Chapter 15: Preparation

Upon the third day Issei found himself to be disappointed. The day had started off well with Akeno's magic lessons as she further expanded upon the idea of using imagination to not only create spells but to also adapt old ones into new spells that worked better for the user well the stutles of what she was explaining were lost on Issei it was good to get a better base line for magic. The problems started with combat training where Rias had chosen to either ignore Issei advice or simply be stubborn as she sent Akeno off with Asia as the others faced Issei with the same dynamic as before. Personally Issei chose to believe it was the latter but he gave Rias the full display of his disapproval in either case as he wiped the floor with the trio not only moving straight to Rias in a daring straight but he also struck both Yuuto and Koneko with a single strike to their kidney's leaving them spluttering in pain as he moved past them towards Rias. Glaring at Rias, not disguising his frustration he explained his actions. "I know how both Yuuto and Koneko move and any smart opponent will study and learn everything they can, striking them where they are most vulnerable like I did. Now i apologise for hurting them but firstly you have someone who can quickly move to heal them and if you were to say had someone on overwatch watching your opponent's movements then things like this can be avoided especially if you yourself are holding back because of your own personal skill set not being viable for training as it is."

Rias watched him seeing the frustration on his face before she sighed, exhaling her own fury at Issei viciousness upon her Knight and Rook replying carefully, her voice dejected. "I get it Issei, It's just we were so close last time I wanted to see if we could do it but did you really need to go so far?"

Issei nodded. "If I fought you the same way as yesterday you probably could have, like I said every fight is different and you need to adapt your plan for each encounter and probably not but it was the fast way which isn't always the kindest."

Rias nodded again before she called over Akeno and grouped headed inside after Asia very quickly and panicky healed the groaning pair. Akneo's eyes flicked between Issei, Rias and the duo's shock and confusion clear on her face. As a sort of punishment for Issei Rias assigned both Issei and Asia with kitchen duty this time without assistance, Issei suspects Rias feels that having Asia with him would make him feel worse due to how he cared for the bishop's happiness. As it turned out he had been very wrong about Rias form of punishment and that Kitchen duty was in fact the perfect punishment for Issei as he found himself making no progress with his magic well he watched Asia change from being lost and panicky to being determined as she moving around the space focusing on the task and making progress in nearly every aspect the only area she she seemed to need Issei was with peeling the vegetable but even she seemed to temper him it left Issei feeling as useless which was likely the point whereas Issei found the most he was able to was peel the vegetables as Asia requested. Which was likely the point, salt was rubbed in the perverbale wound as Akeno had been very helpful in explaining to Issei that it was mostly likely due to his lack of magical power that he couldn't complete the fine-tuned tasks Asia had suddenly taken to. His punishment seemed to develop tenfold when in the privacy of his space in the forest under Akeno's watch, who had arrived fully dressed this time, was unable to work out a way to adjust his pressure spell in a way that didn't simply crush to snap the stick in his hand. He was forced to give up after an hour when Akeno calmy suggested taking a break and working it over in his mind first to think of what it was he was really trying to do but she seemed disappointed, almost like he had missed something she had been trying to teach him.

Following her advice he tried to sleep in but instead found himself rolling over sleep seeming to elude him as he tried to work out what he was doing wrong, before he knew it the sun was rising and he was forced to arise to face the fourth day. Which started much the same as the last with a magic lesson with Akeno who again tried to explain about fine tuning use of magic talking components and aspects of spells that seemed to roll right over Issei's head. Like always the class lasted until midday where they travelled to the field to meet with Rias, she glanced at Issei before she spoke. "We're gonna try something different today. Asia, why don't you take a space off to the side and practise some of the spells you've been working on, Akeno you're with us."

Smiling widely Akeno moved to stand beside Rias as Asia stepped off to the side far away from the sparring so not to get in the way, as Asia moved off the side everyone got into position with Akeno standing slightly in front of Rias as Yuuto and Koneko in front of them at a arms length apart ready to move at a moments notice. The group waited on baited breath for a count of ten before Rias suddenly called for them to begin. Having expected a clash with one of the two front line fighters, Issei was left partially stunned when Akeno sent a bolt of lightning between the pair and hit him in the chest which sent him sprawling into the dirt. The bolt of electricity locked up his muscles as his skin seemed to want to crawl off his body. Thankfully the effect only lasted as long as it took him to impact with the dirt but was still sluggish as he rolled to his right, narrowly avoiding Koneko foot impacting his gut. Rolling onto his front he pushed himself to his feet and was met halfway to standing by Koneko fist impacting with his chin. His head jutting back Issei growled softly as he lowered his head to look at Koneko his body still slightly crouched as he lunged at the Rook grappling her round the waist as he used his body weight to drive Koneko to the floor before leaned atop her and fought back sending several punches to the Petite girls head. He was only to get a couple of strikes in before Akneo sent yet another bolt his way and Yuuto came charging in with his sword, this time he noticed the flash and rolled off the Rook, the bolt impacting between Koneko's feet.

Once again getting back to his feet, Issei brought his attention to the two beautiful women that were watching him. One had lighting dancing round their fingertips well, the other had a red magic circle in their hand which they spoke into softly. Having seen Yuuto closing he caught the knights training sword with his arm as the pair entered one of there normal dances only Yuuto stuck with fury. Koneko returned quickly with a hard punch to Issei's side before she took over from Yuuto with a fury of her own. Just as the pair got into it Issei feinted his own fatigue and caught Akeno capitalising on the opportunity just at the same time Koneko moved to do the same thing. Akeno first strike missed Issei by an inch and she was filled with her battle lust as she felt the victory close at hand preparing to send another strike she missed the moment Issei masterful moved round one of Koneko strikes he brought her into the path of Akeno spell and was caught directly in the small of her back. The volts sent Koneko down like a sack of potatoes and Issei caught the look of worry that flashed over the raven hair Queen looking to her king, Rias waited a couple of breaths to see if Koneko would recover but when she did the crimson hair king raised her hand calling out in a loud firm voice. "Hold. Asia, come here for a moment."

The blond girl rushed over to Koneko the moment Rias caught her attention, her hands glowing green the moment she got to her knees beside the Rook. The Peerage waited on baited breath before Asia looked to Rias. "She's ok, just unconscious."

Nodding slightly, Rias brought her attention to Issei, anger clear in her gaze. "You see why I tried to keep our fights to the three of us. Akeno's attacks are too volatile to be used in training much like mine."

Issei looked between the pair, seeing a look of guilt upon Akneno's face, whereas Rias just looked pissed. He spoke calmly trying not to cause a blowout. "You are going to be entering into a full scale conflict, you need every single piece you have at your disposal. Yuuto and Koneko are good at what they do but they can't act alone, at least on a battlefield. If Akeno can't fight around them with some modicum of self control so as not to attack her own Peerage then you won't stand a chance. Not only that but you just proved that you aren't using one of your most valuable assets. Asia can heal almost anything and well she can't wake someone from being unconscious she can keep them going and help them if they are incapacitated, all of you need to learn to fight together to beat a superior opponent because that is exactly what you will be up against."

Frustration writhed within him, he was annoyed he had to explain figuring Rias should already know this as well as how he was handling things, he had wanted Rias to come to these conclusions on her own as he simply worked on his own strength and plans. Looking at Rias now he could see the doubt beginning to build. Her voice quivered with it as she spoke "You don't think we can win do you."

Sighing heavily, Issei stood tall and looked at each member of the Peerage choosing his words carefully. "I think we have a long way to go but with effort and determination I believe you have a chance."

Nodding once Rias once again looked down at Koneko who was starting to stir. "Ok….let take a break for now and get back to it once Koneko is back on her feet."

"I can heal you all if you like, I can't do much more for Koneko but I can help the rest of you." Asia offered in a small voice.

Issei gave the girl a small smile. "That would be great Asia thank you."

Asia looked at Issei and gave him a surprisingly evil smile, "Not you, you're on the opposing team."

Rias and Yuuto burst out laughing. Akeno gave an unenthusiastic smile as Koneko tenderly got her feet looking confused. Issei feint a pained expression. "Asia you wound me."

Continuing to chuckle, Rias focused on Koneko. "You alright? Can you continue?"

Staring at Issei flatly, Koneko gave a single nod. "Let's do this."

"Ok….Begin!" Rias called out. Surprising Issei as Koneko immediately launched herself at him.

Koneko moved with a fierce furiosity that issei hadn't seen before, her attacks were sharp, nearly unpredictable and as her strikes made more contact with him than they had before she moved with even more focus. With Koneko taking his full attention Issei missed Yuuto striking his flank sending a sword strike to the back of his head it was only pure instinct and happenstance that he was also moving to roll away from Koneko that the strike went over his head. Seeing the pair standing together Issei was ready for them both to come at him at once when suddenly they moved to the side making room for a lightning bolt delivered by a smirking Akeno to strike him in the centre sending him flying back.

The impact from both the bolt and the impact with the ground left him stunned. He suspected Akeno had tempted the bolt because he wasn't out of it like Koneko had been a moment before, however he also felt no need to get off the ground as he stared up to the sky. It wasn't until Rias' worried face obstructed his view did he make movements all be it to look directly at her and smile. "That was good. Although next time I won't be fighting alone, I'll have Ddraig be my extra set of eyes so you can't use that trick a second time."

Rias cocked her head and smirked playing on her lips. "That sounds unfair."

Issei laughed as he got to his feet. "Yeah, almost as unfair as five against one but I need a bit of rest before he goes any further. Any chance you'll let Asia heal me now?"

Laughing Rias nodded before the pair looked to the blond girl who seemed beside herself with worry as she stood her ground beside Akeno who had her hand on the priest's shoulder likely stopping her from running over to heal Issei in case they were going to continue. Seeing Rias nod. Akeno let the girl go and she came running to Issei, her hands already glowing with the green light of her sacred gear. Rias turned her attention to her other three, gesturing for them to follow as she turned back to the manor. "That's enough for today to get some rest. Yuuto think you can handle dinner today?"

Yuuto nodded in response as the group made their way back to rest and prepare for the next bout of training, for Issei that meant nightfall where he once again ventured out to the woods alone to his small pile of sticks and splinters. He stood looking at the pile for some time before he realised he was waiting for Akeno to potentially make an appearance, as she hadn't in the time it took him to shake him to the realisation that he figured she wasn't going to show. Frustratingly Issei found without her guidance he wasn't able to do anything more than he could before, he knew was missing something, something other than lacking any kind of devil power that was. As such after a couple of hours of making no progress Issei decided enough was enough and retired for the day to be alert for Akeno lesson in the morning.

Unfortunately it turned out it wouldn't have mattered if he had come alert or completely spent as Akeno seemed to spend the majority of the lesson focusing on Asia, leaving Issei to do nothing more than twiddle his thumbs and cast the little ball of light as he had previously as Akeno seemingly forgot about him. By the end of the lesson he was at boiling point, something Asia seemed to notice as she hurried to physical training as fast as her legs could carry her as Issei caught Akeno's arm as she moved to leave the room behind the blonde girl. He looked at her flatly as he spoke as calmly as he could, which was a challenge in itself as his frustration was like a caged beast ready to be sent forth as fury. "What the hell is your problem? If you weren't going to teach me or show me anything you could have just dismissed me to do something else!"

Akeno looked firstly at his hand on her arm before moving her gaze up to pin him with a sharp glare. "Rias asked me to teach Asia first and foremost, as I remember it was that you volunteered to join us. You are free to come and go as you see fit. As for my problem with you… I have many. You admit to wanting to use my friends and family to grow your own power spouting that you want to have us grow alongside you but you have me almost kill one of my friends, people who are akin to my family, on not one but two occasions. Not only that but you look at all of us as if we are beneath you, the others might not see it but I do. So far as I am concerned you are more of a risk and hindrance to Rias as well as her Peerage than you are a potential boon."

Issei closed his eyes as he breathed through his nose, calming himself in the face of Akeno undisguised fury despite how his inner fury wanted to be set free to battle hers. Letting go of her arm he looked at her with as much sincerity as he could muster. "I'm sorry for doing that to you, but Rias wants me to prepare you all for the fight to come and one of things I know is that you personally need to watch out for your battle lust. You lose yourself to it, I noticed it the first time when you caught Yuuto instead of me and I tried to show it to all of you yesterday. Primarily so Rias could work around it much like she did at the end of yesterday. You are the Queen of Rias' Peerage and it's your job to be not only her guardian but the guardian of the Peerage. You can rain down deadly fury upon the Peerage enemies but your enemy can also turn you against your friends much like I did yesterday. I should have explained it better yesterday and I never would've done it in the way I had if I believed anyone was going to be in any danger. You tempered yourself but still lost yourself to your lust which is why Koneko was knocked out. I should've thought about that. I'm sorry."

"OK. I accept your apology and understand what you are saying. It's given me something to think about. If you go to your spot in the woods tonight I'll join you to make up for this morning but for now we need to get going Rias is going to be wondering where we are and her mind will likely come up with all sort of tales which will likely lead to her being jealous, something neither of us want."

Issei looked at Akeno in confusion. "Why would she be jealous?"

Akeno looked at Issei in return for a moment before she burst out laughing. "Oh you don't know. Oh that is a treat. Just wait and see, I'm sure a smart guy like yourself can work it out." Issei could hear Akeno giggling in the hallway as his mind raced with impossibilities and memories of Rias begging him to take her as the sound of Akeno's mirth faded down the corridor.

Shaking his head to clear it Issei followed after the raven haired queen towards the training field. There he once again faced off against the others and was pleasantly surprised by the results. They of course lost against him and Ddraig working in tandem with Ddraig being nothing more than an extra set of eyes in his surroundings but it gave Issei enough time to move and avoid strikes that would otherwise end the fight, but with all of the others working together Issei had his hands full surviving. Yuuto and Koneko constantly switched out with each other, well one kept Issei on the defensive the other would be healed by Asia before swapping places draining Issei of his own personal stamina well they always come back refreshed but much like one of the earlier fights Issei was able to find a moment where he could catch Asia out in the open unprotected much like how Rias had been and took her out fight. Issei also noticed Rias' habit for repeating successes, she always adapted to her failures but when she succeeded at something she tended to make the same move again which in turn made her predictable during a fight that lasted like the ones the group currently engaged in the patterns she used allow for Issei to take out Yuuto and Akeno the later of whom had been masterfully striking at his openings well the former had been keeping Issei on his toes knowing his fighting style the most after many duels together. The fight came to an end when Issei moved past Koneko after wearing her out and caught Rias.

When the fight was over they all looked to Issei, it took him a moment to realise they were waiting on his explanation on what they could do better, it surprised him despite the fact he had been doing so unprompted the last few days. Taking his time, Issei thought about the overall fight before he gave his opinion. The others took it in with little protest and any that was had was discussed before the group heading inside for food with Koneko being left incharge of it for that day, after a full meal they all rested before retiring to bed where Issei waited to sneak out for his own extra training surprised that no more than ten steps away from the manor Ddraig prompted him that Akeno was following coming from on the shadowed alcoves when asked.

Upon arrival at his little training grove Issei got to work or rather he continued to make no progress other than stripping the bark off the stick or simply snapping it in half, what was worse was that he hadn't been able to move to thicker sticks his limit being nothing thicker than his index finger. Making his magic near useless. Thankfully Akeno arrived and changed all that in a few simple words.

"You're making the same mistake as before. Trying to use the same spell for a different job. You don't have the power to cast further than what you can touch nor can you force more potential out the spells you're using, so you need to adapt." Akeno's voice was devoid of friendliness or any sort of playfulness it normally carried. If nothing else she reminds him of Rias when she was being bossy although it didn't quite suit Akeno like it did with Rias and Issei decided that he didn't like it but knew there was nothing he could currently to fix the damage he had caused knowing full well he had take two steps back in closing the gap of companionship between them.

Tossing the stick to the floor, Issei gave her his full attention accepting her help rather than asking why she was offering it she wasn't fond of him. "What would you suggest?"

"Rather than trying to build a full spell, create building blocks. It'll be more work to begin with but it'll allow you to be more flexible even when you get more magic power with time and use." Akeno had her arms folded glaring at him as she explained, as she fell silent she affixed him with a glare that suggested he get on with it.

Issei waited for a few moments to see if she would explain further but sighed when she didn't. Instead he picked up a stick and decided to try and pick apart what he was doing. Starting with the base of what his spell did, that being applying pressure. From there he cast the spell trying to see what was happening but felt nothing but the bark pushing into his hand. Adjusting his grip, Issei looked within himself, not for his magic but for his partnership with Ddraig. Mentally poking the dragon to get his attention, Issei wordlessly sent him his request getting mild annoyance but agreement in return. Casting his spell once Issei didn't even try to see or feel anything instead he followed the sensations Ddraig sent him with his own sensitivity with magic being able to sense it but unable to comprehend Devil magic. Well Issei comprehension of Devil magic wasn't much better but he did have a more natural understanding from his devil nature. It was that information that allowed him to break the spell down into three parts. Naming them target, stripping and trigger. For the spell he used to break the sticks, Issei noticed that the first and final component were the same but the middle was different, naming it pressure. Issei tried something foolish and simply tried to cast all four components together, being surprised when nothing happened rather than ending in some disaster. Choosing to try to create a new component, Issei, using Ddraig's senses, focused on the targeting component and tried to flatten and spread it out. It took a small moment along with some pinch of magical power but the targeted area changed from a spot no bigger than a pen tip to being roughly the size of his finger tip. Adding in stripping and trigger, Issei was elated to find that a larger area of the stick stripped its bark. Looking up to Akeno to see her own reaction, Issei was stunned to suddenly see Grayfia standing before him with a small smile.

"Grayfia?! What are you doing here? Where's Akeno?" Issei asked, caught completely off guard by her presence.

Grayfia took several small steps towards him, her smile remaining as she approached. "Lady Akeno is heading this way so we don't have much time. I came because Lord Sirzechs requested your presence but after seeing you train I decided to offer you some aid seeing as I never got to in the past. How would you find it if I took the challenge to be your magic teacher during your short visit?"

As her words clicked in his head Issei realised that what he had just done was what Akeno had tried to explain the day before in her magic class. Only she had tried to explain in a way Issei hadn't understood until Grayfia's assistance added upon her lesson. Avoiding the topic of magic training, Issei tried to shift the focus onto Grayfia's true purpose. "Huh…how long is Sirzech gonna want with me. I thought the Peerage had ten days, it's only been four?"

Offering a small nod in agreement to confirm that the agreement was still in place Grayfia's expression became saddened. "This remains the case. However the situation changed and Lord Sirzechs wishes to discuss a certain topic with you. I ask that you come with me peacefully. I would hate to ruin this lovely forest in a futile attempt to deny my master's wishes."

Issei's flicked passed Grayfia back towards the direction of the manor contemplating how a fight with Grayfia would go and she was right the forest around them would very likely get ruined and Issei would still likely end up before Sirzech so with a sigh he took the last few steps towards Grayfia meeting her gaze as he made a request. "Would you please let Rias know?"

Grayfia shook her head no before he answered. "She has her duty and won't falter in it with your departure. Well she may worry Lord Sirzech can not risk word of your coming meeting getting out as such only the three of us shall know about it. Now shall we depart."

Without waiting for a response Grayfia summoned a lilac coloured transport circle before the forest disappeared and the pair found themselves in a dark red and black sitting room, Sirzech was sat in a large royal sofa sipping a cup of tea. After a moment he affixed Issei with a hard glare before placing his cup down and directing Issei to take a seat opposing him. Doing as requested, Issei wordlessly sat down and Grayfia remained standing watching the pair. Once Issei was sat, Sirzech leaned forward and spoke coldly, his words sharp. "Tell me Issei how would you feel about becoming a King?"

Ice shot through Issei's body with a chill that only got colder when Sirzech began to smile evilly.

A/N Ok long time no see. Anyway just a quick one I know I've likely made Akeno act out of character but I sort of see that a person who enjoys inflicting pain on her enemies would also be repulsed by someone doing the same thing to her allies especially if those allies were unaware of what was coming. She likes to be in control of a fight and to feel powerful but how Issei acts in this chapter to me might make her feel the opposite.

That is all follow and favourite if you like. Please also leave a review to tell me what you thought.

And I will see you in the next one.