Disclaimer: I do not own High school DxD


Chapter 6


"Issei, before we begin the battle, you'll need to activate your sacred Gear"

"Huh?" The pervert's focused face changed to confusion into a matter of seconds, seeing nothing best to do in his situation he asked in a questioning tone "I thought that you forbade me from using it during training camp…besides I thought Katsuo wasn't supposed to see it…part of the Peerage only information"

"You weren't supposed to use it without my permission and Katsuo isn't here…he's out right now…fetching me some stuff I asked him – in short I'm giving you full clearance to use it"

"If you say so…" he used a deep breath to gather his strength and with an exhale he shouted "All right! [Boosted Gear] Go!"

At his command lime green energy surrounded his left arm, only to later peel away revealing the deep crimson beneath; interlocking metal plates arranged in a scale-like fashion, sharpened fingertips with a green emerald sitting on top of the hand, showered in a Blazing Crimson. There was no doubt…the device on Issei's left arm was nothing more than – The [Boosted Gear]

...he could feel it…the burning sensation still there…he wouldn't pay any mind to it.

At the sight of the pervert effortlessly summoning his Sacred Gear a small smile grazed the heiress features.

"Kiba, would you mind partnering with him?" yet her voice was directed to her knight with the same commanding and dignified voice as always.

As expected of the Prince of Kuoh his response was polite and soft spoken.

"Not at all"

"Don't hold back Kiba, I want to see the results of our training"

"I wasn't planning to" her knight responded while getting into stance.

"Good" a quick nod with a knowing smirk was uttered at her knight confidence in himself, only to then shift her focus to her only pawn "alright Issei, start boosting"

"GO!"

At his command the emerald jewel attached to the gauntlet let out a green shine followed by a booming voice declaring…

[BOOST]

"Good, now again"

At her command he wasted no time to let out another battle cry

"More!"

[BOOST]

The emerald kept increasing in brightness, the once dark gem was shining brightly as more green particles of energy kept gathering in its center. With every one of Issei's commands his power kept increasing; the atmosphere around him becoming heavier and the grass below him swirling in wave-like motions.

He let out a long breath he didn't know he was holding at the end of his twelve calling.

Is this the result of my training?

Is this all I have?

No

"GIVE ME TWO MORE!"

[EXCEED]

His shout and final calling took everyone by surprise, stopping their words dead on their track leaving only shocked expressions behind. Rias' face in specific was a mixture between shock and present surprise, as a small blush set on her cheeks.

"…fourteen consecutive power ups…that is a record…and stronger than expected isn't it" the priestess of Thunder stated more than asked with a very uncommon surprised tone.

"…it is…" the Gremory heiress responded without shifting her gaze, two blue orbs focused completely on the brown haired boy before her.

His bone ached.

His muscles were tense.

The weigh on his shoulder was more than he had ever experienced before

He felt as if he would snap in half at any moment.

Yet...he could take it.

He was sure of it that was why he trained so hard, he couldn't help but grin at his achievement. With his lips quirked and his eyes full of confidence – the confidence she gifted him – he spoke.

"I'm still standing"

Rias heart skipped a beat at the sight.

"Do you see Issei – you have never been able to power up this much in the past – this is the result of our training" her blue orbs left his brown ones, as she addressed the other combatant "now Kiba"

Just like before her Knight blitzed at her command, closing the distance in a matter of seconds.

Yet…

When the wooden sword met the crimson gauntlet the force behind Issei's response was superior than expected. Clear surprise set on Kiba's face as he was easily pushed back by Issei's sudden increase of strength.

Now standing once again away from each other the pawn of Gremory raised his hand once again.

"Let's Go! [Boosted Gear]!"

He closed his eyes, face showing only precise concentration, as his consciousness started drifting to his imaginary world – images rapidly filled his mind, images of that he knows, years of experience, recognizance and recollection all coming to him in one single moment

Think of it a soft in texture, black in color.

Flexible – threads with elasticity allowing for fast stretching and contraction, yet with the strength to hold mountains.

Durable – multiple silk fibbers intertwining with each other, woven together in a masterful display of technique and sensuality.

The wild pulsating waves beneath became more refined, steadier, no longer being wild and sporadic…though they adopted a very suggestive round shape…two to be exact.

"Akeno-san…what is Issei-san doing?"

"Ara, ara. Issei-kun is focusing on his inner power; it seems that he found a way to draw upon it way more efficiently than before. After our training he must have figured out a way to use his imagination better…ara such impressive control"

With an innocent head tilt and eyes full of admiration and respect the former nun spoke.

"What could be Issei-san be imagining?"

SOFT MOUNDS! – made out of overlapping layers of muscle and fat covered in a soft layer of pink skin; perfectly round and symmetrical, balanced in weight and form, pressed tightly against the black fabric, stretching it to its utmost limits

Red

The color of her hair, the woman I admire.

The black underwear tightly wrapped around her chest…yet…she displayed displeasure in her face, the fabric was neither strong enough nor big enough to contain such a bountiful chest like hers. The sloppy attempt to contain her breast is not only hurting her but its breaking the black bra.

His bones started cracking.

His breathing became ragged.

And an invisible weight set on his shoulders, crushing his back.

Even if I can surpass my limits I'm not still ready to control them…damn it… if there was a way to let out this residual energy…

Years of reading dirty magazines, years of obsessing over the female figure, years of discussing with Motohama and Matsuda on which Hentai Tag was the best – all of it came crashing down in an instant, filling his brain with the raunchiest of knowledge…and with it…realization hit him…

I don't need to focus on trying to contain all of it! I need to push out all the boob meat safely out of the bra!

[EXPLOSION]

A sudden explosion of energy sprung from his body, enveloping his whole figure in his signature green lime light, creating a pillar that momentarily blinded the spectators.

His body relaxed no longer under the stress of his extra energy.

Now is the time…focus just like that time!

Just as he hoped in the blink of an eye a small pebble sized magic sphere appeared on the palm of his hand. It was as small, as it used to be when he first managed to properly conjure it.

"Now Issei put all your power into one attack, trust yourself" Rias declared her blue eyes softening, as they never left the image of the brown haired boy 'just like I trust you'

As for him, he just had one more declaration to make, one full of blazing passion and determination like no other.

"Get ready for this Kiba! This is the power of Boobs without my bra containing it!"

Dead silence followed after.

"…what?"

The clear tone shift flew over the pervert's head, as he plunged his arm forward and released the miniature magic sphere accompanied by a very loud scream.

In truth he didn't believe his power would be enough.

He would have been satisfied by just destroying one three, maybe two, trees with his attack.

So it came to him as a surprise that the aftershock which followed sent both him and his friends flying at the release of his power. A deafening boom filled the air probably destroying his ears in the process, as the last sounds he remembered were those of female screams, after that a high pitch ringing took over and his consciousness faded to black.


"…And he did THAT…by himself"

She couldn't believe her eyes.

"…Yep"

"…In one attack"

"Exactly" a short answer came out of her mouth, but still the pride in her tone was undeniable.

Wide purple eyes stayed fixed on the scenery before her for a moment, after a short time with her own thoughts, she closed her eyes a let out a tired sigh. Shifting her head she opened her eyes and addressed her fellow heiress and friend.

"If that is the case then I shouldn't be so concerned with you and more concerned with Riser's wellbeing after the Rating Game"

An arrogant chuckle left the Crimson Princess, as she met the Sitri heiress eye to eye.

"As much as I would like to see his bastard face eating the full force of that blast I expect the Rating Game to be much more difficult" Rias said, her tone being her usual prideful one, but masking her actual worry.

"Which is why I came to give you this" Sona Sitri stated by extending her hand, a small hand brief between her fingers.

Taking the brief into her Hands she analyzed it; the paper used was Pink, unusual use of paper color, and it was doused in an obnoxious amount of perfume…but the stamped seal she could recognize – the sigil of the Sea Snake, the mark of the Underworld's Bureau of Foreign Affairs – The symbol of The Leviathan.

She couldn't help but look at her childhood friend with bewilderment written all over her face. She was about to speak but found no word leaving her mouth, instead it was her friend who decided to break her stupor.

"It came at a great price and an awful amount of shame to me" the proud heiress of Sitri couldn't help but blush at remembering HER demands – quickly regaining herself she continued "but if you are to beat Riser Phenex you will need all the help possible"

Still taken back by Sona's words she couldn't help but mumble.

"…But the Satans-"

"And other Houses are forbidden to break up marriages and intervene in upcoming Rating Games by law, yes, I know that" her tone was stern and forth coming as expected of someone of her status– yet it softened like the sweetest delicacy in a matter of seconds "but that doesn't mean we can't support you"

The Redhead heiress finally relaxed and eyed her friend with all the care and admiration they held for each other. Expressing the only words that came to her mouth she could only hold the pink letter close to her heart while offering a solemnly…

"Thank you"

"We differ in many areas, we know that much – I'm a firm believer in smarts and information above else, it has always been my way of approaching any situation, but I know that you take pride in power and force when confronted with a situation. I cannot for certain say which way is better – but if I were to blindly decide it would be mine" a small, but comfortable, laugh was brought by both parties "Which is why I'm offering you this – I cannot give you more pieces to fight with, nor can I accompany you in battle – but I can give you what it's more valuable to me…because you are my friend, may it serve you well in the upcoming battle"

A small laugh left Rias lips as a beautiful smile lit her face, regaining more of her previous composure and pride.

"Doesn't it bother you, having to speak like a noblewoman at every time possible?"

"I have to try with someone; otherwise I would bore Tsubaki to death every time I have a long winded speech planned"

"Ugh tell me about it, I can't get Akeno to pass the five minutes mark"

Both Blue and Purple eyes met in an attempt to remain serious, but quickly failing in the task, as the both proud devil heiress were left chuckling and later full on laughing at their short exchange.

"Ahh…I haven't had such a carefree laugh in a while…thank you Sona"

The Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, feared by her enemies and respected by her allies, said amidst a dying fit of laughter while unceremoniously holding her tummy. In response the other devil Heiress had to recompose herself from her similar situation and show at least an amount of modesty between the two.

"Thank me when you walk out of the Rating Game victorious and with Riser's honor crushed under your feet" said the proud Sitri, adjusting her glasses and whipping hear laughing tears.

In turn a quick, but proud, nod of Acknowledgement was the Gremory's response, convening her mutual sentiment.

Now that their previous poise was recovered, they could start boarding other matters of importance – yet again it was Sona Sitri who led the conversation.

"And how are they doing – aside from Hyoudou's knack for blowing up mountains – how is the rest of your peerage holding up"

"Asia has found a new talent in casting up shields; she has become quite a natural in it, not so surprising considering her background and personality she still not successful in merging [Twilight Healing] with her magic barriers, I have Akeno watching over her so that she learn how to." she let a short pause to gather her thoughts, casting her eyes at the empty training yard "Koneko is beating up trees and turning boulders to dust every day with more ease and Kiba is as sharp in battle as the blade he makes – they have been able to pierce solid steel as of late"

Silent quickly permeated their conversation, the sound of wind blowing being the only thing occupying their attention. That was until Sona Sitri decided to break that silence.

"It's good to hear, they need to be at their best when the time comes" there was shyness and reluctance in her next words, something really rare and unbecoming of her, but she spoke them nonetheless "…what of Him"

"Him?"

Him? What other 'him' could Sona be referring to – Red eyebrows furrowed in contemplation – could it be her other Bishop…no it had to be…

"Humph, I thought that you would be displaying your newly acquired Exorcist Blade more openly, after all that is a rare commodity for most devils" the Heiress stated bluntly, breaking her out of her thoughts.

Realization dawned upon her with an audible 'Oh'

"That Him…he is out now gathering things in preparation for the Rating Game"

That response didn't settle the inquiring gaze of her fellow heiress; on the contrary it deepened it.

"…I guess that he is gathering what he used to split that church in half"

Rias couldn't help but sigh in disappointment – her friend seemed to not get the memo.

"No" she responder bluntly.

"…no…How so?" A dumbfounded Sona couldn't help to mutter. For all she knew he already was Rias other knight piece, his continuous absence at school proved as much, but with this piece falling in her puzzle…she couldn't help but to be found out of her element.

"He is not part of my Peerage" her disappointed eyes casted a quick glance to her friend; her dumbfounded face was the only solace she found in her unsuccessful attempt to make the former exorcist a member of her Peerage "What didn't expect that, well you are free to siege the opportunity if you can"

Her friend in response raised a questioning eyebrow – the keyword 'can' made her do it…still she didn't board that area of the subject.

"That wasn't what I meant…If so why is he helping you?"

…If only she knew how many times that question popped in her head in the last eight days.

"Heaven If I know – he offered his help, no string attached, free of charge, not paying any previous debt – he is pretty weird if you ask me" she ended with a little shake of her head and a confused expression – which later turned into a small comforting smirk, which she tried her best to hide "…but he has helped Ise a lot and for that I'm grateful"

An inquiring eyebrow was raised against her.

"Just Hyoudou"

…One which she met with a direct approach.

"No, he has also helped me; I find his insight…valuable and unusual…No one expects me win against Riser, it's what expected of me after all, and if I'm to come on top of this thing I need to do the entire opposite of what is expected"

Finally the questioning gaze of her friend dropped and quickly regained the poise deserving of the Heiress of the Sitri family.

"If that is the case then I'm glad" with a push of her glasses and a shine of her lens her aura became deadly – such that would inspire fear in the heart of the bravest student "Doesn't excuse at all his absence at school"

Such was her cold fury that the president of the ORC recoiled in fear, even if none of the killing intent was focused at her.

"Now that you mention it…he said that I should tell you about this…the fact that he would be out for a while…I guess that with so many on my head I forgot" a guilty expression flashed through her face after saying that…and also some embarrassment if one paid close attention to her cheeks color.

THIS made the council president raise an eyebrow.

"Did he say so?"

Lifting her shoulders in mock surrender, her red-headed friend spoke.

"If I invent an excuse now will he be pardoned from your justice?"

A single word left her lips.

"No"

And so was decided on that fateful day, as the jury judge and executioner chopped the conversation as cleanly as she would her next victim.

"Then I have nothing to defend a dead man" the president of the ORC would weep for the man and say her regards when the time came "but please punish him after the Rating Game"

The President of the Student council responded with a short 'Humph'

"Very well"

Silence reign once again between the two, followed shortly by a quick chuckle by both parties, proud of the charade they decided to indulge in – with no more words shared the met each other's gaze and bowed solemnly in unison.

"Take care Rias"

"You too Sona"

Sona Sitri couldn't help but watch at the distance to the large forest that surrounded the old Gremory manor, those strong oaks that stood tall for generations, their numbers doubling and tripling every year – becoming larger and sturdier, accompanied by those large mountains; those terrifying rock formations that seemed like they sprung up from the earth itself, going through anyone on their path, craving a way to the skies with little effort – yet it wasn't the trees numbers nor the mountains size which amazed her…it was the fact that one of these godly constructs, these beings of nature, was turned to simple pebbles by a 170 cm perverted high school boy…

…The [Boosted Gear]

No more words left her mouth as she vanished into particles of blue light, her eyes staying fixed in the scenery before her


She watched him collapse onto the floor, his own sweat drenching his school uniform, panting heavily and tired after trying that move for the twentieth time today; while she could proudly say that he had gotten better at it than before, it did pain her to see his discomfort every time he summon that crimson scaled gauntlet – what started like a burning sensation felt more like his skin was burning off and his bones being melted, according to him.

No matter, she wasted no time putting another night dress on and quickly approaching the downed boy with a bottle of water in hand, offering it sheepishly with both of her hands and her gaze casted low. The boy in return took the bottle full heartedly, with a big stupid smile on his face – the kind that make him look like an idiot to the entire school but made her heart stir and her cheeks blush every time he showed it to her.

Chugging its contents greedily he let out a relieved air after cleaning his face with his uniform sleeve. Seeing his friend still standing in front of him, he moved a bit to the side offering her a place at his side – a place that the girl took happily, if not a bit too shyly.

"Y-you have gotten better at it…"

"Yeah! Isn't it amazing? A spell created solely by me – man I cannot wait see Yakitori's dumb face after I use it against his Team" Issei Hyoudou's quick enthusiasm quickly died down as he recoiled in pain, clutching his armored arm in the process "…If only this thing wasn't such a pain in the ass to use it'd be perfect"

"…I'm sure you will get the hang of it!" Asia offered him her kind words accompanied by a bright smile "…I-I wasn't as talented with [Twilight Healing] at first…but someone as talented as you, Ise-san, will be able to perform wonderful things!"

"…Wonderful Things…and I'm here disrobing you over and over…" His eyes were filled with tears as he clutched his heart in ephemeral pain – in his eyes he could only see the clueless face of the former nun as a golden light showered her petite frame; bowing his head to her and addressing her as his goddess he continued his overdramatic tirade "Asia! Your words and pure nature cut too deep!"

As for the 'goddess' in question, well…cheeks became as Red as his scaled gauntlet, and her ears became a broken steam engine as vapor came pouring out of them with no end in sight – her hands danced like crazy, her head followed in tandem, in an awful and failed attempt to deflect her shame and begging the pervert boy in front of her to stand up. Sadly for her, his tirade lasted a while longer than expected and after some more head smashes against the floor the sound of the room was reduced to their awkward breathing.

"…Asia…"

He muttering her name so softly called her attention once more.

"Y-yes Ise-san"

"…do you think we can win?"

This somber question, and the uncharacteristic tone it was muttered in, threw her for a loop; so in turn she really wanted to be forgiven when the only sound that left her mouth afterwards was a sudden yelp and a meekly…

"…w-what d-do you mean Ise-san…"

She made him mad, she could see that in his face – at least that's what she thought.

"Forget I asked" a tired sigh followed soon after, deciding to switch topics Issei asked about something that had been itching in the back of his mind the night he discovered the power of boobs "Haven't you noticed his absence as of late?"

She could feel her face regain some life at Issei addressed her once again.

"His absence…you mean"

"Yeah haven't seen his obnoxious European Prick face as of late"

Her cute and innocent face switched to an indignant – and kind of cute – pout at hearing the chosen epithet for the boy that saved her and Issei's lives and arguably the closest friend of the aforementioned pervert.

"Ise-san that's no way to talk about ones friends"

As always hard truths cut deep.

"He is no friend of mine! He is all that I stand against…he is…He is my arch nemesis! Yes that's it!"

"…then why did you ask my help by…" Asia Argento asked with innocent and genuine confusion set in her face.

Then, as if posed by some type of spirit, Issei clamped his hand on top of Asia's mouth preventing her from finishing her sentence. He proceeded to eyeball the area around him with extreme and comically prejudice, only to finally set his peeled gaze onto hers.

"Shhh! Asia somebody might be hearing…I don't want anyone to know that I did anything for that Handsome…" such were the words of the infamous pervert boy Issei Hyoudou…in the most dead serious and uncharacteristic way possible, as his dead-looking eyes were staring directly at the soul of Asia Argento – not even the mention of someone burning his secret stash received such gravitas.

After that, he proceeded to remove the hand from her face but his stare was still focused on her; waiting for some sort of understanding from her part.

Blessed be her Innocent…or considering her current nature – Cursed – for she didn't understand the core message the boy was trying to transmit, as she responded with beaming eyes.

"Ohhh I get it, this is what friends call – a secret gift if so I will speak no more of it until Ise-san says otherwise" she asserted with a quick head nod.

He couldn't fault her reaction, no one could, not even the most judgmental archangels or the wickedest of Arch-devils could condemn such pureness and incredulity. So his only possible response was to cross his arms and softly mumble to himself.

Once his short lived anger died down he asked once more in a more serious manner.

"Say Asia…do you think I could be like Him…"

Such a question could put anyone into a deep thought; there were variables to analyze and metaphorical question to ask like 'What it means to be like someone else?' is it just to have the same personality as someone else or boils down to a matter of actions, perhaps both of them are necessary, 'Do genetics determine who we are or are we a product of experiences and ideas'. If two different persons share the same ideas and experiences, could they be considered alike, cloud they be considered the same person or is a genetic aspect required for that to be true.

Thousands upon thousands question could be formed, each one yielding more questions than answers…

…But to her none of it mattered…for there was one answer.

"No, I don't think so"

He could feel the remaining hope left in his body shatter like glass and soon after his spirit slowly leaving his body.

"Wha! Is it because of my looks? I know I don't have that European decent and I may be small compared to him, but I hear women nowadays like short men. At least I hope so…and in matters of strength he may be the stronger one now…but Buchou said that in time I will be able to outclass even the strongest of humans, so he does have the advantage on me on that for now but latter on…on the contrary he is the better swordsman…enough to match Kiba…and most of the girls seemed to prefer him over me… ….but in grades we are the same averages…"

The hopeless perverted boy ranted digging himself in a hole for quite some time, in an endless tirade of compliments, refusal and curses directed to himself and Him.

But all of it ceased down in an instant as the quiet girl beside him called upon her bravery and with a deciding swift motion, clasped the scaled red gauntlet with her two petite hands and while she was clearly red of embarrassment, her hold was firm but tender at the same time. She stared at him, with red cheeks and resolute eyes, and spoke.

"…I-I don't want Ise-san to be like someone else, I-I l-like Ise-san for being I-Ise-san…not somebody else…"

He stopped.

His breathing, his heartbeat, and his thoughts all of his being stopped for a second; there were no words he could utter that could convey how he felt now…only a relived breath and a soft…

"…Asia…"

Time stopped for the both of them as the longest one second in history took place. As time seemed to resume, the small nun seemed to finally realize that still held Issei's armored hand firmly clasped into her own two small frail ones. Feeling her already red face deepen in color even more she dropped his hands like they were hot coals and slid away from him while shaking her head in embarrassment.

"…W-we could train some more if you w-want?" Asia said in the need to find a distraction from what just transpired.

A distraction that the perverted boy took gladly with newly regained vigor…perhaps with too much vigor…

"YES, LET'S PROVE THE WORLD THAT SMALL AVERAGE-LOOKING MEN ARE SUPERIOR IN GENERAL" so proclaimed the mighty Harem King, getting into stance ready to use his newly developed technique – The Dress Break.

Time passed and along the sound of clothes ripping apart multiple times neither of them seemed to notice the small rays of sunlight creeping at the edge of the sky.


The Sun finally rose with it the sound of birds filled the air, the soft wind blowing eased the mind and the snoring of a certain high school pervert woke nearly everyone in the vicinity.

Still she wouldn't have it any other way; after all they were their family now.

Being finally done with preparing breakfast she left five plates ready in the kitchen and took one, along a cup of coffee, with her. She gracefully approached a very specific door in the Gremory Manor; she proceeded to knock once and shortly after made her way in.

She wasn't surprised when she found her, her best friend, Rias Gremory, engrossed in her own word; papers littered around the room, on top of her bed, on the floor, she could even see some in the bathroom and…were those papers also in the bathroom sink? She knew exactly what those were, they were strategies, plans, and scenarios mock ups; hundreds of hypothesis concerning the upcoming Rating Game.

…and at the center of them was her, the heiress of the Gremory family, still restless, by the looks of it she had stayed awake through this night and who knew how many other nights.

She approached her and gently set the plate along with the cup of coffee at the side of her friend. The only acknowledgement of such an act was a "Thank you Akeno" spoken between mouthfuls of toast and sips of coffee.

In kind she responded with a giggle followed by a "you're welcome Buchou"

After the short exchange the acclaimed priestess of Thunder, Queen of Rias Gremory, proceeded to do her duty…as a glorified handmaiden; not that she would speak against it or mind for that matter. If it meant helping her dear friend in a time of need, she would do it with a smile on her face.

Now that her King was neatly dressed and the room didn't look like a hurricane had swiped through, the next course of action was gather the members of the Peerage to the main living room and discuss the strategy for the Rating Game. That took about fifteen minutes Koneko and Kiba were already up and fed, while Asia and Issei needed more time and they appeared more tired than most if the black rings under their eyes were anything to go by.

What could they have been up to all night?

No need to indulge in such thought with more pressing matters at hand.

Taking her place next to her King she watched as the other members of the Peerage gathered around the crimson Princess.

Kiba sat neatly on a chair, his usual smile plastered on his face yet his eyes were glued to his King, waiting for the words to leave her mouth.

Koneko eyes danced aloofly in the beyond, her face showing no emotion as she stuffed sweets into her mouth.

'I thought I had those hidden away from her' Akeno thought.

Not so far from their little cat was Issei; the pervert boy trying to stay awake for dear life as his eyelids were becoming heavier and heavier by the second.

Asia Argento was, as expected, comforting the boy and helping him stay awake despite her own sleepy eyes. She found it incredible, how two persons of such different background were able to find such a tight companionship despite the bad hand they were dealt in life…or was perhaps because of it…she found such a bond cute and me her feel happy for them…if not a bit jealous…

Then there was an empty seat.

She hadn't seen him in a while, not since their last conversation that night, during which she had been suddenly filled with an insomnia attack and was in need of some milk and perhaps some sweets…now that she remembers it the state she found him was very bizarre, he was clearly over-caffeinated and was crying to himself about something along the lines of 'the power of boobs' if she remembered correctly…not that it mattered now, they had a meeting to attend to…

A sharp breath from her King shifted her train of thought, now focused only at the meeting at hand.

"…The Rating Game is tomorrow, all of you have done a beautiful job these past nine days and I wanted to say that I'm proud of every one of you…but first we have a match to win" Rias tone was stern and commanding yet there was pride mixed with a taint of melancholy "I've received notice from a very reliable source that the match will take place in a copy of Kuoh Academy"

Their faces lit up, even some one as clueless to battle strategy as Issei could see this as something good.

"That is good…very good" Kiba chimed in from his seat, his hand stroking his chin while his eyes where deep in thought "we know the place in and out, that give us the territory advantage"

The heiress of Gremory didn't waste time and fired back with a quick response.

"Exactly – that narrows down the amount of variable strategies from a thousand to a hundred, perhaps less…but they still outnumber us three to one…which is why…" she could see the trepidation in her friend's face, it looked difficult but in the end the crimson Ruin Princess had to swallow her pride "Which is why we'll be forced to use methods that are unbecoming of us Devils"

She raised an eyebrow; she had perhaps an idea of what she meant but it was too preposterous to imagine, so she decided to voice her opinion.

"What do you mean Buchou?"

In kind her friend responded with the least amount of shame in her words.

"I'm talking of approaching this battle like exorcist of the church –crucifixes and holy water against Riser"

Shock – in each of their faces, from Kiba to Issei even Koneko couldn't hide it.

"It may be shameful, yes, but…after long advancing from a certain someone…I see no other way"

"Sorry Buchou but none of us are adept in using instruments of the church, I can't see any of us wearing a crucifix without getting burned of chanting a sacrament without getting a headache"

"Yes that is true – not many of us have that knowledge except for..."

A long gaze was casted to the former nun of the group, a gaze that was shortly followed by others. As for her, well, she tried to handle the pressure as best as possible.

"W-well I do know some sacraments…but I can't chant them anymore…"

Rias nodded in solemn understanding.

"None of us can – which is way you will explain us how they work instead of how to use them…someone is already taking care of the latter…"

"Oi Buchou do you mean the damn handsome" Issei asked with his characteristic bluntness.

"Yes I do" she responded in kind with no hesitation.

"I'm guessing you have a specific way to use these 'items' in mind, do you?" As her Queen she nodded to test the resolve and confidence of her King.

And as always…she wasn't disappointed by them.

"But of course, it would be very unbecoming of me if I didn't…and there would be no point to this meeting" her King responded, her eyes unwavering and prideful as ever "There are two main plans A and B, A being the base one and B being a variation of A – Plan C acts as a replacement in case of a countermeasure of B and D acts as a another option if A through C are ruled out at the start of the match and E is our last resort" Rias watched the group, testing their attention – once checked with a long breath she began "Okay, for starters…"


Three hours had passed since the meeting began, three long and excruciating hours of planning, strategic thinking and battle analysis. While most of them feared well, the worst she would admit is dazing off once or twice, others didn't do so good – one boy she would not name looked as his brain had turn to pudding – but aside from that it was very enlightening, all of them had now a general idea of their role and to be honest she didn't expect that from Rias…she found it refreshing in a way.

"…Okay that will be all for today" The King dismissed her pieces with a quick sentence – breaking the Queen out of her own thoughts.

Surprisingly it was the Pawn, who spoke out the loudest.

"Wait, do you mean there will be no hellish training today? No thousand sit ups and pushups, no running through the forest with a boulder on my back…nothing" There seemed to be a little of happiness in his voice.

A smile appeared on Rias' face

"No, you have worked hard these past days, all of you…you've earned a rest"

Issei proceeded to let out the most drawn out and relieved sigh of his life, so long was it that you could see his spirit coming out of his mouth. After that, the entire peerage dispersed; Kiba went to the kitchen along Koneko, the latter looking for sweets no doubt, Asia went outside to get some well deserved fresh air as for Issei he headed straight for his room and locked the door with fervent ferocity…no clue what he is up to…

The room was empty…except for those two old friends – The Priestess of Thunder and The Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess, but in each other company they just preferred Rias and Akeno.

"Ara, ara. That was quite the speech you had planned out"

"Tell me about it…I had to resume ten sleepless days of planning in three hours; if someone feels tired is me" the heiress proceeded to drop unceremoniously onto her chair and stretch her arms.

…as for her friend a mischievous grin appeared in her face.

"Ara I think some would like to dispute that claim…me included. At least this time it wasn't just me forced to hear"

"Ha ha ha…I'm dying of laughter" her thick sarcasm was followed by a quick lived silence and her next words didn't carry her usual confidence "anyway…what did you think of it…do you think that I completely lost my mind when I decided to heed his advice"

"Ara, ara. Buchou, what a sight, you seemed so confident a moment ago" at that moment – looking at her King's eyes made her usual coyness cease and her mischievous smile die "I won't say it didn't surprise me…but now, as we stand, we might as well try a different approach – sure it's not something they expect of us…losing is"

"…so better try every trick in the hat"

"Exactly – besides, I've never thought of torturing someone with holy water, the prospect of it I find it…alluring"

Rias, at that moment, remembered why she had bestowed the title 'The Ultimate Sadist' to her best friend, the heiress found the idea her friend suggested a bit outrageous, which led to a smile forming on her face – at least she knew how to cheer her up.

"Glad to know that some of us will make the most out of our situation"

"Ufufufu." Akeno's trademark giggle were quickly joined by Rias own, basking in their small moment of peace and tranquility"…tell me something Buchou; do you have faith in your plans?"

"…to have faith in them is to have faith in him, after all he devised half of most of them…If you said to me that my future and possible marriage to Riser Phenex would lie in the advice of a Stray – I mean – former exorcist, I would have laughed like no tomorrow…but now…after all that he has showed us, all the unconditioned help he has offered, all the opportunities he had to betray my trust…I'd say in a way; yes I have faith in him, I have faith in my plans…and if push comes to shove…I will place my faith in Issei"

"Ara, ara he did progress marvelous, judging by his demonstration"

"You could say the training regimen achieved its desired conclusion" she said letting out an arrogant chuckle.

At her friends response Akeno closed her eyes and a solemn smile appeared on her face.

"'If so I have nothing to worry, I will follow you as I always had…as I always will"

Rias in turn closed her eyes responding in a heartfelt manner.

"Thank you Akeno"

"You are welcome Rias"

The day continued in peace, each member of the Gremory Peerage went about their day, enjoying it in their own way to the fullest. They day concluded with a feast where jokes were shared, food was eaten and perverts were punched by small girls, all done with a warm and cozy atmosphere – and it was all She liked of life. As all were heading to their dorms, she couldn't help but be troubled by the remaining white-clean plate left on the table, left untouched by the person who never came…


The day came.

She couldn't help but feel nervous; it was her day for all intent and purpose. She and all the members of her Peerage had worked hard for this day. Today would decide her fate.

Today, Rias Gremory would take the first step into forging her own path, or die out, becoming subservient to another's will.

…and while that terrified her – for the sake of those who looked up to her – she had to remain strong in front of them. They were prepared, they trained for this, it would be a disservice if she were to give up so early – that would be an insult to them and all of their hard work.

So she steeled herself and headed directly for the Occult Research Club, opening doors and making her way through its corridors as it was her right. Three hours remained before The Rating Game and while she had prepared herself for this moment since the day her Evil Pieces fell on her hands, she had one small worry…

There were three hours left and no sign of him

She had told him to gather the items necessary for the Rating Game, items that were essential for her plans.

'If he doesn't arrive on time I'll have to rule out strategies A to C, which only left me with D and E…and I'll rather not use the latter'

…But she had placed her trust on him and he hasn't shown any sign of betrayal, yet.

The time went by like a bullet and the once empty room of the Occult Research club started getting more crowded and while there still were two persons missing from her Peerage, namely Asia and Issei, there was still no sign of him…and that worried her more…She knew that Issei and Asia would come, but him…she wasn't so sure now he would come.

Perhaps…this was his plan from the start – Gain enough trust, spy on them and then return to the church with the information gathered…she didn't want to believe it, but now it seemed the most likely thing.

She was starting to get worried and Akeno could see it, if the concerned look her friend was giving her was anything to go by.

Not so long after Asia and Issei arrived at the Club and with them the last hour started dwindling into minutes. At this point she had already given up on him arriving; it had been three days since he left and probably he was already out of the city, seated on a plane with direction to the Vatican…and she felt like such an idiot to believe in an exorcist. He had played them all, toyed with them, fed them enough half-truths that it seemed all convincing and logical.

...She was such an idiot…

But there was no time now, without the items he promised, she would have to rely on just plan D.

Everyone felt the thick tension in the air, as a frustrated and angry Rias took her usual seat on the Club Room; placing her hand on her desk she became the center of attention in the room – with a weary sigh and a heavy tone she prepared herself to deliver the bad news to her Peerage.

"Ok everyone…it seems that Plans A to-"

Her words got caught at her throat when the door opened slowly, revealing the person behind it panting and a bit sweaty, looking like he had just ran a marathon; still he straightened himself and acted as dignified as possible. He was a tall boy, average looks aside from his silver hair with dyed black tips. He proceeded to make his way through the room and nonchalantly took a bottle of water and chug it in a single gulp.

"Ah, that was refreshing…sorry, there was a huge blockade outside my building, also my alarm clock was didn't work and I overslept"

His words cut through the tension like butter, as none one present actually expect him to arrive in such a fashion – apparently he was oblivious to the atmosphere around him and continued speaking without a care in the world.

"You know there is a renaissance fair outside town, they have pretty good stuff; a few good swords, shields even a forge. Nothing, outside the ordinary, all of it is man made without any magic trait whatsoever…but with the right materials, you can use handmade stuff to forge this" he said as he pulled from his backpack what looked to be a small black box and placed it on the table.

Not that she cared, her minds was more concerned with the fact that he was here. Her expressions softened and relief was present for a second, later shifting into an amused grin. As for the rest of her Peerage…well Asia seemed to brighten up, Akeno lips formed a thin smile, even Koneko and Kiba seemed to have a reaction akin to surprise before shifting into their usual unreadable masks, as for Issei he looked like he experienced the entire emotional spectrum in a single second before setting in a middle between relief mixed with false fury.

His face grew sour and clutched his stomach slightly.

"They also had a food stand…that was…less than desirable…that also was…a reason for my late arrival, I didn't mean to take three days…but I sub-estimated the power of old shrimp pizza rolls…" there was horror plastered in his face as his entire body shivered and his stomach let out a dreadful growl.

She laughed, pressed a hand in her mouth and tried to suppress it…and then laughed again. The atmosphere lighted up and she flashed him one of her usual smile before speaking with the same confidence that defined her.

"Well you did kept us waiting, we were about to start without you…Katsuo"


A/N: This chapter took a lot of time, mainly because this chapter was deleted and rewritten about 6 times. Also work and study took a lot out of me and I wasn't able to write anything in English for a long time, so sorry if this chapter was a little raw, hopefully the next chapter will be more polished. I don't know when I'll update next but rest assured that the fic isn't dead. till next time