The following afternoon however was the interesting thing as it was now time for everyone to mean up. He waited outside of the Gremory family mansion as he was sitting at the fountain waiting to see who would show up first. "Hey, Ise." He heard as he saw Yumi show up first as her clothes were tattered as parts of them had holes in them and most were slashed away.
He waved at her "So you're the first to show up. You don't look half bad."
"Thanks, the training I went through was rough."
He looked at her seeing if there was anything noticeably different. "I can see that your clothes are a wreck."
"Oh, Yumi and Ise!" They heard as they saw another girl fully wrapped up in bandages.
"Did you train with an Egyptian?" Issei asked Xenovia.
"No, I just got injured while training so I had to fix myself up."
They nodded hearing that "And you went for the full breast bindings to just match the bandages or did you just not want to wear a bra?"
"My guess is she broke all the ones she had." Yumi said getting a snicker out of Issei.
"It's not like that." Xenovia tried to defend herself as Issei laughed hearing it.
"It's not nice to laugh at someone's situation." It was Asia with Rias, Koneko, Akeno, Katase, Murayama and Gasper. Asia walked over to him and hugged him.
"It seems as if we have all returned." Rias said looking at everyone with a smile.
"I hope all of you have gotten stronger in your time training. This was only your conditioning, now you need to work for your long term gains."
Yumi nodded hearing that from Issei. "We can talk about our progress in a bit. The first order of business is getting cleaned up."
It didn't talk long for them to take a shower and get cleaned up as they were all in the room that Issei had slept in at the Gremory Mansion. As they piled in they talked about the training that they went through while Issei told them how he lounged around for a month while doing some work here and there. "Sound like you all had a fun time."
"We got hit by a large guy who looks like he should be the model for a manga character." Katase grabbed Issei and shook him.
"And it hurt." Murayama was no different from how she acted.
He could only laugh at their predicament "I trust you're much stronger now."
"I will say I'm surprised how well they were able to take the punishment from Surtr Second considering how long they have been devils now." Azazel said as he watched over how they all progressed over the month.
"Then there's nothing to be mad about. The stronger you get the fewer problems you have later on." Issei smiled and shrugged his shoulders as he didn't know what to tell them. "What about the rest of you?"
Akeno put her finger on her lips "Ummm I think you will have to wait and see."
"Ohhh?" That peaked Issei's excitement.
"Well if that's all that's going to be said then I guess I will have to wait till the match to see how everyone has adjusted." Azazel got up and left the room hearing that as it was only a matter of time to wait.
Rias made her way over to Issei and hugged him tightly. "I need this."
Jealously broke out real quick from Rias' actions as there was a small fight for Issei. It was going to be a long night at this point. Luckily for him, he was more than durable enough to survive the onslaught. So he just acted like a teddy bear and let them fight over him.
The following day however was another story, Issei was all alone waiting for the others to show up. Issei however was waiting around in one of the rooms at the front of the mansion for gatherings. "Oh, Hyoudou your here." Issei saw Saji in the doorway.
"Saji? Didn't expect to see you here." He said as Saji took a seat on one of the many couches.
"Ah yes, All of the girls are here with Rias and I was brought along as well. I kinda wandered around the mansion till I found you here."
Issei nodded hearing that "So the first game is starting soon."
"I trust you trained hard?" Issei asked.
"Yes, every day."
"There there is no problem."
"But.."
Issei cut him off. "No buts. If you trained every day to your fullest and you doubt yourself then you gained nothing. Knowing where you started and where you are now shows your progress. Win or Lose you have progressed."
Saji thought about that for a moment "Do you remember the young devil gathering at the start of the month?"
"AHhh good times" Issei said with a smile. "What about it?"
"My dream is to be a teacher, I want to teach at the school Sona wants to build."
"Interesting." Saji had interested Issei. "A teacher wasn't something I would have expected. But you never know how life will take you on that road."
"A school where everyone can learn regardless of rank. The lack of discrimination makes it an open place for anyone and everyone. Sona told me that she wants to change how the underworld treats people. And this is just the first step to making the underworld more like the human world. Even the possibility to become a high-class devil is extremely low but 1% is still a 1% chance."
"Still a teacher tho? That kinda surprises me that your this invested into it already."
They heard the door creak as it opened up "Oh Saji you came as well. Sorry for making you wait for us." Rias stood there in a Red Dress. But behind them, there was Akeno dressed in one of her black yukatas. Asia and Koneko had all small little dresses and jewelry that matched them. No girl was lacking in the style department. They were all dressed to be in the limelight of the party. "A Suit?" She asked looking at Issei as he was in a black suit with a red tie.
"Yeah? And?" He pointed at Gasper "I get it that your thing but at a party?"
"But I wanted to wear a dress as well."
Issei sighed hearing that "Fine."
"Saji?" They hear Sona as she has just walked in from behind them. Saji however looked as if all his life was drained from him when he saw Sona. She had on a small blue dress with a golden necklace and a bow in the center of the dress. "Saji you okay?"
Issei looked at Saji seeing the lifeless look in his eyes. "I think he likes what he sees." Sona's face turned red hearing that from him. "To think that somebody outside of your sister would express it in public." Issei nudged Saji "Good luck man."
"Excuse me, everyone." A butler spoke up getting their attention "But Lord Tannin and his delegates have arrived."
"Why is he…" Rias tried to ask before Issei interrupted her.
"Thank you for informing us."
"You did this didn't you?" Rias asked him only getting a nod.
They made their way outside they saw Tannin and a few other dragons with him. "I make good on my promises Issei Hyoudou."
Issei laughed hearing that "And I thank you for that."
"Anyways, I placed a barrier on my back so we can transport all of you to the party. We don't need your clothes and hair being ruined before we get there."
"Thank you for this Tannin. The Sitri family is here as well is that okay if they come as well?" Rias asked Tannin as even on all fours he still towered over them.
"Of course, there's more than enough room for everyone."
Hearing that they got everyone on board Issei hopped up onto Tannin's head as they took off into the sky. They flew over the forests and cities as everything was now small in the distance. They could see lush forests for miles upon miles as there was only so much transportation made through the underworld. It looked as if they were in the middle of the Arden forest only denser and stretched on forever.
[This is a sight to behold. Flying around and seeing the scenery below.]
"It is, even if there are only three of us still around. Midgardsormr only sleeps, Yu-long has gone into what he calls retirement hanging around with Son Wukong for the most part. Vritra, Ddraig, and Albion are unfortunately sealed away. Fafnir assists Azazel and Tiamat is well Tiamat."
"Don't remind us." [Dont remind us.] They said at the same time.
"I guess that would be a touchy subject." Tannin had a small chuckle about it.
"Moving the discussion aside, I never asked you why you became a devil. Was it just for the dragon apples?" Issei asked.
"For the most part, It was necessary for the dragon race. There are some of our species that rely on it, and that was my main decision. The other was that the Supernatural world is no longer in the constant chaos it was thousands of years. As human society progressed and became more technologically advanced the Supernatural caught onto it and fell in line. The time of large-scale battles had disappeared. Victory and Conquests were left to the wayside so they can now flourish without the constant threat of war."
"Even if we are on that cusp once again?" Issei asked Tannin.
"So the rumors that are floating around the elites are true then?" Tannin tried to be quiet while asking.
"Let's just say there is more than Kokabiel out there looking to cause issues."
"I see." Tannin thought about it for a moment. "Changing the subjects back, how has that tree project been going?"
"It was planted in Fourth heaven by some of the Angels who maintain the food. It's produced a few fruits so far but no amazing yield."
"Interesting, so the soil in Heaven is useable to grow Dragon apples. Is there a difference in taste?"
He shook his head "No, they're identical."
Tannin was surprised to hear that. "That's amazing."
It was quiet the rest of the way as they landed. In the middle of the forest, there was a large hotel that was in the middle forest with roads leading in and out of it. As Tannin came in for his landing lights were lit up showing him where to land as if the spotlight was on him.
Soon on the spot limousines stopped near them. "That was quick." Issei said as he was talking back to the group.
"It's because this is also part of the hotel." Rias said to him as he entered the barrier. "That and the army is here considering we are outside of the residential areas." She reached into her bag pulled out a comb and got to work fixing his hair. "To think your hair is this messed up. Why do you think there was a barrier?" She asked as if she was scolding him. Issei only shrugged his shoulders, getting a sigh from her. "I declared war on Sona."
"Why?" He asked.
"I told her that I was going to beat her in the rating game. All for the sake of my dream and she agreed with me."
"I see." They got off Tannin and into the limousine as they were ferried off to the hotel.
As they got closer to the hotel it was far more massive than what they saw from the sky. Once inside they were led to an elevator to take them to the top floor. "Everyone the party is on the top floor. There's going to be members from many distinguished families so greet them properly."
They walked towards the building and were guided into an elevator as it took them up to the top floor. "About this party." Katase spoke up. "Is it normal?"
"It's an annual thing for the next family heads. But it's more of an excuse for the current heads to get together and get drunk." Rias answered.
"That sounds like...fun." Murayama was no more enthused hearing that.
Katase looked over at Akeno and Yumi only to see that they weren't disagreeing with Rias' assessment of what was to come.
"Bunch of drunk old people think I will pass on that one. But it would be good for some information." Issei mumbled to himself.
Rias grabbed ahold of Issei's ear and pulled on it. "There will be none of that here."
"Ouch ouch ouch." He cried out as he reached for her hands to get them away from him.
"Just everyone behave yourselves." She said as the elevator came to a stop.
As the doors opened and Rias led them out there were some Oohs and ahhs from everyone as her peers were about to start sucking up to her. As so it happed as she waved at them "You are even more beautiful than the last time I saw you." Some random guy said to her as she only smiled at the compliment.
"There are too many people here." They heard gasper say as they saw him hiding behind Issei.
Issei cocked his head back and looked at Gasper."You are the one that wanted to be in a dress."
"Come on Issei, we have to make our rounds." Rias called out getting his attention.
"Oh?" He raised an eyebrow at that. It was her time to flaunt that she was with the Red Dragon emperor after all.
It didn't take long for them to make their rounds as anyone and everyone wanted to speak to them. However, the rest of the girls had found a table of their own to sit around as they had some food. Yumi was talking to some other girls from other peerages as they surrounded her. Asia however was no better as people were wanting to speak to her and see her infectious smile. It was a regular occurrence for her at this point.
Xenovia however was moving around the table with the grace of a ballerina as she was placing plates in front of people. "Food, eat up. Everyone needs to keep up their strength."
"Thanks for this." Issei said to her as he looked at her.
"Think nothing of it. The food here looks expensive but I think that's the reason why there's so much of it." She said as she sat down not far away from Issei. There was a pair of chopsticks on the table as well as western utensils and Issei went for the chopsticks. He started to eat the meat that was on the plate.
There was a figure that came up to their table and next to Issei. "Excuse me." The girl called out getting all of their attention mainly Issei's
He saw a short girl who was not much taller than Asia with blonde hair and had two giant curls in her hair that were shaped like drills. "Uh yes, Ms. Phenex?" Issei asked her.
Her eyes opened wide as if she wasn't expecting to be called out. "It's Ravel." She said to him as she regained her composure.
"I see, so what can I do for you, Ravel?" When he asked he noticed that she wasn't in the best mood hearing that. "Wait, let me guess." He pointed his chopsticks at her "It's about your brother?"
Her shoulders sank hearing that as her fancy purple dress shifted as there were three golden and red tails that fell in motion with her shoulders. "He's not doing so well. After you beat him he's been in a slump."
"What did you do to this man?" Katase asked, not aware of what happened.
"Called him worthless, he punched me with fire so I punched him back."
"You hit him too hard didn't you?" Katase knew where this was going.
"Riser relied on his talents and got cocky for it. It was a lesson that he needed to learn. Unfortunately, it hit harder than it should have when you combined it with taking Rias away from him."
Issei had a chuckle hearing that "Quite brutal to talk about your brother."
"Yes, after that I was traded off to my mother and now I'm a free piece." There was a slight tinge to her face "By the way, Red Dragon emperor."
Issei stopped her. "Name is Issei, you haven't done anything to warrant being so respectful to me."
"Oh?" She perked up hearing that. "Are you sure it's quite disrespectful if I did not address you by your title?"
He waved it off. "That may be the case but it doesn't need to come from everyone."
"I see." She smiled after hearing all of it. "Then I will call you Issei then."
"Lady Ravel!" they heard a girl call out to her as a tall with orange hair and a mask over part of her face approached them.
"Your uh one of Riser's girls are you not?" Issei asked the girl.
"Yes sir, I'm Isabella Rook of Riser Phoenix."
"I see." He nodded his head. "You're her escort then?"
"Yes sir." She answers Issei "Lady Ravel, Riser's friends wish to speak with you."
"Okay." Ravel reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out a vial was had a golden bottom and a pointy red top to it. She also had a piece of paper and place the two of them on the table in front of Issei. Reaching down she grabbed the hems of her dress lifted them and made a bow. "Excuse me, maybe we can talk sometime later." She said as she took off into the crowd of people.
Isabella however stayed there waiting till Ravel was far enough away. "Ravel has talked about you for quite some time now."
"Oh?" An eyebrow was raised hearing that.
"Yes." She gave a quick nod. "She sees what you did to her brother and has taken hold of it. Be that as she is still a child yet she is quite invested."
Issei grabbed the paper and opened it up, seeing some numbers on it and a few words written on the paper. "Yes, I can see that much. Considering that I destroyed a soon-to-be marriage, I find it slightly odd that she thinks highly of me."
"Take it as you see it." She waved at her as she walked away. "Enjoy your time at the party."
"You have a strange amount of friends who are devils." Gasper said, getting their attention.
"News to me, Gasper." Issei said as he put the paper away.
"What's that liquid?" Murayama asked him.
"This?" He jiggled the vial around. "Aside from a gift. It's called a Phoenix Tear. It holds magical properties of the Phoenix clan that can heal all wounds."
"All wounds?" Both Katase and Murayama were skeptical of that.
"Yes, all wounds. It doesn't restore stamina but if somebody were to say cut off your arm or hand it could be reattached with this."
"That sounds kinda broken." Murayama said, getting a laugh out of Issei.
"You're not wrong. Some sacred gears can provide similar effects, but there are downsides. The upside to this is you only need to be a member of the bloodline. Mind you there's some process that goes about making it." Out of the corner of his right eye, Issei saw a small shadow move away and head off to the exit. Stashing the tear away with the paper he stood up "Enjoy what time you all have here. I have to deal with something else." He told the rest of them.
He made his way to one of the empty elevators and pushed the button to go down. "Where are you going?" He heard Rias' voice as he looked over his shoulder and saw her.
"Koneko ran off."
"Mmm yes she did." Rias answered him "I've been watching you and I know you saw her."
"Stalker much?" He asked as the elevator door opened up.
"No, your presence at the party here is special. All eyes have been on you for a while now." Rias said as they got in the elevator. She hit the ground-floor button as they zoomed down to the ground floor.
Once on the ground floor, the two of them asked around the staff and others that were there if they had seen Koneko. She was spotted heading outside but after that, it wasn't much so Rias summoned her familiar and sent it to fly around to see if it could find her.
It took a few minutes for her bat to return with information. "She's in the forest." Her familiar took off as they followed it into the forest.
They walked through the trees for a good mile following her familiar as Issei noticed something. "Did you see that?"
"I did" Rias saw it as well.
"Whoever set up this barrier knows where here." Issei said as he lowered his voice.
With new information in hand, they made a more cautious approach as they were led to an area that had a small clearing. They could hear a female voice off in the distance "Come now Shirone you don't have to be like that." Looking around they could see a woman in a black kimono sitting on a tree branch with two black tails and cat ears. "You followed me so far out here from the party."
"What is this all about sister?" Koneko said to her.
She only swung her feet back and forth "Don't be so angry. I was in the area and saw there was a party and wanted to say hello. Nyaa!" He batted her hand as a cat would at the end as she winked her right eye.
"You know the two of you can't hide. The flow of your spirit shows everything." There was a male voice that was looking at where Rias and Issei were.
Issei motioned to her to walk out as he followed her. As the two of them walked out Koneko saw them. "Rias… Issei…" She was surprised to see the two of them.
"Sage arts users are quite annoying, can't ever have any fun around them." Issei said as he looked at Bikou watching them. "So how is Vali?"
"Still pissed." Was Bikou's only answer.
"I still wasn't expecting Kuroka of all people to be here." Rias said as she was looking at the cat. "Is this a Terrorist attack? Why are you here?"
"Too much work on my day off. We're just here to take a little peek at the devil's party. And knowing Kuroka I have to keep her in line." Bikou told Rias, whether it was a lie or not was another story.
"Ohhhhh, that's the red one." Kuroka said, swinging her feet back and forth. "That's what he looks like under the armor."
"That doesn't matter much. We have been spotted we need to leave." Bikou told her ignoring Rias for the most part.
"Fine fine." Kuroka got up "But first I need to grab Shirone."
"Vali is gonna get mad if you do that."
"Vali and Ophis will be convinced because it's my sister." Kuroka told Bikou.
Koneko however had a chill run down her spine as she heard that. Issei grabbed her and dragged her behind the two of them. "I will not let you take a member of my family."
"Your family? She is my sister. I could care less about your high-class devil status."
Issei held his hand out as a ball of red energy formed around the size of a softball. "I suggest you two leave now."
"You think some energy will deter me?" Kuroka laughed at him.
He pointed up as the energy flew up into the air like a rocket. The barrier around the area shattered as an explosion went off. The whole area shook as there was a mushroom cloud in the area. "I trust you now understand."
It didn't take long as the smoke started to disappear as a shadow was cast over the "First a barrier and then it's gone and now this." They heard Tannin's voice from above.
"Kuroka you can save yourself and make me not have to work today, or you can be stupid. And there's bound to be many more people who are going to come, plenty that would like to execute you. I can only save you from the underworld you need to make the decision to leave."
From behind them, it looked as a rip in the fabric of reality appeared as out of it a blond man dressed in a suit appeared. On his hip, there were two blades in the sheath."What did you two do? The Devils are on high alert now."
"It would be best if you kids stayed away from him. Those blades he has are highly dangerous." Tannin said as he landed looking down at the damn. "It's been quite some time since I last saw Caliburn."
"The Holy King's sword? That makes you a Pendragon then." Issei said knowing a bit about the story of the Pendragon house.
"That is correct. However, I am much more interested in your friends. A Holy Demonic Sword wielder, the current caretaker of Durandal. And now two girls with dragon blades that has me most interested as a swordsman. Something I would like to have a duel with in the future."
Issei pointed at the other blade on him. "What's that other sword then? I doubt you need a second blade if as we have Caliburn."
"Oh, this?" Arthur reached down and unsheathed the blade showing that the golden cross guard was connected to a red-tinted blade. "It's Excalibur Ruler, the strongest of the seven Excaliburs."
"Well it exists, that's a scary thing."
"You're far too calm about this." Kuroka said to Arthur.
"That's because there is no need to worry." Excalibur Ruler slid back into its sheath as he put his hand on Caliburn and a rip in the space appeared behind him. "It's time we made our retreat." It was swift as the three of them disappeared into the rip.
Koneko looked up at Issei. "Why?"
"Because there is a time and a place for everything, and today is not one of them." He placed his hand on her head and rubbed it. "That and there would be some sad people if you left with Kuroka, along with more questions than I want to answer."
It didn't talk long for a meeting to be called after what just happened. But that was a problem for the adults. For them, the party was over as they returned to the Gremory mansion and gathered in the room Issei was staying in after they changed into some casual clothing. As they were sitting on the floor talking to each other Rias looked over to Issei. "I got a question for you Ise." He nodded hearing that. "What did you have to do to unlock your balance breaker?"
"Situps, pushups, and plenty of juice." There was dead silence hearing that after what they saw it took for Yumi. "Jokes aside about the juice, the first two are true, I got tired of getting my ass beat every day in combat training. So I was determined to get stronger and win and then it happened."
"If it's that easy why is it so hard?" Katase asked him about his contradicting answers.
"Because if it was super easy we would all be dead." He said as there were some questionable looks. "There are some low-tier sacred gears out there that can do incredible things. People who can't throw fire around would be able to, others can make gravity go wonky or even something like Yumi's to create swords. Then look at the Longinus, the named one of True Longinus that stabbed Jesus Christ, Zenith Tempest could drown the world or freeze everyone to death, there are still eleven others but I think you get the point. It does take hard work to unlock the Balance breaker." He waved his hand "Enough about that you have a match tomorrow. Have you decided on how to deal with the Sitri peerage?"
Before Rias could say anything there was a knock on the door as it opened up. It was Azazel "Just in time for that Strategy meeting?"
"You are." Akeno said to Azazel.
"I know that Sona knows more about us than we know about her." Rias looked at everyone "Because we fought Kokabiel she saw how we fight and we have seen little of her. She knows our primary weapons and information from when we fought the Phoenix group was open to the public alongside Gasper's sacred gear and Koneko's background."
"So she knows all about you but how much do you know about her?" Azazel asked her.
"I know Tsubaki, her queen has a sacred gear and uses a Naginata. She has a few other sword users, and Saji has a dragon Sacred gear. But the rest of her group is a mystery."
"A real mystery indeed. It's an 8 vs 8 so at least you have even numbers. But even then you need to be careful as you're at a massive disadvantage in information and strategy." Azazel pulled out a small projection that showed a graph. "Power, technique, wizard, and support. Of these Rias is a wizard type Akeno is the same as the two of you sling spells. Yumi is a technique as she fights with speed and precision. Xenovia is powerful due to how destructive Durandal is. Asia and Gasper are supports but Asia is a wizard while Gasper is technical due to how their abilities operate. Koneko is power along with Katase and Murayama."
"How are we not also part techniques?" Murayama was puzzled by that one.
"You two haven't demonstrated the speed needed or skills to punch into that category."
Azazel looked at Rias "You team focuses right now on power. But you need to know how and where to deploy it otherwise it will be thrown right back at you."
"So wait, Issei if you were on this graph where would you be?" Katase asked him.
"Closer to the middle than all of you but mostly Power and support. I have some stuff in my repertoire that would be Technique and I can sling fire better than most wizards. But my power outstrips most of it."
"Any counter can be overcome with more power." Xenovia was proud to say that.
Issei chuckled hearing that "Only if you can produce enough to outpower an opponent."
Azazel looked at Yumi. "How much damage do you think you can do to Issei after training?"
"Not sure, might not be much at all. I can hold the Balance breaker for much longer now."
"Well, that's better than nothing." Azazel said thinking about it. "Well, I've seen many battles in my time, seen people come back from the brink of nothing and win. Don't discount the smallest of percentages as nothing, they can and will bite you in the ass. Get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow." Azazel said to them as he left the room.
Issei fell over as he rested his head on Rias' lap. "What Kind of techniques do you even have Issei?" She asked him
There was a hum from him as he closed his eyes. "Let's think what can I show off in here. Something simple like that would work." The boosted gear appeared on his hand as an outstretched finger came over and touched the side of his temple as he opened his left eye. They saw a glowing green as he looked around the room and saw things that would always be kept hidden. He waved at Akeno "Come here." She crawled over to him as he saw through her clothes and saw her bra and panties. "Close your eyes." She did as he tapped in the same spot on her head.
When she opened them up she saw the same thing Issei did. "You have an X-ray vision ability."
He laughed hearing that "I know right, look at Yumi." The two of them looked at her as they saw she had on a simple black set of bra and panties.
Yumi however knew exactly what was up as she tried to cover herself. "They look so cute. I wish we had something like that."
Issei laughed at her "Say's the one wearing the thong." There was a quick blush on her face as she said that.
"Don't be such a perv, Issei." Rias rubbed his head.
"Don't plan on it. But you girls need to get some sleep, so you should be on your way." Issei smiled seeing them. "Oh, and I expect to see good things from all of you."
The next day they were in the basement of the Gremory mansion as there was a large magic circle inscribed on the floor. Everyone was wearing the school uniforms except Asia and Xenovia. The two of them felt it was more comfortable in their other clothing, Xenovia her skin-tight battle suit and Asia her blue dress that she wore as a nun just without the crosses on it.
"You already lost once, Rias. There's no room for a second one." Venelana said to her.
Millicas looked up to Rias "Do your best."
With a flash of light, they were gone. Issei and Azazel were next as they were sent off to where they had to go next. Rias and the gang appeared in a restaurant that looked somewhat familiar. Making their way outside they looked around and saw that they were in the mall in Kuoh.
That's when they heard a voice coming from above them. (Everyone I am Grayfia, Queen of the Lucifer group. I will be performing the role of the arbiter in the rating game between the Gremory and Sitri peerage. It's a pleasure to watch the battle between these two families. Today's battle will take place in a familiar location to them. There is a mall not far away from the school where these families attend Kuoh academy. Each team is currently in their bases, Rias Gremory on the second floor and Sona Sitri on the first floor across from each other. Pawns must reach the opponent's bases in order to promote. Furthermore, each team has been provided with one Phoenix Tear. Alongside there is one condition to this match, try to keep property damage to a minimum. The large majority of the field must be kept intact. You have thirty minutes to prepare.)
On a table, in the restaurant, a box appeared as Rias opened it up and pulled out a Phoenix tear. "So you have to keep the destruction down. Xenovia keep that in mind with Durandal." Rias also saw that there was a piece of paper in the box as well. She read it over real quick "And to no one's surprise Gasper sacred gear is banned as well."
"That's not surprising, It seems as if we are getting the short end of the straw here." Akeno said thinking of it.
"I can understand that but I can agree with Gasper's part. His powers aren't fully under control. If he was to somehow freeze all of us it would ruin the game. Giving him Issei's blood is also banned even if he was participating." She reached down into the box pulled out a pair of glasses and handed them to him. "Says you are to wear this for the duration of the match as it will negate your gear."
"So he has to fight with magic and his vampire powers." Katase asked.
"That's all he has at this point so it will have to do. The rest of us still have to hold back our powers to not destroy too much of the battlefield. I have some plans for the battle but some things need to be addressed first. Yumi go and see if the parking structure is attached to this place, if it is see if there are any cars in there as well. They have gone through the hassle of recreating this place and adding cars might not be too much of a stretch."
"Are you thinking of using them?" Murayama asked her as there were plenty of things that could be done with a car.
"Not exactly, but you can't discount the fact that they could be used as a bomb or a shield and even a hiding spot. I doubt Sona would do such a thing but it is possible, Rating games are about strategy and achieving success. Gasper, I want you to scout around the department stores there are a lot of them so use your bats to inform us of their moves at the start of the match." Rias looked at them "Everyone else does preliminary scouting before the match starts we don't have much time."
Up in the VIP room, there were video feeds showing everything in the match that was getting ready to start. There were a few people there Sirzechs, Serafall, Azazel, Issei. There were a few other people in there as well as an old man with a long white beard and his young female assistant who had long silver hair.
"The match is about to start, have you made your bet Issei?" Azazel asked him as they were waiting for it to begin.
"Of course I have. This is a great opportunity to make some easy cash." He laughed at the fact as he knew what Azazel was doing.
"I trust it was on Rias?" Sirzechs asked him.
"No no…" Serafall climbed over her and towards Issei. "It was on my Sona right...RIGHT?"
Issei smiled as he reached over and grabbed the bottom of Serafall's skirt and pulled on it before Odin could lean back all the way. "I'm not sure if I should say anything."
"Oh come on it can't be that bad." Azazel tried to play it off as it was nothing.
"Oh, it is."
Azazel looked at him "How much then?"
"Way too much."
(The game will now begin. There is a time limit on this match of three hours for this blitz game) They heard Grayfia's voice as they focused on the match.
Rias looked at her team "Just as we planned, Yumi, Xenovia take the Parking Garage. Gasper goes scout out information for us. Katase Murayama and Konkeo scour the stores. Akeno and Asia and I will stay here until it's time." There was a collective nod as they all disappeared off into the mall.
As Katase and Murayama followed Koneko through the mall they saw Koneko's little white cat ears perk up. They twitched as they saw a tail come out from under her skirt. "They're so cute." Katase reached forwarded to touch them.
Koneko leaned forward just enough so she missed as her ears twitched a couple more times. "Something's coming."
"You can hear them?" Murayama looked down the halls as she was trying to see if anyone was coming.
"They're moving slowly. Footsteps are fading in and out like there going in a building."
Katase and Murayama looked at each other as she said that "Wait, you can tell how fast they're going?" They asked.
Her tail waved around "I can use senjutsu to read the flow of their energy. Finer details are hard to make out but I can see them. We should get inside and prepare for the attack." They agreed with her as they drew their blades and dipped into one of the larger stores.
As they waited the blades were ignited was there was a faint hint of fire surrounding the blades. "ABOVE!" Koneko shouted as two people jumped from the rafters of the shop.
It was Saji and Ruruko a brown-haired girl with twin tails. "We will take the initiative!" Saji said as he shot two black thick ropes at Katase and Muryamya while Ruruko went after Koneko. The Lines got close to the girls as Katase was able to shift just enough of her body to not get hit by it. Murayama wasn't so lucky as she tried the same thing only for the line to hit in on the left side of her chest. It cracked like a whip as it tore her uniform partially apart and ripped the bottom half of her bra off.
Murayama swung her blade at the line and backed away "That was a nice bra."
"It's part of the fight!" Saji said as the two lines retracted. Katase tried to swing at them as they retracted.
(One of Rias Gremory's "Bishops" has retired.)
"Gasper?" Katase asked as Murayama nodded, hearing that "Has to be."
Saji laughed when he heard that. "With Gasper having his Sacred Gear sealed we planted garlic all around our base."
Somehow when they heard that they knew Issei was laughing from that. "So your base is the grocery store near the entrance then." They heard Koneko and Ruruko punching each other.
"We had somebody moving around so it would get his attention and then drew him into the store. Once enough of his bats were within the limit the garlic trap came out. My guess is he screamed out in fear from the garlic." Saji told them two of them. "Enough about that, you two need to be dealt with."
Saji reeled back his lines as he prepared for the new attack. He flicked his wrist as the lines were sent once again. This time they knew what was going to come as they raised their blades. The flames extended out as round two started, as they tried to slice the lines as they came in. But its blades failed to cut the lines as the two of them pushed them aside. He flicked his wrist again as the lines snapped up making a cracking noise as they hit the two girls and latched onto them. Saji smiled seeing that as he ran closer to them and swung at Murayama.
She was able to throw up a reasonable block as it negated most of the hit but she stumbled back. Once Murayama was clear Katase was able to take a swing at Saji. He hopped back one pace seeing the blade come in, but he tugged on the line jerking the two of them forward throwing them off balance. Katase's attack was sent slicing through a shelf cutting merchandise in half and burning it to the ground. "Issei showed me a few things during this training. But I plan on surpassing him."
"THAT RAT BASTARD!" Katase shouted, "Just what side is he on?"
Saji shrugged, hearing that "Who knows." There was a cold that washed over them as Saji looked at Murayama as she got up. The blade was no longer one fire as it had ice emitting from it. "How are you able to do that, I've been draining your power the whole time?"
Murayama swung the blade up through Saji's line as it shattered as the blade cut through it with ease. Her breathing was heavy as she walked towards Saji as she swung the blade again. Ice formed on the floor and covered his feet. It wasn't thick as he was able to lift his feet and break the ice. "Once I'm done with you, I'm going to freeze that tit lover's hands off."
She ran at him swinging her blade, with each stroke more and more ice piled up in the department store. Saji was dodging the blade but the crystals that followed were another sharp and painful experience as they cut his clothing and into his skin causing the early stages of frostbite as his body was cooling down.
"This needs to end!" Saji shouted as she threw two lines at her arms.
Murayama swung her blade horizontally as the air had a blue hue as ice condensed and pelted Saji. Ice on the ground was building up as there was less room for him to safely walk around. She rushed in swing her sword around as it put Saji on the defensive. As he was falling back he reached over to one of the nearby shelves and grabbed whatever he could as he threw it at her. A mess of everything from papers to boxes was thrown as it blocked most of her vision.
She didn't care for what was in front of her as she rushed through it and was soon struck by three of Saji's lines. One on her left arm and two on her legs. She could feel a pulse as her energy was being drained away. It only took a few seconds as she fell to her knees and held onto the blade as it was driven into the ground. Saji got up close to her as he could feel his legs getting colder. He raised his right fist as there was a large influx of energy coming in as he swung down at her hitting her in the face.
Murayama looked up at him and laughed at him as she spat some blood aside "You're going to need to hit me a lot harder than that if you want to make me tap out."
Saji looked down at her "If that's how you want to go about it then I can oblige your request." He went to move his body as his knees didn't respond. They did but there was no place for them to move as his legs were frozen solid as the ice moved quickly up his torso preventing him from moving.
He tried breaking free but what ice did chip away was quickly replaced. The problem Saji had was there were two of them and he lost track of the second one as Katase had appeared as a blade of fire appeared on his shoulder as it cut into it as it dripped down onto the ice. "You know Saji, Issei taught me how to use some fire. But this…" The blade still was emitting flames as there were some cracks as he felt shocks in his body. The flames combined giving off ash of sorts as there were sparks around them. His body soon lit up with electrical energy as his hair frizzled out. "Turns out electricity from the fire isn't that far of a step. But you don't look so good."
Saji was fading fast, he was losing blood and his body was rapidly cooling from the ice. He struggled to break out of the ice with what energy he had left. "This isn't going to stop me.
"Saji, I'm sorry!" They heard from Ruruko as she was on the ground and faded into blue particles.
(One of Sona Sitri's "Pawns" has retired)
"And now it's your turn." Katase said as she pulled her sword back as it opened up the wounds on his shoulder just a bit more as she turned the pommel of her blade to his ribs as he hit him in the side.
He groaned in pain as he flex his right and drew as much energy as he could from the two of them. As his eyes rolled back as his body turned to blue just like Ruruko did.
(Sona Sitri's second and final "Pawn" has Retired.)
Murayama dropped her sword as she was breathing hard. "That hurt."
Katase reached down to help her up as they saw that Muryama's legs were shaky as she stood up. "It didn't look too fun."
"I'm still going to beat him." She tried to lighten the mood.
Koneko grabbed onto her and helped as they saw that part of her clothes were ripped as well. "We need to meet up with Rias for the next part of the plan."
~~~Meanwhile on the otherside~~~
In a dimly lit parking garage, Yumi and Xenovia were waiting for their enemies to appear. They made their way down to the first floor of the multi-floor structure as they saw three figures standing in front of them guarding the door to the first floor.
"We expected to find you here Yumi and Xenovia." They saw Tsubaki holding onto a long staff with a curved sword connected to it. Next to her were two more girls.
"Tsubaki, Tomoe and Tsubasa." Yumi said seeing them. "It seems as if the intel is true that you use a Naginata."
(One of Rias Gremory's "Bishops" has retired.)
Tsubaki pointed her naginata at them "We made the first move of this match. Can you keep up?"
"I'm going to chase him with more garlic from now on." Xenovia sighed hearing that as she knew it had to be Gasper.
Out of the ground came out one of Yumi's Holy Demonic swords as she took hold of it. "Seems as if we will have to take some action for his retirement." She ran towards the group as Tsubaki headed out to meet her advance.
Tomoe reached down to her hip as she unsheathed her blade as Xenovia ran towards her. Xenovia's blade was shrouded in a white glow as the two of them clashed. As the blades ground on each other the light dimmed revealing a thin blade with a golden claw above the hilt. "That's not Durandal?" Tomoe was shocked seeing that the blade was different.
"If I don't have to use Durandal from the start I do not need to." Xenovia told her as she pressed the attack as she was able to get Tomoe to fall back.
Ascalon had a slight outline glow as Tomoe saw a small magic red magic circle on Xenovia's left hand. "Are you siphoning Durandal's power?" She saw as the blade's outline grew, gaining a holy aura.
Xenovia smiled hearing that "Training to be able to use Durandal in new and creative ways was hard work. While I managed to do it, I gained better control over it as well." Xenovia dashed towards Tomoe as they engaged blades once again only for her blade to be knocked away.
As Tomoe was unarmed Xenovia raised her blade ready to strike her down another voice came out. "Reverse!" Yura shouted as she ran in front of them and grabbed hold of Ascalon's blade with her hands pushing Xenovia away. Once the blade was clear she landed a swift punch to the gut sending Xenovia flying backward tumbling across the parking garage.
"What was that?" Yumi asked as she backed out of the fight with Tsubaki and regrouped with Xenovia.
"She was able to grab Ascalon and hit me." Xenovia said as she stood up pulling Ascalon out of the ground. "Something with that Reverse she yelled."
"Reverse?" Yumi thought about it for a moment. "I'll handle them, fight Tsubaki."
"Okay" Xenovia said as she flexed her shoulders, getting them to pop. She ran off towards Tsubaki as she closed the gap between them and started to slash away. Tsubaki made quick work of the attacks as she was able to parry them and outright dodge them while making space due to the length of her Naginata.
(One of Rias Gremory's "Bishops" has retired.)
That call from Grayfia went largely ignored as the clashing of blades drowned her out. Xenovia was doing all she could to reach Tsubaki and put her off balance. She jumped into the air as she was able to push the spear and get a clean strike in.
Tsubaki dropped her weapon and held her hand out "Mirror Alice!" She shouted as a mirror appeared in front of her as Xenovia slashed through it. The glass shattered as there was a flash of white light. Xenovia was blown away and an explosion followed as she was sent tumbling on the floor. Yumi broke away from her fight with Tomoe and ran back to Xenovia. What she saw was not great. "Sending a power type against me was not a bright idea. I can throw any power back at twice the rate." Tsubaki said as Yumi was looking at Xenovia. Her arms were cut up from the pavement, but that was the main damage was the large gash in the center of her chest down to her stomach.
Yumi reached into her pocket as she went to grab a cloth. "Don't bother." Xenovia pushed her hand away from the wound. "I'm going to bleed out here soon. It's not worth the effort."
"I cant just abandoned you." Yumi tried to argue.
"Nobel mindset." Xenovia handed Ascalon off. "Deal with them." Xenovia said as she closed her eyes as she faded away in blue light.
(One of Rias Gremory's "Knight" has retired.)
A scabbard appeared on Yumi's back as she placed Ascalon in it. The three girls approached Yumi as Tsubaki spoke up "Are you ready to be the next?"
Yumi looked at the three of them. "A knight is always prepared for the worst, are you?" The Holy Demonic sword in her hand glowed with a blue hue. She quickly stabbed it into the ground "Durandal Birth!" The ground was no longer a thing as blades littered the floor as they stuck out from the ground. Each blade radiated with holy energy as the three of them tried to dodge the blades. Tsubaki was able to get to a ledge quickly enough as she watched Tomoe and Tsubasa turn to a Blue light.
(One of Sona Sitri's "Rook" and "Knight" has retired)
Yumi watched as Tsubaki fled the parking garage. 'Assemble on me. The assault will begin here.' She heard Rias in her ear.
On the outside, there was a lull in combat as Issei made his way over to the announcer's booth. [Good Afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen] Everyone watching on the tv heard him. [Name is Issei Hyoudou, the Red Dragon Emperor.]
"So tell us about your observations of the match so far." The announcer asked him.
[These girls seem to be out for blood for each other. At least three bras have been broken so far and Xenovia's breasts most likely got censored. As for the combat prowess, they're not doing too bad so far. We have seen element-changing sacred gears cycling the elements and some solid swordsmanship so far. Saji had a Great plan to drain his opponents down and beat them. But I don't think he was expecting that much ice or any at all.]
"Speaking of that ice, it looked as if she had used fire beforehand and then swapped elements out of the blue."
[Those blades can use the elements but they need to be unlocked. It seems as if Murayama unlocked Ice and Katase it looked like electricity or she leveled up fire.]
"About that, the one girl mentioned you taught her how to use fire. Care to elaborate on that?"
[I showed her how to wield fire more effectively. As long as she doesn't burn her clothes off then anything is better than nothing.]
"So you helped only the Gremory team?'
[Naw, I did some training with Saji and others during the past month. I've been fair but I have my own personal thoughts on who is going to win.]
"Care to share?"
[No I think it's better this way.] Issei told them as he stood up and left the room.
"Thank you for some insight on this match."
Back on the battlefield, Koneko Katase and a weakened Murayama had met up with Rias Akeno and Asia. Asia was doing what she could to mend the wounds on Murayama. "What happened?" Rias asked as they were on the ground floor of the mall.
"Ran into Saji and Ruruko." Koneko began informing Rias. "Saji's Dragon Sacred Gear can have multiple lines that attach to people. Looks as if it can drain away energy."
"Well, at least that power is no longer in the match." Rias was thinking of what else could come as everyone heard the sound of footsteps coming towards them.
They saw Sona with a shimmering light around her as there were two other girls with her. One with white hair and the other with long brown hair that was split and braided at the bottoms. "It seems Saji did far better than I expected."
"Bold of you to come out this far Sona." Rias said looking at her as the two Generals were in the middle of the battlefield.
"And you are no different? Out here in the middle of the food court? And yet my Queen is still unaccounted for yet you leave the safety of your base?"
"My knight is also unaccounted for. Is that no better?"
"It's not as if it matters. You have a variety of power yet you haven't been able to hone it." Sona said to them as Reya the girl with brown hair pulled out the phoenix tear.
"REVERSE!" She shouted as she threw the vial down and it shattered "A blinding light engulfed the area as a large wave of energy rushed from her hands. Katase, Murayama, and Asia were the closest targets. The energy traveled at a high rate of speed and nobody was able to dodge it.
(Rias Gremory Two Pawn's One Bishop has retired.)
"What was that?" Koneko asked as they could finally see each other once again.
Akeno stepped out from the group as she lifted her arms. Around her hands, a yellow light sparked out as she was holding lighting. As it sparked off her hands and down the ground the power alone ruffled her skirt making it flutter. "Leave" Was all Akeno said as she threw her right arm about as the lightning arced out.
It rushed over to Reya as she put her arms out "Reverse!" She called out but it did nothing as it struck her. Her mouth was left open as it looked as if she was screaming from the pain but nothing came out as she faded in a blue light.
(One of Sona Sitri's "Bishops" has retired.)
Koneko saw a flicker of light for a moment. "Something's not right." She said as she looked around.
"What's wrong?" Rias asked her as Akeno threw around more of her lightning this time striking Momo the white-haired girl. Sona faded away she she looked like an old Television set signal glitched out.
(One of Sona Sitri's "Bishops" has retired.)
"She's on the roof." Koneko said looking up at the ceiling.
"I see, good catch." Rias said to her. "I didn't expect Sona to show up in full force here."
On the second floor, they could hear swords banging as Yumi and Tsubaki were running around fighting. "I've had enough of this game!" Tsubaki shouted as she was holding out her naginata ready to parry the next attack.
"So be it." Yumi said as she held out her right hand. "Petro, Basileus, Dionysius, Holy Mary. Please listen to my voice!" The space near her hand warped as she reached in.
"That's impossible!" Everyone heard Tsubaki shouting at Yumi.
"In the name of the Saint Lodged in the Holy Blade, I release thee. Durandal!" Yumi pulled out Durandal as she was holding onto a massive blue and golden blade.
"This was Xenovia's idea that I could use it in this match. It's a little too big for my taste. But thanks to attaining a Balance Breaker I can handle Durandal in a short time." Yumi held the blade out as she was readying the attack.
Tsubaki noticed that Durandal was different from when she saw Xenovia with it. "You can use that Holy Sword better than the wielder? It's calm compared to the violence when she was holding it."
"Merely what the wielder wishes from the sword. I desire abilities over strength as she does. But.." Yumi stopped as the tiles on the floor cracked. "Power is easy to request from it."
Yumi disappeared as Tsubaki felt her blade snap as she tumbled back. "So you are the ace." She mumbled to herself as she faded away.
"Only because there are those who I want to surpass." Yumi made her choice after being shown what possibilities there were. She wanted to become stronger than Issei, and that was her goal.
(Sona Sitri Queen has retired)
She was fully aware that the ladder had thousands of rungs in it that needed to be climbed but it was worth the climb. He showed her that there was more than meets the eye and she was going to prove it. Looking down over the first floor Yumi saw the others. "Where to next?"
"Sona is on the roof. We're coming up to meet you.'" Rias told her as they started the journey.
On the second floor, they found one of the stairwells that took them up as they climbed. "Don't do anything stupid. I will take action so we don't lose." Yumi said as she was luging Durandal up the stairs with them.
"That sounds like something Issei would say." Rias said as they reached the top.
When they got to the top there was nothing but a flat-topped roof and only Sona standing before them. Around her was a large pool of water "A king must survive for a long as possible. Even if all the pieces must be used to reach that point."
"I understand Sona." Rias stood across from Sona leaving ample space between them so any attack would have to travel. "I'm ready when you are."
"I will show you my techniques." The water around her rose as it started to take shape. First, was a Lion in full detail and Cobras slithered on the ground towards them.
Rias pointed at them generating small amounts of her energy as she shot them. Each one was hit as her power of destruction ate the water removing it from existence. The Lion was next as it ran to her. A ball of energy tore through its body carving a hole out as the rest splashed down to the ground. Birds of all kinds started to circle as they divebombed, Rias had to pick the pace up as it was no longer one of two. It was now twenty that were attacking.
Eight fingers and two thumbs, ten attacks in total she could easily generate on her fingertips as she fired off balls of energy into the air. Each of her balls tracked a target as it destroyed the first wave of birds. More kept coming as Rias kept tossing her demonic power into the sky as if it was hunting season. Thinning the herd of water summons was child's play for Rias.
Seeing her creations fade into nothing Sona held her hands up as she faded into blue light. (Sona Sitri Resignation Accepted, Rias Gremory has won the match.)
In the VIP room, Odin was stroking his beard as he looked at Serafall. "Your sister must not have heard your cheers."
"Ohhh!" She shook her fits at him Odin laughed as he stood up. "And where are you going?"
"I'm going to see that boy."
"Saji?" Serafall was puzzled to hear that.
"Call it an investment," Odin said to her. "He may be no emperor but with some time he will go far.
"Wait, Lord Odin!" A younger woman in a grey suit and black tie with long silver hair and a pink ribbon tieing her hair called out to him as she followed him.
"Anyone taking any bet if her hair color is natural or because of Odin?" Issei said, looking around for any takers.
"Don't you have someplace to be?" Azazel looked over at him.
He shrugged his shoulders. "The payment office knows how to pay me." Issei said as he stood up "But I do have other things to do.
Issei made his way down the halls and into the medical wing as he poked his head around looking for the girls. What he saw first was that silver-haired girl that followed Odin waiting outside of a room as Odin was giving Saji a medal. It was somewhat of an oddity to him seeing something like this as he heard Saji starting to cry because of it. But Issei minded his own business continued down the halls as he got another room that he saw had everyone in it. "Well, you all did quite well." He said as he walked into the room.
Yumi tossed Ascalon off to Issei as he caught it as the blade melded back into the boosted gear. "That was quite useful." Xenovia said as she watched the blade disappear.
"A mix-up will always do something like that."
Murayama looked over at him "I'm going to find a way to punish you for that."
Issei shook his head "Somehow I doubt that. It was necessary for an interesting match."
"Well… I'm glad that this family is blessed with power. There will be games, later on, where we cant display such power. But for now, I'm happy for everything that we came out ahead of the curve." Rias said to them with a smile on her face. "It seems as if Koneko and Akeno have taken large strides in progressing as well."
Issei raised and lower his eyebrows rapidly "Yes I would like to see more, but it was a good start."
"Boyo I counted only three." They heard a male voice coming from the entrance.
Everyone looked to see who it was as they saw Odin with his follower. "Lord Odin you can't be asking about that." She tried to scold him but it was in one ear and out the other in milliseconds. "OR be looking at her like that."
Issei had a small chuckle hearing that. "You should find her mother if you want to stare." He held his hands like he was holding onto a large melon. "Massive"
That perked him up real quick. "Oh? Then again this Valkyrie…"
She hit him over the head with a large paper fan. "To think you're the king of the Norse. Now is not the time to be acting like this." She grabbed onto him and dragged him out of the room.
"Was that Lord Odin?" Rias asked Issei.
"Yep." Issei nodded.
"He's a pervert." Koneko made a jab at the old man.
"You have no idea. He started the count of broken bra's." Before they absorbed that information Issei changed the subject. "We need to be getting back so you can return to the human realm."
After a few hours of getting cleaned up and packing up everything that they brought to the Gremory mansion. They were outside of the Gremory mansion as Rias' mother and father were watching them. "I look forward to your next visit. Feel free to come to visit us at any time. Think of the Gremory family as of your own." Zeotcus said to everyone.
"Thank's for this." Issei said to him.
"Think nothing of it. Take care of Rias while in the human world. She can be extremely selfish." Venelana said with a smile.
"Mother!" Rias shouted as her face was bright red.
"Ah, to think that the future is going to be so bright." Zeoticus said, wiping some tears from his eyes.
"Should you be playing the tough guy here? Where he doesn't take your daughter away?" Venelana looked at him wondering if he was gonna do anything.
Zeoticus waved his hands "No can do. Issei has surpassed me in power long ago. Maybe I should think about retirement."
She sighed hearing that. "You're not retiring anytime soon. Rias still needs to finish her education before you can retire." She looked at Rias "Just send us a letter or stop by for the next holiday."
Not long later they had boarded the train as they were in a lounge-like area. Issei was sitting on one of the long couches as everyone else was spread around "Did you all do your homework?"
"Oh…well not all of it." There was a look of dread from Katase and Murayama.
"You had best get to work on that." Issei told them as they started having a breakdown.
"It seems as if this summer training camp was beyond successful. Meeting other devils and learning new things will help us all advance." Rias said as she watched Koneko walking around.
"Yeah, that…." Issei stopped as he felt something crash into his chest and pressed down on his lap. When he looked down he saw Koneko "Hello?"
Her little cat ears twitched as she raised her right hand and balled up next to her ears "Nya." She acted like a cat with a smile on her face.
Issei pointed at her, "That's cute as hell." He reached down and touched her ears. There was a collected sense of envy that he could feel being directed at him, and he knew full well that it was because of Koneko's actions.
Fortunately, there was plenty of time on the train ride to conduct damage control as it had to be done. But when they arrived back on terra firma and exited the station he felt his phone vibrate. When he looked down he had caught a glimpse of the money value. "Say… How about we go shopping?"
"What kind of shopping?" Akeno asked him.
"Clothes shopping. Maybe something risque and expensive?"
"Can you even afford that?" Rias questioned him
"Yes." He nodded. "Your victory in the Rating game paid for it quite nicely." He didn't let them have too much of a word in on the fact that he was betting on match outcomes. "I think I can afford to replace all of your wardrobes and still have some money left over for lunch."
"Wait you bet on the game?" Rias looked at him as she was angry that he did it but more surprised that it happened.
"It was on your victory silly."