Holy Inferno Dragon

by G1Splicer

Issei thought he was human, but apparently, that's only half-true. Introduced to the supernatural world at a young age, Issei's life is shattered and changes in ways he could never imagine. Begins as AU. Takes some inspiration from other anime/manga. Issei x Harem

17. Friendly Competition

As always, a big thank you to all who read/reviewed and continue to like and support my story. To all the new readers welcome!

And a major thank you to Shad0wReaper133 for volunteering to help me as a beta reader! Thank you Jay!

Zenith Tempest – As tempting as it is, I don't think underrepresenting the Grigori will be an issue. Baraqiel, Aazel, and Raynare will all have a role to play, ensuring the Fallen remain relevant.

Tf330129 – will do!

DraigTrueEmperor9 – Glad to hear from you after so long. While our opinions differ, I do respect yours and thank you for your honesty. Whether you like/dislike this is up to you and I'm well aware that not everyone likes where this is going, but I respect your willingness to at least share your views. A pleasure, and thank you for your well-wishes.

SeerKing – Thank you for the kind words, and even though it may not seem like I need one, it's more for my peace of mind that a second set of eyes is looking over my work for any mistakes. Thanks for updating your Sekirei fic too!

Guest – trying to find a healthy compromise between the two. We'll see.

Xerozzuro – Wow, thanks! Feel free to pm me for anything story related, especially if it's to help another writer!

Imperial-samaB – It's ORIGINALLY a short arc. However, by now it should be clear that while I take canon as source, I will modify it. Don't expect it to be super long but don't expect super short either. Either way, I hope the content continues to excite!

Mike Kromer – Reunion? They weren't childhood friends like Akeno was, but you might find my variation acceptable. As for the other questions, insecurity is lessening, optimism is going up, but it won't all be sunshine and rainbows.

Noctis Lucius Dragneel – You would need to give me a very-well thought our reason, one that makes sense to someone not trying to specifically write a smut based fic like so many others, and ones that have deep-emotional impact or connection with Issei. All the girls I've listed have that, or will have that, but for those that really don't have that connection even in canon, I can't promise anything.

Jarjaxle – I MISSED YOUR REVIEW! I'M SORRY! As for LordxS, he's pretty much explored every possible venue of the proper tragic hero, many of which played a part in brainstorming my own work. Don't worry, your secret's safe. As for Irina, well if anyone's been paying attention to the segments specifically at the end of the last two chapters, then the end of this one will be a big surprise.

Judecarangan – looking for the sweet middle ground, we'll get ther one day

Sasuke75249 – thanks!

IronWolfe – Irina's issue will be revelead here. And don't worry, non-answers are still accepted!

Zeus501 – less than 5K, dear god no, that won't happen fear not

Dragonlordandsword – thanks!

Noobsaleh – I suppose that could be misinterpreted. Oh well, if yuri suits your taste then it stays. As for Artemis, I needed a hunter-deity capable of killing dragons to both kill him and then owe him later. I just chose one of the most well-known. As for Sona and Raynare, we'll see.

Conquest95 – thanks! Love to see that the byplay is appreciated!

Shad0wReaper133 – Glad to hear my character dev is appreciated. And thanks again for beta-ing!

LordxSesshomaru – Godzilla is not my savior. Bring it, thou vile dictator. I will amass my followers and declare insurrection against this heathen religion of yours! in truth, you have my apologies, milord, but using Ophis in such a way cannot stand!

Sudhush – don't worry, familiar hunt is happening, even if it's split in parts.

T-B-R – Thanks! Glad to see the harem/ecchi antics are loved!

Randome – Like chapter one? That could be an issue

Blueexorcist – many things WILL happen. Stay tuned for Artemis' fate.

Talonsen – I like to think of Senjutsu and magic in general as evolving sciences. I touched on that in chapter 4, and repeated it here. If Sun Wukong is omniscient in terms of the individual techniques being created by thousands of users then yes I'd consider him a master. As it stands, I'd prefer to think of him as the leading expert. Either way, this is one of the few things I disagree with the wiki. Glad to see you're still excited for this story and you'll find Griselda's presence to be a nice change of pace from the usual.

Guest – thanks for the calling out of the famous quote!

the unsung antihero – so many possibilities, especially the tragic event where they APPEAR dead. I'm evil like that aren't I?

The Ultimate Balance Chaos – more development ahoy! Thanks for reading again!

War historian – not sure what the issue is, but if that's all you'll write then I'll respect it. Thanks again for reading!

Kirinthor – If you've read Sekirei fics at all, my greatest peeve is when the main or oc wings half the goddamned race. I blame that as part of why I try not to deviate far from canon. Thanks again!

BRD man – 6 weeks? I hope not, I'd have lost my muse in that event

DarkPirate69 – if you're reading this, then I'll say it's your choice. Thanks for sticking with it as long as you did

Chronostorm – Will keep those Sona and Raynare in mind, but don't hold your breath. Especially if I take so long to update again. Glad to hear you approve and I will keep writing as long as I can!

Gianfranco.c89 – we'll see

Arrow6000 – we'll see

DasChinButton – here's setup part 2, though it ends on a dark note. Will be taking my time with the arc, don't want to mess up. Thanks for the support!

GeassDragon – I'll be adding warnings when the situation gets any heavier than the previous chapter's antics, for all the girls. And I toyed with that idea until I found a way for him to multi-bond

Synndraval – Kuroka isn't on the official harem list. Thanks!

Swordalfgun – will do my best!

ahsoei – Thanks! As for Irina, she didn't have anything to do with the blaze specifically, it's more of what she's carrying that's the issue. As for Asia, maybe not, but I felt it better that she willingly join, just like every other female in the peerage, as opposed to the males who were dead or dying. Penemue is the only female among the Grigori cadre leaders (scary note, Akeno looks up to her as a Sadomasochist), and there will be lemons eventually (though not with Penemue).

Dimebionics98 – not good enough a reason, there are thousands of dragons in DxD, Issei being one has no bearing on her, and I already have her mate selected.

Blake Tourner – 1. Unrelated 2. Legally can't as not under her jurisdiction in Japan 3. Why? 4. Virgin goddess remember 5. Funny perhaps but extremely out of character and go against any connections I make to real life mythology or events

Christianveldner –thanks! Glad you enjoy it!

Guest – chapter lengths will vary until I find something that works best. As for Artemis, she will have a role to play in the future. No plans to incorporate further myths until maybe after volume 5. And major canon will be a source or guideline to work from but heavily altered or rearranged if need be.

Slydino – Thanks! And Ophis will be a part of the group dynamic, just not a part in the harem. And of course, chapter quality is still highest priority over length and update speed. Will do my best to keep this up!

Melon Bear – still looking for a happy compromise.

Theangrychef (ch14) – Religiously? Then I shall strive to continue to deliver works of art. Thank you!

StayBlessed (ch8) – If you're reading this, then I hope you'll understand that isn't the case.

thunder dragon - While I'm glad you're enthusiastic about my work, I ask you re-read 'Requests' again and take note that I do not accept arcs or power up suggestions. This is a story I've spent enough time outlining on my own, I'm not going to incorporate ideas suggested simply because someone asks

correnhimself316 (ch15) – someone wants to see a god fall to a Longinus? Let's see if I can work that in somewhere… Oh wait, did I already plan for it to happen? Wait and see, haha

zachary2 (ch15) – thanks!

Guest – glad you appreciate it!

Reasonc – thank you!

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Disclaimer: See 1st Chapter

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" " – Speech

' ' – Thoughts

( ) – Albion, mental

( ) – Albion, speaking

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Just a reminder that this is a DxD story that is also rated M. It wouldn't be DxD otherwise. You have been warned.

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Beta: Shad0wReaper133

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Chapter 17: Friendly Competition

It was early afternoon on a school day. Typically, the members of the Occult Research Club would be found relaxing, conversing, enjoying each other's company, or working on assignments as they waited for contract summons. Not this time however, this time was apparently a rather special occasion.

The members of the Gremory Peerage were lined up in order of the value of their singular base pieces, with Issei on one end and Akeno on the other. Between them were Asia, Kiba, and Koneko, all of whom were currently being fussed over by Rias as she straightened them out, adjusting their uniforms even though they were still immaculate.

Akeno was pristine as ever so she stood smiling as her juniors were being fussed over by a mothering Rias. She was the luckiest at the moment, having achieved some unspoken criteria and therefore independent in her appearance. The others were lucky in that Rias' attention was split between them.

Issei's luck ran true to form.

"Seriously," Ravel complained as she tugged at his collar. The Phenex girl had dragged a stool over so she could stand tall enough to adjust him at her leisure. "Would it kill you to wear the ribbon?"

The demidrake rolled his eyes. "Kill? Most likely not, but I'd rather not take the chance."

Ravel blinked at him. "I can't tell if you're joking right now."

"I'm deadly serious."

The hidden pun flew right over her head as she stamped her foot, shaking her perch. "You'd look more presentable if you wore it!"

"Oh, I agree, but that won't convince me to wear one."

"Let it go Ravel," Rias sighed as she gave Issei a once-over. "He's presentable enough as is. Believe me, I've tried."

What she didn't mention was that she didn't oppose the roguish look Issei was sporting, with his dress shirt done up save for the top button. Combined with his utilitarian cargo pants and heavy boots, he was an interesting blend of practicality and acquiescence to formality. In other words, she liked very, very much.

The Phenex pouted but hopped down from her perch and pushed the stool aside for now. Taking her place next to Rias, now all the devils were arrayed facing the door. It was Issei who heard the footsteps first, eight sets of them.

After a few minutes of patient waiting, the double doors to the clubroom opened, and the eight newcomers entered.

"Nice of you to drop by Sona," Rias greeted the Student Council president with smile and a wave. "I assume this is the extent of your peerage?"

"Indeed." The business-like Shitori, rather Sitri in the absence of humans, adjusted her glasses. "And with the exception of young Ravel, Hyoudou and Argento are your only recent additions."

"Recent as of two months, but yes, that is the case. Everyone," Rias addressed her peerage now, "be sure to greet and honor our esteemed guests."

Akeno stepped forward. "Hello there, I'm Akeno Himejima, Rias' Queen and third-year."

"Yuuto Kiba. Miss Gremory's Knight and second-year. A pleasure." The pretty boy bowed slightly.

"Koneko Toujou. First-year Rook."

"Ano... I'm Asia Argento. It's nice to meet you. Oh! I'm a Bishop for President Rias!"

"Pawn, Issei Hyoudou." He nodded respectfully, mimicking the petite Rook.

"Well met," Sona motioned for her team to do the same.

The last third-year girl stepped forward, the one with the heterochromatic eyes and long black hair. "I am Heiress Sitri's Queen, Tsubaki Shinra."

Two girls stepped forward, one of them familiar to Issei from his first detention due to her white hair. She spoke first, "I am Momo Hanakai, miss Sitri's Bishop."

Her brown-haired counterpart spoke up, "Reya Kusaka, also miss Sitri's Bishop. Momo and I are in the same second-year class."

"Tomoe Meguri, Heiress Sitri's Knight, second-year." This time, it was the girl with the reddish-brown hair. Issei recalled seeing her a few times between classes.

"Tsubasa Yura," a blue-haired tomboy spoke up, idly blowing a few stray strands of hair from her face. "Same class as Tomoe, though I'm a Rook."

"I'm Ruruko! Ruruko Nimura! Oh, I'm a first-year and a Pawn." Siad Pawn lightly bopped a fist to her head in playfulness at her near slip-up.

And lastly was the only male to accompany the otherwise all-girls team. "Genshirou Saji. Second-year student and President Sitri's Pawn!" Like the others, the tone he used was prideful and awestruck at the apparent honor, though Issei found himself a little at odds with the ill-hidden arrogance. Still though, another Pawn and hopefully a friend right?

With that in mind, Issei stepped forward. "It is nice to meet more Pawns," he shook a smiling Ruruko's hand but was rebuked by Saki when theirs clasped.

"Dude, you might be nice and all, worshipped by the schoolgirls everywhere but you're nowhere on my level. I took up four Pawns on my own!" the braggart continued after a breath for dramatic effect, "Maybe someday you'll be able to meet me on equal footing and we'll see who's the better Servant." As expected of males, they both were exerting a firm grip, though Issei noticed that Saji was deliberately trying to exert the most pressure.

"Oh?" Issei smiled predatorily, letting his teeth sharpen as he smiled. "I look forward to the day." He was already collecting aura in his hand, shaping it into a pattern. With a quick burst, the energy flared to singe a Gremory rose into the other boy's hand, a surge so brief and hot that he probably wouldn't notice the intense burn for a while due to nerve damage.

"Trust me, it'll be a long day coming." Both boys let go, though with a hint of satisfaction Issei noticed that Saji sorely placed his hand in his pocket with a frown.

That frown was mirrored on his master's face. "Saji, that is most disrespectful; we are guests here, and you both are of the same social status as low-class Servants. Moreover," Sona adjusted her glasses, "While you took up four of my Pawns as a human, Hyoudou's power levels as a half-dragon required Rias to use all eight of hers. In addition, half of them mutated spontaneously, and due to the variability of mutation Pieces it's unsure of your extreme power difference, though it can be assumed from the smallest possible values he's worth twelve Pawns at the very least."

Saji's jaw dropped in record time, so fast that Issei barely saw it. "EH! He's at least three times stronger than me!"

The demidrake smirked. "Like I said, a pleasure to meet you. Looking forward to finding out who's the better Servant."

The Sitri Pawn paled as Issei threw his words back in his face. Sona however merely pinched the bridge of her nose to ward off the annoyance. "My apologies Rias, Hyoudou," she nodded to them both. "He's recently reincarnated, so he hasn't yet seen your recent victory in the Rating Game."

"YOU MEAN HE'S THE ONE WHO COMPLETELY DEMOLISHED A HIGH-CLASS PHENEX!"

Fortunately, Issei was close enough to and fast enough to catch Ravel in his arms before she could set fire to the poor boy. True, Ravel had made it excruciatingly clear that she hadn't been pleased with her older brother's behavior but Issei had to give her credit for loyalty.

"Simmer down," he whispered into her ear. "The moron'll get his due if Sitri's strictness is anything to go by." Thankfully, it was enough for Ravel to regain her composure and she stopped struggling, allowing him to let go of her.

Sure enough, Sona cuffed her Pawn on the back of the head in admonishment. "Consider this your last warning Saji. Your next offense will not be so lightly handled." It could be a trick of the light, but Issei found himself disturbed by how eerily the light reflected off her glasses at that moment. Suddenly he found himself exceedingly grateful Rias was much more familiar with her servants than the Sitri heiress.

"Y-yes P-president!" Saji stuttered fearfully. With that, he continued to shake hands with the remaining Gremory peerage, just like his comrades had been doing during his shameful display. As he went down the line, he eventually found Asia chatting politely away with her fellow Bishops. As if someone had flipped a switch, the male found his courage.

"Well hello there!" Saji grabbed her hand with both of his and shook it gently. "It's nice to meet such an outstanding beauty amongst the ladies of this fine academy!"

"Nice to meet you too!" Asia politely responded, though to those who knew her it was clear that it was a reflex and she was uncomfortable with how close in proximity he was.

(He's laying it on a little thick there isn't he.)

'No shit.'

(Well, do what comes naturally I guess, but don't break him. There's something familiar about him, but where have I felt this...?)

As Albion began his quiet contemplation of the mystery that was Genshirou Saji, Issei politely excused himself from the conversation he was having with the Rook, Tsubasa Yura. Apparently, she had seen the Rating Game and was a subsequent fan of his. Marching up right behind the flamboyant Pawn, Issei let his hand firmly grip the smaller boys shoulder.

"I do hope your intentions are to be nothing more than the perfect gentleman." He softly growled, pleased at how Saji froze immediately. "Asia is one of my precious friends, and I'd hate for her to be frightened by some boy coming on to her unexpectedly."

"N-no! I-I mean of course! I will be the perfect gentleman." Saji choked out the words as he cringed in fear. Issei hid a smirk as he both felt and heard his heart rate skyrocket and breathing adjust in fear.

"Issei, stop terrorizing your fellow Pawn," Rias chided him slightly. "Besides, one day we'll have an opportunity to go all out once Sona and I are ready for official Games."

"Will do Rias!" Issei nodded towards his King before giving a feral grin to Saji, who was still trembling. "Run along you."

Once released, Saji made his excuses before fleeing to the company of Momo and Ruruko, who by their comforting actions seemed to have as much a thing for him as Asia did for Issei. Huh, if he had that those two then why go after her?

Issei kept pondering Saji's motives, and why exactly his interest in Asia had bothered him at all. He shrugged it off when Rias and Sona called for both group's attention, it would have to be a problem for another day.

"Now, as most of you know, devils use familiars to distribute our flyers." Sona was in full lecture mode while an amused Rias watched on. "While it is customary for newly reincarnated devils to hand them out, once a Servant finishes an adequate number of contracts then he or she qualifies for having a familiar to ease that workload. Saji, Ruruko, both of you have reached that requirement now."

"YES! NO MORE FLYER DUTY!" Both Pawns were very enthusiastic about their so-called release from basic responsibilities, though while Ruruko was exuberant in her own carefree way, Saji's excitement came with a pitiful flow of tears.

Rias shook her head in amusement at her rival's servants and addressed her own. "Issei, you've long surpassed that requirement, so has Asia. The only reason why I haven't brought you both to the familiar master yet was because he was already booked. And thus leads to our current dilemma."

"The Familiar Master will only see one peerage per new moon," Sona picked up, explaining the issue. "Therefore, since Rias and I have both put down a request for the next upcoming date in two weeks, we have to determine which of us will be making the trip to the Familiar Forest."

"So how do we choose?" Tsubasa asked curiously. "A Rating Game?"

"We'd never get permission for that," Sona shook her head. "Besides, if I'm going to be completely honest the odds are currently stacked in the Gremory's favor."

"Oh?" Rias grinned, sensing weakness. "You think yourself outmatched?"

"Outmatched, no. Challenged would be the better word."

"Challenged? Is there a difference?"

"You can nitpick over words as much as you want Rias, the difference still lies and only lies in our servants. You have the daughter of a high-ranking cadre, one of the last few known surviving Nekoshou, one of the fastest Knights in our history equipped with a weapon-manufacturing Sacred Gear, and a former sister whose healing ability rivals that of the Phenex clan. And I won't even get started on the prison-brawling dragon of yours. While I selected my servants based on skill level to field numerous countermeasures, all of yours are essentially straightforward power types."

The Sitri team seemed impressed and a little intimidated at the description of the competition. As for the Gremory Peerage, Asia seemed a little embarrassed at the high praise, Koneko simply didn't react at all, Kiba nodded politely, while Akeno and Issei both couldn't help but grin in unison with Rias.

"Maybe, but let's not forget that not all of them joined under the most favorable conditions." Rias rebuked her, still smiling, but there was a warning in her voice. Drop it. "And like you said, the difference lies only in our servants. You and I have yet to determine who's the better King. So how about this: if we can't get permission for a game, then we'll settle this the high-school way with sports."

---

"You know, I always thought contact sports were the only ones that were interesting," Issei commented to his friends. "But somehow, I'm rather intrigued by this."

Kiba laughed kindly and punched him lightly on the shoulder. "Why? Because you getting a familiar depends on it? Or because you get to see you girlfriends dressed like that."

THAT happened to be the current apparel Rias and Akeno had adopted, light dresses, Rias in pink, Akeno in yellow. Somehow the skirt lengths were even shorter than the skirts for the girls uniform.

"Exactly."

"That really isn't an answer."

"Do you think Rias and Akeno can win?" Asia tugged on Issei's sleeve to get his attention.

He shrugged. "I don't know. They're both motivated to help us get familiars and all, but it also depends on how well the Student Council reps play. Shitori and Shinra aren't the kind to joke around."

The match of the day had become the center of attraction during the lunch period. Sona under her guise as President Shitori had made it clear to the Tennis Club that she would be 'dueling' the President of the Occult Research Club in what was to be a mere exhibition match. The Tennis Club had jumped at the opportunity, shamelessly using the fanfare to gather interested students to watch the four Beauties of Kuoh go head to head in their sport.

And so, nearly every student in the school was pressed against the fence surrounding the tennis court, waiting for the match to start. Rias and Akeno were passing the time by swinging their racquets in preparation of what was surely going to be a hard-fought match; Issei couldn't say anything about Vice President Shinra, but he knew that Sona was just as competitive as Rias and Akeno. None of them were willing to lose, so it was promising to be a good show.

The surrounding crowd cheered as Sona and Tsubaki entered the fenced off court. Both were clad in suitable attire for the match, and with Sona's Bishop refereeing, the match began.

Sona served first, sending the ball toward her opponents, only for Akeno to return it with a vicious swing. Then Tsubaki intercepted it, Rias returning it. And so they went on.

(Hey Issei. What exactly is the purpose of this sport?)

'You're asking me? Aren't you the ancient dragon who supposedly observed much of human history?'

(Sometimes a Longinus spends decades in transit between bearers, the Heaven's Gear Incarnation cycle isn't always timely. Besides, even with a proper host, it wasn't guaranteed that they were necessarily interested in playing with balls.)

Issei purposefully ignored how Albion's words could be misconstrued and shuddered when he failed. 'Rules are hit it within set boundaries, trying to get it past the other players I think. As for purpose, boredom maybe?'

(That's what contact sports are for. Bouncing an object between participants until one screws up shouldn't count.)

Issei silently agreed, returning his attention to the match. Rias and Sona were talking to each other, probably insults or trash talk. Considering the number of people here cheering and shouting, breathing and hearts beating, he had tuned his hearing to bare minimal standards. His eyesight though remained as keen as ever and he blinked twice when he thought it fooled him.

On Sona's last swing, a white circle of runes had inhabited the space just before the racquet made impact. The Student Council President was cheating?

Surprisingly, a similar set of glyphs winked ruby red as Rias backhanded the poor sphere back to the other side.

"Is it just me, or are both sides using magic?" Kiba asked incredulously.

"I'm seeing it too," Issei sighed. "Did they all forget the no-magic agreement?"

"Not forget. Ignore." Koneko paused from her current snack to add her opinion. "Their skill level is equal in this game. They're doing what they can to gain an advantage over the other."

No longer really bored, both Issei and the Vanishing Dragon watched on with renewed interest. "This is more like it!" Issei cheered, though he frowned immediately after. "Aren't we going to have a problem with so many observers?"

Kiba shook his head no, "This wouldn't be the first time either King has needed to mass-hypnotize the student body. Especially every time class observation day comes around, Sona spends a week after hunting down every human and modifying their memory. No, no one here will remember magic being in play."

Issei nodded his understanding and resumed watching the girls play, content that nothing memorable would last though disappointed that his lack of magic meant he couldn't help in the clean-up. He sighed, leaning back as he mentally groaned about his uselessness in the mystic arts.

As if by some divine intervention, he happened to lower his concentration and heard a faint click as his hearing increased. He sat back up frowning. "Did you hear that?"

Ravel, standing in front of him turned to frown at him. "Hear what?"

The demidrake mentally Gibbs-slapped himself before shaking his head. "I heard something click, it sounded like... a shutter?"

"A shutter? Like in a window?" Ravel stamped her foot, "If you're going to ask me something like that, then remember that you're the weird one with superhearing. I didn't hear anything." With that, she sniffed and looked back at the battle of the heiresses.

"I didn't hear anything either," Kiba apologized and Koneko, who kept her Nekoshou ears hidden and therefore inactive, shook her head as well.

Issei would have cast the sound off as imagination if it wasn't for a glint reflected into his eyes from the other side of the court. He frowned, he had found the source. "Excuse me." He apologized to the others. Making his way around the court fence, he found the perpetrators, the two present members of the Photography club. The expensive camera's distinctive shutter sound was what he had heard as it captured the high definition image. Now he had met some other students in the club and found most of them to be fairly decent people.

"Aw hell yeah! Cameltoe!"

"Panty shots acquired!"

These two didn't count.

Matsuda and Motohama were crouched on the sidelines, center of the court. Both had their cameras pointed at either end, furiously snapping as many images away, images that he was sure wouldn't be appropriate for the school newspaper.

If Issei had his way, the photos wouldn't make it for processing. Now, while he didn't have any particular love for Sona and Tsubaki, he wouldn't allow those pictures to circulate through the student body. As for the pictures being taken of his mates, there would be a much more painful punishment for such a heinous crime.

Since both morons were still clicking away, neither noticed as he crept up behind them, laying a hand on their shoulders. Normally he'd hesitate to do this to another sentient, but right now with his mates' privacy at stake, he didn't care. A flash of light sealed away both perverts into his scale array, and he caught the expensive equipment before it could hit the ground. Walking away from the court, he found a nearby bench to examine the pictures already taken. Finding those of Tsubaki and Sona on one, he quickly deleted the images without hesitation. Once cleared of the recently captured photos, he searched a little further and then promptly deleted every lewd photo he came across. Issei sealed the camera away once finished with purging most if not all stored material and the proceeded to remove all lewd photos of Rias and Akeno as well.

Once finished purging the second camera, he found one image that surprisingly wasn't lewd in nature. It was Rias and Akeno in their flattering tennis dress, a candid shot of them reacting in coordination to defend against the incoming projectile. Both were smiling, lost in the competitive streak they shared. Issei's finger hovered over the delete button, but he instead pulled out his phone.

A Gremory invention, it had taken two months for him to accustom himself to how to use it. Akeno had constantly teased him for his lack of expertise in anything technological outside heavy industry equipment. Now though, he knew how to use it: the modern functions, the app that determined acceptable payment for his contracts, as well as hidden cord that could be used to connect to a variety of devices. Using that cable and connecting it to the camera, he copied over the candid photo before deleting the original.

Sealing away the now-clean camera, he tapped a few buttons and was rewarded when the newly acquired image was set as his phone's wallpaper. Heh, looks like the Perverted Duo were useful for something after all.

That didn't stop him from unsealing them, knocking them out before they knew what had happened, and throwing them face first into a dumpster on his way back to the match. He'd return the cameras directly to the club, but he wasn't going to hand such power to those of great irresponsibility.

Now, to find out who was getting a familiar.

---

"A draw?" The demidrake couldn't believe it. "You're not serious."

Koneko reached over the side of the couch in the clubroom to retrieve the two racquets the third years had been using. Both were wrecked beyond repair. "Rias and Akeno are negotiating for the next competition we'll use to determine the victor."

Issei sat down on the opposite couch between Asia and Ravel. "Can't believe I missed it."

Kiba, sitting next to Koneko, raised an eyebrow. "Just what were you doing?"

"Nothing of consequence, just taking out some trash," Issei shrugged nonchalantly. While Kiba looked uncertain at the ambiguous answer, the three girls seemed to accept it at face value. Before the curious Knight could inquire further, Rias and Akeno entered.

"Well, it's decided. Our next bout will be a team event." Rias informed them all.

"Team event?" Her juniors all asked together in confusion.

Akeno smiled at their unplanned coordination. "Dodgeball. We'll have the match in the gym after school tomorrow."

"Wait, there's eight of them," Kiba recalled, "and six of us."

"That's true," Rias nodded as she sat down at her desk. "Which is why I'd like to ask Ravel if she'll help us."

"Me?!" Ravel was shocked at the sudden request. "Why me?"

"You may not be in my Peerage, but in order to keep things official through school channels, the matches are scheduled under our club names. And you're an official member of the Occult Research Club," Rias explained. "There's no obligation to compete, but the help would be appreciated nonetheless. If you did, then that would even things out nicely since one of Sona's peerage has to abstain to referee and uphold the rules anyway."

Ravel looked at Issei for but a moment and then declared, "Of course I will help you! As a guest it is both an obligation and a pleasure to assist you in any way possible!"

"Great, it's settled then," Rias smiled before shuffling some papers on her desk. "Us seven against seven of theirs. I've also taken the liberty of postponing summons for the rest of the day so we can catch up on any other school work or extracurricular activities, though I'd ask that none of you exert yourself in training later this afternoon."

"You just want us rested for when we face the Sitri's, don't you?" Issei inquired, grinning all the while. Rias blushed at the accusation the accusation and continued looking for some obscure file.

"You'd think I'd schedule a day off just to improve our odds?"

"I'd think that Sona wouldn't be so merciful, ergo you would take advantage of that." Issei stood and stretched. "Well in that case, I'm off. Gotta finish that research paper our dear President requires from us."

"The report on supernatural beings to keep up club appearances," Kiba rolled his eyes. "You still haven't finished it?"

"Been looking for a decent topic, maybe Phoenix's will do." Issei glanced to see an embarrassed Ravel poking her fingers together in nervousness. "That is, if Ravel will help me."

"You know Ise, there is still a report that could come naturally to you," Akeno teased. "If you won't write it then I will."

"No, nope, no chance in Hell," he growled back. "That topic is off the table. Permanently."

Akeno cocked her hip and spread her hands as if reading off a banner title. "Occult Research 103: How to Train Your Dragon."

"Dammit woman!" Issei activated Divine Dividing, careful to not knock anything over. "There's a time and a place for that nonsensical crap!" Without another word, he was gone.

"Aw," Akeno pouted. "There goes my source of inspiration."

Rias couldn't help but smile at the faux depression her Queen was in. Shaking her head with mirth, she addressed them all at once, "We're done here for today." With a click, the she shut her bag and picked it off her desk. "Come on, let's go before a rogue dragon tears up the place."

The rest filed in line with her through a magic circle, leaving their clubroom far behind.

---

Asia leaned back from her work and moaned in helplessness. After Kiba and Koneko had left, and she and Ravel had bathed together, she had taken it upon herself to start and finish her own personal project. Only it was becoming a little more daunting than she had anticipated.

Seeing that tomorrow's sports event was a team activity, she had decided to help that belief by making headbands like those of sports she had seen on TV. She had painstakingly translated the club name into Kanji, something that even with two months of school work she still had difficulty with. It was hard enough to convert her native Italian into Romaji, it was much harder to delicately transcribe words into the flowing characters the traditional Japanese preferred. The Silver Tongue, the gift of all spoken human language, wouldn't help her here.

Sticking her tongue out in concentration, she picked her brush back up, dipping it in black paint. Taking care to not drip everywhere, Asia gently pressed the tip against the white fabric and cautiously retraced the source material she had come up with. However, try as she might, it still didn't turn out the way she wanted to.

"Mou," she moaned, "Not again!" The symbols were illegible to a degree, if one knew their intended meaning then it wouldn't be an issue, but she feared to display to the others that she was still somewhat deficient in terms of Japanese culture.

"Need some help?" She jumped when Issei spoke up from behind her. The boy was casually dressed in sweats and a thin tank, with a towel over one shoulder. It looked like he had just gotten back from one of his regular flights and was on his way to the bath. It was nearly a permanent ritual, as he became a literal creature of habit.

"Yes please, if it's not too much trouble."

"Sure, no problem." Since the remodel, several new rooms, like the one they were in now, had become available. To her interest and the delight of Issei, Akeno, and Rias, it hadn't been designed modern but reflected the low tables, tatami mats, and shoji doors of traditionally built Japanese architecture. The group often used them, feeling that sometimes the mood called for it. Since there were no chairs obviously, and since the cushions had already been put away save for the one she sat on, he knelt beside her. The gentle Bishop had to suppress her surprise as his shoulder brushed hers as he relieved her of both brush and paint. "Here, you do it like this."

Asia marveled at how simple he made the process look, quickly and deftly creating the artistic characters she had yet to master. For a moment, she silently chastised herself; she had forgotten that even though Issei had spent most his life elsewhere, this was still something he had learned a long time before his unjust imprisonment.

Her gaze trailed to his arm as he continued, observing the scattered lines and threads that scarred his limb. Twice now, she had asked if he wanted them removed, not just those, but the litany covering his body. To her mind, Asia saw each of them as a terrible battle, and her gentle heart cried out for her to alleviate some of his pain.

Both times he had refused her. The first time she had seen him shirtless, she had reacted in a fit of untrained physical attraction. However, once she had calmed down a bit and taken a closer look, she was saddened to see just how many there were and gained at such an age too. They weren't obscene or unseemly in her opinion, but for him to have accumulated so many injuries within his first few years both intrigued and frightened her. Beyond that, there were marks she couldn't see but knew were there, memories of battles occurring after his skin had sufficiently hardened.

The second time she had asked, he politely turned her offer down, just like he had the first time. In the end, both Rias and Akeno had to explain it to her: should Twilight Healing prove capable of removing the scar tissue, then it would tear away and demean possibly the greatest challenge he had ever faced. With his mind and dreams comforted by the forming bonds, the scars were the only lasting testament to his time in the darkness and his struggle to overcome his personal crucible, thus he was loath to remove them. They both considered it to be nothing more than foolish male issues of pride, but then again they both admitted that they admired his courage to hold those specific mementos close.

Courage. Asia knew that she wasn't an admirable example of the trait. It was her timidity that had kept her from pleading harder to stay in the Vatican. Her unwillingness to fight had caused harm to Issei and necessitated her rescue from Raynare. Her fear made her vulnerable in every Stray Devil hunt, a liability. It controlled her, even now, she still couldn't bring herself to openly admit her true feelings for the dragon beside her, especially when he didn't belong to her.

"Hey, Asia, are you alright?" A gentle tap on her shoulder alerted her to Issei's concern. "You seem kinda out of it."

"I-I'm alright," she smiled back. She looked down at the low table and started, before her were several headbands, white fabric with black kanji inscribed lengthwise. She cocked her head, hadn't she intended for the red dot for Japan to be in the center? She had it on the diagram, what happened?

As if to answer her unasked question, Issei laughed and rubbed his head nervously. "I kinda figured you could do the last bit, with that red paint and all."

Asia nearly fell over, she had completely forgotten that Issei had all but assimilated Albion's benign distaste for things and words pertaining to the color.

Rias' hair being the notable exception.

"Ah, I can do that part!" She grabbed another brush and began to delicately finish the seven strips. Once finished, Asia laid the brush back down to observe her work.

Issei whistled softly. "I have to say, they look pretty good. Even if we don't win, we'll look amazing."

"You think so?"

"I know so," he smiled at her as he stood, retrieving his towel to bathe. "If I don't see you later this evening then this is good night."

Asia struggled for a few moments, mustering the confidence and courage to address him once more. "Um, Issei?" He stopped at the sliding door, a hand already at the latch. "Could we do something like this again? Just the two of us?"

The dragon arched a brow and shrugged. "Sure, I've got no problems with that. I don't see why not."

"Oh, okay. Thank you, for your help too!"

He smiled at her once more and was gone. Asia carefully folded the strips of fabric and sat back with a sigh. If only she could be so brave all the time.

She shook her head of such useless thought. For now, she had secured a date with the man of her dreams, she wouldn't ruin it by thinking of what ifs. Not when she had what she could get.

Even so, that didn't stop her from wishing for more.

---

The object of the nun's affections lowered himself into the water of the bath and sighed in contentment. While Albion often teased him mercilessly for it, Issei enjoyed the modern commodities immensely. He was careful to not get too attached, feeling that spoiling himself would become an issue in the vent such privilege was no longer available, but hey, enjoy good things while they last. Even if this life as a devil's servant would last him a long while.

Resting against the side of the hot spring design, he shifted in place to get comfortable. Finding a spot where the rocks didn't press against his spine, Issei sighed contentedly. Closing his eyes and slowing his breathing, he hardly moved and could be mistaken for dead. For a few minutes he lay like that, resting so before calling out with his eyes still closed, "Are you going to stay there all night?"

Close by, the air shimmered as a spell wore off, revealing Rias and Akeno soaking in the water as well. Both stood and moved through the pool, facing away from him and each straddling one of his legs. The three all sighed in contentment as both girls leaned back against him.

It was Akeno who asked the demidrake first. "How did you know? We were sure to hide the best we could."

One snakelike eye slotted open. "Your magic made you invisible, but sight is a sense I don't wholly rely upon."

"You smelled us then," Rias complained.

Issei took a deep breath, inhaling through the nose. "Nope, you're both good there. Bathing once before I got here worked." Both eyes flicked open to look at the beauties. "Strawberries and cream, eh? Whatever soap or wash that is, keep using it."

Both girls' faces burned at those words, and they squirmed in place against him. "You cheated then," Akeno accused him, slapping his thigh beneath the water. "You used the bond to locate us!"

"Nope, that's not it." Issei grinned, desperately keeping his humor hidden. "Three strikes as it were. Shall I tell you, or will you keep going?"

Akeno sighed, admitting defeat. "Fine, how'd you do it."

Both girls shrieked as they were suddenly ejected from their place and into the air. Before they knew it, strong hands had snatched them and brought them down into the pool. Their final resting place was once again straddling their dragon's legs, though this time they were facing him as he hugged them close.

"Quite simple," their stupid dragon smiled. At their height, Issei was free to let his head rest on their bosoms. He did so, pressing an ear above and against Rias' left breast. "It's the sound that lulls me to sleep every night, and what I'm privileged to hear first in the morning." After a moment, he switched, tilting his head the other way as he repositioned on Akeno's equal soft assets. "You did well to cover your tracks as you did, but even among a crowd I'd recognize your hearts anywhere."

For a moment, there was silence. Then suddenly Issei found himself being launched as he was half-pushed, half-thrown into shallower water. As he came up, sputtering for air, he was greeted with Akeno and Rias both lying atop him, lust blazing in their eyes.

"Issei, don't talk, just listen. Take us, here and now!" They shouted in unison, both panting with desire. Two hands, he wasn't quite sure whose, reached down between the three and began to get grabby with his manhood.

Issei seriously considered doing so, lost as he was in the tumultuous influx of emotions bleeding across their mental links. He'd be lying if the desire to simply claim one or both hadn't occurred to him multiple times, after all, with both of them sleeping naked all the damn time it was hard to stay focused.

It was with great difficulty and sorrow that he ignored what every instinct was screaming at him to do and sigh, "We've been over this."

Rias blinked, her blue-green eyes still clouded over with lust. "Ise, whyyy?" She complained childishly.

'Stay strong!' He screamed internally. He was about to justify waiting, but Akeno pressed her lips against his, silencing him. The half-Fallen girl began rubbing her whole body against his, further degrading his sense of control.

Akeno gasped for breath once she broke away but was quick to interrogate him. "Why? Why do you keep delaying the inevitable?" She licked her lips sultrily, knowing full well what she was doing to him.

The demidrake sighed and sat up, sending both girls off him and into the water. Wrapping an arm around their waists he pulled them close once more. "It's because it's inevitable now that I wait, not delay." When both now upset, possibly angry females glared at him, he elaborated. "I'm a screw-up as a dragon. It's the more likely reason why I can bond with the both of you." He squeezed a little harder, enjoying the soft moans they gave him in return.

"It's because I don't want our first time to be one full of regrets." Four eyes widened in comprehension. "My father never told me how to finish the bonding process, and Albion was just as cryptic the last time I asked. He said when it's the right time I'll know." He snorted in irritation, "Cliche I know, but he won't budge. Said I'll know when the time comes, so only do it at the right time, at the right place, and with the right one. Or ones as it turns out. If it seems I'm delaying, please know and trust me that I only do so because I want to do this right."

Their expressions softened, and they both nuzzled against him. "You idiot," Rias breathed. "Nothing's ever simple with you."

"Or easy," Akeno added, "though I suppose nothing worth having ever is."

Issei looked at them both with awe and appreciation. "What did I do in a past life to deserve you both?"

Both teenage girls looked at him incredulously. "What happened to you that you'd pass us up like this?"

The demidrake groaned. "You think it's easy for me to resist just one of you? I say this as your potential, no, future mate that you're easily among the most beautiful women I've ever seen. Personality, intellect, and if you'll forgive the brutal honesty then I can't help but fantasize sometimes when you prance around me with no shame at all."

"Ara ara, our Issei is a bit of a pervert," Akeno giggled. "Well Rias, should we punish or reward him?"

"Reward? I'd say treat him as a boy-toy for playing with our hearts."

"Fufufu, well then what shall we doooOOO!" Akeno was cut off as once again, Issei proved he wasn't simply going to lie there and take whatever they had to dish out. Moving his hands from their hips to their breasts, he began to gently knead and massage the generous assets.

"I said no sex, yet", he growled. "This is still fair play." Sneakily dancing from one mound to the other, he began to pleasure both girls, taking advantage of the sensitivity of their generous busts. Taking inspiration from one of the former lessons his perverted father had given, he palmed their erect nipples mercilessly before tweaking and pinching them without reprieve.

And so the replica onsen was filled with wanton female screams of pleasure as a dragon had his way.

---

"Lean forward a little more Asia. That's it, you got it."

The ORC was assembled in the gym, preparing for the match. Of the seven, Kiba was warming up on his own, while the third year girls were stretching through several yoga poses. Asia and Ravel were being helped along by Issei and Koneko respectively, as neither of them had the physical prowess the others did.

Sitting with legs apart in a semi-split and reaching forward, both Bishops groaned as muscles and tendons were slightly tested. Asia herself squealed when she felt she nearly pulled something, only for Issei's grip on her shoulder to reassure her nothing was wrong.

To the side, Ravel glared at Asia, somewhat jealous that she got to be helped by Issei and not her. Little things, flickers of flame from her hair mostly, alerted Koneko to her emotional state, and so the Rook pressed down further, causing Ravel to screech as it felt she was being pulled apart.

Once they were done, Issei unsealed the gifts he and Asia had labored on. "Alright guys, Asia wanted us to be a bit more united in the face of our enemy, so we made these."

"Team headbands? Nice thinking Asia!" Kiba complimented her as he took one for himself.

"Yeah, nice going!" Akeno cheered.

"Good thinking!" Ravel paused, "But next time tell me and I'll help."

"Awesome." Koneko deadpanned, but they knew she liked the gesture.

Thus armed, they each tied one around their heads. It was the only common article among them really. Issei and Kiba both wore the full tracksuit, with Rias wearing the girls' equivalent in a different color than their grey. The others wore the simple t-shirt and bloomers.

The door to the gym opened up, revealing Sona and her entourage, all dressed in tees and shorts similar to the Gremory servants, with the exception of Saji who matched his fellow males. "Good, you're all here and ready. Momo, you'll referee this time."

While the opposing team took the court, the white-haired Bishop took a stopwatch from a summoning circle and a flag. Setting those aside, she opened up a container in the wall and retrieved three dodgeballs, all soft foam.

As she prepared herself, Saji through in a few insults. "Ready to lose Hyoudou?"

"Haven't lost competitions before, I won't lose now." Issei let his pupils contract and teeth sharpen, unnerving the other Pawn since Saji took a few steps back. The boy regained his balance and glared back at him.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, I've got more tricks than you may realize."

"If they can do more than amuse me, then I look forward to it."

Momo whistled loudly, getting all of their attention. "Alright, basic rules apply. Get hit, you're out but can be redeemed on the other side's perimeter. Catch it and the thrower is out. No cheap shots, and for the love of the Maou, NO MAGIC!" It seems that Momo also was frustrated from the previous day's display. "Ready! Three... Two... One... GO!" With that, she threw the three balls in quick succession, letting both teams scramble for them.

Now take a moment and imagine the most complicated dance routine. Then liberate yourself from planar limitations and add the power to fly or jump impossibly high, further adding a new dimension to the difficulty of the dance. Take it one step further and allow the dance to become a competition against another team, one where cheating via projectile acceleration is not only allowed but encouraged.

In essence, a highly choreographed performance that mere mortals could only dream of achieving.

And nobody had even begun to use magic yet.

The speed and reaction times necessary to avoid being hit were extraordinary. Even though their opponents were devils just like them, the ORC found themselves nearly overwhelmed by the exemplary teamwork they displayed. It was only due to the intense athleticism of Issei, Kiba, and Koneko, and the above average physical abilities that Rias and Akeno displayed that they were able to keep Asia and Ravel in the game. And even then, they were only able to keep the game even.

That is until the other Rook, Tsubasa hurled the ball at what must have been Mach speed. Rias managed to catch it, though the accumulated force released upon impact ripped her clothes in a few places, revealing black lace. Now thoroughly annoyed, Rias returned the offending sphere through a series of circles. Her magic accelerated the orb to tremendous speed and made contact with Reya.

The poor girl was knocked clean off her feet, screaming as her clothes burned away. Now once again, Issei really didn't have a difference between 'normal' and 'battle' mode, he had long since conditioned himself to reconcile the two together. However, he nearly got his head taken off by another throw as he glanced at his master; he certainly hadn't expected that kind of result from blatant misuse of magic.

"That's it Rias! Kid gloves are off now!" Sona shouted as her ball was engulfed in white glyphs. The petite King spun to avoid Koneko's lob, then sent it hurtling toward the gentle Bishops, who had done their best to not get hit so far.

"No you DON'T!" Issei stepped in between the ball and the girls and braced himself for the catch. A hairsbreadth away from his palm, the ball switched directions, traced his silhouette without contact and continued hurtling toward the Bishops.

"Dammit, I HATE magic," he cursed, incensed as he wasn't close enough to do anything for the girls now. Thankfully, Koneko was. The Rook also stepped forward, but having seen how it avoided his catch, she jumped into its flight path, letting it hit her.

"You alright?" Kiba asked with concern present in his voice. It was well deserved; the hit had scored across Koneko's body, a testament to the defensive trait of the Rook piece. Her clothes however were not so durable, and the streaking impact had torn a long tear that exposed the Nekomata's budding chest.

"I'll be alright." Koneko was already moving into the 'out' position on the other side. "Just keep the pervert from looking at me." Both boys looked to see Saji unapologetically leering at Koneko, causing the girl to frown and cover herself with one arm.

"Alright," Issei scowled, ball in hand. "I think we can manage that." He didn't fly, his wings were larger than anyone's there and would make him an easier target. Instead, he jumped nearly reaching the ceiling before spiking it back down to earth.

He did give the other Pawn credit, his survival instincts were on point this game. Instead of gaining a black eye, broken nose, and/or concussion as intended, Saji ducked into a fetal position and rolled away pitifully, nearly tripping some of his own team, allowing Akeno to hit at least one. The ball Issei had bludgeoned toward him cratered the gym floor and sent wood splinters flying.

Saji instead sprang back up, a fervent light in his eyes. "Go ahead and do your worst Hyoudou! Try defending against this!" The Pawn held out his left arm, and on hand an armored glove appeared. A Sacred Gear?

The Gear in question was pitch black, with gold trim on its jagged edges. It resembled a lizard, with two rubies instead of eyes, and a slightly open mouth. The tail wrapped around his wrist and completed the glove's design and while it looked deceptively harmless, Issei knew it was anything but.

(A Vritra Gear? That explains the familiar presence I sensed.)

'Perhaps, but what does he intend to do? I don't recognize the function at all.'

"Here goes!" Saji cried as he threw his hand forward. From the Dragon-type Sacred Gears' 'mouth', a white tongue extended to incredible length. Flicking it like a whip, Saji maneuvered it at such speed so that its tip flicked ever so glancingly against every female member of the Occult Research Club. Upon contact, a white circle of unfamiliar glyphs appeared before fading moments later.

"Haha, step one complete!" The other Pawn crowed. "Now for the grand reveal of my new move!" The tongue fully retracted, and Saji flourished his arm in position. "DRESS... BREAK!" He snapped his fingers, and all went to Hell.

As if shredded by a blender or insanely grieved woodchuck, the clothes worn by the afflicted girls instantly ripped apart into nothing more than stray threads and scraps of fabric.

Blink. Blink. Everyone stopped in place as they just took in what just happened. After a few moments, the gym rang out in a loud 'KYYAAAA' as Akeno, Rias, Asia, Koneko, and Ravel all tried to use their hands to cover up or curl into a ball.

"What... what just happened?" Kiba asked, still in partial shock.

"Alright, time out," Sona sighed as she wiped her glasses on her shirt. Replacing them she turned to Saji. "Would you like to explain what that was?"

"My new secret move!" A nose bleeding Saji replied, though even with severe blood loss his lecherous smile was still present. "I've made it this far in life without being found out and associated with the Perverted Duo, but this new lease on life is the best ever!"

Sona's eye twitched as she fought off an aneurism. "Tsubaki, remind me to add additional remedial work for Saji as a punishment. As for this game, I think we're about done." She surveyed the court where her opponents still remained.

"IYYAAA! I CAN'T GET MARRIED ANYMORE!" Asia and Ravel cried out in unison. Both were curled up next to each other, united in their misery.

"You're the worst," Koneko deadpanned, blushing. With her Nekomata traits exposed, she used her tail to cover up her womanhood and her arms to conceal her chest. Even with the important bits covered, she was still fidgeting, understandably uncomfortable with such public humiliation.

Rias and Akeno were a bit more reserved in their reactions, though their faces were reddened as well. "That's a rather disturbing move Sona," Rias commented, tilted her body to the side and using both arms to support and protect what remained of her modesty. "If this is a joke of some sort, then note that I'm not laughing."

"Indeed, it is rather sickening," the normally upbeat Ultimate Sadist said in a dull tone. Mind you, she covered up in the same manner as Rias, and while Akeno didn't normally care about her modesty all that much in the comfort of her home or in the presence of those she considered family, this move was extremely violating. She'd normally get a kick out of things like this, if only it was Issei who had used such power against her and if Saji wasn't there, then maybe she might have enjoyed it. As it was, Saji was the culprit and Issei had dismally low magical ability. Issei could never manage...

Issei could never...

Issei...

Issei was being abnormally quiet.

Head tilted down, no one could see his eyes right now. However, his current mood was easily defined by the set of his jaw and the feral look that showed far too many sharp teeth.

Somewhat belatedly, Sona's quick thinking ran through all possible situations that could come of this. She wasn't one of the few blessed to know exactly what mating with a dragon entailed, all she knew was that Rias and Akeno were in some sort of joint relationship with the demidrake. Even if she didn't though, she had a fairly good idea of what would come next.

"Hyoudou, please don't kill him, or hurt him too badly," she pleaded. "I understand why you're upset and he'll be punished accordingly but I ask that you not take this to..."

Issei growled as his Balance Breaker activated. Light Wings blazing, he flew forward and grabbed Saji by the neck, lifting him well above the solid ground. An armored fist delivered a staggering uppercut into Saji's abdomen, sending the unrepentant pervert flying through one of the windows accompanied by the sounds of breaking bones and shattered glass. With a burst of light, Issei followed, still roaring incomprehensibly.

"...extremes," Sona finished lamely and sighed. This wasn't how she expected things to turn out over a simple familiar hunt decision. Waving her hand, several magic circles flared beneath the afflicted females and traveled upward, clothing the girls in the standard uniform. Once finished, Sona nodded apologetically to her rival. "My sincerest apologies Rias. While I knew he was hiding a perverted nature, I wasn't aware of his intentions, nor of his," she spat out the next few words, "intolerable skill set."

"Apology accepted," Rias nodded diplomatically, "though I'm sorry to remind you that while Issei is technically my servant, there are times where he'll take action that I may not necessarily condone yet ethically can't punish him for."

Sona nodded her understanding and muttered a short plea to whatever higher power listening that Saji wouldn't be hurt too badly. Her self-recrimination for Saji's magical education was cut short when the doors opened again. Everyone turned, expecting the two Pawns to have returned. Instead, three women stood in the entranceway, dressed in white robes. Of the three, only two of them seemed armed: their apparent leader with a short sword buckled to her waist, and another with a great sword wrapped in cloth.

Most devils present shivered at the unrestrained Holy energy emanating from the three, though with one notable exception. Kiba now glared at the newcomers with undisguised hatred, hands twitching as if swords of his own were in his grasp.

The leader lowered her hood and revealed a beautiful face, even among the supernatural beauties present. She was older than those present for sure, perhaps in her late twenties or early thirties and had dark brown hair and blue eyes. She observed them all, before bowing to the two heiresses.

"Greetings. My name is Griselda Quarta, and we're here on a matter of grave importance."

---

"My thanks, this is a wonderful brew," Griselda thanked Akeno as she sampled some of the Queen's tea. "Again, I thank you all for your hospitality."

It was about a half hour after the exorcists had first appeared. Both Peerages were now in the ORC's main room, Sona and Rias sitting across from the three women. The rest were lined up behind their couch, Tsubaki supporting a still weak Saji.

Rias and Akeno's trepidation at the exorcists' intrusion had broken through the outrage Issei had for his opponent. He had reluctantly sealed Saji away to preserve his admittedly damaged condition and returned to the clubhouse. Asia had healed him easily, much to the annoyance of the ORC and embarrassment of the Student Council. Issei himself stood next to Kiba, sensing that Kiba's behavior was not conducive to whatever politics were at work here.

"You are most welcome," Rias lied through her teeth even as she smiled. "So please, tell me, what brings three exorcists to my territory?"

"That in itself is a long story," Griselda sighed. "Perhaps we shall give you an appropriately shortened version. Girls, introduce yourselves."

The girl to Griselda's left smiled and waved, her twin tails bouncing. "Hi! I'm Irina, Irina Shidou!"

Her partner on Griselda's right nodded politely, though it was obviously forced. "Xenovia Quarta."

For a moment, the devils were confused. Griselda Quarta was a famed exorcist, even to them. She and three others in the Church were famous, or rather infamous, among devils for killing a high-class devil without specialized equipment or Sacred Gear.

There had never been any mention of any blood relations, so for another person to carry the family name implied adoption or foster sister. Either way, it meant that this Xenovia was one to watch.

Issei however, could not stop looking at this Irina. Not only did she seem somewhat familiar to him, she smelled... wrong. Not foul or anything, just... wrong. Already he had memorized the scents of these visitors. Xenovia smelled of jasmine and blade oil, Griselda of parchment and thyme, Irina of sunflowers and something else. Nothing odd about that, but the something else was bothering him. The others seemed focused on Xenovia more, especially with that monster of a blade she carried, but his attention was split evenly, if not more toward the Shidou girl.

"We've come on a mission of critical importance. About a week ago, three of the Church-controlled Excalibur fragments were stolen."

Every devil barring Saji, Asia, and Ruruko was visibly startled at this. It was Rias that posed the question they were all thinking, "How was it done?"

"It would seem that some rogue elements of the Grigori somehow circumvented our own defenses." Griselda seemed troubled that such an undertaking had actually been considered, much less carried out. "As for those responsible, we've tracked the guilty party here. Freed Sellzen, working under the orders of the rogue cadre, Kokabiel."

Issei's knuckles cracked as his fists clenched. Kokabiel was here? And Sellzen was still alive?

"Wait wait, I'm confused," Saji interrupted, pulling his arm from Tsubaki's shoulder as he gripped the sofa in front of him. "Why is a fragment so important? And why are there multiple Excaliburs?"

"If you'll allow a small lesson," Sona asked Griselda. "Saji, do you recall what I've told you about the basic equipment of exorcists, regardless of faction?"

"Uh, yeah. Light sword, gun, sometimes Holy water."

"Tools intended to hurt or outright eliminate devils or other creatures of shadow. Recall that while the Biblical God created Angels from Light, Lucifer used shadow as a basis for the creation of Devils. Our existences are fundamentally at odds with each other. The Evil Piece system first replicates and installs such ties to shadow in addition to allowing you to generate demonic energy, allowing for the physical reincarnation process to begin."

"You've said that before, when you first recruited me."

"Well, there's another aspect to it," Sona adjust her glasses in her trademark style. "While not necessarily our direct opposite, Holy Power is still a considerable danger to devils as it is much more potent than light. Remember that Lucifer intended and succeeded in creating a race as far and removed from God's influence as possible. And Holy isn't generally applicable to Angels of any kind, it's a signature energy of high-level deities involved with or fundamental to creation. Of the many deities still around, there's God, Indra, Amaterasu and perhaps the four cardinal Aztec gods. There are other creators to be sure, but they are the ones with the most of what we define as Holy.

Nowadays, Holy power is a rare thing. The blessing of a god is not something easily attained or freely given. The Aztecs find isolation to be preferable, Amaterasu gives her blessing only sparingly, Indra considers blessing to be not gifts of his power but knowledge leading to enlightenment. And then there's God, who's given the most blessings to his followers. Usually in some miraculous ability or another, the pressing matter is that of the Holy Swords.

Several blades come to mind when one thinks of Holy swords, medieval Europe was where the four belonging to Christianity became prominent. Durandal, the sword of Roland, Ascalon, the sword of Saint George," Issei growled at the mention of the dragonslayer, though Sona continued unhindered, "Caliburn, also known as Collbrande, Arthur's first sword in the stone, and then there is Excalibur, the most famous. Each was blessed by, if not created, by God to better protect the Church in the event Heaven could not.

Now, in modern times, Christianity is becoming a less-followed religion." Ignoring the scowls from Xenovia and Irina, Sona continued with her explanation. "As such, with God no longer actively bestowing blessing or creating miracles, Holy power is at a premium. It's getting harder and harder for the Church to maintain stores of Holy water. And while it's possible and certainly easier to mass-produce artificial light to arm the exorcists, the Church fanatically seeks to control any Holy Sword or Holy-type Sacred Gear in an effort to retain as much of God's power that does not require continuous renewal."

"An accurate depiction of the current state of affairs," Griselda nodded. "And that is why we're here, to retrieve the three Excalibur shards stolen by the rogues."

"I-I'm sorry," Ruruko timidly spoke up. "You said shards? Three of them?"

Xenovia now spoke up. "At the end of the Great War between the three Biblical factions, the original Excalibur was broken in combat. Shortly after, several component pieces were recovered and reforged into lesser blades, although one was stolen almost immediately. The remaining six have been in the Church's possession ever since."

"Broken at the end of the war?" Rias scoffed. "That's one acceptable tale to spoon feed to the orphans that the Church indoctrinates into lackeys. Another is that the Lady of the Lake cursed the blade when the Church ignored the agreed terms of which it was given to Arthur in the first place. By their refusing its return, the Queen of the Fey shattered it of her own volition so that believers in God could never use it properly."

"WHY YOU...!" Xenovia made to draw her sword but was stopped by Griselda's outstretched arm.

"Enough. How or why Excalibur was first broken remains shrouded and therefore irrelevant, our concern is how to proceed here and now in light of its theft."

"Indeed," Sona agreed with the lead exorcist. "And just how did you intend to proceed?"

"Our orders are to first ensure that you had nothing to do with the theft," Griselda's blue eyes burned as she studied the devils before her, a finger tracing the length of her own sword. "How do you answer?"

"As the Heiress to the House of Sitri, I swear that I, nor those under me were involved with the Church's affair." Sona resolutely affirmed. Griselda nodded and looked at Rias, who was far less amicable.

"What purpose would I have for an Excalibur fragment?" Rias wondered. "Holy power is already under my control. My Pawn, Issei," she lovingly called as he nodded to the church trio, "is not only a Longinus wielder, but a half-dragon with a Holy Aura. In addition, my Queen, Akeno, is the daughter of the Fallen Baraqiel, who to this day yet retains God's blessing to apply a Holy attribute to his elemental Lightning. And she has inherited his skill. In fact, I believe both of them have enough innate power to safely wield a Holy sword of Excalibur's status."

Issei stopped in wonder. While he had never considered it, wielding a Holy sword was logically within his own capacity. He'd simply never had the opportunity or reason to try. He internally shrugged. Fancy metal or not, it wasn't in his nature to be swinging bits of steel around. He'd done well enough with his aura and Longinus so far; he had no intention of devoting his life to the care and use of a weapon he had no conceivable use for.

"Regardless, neither are sword fighters. Well," Rias cocked her head in thought, "Well, not primarily. Akeno is a magic user, and while Issei has skill with blades, he has never relied on them. In essence, while the House of Gremory is potentially capable of using them, we were not involved with your missing toys."

"You would do well to mind your tone," Griselda spoke softly. "Do not take this situation lightly."

"Oh, fear not, I am deadly serious about this." Rias' face was cold. "In fact, I wonder if your swords are really worth it?"

"What are you implying?" There was a cold note in Griselda's voice.

"You're on a mission to retrieve Excalibur fragments, priceless artifacts to your faction. Then why only the three of you against a cadre and his cohorts? I've heard of people willing to die for their beliefs but if I'm honest this is the first time I've seen people willingly walk to their certain defeat."

"Do not speak ill of our beliefs," Xenovia was barely restrained in her response. "Do not underestimate our need to do what must be done."

"'What must be done', that's a phrase terrifying in its own right."

"I'm afraid I do not understand." None of the exorcists seemed to know where Rias was going with this, though Sona and Akeno showed signs of sad comprehension.

"I don't suppose you would. After all, history is filled with terrible tragedies done all in the name of God." Rias scoffed, lightly blowing a stray hair from her face. "The so-called People's Crusade, the persecution of the Gypsies when their mystic talents competed with the necessity for literate priests, the oftentimes violent conversion of the Americas. But even if you can ignore or forget such sins of the past, then maybe you'll remember something a little more recent. The Holy Sword Project, perhaps."

As if struck by Lightning, all three exorcists froze in place. "So, knowledge of the Project is known to the Underworld," Griselda whispered. "I suppose Devils would be the ones to capitalize on rumors and hearsay and twist it to propaganda."

"Rumors? Hearsay?" A cold laugh echoed through the room as Kiba made his presence known. "Don't speak to me of rumors, I was there. I am a survivor of your Holy Sword Project, your attempt to forcefully create children capable of wielding Excalibur. I don't need propaganda, I was there. I was there to watch as our numbers diminished in the experiments, and I was there when the overseers decided to exterminate us like vermin."

Irina paled and Xenovia's hard expression softened a bit. Most telling was that Griselda lowered her face slightly. "I suppose there is no point in denying it. There was one body unaccounted for in the records, a boy with a Sacred Gear marked for demonic sword creation. That was you." It wasn't a question.

"It is. And you'll understand if I take your Excaliburs and break them here and now, the world will be BETTER OFF WITHOUT THEM!"

"Come and take it then," Xenovia snarled as she stood. "I wield Excalibur Destruction, a sword that will not be so easily broken." The cloth wrappings that covered her sword fell away, revealing a sword that could easily be the combination of a steel I-beam, medieval axe, and cleaver.

"Oooh, are we showing them our swords!" Irina jumped up, unraveling a cord from her arm. "My current sword is Excalibur Mimic! It can change shapes to whatever form I need! I also have~OUCH!" She was cut off as Griselda clamped down on her shoulder.

"If you really are a survivor of the Project, then your anger is justified. However, we cannot willingly relinquish these blades to you now, perhaps not even when this mission is complete."

"Griselda! We can't...!"

"Quiet. Both of you!" Immediately, Xenovia and Irina broke into a sweat as they tried to make herself as small as possible. "Then how about this. You fight one of us in a duel for first blood, and first blood only. Should we be victorious, then you shall stand down and we will be on our way. Should you prove the better swordsman, then you shall choose one blade to do with as you please."

"Griselda! We can't do that!"

"Xenovia, be quiet." The girl 'eeped' once more. "Not only are we visitors to these lands, we have a responsibility to give this boy some closure. This is only right as the Church has failed him once before."

"He won't be fighting alone," Issei stepped forward. "I fight one of you as well, and the same conditions apply."

"Issei stay out of this. This is my fight, I can take all of them!"

"Dude, do not start being prideful, it doesn't suit you." Issei looked at the exorcists. "What'll it be?"

"You'd fight one of us?" Griselda looked hopeful, as if he'd change his mind and back off. On the contrary, Irina looked more excited than ever. "For what reason would you try your luck to destroy an Excalibur?"

Issei looked confused. "Do I really need a reason to help a friend?"

"No, I suppose not." The woman stood, eyes closed and with a visage that spoke of apprehension and regret. "Very well. Though you shall fight with the additional condition that you do not use your Longinus to aid you."

It was a valid point; without it, Issei was capable of taking on high-level beings beyond a human exorcist, with it active there would be no competition. It was a fair stipulation and after a moment's silence, Issei nodding his agreement.

Rias and Sona, if they were surprised at the course of events, didn't show it. However, Issei felt Rias and Akeno's concern and worry bleed over their connection. He sent his thoughts to comfort and console them, and they relaxed if even only a little bit.

Coming to a mutual understanding that duels could not be carried out indoors, both peerages and the exorcists ventured outside.

Before they left the building, Kiba and Issei found themselves pulled aside by their King and Queen. "Is there any way I can convince you out of doing this?" Rias pleaded with her servants.

Kiba shook his head, still scowling. "Rias, I will always be thankful to you for saving my life. But the only reason I'm here now is because my friends sacrificed themselves for me. Slaughtered for no reason other than we were failures. Don't ask me to stop, not when the cause of their death and suffering is within my reach."

"In a political event like this with the Church involved, if you were to disobey an order I would have to mark you as a Stray," Rias was holding back tears now. "So I won't order you to stand down, but please, I'm asking for you to reconsider."

For the first time since meeting him, Issei was stunned as Kiba simply turned his back to their master and walked out. Shaking his head ruefully, Issei embraced both girls together. "He's out for vengeance, I can't fault him for it."

"Neither can I," Rias whispered into his collar. "Take care of him, and yourself especially."

"Me?"

Akeno softly stroked the arm held around her, "We don't know enough about the fragments and the effects they'll have on you. You're the only one here with innate resistance to Holy energy."

"I'll be fine," he reassured them. "Holy energy aside, there's a boomstick and a malleable piece of tin, neither with an effect great enough to hurt me. I don't plan to be exorcised today."

"You'd better not be." Rias murmured as she pulled away.

Issei nodded before moving to the exit. Before he went outside, he paused. "Isn't it traditional to get a kiss right before a battle? Good luck and all that?"

Akeno laughed lightly, "You're turning into a hopeless romantic at this rate."

"So, that's a yes?"

He was answered as Rias threw her arms around and brought her lips to his. Nothing excessive, but it wasn't chaste either. When she stopped for breath, she whispered in his ear, "Be careful."

Issei would have responded favorably were it not for a speeder hand tilting his face away. Akeno stole an equally passionate kiss and gave her advice as well, "Good luck."

In spite of the situation, he couldn't help but smile. "You two are really something else."

"Ara ara, what does that mean?"

"Means I love you both and it's driving me crazy," he smirked as both girls choked after he delivered that choice phrasing. Still chuckling, he walked out, readying himself for another fight.

---

The Devils weren't the only ones conducting a somewhat secret meeting. Griselda led her charges by the arm to the edge of the clearing near the old building. Making sure they were out of hearing, especially the dragon's, she stopped and turned to them both.

"Remember, this fight isn't meant to kill your opponents, just first blood. This is a chance for the poor victim to fulfill whatever lust for vengeance he has, but the fact remains that we cannot give up even one blade without a fight. Remember that fine line during combat."

Both girls nodded. "We won't lose," Xenovia declared. "If I cross blades with the Knight in his current emotional state, and Irina faces the dragon, then victory is assured!"

"No, no it isn't!" Their elder hissed violently, "Thinking like that will lead the Church to ruin. Irina, above all else, do not reveal that blade. Even if you're hard pressed for victory, even if you end up fighting the White Dragon Emperor, do not use it."

"Griselda!" Irina vehemently protested against the decree, "I was told if I'm to fight him to use it immediately!"

Griselda's already worried face turned murderous. "Irina, put aside whatever orders the clergy may have given you. If you use that blade here, you threaten to bring the Church to ruin. You have already had to flee for your life from these lands once before, do not make yourself and those affiliated with you a target!"

Irina looked very confused. "Flee for my life? Papa said we moved to Rome because he got a job in the Vatican."

"That may be true, but it is only a half truth. Irina, do not use it, this land may now be in the control of Devils, but it was first claimed by-"

"No! If I need to I will!" Irina's hurt face and words ended her ability to listen. "This is a mission from Heaven, and I will do everything in my power to make it succeed!" With that, she turned away and flounced off in preparation for the fight.

Xenovia turned to Griselda with an expression of apology. "Shidou was protecting his daughter, that much I understand but from what?"

Griselda shook her head sadly, "If Irina does not need my advice, you'll learn very soon. With luck, the effects of being in proximity to Blessing will even the odds against the demidrake and render my words unneeded, but that will be just a fool's hope."

Xenovia still looked uncertain but nodded and walked away to take her place next to Irina, across from the Project survivor and Tartarus escapee. "Shall we get started?" Both girls shrugged off their white robes, revealing skin-hugging black suits, complete with long gloves and thigh-high boots. They both left little to the imagination, though the only difference between them was Irina's appeared to have 'shorts' that preserved her modesty a bit more than the swimsuit style Xenovia wore.

"Jjiiiiiiiiii."

All eyes turned to Irina who was looking at Issei with intense concentration. The boy in question was getting a little disturbed actually.

"Um, can I help you?"

"You look really, really, really familiar," Irina said curiously. "Have we met before?"

Issei frowned. "If we have, it would have been more than a decade ago. Once I discovered I was a dragon, my parents pulled me out of school."

Irina snapped her fingers, "Aha! That's how I know you! You're that kid that was pulled out of my kindergarten class due to falling ill from some obscure disease!"

"Disease?" Issei just stood there, gaping at her. "I got a cold, breathed fire, and I dropped out, but that was the cover story!?"

"Yep! Matsuda and Motohama were scared that you had gotten cooties from playing with the girls in the class and then tried to convince the class you were quarantined for the safety of the male race." Irina lowered her sword to press a finger to her lips in thought, "I don't think many believed them though. I certainly thought it was rude."

Issei's mind went blank, eye twitching. When he had the mental capacity to inquire further, he weakly asked, "I'm sorry, I must have misheard; did you say Matsuda and Motohama? That I got 'cooties' from girls?"

The air headed girl tilted her head, "Yes I did. Why?"

The demidrake balled a hand into a fist, cocked back and swung, awkwardly punching himself in the face.

"Um, why would you do that?" The exorcist asked the dragon, who by the force of his own blow was crouched on the ground, mumbling incoherently. "Are you alright?"

"No." Issei sighed, standing back up. "No, I'm not alright. Reality is still broken."

"Okay... Very well," Irina raised her blade, Mimic taking the form of a katana. "Shall we?"

They were interrupted by a yell and explosion. Turning to look, they saw Kiba and Xenovia already engaged in a duel of their own. To Issei's surprise, Kiba was now taking the ten days of training they had before the Game to heart. Taking every advantage he had, Knight speed, Sword Birth, brutal tactics, Kiba was fighting without taking into consideration that Xenovia was a female that he would normally fight fairly against. While Issei was glad he was improving, he did have mixed feelings over the appropriate time and place for this change.

On the other hand, Xenovia was holding her own rather well. Expertly spinning Destruction as if it were a baton, she clearly had trained for a power based technique. Twirling it above her head, she brought the sword-axe downward and created another explosion that Kiba barely avoided.

'Huh, even if the Holy didn't hurt in itself, the impact from that one might,' Issei mused. 'Guess it's a good thing I'm only against a shape-changing blade.'

(Be careful Issei. Something isn't right here.)

'You can tell too?'

(You can smell it, I can sense it. This Irina, she's hiding something. Whatever it is just feels wrong.)

'I'll have to worry about it later.' Issei squared his shoulders as he brought his fists up to spar with the girl.

(I'm worrying about it now. If everything goes to Hell, I reserve the right to forcefully activate your ScaleMail.)

Before Issei could make a rebuttal, Irina was already charging across the clearing. Surprised at the speed she exhibited, Issei only had time to raise an arm and wince as the katana shrieked against his skin. The noise was only an irritation though, and he had long since trained himself to ignore irritations while in the midst of a fight.

Either way, her attack proved one thing. Her Holy Sword couldn't hurt him, so this bout was his to lose.

A short distance away, the other devils looked on with anticipation and concern. The fights had endured for only a few short minutes now and yet there was no clear winner. Kiba seemed to be of equal level with Xenovia, the only difference between them lay in their style and weaponry. Xenovia didn't look to be tiring, even though she had been swinging what appeared to be a very heavy weapon repeatedly as Kiba dance around her. The Knight was using Sword Birth quite liberally, using it to create caltrops, barriers, and other obstructions that both limited her movement and rearmed himself. So far, the outcome of their fight would remain uncertain.

What gathered most of their attention was that Issei hadn't won yet. The duel between the Kuoh natives appeared to only just be beginning yet there were... oddities... in the display.

Now for the ORC, who had had two months to grow accustomed to Issei, his style, even without his Longinus, appeared to be nothing out of the ordinary. Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Asia, and now Ravel had grown used to the eerily supernatural grace Issei could move with when focused in combat. His talent, forged over a decade in Tartarus, was clearly superior. Speed nearing or even exceeding that of most Knights, durability and strength that surpassed many Rooks, they had been privileged to observe a dragon fight for them.

Imagine their surprise and concern when Irina was matching Issei move for move.

Now, she wasn't quite his equal. Whereas Issei could be described as gliding naturally, Irina stumbled or forced her way through space to match him. Her movements, while clearly practiced, seemed jerky and haphazard, as if her style was ill-suited for the speed and strength she was currently displaying. It was obvious that whatever power she displayed was not her own.

Issei had long since given up on using only his fists and had created a katana composed of his signature white flame. Mimic and flaming aura met with bursts of sparks as the two continued to dance back and forth. Every form Mimic took, Issei altered his tool to match. A mace, whip, length of chain, spear, shield, nunchaku, his shifting constructs matched hers perfectly. By now they were moving so fast that to the observer, his weapon appeared to be nothing more than a silver disk spinning on multiple axes.

As their weapons clashed once more, Issei created an elaborate crossguard that temporarily pinned Mimic to his own blade and growled at Irina, "Alright girlie, what are you? You smell human, but no human has the right to fight as fast or strong as you are now. And your Excalibur only changes shape, not alters physical ability. So what the Hell are you?"

Irina's gaze flickered to Griselda, and everyone followed to see the eldest woman with a hand on the short sword at her hip. The sword was glowing softly with gentle light, seemingly harmless, but undoubtedly the cause or source of Irina's surprising athleticism.

After glaring at the other sword, Issei swore and jumped backward before the extending tip of Irina's current lance could attempt to skewer him. "So that's how you're doing it. A blade that increases physical attributes within a certain range? Or focused on just one person, depending on the user's will?"

Irina reformed Mimic into a katana and laughed cheerfully, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." When every devil in earshot winced and clutched their temples, Irina continued. "Excalibur Blessing is the answer to a delicate question. How can humanity stand against minions of darkness? Well, should one believe in God, then our blessed victory is possible! After all," she swung downward, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"

Instead of striking at the demidrake's shoulder, the tip of Mimic was caught in an iron fist. A grimacing Issei looked up from where he was crouched, still feeling the effects of both recited Bible verses, and snarled, "Don't give me that overzealous bullshit."

Still holding Excalibur Mimic by the blade, Issei stood to his full height, golden eyes burning. "Where was God when I was thrown into Tartarus? Where was he when a child needed him most? Or perhaps, God doesn't care about me! Deities are supposed to help those who help themselves right! So was my suffering for nothing! Well, guess what?" He laughed darkly, a feral grin on his face, "It doesn't matter anymore! God didn't save me, the Devils did instead! So take your belief, take your faith, and take your blessings and stick 'em where Heaven doesn't shine!" And with that, Issei's grip tightened and wrenched Mimic away as his other hand traveled the short distance to Irina's side, sending her tumbling away.

Issei looked at the Holy Sword in his hand and flipped it so that the hilt fell into his palm. He frowned as the indents from his grip were already vanishing as the sword's shapeshifting capacity repaired the imperfections in the metal. "Kiba! I got one!"

The boy in question jumped back to avoid another swing from a now desperate Xenovia. "DESTROY IT! NOW!"

The dragon briefly contemplated snapping the blade over his knee, but thought better of it. It would merely change shape again, a waste of effort. Instead, he held the blade, now a broadsword, with both hands as he stabbed it into the dirt. Focusing his aura, he channeled his power into the blade, seeking to brutally overwhelm whatever alchemy held the sword together.

Unseen, yet not unheard, Irina rose to her feet. Seeing him concentrating and with a ominously glowing energy surrounding the blade, she screamed, "NO! I WON'T LET YOU!"

Irina threw her arms to the side, then clasped them as if in prayer. "Warriors of old, of glorious legend..."

"IRINA STOP!" Griselda's voice rung out. "ARE YOU MAD! YOU WILL DOOM US ALL!"

"Saints and heroes, Tristan and Baldr," Irina continued undeterred, "Virgin Margaret and Noble Sigurd..."

"WHAT IS SHE DOING?!" Rias screamed. Irina was now radiating a Holy energy that exceeded the fragments the Church sought to recover. While the Holy power didn't faze her nearly as much, the only time she had felt energy like this...

"Lend me your strength, the monster is at our door..."

...was just after Issei had first died...

"Let me prove myself worthy..."

Rias and Akeno came to the same conclusion at the same time, "STOP HER!" Both summoning their magic, though it would not be enough.

"TO THE ORDER OF SAINT GEORGE!"

Now Xenovia and Kiba stopped dueling, watching on in shock and horror as a golden light appeared in Irina's hand, molding into the shape of a longsword.

Now Issei had been completely focused on the sword currently in his hands. Having gotten a feel for the blade's composition and construction, he was pouring as much aura into the fragment as he safely could. Too little and the sword wouldn't break. Too much, and he risked its violent destruction in dangerously close proximity to the other devils.

Lost in concentration, he only faintly heard the others; instead focusing on the minute cracks beginning to form on Excalibur Mimic's surface. So focused as he was, he never truly understood what was happening, until he felt a cold chill rush down his spine.

It was as if someone had drained the world of warmth, color, joy. Issei nearly threw up at the influx of negativity, as something seemed to leach away at his aura. Throwing Mimic aside, he turned to see Irina charging forward once more, a white glow around her that matched the energy around Blessing, even though Griselda had thrown aside her own weapon. And in her hand...

OhGodsWhyWhatHowIsThatHereWhyHereGetItAwayI'mGoingToDieThatFucking ThingShouldBeDestroyedExcaliburIsNotImportantPutItAwayAlbionPleaseHelpIt'sHorridVileDesecratedIrreverentWrongWrongWRONGWRONGWRONG

(ISSEI FUCKING MOVE!)

Paralyzed in dread, Issei found himself rooted to the spot, unable to tear his gaze from the abomination in the exorcist's hands. In the end it was Albion who reacted. Divine Dividing materialized, the ScaleMail forming as the Vanishing Dragon attempted to forcefully move his catatonic host aside and out of danger. Issei was pulled backwards, but even then it wasn't enough. It was too little, too late.

No one could have prepared for this, save the exorcists, who had to have known. None could have prevented this, save the exorcists, who must have had ample opportunity. But even now, strong as Issei was, strong as dragons were, it was he who was in danger and not the girl.

Every dragon knew its tale. Of how Glaurung's corpse had been dissected and rendered into parts, alchemic material and potion ingredients. Of how the Church had forged a sword from his fangs and claws and desecrated it, using it as the first and arguably greatest weapon of its kind. All dragons knew it, all dragons secretly feared it. It was a weapon spoke in hushed whispers to hatchlings to keep them from misbehaving, a tool used by an Order that dared to hunt the greatest of hunters.

And it was that fear which kept Issei from fleeing, keeping him inside Irina's Blessing-enhanced swing despite Albion's best efforts. The White Dragon Emperor had moved, but not far enough. First the ScaleMail shattered, draconic aura held for a moment before giving way as it was overpowered, then reinforced skin was pierced. Dense muscle parted as the blade cleaved into his side, until the tip of Ascalon, the Sword of the First Dragonslayer, embedded itself in bone.

Everyone on the field started as Irina completed her sweeping lunge and tugged at her sword, Ascalon tearing free in a spray of blood. The chosen bearer of the Holy Dragonslayer had landed a deep blow in the demidrake's side, just above his hip. The vicious wound oozed red, dark red, even darker still as the sun finally set beyond the mountains, shrouding Kuoh in nightfall.

One did not have to be a devil with their gift of night vision to see Issei crumple to his knees. His left hand pressed against the wound, as if to deny he had actually been injured. There was still a glow of shock and disbelief in his eyes, horrifying everyone as the light flickered and dimmed. And then the so-called Strongest White Dragon Emperor fell.

The heavy thud as Issei gracelessly collapsed was what spurned the observers to finally break free from their own disbelief. Every girl in the Occult Research Club added their voice to the chorus of fear and grief.

"ISSEI!"

---

AN: PLEASE READ! IMPORTANT EXPLANATIONS!

Wow, cliffhangers suck. Re-reading this, I'm reminded once again how much I hate them, which makes me cringe at how and why I'm doing it again.

Glaurung – name taken from Tolkien's The Silmarillion, the extensive backstory published posthumously detailing the history of Middle-Earth. Don't expect him to make an appearance as a borrowed crossover character, just needed an established name.

Now, as I'm sure many of you are gathering pitchforks and torches, hear me out. This chapter was outlined months ago, and is not grounds for removing Irina from her eventual place in the harem. Besides, if there's hope for her, then there's a greater chance for Kuroka. I'd count that as a win.

Issei isn't going to die, and not even because the plot miraculously/ridiculously allows for it *cough* Fairy Tail *cough*. Akeno and Rias have sexy skinship, Asia has Twilight Healing, Koneko has Senjutsu, and Ravel would logically have a personal supply of Phoenix Tears. So fear not, he's not going to die, or lose his Evil Pieces, or anything like that, but still, taking a hit from the strongest dragonslaying weapon still won't be an easy thing to walk away from. And being half-dragon makes him even more vulnerable than he is in canon.

As many of you have anticipated, Issei will be coming face-to-face with Kokabiel in the near future. This is something that I think we all agree HAS to happen. However, the method in which it does can't be as clear and simple as a Longinus reveal like I did in the Rating Game. Like I've always said, and still adhere to, this Issei will not be any stronger than Vali. Canon Vali was able to take out Kokabiel now problem, therefore my Issei could logically do the same. One-shotting a cadre, while impressive, would be incredibly short and boring for me to write, much less to read.

Therefore, instead of nerfing him like I did with the nightmares before the Rating Game, I'm taking Issei out of play entirely for now. Much of the search for the Excalibur shards will be done without him as he recovers.

Irina. I've wanted her to be more than an airheaded exorcist given Mimic for the sake of recovering the other fragments. Therefore, I brought her up to Xenovia's level and made her a natural-born Holy Sword wielder, as well as a chosen bearer of one of Christianity's four great Holy Swords. With Excalibur being broken, Xenovia possessing Durandal, and Arthur having or soon finding Collbrande, there was only one sword unaccounted for and I found that it worked best this way considering who and what Issei is. In case you missed it, she also has no idea Kuoh is still considered rightful dragon territory, though Griselda does.

Now, for those of you saying that Irina matching base demidrake Issei is unrealistic, that's why I threw Blessing in there under Griselda's care. It was withheld in canon, but if Kokabiel is known to be rogue, sending an experienced exorcist with the last fragment seems logical. Combined with Issei not using his Longinus to make the fight seemingly more fair, and you have the ideal setup for a surprise that I'm sure none of you saw coming. I've read a lot of DxD fics, but I haven't seen any where Ascalon is already in someone else's possession. Could be wrong, but most authors have a fixation with Issei getting Ascalon.

On another note, Ascalon. It was given to canon Issei to even the odds a bit between him and Vali, so why should anyone expect him to get it now, much less willingly wield it considering how I've interpreted its origins way back in chapter 2. To me, handing something like a magic sword to a main character or OC is just sheer laziness as it miraculously allows for the fight to be evened or unbalanced at the author's discretion. The whole Sacred Gear system is creative enough and essential to DxD that I'm actually impressed by the concept, but randomly handing out magic artifacts of obscure origin or value, at least to me, cheapens the point of the story, especially under the pretense of getting stronger. If Issei was going to get a Longinus, then I'd make sure it was at least the one containing his ancestor, so that his possession of it was somewhat justified.

Now there's a counterargument with it being a fanfic and up to anyone's discretion, but once again, this is MY fanfic. I'm purposefully trying to make this an enjoyable, long-term fic, not something that can be summarized as "Issei is overpowered, never makes mistakes, never gets hurt, gets all the girls, defeats all the bad guys with only one punch, and summarily never grows as a person and individual."A little humility, ok, a lot of humility in this case, will help tremendously to help him grow from point A to point B, something I think is part of what makes him a likable and relatable character, even in the original canon.

With all that said and done, this fight had a more direct effect, one that will dictate how the Excalibur situation will be handled. And to the Church, it will be done at swordpoint.

Next time: Aggression, Retribution, Wrath of a Heavenly Dragon

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