OVER 100K WORDS! Yes, I finally broke 100K words with this update… funnily enough, not only did I break 100K words, I also broke my spirit.

After writing so much over 19 days, (for the record, 102040 words (104852 including the chapter for ATC)) I'm absolutely tapped out. For the past two days now, I've sat down to write and just said to myself… No, I'm too tired.

So yes, I am going to take a break, after I upload my last prepped chapter tomorrow, which is for A Third Chance, and then, I am done. I'm not sure how long I will take, most likely a few days, however, with Uni starting up for me next Monday, my updates were already going to drop off anyway.

I think that I may be back to writing, possibly sometime late next week, but for now, I'm going to catch up on some reading, since all this writing leaves no time to read and I've got a lot to get through.

That being said, when I do start writing again, I'm not going to update immediately as I want to stockpile at least four chapters at all times, so I can make my quota of one update a month, for when Uni starts and I can't write at all. So basically, once I've written five chapters over any number of stories, I'll start updating again.

Sorry it has come to this, but I'm honestly exhausted and need a rest, especially since my wrists have started to hurt a little from all the typing and I'm not sleeping very well right now, since most of the time I'm writing, is between 1-4am…

With that said, thanks for all the support.

SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

DxD note.

I meant to put this last chapter, since someone asked for it, but I forgot.

The current harem is as follows: Irina, Raynare, Akeno, Kuroka, Ravel, Xuelan, Karlamine, Ophis, Xenovia, Rias and one other person, who I'm still keeping secret for now.

Serafall is also under consideration, but at this stage, she is about 80% confirmed… I'm honestly just waiting to see how her relationship with Issei will develop first, as I need a way to get her in… and I don't want to use Oppai Dragon, not for this story. If you have any ideas, I'd be happy to hear them.

Rossweisse is about 70% confirmed, since she is awesome and will be very relevant to Issei's future plans, if you are up-to-date with the Light Novels, you might have an idea about why. I just don't want to say she is in yet, until she actually appears in the story for one thing.

That is all for now and most likely for the rest of the story, Gabriel and Le Fay are in my other one and they suit it better than this one, so I won't add them here. Yasaka is in the other one as well… so she won't be in this one either, but another Youkai might *massive obvious hint to who secret person is*.

No vampires in this one either. Jeanne is also not going to happen in this one, since Issei loathes the Hero Faction, but, she has about a 50% chance of being in my other one.
None of Sona's peerage in this one as well, nor any school girls, although I am wondering about adding Murayama, Katase and/or Kiryuu to my other one, I'd also appreciate feedback on this idea, for those of you reading A Man's Heart as well.

With that said, if there is anyone you think I missed, please let me know.

Now though, prepare for a wave of mammary madness! Seriously, the first part of the chapter is very fan-service-y, but towards the end, I start to get the next arc underway. On that subject, are you guys getting tired of the fan-service I'm throwing in here? It will die off during the next arc, barring some stuff from Raynare, but I'm just curious if it bothers anyone.

Also, next chapter will have the Issei/Irina scene, which I hope will match or surpass the one from A Man's Heart, and I'm especially lucky that the fine details I had planned, came back to me… just wish it wasn't at four in the morning, forcing me to get out of bed and scribble them down before I lose them again..

Enjoy the chapter!
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 23 – Qualities

Issei awoke to a pair of blue eyes, staring at him in his bed.

'Morning Issei.' Said Rias quietly.

'*yawn* Morning *yawn* Rias.' Said Issei sleepily, as he rubbed his eyes.

'Did you sleep well?' Asked Rias.

'Yeah… thanks for that.' Said Issei gratefully.

'Well, I remember how it was my first time… I'm just glad Koneko was around then… I hugged her the whole night. Luckily, she didn't mind.' Said Rias with a small nod.

'For the record, your queen is terrifying and possibly bipolar, or has a split personality… or both.' Said Issei dryly.

'Hmm, yes. Akeno does have many sides to her. Although, I find it interesting that you can bring them all out of her.' Commented Rias.

'Well, whatever came out yesterday, needs to stay in there.' Said Issei, with a shudder.

'I agree.' Said Rias, with a small shudder of her own.

After a brief lull, Rias spoke up.

'Although, I'm surprised you're fine with me being here right now.' Said Rias, with a hint of surprise in her tone.

'Hmm, what do you mean?' Asked Issei in confusion.

'I thought you hated me.' Said Rias bluntly.

'Oh… that.' Said Issei lamely.

'Yeah, that.' Added Rias dryly.

'Well, it wasn't so much you I hated… more your species… but I apologised, didn't I? I said that I would view you all as individuals.' Pointed out Issei.

'Hmm, that's true.' Rias agreed.

'So what do you think of me then?' Asked Rias curiously.

'Well, you're a little bratty, not a very good leader, pretty weak and forgetful or stupid, not sure which.' Started Issei.

'Geez, tell me how you really feel.' Said Rias petulantly.

'You are also kind, beautiful, willing to fight for you friends, fun to tease, interesting to talk to and, since the cats out of the bag, have the second largest set of boobs I've ever seen.' Said Issei honestly.

'Hmm, that's better.' Said Rias happily.

'To be perfectly honest, there is a lot to like about you, and even the weak points I've listed can be fixed. You could grow up for the first one, stop acting like the princess that you technically are. Learn how to become a better leader, if not from your brother, you could also ask someone else like Grayfia, I'm sure she would know. Train to get stronger and cover your weaknesses. Lastly, learn that climbing a mountain isn't fun and that if you can teleport there, do it.' Said Issei.

'I don't know about getting stronger though. I mean, you easily decimated Katerea, something I could never dream of… Kuroka said she could do it as well and that frightened me. To think you are so much stronger than her, SS-Class Kuroka…' Said Rias doubtfully.

'Well of course you won't become stronger than me.' Said Issei, getting Rias to frown.

'Not with that attitude at least.' Said Issei, getting Rias to look at him in surprise.

'What do you mean?' Asked Rias.

'Look, I'm strong and could probably give him a good run for his money, especially with Kusanagi, if the thing would listen to me, but your brother is stronger than me.' Said Issei honestly.

'I don't understand.' Said Rias in confusion.

'What I'm saying, is that you are his sister and have the same power as him. In time, you could be just as strong as him.' Said Issei, pausing briefly, as Rias absorbed his words.

'That being said, with enough time, you could even surpass him if you tried hard enough.' Finished Issei.

'Me stronger than big brother! No way!' Shouted Rias in denial.

'Not if you don't believe you can. If you think you will always be weaker than him, you will be. You might have the same power as him, but you are your own person too. You could come up with ways to fight and use your magic, which Sirzechs would have never thought of. All you need to do is trust yourself and try.' Said Issei calmly.

'Do you really think I can?' Asked Rias timidly, as she looked down.

'I almost guarantee it. With enough hard work, the sky is the limit.' Said Issei cheerfully.

Rias absorbed what Issei said, before a large smile spread across her face.

'Thank you, Issei.' Said Rias happily.

'No problem.' Said Issei, with a smile of his own.

There was a brief pause, before Issei spoke up again.

'Also… when did you get naked?' Asked Issei, with narrowed eyes.

'You're just asking that now?' Questioned Rias in amusement.

'Well, I would have asked last time this happened, but at the time, I still hated devils then and was avoiding, both you and Raynare, at the time.' Said Issei.

'*hmph* I remember that.' Huffed Rias, with a pout.

'So… why are you naked exactly?' Asked Issei again.

'I sleep better nude.' Said Rias honestly.

'Ah.' Said Issei.

'Although, now that we are here. Alone, with no one around. Plus, you no longer hating devils and I knowing about your massive boob fetish.' Started Rias, getting Issei's eye to twitch, at the reminder of his secret, being common knowledge now.

'How about I thank you, for all the nice things you said about me.' Whispered Rias, with half lidded eyes.

'Erm, how exactly?' Questioned Issei hesitantly.

'Like I said, we are alone… and since you love big boobs so much, why don't you do whatever you want to them, right now, right here.' Offered Rias breathily.

'Uh…um.' Said Issei, his brain momentarily freezing at Rias' unexpected seduction.

'I mean, you did grab them before, when you were punishing me, but they were clothed then. Now though, they are right in front of you, with nothing in between you and them.' Continued Rias.

'Aren't you being a bit… forward here?' Asked Issei nervously.

'Not at all. When you saved me from Riser, I was almost ready to give you my virginity, right then and there. Not to mention, when I approached you earlier. If Grayfia hadn't interfered, I would have been happy with you taking my virginity.' Confessed Rias honestly.

Issei couldn't help but blush at this a little, and turned away from Rias.

'W-why?' Asked Issei nervously.

'Hmm, well you are kind, handsome, strong, smart and fun to talk to. Plus, you did save me from my arranged marriage.' Said Rias kindly.

'What about faults?' Asked Issei.

'Hmm… you are prejudiced I suppose, or at least you were, sneaky, manipulative, but then again I guess I am too… the only other thing I can think of is, reluctant.' Said Rias thoughtfully.

'Reluctant?' Queried Issei.

'Yes. I'm here, throwing myself at you, and you aren't doing anything, even though, I want you to, and, if what you are pressing against my leg is any indication, you want to as well.' Said Rias, getting Issei to blush hotly.

'T-that's because I just woke up.' Spluttered Issei.

'Oh, so you don't find me attractive?' Questioned Rias, as she shuffled closer to Issei.

'I-I do.' Said Issei quickly, before looking away in embarrassment at what he said.

'Then do it Issei, please touch me.' Said Rias, as she grabbed Issei's right hand and slowly brought it to her chest, stopping just a hairs breadth away.

'If you want it, come take it.' Said Rias.

'Sheesh, you really are a devil.' Said Issei, before he grasped onto Rias' bosom.

'Ahn, yes, that feels so good.' Moaned Rias appreciatively.

'Oi, you could keep it down a little.' Whispered Issei.

'Why? Are you worried about what would happen, if someone hears us?' Questioned Rias, before pressing into Issei's hand.

'Hmm, are you scared that they'll find out?' Continued Rias.

'Because from the feel of things, you're getting very excited about it.' Said Rias, after she placed her hand on Issei's bare chest.

'…Maybe a little.' Confessed Issei.

'Why don't you take me, right here, how exciting would that be?' Suggested Rias, as she pulled herself flush against Issei, smashing their chests together.

"Ddraig help!" Shouted Issei internally.

'Hmm, why not do what she says? I like this one, her hair reminds me of my scales.' Said Ddraig thoughtfully.

"Shit, what kind of help is that?" Cursed Issei.

'Come on Issei.' Purred Rias, before pushing her lips against Issei.

Issei was stunned momentarily, before reciprocating. Rias then pulled back and giggled.

'You've taken a lot of first kisses, from a lot of girls… but, I'll say the same thing Akeno said to you, when she took hers, take responsibility.' Said Rias quietly, before kissing Issei again.

'Now I'm tied with them.' Said Rias pleasantly.

'Now, why don't you do something Issei, I'm all yours.' Offered Rias, with a seductive gaze.

'Hmm, she isn't bad for a devil.' Said a voice, from the door of Issei's room, getting Issei's eyes to turn to the voice immediately.

'Ufufufu, Rias is certainly daring, even I haven't let Issei see me naked yet.' Said Akeno.

'Guess you're falling behind, he has already seen me and from what I heard, that sword girl, Karlamine, too. With Rias now as well, you're falling behind.' Said Raynare.

'Hmm, maybe I should have chosen a different movie for me and Issei yesterday.' Said Akeno thoughtfully, getting both Issei and Rias to involuntarily shudder.

'If the sign on the door is any indication, you scared him, Akeno Himejima.' Said Raynare mirthfully.

'Well, I still have the biggest, and I'm sure Issei will forget all about them, once I match Rias.' Said Akeno, before her clothes magically disappeared.

Issei's gaze was immediately drawn to Akeno's chest, looking at it in awe.

'See ufufufu.' Giggled Akeno.

'Akeno! You're ruining my time with Issei… and why are you naked as well now?' Asked Rias in annoyance, after Raynare had also stripped.

'Meh, just going with the flow, besides, Issei's seen it all already anyway, haven't you, Issei.' Purred Raynare, getting Issei's attention to shift from Akeno to Raynare.

'See, doesn't matter how big they are, if you don't know what to do.' Teased Raynare.

'Well, that may be the case, but if it comes down to it, I can easily beat you.' Said Akeno mirthfully.

'I'd rather beat Issei.' Said Raynare teasingly.

'You two… do you know how irritating this is?' Questioned Rias in annoyance, as she sat up on the bed.

'Nope, not doing this now, I'm going back to sleep.' Said Issei, after snapping out of his drooling and shaking his head.

'W-what are you doing?' Asked Rias in surprise, when Issei grabbed her around the waist and pulled her back down to the bed.

'Seeing her again brought… memories back. Stay here… please.' Said Issei quietly.

'I guess even with your chest being the biggest, he is still terrified of you.' Said Raynare mirthfully.

'That's fine. I have time and I can wait.' Retorted Akeno cheerfully.

'He is asleep now anyway.' Said Rias from the bed, as Issei rested his head on her chest.

'Oh well, I guess he can skip training today, after what the little sadist put him through yesterday.' Said Raynare, with a shrug.

'Ufufufu, nothing about me is little.' Commented Akeno.

'Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, those meat bags will sag one day.' Said Raynare snappishly.

'Actually they won't, Devils and I'm pretty sure Fallen Angels as well, don't have that problem.' Said Rias.

Raynare frowned at this, before sighing and leaving the room, clothed once again.

'Whatever.' Said Raynare tiredly, as she waved a hand back.

'I want to sleep with him too.' Said Akeno.

Issei involuntarily shivered in Rias' grasp.

'Hmm, I don't think he likes that.' Commented Rias smugly.

Akeno giggled at this.

'Ara, I really should have picked a better movie it seems. Enjoy this victory for now though, Rias.' Said Akeno, before she too, clothed herself magically and left.

'That's right, Issei is mine… for now.' Said Rias, before snuggling up against Issei and going to sleep herself.

-line break-

Issei yawned and woke up again, later in the day, around ten in the morning to be precise. Opening his eyes and looking around, Issei noticed that Akeno, Rias and Raynare were all gone, but, oddly, Xenovia was there, sitting on Issei's desk chair… in just her undergarments.

'Um Xenovia, what are you doing here?' Asked Issei, as he sat up on the bed.

'I heard from Raynare that the Devils have been trying to seduce you. As Irina's friend and a fellow member of the Angel faction, it is only right that I defend you from them.' Explained Xenovia simply.

'I see… and why are you in your undergarments?' Asked Issei curiously, as he scratched his head and swung his legs off the bed.

'Raynare said this is how I must guard someone from within their bedroom.' Said Xenovia flatly, getting Issei to face-palm.

'Damn it, Raynare… first you try and corrupt Asia and now you succeed with Xenovia.' Muttered Issei in annoyance.

'Is something wrong?' Asked Xenovia, seeing Issei's annoyed gesture.

'No, it is just, you don't have to be in your undergarments, to guard someone in their bedroom, like Raynare said.' Explained Issei patiently.

'I see.' Said Xenovia, before standing up and removing her bra.

'Whoa! what are you doing?' Asked Issei in shock.

'Is this not what you meant? That I should guard you without clothes.' Asked Xenovia in confusion, hands resting on her underwear.

'No. What I meant, was that you could be clothed, or in any state of attire that you wanted.' Said Issei, as his eyes occasionally glanced at Xenovia's chest.

'Hmm, I see.' Said Xenovia, before putting her bra back on.

"Man, Raynare had an easy job with Xenovia. She isn't as innocent as Asia, but she is a heck of a lot more gullible… bigger too…" Thought Issei appraisingly.

'For the record, if Irina proves reluctant, I would happily fulfil your carnal desires, to ensure you side with the Angels.' Said Xenovia, causing Issei's eyes to widen.

"What the hell is with all these girls? They are all way too forward!" Thought Issei in shock.

'Um… thanks… but that won't be necessary.' Said Issei, with a cough.

'Is my body not appealing? My chest is the same size as Irina's.' Said Xenovia simply.

'No, that's not it at all… how do you know your chest is the same size as Irina's?' Asked Issei curiously.

'We were both measured for our battle suits and had the same bust measurement. Irina has wider hips and is shorter than I, so hers appear larger and her figure appears curvier, but they are in fact the same size.' Said Xenovia flatly.

'Hmm… that's interesting actually.' Said Issei thoughtfully.

'So, you didn't really give me a solid answer: is my body appealing to you or not?' Asked Xenovia.

'Yes it is.' Said Issei simply.

'Good. If Irina is indecisive and the other factions try to claim you, I will step in then.' Said Xenovia simply.

'Uh, but aren't you all in an alliance now?' Asked Issei in confusion.

'True, but, not to offend you, whosoever claims the Red Dragon Emperor, will undoubtedly strengthen their faction.' Explained Xenovia stoically.

'They're not wrong.' Said Ddraig, with Issei inwardly agreeing with him.

"I guess." Thought Issei.

'So you would just do that… do you even like me?' Asked Issei curiously.

'I do. You are strong, a good fighter and someone who caused me to think deeply on my actions. I didn't understand why so many girls where infatuated with you, and truthfully, I still don't. I can, however, see that you are a good person, one who I can respect as a fellow warrior.' Said Xenovia curtly.

'I see… thanks I guess.' Said Issei.

'There is also the fact, that if I have the chance, I would like to have a strong child. With you being the Red Dragon Emperor, I'm sure you would give me strong offspring.' Added Xenovia, getting Issei to blink in surprise.

"Ddraig, why are girls trying to get kids from me?" Asked Issei in shock.

'Because Dragons are the best and everyone knows it.' Said Ddraig simply.

'Ok…' Said Issei lamely.

'In any case, now that you are awake, I will go train, it would also interest you to know that Irina, will be here in a couple of hours.' Said Xenovia, before leaving.

Issei smiled at this, before getting up and getting dressed.

"Man I'm hungry." Thought Issei, before heading down to the kitchen to get some food.

-line break-

"Ten floors… ridiculous." Thought Issei, as he got off on the first floor, which was where the kitchen was situated.

'Oh Issei, I received this yesterday and was meant to give it to you.' Said Rias, as she spotted Issei.

'Hmm, what is it?' Asked Issei curiously.

'The research notes on the Evil Pieces from…' Started Rias, before Issei quickly took the papers from her and ran back to his room, forgetting all about his food.

'Um… you're welcome.' Said Rias in surprise, at Issei bolting out of the room.

'I guess he really wanted those notes for some reason.' Added Raynare, currently in her Yuuma form, to maintain appearances, in front of Issei's parents.

'I wonder why though?' Asked Akeno.

'Well, he has been asking me quite a few questions about the Evil Piece system. In my educated opinion, I believe he is trying to understand it intimately for some reason, but I'm not sure why exactly.' Added Ravel.

'He did mention he was interested in the fact, that when we lost our Evil Pieces, we didn't change back.' Said Xuelan, with Karlamine nodding in agreement.

'Knowing Issei, he is no doubt up to something.' Said Kuroka, as she languidly rolled around on the couch.

'Should we be worried?' Asked Gasper curiously, able to speak calmly thanks to his large red hat.

'Hmm, I suppose it isn't our business and we need to start getting prepared for the gathering.' Said Rias, getting her collective peerage to nod.

'Nya, let's go Shirone, I'll help you out before you need to head off… hmm, maybe I should tag along as well.' Said Kuroka thoughtfully, as she stood up from the couch and gestured for Koneko to follow her.

Rias sighed and held her head in exasperation.

'If Kuroka does come back with us, the other Devils aren't going to be happy at all.' Said Rias.

'In any case, we should go train as well.' Said Akeno.

'Hmm, that's right. Gasper, Kiba, Akeno, Asia, we will all go together now and get a good assessment of our skills, before we go to the Underworld for training.' Said Rias, getting nods from her peerage.

'We would be happy to help. Between the three of us, we do have a knight, rook and bishop.' Offered Ravel, gesturing to herself, Xuelan and Karlamine.

'Thank you. That would be most helpful.' Said Rias happily, before the large group of Devils headed to the training ground.

'Should we do something as well?' Asked Xenovia, to the last person remaining: Raynare.

'Hmm, I think we're fine, we can always train using our swords later… how did it go with Issei though?' Asked Raynare, with a smirk.

'Issei informed me that I didn't need undergarments to guard him, so I started to strip. He stopped me and said that he meant, that I could wear whatever I want.' Said Xenovia.

'Wow… you actually stripped in front of him.' Said Raynare in surprise.

'Indeed, I informed him that if he wishes to engage in intercourse, I would be available, while also informing him that Irina and I have the same bust measurements.' Continued Xenovia, getting a look of surprise from Raynare.

'Really? What else?' Asked Raynare curiously.

'I also propositioned him to have his child and he didn't seem reluctant to the idea, as he also finds my body appealing.' Said Xenovia curtly.

'Xenovia… I like you.' Said Raynare, with a smile.

'I don't understand.' Replied Xenovia.

'Don't worry, just something friends say to each other sometimes.' Said Raynare.

"This is going to be too much fun." Thought Raynare, realising just how easy it would be, to corrupt Xenovia.