Chapter 2

Issei was waking up from another brutal training session that his King put him through, and to be honest, Runeas was saying that he was getting better. So to speak. As he slowly got out of his bed, he saw Runeas still sleeping beside him, drooling a bit while giggling in her sleep, which somehow made her very adorable in the boy's eyes.

Issei couldn't help but chuckle at the sight as he began to put on his school uniform since it was time for him to return to Kuoh Academy after his week of recovery from his injury and surgery that he underwent, Zeoticus Gremory. Honestly, the boy was grateful for the Devil for saving his life and for his King since she gave her blood to keep his own body, but Issei couldn't help but wonder why Runeas even bothered to save him in the first place.

Unbeknownst to the Queen, his King woke up once she sensed a wave of despair and sadness from her Queen, which made her eyes narrow at him before she heard his mouth utter nonsense to her ears.

"A scumbag who any woman would never love," Issei muttered to himself as he felt the scar on his chest before he was pulled into a hug by Runeas as she put her head in his back and sent some of her power into his body to give him comfort. Issei was shocked by the hug as he turned his head to look at Runeas's lavender eyes as she looked at her Queen with some tears.

"Issei. We've been together for a week now. Won't you tell me what's been bothering you? Why do you pretend you are well when you are not? Throughout the week we've been together, you've been having nightmares in your sleep. Their so bad I had to hold your hand to calm down. When you look at the scar on your chest, your body freezes, and you break into a cold sweat until someone gets you out of it. Whenever I tried to ask you about that day, you change the subject and throw yourself into our training, which I don't mind, but you distract yourself with it so that I don't ask. Don't you trust me, Issei?" Runeas asked with a sad face as guilt began to eat at Issei's heart since he's been trying to cope with his new living situation and his new life, but Runeas had a point where he was avoiding talking about his trauma.

Runeas, Venelana, Grayfia, Sirzechs, and even Zeoticus have been trying to get the boy to open up about his trauma from Raynare, but Issei always said he was okay with the smile he had on his face and tried to change the subject. The Devils allowed this, but they could tell that Issei would eventually break and tell one of them about it when he was comfortable.

And luckily for Runeas, that time has come.

Issei then took a deep breath and began to speak to her

"For most of my life, I have been an outcast type of guy," Issei said as Runeas's eyes widened at what he said before listening to his explanation. "People and especially the female population evaded me due to my perverted ways. I had decided that I wouldn't lie to myself or anyone else and always be honest and upfront and never deceive anyone for selfish reasons. However, I used to be okay with it all, but down the line, I got too deep into the role I set myself up for and sometimes lost myself in the thought of Oppai. Which then led to the beatings that started to come from the Kendo Club and such. While it's true that I spy on them at times, my intentions weren't bad."

Runeas noticed that his tone was sincere and honest, just like his name, which made her nod at his words before Issei continued to speak to her about his trauma and actions.

"Whenever I spied on the girls, I think in which way I can make each one of them happy. I took note of their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and dreams for the future. Things like that, but I didn't get any chance to speak to or befriend any of them since they immediately thought I was a creep that only wanted to rape them to lose my V card, but that's not it at all. I know how precious a woman's first time is, and I'd kill myself for ever going that far. I'm not the kind of guy who only sees women as playthings or some form of sick pleasure to relive stress and such. I wish to cherish them and treat them like the Queens of my world. However, whenever I would even attempt to so much as look or talk to them, they didn't give me the time of day. My words were deaf to all the talk my classmates and even my seniors in school say about how they would like to pound some pussy, break that bitch, or stuff like that. It made me disgusted since people like them use their status and power to get what they want and hide their true intentions behind the act of a 'hero.' I've never even heard them consider the feelings of their partners, which makes my blood boil so hot that I feel like exploding and punch the smug looks off their faces when they look at me." Issei said as his voice was filled with venom at the end, surprising Runeas since she had never heard such a nasty tone come out of the boy, much less expect him to have such a tone in his body, until she felt Issei sigh heavily as his shoulders slumped down as he continued speaking to her.

"But what can I do about it? Nothing, that's what. Even if I tried to tell someone like a teacher or the principal, they would think I'm jealous of them and ignore me entirely even when I shove the damn proof in their faces. So when I entered my second grade of Highschool, I knew I was not going to get a girlfriend or even a prom date. I already had planned to survive the year like that, you know. Issei Hyoudou, the Perverted Beast who'll never find love." He says again as his voice turns back to the soft tone he used earlier, which made Runeas hug Issei comfortably and so close to her that she didn't mind her breasts being smashed against his back.

"But then came the date with Raynare. After our meeting, I couldn't be any happier since a girl asked ME out. Me! I wanted to make a good first impression, so I spent my nights planning everything to go smoothly on our date, and the whole date had gone from the beginning to the end of it." Issei said he had a great smile, but that quickly fell as he lost the smile and spoke again. "But at the end, she asked me If I could die for her. She transformed into her true self and threw the spear at my heart."

Issei touched his scar again, feeling the tears coming down his face, which was wiped away by Runeas as she turned him around to better comfort him before placing his head on her lap, hoping to calm him some more, which Issei enjoyed as he got to the last part of his trauma.

"And ever since then, I'm afraid to be rejected or hear the words 'I love you from any female who isn't my mother. Now I think all women I meet will ask for the same thing in exchange for their love. My life. And even in school, I have proof that supports this since there had been times when many of the students just right away, and I quote: 'I wish you would just kill yourself and ride the world of your filth.' ' I hope that ugly pig gets hit by a truck on his way home.' some even describe a definite death. However, the one that hurt the most was when I did tell my friends Matsuda and Motohama about my date with her, but the Kendo Club overheard us, and Murayama came up to my face and slapped me for forcing Raynare to take me out on a date so that I could rape her. I was on the ground with Matsuda helping me up while Motohama defended me, but the girls didn't want to hear it, so in her rage, Murayama said a sentence that hurt me more than anything the other girls said; to me."

Issei was crying even more challenging now as Runeas held in her rage before picking his head up from her lap and looking at his face. "What did she say, Issei? Please. Tell me." She said with sincerity and worry in her tone until Issei swallowed his spit and replied to his Kings demand.

"She told me that I should take a swan dive off the school rooftop and hope that you would be reborn as a better human being," Issei said as Runeas stayed silent after Issei had finished until she gripped the bedsheets and squeezed them so hard that she almost destroyed the fabric until she took a deep breath and let it out before speaking to Issei.

"Let me explain something to you, Issei. The way we Devils Magic gets replenished is by absorbing the worst thoughts or feelings of individuals such as stress, greed, jealousy, and lust are the most common ones that we can see in others."

"Then I must give you lots of magic then, right? With lust and all." Issei said, a little sad, looking away from his master until she lifted his head to look at his broken brown eyes that she had grown to love despite knowing him for only a week.

"That's where you're wrong. Even though I can see your perverted thoughts, I can't get any magic from them. Now you are probably asking, 'Why?' Well, that's because you have a pure heart, and as you said, those perverted thoughts are not those of lust but a passion. Your heart only yearns for the happiness and joy of others as you love and care for them. Know that I'm here, and I won't let anyone say otherwise." Runeas said as she hugged his head into her bust before kissing his forehead, which made Issei's eyes widen in shock as his arms went limp until Runeas helped him stand up after a few minutes of hugging.

"Issei. Know that should you need someone to talk to about your emotions or if you are feeling scared or worried. If you feel you need someone to support you, then come to me. In the world that we live in, it's hard to find people we can trust, but I know I can trust you, Issei. I know I can act childish at times and may seem like a brat, but I'll always be there to help you get back up when you fall. I need you, and you need me. We're a team, right?" Runeas asked as Issei's eyes widened as the tears were released. He cried into her bust while Runeas ran a hand through his hair.

'I'm not letting him become another version of me. I know what it's like to succumb to my depression and give up on my life because of the words of others. I'm no stranger to nightmares or those calling someone despicable like a monster or wishing for them to die, which is why I vow to protect Issei and ensure he never feels that way again. And should those hypocrites speak to Issei that way in front of me, I'll gladly make them suffer a thousand years' worth of pain.' Runeas said as her eyes glowed in restrained rage until the two got up and dressed in uniforms.

After their heart-to-heart moment and getting dressed, they went down to have breakfast with the rest of the Hyoudou family. Miki was pleased that Runeas was with Issei since she could tell that the girl had been through a lot but now that she saw her son smiling and hugging her in comfort, that made her even happier since she's been worried for her son's social life. She is well aware of Matsuda and Motohama and granted their perverts like Issei is, but they all never go too far in their antics, nor do they ever see women as mere playthings.

Also, they were loyal to each other until the bitter end, which was a real friendship if Miki had ever seen it.

After breakfast, the two headed to the school, where Issei was given his usual slander. At the same time, Runeas had to control her emotions so she couldn't destroy the annoying insects that dared insult her beloved Queen, whom she had just comforted this morning.

"Oh my god! Who is that with the perv!?"

"Doesn't she know who he is?!"

"And she's so cute too!"

"How did he trick her into coming to school with him?!"

They had just entered the school grounds as the mostly-female population of the school took more and more notice of him, one of the infamous perverts, practically walking hand in hand with a cute girl smiling while moving in to hug his arm, much to their dismay and shock.

However, Issei noticed that Runeas was growing tense at the comments they were saying about them being together. Her smile became even more forced and plastered on, and he could somehow tell the aura she had been holding back was starting to slowly leak out as Issei could also hear the girl's teeth grinding in her mouth as if she had an internal war with herself.

Issei could only decide what to do to calm her down, so he picked her up bridal style, much to Runeas's shock, which turned joyful as she wrapped her arms around his neck and nuzzled her head into his neck. "Just relax, Rune-Chan." He whispered to her with a hint of scolding mixed in with pleading. "This is hardly the worse they've said about me."

"That doesn't help me, Issei~," Runeas said in a pleasant tone despite clearly wanting to hiss the words out. "I don't understand what the problem with these humans is."

"Should we be talking about them as "humans" when you're trying to fit in?" Issei asked in concern.

"Oh, don't worry, I'm holding in my aura, and granted, it's slowly leaking out due to my frustrations at their insensitive comments about my beloved Queen. You just walked into this school with a cute girl in hand, and suddenly they see you like a leper? How disgusting. People like them truly are one of the many people I despise." Runeas informed him with rage and venom in her tone as she relaxed in her Queen's arms.

However, it was hard for the Ancestor of the Gremory Family to calm down due to the petty insults around her. "Seriously, what is the problem with you being a pervert? It is not like you have ever touched or tried to take their innocence by force." Runeas remarked with annoyance as she had almost reached her limit with the pests around her.

"It's...It's a human thing, Rune-Chan. I'm not sure how to explain it." Issei answered, scratching his head. "Just don't hurt them, please?" He begged as Runeas nodded as they entered the school and then their classroom until a particular duo ran to Issei and hugged him with tears in their eyes.

"Issei! We're so glad you are okay!"

"Don't you ever scare us like that, man? Ever!"

Matsuda and Motohama shouted as Runeas sighed in relief for getting out of Issei's arms before his friends hugged him out of happiness which made the girl smile since she was glad that Issei had some friends at the very least. Issei was shocked at his friend's response for a moment until he let a smile out and hugged them back. He was happy to be with his friends again.

"Yeah. I missed you guys too. So how's school been while I was out? I know I missed a lot of schoolwork and have to catch up, so..." Issei said as Motohama held out a hand to stop his friend.

"Say no more, my friend. I know you were busy recovering from your accident, so there's no need to worry about your schoolwork. I've gathered them for you, and granted, I did some for you, but I made it, so the teachers believe you did it. Plus, I took notes so you could study them and finish them independently." Motohama said as he gave Issei detailed notes that even Issei could read and understand.

While the Perverted Trio has a heartfelt reunion, Runeas was sitting at the chair beside Issei since she may be in her first year in the school. Still, her intelligence allows her to attend Issei's classes so that she can watch and observe him and the others around him after hearing about his emotional baggage from this morning.

'It must've been pretty easy for Venelana to get that request for me completed, but it's well worth it so I can observe Issei around these harpies he calls classmates.' Runeas said in her mind as she looked at the brown-haired girl speaking to the pink-haired girl she recognized from the sports picture in the school as she passed by them.

'Murayama and Katase. The Captain and Co-Captain of the Kendo Club. Annoying, but it's strange to see that they have Devil Pieces in them. A Knight for Murayama and a Pawn for Katase. I'm guessing my descendant, Rias Gremory, reincarnated them as a Devil since she couldn't obtain Issei. I can tell that the pink one can use ice magic, and as a Pawn, she'll be able to be an interesting one in the future should she take her training seriously. As for Murayama, I can see she has an affinity for fire magic and has a minor Sacred Gear within her. It has Dragon properties, so it's possibly a Twice Critical. A simple yet impressive Sacred Gear.' Runeas took note of this as she heard the bell ring and was happy to be next to Issei as they had classes begin when the teacher came into the room to greet them all.

"Ah. Issei Hyoudou. I'm glad to see that you've recovered from your accident and I'm sure that your classmates were worried for you as well. Your friends have your homework you need to complete before the end of the week, so do try and push yourself to get it done." The teacher said as he pushed up his glasses before looking at the attendance book. "Oh, and we have a new student here. She's the first year, but due to her academics, she'll be able to take a few second-year classes. Come on up and introduce yourself, please."

Runeas nodded as she walked up to the board and smiled politely as she waved to them. "My name is Runeas Gremory. I'm a distant relative of the Gremory family, and I am pleased to make your acquaintance. My interests are studying, reading about new cultures, tasting new foods, camels, and my boyfriend. My dislikes are annoying people, hypocrites, and rapists. I hope we all have a good year together. Any questions?" She asked as many of the girls spoke to each other for a moment until Aika Kiryuu raised a hand and asked.

"You said you have a boyfriend already, right? Is he possibly Issei Hyoudou?"

This made the girls look at Aika as if she grew a second head until Runeas giggled and nodded in reply to her. "Why yes. Issei Hyoudou is my boyfriend. A pleasure to meet you personally, Aika Kiryuu. Issei told me a lot about you."

"All good things, I hope."

"Just the parts about you being known as the Perverted Girl in school who likes to measure men's rods?"

"Heh. Of course, he'd mention that even though I told him he's got a massive one. Hehehe." Aika cackled a little as she looked at Issei with the eyes of a predator, making him shake a little in fear her eyes before the girls began to shout in shock and bombard Runeas with many questions until the teacher calmed them all down and started the lesson, but that didn't stop the girls glaring at Issei as if he was a monster that had to be put down.

'I can't believe it. Issei? Him, of all people, getting a girlfriend like Runeas? What did he do to her to get her to go out with him? I can't allow that pervert to corrupt Rias-Senpai's ancestor. I won't allow it!' Murayama said in her mind as she decided to protect Rias and her ancestor but to hear that said ancestor was dating the Perverted Beast was making her head spin out of control.

Katase had the same train of thought as she shared a nod with Murayama and would interrogate him and Runeas separately to see what he did to their senpai's ancestor.

Issei, on the other hand, was trying to hide from the looks he was given, but a comforting hand squeeze from Runeas made him calm down and smile at her. To Issei, Runeas was the moon to his sun. Runeas told him he was like the Sun, shining brightly and comforting those in trouble no matter what, without asking for anything in return since all he desired was to help others and comfort them.

Issei said to Runeas last night that she was the moon in his eyes since she may be childish, but it was that same night that he saw a kind-hearted Devil that came to him and saved his life even though she was obligated to by any mean. He could still recall seeing her hair shining brightly in the moonlit night as her lavender eyes glowed in the night to show her foreign beauty that even surpassed Rias Gremory's by a large margin.

All in all, the two needed each other to balance each other. Issei, like the heart, comfort and help Runeas with her past, and Runeas as the mind to heal any of his mental and emotional pain that she understands and has already felt. She knows of the trials he will have to face in the future, so she will guide him, train him, and stand by his side until the end of their days.

Yes. The beginning relationship between the Queen of the Duke of Destruction and the Ancestor of the Gremory Family has begun.

In the end, the class went surprisingly well. It was after the lessons that became an issue for both Runeas and Issei. Mostly the former due to well...

"Runeas. As a fellow female, I must ask. You do know who Issei is, right?"

Runeas tried, oh by Lucifer, and she tried to keep her annoyance at bay as she regarded the group of girls crowding around her desk like a bunch of crows. "Yes. I am well aware of who Issei is. But I'm unsure why that would be any of your concerns? You don't seem to care about Issei, much less even speak to him with a basic 'Hello.' So why should my interactions with Issei be of your concern? Do you think I'm some weak girl and can't defend myself?" Runeas asked, hoping she forced her body to display purely only curiosity and confusion.

"Everyone's been talking about how you came to school with him. Some even say you kissed him after he picked you up bridal style with his disgusting arms!" One of them pointed out as if the very idea was disgusting.

Runeas suppressed her eyebrow twitch as she began to be bombarded with multiple questions from the annoyances. "He kissed me, and I enjoyed it. Plus, I like being picked up that way. It makes me feel like a princess. I'm sure you would've wanted that feeling from your Prince, right?" She asked bluntly, somehow both loving and hating their shocked looks until the bombarding of annoying questions came again.

"Runeas! You have to be careful with a guy like Issei!"

"Yeah, like, he's a total pervert! Like the other two creeps he hangs out with, they always talk about porn and hentai!"

"And I should care why, exactly? I recall that Aika Kiryuu is a pervert, and yet you don't slander her, nor do you degrade her by calling her a slut or a whore. Or is that because you are hoping to 'save' her by getting her to no longer be a pervert? You think you can redeem Aika to be a hater like you all?" Runeas asked blandly as if she had tasted some bland food that she found no taste.

There was a confused, stunned silence at that…which was broken by Motohama muttering to Issei. "You lucky bastard. Does she happen to have a sister? Please! I'm begging here." He asked before Issei patted his shoulders. "I'll check and get back to you on that," Issei replied, making Motohama and Matsuda happy to have a friend like Issei.

"Why would you want to go out with someone like him?!" One of the girls demanded in disbelief and disgust as if she was forced to swallow something she despised more than anything.

"You know he peeps on us all the time with his friends! And saying weird things like getting a harem!?"

Runeas had had enough of their questions as she slammed her hands on her desk, leaving her hand imprints on the wood, and shook the girls as she took a deep breath before she rubbed her forehead to alleviate the headache she had from their chattering. "You're all such annoying insects." She murmured to herself before Murayama leaned down, trying to keep Runeas's attention. "We're just trying to look out for you, Runeas! I don't know what he told you-"

SLAP!

The harsh slap silenced the boys and girls of the class Runeas as she saw Murayama fall to the floor. The Kendo Captain was so shocked that she put a hand on her left cheek to look up and saw Runeas shaking as if she was about to explode in rage until she spoke to her in a calm and dangerous tone.

"Since when did I EVER ask for your so-called help? Do you think I would ask some self-righteous savior for some pathetic help?" Runeas asked as she walked toward Murayama slowly with the poise of a Queen who was looking at Murayama as if she was a commoner who insulted her very rule before Runeas leaned down to Murayama's level and tilted her chin to look directly into her eyes which caused Murayama to freeze in shock from the anger that radiates in them.

"Know this. I could give as much care about you or any of the other females of this school as much as I care about a cockroach's life. Let me make myself clear." Runeas said as she grabbed Murayama's face and lifted her quickly as the Devil stood up and held another hand up to list something.

"One, I never asked for you or your friends to come 'save me' as you said. I am more than capable of defending myself, and even if Issei wanted to hurt me, he wouldn't because he's not that kind of person. He's kind, caring of others, and always goes out of his way to make others happy at the expense of himself. He asks for nothing in return, and never once has he gone so far as to rape or manipulate the feelings of any of the girls in this school, though I doubt you self-entitled brats would think otherwise."

"Two. Issei and I have been in a healthy relationship for two weeks now and are taking things slowly. We listen to each other. We sometimes argue, we laugh, we cry, and sometimes we get on each other's nerves when one makes fun of the other for beating me in 15 games of Uno." Runeas said as she looked at Issei, who was snickering at the last part. "Hey! It's not my fault you suck at card games and such."

Runeas rolled her eyes at him before looking back at Murayama. "And finally. Three. I will NEVER forgive someone like you who said he should take a swan dive off the rooftop and commit suicide. Tell me if that is Justice for what he's done to you? Verbally harassing someone so much that you began to victimize him so much that he has nightmares, breaks into a cold sweat, or is afraid of affection from other females besides his mother? You are not some savior of women. Your just a self-entitled little brat who thinks she's strong because she wields a wooden stick. You are even worse than Issei than you claim him to be. Your..."

Runeas said as she then leaned into her ear and finished her sentence.

"A Devil through and through."

This made Murayama's eyes widen as Runeas dropped her before picking up her bag and headed to her Queen's seat. "Issei. Shall we get going? We need to head to the Cooking Club to join them." She said in an authoritative voice that Issei didn't even hesitate to reply or deny as he picked up his bags and said farewell to his friends

Motohama and Matsuda started applauding their buddy and his girlfriend, grinning despite the hurled glares.

"That was awesome. I'm jealous of him, but I can't hate that woman."

"I know. She put Murayama in her place." The guys said to each other while the girls began to converse with each other.

"Maybe this means he'll stop peeping?" one of the other girls suggested hopefully.

"If Issei quits coming to the peepshows, I'm calling that the lucky bastard is getting something extra from that girl of his," Matsuda murmured to Motohama, who nodded sagely with his comrade.

"You want me to what?" Issei asked as Ravel put her apron away before looking at Issei again.

"You'll be taking a test to join my club, but as much as I want to be the advisor of this trial, I have some important matters to attend to, so I'll leave the results of your trial exam to my assistant," Ravel said as she waved the duo goodbye before closing the door until it was reopened a few minutes later.

"Ah. Hello Runeas-San. And you must be Issei Hyoudou, correct?" A young woman said to him as he turned around to be amazed by her appearance. She was around his age, maybe a year older, and stood a few inches taller, bending over so she was at eye level with him.

She was charming in the eyes of the Queen. 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 Runeas's.

"I am Alice Nakiri. I'm the Queen of Lady Ravel as well as the Vice President of the Cooking Club. Your exam will be to make a meal with mushrooms in it. You are to present that meal to me in one hour, and I shall judge you based on texture, taste, and presentation. You can use any of the items and food you find here in the clubroom. Lady Runeas, I hate to ask you this, but can you please wait outside the room? I only ask this so that he may focus on the assignment and not be easily distracted." Alice said as Runeas looked at Issei before he nodded as she left the room.

"Good luck Issei! I have faith in you." Runeas said as she closed the door behind her Alice looked at Issei and pulled out a kitchen timer.

"Your exam starts...Now!"

An Hour Later...

Ravel and Alice were speaking to each other as Issei was nervously looking at them as he bit his thumb's fingernail so hard that he almost drew blood until Runeas stopped him.

"Calm down, Issei. It's not the end of the world. You said Alice seemed to have liked it, correct? I'm sure that means she'll give you a good word." Runeas said to calm him down until Issei stiffened at the fake cough. Ravel, did you get his attention.

Ravel smiled at having his eyes on her before she looked at Alice one last time, which earned her a nod from the Succubus before looking back at Issei.

"Issei Hyoudou. Due to the results of your trial and what Alice has said about your skills, I can say that...you've passed my expectations." Ravel said as she held out a black apron with his name on it, handing it to Issei, who took it in awe and carefully tried not to drop it, which made him so happy before he hugged Ravel, much to her surprise, but it was a nice feeling.

"However, while you are in my club, know that you must show dedication to your grades and attendance since you will need to keep your grades up to stay in the club. Now, allow me to introduce you to the other members of my peerage." Ravel said as she snapped her fingers, and three more magic circles lit up in the room to reveal three other women.

The first newcomer was a young woman with light brown hair and green eyes. Her outfit consisted of a complete set of silver armor with black accents that appeared to be a cross between a European Knight (chest plate, gauntlets, and greaves) and a Japanese Samurai (hip plates and shoulder guards), a headband that went across her hair and forehead. She had a broadsword and a dagger, both held with brown belts slung across her hip. The broadsword is slung on her left hip, features a red jewel on the pommel, and has bandages across the handle for grip. The dagger, located behind her hip, features a gold hilt with applications on the hold.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Karlamine. I am the sole Knight of Lady Ravel. I was able to take two Knights due to my training.

I look forward to working with you." Karlamine said as she shook his hand before walking to Ravel's side as the next one came up.

She was a voluptuous woman with short, light brown hair and grey eyes. Her hair had three red highlights across, and she wore a plain white mask that covered the right side of her face. Her outfit consisted of a black jacket and matching jeans. The jacket had broad shoulders and a wide collar, and three leather straps on both her arms. It is also slightly open, revealing her rather-large breasts and cleavage, and it is cut off at her midriff. Her jeans have a section (on her right pant leg) cut off, revealing some of her thighs and rear end, and also feature three leather straps on her calves, just below the ankles, and two extra straps on her right pant leg to keep it in place. She also wore black fighting gloves and boots, giving the image of a delinquent.

The girl looked at Issei from top to bottom before ruffling his hair with a slight smile on her face. "Names Isabela. I'm a third-year like Karlamine, Lady Ravel's sole Rook, and I'm looking forward to facing you in a good spar." She said before heading over to Ravel as the last one walked over to Issei, but she seemed nervous since she avoided looking in his eyes.

She was a young girl with blue hair and light brown eyes. Her hair is styled with six short ponytails, with four of the six. The front of her hair features split bangs across her forehead, with side bangs framing her face.

Her outfit consisted of a white haori with a red obi, worn under a red happi coat. She wore bandages on her forearms and shins and wore black guards over her hands. For footwear, she wears a pair of zōri.

"M-Mira. My name is Mira. Pleased to be working with you." She said quickly before running behind Isabela, who was chucking at the girl's introduction as she looked at Issei. "Don't mind, Mira. She's just nervous when meeting new people. She's a Pawn in the peerage but was able to take two, so she's somewhat strong. Oh, and she's the first year, so you are technically her Senpai. Be kind to her, or I'll break yo legs." She said in a sweet tone that sent shivers down Issei's spine before he nodded in reply to her request.

"S-Sure thing. I'm happy to be working with you all as well." Issei said as he bowed to them all, making Runeas happy as she sent the Phoenix a thankful look. Ravel acknowledged this before she pulled out a medium-sized cake for them all.

"In celebration of our newest member, I'd say we have a small party with this Red Velvet Chocolate cake," Ravel said as she pulled out some plates and cups for them while Alice took out the soda the others took as to start the party.

Issei was given the first slice, and as he took a bite of it, he was amazed at the taste of the cake, which made him go into a little rant about it before Isabela decided to have some fun.

"Hey, Issei. Guess who made that cake?" She asked, making Ravel turn towards her and attempt to stop her until Issei replied almost immediately. "Ravel?"

Ravel. DxD is no longer working. XD

Ravel was frozen in shock as Isabela laughed heartily while slapping his back and nodding at his reply. "Yep. Ravel's had a sweet tooth since she was born and loved to bake. She wants to open her bakery one day so she can spread her baked goods across the world." Isabela explained as Ravel broke out of her shock and began to punch her fists into Isabela's back which didn't even faze the Rook as she laughed at Ravel's attack.

While they were partying, Runeas watched Issei smile and laugh with the girls, which made her happy that Issei could have some female friends who wouldn't mind Issei's antics.

"This is nice. This is good for Issei. Having some new friends who understand his situation. I'm glad to be in your club, Ravel, and I hope you'll love Issei like I am with him." Runeas said as she patted the blushing Phoenix's back; she had a red and drunk look while her cup was filled with grape soda which made Runeas take a picture of the drunk Ravel that she would not be keeping as blackmail.

Not at all.

Yep. An excellent ending to a very hectic day at Kuoh Academy.

Meanwhile...

Raynare was in her room waiting for more information on the nun they'd been expecting to come from Italy.

"Dammit. Where is that nun? She was supposed to be here today." Raynare said to herself as her door was opened by a giggling girl wearing a cloak until she took off the hood to reveal her face to the Fallen.

"Hello, Raynare. How's my favorite Rogue Fallen Angel doing today? Any poor kids you've killed lately? I've been itching to have a good kill from a more interesting target than those boring priests we have down below." The woman asked as Raynare turned to face her with an annoyed expression.

"Did you do what I asked of you, Clementine? You know I do not tolerate insubordination." Raynare said as she had a spear of light out and pointed it at Clementine's throat, but instead of a scared expression, the face of the girl was one of a happy girl as if she had seen a friend in a long time.

"Aw, I knew you still cared about me, Raynare. As for the nun, you don't need to worry. She'll be here in a few days. Her flight was delayed, so she'll be running behind schedule." Clementine said as she handed Raynare a file before the Fallen nodded and accepted the information.

"Good. Is there anything else to report, or are you here to annoy me again?" Raynare asked as Clementine feigned a hurt expression before her eyes shined cheerfully in the night.

"Oh yes. I'd like to mention that a certain ancestor of the Gremory family is here. And it appears your prey is back from the dead with an interesting weapon." Clementine said as she pulled out a file with a picture of Issei and Runeas chatting in the park while sharing some ice cream. "Care to see what made that boy so special?"

Raynare tuned to look at the file, and her eyes began to darken as her lips became a twisted smile.

"I'm listening."

End.

Now while I wanted Issei to face off against a Stray Devil in this chapter, I wanted to add some excellent fluff chapters going a bit more into Issei's trauma and how Runeas is helping Issei and cares for his being.

Murayama and Katase are in the Gremory peerage, and yes, Murayama has the Boosted Gear. Still, I doubt Murayama will be able to be a better user than Issei was since while Murayama may be good with kendo and some fire magic, that'll mean nothing when they face off against Riser or Raynare.

Oh, and Ravel's Peerage has members who I think will be very beneficial to the Phoenix and will be filled in due time.

As for Isabela, I wanted to go for the big sister trope since she and Mira were the only ones who seemed to have gained interest in Issei after the Riser arc, so I decided to add the two of them and Karlamine in Ravels Peerage along with Alice Nakiri from Food Wars to be a Succubus Queen.

Now Issei will be able to fight with his Longinus soon, and his battle against Clementine will be an interesting one since I believe Clementine will be more of a challenge than Freed since Clementine doesn't play around with her kills. Also, comparing skills, Clementine is a far superior foe to Freed, who'll be different in this story. He won't be a villain, but he won't exactly be a good guy. He'll be more like an...Anti Priest. Not part of the church but still goes out to serve others and save lives from wicked Devils like Diadora.

Now thanks to my friend D'nnome, we have been able to get the Balance Breaker and Issei's other abilities as well locked down. Because I thought that if Issei uses his Balance Breaker will he be able to use something similar to them in his Balrog form?

If we are talking about certain traits from Issei's form, this is what I can come up with:

The Dark Flame. Wrath: Issei's Balrog body produces a constant hellish fire as though it were his flesh and blood. These flames can be breathed out or formed into weapons like axes, whips, or swords. They are the most devastating flames on record; a single touch will reduce a person's unbearable agony of burning pain coursing through their body to their very soul. For sinners, being touched by these flames will force them to relive their crimes in the eyes of their victims, leaving them in a catatonic state. Everything in its wake is burnable, even holy light and divine water.

Devouring Shadow. Gluttony: Upon release of the Balance Breaker, a great shadow erupts from Issei that could turn midday into midnight for a short period before solidifying into his new mutated form. The Balrog's body and bones are composed of shadows of mysterious make. These shadows can spread like an aura around the Balrog, granting its malice-filled visage of both shadow and flame. These shadows eat magic. Spells prove effective against piercing or stopping these shadows, and this energy is broken down to feed Issei in his beastly state. It can even consume holy light. This, in effect, makes Issei the bane of magic casters, and only direct physical attacks have the chance to cause harm.

Demonic Might. Pride: Issei's Balrog is the epitome of the darkness. His very presence floods the area around him with terror. Lesser beings would be reduced to their knees in a sobbing mess. This is also expressed in Issei's raw physical power, capable of cracking apart a mountain with a single blow. With greater focus, he could enshroud midday in complete darkness, leaving only his hellish visage the only source of light.

Envy-Enthralling: Control of lesser demons like stray devils and recently dead into wights and wraiths. A necromancy ability to raise the dead of those he had recently slain.

Lust - Apex of Hell - Post-first Balance Breaker in the mutation of Issei Hyoudou into a more muscular body with more significant 'needs' and equipment. Lust is unique in that it effects Issei after his first use of Balance Breaker, the mutation having changed him permanently with a bigger body of brimstone scales, tail, horns, and wings that make him a hybrid of his Balrog form and the 'needs' his Duke will have to 'help' him with via new equipment.

Greed - Repair and healing of those close to him, healing devils from fatal wounds like a stab through the heart or disembowelment. Resurrection may be possibly similar to Evil Pieces of his lovers. As well as the ability to replicate Devil Pillar magics from noble devils near him.

Sloth - Suffer Me Now - Domination of those he has broken, enthralling him into his service. (Look up Shadow of War of the Domination power by Talion.) As well as his aura of darkness protecting him much like the True Longinus' holy shield

His abilities are modeled after the Seven Deadly Sins since Issei's is a dark Longinus instead of a holy one like Cao Cao's.

So I hope to see you all soon in the next update. Bye!

Oh, and before I forget, I'm going to go for a Naruto fanfic where Sakura will go to Orochimaru for power. This'll take place after the break after the third round in the Chunin Exams. The reason is that I don't want Sasuke to have the Curse Mark at first since I want Orochimaru to hold off on placing the mark on the Uchiha since he would be a bit interested in Sakura due to her slight resemblance to Tsunade and maybe very interested in her from what Kabuto has on her.

Sakura is one of my favorite characters since she is a civilian with no powerful demon in her body to give her overwhelming power, a powerful bloodline like Ino or Sasuke, or incredible talent like other Shinobi in the show. I never liked how the writer made the females stay on the sidelines and become weak, which is why I want Sakura to break from her vulnerable self since I know she's very kind-hearted like Eri. Still, even the kindest of souls can be corrupt should the event come, so imagine, say...

In that fight with Zabuza and Haku, she was utterly useless, not to mention Sasuke almost died. She also failed to protect Naruto and Sasuke during the Chunin exams even though she fought her best. And even worse, she lost against Ino, who didn't even acknowledge her as a worthy opponent, even going so far as to cut the ribbon she gave to Sakura when they were friends.

This mentality makes her desire power more so that she won't be so useless anymore. She wants the ability to prove herself that she is worthy of being a ninja, but now she's willing to do anything it takes. Kakashi's training wasn't helping her enough, as it only helped Naruto and Sasuke go ahead of her by a large margin. Plus, Kakashi seemed to favor Naruto and Sasuke since he didn't even attempt to help her learn anything besides the tree climbing, and even though she passed the exercise quickly, he still did nothing even to help Sakura get stronger, much less teach her Ninjutsu or help her with Taijutsu or heck teach her Genjutsu.

That's why during the break in between the third and fourth part of the Chunin exams, Orochimaru, Kabuto, and the Sound Four can slowly turn her over to their side by teaching her and giving her the Curse Mark as a way to test Sakura if she would be willing to do anything for power.

Let me know what you think of this idea since I'm interested in making this happen. Oh, and there's also the slight chance that Sakura will have a split personality. One that is still the thoughtful and kind Sakura but with a firmer hold of her emotions, and the other one is more like a pink-haired Esdeath since I learned that she could use Earth Release, Water Release, Earth Release, Yin, and Yang Release, but she was never given a chance to use or learn any of them, so why not have to say, Orochimaru taught Sakura how to use Ninjutsu that way? She can also attempt to create Ice Jutsu as a tribute to Haku and Zabuza after she takes his sword.

Anyway, ta ta for now.

The next update will be Emperor's Mission, Fullbringer's Mission, DXD Gamer, the Naruto story, and hopefully Crimson Godslayer.

Bye!