Chapter 12
I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I use from other animes
(Kuoh Academy)
After handing Irina off to Momo, Issei made his way to class aware that rumors would be flying around already. When he got to his homeroom, it took all of two seconds for somebody to ask about his mysterious guest. "Hey Master. Who was the chestnut-haired girl you were with this morning? She was cute" Matsuda wondered as he walked up to Issei with curiosity in his eyes.
"She's my childhood friend Irina and before you ask, she's not going to Kuoh, but I lent her a uniform because she wanted to experience what it was like going to school with me." Issei smiled. That was a slight lie but one that would work well in order to hide the truth
"Irina's in town. That explains why you're on the hiatus so freaking early." A voice spoke up causing issei's eyes to shoot to the source. The source ended up being a girl with light blue hair that was shoulder length and violet eyes with fair skin. She was also one of Issei's conquests.
"What are you talking about Misao? Who's Irina" Murayama said curiously. As one of his lovers Murayama knew about The Hiatus but not the supposed reason for it. In fact, his hiatus was one of the few mysteries left about Issei. So much so that it was one of the great mysteries of not only Kuoh Academy but the town of Kuoh itself due to his popularity.
"I went to school with Irina and Issei here and because of that, I know how precious she is to him. If there was somebody who could tame Hottie Magnet Hyoudou it was Irina Shidou" Misao explained trying to hide the annoyance in her eyes.
Issei was a little surprised to learn that Misao was also from his elementary school and that got him thinking "Hey Misao who else from our elementary school goes to Kuoh." Issei asked curiously.
"Why" Misao asked with a raised eyebrow aware of both questions.
"I heard a rumor that quite a few of our old classmates are conquests of mine but I'm not sure." Issei replied causing Misao to visibly groan but before she could say anything else his protégé answered it.
"Maybe you can find out on that website." Motohama spoke up. Issei barely held back a smile as he noticed the looks of horror on the faces of Murayama Katase Kiryuu and Misao. Unfortunately his protégé was blissfully unaware of that and continued, "I found this website that" Motohama started to say but he was interrupted.
"Finish that sentence Moto and your little peeking privileges will be gone and not just with the kendo club." Murayama said coldly.
"And I suggest you forget about that site right NOW" Katase added with an equally cold voice and an equally icy glare. The looks of pure fury on their faces reminded Issei of how they treated Matsuda in the few months before he became Hottie Magnet Hyoudou and took the two perverts under his wing.
"Got it" Motohama shuddered in a fear he hadn't felt for some time.
'Well isn't that interesting.' Issei thought to himself hiding a smile that he shouldn't have.
"Anyway I'll answer your question on one condition." Misao interrupted bringing the focus back to her much to Motohama's relief.
"Because of the hiatus I won't be able to have a proper date with you for some time Misao." Issei frowned.
"That's fine since I was going to ask for a lunch date. We can have those right?" Misao asked cutely.
Lunch dates were a thing for Issei, but they were few and far in between. "Fine with me" Issei smiled deciding to make an exception particularly since Misao had information he wanted.
"Great" Misao smiled happy that she could have some Issei time to herself.
Unfortunately the good mood faded when Issei sensed Irina walking towards his classroom. 'Oh boy that can't be good.' Issei frowned. The bad feeling only grew when Irina stormed into the classroom with a furious look on her face.
"Issei you are taking me home right now because we have something very important to discuss." Irina scowled.
'Correction this is very bad.' Issei thought to himself. Irina's temper very rarely showed up and that meant something had gone horribly wrong, "Fine let's go" Issei said calmly getting up and grabbing his things.
"What about my lunch date?" Misao pouted.
"I'll be back." Issei assured the girl and he would.
"Now!" Irina said angrily.
"Alright alright" Issei sweatdropped. This was not going to end well for him and he knew it.
The moment they were away from prying eyes, Issei teleported straight back to his room. Although she was slightly dazed Irina quickly gathered herself as she looked towards her childhood friend, "So when were you going to tell me that the person we're meeting with tomorrow was going to turn you into a devil by letting a fallen angel kill you?" Irina said angrily.
Issei mentally facepalmed because that was something, he was trying to keep secret. Clearly Sona didn't agree or at least didn't understand why, "I wasn't. This is a delicate situation and you would let the knowledge of what Rias did to me impact your ability to handle the situation. You know as well as I do anger clouds judgement and for you to barge into my homeroom like that shows exactly what I was worried about"
Irina sighed because he was right, "Fine but I still hate it." Irina sighed her bad mood fading. Issei was right that her going in with anger would make a tense negotiation worse and that would be a huge problem since she and Xenovia were no match for Kokabiel.
Issei knew how Irina felt but instead of some crazy speech opted for the simplicity of walking over to his friend and pulling her into a hug, "I know but it worked itself out and I gave Rias plenty of trouble for what she pulled."
Irina smiled before an idea popped into her head, "Is that so. Well I believe you have a little bit of time till lunch and your date with that girl. Why don't you fill me in and this time give me all the details; I kinda stormed out after Ms Sitri told me about you and Rias" Irina smiled bashfully.
"Sure" Issei replied and soon the childhood friends were cuddling yet again as Issei explained what he could. Between the story and Issei telling Irina about Rias's peerage since he wouldn't be there due to another date, he was home for about an hour before Issei returned to school in order to ensure he had his lunch date with Misao. As for Irina, she figured her time would be best spent informing her partner on what to expect when they met with Rias. Issei was right that this was delicate and they would need to be on their game.
(Scene Skip)
Rias Gremory could barely hide her discomfort as she sat on the couch with the two exorcists that were sent by the church. The fact Raynare was here also since she was part of the fallen meant that this could be ugly if she wasn't careful. The fact that one of the exorcists was Issei's childhood friend, and she found out about what Rias had done meant that it would take a miracle to avoid conflict particularly since Kiba was attacked the night before by somebody wielding one of the Excalibur fragments and based on his report it was the same person who attacked Koneko back when Raynare was their enemy. It was situations like this that Rias hated more than anything and with no Issei to play peacemaker she was in a bind, "Thank you for meeting with us Ms Gremory. My name is Irina Shidou and this is my partner Xenovia." Irina replied hiding the annoyance she felt.
"It's a pleasure to meet you two." Rias replied aware that the chestnut-haired girl in front of her would love nothing more than to stab her with a Holy sword for what she did.
"If I may interrupt, where is Lord Issei. I assumed he'd be here." Ravel asked curiously.
"Issei is… occupied." Irina said bashfully which caused Rias to raise an eyebrow.
"I see. Clearly Lord Issei thought having sex with some girl was more important than this meeting" Ravel replied causing Rias to twitch something fierce.
"Not that talking about his sex life isn't hilarious, but we're here to discuss the fallen angel problem we currently have." Raynare interrupted.
"That's pretty funny coming from a fallen." Irina admitted causing Raynare to twitch.
"Anyway" Rias interrupted hoping to change the subject away from the renegade Red Dragon. "What do you know about Kokabiel and any forces he might have?"
"Very little sadly. I met with Issei yesterday and haven't had a chance to investigate much else. I figured that speaking with you guys was more important." Irina answered.
"Maybe I can give you some insight." Raynare spoke up.
"Go ahead." Rias nodded since she was the resident fallen and daughter of Azazel.
"I say this with no offense Ms Gremory, but Kokabiel would be a fool to bring any forces of his own." Raynare said bluntly.
"Explain" Rias replied holding back her annoyance even though it was true.
"Kokabiel is one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels. He could wipe out this entire town and everyone in it with a single spear and it would be as easy as breathing. To be honest, him stealing the Excalibur makes zero sense." Raynare admitted.
"Explain" Xenovia spoke up this time a fair bit of annoyance in her voice. She was calming herself because Irina told her that these girls were mostly friends of their host and getting him angry was a bad idea. However, something about Raynare's words bothered her far more then she cared to admit.
"Like I said, Kokabiel doesn't need any help to wipe us out and if that was his goal… well we'd be dead already. The only reason he would have for stealing the Excalibur is if it wasn't his goal but somebody else's."
Irina's eyes widened at the statement, "Are you suggesting that Kokabiel is working for somebody else. Or rather, working to help somebody else." Irina replied.
"That's my guess but the idea is so insane that I couldn't see why." Raynare spoke up.
"The question you should be asking isn't why Raynare but who. Who could convince Kokabiel to actually work with him in a sort of alliance?" a smiling Valerie said as she walked into the room from the side causing everyone to freak out. Nobody attacked since Valerie was able to sneak in undetected but they were all on guard.
"Who are you and how did you get here?" Rias exclaimed unsure of where the new person came from or who they were.
"Name's Valerie and I'm Raynare's stepsister. Don't worry about how I got here but just trust that I'm your ally" Valerie said nonchalantly dressed in her leather outfit.
"So why do you say I'm asking the wrong question Val" Raynare spat choosing to spite her with an old nickname
"Well Yuuma. That' s because you're focusing on Kokabiel and his role in all of this instead of his partner's." Valerie replied causing a dirty glare to come from Raynare.
"His partner" Xenovia questioned.
"That's right. There are two parts to this mess and each of them play a different role in the grand scheme of things. The first and most important part is the theft of the fragments."
"I'd say them coming to Kuoh is a big deal." Rias huffed.
"That's because you're not thinking big picture Red." Valerie scoffed causing Rias to twitch yet again.
Rias was furious and about to respond before Raynare stepped in, "Stop being a bitch and tell us what's going on Valerie." Raynare spoke up trying to avoid a fight.
"Yeah yeah" Valerie dismissed before focusing on the group. "As I understand it, the stolen fragments were in 3 different churches and ones that were nowhere near each other. For somebody to steal them all at once. You'd have to first locate the fragments and scout the area to make sure you can send adequate resources so this plan took time and lots of it."
"And your point is" Rias said impatiently.
"God you're pathetic. If you had somebody capable of getting three fragments why stop there?" Valerie said haughtily.
Irina gasped since Valerie was onto something, "You're right. Plus, the Excalibur fragments they took weren't really attack based. The seven Fragments are Ruler Transparency Mimic Rapidly Destruction Nightmare and Blessings. They took Nightmare Rapidly and Transparency, but to be honest only rapidly is really dangerous."
"Which begs the question. Why only take those 3 and more importantly why would you go to Kuoh afterwards a place that's watched over by two devil heiresses?" Valerie continued.
Rias frowned because this was getting ugly, "So you're saying that the plan to come to Kuoh was this other person's idea."
"There's no doubt Kokabiel is the one who told them to go to Kuoh. Having the chance to kill two siblings of Maou would be impossible to refuse for a guy like him, but the question you need to be asking is what his partner is planning." Valerie replied.
"So what do you think, oh great white one." Raynare said sarcastically.
Valerie ignored the sass from Raynare and kept going even though she nearly gave away her identity, "Kokabiel provided the resources for the second person to steal the fragments but he was only willing to take three, since he knows that the church only has access to six. By stealing three you give the church a reason to expose the other two that they have. However they can't use their 'strongest' resources because they don't want to expose that person to a cadre who could easily wipe them out"
"So they sent us with the two strongest fragments left and kept Blessings hidden." Irina finished. She didn't like the fact that they were essentially fodder the church felt they could lose but she knew in the grand scheme of things the church operated like that.
"Bingo. This way Kokabiel would only step in if the holder of the final fragment Ruler becomes a factor and the Church would force the devils to do the heavy lifting."
"By any chance do you know who the holder of the final fragment is." Rias wondered.
"The holder of Ruler is a man named Arthur Pendragon. He's former heir to the Pendragon family of England and arguably one of the strongest swordsmen in the supernatural world. Xenovia and I met him back during our training but he hasn't been heard from for a few years after a dispute with his family." Irina explained.
"Shame we can't get a hold of him." Rias sighed.
'We can but I'd have to get that stingy bitch to help.' Raynare thought to herself sending a glance towards Valerie who simply smiled at the unasked question. Arthur was a member of Valerie's team and she could easily grab him, but she wouldn't do it at least not yet. That was the type of person Valerie was and it drove her nuts but there was nothing she could do. Could she call Valerie out, yes, but it wouldn't matter since Rias has no power over her.
"Well let's focus on what we can control. If you guys stay hidden, Kokabiel can't get the other fragments which means we play the waiting game" Valerie explained hiding her amusement.
"I hate to admit it but you're right." Rias sighed. This was getting more annoying than ever because she was on the defensive. Then again, having a cadre as your foe meant that you couldn't get aggressive.
"Well I'm headed home. See ya later everyone." Valerie said whimsically before walking out of the room with no hesitation.
"If that's all then we'll be on our way also." Irina said calmly as she and her partner moved to leave. Once they left Rias exhaled a breath, she didn't know she had. Considering the number of people in the church involved with the mission, she was amazed it worked out so well. Especially since Kiba and Asia were there. Hopefully her good fortune would continue for a bit longer.
(Scene Skip)
The next day was Saturday but because of Irina, Issei cancelled his orgy, which meant he was free to come to Kuoh for a strategy meeting, "So what's the plan Rias?" Issei wondered catching the Gremory heiress off guard.
"I have no idea Issei. The only link we have to Kokabiel is that Freed guy but I doubt he'll give us an opening to attack again" Rias admitted.
Issei frowned before coming to a decision, "Then you girls just sit back and let me do it. I'll find Freed and get answers from him myself."
"Issei" Irina sighed aware he was very annoyed for some reason.
"Stop trying to play hero because you should've killed him last time Issei." Raynare chided aware of the reason for his annoyance.
Issei looked coldly at his ex before walking over to her and placing his right hand on her face, "I'm not playing Hero Raynare. Right now I'm going to find Freed and like the dragon I am, devour him." Issei smiled viciously before pulling away.
"Right." Raynare shuddered as a smiling Issei left the room.
"Ufufufu so this is what he's really like when he's unhinged." Akeno smiled.
"Unhinged." Irina said nervously.
"You don't see it." Akeno teased.
"No… I can tell Issei is unhinged but I don't know why?" Irina questioned
"Because somebody he should've killed is now a threat to his girls again a group that clearly includes you Irina" Raynare scoffed.
"Huh!?" Irina blushed at the notion of being his mate.
"Back when Freed was… kinda working with me. I betrayed him along with two other fallen because we fell for Issei and knew he disapproved of our plan for Asia over here. The other two bought time for me to escape and Freed nearly killed them and would have done so if circumstances were different. He probably just wants to make sure that you don't suffer the same fate Irina." Raynare explained.
"It's sort of romantic" Rias said awkwardly.
"Yes, but he has that look on his eyes. A look of somebody who wants revenge." Kiba spoke up causing everyone to look towards him.
"I wouldn't have guessed a pretty boy like you knows a thing about revenge." Ravel scoffed.
"Well that's because you don't know him like we do Ravel." Rias replied with a frown on her face.
"Then fill me in. One rogue element is bad enough at a time like this." Ravel scoffed
"Very well and I suggest you girls listen also." Rias said solemnly.
(Scene Skip)
While the girls discussed Kiba's past Issei was on the prowl for Fred. "How annoying. It's orgy Saturday and I'm somehow trying to find a dude." Issei snorted as he walked through the city. This was the time of day that Issei would be preparing for his first orgy but thanks to Irina's mission he was sidetracked.
"You're doing it all wrong you know that?" a voice smirked from behind him.
"If you've got some advice let's hear it Valerie or are you just teasing me." Issei snorted as he turned to find his rival in some casual clothes.
"I'm teasing you but considering the circumstances I suppose I can give you some advice."
"So spill." Issei growled not wanting to deal with headaches.
"Nope."
"Then goodbye." Issei scowled before moving to leave.
"I can't believe you're gonna ignore me in favor of hunting that pervert Freed." Valerie huffed.
"Well too bad." Issei said harshly before walking away. He didn't have time to deal with Valerie's nonsense.
"What if I could find Freed for you right now?" Valerie spoke up causing Issei to freeze.
"Go on." Issei spoke with intrigue.
"Arthur Pendragon is a friend of mine and he knows some details about Excalibur that nobody else including your exorcist girls might know. Including a certain detail that would help you find Freed right now" Valerie spoke up.
Issei cursed because it was making a deal with the devil in the worst way, "And what do you want in exchange for this information." Issei asked curiously.
"You're going to take me on a date. Once it's over I'll tell you what you want." Valerie smiled.
"Absolutely not." Issei refused.
"Your loss" Valerie muttered before teleporting away.
"I'm surprised you turned her down partner. As much as I hate to admit it, your rival is attractive." Ddraig wondered.
Issei had to concede the truth of the statement, but his refusal had very little to do with that reality, "Yes she is, but I don't actually need any help finding the guy. Don't forget, old man Touji taught us how to detect Holy Aura. Right now he's right by Kokabiel and that means I can't do anything." Issei revealed. It took him seconds to find Freed once he got away from Kuoh but since Kokabiel was near him he couldn't do anything. He was stalling for time right now.
"So why are you still … oh." Ddraig started to say before he realized the real issue.
"Yeah. This has that group that Jeanne's working for written all over it. Whatever their plan is I doubt it'll be over if Kokabiel fails. That means more battles more danger and as the Red Dragon Emperor I'm a lynchpin. If I want to stay Hottie Magnet Hyoudou, I'll be putting anybody I'm with in danger moving forward. Sure Freed is a minor stain but there are no doubt others." Issei mused. He wouldn't be shocked if one of the reasons Irina was sent was because old man Touji realized the same thing he did. The supernatural world is headed for war and Issei had a decision to make. Does he become the Red Dragon Emperor full time and abandon his harem empire, or does he try to fuse both and hope it all works out.
"So what are you going to do?"
"That's the question." Issei frowned as he made his way home. He had to face the music
(Scene Skip)
For the third straight night, Issei and Irina cuddled in his room. Issei in his casual clothes and Irina with her clothes from the first night. "So what's going on?" Irina wondered.
"What do you mean" Issei responded trying to be sneaky.
"You and I learned all about Holy aura and there's no way you don't know where Freed is, yet you apparently couldn't find him. Something's bothering you Issei and I need to know what it is since we need you for this mission" a concerned Irina replied. It was clear that something was bothering Issei and there was no doubt it would continue to do so until he resolved the issue.
Issei sighed because Irina was just as perceptive as before, "This mess with Kokabiel is the beginning of a frightening path Irina. One that won't end once this mission is over." Issei frowned.
"I agree but that should've been obvious." Issei replied bluntly.
"The problem is that unlike you and the others, I'm not defined by my supernatural status."
"Considering you've been using the boosted gear during sex; I'd say Hottie Magnet Hyoudou is more of a Conquering Dragon." Irina mused.
"I kind of like that name." Ddraig chuckled.
"You would. It beats something like Oppai Dragon." Irina teased
"I do love a good pair of breasts but, having that define me would be unpleasant. However it's time to discuss the real issue."
"The real issue" Issei wondered.
Irina sighed also because she knew what Ddraig was talking about, "I've been in your bed for the last two nights and you've done nothing but cuddle and talk."
"So what" Issei protested.
"So we both know that if not for that bird interrupting us, we'd probably have done much more that first night. Ever since then it feels like you don't want to do anything with me but cuddle." Irina said calmly.
Issei groaned because he hoped to avoid this conversation, "What's wrong with cuddling" Issei retorted.
Irina frowned since Issei was avoiding the conversation, "Come on Issei just tell me what's going on.
Issei cursed because Irina wasn't going to give up on the subject, "Because just like the supernatural world is at crossroads, so am I. When old man Touji told us about the supernatural and my powers, I realized I couldn't get close to normal kids because I didn't want them to be put in danger. When you and old man Touji left I trained alone and forced myself to stay away from everyone keeping that mentality and focusing on getting as strong as possible" Issei admitted.
"Then how did you become Hottie Magnet Hyoudou" Irina wondered. For him to go from that to what he was now made no sense.
"You can thank Ddraig for that. During the break between my first and second years of middle school Ddraig flooded my dreams with erotic memories from his hosts in order to give me a new focus. After two weeks, I finally gave in and Ddraig and I began preparing for my new life when the term began. I seduced my first girl two months into my second year of middle school and from there the floodgates opened. By years end. I was Hottie Magnet Hyoudou and the rest is history."
Irina was stunned but she understood it somewhat, "If that's the case, why do you have the hia…tus…, Damn it" Irina cursed realizing the cold truth. The reason for his hiatus was right in front of her or rather, it was her.
"That's right, the hiatus started when you and I started talking over the phone right when my third year of middle school started. You were such a significant part of my life and I was reminded of your presence and the presence of the supernatural world that I shunned in order to become Hottie Magnet Hyoudou. It took me close to a week to focus on the girls again and the same thing happened when you called a few months later." Issei scowled.
"So I was a reminder of what life was like for you when you were younger. The fear that no matter how much sex you had, you were still the Red Dragon Emperor and the supernatural would eventually come for you." Irina sighed.
"Yep. Ddraig convinced me to use the boosted gear to help so I would associate his power with sex and it worked a bit but I never completely got over it." Issei admitted shamefully.
"Then you arrived at Kuoh and you saw all the devils there and it got worse."
"Yep. I realized there were a bunch of devils around and I knew that once again I'd be thrust in the supernatural spotlight. I still had dates from outside the school, but I stayed away from Kuoh's girls trying to avoid the supernatural for as long as possible. To my admitted annoyance, I was confronted about being Hottie Magnet Hyoudou by some overeager perverts and soon I was up and running again." Issei smiled.
"Then I called again right before that legendary orgy." Irina said bitterly.
"And then you called again." Issei repeated with equal annoyance since that week would've been critical to ending everything on the supernatural side of things. He had a date with Momo that week where he was going to convince her to keep him out of the supernatural and considering how invested she was in Hottie Magnet Hyoudou he suspected she'd have agreed.
Irina could see the annoyance in his eyes and a question occurred to him, "If my call happened a week later, what would've happened?" Irina asked almost afraid of the answer.
"It doesn't matter because you did call and once again, I was reminded of my fate. No matter how much I wanted to ignore it, I was the Red Dragon Emperor. Even now, I'm constantly reminded of that thanks to Rias" Issei replied trying to hold back his anger. Sure he got a bunch of lovers out of the deal but he never completely forgave Rias for trying to feed him to Raynare. Ironically, his relationship with Raynare was actually pretty good because she accepted what she did wrong. Rias, not so much.
"Issei that's enough. Let's stop talking and just cuddle some more." Irina said solemn. It was obvious now that Issei was in a bad place mentally and discussing the supernatural was the last thing he needed.
"Alright" Issei sighed doing the mental gymnastics needed to calm himself down and eventually he and Irina simply went to sleep.
(Scene Skip)
Monday arrived and although the hiatus was technically over, he was in no mood for anything which showed in his annoyed expression as he walked into class.
"Master is everything okay" Matsuda said nervously recognizing his annoyance
"Yeah I'm fine. Long weekend." Issei replied calmly. Right now he was Hottie Magnet Hyoudou and he would worry about the supernatural later.
"Busy having fun with your childhood friend I guess." Kiryuu smirked.
Issei twitched but instead of lashing out quickly calmed himself again, "Actually no, we didn't have sex at all." Issei replied to the shock of the whole class.
"You had a hot childhood friend over for a whole weekend and did nothing. Master are you sure you're okay" Motohama said nervously.
"I'm perfectly fine Moto." Issei countered still trying to focus on something else.
"Are you sure" Murayama spoke up.
Issei was on the verge of freaking out but remembered an interesting detail, "That's right. By the way Mury, If I remember correctly you guys face Kuzuri Academy today right."
"Yeah that's right" Murayama said hesitantly wondering what Issei was up to.
"Well how about I join you girls for the trip. I owe Aya an apology for skipping out on Saturday and this was the perfect time to do it." Issei replied. Aya was his harem manager at Kuzuri Academy and much like Jeanne she was a kendo rival of Murayama's.
(AN: There's no significance to Kuzuri Academy outside of the fact that when I wanted to think of a name for a school Kuzuri popped up. I honestly had no idea it means Wolverine but hey I'll take it.)
Murayama frowned since on one hand they would get to monopolize Issei for a bit. On the other that would mean Aya would get him on the way back, "Alright" Murayama frowned although secretly she was plotting a way to enjoy Issei for longer.
"Excellent" Issei smiled before walking over to her and pecking her on the lips before returning to his seat. He could see Raynare boring a hole in his head out of annoyance, but he didn't care. Right now he was Hottie Magnet Hyoudou and since Kokabiel was around Freed he could worry about being the Red Dragon Emperor later.
(Scene Skip)
As he sat on the rooftop a smiling ate simple bento his mother made hoping to relax and enjoy a peaceful lunch. At least that was his plan until the door opened and Raynare walked towards him. "For somebody who's in the situation he's in, you're pretty calm Issei." Raynare frowned. Issei groaned before quickly making a privacy barrier to insure they weren't bothered.
"What situation. You guys can worry about chasing Freed while I'm free to chase tail. It's not like you're going to battle Kokabiel anytime soon." Issei said calmly. He didn't need to do anything and he wouldn't.
"That's besides the point Issei. As the Red Dragon Emperor you're obligated to help us." Raynare spoke up.
"I'm not obligated to do anything Raynare. I may be sleeping with you and quite a few others but that's it." Issei countered.
"And what happens if we do fight Kokabiel."
"Then your dad will send his adopted daughter to fight and she's a monster in her own right" Issei retorted. Valerie's strength was disgustingly huge and he knew it. They really didn't need him at all.
"What about your childhood friend. What happens if she gets attacked?" Raynare scoffed.
"Irina is smart enough to know what battles to fight and what not to fight. So she'll be fine." Issei dismissed.
"You really don't care do you" Raynare said with disbelief.
"I care to a point, but the reality is that there's very little I can do right now. Freed is going to hide behind Kokabiel until he's ready and other than that we've got nothing to go on."
Raynare was furious because again he was right and there was no reason for him to do anything, "So what. Because you can't benefit from it all you don't care. Are you truly that selfish?"
"Pretty much. You were the same weren't you Raynare." Issei retorted.
"Yes but I've changed thanks to you." Raynare shouted her anger more apparent.
"You have Raynare and I like that but think about how things got to this point. For you to even transfer into the school we had to erase hundreds of people's memories after the stunt you pulled with Asia. I go from having sex with you to having to pretend you don't exist because it would force more questions to be answered than either of us want."
"But" Raynare protested.
"But nothing Raynare. When the time comes to fight Kokabiel I'll be there and waiting but until then I'm simply Hottie Magnet Hyoudou. Now I'm pretty sure lunch will end soon and we've got class to get to." Issei scowled.
"Issei" Raynare sighed. The real problem was that they couldn't trust Valerie to help which means Issei was their best chance against Kokabiel. If he wasn't motivated to help, they were screwed.
(Scene Skip)
As he returned home, Issei could barely hide the smile on his face. The trip to Kuzuri Academy was a roaring success with the kendo club of Kuoh on the way there and Kuzuri Academy's kendo club after a tough match. Much to Issei's amusement, the two clubs made a bet on the outcome and the team that won their match got the reward of an orgy with Issei. Kuzuri ultimately won the match in large part due to Aya who was their secret weapon along with her twin sister Kaya. Aya and Kaya both had fair skin medium-length silver hair and ice blue eyes along with athletic bodies. Much like Kuoh's kendo club Kuzuri's was filled with beauties and the orgy that followed was something special. "I could get used to this." Issei chuckled as he made his way into his room just to find a surprising person waiting for him on his bed.
"Hello Issei. I imagine you're shocked to see me." Sona Sitri said with a calm smile dressed in the Kuoh uniform without the black cape and corset.
"Yes I am." Issei replied frankly before moving to his desk and sitting down a frown forming on his face. For her to have shown up meant one of two things. She teleported here without saying something, which while possible was against her style, or two walked back with Irina and Xenovia after the meeting with Rias. Neither option was enjoyable as far as he was concerned but she was there.
"So tell me Issei? Based on what Irina said you could easily find Freed and Kokabiel, but you haven't. Why the hesitation." Sona wondered.
Issei twitched since this was once again the supernatural getting in the way of his normal life, "Do you honestly not know or have you just missed my cock since I haven't had fun with you in a while." Issei smirked. It wasn't lost on Issei that Sona missed out on the orgy the other day with the other members of the council and she was surprisingly petty.
Sona blushed slightly, "I have my suspicions but I wanted to hear it from you."
Issei smiled knowing it was more the latter thought but the former was an excuse to pursue it, "Do you know where I was this afternoon."
"I heard you were attending the kendo club's match with Kuzuri Academy." Sona replied.
"That I was. Rather ironically, Kuzuri was the school I was supposed to see this weekend and they just so happened to have a match with Kuoh. When I wasn't paying attention Murayama made a bet with a lover of mine from Kuzuri. If they won the match, the kendo club girls got to enjoy me as a reward. Kuoh lost and thus I stayed there."
"I see and what's the point in all of this." Sona blushed slightly. It was always awkward being reminded of just how popular Issei was considering she was sleeping with him also.
Issei chuckled since Sona was losing her composure, "As Hottie Magnet Hyoudou, I have lovers in every one of the high schools in our town. As the Red Dragon Emperor, those relationships become a liability should somebody target me. You can protect the girls of Kuoh of that I'm certain, but what of the others" Issei explained. Sure Jeanne was at Nochizuri but he highly doubted she wanted to get involved in a supernatural attack.
Sona frowned for multiple reasons, "So you can tell also." Sona frowned aware of the true issue.
"You mean that Kokabiel's actions are just the beginning, yes I can. The fallout from this one is going to be massive and that's if we beat him." Issei confirmed. Something like this wouldn't just be ignored and there would be various issues to resolve. Of course Issei knew most of them were related to Jeanne and her organization but he couldn't really call her out on it since they had a deal.
"Whether you like it or not Issei, your decision has already been made. None of us are strong enough to take Kokabiel and even if Valerie helps us, which I'm not convinced of, I doubt that'll be enough. Your power is needed in this fight and you know it." Sona said passionately.
Issei winced since Sona was right and that's what he hated, "When the time comes for the battle to arrive, I'll be with you guys. I'm going to embrace being Hottie Magnet Hyoudou as much as possible." Issei mused.
"Good" Sona smiled before walking over to the relaxed Issei and kissed him on the lips. The pair kissed for a little bit before Sona pulled away. "I know you're probably exhausted from your fun with the girls of Kuzuri but." Sona started to say before Issei kissed back to Sona's surprise.
"I've got enough juice for a round or two." Issei smiled before snapping his fingers to create a barrier.
"Excellent." Sona smiled as she grabbed Issei's hand and led him back to the bed.
(Guest room)
While Issei and Sona began their fun, Irina and Xenovia sat in the guest room with Xenovia on the bed while Irina sat in the chair barely containing her annoyance at the fact Issei was occupied. Irina was in the same clothes she'd been using during her cuddle sessions with Issei while Xenovia was in a purple tank top that showed off her impressive figure and a pair of beige shorts. "To think he has one of the devil heiresses to warm his bed also." Xenovia commented.
"Issei's always been popular. With me out of the picture he's had a chance to embrace that." Irina sighed. She was still reeling from the conversation they had on Saturday. She gave Issei his space but there was no doubt that Issei was trying his best to ignore the elephant in the room that was Kokabiel and focus only on sex.
"Speaking of embracing, when are we going to sleep with him also." Xenovia spoke up to Irina's admitted annoyance.
"Not right now Xenovia." Irina replied with frustration in her voice.
"But Irina"
Irina looked at her friend with a look of anguish in her face, "Not right now. There's a lot more to all of this then you think." Irina said bitterly. Right now Issei was at a crossroads and the last thing he needed was her complicating things even more.
"Alright" Xenovia replied and the two went to sleep soon after.
(Scene Skip)
Much to his surprise when Issei woke up Sona was gone. His eyes quickly found a note on his desk, one that was no doubt left by the Sitri heiress. Making the quick trek to his desk he smiled as he noticed the contents.
'I'd better not sense you on Kuoh's campus today Issei Hyoudou. I know Hottie Magnet Hyoudou is a busy man, but his date for today is one a little closer to home. If I see you on campus, I may just consider cutting you off from my peerage entirely.' Sona Sitri.
The letter was hilarious considering that of her 9 servants 5 were sleeping with him including her queen and obviously herself. It was an empty threat but Issei got the point, "I guess I've got a date today." Issei smiled as he left his room and walked over to the guest room where his childhood friend and her partner were staying.
The simple guest room was much like his room with a simple twin sized bed and wooden desk nearby with a basic chair. The girls had all the necessities they needed which was fine but a quick glance at the bed told Issei all he needed to know. 'Poor Irina.' Issei thought as he noticed Xenovia sprawled over his childhood friend. He couldn't help but notice that Irina's hair wasn't in its usual twin-tails and he would make a mental note to convince her to do that more often but he focused on the task at hand. "Hey sleepyhead wake up." Issei said softly as he nudged his childhood friend.
"Five more minutes Xenovia." Irina muttered which was adorable to him.
"I'm not Xenovia." Issei said in a slightly louder voice. This time Irina's eyes opened and she saw Issei.
"What are you doing" Irina said in shock.
"Well I came to tell you that we're going on a date today." Issei smiled before bending down and kissing her on the forehead.
"What!" Irina shouted as her face lit up in a pink hue. This was not the way she expected her morning to start.