Chapter 12: Blink.

She stood before the full body mirror with a bright smile of joy shining upon her face as she took in her own appearance, she looked perfect. Her dress was the purest of whites that seemed to hug her body in a way that showed off everything, it was strapless and tight around her chest to bring attention to her breast as the rest of the dress flowed down her like water revealing her every curve. In her hands she held a set of red roses that matched the colour of her hair. Once she was convinced she was ready she blinked and stood beside him. her man, her love, her... Issei. He was dressed in a suit of black, the shirt that was picked to match his iconic red armour but most would pair it with her hair. His eyes seemed to lock on her and ignore the rest of the room just like she wanted. She looked to her Peerage, seeing Asia and Yuuto standing side by side with Akeno and Koneko each taking a side between them, all smiling with joy that matched her own. She stood beside Issei throughout the ceremony; her only thought was of the joy she felt as she blinked again and found herself nude. Issei was above her kissing her, treasuring her. Giving her everything she wanted but suddenly something began to intrude, it was subtle at first a soft buzz in the air which rapidly grew in volume until everything suddenly shifted and the dream faded as she awoke to the sound of her alarm.

Stretching out, Rias' hand reached out across the bed, disappointment filling her as she found herself once again alone as the joy of her dream faded and she awoke into the harsh reality of life. Issei was hers that much was true but he was only her pawn, her faithful servant. Sighing heavily Rias got out of bed and cast her spell to get dressed before she headed out of the bedroom to search for her pawn. He was found waiting on the sofa reading a book. She watched him for a time, fragments of her dream floating in her mind before he turned to look at her and stood, saying nothing as the pair moved out the door. Titus wasn't with him at first but suddenly she felt the Basilisk wrap round her arm to hide her and Issei from the rest of the world. The idea of disappearing with Issei seemed to hold more attraction as the days went by and her fate slowly caught up to her. All she wanted was to live like her dream but all it took was for her to blink and she was at the Academy. Her day filled with activities and tasks that required her constant attention. She smiled and interacted with those who, well minor, held influence throughout the academy she brought them on to her side and made it so that when she had need of them they would come to her aid. She had believed it was the best course of action to earn her power and authority within the Academy, she had seen it her whole life. Devil's making deals and arrangements to keep and earn their power a never ending circle of gossip and backstabbing. She hadn't known any other way. He had shown her. She had watched how he would walk the grounds of the academy visible to all and receive the same looks of awe and reverence she got herself but he hardly said a word, he was just there. A figure of strength and mystery that had the whole student body and faculty bending to his will with minimal effort.

She was finally convinced that his authority wasn't a figment of her imagination and desire when she had to face one of the negative after effects of her own gains of power with a couple of wannabe males that believed they had what it took to claim Rias as their own. She had at first calmly rebutted them then more firmly turned them away, when they refused to listen a second time she was moments from striking physical fear into them with a swift kick when Issei arrived. He had appeared behind the boys, Titus slivering off his arm as Issei calmly walked over to her. He wordlessly shoved past the pair who protested right up until Issei turned to them with a glare. "She is not interested." His words had been simply spoken softly with no real malice but fear flooded the boys as he watched them, they were frozen still as Issei simply took Rias' wrist and led her away, it was moment like those where he showed who he truly was that cemented his place in her heart but she could feel his distance. The simple fact he took her wrist and not her hand was proof enough as was the way he walked silent away when the boys were out of sight.

She blinked once more as the memory faded from her mind and Rias found herself standing by the club house window watching Issei, Asia, Yuuto and Koneko leaving the sun already half way through setting. Only herself and Akeno remained, finishing the few tasks that remained for the day. Rias was content to watch the group walk away but Akeno claimed her attention as she finished staking a set of paper. "You know it's funny as a person, Issei is great. The clients all say how great he is and thank us for sending him but as a Devil he fails miserably, he is not able to claim a single pact from any of those he assists.

Rais felt her fury flare as she gazed calmly at her Queen crossing her arms over her chest. "Excuse me."

"I'm only saying that Issei tends to act first and ask questions later. Well this has helped him succeed in the past, in our world it can just as quickly get him killed. Especially when you have no accomplishment to back up your personal power. "

Rias sighed heavily as her fury settled to low annoyance. "Which is why he needs my guiding hand, if he is left to coast he would inevitably get lost in the rough tides."

Akeno stacked her papers and gave Rias a long look. "You are certainly handling him differently than normal. Your usual approach is more laissez faire." When Rias gave no response Akeno merely nodded. "Well if that is all I'll take my leave."

With a wave of her hand Rias smiled. "Have a good evening."

"You too Rias, goodnight."

Watching Akeno leave Rias couldn't help but sigh once more. She knew Akeno was right but Rias couldn't help but give Issei the attention he need, when he accepted it, Issei knew a lot about the world but knew little of the world he lived in. he knew not of the games the Devil played everyday, didn't know the deal that were made every hour. Rias however was keenly aware of those deals and she was reminded of that when a blinding blue light lit up the dim clubroom. Once the light faded Rias couldn't do anything other than scowl. "Grayfia, what is it that I am graced by this visit."

Grayfia, who was dressed in her maid attire, which made it clear she wasn't here for a social casual visit, smiled sadly at Rias. "Your father has finished making the proposal to your engagement with lord Phenex, he and lord Phenex have presented the proposal to lord Lucifer who in turn bid that you and lord Riser begin your own correspondence."

"And if I refuse." Rias asked, her voice low.

"You and I both know you won't, but I suggest you avoid doing anything foolish."

Rais smiled at Grayfia as a truly foolish idea appeared in her mind. One she longed to fulfil. "If that is all I need to get some rest for the meeting tomorrow."

Grayfia nodded simply nodded and Rias casted a hasty transport circle. As the light of her spell flared around her Rias grinned madly as she blinked and found herself at the side of Issei bed.

The light of the spell had awoken him and she threw herself at him. Her lips slamming into his own, Rias felt his surprise before he pushed her off him with a look of concern as worry filled his eyes "Rias what wrong, what are you doing."

Longing consumed her as she moved to undo the buttons of her shirt, her lips once again sort out Issei's. She felt Issei hand enclosed on her own and her eyes opened wide, her heart soaring for a moment as she believed Issei was going along with her only to fall into a pit of despair as Issei held her shirt closed and looked worriedly into her eyes. He began to speak when a sharp blue light flared behind them. Well Rias felt the magic signature Issei words confirmed who was standing behind them. "Lady Grayfia, it is good to see you again."

"Likewise Master Issei and I must thank you for controlling yourself around Lady Rias." Rias could feel the moment the Grayfia's eyes began to bore into the back of her head. "Lady Rias you are acting in a manner most unbecoming of someone of your station you shame both yourself and your family name."

Rias attempted to glare at Grayfia but it washed right over her. "Who I give myself to is my business."

"Be that as it may, acting out in circumstances such as these can lead to regrets in the future. Might I suggest accompanying me to avoid such mistakes." Grayfia smiled softly at Rias.

"She's right Rias, I don't know what is going on but you don't want to do something that you might regret." Issei was attempting to be comforting but Rias wanted to tell that he was comforting her in the completely wrong way than she currently desired. She wanted to yell at the pair of them that she wasn't doing something she was going to regret but was instead chasing something she had desired for weeks now. Instead she stood redoing the couple of buttons she undone and rearranging her clothing to fit her correctly before she wordless stood by Grayfia who nodded in gratitude towards Issei before transport Rias away to a room in the underworld promising to return her to the human world when her day was meant to start. Rias merely nodded before she moved to the bed, a painful mixture of rejection and anger coursing through. Until her eyes grew heavy as she fell asleep.

The next morning Grayfia stood beside Rias in the occult clubhouse waiting for her Peerage to arrive. Akeno was first, pausing in the doorway as she caught sight of Grayfia before she wordlessly moved to sit in one of the sofa's. Koneko arrived next ignoring the tense air in the room and sat in the centre of the sofa opposing Akeno before she collected a biscuit from the table nibbling softly. Finally Asia, Yuuto and Issei walked in together, the look on Yuuto told Rias that Issei had given him some sort of run down that had happened the night before. When he saw no immediate dangers he moved deeper into the club house the Trio each finding a spot to sit.

Rias sighed heavily but only loud enough that she could hear it. Not looking forward to what the day had to bring, standing in from her chair she gave the room once over before speaking. "Good everyone is here we can begin."

"Lady Rias if I may, perhaps it would be better if I had the floor."

Rias gave her a small gesture of acceptance "Go ahead."

Grayfia made it to speak when a cry that sounded almost like an eagle sounded before a transport circle so powerful it seemed to be hazy with fire erupted in the back of the clubhouse. Rias glared at it and noticed how Grayfia was also glaring at the occupancy of the circle. "You're early."

A tall handsome man that seemed to be only a few years older than Rias stepped out away from the large crowd now within the clubhouse. He had a cocksure smile and wore a burgundy blazer that was embroidered in gold, he wore matching trousers and black dress shoes. Under the blazer was a white dress shirt that was all but open save for one button at the base giving an exaggerated view of his chest. He gave both grayfia and Rias a small bow before speaking. "I apologise for getting here slightly early. I just couldn't help but feel excited at the chance to formally meet my bride to be."

Rias' eyes instinctively moved to look at Issei only to find him missing, she tried to look around covertly but failed to catch a glimpse of him. Instead her attention was fixed on the man before her, a feeling of disgust overwhelming her, his high blood status was clear by the sheer force of his aura. Rias watched almost frozen behind her desk as the man examined her Peerage. It was Yuuto that broke the monetary silence with a question asked with simple curiosity. "Who is this man?"

"This gentleman is lord Riser Phenex, he is a pure blooded Devil of noble birth, third heir in line to the house of Phenex. He is engaged to lady Rias Gremory who is currently next in line to the house of Gremory and has been for some time. Although this is their first official meeting. He should be treated with the utmost respect, Akeno if you would."

Akeno nodded and moved over to a cupboard where the teas were stored and began the process of making a couple of cups. Under Grayfia's forming glare Rias moved to the man's side holding out a hand forcing out a small smile. "Riser Phenex welcome to my headquarters."

Riser smirked, taking Rias hand and kissing it before taking a seat and pulling Rias down beside him as Akeno came across with a small tray carrying tea. She handed the first cup to Grayfia then the second to Riser before placing the third in front of Rias when she gestured to do so. Taking a slow sip of the tea Riser grinned. "Delightful, the tea provided by my bride to be's Queen is most delicious."

Akeno bowed formally but kept it shallow as she held the tray in front of her, she closed her eyes as she spoke in a formal tone that she often saved for clients and powerful members of Rias' house thanking Riser for his compliment before walking alway to put the tray back and tidy away the tea utensils. Rias attention only lingered on Akeno for a moment as the moment Akeno departed Riser began to touch her in a manner than made her skin crawl, first he knotted her hair between his finger with his left hand as he used his right to reach over and touch the top of her thigh near the edge of her skirt. Rias was only able to bare the intimate contact for a single breath before she stood up, out of his grasp deciding to make her option known but kept herself as calm as she could. "That's enough Riser let it go. Let me make you understand I have absolutely no intentions of marrying you."

"Ah but Lady Rias, it is my understanding that your family circumstances are still such that you lack little choice in this matter, no? You shouldn't be so selfish."

Anger flared inside Rias as she turned to face Riser. "Let me be clear, I have no intention of denying you your right to my family's name but my husband shall be my choice."

A lustful smile bloomed on Riser's face as he looked over Rias' body like she was a prize to be won. "Remember it is imperative for the Devil's line to remain pure, too many of our numbers were lost in the last great war. Both your father and Sirzech decided on this arrangement with the future of the Devil in mind."

Twisting round in disgust Rias spoke her mind. "My father, my brother and my whole clan made this decision because they are in too great a rush to restore our power. For the final time. Riser, I will not marry you!"

It took but a moment for Rias to realise she had gone too far as Riser moved from his relaxed posture to standing over her, holding her chin in place so she looked straight into his eyes seeing the fires of fury that burned there. "For the final time Rias I bear the reputation of the house of Phenex and I will not tolerate you besmirching our great name." Riser's gaze flicked to her Peerage, smiling wickedly. "I don't care if I have to incinerate everyone in this room. You will return to the devil realm with me and you will be my bride."

Rias could see that Riser meant every word and fear began to grip her before Grayfia stepped between them still outwardly calm. "No need for such drastic actions. As the two of you know, I am here on order of Sirzechs. Which means there will be no disruption of peace."

At Grayfia word Riser seemed to rein in his fury raising his arms in surrender like it was no major thing. "When told such an ominous thing by one known as the ultimate queen even I can become somewhat fearful."

Making no move to accept the compliment, Grayfia carried on. "My master expected some kind of conflict as such he has assigned me a last resort should communications break down."

Rias nodded once impatiently. "Yes of course he did, would you care to be a little more specific"

"If my lady is unwilling to settle her differences calmly she is to settle them via a Rating game with lord Riser."

Rias and her whole Peerage seemed to gasp as one, Rias could hear Asia speaking softly to Yuuto fearfully. "What's a Rating game?"

Yuuto touched Asia's hand to comfort her, speaking just as softly. "It's a game noble Devils play with each other. Long story short, they and their servant compete in battles to determine who wins."

Aisa nodded, "Is that why we all have chess Pieces."

It was Akneo who smiled softly at Asia that responded. "Exactly and each Piece gives us individual powers that are inspired by the piece they reposent, these are called Evil Pieces."

As if to make it clear that the kings could hear them, Riser glared at Rias' Peerage, speaking loudly. "I have played through numerous Rating games and have earned several victories. Unfortunately it would seem my inexperienced bride has never even qualified for an official game." Looking at Rais, Riser's smile grew wider. "Rias, I have to ask, is this adorable group the extent of your collection? I heard rumours that you acquired the Red Dragon Emperor but I failed to see him among us. Not that it matters, for I have acquired a full collection."

As if to prove his point Riser clicked his fingers summoning a transport circle to bring in fifteen beautiful women. "Although I will admit I do find it unfortunate that our arrangement came about after I had finished my collection, I would have loved to make you my Queen by alas perhaps I will have to settle for having you as a fiefdom." As he called forth his Queen and began to touch and fondle her, the queen seemed to not only mind the attention but enjoying her king's touch but Riser seemed to take more pleasure in the disgust on Rias' and her Peerage faces than his own actions. The room was taken by surprise as a voice spoke from the shadows.

"Is that how you see Rias, as a Piece to be used and thrown aside when you get bored with her because if so I'll destroy you right now."

Rias, who was doing her best to ignore Riser's actions, looked to where the voice was coming from seeing Issei standing there with his left fist covered by a red gauntlet. Riser also saw him and smiled "Ah well if it isn't the Red Dragon Emperor, if they can even call you that. I didn't even notice you were there with how little power you have.."

A growl seemed to echo around the room as Issei moved forward with blinding speed. Riser turned to his Peerage and called out a name before a girl leaped across the room to intercept Issei. Landing in front of Issei, Rias had the pleasure of watching Issei push the girl staff into her face to stun her before he punched her with his gauntleted fist hard enough to knock her out. Rias felt pleasure firstly from having Issei come defend her honour and again at seeing him soundly defeat what was likely one of Riser's knights with nothing but his own strength. That pleasure was washed away when Riser called on the girl that looked oddly similar to him. She raised a hand as a sudden burst of heat washed over Issei singing his clothes and brought him to a knee with a couple burn marks on his face and hands. Rias moved to him as did Asia and Riser turned to Grayfia. "I call for a handicap as a sign of good faith to lady Rias and her family."

"And what would that handicap be?"

Riser smiled. "No pawns to be used from either side."

Rais' head turned to Grayfia pleading for her to decline, only to see that Grayfia was smiling slightly. "This is acceptable. Pawns shall not be used in this Rating game."

Grayfia turned to Rias "do you accept these conditions and the proposed Rating game." Noticing the small subtle nod that Grayfia gave her likely to urge her to agree, Rias did so not knowing what her brother's plan was. "Very well I shall inform Lord Sirzechs at once."

Without another word Grayfia vanished in a blinding blue light as Riser wished her luck and took his Peerage elsewhere in a flash of screeching fire. Rias turned her attention to Issei only to find him rising from the floor and heading to the door Asia having healed his wounds. "Issei?"

"I'll be fine. I just need to run an errand or two. I'll be right back." Was all Issei said before he walked out the door closing it behind him leaving Rias alone with the feeling of rejection and anger.

A/N another chapter done. I will say I wasn't a fan of Riser calling himself Riser in the show and no one commented on how weird it was so I got rid of it because it's my fic so there. :)

Let me know what you thought with a review, follow/favourite if you like and I will see you in the next one.