Sorry this took so long, I would have had it up two days ago but my sister had a function and deciding drinking on an empty stomach was a good idea... so that kind of stopped me from being able to write or upload anything. If you are planning on drinking now or in future, please, eat something prior and/or during for the benefit of everyone else who doesn't particularly enjoy sour smelling vomit. In addition to that I had to go suit shopping yesterday which took a surprisingly long time. They say lifting makes clothes fit you better but I don't think so since a suit supposedly my size was extremely tight around my back and shoulders… on the positive size whatever you wear does look good… even if it is a little uncomfortable.
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Ok so back on point, I have 1.5K written for the next chapter and that is before I write today's amount and I am up to a really good point now so I will probably have another update out in… eh maybe 5 days or so, maybe 4 though. Oh and I like I said I was going to put this up two days ago, reason being I passed my hazard perception test, I don't know if such a thing exists outside of Australia but basically it is a $30 cash grab that tests nothing that is actually useful, which you must pass if you want to get your licence so I'm pretty glad that is out of the way… I'm digressing…
One last thing about DxD. I'm thinking that after another 2 or 3 chapters I will switch over to my Pokémon and Naruto stories for a bit but I will keep writing DxD every now and again so updates may start to come every 2-3 weeks for this story in a couple of chapters. Sorry, but I really should update some of my other stories a bit, especially since I got an idea for another 2 Naruto stories and also currently have an unpublished Bleach story in the works of about 4K words so far that I haven't touched since last year.
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 12 – Watch Your Step
As the sun finally rose high enough so that its rays could penetrate into Issei's room, Issei started to stir, only to find all his limbs were being held down.
'Oh what fresh hell is this?' Muttered Issei, before groggily opening his eyes.
The first thing to assault Issei's vision was a plethora of black and red hair. Issei angled his head to each side and noticed Raynare on his right side, his arm wrapped up in a tight hug pressing against her chest and stomach which were only covered in a thin night gown. To his left was Rias who held him in a similar manner to Raynare, only minus any type of clothing at all. Issei's eye twitched momentarily at the wildly improper behaviour Rias was exhibiting, especially for someone who barely talked with him at all outside of business. He supposed that saving her from an engagement and fighting for her may have caused her to reach an unfounded conclusion towards his feelings for her, but then again, he really didn't appreciate needing to climb a mountain for no reason and Riser needed to be knocked down a peg.
Craning his neck upwards to see what was holding on to his legs Issei's eye twitched even more that many would think he had a facial twitch. Akeno was wearing a white gown which was barely containing her cleavage as it was, and reached only just to quarter thigh length. She had wrapped her arms around his right leg and wrapped her legs on his left leg with her stomach down towards the bed. However, despite how awkward that looked, Issei, aside from not being able to fathom just how someone could sleep in such a contorted and tortuous position, was really agitated with where her head was placed: face pressed up against his groin.
"Ok, I knew that maybe one of them might have gotten a bit grabby after what happened… I… this is ridiculous, I've only been back for three hours at the most, how did all three of them know I was back and set this ridiculous situation up… and did Akeno really have to put her face there, blue balls seem like an upcoming eventuality." Thought Issei, as he noticed Akeno was snuggling further into his involuntary morning wood.
Issei sighed quietly as he tried to think of a way to get out of this without waking anyone up and hopefully escape without, either; severely clingy behaviour, a lecture, or being badgered with questions. Any way Issei looked at it, he wasn't going to win here today, despite the fact that having three beautiful women in bed with him would be the very idea of winning in the opinions of at least seventy percent of all guys in the world.
'*sigh* I mean, do they have to make it so hard.' Whispered Issei quietly, eyes closed, and head softly slammed into his pillow, as he lamented the fact that he was planning on avoiding, or at the very least, limiting, these type of interactions for the foreseeable future.
'Well, at least we know we are still pretty, or at the very least, in your eyes at least.' Whispered a voice very close to Issei's face, warm breath caressing his mouth.
Issei opened his eyes only to stare directly into violet eyes and playful gaze of Akeno Himejima. Akeno's hair was loose and sprawled around her gently, as she softly rested her hands just either side of Issei's head, her knees on either side of Issei's legs, supporting herself up as she gazed down. Her hair hung lazily from her head, leaving a curtain between herself and Issei and the other two occupants of the bed. Her violet eyes danced with mirth and excitement, and, as they seemingly always did when around Issei: lust.
'Is there any reason you three are in my bed? Especially considering that I haven't even been back for four hours yet?' Asked Issei quietly.
'Of course, I can't speak for these two, but what happened two days ago has set things into motion. Seeing as how you were severely wounded, or at least that is what we managed to extract from… Kokabiel.' Said Akeno, with more venom than usual, as she said the fallen angel's name while stroking the left side of Issei's face.
'I have decided that I can no longer wait for things to play out naturally anymore.' Explained Akeno with a smirk.
'Mind explaining what you mean?' Asked Issei with a quirked eyebrow.
'Oh, you know, just this.' Whispered Akeno, before lowering her face down to Issei's so their noses touched. Akeno slowly tilted her head to the side and gently caressed Issei's upper lip with her own two. Issei was momentarily taken aback and widened his mouth in surprise, to which Akeno took full advantage of and plunged her tongue into Issei's mouth, which she slowly explored, before aggressively prodding his tongue, which was being easily dominated. Akeno allowed her knees to slide back and let her lower body come into contact with Issei's, as she playfully entangled her legs between Issei's once again and slowly moved her lower body against Issei's, which was already sporting morning wood, which was becoming increasingly uncomfortable for Issei.
Issei groaned slightly in discomfort, before pushing back against Akeno's tongue, which he pushed out of his mouth, before plunging into hers. Akeno seemed to smile into the kiss, happy that Issei was fighting back, but wanted to make sure her point was made and so, using only her left hand to keep her upper body off from Issei's chest, reached back with her right hand and grasped the offending stick prodding her. Issei stilled in his tongue battle and Akeno took full advantage, plunging back into his mouth for a while longer, before biting his tongue playfully and leaning up so she was now slightly separated from Issei's face.
'That was my first kiss you know, Issei. I'm sure you know what that means and just what exactly I mean when I say, I'm no longer happy watching from the sidelines anymore.' Said Akeno with a smug grin.
"Blue balls here I come." Thought Issei in exasperation.
'However, before this goes any further, there is something I would like to discuss with you.' Said Akeno, suddenly becoming shy and nervous.
'What is it?' Asked Issei genuinely curious.
'I would like to meet with you and discuss this in a more… private setting.' Said Akeno, as she darted her eyes to the side quickly, indicating towards Rias and Raynare's still sleeping forms.
Issei nodded as Akeno leaned back a bit more.
'This evening, at the abandoned shrine just near the edge of town, oh, and try not to come too early, eight or so would be fine.' Said Akeno, as she slid off Issei, making sure to press her chest along his nether regions as she did so, before sliding off the bed and standing up, after which she disappeared via magic circle.
"I don't know if I am seriously lucky or seriously unlucky… oh well, Ddraig did warn me about this, and Ophis' eye probably doesn't help much either." Thought Issei, fairly befuddled.
"Now what to do about these two." Wondered Issei, regarding the two girls currently immobilising his upper body.
Issei slowly pulled his arms through the grasp of the two supernatural beings, getting them to moan in discomfort. Feeling them begin to stir, Issei quickly darted to the window, grabbing his school uniform which happened to be nearby, and jumped out the window in his current state of undress, as the window slowly fell shut behind him.
Rias and Raynare both stretched and started to awaken, before opening their eyes.
'What are you doing here?' Both asked each other in annoyance, before a small argument ensued.
-line break-
"Yikes, that was close. Akeno, while hard to deal with, isn't as pushy as Rias, nor as brash as Raynare. Good thing I got out of there, being between those two would only be good in one situation and even then, I'd rather not get into the situation at the current time." Thought Issei with a small smirk, as he quickly jogged away a bit, before slipping on his clothes, luckily remaining unseen by all those out for an early morning stroll.
Issei groaned in discomfort as his stomach rumbled painfully, reminding him he hadn't eaten in almost three days. Thankful that he kept his wallet in his school pants, he quickly set out to find the nearest restaurant, which sold an abundance of meat and poultry, because Issei really needed his protein, especially with his draconic modifications which caused him to require an abnormally large protein intake for a human, but practically sparse for a dragon.
Issei dropped by a Yakitori stand first and ordered an amount which sufficiently woke up the cook and set him into rapid motion to fulfil Issei's order, before moving on to a ramen stand and ordering lots of beef ramen, practically demolishing a quarter of the beef and egg stores the stand had for the whole day. Nearly satisfied, Issei took a slow walk around looking for the last place he wanted to eat at before heading to school, which would start in half an hour. After a short walk Issei, decided some sushi was on the menu and walked into a small sushi bar. After Issei had sat down and placed his order, a man came and sat next to him.
'Oho, so you are back, that is good. If someone under me took out the Red Dragon, I would have been in quite a lot of trouble.' Said the man.
'Must you do that Azazel, I really detest people slinking up to me, more so when I am in dire need of food.' Said Issei with a bored expression.
'Sorry, but I needed to contact you quite urgently, you see, I feel responsible for what is coming and thus, since you were directly involved in it, feel it would be prudent to inform you.' Said Azazel with a smile, as he ordered some sake, despite it being before noon by a while.
'Oh, and what would that be, more fallen angel activity, are you losing control over more of your subordinates?' Said Issei, taking a jab at Azazel for his recent laxity and how in being so lax, Issei was thrust repeatedly into encounters with fallen angels, most unsavoury.
'Ah, sorry, sorry, I suppose I have been too immersed in my research and you have been rather unlucky to be a part of the consequences. In any case, the three factions will be meeting at your school soon, representatives from each faction will be sent and naturally, as I'm sure you might have guessed, since you are a key player in recent events and in fact a key power player, it is expected that you will also attend. Of course, Vali will be there as well.' Said Azazel, with a gleam in his eye, as he mentioned Issei's draconic rival.
'A meeting, between the three factions, can't say I expected that.' Replied Issei, genuine surprise in his tone as he proceeded to quickly devour the recently arrived sushi set down in front of him.
'Well, I did ask for it.' Admitted Azazel, surprising Issei so much that he paused eating mid-bite before continuing.
'Why would you do that?' Asked Issei, after he finished his sushi moments later.
'Well, as I said, I have been quite immersed in my research, it would be excellent if there could be peace so I needn't worry about people like Kokabiel acting up, wouldn't it?' Questioned Azazel rhetorically.
Issei remained silent after placing down some yen to cover the cost of his sizeable meal, stood up, and started to walk away.
'Maybe, but peace wouldn't guarantee much with all the bad blood present between everyone.' Said Issei over his shoulder, before departing and leaving Azazel to think on his words.
-line break-
"Ah, finally, some semblance of normalcy." Thought Issei, as he arrived at school.
It was a good thing Kokabiel had attacked on Friday night, as it gave him enough time to recuperate and still be back in time for school on Monday. Issei walked to his desk and lay his head down briefly, relishing in the feeling of peace, before he felt two presences looming over him.
'Ugh, what do you want?' Asked Issei groggily from his desk.
'Is that anyway to talk to your two friends who were worried about you?' Questioned Motohama, as the light allowed his eyes to be seen through his glasses.
'Yeah, you didn't respond to anything all weekend. We were worried.' Added Matsuda.
'We briefly thought you were having your way with the Occult Research Club members, but… well, we were able to see them all throughout the weekend, but not you which ruled that option out.' Continued Matsuda in a sage-like tone, with a finger raised in the air.
'Why do you guys always think I am doing something sexual? Just because I can understand your passion for women, doesn't mean I'm out there twenty-four-seven pawing at every woman I see?' Bit out a disgruntled Issei.
'So you're saying if, say, Himejima-senpai traps you in a room and says she wouldn't mind you taking her right there, you wouldn't?' Questioned Motohama loudly.
'Hey, I said I'm not like you guys, I didn't say I'm gay!' Retorted Issei hotly.
'Aha! The truth! You are just as perverted as us, you just won't admit it!' Shouted both Matsuda and Motohama.
'No.' Said Issei getting them both to face-plant.
'Admit it!' Both shouted, before Issei bumped their faces together quickly.
'Give it a rest, boobs are amazing but there is more to life than just boobs, understand?' Questioned Issei loudly, getting surprised looks from some of the girls in class.
'Is Issei talking about boobs?' Questioned one girl.
'Oh no, what if they corrupted him?' Lamented another girl.
'Wahhh is this the end of Issei-Kiba?' Cried another.
'There is nothing between me and Kiba!' Shouted an irritated Issei, overhearing the mutterings of the class.
'Ok, settle down everyone, you can discuss possible relationship theories between Issei and Kiba after class.' Said the teacher as she walked in. She had an average appearance of average height, brown eyes, brown hair reaching down to her shoulder blades and a rather slim figure.
Issei growled for a moment, before sitting down and crossing his arms in irritation.
'Now class, we have a new student joining today who has transferred from Italy of all places, so let's make her welcome.' Said the teacher.
"Italy? That means it is probably Xenovia or Irina." Deduced Issei quickly, as he waited for the new student to enter from the hallway. The blue haired girl that entered the room confirmed Issei's thoughts, as Xenovia stood at the front of the class.
'Hello, my name is Xenovia.' Said Xenovia flatly.
Issei sighed at the predictable reactions of his classmates: boys ogling her and girls studying her appearance. Inwardly, Issei laughed at any guy who tried to gain Xenovia's attention, only to get a cold gaze and disinterested expression in return. Issei was slightly puzzled when Xenovia walked past him and gave him a strange look, before sitting down in her seat behind and to the left of him.
"Odd." Thought Issei, as he looked behind to Xenovia, who was staring at his back intently.
The rest of the day proceeded normally, well, as normal as things go in a school filled with devils and other supernatural creatures and surprisingly gossipy students.
After school, Issei headed over to the Occult Research Club room, while internally pondering if they would actually do any occult research, or if it was just a front for Rias' peerage. After all, Sona's peerage actually did do things for the school, whereas Rias and her peerage didn't really do anything.
When Issei finally reached the old school building, he noticed something odd.
"This presence, I've felt it before… *sigh* I just know this is going to bite me in the ass somehow." Thought Issei.
As Issei went inside the room, he saw Rias and her peerage, Raynare, Ravel, Xuelan and Karlamine, along with Sona's peerage and the presences he recognised.
'Yo rival, long time no see.' Said the same silver haired man that had subdued Kokabiel and helped Rias and her peerage defeat Cerberus.
'Ugh, you're here too Vali, just great.' Muttered Issei, as he rubbed his nose in annoyance.
'Ah, come now Red Dragon, you should be happy to see your counterpart.' Said Azazel.
'No offense, but I'm not too happy to see you here either, especially so soon.' Retorted Issei.
'Issei, how can you say that? Don't you know who this is?' Said Raynare, who was quite flustered.
'Yeah, yeah, big twelve wings, still doesn't mean I have to be happy to see him.' Replied Issei uncaringly.
'Issei, do you not realise what this person can do to you?' Asked a surprised Rias.
'Yeah, probably kick my ass in Raging Blast 2.' Said a disgruntled Issei.
'Ah, that's because your reaction speed is much slower than mine and button mashing in frustration only makes it worse.' Teased Azazel, shocking everyone in the room.
'So, wait, you two know each other already?' Asked Raynare in shock.
'For a while now, yeah. Why is that such a big deal?' Asked Issei in surprise.
'Issei, you do realise that he is the leader of all fallen angels and possesses enough power to obliterate everyone in this room rather easily?' Questioned Kiba with a smile.
'Yeah, sure, but he would never do that.' Replied Issei nonchalantly.
'And that would be because?' Questioned Sona.
'Not his style, plus he doesn't like hurting women.' Said Issei simply.
'That is not to say I won't, but push comes to shove, I will always choose discussion with words rather than discussion with fists if the option is available to me.' Added Azazel sternly, making sure no one in the room thought they could use this fact to their advantage.
Both Rias and Sona stiffened slightly, preparing for a possible attack, while Akeno merely glared at Azazel, as if he was a stain on the face of the earth.
'Now that introductions are taken care of, I believe it is now time to explain why I requested for all of you to come here. You see, in a few weeks the three faction leaders of the angels, fallen angels and devils will be having a meeting here to discuss the recent events regarding Kokabiel, as well as a few other topics I intend to bring up. The reason this involves all of you is because you were all involved in the incident in some manner and/or are responsible for the running of this institution. It goes without saying that many people would not want this meeting to occur, given certain possible outcomes which may come of it, and I believe that warning you a bit in advance of time would be prudent. There is, after all, no telling just what will occur during this meeting, so best stay on your toes.' Said Azazel calmly.
'Well, that was all I have to say, I believe I can answer a question or two before I need to leave, speak freely.' Said Azazel cheerfully.
'Did you order Kokabiel to pretend to break away from your leadership and attack this school?' Questioned Sona sharply.
'Ah, I expected such a question. I will elaborate further in the meeting, which all of you will need to attend, but the short answer is, no, Kokabiel did this of his own volition.' Azazel answered smoothly.
'Who do you suspect may try and interrupt this meeting?' Asked Rias.
'Ah, excellent question, well, there are two possibilities, a fairly new terrorist group whose intentions are unclear as of now, or, a threat closer to home, for you devils in particular, of those who oppose the new leaders of the devils and support the old system.' Answered Azazel with a small smile.
'I believe that is all I have time for and will be leaving now, thank you for your hospitality, however icy some of you were.' Said Azazel with a quick bow and pointed glance in Akeno's direction, before walking towards the door.
'Come Vali, we best be off.' Said Azazel, as he exited the room.
Vali started to follow walking towards the doors, slowing down for a moment to stare Issei in the eye and give him a small grin, before leaving as well.
'Well, that was rather interesting, wasn't it?' Said Issei dryly.
'Well, since we are all here and you seem to be in a good mood, would you mind explaining where you have been these past two days and what exactly happened to you?' Asked Rias.
'Certainly, where is Irina though?' Replied Issei amicably.
'She is recovering in my family's territory, the Sitri clan are one of the few to possess advanced medical facilities and one of the most famous hospitals in the underworld.' Sona spoke, all the while giving Issei a sharp glare.
'May I see her?' Asked Issei with a smile.
'I'm afraid not, it would not be allowed to bring an outsider directly into the Sitri medical facilities, let alone one who is not a devil.' Replied Sona.
'Hmm, is that a fact?' Asked Issei, his smile now becoming slightly strained.
'Yes.' Said Sona causing an uneasy silence to ensue.
'Very well then, may I at least know what condition she is in?' Asked Issei amicably.
'She is stable, all internal damage has been healed and she awoke yesterday afternoon, she should be in an acceptable condition to leave in another three days or so.' Reported Sona factually, no emotion at all in her tone.
'Ok then, I guess I'll leave then.' Said Issei as he turned towards the door.
'Wait, didn't you say you would explain where you were these past two days and what happened to you?' Asked Rias quickly.
'Ah, I did say that, didn't I… alright. Kokabiel and I fought, Kokabiel was a rather formidable force, and I needed to use something I prefer not to explain or mention to counter his abilities. Kokabiel got a lucky shot in which caused me some damage, after which a third party interfered and took me away to heal me. I have been recovering these past few days and returned at around dawn today to Kuoh. Is that enough?' Issei said disinterestedly.
'Correct me if I'm wrong, but upon closer inspection you left eye does not match your right, would you care to explain that?' Asked Sona.
'Indeed it is, my old eye was, for lack of a better term, obliterated, and my friend gave me an eye to replace it, I couldn't very well show up to school lacking an eye abruptly, it would raise suspicion.' Explained Issei matter-of-factly.
'Your friend sounds quite generous, healing you and giving you an eye, your friend must be rather altruistic.' Said Sona, subtly probing for more information.
'My friend is hardly altruistic, my friend merely has a strong focus on a goal and wishes to achieve that goal, nothing more.' Replied Issei vaguely.
'I see.' Said Sona, as she and Issei both stared at each other unflinchingly.
'Well, I will be off then, I'm still rather hungry after not eating for an extended period of time, and want to catch up on my metabolic debt. Bye.' Said Issei, as he swiftly left the room.
'Tsubaki, please begin preparations for the upcoming meeting here, and do be sure to send someone to check in on that exorcist.' Said Sona, earning a nod from Tsubaki, who then left, taking the rest of the student council with her.
'The rest of you are free to leave as well, although I would suggest refining your combat skills just in case.' Said Rias, to which her peerage nodded.
With that, everyone else left the room, aside from Rias and Sona who were seated on opposite couches.
'Now do you see what I mean Rias, even with your pointless infatuation, you see just what Issei is like. Evasive, deceptive, and noncommittal, which leaves us with no idea of his allegiance aside from to himself and now seemingly two friends, one of whom is affiliated with the church.' Said Sona.
'Yes, yes, I see your point, I don't like it, but you are not wrong, it seems this other friend of his has caused him to change, he has become more passive aggressive and less confrontational than before. It seems as though he is either trying to hide something from us, or distance himself altogether. I suppose I may need to try and approach things differently now to gain his trust.' Agreed Rias.
'While he does seem somewhat hostile towards me and my peerage now, your peerage is still held at a special place on the spectrum, he may not realise it, but he is much more vulnerable to you and your peerage's efforts, as he doesn't deem you a significant threat anymore, if at all. Furthermore, while an unorthodox method, the former members of Riser's peerage seem to hold a slightly more elevated position, with the fallen angel being on a similar level. The other exorcist, Xenovia, I believe her name was, is still a wildcard, she is an exorcist but also knows rather sensitive information, additionally Issei has not taken any particular stance towards her, besides slight tolerance due to her being a friend of his childhood friend.' Continued Sona.
'What is your point?' Questioned Rias carefully.
'If it were possible, manipulating his childhood friend would most certainly change his attitude, however, to do so would no doubt lead to him being suspicious, and the idea itself would be difficult to implement, since his friend has particularly strong faith. The Sitri devils scanned her mind and her belief is unshakable, her only weakness is Issei, which, while useful for future events, is not useful now. However, this Xenovia seems to be a perfect avenue, in fact, I believe you should have her added to your peerage if you can, but not too soon. Give her a day or two to earn Issei's trust, then turn her to our side and use her to have Issei turn as well, she is the best choice now, since getting the fallen to turn to our side is almost impossible, especially with that Azazel showing up.' Explained Sona.
'Why not the former members of Riser's peerage?' Asked Rias curiously.
'There is bad blood between them and your peerage, and mine as well in backing you and your peerage. They will want nothing to do with any plot against Issei, which is for our favour.' Answered Sona.
'Very well, I will see what I can do now personally while also keeping an eye out for Xenovia. I believe Akeno would be the best way to approach things, as he has the most chemistry between her among all of my peerage members, myself included. It is also unlikely that he will suspect Akeno of anything, especially if Akeno herself does not know of what she is doing.' Stated Rias with a firm expression.
Sona nodded before standing up and leaving the room, leaving Rias alone.
On the outside of the clubroom under and open window Issei smiled maliciously.
"Good, they have caught on to my actions, but don't quite realise what they mean and now, they have just turned the tables on themselves by using Akeno, ah, such a bad idea on their part, but a golden opportunity for me." Thought Issei, before stealthily disappearing, leaving no trace of himself behind.
Oh and with this update I have successfully accomplished, what I have said is my minimum goal, of updating at least once a month. Hurray!