Chapter 15 The King's Conundrum
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.
(Ravel P.O.V)
There are certain days that I wonder if I'm cut out for this being a King thing and today was one of those days. Sitting in homeroom, I could barely hide my annoyance at the way the last few days had played out and things were only going to get worse moving forward.
Issei's temper tantrum was understandable, given the wild series of emotions he went through during the battles, but after letting him do as he pleases for so long having to reign him in was just a headache. Momo Hanakai's addition to his growing harem made it even harder for me because now I was forced to deal with my own feelings for my him after seeing the one's she showed for him. Issei made me feel warm and fuzzy there was no doubt about that, but the only time we really spent with one another was when we had sex. Did we have a real relationship outside of sex or was I just looking for somebody to relieve the frustration I felt having to watch my brother have sex with his peerage daily in the middle of puberty? I couldn't answer that question and for the sake of my own sanity, I needed to answer it soon. "Issei Hyoudou" my homeroom teacher announced causing me to frown even more. There was no doubt in my mind he was back at home with his childhood friend having sex and he wouldn't show up until club activities if I was lucky which was a bittersweet thought. All the sudden, the door opened and to my shock Issei walked in.
"Sorry about that professor. I overslept a bit." Issei said bashfully. A quick smell showed that Issei had managed to keep his hands out of his pants for once. Issei sat down at his desk but not before kissing me Murayama Katase and Xuelan on the cheek.
"No kiss for me Issei?" Xenovia asked cheekily much to my surprise.
"Sure, why not" Issei replied before getting up and walking over to the bluenette in order to plant a kiss on her cheek. The blush I saw from her was shocking and a part of me groaned in annoyance since it was yet another girl who was going to join Issei's growing harem in due time.
"Can I continue with homeroom Mr. Hyoudou." The teacher said with a frown on his face.
"Of course." Issei replied and I wondered if this day could get on my nerves more.
"Well class I have good news. Parents day is next week, and I look forward to seeing as many of your parents as possible." The answer to that question was yes and my head collided against the desk in pure annoyance causing the class to chuckle at my expense.
(Scene Skip)
To my admitted surprise, we had a combined gym session with class 1-3 which was surprising for multiple reasons. The main one being that it was the class that had most of the student council as well as Issei's former friends. So, while we ran around the track, Issei sat with his two buddies and just enjoyed the sights.
"You're pretty good." I said to Momo after we finished our race.
"Thanks, it helped that I was showing off for Issei a bit." Momo chuckled causing me to frown.
"Hey Momo, do you mind if I ask you a question?" I asked nervously.
"Of course," Momo replied calmly.
"I don't know how I feel about Issei and I need to know what to do." I admitted. It was embarrassing considering how much we had done.
Momo looked at me with a smile and whispered, "When was the last time you guys had sex." It was done in a whisper, so nobody heard us, but it was still embarrassing.
"It was during the Kokabiel incident. I dragged Issei into the storage room so we could have some fun. It's kind of our go to way to… be with Issei" I admitted.
"So wait… you girls…" Momo said in shock.
"Have sex with him in the storage shed, yeah. It's only when Issei gets paired with one of us which admittedly I do manipulate quite often." I revealed causing her to blush.
"Umm… do you think that…" Momo asked hopefully. I knew what she was going to ask, and I had to reply immediately.
"Sorry but no. It's too late to manipulate things for today." I replied which was true since I didn't bother attempting anything today. I was too distracted by Parents Day.
(Scene Skip)
Rather ironically, Issei was assigned to do the cleaning that day, but he had it with his old buddy Matsuda instead of one of the girls. Knowing that he would simply take care of his duties, I decided to hide on the side of the building and wait until they finished before stealing him away without anybody knowing. Sure enough, Matsuda emerged from the room but not Issei which was a surprise at first. Then it hit me. Issei sensed me nearby and decided to set up a conversation himself. Once Matsuda was out of sight, I moved to the front of the shed and opened the door to see Issei leaning against the back wall with a smile. "You do realize that our little after gym liaisons are only if you're the one doing the work with me. The others have no doubt realized what happened including a no doubt furious Momo." Issei smiled causing me to wince slightly.
"So you heard us huh?" I frowned.
"Dragon's hearing combined with Devils hearing. Of course I did." Issei replied causing me to lose my nerve a bit.
Of course, he heard us and that means he probably knows what I want to ask him. Gathering myself I looked my pawn in the eyes, "If you heard us then I imagine you know why I'm here." I said firmly. Issei's response was to smile as he walked towards me.
"Yes I do and I'm going to answer your question by repeating a very familiar question. When was the last time that you and I had sex?" Issei smiled as he stopped a few inches from me.
I was positive he was joking when he said that, "You idiot. If you heard me with Momo you know the answer. Right before Kokabiel arrived you had sex with me in this very room." I replied angrily.
"That's the wrong answer Lady Ravel." Issei smiled as he reached for my shirt and pulled it over my head effortlessly revealing my bare breasts due to me not wearing a bra.
"What are you" I started to ask before Issei continued to strip me, pulling down my bloomers and leaving me in a pair of pink panties. I was curious what Issei was after so I didn't really freak out and a part of me wondered if he would fuck me.
Issei smiled as he reached for my face and touched it causing me to admittedly shiver, "The body in front of me is a fantastic body and one that I've explored quite a few times since I became a devil. I've enjoyed this bodies delectable breasts and tasty little pussy on many occasions" Issei teased as he groped my breasts and teased my pussy as well.
"What's your point" I blushed wondering what Issei was after and why he wasn't stripping himself.
"You weren't paying attention to what I said were you." Issei smiled.
"So tell me already!" I said angrily. This was getting annoying and I wasn't in the mood for games.
"I've done plenty of things to this body. However, I said nothing about Ravel Phenex." Issei smiled causing me to twitch heavily.
"That makes no sense Issei" I countered but Issei silenced me with a quick kiss before pulling away.
"To answer the actual question, the last time I had sex with Ravel Phenex was around the time I lost my virginity to the other girl. Since then, that other girl has practically taken over Ravel's life and has played the role of my classmate and spent plenty of time with me. During Devil duties, Ravel comes back, but this other girl is around most of the time" Issei smiled as he looked at me with an amused gaze.
I frowned at his words and since I had an idea of where this was going, I transformed back into my real self, staying in just my panties since I knew there was a chance Issei might have sex with me this way, "Is this better Issei." I deadpanned.
Issei smiled before looking at me again, "Now this is Ravel Phenex. This is the King I've sworn my loyalty to. The person who changed my life for the better." Issei smiled happily.
"So are you going to fuck me, or did you just want to see me in my undies?" I scowled.
"Well I'll never complain about seeing either of you in your underwear, but there is a point to what I'm saying. The person who uses the name Ravel Phenex but it just an older version of her, is one of the various girls who warms my bed and I do appreciate that. The person in front of me, is the master I've sworn my loyalty to. Whatever you want to be at the time is how I will treat you. I'm sure you've noticed but I only really flirt with you when you are your older self." Issei smiled.
His response was infuriating in many ways, but sad in others. Ironically enough, I kept the old persona to ensure that Issei stayed loyal to me during the first part of my time as King but as I began to feel more for Issei it was a problem. It brought up an interesting question, "Issei" I asked nervously wondering what he would say.
"What is it Lady Ravel." Issei smiled turning back towards me.
"If the me that's here right now asked you to be her lover. Would you do it" I wondered.
"Yes I would. After all it is the request of my master." Issei smiled but that made me frown again.
I wanted so badly to test that right now by telling him, 'Issei make love to me right now'. He'd do it, there was no doubt about that, but it would be because I am his master not his lover. I want him to care for me like he does the others. I know I can't surpass Irina, but I wanted to at least be on the level of the likes of Murayama. "I see" I replied bitterly just as the bell to begin class rang.
"It would seem we have to finish the conversation another time Lady Ravel." Issei smiled as he left the room. I hated that smile because I got the feeling, it was the exact result he wanted.
'Damn it all' I cursed as I transformed back into my older self and waited for a few minutes before going back to class. I was no closer to an answer than before and if anything, it feels like I've got more questions.
(Scene Skip)
As I sat in the clubroom during lunch, I couldn't help but think about what Issei told me. His point was that we had two separate relationships. The first was the Master and Servant relationship that came with him and my younger self. Then there was the sexual relationship between me and my older self. It was a reminder of the fact that I could've come in as a first year and be my actual self, but I was terrified that if I didn't keep the older and bustier version of myself, Issei might not stay in line. My musing was broken when the door opened and Xuelan walked in. "I'm surprised you're not having lunch with Issei and his group." I said flatly.
"Issei had Murayama Katase and that Momo girl along with Xenovia. I would've been in the way as far as I was concerned. Plus, I noticed that you've been distracted since gym class. I'm here to help you Lady Ravel and that was more important than spending a little time with Issei" Xuelan smiled.
I frowned a bit since she figured me out so easily, but she did have a point. I needed answers and Xuelan would always be honest with me, "How do you do it Xuelan. I mean have sex with Issei without getting attached to him." I wondered.
"What makes you think I'm not?" Xuelan smiled catching me off guard.
"Huh?" I said in disbelief. Xuelan was pretty much the most nonchalant of the girls when it came to her relationship with Issei.
"I'm actually quite attached to Issei, but I understand that I can't be the only one in his life. Issei is going to have his favorites and while I'm not one of them, he'll accept my feelings regardless. It's bittersweet really, but I must accept it particularly since Irina is back in Kuoh and will be joining our school in short order. Combine her return with the situation with Momo Hanakai and that means even less time for me. In many ways I've simply replaced one harem for another, and I accept that. Well at least this person treats me like a human being" Xuelan smirked.
"That's cold" I chuckled since it was shot at my brother Riser. Xuelan did have a very good point though. Issei is manipulative, and he has a lot of girls at his beck and call, but he also cares about the girls and shows it all the time.
"In the end, your relationship with Issei will be whatever you want it to be. Don't ask yourself what he wants your relationship to be. Decide what you want the relationship to be, and he'll act accordingly."
My eyes widened since it was just as Issei said. Our relationship was blurry because I'm the one who decided to make two personas that treated Issei in different ways. "Thanks Xuelan" I smiled.
"Anytime Lady Ravel." Xuelan smiled as the bell to class rung. Things were much clearer now and I owed my pawn a conversation.
(Scene Skip)
(Normal P.O.V)
With the day over the ORC gathered again and everyone waited with bated breath for Irina's arrival. Murayama's father had been watching the young woman since her arrival from the airport and he was taking her to the school. The actual Ravel and her peerage along with Murayama and Katase sat in wait and when the chestnut-haired girl walked into the clubroom there were smiles all around. "Welcome back Irina" Xenovia smiled before walking over to her partner and embracing her.
"I missed you Xenovia." Irina smiled before looking to her other friend. "Hey Mury" Irina smiled.
"Nice to see you Iri" Murayama smiled before following Xenovia's example. She greeted everyone to various reactions until it was time for Issei.
"Not going to say hello Issei" Ravel smiled cheekily. The two already had their reunion but it was a more private one. Seeing his public reaction was something she was curious about.
"We had our hello already. It was boring by my standards, but Mury's old man insisted on taking me to class instead of my real plan." Issei shrugged causing quite a few blushes in the room. In other words, he planned on spending the rest of the day in bed with Irina, but Murayama's father ruined that idea.
"I see. Well I'd like to get started but I believe we're waiting for one more person?" Ravel smiled putting her annoyance at Issei's words to the side since there was another matter to deal with.
"And who might that be." Irina wondered but she got her answer when Momo Hanakai walked into the club room.
"That would be me. Sona and the rest of the Sitri peerage are cleaning the pool. I got to avoid that because Sona needed information and I volunteered to get it for her." Momo smiled.
"That's a shame since I bet you look pretty awesome in a bikini. Sona not so much but that's not her fault." Issei smirked causing Momo and a few others to blush yet again.
"We can talk about my boobs later Issei. I've heard that Irina has a new role for the church." Momo revealed effortlessly causing Irina to pout.
"That's right. The church realized that thanks to my…connection to you guys, they have a person who could tell them what they need to know about future threats." Irina said with a hint of annoyance.
"In layman's terms because you were sleeping with Issei, you're an asset to the church. The fact that your former partner is here. I imagine the church also didn't want to make an enemy of somebody who fought evenly with a cadre even for a little bit." Ravel explained.
Irina blushed heavily at the blunt statement but kept her cool, "Yeah. Mury's dad made it clear that Issei cared quite a bit about me with my father backing it up from stories about our childhood and with Xenovia already departing they needed somebody to stay close to you guys since Kokabiel's actions were so outrageous" Irina replied.
"Well it just means that the higher ups in the church believe things are going to get interesting." Ravel shrugged since she was of that belief also.
"By the way Irina, where are you going to stay now that you're back at home?" Katase wondered admittedly the first guess would be Murayama's house which would make things troublesome for her since she stayed there so much.
"I'm gonna be next door neighbors with Issei actually." Irina revealed causing a few eyes to widen including Issei's.
"Come to think of it, I did notice the old couple next door had sold their house in the last few days. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I see why." Issei said happily.
"Yep. We'll be neighbors Issei." Irina smiled.
'And pretty soon you'll be classmates too.' Momo frowned to herself. One of the reasons she was here was because Sona told her that Irina would be transferring into the school in a few weeks. So Sona wanted to figure out where she would be living in the meantime. The fact that she was living with Issei was a disaster for her since that meant Irina basically had a VIP access to Issei and she could easily re-establish the bond they had as children.
"Anyway, I'll move in when the rest of my things get to Japan from Italy. Until then I gotta stay with Mury." Irina smiled.
"Alright but it's time for our club activities so I'll have to send you and Murayama away. Katase can stay because I need somebody to train with our newest knight." Ravel said calmly.
(Scene Skip)
Nightfall arrived in Kuoh and over at the Hyoudou house a naked Issei and the real Ravel Phenex were under Issei's covers with the former having a large smile on his face and the latter still unsure of how she felt despite enjoying Issei's more carnal side for the last few hours. "So now what?" Issei smiled as he kissed his master on the cheek. She had come to him as her actual self no doubt to sort out her feelings and Issei was more than happy to oblige.
"Nothing really. I'm just staking my claim on you as the real Ravel Phenex. I'll still let the other girls have their fun, but I wanted to make it clear that I'm very attracted to you Issei. Don't expect to see the older Ravel much unless it's in a school situation"
"Works for me" Issei smirked as he kissed Ravel on the cheek before closing his eyes. Unfortunately for him, a magic circle appeared in his room and Xuelan popped out.
"Xuelan what are you doing here?" Ravel frowned figuring the rook was after one of her booty calls.
"Relax Ravel. If Xuelan was here for a booty call, she would be wearing her Chinese dress." Issei smirked.
Xuelan blushed at the response before looking at the naked pair, "I'm here because I just received some information from your father that I thought you should know." Xuelan revealed causing Ravel's eyes to widen.
"What happened?" Ravel asked nervously.
"Nothing happened, but your father and mother won't be able to make it to Parents day and they've sent somebody else to replace them." Xuelan revealed.
"I assume it's my brother Ruval" Ravel deadpanned but when Xuelan looked away slightly her expression soured. "Don't tell me." Ravel gasped since her hesitation could only mean one thing.
"They're sending Lord Riser and his wife Lady Rias as replacements. Apparently, Lord Lucifer and Lady Leviathan will also be attending along with Azazel of the Fallen Angels. Since Lady Rias knows Kuoh already and her brother will be there, the Phenex family figured it would be a nice opportunity for everyone to be together." Xuelan said bashfully.
Ravel was utterly furious since sending Riser and Rias was the last thing she needed. Turning towards Issei Ravel said, "Issei I'm going to need you to fuck me until I'm not absolutely furious at my family for being idiots. Xuelan you are free to join if you wish but I'm going first" Ravel said with anger burning in her eyes. This was a terrible decision on their part and one that she would need quite a bit of motivation to get over.
"Very well Lady Ravel." Xuelan commented before stripping herself and joining the group on the bed. Admittedly she was frustrated as well since she agreed that it was a terrible move and Issei was too good at sex to turn down a chance with him.
"Shall we ladies" Issei smiled. He was never going to turn down a threesome and like the other two girls, the thought of Rias returning was not a pleasant one.
(Unknown Location)
Irina's quick return was trouble for most of the girls in Issei's life and Momo Hanakai was feeling the heat. As Momo Hanakai sat in her bedroom she cursed her luck, "I can't believe she's back already." Momo cursed.
Irina's departure left an opening that she or Murayama could exploit, but Issei was such a sourpuss that she couldn't take advantage of it outside of the small intervention and that was it. With Irina back in the picture and acting as his neighbor, her chances of improving her relationship with Issei were practically squashed. She needed to make a major move, or she wouldn't have any chance with the man she loved and had loved for some time. Luckily for her, there was a place that Issei went quite a bit that would allow her to make a move. The question was, would it work?
That's it for Chapter 15 and yeah this was a bit different. I figured attacking things from Ravel's angle would be a bit more fun especially considering their unique dynamic in this story. Next chapter Momo takes the stage at last and makes a power move for Issei.
AN: During the chapter Issei's conversation with Ravel might seem odd but it makes more sense when you consider the dynamic between Issei and Ravel. Because she's transforming between her older and younger selves constantly there are in a sense two Ravel's. The Ravel that Issei sees at school and the Ravel Issei deals with in the ORC. Issei emphasized that point by twisting Momo's question in such a way that it makes the distinction's clear. There's the Ravel that he sleeps with and the Ravel that he serves and up until now Issei treats them as two different people.