Chapter 7

"To be honest, this whole Rating Game with Rias is a waste of my time and energy, but I'm still grateful that you accepted my invitation to spend the night with me before the Rating Game tomorrow," Riza said as she looked at Issei's smile as the Phoenix was so happy that she kissed her lover's forehead again.

Issei smiled with a tired smile as she snuggled next to her lover while her neck was covered in hickeys, which made Riza smile at her love marks before licking them with her tongue, which made Issei moan in delight.

"Mm. You are such a wonderful woman. How did I attract a beauty like you?" Issei asked as Riza chuckled in response.

"Simple," Riza said as she wrapped Issei in her arms and snuggled beside her. "You were yourself, and I loved that about you."

"Heh. Are you sure your mother and sister don't mind me staying the night? I was concerned about their reaction when you told me they wanted to see me for a while now." Issei said with a bit of nervousness in her tone since she was concerned about how the Phoenix family would react to their daughter dating another girl and a human that was now a Fallen and Devil.

"What? Of course, my mother and sister don't mind. They love you." Riza said as she tried to reassure her girlfriend, but Issei still had doubts.

"Yeah, they love the Red Dragon Empress," Issei said as she could tell they knew her status as the Red Dragon Empress and the Pawn of Sona Sitri.

Riza saw this and decided to comfort her with a warm hug from her wings. Issei was surprised by the wings but didn't mind them as she snuggled closer to the Phoenix, as Riza smiled at her success.

"Mom is already aware of my...choices that I made when I was Riser Phoenix, but now that I'm Riza, it feels like I've been freed from the cage I trapped myself in," Riza said as she spoke to Issei while Issei didn't say anything but nodded as the Phoenix continued.

"I'll admit that at first, I was surprised to learn that you were a human but then became a Fallen Angel. I don't mind since it makes you even more unique and special. You may be known for the dragon inside you, but I see more of the human than the dragon himself." Riza said as she looked down at the brown eyes that made the Phoenix smile as she gently caressed Issei's face.

"The girls in my peerage may love me for when I gave them a time in the sack back when I was Riser, but as Riza, it made me realize just how much of a bastard I was when I took my anger and jealousy of my brother and sister out on them. However, as time went on when I was Riza, I realized that I was acting out and did nothing to better myself, so I decided to do just that. And as time went on, I began to enjoy this new life and the person I became, so now my peerage support and love me, but the one who holds my heart is you, Issei Hyoudou." Riza said as she took Issei to the balcony, which made the Fallen see the beautiful night sky in the Underworld.

Riza held Issei's left hand as the Fallen placed her head on Riza's shoulder before Riza felt her pocket as she looked nervously at Issei without noticing.

'Should I ask her now?' Riza asked as she was nervous until she decided to go for it.

"Issei. There's something I want to ask of you." Riza said as she took Issei's hand and looked at the curious eyes of her lover before getting down on a knee which shocked Issei as the Phoenix spoke to her.

"Issei Hyoudou. For these past two months, I've felt closer and closer to you ever since we met, so I wish to make a special promise to you." Riza said as she brought out a box which surprised Issei before seeing it.

"W-Wait is this what I think it is?" Issei asked with shock in her tone until Riza explained.

"It's a promise ring. It's a special vow that I want to make with you, Issei, that when I win the Rating Game, I want to continue dating you in hopes that we can marry. Together." Riza said with an embarrassed tone as Issei was in awe of the ring before smiling as she lifted Riza off the ground.

"Then I wish to make a vow as well, my lovely Riza," Issei said as she spoke to her fiery girlfriend, who had comforted her throughout the visit and always made her feel more confident.

"I vow always to be honest and stay by your side. Through thick and thin. Through better and worst. In sickness and in health. Riza Phoenix." Issei said as she felt Riza gently place the ring on her left finger.

Issei looked at the ring and loved it since the gem was a beautiful shade of purple.

"How beautiful. I'll always treasure this, Riza. I only regret that I didn't have one to give you." Issei said as Riza wrapped her arms around Issei's waist before pulling the Fallen into a warm embrace and kiss, which made the Fallen feel so alive and loved before the two headed to the bed as they cuddled next to each other, ready to face tomorrow.

"I love you, Riza Phoenix," Issei said. Riza smiled in joy as she brought Issei into another kiss before looking into the eyes and soul she swore upon her entire being to keep safe from those who would want to harm her.

"And I love you as well, my Fallen Bride," Riza said as she then hugged Issei as the two went to sleep and began to dream of their life together in the future.


The Next Day...

Issei smiled as she woke up and looked at Riza's sleeping face, which was cute in the girl's eyes, but the young Fallen knew that the Phoenix had to wake up to prepare herself for battle.

"Riza!~ time to wake up," Issei whispered into Riza's ear as the Phoenix mumbled while shifting with Issei in her arms.

"...Mm..." Riza grumbled as she wanted to continue snuggling with her lover.

"You have that important Ratings Game today, right?" Issei asked politely, even though she knew that the Ratings Game was today.

"Hm...Gr...Five more minutes..." Riza grumbled as Issei smiled in amusement.

"Hehe. So cute." Issei said as she kissed Riza's forehead, which made the Phoenix smile as the Fallen could slip out of her lover's arms.

"Well then, I'm getting up first-Woah!" Issei yelled as she was dragged back into her lover's arms.

"Huh? Riza? Are you-."

"Mm!" Riza began to nibble the back of Issei's neck, making her laugh at the love bites.

"H-Hey! Hey, that tickles! Hahaha!" Issei laughed as Riza stopped as she whispered into Issei's ear.

"Don't leave me when I'm not ready, Issei," Riza said in a nervous tone which surprised the Fallen as she was so used to Riza's confident side before understanding what Riza meant.

"Don't leave me when I'm not ready. Don't leave me."

"I'm just going to get breakfast for us both," Issei said as Riza put her head in Issei's neck area and shook her head.

"No way."

"Hehe. Okay okay. No need to worry." Issei said before kissing Riza's forehead and wiping the tears in the Phoenix's eyes. As she then wrapped her arms around Riza and comforted her.

"I'll be here when you wake up, even when you wake up. I'm always here, Riza." Issei said as she comforted her girlfriend and realized that Riza must've been very nervous and worried that she would leave the Phoenix after last night.

Issei knew about Riza's peerage and how she viewed them as her harem. Still, last night, Riza wanted something more out of their relationship, and granted it's way too early for either of them to think about marriage. Still, Issei wants to be in this relationship with Riza so the Fallen would be there to comfort her lover.

Ravel watched this scene with Yubelluna outside the door as the two smiled at Issei for being there to comfort her. Ravel knew that the promise ring on Issei's hand meant that this relationship was one that Riza wanted to take seriously and not mess up. The sister was happy that her brother/now sister was delighted and found someone who also makes her happy.

Even though Ravel didn't seem to understand why her heart ached when she saw the two of them together and imagined herself between the two of them, Yubelluna smiled as she recalled her meeting the Fallen last night for the first time face to face but could see that the Fallen was a terrific influence on her master's well-being since Riza took her training more seriously and granted a small part of her knew it was so the Phoenix could impress her lover but Issei's words of encouragement and chats that Riza had with Issei made the Phoenix's day.

"Heh. Riza found someone who isn't just a one-night stand." Yubelluna said as she and Ravel left the two lovers alone while Ravel looked at the Bomb Queen and asked.

"Doesn't it bother you that Riza wants to have a more serious relationship with Issei?"

"Well, at first, I wondered who this girl was since I just assumed she was another girl that just tickled Riza's fancy, but seeing her these past few months and how they interacted at the school made me see that Riza enjoys being around her for real and isn't ashamed of being in a relationship with a human turned Fallen," Yubelluna said as she smiled at the memory of seeing Issei and Riza interacting at the school and when the two got into a heated argument on things they enjoyed which made the Bomb Queen giggle in amusement.

The rest of Riza's peerage still loved their King and could tell that Riza still cared for them so much they had special nights in her bed, but they never progressed far in their relationship with him outside of a night in the sheets.

Sure, some of the peerage members were a bit jealous of Issei's relationship with their King, but they could tell that Riza was pleased around her, and the two were very good for each other, so Yubelluna would support her King and help them when they need something.

The Bomb Queen then looked at Ravel, pouting a bit before a mischievous smirk appeared on her face until it vanished and was replaced by a pondering look.

"You know, since the two of them are officially dating and possibly will become lovers after Lady Riza wins the game, don't you think that means they'll live together in the future? I'd be worried for Riza since she's living and going to school in the human world, but I can tell that when you were with Issei and Sona, the two will help Riza do well in her future career." Yubelluna said as Ravel froze at the idea of Riza moving in with Issei when they married. That made her concerned as she didn't want her sister to move away, which meant Ravel would hardly get to see her sister as much as she wanted to.

"Mm. B-But that won't happen for a long time now, so there's no need to worry. Ahahaha!" Ravel laughed it off as Yubelluna knew that Ravel was starting to develop a slight crush on her sister's girlfriend, so she decided to keep an eye on the princess.

"Well, I mean, Issei does like the idea of having a Harem of her own, and from the reports, Issei has a few lovers already, Sona Sitri, Lady Riza, a human named Murayama, and it seems that the Gremory Rook Koneko wishes to become one of her lovers as well." Yubelluna said as Ravel pouted at the idea of being near that stupid cat again after she had mocked the Phoenix family by calling her 'fried and grilled chicken' in front of her face.

'Grrr. So that stupid cat wants to make a move on our-Uh-I mean, my sister's girlfriend? When Riza wipes the floor with that cat, I'll be delighted knowing I can slip in and take the stupid cat's place since I'm smarter and prettier than that boring old cat.' Ravel said in her mind as she began to laugh as if she was planning her villainous plot.

Yubelluna sighed as she looked at the princess and could tell that Ravel wanted to get in on the action and confess her feelings for the Fallen but wasn't sure if she should since the princess had followed them on a few dates and could tell that Ravel was a bit obsessed with the Fallen which mainly was taking pictures of the girl and inserting herself in them.

The problem with the Phoenix family is that, like other Devils, they have a lot of pride in them, and when they see something they like and are fascinated with, they want to sink their claws into it. Ravel at first was calm and passive around Issei when Riza first introduced the Fallen to her, but as Ravel and Issei chatted for a while, the two got close, that one considered them sisters. Still, Ravel had gone on a few 'dates' with Issei when Riza was unavailable, as well as Sona.

Eventually, the two headed to the dining room to see Issei and Riza with Lady Phoenix as she smiled at them.

"Issei Hyoudou. Can I trust you with my daughter?" The Phoenix Queen asked as Issei took Riza's left hand in her own and nodded.

"Yes, Lady Phoenix."

"Even though you wish to have a harem as well?"

"I will treat all in my harem with love, care, and respect. I want to support their dreams and desires, so I'll always help them whenever they need or want it. I may be an idiot sometimes, but I care about Riza, so I ask for your blessing, Lady Phoenix, to date your daughter." Issei said as she bowed her head while Lady Phoenix looked at them both and could see that it was similar to when her husband asked her father and mother for their blessing to date her when they were around their age.

It scared the two as Lady Phoenix walked around the table and towards the two girls before the Phoenix smiled and wrapped her arms around them both.

"Then I will allow it." Lady Phoenix said before glaring a bit at Issei. "But if you hurt her, I'll hunt you down and make you pay."

Issei understood since this was similar to when Sona was interrogated by her father, so she nodded in response.

"If I ever do hurt her, then I'll gladly accept the consequences for hurting Riza," Issei said. Riza felt touched by her words as Lady Phoenix smiled at the Fallen.

"Then I'll allow it, but if you two are going to have sexual contact with each other here, keep it behind closed doors, and a soundproof barrier helps to muffle the screams." Lady Phoenix said as she smiled at their embarrassed reactions.

"Oh, my Maou! Seriously Mom!?" Riza shouted as Issei looked in her lap, embarrassed by what she just heard while the dragon within her was laughing his ass off and enjoying this beautiful day with his partner.

[Ahahahah! Oh, I know many of my hosts who were told the same thing, and it never gets old, no matter how many times I hear it. Ahahahah!] Ddraig shouted as Issei pouted at her brother's teasing.

"Shut up, you idiot," Issei said before turning to see Ravel and Yubelluna, which made the Fallen hug Yubelluna first.

"Morning Yubelluna-Onee Chan!" Issei said as Yubelluna smiled at the girl and ruffled her hair before hugging her back.

"Aw, I wanted to wake you two up, but I'm happy to see my energetic little sister of an imp awake now," Yubelluna said as she was used to the Fallen calling her big sister; it made Yubelluna feel flattered since she always wanted a little sister figure.

"Oh, Issei. It looks like Ravel feels left out." Yubelluna said in fake sadness as Issei gasped and hugged Ravel's head into her bust, which made Ravel blush at the feel of them while Issei apologized.

"I'm sorry, Ravel. I didn't mean to leave you out of the loop. Can you forgive me?" Issei asked. Ravel had a stupid smile as she nodded while her head remained in Issei's bust before the two separated, with Ravel sitting next to Issei's right side while Riza was on Issei's left side. In contrast, Yubelluna sat across from them and enjoyed the amusing interactions between the three of them.

'This is like a romance novel I read with two sisters wanting to date the same person, but the person of interest has a crush on them and eventually falls for them. I wish the conclusion could come out so I can help them!' Yubelluna shouted in her mind as she wanted to help the two of them, well mostly Ravel since the girl was hopeless about romance, with some tips from the romance novels she reads in her spare time.

The mother smiled as well as she watched her two daughters interact with Issei Ravel was subtle about her feelings towards Issei but smiled as she enjoyed the attention and affection from the Fallen. At the same time, Riza was very open about how she loved Issei and tried to sneak in some kisses. Still, Issei was the one she was happy to see, as the Fallen was the more mature one between them; she calmed down her lover quickly and told her to be patient while also asking about the Ratings Game and her classes.

All in all, Lady Phoenix was proud to see her oldest daughter happy and was silently supporting the younger daughter as well since that'll be good blackmail material for when she does what every mother is meant to do.

Tease the hell out of their children and embarrass them.

"So when's the wedding?"

"MOM!"

Sometimes it's fun to be a mother.


Later...

"I'll watch the Ratings Game back home since I got something I need to take care of back home first. Promise you won't be mad?" Issei asked as Riza smiled in response and kissed her forehead.

"Do not worry. It won't matter since I'll win and take you out for a celebratory dinner. My treat." Riza said with a wink as Issei giggled in response.

"How did I get such an amazing girlfriend like you?"

"Because I'm just that hot?" Riza said with a cocky smile as Issei laughed in response to that. Before kissing Riza goodbye, she teleported back to her home and looked to see Azazel standing in the living room.

"Are you sure about this, Issei? You don't have to go through with this if you don't want to, and I'm sure Ddriag will be okay with this." Azazel said as Ddraig had told Issei that he wouldn't mind not having a body, but Issei was persistent, and once she made up her mind, she followed through with it.

"I promised Ddraig that when I decided on my body, I wouldn't change my mind," Issei said as the two walked into the basement to see that the device was there but different now since Issei's old body was on the cross instead.

Issei then summoned the Boosted Gear and placed a hand on her old body's heart.

"Get ready, Ddraig. This part will be a wild ride," Issei said as Ddraig chuckled.

[Promises promises.] Ddraig said as Issei smiled at that before Azazel started up the device.

"Now, this device will ensure that you can transfer the soul of Ddraig without any issues into your old body, but once Ddriag enters it, the body will begin to transform to suit Ddraig's power and soul. The Boosted Gear will also be weakened due to the loss of Ddraig, but by using the souls of the past users within the Boosted Gear already, you'll be able to use the Boosted Gear as you do now without any issues." Azazel said as Issei nodded in response before taking a deep breath as her eyes became that of a dragon.

"Let's do this. Boost my power to the maximum limit Ddraig."

[You got it, partner! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!]

Issei's body radiated power as she began the procedure's second part.

"Alright. Get ready for the second part Ddraig." Issei said as she closed her eyes and focused on the dragon within her before the Boosted Gears gem began to glow brightly.

"I always wanted an older brother," Issei said with a smile as Ddraig chuckled at the thought of being his partner's brother and a part of her family.

[I'd like that. I never knew what being part of a family was like, so I'll enjoy being a big brother. If you'll have me, that is.] Ddraig said as Issei smiled in response as she liked that idea.

"Yeah. Let's talk to Mom and Dad when they get back. It'll be nice to have a sibling as well." Issei said as she then started the process.

[Now Transfer!]

"Transfer Soul!"

Issei and Ddraig both shouted as the dragon's spirit emerged from the Boosted Gear and began to enter the human body. Issei then watched her old body shake as it was covered in a crimson aura before seeing the transformation.

"Heh. I hope your body will develop well, big brother." Issei said as she rubbed her old body's face before feeling lightheaded. As she then fell into Azazels arms as the man helped her up and led her to a table, as she laid down on it.

"Do not worry, Issei. I'll ensure the procedure goes well and there are no complications with Ddraig's rebirth. Rest and prepare yourself since the third part of the procedure will begin, and you'll be in much pain." Azazel explained as Issei smiled in response.

"Pains an old friend. Flip the switch, old man!" Issei said with a smirk that made Azazel chuckle at the boy's cheekiness before activating the procedure. Issei went to sleep while her body began to undergo its transformation.

One thing that Azazel left out from his explanation to Issei is that due to Ddraig leaving the Boosted Gear, the souls of the past users would be freed from the prison. It would also affect Ddraig's rival, but due to Azazels contraption and the changes made to the device, the Boosted Gear would remain with Issei as she was still connected to the Sacred Gear.

The device allowed the transfer of the soul without any complications for Ddriag as his new body was beginning to transform and become older than it was previously. Issei, on the other hand, still had her Fallen side due to her body being a pure Fallen Angel, but the Dragon and Devil Piece within her will now be making her body more like a hybrid of the three species as the Boosted Gear remains at her side.

The souls of the past users smiled at the soul of Issei Hyoudou as they didn't mind helping her through this transformation. Issei moaned in pain as she could feel her body being rebuilt by the process until she felt the comfort of a warm embrace.

"Rest, little hatchling. Rest, and all will be fine. We are grateful for you giving not just Ddraig freedom but us as well. We'll make sure you are still able to use the Boosted Gear and be able to protect the ones you love as a Queen." The figure said as they gently ran a hand on her cheeks, making Issei smile even more as if she felt her mother near her.

Azazel watched this as Issei's wings grew, as Issei now had twelve wings in total. Four were still Fallen Angel wings, while the other eight were now Dragon and Devil wings. Issei's fingers became sharper and deadlier as her body gained crimson dragon scales, and her tail began to appear.

Issei gritted her teeth as her fangs were sharper than before, her hair gained crimson red and emerald green strips, and her body began to radiate a massive aura on par with a High-Class Devil.

Ddriag's new body, on the other hand, was growing slowly as he now appeared as a senior in high school on physical terms while his body became more of an athletic swimmer, and crimson scales appeared on his body as well. The dragon's body now has sharp fangs and claws while horns began to emerge on the body's head before a massive pair of wings emerged from the back of the body.

Azazel was amazed by the two transformations happening right now as he began to take out his notebook and make notes to help them adjust to their new bodies and changes. Especially for Ddraig since it'll shock his rival when they learn that the Red Dragon of Domination now walks among the living once again in a body.

"This'll be a surprise for Albion, but I do think that'll be an amazing opportunity for the two dragons since they've both grown, and this may be a chance to finally put their rivalry to rest so they can live their lives and do the things they couldn't do while being in the Sacred Gears," Azazel said he wanted to do more tests on this before seeing the time, as he knew what time it was.

"Oh, that's right. The Ratings Game is starting soon. My money is on for thirty minutes until Riza annihilates them." Azazel said before starting the tv as he was excited about this.


"Okay. Treat this as any other Rating Game and be wary of the Rook. If what Issei told me is true, she'll be more of a challenge than the others." Riza said as she walked into the arena and smiled at the audience while eyeing the Gremory Peerage and could tell they had gotten a bit stronger but not good enough to take the Phoenix team down.

Riza then walked towards her team and began to give them orders.

"Knowing Rias, she'll have her Queen fly above and rain down her magic, so Yubelluna will be responsible for taking her down. Don't hold back and use some new techniques you've been working on." Riza said as she was disappointed with her past self, only letting Yubelluna unleash her magic without control or techniques. Hence, she had Yubelluna train using smaller but powerful chain explosions.

"As for the Knight and Pawn. The Pawn's only danger of his Sacred Gear touches you, so the Knights and Rooks will take down those weaklings." Riza said as her knights and rooks nodded in response while readying themselves to take down their opponents.

"As for the Rook, I'll be having Ravel take the Pawns with her and use their skills and Promotion to overwhelm the cat to tire her out," Riza ordered as the Pawns smiled at the plan and loved that their King still cared for them. At the same time, Ravel was happy with the dream she had in mind to take down the cat since she knew that the Rook was a Neko which is troublesome but manageable if she played her cards right.

"Lastly, I'll take on Rias with the Bishops backing me up. I know how she fights, so it'll be easy for us to take her down." Riza said as she made a backup plan in case the Knight and Pawn somehow won their battle.

On the other hand, Rias was nervous as she paired her knight with Saji because the two could help each other, but she was concerned about what Riza would do. At the same time, Akeno would soar through the air and bombard the enemy with her magic to try and take out the Pawns before being attacked. Koneko, on the other hand, is much stronger now that she was able to release her Senjutsu thanks to Issei, but Koneko can only use her Neko form without losing control for a good five minutes.

'As for me, I need to be careful since I know Riza will come after me, and if I'm beaten, then it's all over.' Rias said to herself as she knew that she was the weak King compared to the other Young Devil Kings.

'Hopefully, I can last long enough in battle to prove myself to my family, the Underworld, and myself.' Rias said as she tried to boost her confidence but failed until Akeno and the others came to her side.

"Hey. Don't forget about us. We're here for you, Rias, and we'll fight for your freedom, so don't back down just yet." Akeno said as Rias felt relief from the first member of her peerage before smiling in thanks.

"Alright. Then let's do this. Let's get out there and win!"

"YEAH!"

A loud buzzer was heard as the Ratings Game began.


Scene!

I hope you like it, so leave a review, favorite, follow, and tell me what you think. I wanted to have Riza show nervousness as she wanted to have more in her relationship with Issei instead of it being a fling. Riza's peerage still cares for their King but also know that it wasn't love in their relationship, only Lust, which is why Yubelluna loves the idea of her King being happy with someone who truly cares for her and vice versa.

On the other hand, Ravel is similar to Serafall's situation since the two sisters wouldn't want their sisters to be sad, but they also don't want to be alone and forgotten. That's why when Ravel interacted with Issei, she began to develop a slight crush on Issei since the girl was very kind and caring to her. At the same time, Serafall would only know what she should do once Sona speaks to her sister about a possible solution.

Issei and Ddraig are now undergoing their separation and transformations since Ddraig's power and soul are altering Issei's old male body to suit his power and strength while Issei's body is becoming more of a hybrid and will still wield the Boosted Gear. Still, she won't be influenced by Ddraig's rage and the souls within it anymore when she tries to use the forbidden technique.

The Ratings Game will be exciting since it'll show how Rias planned to face off against Riza and how the Phoenix Heiress changed her battle plan to take down her opponents.

See you all next time. Ta-Ta!~