A/N: New chapter! Lotta research went into this one and a lot of AWESOME ideas! I finally decided on multiple things that have been asked about and that I've been thinking about. I hinted about them this chapter, but I guarantee you won't guess all of them! There will be a short A/N at the end of this chapter to describe some things that I don't want to talk about here for fear of spoilers, but I was asked by at least 3 people to give an official harem list. There are 3 categories: Yes, No, and Maybe. Yes means over 90% or they are already in, No means over 90% they won't be in, and Maybe means I haven't decided and can truly go either way. Everything is subject to change as I continue with this wonderful story! (P.S this confused even me for a brief period before I remembered. Xenovia doesn't go to school with Issei, so while he and the others are at school, she's just vibing in Heaven...I guess...)
Yes:
Asia
Irina
Gabriel
Katase
Yuuma
Ravel
No:
Kuroka
Ophis
Sona & Peerage
Riser's Peerage (-Mira and Ravel)
Grayfia
Griselda
Rias
Akeno
Rossweisse
Tiamat
Maybe:
Murayama
Koneko
Mira
Xenovia
School passed by relatively normally for Issei, albeit Yuuma was especially clingy today. And Yuuma is always especially clingy, so this was something else. All he could do was sigh in relief when the final bell rang, though, his day was far from over.
"Alright, class!" Ms. Hatcher exclaimed in her usual, bubbly manner. "Make sure you study for your test on tactics for an invasion of Jerusalem!"
"I think you were right…" Yahweh deadpanned. "Definitely not a real teacher…"
'No kidding...how has no one else realized that what she's talking about is insane?' Issei thought in bewilderment but continued packing up his stuff.
"Ready to go, Issei?" Yuuma asked happily, smiling brightly in front of him.
"Just about. Asia and Katase ready as well?"
"I'm ready, Issei," Asia nodded.
"Sure! Let's go teach that guy a lesson!" Katase spoke confidently.
"Come on, Issei~!" Yuuma giggled and hopped on his back again. "Let's go!"
"Don't you ever get tired of being up there?" Issei sighed as he made his way out of the classroom, knowing better than to try and get her off.
"Nope!"
The group of four continued towards the old schoolhouse building, passing by the crowds of students who were heading home for the day. After a brief walk, they'd arrived outside the door, where they heard several voices.
"For the last time, Riser, I will NOT marry you!" Rias' voice frustratedly exclaimed.
"Ah, but Rias darling," a male voice spoke. His voice was very smooth, with a hint of lecherousness to it. "We've been over this. Our wedding is coming up just next weekend."
"Hope we're not interrupting anything," Katase apologized insincerely, opening the door to the clubroom.
"Katase! Everyone! Good to see everyone!" Rias greeted them with relief visible on her face.
"The Great Riser rather dislikes being interrupted," Riser said, looking towards the entrance at each of them. He was a tall, attractive man with blonde hair and dark blue eyes. He wore a fairly stereotypical 'bad boy' outfit, with a button-up shirt that had several buttons undone, exposing his chest. A glint in his eyes nearly sparkled as he eyed each of them...until he got to Issei, in which he glared menacingly. "Who is it that makes an appearance in front of the great Riser?"
"Yo, Grayfia, good to see you again," Issei waved, completely ignoring the proud Phenex to greet the gray-haired devil queen that was also in attendance. "How's Sirzechs and Serafall?"
"A pleasure to see you again too, Issei," she nodded stoically.
"Don't you ignore the great Riser!" Riser declared angrily.
"I didn't know people actually spoke about themselves in the third person…" Yahweh deadpanned.
'I thought it was just one of those quirky things they gave to anime characters like Juvia…' Issei mentally agreed.
"This is my knight, Katase," Rias introduced, gesturing to the pink-haired devil. Unlike her usual demeanor, she barely acknowledged the blonde, simply glancing at him before looking away. "And a few friends of mine."
"Friends of yours?" Riser narrowed his eyes. "These so-called friends of yours don't seem like devils. In fact, I'd say they feel more like angels…"
"Issei Hyoudou, Angel of Heaven, how's it going?" the Heavenly Crown host greeted, deciding to at least give the guy a chance. "This is Asia Argento-"
"U-um, hello," Asia waved uncomfortably.
"And on my back still for some reason, is Yuuma Amano," Issei finished, rubbing her cheek affectionately.
"You look exactly like how I thought you would!" Yuuma giggled, nuzzling Issei's hand.
"So, my bride-to-be is becoming a traitor, is she?" Riser asked angrily, lighting a flame in his hand. "Looks like the Great Riser will have to burn some feathers…"
"There will be none of that," Grayfia ordered sternly. "Both Sirzechs and Serafall are aware of Issei's presence and are undergoing peaceful negotiations. I will not allow any hostility that will lead to fighting."
"Well, if it's from the strongest queen in the underworld even I can't refuse," Riser grumbled, sitting back on the couch.
"Someone's cranky," Issei snickered, sitting across from the Phenex with Yuuma and Asia, while Katase joined up with the rest of Rias' peerage who were all standing agitatedly around Rias, who sat at her desk.
"Maybe a hawk took his eggs?" Yuuma suggested, giggling alongside him.
"Silly, Yuuma. Fried chickens can't lay eggs," Issei explained.
"How dare you insult the Great Riser?" Riser demanded.
"Oh, relax, feather-bones," he waved him off. "It's just some good-natured teasing. So, you're Rias' infamous fiancè, are you?"
"That I am," Riser grinned smugly. "The Great Riser Phenex, third son of the House of Phenex!"
"Hmmm," Yuuma scrutinized, eyeing him carefully. "No, I don't see it. Katase, what about you?"
"Me neither," Katase shook her head. "If he gets one, then Issei definitely should."
"I'm sorry, what are we talking about?" Rias asked.
"I thought you said Riser had a harem?" Yuuma questioned her. "There's no way."
"HOW DARE YOU QUESTION THE GREAT RISER?" Riser yelled.
"Man, you're annoying. 'The Great Riser' this and 'the Great Riser' that," Issei groaned. "As much as I'd love to have Yuuma skewer you right here, that would be counter-intuitive. Grayfia, you no doubt know that I'm here to try to assist Rias, so why don't we cut to the chase."
"Understood," Grayfia nodded.
"Rias?" Issei gestured for her to start.
"Riser, I'm going to be taking advantage of the stipulation in our contract. If I'm able to beat you in a Rating Game, the marriage will be void," Rias announced.
"You really think you have a chance to defeat me? The Great Riser?" Riser boasted, almost laughing at her ludicracy. "With this puny peerage? Two knights, a bishop, and a queen?"
"Am I correct to assume that you have a complete peerage?" Issei asked.
"Of course, I do!" Riser snapped his finger and a large magic circle appeared behind him. After a momentary flash, 15 figures appeared. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they were all revealed to be female, in varying ages, heights, hair colors, and...sizes.
"SO THAT'S HOW!" Yuuma exclaimed.
"That's low," Katase nodded. "He was only able to get a harem by being the king of his peerage."
"Don't talk ill of Lord Riser!" Snapped one of the girls. She wore a traditional Japanese outfit colored red and white, she carried a large wooden staff with her, and her blue hair was styled into a similar style as a chromosome.
"LOOK AT THOSE TWO!" Yuuma shouted, pointing at two other girls. "THEY HAVE TO BE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLERS! PEDOPHILE!"
"Hey!" one of the green-haired twins protested. "We're not elementary schoolers!"
"We're in middle school!" the second agreed. "So Riser's not a pedophile!"
"That doesn't really help their case…" Yahweh commented.
'No kidding...creepy…' Issei agreed, looking at the peerage himself. "WAIT A MINUTE! HOLD ON!"
"What's wrong, Issei?" Asia asked timidly at Issei's loud exclamation, even Yuuma got slightly worried as her King stood up and walked forward.
"Mira!" Riser ordered, feeling threatened by Issei's actions.
"Understood!" The blue-haired girl with the staff rushed forward, attempting to strike him with the staff...only to find herself hanging off her staff by her belt which was now embedded into the wall. "KYAAAA!"
Issei walked forward to the peerage uncaring, as they took a single step back, awaiting Riser's instructions.
"That's eno-" Grayfia tried to interrupt before a fight broke out.
"SHE'S SO ADORABLE!" Issei shouted, sparkles coming out of his eyes as he looked at one of the girls. "EVEN SOMEONE LIKE YOU CAN FIND A DIAMOND! SO CUTE~!"
"A-are you t-talking to me?!" the girl he was looking at choked out, blushing aggressively. She was blonde, with her hair done up into twin, drill-shaped tails on either side of her head. She was wearing a fancy pink dress and stood with regal poise...well...had been standing with regal poise.
"OF COURSE! JUST LOOK AT YOU!" he continued to gush.
"Of course that's what he was up to," Yuuma giggled.
"Issei," Asia pouted. "Aren't I cute enough?"
"Asia," Issei stood as if preparing an important speech. "You are the epitome of adorableness. That does not mean adorableness can't be found elsewhere. Just as one can admire many pieces of artwork, one can admire many adorable women on this planet, however, only the ones he truly loves and love him in return shall accompany him home from their artist."
"Somehow, that made sense and made no sense at the same time…" Yahweh scratched his head. "I feel like that should be offensive? But maybe flattering? You've lost me…"
"It is truly a great loss that someone of such cuteness has been snatched up by the likes of Riser," Issei sighed in disappointment.
"Actually, that's Riser's sister," Rias pointed out.
"HE'S DATING HIS SISTER?" Issei shouted. "Actually, that might be a devil thing…"
"The bible says that devils are creatures of sin," Yuuma piped up. "Incest is pretty kinky. Maybe it's common?"
"ENOUGH!" Riser roared. "You have insulted the Great Riser long enough!"
"So what? You heard Rias' proposal and you seem quite confident, don't you?" Issei challenged. "And, to my knowledge, she is allowed outside help, so long as they don't outrank her and she can afford it herself. I assume these stipulations are of no concern? After all, you are far superior to Rias in terms of rating games. She should at least have some chance or it won't be very entertaining, will it?"
"Hn!" Riser scoffed. "I'm the Great Riser Phenex! She has no chance of defeating me, with or without your help! Just prepare yourself, Angel, as I don't intend for you to live through the match."
"Oh, I won't be participating," Issei chuckled. "I could never risk hurting someone as cute as she is! What's her name, huh? Oh, please tell me!"
"M-my name is Ravel!" the sister of Riser squeaked, still completely red-faced.
"Adorable," Issei awed.
"We should have expected this," Akeno chuckled.
"No kidding," Katase sighed.
"Issei! Focus!" Rias protested.
"Sorry!" Issei shook his head and reacquired his bearings. "So, as it stands, Rias stands no chance against you. You are almost undefeated, aren't you?"
"The Great Riser has never lost a real match," Riser spoke smugly.
"Then Rias and her peerage will be given ten days to prepare for the game," Grayfia decided. "Is this acceptable to both parties?"
"I accept the terms," Rias nodded.
"If you think it will give her a chance. But mark my words," Riser narrowed his eyes at Issei. "She will become my bride."
"Very well. I shall inform Sirzechs of the arrangement," Grayfia nodded, taking herself, Riser, and his peerage back to the underworld.
"Well, that certainly-" Issei tried to say, but was interrupted.
"HEY! WHAT ABOUT ME!" A loud female voice protested from across the room. They turned and realized that the blue-haired girl Riser referred to as Mira was still hanging from her staff on the wall. "GET ME DOWN!"
"I FORGOT ALL ABOUT YOU!" Issei exclaimed, jumping up slightly and hurrying over.
"Naughty Issei!" Yuuma scolded. "Already stealing concubines from Riser? You could have asked me, you know!"
"I already told you! I'm getting his vir-" Katase tried to argue.
"THAT IS NOT WHAT'S HAPPENING!" Issei yelled as Mira started wiggling even more, now more afraid than uncomfortable.
"Get me down! Even Riser's better than here!" Mira protested, desperately trying to get down.
"Would you hold still!" Issei managed to hold her down as he gently extracted her from her position on the wall. "There. You're down."
"Ow~," she moaned, rubbing her rear end.
"I didn't know you were a sadist, Issei," Akeno licked her lips. "I think we'll get along just fine…"
"What do you mean 'even Riser's better than here?'" Issei asked, ignoring the sadistic shrine maiden.
"That's none of your business," she snapped. "Now...could somebody help me get home?"
"Hold on a minute. If you aren't happy with Riser, maybe we could help," Yuuma volunteered. "After all, my boyfriend did kind of give you a mega wedgie."
"BOYFRIEND?!" Katase yelled. "ISSEI! WHEN WERE YOU GOING TO TELL ME? NOW I HAVE TO SETTLE FOR SECOND!"
"U-um...actually," Asia nervously spoke. "I w-was second."
"Issei…" Katase glared at him. "GET OVER HERE!"
"AAAHH~!" Issei screamed, bolting out of the clubroom with Katase hot on his heels.
"GET BACK HERE, ISSEI!" she shouted after him.
"Should we-" Rias asked hesitantly.
"He'll be fine...probably," Yuuma waved her off. "So, what's up with Riser?"
{With Katase and Issei}
"KATASE! STOP IT!" Issei yelled, running full speed through the courtyard.
"STOP RUNNING!" she shouted back, catching up and tackling him, making sure he didn't go anywhere by sitting on legs and pinning his arms down.
'I'm WAY stronger than her, WHY CAN'T I MOVE?' Issei thought to himself.
"'Cause she's a woman," Yahweh deadpanned. "Duh."
'Yeah, actually, that makes a lot of sense.'
"Why were you running away?" Katase demanded.
"Because you were chasing me!"
"So? Were you going to tell me that you officially started dating Yuuma and Asia?"
"Eventually! It was this morning! I was busy!" Issei defended.
"And?"
"And what?"
"Issei! Are you making me spell this out for you again?"
"You chased me through the courtyard and pinned me to the ground!" Issei whined, failing to wriggle out of her grip. "The least you could do is tell me!"
"You…Rrrrr, ISSEI!" she growled cutely. "This isn't some harem anime! You cannot be this dumb!"
"She's got a point."
"Is...is this because of what happened a few weeks ago?"
"And what did I tell you after that…?"
"Oh…"
"Yes, 'oh,'" Katase mocked. "And I have to pin you down to talk to you about it?"
"Hey, in my defense, you shouted and started chasing me," Issei sat up and raised his hands in defense, as she stopped pinning him. "How was I supposed to know what this was about?"
"Uh, I don't know, genius, maybe because I all but directly told you?"
"I don't understand hints! Just tell me and this doesn't have to be all confusing."
"I want to be with you, too. I told you already. I love you. There, happy? I still do. It hasn't changed at all and I still feel like you're worth it, even though you saved me for third," she grumbled at the end, but then looked him back in the eyes. "So? I said it. No riddles or 'woman trickiness' that you love to grumble about. I want an answer."
"Even after all I put you through," he sighed. "You're sure you don't have a hero complex?"
"If you don't either kiss me or tell me to move on in the next ten seconds…" Katase warned.
"Fine," Issei chuckled. "Sure."
"That wasn't one of the-mmmpH!" Katase was cut off by Issei bringing her closer and kissing her deeply. She quickly wrapped her own arms around him, sighing slightly in happiness. He pulled back after a few seconds so she could catch her breath. "-options."
"I can't say I love you back, but," he quickly clarified, determined not to make her upset. "I do like you a lot. A lot a lot. You mean more to me than you could know. Hopefully, soon, I'll be able to say it back to you. No hesitation or second thoughts. Is that ok with you?"
"That sounds like a challenge," she smirked at him. "And one that I'm more than happy to accept."
"Uh...that's not really-"
"We've got some time before you have to set up the training with Rias, right?"
"I mean...the sooner we start the better, but-"
"Then I have some catching up to do." Katase grinned and pinned him back to the ground, keeping him prisoner for the next short while, making absolutely sure that he'd be able to love her back as soon as possible.
{Line Break}
"You look a bit…" Rias paused. "Ruffled."
"I didn't expect Katase to take him right out there," Akeno chuckled.
"Pervert…" Koneko deadpanned.
"Issei~," Yuuma whined. "I thought I was going to be first!"
"For the love of," Issei groaned, sitting down on the couch, his arms being immediately claimed by Yuuma and Asia. "That didn't happen. I am an angel, you know."
"I thought you said-" Yuuma tried to ask, but was quickly interrupted.
"WELL, ISSEI SHOULD REALLY BE MOVING ON TO THE TRAINING IDEAS," Yahweh spoke up loudly, definitely not covering up his big secret. "DON'T YOU THINK SO, ISSEI?"
"I should also look to get a new alarm clock…"
"Don't push it."
"Uh, Issei?" Rias looked beyond confused.
"You're so eccentric," Yuuma giggled.
"Alright, rumors and top-secret lies spread by the original Lord aside," Issei returned the conversation to where it was supposed to go. "We should really be discussing training. We have ten days, which should just barely be enough to get you all not to get your asses royally handed to you with a side of fried chicken."
"Hmm...that sounds tasty," Katase hummed.
"I'll bet Issei would enjoy that," Akeno teased. "All of our-"
"MOVING ON!" the King of Crowns interrupted. "Rias, your team will consist of yourself, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Katase, Asia, Xenovia, and Yuuma. That's eight people. I don't know if you're aware, but that's a lot of people to make not totally pathetic in ten days. No offense."
"Gee, thanks," Akeno rolled her eyes.
"..." Koneko just glared at him.
"I thought you said I was strong enough," Yuuma puffed her cheeks out in annoyance.
"And you are, Yuuma," he patted her head. "For this, at least. That's why you'll be assisting me with instruction."
"Yay!"
"Rias, do you have anywhere this training can take place that isn't in the underworld?"
"We own a cabin in the mountains," she suggested. "That's originally where we planned to have the games."
"Perfect. Plenty of forest to train in, I presume? And does it have a sizeable body of water in the vicinity?"
"Yes to both of those," she nodded.
"WHATEVER YOU DO," Katase warned. "DO NOT GIVE ISSEI A CUP OF WATER."
"Hey, it worked, didn't it?" Issei waved her off. "You're exaggerating."
"I WAS SOAKED!"
"So, you really have a plan for this, Issei?" Rias asked, once again taking care of the arduous task of keeping everyone on topic.
"Of course I do! Give me the coordinates of the mountain and I'll meet everyone there to start training tomorrow. Until then, Yuuma and Asia are within your care. I'll send Xenovia here as soon as I get back to Heaven."
"But that means," Yuuma immediately put on the cutest pout she could muster. "You'll be sleeping without us?"
"I-I'd rather stay with you," Asia admitted.
"For this time, I want you two to get to know Rias' group a little better. And Yuuma will help fill me in on anything of importance for my training plan," he explained. "It's just one night. You'll both be fine."
"But-"
"I will wear a blindfold so I don't have to look at your pout. I need you both to stay with Rias."
"Oh~, fine," Yuuma relented. "Kiss?"
"Troublesome angel…" he grumbled, but obliged, bidding the same farewell to Katase and Asia as well.
"Here they are," Rias handed him a paper so he could teleport to the area the next day. "And...you're absolutely sure that we can win?"
"Tell you what, why don't we put a separate wager on this?" Issei suggested.
"I'm listening…"
"If my training fails and you end up losing the rating game, I'll personally break Yahweh's system to reincarnate you into an Angel," he explained.
"WHAT?! ISSEI! EVEN YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" Yahweh yelled.
"I can do whatever I want, I'm God," he waved Yahweh off. "Rules are for people that aren't God."
"PFF- WHA- HUH- ISSEI!" Yahweh sputtered.
"Anyway, that doesn't really matter because they're going to win, but I have to offer something of worth just in case. When you inevitably win the rating game, I want to accompany you and your peerage to the familiar forest."
"The familiar forest?" Katase asked, curiously.
"Are you aware of what familiars are?" Issei asked her.
"Like, in video games and movies and stuff?"
"Exactly. Those are real, too." Issei turned to Yuuma. "Yuuma, you have a familiar, don't you?"
"Of course I do!" she grinned, creating a magic circle in front of her. From the magic circle came a bizarre, yet beautiful and mystical creature. It was about the size of a golden retriever, coming up to Issei's knees in height, but just over three feet in length. It had a dark blue coat of fur on its limbs and sides, that grew slightly lighter over its chest and stomach. The rest of its body held golden fur, with gorgeous designs. Finally, it had a fluffy, sky-blue mane and tail, plus large tusks coming from its mouth. "This is Nadee. Her name means river in Hindi."
"Wow," Katase breathed in awe. Even Rias and the rest of her peerage gazed at the majestic creature in wonder.
The large, cat-like creature purred slightly and snuggled up against Yuuma's leg, who giggled and stroked its fur. "She's a Yali. It's a creature from Hindu mythology. Part lion, part elephant, and part horse, though she looks more like a sabertooth tiger to me."
"That's...really impressive," Issei admitted. "I expected something more...traditional."
"Something like this?" Rias asked, holding out a hand and summoning her own. From her palm came a very small bat-like creature, with a round body. The top half and wings were black, while the lower half was pink.
"Yes! That's more what I had in mind," Issei nodded. "Those are more traditional familiars. What Yuuma has is...well, that's incredibly special."
"She is, isn't she?" Yuuma grinned and continued to hug and nuzzle her summoned familiar.
"Anyway, familiars are traditionally smaller creatures that make pacts with other species that are higher on the power scale, devils are the most common who use them, and tend to do lower-level tasks. Sometimes surveillance, sometimes paperwork, and the stronger ones will help in combat," he explained. "It gives the summoner an extra set of hands that are extremely loyal and the familiar gets protection, as well as a possible increase in strength, intelligence, or anything else that its summoner gives to them."
"So, they're like pets?" Asia asked curiously, not-so-subtly trying to pet Yuuma's familiar, who quickly picked up on it and 'introduced' the two.
"In a rough manner of speaking, yes. Familiars are contractual pets, essentially."
"So, what's the familiar forest? Is that where they all live?" Katase asked.
"I can answer that," Rias volunteered, dismissing her familiar. Yuuma kept hers out, as the Yali was more than thrilled with the attention it was receiving from Asia, Yuuma, and, surprisingly enough, Koneko, who had come over to investigate. "The familiar forest is an area owned by the familiar master. Once every full moon, he allows a group to enter the forest to attempt to make a contract, however, only devils are privy to information about how to get there. Come to think of it, how do you even know about the familiar forest?"
"Oh, I know all sorts of things," he waved her off. "So, do we have a deal?"
"I want to know why you want to enter the forest. If you know of its existence, I'm sure you're more than capable of getting one yourself," she questioned suspiciously.
"I heard a rumor of someone living there that I'd like to meet," he shrugged. "And it just so happens that the familiar that I would like will be there next month."
"Who are you talking about? And what familiar do you want? And how exactly do you know that they'll be there?" Rias asked in rapid-fire succession.
"I told you, I know a lot of things."
"You mean I tell you a lot of things," Yahweh pointed out.
'Everyone learns things from somewhere. The point isn't where you get the knowledge from, only that you have it.'
"That's...a surprisingly good point."
"So, you want to meet someone I don't know, in a place only I have access to, before getting a familiar I'm unaware of, that will be there at a time I haven't been told about?" Rias sighed. "Really?"
"Well, let's put it this way. If I didn't have enough motivation before, I'll definitely have it now."
"Alright, I guess that works," Rias sighed. "If we win, I'll take you."
"Alright!" Issei cheered, pumping his fist into the air. "Then I'll see you guys tomorrow! Take good care of my Saints, will ya?"
"Sure thing, Issei," Rias smiled. "And thank you."
{Line Break}
"For the last time," came the sigh of a tall woman. "I've trained you all I can. Besides, you're a fire dragon. You can't train here."
"I understand that, Lady Tiamat," a deep, draconic voice answered respectfully. "But I still wish to follow you. It is my wish to help once again return dragons to greatness and you are the strongest of the surviving Great Dragon Kings. The only ones more powerful are Great Red and Ophis."
"So, why don't you follow one of them? And leave me alone."
"Great Red spends his time in the Dimensional Gap and Ophis is impossible to find, in addition to being emotionless, uncaring, and mentally checked-out," the dragon huffed. "I suppose when you are alive longer than time itself, that can happen."
"Why do you still wish to follow me if I can't even train you?"
"Someday, Lady Tiamat, I believe that you will change your mind. Until then, I will continue to aid you in any way I can, whether that be in menial tasks or protecting your captive."
"Who told you about him?" she hissed.
"I was trained by you, Lady Tiamat. It would be disgraceful for me to fail to sense such a powerful creature from this close, even under seals that you yourself created," the dragon replied humbly. "Do not worry, I shall reveal his presence to no one."
"And you expect me to believe you?"
"I know you well, Tiamat. After following you and training under you for a year, I have come to understand you. You will not kill me for simply showing my wish to aid you."
"Tch," she scoffed. "Xiuh, I still don't understand why you're here. How am I supposed to help revive the dragons?"
"I believe that you should become our Queen," the dragon informed her. "When you are ready to leave, I will continue to follow you and you shall lead us into the skies."
"...Seriously?"
"I am of the utmost seriousness."
"You can forget it. Dragons are all but extinct. If you really want to try and keep us alive, go take a make and start fucking. It takes a while to make a new one, you know." The other dragon opened his mouth. "THAT'S NOT ME!"
"I wouldn't suggest such a thing, Lady Tiamat. I'm nowhere near your stature," he shook his head. "I am but your humble servant. I will follow you."
"Alright, FINE!" she groaned. "But we're leaving in a month, if only temporarily. Something comes by once every century and that happens to be this year. I don't want to be anywhere near it."
"Something that even you fear, Lady Tiamat? Such a creature must be mighty indeed," the dragon hummed.
"Not for its might alone. It could hardly stand a chance against me. For its influence," Tiamat sighed. "Xiuhcoatl, let me tell you a story. The story of the great deer, Beatha…"
{Line Break}
The mountainside was a beautiful place, Rias' family's land even more so. The trees blew slightly in the wind and the grass shimmered in the early morning sun. In the center of it all was a massive cabin, sturdily and magnificently built. It was more than enough room to fit an even larger group than the one that was to be staying there, had indoor hot springs, a massive kitchen and dining room, and plenty of area for training. All in all, it was the perfect place to just sit back...relax...and enjoy the early morning-
"ALRIGHT, EVERYBODY! TIME TO WAKE UP!" roared Issei through what was likely a magically powered megaphone. "NO TIME TO WASTE!"
"Should the bird stay in slumber, it shall miss the morning worm. Should the mouse be left to sleep, the winter will come too soon," Yahweh spoke wisely, however, through the magical megaphone, he wasn't really that much quieter.
Within five minutes, everyone was outside in their pajamas, half-heartedly trying to rub the sleep out of their eyes. Almost everyone.
"Where's Yuuma?" Issei asked, only receiving confused looks and yawns in response. "Figures…"
"Why do we have to do this so early…" Katase grumbled.
"If you sleep, you don't get to survive. Pretty simple stuff. Akeno, Rias, and Asia! You three are on breakfast duty! The rest of you, get ready for training and deal with the aftermath of breakfast when and if you eat. Everyone is to be fully fed, dressed, and ready for training within the next hour and a half. I don't care if you haven't eaten, if you fell back asleep, or if you're butt-naked in the middle of a shower. In 90 minutes, I'm dragging all of you outside and we're training with whatever we've got!"
"Are you insane? That's nowhere near enough time!" Rias protested.
"Think of this as war. On a battlefield, the enemy won't sit there and wait for you to doll yourselves up. Now, I suggest you come up with something appropriate quickly, or you'll all go hungry. Not to mention, if I were them, I'd be angry at the one who didn't make the food in time, so chop-chop!"
Realizing the seriousness of going into training unfed and half dressed if they took too long to eat and get ready, everyone quickly returned inside with only mumbled complaints.
"If you have time to complain, you'll run out of time to eat! I'm being generous here!" he called after them. "If this keeps up, I'll keep taking time off. 90 minutes is more than enough."
"Don't you think you're being too hard on them? Just because Michael gave you 15 minutes to dress and eat in the morning doesn't mean you have to use his style," Yahweh pointed out as the trainees rushed inside even fast and Issei walked in after them, set to...punish...Yuuma for not waking up with the others. "And war? Really? You've barely been in battles, let alone a war. Don't you think you're overdoing it a bit?"
'Maybe, but I'm training them. What I believe is that you don't know something unless you are capable of teaching it to others. I chose to not allow myself to consider anything mastered in my training unless I was able to teach it to someone in the future, should the situation call for it.'
"Is that why you spent so long on everything? I thought you were just a perfectionist."
'That'd be why,' Issei nodded, opening the door to Yuuma's bedroom with an evil grin. 'Now...if you'll excuse me…'
"Oh, I'm excited for this," Yahweh gave a similar devious grin.
"Yuuma~," he called softly, kneeling next to her bed and putting his best innocent smile on for her to see when she opened her eyes. "Time to wake up, Yuuma."
"Hmm, Issei?" she hummed sleepily, slowly fluttering her eyes open, smiling as soon as she saw his face. "Good morning, Issei."
"Good morning, Yuuma. Do you know why I'm here?" he asked her, a little too sweetly.
"Um…" she started to sweat a bit. "To...to give me a good morning kiss because you love me so much?"
"Oh, if only that was the case, Yuuma dear," Issei sighed before picking her up by a leg and forcing her out of bed, earning a loud yelp of surprise. "But unfortunately it isn't."
"Issei~!" she whined, trying to get out of his hold. "Put me down! This is embarrassing!"
"No kidding! Next time I yell for you to wake up," he ordered, dropping her on the ground with a thunk. "I expect you to wake up with everyone else! This is training week! Save the lovey-dovey mush for after you've kicked that fried chicken's ass! Is that understood?"
"Ow~," Yuuma complained.
"IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?"
"YES, SIR!" she quickly sat up and saluted.
"Good!" He helped her up before giving her what she hoped for. "Good morning. Now go get ready, or you'll have to train people half-dressed and starving."
"Right," she whispered, still dazed from his aggressive wake-up call and morning kiss.
"You got lucky. If this happens again, the sweet half won't happen," he winked before walking out of the room.
{Line Break}
"Well, it looks like you managed to finish in time," Issei nodded approvingly at his line of trainees. "If I'm honest with you, I expected one of you to be missing a shirt, one to have the bedhead that I had the...pleasure...of seeing this morning, and another to have missed breakfast. Good work. Especially you, Xenovia. I suppose the rumors about Griselda weren't exaggerated. You seem rather used to this."
"You have no idea…" the bluenette shivered slightly.
"If you expected us to not have enough time, why did you give us so little?" Katase complained.
"Because, I'd rather prefer it if the people who I consider important to me stay alive and relatively unhurt," he informed them, before smirking. "That is, of course, unless I'm the one to hurt you."
A groan ran out among the group. "Pfff, this is the best," Yahweh laughed.
"Alright! As I said before, there are seven of you I need to make less pathetic; Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Katase, Asia, and Xenovia. Some of you are decent, others not so much. By the time I'm through, you'll stand more than a fighting chance against Riser and his gaggle of girlie gamblers."
"Gamblers?"
"It fits the alliterative theme!" Issei shot back. "Anyway, now it's time for a warm-up. Your stamina is most likely horrible. As clichè as this will sound, I want you all to run. Run as fast or as slow as you want, I don't care. All I care about is that each of you runs along the circle I laid out for you that goes around the entire property and you complete said circle ten times."
"TEN TIMES?" several yelled in complaint.
"Issei! The perimeter of this property is a mile!" Rias told him. "That's a ten-mile run!"
"What's your point?" Issei shrugged. "A ten-minute mile is average for a human, so this should take you under two hours if you were hopeless. I could give you a time limit if you want-"
"NO!"
"I think it's more than reasonable. But, as they say, a good leader shouldn't ask his subordinates to do anything he isn't willing to do themselves. I have to talk with Yuuma about a few things and that should take around twenty minutes, but I think I can probably run this whole thing before you all are done your second time around."
"Aren't you exaggerating just a little?" Kiba asked, slightly warily. "I'm a knight and it would take me at least half an hour to run ten miles, though I would barely be able to move afterward."
"That's part of the challenge," Issei said, lining up with the rest of them. "Everyone will do every bit of training I assign to them, all of which you are more than capable of doing. If you overexert yourself, it'll just hurt worse later. That, or you'll pass out, and end up with less sleep because you'll have to do the training when you wake up."
"I thought you said you trained with him before." Asia looked at Katase nervously. "Is he always like this?"
Katase just gulped and nodded her head. "You have no idea."
"Issei, what am I supposed to do?" Yuuma asked.
"Run as fast as you can until I finish. Then you'll stop and we can chat about what you've learned," Issei told her, stretching a little as he prepared to run. "Alright, just a reminder, no magic, demonic power, wings, or teleportation. Everyone ready?"
"NO!"
"Good! BEGIN!" Issei threw a light-magic-encased fist into the ground causing a miniature explosion, signifying the start to the warmup.
Fifteen minutes later, Issei crossed the line for the tenth time, breathing slightly hard. "Phew! Now that was a workout!"
"Not really," Yahweh shrugged.
'Yeah, you've got a point,' Issei chuckled as he waited for Yuuma to finish her sixth lap, while everyone else was on their fourth.
"How are you that fast?" Yuuma asked, breathing harder than Issei, but still relatively composed.
"Training," he smirked. "Now, are you gonna stand there, or are you gonna come help your favorite angel torment-I mean-train some peerage warriors?"
"Maybe I should have looked into this side of you before pledging my undying love," Yuuma shivered slightly.
"Aww, don't be like that," he winked, kissing her on the cheek before tossing her over his shoulder and walking off. "You love every part of me. It's time to make sure you all survive!"
Yuuma giggled. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
{Line Break}
"Well, that certainly took long enough!" Issei informed the panting and exhausted trainees in front of him. "Ten miles in an hour! Come on, is that it?"
"Issei...do you...understand...how fast...that is…?" Katase panted from the ground. "That takes...humans...over an hour...and a half…"
"Alright, point taken. All humans, please raise your hands," Issei requested. "Seeing none, it appears your point is invalid."
"Ass…" she grumbled.
"An effective one. Now, take this opportunity to breathe and or stretch while I explain what you'll be doing. I won't repeat myself, so you'd better listen closely!" Issei ordered, snapping his finger to create a large magic circle behind him, summoning several human-shaped figures. "I pulled more than a few strings to set this up, so I expect 100% from everyone! Rias, you're in charge, so I expect even more from you!"
"More than 100% is a mathematical impossibility," Yahweh pointed out.
"Yeah? And so is teleporting a bunch of trainers for Angels and Devils. What's your point?" Yahweh did not respond. "That's what I thought. That said; Rias! You're up first!"
"Right," she nodded tiredly.
"This was also my biggest favor. I had to pull out the big guns. Your trainer will be Archangel Michael," Issei gestured the blonde man forward.
"It's good to meet you, Rias," he nodded politely.
"Lord Michael?" Xenovia gasped.
"Doesn't he have to run Heaven?" Yuuma asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"I pulled more than a few strings," Issei shrugged. "Besides, this is only for today."
"Right…"
"Anyway. Rias, you're the leader. Your team could outskill theirs tenfold and you could still lose if you're a bad leader. Good leaders inspire those under them. Good leaders are worthy to follow. Good leaders make good decisions. I want you to be a great leader. So, I gave you the best leader I could think of. The leader of Heaven."
"Right…" she nodded dumbly.
"Michael will be molding you into that leader. Scenario and strategy training, how to inspire your followers, what is expected of you, and how to become a powerhouse worthy of being followed. You have a different trainer the rest of the week who will work with you on your strength and stamina, but for today, Michael is training your mind. You need to have the mindset of a leader. That's why Michael is here."
"And he doesn't mind that-"
"That you're a devil?" Michael smiled pleasantly. "No, my dear. Ever since Issei came around, we've really begun to care less about the faction boundaries. He asked a favor of me, and for such a worthy cause, I would be remiss if I were not to assist you."
"Well? Get going then!" Issei barked.
"You heard him," Michael chuckled. "Follow me."
"Next up! Akeno!" Issei gestured again. "Your trainer for the week; Dulio Gesualdo. Heaven's Joker and the wielder of Zenith Tempest. You're a lighting user, Dulio uses all of the elements. I expect great things."
"Nice to meet you," Dulio waved, munching on an apple. "You ready to do this?"
"I am," she nodded confidently, following him.
"Koneko! Brutal little bugger you are," he chuckled at her glare. "Hard to find you a good meathead, but I did find one. This is Dima Kuznetsov, the bull yokai."
"She small," he spoke in a very bold and harsh accent, likely hailing from a Slavic nation. He was a titan of a man, with massive muscles rippling from his arms, legs, and chest. Dima was dressed in an army uniform with a buzz cut and had a horn coming out from either side of his forehead. "This is girl I train?"
"That's her," Issei nodded. "She may not look like much, but this little pipsqueak can punch through cement walls."
"Hmm," he hummed gruffly, stroking his chin. "Very well. I shall train. Come, small one. Let us make you strong."
"I'm working with him?" she asked flatly.
"You are," Issei nodded. "Dima's from Russia. I met him on a training mission there. He trains the bull yokai. Hell, his name literally means 'strong fighter.'"
"I strongest fighter in all of motherland!" Dima announced proudly.
"So, good luck with him."
Koneko sighed but followed after the monster of a man. It was a little comical, honestly. A short, barely five-foot tall girl being trained by what looked more like a tank in human form. Actually...that's more creepy than comical, but it was what worked for his training.
"I'm next!" Yuuma volunteered.
"I was getting to you," Issei sighed. "Xenovia. You're with Yuuma. Your strength and skill with a sword is phenomenal, however, you have no Angel skills whatsoever, and, because of how large your swords are, your speed is...abysmal."
"Oh, it's not that bad. Lighten up a bit, Issei," Yuuma scolded. "Basically, I'll teach you all the light magic you'll need to know and practice making you fast enough to keep up with the knights from devil peerages."
"That makes sense," Xenovia nodded. "Shall we begin?"
"Yep!" Yuuma happily replied, turning to walk away.
"Not even gonna say hello?" came another female voice in slight amusement.
"GRISELDA?" Xenovia shouted in surprise.
"Good luck with your training," she gave a wave. "Don't slack off or I'll have you transferred to me."
"Yes, ma'am!" she saluted and hurried off.
"Well, there goes that surprise," he sighed. "Should have brought you one at a time. Anyway, since you're here already, Griselda is next. Kiba, you're with her. You're a speed demon, yes, but you bruise like an overripe banana. Griselda will toughen you up so you're not quite so...squishy."
"I look forward to working with you," Kiba bowed respectfully and walked forward.
"You say that now, kid, but I don't expect you to be able to say much of anything by the end of the day," she grinned evilly, leading him off.
"Alright, so, Asia and Katase are the only two left. Asia, I think you'll like your trainer a lot."
"Greetings," another blonde male walked forward and waved. "My name is Raphael."
"ANOTHER ARCHANGEL?" Katase shouted in surprise.
"Yup. I'm good," Issei grinned darkly. "That blonde is as good as fried."
"Scary…" Yahweh shivered.
"Asia, you're not a fighter. It's a simple fact."
"I know…" she said quietly, looking down sadly.
"Hey, don't give that look," he walked towards her and crouched down, meeting here gaze and smiling. "Being a fighter isn't everything. I don't know if I want you to be a fighter. You're the gentlest and kindest person I've ever met. Fighting is the opposite of that."
"But if I can't fight...I'm not useful…"
"That's not true at all. That's why you're working with Raphael. You were given a gift by Yahweh's system, the gift of Twilight Healing. Your healing power rivals the top healers in the world, it's magnificent. Raphael is going to take you to the next level. That's your purpose, Asia. Healing. Helping others. I want you to be even better than you already are and I know you can."
"You think so?" she asked hopefully.
"I know so, ok? I don't want to see any more self-doubt or worry about how you fit in. I don't put just anyone into my Brave Saints, you know. I chose you, not to hope you'd be a warrior one day, but because you aren't. Your talents lie outside the frontlines. And their job is even more important."
"I'll do my best," she nodded, having a bit more confidence than before.
"That's the spirit!" Issei ruffled her head lightly and lightly shoved her towards Raphael. "Now, go become the healer you can be!"
"We'll head towards the lake," Raphael informed her, leading the blonde alongside him.
"And, last, but certainly not least," Issei turned. "Katase."
"Am I with you?"
"No, I'll be around helping everyone throughout the day," he told her. "I got you someone more...unique. Being owed a favor by the Lord can really influence decisions, you know? Plus, I've been thinking of ideas ever since we started talking about Riser."
"So...who is it then?"
"That would be me," a new male voice spoke. He was slightly older, appearing to be in his late fifties or early sixties, and he walked with a wooden walking stick. Over his body, he wore red, traditional Japanese robes and loose-fitting green pants, leading to his traditional Japanese sandals. "My name is Minamoto no Yoshitsune."
"Minamoto," Issei continued. "Was a military leader of the Minamoto clan in the late 12th century. His immense success caught the attention of the Shinto pantheon, who immortalized him. He is one of the most legendary samurai of all of history, easily fighting off the supernatural with his katana, Dojikiri Yasutsuna, christened as a legendary blade upon slaying Shutendouji, a great Ogre general."
"Wow…" Katase breathed out in awe. "But...why is he...so…"
"Old?" The man chuckled. "I'm no longer a fighter, young one. Simply a trainer. I shall do my utmost to make you worthy of using the blade young Issei has told me you wield. Kogarasu Maru, a personal favorite of mine."
"Follow his instruction and you should be in the footsteps of the greats," Issei nodded. "Hopefully, this will make up for my lacking in swordsmanship. Now. GET GOING!"
"Come, young one. We have much to do," the older man said, walking off into the distance with Katase hurrying in behind him.
"I love my job," Issei sighed.
I hope you liked that chapter! I'm quite proud of it, myself, and I'm super excited to get to the actual training itself. I had to do a bit of research for this, between a Russian character, a katana trainer, and the Yali. If you're confused about anything, feel free to ask me, or try googling it. All the information I found can be found doing a brief amount of research on the topic. Issei's familiar will be AWESOME and I am MORE than excited to unveil it. And Tiamat's prisoner? I look forward to seeing if anyone figures out what it is.