Highschool DXD
His eyes cracking open as he felt the comforting darkness of his bedroom gradually melt away in the face of the rising morning sun, Dante grudgingly started to prepare for yet another irritating day when he noticed a couple of things that caused him to halt his morning preparations.
The first thing that was apparent to him was the fact that he was no longer the sole occupant of his sparsely decorated bedroom. And judging by the warm feeling that was currently situated above his ankles, it was clear to him that whatever had decided to enter his room had decided to make itself at home by sharing his bed.
Summoning a swirling ball of shadow on the off chance that his foot warmer was in some way hostile, the black haired Devil slowly raised his head and beheld a sight that caused him to momentarily pause in confusion before he remembered the events of the previous evening.
Having suffered the rather irritating experience of having to defend the less than tactful methods he had used to once again save his perverted teammate from a untimely death, Dante had returned to his apartment in a less than savory mood. For not only was he being punished for trying to install a sense of self-preservation in his fellow Devil, but thanks to the impending arrival of Fallen Angels, he had been unable to finish off his crazed adversary and his assistant. And since Freed's thirst for blood was equally matched by his insanity, the black haired rook lamented the fact that he had failed to make his life easier by permanently removing that particular thorn in his side.
So caught up had he been in his own musings, that he hadn't noticed that his feline acquaintance was following him until she decided to alert him to her presence.
He had been somewhat surprised by the sudden display of possessive the cat had shown after he tried to make it clear that he was in no mood for company. But feeling more resigned than irritated with her continued attempts to gain his attention, and judging that there was little harm in agreeing to her demands, he caved in.
And though he would never admit it out loud, Dante found himself enjoying the novelty of no longer being the sole occupant of his lightly furnished apartment, though he found it rather amusing that a cat had managed to win the prize that many girls at the academy had lusted over ever since he had enrolled himself.
Sharing his bed.
Silently chastising himself for his lapse in memory, and ignoring the sleepy protests of his new feline roommate as he took away her heat source, Dante willed his formless sphere of shadows to take on the appearance of a common dagger, and silently moved to investigate the other noticeable deviation in his morning routine.
Using his shadow traveling ability to move from his darkened bedroom into the main sitting area of his 1 bedroom apartment, the black haired Devil felt his eyes twitch in irritation as he beheld a sight that would have been appreciated if it wasn't for the identity of the one responsible for creating it.
"Good morning Dante. I hope you don't mind, but since you were still fast asleep, not to mention the fact that we hardly ever get to hang out after club meetings, I took the liberty of preparing us a nice homemade breakfast to enjoy before we headed off to the academy".
Sparing a quick moment to look over the admittedly delicious looking banquet the curvaceous Devil had managed to create from his rather limited supplies, Dante barely managed to keep his tone more or less civil as he addressed his smiling houseguest.
"While I appreciate your efforts Akeno, I got to ask why you felt it was necessary to break into my home, uninvited too I might add, just to make me a balanced breakfast. It's not like I've done anything to deserve this"?
Frowning slightly at Dante's less than welcoming reaction to her efforts, the raven haired beauty nonetheless quickly reverted back to her smiling persona as she gestured for the still standing Devil to sit.
"I just thought that it would be a good opportunity to get to know each other a little better since you never seem to be particularly keen in relaxing at the club house. And guessing that like all boys you would be more sociable if you were presented with a lovingly prepared meal, I thought that a conversation held over a specially made breakfast would be the perfect way to learn more about my fellow Devil".
Eyes narrowing in irritation as he sat himself down at the food laden table, Dante allowed some of his annoyance to enter his tone as he helped himself to the stack of syrup covered pancakes.
"Is that so? Well you'll have to forgive me if after last night I'm feeling particularly chatty. And since I suspect that your only here on the behest of our master to keep an eye on me, the fact that you made me breakfast does not exactly place me in a sociable mood".
Taking a bite out of the admittedly delicious pancake, the black haired Devil waited to see how the sadistic girl would take his somewhat snarkily delivered accusation.
He didn't have to wait long, though he was somewhat taken by surprise by the raven haired girl's reply.
"I admit that is part of the reason. After the violent adventure you and Issei experienced last night, Rias decided that it wasn't safe for you 2 to be by yourselves until we've gotten a better handle on the situation. But this is not a hardship for me. I meant what I said earlier in that I want us to spend some quality time together. And what better way to do so than a open discussion about how you're being punished for your cruel treatment of your fellow peer member. Not that I disagree with your methods of course. Violent reprisals are always the best methods in enforcing good behavior, though I suspect that Issei's overly enthusiastic love of the womanly form will soon cause him to forget this lesson".
Snorting in derision as the busty Devil described their teammate's most notable tendency, and doing his best to suppress his feelings of annoyance with his crimson haired master's meddling, Dante took a moment to decide how he could potentially turn this irritating situation to his benefit before directing a question at his buxom companion.
"I don't suppose that there are any restrictions on how you keep an eye on me? Cause if their aren't, I might as well take advance of your undivided attention and do something productive".
As soon as he said those words, 2 things happened that instantly caused him to regret from speaking out in the first place. The first one being that he was now the target of a lewdly smiling Akeno, whose eyes reminded him of a wolf who had just been presented an opportunity to play with its food before eating it.
"Why Dante, I had no idea that you felt that way. I was starting to believe that you and Kiba had more in common than dashing good looks. Nice to know that beneath that harsh exterior beats the heart of a hot blooded male with an interest for womanly curves rather than ".
His eye twitching in annoyance as Akeno wrongly misinterpreted both his intentions and sexuality, Dante would have quickly moved to correct her if it wasn't for the fact that he was currently trying to ignore the fact that his ankle was now being used as a scratching post by a suddenly present feline.
Catching the brief grimace of pain that flashed across her teammate's face, Akeno dropped her teasing expression in favor of one that expressed her honest concern for her fellow Devil's distress.
"Are you alright Dante? I didn't realise that you would take my teasing that…".
"NYAAAHHHH".
Her apology interrupted by the sudden protests of her teammate's newest roommate, the raven haired beauty failed to suppress her amusement as she was presented with yet another opportunity to tease the now glaring rook.
"Well I must say, of all the things I could have imagined, I would have never pegged you for a cat person Dante. And what's more, judging by the glare she's currently sending my way, I would suspect that she's rather annoyed with me for my earlier comment".
Ignoring the buxom Devil's teasing observation in favor of glaring at the equally annoyed feline, Dante played with the idea of turning the violent ball of fur into a piñata when as usual, his master decided to make her presence known.
I'm on the highway to hell
On the highway to hell
Highway to hell
I'm on the highway to hell
Sighing as he moved to answer his cell phone, and ignoring the amused looks he was receiving from both of his black haired guests for his choice of ringtone, Dante kept silent as the voice of his crimson haired master came over the line.
"Good morning Dante. I trust that Akeno has already explained the circumstances of your new situation? You can't imagine the difficulty I had to go through in order to find where you live, but lucky for you I am willing to go to any lengths to ensure my loveable servants are kept safe and sound".
Turning away from a grinning Akeno so that he didn't advertise his less than grateful attitude towards his master's meddling, Dante managed to barely keep his annoyance out of his voice as he offered his own opinion on his questionable loveableness.
"Considering the fact that I am only slightly easier to live with than the pervert, I have to wonder what your definition of repulsive is. But to answer your earlier question the answer is yes. Though I question why you thought it was necessary for her to resort to breaking and entering when she could have just knocked on my door like a normal person".
Having expected Rias to laugh in amusement at the buxom queen's morning inability to follow societal norms when it came to common courtesy, Dante barely batted an eye as his crimson haired master confirmed his theory.
"I judged that since you would probably deny her entry given the chance, having her ambush you inside your home was the best method to bring you up to speed. I trust that despite your regrettable lack of social skills, you haven't done anything to make Akeno unappreciated"?
Doing his best not to sigh in irritation at the pure blooded Devil's teasing, Dante was prevented from offering a reply as Akeno decided to intrude in his previously private conversation.
"Ohhh you have no need to worry on that front Rias. Before you called, Dante was already inquiring whether the two of us could make this little arrangement of yours far more enjoyable than it could have been. Though I wonder how Issei will act once he learns that his teammate is now taking a more active role in thwarting his efforts to form a harem".
Sending an irritated glare at his amused looking houseguest, Dante moved to quickly clarify the meaning of his request before Rias decided to add ti the raven haired sadist's teasing.
"While it would greatly amuse me to see the pervert thwarted in his attempts to reach his goal, I assure you that my intention was simply to inquire whether or not my assigned stalker could begin the process of teaching me how to tap into my new found abilities".
Hearing the crimson haired Devil give a hum of consideration at his question, the shadow controlling rook allowed a smirk of satisfaction to spread across his face as he listened to his master's verdict.
"I don't see why not. Wish Issei would show the same initiative as you, but I suppose that unlike you, he's still adjusting to his newfound circumstances. At any rate, you have my permission as long as Akeno agrees to supervise your efforts. Don't want you to accidentally level Kuoh while practicing after all".
Seeing the buxom Devil nod in agreement as he looked at her with his unspoken question, Dante's earlier enthusiasm somewhat dimmed as Rias ended the call with a less than happy reminder.
"Since I'm sure Akeno has just given her consent to train you, I'll leave you in her more than capable hands. But before I let the two of you get ready for the day, just want to let you know that I've already talked with Sona, and I told her that you would pop by the Student Council room after school today to discuss the details of your punishment. Anyways, talk to you later".
Annoyed by the reminder that he was being punished for his more violent attempts to instill a sense of self-preservation within his perverted teammate, Dante was broken out of his thoughts by the amused sounding voice of the raven haired beauty.
"Now that that's out of the way, why don't we enjoy the remainder of our breakfast while discussing the parameters of your new training schedule? Despite the fact that your evil piece focuses on strength and durability, you may possess an affinity for magic given your shadow controlling abilities. I trust you're not averse to the idea of intensive training"?
Shaking his head to show that he had no problem with pushing himself to the limit, and judging that it would be better to accept his fellow Devil's offer to dine with her since she was going to help him add more useful abilities to his repertoire, Dante took his place at the table.
And as Akeno described to him the various methods that she would use during the course of his training, the black haired rook, whose lap was now serving as a comfortable sitting place for a now purring feline, couldn't help but wonder whether his fellow servant was also enjoying the effects of their master's paranoia.
…
"It's not fair. Dante beats the hell out of me, and our master sends a beauty like Akeno to act as his personal bodyguard. While I get stuck walking to school with you just because I tried to save an innocent girl from dying. Where is the justice in that"?
Despite having listened to the same complaint ever since their master had decided to rearrange his morning routine, the blond haired knight somehow managed to keep his tone free of any irritation as he once again explained Rias's decision to place her troublesome pawn under his supervision.
"I don't know about justice, but I think our master's decision shows a lot of common sense. As the 2nd strongest member of the peerage, Akeno is not only more than capable of protecting her newest teammates should they find themselves in danger, but also possesses enough strength to enforce our master's ruling. And since Dante has a firm grasp on his innate abilities whereas you do not, it makes sense that Rias would send her most powerful, not to mention most sadistic servant to keep an eye on her most rebellious one".
Pleased with his explanation, the blond haired knight was rather surprised when Issei merely responded to his answer with a downcast expression instead of the usual jealous glare that seemed to be a regular occurrence whenever he was compared to his teammate.
"So you're saying that because Rias thinks I'm worthless, she doesn't need to waste much effort in keeping me in line? I don't know which is worse. The fact that Dante seems to be close to achieving my dream, or the fact that a hottie like Rias think's I'm weak".
Shocked at the brunette Devil's admission, and knowing he had to be careful so as to not further lower his spirits, Kiba chose his words with caution as he tried to cheer up the moody pervert.
"Your being too hard on yourself Issei. You've only been a Devil for slightly more than week, hardly enough time for your body to get used to your newly granted abilities. Same goes for Dante, though his past training and abilities largely make him far more combat worthy than would otherwise be the case. Trust me, if it was merely a contest of strength, I guarantee you that Koneko would beat him every time, and would probably have a good time doing it as well".
Smiling as Issei laughed at what he presumed to be the image of Koneko savagely kicking the black haired Devil in the crotch, the blond haired night was surprised by the response he got from his perverted teammate.
"You know, you may pretty boy bastard, but you're alright Kiba. Though if you tell anyone I said that, I'll deny it and call you liar".
Not bothering to wait for a reply from the smiling Devil, who couldn't decide whether he should be grateful for Issei's acceptance or amused by his unwarranted jealousy, Issei ditched his largely unwanted bodyguard as he prepared himself to endure yet another day of hell in the Devil run Academy.
For he suspected that despite their master's sternly worded warning, Dante would nevertheless act as he usually did whenever he thought he could get away with it.
Unfortunately though, while the black haired rook largely managed to keep his more socially acceptable mockery in check, the events of the following afternoon would only seek to worsen the less than stellar relationship that the newly turned Devils shared.
…
Though she knew she would suffer some repercussions for her latest attempt at defiance, her fear of punishment was largely smothered by the intense desire to meet her one and only friend.
Yes she knew that he was a Devil, but surprisingly enough, that didn't bother her in the slightest. He was a far kinder person than her fellow humans who like her had also been forced to seek the protection of those powerful enough to protect them from the unforgiving nature of their former comrades. And unlike the Angels who had long since fallen from the favor of the divine, Issei saw her as a person rather than some tool to enhance his own power.
It was for that reason, as well as the terrifying evidence of Father Freed's crimes, that had allowed her to overcome her own timid nature and speak out against the unbalanced exorcist's crimes. And even though such an act put her own life in danger, she would gladly do it again if it meant Issei had a chance to continue living.
Thankfully, even though her attempt failed in the face of Freed's sadistic brutality, both Issei and herself had been spared a gruesome fate by the sudden arrival of a Devil who managed to draw the exorcist's attention away from his more helpless victims.
Of course that wasn't to say that she hadn't been completely terrified of him after he had tried to kill her, despite Issei's protests. And even though she was sure that he was no longer watching over her thanks to her exile, Asia was convinced God had been watching over her that night. For not only had she been reunited with her first and only friend, Devil though he might be, but Freed and the black haired Devil had failed in their attempts to not only send her to her heavenly reward, but also saving Issei from being killed by the arriving Fallen Angels.
Lady Raynare had been deeply upset when she learned that the white haired exorcist had nearly killed her, but that had paled in comparison to Lord Dohnaseek's anger when he discovered that Freed had failed to kill not only Issei, but his black haired friend as well.
She still remembered the brief look of shock that passed over Raynare's information when she head the news, but that had quickly morphed into indifference as she ordered the confused nun to use her abilities to heal the wounded exorcist.
In an odd way, she should be somewhat thankful to Freed since it had been largely thanks to him that she had mustered the necessary courage to leave the confines of the crumbling church to seek out a certain brunette Devil. While she was still uncertain whether there was any truth in his crazed rantings about how tonight would be her last night alive, the blond nun nevertheless felt if today was going to be her last day gracing God's green earth, she would spend it with a friend rather than those who seemed unable to treat her like a normal girl.
Now, if only she knew where to look for him.
She didn't dare try the school since she had been told that Kuoh's ruling Devils would have no qualms about harming a disgraced nun like her if they happened to find her on their turf. And since she was uncertain where Issei liked to hang out after a hard day at the academy, she was forced to wander around until she caught sight of that smiling expression of his.
And as if God was rewarding her for her patience, the blond haired nun broke into a smile as she heard the enthusiastic voice of her favorite Devil. And though she knew that such a joyous meeting could not last forever, she was determined to enjoy it for as long as it lasted.
…
Having managed to slip away from his unwanted body guard after his meeting with Kuoh's other reigning Devil had been completed, Dante silently enjoyed his temporary solitude as he thought over the day's events.
While he was certain that he would soon be punished for unauthorized bid for freedom, the black haired Devil had to admit that despite his earlier reservations, the day had gone surprisingly well.
He had elicited a promise from his buxom bodyguard/stalker to teach him how to access his new magical abilities. His perverted teammate had chosen to keep to himself, though the black haired rook noticed that he was the target for many anger filled glares from the brunette. And perhaps the most surprising of all, he had found his meeting with the Sitri heiress to be far less irritating than he had initially expected.
For while he could tell that the violet eyed Devil wished to question him about how he managed to flawlessly resist Rias's hypnotism, Sona had respected the fact that he was not under her command, and thus had no real right to demand questions.
That wasn't to say that she had left him off the hook, for he had been informed that next week he would begin a serving month long sentence buried under mountains of paperwork. But considering the fact that he wasn't being asked to cater to the depraved wishes of a bunch of steroid using cross dressers, he was ok with this form of punishment.
The only problem he had with his new set of responsibilities was that it largely prevented him from participating in any of the Kendo Club's after school activities. And though the training methods used by the human members of the club were far too easy for a person of his skill, Dante could easily admit that he enjoyed the largely one sided sparring sessions since it allowed him to vent his more violent tendencies after a particularly irritating day.
But, thanks to the moronic heroism of his perverted teammate, he was deprived of a much needed outlet, which ironically enough would serve to only increase his already low opinion of the brunette Devil.
"You know, you really shouldn't frown like that. I mean, I can understand why you would be unhappy with your current shitty existence, I would literally kill myself if some lame ass Devil made me into their little bitch, but all that incessant frowning is gonna turn you into an old man. Which I suppose is a good thing since its not like you'll live long enough to reach your senior years".
Quickly adopting a combat stance as he heard the voice of perhaps the only person who rate above Issei on an annoyance scale, Dante fought the urge to grimace as he discovered the deadliness of his current situation.
Noticing that the Devil's attention was focused on his robe wearing compatriots rather than his smiling visage, Freed shrugged apologetically as he drew his sword.
"Sorry bout this Inumbro. But thanks to your itchy trigger finger, my superiors have decided that I needed proper support if I wanted to meet up with my favorite sparring partner. But don't be sad. I promise you that none of them will lay a finger on you since I've made it clear that I'm the only one to violate that body of yours".
Having long since grown used to the former exorcist's disturbing banter, Dante merely responded to Freed's commentary with a snarl as he went on to the offensive.
Grinning as he blocked the now sword wielding Devil with a blade of his own, Freed laughed manically as he experienced the sudden rush that always happened whenever he met an opponent worth killing.
"That's the spirit Inumbro. Make this a challenge for me. I prefer to work up a sweat before I kill something. Makes it all that much more satisfying, don't you think"?
Doing his best to block out the crazed priest's ramblings as he pushed back a particularly savage blow to his head, and attempting to keep half an eye on the robe wearing spectators since he didn't trust Freed's assurance that they wouldn't interfere, Dante's ability to defend himself was soon lowered thanks to a familiar beam of blue light that had suddenly imbedded itself in his arm.
Pouting in annoyance at his opponents sudden handicap, not to mention the fact that his previously hidden superior had decided to interfere just as the fight was getting good, Freed managed to induce a modicum into his tone as he addressed the Fallen Angel.
"Why'd you do that boss? I hadn't finished trying to pay him back for the fun we had last night".
Motioning for his human servants to render the still deadly Devil unconscious, and ensuring that he was the last thing Dante saw before he suffered a particularly vicious blow to the head, Dohnaseek's took a moment to enjoy his victory before deigning to respond to the disappointed looking exorcist.
"I assure you Freed, once we get him back to base, you'll have ample opportunity to thank him for that pathetic state we found you in. However, you'll have to wait your turn since I too have a score to settle with this Devil".
Knowing that it was pointless to argue, though he really REALLY wished to do so, the white haired exorcist kept his peace as his fedora wearing superior directed their escort to take their prize away.
Cause afterall, why settle for one stolen gear when you can have 2?
…
Whew...took a while by one chapter close to finishing the first story arc of High School DXD :)
Hopefully your all enjoying this story...and will hopefully begin work on the next one relatively soon.
Til then...Review and Enjoy :)