Disclaimer: I do not speak Japanese, possess a Sacred Gear, own Highschool DxD, nor make profit from any fan-written work based upon or derived from it.
"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Incantation"
('Albion, mental')
(Albion Speaking)
A companion fic to my main story, Holy Inferno Dragon. As such, only the nine women I've explicitly listed as Issei's harem are married to him.
Future Taking Flight: Eternal Honeymoon
Let it not be said that when Zeoticus Gremory builds a house, that he builds it without every affordable commodity he could think of. And considering the size of his wealth amassed over millennia, the quantity and quality of said features skyrocketed.
So when a natural hot spring was somehow transplanted beneath the Hyoudou residence to serve as a bath, no one batted an eye.
"Oi, oi, no running, Zen." Issei warned with his eyes shut, lounging as he was in the water already. His silver-haired son pouted but jumped in regardless to join his father and brothers in the lower spring.
The upper section was the women's baths, though open air and wings made the distinction a matter of preference rather than enforced privacy. However, Issei and the mothers of the eldest boys had discussed how to handle the boys growth and, well, how to train and teach them to respect the body of a woman. Separating them in the baths was the first step.
And so, Issei ensured that Ex and Kurenai remained in the lower section to afford the females their privacy. Zen was along for the ride as he wanted to play more with his brothers than his sisters. And as for Shin, Irina doted on him and kept him with her in the heightened area for now.
It was also a chance for the boys to learn about proper bathing etiquette, particularly that of traditional Japanese bath houses. Each male had a towel wrapped around their waist, as a courtesy to each other. The boys didn't quite understand why, young as they were, but Issei thought it best for them to get into the habit.
Unruly behavior, like Zen playing with the rubber ducky on the sides, would not be tolerated.
Managing to keep an ear out for any issue that would come up, Issei settled down against the rocks along the walls and dozed off slightly. Much to the irritation of a few others.
"Look at him, the layabout." Ravel sniffed haughtily. "Bathing is not a time for sleeping about."
"Oh, he's sleeping around, is he?" A voice whispered in her ear, causing the other woman to leap from the spot in surprise. "News to me."
"Akeno!"
"Mah, it's nothing to worry about. In case you didn't hear, Kunou propositioned him at the ceremony last night." Akeno sat down upon the edge, letting her legs soak in the water as she reclined upon the side. "He didn't disappoint us, if that's what you're worrying about."
Ravel pouted, her fists shaking at her sides. "T-that, that has nothing to do with it!" She cried out in exasperation.
"Careful," the Fallen hybrid smiled as she looked over her bare shoulder to the pools below. "If he isn't already listening you may have his attention now."
Ravel managed to take a deep breath before speaking softly. "It's just… gah, this is stupid."
"Does this have to do with the fact that Koneko and Kuroka have yet to join us?"
Akeno certainly had a point. The whole family was here with the exception of the Nekoshou sisters and Xenovia who was gone for business. Their children weren't overly concerned, playing in the shallow end of the respective pools.
The moisture on Ravel's hair and skin began steaming. "Perhaps."
"Oh," Akeno's smile turned into something that the women of the household knew very well. "So then you're upset that he's not performing his husbandly duties to you."
Ravel's hair burst into flame. "T-THAT'S NOT IT AT ALL!"
A hand upon her hip altered the woman to her daughter, Robertina staring up at her in confusion and curiosity. "Mama, what's a husbandly duty?"
Caught between Akeno's deliberate setup and preserving her daughter's innocence, Ravel knelt in the pool to hug her daughter close as she spluttered for a proper, formal interpretation that had nothing to do with what Akeno implied.
The Priestess laughed as the Phoenix tried to console her chick. Ah, in this house one could never be bored. Akeno looked over her shoulder to the men's area only to catch Issei's gaze. Unblinking, her man gave her a look that told her he knew exactly what was going on up there.
Akeno blinked and then nearly fell off the ledge in surprise. In the time it took for her to blink, Issei had traversed the space between his resting place and the vertical wall, holding onto her ledge with nothing but the grip strength of his left arm.
"So Ravel's husband has been lax in his marital duties is it?"
The Fallen laughed musically, causing the dragon to smile. She lowered herself so her breasts were pressed to the cold marble, hiding them from view as she brought her face to his. "Perhaps. She's feeling a it neglected. Ara ara, I can't blame her though. My husband certainly hasn't payed me nearly enough attention." A hand came to trace his jaw and wandered around his neck to grip his hair. "He loves me and my son so, I'll forgive him for loving his other wives and children just as much. And he's worn thin from his duties to keep us all safe, so I can't be angry with him. Still, I have… needs," she purred as she felt Issei expand his aura just enough to excite her.
"Your husband's an idiot then," Issei shrugged.
"He might be, and I love him for it, but you'll have to do for now." Issei took her hand and fell backwards, pulling her off the ledge. His wings expanded to cover them both as they vanished just before they would have hit the water below.
Three boys were the only ones to notice their departure. "Dad really is dumb," Ex noted. "He likes spending time with girls."
"That's my mom," Kurenai interrupted, "but yeah, you're right. Dad is dumb."
Later that day, a Yamaha YZF-R125 pulled in through the gated entrance and into the turnabout before the front door. The rider kicked the stand, dismounting and removing her helmet. The woman set her helmet atop the bike, which promptly drove itself into a magic circle for storage.
"I'm home!" Xenovia called out as she entered, setting her keys on an entry table. She leisurely kicked off her heeled boots before sliding into a couch. "Ah, that's good."
If someone had told her church-bound teenage self that she would be a go-getter parent in charge of a multinational fashion company, she would have taken Durandal to their necks. Now, she'd break out the Ex-Durandal IV if someone rudely interrupted her rest from that same job.
Of everyone in the household, only Rias, Akeno, and Rossweisse had harder day jobs. Running the Gremory clan and lands meant you couldn't delegate such important tasks, but being a CEO of such a smaller organization like hers meant she could set her own hours and responsibilities. It did help that the only owners she had to please were in bed with her.
"Momma!" Zen leapt over the couch back to butt-slam into her stomach. The elder bluenette gasped at the impact, but she managed to hug her son tightly in response. "You're home!"
"Settle down you," Xenovia tussled her son's hair, hugging him to herself as tight as she could. Ah, the benefits of strong dragonic children. Young as he was, Xen was already tough enough for roughhousing that would discourage several Rooks Xenovia personally knew. "Did you have fun today? And what has Irina told you about running in the halls?"
"Oh, he's had his fun since Irina said not to," said Angel stepped out from the hall leading to the kitchen, a tray of cookies held in one mitted hand. "Go figure for your son to cause so much trouble."
The Ace was simply dressed, a white blouse, long skirt and apron. On Irina's back was a sling that held young Shin. Pressed upright against his mother's back, he was able to look over her right shoulder and babble at everyone, wave his arms about, and little else. The Nephilim waved hello at Xenovia, only to pause as a cookie was held to his gaze which he eagerly nabbed.
Motherhood had been kind to all the women in the Hyoudou household. They hadn't aged really, save for Koneko's growth spurt after she finished her maturation, so they all looked the same as they did in high school. After all, for female Devils and now even Angels, the aging process slowed or stopped early to preserve their already diminished fertility. Their faces and figures might not have changed, but their appearances did.
Irina had taken to tying her hair differently. Rather than twintails, she usually alternated between a single ponytail or letting her hair down. With Shin on her back and his odd habit of pulling hair, today it was tied off to the side and behind her left shoulder. On the other hand, Xenovia had let her hair grow out to shoulder length, though she was rather prone to cutting it herself to its former length. She'd never done away with the single lock of green dye, it being her only acquiescence to using any form of makeup or beauty product in general.
Xenovia sat up to let her longtime friend and sister-wife sit beside her, pushing Xen onto her lap. "Chocolate chip? What's the occasion?"
Irina shrugged as she set the tray down on the table. No coaster or protective pad necessary, everything in the house was heat shielded. "Asia and the kids wanted something baked, but this one," Shin waved obligingly, "wouldn't stop reaching for the sweets. I compromised."
The Knight nodded as she bit down on the wonderful treat. "Hmm. Delicious as always."
"Why, thank youURPP!"
Xenovia, still with a bit of chocolate in her mouth, had leaned over and pulled Irina into a nice long kiss. Xen looked rather bored by the affair and pushed off his mother's lap, toddling elsewhere. Shin cooed at the show. Irina, despite her initial surprise, moaned into the kiss and pulled Xenovia closer by the hips as the chocolate was traded between the two.
With only one man among nine women, eight of which constantly had demonic lust and urges to deal with, it wasn't surprising that when Issei was sleeping with one, the others would sleep with each other. Simple rules set by Rias and Akeno, the first wives, dictated what they could do and couldn't. Issei was to be the only man to ever sleep with, which they all unanimously agreed with long before the rules were made. Obviously, intimate displays up to and including sex had to be consensual, and the only ones with hangups about strictly girl-on-girl action were Asia, Ravel, Rossweisse, and Irina, though each was making progress. Lastly, under no circumstances were they to sleep with other women unless all nine agreed and approved of the choice.
Originally, the last rule was inclusive, 'wives of Issei only' as it were. But situations changed. With Sirzechs still absent, fighting against Trihexa, Grayfia herself kept her composure admirably in public, but she wasn't the same in her private life. All the women agreed, so they decided to help.
Long story made short? Issei had taken the then twelve year old Millicas to a convention in San Diego, while all nine of his wives teamed up with Venelana to provide Grayfia some much needed relief.
The women had made it a regular occurrence. Akeno and Kuroka made sure to record it.
Irina broke off the kiss with a gasp as she ran out of breath. "A little warning next time?"
"No promises," Xenovia smirked. When Shin began complaining, Xenovia reached over and tugged upon the blanket Irina was using as a sling. The boy fell back, only to be caught by the bluenette. "Now now, let's find your siblings to watch over you."
"Xenovia!" Irina looked around frantically. "We can't! Not here where the children can see!"
"Who said anything about here? Why here when we have the private baths?" The Knight ran off with her friend's son in her arms.
The Angel sighed as she headed downstairs. "Only you, and Issei, Akeno, Rias, and Kuroka are so forward." She sweatdropped at the realization, not for the first time, that she lived among some sexually obstinate creatures. She made her way back to the main hallway, untying her apron and hanging it on a hook near the kitchen. Reaching the central atrium that extended from the ground floor to skylight, she spread her wings and flew rather than take the stairs or elevator.
Speaking of wings, there were eight of them and each pure white. Thanks to the enchantments Michael had previously supplied for her personal room, Rossweisse had managed to duplicate and extend that protection from falling. So long as she was on a property owned by any in the harem, she wouldn't fear turning into a Fallen Angel.
Not that it would be a bad thing, Issei and the others made sure to let her know they would love her unconditionally, white wings or black. She appreciated it, but still did her best to remain worthy of being a pure Angel. Yes, in her case it was a misnomer in any sense, especially from a traditional view. But God's blessing was what she wished to keep.
She reached the level containing the main entrance to the private baths. The private baths, not the family bath, these were for adults only. Withdrawing her wings, she landed and saw Xenovia walking towards her from the other side.
The bluenette Knight hadn't changed clothes, she was still in her biker outfit. Much of Xenovia's personal fashion sense was derived from her Exorcist uniform, this suit was just as skintight. Xenovia smiled as she drew closer, pulling the zipper down past her navel to show that she had foregone wearing a bra.
Irina shook her head in amusement and exasperation. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Because you know exactly what you're in for," her friend smirked as she grabbed her hand. Xenovia spun, walking backwards to kick the door open as she pulled Irina in with her.
"Ara ara, what a surprise."
Both women spun to see that in the darkened baths, two forms lay intertwined. Issei lay in the water against the edge, Akeno lay upon him.
"Oh, we'll just..." Irina tried to back out, only to cry out as Xenovia pushed her into the water.
"I haven't been satisfied in a week. No abandoning the mission." Xenovia stripped out of her catsuit completely and dove in.
"Sheesh, after a night with the sisters and then a morning with Akeno, one would think that you'd at least be satisfied," a glowing Irina pulled on a too-big shirt, her previous clothing being shredded completely. "Can you keep your bestial urges to yourself for once?"
Strong arms hugged her from behind and she instinctively relaxed into the warm body. "That's harsh, Irina."
"You ripped my clothes off! With your teeth!" Irina looked up to glare at her husband. "Who does that!?"
"I keep telling you, au natural is recommended when it comes to him," Akeno coyly reminded her as she did her hair in its usual ribbon.
"Indeed," Xenovia chimed in, wearing her birthday suit rather than her biker suit. "Take whatever time with him you can. Clothes only get in the way!"
Both Xenovia and Akeno walked off, still naked, leaving Issei and Irina at the edge of the baths alone. They only had one full set of clothes between them, Irina wearing Issei's shirt while he only wore his usual pants.
Still in his embrace, Irina sighed with exasperation. "I blame you for everything that happened in there."
"Xenovia pushed you in."
SLAP!
"Good God, woman!" Issei rubbed his jaw, before stepping back as the Angel made her displeasure known at taking His name in vain. "Ok, my fault, my fault."
Irina relaxed her arm in mid-swing, then sighed. "You're hopeless," she sighed, closing her eyes. She then squeaked as Issei picked her up bridal-style. "I don't forgive you."
"And here I thought Ravel was the tsundere." He kissed the top of her head, making her blush. "Cmon, let's get you decent." Rather than out her down, he spread his own wings. Using the flexible thumbs, he grabbed the inner walls of the central atrium and climbed several levels, shortly arriving at the master bedroom. Folding his wings to form a tent around them, Issei marched in quickly, closing the doors behind them with the same motion to hide his extra limbs.
The Angel in his arms shook herself free and flounced off to the large walk in closet. After a few minutes debate, she pulled on some shorts and slippers but left his shirt alone. The dragon shamelessly stood still, content to wear pants alone.
Irina returned to him, twirling as she did so which raised an eyebrow. "You're wearing my shirt still. And you wonder why I have trouble keeping myself in check."
"Pervert."
"That hurts, it hurts right here." Issei tapped above his heart but he smiled. He knew they all spoke in jest.
She couldn't quite lie to herself, she was becoming quite the little pervert too. Especially cause of that chest, broad shoulders, toned arms, sculpted abs and…
Her building appreciation for the eye candy faded as she saw one mark on his side, where his low riding pants didn't quite cover his waist. He didn't have many scars anymore, but it was one of the few combat-related marks he still had after years of constant healing. Despite everyone's best efforts, it was still there. It caused the healers in their group no amount of guilt but even more so for her.
She was the one who put it there.
"You know if you keep looking, I'll take it as approval to look back," Issei noted. "And you're more than welcome to touch." He then noticed where she was looking, where she touched. "...Irina, you need to let that go. I have, and so have the others."
The Angel didn't say anything, she opened her arms, and he obliged, trapping her once more in his embrace as they sat down at the bedside.
Issei cherished all the women he married, cherished the long relationships and histories they shared. Each was unique, some were fighters, allies, some former enemies. Irina and Kuroka both still suffered from guilt for the latter from time to time.
"I know what you're going to say, so I'll tell you this, that was then. We live in the now, and I love you, Irina Shidou."
"How? After everything, how?" The woman sagged into his side, unable to tear her eyes away from one mark Ascalon had left on him.
She still had it. She hated that blade, using her Hauteclaire instead at every chance, but Ascalon was still hers. Oh, how she hated it.
On one hand, she wanted to destroy it, the Holy Sword that chose her. It's existence was a threat to her husband, her sister-wives, all their children. But she knew that it was also the first defense she would reach for if an Evil or Fake Dragon were to appear. She also kept it because she trusted no one else to wield it, she would not let it leave her hands only to risk it falling into the hands of one who potentially wished her family ill. So in her possession and with Gabriel's blessing, it remained.
Issei barked with laughter. "Your heart is beautiful, my Angel." He lowered his head and inhaled, savoring her unique scent, the mix of flowers and sunlight. "I consider it a miracle for how we grew close, and it was my choice to love you, to continue to love you." One hand lifted her gaze to his. "Even if Ragnarok comes, even if I grow old and grey, even if your wings turn black as night, I will love you, my darling wife."
The kiss they shared then wasn't like the ones they had in the bath earlier. For one, lust had fueled those. Enhanced by love certainly and even the other way around, but this was different. It spoke only of the love they shared.
All the wives both loved and hated how Issei could be so dense and terrible with words yet turn the world on its head with how well he used them to convey his feelings for them. In the same way, they loved and hated how he perfectly understood their feelings, even if they said nothing at all.
In that moment, Issei was aware of how much he loved her and she him.
In the next moment, he knew she was anxious; she knew they were alone, that they were together on the bed, and that he was already only half-dressed.
She took his right hand in hers. With her thumb, she rubbed one of his other few remaining scars, a dark, angry burn that stretched across his palm and fingers. Not one she caused, but she still felt responsible for it would never truly heal. But that thought fled as he kissed her again, and she brought his hand beneath her appropriated shirt.
She knew she was being selfish, perhaps hypocritical after what she complained about earlier. She didn't care.
Ravel could wait.
AN: Dropped some future knowledge for you all, some world building and tidbits to tide you over while I chug along with HIDragon. Hoping to have a chapter out by Halloween.
Poor Ravel. She'll get a turn someday. We also get some Issei/Irina fluffiness that I legit enjoyed writing.
For those of you who've been tearing my works apart in search of clues and conspiracies, I gave you a big freebie if you've been taking notes across all chapters. If you found it, keep it to yourself or message me for confirmation. Till next time.
