Now this whole chapter more or less covers the Phoenix arc but it is much more different than canon. After this chapter I am technically creating a new arc and blending it with two separate arcs from canon, however it more or less still follows the canon timeline, it is just the events are different. Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the High School DxD anime/manga/light novel all I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'
"Ddraig thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 4 – Desperation
Asia adjusted to her new life reasonably well. She was loved at Kuoh due to her innocent nature and good looks and already had many admirers. Issei would have none of it though and made sure no one got too 'friendly' with Asia which led to him punching Matsuda and Motohama at least ten different times over Asia's first week before they got the message: Asia is off limits for their lewd thoughts and perverted behaviour.
On the supernatural side Asia had high pools of magical energy being only a little less than those of Rias and Akeno. She had just recently completed a contract and was quite happy about it. Issei hadn't started training Asia physically as he was still unsure if dying and being revived had any negative consequences, but he had been helping her understand Japanese which she was doing very well at.
Since Asia came to live with them Issei decided that Raynare and Asia both needed their own rooms to sleep in, Raynare because she had earned his trust in helping him bring Asia back to life by getting Rias and the others, something he would never have done, and Asia because Issei felt she deserved to have something of her own after being alone and without worldly possessions, minus her clothing, until Issei had won her that soft toy from the arcade which she slept cuddled up to.
So as Issei lay in bed clad only in his black shorts, getting ready to go to sleep, he was contemplating if he should start Asia on physical training when a magic circle appeared in his room. Naturally his first instinct was to bring out his Sacred Gear and prepare a Dragon Shot in case it was a hostile. Being attacked by devils once had made Issei very, very wary of surprise attacks. When the flash of light died away Rias was revealed who was startled at seeing a magical attack ready to obliterate her.
'Listen I know I said I don't hate you guys anymore but do you really think it is smart to suddenly appear, by magic circle no less, in the house of someone who was previously attacked by devils? I could have killed you just now, or at the very least hurt you badly.' Said Issei as he let the Dragon Shot dissipate.
'Issei did you mean what you said at the church when you said if I need anything from you, you will give it to me?' Asked Rias quietly.
'Sure, I said it and I meant it.' Said Issei happily.
'Good, in that case.' Said Rias before she tackled Issei onto his bed and straddled him.
'Please take my virginity from me.' Said Rias desperately, eyes swelling with emotion.
'What, why?' Said Issei shocked.
'I've thought about it and it seems to be the only way, and I could never ask Kiba because he is too much of a gentleman, but you, you said you would give me something if I asked for it, so please take my virginity.' Said Rias as she started to unbutton her shirt.
'Rias, tell me, what is the problem, did you ever consider I might be able to help you another way?' Said Issei softly as he held her arms.
'I-I don't know what else to do?' Said Rias sadly.
'Alright tell me everything from the beginning, why do you want me to take your virginity?' Questioned Issei seriously.
'Well you see I have been in an arranged marriage even before I was born. Since lots of devils were killed in the last war the number of pureblood devils went down a great deal so many arranged marriages between purebloods were made. As soon as my parents found out I was a girl this marriage was put into place. I am betrothed to a man who doesn't see me as a person only as an object and as a Gremory; someone to subjugate and take as a trophy. He doesn't see me for who I am, and I can't bear the thought of spending thousands of years married to such a man.' Said Rias sadly.
'What does that have to do with your virginity?' Asked Issei slightly confused.
'You are aware how prized a woman's virginity is here? Well in the underworld a woman's virginity is held in the highest regard. So naturally I assumed that if I was to lose my virginity, that man, would no longer want me and the wedding would be called off.' Said Rias neutrally.
'Hmm this man, is he arrogant, full of himself to a great extent and someone who looks down on others?' Asked Issei thoughtfully.
'Um yes actually, how did you know that?' Asked Rias in confusion.
'You do remember I used to hate devils, I envisioned they were all like that given the two I met. To hear that this guy is just what I thought devils are like… it makes me excited.' Said Issei with a strange look on his face.
'Excited?' Asked Rias in confusion.
'Of course, nothing is more cathartic than getting to bring down the arrogance and self-worth of a person like someone who tried to kill me. It is the ultimate form of relaxation, to destroy someone who tried to destroy you. You know you guys are lucky you weren't like this guy or I probably would have tried to beat you all into the ground already.' Said Issei happily.
'Ok, so you want to fight him? He is really strong you know and-' Said Rias before Issei raised a hand cutting her off.
'I never said that did I?' Asked Issei getting a nod.
'You play chess a lot, don't you?' Asked Issei earning a second nod.
'How can you make getting to the king easier?' Asked Issei once again.
'By taking out the surrounding pieces.' Said Rias as realisation started to dawn on her.
'Exactly and since he is as arrogant as I think he is I know just what to do, to not only weaken him, but also buy you guys some time.' Said Issei.
'Thank you Issei… you know not many would have turned down sex with me. Is there something you are hiding Issei, you do seem awfully friendly with Kiba?' Asked Rias coyly.
'Really, you are going to accuse me of being a homosexual? Although then again, I never thought the cool and sophisticated Rias would be so desperate to have sex with me, truly I have had a greater effect on you than I thought.' Retorted Issei in the same teasing tone.
'True but I have been sitting on top of you for close to five minutes now and you haven't tried anything, not to mention you didn't deny what I said.' Said Rias.
Issei smirked at this and knew just how to get the upper hand and reached up to Rias and brought her down to the bed reversing their positions. He then lightly brushed his hands against Rias' thighs before bringing them up to her breasts which his hands ghosted over causing Rias to let out a low gasp. Issei brought his head down to hers, inching towards her face his hand lightly caressing it. Rias closed her eyes and slightly puckered her lips only to feel herself pulled into a sitting position.
'W-what?' Asked Rias a little let down.
'Sorry but you are in a much too emotional state for me to do anything, besides you started this little game, so I finished it.' Said Issei with a smirk.
Rias looked at Issei mouth slightly agape, here she thought that Issei was going to take her right here and now and it turns out he was only getting back at her for teasing him. She felt strangely disappointed that this was the case but at the very least could appreciate that he didn't want to take advantage of her when she was in an emotional state.
'Thank you Issei, for this and for everything.' Said Rias as she leaned over and kissed Issei on the cheek as she went to re-button her shirt, not noticing the magic circle that had appeared nor the person who appeared from it.
'It seems I was too late.' Said the figure who was dressed as a French maid with silver hair and eyes.
'Grayfia.' Said Rias in surprise before Issei spoke.
'Wait a minute, are you insinuating that in less than ten minutes; Rias arrived, had sex with me and even had enough time to get dressed before you arrived?' Questioned Issei in a low tone of voice.
'To think this lowly man took your purity.' Said Grayfia with a little disdain in her tone.
'UNFORGIVEABLE! I am not a minute man, that fact that you just nonchalantly said that burns me up inside!' Shouted Issei shocking Rias with his outburst.
'That's what you're upset about? Not the fact that she called you lowly?' Asked Rias in disbelief.
'Of course! That is the greatest insult a man can receive from a woman.' Said Issei.
'How improper.' Said Grayfia.
Issei turned to look at her a gleam in his eye that only Raynare had seen before.
'Oh you are asking for it now I don't care who you are; no one insults me like that!' Shouted Issei as his Sacred Gear appeared.
'Wait Issei stop this is my brother's queen! You can't fight her, more so in your room it will attract unwanted attention.' Pleaded Rias desperately.
Issei gave Rias a small glare which made her think that he wasn't going to listen to her before he clicked his teeth and made his Sacred Gear disappear.
'Listen up you, I don't care who you think you are but let's get a few things straight. One I didn't take Rias' purity as you put it. Two if you ever insult my masculinity again there will be consequences and three, the next time you appear in my house, unannounced and by magic circle no less I will blast you out through that window with a Twin Dragon Shot consequences be damned.' Said Issei.
'Grayfia please apologise to Issei, it was rude of you to not only invade his house without proper warning but to also think he had taken advantage of me in my vulnerable state.' Said Rias seriously forgetting that she was the one who invaded Issei's house first causing Issei to gain a deadpan expression on his face.
'Of course Lady Rias. I apologise for invading your home, for accusing you of vulgar actions and for inadvertently questioning your masculinity.' Said Grayfia with a bow.
'Fine, I accept your apology, but I was serious about blasting you if you invade my house one more time.' Said Issei a little disgruntled.
'Sorry about this Issei, if you can please come to the clubroom early tomorrow, Grayfia will be there and you can tell us your plan then.' Said Rias before kissing Issei on the cheek again, before walking over to Grayfia.
'Goodnight, see you tomorrow morning.' Said Rias as the two disappeared via magic circle.
'Like I'm going to get sleep now after having been accused of being a minute man.' Muttered Issei sourly.
-line break-
Issei; along with Raynare and Asia, as well as Kiba, who was walking to the club room as well, made their way there. Issei opened the door and everyone filed inside, there was a bit of tension the air but that lifted when Rias saw Issei and smiled.
After everyone walked inside there was a small pause before Grayfia spoke.
'You do realise there is a fallen angel in this room.' Said Grayfia plainly.
'Yes and she is bound to me, try anything and you will have to deal with me.' Said Issei in a steely tone of voice.
'My apologies once again Lord Hyoudou, I was unaware that this fallen angel was bound to you as well as the fact that you are the wielder of the Boosted Gear.' Said Grayfia giving a slight bow from the couch.
'Ugh call me Issei I'm only seventeen not seven hundred and your apology is accepted once again.' Said Issei.
'You are most kind, Issei, also forgive me for not introducing myself properly previously. I'm a maid that serves the House of Gremory. As you know my name is Grayfia. Pleased to make your acquaintance.' Said Grayfia as she stood up and gave a bow along with her introduction.
'That's alright, as I'm sure you know by now, I am Issei Hyoudou, holder of the Red Heavenly Dragon, nice to meet you under better circumstances.' Said Issei giving a bow as well.
'Now before I hear your plan Issei I believe I should explain the situation to the rest of you.' Said Rias before the magic circle on the floor started to glow causing Rias to scowl.
Flames came out of the magic circle as the room heated up and the silhouette of a man appeared. Once the flames cleared a man wearing a red suit without a tie, with the shirt opened to his chest was revealed.
'Ah it has been a while since I last came to the human world. My lovely Rias, I have come to see you.' Said the man.
'Riser.' Said Rias in an annoyed tone.
Riser immediately walked over to Rias and tried to force her into coming with him to see some ceremony hall which she resisted.
'Isn't it in bad taste to try and force a woman into doing something she doesn't want to? Surely you have more class than this?' Said Issei bringing Riser's attention to him.
'And who might you be?' Asked Riser rudely.
'Issei Hyoudou, holder of the Boosted Gear.' Said Issei in a firm tone of voice.
'Really, a commoner like you holds one of the two Heavenly Dragons, I almost feel bad for it, being placed into such a pitifully weak person.' Taunted Riser.
"Perfect his arrogance is even greater than I had thought." Thought Issei with a smile.
'Oh is that so. My, what can a pitifully weak person such as me hope to do against a great devil such as yourself.' Said Issei mockingly.
'Watch your tongue boy I am Riser Phoenix, a pure-blood High-class devil, and the third son of the House of Phoenix, a pathetic lowlife such as yourself should address me as Lord Phoenix.' Said Riser menacingly.
'Is that so, why don't you put your money where your mouth is?' Retorted Issei.
'Oh and what do you mean by that?' Asked Riser.
'Well how about a challenge. I know you came here for Rias so why not make things easier since we both know Rias want nothing to do with you?' Proposed Issei calmly.
'What?' Snarled Riser at being reminded that the object of his affections wanted nothing to do with him.
'A battle of sorts between us.' Said Issei.
'If I may, Issei, I would like to interject something here?' Asked Grayfia politely to which Issei nodded.
'Those from the House of Phoenix as well as Lord Sirzechs had a feeling things would not go smoothly here today and decided upon a last resort of sorts.' Said Grayfia.
'A last resort?' Asked Rias.
'Yes if you continue to push your opinion on the matter, then why not settle it in a Rating Game against Lord Riser?' Suggested Grayfia.
"Just what I was expecting." Thought Issei happily.
Rias was stunned at the suggestion.
'Just how far are they all intending to interfere with my life?' Questioned Rias in a ticked off tone of voice.
'So does that mean you decline?' Asked Grayfia.
'No, this is an opportunity I can't pass up.' Said Rias.
'Hah Rias you can't be serious your peerage isn't even half complete while I have a full set. I've already competed in multiple Rating Games and won most of them while you haven't even been in one. Even so, you still want to play, Rias.' Said Riser cockily.
'I will. I will blow you away, Riser!' Said Rias fiercely
'Fine. If you win do whatever you like, but if I win, you will marry me immediately.' Said Riser.
'Understood. I, Grayfia, have confirmed both sides opinion. I will be in charge of the game between the two household. Is that okay?' Asked Grayfia.
Both Rias and Riser agreed.
'Very well I will inform both houses immediately.' Said Grayfia.
'Actually Grayfia could you wait for a bit longer?' Asked Issei kindly.
Grayfia nodded surprisingly enough and stayed to which Issei gave a grateful nod.
'This match will be a joke.' Said Riser as he clicked his fingers and the magic circle on the floor glowed.
Fifteen figures appeared from the circle and Issei couldn't help but notice one thing.
"What the hell he already has fifteen girls at his side, a massive harem and he still wants Rias. Unforgiveable." Thought Issei angrily.
'Riser I hope you didn't forget already I want to make a deal with you?' Said Issei sternly.
'Ah yes the little peasant, what is this deal you want to make?' Asked Riser mockingly.
'Seeing your peerage now I do believe I can make you a better offer than the one currently in place.' Said Issei.
'Sorry about this.' Whispered Issei to Raynare before nudging her forward.
'I propose an alternate deal; I will combat members from your peerage equal to the strength of my own in terms of evil pieces. The wager being that should I lose I will submit myself, the holder of the Boosted Gear and the fallen angel bound to me, Raynare.' Said Issei nodding to Raynare who took this as the signal to transform into her true form earning a lecherous grin from Riser.
'As well as Rias' hand in marriage immediately.' Said Issei getting a gasp from Rias.
'Issei what are you saying?' Asked Rias in shock.
'What is it you want if you, as unlikely as it may be, beat the members of my peerage?' Asked Riser with a hungry gleam in his eye.
'You will give Rias two weeks of time for her and her peerage to train and the pieces that lose against me become mine, although I will eject the evil piece from them for you to use again, but you cannot do so until after the rating game with Rias, agreed?' Asked Issei.
'Issei what are you saying?' Cried Rias but Issei just looked at her with no trepidation in his eyes which slowly calmed Rias down.
'What do you say?' Asked Issei.
Riser took a quick glance at Raynare, Issei and then his peerage and smirked.
'I agree, Rias, do you?' Asked Riser.
Rias looked unsure for a moment before looking to Issei again for support who mouthed, trust me, to her.
'Very well I accept.' Said Rias.
'Excellent, Grayfia I don't suppose you would be able to test how much I am worth in terms of evil pieces?' Asked Issei.
'Indeed I can, Master Sirzechs is good friends with Lord Astaroth and he has explained a great deal about the evil piece system to me. Please place both your hands over mine.' Said Grayfia stepping forward.
Issei stepped forward and placed both his hands over Grayfia's. A bluish-silver glow surrounded Grayfia's hands before looping around Issei's hands three times forming a sort of gauntlet. After a few moments the chains receded, and the glow faded from Issei's hands.
'Issei is worth the equivalent of eight pawn pieces.' Said Grayfia as she stepped back.
'Very well in that case Karlamine and Xuelan, my knight and rook, will be adequate enough to put you in your place.' Said Riser as two girls stepped forward.
Karlamine was a young woman with brown hair with a greenish tint and green eyes. Her outfit consisted of a full set of silver armour with black accents that appeared to be a cross between a European knight's; the chest plate, gauntlets and greaves, and a Japanese Samurai; the hip plates and shoulder guards, and wore a headband that went across her hair and forehead.
She was equipped with a broadsword and a dagger, both of which were held with brown belts slung across her hip. The broadsword was slung on her left hip and featured a red jewel on the pommel and had bandages across the handle for grip. The dagger, which was located behind her hip, featured a gold hilt with bandages on the handle.
Xuelan was a well-endowed young woman of Chinese descent with shoulder-length black hair and blue-green eyes. Her hair had two Chinese-style buns on both sides of her head, while the front featured bangs that form a slight V-shape across her forehead.
Her outfit consisted of a navy blue, body hugging, one-piece dress with gold accents, a white sash around her stomach, and black, low-heeled shoes. The dress was open at the chest area, giving view to Xuelan's breasts and cleavage. She also wore black armguards over her forearms.
'Very well then, shall we?' Asked Issei rhetorically.
-line break-
Issei, Xuelan and Karlamine were projected into a replica of the school's gymnasium by Grayfia. Riser's group and Rias' group stood on opposite sides of Grayfia, Riser on her left and Rias on her right as they watched. Riser appeared happy while Rias looked a bit nervous.
'Too late to back out now Rias, the boy has no chance and soon you will be mine.' Said Riser arrogantly.
'Oh we will see about that.' Retorted Rias scathingly as she glared at Riser with as much anger as she could.
'Very well are the three of you ready?' Asked Grayfia, her voice being projected into the gymnasium.
'Yep.' Said Issei happily while Xuelan and Karlamine settled for nodding.
'Very well then begin.' Said Grayfia.
Issei immediately summoned his Sacred Gear and shouted boost which was mirrored by the gauntlet.
'You better attack soon because the longer you wait, the more powerful I'll get.' Said Issei after they continued a stare off with him for ten seconds allowing him to boost once again.
Xuelan charged at Issei with a strong guard up and threw a right roundhouse kick at Issei's face which he initially ducked under, but then quickly jumped away from, as Xuelan's foot was covered in fire. He had no time to think upon this new development as a sword engulfed in flames came down upon him which he narrowly dodged by jumping backwards.
"So both can utilise fire… cool." Thought Issei.
Xuelan charged Issei again with an axe kick which Issei dived under allowing him to notice something.
"Wow she isn't wearing underwear!" Thought Issei in excitement.
Issei quickly jumped back to his feet and leapt over a flaming horizontal slash, courtesy of Karlamine, tucking both legs into his chest. Somersaulting in mid-air Issei lashed out with an axe kick of his own to Karlamine which she blocked with her left gauntlet surprising Issei at the strength she possessed as a knight. Issei jumped back once again trying to keep both of his enemies in front of him.
"For a knight she has pretty strong defensive capabilities." Thought Issei.
'Boost.' Came from Issei's Sacred Gear a third time.
'Well I suppose three boosts should be enough to finish this but a fourth wouldn't hurt. Riser watch closely, in ten seconds you will be two pieces short of a full set.' Said Issei loudly.
'Ha, you won't be able to beat us so easily; our honour is on the line here today.' Said Karlamine, before charging at Issei again with her flaming sword.
Issei tilted his body to the side to avoid her repeated slashes at his torso. Karlamine then leapt in the air and came down upon Issei with a two-handed slash which Issei stopped by grabbing the blade in the middle, ignoring the flames as his Boosted Gear protected his hand from the searing heat.
'Hyaa!' Shouted Xuelan as she launched a devastating side kick into Issei's chest which he couldn't block with one hand and thus was kicked back, releasing Karlamine in the process who stood next to Xuelan as Issei got back to his feet.
'Damn that hurt a lot. You're good, both of you but this is it.' Said Issei, the front of his blazer and shirt having been mostly burnt off and only still clinging to him by a few strands over his shoulders.
'Boost.' Said Issei which was mirrored by his gauntlet.
'Now let's end this.' Said Issei.
'Explosion.' Emanated from the Sacred Gear.
Issei gathered energy up in his gauntleted hand before a sphere three times the size of his normal Dragon Shot appeared.
'Sorry but you lose.' Said Issei to the rook and knight.
'Mega Dragon Shot!' Shouted Issei as a ten metre wide blast of red energy burst forth and quickly overwhelmed the two girls.
As the smoke died down an absolutely massive trench was left in the middle of the fake gym and a gigantic hole now took up most of the back wall.
'Lord Riser's rook and knight both retire.' Echoed Grayfia's voice and before Issei knew it he was back in the Occult Research Club clubroom.
'Wow even my shirt is back.' Commented Issei looking down before an ecstatic Rias tackled him into a hug.
'I can't believe you won. Don't you ever use me in a wager again without giving me prior warning! Oh, but thank you so much.' Said Rias her mood changing rapidly.
'No hard feelings Raynare?' Asked Issei to the other person involved in the wager.
Raynare glared at him before sighing.
'No I suppose not.' Said Raynare with the beginnings of a bemused smile on her face.
'Enjoy this little victory while you can Rias, know this, it matters not. You are still going to be mine so enjoy your last two weeks of freedom while you can.' Said Riser as he motioned for his peerage to follow him to the magic circle.
'Hey aren't you going to wait to say something to the two pieces that fought for you?' Asked Issei angrily gesturing to the two unconscious girls seated on the couch.
'No they were weak, losing to someone as pitiful as you; it is ill befitting for peerage members of the House of Phoenix.' Said Riser disdainfully as he walked over to the magical circle before turning around as his peerage surrounded him.
'*Tch* Hold on you smug bastard.' Said Issei as he stood over the forms of the two girls and two magic circles appeared over their hearts before their respective pieces were ejected from them.
Issei threw the pieces at Riser who deftly caught them.
'There, you ungrateful bastard, as agreed, now you can add two more girls to your peerage who you don't give two shits about.' Said Issei angrily.
Riser merely scoffed before he and his peerage disappeared.
'No wonder you don't want to marry that guy, he is the biggest ass I've ever seen in my life.' Said Issei to Rias who nodded in agreement.
'So what are you going to do with the two of them?' Asked Rias gesturing to the two abandoned peerage members.
'I suppose I'll take them home since I don't know how long it will be until they wake up. Raynare could you watch them until they wake up?' Asked Issei to which Raynare nodded.
'Good we need to get started.' Said Issei.
'Started for what?' Asked Rias.
'Obviously, help train you all. I'm sure you and Akeno have me trumped in the magical department and Koneko has me beat in the power department just as Kiba has me beat in the speed department but I can help you build on your strengths and cover your weaknesses as well as help you with strategy. There is no way I'm letting someone as kind as you be stuck with a pig like him.' Said Issei passionately.
'Issei.' Said Rias in shock.
'Forgive me, but I must leave now and inform both sides of the deal that has taken place, good luck.' Said Grayfia with a bow, before she stepped onto the magic circle and disappeared.
'Well what are we waiting for?' Asked Issei.
-line break-
Issei was exhausted. Not having any way to teleport left him having to reach Rias' preferred training destination by foot. The problem was it was in the mountains. While Rias and her peerage were able to teleport close to its actual location Issei had to climb from scratch. Almost one hundred kilometres straight up.
'I. Feel. Like. I'm. Going. To. DIE!' Shouted Issei in exasperation.
-line break-
Eventually Issei reached the mansion and after promptly collapsing and subsequently being healed by Asia, Issei was ready to go.
'Now I won't lie, you are seriously outnumbered, but that doesn't mean this is impossible.' Said Issei.
'You know Issei if you let me, I could reincarnate you as a devil so you could fight with us, I have eight unused pawn pieces.' Said Rias hopefully.
Issei paused for a long time which worried Rias making her think Issei was going to leave them now in their hour of need.
'Nevermi-' Said Rias before Issei cut her off.
'No, sorry, I should have given you an answer.' Said Issei as he ran his right hand through his hair while staring at his left.
'Truthfully, I can't, I'm sorry. I just can't become a devil.' Said Issei shooting down Rias' hopes.
'That's okay I understand, it was worth a try in any case.' Said Rias sadly.
'But it won't matter because once I'm done with all of you Riser won't stand a chance.' Said Issei confidently.
-line break-
Large time skip
-line break-
'T-they lost?' Asked Issei in shock.
'Yes they fought valiantly and even managed to take out all of Riser's pieces, but they lost in the end. Koneko, Kiba and Akeno were picked off one by one until only Asia and Rias remained and after Asia was heavily disoriented by an attack, Rias fought with all her might against Riser's queen and even managed to take her out, but then Riser threatened to kill the still disoriented Asia, if Rias didn't submit.' Explained Grayfia.
'Bastard! Trust an arrogant bastard like him to resort to such an underhanded method against Rias. Rias never stood a chance; she is too kind to sacrifice someone just for herself.' Said Issei angrily at first before becoming sad.
Grayfia laughs quietly.
'You are an interesting person. For someone with so much power you are quite open with your emotions and easily offended, and for someone who says he hates devils, you seem to get along rather well with Lady Rias and her peerage and care for them a great deal, even now you are still trying to help them.' Said Grayfia as she took out a slip of paper.
'My master, Lord Sirzechs, found what you did quite interesting; gambling both Rias, yourself and that fallen angel all just to weaken Riser in the process, which you succeeded in. He says you are a "risky character".' Said Grayfia as she handed the slip of paper to Issei.
'This magic circle will allow you to teleport to the engagement hall, all you need to do is add some magical power to it.' Said Grayfia, as Issei examined the slip of paper.
'Lastly, I have a message from Lord Sirzechs for you; he says, "If you want to save my sister, barge into the hall." On the back of the slip is a return seal which will allow you to return once you take Lady Rias back.' Said Grayfia who then noticed Issei was trembling slightly.
'So are you telling me that I can use a magical-circle to teleport with?' Asked Issei in a low tone of voice.
'Of course, all magic circles only need magical power to be input into them to allow teleportation, even angels and fallen angels can use them if they get their hands on them.' Said Grayfia calmly.
'Rias. Rias. RIAS! YOU MADE ME CLIMB A MOUNTAIN FOR NOTHING!' Shouted Issei, startling Grayfia.
'Grayfia, I want you to go to Rias and tell her that I will be there in ten minutes and after I save her…HER ASS IS MINE!' Shouted Issei, before barging out of his room.
Grayfia stared at the door through which Issei left, a small smile on her face, before disappearing via magic circle.
"Lady Rias, you have certainly made some interesting friends, who would have thought the Red Dragon Emperor for this generation would be so strange." Thought Grayfia as she disappeared.
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Rias sighed; here she was about to be shackled to a narcissistic pig for the rest of her life.
'RRRRRIIIIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!' Bellowed a voice from just outside the engagement hall.
Everyone turned to the sound of the voice and there was Issei, Boosted Gear and all.
'Hey who do you think you are-' Said what appeared to be a guard who approached Issei, but one look at Issei's frosty glare and murderous eyes caused him to back off in fright.
'What is the meaning of this?' Asked various people in confusion before Sirzechs stepped up and explained that he orchestrated this in order to make his "cute little sisters" engagement a flashy one and what was more flashier than having a dragon battle with a phoenix.
Issei's eyes didn't leave Rias' form for a second, his eyes bore into her. She desperately wanted to know what he was thinking.
"And then after that I'm going to make you do evasion training and then you'll spar with me and then…" Thought Issei mentally plotting what he was going to do with Rias after he gets her back for making him climb a mountain when he could have teleported there.
'So dragon-boy what do you want if you beat Riser?' Asked Rias' brother.
'I want Rias back.' Said Issei in a low tone of voice.
'Very well, if you win you can take Rias back with you.' Said Sirzechs.
-line break-
Issei and Riser were teleported to what appeared to be a stadium surrounded by numerous pillars adorned with phoenix statues.
'Well little boy are you ready to lose, a weakling like you can never beat someone like me.' Stated Riser arrogantly.
"Huh what's this fool on about?" Thought Issei having zoned off while making more plans on how to punish Rias.
'You will never be able to stop the immortal phoenix.' Stated Riser.
'I will beat you in five seconds.' Said Issei loudly.
'Ha maybe in your dreams.' Retorted Riser.
'Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!' Sounded the Boosted Gear as Issei started to become enveloped in the Boosted Gear Scale Mail.
'Before I end this let me tell you one thing, you are not worthy of experiencing the power of my Balance Breaker, but I also don't want to stick around near an obnoxious, arrogant and selfish chicken like you in case some of your attitude rubs off on me. That being said, I am going to enjoy this, much more than I should in fact.' Said Issei before his head was covered by the Scale Mail.
Issei slowly started to walk towards Riser, after every step he took he boosted once.
'Insolent whelp, I will burn you to ashes.' Shouted Riser as he launched multiple fireballs at Issei.
Issei batted the attacks aside barely feeling the heat at all. His physical conditioning and dragon like traits due to sacrificing his heart being enhanced by his Sacred Gear made him more than a match for the flames of a phoenix.
When Issei was five steps away from Riser he stopped and pulled out a vial.
'Boosted Gear Gift.' Said Issei quietly.
'Transfer.' Echoed the Boosted Gear.
'Now chicken-boy feel pain!' Shouted Issei before closing the last five steps between them in an instant, slamming the vial into Riser's face.
'AAUGHGHHH IT BURNS!' Cried Riser in pain as he clutched his face.
'Yes for a devil, no less a Phoenix, I imagine you must hate holy water in its raw form, I'm sure it must be quite unpleasant, but after being boosted twenty times you must be in agony. Finally, to finish this one-sided battle.' Said Issei before rearing his right leg back and kicking Riser straight in his family jewels which caused him to drop to his knees clutching them in pain.
Issei then released the armour on his right hand and jabbed Riser in the eyes causing him immense pain before a solid left cross with his gauntlet-clad hand knocked him out and sent him back sprawled onto the ground. Issei stood their impassively as he let the rest of his armour disappear as Ravel Phoenix, Riser's sister appeared in between them arms outstretched.
'You got a problem with what I just did?' Asked Issei rhetorically.
Ravel stood her ground even though she was a little afraid of Issei. Issei squatted down so he was looking her straight in the eyes.
'If you don't like what I did to your brother have a look at just what your brother is: uncaring, selfish and arrogant beyond measure. Still, it is admirable you would try to protect your brother even if he is such an ass. He sure is lucky to have a sister like you.' Said Issei as he put his hand on Ravel's hair and stroked it, causing her arms to drop slightly and a small blush to cover her face.
Issei stood back up and walked over to Rias. He pulled out the paper that got him here turned it over and a glow emanated from the paper before a griffin appeared.
'Rias, you're coming with me.' Said Issei as he held out a hand for Rias.
Rias took his hand as he helped her onto the griffin as he climbed on after her.
'I'll see you guys tomorrow.' Said Issei to Koneko, Kiba and Akeno as the griffin took off.
-line break-
'So that's this generation's Red Dragon Emperor.' Said Lord Gremory.
'Indeed, I suppose our greed got the best of us this time, we already have pure devil grandchildren, but we still tried to force this. Ah well, I suppose it is in our nature to be greedy.' Said Lord Phoenix.
'Yes but I too tried to force my greed onto my daughter. I do hope she can forgive me.' Said Lord Gremory sadly.
'I suppose I should thank him; Riser has overestimated the clan and our abilities thinking us to be unbeatable, this defeat should teach him some humility. Your daughter has an interesting servant.' Said Lord Phoenix.
Sirzechs overheard this and went over to clarify the matter.
'Oh no, Issei is not a part of my dear sisters peerage, in fact, he quite frankly hated devils until my sister and her peerage helped him see not all devils are bad, after he was scarred by a past incident when two strays tried to kill him and his friend when he was a child.' Said Sirzechs.
'Incredible, do you mean he is human?' Asked Lord Phoenix in surprise.
'Not technically, he is more dragon than human due to sacrificing his mortal heart to survive and kill those strays who attacked him when he was young.' Explained Sirzechs.
'Ah you know what they say about dragons, Lord Phoenix.' Said Lord Gremory jokingly.
'Yes, their ability to attract others is uncanny; he even seems to have had a great effect on Ravel.' Said Lord Phoenix, recalling Issei's affectionate gesture and Ravel's response.
'Well I suppose if you can't have another pure-blooded grandchild, wouldn't it be interesting to see the offspring of a dragon and a phoenix?' Questioned Lord Gremory.
'Indeed, that would be interesting.' Said Lord Phoenix thoughtfully, as he looked at Ravel who was still a bit off.
"Dear sister, it seems you will have lots of competition for Issei's heart." Thought Sirzechs in amusement.
-line break-
'So Issei where are we going now? Asked Rias happily.
'Ah there is a special room in my house that I really want you to see.' Said Issei vaguely with a small smirk.
"Oh my, does he mean his bedroom? I feel that this might be a bit fast, but then again, Issei did save me, and he is cute and very powerful." Thought Rias jumping to rapid conclusions.
They quickly stopped off at the Occult Research Club where Rias changed out of the wedding gown and put on a spare of her school uniform. Afterwards they flew over to Issei's house.
'Ah, here we are.' Said Issei as they dismounted the griffin which vanished in a teleportation seal.
It was close to midnight, so no one was awake and never saw the griffin fly down from the sky or vanish into thin air. When Issei entered the house, he saw Xuelan and Karlamine were still unconscious, which made him frown slightly, and Raynare watching over them.
'Oh hello Raynare, don't mind us I will just be taking Rias to that room for some… fun. Please don't worry about anything you hear; you can go to sleep now if you want.' Said Issei to Raynare who looked at Rias pityingly who missed the glance.
Rias was mentally preparing herself for what was about to happen when Issei opened the door to a darkened room and invited her inside. As she crossed the threshold, she failed to find a bed in the darkness. The sound of the door closing and being locked startled Rias slightly and when the light was turned on, she gazed at what appeared to be a gym.
'Uh Issei.' Said Rias preparing to question Issei when she felt Issei grope her breasts roughly and place his head on her right shoulder.
Rias moaned and whimpered slightly when Issei removed his right hand and brought the slip of paper Grayfia had brought him before in front of Rias.
'Rias can you tell me what this is?' Asked Issei huskily as he whispered into her right ear.
'I-it is a t-teleportation seal.' Replied Rias, her breath coming out slightly laboured as Issei tweaked one of her nipples.
'Now tell me, can anyone use these?' Asked Issei.
'Y-yes.' Replied Rias before Issei let go of her and turned her around.
'Then why did I have to climb a mountain when you could have given me a seal to teleport there?' Said Issei with a smile, which Rias frightfully noticed matched Akeno's.
'U-uh um, you see I uh, forgot.' Said Rias meekly.
'Rias I'm only going to say this once so listen carefully.' Said Issei as he slowly walked over to the side of the room which had at least two dozen balls lined up.
'W-what?' Asked Rias in trepidation.
'DODGE!' Shouted Issei as he started throwing medicine balls at Rias who was hard pressed to dodge.
Now everyone hold your horses, I already know what you are all thinking so I will explain this simply. Firstly, Issei envisioned all devils being evil, meeting Rias and her peerage showed him there were devils who weren't as evil as he thought. Meeting Riser makes him see he was right about some devils and thus he can now draw a line between relatively good devils, Rias and CO, and bad devils, Riser.
Also this will be the last time I put a note explaining the plot and character development of my story: repeatedly doing so would just kill the story as I could just tell you what everything means, but that would take out any interest behind reading this to find out, as well as ruining any enjoyment you take from this story.
This being said, if you personally want something cleared up: girls and their feelings toward Issei, people in the harem (with exceptions for the few who are surprises and important to the plot), suggestions for the harem… Yeah pretty much stuff relating to the romance aspect of this story review and I will answer you directly.
Also, if you want to ask about Issei's current abilities I can tell you that as well, but I won't tell you anything that I have planned that hasn't been revealed yet. Essentially anything that reveals too much either plot-wise, plot-twist wise or an important future development I won't tell you, but anything else is fair game.
Please let me know what you thought of the chapter and review.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.