Issei gulped nervously as Akeno crawled up to him, licking her fingers. "Issei, I want you."

"Uh, Akeno." Issei chuckles, glancing side to side.

"I can't believe you'd abandon me, just so you can go gallavanting all over Isseito." Akeno whines. Issei looks away, flustered as Akeno lays down on his chest.

Issei clears his throat. "It's just a school trip. I mean, heh, if it were up to me I'd stay with you and Rias. But, unfortunately it's not. Even if I am a senior, Azazel has asked me to go with them to supervise, you know how it works.

"I do." Akeno nods. "But that's two whole days I won't be able to get my hands on you. That's why..."

Akeno leans close and whispers in his ear, "...I'm going to fill up on you now."

Issei widens his eyes feeling heat rush to his head as Akeno puckered her lips and leaned towards his own. Just as Issei was about to give in, another voice halted their moment.

"Akeno, what the hell is going on in here?" Rias demands.

Akeno and Issei turn to see Rias standing at the other end of the bedroom in her bathrobe and a towel wrapped around her hair.

"Yipe..." Issei mutters quietly.

"Oh, my. What's this?" Akeno says. "It looks as though our bicycle is in danger of becoming a tricycle."

"You seem to be having a hard time controlling yourself." Rias states.

"I'm not the only one having a hard time. Riiight?" Akeno then pins Issei to the bed and was about kiss him until something yanked his head away from her.

"Yo, stop hogging all the man-meat." Koneko snaps with Issei's head in her lap.

"What the-? Koneko?! Where the hell did you come from?" Issei says, dumbfounded how he wasn't able to tell she was here.

Koneko looks down at Issei and smiles. "Issei, let's use my healing sage arts to help you relax better."

Rias's eyebrow twitches in agitation at Koneko. "Wow. You too?"

Suddenly the hear a scoff and Issei, Koneko, and Akeno look to see Xenovia on the other end of the bed.

"The two of you can try all you want, but Issei is my man too." Xenovia says with a smirk of pride. "And he is going to be the bearer of my children whether you like it or not!"

Xenovia tackles Issei as she, Akeno, and Koneko began to smother him.

~And again, caught again in the middle of another freaking cat fight.~ Issei groans in the back of his mind.

Rias closes her eyes and lowers her head in anger. "Geez, why can't the three of you learn to listen to your master's orders?"

All the girls stop and look at their President, saying in unison: "Because Issei is ours." Issei keeps his eyes at the ceiling, ignoring how close their chests were to his face.

Rias rips her towel off her hair. "NO!" She then runs forward jumping off the table and flying towards Issei. "If anything, he belongs to MEEEEEEE!"

Issei exhales at the soaring red-head. "Oh, son of a-" The black-haired teen is cut off as Rias then lands on him, her chest silencing his sentence.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

In the classroom, Issei kept his head down, not wanting to hear about the whole trip. He honestly just wanted to stay in Kuoh with Rias and rest, but again Azazel asked for his supervision in the matter and wants him to assist him and Rossweisse.

Issei lifts his head up and sees Aika talking with Asia, Xenovia, and Irina about where to go to while they're on the trip. Suddenly he catches a hand about to touch him and looks to see Koneko standing next to his desk.

"Chill out, would ya?" The Neko says in her usual monotone voice. "I came to grab you for something."

"Which is...what?" Issei shrugs.

Koneko grabs his wrist and takes the boy to what looks like a some kind of living room.

"So, why exactly did you bring me here?" Issei asks.

Koneko walks forward to one of the sofas. "To do healing sage arts with you. You probably weren't told this, but your mother said that before you father took us with him to the Dimensional Gap, Erakhan said that if you had gone into the Dreadnought Overdrive, it would've drained tens of thousands of years off your life. And seeing as how, you did...

Issei looks down in shock. "My God..."

Koneko looks back at him. "Exactly. And I need to start healing you through regular sage art sessions. So I want to start now, especially with you being gone for two whole days in Isseito."

Issei sighs. "It never ends...my life always on the line."

Koneko approaches Issei and takes his hand. "Don't think like that."

Issei forces a smile. "You're right, I-I'm sorry. Lately, I just haven't been exactly...right. Ever since me and Rias came back from the Gap, I haven't been feeling like me. Like...I've been more aware of things, paranoid more specifically. I just have this feeling like...like I know something is going to happen."

Koneko takes him to the sofa and makes him sit down. "I think you're right: maybe it's just paranoia."

Issei shakes his head. "I sure hope so."

Koneko then changes into a robe, releasing her ears and tail. She then sits on Issei's lap, taking off his shirt and hugging him. Issei rest his head against the sofa and closes his eyes.

"How does it feel?" Koneko inquires.

"Amazing. I'm actually struggling not to fall asleep." Issei chuckles slightly.

Koneko looks down, blushing. "There's another thing we can try. It's called bedroom arts."

Issei opens his eyes and stares at her. "Wait, 'bedroom arts'? As in you and me...uh, I don't think that I'd..."

Koneko gently pushes him down on the sofa. "Don't think of it like that. Think of it like you're just training to get your life restoration back."

"That just makes it sound like I'm using you." Issei says. "Which doesn't really make it any better." The pair then hear someone clear their throat and look to see Rias standing in the doorway.

"While I understand the sage arts are a necessary method to heal Issei, I'll have to ask you to reframe from doing the deed on school grounds." Rias says calmly. "Also, I wanted to tell you that my family is having a gathering. We'll be stopping by the Gremory House to say hello, since you'll be leaving for Isseito shortly."

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

The ORC and Irina are all seated the Gremory Dining Hall.

Irina was in awe. "I never thought an Angel would visit the mansion of an Upper-Class Devil. I am beyond honored."

Venerana giggles. "Well, the pleasure is all ours, dear."

Zeoticus then looks at Rossweisse. "So, Rossweisse, you're interested in our educational system?"

Rossweisse nods. "Yes. I was hoping maybe I could open a Norse Magic School in the Gremory domain and thought it would be interesting to try and raise some Valkyrie devils."

Zeoticus chuckles. "As the head of the Gremory Household, I think that would be a fascinating endeavor."

"Speaking of school, doesn't your class have an upcoming trip soon, Issei?" Venerana asks.

Issei nods. "Yes ma'am. Though technically, seeing as how I'm a senior I'm just gonna be supervising. Azazel says that I should come just in case, to help with...whatever the hell he needs me to. Though, if I'm being honest, I don't look forward to following his orders."

"Of course, Rias went on that same trip last year." Venerana recollects. "She brought us back some pickled vegetables that were simply divine."

"If they were that good, I can bring you back another batch." Issei shrugs.

"I was just making conversation, but that's a sweet offer." Venerana smiles. "Though I here they're melon balls are amazing."

"Oh, yes. Did I mention Sirzechs is in the residential suite?" Zeoticus says.

"My brother's here?" Rias sits back, surprised.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Rias, Issei, and Millicas head to the suite where they see Sirzechs talking with Sairaorg.

Rias waves at him. "Hey, Zechs."

Sirzechs sees them and smirks. "How'd you know?" Millicas runs to his father's side, as Sirzechs ruffles his hair.

"Father told us." Rias states. "How are you? I hope well. So good to see you."

"There was no need to go out of your way to see me, but thanks." Sirzechs says.

Sairaorg turns to Issei. "Issei. What a surprise. You look well."

Issei extends his hand as they clasp forearms. "(Scoffs) You don't look too bad yourself, big guy."

"Sairaorg." Rias smiles. "I wish you would've told us you were stopping in for a visit."

"Good news is he was kind enough to bring some delicious fruit from the Bael domain." Sirzechs explains. "Also, we used this opportunity to discuss the details of the Rating Game you and he will be participating in. Outside the usual rule field requirements, Sairaorg has asked to remove any complicated rules of battle within the Rating Game."

Issei and Rias look at each other before back at Sairaorg.

"So, basically what you're saying is that you're going to allow all our various powers in combat?" Rias concedes.

Sairaorg nods. "Yeah, that's exactly what I'm wanting. If I can't take your people on at full strength, than I have no business claiming to be the heir of a great Devil family."

"Indeed." Sirzechs agrees. "Sairaorg, weren't you hoping to exchange a few blows with Issei?"

"Yes." Sairaorg replies.

"Perfect. Then why don't we set up a quick bout right now?" Sirzechs suggests.

Issei cocks a brow. "As in right this second?"

Sirzechs looks to his younger sister. "What are your thoughts, Rias?"

Rias shrugs, grinning. "Fine by me. I mean, if the Great Devil King wishes it so, then I guess I can't really refuse. Issei, think you can handle it?"

"Why do I get the feeling that you're only allowing this because you think it'll serve as punishment for what happened with Koneko?" Issei insinuates.

"Perfect. I'm looking forward to seeing what type of power the Black Dragon Emperor possesses." Sirzechs says.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Later, the ORC and Sirzechs stand at the ends of an arena as Issei and Sairaorg were about to face off.

"I've been looking forward to this day for a while now." Sairaorg then ripped of his formal clothes, showing his muscular build.

"Let the match begin!" Sirzechs announces.

"LET'S DO THIS!" Issei yells as he transforms into his Explosion Armor.

"This should be interesting." Sairaorg grins.

Issei summons his wings and starts circling around Sairaorg, noticing that the Devil was keeping up by turning with great speed, not keeping his eye off the dragon.

~He's faster than I thought. Guess I got no choice but to just throw a punch.~ Issei then lets out a roar as he charges and punches Sairaorg several feet away.

Sairaorg quickly recovers and wipes his mouth. "Not bad, Issei. That was a decent attack, though a little too straight-forward. That move might take down a weaker Devil, but I'm..."

Issei then sees Sairaorg disappear and reappear behind him. "...STRONGER!" Sairaorg then throws a punch at Issei making him catch the fist and dig his feet into the ground to push against Sairaorg.

Sairaorg smirks. "Guess you've gotten better at defense as well. More and more I continue to like you, Black Dragon."

"I've been through a lot of pain, so trust me, punches like that I eat for breakfast." Issei states as he then knees Sairaorg and grabs him his shirt before spinning him several times and throwing him at the wall of the arena.

Issei then summons a black ball of electricity in his hand and then throws it where Sairaorg hit the wall. "DARK OBLIVION!"

The ball hits Sairaorg causing a decent explosion. When the smoke clears, Sairaorg stood there unphased.

Sairaorg cracks his neck. "Guess you're not holding back, huh?"

"You said you took certain rules off of the Rating Game so that when the time comes, we face off with no hold bounds." Issei reminds him. "If I don't show you what I can do at full capacity, then I'm just being a tease. And I've never been one to show off."

Sairaorg laughs. "Exactly what I like to hear. 'Cause I'm just gettin' warmed up!"

Sairaorg disappears again and appears in front of Issei, throwing a punch that sent him crashing across the arena and hitting the other end of the wall.

"Come on, Issei! I know you're more capable than this! Show me more!" Sairaorg demands.

"BALANCE BREAKER! TRANSFORM: DESTRUCTION ARMOR!" Issei blasts through the wall and unleashes several punches that made Sairaorg start to back before Issei elbowed him on the back of the head and back-kicked him away.

"Impressed?" Issei says.

Sairaorg looks down at his shirt and sees it's been torn and his body is starting to form bruises. "I knew you had more in you. Just what I'd hoped for."

Sairaorg and Issei charge at each exchanging and dodging each other's blows. The Bael Devil then sends a right hook, disorienting Issei as he then lifted the Dragon Emperor over his head and slammed him down the ground, shattering his armor to a great extent.

Sairaorg then kicks Issei full force, sending him back to the other end of the arena.

Issei's helmet shatters as he then coughs some blood. "Man, now I'm starting to see why you enjoy fighting."

Sairaorg charges again as Issei stands and uppercuts into his chest, shattering the crystal in the center.

"You should never let your guard down." Sairaorg warns.

Issei just coughs again and grins. "Who said I'd let it down? TRANSFORM: DEMONIC SLAYER ARMOR!"

Issei's armor reshapes into his Slayer armor, showing his four arms and wings. Issei's upper left arm twists Sairaorg's arm that was still lodged in his chest and using his lower two, rapidly punches Sairaorg in the gut before sending a strong punch with his upper right.

Sairaorg drops to his knees and coughs his own amount of blood.

Issei pants as his armor disappears and he falls, making Sairaorg catch the teen and lay him on the ground.

"You definitely held your own just now. I'm thoroughly impressed by you." Sairaorg nods. Issei cocks a brow, making Sairaorg frown. "What's wrong? You seem confused by my complement. Do you have a problem with me?"

Issei tiredly shakes his head. "Not at all. It's just, whenever I've gone up against someone most of the time all they did was monologue and say 'that I was beneath them' and all that jazz. Most High Ranking Devils just looked down on me."

Sairaorg nods in understanding. "I get it now. But honestly, I could never look down on the person who went up against the Old Satan Faction and the Northern God, Loki."

Sairaorg stands and helps Issei to his feet, putting both his hands on Issei's shoulders. "You fight with purpose and determination. You don't stop until the other's defeated and/or dead. You make your father and uncle proud as a dragon."

Issei smiles warmly. "Thank you. It...really means a lot."

Sairaorg releases his shoulders and looks at the ORC. "Rias! And all those who are apart of Rias's House! The next time we meet, will be on the stage that leads us to our dreams! Come! And know that I'll take you down with everything I have! I look forward to the day!"

Sairaorg waves goodbye and exits the arena.

Issei chuckles quietly. "Right back at ya, big guy."

Sirzechs approaches Issei and places his hand on his shoulder. "Well, what did you think, about fighting Sairaorg?"

Issei shakes his head in amazement. "I've got nothing but respect for the man. He looks at everything as a challenge, in hopes of defeating his potential. Whatever it may be."

"That's no surprise." Sirzechs says. "Because its as you say: he gets stronger from fightin, thus possessing something other devils do not have. I must admit though, I was highly impressed. Usually when people battle him, people give up close to when the bout is far from over. Their demonic power fails, and they're overwhelmed by his sheer strength."

Issei rolls his right shoulder in pain. "When I think back to when I fought Riser in a Rating Game against his entire peerage, I realize I never gave my friends the chance to prove themselves. But when our day comes, all that's gonna change."

Issei looks down at his hand and forms a fist. ~I know it will.~

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

The ORC returns to the Gremory Mansion. Rias sees her mother on the couch and calls to her. "Mother."

Venerana sees them and stands. "Oh, are you heading back already?"

Rias nods. "Yes. Issei and the others need to prepare for their class trip."

"I understand." Venerana says. Issei watches them from a few feet away, smiling at his girl.

Millicas steps up to him and pulls him out of his daze. "Hey, Issei? Can I ask you something?"

"What's up, Millicas?" Issei replies.

"Well, you and Rias are both seniors. And you're both gonna graduate soon...and she's nineteen and you're also gonna be twenty soon soooo..." Millicas trails off, pushing his finger so together.

Issei crosses his arms. "What are you trying to get at, Millicas?"

"Are you gonna marry Rias?" Millicas says bluntly.

Issei takes a step back, flabbergasted. "W-What?"

"Are you gonna marry her?" Millicas repeats.

Issei looks away unsure of how to respond to that. "Well, I-I don't know if...if she...I mean...look, Millicas; I love your aunt more than anything, along with Akeno, Xenovia, and apparently Koneko who seems to have developed feelings for me too. But marriage is a BIG step forward. Believe me, I want it to be special when I propose to her and the girls. But when the time comes, I will do so. So you have nothing to be concerned about."

Millicas nods as they both look at Rias smiling and talking with her mother.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Back at the house, Issei was tossing in bed, unable to sleep. "Man, this is ridiculous. How can I be excited and depressed at the same time to make me not fall asleep? Stupid trip has got me all discombobulated."

"Oh?" Rias says, apparently having been awake. "Is the thought of getting away from me really that exciting?"

Issei rolls his eyes turns towards her blue eyes. "You know that that wasn't what I meant. I'm just...turned around in my head is all."

"I know that, I'm only teasing you, Issei." Rias then puts her hands on his face. "Since this is going to be our last night together for a couple days, maybe I should give you a going-away-gift."

Issei flutters. "You're not talking about what I think you are, are you?"

Rias uses her magic to lock the door and gives Issei a seductive grin. "Well, then?"

Issei chuckles mischievously. "You are a one of kind, Rias Gremory."

They both then had a very MEMORABLE night that would stay in their memories for a long time.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

The next morning, Rias was saying her goodbyes to the rest of the ORC that was about to leave.

Rias then hands them ID cards. "And here's your identifications."

"Ah, the rumored ID." Kiba remembers having heard about.

"Yes." Rias says. "Devils are required to have this free pass on them while in Isseito. It's also handy for sight-seeing."

"So basically this pass can let us see any of the temples?" Jack inquires.

Rias nods. "Yep, that's right. Go on now, have a good time. Enjoy one of my favorite cities."

"See you when we get back." Asia says. "Take care, Rias."

"See you later!" Xenovia and Irina say in sync.

"We'll bring you back a souvenir." Kiba states.

Rias smiles. "That's very kind of you."

Jack salutes Rias with two fingers. "Ciao, Rias!"

Issei picks up his duffle bag. "Guess I'd better hit it too." Issei was about to follow but felt a hand grab his wrist. "Rias?"

Rias looks down. "Oh, Issei. It turns out, I'm no better than Akeno. The truth is, I'm going to miss you terribly."

Issei sighs and drops his bag, hugging the sad red-head. "Hey, it's only two days. You'll be fine. Besides, Fenrir can keep you company at home. Plus Akeno, Koneko, and Gasper."

"(Sigh) Yes, that's true. Just...be safe." Rias pleads.

Issei scoffs. "It's me we're talking about. Safe's my middle name!"

Issei was about to hope on the train before he walks back to Rias and brings her down for a long, passionate kiss.

Issei pulls her back to her feet and inhales deeply. "That help?"

Rias touched her lips, blushing. "Much. Thank you."

Issei then touches the necklace he'd given her. "As long as you got this, I'm not completely gone. And it means I'll fight the entire universe to be with you. No matter what. That's how much I love you."

Rias feels tears hit her eyes. "I love you too, you sentimental dork."

"I'm not the one crying." Issei snaps back, playfully. Issei winks at her as he rushes on the train and waves one last time before the train whistle goes off the and leaves the station.

Rias holds the necklace in her hand and exhales happily. ~I just hope he'll be okay.~

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Elsewhere, in an unknown realm, a large 7-foot being with white, skeletal armor walks to the edge of a cliff.

The being looks at a castle in the distance and flies towards it.

The being flies through the doorway and enters a large room with eggs, laying all over the chamber.

"Kahless, I'm home."

A boy with armored clothes enters the room.

Kahless walks to the being and kneels. "Lord Scelos, I was so pleased to hear of your return."

The being now known as Scelos, puts his finger under Kahless's chin and makes him look at his red eyes. "Why did you give Cao Cao orders to attack Isseito, and kidnap the Fox Leader?"

"T-T-To help spawn, our new army and weaken the enemy! Just as you decreed it! After all, in your absence, someone had to take command."

Scelos growls and kicks Kahless up, grabbing him by the throat and pinning him the wall where an egg laid next to him.

"So, disappointing. Even in my absence, there is no command but mine."

"Hatchlings. H-Hatchlings." Kahless choked. "Careful, fragile..."

The egg cracked and a small black and white creature screeching, making Scelos stomp on it dead.

Scelos dropped Kahless, making him gasp for air. "Did y-you (cough) get the information you (cough) sought?"

Scelos looks back, grinning. "Yes. And Great Red, Orphis, and the son of Erakhan will all tremble before me."