Chapter 6
The next morning Issei is awoken by Kiba. Opening his eyes to see Kiba's smiling face staring down at him Issei can't help but frown.
Damn pretty boy… Issei thinks to himself, choosing not to say anything.
"Morning Hyoudou-kun." Kiba greets him, Issei groaning as he pushes himself to a sitting position, Kiba wearing a dark blue track suit.
"What time is it?" Issei asks, rubbing his eyes.
"Just after six." Kiba replies, turning and walking toward the door to the hall. "Get up and get dressed, Buchou wants to start your training by 6:15."
Groaning in frustration as Kiba steps into the hall Issei throws off his blankets, mentally reminding himself that this training is meant to save his life, and Buchou only has his best interests at heart.
XXX
His throat dry Issei can feel the soreness in her arms and legs, the sensation leftover from his morning run. Fortunately for him Akeno didn't have to use her whip this time.
At least my butt doesn't hurt, though that's probably because I ran like the hounds of hell were chasing me…
Standing in front of him Issei glances at Rias, the red haired devil seemingly distracted during the morning run, every time Issei looks at Akeno the Vice President of the Occult Research Club smiles, a strange, almost creepy smile that Issei can't place.
"All right then…" Rias begins, Rias standing off to his left side, Kiba standing in front of him. "Now we begin your next lesson."
Standing near Rias is Raynare, Akeno and Asia, Koneko choosing not to attend this session.
"OK…" Issei begins, focusing on Rias. "What do I have to do?"
"Issei…I want you to go into Balance Breaker and spar with Kiba."
Blinking Issei doesn't say anything for a moment.
What?
"Buchou…you want me to use that armor?" Issei asks, and Rias nods.
"Yes." Rias assures him. "You are going to need to use that power in your fight against Riser, and you're going to need at least some experience using it. Sparring against Kiba you can gain experience fighting someone faster than you."
Turning his attention back to Kiba Issei sighs, summoning his Sacred Gear to his back.
Balance Break! Issei thinks, and he can feel something shift inside of him.
One Hundred and Ten Seconds… Albion explains to him.
"I've got 1 minute and 50 seconds to wait." Issei explains.
The results of his training being that he's shaved ten seconds off of the countdown Issei can only hope that he can completely remove the countdown by the end of the two week training period. Unfortunately he doesn't know how much his training will reduce the countdown day to day.
"Well, I may as well get ready." Kiba explains, holding out his hand.
A demonic sword appears in Kiba's hand, his Sacred Gear allowing him to create demonic swords out of thin air.
"Almost two minutes huh…" Rias mumbles, looking down toward the ground, her tone as though she's distracted by something.
"If it helps any this trip did take ten seconds off of that time, so it isn't completely hopeless." Issei explains, and Rias' expression doesn't change.
"Still…" Rias mutters.
Even if they manage to remove ten seconds a day from Issei's countdown that would still leave him with twenty seconds after the trip is done.
Twenty seconds of powerlessness against Riser…
It may as well be a death sentence. Without the armor and his Sacred Gear Issei is nothing more a newly reincarnated devil.
I'm already pushing him as hard as I can without harming him. If I intensify the training any further he could end up hurting himself, and even with Asia's healing, it wouldn't help him get stronger. I just have to hope that Issei being with Akeno tonight will have a positive effect on his growth…If it can at least shave off thirty seconds of the countdown then with the remainder of the week we should be able to remove it completely…
She doesn't want to get her hopes up, just like she desperately doesn't want Issei to sleep with Akeno. The only satisfaction Rias has is that her first time was also Issei's first time, and they were alone for the duration. The fact that Raynare and Asia joined in afterward is the only thing that has kept her from screaming.
"Ufufu…we'll just have to hope that something good happens before the match…" Akeno pipes up, Issei blinking in surprise at her statement, while Rias can't help the feeling of dread forming in her stomach.
This is for Issei…Rias repeats the thought in her mind. This is for Issei so he can actually survive…
"Uh…O…Kay…" Issei shrugs, not sure what the Fuku Buchou is talking about, or what could possibly happen in the next two weeks that would cause his powers to grow.
"Anyway…we'll wait until the countdown ends, and then we'll have Issei spar against Kiba." Rias refocuses the conversation.
"Right." Both Kiba and Issei agree in unison.
XXX
Six and a half minutes later…
His body shining Issei drops his hands to his knees, feeling exhausted after sparring with Kiba for five minutes. Unfortunately for Issei he hadn't been able to land a single blow against Kiba, Rias' Knight far too fast for him, even with the armor.
"That ends this lesson here." Rias points out, Kiba making his demonic sword disappear from his hand.
"Do you need me to heal you Issei-san?" Asia asks, and Issei manages to shake his head no.
His body doesn't hurt, Issei just feels like he's exhausted. After using the armor for only five minutes straight Issei doesn't have anything left in his metaphorical tank. Even though the armor made him feel like he was on cloud nine now that it's gone Issei can barely stand.
"Here, Issei-sama…" Raynare offers quietly, Issei following the sound of her voice to see her holding a sports drink.
It's like she always seems to know when I'm worn out…
"Thank you…" Issei manages, taking the drink and downing it.
Finishing with the bottle Issei hands it back to Raynare, Rias clearing her throat pointedly, drawing the attention of everyone present.
"Now then, onto your second run." Rias says, and Issei's face falls, the young devil unable to believe what Rias just said.
"But Buchou, I can barely stand!" Issei tries to protest, and Rias' countenance darkens at Issei referring to her with a title rather than by her name.
"Do you think Riser will care if you can stand?" Rias asks pointedly, her tone sharp.
"Um…" Issei mutters, breaking eye contact with Rias.
She has a point…
"Ara-ara…" Akeno begins in a tone that has become frighteningly familiar to Issei, the young devil looking to see Akeno now holding a familiar riding crop in her hand.
Oh hell…
Swallowing Issei turns, telling his legs to start moving even as Akeno's crop goes across his bottom.
"Ara-ara…you'll have to be faster than that…" Akeno trails, and Issei forces his legs to go faster, telling himself he can deal, that he's felt worse.
You're a devil, you can do this!
Pushing himself Issei manages a shagging jog, both Rias and Akeno falling into step behind him.
XXX
Watching Issei, Akeno and Rias jog away Kiba remains, turning his attention to the Fallen Angel standing amongst he and Asia. Kiba has no love for the black winged creatures, having had to fight more than a few of them during his time as a devil.
"Raynare…correct?" Kiba asks, the dark haired Fallen Angel blinking at the mention of her name, both Asia and Raynare turning their attention toward him.
During the short time Raynare has been bound to Issei Kiba has spoken all of five words to her. His disdain for Fallen Angels was clear to her the moment she met him, and she understands completely. Working for Grigori Raynare has killed numerous devils and humans, and she didn't regret any of it.
"Yes…" Raynare answers curiously, not sure what Kiba could possibly want.
"I want to know what you really think about Issei-kun." Kiba explains, and Raynare blinks.
"What…what I really think?" Raynare asks, and Kiba stares at the Fallen Angel, Asia not sure what's going on as the two of them talk. "I don't know what you mean…"
Kiba doesn't believe that answer for a moment.
"Before you drank Issei's blood you wanted to kill him, now you claim to want to serve him, that you're grateful that you're still alive when Buchou would've killed you." Kiba explains to her. "I want you to tell me the truth. Do you really feel grateful to still be alive? You can't return to your former comrades, and you're permanently attached to a devil that you tried to kill."
"I…" Raynare trails, looking down toward the ground. "I want Issei-sama to be happy. I really do."
"Then I'll say this now." Kiba begins, staring Raynare down. "If you so much as lay a hand on Issei or anyone else in the Occult Research Club I'll personally slit your throat."
XXX
Letting his body drop into the large bath Issei sighs heavily, trying to release the feeling of exhaustion that has taken over him. After using the armor like he did Issei has felt drained, and running with Akeno and Rias behind him didn't help. Finishing the run he'd practically passed out, Raynare had been there, and like usual she'd offered him something to drink, which he'd promptly guzzled. Not long after that he'd been carried to dinner by Koneko.
Not that she went out of her way to be gentle…
The Mascot of Kuoh Academy had simply tossed him over her shoulder and walked, not caring in the least that her shoulder was jammed into his crotch, and every time the gray haired girl took a step pain would go shooting through Issei's body, thanks to his own shifting weight.
At least that's over…
After dinner Issei had felt good enough to walk, and getting to the bathroom Rias had told him that the bath was his as long as he needed it. The point of this training trip is to help Issei improve, the other members of the Occult Research Club can easily deal with his schedule.
Sighing Issei's eyes drift to the ceiling, the White Dragon Emperor just wants to relax. He's done nothing but train and push himself since arriving. The day before he'd taken a bath and then gone straight to bed, more or less passing out.
"Ufufu…Knock…knock…" A familiar voice reaches Issei's ears.
What the!?
Her tone is relaxed, Akeno calmly opening the bathroom door, Issei's head turning toward the sight of movement, Akeno standing there wearing the same clothes she'd been wearing when she'd followed him during his afternoon run.
"Akeno…sempai…" Issei mutters, not sure what Rias Queen is doing as she closes the door behind her.
Smiling Akeno grasps at the bottom of her blouse, pulling it up and over her head in a smooth motion, not an ounce of hesitation in her as Akeno tosses the garment aside, revealing her lacy black bra to Issei, along with her ample…assets.
HOLY OPPAI!
His face turning red at the sight of Akeno's breasts Issei manages to clasp his nose with his left hand before any blood comes squirting out of it. Seeing the surprise on his face Akeno smiles, pleased with the comparatively innocent reaction.
"Ara-ara…you want to see them?" Akeno asks, not waiting for Issei to answer as she reaches behind her back, the sound of the clasp opening almost imperceptible to Issei.
She isn't going to…
He never completes the thought before Akeno slips her bra from one shoulder, quickly following suit with the other, revealing her bare breasts to him.
Seeing Akeno's melons Issei's mouth drops, the sight making Issei infinitely thankful that he was reincarnated as a devil, the young man in that moment ready to drop to his knees and give thanks to Satan or whatever deity that has blessed him.
Awe in Issei's eyes Akeno smiles, the raven haired young woman enjoying Issei's 'virginal' reaction to the sight of her bare breasts.
"Do you like them?" Akeno asks, raising her arms above her head and crossing her wrists above her head, striking a pose for him, the pose intentionally accentuating her bosom.
Nodding his head empathically Issei can barely manage to utter a syllable, much less a complete word.
Smiling Akeno lowers her arms, her hands grasping at her pants and slipping them off, the dark haired woman setting the clothing aside before she hooks her thumbs into the sides her panties.
Giving Issei a look that screams 'ravish me' Akeno ever so slowly slides her panties down her legs, the young woman feeling a rush of embarrassment at the fact that Issei can now see every part of her, Akeno squelching the feeling, instead focusing on the bewildered expression on Issei's face as Akeno holds her panties with her right thumb, the young woman casually tossing the black garment through the air, the object landing almost directly over both of Issei's eyeballs.
The sudden loss of vision in his left eye Issei's attention is momentarily drawn away from Akeno's breasts, his mind racing to try and piece together what has blocked his vision.
This is…
His hand moving on it's own Issei can smell Akeno's scent as he grasps the still warm garment, raising it up so that he can look at it clearly.
"Ara-ara…do you like my freshly worn panties?" Akeno teases, the sound of her voice snapping Issei out of his daze, the sound of her voice making Issei remember that he's holding Akeno's underwear, and she is currently standing not ten feet away in her birthday suit.
"I…!" Issei mumbles, not sure what to say as Issei quickly tosses the panties aside, the lacey black garment landing outside the tub.
Watching Issei panic as a result of her teasing the sadist in Akeno can't help but enjoy his reaction. At the same time though another part of her can't help but wonder what it would be like to have Issei teasing her.
Swallowing the saliva in her mouth, Akeno steels her resolve, the buxom woman walking toward the tub, a part of her dreading what she is about to do; what Akeno intends to do next is not something she generally looks forward to, but she feels that it must be done.
Watching Akeno stop at the edge of the tub Issei is mildly surprised to see a pair of wings sprout from Akeno's back. For a moment Issei doesn't even notice anything weird about either of them. He's seen her devil wings before, and while his are useless, Akeno has even flown with hers before, so Issei doesn't think anything of it at first sight.
Then Issei's eyes actually see the pair of wings sticking out from Akeno's back. One of them is a normal bat like devil wing. The other on the other hand is quite different. Seeing it Issei is reminded of another woman in his life, one that has had as much if not more of an impact than the one standing at the edge of the bathtub.
That wing…it looks like a Fallen Angel's wing…
"My Father was a Fallen Angel and my Mother was a human. My whole life I've gotten nothing but suffering because of these wings…" Akeno explains to him, Issei hearing the ache in Akeno's voice, the young devil suddenly able to understand what Akeno is talking about.
Devils despise Fallen Angels, becoming a devil Akeno literally sided with a group of people that despise her. Her only choice would be to conceal her wings and never tell anyone about it.
"Rias knows, but she's the only one." Akeno explains. "…Other than you, now…"
With Akeno standing in front of him naked, her mismatched wings still hanging from her back Issei can fully understand what Akeno is doing by revealing this secret to him.
Moments of silence passing between them Akeno breaks eye contact with him, her voice coming out low and bittersweet.
"But you hate me now, don't you?" Akeno asks, not really looking at him. "That Fallen Angel nearly killed you, and tried to kill Asia-chan…"
His hand balling into a fist underneath the water Issei stands up, the sound of the water sloshing drawing Akeno's attention, the voluptuous dark haired maiden turning her head toward him in surprise, the emotion showing on her features.
"I don't know how to feel about Raynare, but I could never hate you Akeno-san." Issei replies, Akeno feeling like she's been slapped in the face.
Wh….what did he say? Akeno asks herself.
Seeing him standing there, hands balled into fists, resolve on his face Akeno feels a surge of warmth for him, the feeling welling up from inside of her.
"Issei-kun…" Akeno mumbles his name, Issei feeling a mix of embarrassment and anger that Akeno could think of herself in such a negative way.
To think that she's been cursing herself and the blood in her veins! I can't accept that! To think that a woman with such bountiful and incredible breasts could possibly think that way about them!
"Akeno-san is Akeno-san." Issei manages to say, and for Akeno that's all she can bear.
"Issei…" Her voice trembling Akeno looks up, revealing tears at the edges of Akeno's eyes, her face filled with a myriad of emotions, Issei opening his mouth to apologize when Akeno crosses the distance between them.
"Ak…" Issei manages to begin before Akeno's soft body presses against his, her arms wrapping around his neck as her breasts press against his chest, the warmth of her body taking a back seat to the incredible softness Issei feels from her bosom.
Holy cow they're huge!
Their bodies pressed against one another Issei tries to look at Akeno's face, only to feel her lips suddenly press against his, Issei momentarily dumbstruck before he realizes that Akeno is kissing him.
Her lips pressed against his for only a moment Issei doesn't know what to say as Akeno pulls back, her eyes looking up into his.
"Make me your woman Issei…" Akeno whispers, Issei feeling like he's been slapped.
She wants me to take her virginity!?
Opening his mouth to ask something Akeno seems to understand that Issei is going to ask a question, Akeno raising her right leg up to his left side.
"Take me Issei…" Akeno affirms for him. "Take me now…"
XXX
Sitting in the tub with Akeno next to him Issei doesn't know how to feel. The water around him Akeno slowly nuzzles her head against his shoulder, a contended sigh wafting past her lips.
Her eyes closed Akeno's expression is peaceful, Issei sure that he's never seen Rias' Queen look like she does now. Being with her it had been like his first time with Rias, only Issei didn't have any questions about Akeno's motivations. She wanted to be with him, though not until after she'd told him about her heritage; the fact that Akeno is half Fallen Angel a great burden to her. When she'd told him about it she'd obviously expected him to be disgusted with her, but he doesn't really mind it.
I'm some kind of devil/dragon creature anyway, who am I to judge?
Looking down at her Issei can't help the curl that comes to his lips. Would having her as a girlfriend really be a bad thing? Sure she's considered to be the second most beautiful girl in Kuoh Academy, but that's really only because Akeno's breasts are so large, and some men think that they're TOO big, but for Issei there's no such thing.
Besides, the first time you were with Rias was only so she wouldn't have to marry that Yakitori bastard…if not for that she never would've even considered it…
Rias is the heir to the Gremory Family. Odds are she's going to have to marry another noble devil from one of the other families. Even if Issei were to become a high class devil he would still be just a reincarnated devil. Her parents would also likely never approve of them being together. He can't even begin to imagine the fallout that Rias' parents are dealing with, and even if he should somehow win the match and kill Riser, the Phenix family isn't going to like him as a result. Plus Akeno is a reincarnated devil like him, so she'd be free to be with whomever she wants, and Rias would likely give her blessing. After all, having her Queen as a girlfriend would help to ensure Issei's loyalty to Rias, even after he becomes a high class devil himself.
What if Rias was serious though? Issei asks himself. Is that even possible? The girl regarded as most beautiful in Kuoh Academy attracted to me? Is it any harder to believe that Akeno wanted to have sex with you?
Albion doesn't say anything, the Heavenly Dragon choosing to remain silent rather than involve himself in his host's love life. Looking down at Akeno Issei is almost sure that Akeno isn't asleep, she's just resting and relaxing after everything they've done.
"Comfortable Akeno-san?" Issei asks, Akeno's eyes fluttering open as her head turns up to look toward him.
"Ara-ara…speaking to me so formally, even after everything we've done…" Akeno mildly rebukes him, Issei blinking in surprise at her response.
I guess she wants me to speak more casually around her…
"Um…Akeno-chan?" Issei asks carefully, Akeno smiling at his response.
"That's better…" Akeno praises him, her leg sliding across his chest beneath the water as Akeno moves, the raven haired devil smiling as she straddles him, her breasts half submerged in the water. "I wonder…how should I reward you?"
Her tone laced with innuendo Issei can't remember ever being so glad for just speaking casually to a girl.
"Um…Akeno-chan?" Issei begins, and Akeno cocks her head to the side, hearing the question in Issei's tone. "Why are you doing this? I mean, I know I'm supposed to be this powerful person, but I'm not. I can barely use my Sacred Gear, and not to mention I'm probably going to die when this duel happens…"
Frowning Akeno lowers her face to his, Issei suddenly feeling a surge of self-consciousness at Akeno closing the distance between their eyes.
"I did this because you're more than just a breast loving pervert." Akeno replies with a smile. "I've seen you risk your life for me, for the other members of the club. I watched as you fought against a Fallen Angel that wanted to kill you, all to save an innocent girl who was ready to sacrifice herself."
"I…" Issei mumbles, not sure what to say in response to that.
"Ara-ara…feeling embarrassed?" Akeno asks, and Issei swallows, nodding timidly.
"Ye…Yeah…" Issei affirms for her.
"Well…wanna be lovers?" Akeno asks, and Issei blinks in surprise, Akeno's expression completely serious.
She can't mean…
"You mean…be boyfriend and girlfriend?" Issei asks, his voice cracking slightly.
The prospect of having Akeno as his girlfriend sends thoughts running through Issei's mind. His first day back at school rumors would invariably start to fly, and at first people wouldn't believe that Akeno and he are actually dating, until Akeno physically admits it.
Even then…people would think that I'm blackmailing her…
Matsuda and Motohama would obviously be jealous, they'd both try to get Issei to describe in as much detail as possible every part of Akeno's body. They would invariably want naked pictures or anything they could get their hands on.
The problem being that Issei wouldn't want to give out naked pictures or anything like that. While he may have a love for women's breasts that borders on the obscene, he does have some morals…
"Mm-hmm." Akeno tilts her head toward him.
Even hearing her answer the first thought, the first word that comes to Issei's mind is WHY? Before Rias reincarnated him Issei couldn't buy feminine attention. Then he'd met Yuuma, and he'd thought he'd finally be able to move away from porn and finally start a normal relationship. Then Yuuma disemboweled him.
"I…" Issei mumbles, dumbstruck by the idea that he could have Akeno for a girlfriend.
"Don't want to?" Akeno asks, and Issei blinks in surprise.
"Not at all!" Issei manages to blurt out, and Akeno smiles at the surprise on his face.
"Ufufu…" Akeno giggles. "Shall I take that as a yes?"
Swallowing Issei doesn't immediately respond.
What do you have to lose? Issei asks himself. If you say yes then Akeno will be your girlfriend, she's obviously more than willing, and it isn't as though Rias wants you for anything other than to break off her engagement. Asia is more like a sister and Raynare is…Raynare…
"Why not?" Issei finally agrees, and Akeno smiles, feeling a surge of joy at Issei's reply.
"Well…why don't we celebrate…?" Akeno smiles at him, her arm sliding beneath the water, her hand moving in an oh-so lewd manner…
"Th…that's not fair!" Issei tries to protest, and Akeno smiles.
"Life isn't fair Issei-kun…"
XXX
Hours later both Issei and Akeno walk out of the bathroom, Issei feeling like the life has literally been drained out of him while Akeno practically glows. His right arm draped across her shoulders Issei's left hand holds a towel to his waist, while Akeno has somehow managed to wrap a towel around her body and secured it. Leaning on her Issei's forehead softly presses against Akeno's now covered chest, Issei unable to help the grin on his lips, in spite of how he feels.
Satisfied now partner?Albion whispers in his ear. Five times should be enough, shouldn't it?
Inwardly nodding Issei doesn't say anything out loud.
"Ufufu…shall we go back to your bedroom?" Akeno asks, and some of the color drains from Issei's face.
"I…don't you think five times in a row is…enough?" Issei manages to ask, and Akeno giggles.
"Ara-ara…I was thinking I'd sleep next to you…" Akeno informs him. "You could use any part of my body as a pillow."
Some of the color returning to Issei's face the young devil swallows the saliva in his mouth.
"You mean…any part?" Issei asks, and Akeno's smile only seems to get wider.
"Mm-hmm…" Akeno slowly bobs her head, Issei feeling like he's just won the lottery.
I get to fall asleep with my head on her breasts! If I suffocate in my sleep I'll die happy!
XXX
Sitting in her own bedroom Rias sighs heavily, unable to suppress the feeling that something wrong is going on, Rias closing the book held in her left hand, the red haired Gremory heir setting the tome aside, her naked body splayed out on her bed, the lights in the room completely off, her devil eyes letting her read without a problem.
It's been days since I've been able to use Issei as a body pillow…but this training camp is important. He has to focus on resting…though I don't know what Akeno is going to do with him…
The only thing her Queen had promised her would be that Akeno wouldn't break out the whips and chains. Rias knows full well how much Akeno enjoys torturing her opponents in combat, that it inspires a sexual thrill inside of her when she does. Rias had wanted to try and protect Issei from that. If his Sacred Gear does indeed grow in power from his time with Akeno she's sure that Akeno tying him up and whipping him would only hurt his development, and possibly scar him.
Especially with what happened between him and that Fallen Angel…if Akeno were to start torturing him in bed then there's no telling what will happen to him…
Her eyes drifting back to the book she'd set aside Rias sighs again, the old tome a devil reference novel on Sacred Gears, Rias spending much of her private time pouring over every last page of the book, searching for some trick, some way of safely forcing a Sacred Gear to evolve, to grow in power and become stronger. Unfortunately for Rias the only methods explained in the book are far from safe, many of them requiring some macabre sacrifice, from human souls to the user's own life force. The only method Rias may even consider would be having Issei offer a part of his body to the Sacred Gear. In return for that Issei could gain an increase in power, but the cost would likely deform him somehow.
What's more important, Issei being able to blend in to human society or surviving the duel?
The answer to that question was obvious. If by the last day Issei hasn't made any great improvements then Rias will bring the idea up to him.
Hopefully I won't have to though…
Sighing again Rias lays her head down on her pillow, telling herself that she isn't going to have to deform in her only pawn.
XXX
Lying on her left side Akeno can feel Issei's mattress press against her side, she can also feel Issei's head against her breasts, the young devil smiling from ear to ear. Lying down together Issei had pressed his face against her bare bosom and actually moved his face left and right, his arms wrapping around her as though she were a living pillow, Issei sighing contentedly before falling asleep.
Looking down at him Akeno can't help the smile on her lips. Looking at Issei's sleeping face Akeno can only describe it as cute, his mouth hanging open, the young devil pleasantly quiet as he rests his head against her breasts.
He's so cute like this… Akeno thinks to herself. Sorry Rias…but I just can't let you have him after all…