Obligations

Issei punches the wall in frustration at a revelation that makes him unhappy, Vali has betrayed Azazel and Issei is deeply affected by this because Vali trained him and he believed they were buddies. He has Raynare at his side in her true form as she grabs him from behind.

"Hey now, you don't need to be so pissed about our little traitor. I mean, look at us now." She reminds him due to their relationship being a lot better than before.

Issei sighs and resumes what he and Raynare were doing since they're already in their room and Xenovia is out for a few hours. They believe she's merely doing stuff for school since it's hard to concentrate in the bedroom with Raynare and Issei both living here with her.

In spite of this, Azazel has received some pretty excellent news. Due to the peace treaty, he is encouraged to let his fallen angels get together with devils and even regular angels to help bridge the gap between the factions.

But this is going to take a little bit of sudden actions. Namely because an unlikely occurrence is taking place to help this, the factions are arranging something. Sirzechs, the current Lucifer, is meeting Azazel is private for the moment in the latter's office.

After hearing his proposal, Azazel conveys "I don't know about this idea. It goes against what I think is progress in this day and age."

Sirzechs reacts kindly by admitting "Yes, I'm afraid it didn't work too well in my family. But she did volunteer and has already agreed to do it." He says this as some tea is being poured.

Azazel looks at who's pouring the tea and asks "So, are you really okay with doing this? I mean, wouldn't you rather find someone yourself?"

The person appreciates it, but the declines to find someone on her own. Azazel sighs at this and promises "Okay, but I'll make sure to pick someone who'll be good to you."

Five Days Later

Issei is training with Xenovia to make up for Vali's betrayal by trying to become more powerful than him. He makes it a point to not hurt his ally because she and him are so close and it'd put a bad taste in his mouth to harm a friend. Their training ends when Xenovia suddenly tires out and wants to take a break.

They sit beneath a tree while Issei relaxes and reflects on his training with Vali. Xenvoia senses his stress and asks "Issei, I know I'm not a substitute for Vali, but we can still help you improve. When we meet him again, you can defeat him."

Issei sighs a little and admits "That ain't it, Xenovia, it's just that I thought he was my buddy. The guy went out of his way to train me, and it feels like he used me. It's a rotten feeling to have, and it pisses me off because this isn't the first time either."

Hearing him say it, Xenovia knows that he's referring to Raynare initially deceiving him and how she still distrusts those fallen angels because of it. Issei is the only one of the team that she actually likes, but she can tolerate Raynare a bit more after sharing a room with her for a while now.

After lounging some, Xenovia thinks of an idea as she bluntly asks "Would intercourse help you calm down?"

Issei is used to her rather blunt nature in this regard, so he simply shrugs and they are alone and answers "Xenovia, you really know how to win a guy over for a few."

The two simply take off what they need and begin. It's not unknown to Raynare of what Issei is doing with Xenovia because Azazel has had multiple harems, but all she asks of him is to know who he's banging because she's supposed to be his main. He's only slept with the two of them and it'd be hard to keep it a secret anyway since they share a bed.

While in the process of doing the dirty deed, Azazel warps in with a smirk on his face and says "Whoa, wasn't expecting a free show when I found you both."

Issei immediately turns his head and shouts "HOLY SHIT!" when he sees Azazel lounging with a drink while watching him and Xenovia. They put their clothes back on immediately.

Azazel smirks a little while saying "Hey, you didn't need to stop at my expense."

Xenovia seems unfazed by this, but she does join Issei in getting dressed again. After getting their cool back, Issei and Xenovia are rather surprised by his appearance (as if his sudden viewing of their show wasn't obvious) as he presents a boxed lunch to Issei while saying "Thought you'd like a little pick-me-up." He also gives one to Xenovia.

Issei takes a bite and is instantly taken away by the amazing taste and exclaims "Whoa! This is incredible!" he eats some more and asks "Did you make this?" he looks at Azazel, but the governor-general denies it.

Rather, he tells Issei "Actually, your new girl made it."

Issei almost chokes on his lunch when he takes a drink of tea from a cup that suddenly appears. After that he hears the sound of pouring and a voice saying "My, you must have really been shocked by that, Issei." Issei turns and sees someone he didn't expect, Akeno Himejima from school and he nearly faints at seeing her.

She's one of the two great ladies of Kuoh. Issei is shocked by her appearance and Azazel adds "Yup, she's your newest girl for your harem, Issei. Treat her good." He thinks that Akeno is the best to explain it and would like for them to get it done.

Akeno and Issei sit down while she explains the reason why she's here. Aside from the treaty, she says "I'm a devil who works…or rather worked as Rias Gremory's servant. You know, from school. But recently, she's been very unhappy. So, she sent me off to be your wife."

Issei interrupts her "Whoa, hold on here." He doesn't like the idea of arranging a marriage and tells her "I don't want you to be forced to be with me. It doesn't sound right even think about it."

Akeno pours some more tea and sadly responds "I know, but don't worry, I've made this decision on my own. Rias volunteered me, but she said she wouldn't force me."

Despite not liking the idea, Issei admits "Okay, but I won't force you to do anything."

It seems as if Issei is saying things Akeno wished to hear in a different setting, and she smiles at how kindly he is to her. Xenovia even backs him up and admits that she believes Issei is the only genuinely earnest person on his team. Akeno smiles at this and feels a bit more welcomed to her new family. But, she does wish Rias was still around.

Some Time Later

Issei and his girlfriends, Akeno, Raynare, and Xenovia have all taken to their cramped bedding, until Issei gets a bigger room and bed as a gift from Azazel. It is night time, and Raynare is getting ready for bed. She wears a simple black shirt that reaches her thighs as pajamas and then hears something funny as she peers into the bathroom and catches Xenovia who is lurched over the toilet and is apparently vomiting.

Raynare smirks and sarcastically asks "Heh, been eating too much gravy lately?"

Xenovia finishes up and drinks some water from the faucet before finally admitting "No, I'm experiencing nausea and vomiting. It's an early sign of my pregnancy."

Struck a little by this, Raynare thinks she's got something in her ear when she asks "Wait what!?"

Being blunt, Xenovia reiterates "I said, it's an early sign of my pregnancy. I found out two days ago."

Raynare can't help but think that's a bit sudden and wonders "Wait, did you tell him yet?"

Not understanding why it matters, she answers "No, I told him I wanted a baby, he gave it to me, and I didn't feel it necessary to inform him."

Worrying on it, Raynare then looks at her own stomach and then she suddenly gets hit with nausea of her own and runs over to the toilet to throw up. After finishing herself, she says "Oh….shit…." before immediately going to bed due to being fatigued.

The Next Morning

Issei is woken up, rudely, by Raynare slapping his face and his immediate response is a sudden "What the hell was that for?"

Raynare's actions also wake up Akeno and Xenovia, with the former commenting "Wow, he must be good if you want it this bad in the morning."

Raynare looks at Issei and tells him "I need to see a doctor, right now."

Confused, Issei gets up and immediately does what Raynare wants and calls Azazel to get a doctor brought in. Though Issei still doesn't know why, and they conduct the exam in their home base with the other three present. Akeno is introduced while the exam goes on.

After the examination is finished, Raynare looks a bit upset. She drags Issei out of the room while the others talk to Akeno and Xenovia because of the recent delopments.

Issei and Raynare stand outside the door to the meeting room with Raynae looking completely flushed and upset when she tells him "I'm about to tell you something, and it's going to flip you out. But, Issei…" She growls a little and confesses "You knocked me up."

Issei looks confused, like during their first date and wonders "I think I didn't hear you right…because I thought you just said…."

"I said you got me pregnant, you dumbass." She says while shaking a little and wonders "Damn it…I didn't think it would happen so easily."

Issei trembles a little, not out of joy, but out of fear and his only response to mutters "But…I can't be a dad..I'm only in high school." He almost falls to his knees as Raynare walks away while shivering a bit.

On top of Vali's betrayal, Issei has to deal with. Luckily, he has something to take his mind off of things for the moment when he gets a call from Shemhazai and is informed that there is some business to take care of in the underworld.

For this assignment, Issei has brought Mittelt with him since he's permitted only one ally and bringing Xenovia would make him uneasy because he's been getting a weird vibe from her as well. In the underworld, Issei is hunting down a rogue familiar after its master betrayed their pact.

In the forest, Mittelt follows her leader diligently and mentions "Hey, you know, you ain't so bad anymore. Gotta say I like the more confident you."

Issei, trying to forget his troubles, responds as energetic as he can "That means a lot coming from you Mittelt. I'm trying to do everything I can after Vali ditched us."

Enthusiastic from his words, Mittelt reminds him "Well, can you count on me anytime, commander. Mittelt will do her best too."

Issei laughs a little and he is impressed because Mittelt is far stronger than when he first met her, partially because she's been training with high level fallen angels to become stronger. She can summon multiple holy spears and has even gotten more wings, the others have done the same and Raynare even has six now. Their progress is marked by an immense rise in power from intense training that would be considered hellish in any circumstance.

Issei senses something coming and signals to Mittelt to stop moving and the pause and look over to see a giant serpent-like monster feeding on a corpse resembling a fish. It matches the description they were given on the rogue familiar.

Issei signals Mittelt to attack quietly while he charges his Boosted Gear. He summons his special green holy spear and it forms into a blade around his other hand and he announces "Let's take him out."

He and Mittelt swiftly charge at the beast with the latter flying in the air and throwing multiple holy spears which grabs the attention of the beast so Issei can punch it with his bladed arm to cut it open and then quickly uses his Boosted Gear to punch inside its body and blow it to pieces.

After seeing the body explode, Mittelt quips "Perfect shot, leader."

She floats down and compliments her leader on his quick win "Wow, that cool, and so fast." While getting a little giddy, Mittelt fails to notice something falling on her clothes, and then clothes begin to melt.

Issei notices this and is almost tempted to say something, almost. Mittelt's clothes are almost gone before she notices and then covers herself with her wings "What is this stuff!" she shouts before seeing Issei's interest in her naked body.

This gives her an idea when she asks "Do you like what you see?"

Issei nods without saying anything before he uses his Boosted Gear to blow the slime away. Mittelt doesn't mind giving herself to her strong leader as the two walk closer and start making out. With his weakened psyche from Raynare's revelation, it makes it easier for Issei to fall easily to another woman's charm, let alone a fallen angel's charms.

After finishing up in the underworld, Issei returns home in the middle of the night. He's tired from the day, and plans on talking with Raynare about their little budding issue. He had some time to reflect while staring at the back of Mittelt's head before trying to muster the courage to help her get through this.

Upon entering his room, he sees someone under the covers crying. He walks over to see Raynare under the sheets sounding rather upset.

Issei sighs and does his best to comfort her "Look, I'm sorry about what's happened. But it's not like I planned for this either. I also get it must be a lot crazier for you than me, so I promise I'll do what I can to make you happy, if you'll let me."

After hearing him, Raynare sits up in their bed with her hair down and a sad look on her face, one Issei has never seen before, but he can barely see because of the dimly lit room. Despite the suddenness of the moment, Issei is kissed by his lover and her lips taste sweeter than normal and her body feels softer. Issei didn't say those things to get more, but this is nice.

After finishing, Issei is embraced by Raynare tenderly, and says it again "Like I said, I promise to make you happy."

"I'll be holding you to it, Issei." To his shock, this voice isn't Raynare's and the light comes on as it is revealed that Issei just did it with Akeno and what he just told those sweet things to. Be that as it may, he doesn't regret saying those things since she was apparently upset because he can see a tear stream from her eyes.

The next morning, Raynare has failed to return home and Xenovia is out doing work and Issei isn't informed of her pregnancy yet. Xenovia only found out so soon because she was diligent in checking herself and making weekly visits to a doctor, so she's the only who knows aside from the doctor, even Azazel doesn't' know.

Not long after this, Issei also had a night with Kalawarner after a mission when she was also attracted to his strength and new confident demeanor. But moreover, he is still very conflicted by the idea of being a dad at his young age.

While taking a walk in the night alone, he comes across someone he has seen before, but hasn't met. He saw her with Vali when he betrayed Azazel. The mysterious woman in black named Kuroka. He spots her sitting on a wall and immediately notices her.

He tries to ignore by saying "I'm not in the mood today for Vali's crap."

Kuroka feigns being hurt and responds "Well that's rude. You reject me without hearing me out."

"Does it have to do with Vali?" he asks with irritation in his voice.

Kuroka shakes her head and responds "No, this is purely between you and me, or rather a proposal for you and me."

Issei summons his Boosted Gear as a backup in case he doesn't like what she says. Kuroka leaps off the wall and stands closer to him.

She explains "Word on the street is that you've spreading some baby seed everywhere, and I'd like a bit of that in my garden." Her face becoming seductive as she licks his face while he backs up a little, and she comments "Yup, that's the taste of a playboy."

Not liking where this is going, Issei is almost tempted to warp away as his wings come out and says "No thanks, I'm not in the mood for baby talk."

Kuroka begins to show her breasts and then offers "Now don't be like that. I'm offering you a bit me without the baggage." Issei is tempted and Kuroka just explains it "That's right, you give me a few brats, and I won't even make you pay for it. No diaper duty, no crying, and no responsibility."

Issei thinks on it and then grabs Kuroka by the arms and states "No, you think I want to be sleaze that ignores his kids!?...I don't want the responsibility, but I can't just ignore it either."

Kuroka seems taken back by this statement and figures it's not her he's talking to. She backs him off and mentions "Geez, I offer you some good times, and instead I get a wimpy proclamation."

Not liking that response, Issei mentions "There's nothing wimpy about a dad trying to think of his kids."

Thinking of her own father, Kuroka mentions "Okay, I take that part back, but my offer still stands. Just blow a whistle, and I'll show you a good time."

After this, Issei argues "Why don't you ask Vali?"

"Because I turned her down." A familiar voice says as Vali appears from a circle and Issei isn't happy about it.

Issei takes a fighting stance "Damn it, why are you here, traitor?" he asks with anger in his tone.

Vali tries to make it clear he isn't here to fight yet when he explains "Whoa there, I'm just here to inform you of something. Call it…a favor from one dragon to another."

Issei isn't convinced of Vali's non aggression after their last encounter, and Vali can tell how much stronger Issei has become since then, something he looks forward to. He informs Issei of possible encounters to come because of the treaty and some stirring in the underworld.

After explaining this, Kuroka and Vali leave, but not before Vali mentions to Issei "Oh, and take good care of your kids. Nobody likes a deadbeat dad." His voice genuine, Issei assures him he'll do his best even though he's nervous.

He calms down and returns home. He has a lot think about, a lot to consider, and a lot to calm down on. Sleeping with two other girls isn't going to help, but he did promise to marry Akeno and make her happy, so maybe he'll have extra help along the way. But then it hits him, Vali said kids with an s, so he wonders what that means for the moment or if he heard something else on the streets, or maybe Kuroka heard wrong because she made it sound just as bad. He shrugs it off and returns home a little more confident.

Like Ivory, the next chapter will be set one year later, and will be the last chapter of Ebony Dragon.