Here is chapter 10! Enjoy and I apologize if I have messed up on the grammar and spelling.
DISCLAIMER! I DO NOT OWN HIGHSCHOOL DXD! Just my OC...
Chapter 10...
"Issei-kun..."Rias whispered with a gentle tone in her voice.
"Huh...? Bochou? Where are you?"Issei called out, walking through the darkness while trying to follow her voice.
As he gets closer to her voice, he began to hear another voice. It sounded familiar to him, but it wasn't any of the members of the occult club, or his older brother.
"I can't wait to play with you when we have our honeymoon. Hehe..." a familiar voice chuckled.
Issei became shocked as he recognizes the voice and turns to see that he's living a nightmare.
The familiar voice was Raizer Phoenix and he had Rias Gremory in his arms.
"Bochou!"Issei yelled, running towards them.
As he chases them, he began to run slower and the terrible image of the two couple were getting smaller.
"Issei-kun..."Rias whispered to him one last time before she slowly moves forward to kiss Raizer.
"Bochou... BOCHOU!"
SPLASH!
Issei quickly woke up from his nightmare and saw his older brother sitting next to him with his legs crossed.
"What's up."Kazuma smiled
"N-Nii-san...? What happen?"Issei asked, feeling confused.
"I knocked you out while we were fighting."Kazuma lifted himself up.
Issei slowly rub the back of his head."Oh, so that's what happened. What about the others, are they okay?"
"Yea, they're fine, but right now each of them are separated in the woods."Kazuma replied
"W-WHAT?! What happened, were they attacked?!"Issei exclaimed in shock.
Kazuma placed his hand on Issei's shoulders."No Is-kun, I sent each of them with my shadow clone into whatever they thought was good to work on them to train."
"Training? I thought we were already training at Bochou's place?"Issei asked
"We are, but this is my special training that is going to help each of you improve greatly."
"Really?"
"Yes, for a couple of days I observed each of you and analyzed what you guys need to improve on."
"Oh... then what do I need to work on?"Issei asked
"Hmmm... for you, I think it would definitely have to work on your..."
…...
6 hours later...
Kazuma, Asia, and Kuro were at the middle of the training field, meditating.
"Alright Asia-chan, do you feel the total calmness and serenity from meditating?"Kazuma asked, but got no reply.
"Asia-chan?"Kazuma opened his eyes and saw Asia still in her meditating pose, but fell asleep in the process.
"Hmmmm. Maybe having her meditate for 3 hours was too early for her to start off with."Kazuma talked to himself, holding his chin.
"Aren't you guys relaxed."a familiar voice said.
Kazuma turned around."Yes. And it seems like you guys have finished your special training."Kazuma smiled and turned, seeing Rias and the others.
"Yes we did. Thanks to a certain someone who knocked us out and brought us in the middle of the woods."Rias crossed her arms.
"Hehe. Sorry about that, but it was worth right?"Kazuma asked
"Yes it was."Kiba smiled
Koneko nodded
"It was a pleasure. Fufufu."Akeno giggled
"Even though I wasn't thrilled with the stunt you pulled, it did help."Rias said, slightly smiling.
"I'm glad."Kazuma smiled
Finally Asia woke up from her sleep, seeing everyone while rubbing her eyes."Oh, everyone is back already."Asia said in a sleepy tone.
"Asia-chan, why were you sleeping?"Rias asked
"Kazuma-san had me meditating for so long that I must have falling asleep."Asia explained.
"Kazuma-san. How long were you guys meditating?"Rias asked
"Ummm, 3 hours? Hehehe."Kazuma chuckled, making everyone except Asia sweat drop.
"Ara, ara. I bet Asia-chan was having a pleasant dream about Issei-kun."Akeno teased
"W-What! N-No, I wasn't having any particular dream about Issei-san!"Asia explained while blushing.
"Now that I think about it, I did hear her mumble in her sleep saying Is-kun's name several times."Kazuma teased
Asia's face instantly became redder than a cheery, blushing from embarrassment.
"Hehehe. Sorry Asia-chan, it was a joke."Kazuma reassured her, petting her head.
Asia slightly pouted, puffing her cheeks.
"Kazuma-san, I realized that Issei-kun hasn't arrived yet."Kiba mentioned
"Now that he mentions it, I thought for sure he would be here."Rias said as well.
"Maybe we should go look for him?"Asia asked in concern.
"I'm here!"Issei called out, walking weakly out of the forest, covered in bruises and cuts, making everyone shock.
"Issei-san!"Asia ran quickly to him.
"Issei-kun, what happen to you?"Rias asked in concern
"Hahaha. It's nothing, a bear interrupted my training so I taught it a lesson."Issei smiled while Asia started to heal him.
Rias stared closely at Issei, seeing that the cuts weren't bear like marks, but more of a blade.
"Kazuma-san, just what kind of training did you make Issei-kun do?"
Kazuma sighed deeply."Unlike the rest of you, I gave Is-kun an intensive training that will help him becoming stronger."
"I see, but isn't this going a bit far?"Rias said
"Gremory-san, you asked me to help you guys train and that is what I'm doing. Not everyone can progress quickly if they're on the same method. Each person has a road to take to become stronger and I gave Is-kun this method to help him progress step by step. And besides, I don't think he's regretting it when he's putting a smile on his face."Kazuma calmly said, crossing his arms.
Rias turned towards Issei, seeing no expression of hopelessness, but cheerfulness and excitement. She couldn't help but smile at her cute servant.
…...
Night time...
Issei was getting himself a glass of water to drink. He was thankful to Asia that his injuries were completely healed. After replenishing his thirst, he walked back to his room, but suddenly counters Rias walking down stairs.
"Issei-kun."Rias said, feeling slightly surprised.
"Oh, bochou. What's up? Why are you up so late?"Issei asked
Rias softly giggled."Good timing. Let's have a little chat."
…...
Issei and Rias are now at the outside of the house, currently chatting in one of the buildings.
"Are those war plans?"Issei asked
"Yes. Though planning them just like in a manual is a bit of a cop-out."
"That's not true at all. I know you're trying your hardest for us, even at night."Issei reassured
"But, our opponent is Phoenix. Even you are aware I'm sure. It is immortal, fiery bird. While being demon, he also carries the mark of the beast. He claims two pillars. And his spiritual powers are also claimed from both. He is immortal.
"Immortal? Is that even possible?"Issei asked in shock
"Yes, rather I think he's invulnerable. Whenever he's being attack, he regenerates himselfs. Raiser's regeneration is swift and is awarded compensation. But, the two sides of himself – he has the ability to join forces with other clans. He has lost no purpose. When he started participating in the rating, his numbers multiplied so suddenly that it became a barrier for him. Though it's only expected. If he's immortal, there is no way he can lose."Rias explained
"I'm so sorry."Issei apologized
"For what?"
"I provoked Raiser so much, if I hadn't, then we would never have to fight him..."
"Don't say that. In fact, I should thanking you for hastening the inevitable. My father and the others arranged this game knowing full well that I would lose. In chess vocabulary... it's a swindle."Rias smiled, reassuring him.
"Umm... why do you resist marrying him?"Issei asked, seeing Rias change her expression.
"I am the daughter of the Gremory clan. No matter where I am, I am not Rias, the individual. I am always Rias Gremory. Meaning, whatever happens to me happens to the clan. It is a matter of personal pride of course, but if I were to marry I would want to do so not as a daughter of the Gremory, but as Rias. I want to be with someone who loves me - not my family. It may be hypocritical of me... but I want to at least be allowed this little dream."Rias slightly smiled, but at the same time showed sadness, knowing that it's an impossible dream.
"I don't care about any of that – you are for who you are! The Gremory clan, demons and human, and everything, honestly, nothing matters! Just that I'm here... like this... with you standing right before me – that's what matters most to me!"Issei said with confidence, making Rias blush by surprise.
"Did I just say something weird?"Issei asked
Rias shook her head."Not at all. Anyway, we must set aside personal matters until the fight is over."Rias said
"Kiba told me earlier that you were called a 'ruin princess', that your destructive power is genius-lke. To think that your first battle was like that-"
"It's not what you think. My powers did not come from the heavens. They are a manifestation of those before me in the Gremory clan. My power are mine and the Gremory's. That is why I cannot lose. I must win this fight. Winning is my only option."Rias explained with pride
"You are truly admirable, Bochou. In comparrision, I'm nothing!"
"Issei-kun..."
"Coming here made things all too clear for me. That I'm the weakest link. No matter how impressive my sacred is, it's no good if I'm the one using it. But I always blindly slash out, caught up in the moment, causing nothing but trouble to you. I'm just... I'm just... completely hopeless!"Issei cried out in frustration, but suddenly got pulled into Rias's chest.
"You want confidence, don't you, Issei-kun. Very well, I will give you confidence"Rias gently said.
"Confidence?"Issei asked confusingly at his master.
"Exactly, so rest for now. Rest your body and soul. Until you are rest, I will stay right by your side."Rias explained, soothing him with her voice.
Issei began to sob in tears.
"Rest assured Issei-kun. I promise to give you confidence."Rias assured with care.
In the shadows of the woods lies Kazuma, sitting on the back of the tree, hearing everything what they have said. He couldn't help but let out a gently smile on his face.
…...
The next day on the training ground...
"Use the boosted gear, Issei-kun."Rias ordered.
"But you said I wasn't allowed to use it during this training retreat."Issei replied.
"Without my permission was the proviso. Kiba, would you be his opponent?"
"Yes, Bochou. I won't hold back"Kiba replied, drawing out his wooden sword.
"Boosted... gear"Issei called out, bring his sacred gear.
BOOSTED!
"One more time."Rias ordered
"Boosted..."
BOOSTED!
"One more time."Rias ordered again
"Boosted!"
BOOSTED!
"Not yet"Rias ordered
"Boosted!"
BOOSTED!
"One more time"
"Boosted!"
BOOSTED!
"Once more."
"Boosted. Boosted. Boosted!"
BOOSTED!
Issei continuously boosted his sacred gear twelve times in a row without exhausting himself.
"This gave him a twelve time power up."Akeno mentioned.
"Stop."Rias ordered
"Issei-kun, do you understand? Up until now you haven't been able to withstand this much power.
Issei became shock, now realizing the improvement he has made during his training. To think that after several days of training, he improved this much.
"You really did improve in the training."Rias said
"... I see."
"Now begin."Rias said.
"Lets go, Boosted gear!"
EXPLOSION!
Issei was suddenly surrounded in a field like barrier, giving him overwhelming power.
"What's that?"Asia asked, watching Issei.
"It's a time-energy field. It manipulates the time and space around Issei while he fights."Rias explained
Kazuma couldn't help but watch with excitement, seeing what will happen next with his brother.
"Yuuto!"Rias called out.
Yuuto knew what his master ordered him to do and quickly jumped, charging down at Issei in mid air. Issei quickly blocked the attack, pushing Kiba back.
"Issei-kun, shoot him with a blast of magic."Rias ordered
Issei began concentrating on channeling his magic into his hand, forming a new type of attack. Finally, Issei completed channeling his magic but unfortunately his was only able to produced a small like orb, floating on the palm of his hand.
"I guess that;s all I got..."Issei mumbled
Kiba quickly dashed towards Issei once again, preparing to unleash an attack on Issei.
"Shoot him!"Rias ordered Issei
"You asshole!"Issei yelled, throwing a hard punch to his small orb.
Suddenly, the small orb Issei punched became a large, powerful blast, quickly heading towards Kiba. Kiba became shocked with this sudden attack and barely dodged it. The large blast hit a large mountain, causing a huge explosion and strong force of wind, making the group cover their sight, except for Kazuma who had his eyes narrowed, seeing everything that happened.
"Ara, ara. Fu, fu."
"The mountain..."Koneko mumbled
"It's leaving..."Asia said in shock.
"Incredible..."Kazuma mumbled by surprised.
"This is my... power..."Issei mumbled weakly, falling onto his hand and knees.
"Issei-san!"Asia quickly rushed to Issei side.
"Looks like that was his power limit. Yuuto, how is he?"Rias asked.
"Yes... honestly, I was surprised. That attack was the epitome of the top class demon attack."Kiba explained, holding up his wooden sword only to see it crumble in two.
"Issei-kun, you are a crucial player in the game. Your attack power will probably spell victory or defeat for us. Believe in us and more importantly, believe in yourself.
"In everyone... and in myself..."Issei mumbled weakly, but now felt confidence at the same time.
"Issei-kun..."Rias thought, remembering her conversation she had with him last night. Thinking of what he told her how he sees her as her instead of a Gremory and is also willing to go this far as well, even if the odds are against them.
Suddenly Rias felt a her heart skip a beat for some odd reason, just from thinking about him. She wasn't sure why, but she felt warm inside.
…...
The 9th day of training...
Today was the 9th day and the final day to steal the bells off of Kazuma. The whole group except Asia were on the training ground standing against Kazuma while Asia was on the side line with Kuro.
"Well guys, today is the 9th day and still didn't succeed on stealing the bells."Kazuma smiled, holding the bells in his hands.
"That may be true, but this is the day that we will defeat you, Kazuma-san."Rias smiled with confidence.
Kazuma couldn't help but chuckle and tied the bells on his pants."Glad to hear that Gremory-san, but I won't be letting you guys steal the bells from me that easily."
The group readied themselves for an attack as well as Kazuma. Everything became quiet, the only sound that was made was the wind strongly passing through.
Then, it began, in a blink of an eye as Kiba disappeared and quickly reappeared in front of Kazuma, quickly swinging his sword. Kazuma was quite surprised to see that his speed increased, but he anticipated that it was going to happen and quickly pulled out two of his kunai's and blocked the attack.
Then suddenly, Koneko and Issei dashed towards Kazuma as well, making an attack on both his sides, but Kazuma pushed off Kiba and retaliated back by swinging his kunai at them. Issei barely dodged the attack while Koneko dodged and quickly threw a quick kick to his ribs, but Kazuma blocked her kick by using knee and pushed him back a little.
Kazuma then charged in towards Koneko and quickly threw a punch to her gut, but he failed the attempt by lighting strike heading near him. Kazuma barely dodged her attack by jumping into the air. As he flies into the air from his jump, a blast of the power of destruction headed towards Kazuma.
"I got you now Kazuma-san."Rias smirked
"I wouldn't count on it yet."Kazuma replied, making a hand sign.
Kazuma inhaled deeply for air as he holds his hand sign and blow out a burst of wind, barely making him dodge her attack.
Kazuma landed on the ground in a crouching position and stood up slowly.
"I gotta say, you guys have improved since the first time we fought."Kazuma complimented, making the others smile with excitement.
"Like I said, today we will defeat you."Rias said with confidence.
"Hehe. Alright then, I guess that means I should get serious in this fight."Kazuma replied, taking a stance.
"Issei-kun, start boosting your gear, we'll hold him off as soon as-" Rias got interrupted as Kazuma quickly appeared in front of Issei with insane speed, making the others shock.
"S-So fast! I can't block in time!"Issei thought in shock as he tries to hold up his arms, but he wasn't fast enough for Kazuma.
Kazuma clenched his hand tightly and threw a fast punch, towards Issei's face. But suddenly, Kiba appeared in front of Kazuma and blocked his attack by his sword, saving Issei. Kazuma smiled and pressed his fist into the sword with brute force, knocking back Kiba and Issei.
Then Koneko steps in and made a fast round house kick in the air, kicking Kazuma's face, sending him flying towards the trees.
"Issei-kun, Yuuto-kun, are guys alright?!"Rias called out in concern
"We're okay."Kiba replied
"Thanks Kiba-kun, I almost thought that I was a goner for a second their."Issei said
"You're welcome, but unfortunately I was only lucky to have interfered in time. The next time I won't have another opportunity again."Kiba explained, making Issei surprised.
"Issei-sempai..."Koneko called, reminding him what he needed to do.
"That's right. Boosted gear!"Issei shouted
BOOSTED!
Then suddenly, they felt a overwhelming power, coming from the woods where Kazuma flew from. Kazuma finally appeared out of the woods, walking normally while emitting a silver aura all over his body.
"Akeno-san."Rias ordered, seeing her queen nod and started to emit lighting from her hands.
Akeno began unleashing multiple lighting blast, heading straight for Kazuma.
Kazuma quickly made a couple of hand signs."Lighting Style: Lighting Dragon Blast!"Kazuma unleashed multiple lighting blast as well, making both of their attacks collide.
"So you've finally started using lighting?"Akeno asked
"I usually don't use my lighting jutsu, but if it's you lighting priestess, then I'll make an exception."Kazuma explained, smirking.
"Ara, ara. I'm flattered to hear that. I'll make sure to give you a good show. Fufufu."Akeno giggled sadistically.
As they clashed the of lighting at each other, Rias runs to the others.
"Yuuto-kun, Koneko-chan, help Akeno-san distract Kazuma-san while Issei-kun increases his power by his sacred gear."Rias ordered
Kiba and Koneko nodded, running to Akeno's aid.
"Are they going to be alright?"Issei asked
"Yes, but it won't last long until Kazuma-san notices what we're plotting. Issei-kun, how many times have you boosted so far?"Rias asked
"Only five so far."Issei replied
"It's not enough, we need you to boost twelve times again if we're to defeat your brother."
"Leave it to me. Boosted gear!"
BOOSTED!
BOOSTED!
BOOSTED!
BOOSTED!
BOOSTED!
As Issei was about to boost again, a strong impact shook the ground. Both Issei and Rias turned to the others to only see Kiba, Koneko and Akeno standing strong, from being injured by Kazuma.
Then they saw Kazuma dashing pass the three, heading for Rias and Issei. Rias started unleashing her power of destruction to slow down Kazuma, but he quickly dodged it and threw a hard punch at Rias.
Rias couldn't help but close her eyes, not wanting to see what happens next.
POW!
The punching sound was made, but Rias didn't feel anything. She then opened her eyes and saw a shocking view. Issei took the punch in her place, saving her from harms way.
"I-Issei-kun..."Rias thought by surprised.
"Ho, Ho... I'm surprised that you've stop my attack Is-kun. But..."Kazuma pushed Issei's face with his fast, sending him crushing into the trees.
"Issei-kun!"Rias cried out in shock.
"You still have a long way to go, Is-kun."Kazuma said, now turning Rias.
Rias stood calmly in front of Kazuma, now face to face against each other.
"So, do you still think you have a chance of defeating me?"Kazuma asked.
"Yes... like I said, today we will defeat you."Rias replied, smiling at him while emitting her power of destruction from her hands and blasted him.
Kazuma dodged her attack and try to retaliate back, until...
BOOSTED!
Kazuma stopped and quickly turned around to see his younger brother, standing strongly as he boost his sacred gear.
"Oh no you don't !"Kazuma mumbled loudly, charging towards Issei.
Suddenly, Kazuma was stopped by Kiba and Koneko who were standing in a fighting position.
BOOSTED!
Kazuma was too late to stop his brother from boosting, but he knew that his brother still needed to perform his technique to unleash his deadly blast. Kazuma quickly passed through Kiba and Koneko, rushing to stop Issei, but they began attacking him. Kazuma barely dodged their attacks and saw Kiba quickly dashing in to grab the bells. Kazuma barely evaded Kiba by making a 360 spin. He then grabbed Kiba's hand while spinning and threw him at Koneko, making them crash together.
Kazuma wasted no time to spare and rushed to Issei once again.
"Akeno-san!"Rias called out.
Akeno didn't need to reply back as she began to emit lighting from her hands and started blasting multiple lighting bolts at Kazuma.
Kazuma quickly dodged them, desperately trying to reach to Issei before he attacks.
"Wind Style: Vacuum blast jutsu!"Kazuma blew his wind blast to hit Issei, but it was too late.
"Take this!"Issei unleashed his devastating magic blast, shooting it at Kazuma.
The blast went straight through Kazuma and kept going until it finally disappeared.
The whole group were surprised as ever to see Issei was improving.
"That was a difficult match, but we still succeed in the end."Rias smiled.
"But, what happen to Kazuma-san?'Akeno asked
They looked around the area, thinking that he would've dodged it, but there was no signs of him. Then they saw two of the bells that were in good condition and a destroyed piece of clothing that belongs to Kazuma.
"Rias-san, do you think that we've might actually killed him?"Akeno asked in concern.
"I don't know, but if it is true, then we have to tell-KYAAA!"Rias startled as something was grabbing her ankle.
They looked down and saw a hand that was grabbing on to her. Before they were about to blast it, a head started popping out, revealing Kazuma.
"Kazuma-san, I see you've survived the blast."Rias said calmly.
"Yea, you can say it was a close call. But, in the end you guys won, great job."Kazuma smiled
"Thank you Kazuma-san and sorry for almost killing you."Rias apologized
"It's fine. Besides, I think scaring you made it even. Hehe."Kazuma chuckled, making Akeno giggle while Rias slightly blush.
"But anyway, could you guys give me a hand, I'm kinda stuck?"Kazuma asked, making the girls giggle.
…...
Inside the women side of the hot springs...
"Ara, ara. This feels so wonderful."Akeno smiled, soaking in the spring water.
"Yes, after winning against Kazuma-san, it shows that we've improved greatly."Rias smiled as well.
koneko nodded sinking into the water only to show her head.
"All of you were great, especially Issei-san."Asia mentioned, relaxing as well.
"True, Issei-kun took a punch in your place like a knight in shining armor. Fufufu."Akeno giggled
"A-Akeno-san! You don't have to say it like that! He was just doing his job of protecting me that's all."Rias argued, making Akeno giggle.
"Ummm. So what happen with the bells that Kazuma-san had with him?"Asia asked
"After Issei-kun blasted Kazuma-san, the bells somehow flew out of him and landed on the ground."
"So does that mean Issei-san obtained one of the bells?"Asia asked
"Well..."Rias smiled while sweat dropping.
…...
In the woods...
"Come on Is-kun, only 500 more push ups to go."Kazuma smiled, seeing his brother doing push ups on top of a balance 30ft tall lumber wood.
"Dammit Nii-san you're a demon!"
"Nope, I'm ninja."Kazuma smiled.
(Authors note)
Poor Issei... well I hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter because we're almost to the end of the pheonix saga and I have been wanting to the last chapter for the pheonix saga already. But, I can't rush it through.
Also, I have gotten a couple of things to say. 1. I have a couple of interesting reviews and wanting to reply back but unfortunately it was a guest name Ark, asking if I was going to have Kazuma posses the mangenkyo sharingan with the kamui ability. Well here's your answer, he will posses the mangenkyo but he hasn't awaken it yet and on the abilities for it, I know which abilities I want Kazuma to have but at the same time it feels like I should instead make a original ability then have him have a copy from the others, but if I haven't thought of one in time then I'll decide to add my favorite ability for the sharingan.
But anyway, RnR and until next time on Issei's older brother!