Welcome back for another chapter of Fate: Soul Bound! Now some people may think that I was late with this chapter, but that isn't the case at all. I actually intended to post this on Tuesday. The reason why I wanted to post the next chapter on the 23rd. It only feels right to post it then since it would exactly be 1 year since I've started Fate: Soul Bound! I'm not fully sure how I should celebrate it, or if I even should... Maybe I should make a poll on what Pairings people would want to see...? Or maybe I could let people chose who to pair Isai with?(As long as it makes sense within the story that is.) If she should even be paired at all... Eh, I'm not sure, maybe if people want to see that I could. Otherwise, If anyone has any suggestions feel free to leave a review or PM me!
But for now, let's get on the reviews!
DT3: Thank you for your honest opinion. And thinking back on it, I could have written the last part in the A/Ns a bit better, but don't worry, I have her fully though out and what I plan to do with her.
FakeDeus: Ok. It would have been nice if you separated your paragraphs but I think I get what you're saying. That said, I actually am in the middle of rereading fate/stay night. And I planned to read DxD again when I'm done with Stay Night.
ptl: I wouldn't say People with high luck stat are immune, but I think they could influence her power to be more favorable towards them.
angelvan105: I really do hope I'm improving, as I don't really think I'm that good still.
Unlimited Choices: That would be pretty funny. Archer would probably try his best to convince them not too and ultimately failing... I can see only chaos coming out form the two girls with a reveal like that. Archer is really lucky that Ai hasn't thought of that idea yet.
Evowizard25: Well Isai just wanted to put things behind her. And even if it didn't go as intended, she no doubt learned from that experience.
Now let's get on with the Story! And as always, it would be nice if anyone points out any errors in my writing!
"Speaking."
"Thinking."
"Servant Speaking."
"We're here!" Issei shouts as he and everyone else comes in Ai's place.
"No need to yell like an idiot," Ai harshly told him. "It's annoying and they should know we'd be here around this time already. Classes are done for the day after all."
Yea, that's the Ai Issei knows. Looking for some opening to insult him. Though Issei's used to it by now... mostly.
But if this morning showed him anything, Ai is a good friend, even if she doesn't want to admit it... A very violent and mean-spirited friend, but one none the less.
But still, he wishes she would tone down the insults and not get on his case for nearly every single perverted act she sees him do.
But he just guesses that this is what it's like to have a friend like Ai. And hey, if she got his back, he'll make sure to have her back when she needs it as well.
"It's still kind of hard to believe that a place like this was always here in Kouh." Yuuto couldn't help but say as he admires the place. "Your family must really be well off Ai-chan"
"Yea, but it's not as well off as you think," Ai told him.
Like hell that's the case! Issei assumed everyone else knows that Ai's family was filthy rich.
... That did make him wonder just what her parents do to have so much money... Hell, maybe Issei should try to get on Ai's good side...
Nay, Issei only shook his head at the thought. There no one else he would rather be than himself after all. And maybe he'll get Ai to see things his way one day, or at least make it where she accepts his pervertedness.
Granted if it wasn't for Rias and Yuuto convincing Ai to let him come over to talk things over, He wouldn't even be here again. He was grateful for that.
Now if Yuuto stops trying to take Isai... Granted at this point, Issei knew he wasn't actively trying to. But that only made him feel worst as Yuuto doesn't even need to try.
That said, that's pretty much the case for almost every girl at school. he's is pretty much the ideal guy that any girl would want. Even Ai likes him more!
Though thinking on it, Ai would probably prefer any guy over her...
Issei only shook his head, he needed to get those thoughts out of his mind. He needed something else
Huh, now that he thought about... could he add Ai to his harem? She would pretty much fit the tsundere part of your usual Harem, and she wasn't bad looking either, sure her chest is... well, it isn't big, but it wasn't small either. And she is kind of cute...
She's also rich. So that's always a plus.
But... Yea... Ai's a bit...
"Personally I really like it, it has a nice old-timey, Japanese feel to it.~" Rias said. "I wouldn't mind coming here more often just to relax."
"I would." Ai responses. "I would very much mind."
"Now now, don't be like that. Don't you want to better our relationship?" Akeno said. "Besides, you spend so much time keeping up this place. Don't you think it would be nice to have some people admire it?."
"Not really," Ai answers, waving off Akeno's words. "The satisfaction of just being able to do it myself is enough for me."
"Oh, that actually quite nice" Akeno admits, though she was still frowning a bit. "You sound a bit selfish though if you ask me.~ You should share the love.~"
Ai just scoffs a bit. Even Issei could tell she wasn't fond of Akeno's playful nature.
"Wait, then what do the maids do?" Issei asks. Ai actually perks up a bit on hearing that question, but went back to normal once she realizes who asked.
"Depends. I only really give them the work I generally dislike doing. Probably the hardest thing I've given to Ruler so far is just cooking." She answers.
"You don't like cooking?" Rias asks. "Isai said you're a great cook."
"She's alright at it, could still use a bit improvement, however." Archer suddenly chips in.
"I don't like cooking for myself," Ai said, completely ignoring Archer. "I don't mind cooking for others, however."
"Oh my, then maybe we should start having you cook for us then." Akeno wonders... And Ai doesn't seem to disapprove of it funny enough.
"That's... a bit weird." Issei said, "Don't you think that's weird?"
"No," Ai just tells him, she opens the door to the main room to see Isai and Keiichi, with Isai putting away whatever games they were playing and cleaning up. There was also some junk food and empty can around the floor.
"Oh!" Isai pips up. "Uh... Hey guys! Keiichi-kun and I were just playing some games while waiting for you all! I kept beating Keiichi-kun as always." she said, bent down as she was picking up stuff... and flaunting a bit at the last part.
"God... It still so hard to believe." Issei heard Keiichi said, he looks at him only to see him staring at Issei as if something was wrong with the world.
"...What? Got a problem with me?" issei said, not looking the look he was getting.
"Sorry." He finally said as he took a minute to answer, "No, not really. It just... Wow, that fact that Ai-chan would even let you even near her house is a grand achievement in its self."
"Don't remind me," Ai said, as she quickly took to helping Isai clean up. Isai tires to refuse Ai's help, but it was too no avail.
"Why aren't you helping?" Rias asks Keiichi.
"Good question." He said to himself. "I wanted too at first, but Isai insisted she can do it herself, She was the one who ate and drank everything after all."
"I see... So your Keiichi, part of the little Trio Isai has going for her. I'm Rias Gremory. The pleasure is mine." She then said.
"Well, yea, I know, Pretty sure everyone at our school knows you." He answers. "Surprised you know about me though."
"Well as Rias said, you are a part of Isai's group, you three were always together at school, at least until recently." Akeno answers for her King.
"Huh... ok... So uh... Isai already told me about you guys..." He said, rubbing the back of her head. "Devils, man, I didn't think they really existed. But with everything that happened so far..."
"Aw, and here I thought we could make it a surprise.~" Akeno giggles. Keiichi only let out a nervous 'uhh..'
"Don't worry Keiichi-kun, she's always like that. And that wouldn't be a surprise he would much like," Isai said in a bit of thought. "I mean. I didn't really like the surprise when I learned about it. Kind of felt betrayed actually... But that's all in the past!"
"Indeed," Ai said as the two girls finish. "They're not bad people... aside form Issei."
"Hey! Seriously stop that! I'm a good guy!" Issei quickly protests.
"...Debatable." Ai told him.
"Well, I saved Isai didn't I?" He said... In which Ai actually had no counter towards.
"...You did." She finally said.
"So...?" Issei eggs her on. "I can't be that bad of a person can I?"
"..."
Issei could feel the glare that was coming off of her, surely a part of suddenly just wanted to leave at that moment.
But it was only a glare... Right...?
"I suppose at times you're... bearable," she said though pained teeth. As if it took every fiber of her being just to let those words out.
"Woah, Woah hold on for a second." Keiichi suddenly said, interrupting them. "Issei saved Isai's life? Just what the heck been going on these last few weeks!?"
"...Can we talk about that later? It's kind of a sore subject for me." Isai said, butting, looking bit distraught on the mention of it. Issei couldn't blame her though. He still doesn't like to be reminded of Raynare... Even though she is in the building.
He quickly shook those feelings away.
"Yea, I'm in the same boat, it's not something I want to talk about right now," Issei said.
"Yes, instead we need to look into the future, not the past." Rias agrees. "Let's start by introducing ourselves to our new friend here."
"I mean. I already know most of you, and from what I'm hearing you know about me." He said.
"Yes, we know about each other, but we don't really know each other," Rias argues.
"... Well, you're not wrong." Keiichi admits after a moment. "All I know is that whole Devil thing really."
"Well. I've already introduced myself so." Rias gestures at the rest of us Devils.
"Akeno Himejima, the pleasure is mine.~" She happily said, putting her hand together.
"Yea, nice to meet you too..." Keiichi oddly said. "...This feels very strange. Knowing there all devils and all that."
"You'll get used to it." Isai response. "Ai and I were the only humans in this group for a while now."
"Yuuto Kiba, I'm glad to make your acquaintance," Yuuto said, shaking Keiichi's hand.
"...Koneko" The response of the small girl said, holding Masa. Which actually made Keiichi jump back a bit in shock.
"The hell?! Where did she come from?!" Keiichi shouts. "Is she like a Devil ninja or something?"
"...Uh, no, she was always there." Isai points out.
Koneko just nods and pets the cat.
"... Ok then." Keiichi said, still a bit unnerved about it. "Well, I've already met Issei and Asia."
"You did?" Rias questionably asks.
"Yea, when I was walking to school with Isai a couple of days back. Nice to see you two again by the way." Keiichi said.
"Ditto," Issei said, with Asia nodding at his words.
"You know my name already, so no point in saying that," Keiichi said. "I was just your everyday guy till the whole servant thing happened."
"He sounds a lot how we started out." Issei could hear Saber say. There was a bit pause after her words though. Probably because Isai is just replying to her. "I suppose you are right."
Right, sometimes he forgets he can Hear Isai's Saber... On the topic of Saber, Issei actually has a pretty good idea on who Saber is. She did talk about the Knights of the Round Table a while back, after all, and the way she talked about them could only mean she...
Well, instead of spiling the bends, Issei thought it was best to wait until they're ready on to reveal just who Saber is.
He still finds it really hard to believe that King Arthur is a Girl, however. Like how was she was able to pretend to be a man? She clearly sounds like a girl in his honest opinion...
"Well, what kind of Servant is Lancer?" Akeno asks.
"... Lancer rather not let anyone know just yet." Keiichi said. "Thought he said if you beat him in a fight maybe he'll let you guys know... And before you assume, he does not mean beat me. I don't know how to fight."
...Ok, this Servant is a battle freak, good to know.
"...Well, that something we'll have to fix." Yuuto said. "Though admittedly, I don't know much about Spears."
"Eh, Lancer can teach me. So no sweat." Keiichi casually replies.
"Well alright then," Yuuto said. "By the way, Ai-chan, do you mind if I train Isai in the garden a bit later? We've been neglecting her training for a while and I would like to get back to it if you don't mind."
"Huh?" Isai lets out, surprised by the suddenly topic turn.
"I rather not have anyone fight here for a while," Ai admits. "But you are right, Isai has been neglecting her training... Just don't destroy anything, please."
"That is fine." Yuuto nods.
"Don't I have a say in this?" Isai asks, getting no answer. "...Well fine, I need to get Stronger anyways."
"By the way, Keiichi," Akeno said, grabbing his attention. "How did it feel to always have two cute girls around you?"
"Eh? kind of a personal question but ok..." He said rubbing his head, Issei assumes he really didn't think about that till now, Also, Ai is glaring at Akeno. Isai doesn't seem to mind the question at all. "I guess it's fine. Both are pretty cute yea, But I'm only interested in Isai. Ai a bit too violent for my taste"
He immediately ducks to avoid the empty can that flew over his head.
"See what I mean?" He said as he stood back up. "But I'm sure their plenty of guys who would love a girl like her."
"Pff, I'm not interested in anyone," Ai replies.
"Expect for Isai of course," Archer said. Causing Ai to falter a bit.
"Dam it Archer, I thought you were done with that! And I've told you I'm not into her like that!" She protests.
".. Uhh..?" Isai couldn't but look at Ai oddly. This is clearly news to the Homunculus
"Ignore him! He just really likes to mess with me, don't take his words seriously." Ai defends herself.
"Aww, does Ai have a little crush?~" Akeno happily says, joining in.
"Oh my god, not you too..." Ai said putting her hand on her face, visibly upset. "Goddamit Archer..."
"Sorry to disappoint you yet again Master," Archer replies.
"Shut up," She snaps back.
"Can you really blame him? It is fun to see your reactions after all.~" Akeno said.
"You shut up too, this is my house, I can easily kick you out if I want too.' Ai warns her, crossing her arms. "We're not here to constantly make fun of me anyway, we actually have things to discuss."
"She does bring up a good point," Keiichi said. "While Isai and Lancer explained some things, I'm still mostly in the Dark, especially when it comes to Devil related stuff, so it would be really nice for some info right about now."
"I agree," Yuuto said. "If he's going to be part of our Group, he should at least understand the peerage system, even if he's not a part of it."
"Peerage system?" Keiichi questionably asks as his eyes drift towards Isai, who just shrugs in response.
"They can explain it far better then I could so I decided to wait," Isai said.
"Wait, you knew that the Devils were coming?" Keiichi said.
"More like an educated guess then actually knowing." Isai points out. "They were there when Ai got the text, no doubt they would be curious as to what's going on, sure Ai could just explain, and probably did to some extent. But knowing them, I think they would still be interested enough for them to come with Ai. And use the excuse that they would better for explaining the Devil side of things to come over. Besides, even if they didn't come, I could still give the basic rundown, and ask them to explain in more detail at school tomorrow."
Issei and the gang just stared at her for a moment.
"... She's not wrong." Both Rias and Ai quietly said.
"...okay, anyway," Keiichi said, turnings his attention back to the Devils. "Care to explain what Isai left out?"
At this point, Rias go ahead and starts explaining things like the Peerage system to Keiichi. All the while, Issei approaches Isai and Ai, as he really couldn't add anything, he didn't know much either.
Turns out that Ai briefly explains what a Rating Game is. Isai was quiet and just took in the information.
Luckily it didn't take long for Ai to finish. She frowns at noticing Issei.
"So..." Issei said. "A lot's going to happen in the coming weeks huh?"
"The Field trip right?" Isai asks, with Issei nodding. "I wonder if they'll let Keiichi-kun come."
"I'm sure Buchou will," Issei said. "We may not know him well, but Keiichi's a good guy, plus he not only in the same situation as you guys, but he's also one of your best friends."
"...You might be right." Ai said. "But in the end, it's up to Rias."
Knowing Buchou, she will probably see Keiichi as a possible recruit. Especially since he's closely tied to Ai-chan and Isai. Getting him in the circle might make it easier to recruit Ai or Isai as well.
Thought that is quite the Stretch, and he's sure even Buchou doubts that would really change their minds, let alone even recruit him.
"Would Keiichi even join us?" Ai then asks. "I mean, they are Devils, and he doesn't know Rias and the others like we do. Any normal person wouldn't trust them if they knew they were Devils."
"Oh, trust me, he will," Isai assures her. "I made sure of that."
"...How?" Ai asks, raising an eyebrow. "I don't think it would be that easy to just convince him."
From the look on Isai's face. Issei could tell that she realized that she messed up by saying that.
"W-Well..." Isai seems to be having a hard time trying to think of something to say. Getting a bit nervous. "I talked to him of course. I told him that they can be trusted...!"
"...What really happened?" Ai demands to know from her friend.
"I convinced him." Isai quickly told her best friend.
Ai stared at Isai for a moment, before her eyes briefly look towards Issei.
"If you don't tell me what happened, I will beat Issei up," Ai said. In which Issei takes a step back in fear.
"W-wait! I have nothing to do with this!" Issei quickly said, not really wanting to feel Ai's wrath for no reason. "Don't drag me into this!"
But Issei words were on deaf eyes, as Ai didn't even bother to respond to him. Well, he wasn't going to change her mind. So the only thing he could do was...
"Isai please! my life is on the line here!" Issei said as he turns to the aforementioned girl.
"I... Uh..." Being a bit tough tied, Isai struggles to actually say anything at this point, her face looking so conflicted.
"Please..." Issei begs her. "Think about what she'll do to me...!"
Isai looks to be thinking about it as if she was weighing the odds on wither or not it's worth it. With Issei only hoping that she'll cave in and answer...
"I will not help you in this Matter, you were the one who put yourself in this mess... I also believe there is little I could do even if I wanted to help." Issei heard Saber say. Did Isai really think Saber could do anything?
...Maybe there was something can do. Not that Issei would know.
"... Promise me that you won't get mad." Isai finally said. Causing Issei to smile.
"I knew you would have my back!" Issei happily said, with tears of joy.
"If you think I'd get mad by it, then you also know I can't promise that," Ai told her.
Isai turns her head away.
"...Well... How about not getting as mad? Cause you know, I don't want anyone to run away from you." Isai said the last part a bit loudly. Which is a bit odd.
"... Ok?" Ai questionably said. "What do you mean?"
Isai went silent for a bit.
"Five seconds before I beat Issei up," Ai said. Getting ready to do just that. With Issei ready to book it as soon as she starts to moves.
"... I promised Keiichi-kun that I would wear that Cheerleader outfit if he'd give Rias and the other a chance." Isai told her.
...
...
Issei was sure that he and Keiichi would become good friends.
"ENDO KEIICHI!" Ai then screams as she turns back to face that poor soul...
Only to see Everyone but Keiichi there...
"Eh?" she let out. "Where is he...? We weren't talking too loud-"
She froze mid-sentence before turning to Isai. Who gave her a small, nervous smile and a little wave.
"You sly little..." she was about to say, but stops. "No.. I don't have time for this. But you are you big trouble once I come back."
With those words, she rushes out of the room, certainly to chase after their friend.
"I assume Keiichi did something to upset Ai-chan?" Yuuto asks.
"Well, more like I did, Keiichi just kinda... well... I promise him I wear that cheerleader outfit if he gives you guys a chance." Isai said.
"Oh, I suppose it makes sense for Ai to burst out like that then," Rias said. "Still, I'm happy that I didn't have to do anything to make you wear it.~"
"Ara ara, I didn't expect our little snow angel to be so bold. Isn't that outfit a bit too small~?" Akeno asks her.
"Quite bold." Koneko agrees with a nod.
"...Yes, it is." Isai nervously said.
"I can be there when you wear it right?!" Issei expectedly asks.
"No." Isai flat out said. "Besides, Keiichi the one who will decide when I wear it."
"Well, then I'll just ask him if I can watch too!" Issei happily said. In which Isai just quietly stares at him. Muttering a bit.
"Well... Uh, By the way, Rias, you're fine with Keiichi joining the club right?" Isai suddenly asks the Red-headed Devil.
"I'm fine with that," Rias told her. "I suppose he will also have to come with us on our field trip as well. It'd be a good way for us to get to know each other. Especially since I doubt that we'll be able to talk to him at any point now."
Yea, Ai is probably going to be on the hunt until she finds him or get tired and goes to sleep. Issei wonders how long it'll take for Ai to catch him... If she even could. Keiichi seems to know her very well after all.
"So do you guys plan to spend the night?" Isai then asks, in which Rias shakes her head.
"I have things to do, as well as get everything ready for our Trip," Rias told her. "But I don't think the other would mind staying for a bit longer, however."
"I don't mind. Isai and I can finally spend some time together." Akeno said. "We're long overdue after all."
"That's fine, we could spend time exploring Ai's garden, it's a really nice place once you actually go in and just watch the life around you. but that'd have to be after my Training though." Isai said.
"Well, I guess I could also watch that as well. Maybe Ai-chan will even let me spend the night. I'm sure it'll be fun~." Akeno said.
"... Why do you have to sound so suggestive?" Isei couldn't help but say.
"That just who I am after all.~ Not that anything would actually happen." Akeno admits.
"Would I be able to? Spend that night that is." issei ask.
"I... don't think so," Isai said. "It's up to Ai-chan after all."
Yea, he figured that he wouldn't.
"Worth asking at least. You were able to convince her last time." Issei said.
"It was my father that convinced her, not me. And I haven't seen him in the last couple of days. So I assume he's doing his job again." Isai said, though there is a bit of a sad tone mixed with her voice.
"That's a shame. I guess I'll stay until you're done training then." Issei said.
"Well, then, let's get right too it shall we Yuuto?" Isai asks.
"Just lend the way then... I hope you guys have some kendo sticks around." Yuuto agrees.
Issei and Akeno sat on one of the nearby benches as they watch Yuuto spar Isai. Asia actually went off to look for Ruler. Going on about "God's will" or things like that.
Koneko was also around, but instead of focusing on the fight, she has her attention on the koi pond.
Interesting enough while they both had wooden swords, Isai wasn't wearing any kendo gear this time. Partly because Isai insisted she didn't need it anymore, partly because they didn't even have any.
"She's gotten so good already," Issei said.
"Certainly better than before. I agree." Akeno adds. "She's gotten so strong so quickly.~"
For what they were talking about. Currently, Isai seems to be actually holding Yuuto back a bit, as she was actually the one of the offense this time.
Thought Akeno could tell Yuuto wasn't putting his all into this, just like before. It seems he wanted to see how skilled Isai now was when she was on the attack. But he was using both of his hand when compared to before, in which he only used 1 hand.
And it turns out she was doing quite a bit better than before. Akeno wasn't really one to use swords, so she couldn't tell if Isai's stance or footwork were any good. Thought even someone like her could tell there was a huge gap in Skill when comparing the two.
Akeno also had noticed how Isai's magical energy suddenly spiked and flared up at the start. No doubt Yuuto did as well.
That said, the swings of Isai's wooden sword were far faster then before, regardless of if the swings were poorly done or not.
This increase of speed caught Yuuto off guard for a bit at the start. As he wasn't expecting her to be so fast when compared to before. Isai took full advantage of it. Forcing him to move back as she moved forward. Each of her strikes, however, weren't really being aimed anywhere important. Just where Akeno assumes that Isai thinks she could hit.
Yuuto however at some point, got used to Isai's attacks and was able to stop Isai's approach with a swift counterattack toward her waist, forcing Isai to back up a bit to avoid the blow.
Which leads to where they are right now. Yuuto wasn't trying really trying to counter or parry anything, he was content with just blocking right now.
Another clear different was Isai wasn't nearly as tired. Before, she was already starting to tire out, but now, she still going at it without breaking a sweat.
The sweet little snow angel has already improved by so much. Akeno couldn't help but feel a bit proud of her.
Of course, all things must eventually come to an end. And that end started when Yuuto decides to go on the offensive.
He the next time he blocked Isai's next time, a sideways swing aiming for his head, he took one of his hand off his sword to block in an attempt to punch Isai's hand to disarm her.
Isai did react to this well before he actually tries to punch her. Pulling back ever so slightly to dodge, and then quickly rebalances herself and moves back in, going for a 'stab' in the gut.
But this was a mistake, as Yuuto presses his hand on the side of the blade, throwing it off to the side. Then, knowing that Isai couldn't just back up now as she was pretty committed to the action. quickly pushes himself forward and presses the wooden sword to Isai's neck. Who went stiff once she felt the wood.
"It's over," Yuuto said, with Isai slowly nodding, admitting defeat.
"Darn, I was hoping she could actually best him." Issei begrudgingly said.
"Well, it was quite clear that Yuuto was the better of the two." Akeno remarks. Issei only mumbles a bit but doesn't say anything else.
Withdrawing his sword from her neck, he takes a second to sort out what he wants to say.
"You are surprisingly a lot stronger and faster than before, Before, I could easily fight you with one hand. But now, it even stung a bit when I blocked your attacks at first." Yuuto admits.
Isai couldn't help but blush a bit at the compliments.
"T-thank you.. and well... it's because I've learned a skill since our last spar," Isai admits.
"A new skill?" Yuuto couldn't help but ask, with Isai nodding... Akeno actually got a bit interested as well.
"It's called mana burst, it basically lets me use my magical energy to enhance my physical abilities," Isai said.
"Oh. That's.. quite a powerful ability, especially for someone who has such abnormally strong magical energies." Yuuto said. "It's no wonder would suddenly be able to compete with a Devil's power then."
"Yea... Though I don't have much control over it and could have even seriously hurt myself if I went overboard, not only that, I would have broken the wooden sword as well, so Saber had to maintain it at a reasonably low level." Isai admits.
So that means that what they saw just now was just a tip of the iceberg that was Isai's potential...
There also that Holy Sword she processes...
And from what Akeno knows, Isai's not even at the level of a normal Servant, at least not yet...
Just how powerful are these Servants?
...
For now, Akeno should just focus on what's in front of her.
"You did quite well. I have no doubt that you'll become a strong young lady in no time." Akeno said.
"... Thanks, that means a lot." Isai honestly said to Akeno before turning back to Yuuto. "So.. how did I do overall?"
"You've improved a lot. That much is clear, but just like the ending of the spar, you tend to leave yourself open a lot. And the way you move and handle your sword is still very sloppy."' Yuuto said after thinking a bit. "How about you take your fighting stance and I'll show you how to improve it? After that, we'll spar again and see if there any improvement."
Isai nods and then takes a stance that... looks very befitting for a Knight. At least in Akeno's opinion.
"So I guess she didn't have much of a chance, after all, huh," Issei said.
"Well, of course, Isai may be strong, she still a young, inexperienced girl, much like yourself, Minus the girl part that is.~" Akeno.
"...You think I'm strong?" Issei said, looking at the older girl. Who pats Issei head in response.
"If Buchou is right, then you have the potential to become really strong as well. So don't slack off and get stronger, alright Issei? You may be the only one who can save Rias from Riser right now. " Akeno seriously told him.
"Really...?" Issei said in amazement. "... Then I won't let you or Buchou down, I'll make sure that Riser regrets even thinking about the idea of Marrying her!"
"That's the Spirit.~" She happily says.
She then turns her attention back to Isai and Yuuto, with the latter showing the white-haired girl how to properly hold her weapon, and well and show the angle her feet should be placed.
"Do you know how to dance?" Yuuto asks her. Catching Isai slightly off guard with the question.
"Uh... I can dance, but what does that have to do with anything?" Isai asks her mentor.
"Well then, how about this. Instead of thinking of this as a fight, think of it as a dance." Yuuto Suggests.
"Think of it as a dance...?" Isai said... not quite understanding at first, but she seems to clue in after a bit of thought. "...Ok, I think I know what you mean."
Akeno was enjoying this rather clam time, it was nice, especially with everything that happened with Riser...
Well, she was sure they'd be ready for him in two weeks time.
A/Ns: I feel like not much has happened this chapter. Aside from the fact that none of this chapter was from Isai or Ai's point of view. As I thought I would be nice to break away from them every now and then and see things from the eyes of Issei and Akeno. Though I always worry about getting their personalities wrong.
Issei again also shows he's smarter then he lets on. If only he was always like that, but he's just too into the oppai... At times I think it's an obsession.
Anyways, that's all for now! See you all in the next chapter!