I don't own DxD. Ishibumi does.
"Shin, look!"
Shin smiled as he watched Asia fire a large flaming orb into the creek. A little too large but she was getting the hang of it. Her casting time was rapidly increasing as well. Asia's magical aptitude was something neither of them had expected. When she and Sophia had their morning spar, Asia had surprised her by utilizing magic circles. Or attempting to. Her attempt had caught Sophia off guard long enough for Asia to land her first blow. It was something the nephilim princess patted her head for.
"Good good. And good attempt this morning," Shin said. "But you were missing the control needed to do this…" Shin made a symbol with his fingers before tapping his wrists together. Two small magic circles formed around his hands and wrists. "You have a long way before you can use magic circles as melee weapons." The circles faded. "And this morning, if I had known you'd try to actually make talismans, I'd have brought charm paper with me. Too bad I don't know where Kaa-san keeps them."
Asia beamed at the words "charm paper". "I read in your journal about charm gear! And I asked you a few days ago if you could help me make charm gear!"
"Woah, Woah! Slow down. You still need to get your divine power under control before learning charm gear. Though, I doubt Angels can learn charm gear," Shin said, placing his hand on his chin.
"They can."
The two looked over to Sophia, who chewed on an apple slice. Ran stood next to her, eating a slice of ham.
"They can?" Shin asked.
"Metatron, one of the Seraphs, is a weeb like Rias. He went to Japan and learned Fuinjutsu from one of the shinobi clans, which I heard is just a derivative of the charm gear used by exorcist families like House Tsuchimikado," Sophia said.
"Huh? If I knew that, I would've brought charm paper," Shin said.
"Welp, there's always next time. Besides, I didn't know you knew how to make talismans," Sophia said.
"Ehe, well, Kaa-san beat it into me and my sister when we were little. I'm better at it than she is. Nee-san is more of a… cut everything into pieces type of person. She excels in our family… or mom's side of the family's sword style, the Onigari-Ryu," Shin said.
"Onigari-Ryu? Like the Furude Family's martial art?" Asia asked. She had read it in Shin's journal.
"Yeah. She's the youngest person to master it and perform the Ama-Kakera no Ken," Shin said.
"Your mom… was a member of the Furude House," Sophia said.
"Was. Besides, House Furude isn't that big. They're just known for being an old rival of one of the members of the Five Principal Clans. But… their influence practically vanished during the Tokugawa Shogunate. Now, they're just owners of a small shrine in Serikawa village. But some people still cling to the old ways," Shin said.
"I see. Well, still, you're part of an exorcist family," Sophia said.
"A small exorcist family," Shin corrected.
"Guys! Come on! I want to learn another!" Asia said, interrupting the two.
"Right right. Let's see. We did Fire. Today's Wednesday so let's learn a water spell," Shin said.
"Alright. Thanks, everyone for coming today," Rias said, standing in her sweats. She had her arms crossed and a growing blush on her face. Her expression made everyone wonder why she had called them here. "I've given it some thought… Shin. Remember on the second day when I asked you for help in training Issei?"
"And you slapped me? I remember," Shin said.
"W-Well, I… I'm not getting the results I want and we have four days left so I'm going to do it! I'll use your suggestion!" Rias said. This time, her blush had gone full nuclear.
Shin grinned and Sophia sighed. Shin had told her of the plan but she never thought Rias would agree with it. Yes, the girl barely had any shame considering what she did but… Sophia looked at the embarrassed face she had.
"We're going to be playing a special version of capture the flag today. And for this, I… I will be serving as the enemy flag! Issei! Your goal is to capture me," Rias said, pushing up her breasts for emphasis.
"Wait… what?" Issei had a dumb look on his face.
"Basically," Shin said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What Senpai is saying is that you have to touch her chest by the end of this game."
"That's it? Easy," Issei said.
"Ah yes, it might be but… all of us will try to keep you away from it," Sophia said, smiling like a maniac.
Issei gulped and took a step back. "Do I get teammates or something?"
"Nope."
"Shin, the way you said that with a smile scares me a lot man. And besides, are you insane? You know that Irina has a sixth sense for this!" Issei protested.
"I'll take the fall for you the next time you two have Skype se-" Shin ducked as a rock flew past his head.
Rias raised an eyebrow at Shin's comment. She felt an odd sense of jealousy and possessiveness creeping into her body. Who's Irina? Is she… no, that's not possible. Otherwise, Issei wouldn't have accepted that date from Raynare, Rias thought, comforting herself.
"Anyway, we're not going to hide Rias at all which makes this a special game. We'll be using this field," Shin said.
"Out in the open?" Issei asked.
"Yup, all of us versus you. Koneko, you get that?" Shin asked.
"Yes. Shin-senpai, you are now my best friend," Koneko said, cracking her knuckles in preparation.
"O-Oi! Do I get to use any special items or anything?" Issei asked.
"Well, you can use the [Boosted Gear], that bracelet I gave you, and the [Balance Breaker] if you have it," Shin said.
Issei gulped. "You guys will go easy on me right?"
"Ara, that would be too easy wouldn't it, Ise-kun?" Akeno said. Lightning crackled around her body as she smiled menacingly. "Who knows… I might even use my bow this time."
"W- Wait bow?" Issei asked, quaking in his sneakers.
"Yeah, Akeno-senpai is a surprisingly good archer," Kiba said.
"It'll be like shooting apples. Two low-hanging apples attached to a banana, fufu," Akeno said.
Issei gulped.
"When do we start?" he asked.
Shin glanced to Rias, who watched the entire exchange with some amusement and fear for Issei. She crossed her arms and closed her eyes. "First of all, you and I need to go to our respective ends of the court. Vivi-sama has volunteered to protect the house from any stray attacks. You will be given a ten-second grace period to try and run over and grab me okay?"
"Ten seconds?" he asked.
"From 100 meters," Rias added.
"100 meters in ten seconds?" Issei placed a hand on his chin.
[If we boost your speed, you might make it in 7. Though, I don't think that's the point of this exercise] Ddraig said.
"I know what the point is. Which is why I'm kinda scared. Shin received training from Uncle Rowan and Aunt Akari. From the stories he tells me, those smiling faces are just for show. And given how highly Shin speaks of Aka-nee, their training works. And look at Shin. Shin says he's the weakest of his family but that's only because he's rusty. What happens when all the rust falls off?" Issei said.
[Vivian's Contractor is rather strong. But… from what I can gauge if all that rust fell off. He'd only be as powerful as your King. Possibly even just slightly more.]
Issei nodded. "Alright! Let's do this!" A green glow appeared on Issei's left arm as he summoned the [Boosted Gear]. "I'll show you! I'll touch Buchou's oppai and nothing can stop me!"
Shin smiled while Sophia crossed her arms. Black mist wafted off her body. "Well then Jailbait, ready?"
"Right, you and Rias need to get to your ends of the court. After that, I'll count down and you get ten seconds to run over and grope her chest," Shin said.
Issei nodded.
Issei and Rias walked towards the center. The two stared at each other before walking 100 meters in the opposite direction.
"Ready?"
Issei clenched his gloved fist. "Shin's bracelet is also on my writing hand," Issei said, looking down at the black bracelet.
"GO!"
10
Issei took off sprinting towards Rias. His arm announced a boost as Issei's speed doubled.
9
8
7
6
"Almost there!" Issei said, reaching his hand forward to grab Rias's bountiful breasts.
5
4
3
As Issei's hand neared Rias's chest, a violet barrier appeared in front of her, throwing him back a few centimeters. Issei's eyes grew wide when he saw Rias smiling apologetically.
"Buchou?"
2
1
A sharp pain shot through Issei's side as he flew across the field all the way into a tree. The tree exploded into splinters as the rest of it fell over behind him. He groaned and got to his feet. His hazel eyes spotted Koneko standing in front of Rias, hand outstretched and balled into a fist.
"W- What?" Issei stuttered.
[It appears that… they never had any intention to let you touch her chest] Ddraig said.
"Shin, that crafty bastard," Issei said, wiping some blood from his mouth.
[Boost]
"Well then. Let's do this!" Issei took off sprinting towards Koneko. Brute strength wouldn't work against her. Hitting her would be like beating on a rock with a paperclip. His eyes scanned his surroundings. Suddenly, his hair stood on end as Issei slid underneath the swing of a sword.
Kiba looked surprised that Issei dodged the swing. Issei grinned as he swiped Kiba's legs out from under him before getting back up and running towards Rias.
A bolt of lightning impacted the ground and sent Issei to the side.
"Ara, Issei. Did you think that it would be that easy?" Akeno asked. An arrow made of pure lightning formed in her hand. She nocked the arrow into the bow and let it loose.
"Oh shit!" Issei rolled to the side as the arrow hit the ground and exploded violently.
Akeno-senpai, Casanova, and Koneko-chan are all guarding Buchou. But where are- Issei felt something warm running down his cheek. Acting on instinct, he quickly whirled around and parried the silver glint of a blade. He jumped back and saw Shin standing in front of him with a sword pointed at his face.
"Hey. Thought we would all come out one by one?" Shin asked.
"One by-" Issei jumped as a scythe made of light flew past him. A flash of white light appeared in the scythe's path as Sophia caught her weapon and dashed towards Issei.
"Shit shit!" Issei boosted again and parried her weapon. However, her blows were too heavy and he was sent flying across the field.
"Fireball!"
The sound of the voice made Issei's heart drop. "Asia too!" He rolled out of the way as a flaming orb scorched the ground where he once stood. "Asia! You too!" Issei said, looking up at her as she hovered in midair.
"I-I'm sorry, Issei! Shin said he would teach me how to use talismans if I helped out!" Asia said.
"Who's next? Ran?"
"Be careful what you wish for, Issei-sama." A sweet and venomous voice made itself known in his ear. He backpedaled as he saw her standing behind him. What he normally thought was a cute yet elegant maid with dog ears now resembled a cruel, capricious, sadistic God. Her yellow and red eyes glowed ominously and the Sun appeared to become brighter.
"So… I have to fight my way through all of you?" Issei said.
"That's right. Master said that we shouldn't jump you all at once to introduce an element of fairness but…"
"We forgot about that and decided to dogpile you." Issei jumped as the ground underneath him ruptured. His eyes were as wide as the sun when he saw Koneko elbow deep in the ground.
"Please pay attention to your surroundings."
[Boost]
Issei unfurled his wings. He turned around, performing a devastating roundhouse kick at Ran.
However, the Inugami raised her arm calmly and blocked Issei's kick. He tried not to scream in pain when he felt the mere heat radiating off Ran's arm beginning to eat away at his skin. The fire Ran wielded was not normal. To Issei who was well acquainted with divine and holy power, Ran's fire made Raynare's light look like a candle in comparison.
She raised her hand and created a small orb of black flames.
[Partner! Those flames! DODGE NOW!] Ddraig urged.
Issei didn't need Ddraig to tell him twice. He flapped his wings for all he was worth and dodged the small black flaming missile. The projectile traveled into the woods and exploded violently. A large pillar of black flames towered into the sky.
It was now where he realized. Everyone on this field except for Rias was trying to kill him. All for what? A Balance Breaker he was supposed to have?
"Don't get distracted," Kiba said as he appeared behind Issei. "It looks like your back is your blind spot."
Issei screamed in pain when he felt Yuuto's swords cut into his back. He gritted his teeth and swiped his arm, forcing Kiba to dodge.
[Partner! On your left!]
Issei raised his gauntlet arm and blocked a scythe made of light aimed at his neck. "Oi! I can actually die!" Issei yelled.
"Kind of the point," Sophia said, giving him a toothy grin. "Simply simulating a near-death experience isn't enough. This time, I'll actually try and send you to grandma." She pushed against Issei's arm, inching her blade ever closer to his neck.
"Tch! You're crazy!" Issei retorted, sweating profusely as the holy sickle grew ever closer to his throat.
[Boost]
His strength doubled, allowing him to throw her scythe off. The sudden motion caught her off guard and allowed Issei to land a devastating punch to her midsection. Kiba came at Issei once more. Issei blocked one of his swords before feinting.
[Boost]
Yuuto clearly did not expect such a tactic from Issei and took the bait like a fish. Issei took advantage of it and managed to kick Yuuto out of the air and into a tree. He boosted himself again.
"I will grope Buchou's oppai!" Issei yelled as he divebombed towards Rias.
"Nope!" Shin suddenly appeared in front of Rias. He gripped his sword tightly and focused on Issei's movements. He swung the blade at Issei. The pressure of his swing created a razor-sharp wave of wind that shot past Issei. Issei stopped. Something warm ran down his arm and saw a deep cut on his bicep.
"Shit…everyone is trying to kill me," Issei said.
"You know. In all our spars, I never used Blade Will against you," Shin said.
"Is that supposed to make me feel better!?" Issei yelled.
"Nope. Don't you have some boobs to touch?" Shin asked. "Oh right. Asia's behind you."
"Huh?" he turned around and was met with a flash of bright light that sent him crashing into the ground. He groaned but felt better somehow. He looked down and saw the wound Shin left on his arm was gone. Did Asia use Twilight Healing on me?
[Partner! Another sword wave! Incoming!]
Issei had no time to ponder on the thought as he rolled to the side. Shin's wind blade ripped past him, hitting a tree and cutting it in half. "This is that Onigari-ryu that Shin and Aka-nee use, huh?" Issei said, shakily getting to his feet. As he moved towards them, a blast of lightning hit him in the back, sending him to the ground.
"If you have time to talk, then you must have time to fight," Akeno said. She created an arrow made of lightning and nocked it on her bow. "But… don't go down yet, Ise. It wouldn't be so fun if you went down so easily." Akeno licked her lips as a blush appeared on her face. She let the arrow loose and it flew towards her prey.
"Oh no," Issei said. His fear won over his pain as he quickly got to his feet. The arrow hit the ground, causing it to explode and boosting Issei's current speed.
Ddraig, that was 15 boosts, right?
[How should I know!? I wasn't counting!]
[Explosion!] Issei felt a rush of power enveloping his body. Tch! This ability won't last long! I can't maintain it with the amount of damage I sustained! Issei clenched his jaw. But still… I have to try! He took off towards Rias.
Koneko appeared in front of Shin.
"I won't let anyone get in my way! Not even you, Koneko-chan!" Issei yelled. He cocked his fist back and threw a haymaker at Koneko.
Koneko said nothing as she met Issei's fist with her own. However, even with Issei's stockpiled strength, Koneko had far more power than he did. The impact didn't break his hand but it sure as hell blew him back. As Issei flew across the field, Akeno and Sophia appeared above him.
Sophia threw her scythe at Issei. She snapped her fingers and the scythe split into multiple shards of light that relentlessly peppered Issei.
Akeno charged her arrow with enough lightning to power a thunderstorm and fired it at Issei.
The two attacks collided, creating a massive explosion that blew everyone back. The ground shook violently as smoke rose from the impact site.
"Issei!" Rias yelled.
Yuuto landed next to Shin and Koneko while Asia hovered next to Sophia and Akeno. Ran stood next to Rias. The group observed the cloud of smoke as it began to clear, revealing a translucent blue orb protecting Issei.
"Hah. That was close," Issei muttered.
"Hmm?" Shin raised an eyebrow.
"What is that?" Kiba asked.
"That's the bracelet I gave Issei," he answered.
"And that bracelet was able to block Akeno-senpai's arrow and Sophia-senpai's light?" Koneko asked.
"Yeah. That's the Around Round Shield. The shield of Lord Galahad from Arthurian Legend," Shin said.
"Where did you get such an artifact?" Kiba asked.
"I made it," Shin said. Or remade it from Vivi's memories, he mentally added.
The barrier flickered before vanishing.
"That shield won't last long because Issei doesn't have that much control. But from what it appears, Issei can't maintain it so we have to attack now!" Shin said. The sword in Shin's hand glowed red and transformed into Clarent.
Koneko nodded. However, Kiba didn't pay attention. His eyes fell upon Shin's new sword and a dark look appeared on his face. Is that a…?
He had no time to properly finish his thought as Koneko and Shin shot towards Issei.
Issei rolled to the side as Koneko slammed her fist into the ground, creating a small crater. He quickly got to his feet, using the speed he received from [Explosion] to outmaneuver her. In his regular state, there was no way he could have evaded her attack. Issei thanked whatever God looked out for him.
Sensing an impending attack, Issei turned around and caught Clarent with the Boosted Gear. He felt the sting of the blade's holy power against his skin.
"Catching a holy sword now?" Shin asked.
Issei grinned as he pulled Shin towards him. The sudden action caught the boy off-guard. Issei rammed his head forward, headbutting Shin and forcing him to let go of the sword. The other boy was sent sprawling on the ground, grabbing his head in pain.
"You and Irina always did say that I had to use my head," Issei said. He dropped Clarent and dodged another one of Koneko's punches. "Sorry, Koneko-chan!"
"Sorry?" Koneko raised an eyebrow.
Issei channeled his demonic power into the Round Shield. Without any warning, Issei shield-bashed Koneko in the face, catching her off-guard by the sudden action. She stumbled back, gripping her nose in pain.
"Sorry! I'll get Asia to heal it later!" Issei said, taking off towards Rias. "OUT OF THE WAY CASSANOVA!"
Kiba widened his stance and summoned a sword. He swung his sword at Issei, who parried it with his shield.
Clenching his fist, he drove it as hard as he possibly could into Kiba's torso, hitting him in the liver.
Kiba let out a breathless gasp as he doubled over.
Not wasting any time, Issei continued his mad dash towards Rias. As he drew nearer, a pillar of black flames erupted from the ground in front of him, forcing him to stop. He ducked as a scythe made of pure light nearly beheaded him.
"That's the spirit, Issei!" Sophia yelled as she maniacally swung her scythe.
Issei ducked and blocked. Each dodge was a near miss that would have dealt potentially fatal damage if he were hit.
"Are you even trying?" she asked.
"It looks like you and I finally agree on something, Sophia!" Issei's eyes grew wide as he felt one of Akeno's lightning arrows hit the small of his back. He fell forward, gasping in pain.
[Partner!] Ddraig yelled.
The sound of his voice pounded against Issei's skull. Pain wracked his body. Clenching his fist, he darted towards Sophia. He raised his armored fist to throw a punch.
Sophia raised her scythe to block Issei's fist. However, it was a feint. Issei's ungloved fist made contact with her chin. Issei uppercut Sophia into the air, sending the nephilim flying.
He grabbed her leg and threw her towards Akeno, who was caught off-guard by the action but dodged nonetheless.
Issei began to jump back, trying to gain distance between him and Akeno as she fired arrows relentlessly at him. He planted his feet into the ground and took off dashing around Ran's wall of black flames.
Akeno clicked her tongue and flew higher into the air. She created three arrows made of lightning and fired them all at Issei.
Two of the arrows narrowly missed. However, the third hit Issei in the ankle, tripping him and causing him to face plant.
"Ow… fuck," Issei said, getting on his hands and knees. As he slowly got to his feet, another arrow hit him in the collar bone, sending him sprawling on his back.
"Issei! Come on! Scream or something! I need to add your screams to my Spotify playlist!" Akeno said. She was blushing and her breathing became heavy. She fired another arrow, hitting Issei in the arm.
Issei let out a cry of pain as Akeno hit him with another arrow, followed by another and then another.
"ISSEI!" Rias cried as she watched Issei get turned into an archery range target by Akeno.
"You think that this… hurts! ASIA HITS HARDER THAN THIS!" Issei roared. Power exploded from his left hand as he fired a red beam of energy towards Akeno.
Akeno's eyes grew wide. Reacting quickly, she flipped over the beam, which traveled and plowed into the face of a nearby mountain. An explosion rocked the area as the mountain face was completely destroyed.
Taking advantage of her distraction, Issei made a beeline for Rias. However, he stopped when he saw Ran hovering in front of her. A halo of black flames was behind her, giving her a divine visage.
"Ran, if you step aside, I'll owe you," Issei said.
"Owe me? What exactly do you have in mind, Issei-sama?" Ran asked.
"Well, I-" He ducked as Clarent nearly beheaded him. He felt Shin grab him by the back of his collar and throw him back.
"Ran! Are you really going to let Issei bribe you?" Shin asked.
"Bribe? We've already struck the deal. I'll hold you to that, Issei-sama. You owe me one," Ran said, smirking. She disappeared in a burst of black flames and reappeared on the porch of the house.
"..." Shin said nothing before turning to face Issei. Three blue magic circles formed around his hand. He raised it and caught Issei's fist, sliding back a few inches from the force of the impact. "Nice punch. But you're still weak!" Shin raised his leg and kicked Issei in the side, sending the boy stumbling.
"Shut up!" Issei roared, throwing another punch at him. Shin ducked underneath the punch and retaliated with a series of blows to Issei's chest. The final blow knocked Issei off his feet and onto the floor. "Fuck…" He slowly got to his feet, legs, and body shaking in pain.
"It's over, Issei. I guess we failed again. It looks like Rias will just have to go over to Riser's. He can protect her much better anyway. And Irina… I hope she'll be okay with someone like you. She really is like a sister to me and to think that she wants to be with someone so weak," Shin said. A blue coat of light enveloped his hand.
Weak.
Issei's eyes grew wide at Shin's words.
A series of images ran through Issei's head. The first was that of Rias. The girl who had saved him from death. His beautiful, smart, dorky senpai. The woman he swore he would spend his life repaying. She had on a beautiful white wedding dress. Her face was covered with a veil and to Issei, she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. But, she was far from reach yet her image was still clear to him. As she reached out to touch him, several hands grabbed her and pulled her into a flaming abyss.
"Buchou…" he whispered. Green flaming wisps began to appear around Issei.
"Issei!"
His second vision was that of his childhood friend. Her plump lips. Her tender violet eyes. Her beautiful chestnut-orange hair. She gave him a soft smile. But the sight of her made Issei's heart wrench. A sword was sticking through her chest. A sword made of light and behind her was… the Monster who called herself God.
"Weak." God and Shin's voice began to overlap.
[Partner. Do you feel humiliated?]
Ddraig?
[Your friends are here helping you achieve something yet you who stand at the very cusp of it cannot take that step. Remember your desire. You're shooting at this blindly in the dark. The height of your emotions was achieved during this battle and yet you've lost sight of the goal in front of you.]
My goal? That's right…
[Good, Partner. Now, remember your goal and show them the existence of a Dragon!] Ddraig said.
"Yeah… Shin, you seem to forget…" Power surged through Issei, sending Shin sliding back.
Shin's eyes grew wide as Issei looked at him with a determined stare on his face. A green light was glowing brightly within Issei's eyes.
"Oi…" Shin narrowed his eyes.
"You sounded like a real asshole back there but, I won't let that stop me. If this power can let me achieve my dream, then so be it!" Red aura burst from Issei, knocking Shin back.
"What the hell!?" Shin's eyes grew wide as he raised his arm and shielded himself from the buffeting winds.
"I WILL BECOME HAREM KING!" Issei took off in a burst of speed towards Rias.
"OH NO, YOU FUCKING DON'T! SETSUDAN!" Shin ran in front of Issei. He swung Clarent, creating a storm of slashes that split the air apart.
Issei fought through it, enduring the endless cuts that began appearing on his body. "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY WAY!" The power began to well up and envelop Issei, causing his power to increase greatly.
[That's it. Just a little more!] Ddraig urged.
Issei cocked his fist back and punched Shin in the face, sending his friend down to the ground with tremendous force.
"SHIN!" Akeno yelled. She prepared to fire an arrow at Issei. However, Issei sensed the build-up of electricity. He quickly grabbed Shin's downed form and threw it at her with the force and strength of a professional baseball player.
The speed at which Shin flew caught Akeno off guard. Shin impacted Akeno and the two were sent crashing through several trees.
"UUOOOHGGGH!" Issei yelled as he reached out towards Rias.
"STOP SENPAI!" Koneko yelled as she and Yuuto took off towards him. Sophia snapped her fingers and created multiple shards of light and fired them all at Issei.
However, it was too late. Issei's hand grabbed a fistful of Rias's bountiful breast. The feeling overtook him immediately. His brain was flooded with emotions that he thought he would never feel. Enlightenment. Peace. Nirvana. Was this how the Buddha felt when he learned the truth of the world? Was this how Jesus felt after he ascended to Heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Biblical God?
Whatever this feeling was, it had caused something to burst open inside of Issei. A sense of euphoria that could not be described or even commented upon had completely overtaken his being. And with tears of joy and triumph, a red burst of light temporarily blinded everyone. A massive wave of power exploded from Issei's body, dispersing Sophia's light needles.
Armor manifested on Issei's body. The plating resembled that of scutes on a crocodile or scales on a dragon. The armor slowly encased his body. Armored boots with talons covered his feet while a large tail-like structure protruded from his back. A helmet and visor in the likeness of a dragon's head covered Issei's face, completing the transformation.
[YOU DID IT! YOU ACTUALLY DID IT! AND IN THE WORST POSSIBLE WAY TOO!] Ddraig let out a cry mixed with horror and joy.
[Welsh Dragon Overbooster: Scale Mail!]
The announcement from the [Boosted Gear] reached everyone's ears. They all stood, dumbfounded by the sheer power that radiated off Issei. The crimson armor glinted in the light and a red aura surrounded his body.
"He did it," Koneko said. "In the worst way possible. What a shameless and lewd Dragon."
Sophia landed next to Koneko and crossed her arm. "At least it worked. Issei finally achieved what we've been trying to do for weeks."
"It doesn't matter how he got it," Shin said.
The three turned around and saw Shin limping out of the woods. He had his arm around Akeno as she supported him.
"What the hell happened to you?" Sophia asked.
"Issei threw me into Akeno and we crashed through five trees," he replied.
"And Akeno?" she asked.
The girl had a healthy blush on her face. However, she wasn't embarrassed. She looked extremely happy.
"I accidentally… pulled an Issei," Shin said, looking away. A bright red blush was all over his face.
"I see," Sophia said.
I have to admit… it was soft. Shin shook his head. "Thanks for helping me up, Senpai."
"SHIN! LOOK!" Issei said. He removed his hand from Rias's chest and began adopting different poses. He looked like a bodybuilder showing off in front of a judge.
"Sorry about what I said. You know I didn't…" Shin was cut off as Issei interjected.
"I know. But… you were right. You had no idea how useless I felt when Asia was taken. And then we had to abandon you when you and Sophia held off God with the Maou. I needed that push to remind me of what I needed," Issei said. "And now… I finally have the power to help the people I care about. Buchou…"
Issei turned to face Rias. He pointed to himself with his thumb. "I swear to you…" The armor faded, revealing Issei's confident grin. Rias's eyes grew wide when she saw his smile. It was a smile that would reassure her. A smile that meant everything was going to be okay. "I will defeat that fried chicken and free you from this marriage! I swear I will help you live as Rias and not Rias of the Gremory Clan."
"Ise…" A blush dusted Rias's cheeks. When did Issei begin to look so cool? It was only a few days ago that Issei was my cute little pawn and now, Rias thought. But, according to what Shin says, I have… a rival.
"Are you not going to go in there and celebrate?"
Shin turned around and saw Akeno walking in from the mansion. She was wearing a white t-shirt that was two sizes too big for her and shorts that was obscured by her shirt. The moonlight shined off her creamy skin, giving her an ethereal, serene look. Akeno looked every part the epithet she was given by the men and women of the school. Yamato Nadeshiko.
Shin gulped, remembering the incident from earlier.
"Nah, I figured I'd let Issei bask in his limelight," Shin said, sipping his soda can. "What about you?"
"I needed to get some fresh air. Buchou can't handle her wine as you can see," Akeno jutted her thumb towards the door. Shin glanced over into the living room and saw a completely red Issei with a drunken Rias snuggling up to him.
"Pfft, the man wants to be harem king but when a girl begins snuggling up to him, his brain completely shuts down," Shin said, laughing a little. "So… you're an archer?" he asked.
"Y-Yeah. People don't know this but I was in the Archery Club at school. I stopped attending in my third year," Akeno said. "It's the only thing I have left of… my mom."
"Mom?" he asked.
Akeno smiled sadly and summoned a bow. She stared down at the worn wooden bow fondly. Akeno traced her fingers across the grip. The memories of watching her mother shoot apples came back to her. Fond memories of a time that could no longer be. "This bow belonged to my mother before she died."
Shin remained silent. "It looks worn down."
"I've been maintaining it for eight years," Akeno said. "But you're right. The limbs look like they won't be able to handle another pull. I've replaced the bowstring every time the other gets overused but… there's only so much I can do and I'd rather not resort to using magic. Everything about this bow, I want to care for with my own two hands."
"Do you want some help?" Shin asked.
"You? You know how to spruce up bows?" Akeno asked.
"I may not look like it but I'm something of a weapons expert myself," Shin said.
"I thought your career path was robotics?" she asked.
"Issei told you that, didn't he?" he replied.
Akeno nodded, letting out a small laugh.
"Well, I've helped my cousin maintain her bow. Kureha-nee made me spruce it up back to new whenever her bow got worn down. Just give me a few days and I can get it fixed up in time for the Rating Game," Shin said.
"Really?" Akeno asked.
"I guarantee it." He gave her a grin.
Akeno felt her cheeks heat up upon seeing his smile. "Take care of her. This is the last memento I have of my mother other than," she reached up and touched her hair tie.
"Don't worry. Once you get it back, it'll be as good as new," Shin said, gingerly taking the bow from her hands.
Akeno smiled. "Shin, close your eyes."
"Huh? Why?" Shin asked.
"Just um… do it."
Shin nodded and closed his eyes. He felt something warm on his cheek and he opened them immediately. His hand flew up to his cheek as he touched the place where he felt it. Did she just…? His face turned as red as the [Boosted Gear].
Akeno gave him a cheeky grin.
Furude Family
The estranged maternal family of Shin and Akane.
Their mother, Akari, has a strained relationship with her family, resulting in her children living away from their extended family.
Situated in Serikawa Village, the Furude Clan is a small exorcist family that practices Omnyoudou and Taoist Arts.
They are fairly known amongst Exorcist Families for their manipulation of Yin-Yang Energy and the Onigari-Ryu.
The current head is the younger twin, Ayaka Furude.
[]
Onigari-Ryu
Literally meaning Demon Hunting Style.
It is the sacred sword art of the Furude Family.
The youngest known master of this style is Akane Faulkner, who was able to perform the apex of this style.
The Ama-Kakera-no-Ken.
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Setsudan
A technique of the Onigari-Ryu.
The user swings their sword rapidly, creating a series of rapid slashes.
To the untrained eye, the attacks appear to be happening all at the same time.
[]
Ran
The loyal shikigami of Shinku Faulkner.
She has served her master for years and wields black fire.
However, according to Ddraig, her flames appears to be something more.
Shin says that Ran's power radiates with the might of the Sun.
Review Replies
Kyred: I just gotta ask was Jingwei inspired from Honkai Fu-hua? Great chapter overall.
Thanks! And yes, somewhat. Nuwa is far more inspired by Fu Hua than Jingwei. However, I was inspired by some of Honkai's version of Jingwei's legend. The fact that you caught that shows that you are a person of culture. The yatta runs strong in you.
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Another_Jojo: Man, I wonder who that Corsetti guy is... His son's probably pretty cool, in another universe, maybe. ;)
Wow, this was a great chapter. I was privy to some of the details, being in touch with you throughout the writing process, but it was something else to see all those ideas we came up with at midnight actually make it into the story itself.
The chapter itself was amazing: I think it did a really good job of providing a vast-span of character focus, which is kind of important when it comes to something like the pre-Riser training session, since you simply have so many characters to work with. So props to you for being able to balance out having actual training, the setting-up for said training, and also smaller character moments interspersed with some foreshadowing. Really loved how you did the stuff with Irina, by the way.
This story is honestly amazing, and is one of the only fic's I'm always scrambling to read as soon as a new chapter comes out. And as someone with 'insider' knowledge, everyone reading this, trust me, stick with this story, the stuff coming up is great!
Thanks a bunch, man! It was a bit rough handling this many characters. I absolutely enjoyed writing out Asia's training. Her training allowed me to sprinkle of my spin on Angel lore like how Seraphs are decided and how divine power works in this world. This also allowed me to introduce some magic concepts that aren't explored as much in DxD like Omnyoudou and Celtic Magic. As you can see, Asia became a bit of a magic nut and can be bribed with magic lessons. My favorite part will be Asia learning the Onigari-Ryu, which will be sprinkled throughout the next arc.
I'll focus on more of that in the future since she will play a pivotal role in lots of situations.
For anyone out there, yes, the Furude Family and the Onigari-Ryu are inspired by Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni. Great series. Didn't really like how Sotsu went and ended. Anyway, enough about that. This is the final chapter of the Pre-Riser training session. The next chapters will be about the Rating Game which means... more lore! About Sophia! And more opportunities for Shin and Akeno to get close! And Sophia too. So strap yourselves in! This is a Phenex Rating Game with an ending... well, you all probably know how the Rating Game goes since everyone here has watched or read DxD. But I promise I'll have my own little twist on this! And so with that, I shall once again beg you for reviews! Please! And remember to have a great day/night or not, the choice is yours!