Training had begun and Issei was dragging a big bag of supplies. "Geez this is exhausting."
"Well you wanted to fight Riser so before we get anything done training will need to happen first." Rias stated. Everyone kept walking on until they found a grand house in the middle of a field. "And training begins now."
"Now?!"
The group moved to a small field after changing into some training clothes. They all gathered around until Rias signalled at Koneko. She nodded and moved.
"Ok, now to begin with we should begin by starting out our regimen. Asia, you will work with Akeno and I on your magical skills. Issei, you will join us on some days but for now you'll need to focus on your own power."
"How so?"
"The power of the Red Dragon is within you and while you have no Sacred Gear you are able to draw out its power at times of distress. Now we're going to help you draw that power out and controlling it. You've been able to bring out impressive amounts, but it won't last long in battle if you can't keep it under control." Rias said.
Issei nodded and saw Koneko standing across from him. "Koneko has been assigned to help you grow in power. And help you draw it out."
"Get ready perv." Koneko and Issei started with Issei trying his best not to get hit.
Hours passed by and Issei was on his knees trying to catch his breath. He turned to see Asia and Kiba having some basic balancing exercise going. Koneko appeared behind him and slammed the small of his back.
"Damn it." Issei cursed under his breath. The entire time Koneko has been thrashing him back and forth. Luckily Asia has been healing him between sessions. "I know I did it before, but why not now? Riser...Raynare, I drew power out."
"That's because you suck." Koneko stated.
Issei looked at her confused when she pulled him up. "I mean you barely can scratch me. How do you expect to take down Lord Douche with what you got?"
"Are you serious? Are you trying to make me mad?"
"I'm just saying if we lose then we know its been you slowing us down."
He felt a heat rise. "Shut up Koneko." The girl gave him a blank stare before pushing him back. Issei stabilized himself and felt his anger rise.
"I know Rias is doing her best to encourage you, but I think she thought of all the ways to kill herself when we lose."
"That won't happen!" Koneko felt a spike of power rise. She didn't smile externally. "I won't let it."
"Then try and land at least one hit on me." Koneko got into a stance and saw Issei be more focused. She began ducking and weaving each strike. He was still sloppy despite the self-defense he learned from his dad. It wasn't enough.
Issei got more and more frustrated as it continued. Normally he'd keep his cool, but Koneko was pushing all his buttons. He tried striking again, but she countered with a punch to the gut.
He held his gut tight as the pain rocketed. Koneko stepped back and got into a stance. Issei got up and charged. Rias watched from a distance as Issei got more closer to hitting Koneko.
The two went on before Issei pushed Koneko against a wall. He fired one more punch before Koneko retaliated with her own. A shockwave erupted between the two, but not just that. White and red auras flared up. Koneko surrounded by white and Issei in red.
Koneko jumped back and looked at herself. "This hasn't happened before." But before she can comprehend more of what just happened, Issei came in and socked her across the face.
She hit the floor with a bruise forming on her cheek. Looking up she saw Issei looking down at her with a triumphant smile before falling to his knees. "Not bad, you caught me off guard."
"Then-" She smashed her fist into his face and sent him flying back.
"But don't get cocky or relax too easily. It's very unbecoming." She said, leaving Issei on the ground with his face in massive pain. Rias and Akeno snickered watching Koneko trying to rub off the small bruise on her cheek while Asia was repairing the most devastating damage dealt to Issei in recent history.
"Once your healed up, stand up." Koneko got into her battle stance. "I'm sure even you can learn some new things on fighting."
"Intense emotions. Everything Issei needs lies in his emotions." Up in the house Akeno and Rias were drinking some tea.
"Emotions? You got the idea after he...blew you back?" Akeno asked.
"Yes, I've archived the times I witnessed the power of the Red Dragon. Without a Sacred Gear, the power Issei uses fluctuates. With Raynare, Issei managed to punch the Sacred Gear off her. When Issei had a panic attack it only blew me away. With Riser, the club house was visibly shaking. The degree of power Issei uses is not consistent and starts with intense emotions."
Akeno took a moment to think. "So if we were to utilize the power Issei carries then we need him first to control what the amount of power he summons."
"Exactly. That's why for the majority of our time, I'll be having Koneko and Kiba train him. We'll still rotate and show the ropes, but physical combat and self control are going to be his best tools."
"To think he was a defect. No known Defects have never been able to use their Sacred Gears ability. This is quite exciting." Akeno replied.
"He's not using any known ability besides the power boost. Most likely his balance breaker won't even manifest." Rias said. They heard a loud bang and they turned to see Issei sliding back.
Koneko charged and raised her fist. Issei swung his arm back, but she ducked underneath his attack and kicked him in the stomach. Issei flew across and hit a tree. The tree fell down as Koneko took a deep breath.
Rias looked concerned before a bright light blew the tree off. Issei stood there with his eyes filled with determination. He took a deep breath and faced Koneko. The girl waited and Issei began his attack.
"My, oh my. They seem to be really going at it. I haven't seen Koneko fight like this in a long time." Their fists collided and a crater formed underneath them. Issei tried pushing for more, but Koneko used his weight to off balance their struggle. He stumbled forward and felt Koneko's fist meet his stomach.
"Yes it has been." Rias said. She noticed Koneko had a smile on her face. A small one, but still one that was out there. Koneko pushed up and lifted Issei off the ground before slamming him down. The crater went deeper as Issei groaned in deep pain.
She walked out of the crater dragging Issei along while Akeno licked her lips. "What a splendid display. Rias is there any chance I can get to play with our new pawn? He can take quite the beating."
"Settle down girl. I won't have you frying every single nerve with more than just your lightning." Rias said. Akeno gave a disappointed smile before withdrawing her own feelings. "Besides you and I still have to take consideration on our strategy."
"Of course, but Rias we should definitely train tomorrow. Our strategy would need to rely on a massive amount of power and let's be honest we've gotten rusty from taking on just strays."
"We or me?" Rias replied. Akeno didn't respond, but Rias knew it. The Power of Destruction was her family's bread and butter. It's what allowed her brother to attain the title of Lucifer and why many of their opponents fear her name. But even that power could become dull if one doesn't take the means of at least attempting to improve it.
She looked at some of the footage of Riser's Rating Games. She was witnessing one unfortunate Rook that broke through Riser's defenses. The graphic beatdown was something that she could barely watch.
When the rook managed to swing his sword and cut Riser's neck, flames poured out and the wound immediately healed.
"Rias, you're the only power we have right now that could counter Riser's regeneration with any real chance of damage." Akeno stated. Rias nodded and opened her palm. A black and red ball of energy came out. "Perhaps when we begin it should be a sparring session betw-"
"No. If I'm going to improve my power, I need to find out how much power I can stream on a regenerative foe. Doing such a thing would require a constant source of power, but who can fill that role?"
Akeno looked outside and saw Asia standing behind Issei. She grinned and turned to Rias.
The Next Day
"Ok so I'm up against you." Issei said. Kiba shook his head.
"Not exactly. I'm here to help you gain control. Koneko was able to help draw out some power right? Show it." Issei nodded and tried feeling all the emotions he felt with Koneko. Red flared up and Kiba kept an eye on it.
'Not quite the level he was on with that Fallen Angel and certainly not close to the level when Riser pummeled him. Control is definitely needed for him.'
"So what do we do?"
"Alright now we're gonna learn on how to keep it up." Kiba ran around Issei and tapped the ground. Each spot had a small speck of light on each. "And we'll be doing it with magic mines. More specifically magic detecting mines."
"What?!"
Kiba smiled. "Magic can be applied in many things and even someone who specializes in something swords, myself, or lightning, Akeno, should be able to craft to something else. Now Issei I set these magic minds to watching your power. They won't blow up if you step on them, but they will if your power falls or rises above what it is now."
Issei swallowed nervously as Kiba drew his sword. "Meanwhile I'll be attacking you in order to try and make it drop."
"That's not fair! How am I supposed to do that?" Issei asked as he tried holding onto his current level.
"Issei, fights are more than the level of power you possess. One in perfect control of their own power can beat someone who outranks them. Koneko has proved that. During your sparring session, your power was far above hers at certain points."
Issei looked surprised to hear that. "Yet she still bested you because she had control of her own power, knew when to raise it or lower it, and when to apply it. If you do the same then perhaps it will work for you. Now get ready."
Issei tried keeping his power in check as Kiba swung forward. Issei dodged, but panicked at the last second. One of the mines shined and blew up. Then another, then another, and all went off until Kiba was wiping the ash of Issei's face.
"We'll try again soon. How bout a water break?"
A few minutes later Issei was walking back from the river when a large bolt of electricity hit the tree next to him.
A large section of the forest lit up in electricity. Rias panted while Akeno stood above her. The two's clothes were messed up and Issei got a full view of what laid underneath. He blushed wildly and let the pervert side of him come out.
"Hot hell those two are the bomb with their bods, plus this rockin cat fight I can see how intense it is!" Issei said happily.
Rias got up and cracked her neck. "Akeno, remind me why am I sparring with you again?"
"You wanted to find a way of boosting your stamina when it came to fighting Riser so I obliged you and you took my offer for sparring. Don't tell me that all this time you've been dreading fighting me."
"Don't act so smug. The Priestess of Thunder is one that grew under my rule if you need a reminder of why I'm your king then let me remind you!" Rias's aura came out. It was brighter than Issei's and he could feel the level of control. Rias fired a beam of Destruction to which Akeno countered with a lightning strike.
The two went back and forth with each spell gaining more and more power. Issei soon was knocked out of pervert mode and into survival mode as their attacks began to be felt all over the forest.
Issei was blown back and hit a tree. He rubbed his head as he watched Rias and Akeno continue to duke it out. Akeno kept her seductive grin on while Rias held her regal smirk. The two clashed one more time and one of the rocks from their field was blown over. It hit Issei right on the head.
Kiba appeared right next to him. "I'll take you back to the house."
"Thank you." Issei groaned.
Rias noticed them and flashed a small smile before Akeno appeared behind her. The two devils went at each other again with their power ripping the forest.
In the night Issei was staring at the ceiling above his head. His mind was swimming with all the training that's been going on. A few days in and here he is with virtually little improvement. Alright maybe training with Koneko increased his technique along with Kiba helping him focus. But none of that was helping.
He looked at his hand and clenched it. He was suppose to have a Sacred Gear. One that could make him challenge God if he so desired yet he laid there with no item. Just flares of power that have a win lose ratio that he couldn't care keep. Riser decimated him easily despite having the Red Dragon within him.
"Damn it!" He slammed his fist down on the mattress. He sat up and rubbed his chest softly. Getting up, Issei put on his shoes and quietly left the house. He moved to the nearest stream and took off his shoes.
The cold water woke him up and Issei tried summoning his power.
'Focus. Focus.' Issei chanted in his head. The cool stream hitting his ankles began to warm up as Issei tried controlling his power. His mind flashed to his frustration at Koneko's remarks. Another deep breath and a rumble in his stomach later, the red aura bursted free.
Issei gritted his teeth before seeing a circle form around him. The water was no longer touching his bare ankles. Steam rose when the aura touched the water and Issei could feel his muscles tighten.
"Focus. Focus!" But his aura broke and Issei fell to his knees. He caught himself and the water rush back to him. "Damn it."
"Not bad. Given what normally causes your power rise, it's good to see you're doing better."
"Rias?"
"Who else?" His king stepped from the shadows. "I couldn't sleep so I wanted to go for a walk, but now I see I'm not the only one feeling restless."
"Well yeah. I wanted to get stronger and tried focusing on what made it come out. Koneko frustrated me with some remarks, but it wasn't enough."
Rias chuckled. "Anger or annoyance in this case are great power boosters not sustainers. In a pinch perhaps, but if you want to control it properly then you'll need to rely on something more...easy. Have you ever felt anything rise in times of peace."
Issei glanced at her legs and he blushed. "Something does...I mean not really. I mean sometimes I feel warm."
"Warm?"
"When I'm angry, I feel some intense heat coming from my core. And that's when that whole aura thing comes out. But that heat becomes warm when something nice happens. Like before Asia made some tea and I felt something warm up inside me."
She pondered on that answer. "Is that so? Well then I have an idea."
"Is it going to hurt?"
"It won't." Rias promised. "Now close your eyes."
Issei followed her instructions. "Now I want you to imagine that warmth. Bring in Asia or any other girl. Imagine them doing something nice and it brings that feeling." Issei kept focusing on her words.
The water began changing the current as Rias took off her shoes and socks. She stepped into the cool water. "What makes you feel that way? Is it the act itself, their smile, or what it could mean? Remember there's no evil, no one to harm either of you, nothing can change it."
Issei breathed in. Heavy, filling his lungs to their fullest capacity. He let it out. Relief poured into his muscles and Issei could feel something different.
"Feel the power in you follow that path. Let the power within you flow freely with no aggression." A crimson light began to shine. "Good, now open your eyes."
Issei slowly opened them and found Rias standing right before him. He looked surprised to see his aura out again only the same warmth was there. It didn't move like a wildfire nor was it boiling the water.
It was like a gentle candle flame. Soft, tranquil, and non threatening. Rias clapped proudly as Issei looked at his hands. He felt stronger yet there was no anger trying to get a rise out of him.
"When I theorized your powers were on stressful emotion I thought there was little chance on tranquility. I'm glad to be proven wrong on that part."
"Rias, what...what happened?"
"Simple. You gained a level of control on your power. Now don't get ahead of yourself this isn't near the power you used against Riser or Raynare, but it's a start. If you'd like we can continue on this walk." Rias stepped out of the stream and Issei's aura broke when he watched her. "Well?"
"Of course!" Issei hopped out of the stream and followed Rias out. "Thank you."
"No problem. The wellbeing of my Peerage will always take top priority and that means I will never not be available for your being." Rias said as they continued to walk on the rocks next to the water. "Though Issei, I must say you astound me a lot."
"Really?"
"Of course. I like people who have guts and to see you challenge a member of Phoenix clan like that took massive ones. I dare say it borders on insanity."
Issei scowled. "I couldn't just stand there. My master was being shown up by some pig and that's something I can't bare."
"You always have to save the girl."
"You're my master and past that someone who's saved my life. I could tell with Riser that he was going to be an ass to you. To hear him talk about you like he loves you and then makes out some random hot chick isn't right!"
Rias grinned. "Issei, you were part of that trio of perverts in school. And you declared that you wanted a harem. Am I to assume that you outgrew that little dream?"
Issei shook his head. "I mean….no. It's still something I want, but the way Riser did it made me feel like that my initial idea of a harem was all wrong."
"How so?"
He took a moment to find his words. "It's like...there's supposed to be something you love about the girls. Sure a sexy body can go the distance, but there's got to be more. Riser treated you and his queen like disposable napkins and to do that to someone who's cool as you is not right."
"Even so, how has that changed your initial idea?"
"I...I want a harem, but it will be one where everyone in it is happy. It's not fair to do such a thing and treat others like dirt. Then you'll just be an asshole and besides if I had you in there, I'd treat you as Rias Gremory, not some concubine."
Rias blushed and stopped walking. "Issei. What do you mean treat me like Rias Gremory? Is it the title of Gremory that makes think that?"
"What? No, Rias that's not what I mean. I mean I would treat you as a person. Not some title or an extension to something else. Just Rias." He stopped when Rias stared right into his soul. "I mean if I had someone like you! There's no way I could ever get someone like you in my harem because you're way too cool for someone like me!"
The king smiled at her servant and kissed him on the forehead. "Issei get strong. I quite like this side of you."
"R-Right." Issei stammered and Rias smiled at him. Above them Akeno watched with vested interest.
0-0-0-0-0
Days have passed and after receiving many lessons from each member of the peerage Issei stood in front of everyone.
"Alright now Issei, it's time to see what you've gained from your training." Rias said. "Bring out the power of the dragon."
Issei stepped a bit further away from everyone and took a deep breath. Koneko was watching him as was everyone else when Issei closed his eyes. The air began to feel a change as the grass around Issei began losing its dew.
"My, my can you feel the heat?"
"It's subtle, but there." Rias agreed. Issei still kept his eyes closed as he felt a spark go off on him. Red bursted out of him and surrounded his body in a flame like aura. It moved wildly with it pushing winds all over the direction.
Issei began to let out a small scream as he kept it going. The ground cracked and Asia yelped in surprise. Rias had a proud smile on her face when Issei finally let out a warrior's scream. The ground broke apart and Issei caused some rocks to levitate.
"Perfect. Issei, can you finally feel your progress? Days ago you would never have been able to reach such power nor bring out at will."
"Yeah. It kind of tickles now that I can use it." Issei looked at his hand and clenched it slowly. He took on the stance Koneko taught him and looked at Kiba.
Kiba took his position and charged. Issei raised up his arms and blocked the strike. He countered with a right hook. Kiba weaved out of the way and kicked Issei back. The devil slid back before lunging forward and landing a solid blow to his friend.
Rias watched with pride as Issei was pushing Kiba even further. Issei's fighting stance was clearer and every strike was sharper.
"Kiba, draw a blade on him now. Issei, prepare." Kiba held out his hand and pulled one out. Issei got worried, but got ready.
"Issei remember power can be molded into whatever you need. Counter Kiba's attack or get hurt." Rias said sternly. Kiba moved in and swung in an arc. Issei crossed his arms and powered up. The blade continued to cut through the air before it stopped before Issei's hair.
The blade hit his sleeve and cut it, but his skin was in no way harmed. Rias took note of that. Issei then broke the X he formed and pushed Kiba back. He held out his hand and the aura around him swirled around on to his palm.
"A new ability?"
"Perhaps." Rias said. Issei tried holding it down, but the power built in there went wild and fired in a straight beam. Kiba dodged at the last moment. Issei fell to his knees and saw the path of devastation the beam had.
"My, my. I didn't expect the forest have to deal with such a clean shave. You should really be more careful Issei." Akeno said as Issei rubbed the back of his head embarrassed.
"Right, I'm sorry." Issei apologized.
"Nonsense. You've just shown a small extent of your power. And you will use this power to defeat Riser and his peerage. Right now I couldn't be any prouder than I am now." Issei blushed shyly at Rias before seeing Akeno scan him with her eyes.
Kiba took a breath. "Still that shouldn't mean you could start slacking off."
"He's right, but before we relax, Koneko?"
The white haired girl cracked her knuckles. "Alright horn dog. We're gonna have a one round, one hit fight. You have to land one clean blow on me before I do."
"How sharp are your battle instincts?" Rias said as Issei took his fighting stance. Koneko did the same and the two felt the slight breeze around them.
They ran around and everyone could see how fast they were running. Issei kept his eyes open for Koneko before the girl appeared behind him. She swung down her leg, but Issei blocked. She responded with a quick jab and Issei weaved out of the way. In retaliation he threw one punch at her. Koneko calmly deflected his jab and countered with an uppercut.
Issei moved his head back and her fist blew wind up his hair. He flipped backward and faced Koneko.
"Well at least you know how to dodge."
"Wow I've seen Issei spar with his dad, but nothing this good?"
"He spars with his dad?" Rias asked. Asia nodded and she continued to watch the two do battle. Rias's eyes darted back and forth. Each attempted blow was either blocked or dodged. The two kept going at it when their fists clash together.
A shockwave erupted between them and Issei grinned. Koneko showed a small smile in return and the two resumed. Rias thought of something else.
"Alright you two. End the battle now." Koneko hopped back before charging. Issei did the same. The two cocked their arms back before each throwing a punch. Another shockwave erupted. Koneko and Issei both laid devastating blows to each other. They fell back on the ground as Asia and Akeno ran up.
"He's definitely improved." Commented Kiba.
"He has and so have all of you. I have little doubt in my mind that Riser and his peerage are gonna fall before us. The House of Gremory and Phoenix will see that." Kiba nodded at his master's sentiment and ran up to see Koneko waking up.
Issei followed and he was smiling. Rias had a warm blush on her face as she saw that smile
