Chapter 5 Devil Business

I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I used from other animes.

(Kuoh Academy)

As Issei made his way towards the ORC, he couldn't help but reflected on what ended up being an extremely interesting first part of the day. It turns out that in addition to joining Ravel's peerage, Xuelan was also transferring to Kuoh and ended up being a second year in his class. Much to his joy, their class had gym that day and Issei got to see both Xuelan and the older Ravel's bodies in bloomers which gave him great joy. His enjoyment was noticed by a very jealous Katase and since Issei and her just so happened to be putting away the gym supplies that day, he enjoyed a very heated makeout session in the gym supply room with her to get her to focus on him again. Unfortunately for the pair, Katase's best friend Murayama noticed they were taking too long to get done and barged in on the pair in the middle of said session. Instead of getting angry Murayama wanted in and soon he was making out with Murayama as well and Issei was in heaven. He was pretty sure had the bell for class not rung loudly, he would've been able to add Murayama to his growing list of lovers.

Arriving at the ORC at last, he was met by the delicious sight of Xuelan in a brand new outfit. It was a dark blue sleeveless blouse that hugged her body incredibly well along with a pair of blue hot pants and black leggings with some tennis shoes to complete the ensemble. Sure it wasn't the incredibly erotic Chinese dress she usually sported but it was still a wonderful choice, "I'm glad you could make it Issei. I assumed your buddies are the reason you're late." Ravel snorted turning her focus towards her instead of Xuelan.

"Something like that" Issei smiled. Issei decided to walk with Matsuda and Motohama for a bit after class and was amused to discover that they weren't going peeping since the kendo club hole was gone. Considering what Murayama told him the other day and their makeout session after gym, it was pretty clear why the hole was there.

"Well you might as well sit and relax since we're going to be meeting with the other devils in the school today" Ravel frowned as she had to go over some paperwork.

"Alright" Issei nodded as he sat down on the couch opposite of Koneko and Asia.

Akeno returned with the tea before taking a place on Ravel's right side and smiling as they awaited what was to come. After a few minutes, the door opened and in walked the student council. There were quite a few beauties in the group but Issei was more interested in the white haired Momo Hanakai. He couldn't help but wonder why Sona sent her of all people back when she was trying to investigate him but he would focus on that later. "Hello there Ravel. I see you're getting used to life here in Kuoh." Sona smirked.

"Yes and I must give you and Rias credit. This is far more annoying than I ever imagined it would be." Ravel replied bitterly.

"Yes, but enough pleasantries since we are here for business." Sona said with a frown.

"Of course" Ravel replied calmly before turning to her new members. "Issei Asia, this is Sona Sitri and the student council. They are the other devils in charge of Kuoh and admittedly they've been taking care of more of Rias's duties since I needed some time to get used to matters." Ravel replied before focusing towards them.

"Hello" Asia said with a smile.

"Yo" Issei replied nonchalantly. His indifference was clearly noticed by one member of the group.

"Show some respect pervert." The one male of the group said angrily. Genshirou Saji was a young man with short brown hair and grey eyes.

Issei simply rolled his eyes and decided to put Saji in his place immediately since it was obvious why he was so offended, "Down boy. Everyone knows you want to bone your boss, but this ain't the way to go about it." Issei retorted causing Saji and Sona to blush heavily and the rest of the group to look on in shock.

"Shut up pervert!" Saji screamed angrily his face becoming redder by the minute.

"That wasn't a denial." Issei smiled viciously further burying Saji in the ground.

"Stop teasing the hopeless fool Issei. Between the facts that he has to win a chess match against somebody who's the human equivalent of a grand master, and Sona having a sister who's as obsessed with Sona as your former friends are with boobs the kid has no shot of doing anything." Ravel added further adding to Saji's misery. Saji's face was now all red and Sona now deathly quiet due to her situation being called out and the further confirmation of her pawns feelings.

"Lady Ravel as amusing as this might be. You are trying to work together." Xuelan reminded her even if she was enjoying the moment.

"Sorry about that Xuelan you're right. Now were we Lady Sitri" Ravel smiled though she wasn't sorry at all.

Sona gathered herself from the insane start to the meeting and tried to focus, "Well originally I came to introduce myself to your new servants, but we got sidetracked." Sona frowned. Issei's comments aside, Ravel knew far more about her then she was particularly comfortable with.

"My bad. I saw a bad dog that needed to be punished and I did" Issei said nonchalantly. It was obvious to everyone watching that he didn't mean it.

Sona coughed to return the attention to her before Saji could act again, "Anyway. The familiar forest is open tonight and I was curious if you intended to get a familiar for your new servants." Sona said calmly.

"I wasn't thinking about it, but if Issei or Asia wants one I'll go." Ravel said dismissively.

"What is a familiar" Asia asked innocently.

"Think of it as a magical assistant. It could be an animal or object whose goal is to help you in daily life." Issei answered to the shock of the devils.

"That's correct but I'm surprised you knew that." Sona admitted.

"Familiars are a pretty common thing in video games and I played a lot. I don't personally need one but if Asia wants one I'll go also" Issei said calmly. Now it was on Asia.

"I don't think I'm ready for one yet. A lot has happened and I just want to get used to my new situation." Asia admitted. She had 2 new masters in a short time and she wasn't quite comfortable having something else to take care of.

"Very well then. This was surprisingly simple." Sona replied as she left the room with her peerage not far behind. As the door closed a smiling Akeno finally stopped holding back her feelings.

"Oh man that was priceless. I can't believe you did that to Saji, Issei." Akeno smiled happily.

"Yeah, the poor kid won't be able to look his boss on the face for a while." Ravel acknowledged.

'Well done Issei." Xuelan added.

"Thanks girls, but we have other things to focus on." Issei replied deciding to focus on his devil duties.

"Nope you're actually good for the day Issei." Ravel revealed much to Issei's surprise.

"Okay. I guess I'll see you later" Issei said in confusion as he left the room. Once the door closed, Xuelan looked towards her mistress with curiosity.

"Why are you allowing him this much freedom milady? You know we have actual duties to attend to." Xuelan frowned.

"I'm aware Xuelan. However, allowing Issei to do as he pleases is better for me in the long run." Ravel admitted.

"And why's that?" Xuelan wondered.

"Because allowing Issei to do as he pleases is how I got to this position in the first place. I've barely known him for a month and he's done more for me than I could've ever imagined. He gave me a peerage to call my own, freedom from my brother, and he managed to get you away from Riser as well though I can't do anything about Mihae. Who knows what I'll get if I keep allowing Issei to have his freedom." Ravel smiled. The fact they were lovers wasn't brought up but that was because Ravel was unsure of how he felt. That and unsure of how she felt about him.

"You're good Ravel. You're practically using him even if he isn't aware of it." Akeno smiled.

"Oh Issei is no doubt aware of it. However, he can't complain too much since he's gained quite a bit as well." Ravel smiled aware of his growing relationship with the kendo club girls. When it came time to rein Issei in she would, but for now it was better to allow him free reign.

As for Issei himself he made his way towards the gate ready to go home and relax. He knew Ravel was hiding what was going on from him, but he couldn't complain too much since he was doing as he pleased. To his amusement, Katase was waiting for him at the gate. "Hey there pervert" Katase teased as Katase walked up to him and smiled before wrapping her arms around his waist and planting a kiss on her lips.

"Hey yourself. I'm surprised you got let out of the kendo club so early." Issei smiled. His own early dismissal another matter entirely.

"It worked out that way." Katase smiled.

Issei wasn't going to complain but he decided to have some fun himself, "So what are you up to this weekend?" Issei smiled causing Katase's eyes to widen.

"Why Issei are you asking me out on a date." Katase teased though inside she was thrilled.

"Yes I am. We skipped a step so I want to make up for that" Issei replied with a smile. He could use a little normalcy after everything that happened and a date with Katase would go a long way towards that. Whether they started an actual relationship was another matter entirely.

"2 o' clock at the convention center. You better not be late mister." Katase smiled as the pair kissed again before heading their separate ways. A part of her felt bad for Murayama since both girls liked Issei and allowed him and his buddies to peep in order to show off their bodies, something they put an end to today. She would definitely talk to Issei about adding Murayama later, but for now she would take what she could get.

(Scene Skip)

The day of his date arrived and Issei expected this one to go much better than his one with Yuuma. Issei was in a dark black jacket with a red shirt and black pants with black tennis shoes. An outfit he bought a few days ago along with changing his casual clothes to be mostly red and black as a tribute to Ddraig. "Hopefully this date ends up better than my last one." Issei chuckled.

"Considering your date is definitely human this time I expect so. Though I wonder how the others would feel." Ddraig chuckled in his head.

Issei couldn't help but deadpan at the response, but also chuckled because Ddraig was right on both regards. Katase was very much human and very much liked him considering what already happened. However, the supernatural girls in his life might not react as easily, "Well this should be fun." Issei smiled but he admittedly looked around for a bit wondering if he and any spies. Ironically enough, his answer came in the form of a red bird with yellow streaks landing on his shoulder with a note in its hand. Luckily for him the place was relatively empty so he was able to take the note and read it before the bird flew away.

'Try not to die on this date Issei. Akeno is taking Xuelan and me on a tour of the town so we won't be able to save you if something stupid happens.' Ravel Phenex.

Issei couldn't help but smile at the letter and quickly put it in his pocket before the bird flew away. Around a minute later Katase arrived and Issei was a very happy man, "How do I look Issei?" Katase asked bashfully. She was wearing a blue blouse that was relatively tame and a cream colored skirt along with some simple shoes and a small purse.

"You look amazing." Issei smiled as he reached his hand out to begin their date.

(Scene Skip)

Issei's date with Katase lacked the awkwardness and confusion that came with the quasi-date with Ravel and more or less mirrored what he hoped would happen with Yuuma. It started with the pair getting a burger at a local restaurant before making their way to a video arcade. Issei quickly discovered that Katase was a huge racing game nut and she spent most of her time playing the racing game there and from what he could tell winning. It was a side of Katase that he never saw and admittedly it was a side of her he found refreshing. Of course just like with Ravel, Issei focused his efforts on winning a prize for Katase and after doing so and placing the prize in his pocket went back to see how his date was doing. Unfortunately, her latest opponent was not a pleasant one and the once promising date had soured. "Not bad girlie. How about you and me ditch this place and have some fun." Her latest opponent smiled. He was the type of greasy thug that was sure to cause trouble on a whim. To make matter worse this was the type of guy Katase would have trouble with even if she had her shinai.

"Sorry jerk but you're not my type." Katase scowled.

Knowing that this would only get worse with time, Issei decided to intervene and he hoped that it would end without violence, "Hey babe, I hope this guy isn't bugging you." Issei smiled as he walked up to Katase with a smile on his face.

"I'm fine Issei. Let's ditch this place." Katase scowled before getting up angrily and leaving with Issei much to the guy's annoyance.

Unsurprisingly, the guy followed Katase and Issei for some time and he was always within eyesight of them. "What should we do Issei? There's no telling what this guy will do and I don't have my shinai with me." Katase frowned. They could call the cops but by the time they got involved it could already devolve.

Issei noticed they were nearby the park which was exactly what he needed, "Let's go into the park." Issei smiled.

"But" Katase started to say before Issei silenced her with a kiss.

"Just trust me." Issei said confidently.

"Okay" Katase said nervously as thy moved towards the park. Luckily for him, the guy followed him. Unluckily for him, it looks like he brought a few buddies with him.

"You've done it now buddy. I was just trying to have a little fun but now I'm mad. I guess I'll take it out on you." The guy sneered as he pulled out a knife.

"Katase run" Issei scowled since this was going to be a pain.

"But" Katase said nervously.

"Do it. If I get beat up but you're okay that'll be enough for me?" Issei smiled.

Katase was terrified for Issei but realized that this was the better move. She could outrun these goons for sure but the question was could Issei fight them off. "Okay" Katase said calmly before sprinting away.

"Boss should we go after her." One of the goons said.

"No need. She'll come back anyway." The guy smiled.

Issei couldn't help but smile at the act since it saved him a little effort, "You'll regret that" Issei smiled as he put up his left hand.

"Oh, so you're going to fight back huh. That's good" the main goon smiled.

"Something like that" Issei smiled as the boosted gear manifested. He was going to enjoy this.

(Katase P.O.V)

Once it became clear that the thugs weren't going to follow me, I stopped running and reached into my pocket to call the police. Last time I ran away while Issei took care of the drunk but this was a whole different story. Just as I was about to grab my phone I felt somebody grab my hand and flipped out. "Get away from me." I screamed in a panic.

"Ufufufu somebody's tense." Akeno Himejima of all people said in disbelief.

"I need to call the police. Issei's fighting some thugs in the park back that way." I yelled pointing towards the park.

"Oh relax, Issei can handle himself. If anything I'd be more worried about the thugs." The transfer student Ravel said calmly catching me off guard.

"But" I protested but Akeno looked at me with a smile.

"Come on just trust us." Akeno said again and walked back towards Issei. As confused as I was, I couldn't help but follow since this was odd.

(Scene Skip)

As we walked back I noticed these girls were calm but something else was bothering me. Akeno was one of Kuoh's great ladies and Ravel and Xuelan hadn't been in the school for very long. How could they know Issei and just as importantly how would they know he was okay in a fight against thugs. "How do you girls know Issei?" I asked almost afraid of the answer for multiple reasons. Xuelan Ravel and even Akeno were all prettier than I was and if he knew them, I had to wonder why he was asking me out in the first place. Then we arrived at the clearing and the sight that greeted me was absolutely insane. The four thugs were on the ground and Issei was glistening with sweat and a red gauntlet was on his arm. Wait a minute that wasn't there before and he I'm pretty sure you can't just make stuff appear out of nowhere. At least that's what I thought until the gauntlet just disappeared.

"Good grief." Ravel sighed.

"Uffufufu this isn't good." Akeno chuckled.

As for me, I was stunned by what I saw and I began to faint. The last thing I saw as I slowly passed out was a look of annoyance on Issei's face as he turned around.

(Normal P.O.V)

Issei turned around just in time to find the fainted Katase and the look on his face was one of pure annoyance. "What happened to the tour of the city and why did you bring Katase with you" Issei groaned in annoyance.

"We ran into her by accident and when she mentioned you we followed along. So what are you going to do now Issei? We can erase her memories and pretend that nothing happened, but we both know what the better solution is." Ravel smiled.

Issei mentally cursed because he had a feeling he knew what Ravel was after and he'd be lying if he said it wasn't the right move. "Fine, let's take her to the clubroom." Issei groaned.

"Good boy. Maybe if you're good I'll add her friend Murayama too and you can have even more lovers in my peerage." Ravel smirked before kissing him on the cheek.

"Whatever" Issei deadpanned as Xuelan grabbed Katase. While Akeno did the cleanup Ravel Issei Xuelan and Katase returned to the clubroom.

(Scene Skip)

A groggy Katase opened her eyes after the wild day just to discover that she was on a couch of some sort in a room she didn't recognize. "What happened to me?" Katase groaned as she gathered herself.

"I'm glad you're awake Katase, you had quite the day." A voice chuckled and Katase shot up as everything came back to her. The date with Issei, the attack by the thugs, her running just to be discovered by Akeno and the transfer students, and then going back to see Issei just fine and that red gauntlet on his arm.

"Issei!" Katase exclaimed shooting off the couch in a panicked state.

"Issei is fine Katase. Now sit back down and relax since you and I have quite a bit to discuss." A voice said again and Katase looked around before seeing Ravel Phenex sitting behind a desk.

"What's going on?" Katase asked nervously.

"Please take a seat and I'll tell you." Ravel said once again and Katase reluctantly sat down.

"What's going on and where is Issei?" Katase asked again her nerves mixing with anger.

"Issei is home since I wanted to speak to you personally. This is a matter that concerns you far more than him." Ravel admitted.

Katase realized that something major was going on but she needed to figure out what was going on first, "Where are we?" Katase asked.

"You are at Kuoh Academy in the clubroom for the Occult Research Club, a rather ironic title the more I think about it." Ravel chuckled.

"So what are we doing here and what was that gauntlet I saw on Issei's arm?" Katase questioned. How they got there was another matter since Kuoh was on the opposite side of town and she was pretty sure walking around with an unconscious body would cause some headaches.

Ravel smiled nervously but kept her cool, "How much do you know about the Occult." Ravel asked with a smile.

Katase frowned since she really didn't know much, "Nothing really but what does that have to do with Issei's gauntlet." Katase asked.

"Because the gauntlet is an occult object. When I met Issei, I helped him awaken it and he's used it for multiple purposes since then. Saving you twice, being chief among them." Ravel smiled.

Katase was stunned but in a backwards way it made sense. Issei could barely fight off the kendo club before and now he was taking out a rapist and a group of thugs. Something was off. "So why are you telling me this instead of Issei." Katase said with a hint of annoyance.

Ravel's eyes narrowed as she looked towards Katase the pinkette flinching at the sharp gaze of the Phoenix heiress, "Thanks to you seeing that object, I now have a decision to make. Do I erase your memories of what you've seen and ensure that you'll never know the real Issei no matter how much you two have sex OR do I let you in on the secret and make you stronger than before." Ravel planned.

Katase froze because she had a decision to make, should she forget what she saw and return to a relatively normal life or should she go with what Ravel was suggesting. Either way she could keep her relationship with Issei; though she couldn't help but wonder how Ravel knew about that and what the blonde's relationship with Issei was as well. "What does Issei think I should do?" Katase wondered since she was positive he wouldn't have left without showing his opinion.

Ravel smiled since Katase was thinking about Issei first. She could lie and say Issei approved but that wouldn't help her or Katase in the long run, "I don't know. All I can tell you is that whatever decision you make, Issei's feelings for you won't change." Ravel revealed. Just before sending Issei home he asked her what he thought Katase should do and that's what he said. It was oddly romantic and very typical of Issei.

Katase froze since she didn't know what to do. "Where is Issei right now?" Katase wondered.

"He's back at his house. I assume you want to speak to him before making a decision."

"Yeah" Katase nodded.

"Alright. I'll be waiting here tomorrow for your decision." Ravel said calmly. It wasn't ideal but she was going to go with it.

"Of course" Katase nodded and she went over to Issei's house. There were plenty of thoughts swirling through her head but in the end it was all about Issei and what he felt.

That's it for Chapter 5 and yeah this one was fun. Next chapter Katase goes to see Issei and it's a visit that will change everything for the pair.