Alright, I'm finally back with the next chapter. Sorry it took so long, the first part of this chapter took constant look overs and rewrites just to set things right. Even still, I feel I should do it again but I feel this is also the best way I can.
As always, responses first.
First, as I know all of you are hoping for this. The harem... It will be at the end of the chapter, mwuhahaha. Although I've took some of you guys requests and have expanded the harem just a bit.
Two, Rias's new pawns. As many have wanted, there are two choices at the moment. It has been put between Murayama & Katase and Motohama & Matsuda. Or I can do all four. Whatever you guys decide.
Three, new arc. This arcs done, which is Issei's new change (will make adjustments soon). After this is the next arc.
Anything I miss here is at the bottom A/N. Enjoy the read.
Issei stepped into the room begrudgingly. Kicking an imaginary stone, he leaned against wall and folded his arms, acting very childish. There was a pout on his face as he grumbled incoherent words to himself.
It was obvious he was still upset by his king's actions. He was finally going to get a handful of oppai and start creating his harem. But no, Sairaorg just had to get in the way and drag him to the stupid test. He hated that and complained about how unfair the world was.
"It doesn't matter if I'm in the human world or the supernatural. I'm never gonna get the chance to become Harem King," the brunette complained with a whiny tone.
[It's not all bad partner. She was just a devil attracted to your power. It's going to happen a lot,] Ddraig spoke up, the Boosted Gear appearing on Issei's arm once more.
"So? She was hot! And her oppai were perfect!" Issei exclaimed, forming the shape of the girl's breast to emphasize his point.
[I think you need more training if you're somehow still only fixated a woman's physical appearance,] the dragon replied dryly.
"Hey, I care for more than just looks," Issei snapped back. He was met with a snort. "Besides, it's not my fault you haven't felt the sweet heavenly sensation that is oppai for thousands of years!" Issei snapped back.
[I don't care for those types of things, child. I've done more intimate things than you can ever imagine in my life time! Even with your extended life line, you'll never come close to the women I've laid and pleased!] Ddraig retorted, almost sounding like he was bragging.
"We'll see about that you overgrown lizard!"
[Haha, see what? You fail miserably? Have you ever even grabbed a woman's breast boy?] Ddraig mocked with a hearty laugh. It made Issei turn bright red.
"I have for your information!"
[Grabbing that redhead's on accident or while you're asleep does not count...]
"S-Shut up!"
"Ahem, Hyoudou-chan?"
Issei's head shot up. His eyes were wide and his face was flushed as he came face-to-face with the person calling him. To say he was embarrassed fell far from the truth.
The one to call him was a young woman. She was around his age, maybe a year older. She stood a few inches taller than him, bending over so she was at eye level with him.
She was very beautiful in the eyes of the pawn. The girl had short silver hair, one long bang reaching down past her chin on the left side of her face. Her eyes were an alluring crimson red, matching and highlighting her skin nicely. And she held this aura of prestige, much similar to Rias's in fact.
"Hyoudou-chan, are you alright?" The girl asked. The slight wave of her hand snapped Issei from his daydream as he blinked a few times before shaking his head.
"Yeah, sorry about that," he quickly replied with a chuckle.
The girl giggled before returning to her original position at eye level with the brunette, placing herself a few inches away from him. However, instead of her curious look prior, she now sported a look of interest. Or deep analysis. He couldn't tell.
"Ano..." He muttered, unsure of what was happening. "What are you-"
"Hush!" The girl snapped, prompting Issei to shut his mouth immediately.
A few more moments passed before she pulled back and smiled. She then nodded her head, as if she was sure of whatever she was thinking.
"Yup, the rumors are true," she said. Issei knitted his eyebrows in confusion.
"What do you mean?" He asked in return.
"Oh, that you're really cute," she replied nonchalantly.
Issei didn't respond. The words were caught in his throat as his cheeks turned bright red. Swirls appeared in his eyes as he could feel steam pouring out of his ears.
"I-I...wha..." He sputtered unintelligibly. The compliment caught him completely off guard.
While he was use to Rias calling him "adorable", it was more so like he was a puppy. Almost like a pity compliment. But this girl, it sounded like she meant it as a flirty gesture. Issei was unsure of how to respond to a girl who found him attractive, and was so blunt about it. None of the girls at Kuoh were like that. They just beat him down.
This girl didn't seem to mind being upfront with her emotions however. And she wasn't punching or kicking him, bonus!
"I find you interesting, Hyoudou-chan," the girl said with a friendly smile.
"I, uh, ano..." Issei talked a big game but obviously lacked the experience dealing with the opposite genders advances.
[Real smooth. You're totally proving me wrong,] Ddraig sarcastically mulled.
'Shut it, lizard! I will scar you for the rest of your life!' Issei thought back.
[Oh? How do you plan to do that?] The dragon asked in a mocking tone.
'I'll make sure to watch Serafall's Magical Girl marathon each and every weekend,' Issei replied with a smirk.
[...]
"..."
[...Please don't...] Ddraig answered back, his tone taking a complete turn to fearful.
'I heard this it's all about the power of friendship and love,' Issei continued, his smirk growing to a toothy grin.
[I'm sorry for what I said! Just please, don't make me watch that overly cheerful, happy-go-lucky, disgusting piece of programming people call entertainment!] The dragon begged. The last thing he would do was be forced to watch girls talk about how holding hands and singing songs would save them from an alien spaceship annihilating their planet.
It was unheard of!
'Good lizard. So zip it. One more remark and I'll start training to create sparkles appear when I use the Boosted Gear.'
[...]
"..."
[...]
"..."
[Okay, even I know you won't go that far...] Ddraig dryly replied.
Issei was momentarily silent as his words repeated in his head.
"...Yeah. You're right..." He mumbled aloud.
"Did you say something?" The girl asked. She couldn't help but notice how often the brunette seemed to space out. And the Longinus would glow every now and then as if it was conscious and knew of the things around it.
Was the boy talking to his Sacred Gear? Did it always happen often? Was he oblivious to everything around him? Including her?
The girl had noticed how his eyes were left lingering on hers. Despite the lack of focus, they were staring right at her. She didn't mind either. It was common for her because a lot of guys did the same when they spoke with her. Their gazes would stay fixated on hers, caught like a deer in the headlights or a moth drawn to a flame. Her eyes were an alluring sight and most guys fell hook line and sinker the moment their gaze met hers.
It was usually how things went along inside and outside political business. Once anyone locked eyes, they were caught in her little spell. They would be entranced by her, enraptured, some even aroused by her very first glance. Her bright crimson's were hypnotic so to say, capturing and sealing anyone's attention specifically onto her. Seeing as she was a succubus after all, it was easy for her to catch them with just one look.
Of course she didn't mean for it to happen but it slipped most of the time. She couldn't help it and silently sighed. The silverette didn't want to charm the Red Dragon Emperor but what's done was done. Hopefully it didn't hinder his cooking.
"Ano, sorry...uhh-"
"Alice. Nakiri Alice," the girl said, easily understanding his pause.
"Oh, haha, I'm sorry Nakiri-san, I was a bit distracted again," Issei replied with an awkward laugh.
The girl blinked twice.
Was it her, or had he seemed unaffected?
What she meant by that was that his eyes weren't glazed and his focus wasn't towards her. He wasn't lusting after her or claiming himself a fool for ignoring her. In fact, he seemed fine like nothing was wrong. But how could that be?
Alice was sure she made eye contact with him. Hell, he initiated it!
She was sure the spell was casted, yet, he wasn't staring at her now that he was focused. Or, not with any intention of trying to capture her heart. It was odd that her Charm hadn't worked.
Male, female, it didn't matter, everyone would fall for her the second their eyes met. Old, young, devil, or demon, no one was immune.
"So, what're the plans for my test?" Issei asked, turning to the ingredients on a table behind the young woman.
It was her turn to zone out as she still found herself wondering why he wasn't desiring her. Most guys would be drooling at the sight of her. Some would try to impress her, others would ask her out on a date, hell some guys even just asked to have sex! But this guy...was just focused on cooking!?
It was a culinary school, yes, but she just casted a charm spell on him. How could he be focused on food when he should be begging on his hands and knees for her attention.
The silverette wasn't even interested in a relationship with him. He was very cute and his power was quite a sight when he beat Raiser, but she didn't know him well enough to develop those types of feelings.
Alice was just curious as to how her spell hadn't worked. He didn't say she was cute. He didn't stare longingly. He didn't try to impress her. All he cared about was cooking. What the hell was wrong with him?
..
...
...
The girl soon realized the irony of her question. He was on point and she was the one thinking crazy.
But still, no one should be able to break her charm unless another succubus, or her stupid cousin, broke the spell. So how had the former human done so? They were the easiest to Charm actually. But it didn't look like he tried to break it. It didn't look like the spell was casted at all!
Maybe she should try again. Yeah, maybe it was a simple fluke and he blinked or something. She had to test this and see what actually happened.
"Hyoudou-chan~," his senior cooed with a sweet tone.
Issei turned to her, confused by way she called his name. His eyes met hers and the ruby jewels glistened as she smiled softly. They glowed, just faintly, and Issei felt himself grow just a bit dizzy.
The girl knew she got him. He stared right at her when she cast the spell. When he stumbled slightly and grabbed his head, she was sure the spell worked. A small grin appeared on her lips as she felt satisfied that her spell was effective and that the first time was just a simple fluke. In fact, she felt pride that even the great Red Dragon Emperor was going to fall for her.
Now, if she could improve more her cousin would finally be in her shadow. She fist pumped at the opportunity to finally beat her cousin and make her say "Alice, you're the best".
It made the young woman giddy as she giggled. But she had to focus back on the person of interest in front of her. He still had to take the exam and they had been stalling it for some time.
"Hyoudou-chan, are you alright?" She asked, stepping towards him with a sudden change to concern.
"Yeah, just a little headache, nothing to worry about," he replied softly. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Issei shook his head and smiled. "So, about the test."
Alice's eyes widened at his response. His eyes weren't glazed either. He was completely unaffected. Once again, her spell hadn't worked!? Impossible!
She had looked him dead in the eyes! He fell back, obviously affected by it! So how, how in Satan's name had he not been charmed!?
It made no logical sense! He should be fawning over her like a puppy to it's master! So why!? Why, was he still talking about cooking!?
Was there something more to the Sekiryuutei that she hadn't seen? Was she wrong? Had she made another mistake!? This was unbelievable!
"Y-You're test is the egg..." She grumbled, ignoring the innocent smile he gave her in return.
"Alright, let's get right to it then!" He replied with excitement. All the while leaving a baffled and upset succubus to mull over why she failed. Twice!
-XOXOXOXOX-
"Congratulations on passing the test, Issei-chan~!" Kuisha praised with excitement.
"...Kui-chi..." Issei muttered, his voice filled with pain.
"Hm, what is it?"
"...Can you not say that...while beating me up..." He replied.
The pawn and queen were currently training back at the Bael Estate. After a week Issei had discovered he passed the test and his transfer papers finally came through. So, now, he was an official student of Tōtsuki Academy and would start his classes Monday morning.
And how else was he to pass the time? Well...he found himself being forced to train by his senior. Again.
"Ah c'mon, I'm just saying I'm happy for you," Kuisha said, charging towards him with intent for close combat.
Issei rose up and quickly blocked a strong kick aimed for his head. He placed both of his arms up in a cross position, effectively stopping the queen's momentum but still sliding just a bit from the force of the impact.
Utilizing his Rook trait, Issei was able to defend against the powerful blow. He was actually thankful for Ladora and Gandoma's spars as he grew much more durable. Two weeks ago and he might have been dead.
Issei pushed the thought aside and regained his focus on the fight. Kuisha locked her leg on Issei's arms, keeping them in place, and rose the other for an unexpected axe kick.
The brunette's eyes widened but he quickly reacted and switched to his Knight trait. With it, he slipped under the blonde's attack before turning to throw a punch.
Kuisha turned and caught the attack, grinning as she saw the disappointment in the Sekiryuutei's eyes.
"Sorry Issei-chan~, you'll have to do better than that~," she sung with a sweet tone.
"Hehe..."
Issei suddenly smirked, confusing the queen in front of him. He rose his left arm and the Boosted Gear appeared in a flash of light. It made Kuisha blink twice before she looked up to the brunette, who's smirk had become a little toothy.
"Issei-chan, I thought we agreed on no boosting," Kuisha said, still slightly confused. His smirk grew even more as he felt himself gaining the upper hand.
"I know. But we never agreed on...THIS! Flash!"
[Flash!]
Ddraig's voice mimicked Issei's shout and the guantlet began to glow. Kuisha had never heard of the move and looked down at the Boosted Gear. Her curiosity betrayed her and a bright green light emitted from the green gem, blinding the queen.
At such close range there was no way for her to dodge it. She shielded her eyes and backed away in a stumble, the brunette laughing as if he had won.
"Yes! It worked, it actually worked!" Issei cheered happily. It was a small victory but one he was ecstatic over.
[Don't let up, partner! This is your chance!] Ddraig alerted.
The boy's eyes widened at the realization and he turned back to his opponent. He was so excited that his new move had worked that he had forgotten to follow up.
"R-Right," he said panicked as he tried to rectify his mistake and continue the duel.
Issei charged forward and cocked his fist back, ready to deliver the final blow to Kuisha. She was still rubbing her eyes, giving him the perfect opportunity to strike. Charging his demonic power into the guantlet, he prepared himself to land a hard haymaker to his senior's cheek.
"Get ready Kui-chi, cause I finally beat- GAHHHHH!"
As Issei neared the blonde she suddenly vanished. His eyes widened as he felt a hard strike hit him in his gut.
Looking down, he saw the queen smiling at him. Her fist was buried in his stomach and with a slight twist he was sent flying backwards.
The pawn slammed into a tree, full force, the sound of bark cracking echoing throughout the grounds. A silent scream escaped his lips as the wind was knocked out of him. A bit of blood escaped from his lips and he felt as if a car just ran into him full force.
"Sorry Issei-chan~, you've still got a ways to go before you can beat me," Kuisha replied with a giggle. The brunette's cheer of success had given her more than enough time to recover and she was able to respond with a powerful strike that easily defeated him. That was a mistake he couldn't make on the battlefield. It could cost him his life.
"Damnit," Issei muttered as he slowly stood. He was shaky but kept his balance, holding himself up with a firm hand on his knee. "Heh, you gotta admit though, I had you there for a second."
Kuisha smiled and walked over to him. She lightly punched him in the shoulder, the boy wincing in response.
"I'll give it to you, you almost got me there. If you followed up, I might have gotten a little hurt," Kuisha answered. She looked up at him, feeling proud towards her kouhai.
"Well...looks like I've still got a ways to go," Issei replied, clutching the shoulder the blonde punched.
"You're growing very fast Issei-chan. It's almost unbelievable at the rate you're going," Kuisha praised, much to the brunette's surprise.
"You really think so? I haven't noticed myself growing that much," he replied, scratching the back of his head before wincing from the pain of doing the action.
"Ise, you forced me to use a lot in that punch. My body immediately responded because of your power. I'd say you're doing amazing and will really come to challenge Sairaorg-sama one day."
Issei rose up to look at his senior. Their eyes met and she smiled warmly at him. Her eyes shimmered and he couldn't help but smile the longer he stared.
"You think so?"
"I know so."
Issei chuckled as he closed his eyes, smiling warmly. 'What do you think Ddraig?'
[She speaks the truth. You are growing faster than any of my other hosts. You'll be able to challenge Sairaorg and the White One in no time.]
'Thanks partner.'
"Thank you, Kui-chi. That means a lot," he replied softly.
Her smile widened. "It's nothing Issei-chan. You're apart of the family now, which means you're an important person to me."
Issei blushed lightly and turned away from her. Kuisha too had a small blush and came to find her toes very interesting.
All the while, the watchful gaze of their king was not too far away.
"My Lord, you have put a lot of faith into this boy," a voice spoke from Sairaorg's side.
The Bael turned to see a nemean lion. With it's fur golden and a violet jewel rested on it's forehead, the beast towered at a height of five meters. But it merely sat by the young man's side, watching the exchange between the queen and pawn.
"Yes, and it was right for me to do so," Sairaorg replied.
"He's proving himself to be quite worthy of your pawn. Something I wasn't," the beast replied.
"Don't say that Regulus. You're a very powerful ally, with or without the Evil Pieces. And you've been a very good friend to the family."
"My Lord," Regulus replied in thanks.
There was a bit of silence before they spoke again.
"The boy shall be joining you at school as of Monday, correct?" The lion asked.
Sairaorg's expression darkened and he grew very serious. "No, sadly his first day will have to be postponed."
"Hm? And why is that?"
"An order for the execution of a Stray Devil. In Europe."
"I see. And why send the boy. He's still a little green behind the ears," Regulus stated.
"I know this, but this is the perfect chance to see how much he's really grown," Sairaorg replied.
"Will he be going alone?"
"No, I'll send Kuisha and Ladora as back up. The last thing I want is for some exorcist or angel mistaking him for a Stray and killing him."
"Mm. Good choice," the beast replied, nodding.
The duo watched as Issei and Kuisha walked off, having finished their training for the day. The king would wait and tell them of their task tomorrow. For now, he wanted them to rest. It would be a long journey to the home of the angels.
"Regulus, how do you feel about him?"
"Hm?"
"Issei. What do you think of him?" The Bael asked again.
The lion was quiet for a second. Sairaorg glanced at him, curious of his delayed response.
"...I'd have to say he's got a lot of training ahead of him. Not just physically but mentally as well."
"Would you mind clarifying?"
"Of course, my Lord. The boy is filled with conflictions and doubts. He's holding himself back despite the way he pushes while he's training. If I had to say, the problem lies with the Gremory girl. Her and her peerage have left him scarred and it still plagues his mind. And..."
"And?" Sairaorg repeated.
"There's something more. Something old, something more than his recent dilemma that also weighs on his mind. He was cautious when you asked him to join, correct?" The Bael nodded at the question. "Hm. Then it may be that something happened to him when he was first turned."
Sairaorg listened closely to his Sacred Gear's words. His eyes narrowed and his eyebrows furrowed. His grip tightened as he kept his arms folded, his hands clenched into fists.
He was curious as to what the beast just explained. Did something happen with Issei when he was reincarnated? And if so, did it tie in with Rias?
"'When he was first turned'..."
And that's all she wrote. Alright, for the moment you've all been waiting for.
Issei's Harem: Kuisha, Alice Nakiri, Rindō Kobayashi, Asia, Ravel, Rossweisse, and Roygun Belphagor
Bask in it's glory for it is wonderful. Oh, and in the future chapters, around Kokabiel's fight, I'll have Issei's peerage up as well. Wink wink
And yeah. Kuisha was added to the harem due to the multiple people who wanted this. I kinda did too. And she'll most likely be the alpha girl, so this'll be fun.
Hope you enjoyed. Review to keep up with me. PM ideas and all of that.