Fire, fire was the first thing Issei awoke to. Looking around he sat up cross-legged with a smile. 'It looks like at very least I am no longer human.' He thought to himself, raising his head, meeting eyes with a large western-style red dragon staring back at him. "Yo, I guess this means the plan went off without a hitch." he commented with joy feeling a similar sensation of which he hadn't felt in over a week.
[You're right partner. The Gremory girl has turned you into a devil and added you to her peerage just as she has done in our past.]
Before he could respond to the dragon another voice this one more feminine came from behind him. "Honestly my dear wielder you like to play with fire a little too much for my liking, but I can't argue with the results." The voice said while Issei was pulled back into an embrace from behind, feeling a chin come to rest on his shoulder. "Although it has only been a half of a fortnight, I have missed speaking with you my darling Issei." Saying this the figure of a foreign-looking woman with pale blue eyes, and long white hair reaching the middle of her back with matching long and thick lashes released her embrace taking her spot on Issei's right side before continuing. "I could say the same to you Ddraig, though we were on different sides in the past, the three of us make quite the team don't you say?"
Issei for his part was confused at this, he hadn't heard anything of their past together that would suggest the idea of animosity between the two. Thinking back, the woman beside him had shown hostility towards the dragon but that was born from her frustration of having to share a host with said dragon, but that was a question to ask both of them later. Not wanting to miss out on the conversation he returned his attention to them.
[As much as I don't like to admit the notion of it... I've found it enjoyable to share a host with another of our kind.]
Ddraig then turned his head back to Issei.
[Since I did not call you here, and despite our mutual friend's reawakening, it's a school day and your alarm will go off any minute now. So go awake in the real world. I'm sure your guest would like to know her efforts were worth it.]
Issei made it to a crouching position before being pulled down by the woman beside him. He turned to see a pouting face staring daggers at him. Their relationship was a newer one, only knowing of each other for under a month, but as her earlier actions implied he and she had become extremely close despite the freshness of their bond. That meant he knew what she was trying to say to him without words. For his part, he was simply grinning at her as he responded. "I know but even if I didn't have someone over I'm back in school and I need to get ready. We will have plenty of time to talk later."
"But Issei it is not fair."
"What's not fair?"
"I can now only get to speak with you in your dreams and it's not fair Ddraig can do so as he pleases. Can't you just stay just a little while longer?" She gave him a pleading look.
Issei sighed but did not provide the answer she was looking for. "I'm sorry Sarinna, I can't just do that not now at least. But I promise that I will get stronger so we can hang out whenever." Sarinna glared at him before reluctantly letting go.
"You'd better, putting my fondness of you aside my dear wielder, I have little patience for weakness."
"I know," he said, pulling her up with him before hugging her. "Until next time you two." He finished as his form slowly faded from the shared world.
(...)
Issei regained his consciousness in a bed facing a pair of breasts. Taking stock of the situation he was in his room naked snuggling his equally naked still sleeping senpai Rias Gremory. With a faint blush threatening to come out he quickly retracted his arms from around her and carefully turned around to make sure not to wake her, but his actions were made mute as the girl pulled him back towards her tightening her arms around his chest feeling hers on his back. Resigning to his fate he sighed to himself and stared at the alarm clock placed on the nightstand in front of him counting down the remaining five minutes before it went off.
"Master, Wake up... Master, wa-" with a speed he did know he had Issei's hand slammed down on the snooze button, the blush he fought off earlier now returned to his cheeks with a vengeance. 'Why did I get that stupid thing' he thought to himself in mild annoyance.
"Good morning." Rias said adjusting him in her arms making herself more comfortable.
"Morning Gremory-senpai, can you let go?" he said to the girl currently spooning him, but her response wasn't the one he was expecting. Her arms only grew tighter.
"Oh, you are more lucid than I thought you would be... What's the matter, don't you like it? You were all over me last night so I decided to stay after how cute you looked sleeping with me in your arms." Rias responded in a seductive tone. "Five more minutes then I can explain everything to you." He didn't reply but made no movements to imply otherwise so they stayed like that.
Several minutes later Rias got up from Issei's bed and made her way to a desk across from the foot of his bed where her clothes lay neatly folded. She grabs her panties, putting them on, not before giving him a view of her shapely ass. "Hyoudou-kun, how much about the supernatural or the occult do you know?"
Issei brought his hand up looking at her now sitting at the edge of his bed. "You can skip the sales pitch. I already know what I need to know, the girl who attacked me after our date was a fallen angel right? I mean you don't have to be a believer to know what those wings meant. And you saved me from dying right? So whatever you have in mind for me I will agree to it as a thank you for saving me."
It took a moment to process what Issei just said, but she recovered somewhat. "Are you sure?" A quick nod was the only response so she continued, "well I will skip to what I need from you then, there are these objects or weapons called sacred gear that some people are born with, and I believe that you are one of these individuals. That's why I believe you were attacked by this fallen angel. I think she believed that you might have a strong one if recent events are related..."
Issei stopped her mid explanation. "You don't need to explain sacred gear to me or why she might have been after me." Saying this had her even more confused than his earlier statement made her. Issei then brought up his left hand to parallel his face.
"[BOOST!]"
An echoed cry came from it as a red gauntlet resembling armored scales with a green gemstone with flakes of white sitting at the back of the gloved hand appeared. "As you can see I know more than the average person. So," the gauntlet disappeared. "You don't need to explain anything to me. If I have questions you will be the first to know." He said blankly. However, Rias was now a mix of emotions; she was confused about how she learned about the sacred gear and the supernatural world, excited and happy about the prospect of having the boosted gear along with a willing red one in her peerage, as well as the sadness of the situation making her practiced speech unnecessary.
"Do you know what I am?"
"Yes. A devil right?"
"Yes, what about what a peerage is?"
A nod of acknowledgment.
Rias grabbed her bra with a soft sigh, but before she could comment a sharp knock came from his bedroom door. "Hey Issei, are you up? You came home late yesterday and I was asleep so we didn't have a chance to talk. How was your date?" An excited woman's voice came from the other side. Rias turned her head back to Issei as the door opened who to her surprise had his right hand to his left side gripping the white gold and green hilt of a katana; he had a serious look on his face and she made a note of the pale blue eyes staring back at her. Before she knew what was going on she was sitting in Issei's spot on the bed with her clothes at her side. She heard a yelp of surprise when the door reached its apex. Rias looked at the doorway alone in the room almost completely naked. "I'm sorry... Uhhh take your time." the older blonde slammed the door behind her. Rias again was confused as to what just happened.
Reiko unknowingly shared in the confusion. Her body went limp as she let herself slide down as she hugged her knees to her ample chest. Her mind was racing along with her heart trying to make sense as to why a girl in just her panties was in her son's room. Fearing the worst for Issei's Relationship with Yuuma, she let her imagination run wild. Her thoughts abruptly stopped as she heard footsteps heading towards her in the hallway from the bathroom. The sound stopped beside her, Reiko looked up to find her son in his uniform yawning. "Morning mom, what's up?" He said looking down at her with a tired expression. She could only stare at him blankly.
Soon Reiko's mind reset when it did, her face transformed from one of shock to one of anger and disappointment. Not wasting a moment she got to her feet and grabbed his hand noticing how cold it was but was too angry to show concern over the change in body temperature. With little resistance, Reiko dragged Issei down the stairs into the living room, turned around, letting go, and placing her hands on her hips all in the same motion. No words came from her but the aura coming from her said enough on its own.
"Before you blow out of proportion I can explain."
"..."
"That's Rias Gremory an upperclassman from scho-" he began but was quickly interrupted.
"I DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHO SHE IS... I WANT TO KNOW WHY THAT GIRL IS IN MY SON'S BED NAKED!" The shout coming out was surprising to both. Reiko sighed, bringing her hand to her forehead brushing her bangs up in attempt to calm down. "Please tell me you're not cheating on Yuuma-chan with that girl." The words came with her voice being calmer.
Issei quickly responded, feeling a presence at the stairs. "No no no. She is just a friend from school. And nothing happened last night, I would never cheat on Yuu-chan."
"Seriously?" She questioned. A rapid fearful nod was all she got, but that was enough to drop the huge weight off her shoulders. Reiko then dropped on the nearest sofa motioning for Issei to join her, when he did she leaned into him connecting their foreheads closing her eyes for a moment. "Issei you are going to be the death of me one of these days." The contact was broken by her. "But I know you are a good boy so... Is this one of the things you can't talk to me about?" questioning the mention of Rias spending the night.
"I'm sorry, I would if I could. You know that." Issei replied sadly.
Reiko felt uncertain not that he wasn't being completely genuine, but she didn't know whether he was trying to keep her at a distance out of his protective nature or the worse option he couldn't rely on her. Sighing she began, "so Gremory-san huh? Before Yuuma-chan I didn't think you could make female friends. Are you two close?"
Issei laughed at her assumption and smiled before answering. "You could say that, she is like a nosey big sister who's been trying to get me to join her club for over a year now."
Relaxing, the older Hyoudou laid her head on his shoulder. "Oh really now." She said with a giggle. "What are you waiting for? You should join, it could be good for you. A chance to make new friends. God knows I don't care for those two boys who became your friends." She said thinking back to the several times when he had his friends over and caught them leering at her.
"Come on, they are not that bad, but I could see why you don't like them." He replied. "And for the club, that's part of the reason why she is here. Yuu-chan kind of convinced me to join yesterday. So I guess you are looking at the newest member of Kuoh's Occult Research Club." He said as a hand rubbed the back of his neck.
His mother brought her head up giving Issei the brightest smile she could manage. "That's wonderful Issei, I haven't seen you take an interest in any school activities in a while. It's great that you are now...I should thank Yuuma-chan the next time she comes by." She said though that last part was kept to herself. "As much as I want to hear about your date. We shouldn't keep your friend waiting." Her giddiness was evident in her speech. Getting up from the sofa she turned her attention to the stairs. "You can come down now, Gremory-san." Without hesitation the slightly embarrassed Rias walked down the stairs into the living room. Reiko took this moment to bow at the girl. "I'm sorry about my rudeness earlier, Gremory-san. It's been just my son and myself for quite some time so I just got comfortable and should have checked first." She apologized. "Sorry for the late introduction, my name is Hyoudou Reiko, and as you probably figured out I am Issei's mother." She stood straight, giving the young girl a smile with the introduction.
Rias returned the smile, taking the time for her introduction. "No need to apologize." She could see how her being in that situation could be an issue. "I am Rias Gremory. It is nice to meet you, although I would prefer you called me by my first name." Rias finished.
"Likewise Rias-chan, now then who wants breakfast."
(...)
Entering the school gates the forms Rias Gremory and Hyoudou Issei could be seen walking side by side to the dismay of most of the students in the immediate vicinity. Many loudly voiced their disbelief and in most cases displeasure at one of the school's idols walking to school side by side with one of its perverts.
"Wh-why"
"No way, not that guy"
"That Lowlife, of all people?"
"R-Rias-oneesama"
The jeers from the crowd of students continued even after entering the main building. Issei for the most part ignored the more "disrespectful" comments, his barely hidden irritation not going unnoticed. Rias suddenly stopped at the entrance which caused Issei to do the same. She turned to him and took in every person's shocked expression as she cupped Issei's hands in hers with a smirk clear on her face. "If this is going to work, you can't let every little thing people say get to you Issei." She made sure he was looking at her as she offered those words. She let go and began to walk away only turning around to give him her instructions for later in the day. "I have business to attend to, I will send an errand boy for you after class. See you then."
"Errand boy? Wait, Pres." Before he could get her attention Rias was halfway up a flight of stairs near the entrance.
Rias with a smile joined her friend walking down the second-floor hallway. "What?"
Her friend, a girl with thick black-rimmed glasses over top purple eyes, looked at her expecting some explanation, but soon gave up deciding to just ask. "It's not like you to impulsively decide to bring someone into your household. So, is he the one?"
"Well, morning to you too Sona. Is it? Well, it looks like I found myself an interesting and insightful little brother." Rias smiled to herself not wanting to answer the question all things considered. "So," she turned to Sona, "what is it you wanted to speak with me about."
Both girls took the next corner shortly entering a room labeled 'Student Council Office'. Sona quickly closed the door behind her before speaking. "Remember the abandoned church I have mentioned before...It looks like we might have a problem."
(...)
Issei was standing at the doorway to his classroom marked 'Class 2F' deep in thought. 'Not looking forward to this, I had forgotten how people first treated me when I first joined up with Rias.'
[What do you expect, they are a bunch of teenagers used to you acting a certain way that wouldn't normally allow for such a union. At least with the rumors of Raynare and you separating yourself from the perverse actions of your companions, some of the class is starting to warm up to you. Besides if you still want that harem this is good, especially that one girl Yamamoto Mei was it? She has been the most receptive to the change.]
'Maybe you are right. I haven't thought about that dream in a while. It feels like it's been ages since I have, though I can't think about that right now, you are going to help talk my mom out of killing me if I end up with one after what happened this mor-' his thought was cut off as he felt something closing in from behind. On instinct alone, he grabbed the offending object's slender but toned arm by the wrist pivoting his weight he tossed them over his shoulder as they landed back first he came down putting one knee just below the chest his left hand still with a hold the person's arm and right balled and cocked ready to strike. Said person was a brown-eyed girl. She had a lean yet curvaceous figure with long brown nearly black hair now sprawled out around her upper body. Issei realizing what he just did he got off of the girl offering the girl a hand and a quick apology. " I'm sorry Yamamoto, are you ok?"
[You are going to have to leave sensing danger to Sarinna and I while your body readjusts for the next couple of days.]
Sitting up Mei blinked a couple of times staring at the hand before taking it with a blush clear on her face. Getting to her feet she picked up a discarded red headband fixing her hair in the process. Once Mei thought she was presentable enough she turned to him with a twirl, Issei taking note of the spats underneath her skirt. Putting her arms behind her back leaning in she replied. "No prob Ise I'm fine, probably should have got your attention instead of trying to surprise you." Ending the sentence with a nervous chuckle. Mei and Issei, although having been classmates for both years they have been in Kuoh, the two have never had a conversation before last week. Mostly due to Issei's interest in the kendo club changing rooms they were aware of each other, but that's a story for another time. "I didn't think you would go all ninja on me. Are you into martial arts like Judo or something?" She asked while opening the door letting them both in.
Issei and Mei took their seats next to each other before Issei answered. "No, I had to learn for personal reasons, not that I mind learning." He said. Turning his attention to his bag. "Shit."
"What, did you forget something?"
"Yeah I was in a rush today and I left my world history textbook at home."
While getting a pencil case with panda designs on the sides and a notebook out he heard a desk being moved next to his. He did not need to know who it was judging by the reactions of their classmates. 'Oh come on, it looks like I'm not getting a break, am I'
[Well this is going to be amusing.]
"Then it can't be helped, we're sharing mine." Mei stated, Issei frankly not having much room to argue.
"You sure, with my grades I can afford to slack off for one period. You don't have to, you know." Issei brings up the point as a way to respectfully decline not wanting to get more abuse for seeming to be too close to the ace of the girls' volleyball club.
Mei looked mock offended for a moment before putting a hand on his shoulder. "Our class is on top of the rest of the school when it comes to academics and we have some of the best athletes in the prefecture too." Mei said, puffing out her chest proudly. "Ise you and Mako are the pride of our class, scoring highest among the 2nd years on every exam. There is no way in hell I'm letting either of you slack off, not even for one class you got that?" Issei had honestly forgotten how competitive Mei and her best friend Sugiyama Makoto were. He remembers how he had won his current pencil case on a bet over the midterm scores last year with a fond smile.
Issei relented, nodding to Mei after looking out the window pretending to think it over. "Fine, but you better not distract me during class Yamamoto." He joked.
Mei just squealed, hugging him, taking a seat, and putting the textbook in between them. "Don't worry Ise. I will be on my best behavior." She responded.
Shortly after class began. Their homeroom teacher was about to comment about the out-of-place desk but saw that they were sharing textbooks and Issei was helping with whatever questions Mei had trouble with and decided against it. This repeated throughout the day the two only parting ways to have lunch with their respective friend groups both getting an ear full about the apparent relationship. The afternoon classes flew by as the class, in general, had a laid-back feel, and soon it was time to head home or go to one's club activities. Mei however had something on her mind and she had to ask Issei before she headed out for volleyball.
"Hey, Ise?" The girl got his attention with a pensive look.
"Hmm... What is it Yamamoto?" Issei questioned packing up his stuff while he waited for the errand boy most likely Rias' knight Kiba Yuuto, he figured but he couldn't be sure.
"Uhhh..." she was drumming her fingers out of a nervous habit. "I was talking to Mako and some of the girls from the Kendo Club, and we all agreed that you would be a great fit... So uhhh," She paused. "I was wondering if you are not interested in the other clubs, that is uhhh... Would you be interested in joining?" She finished shyly scratching her cheek, not meeting Issei's eyes.
[I don't see why not and Sarinna approves if it improves your swordplay. Not to mention you would have a chance to make allies in Mei and Makoto assuming they were the driving forces in the invitation and getting in better graces with the Kendo Club as a whole. You can only stand to benefit from this Partner.]
'I Don't know, what about Rias and the ORC?' he replied in his head.
[What kind of leader wouldn't want one of her own to improve and it's not like you will be there every day and knowing you, you would make it work. Didn't you also promise Sarinna you would get stronger as fast as possible? This will only help.]
Letting out an internal sigh knowing Ddraig was right he agreed. 'You're right, I will have to talk to Rias about it.' Turning to Mei who was waiting for an answer after his internal debate. "I won't promise anything and I need to talk to Gremory-senpai about the schedule of the ORC since she invited me earlier, but I want to join and will talk to the club advisor and manager tomorrow about a reduced schedule since my grades and the ORC are my priority right now." When he finished the girl lit up and gave him a tight hug only listening to what she wanted to hear.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!" she said, visibly bouncing in place, but before he could say anything she took off to Makoto's desk on the other side of the room with incredible speed. Makoto was surprised by the girl coming to a skidding stop. "Mako, Mako, Mako. He said yes." she said before stretching her arms.
[She is going to be fun to be around in the future. Sarinna's words, not mine.] The dragon mused in Issei's head with a small chuckle.
Makoto was taken aback by the bubbly energy coming from her best friend, not that she minded. "Good for you, I highly doubt many people would decline a club invitation given how sparse they are, but didn't he come to school with the president of the Occult Research Club?"
"Don't worry about that Mako. Ise said she invited him but he will talk to her about letting him do kendo," Mei paused. "He also said he is free to come to tomorrow's meeting."
"That's good."
Mei all of the sudden got a serious look on her face, grabbing Makoto's hand and turning to drag her out of the room. "Alright! I am gonna give it my all at practice today. You better do the same." She said happily not needing much force in leading her best friend out of the room.
"I still can't believe you talked me into doing both." She said before turning her golden eyes to her academic rival in Issei before leaving, both giving a small smile and nod of acknowledgement. The two girls were only a couple of steps away when their eyes landed on a blonde boy, his hair a bit lighter than hers, walked past them, and the girl "helping" her to the gym suddenly let go. Makoto couldn't help but worry when Mei got the boy's attention and had a one-way staring contest for some moments.
"You're a member of the Occult Research Club aren't you."
"Yes, can I help you with something?"
Mei put her hands on her hips with an angry expression. "Tell your president Issei's..."
"No, you don't." Despite them being near-identical heights and having a smaller frame, Makoto was able to lift and drag Mei away in a full nelson. "I'm sorry Kiba-san, but we are late for a club meeting." She said as Mei was still locked in the hold trying to break it.
"Let me go. Mako!" Squirming she said trying to make one more desperate attempt to break it after that she went limp.
Before honoring the request Makoto asks Mei one thing. "Are you done?" She felt a nod acknowledging her question and she let go of her best friend. "You can't just do that you know." Another nod came as they started walking hand in hand. "I know how you feel...I feel the same way, but you got to learn to pick your battles. What if I had let you finish and Hyoudou heard about it and he decides to not come tomorrow." she paused to gauge Mei's response.
Mei looked at Makoto with wide eyes when she ran the scenario in her head. That was the exact outcome that came, she instantly deflated and seemingly lost her bubbly energy. "Yeah that would suck big time." her grip tightened by that thought.
"Come on, he will still be there and we can ask him to hang out after school. I bet he wouldn't say no to two cute girls like us given how much of a pervert he is. So cheer up, yeah!" Makoto said feeling Mei's hand relax in hers.
"He's not that much of a pervert." Mei tried to argue, only getting a raised eyebrow. "Fine, but he hasn't done anything in a while and you have to admit he's a great guy." She said.
"I know." Makoto said before disappearing around the corner.
Yuuto couldn't help but smile to himself listening to the two girls talk about the newest member of the ORC. "I have to agree with you Rias, there's more to him than what meets the eye." He mused to himself. Sliding open the door to class 2F he was surrounded by the remaining female population in shouts of amazement and barrage of cheers, squeals, and questions. Looking around he spotted the person he was looking for. "Can you excuse me for a bit?" Yuuto addressed the crowd. This was met with "of course, Kiba-kun" and "make yourself at home". "Oh, hello." This was directed at Issei to the displeasure of almost every girl in the classroom.
[It appears the girl ended up sending her knight after all. How do you want to handle this?]
'I don't see the reason to handle it differently this time around.' He thought. When Yuuto approached him he turned to greet the blonde boy. "Yo, is there something you need?" Issei questioned in a dismissive tone.
Not being too bothered despite the protest of the onlookers he was about to continue when he sensed the familiar presence of a holy sword, his eyes narrowed for a split second. "I am here on behalf of Rias Gremory-senpai, I'm sure you know what this is about. But I just had an interesting conversation. I heard you are interested in kendo. You don't seem the type. What is that all about?" He said without changing his expression but his words had underlined malice to them.
[Something's off, be careful. I think he senses it.]
Issei, not missing a beat, stood up straight then closed the distance between the two, tilting his head at the question. "I don't see how that's any of your business, errand boy." He declared in a layered voice. A noticeable drop in temperature came over the room as the onlookers went silent. Yuuto's eyes widened at the change more so when he looked into Issei's eyes they were an angry light blue instead of their usual green. A woman's voice then seemed to be coming from all around them as Issei's lips moved. "Don't know what you're trying to do by provoking us, but we would like to avoid a conflict with a friend. So this should be enough to satiate your curiosity." The temperature and lively atmosphere returned and Issei had earned the ire of the girls in the crowd for the errand boy comment. Issei sighed, closing his eyes ignoring the verbal jabs continuing where he left off. "Listen, my interests are my own and I don't have to answer to you for anything that is not owed." With that Issei started to leave Yuuto behind. "I guess I will go on ahead." He said stopping at the doorway before exiting the room.
[I know it's both your nature, but try to keep your pride in check, that was a dangerous move. And now we have to explain this to Gremory later.]
It only took a second to recover but when Yuuto went after Issei there was a cold chill in the hallway and no trace of him.
(...)
Issei's eyes had a difference in light when he opened his eyes to find himself in a bedroom that looked more in line with a fantasy manga, anime, or game. He was lying on his side on a bed, his head elevated by something soft. Trying to get up a hand gently brought his head down on the softness, deciding to change position he shifted so he was lying on his back. When the action was complete green eyes met blue. Issei's eyes widened when a white-haired girl stared down at him with a mischievous grin. Issei made one more attempt to get up only to have the same outcome. "Please Issei your body's healing. You should just relax with me for some time." Said Sarinna, not lowering her grin. "So darling, How are you enjoying your reward for being able to use balance breaker for the first time? not purely on instinct." A gentle sing-song voice came out as she played with the boy's hair while he rested on her lap.
Issei closed his eyes, enjoying the touch. He then looked up at Sarinna, her appearance slightly different from the last time they spoke. Sarinna was now sporting a short bob with long side-swept bangs to the right side of her face and three braids on the left side, and instead of a black gown she was in a green French maid costume. Issei chose to ignore Sarinna's state of dress, choosing to answer her question. "I wouldn't say it wasn't, I just felt like you wanted me to. And it just happened so a don't think I deserve anything no matter how much I like it." He finished.
After a long pause Sarinna decided to speak. "That just shows the strength of our bond Issei, whether you want to believe it or not, much of the power you've gained in the last two years has stayed with you, only amplified by your recent change back from being human." She again played with Issei's hair. "Remember this my lovely wielder, what you did to the witch's knight was something to be proud of. Although that brat won't be convinced otherwise I am not one of the church's worthless copies of a long-lost sword of a king and a dragon slayer. Little trinkets to pass off on their followers, I am yours the strongest emperor and you are mine a man fit to hold the power of two dragons. So it was never a question of whether you deserve my service or not, it was a question of if you are happy with it, Issei." Sarinna looked down with a longing expression after finishing.
The boy not taking a moment too long to respond does so. "It's not that, I am happy to have you... But I have had to sacrifice so much and-"
"Issei, no one has ever gained anything without giving in return. So hold yourself high and enjoy the little things, because my beloved Issei, everything I have to offer has been earned tenfold." Smiling, she let him get up after her small speech. A chime from a grandfather clock ahead of them that Issei hadn't noticed rung. "I believe our time is up." She said with a pout. "I wouldn't want to keep you here for too long. Not when what is waiting for you is so important and I want to see the reaction you have when you see it." She continued giving a teasing wink. Issei's vision began to fade, the final words from Sarinna coming out muffled but were clear as day. "Oh Issei, when you see Akeno give her my greetings."
(...)
"My, my, my. It looks like someone decided to join us." Issei opened his eyes to the words of an older black-haired girl sporting a ponytail tied with an orange ribbon. On her face was a smile, a mask hiding her true emotions at the moment. Issei sat up on the couch he had passed out on a few minutes before. The girl was sitting across from him, pausing from what she was doing turned towards him, her smile growing larger. Something about that expression on her face made Issei want to say what was on his mind but he refrained. The two of them shouldn't know each other which made Issei stay silent despite the obvious. "You gave us quite a scare coming in like that, I am Himejima Akeno. The club Vice President and Rias' queen, and this" she gestured to the petite white-hair girl sitting next to her, not that Issei noticed. "is Toujou Koneko a first-year member as well as the rook of our household." She paused after the introduction, Issei getting a nod from the still wordless girl now snacking on a chocolate bar. Issei's eyes never left Akeno's as she spoke. "There is one more member you should have met and accompanied you here."
"Kiba-san, right?" Issei got a nod in response. "I think we got off on the wrong foot." Issei brought up his right hand only for the katana to materialize. "He might think that this is something it's not but I think you know what this is... Akeno-chan."
Akeno's hands were now covering her mouth trying desperately to fight off the tears. The task she realizes was a failure, Akeno began tearing up at the familiarity he had said her name. She moved to leave but was stopped by the boy's hand.
'This time, this time I will keep my promise to you.'