Firstly, in response to last chapter… you guys honestly overwhelmed me. When I wrote the Issei/Irina scene, I had no idea it would be so well received. I thought it was good, maybe even a little bit cheesy, but you all seemed to really love it… All of your praise made me feel very proud as a writer and I really hope I can keep living up to, and surpassing, all of your expectations. It has actually made me a little worried though, as I'm also going to try for a big Issei/Irina scene in the next chapter of Heart of a Dragon, and now you guys have really put the pressure on. Only time will tell I suppose.

Now though, to kick things off for this chapter. I know some of you have been waiting for some action and it will be coming… in a chapter or two. Sorry for the continued waiting, but I really need to set the scene of the Issei-Rias fallout in proper detail, before I can move on. Things are going to start heating up really soon plot wise though, the beginnings of which are foreshadowed in this chapter.

Changing topic, I have one exam left to go and it is only three days away, after which, I'm going to pull a mammoth writing spree, just like I did during my last break. This time though, I'll pace myself and instead of updating every day, will update every second or third day, so I don't completely grind my wrists and fingers to dust, like I was close to last time.
The funny thing though, is that I have not written a single thing this whole month (barring the author notes to my chapters before uploading). Every chapter I've put up this month, has been pre-written last month.

Anyway, I went into great detail about my situation on my latest chapter of Heart of a Dragon, but to summarise, please support me on if you can, so I don't have to take a hiatus from writing. I already have three very generous patrons, who I am immensely thankful to, as just between them alone, I'm already about 10% of the way to my goal. The link to my page is on my profile page.

While I've mentioned Heart of a Dragon, if you remember during my lemon with Issei and Kuroka in this story, I mentioned that I held back a lot. However, given the response so far, I will do another lemon, this time, for Heart of a Dragon, and as I said I would, I will make this one extremely detailed, for comparisons between the two, to allow you all to decide just how in-depth you want my lemons to be.
Obviously I haven't written it yet, still having an exam to go, but it will most likely be up some time late next week, or early the week after. Although, who knows how many lemons I will do in a row: one, two three, seventeen (it won't be seventeen). I've also been thinking about a few limes here and there, which I will also test out in Heart of a Dragon, which will have implications for all my other stories.

That's really all I have to say, other than enjoy the chapter.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'

"Ddraig thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Chapter 8 – Enemies Tell No Lies

Issei woke up with a smile on his face as he hopped out of bed. Things were getting better once again. Irina and Xenovia had both been forgiven and had both showed true devotion to him. He felt tingly inside, just remembering how things went with Irina. He was really glad his childhood friend was back on his side. Walking into the bathroom, Issei turned on the hot water for the shower and once it was at a good temperature, stepped in. After showering, he grabbed a towel and dried off his body, before wrapping it around his waist and grabbed another one to wipe his face, standing in front of the mirror. Wiping the last bit of moisture off, he used it to wipe the mirror down to have a look at himself.

As he pulled the towel away, he flinched.

'Aw, what's the matter, not happy to see me?' Said the woman in the mirror.

'What do you want? Haven't you done enough?' Growled Issei hatefully, staring at the visage of Raynare, his constant source of torment.

'Me? What have I done? I never hurt you, little Issei.' Cooed Raynare.

Issei growled, barring his teeth.

'What's the matter? Are you still upset you never got to feel my boobs? Is that it?' Teased Raynare.

Issei clenched his fist.

'Or maybe, you're just upset because deep down, you know that all of those girls… are just like me.' Said Raynare darkly.

Issei's fist shot out and smashed the mirror, cracking it heavily and leaving a hole in the middle, but he could still see Raynare's face around it.

'Will you die for me?'

-line break-

Issei suddenly sat up sharply in bed.

'Damn bitch.' Grumbled Issei in annoyance, before feeling two mounds press against his back.

'Nya, was it the crow again?' Asked Kuroka curiously, as she draped her arms around Issei.

'Yeah.' Muttered Issei, relaxing his right fist that he had unknowingly clenched.

'You know, no matter what she did, you'll always have me.' Purred Kuroka comfortingly.

'Yeah.' Muttered Issei, relaxing a little more.

'That's better. Besides who cares about her, or even them for that matter?' Questioned Kuroka.

'…You know, you can't fool me.' Said Issei quietly.

'Hmm? What do you mean?' Asked Kuroka curiously.

'I know you want to fix things with Ko-Shirone.' Said Issei.

'I know, but I don't want to hurt you either.' Agreed Kuroka.

'No matter what she did to me, she is your sister. The love for a sibling is something to cherish.' Said Issei quietly.

'As is the love for a loved one.' Added Kuroka.

'I know…' Said Issei, before going quiet.

'Well, how'd things go yesterday? I came by here late at night and felt the presence of an angel that wasn't you.' Questioned Kuroka.

'Xenovia and I patched things up. After that, I came here, where Irina was waiting and we fixed things between us as well, maybe even more than that.' Recounted Issei.

'Oh, is that so? Do I have competition?' Joked Kuroka.

'No, the pieces of my heart you two hold are both very different. Irina was my childhood friend, before even all this, and you accepted me for who I am, even if it was also for your own ambitions… and took my virginity.' Said Issei seriously.

'Hmm, that makes it sound like you and I don't have a deep emotional connection at all.' Said Kuroka, with a frown, only for Issei to turn his head and kiss her.

'You also love me and I love you, even if it is rather new.' Added Issei.

'That's more like it.' Smiled Kuroka, before giving Issei another kiss.

'Thank God it's Friday. Oops, sorry about that.' Said Issei, with a deep sigh, before apologising to Kuroka, when he felt her wince.

'Well, you are an angel I suppose, I'll learn to deal with it.' Said Kuroka, with a wry grin.

'Yeah, I'll try to be careful though… but now I need to go to school.' Said Issei, as he tried to get up, only for Kuroka to swiftly move in front of him and sit in his lap.

'Are you sure you don't want to do something else first?' Cooed Kuroka, looking at Issei with half lidded eyes.

Issei picked up the amorous Nekoshou and put her on the bed, before getting up and heading to the shower.

Kuroka pouted as Issei left her there and heard him turn on the water. She was about to leave, before Issei popped his head back in the bedroom.

'Well? Are you coming or what?' Asked Issei teasingly, before disappearing again.

Kuroka gave a Cheshire-like smirk, before following after Issei.

-line break-

Issei walked into his classroom, with a small smile on his face and sat down at his desk, content.

'What are you so happy about?' Asked Motohama suspiciously.

'Eh, the usual.' Replied Issei.

'Usual? What would that be?' Queried Matsuda.

Issei merely smirked, causing his two perverted friends to fume.

'Damn you Issei!' They both shouted, to which Issei laughed.

'Morning Issei! How are you today?' Asked a very chipper Irina, as she stood to the left of Issei's desk.

'Morning Irina, how's my best childhood friend doing?' Replied Issei, causing Irina to beam.

'Great. The Lord's presence is very strong today.' Replied Irina happily.

'I'm glad.' Said Issei, with a nod and small smile, enjoying Irina's presence significantly more than previously.

'So how are you Issei?' Asked Irina curiously.

'Will you die for me?'

Issei flinched for the barest of moments, but Irina noticed it.

'Are you still thinking about… the past?' Questioned Irina, with a small frown.

Issei's expression soured for a moment, before he felt Irina place her hand on his shoulder.

'It's okay Issei.' Said Irina, before leaning closer to Issei.

'I'll never leave your side again.' Whispered Irina softly, while giving Issei a beautiful smile.

Issei returned her smile once she leant back.

'Thanks Irina, I needed that.' Confessed Issei, which only caused his childhood friend's smile to grow.

'Any time. What are friends for?' Remarked Irina, before taking her seat to the immediate left of Issei.

Turning back to the front, Issei was greeted to the sour expressions of Matsuda and Motohama.

'Another beautiful girl Issei! Don't you already have one, stop hogging them all.' Complained Motohama.

'At the very least, share some with us.' Added Matsuda, with Motohama nodding in agreement.

'No!' Said Issei in annoyance, standing up from his chair and slamming his hands against his desk.

'If you want girls, get them yourselves! You both have traits that girls find desirable such as athleticism and intelligence, but instead, do nothing but watch stupid porn all the time!' Shouted Issei, getting Motohama and Matsuda to gasp, and quite a few girls in the class to look at him in shock.

'Did Hyoudou just say porn was stupid?' Muttered a girl to her nearest neighbour.

'Blasphemy!' Shouted the two perverts.

'Yeah, well here is what I think about your stupid porn!' Said Issei, as he stepped over to Irina and grasped her face.

'Issei, what are you do*mmph*' Started Irina, only to be cut off mid-word, as Issei leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.

The class gaped at Issei's brazen actions, while Matsuda and Motohama looked like they had just been stabbed.

Issei decided to be slightly more adventurous in his kissing this time, and gently pushed his tongue into Irina's mouth, who allowed it after a brief moment. Irina moaned into the kiss, not caring that she was currently making out with her previously perverted and loathed by most, childhood friend, in the middle of their classroom, filled with their fellow students. To her, there was only Issei and herself at that moment.

After a full thirty seconds of tongue jousting, Issei pulled back and spared a moment to look at Irina lovingly, before turning back to his former perverted brothers.

'And that's why your porn is stupid, it pales in comparison to a real woman.' Declared Issei, before sitting back down with a smile, looking over to Irina, who had now regained herself and was blushing slightly, under the gazes of her fellow classmates.

'Well, I suppose you're feeling better now.' Commented a new arrival to the class.

Issei followed the voice and saw Xenovia with her usual stoic expression.

'Yeah, I guess I am.' Said Issei, giving Xenovia a smile as well.

Xenovia then pulled out a condom and looked at Issei.

'Too soon?' Asked Xenovia curiously, while the rest of the class looked at her in shock.

'A little.' Chuckled Issei, to which Xenovia nodded before placing the condom back… wherever it was she got it from.

As Xenovia went to take her seat, the teacher finally showed up just as the bell rang and class got under way.

-line break-

After a rather normal day of class, during which Issei spent a fair bit of time zoning off in thought, the day was over. Gathering his things and getting ready to leave, Issei was accosted by the two former exorcists, turned supernatural beings.

'Issei, can I come over now?' Asked Irina eagerly.

'I too would like to continue spending time with you for now.' Added Xenovia, with a nod.

'Sure, why not?' Said Issei happily, after which the three left.

In the classroom that the trio had just vacated, a certain green eyed blonde was looking down at her lap unhappily.

"Issei…" Thought Asia sadly, before grabbing her things and heading to the Club Room.

-line break-

As the two angels and devil neared the front gate of their school, another blonde, this one possessing blue eyes, was waiting for Issei, who stopped to listen to the figure.

'I-Issei, may I speak with you?' Asked Ravel timidly, a little surprised at seeing her romantic interest walking with two people, which he had previously denounced.

'Hmm, sure. Is it quick?' Asked Issei, with a raised eyebrow.

'Not particularly.' Answered Ravel.

'In that case, follow me, we can discuss whatever it is at my new house.' Said Issei coolly, as he started walking again, now with three people following him.

As the newly formed quartet left the school, a pair of violet eyes were staring at Issei's back intently.

"I don't know how yet, but I'm not letting the one man who accepted me for who I truly am, get away from me." Thought Akeno determinedly.

-line break-

As the group neared Issei's apartment, Issei quickly used his newly acquired Senjutsu prowess to sense if Kuroka was there. After a moment, he confirmed she had returned back to wherever her group was, which Issei actually still didn't know.

As the foursome finally reached Issei's room in the apartment block… which he owned alone, he let his three guests in, who all sat on his couch while he stood.

'So, what's up Ravel?' Asked Issei casually, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall behind him, staring at his guests.

'Well, my mother would actually like to speak with you. I am not sure what for, although I do have my suspicions.' Said Ravel succinctly.

'I see.' Said Issei, rubbing his chin in thought.

'Well, if that's the case, I'd be happy to, maybe I'll be able to track down Sairaorg and have that fight with him.' Said Issei thoughtfully.

'If you'd like, I could set up the necessary preparations for you and alert Sairaorg Bael of your intentions.' Said Ravel quickly.

'Really? That would be great Ravel, thanks.' Said Issei, giving the phoenix a genuine smile, which made her heart flutter.

'O-of course, it is only natural you take advantage of such a skilled organiser such as I.' Said Ravel, with fake haughtiness.

'Hmm, if that's the case, how would you feel about helping me deal with all my Oppai Dragon stuff? To be honest, aside from changing where the money is going, a lot of the other organisational stuff goes right over my head, I could use your help if it wouldn't be any trouble.' Asked Issei modestly.

'I would be more than happy to.' Replied Ravel, which caused Issei to smile once again.

'Thank you Ravel, I'll truly be in your debt for this. It was a nightmare just doing the transfer.' Said Issei humbly, before letting out a chuckle towards the end.

'Leave it all to me, I will be the best manager ever.' Declared Ravel proudly.

'Alright. In that case, if Sairaorg is free, I'll come to the underworld tomorrow, considering it is the weekend.' Said Issei, getting an attentive nod from Ravel.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door. Feeling the presence of a certain annoying fallen angel, Issei frowned.

'What do you want Azazel?' Shouted Issei, loud enough for the faction leader to hear him.

'May I come in?' Asked Azazel through the door.

'If you are alone, sure.' Said Issei, after which the fallen angel entered.

'You have company… interesting company at that.' Commented Azazel, looking over the three sitting on his couch.

'What do you want?' Asked Issei tiredly.

'Well, it isn't so much what I want… rather, what someone else wants... it is rather sensitive information right now, so I will only say that someone not directly allied with us wants to meet with you.' Said Azazel.

'Why do I get the feeling that you are leaving a rather crucial piece of information out?' Asked Issei, with narrowed eyes.

'Come now, you must know I would never do that.' Chuckled Azazel, but it didn't fool Issei.

'*sigh* I can't say who this person is, only that they do have a rather high standing in the world.' Said Azazel truthfully.

'I… see…' Said Issei slowly.

'Well, that's all I had to say for now, see you around.' Said Azazel, before leaving.

'So, anything you guys want to do now?' Asked Issei curiously.

'Not particularly, since you said it is too soon for us to make a baby.' Said Xenovia, getting both Irina and Ravel to widen their eyes.

'Xenovia! You are still too forward!' Exclaimed Irina.

'S-such improper behaviour.' Commented Ravel appearing affronted.

'Any other suggestions?' Asked Issei.

After a brief pause, Issei proposed an idea.

'Well, we could always head to the underworld now. Maybe Sairaorg is free and I can have the fight now, as well as seeing whatever Lady Phoenix wants.' Suggested Issei.

'Well I don't mind, but is it a good idea for two angels to come to the underworld?' Asked Xenovia.

'True, such a movement could cause discontent, especially since some are disgruntled that the Red Dragon has now… defected… to Heaven. They may try something, if not against you, possibly against Irina.' Said Ravel hesitantly.

'That's fine. Anyone who tries to fight me will understand why you shouldn't provoke those who can use your weakness against you… and if anyone tries to touch Irina, I'll smite them where they stand.' Said Issei calmly, before growling towards the end.

Irina's heart soared at this, with Ravel and Xenovia both hoping no one actually tried anything.

'Very well then, we can head off at once.' Said Ravel, as she stood up and motioned for the rest of them to gather, before utilising a special magic circle, which could carry all types of supernatural creatures to the underworld.

-line break-

The four reappeared outside the Phoenix manor. While Xenovia, Irina and Issei glanced around in interest, Ravel walked up to the gates and spoke with the guard stationed there. After a brief conversation, the gates opened and Ravel gestured for the three to follow her.

'Any problems?' Asked Issei curiously, as he examined the land of the Phoenix clan.

'No, there was some hesitancy at your presence, but my assurance was enough to dissuade any ill thoughts towards you and Irina.' Replied Ravel succinctly.

As the quartet entered the manor, Irina and Xenovia looked around in surprise, while Issei simply raised an eyebrow.

'It… is very lavish.' Commented Issei, seeing enough gold to buy a continent in the hallway alone.

The ceiling was very high, easily more than ten metres above ground level. The hallway was expansive, so much so, that it felt as though it was a room by itself. Dozens of phoenix statutes made out of pure gold were placed every few metres, somehow able to remain solid, even with the brightly burning flames within the mouth of each sculpture.

'Yes, well, it has been built upon by generations of Phoenix clan members. Some of the fixtures in the building are older than the current Satans and some are only as old as you. The phoenix deals with regeneration from the ashes and this is reflected in the design of the structure.' Explained Ravel.

'Come, I will show the two of you around after I alert my mother. Issei, please remain here for someone to take you to mother.' Requested Ravel, before leading Irina and Xenovia away.

Issei stood there in silence, merely examining the luxurious hallway in interest.

After a minute had passed, Issei's guide arrived and it was certainly not someone he was expecting.

'Hello, Red Dragon, we meet again.' Said Riser, one of Ravel's older brothers and someone who Issei had beaten the stuffing out of in the past.

'How are you Riser? I recall you had been traumatised by me somewhat.' Queried Issei blankly.

Riser grimaced at the reminder of his past, before moving past it.

'In any case, I will take you to mother, please follow me.' Said Riser, before turning on his heel, with Issei following.

As the two walked, only the sound of their light footfalls was heard. The tension was rather heavy between the two for different reason. Eventually, Riser broke the silence.

'I realise this is personal, but I am curious and given the state of things, I do believe I have some personal stake in this as well.' Started Riser, before Issei interjected.

'Let me guess, you want to know what happened with Gremory, right?' Questioned Issei, getting Riser to stop momentarily and face Issei, before walking off again.

'Gremory… how odd, such a cold manner of speaking.' Commented Riser.

'Cold? Hardly.' Scoffed Issei.

'This being a woman you nearly killed yourself for… I find it hard to believe you would act like this.' Said Riser.

'Ah, how surprising. Even you could see what she couldn't, hilarious.' Droned Issei.

At this point Riser stopped walking completely and turned to face Issei.

'What do you mean? What can I see that she couldn't?' Questioned Riser in genuine confusion.

'Riser, you saw how hard I fought for Gremory, both during the rating game and in our battle of single combat. Why do you think I would go so far? Risk utter destruction. Sacrifice parts of my body permanently. Place my own being into danger the likes of which, could end with my utter eradication. What do you think that means?' Asked Issei, as he stopped walking as well.

'Well, initially, I thought you were merely fighting your hardest due to the famed Gremory kindness and that it was that which motivated you to push yourself to your limits.' Began Riser.

'And what did you think it was afterwards?' Questioned Issei.

'Lust at first… but then I thought to myself, that is what motivated me which she found revolting.' Answered Riser honestly.

'Towards the end though, right before you defeated me, I saw something different… love.' Finished Riser.

'I see… you saw that I loved her at that point… now, imagine me doing so over and over again, numerous times, each time, coming closer and closer to death. Tell me, don't you think that she should have realised I loved her by then?' Asked Issei darkly.

'She did though.' Said Riser, before noticing Issei's stony expression.

'Didn't she?' Finished Riser.

'No. She didn't. The spoilt princess that is Rias Gremory, only thought of her own needs and desires. Her lowly pawn, one who literally sacrificed limb to protect her interests, was chided for not understanding her and not being able to show his love to her. Apparently, nearly dying on multiple occasions just to keep as smile on someone's face, is not proof of one's love to another. I honestly think you are the lucky one, Riser. Despite it all, you never had you heart toyed with and broken to pieces by a woman you loved and would give your life for. Now though… if she was to express her undying love to me… I'd laugh in her face.' Said Issei calmly.

'Will you die for me?'

'She is a true devil.' Growled Issei unhappily.

Riser was momentarily speechless and so, resumed walking, leading Issei once more, who promptly followed.

Eventually, the duo reached a set of ornate double doors, easily three metres in height. Riser placed his hand against the door handle and prepared to open it, only to pause.

'No matter what happens or is said in there… please take care of my sister, Issei. As someone who understands heartbreak, please don't cause her the same and if you do not reciprocate her feelings, please be gentle with her.' Said Riser, before opening the door and gesturing for Issei to enter alone.

Issei walked passed Riser and entered the room. As Riser made to close the door, he heard Issei mutter one last thing.

'I swear it.' Whispered Issei, before the doors shut behind him.

Riser stared at the closed doors for a moment, before walking off

"Thank you, Issei Hyoudou." Thought Riser, as he walked off, to go and check up on his sister.