Ok so I found something interesting out recently and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought this but… did you guys know Yuuto is Kiba's first name? I certainly didn't. That puts things into a new perspective for me so ignore what I said about Saji and Kiryuu being referred to as their first name, reason being, I can't start calling Kiba; Yuuto, so I have decided to use the most common usage of their names meaning, I will now refer to them as Saji and Kiryuu from this point onwards.

I also dropped hints for the other three harem members I have planned so far for this story, but that being said, I am sure I will still add more later on… Dxd has a lot of great, but also unique heroines and almost all are very attractive.

One last thing, since I have yet to take a hiatus for this story, I assume most of you are surprised at the lack of updates. The reason is because Uni started again, and I haven't had any time to write. In fact, whenever I have Uni, updates are rarer than water in the desert, you might find an oasis once, but basically, expect nothing. That being said, I have one more chapter already written, but that is it and unless I magically get lots of spare time soon, I will only have 1 single monthly update, this one being the update for March and the other chapter for April.

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

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Ddraig talking and Sacred Gear sounds'

"Ddraig thinking"

*expression*

Flashback

Chapter 8 – Odd Bedfellows

'Hi Issei.' Said Irina, as Issei returned home for the day with Raynare, Xuelan and Karlamine in tow.

'Irina? Xenovia too? Is something wrong?' Asked Issei slightly confused.

'Oh, I didn't expect you to remember little Irina so quickly.' Commented Issei's mother, who was seated opposite the two holy sword wielders.

'Yeah, I met up with Irina a couple days ago, along with her friend Xenovia.' Said Issei, discreetly gesturing to the three behind him that they could go to their rooms and that he would handle things here.

'Do you see, he has two more girls with him, devils even?' Whispered Xenovia to Irina, getting her to wave her off.

'Don't worry Xenovia, Issei is not being seduced.' Whispered back Irina.

'I'll go make you all some tea, I'm sure you would love to catch up.' Said Issei's mum, who stood up and started to walk to the kitchen.

Xenovia was about to politely refuse, before Issei sat down in front of the two and thanked his mum.

'So is there any particular reason you two needed to come by?' Asked Issei seriously.

'Well, Irina here spent all our money on a fake picture of a saint.' Said Xenovia, before Irina interjected.

'It wasn't a fake I'm sure of it.' Started Irina, before Xenovia cut her off.

'I have seen children drawings that were better.' Said Xenovia.

'How can you say that, it looked like a saint? That is what the person in the exhibition said as well.' Said Irina.

'Uh, not to interrupt, but Xenovia, have you known Irina for a long time?' Asked Issei.

'For a couple of months or so why?' Asked Xenovia.

'Then why did you entrust her with all of your money?' Asked Issei.

'Mou, Issei is so cruel!' Whined Irina, while Xenovia blinked.

'I suppose this is partially my fault as well then.' Said Xenovia trailing off in thought, at which time Issei's mum brought the three some tea.

'So anyway, how is your assignment going?' Asked Issei vaguely, since his mother was still within earshot.

'Not well, we can't find what we have been sent to search for.' Answered Xenovia.

'Perhaps you need more hands in your search, I'm sure some people would be willing to help.' Said Issei.

'Hmm, you may be right, that blonde haired boy did confront us, he even tried to fight us, but I beat him quickly.' Said Xenovia.

"Wow, to think Kiba was bested by Xenovia, Kiba is no pushover and to hear Xenovia beat him easily… she must be more powerful than I thought." Thought Issei, before turning to look at Irina and wondering if she was just as strong.

'That might explain why he wasn't at school today.' Said Issei thoughtfully.

'He said he was a member of the Holy Sword Project, and it is his goal to destroy all Excaliburs.' Added Irina.

'Holy Sword Project?' Asked Issei, to which Xenovia explained it to him.

'I see. It seems Kiba has had a rough start in life as well, I will talk to him, I am sure I can get him to help you two.' Said Issei.

'But, working with people like him.' Said Irina.

'We have no choice Irina, even if we give him one to destroy just to appease him, we need help finding them.' Said Xenovia.

"Just like before, a devil looking to destroy an Excalibur… I-I find this very strange… at the very least; at least Kiba isn't attacking anyone to get his hands on one, but still." Thought Issei, lost in his thoughts and was only brought out of them by a tender hand grasping his own.

'Issei, are you alright?' Asked Irina kindly, having moved to sit next to Issei when he zoned off, holding his left hand in her right.

'Y-yeah, I was just remembering about, well you know.' Said Issei quietly.

Irina squeezed his hand slightly, which Issei returned, all the while Xenovia watched on.

'Do you still think about it?' Asked Irina.

'Not often… it is just when things remind me of it. I almost lost you, my best friend.' Said Issei, as he squeezed Irina's hand more tightly.

An awkward silence of sorts descended on the trio as Xenovia started to feel slightly out of place in this conversation. After a minute, Issei snapped out of his memories, but held onto Irina's hand, finding that a comforting warmth seemed to emanate from her, relaxing him.

'In any case, I will find him, I'm sure he would want to help with his past… also, if you need it, I will help you two out as well I suppose.' Said Issei.

'Thank you, the help of a Heavenly Dragon is no doubt a welcome development.' Said Xenovia.

'Yeah, thanks Issei, it will help a lot.' Said Irina with a cute smile, that caused the edges of Issei's mouth to twitch upwards as well.

'Yeah, don't worry about it.' Said Issei in amusement.

'Irina, if you would like, I can go now, and you can.' Started Xenovia, before Irina cut her off.

'Come on Xenovia, we need to get going now, thanks for the help, Issei; it was nice seeing you again!' Said Irina quickly.

'Yeah, sure, no problem, if you need me, uh.' Said Issei pausing.

'Oh don't worry Issei, your mum already gave us your number.' Said Irina happily.

'Yes, but just in case, here is mine as well should you need to contact us.' Said Xenovia, as she took out a pen and note pad and quickly wrote down her contact details.

'Alright thanks, I'll talk to you two later.' Said Issei as they left.

Issei picked up his tea and drained it in one gulp, wincing a little at the bitter aftertaste, before heading off to his room, making plans for tomorrow.

-line break-

'Irina, that was your chance, why didn't you take that opportunity and claim Hyoudou for yourself.' Questioned Xenovia.

'Xenovia! What is wrong with you? We don't have to worry about Issei's loyalties, why do you keep pushing this?' Asked Irina in embarrassment, along with a bit of exasperation.

'You saw it yourself; he has three women living with him: two are devils and one is a fallen angel, possibly even more we don't know of and thus, our faction is losing ground in the battle for the Red Dragon.' Said Xenovia.

'Premarital relations are forbidden anyway, why do you keep pushing this?' Asked Irina.

'Premarital relations? I was not suggesting that; although now that I think about it, that would certainly put him on our side, and if you go about it as a way of strengthening our faction I'm sure no one will mind.' Said Xenovia.

'I-I I'm not listening to you anymore!' Said a very flustered Irina.

'Would you like me to do the deed then?' Asked Xenovia.

'N-NO! Uh, I mean, no you can't do it either, besides there are other ways to get Issei on our side!' Said Irina quickly.

'I still say you should just claim him.' Said Xenovia, but Irina was walking away from Xenovia quickly, her hands covering her ears.

-line break-

The next day

-line break-

Issei had tracked down Kiba before school and found him outside a café, not too far from Kuoh. Issei sat down in front of Kiba, surprising him.

'I was looking for you, you know?' Said Kiba offhandedly.

'Well isn't it lucky that I just so happened to be looking for you as well.' Replied Issei.

'Me? What for? Asked the sword wielder.

'Well it seems that those two exorcists are willing to team up with you to reclaim the lost Excaliburs, even letting you destroy one.' Said Issei.

'Really why is that?' Asked Kiba suspiciously.

'It seems they are having trouble finding the culprits.' Said Issei.

'Why are they coming to you for help in finding me? Whose side are you on anyway?' Asked Kiba narrowing his eyes.

'Well as it stands, I just so happen to be someone who is capable of acting as a go between the devils and them. As for whose side I'm on, as I said to them the first time they questioned my loyalties, I am on my side, but you should know that by now.' Said Issei, getting Kiba to relax slightly.

'What exactly do you mean, your side?' Asked Kiba.

'Exactly what is sounds like, but is it really the time to be discussing my loyalties, school starts soon and I would like to know if you will be joining them in their hunt for the stolen Excaliburs.' Said Issei, stealthily avoiding the question.

'Well, I need to hear this from them… but if I am allowed to destroy at least one of those cursed swords, then I will agree to work with them.' Said Kiba firmly.

'Alright then, I'll let them know after school, if you do decide to skip it again, meet up here at four in the afternoon.' Said Issei, before walking off.

Genshirou Saji just so happened to be listening in on the conversation and was slightly unnerved by what he had heard.

"No doubt President will want to hear about this." Thought Saji.

-line break-

After school, Issei told the trio that he had plans and that they could go home by themselves and that he would be back after a while. Hesitating briefly, Xuelan, Karlamine and Raynare headed home, while Issei called up Xenovia and Irina and told them where to meet him. Kiba had in fact skipped school again and was already waiting at the café before Issei arrived. Inexplicably though, Koneko was also there.

Thinking nothing of it, Issei sat down and waited for the church duo to arrive. They were prompt and arrived with fifteen minutes to spare. The two opposing parties negotiated the terms upon which their temporary alliance would be based, while Issei watched on in slight boredom.

"What am I, some weird linking connection that brings devils and exorcists together?" Questioned Issei, wondering why he was even still here.

'Well since you guys have worked out an agreement, I suppose I will just go since this doesn't really concern me anymore.' Said Issei.

'That is acceptable; in return for your help, I have some information for you: The Vanishing Dragon has already awakened.' Said Xenovia, getting Issei to frown slightly.

'I see, that is indeed useful information… thank you, good luck with your Excalibur hunt.' Said Issei, walking off with a wave over his shoulder.

"So he has revealed himself, I didn't expect word to get out so easily." Thought Issei.

'What are you planning partner?' Asked Ddraig.

"Nothing, I don't need to hunt him down, he will come for me eventually, but I will be ready." Thought Issei, as a fire burned in his eyes.

-line break-

"I feel… something… is going to happen… soon… maybe I should visit… my… friend." Thought a stoic individual.

-line break-

Issei yawned sleepily when he arrived home; he wasn't actually sleepy, merely bored and decided to sleep until something else interested him. He opened the door and blearily trudged to his room. He had his hand on the doorknob when the door to his right opened. Out came Karlamine from the bathroom towelling her hair with her eyes closed, no doubt after a shower, because water was still dripping down Karlamine's naked body. Issei's mouth opened slightly and his eyes widened, after which Karlamine's eyes opened. They locked eyes and an awkward silence passed. Karlamine then proceeded to shrug and walked to her room ignoring Issei for the most part, but kept notice of his eyes and was slightly proud that he still hadn't looked away from her as she closed the door to her room. Issei blinked repeatedly before heading to a different room.

'Well, I suppose I won't be able to sleep anytime soon.' Issei muttered, before proceeding to work out for a bit.

-line break-

Issei laid down on the bench tiredly, not having enough strength to go back to his room after his last set of squats and therefore decided to have a chat with his partner.

"DDRAIG, I LOVE YOU!" Shouted Issei happily in his mind.

For the most part, Ddraig just laughed in amusement.

'I did tell you about dragons, didn't I? Though with both me and your special situation, I'm surprised none of them have tried anything, although I suppose devils, angels, humans and fallen angels aren't exactly aware of the aura you emit. You are lucky that the nekoshou is not more mature, or there would be a good chance of her jumping you, more so if she goes into heat.' Said Ddraig in amusement.

"Does it really have that much of an effect, my aura I mean?" Questioned Issei curiously.

'Indeed, the aura of a dragon is practically overpowering to species which are naturally attune with: the environment, feelings of others, or the energy of the world and are affected quite strongly, kitsune for instance.' Explained Ddraig.

"So… I'm a Youkai babe magnet… wait, it doesn't attract male Youkai too does it?" Asked Issei in apprehension.

Ddraig laughed loudly, worrying Issei slightly that the answer might be yes.

'Yes; but not in the way you think, they would want to fight and beat you to assert their dominance.' Said Ddraig.

"Why did you scare me like that? You should have said no and then explained, do you know the kind of mental anguish you would have caused me if… male Youkai… tried to track me down… for something other than fighting!" Ranted Issei, before shuddering at the thought.

'Lucky for you, by the way, the Phoenix is on its way.' Said Ddraig.

"Riser? What does he want?" Asked Issei and was almost certain he heard Ddraig slap himself in the face.

"Oh Ravel, sorry, got confused for a second there." Thought Issei with a chuckle, finishing his conversation with Ddraig, as a knock sounded on the door.

'Come on in.' Said Issei.

Ravel entered with an uncharacteristic nervous expression on her face.

'I do hope I'm not interrupting anything.' Said Ravel in her usual regal voice, but it seemed to waver slightly.

Issei groaned slightly before sitting up.

'No not at all, is there something you need?' Asked Issei tiredly.

'Well, as a way to show there are no hard feelings between the House of Phoenix and yourself Red Dragon Emperor I have come as a sign of good faith, to show that the House of Phoenix in no way holds the breaking of the engagement against you.' Said Ravel, in an official sounding tone of voice.

'Well that's good, I don't want to make any enemies and please call me Issei.' Said Issei tiredly, as he stood up and stretched a bit.

Ravel muttered Issei under her breath, as if feeling the way the word sounded in her mouth.

'While I don't like him that much, I feel obligated to ask, how is Riser, I hope I didn't damage him permanently in any way?' Asked Issei.

'Thanks to you he has been in low sprits, being defeated so easily and losing Lady Rias was a great shock to him. Well, he did get cocky about his abilities and relied on them exclusively so losing in such a shameful manner should be a good lesson for him.' Said Ravel, surprising Issei at how harsh she was.

'Hmm, I see, well, I'm sure he will get over it soon, if not, well, I can always rough him up a bit.' Commented Issei with a gleeful expression as he left the room and headed to the kitchen, with Ravel following.

'So what is it like being a part of his group now?' Asked Issei, as he arrived at the kitchen and offered Ravel some tea, not taking her for the juice drinking type while he downed almost half a litre of water.

'Actually, my mother traded me for an unused bishop piece and since she doesn't play in rating games anymore, I am essentially a "free bishop" now.' Said Ravel.

'Really, you can trade pieces?' Asked Issei in curiosity, as he poured Ravel and himself some tea.

At Issei's question, Ravel seemed to sit up straighter and happily lectured him on the intricacies of the Evil Piece system, teaching him about trading and something Issei found particularly interesting: mutation pieces.

'So a mutation piece is essentially a piece of exceptional power which is capable of turning anyone into a devil no matter how strong they are?' Asked Issei in curiosity.

'Essentially, however I don't know all about them or how they work only that they are said to be exceptionally rare and that only one in ten devils possess a mutation piece.' Said the female Phoenix.

'Very interesting. Although I think I have gone off topic here, why exactly did you need to come over, I mean you can talk to me in school so why come over here?' Asked Issei.

'W-well I, in order to show that there are no hostilities between us I baked you a cake as a peace offering.' Said Ravel, a light pink hue faintly appearing for an instance, before it faded away as she placed a basket on the counter of the kitchen.

'Really… you didn't have to do that, would you like some?' Asked Issei, as he brought out two plates, two forks, and a knife.

'N-nonsense it was made for you.' Said Ravel.

'Well you did come all the way here and just one cup of tea is not an acceptable way to treat a guest.' Said Issei, as he cut her a slice, and then cut one for himself, before moving over to the couches, Ravel following and sitting opposite him.

'So if you said Riser was in low spirits, does that mean he hasn't used those two pieces I gave him back?' Said Issei, his tone getting slightly angry towards the end.

'Yes, he has yet to use them or the bishop piece he received in exchange for me.' Said Ravel with a nod.

Issei hummed slightly with his mouth closed at this before trying some of the cake, Ravel had made and was surprised.

'Wow this is delicious, and you made this all by yourself?' Asked Issei in surprise, as the chocolate taste numbed his soreness that had built up from exercising.

'Y-yes, I should go now.' Said Ravel with a small blush on her face.

'Uh-uh, not until you eat your piece first.' Said Issei, to which Ravel huffed slightly before sitting back down and complying.

'I'm curious though, if you are Riser's sister, weren't you already a devil? Why did you get turned into a bishop?' Asked Issei.

'Well my brother asked me because he wanted to have a full set of different types in his peerage.' Said Ravel, causing Issei to pause with a piece of cake almost in his mouth.

"Different types? Wait a minute, Karlamine; detached and honourable knight, Xuelan; loyal and emotional martial artist, those two little girls; loli with weapons, his queen; mature and elegant magic user, those two cat girls; furries… wait a minute Ravel; tsundere and little sister. What the hell!? This guy built his peerage based on that!" Thought Issei face-palming, in his mind as doing so in real life would raise questions.

'I see, and you just went along with it?' Asked Issei.

'Not at first but after a few days of pleading I decided I would.' Said Ravel.

"Riser pleading… nope can't picture that." Thought Issei, as he finished off his piece.

'That was really good; in fact, I'm going to have another piece I think.' Said Issei, as he stood up and walked back to the kitchen to cut himself another slice and thus, missed the huge blush that spread across Ravel's face.

'I really should go now, sorry but I, I have assignments to do.' Said Ravel with a small curtsey, her head down to hide her embarrassment, before leaving, almost slamming the door behind her in her haste.

"Uh, Ddraig, does this dragon aura affect Phoenixes or something?" Asked Issei in confusion.

'Not to any great extent, I think she actually has a crush on you.' Said Ddraig in amusement.

"Because I beat up her brother?! Wow, Tsundere indeed… but this cake is amazing." Thought Issei, as he started eating his second piece with a smile on his face.