in. "So what happens now? Freed and the Fallen Angels are beaten for now but something tells me that this isn't the end."

Rias nodded in agreement and rested her head on Issei's shoulder. "It probably isn't. Kokabiel will be coming for all of us soon. As much as I hate to admit it, it is only a matter of time."

Issei just shook his head. "When he does..we will be ready for him. He can count on that."

Sona nodded. "Indeed. We are fortunate to have you on our side Issei. That gauntlet of yours is a powerful weapon indeed. Thank you for all you've done. I wasn't sure what you were capable of at first."

Issei just shrugged. "No thanks are needed. Service is it's own reward."

Rias snickered and felt herself blush. She then snuggled herself close to him.

Kiba burst out into laughter. "Hey come on now. That is my line."

Tsubaki then wrapped her arms around the man's neck and sighed happily.

Issei then eyed the other man shrugging. "You never called dibs so…"

Kiba playfully punched the other man in the arm and shook his head grinning. "Right. Touche."

Akeno let out a sigh of relief. "Well it will be nice to be free of the Church for awhile at least. All that stress is hell on my beautiful hairline." The brunette then made a disgusted look on her face and picked at her hair as if to make a point."

Rias then smiled at her. "You and me both Akeno. I haven't been able to really whip my hair into shape for a while now." She then rummaged through her purse and pulled out a small hairbrush. It had the Gremory emblem on the back of the brush head and was short in length. She then looked up at her boyfriend and beamed at him. "Issei. Would you be a dear and brush my hair for me?"

Issei turned to look at her and just nodded. "Sure."

Rias let out a sigh of contentness and melted into him as he brushed her hair.

Sona then eyed the couple curiously. "You surprise me Rias. We have been friends since we were little girls. In all that time, I've never seen you start to fancy a man. I still remember when you were turning away potential suitors at the door."

Rias smirked at her. "Are you asking me what changed?"

Sona just nodded nonchalantly. "I..guess I am. Of all the potential candidates..Why did you choose Issei?"

Akeno then added. "I would like to know as well." Rias then giggled like a little girl. "Well if you must know. It was his subdued charm. I like the quiet guys.I mean..when he first joined my peerage...I was intrigued by how he carried himself. When we first fought that renegade demon..he just charged in dependent on his instincts. He always seems so sure of himself and silently confident. My dragonheart is a man of few words. He just acts on what he wants. He's also quite hilarious in his own self-deprecating way. I guess that would be a turn-off to some women but I was drawn to that part of him. Issei is kind of like the glue that keeps us all together. He always tries his best for all of us. We all love him."

Akeno nodded. "That we do."

Issei was just sitting there attentively listening and blushing.

Rias sighed dreamily. "Not to mention he knows how to sing and play guitar. I'm a sucker for handsome guitarists. " She then planted a kiss on Issei's cheek.

Sona just nodded. "I see." She then turned to Issei. "And what say you Issei? What drew you to Rias?"

Everyone's eyes then drew to Issei.

Rias tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it Sona…I'd like to know as well. I don't believe Issei ever told me." She then glanced over at Issei with a curious look in her eyes.

Issei then let out an awkward chuckle and shook his head smiling. "I suppose it is only fair for you to know Rias." He then cleared his throat, took his girlfriend's hands into his, and smiled "I mean who wouldn't. You are passionate and fierce. You are the kind of woman who isn't afraid to take what she wants. You are the type of warrior who always jumps in the battle before anyone else. You fight your own battles and stand by your friends. Your friends adore and love you. Your enemies fear your wrath. You honestly leave me speechless sometimes. I have to pinch myself every morning I wake up. There are days where I feel I don't deserve you. I mean yes. I'll be honest. The power and prestige are a good bonus but that is all there is to it. This is going to sound corny as hell but you truly honor me with all your love."

Rias just stood there awed by her lover's words. The woman's face was red as a beet. She was speechless.

Kiba crossed his arms and chuckled. "Well well Issei. Who knew you had the heart of a poet?"

Issei sighed mock-irritatingly and rolled his eyes at Rias smiling. "There. That is the whole truth. Are you happy now?"

Rias responded by pinning him down on the couch.

Issei glanced at her with widened eyes. "Rias..what are you.."

Rias just playfully smiled at him. "Oh Issei! You charmer!"

The woman silenced him by kissing him fiercely on the mouth.

Rias then broke the kiss and smirked at her boyfriend. "That was the most romantic thing you have ever said to me."

Issei smirked at her knowingly. "Eh. I've had better lines." A large explosion then went off. It drew everyone's attention.

Vali then flew down from the ceiling. He was then dressed in his White Dragon armor. "Issei Hyoudou! Show yourself!"

Issei then got a good look at the man. He was dressed in an ensemble similar to Issei's. The only difference was that this man was wearing pure white.

Issei then flashed Rias a small smile. "Give me a minute."

Rias just nodded. "Just be careful."

Issei caressed her face and smirked. "Always." He then got up off the couch and dusted himself off. He then eyed the man with an uneasy look in his eyes. "I'm right here. Who are you?"

Valius then turned to face him with a satisfied grin on his face. "Ah. We finally meet. I've heard a great many things about you Issei. Attacking the King of the Fallen Angels is a bold move."

Ddriag then spoke up. Albion. It is good to see you again.

Albion then spoke up. You too Ddraig. It has been too long since our last battle.

Issei stared down at Ddriag. "Ddriag. Who is this guy?" Valius smiled at Issei. "I am Valius. The wielder of the White Dragon gauntlet. I am your greatest opponent.

Ddraig responded. That is Albion. He is the White Dragon Emperor. My archenemy. Long ago we battled one another in a fight that spanned millenia. Since our defeat at the hands of all the factions..we have continued this fight through our vessels. You are destined to fight his vessel Vali in a duel tone day.

Issei gasped. "You mean I have to fight that guy. For what purpose?"

Ddriag answered. To see who the strongest is. This is fate of all those who wield the Dragon Gears.

Valius then spoke up. "Your partner speaks the truth Issei. The two of us are destined to fight one day. I leave you time to prepare." The man then sprouted wings and flew off without a word.

Issei just shrugged. "Well that was interesting."