Doing his best to keep himself from collapsing, a task that was proving rather difficult considering the amount of weight that was currently on his shoulders, Issei nevertheless found the necessary strength to press onward as he was reminded of the cause for his current predicament.
When he had first been informed that he was no longer human, the brunette Devil hadn't really considered the differences his new life would have when compared to the old.
Yes he had experienced a change in species. And had gained a bunch of awesome abilities and allies that made it easier to achieve his dream of becoming a harem king. But he hadn't really processed that the new world he now belonged too carried a different set of rules than what he was used to.
The most important one being that his master, whose beauty was only matched by her kindness, belonged to a family that had a rather medieval viewpoint when it came to matters of the heart.
Yes he could understand the reason why people chose to treat marriage as some sort of business arrangement, but that did not mean that he agreed with it.
Especially when the groom gave off the impression that he would treat his bride as nothing more than another conquest. Perhaps as a particularly valuable conquest, but property all the same.
Fortunately, unlike some idealistic fairy tail princess who believed they could change their lover for the better, Rias was well aware of the true nature of her chosen groom. And thus had accepted the offer to fight for her continued independence without another thought.
And thus his current predicament.
He would gladly fight for Rias's right to free herself from the clutches of a Devil that had corrupted his idea of what a true harem king should be.
But Issei hadn't exactly considered the methods his master would use to help prepare them for their upcoming battle. He thought that it would simply be an extended version of the training he had already been subjected too.
But such was not the case since it seemed that the saying 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' had more than a grain of truth when it came to the ways Devil's trained themselves.
Thus, instead of using a magical circle to teleport them directly to their training destination, Rias had transported both them and all their supplies at the bottom of the mountain.
Truthfully, he wasn't sure which was worse.
The fact that he was being forced to carry nearly 3 times his bodyweight up a mountain. Or that his companions weren't having nearly as much difficulty as he was.
Kiba, the cheery bastard, not only had a slightly larger load to carry than him, but also seemed to act like it wasn't even there.
Koneko was carrying at least 3 times the amount of supplies he had been saddled with, and yet was treating it like it was an everyday occurrence.
And Dante, while lacking the same sort of nonchalant expression as the white haired Devil, was having an easier time with his load than he was despite the fact that he was carrying 3 times the amount as he was.
And to make it even better, while it was clear that he was having some difficulty with his burden, the black haired Devil somehow still had enough energy to try and hold a conversation with him in his usual manner.
"You doing alright there Hyoudou? I must admit, I'm impressed with your current rate of progress. Was expecting you to collapse about half an hour ago".
Gritting his teeth at the reminder that they still had over half an hour to go before they reached the top, Issei managed to somehow control his temper as he replied to the rook's less than sincere concern.
"Funny, I could say the same for you. Your carrying a heavy load than me, and unlike you, I actually have had plenty of cardio training".
Pleased at having delivered what he thought to be a witty retort, the brunette Devil's expression morphed into a scowl as Dante made his reply.
"I sincerely doubt that running from a pack of enraged woman could have prepared you for this Hyoudou. However, you do raise an interesting point".
Though dreading the answer he would receive, Issei nevertheless hesitantly posed a question to his thoughtful looking teammate.
"And what's that"?
Seeing the smirk cross Dante's face, the perverted pawn knew that he would not like the answer he would receive to his question.
"If your current physical capabilities are insufficient to withstand your current burden, how on earth are you going to satisfy the unfortunate group of women who will make up your future harem? Considering that the stamina of a Devil, and other supernatural species, surpasses most humans, it stands to reason that this would extend to carnal activities as well".
Failing to prevent a horrified expression from coming over his face at Dante's cruel, but sadly accurate observation, Issei's feelings of depression quickly morphed into anger as the black haired Devil continued to speak.
"Of course I doubt that you could satisfy one woman let alone a group of them at the same time. But since the chances of you finding more than one woman whose willing to sleep with you are rather poor compared to the difficulty in finding one female who would let you touch her, its better you come to terms with your mediocrity now instead of later".
Snarling as his mocking teammate proceeded to pull ahead of him, Issei made 2 silent vows that gave him the necessary strength to keep going.
The first one being was that he would do all that he could in order to prepare his body for the future orgies he intended to have.
The second one being that no matter how long it took, or what he would have to put up with to make it a reality, he would one day become strong enough to beat those that had mocked him.
And considering Dante's little stunt with the flaming turkey had gained them an additional week to achieve this goal, he was confident that he would fulfil his dream much sooner than expected.
…..
Though pleased at the effectiveness of his latest insult towards the perverted Devil, Dante was prevented from reveling in his minor victory thanks to the unimpressed tone of his fellow rook.
"I though Rias told you to be nicer to the pervert".
Turning his head to meet Koneko's slightly narrowed gaze, though he suspected her expression had more to do with his failing to follow the wishes of their master rather instead of the hurt feelings of their teammate, the black haired Devil gave his fellow rook an unapologetic shrug.
"She did. However given our current situation, I think that such restrictions will be removed for the next 20 some odd days. Don't you agree"?
Though allowing a small smirk to cross his features as he received a small nod of agreement from the white haired Devil, Dante's expression quickly transformed into a slight frown as Koneko shared her own observation.
"True. But that also means that Rias no longer has any reason to hold back on her punishments. And since your body can handle a lot more than the Pervert's, I suspect that you're 'training' will be more intensive if you don't watch yourself".
Acknowledging the point with a curt nod of his own, and wishing to conserve his energy since he still had a ways to go before he could put down his burden, Dante was content to pass the remainder of his journey in silence.
But like it had been ever since he allowed his curiosity to override his common sense, things didn't work out as he had hoped.
"Judging by Issei's less than cheerful disposition, I'm guessing that you've once again said something that you shouldn't have".
Releasing a sigh of irritation at having his brief moment of solitude interrupted, Dante summoned what little was left of his patience as he turned to face the smiling expression of his more sadistic trainer.
"That depends on your point of view. I merely reminded Hyoudou, in my own special way, that his...dream to build a harem are rather difficult considering his current abilities".
Earning an amused chuckle from the raven haired beauty, the male devil nearly smirked as Akeno correctly filled in the blanks of his explanation.
"By which you mean that you told him he has no chance of satisfying a harem if he can't even handle his current burden. That was rather naughty of you Dante. Especially since Rias has repeatedly reminded you of what would happen if you didn't play nice with your peer mates. But...since we're rather short on time, despite your rather amusing method of extending our deadline, I suppose I can overlook this. But there is something I want you to consider Dante".
Barely twitching as the buxom devil allowed more than a little danger to enter her tone, though he wasn't certain if that was caused by his exhausted state, Dante maintained a slightly stoic expression as the buxom Devil patted his cheek.
"You can achieve greater results with a little bit of positive reinforcement. Or have you never heard the saying about flies and honey"?
Not bothering to answer as he watched the pony tailed hair girl pull ahead of him, the black haired Devil briefly considered following her advice before choosing to disregard it.
For while he by no means disapproved of the use of positive reinforcement to help keep one motivated, it was by no means something he was comfortable with given his own training methods.
And while he wouldn't subject the pervert to the same tortures he had been forced to expiernece in order to give him a chance to achieve his own long cherished dream, he had no intention of being a kind tutor.
...
Releasing a contented sigh as the waters of the hot spring washed over her shoulders, Rias shot her newest servant an amused, but nevertheless kind smile as she watched the former nun fidget.
"Asia, there's no reason to be so nervous. The whole point of the next 3 weeks is, along with training, to develop closer ties with each other. And since we have a busy day tomorrow, I think it would be a good idea to take this time to enjoy our selves".
Giving the nervous blond an encouraging smile, the red haired heiress nodded her head in approval as Asia followed her advice.
"S...sorry. Its just that...I've never been to a open aired bath before. And..I've never...".
Chuckling at the girl's answer, for it revealed to her the cause for her nervousness, Rias found herself smiling in approval as her best friend and queen decided to do her part to make Asia feel more welcome.
"I was the same way Asia. But now, I find that its my favorite activity to do with friends".
Her words earning a grateful smile from the newly reborn Devil, Akeno soon sported a slightly mischievous smile as moved her eyes up and down Asia's body.
"Besides, you really have nothing to be embarrassed about. We're all girls here after all".
Chuckling at the antics of her teasing queen, Rias decided to intervene before Asia fainted from having too much blood rushing to her head.
"Be nice Akeno. While our newest Devil has nothing to be ashamed about, I suspect her...upbringing would make her less than appreciative of your usual teasing".
Earning a pout from her raven haired queen, the red haired heiress was prevented from having to run further interference thanks to the sudden interruption of her white haired rook.
"Soo, what's the plan for tomorrow"?
Though wishing she could have spent the remainder of her evening relaxing with those who were in her car, Rias knew that she couldn't do such a thing since this was her chance to ensure that they could enjoy evenings like this in the future.
Frowning as she gave the question the serious consideration it was due, the more voluptuous devil didn't take long to provide Koneko with an answer.
"I think...that it might be best to have Issei train under Kiba's supervision tomorrow morning, and you concentrate on helping Dante while Akeno and I take turns teaching Asia".
Receiving a curt nod from the younger Devil, Rias was largely unsurprised by her queen's verbal consideration of her plans.
"Hmmm, not a bad way to start their training I suppose. I take it you intend to pair your adorable pawn with less...lenient partners once he reaches a certain level"?
Nodding her head to show that Akeno was correct in her reasoning, and seeing the look of concern that was currently displayed on Asia's face, Rias moved to expand on her reasoning.
"That was the intention. However, while I do not intend their training to be easy, I will ensure that it will not be enough to break them. Which is why we will do our best to ensure our cute little healer is ready to help them out. I trust that like the boys, you will also be giving it your all during our time here Asia"?
Smiling in approval as Asia proceeded to nod her head in agreement, Rias was prevented from offering a more verbal reply thanks to Koneko.
"What do you intend to have Kiba do with the Pervert? I already have an idea of how to train the Jerk, and some idea of how you two are going to go about training Asia, but for the other 2, no idea".
Pleased at the question, even if Koneko was being less than respectful to her male teammates, the red haired Devil merely smiled as she answered the question.
"Actually its more or less the same thing I intend to have you and Akeno teach him. At least in theory. Kiba will be helping Issei to improve his speed and reflexes. Akeno, with a little help from myself, will be helping him to learn magic. And you will be responsible for improving his ability to both give and take a punch".
Frowning in slight concern as she was much again reminded of how much Issei would have to learn before the 3 weeks were up, Rias released a sigh as Akeno giggled in a slightly sadistic manner as she asked a question she really wished she didn't have to answer.
"And what about Dante's contribution to your lovable pawn's training regime? Yes he's only been a Devil for as long as Issei, but it's clear that he doesn't require as much training when it comes to fighting".
Knowing that Akeno wouldn't let her rest until she answered her question, and noticing that both Asia and Koneko were patiently waiting for her response, the crimson haired Devil released a sigh before giving her reply.
"To tell you the truth Akeno, I hadn't really given it much thought. I suppose it will depend on how well Dante responds to his own round of training".
...
"I suppose it will depend on how well Dante responds to his own training".
Though the act of indulging in a little bit of voyeurism was usually enough to make the perverted brunette temporarily forget his cares and worries, especially if the victims of his interest were as...gifted as Kuoh Academy's most popular females, the words of his buxom master were enough to rob him of the usual joy he got from peeping.
Kiba, pretty boy bastard though he was, would likely try to maintain a friendly demeanor while teaching him the ways of the sword. Which would be probably be made more difficult when combined with the agility enhancing abilities of the blonde's knight piece.
And while he could expect no mercy from either Akeno or Koneko, their attractiveness, and the fact that they PROBABLY didn't wish to cause him permanent harm, ensured that he could summon the necessary willpower to press onwards.
But training under Dante?
A guy who had already proven that he had no qualms breaking the unspoken rule that existed amongst the members of the male population?
That was enough to make him shiver in fear despite the soothing sight before him.
"Judging by your posture Hyoudou, I take it that you saw or heard something that you wish you hadn't",
Doing his best not to flinch at the coldly amused tone of the black haired Devil, Issei reluctantly turned his head to stare back at a sight that once again made him question if the universe was actively conspiring against him.
For while he knew that his physique wasn't bad, especially since Rias had begun to supervise his training, it was plain to see that his fellow males outclassed him.
It was bad enough dealing with a jerk, and a pretty boy whose humor at times made him question if perhaps Kiba preferred batting for the other team. But to have the bane of his existence and his rival possess bodies that were more defined than his?
That was enough to make him want to cry.
Especially when Dante made it clear that he was aware of his feelings of inadequacy.
"Just because you have quite a ways to go before achieving your preferred physical appearance, you shouldn't be wasting your time lusting after what you believe to be the future prize for your suffering. Especially since I doubt that our master is in the proper state of mind to appreciate male...attention".
Reluctantly pulling himself away from his peeping hole, if only because he rightly suspected that Dante would use his freaky shadow using abilities to ensure that he endured more suffering than he was currently willing to put up with, Issei re-entered the water with a scowl as Kiba reminded him of something he wished he could have forgotten.
"So Dante, you never did tell us what you intended to do with Raynare during our little...trip. Will she be joining us soon? Or have you decided to finally give her a bit of a break"?
Weighing the risk of punching the black haired Devil if he told them that the Fallen Angel would be joining in their attempts to get ready for the rating game, Issei released a sigh f relief as Dante gave his answer.
"While she wont be joining us, at least for the next week or 2, I deemed it prudent that she be kept busy. Someone has to attend classes after all. And I for one do not wish to waste my summer doing school work because I lacked the notes to achieve a passing grade on the final exam".
Though taking some pleasure at the thought of the traitorous female spending her days making notes, the brunette Devil couldn't help but voice his curiosity as something occurred to him.
"But...what's to prevent her from running off when you're not there to keep her in line"?
His question earning a chuckle from the now smirking Devil, Issei resisted the urge to feel sorry for the Fallen Angel as Dante gave his answer.
"Rest assured Hyoudou, I have it covered".
Deciding it was safer to change the topic of conversation instead of trying to uncover what his fellow Devil meant by having it covered, Issei turned towards the more polite member of their little group.
Only to have his attention immediately diverted to fence that divided the hot springs as he heard the unmistakably teasing tones of the buxom raven haired beauty.
"So Rias, you never got around to telling me why you chose to try and have Dante help you out rather than Issei. I doubt you would have been able to go too far before Grayfia showed up. But considering Issei's...mindset, would have thought he would have been your first choice".
Supressing the very real urge to cry out in anguish, if only because it would alert the girls that he was listening into their conversation, Issei released a very audible squeak of terror as Dante once again proved to be less than accepting of his teammate's perverted nature.
"HEY PERVERT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING SO CLOSE TO THE FENCE"?
Quickly turning his head to stare into the cruelly amused expression of the black haired Devil, Issei was prevented from saying anything thanks to the unmistakable sound of something large and heavy being tossed into the air.
...
Sighing as she tightened her bathrobe, for she felt it was somewhat improper to scold her unrepentant servants in nothing but her birthday suit, Rias allowed more than a hint of reproof to enter her tone as she glared at both of her rooks.
"Despite the fact that Issei didn't sustain any injuries that would take more than an hour to heal, I am very disappointed d with the pair of you. I believe Dante that I have repeatedly warned you to adopt a less antagonistic attitude towards Issei. And Koneko, while I understand that violence is your preferred response when it comes to...male attention, Issei is your teammate. Which means if you have a problem with him, I expect you to come to me so I can sort it out".
Receiving a curt nod of acceptance from the white haired girl, Rias waved her hand in dismissal as she directed a glare towards her less repentant rook.
"As for you Dante, tell me, how would you deal with a troublesome servant who has been given multiple warnings to change their behavior"?
Though she expected him to glare at her before giving his answer, the crimson haired beauty was shocked by his reply.
"Liberal doses of pain that increase in intensity until they cease their behavior"?
Rias couldn't tell which troubled her more.
The fact that Dante lacked any hesitation in his tone as he gave his answer.
Or the fact that he seemed to accept such a punishment without complaint.
Deciding that now wasn't the time to understand how he had come to possess that sort of mindset, for she had learned with Kiba that some things were better left for later, Rias shook her head at Dante's answer.
"As you already know, that is NOT how the Gremory family treats it's servants. And since you are now part of my family, I expect you to keep that in mind".
Seeing the black haired rook about to object, Rias cut him off.
"And that includes using insults, and deliberately creating an incident. We're supposed to be using this time to try and learn how to work together for a common goal. Not indulge in petty feuds".
Pleased to see that Dante had the common sense not to argue with her, the crimson haired Devil thought long and hard on how to address the issue that she should have dealt with long before now.
Sadly however, with the upcoming confrontation with Riser, her options were both limited and less than satisfactory. Which meant she had to hope that whatever she proposed would be enough to establish some semblance of peace until she had more time to create an adequate solution.
"For the next week, I think it would be better if you limited your contact with Issei, and he with you. You will still meet at dinner, but only when either myself or Akeno is there to ensure that you both remain civil. Understand"?
Though she experienced a momentary flash of concern as his eyes narrowed, Rias nevertheless felt some of her tension leave her as Dante nodded his head.
"Yes. I suppose its for the best since I would likely do more harm than good if I were to take a more...active role in his training. However, once you judge that enough time has passed, I have no intention of coddling him if he is under my instruction. Hopefully that is acceptable"?
Knowing that this was the best she could achieve at this point, Rias sighed as she voiced her agreement.
"As long as you don't do anything that will take Asia more than an hour to heal him, I suppose that is acceptable for now. I trust however that your own training sessions with both myself and the rest of your comrades will result in a more...respectful attitude than what you have shown to Issei? Cause while I am more than happy to help my adorable servants reach their full potential, it becomes somewhat difficult to retain a helpful mood when the one I'm helping fails to show a proper amount of cooperation".
Shooting a tired glare at the slowly nodding rook, Rias released another sigh as she waved her hand in dismissal.
"I think that's enough of a scolding, for now at least. We both have a long day tomorrow, and I think both of our tempers will be improved by a good nights sleep. Besides, I suspect that Koneko won't go easy on you despite your rather...unique way to preserve our privacy".
Chuckling at the light grimace that crossed Dante's face as he was reminded of how he would be spending his morning, Rias waited until her moody rook had left the room before picking herself out of her study's chair to stare out the currently silent grounds of her family's mountain top get away.
For she knew tomorrow, the silence would shattered by not only the sounds of Devil, and perhaps if she was correct in her suspicions Dragon magic being unleashed, but probably also the imaginative cursing of perhaps the two most troublesome servants to have ever been welcomed into the Gremory Family.
...
Annnnnd think that's enough for now.
Original intent was to start the training, but decided to go in a slightly different direction since I needed to have some more character development. Hopefully you can all forgive me :D
Anyways, apologises for the wait, actually had the first half of the chapter finished for a while now, but only in the past week or so did I find the inspiration to finish this up.
Next chapter will definitely cover the Gremory peerage training session. Including a portion where Dante oversees Issei's training. Wont reveal too many details at this point...but I assure you it will be fun...from a slightly sadistic point of view. And involve a certain pup that was named for another demonic canine XD.
And I promise, Raynare's absence in this chapter ia deliberate, and will have a more plausible explanation next chapter to detail why she doesn't take the chance to flee. For those that actually care anway lol
Anyways, plz review. No flames
Til next time