Hey guys.

The fifth chapter of this fic. Didn't think it'd get done this fast but what can one do about it? I have been working on some other stuff as well and due to some dates coming along. I went ahead on this chapter.

Because this will be published so shortly after the next one, I doubt we will have guest reviews so soon.

I don't know how the next updates will go. I'll have to wait and see how it goes down.

For the ones wondering how the last few months went after this. See

It's going to be a lot of fun to write this one out. During their training. Although I wonder if many of you would see this all coming up. It'll certainly be a fun trip.

And some unfamiliar faces have as well thrown into the mix.

Started on 13/09/2022

Ended on 28/09/2022

Published on 05/10/2022

The entire group of Devils looked accepted by the request by the blond nun who bowed for the [King]. Rias, on one hand, was overjoyed by the request of Asia but she had found this was also sudden.

"Asia-chan. Raise your head." The Nun did so as she was ordered while the remaining girls got out of the car.

"Any reason why you have chosen for this?"

A lungful look went to Issei who nodded to her to continue.

"Issei-san told me about what you are facing. He told me what you are in. If you leave, it'll be hard for me. And for Raynare, Mittelt and Kalawarner. I don't want that. I don't want others to suffer. So that is why I am asking you."

Rias smiled as she found those reasons to be good enough. And having the wielder of Twilight Healing on her Peerage would be a huge help.

"Very well, Asia-chan. Please kneel." The blonde did so as she was ordered while Rias summoned her Evil Pieces.

Taking out her remaining [Bishop] Piece, she offered it to Asia. Still, with her entire life-changing, Asia nodded.

A page of her life had now been turned. And a new, near eternal one, would be written down now.

"In the name of the Maou Sirzechs Lucifer, I, Rias Gremory, will take Asia Argento as my [Bishop]."

Asia had thankful tears running down her face as she felt power surging through her.

This was how her life would unfold, weirdly enough, in purity. Issei had taken her along in this life and they would travel down this road together.

"Rise, my [Bishop]. And be welcome." The arms encircled the former Nun and Issei was glad that Rias had taken up his offer.

This was beneficial for all involved.

No one had dared to interrupt this moment while Asia snuggled into Rias' chest while the wind blew through the trees.

Eventually, it was Issei who broke the silence.

"Now, this is all touching but I think we should get ready for our training. Don't you agree, Rias?"

The [King] turned to the Dragon and she saw in his eyes that he was speaking the truth.

"You are correct. You have to forgive me. I have prepared clothes for Asia-chan as well as you three. They're in the house. Issei, I suppose, you have some ideas on our training."

Issei looked at her and he cupped his chin.

"Smart thinking. Precious little of that. I do have some ideas yes."

He went right after the girls. Asia was wearing a gym shirt and shorts like Koneko. It hugged Raynare's chest, even in Yuuma form. She had taken that up as it was easier to move around in.

Mittelt had gotten into a similar one as well while she glared daggers at Issei. Kalawarner wore an orange gym outfit as Rias had on.

Issei had chosen his own clothes. He was wearing a black tank top and some baggy pants. It was clear that all women in the room liked that sight. Issei didn't mind it though.

He was sexy and he knew it.

Outside, the Devils waited, and when the rest of the group came outside, the Devils were relieved to see him again.

"Okay. Before we start training. Rias, I suppose that you want to ask something."

Pecking him on the cheek, Issei turned to the same color as her hair.

"You were training us before. You can continue on that." Issei smiled back at her and it was rare that a woman could bring him to blush.

"Okay. All of you sit down. We'll have to go over some notes. First things first." They all obeyed him.

"Rias, this Rating Game, I can do some help and I won't mind that. But we can't have me charging in and take out Riser. While I am very much capable of that, this has to be your victory. You will have to treat this as one of your chess matches. So all of you will have to train."

The [King] had expected that reply so it pleased Issei that she followed the idea that he told her.

"Do not worry. I had prepared for that. And so did my Peerage. A [King] that lets a Peerage run over him or her, isn't worthy of being called a [King]. But as for training, you have good ideas. So I want to hear them."

Issei nodded to her in thanks.

"We'll start on this. With me, we have six members. Asia is also out. She is a pacifist. You can't get her to hurt anyone else. She is also proficient in healing. Asia, you'll have your work cut out for you."

The blonde nodded.

"As for you four, we have three focuses. Speed, which is your call, Kiba."

The [Knight] nodded.

"Strength, it's where you shine in, Toujou."

The [Rook] just shrugged.

"And magical attacks. Rias and Himejima, that is your forte. I am not proficient in everything but I do know enough of it to train all of you. We have 8 days. If we divide those, I can spend two days with all of you. But that doesn't mean that you can sit still. This where you three come in."

Turning to his Fallen Angels, they perked up from hearing that. Issei had told them they would train with him but they had no idea how that would play out.

"All of you, whether you like it or not, will have to work with the other. I have a slight idea of how you work. I do not expect to like your partners but I do expect some respect." His eyes switched to the Devils.

"And that has to be mutual. Is that acceptable for all of you?"

The silence told Issei enough. It wouldn't be easy to work with someone that you were born to hate but things could change.

"Great. Mittelt, you're Toujou's partner. Kalawarner, I want you to work with Kiba. Raynare, you're with Rias and Akeno."

He didn't miss the slight look that the [Queen] gave his first Fallen but he would address it later.

"You can learn from the other. And you three have to become stronger. Those are my orders. Is that understood?"

The Fallen Angels understood that and Issei hoped that civility could lead to comradery.

"I'm going to start with you, Toujou. Do you think we'll need a place, a good bit further away?"

The smallest girl stood up and she nodded.

Grabbing her up by her upper arms, Issei opened his wings.

"As for the rest of you, you got your assigned partners. Or continue on your own training. Your call." And with that, Issei took off.

The Peerage shared a look with the Fallen Angels who looked back. Kiba stood up and bowed to Kalawarner.

"Please treat me well, Kalawarner-san." Politeness had been hammered into him from a young age and those couldn't be forgotten.

"Thank you, Kiba-kun. I do suggest we move a bit further away." Asia remained seated. She knew that Issei could take care of himself. So she would stay here.

Raynare looked up at Rias who had stood up and offered her a hand.

"I suggest we leave the past. Remember his words and we'll do the same." Taking the hand of Rias, she got pulled up.

"I'll obey his orders, Rias. But don't expect me to go easy on you."

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

Scene skip

"So Riser took the bait?"

"Indeed. Although the Hakuryuukou was there, present, with the declaration of Issei Hyoudou's attempt of what he had said."

The sigh came out audibly. Sirzechs Lucifer had heard that Issei Hyoudou was no longer working for the Vatican.

But to think that he would end up in Kuoh while watching over Rias, no one would have guessed that.

She would have to dial Michael and tell him what happened.

The Angel would find some amusement in that part.

"And what do you think of Issei Hyoudou, Grayfia?" Sirzechs asked her [Queen].

"Rude and he stands strong. But confident without being cocky. Almost nearly suicidal. He knew I could blow him away but that it would cost me dearly. But." The maid halted and began to think about her words.

"Permission to speak freely, Sirzechs-sama?" The Satan rolled her eyes as she watched the woman that she grew so fond of think about the words.

"Please, that is not something you should ever ask."

"He is maybe better suited for Rias. It is the man of her choosing. Of course, that is if they could win this fight. With Issei Hyoudou as help, the odds have changed."

Sirzechs hoped that Issei could help her little sister. It was better than Riser got his ass handed to him instead of being left at the altar.

But she saw the changes in Grayfia. Maybe she should take a look at this young man.

Scene skip

That was the handy thing in the mountains. They could have large distances between their allies.

Koneko was sure that even if she shouted, no one would hear her.

"This is far enough." Issei skated downwards and the crater was big enough to fill a small pond. The guy really liked to show off.

"We thank you for flying with Issei airway. Hope to see you again real soon." She had a small laugh when she heard that line.

"Chief, any reason why we flew away so far?"

Everyone was nicer to her as she was so small. But Issei knew well enough.

This first year saw a lot in her young life.

Issei wanted privacy so that was why he had to build some distance. Kneeling down, their eyes were on the same level. His eyes were sympathetic and understanding.

"Toujou, I'm going to be candid with you. I hope you treat me with the same respect."

The girl nodded to him while Issei began to talk.

"I can see you have something in you. There's more to you. Now, it ain't my place to pry that open. It will not do me or Rias any good if you clam up before the fight. We are going to focus on what you do want to use. We have already started on the base. Your great strength. But unlike in the school, do not hold back during our match. I'm a big guy, I can take it. I'll run you through hard and I'll train you to a degree that you haven't seen before. Is that agreeable?"

Koneko heard the sincerity, the honesty, the calm nature of how Issei spoke. She hadn't felt like this with anyone, except for when Rias took her in.

Maybe, just on the very maybe, this guy could help her on getting what she had locked away. Issei would be the guy that would protect her from the others out there.

The ones who would see her power as evil, as corrupt.

He would help her through it.

"All right. Let's begin, Chief."

"Come at me whenever you are ready."

Before he had even uttered those words, Koneko had jumped up. She came crashing down on Issei. The Dragon just blocked her kick but she had buried his body into the ground.

Instead of continuing the attack, she jumped away. Issei was already smiling inwardly that she had taken up his lessons.

She wouldn't wait to see if her attack stuck. No, Koneko would take another approach. It came from his rear and this time, Issei had to blink before he got a kick that would destroy a normal person's head. µ

In his case, he felt just a slight twinge of pain.

'I'll feel that in the morning.'

Issei wanted to grab her leg but Koneko had seen that one coming. She jumped away and Issei began to grin.

"Again." Koneko cracked her knuckles and Issei loosened his neck.

He should take this a bit more seriously.

Issei would never admit it out loud but a part of him enjoyed this sort of lesson. While he didn't move from the crater in the middle, he had to go around as he was blocking her moves.

If he had something to say about her, it was the fact that her strength wasn't the only thing she was using. The small lessons that he had planted in her during their casual spars had bloomed into big advice she took in.

Her speed was used as well. Even when Issei wanted to retaliate, by grabbing her and throwing her away, she had learned to avoid the grabs. Issei had even contemplated fighting actively but with the speed and relentless attacks, Issei found that he would let Koneko practice on him before he would analyze how to proceed.

Frankly, in his mind, if she kept this up, she would a sizeable dent in the Peerage of Riser.

Only after three hours of training, Koneko felt her body being wrecked. Trying to punch Issei was like punching a concrete wall.

Issei felt a few punches actually hurting him but there was more pride in his body than anything else.

Koneko had her arms dropped to the side while her legs trembled. Her muscles ached and her lungs were on fire. It hurt to even breathe. But Koneko just felt something else. Issei walked up from the crater to the breathing junior.

With a gentle finger flick, Koneko Toujou fell down to the ground.

But before her body could even hit the floor, Issei had captured her and gently scooped her up.

"You've done well. Stamina training?" Koneko just tried to nod but felt that she couldn't even do that.

The Dragon scooped her up and sat down like he was handling a cat. Opening his wings, he touched her body while he focused on his own energy.

Divine Dividing wouldn't help here but Issei had learned tons of tricks. One of them was energy gifting.

Slowly, Koneko felt how her body was somewhat healing. Her stamina came back, her strength returned and she felt like a light again.

"I'm impressed and proud you are using my training. Do you want to hear my thoughts?"

Koneko felt like she wanted to get away but she felt that at this moment, the only thing she longed for was to snuggle in his warmth. His strength. It was comforting.

"Just a second, Chief. I'm healing up."

Issei remained quiet while he allowed Koneko to heal herself on him. It felt nice and he liked what she was doing.

There was something that he swore he heard purring. They remained in comfortable silence until she felt better.

"I did follow your tips. During my days off, I went for stamina training. Did I do good on that?"

"Spending time on physical exercise is never lost. es explain your hting. What I am also happy with is that you decided to change from different angles. You didn't stay in one spot at the same time. That is good."

Koneko tapped on his arms and he let her go. When Issei was seated, their eyes just met on the same level.

She stood before him while he continued his thoughts.

But the [Rook] cut him off.

"Chief, why didn't you fight back? If you wanted to, you could have landed me knocked out." Issei smiled at her while he felt that it was right.

His large hand landed on her head and he ruffled her head. His smile was the same gentle one she had usually seen. Normally, she would bite him off but the guy who could do the carnage wasn't someone Koneko wanted to piss off.

And the action, while patronizing for some, felt actually rather pleasant for Koneko.

"Koneko-chan, I could have done so. But what are we doing here? Training you and the other Peerage Members. You learn jack of crap if I do what you asked. Besides, you heard what I told Rias. Your [King] needs to earn this victory. And you and the other members want to be the ones who carry her there."

Koneko didn't know why he would use her first name but she had given him the nickname so she would let him use it.

"Now, you're healed up. Let's see how you play on defense." The eyes of Koneko bulged out of her skull when Issei got up and he shook his arms.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to wreck you. But you'll still need to be carried home."

Scene skip

Koneko bravely stood her ground and Issei did keep his word. He held back to a degree that she could handle. Her body was already tired from the fight that it was in.

Still, Issei carried her back to the mansion. A good meal, bath, and good night of rest did miracles on a body.

In his mind, she was doing really well. Instead of tanking the hits, she had learned to avoid them. She had often jumped back and then got right at him.

Issei felt she was doing a great job. When they got back to the house, he was pleasantly surprised that all were much like Koneko.

Asia was facedown in the grass and it appeared she was asleep. Meanwhile, Kiba and Kalawarner were catching their breaths. Issei noticed they were a bit closer.

Rias was covered in dirt while Akeno was in a shoulder carry by Raynare.

"Okay, it appears that you all have been good in practice. Now, it's time to relax. We can have a chat later but first. I'll get you something to eat." Issei walked into the house while Rias found that she could let him take charge of cooking.

She found that Koneko looked very happy.

"How did it go, Koneko?"

"Chief gave me a real hard time. But he's proud of the progress. I think. I like it. I like him. He'll be the same for you, Rias-Buchou." The Crimson-Haired Princess took the words in pride.

Inside the house, Issei began to cut vegetables and was glad that meat was in abundance. The stew wasn't hard to make but they could all use it.

Eventually, the rest of the group began to make their way inside the place while Issei was cooking. Like a guy who knew what he was doing, he was focused on the food.

The Peerage and the rest let him be as the minced meat was sizzling in the pans. The rest of them just set the table while he cooked.

"Now, we are settled in the house. How did it go? Kalawarner?"

The blue-haired bombshell nodded to Kiba while she recounted the story.

"Yuuto-kun certainly knows his way around the sword. Fast and agile although there can be things done about his ruthlessness." Issei nodded while the spices were added to the stew.

"We have started on that. One more day before yours. Now, Asia. What is the reason for you being barely awake?"

The [Bishop] was dozing off again and it was Rias who answered the question.

"We have been running Asia-chan in the ground. With two groups fighting, she had her work cut out for her. I do believe that we can start her training on her magical training." Issei didn't think there was anything wrong with that.

"Perfect. That works fine by me. Asia knows some magic and it can't help with some training. Would any of you ladies mind teaching her some self-defense training?" Asia just groaned at the table and Issei felt that adorable while she sulked.

"Raynare?" Her name came as a question. The Fallen shared a look with Rias who tended to the semi-conscious [Queen] who just shrugged.

"Rias and Akeno are doing well. I had an idea you wanted me to focus on CQB. So that is what I did. They can certainly use some practice on that."

Issei grinned while he turned his back.

"This is good. This is very good. Now, Rias. How did your training with Raynare go? Did she give any trouble that I should be aware of?"

Rias looked to the Fallen Angel and when she felt a friendly hand going up her shoulder, it didn't fill her body with revulsion as she would have done two months ago.

They had more alike than they thought.

"Nothing really. Some awkwardness but that is understandable. I think we can come to even enjoy this."

"Great. How about you Mittelt?" The gothic girl just sent Issei a dirty glare."

"Been doing my own thing." Issei took that as something good.

"Eh, for all of your training. I'd like you to work with my Fallen Angels as well through training. Growth can only come if you go beyond your usual boundaries." The two looked at him while Mittelt just glared.

"You all forget where I come from. I have seen many of your old brothers and sister grow as they broke themselves and trained. The same is for all of you. But that is something you can focus on later. Now, the stew has to be on the fire for a bit. Koneko-chan, you told them about our training."

Koneko looked at the man who had been training him.

"Done so, Chief. When this is over."

"You can ask me any time. We are going to cram and go hard. But you'll all be better for it when it comes to blows with Riser."

Rias smiled as she began to think of a certain plan that she could have to thank the man.

"After dinner, we were thinking of having a bath. Maybe you can join us at our side. I don't mind. Any objections?"

The [King] asked the group of women at large.

Akeno giggled as she usually did.

"Of course not. I can wash his back."

Asia didn't move from her spot but gave a thumbs-up.

Raynare and Kalawarner turned to each other.

"We are his slaves. We don't have a say in the matter."

Koneko shot a sympathetic look at him.

"Sorry, Chief. But I am not comfortable with that yet."

Issei shrugged as he began to stir the stew.

"No worries. We move at our own pace. Sides, a baht is to relax. Beautiful girls in a bath cause the opposite to happen."

And that took the entire group by surprise as they blushed.

Issei smirked inwardly as he watched them. He still got it.

Scene skip

Asia had rarely found herself being jealous of others. It was frowned upon by the Church to covet others.

And yet, when she looked at the four more mature women in the bath, she felt outmatched. Her own modest breasts weren't growing that well yet and Akeno, Rias, Raynare, and Kalawarner already had breasts that most adult women would kill for.

Raynare had perky upstanding breasts while the ones of Kalawarner could rival Akeno's glorious chest.

"It is a great place. If we had known this before." Raynare said as she soaked in next to Akeno.

"We are honored with your praise. No hard feelings, Raynare?" The Fallen shook her head while Kalawarner wasn't sure why Rias had asked her to wash her hair.

"Is this good?"

"Perfect." There were worse tasks to perform and Kalawarner really enjoyed the action of the hair.

Asia just sighed half-heartedly when she watched them.

"Don't be greedy," Koneko said as she washed her own body. Mittelt had already left the bath. She was exhausted from the fight.

And if Asia was honest, so was she.

On the baht of the males, Yuuto Kiba was used to sharing baths and he found that Issei was the type of guy who could appreciate a good bath. Issei had soaked in the hot water while he enjoyed the sounds of the women.

"Not going to peek?" Issei was glad that the [Knight] had a sense of humor. The Dragon shook his head while he sat back with a grin.

"No reason for that. Besides, I'm not that kind of idiot." Issei said while he continued to listen.

"You don't strike me as the guy who would say no to a woman."

"And I don't. Bust listen here, Kiba. There is a difference between going along and letting your hormones go wild. I don't want that kind of thing. It is no hair better than what Riser has in mind."

The pretty boy found that a surprising note as a comparison.

"Oh, can you explain that to me, Issei-kun?" Issei smirked when he heard that name.

"All in due time. When it is your time of training. I'm going to dry off and crawl into my bed. I need some sleep." Issei made good on that.

Rias had put his Fallen in another room and frankly, he didn't blame her. It wouldn't be proper to let them sleep in the same bed. So Issei didn't mind that this night he had to sleep without a pretty girl.

It was nice once in a while to have room. Before Albion could even come to talk to him, Issei was fast asleep. It really felt nice and whoever the Gremory contacted to make their beds, they did an awesome job.

Scene skip

When Issei woke up, it was still dark outside although the sun had slowly begun to rise. He guessed that his body had forced him to wake up early. Yet, he remained in bed for a bit.

He listened to the sounds of a sleeping house. No reason to get them up early and be an asshole to the ones around the house.

[You made the right call to train them.] Of course, his partner came out to haunt him.

'Gee, ya think? If I carry Rias to her victory, there would be nothing out there.'

[And you don't want to claim her. She likes you, you like her.]

'There is more to her. I want to make her fall for me even more. And I'll get there. And for now, we'll just enjoy those peaceful days.'

And that was enough to shut up his partner. Issei began to think about what he would do with Koneko. He could see to that when he got to fight with her.

He wouldn't go all out on her. Everyone was nicer to Koneko.

Scene skip

"Sorry bout cockblocking you last night, Chief." He would take that tone more seriously if she actually said those words with any intent. They were walking back this time instead of flying.

"No worries bout that, Koneko-chan." Issei was with a smile on his face while Koneko had a surprised look on her face. If she was to guess, most teenage boys would act like idiots who were thinking with their dicks.

"You are not mad?"

The look on his face was a bit more serious. He stopped and kneeled to her height.

"You don't want to do it 'cause you're not comfortable. I am not a guy who would disrespect you. Rias, you, Akeno, Asia. You're all ladies and deserve to be courted. One of my personal rules."

The [Rook] smirked a bit when she heard him talk.

"You're saying that you would pull out all stops for us."

"I said that I'd date Rias if I win her from Riser, right? The reason why I want you to be on your top-level is because of another reason." Koneko's puzzled look was adorable and Issei decided to tell her.

"I can win this fight, yeah but I'd be just like Riser. Winning over Rias just because of the winner and spoils and yadayadada. I don't want that. I want to earn Rias' respect. And a way to get there is by getting you in gear."

Koneko shared his smirk but found something else.

"You'd be going after those Fallen Angels and possibly other girls." Raising his hand, she saw the [Sacred Gear] appear in his arm.

"I said that I would be courting. I never said that I'd be monogamous. But I would do it fair and square. A woman has to accept that part if she wishes to continue something with me." Issei stood back up and he scooped up the small [Rook].

"I do things my way. And if they agree, fine. If not, their call. And I doubt that my ways are worse than Riser's. Sleazebag that he is."

Holding out her fist, Issei got what Koneko meant.

"I like you. Issei." The soft words were hardly heard but Issei found that Koneko meant them.

"Thanks. How about we continue our training?"

This time though, Issei fought back. He was more serious about his assault and while he still did not use his [Sacred Gear], Koneko found that he certainly knew his way around a fight.

Still, the lessons that he thought her, were certainly coming to mind. Avoiding attacks became more important instead of tanking hits.

Fighting multiple opponents would be tricky but Koneko doubted that most of Riser would be as hard-hitting and fast as Issei.

Maybe, just maybe, she could trust him with the secrets that were deeply hidden in her body.

But those could wait. What Issei focused on during those two days, were the powers she counted on.

At the end of the day, Issei and Koneko walked back to the mansion. She walked right next to him and Issei felt a surge of pride in her. More than he actually should.

When they got back, Issei wasn't disappointed to find everyone else there waiting for them.

"And?"

Rias, proud as ever, asked and Koneko walked over to her.

"Don't let him get away, Rias-Buchou. I wouldn't forgive you." Rias wanted to cuddle and hug the [Rook] but she just ruffled her hair as she usually did.

"That is excellent. Issei?"

"Your [Rook] got some serious power training under her belt. I doubt that Riser's Peerage would give her much trouble. I'm proud of her. And if you all keep this up, it might show off."

His eyes settled on Kiba who looked embarrassed by the Dragon.

"I hope you sleep well tonight. You'll need your rest." Issei knew that whatever Kiba had, they had their matches.

Now, the gloves would come off.

Scene skip

Issei had a good day when he was training. Kiba, much less so. The [Knight] laid defeated in the rubble while swords laid around him.

"What have we learned?" Issei walked over to the handsome.

"That you really meant it when you fought back." Kiba bit Issei while Issei jammed Joyeuse right into the ground.

He had done it before but now, Kiba had learned more of Issei.

"Kiba, you have worked on your stamina. Me, happy guy about that. Me also a happy guy on thinking about sending the swords through the ground. Me not happy guy because you ignore the most important part."

"Fighting like a bastard," Kiba said as Issei nodded above him.

"You don't have to go all out. But believe me when I tell you that you need to think about it. Don't hold back on anything."

Kiba still couldn't get up as he felt too broken for that.

"Besides that, anything else?"

"I am not really good on swords so you are on your own there. What I do like is that you worked on your stamina. When you can move again, let's see how you deal with overwhelming force."

Kiba had no idea what Issei meant by that but he soon realized what the Dragon aimed for. While it was one on one, Issei showed off with power.

The [Knight] found that he wielded Joyeuse like a professional. Issei used a lot more power but like Koneko, he didn't pull out his [Sacred Gear]. Kiba jammed his sword in the ground and grunted one important word.

"Sword Birth!" Issei had to fall back further and found that a long sword flew right in his direction.

If he had hesitated one more moment, the sword would have skewered him. His eyes scanned the environment but found that Kiba had disappeared. A light prick on his neck hinted where the [Knight] had gone.

"Surrender." Before Issei could even say anything, Issei felt a warm and light liquid running down his neck.

Blood. His blood.

"I'm not asking again."

Issei dropped Joyeuse and held his hands up.

"Good. Rating Game?"

"I wouldn't hesitate to cut your head off." Issei could just rip the sword out of the hands of Kiba but that wouldn't do any good. The [Knight] had won.

"Excellent work. Use the same ruthless nature and you are going to be a menace for Riser."

The entire day, the two men fought without holding back on anything. Only there, they knew what it meant to fight.

Issei felt that despite his nature, Kiba had a certain pride in him. Whenever he could, he glanced at Joyeuse. Issei rarely saw such hatred in the eyes of anyone.

The Dragon had summoned the same look when the Pope and Michael told him what they had done to his parents.

At the end of the day, Issei walked back, with Kiba slumped all over him.

When the Dragon saw the women, he was somewhat glad to see how Raynare and Kalawarner had been training with Rias and Akeno. With her pupil gone, the blue-haired bombshell had now decided to help Raynare.

Mittelt and Koneko had their own matches and both looked roughed up. Asia sat up now. An improvement over being a corpse from two days ago.

"We're back!" Issei shouted and that was enough for all to stop the fights.

"I see great improvement. Keep that up." It was all that needed to be said. Issei felt that it showed enough.

He didn't worry about Koneko. So far, he couldn't help her with the training.

Asia was a healer so he doubted she would be of any use in a fight. Maybe some self-defense training. It could wait.

The [Knight] would do well.

The day after tomorrow, he would focus on the [King] and [Queen].

Issei would help them to achieve victory.

Scene skip

From that point onward, Issei had matches with Kiba for one more day. He would never be a full bastard like Issei but at the least, the [Knight] would have more tricks up his sleeve when they had their Rating Game.

Just like with Koneko, there was a dark secret that Yuuto Kiba carried. Issei wouldn't pry and see what it was. The sharp nose told him some elements that shouldn't be in a Devil.

But those could wait.

Besides fighting mean, Kiba also improved his stamina. Those would be the most important factors. The [Knight] would never be able to tank hits as Koneko would.

So that was why Issei focused on those other parts. There was less to talk about with Kiba compared to Koneko. Neither of the males felt the need for that.

It was just training and using different ways to get your foe down. Issei found no reason to doubt his progress. So he took that as good enough.

Scene skip

The sounds that came from the bath made it all too clear what was going on. Issei and Kiba sat back in the water while the sounds came from the girls.

"It sounds like they're having fun," Issei commented as his imagination was doing most of the thinking.

Kiba smirked as he soaked in.

"I didn't take you for a guy who wouldn't try to take a look."

"No reason to try. The walls protect anything. Koneko-chan doesn't want me there so we are not going for it."

The [Knight] found that Issei knew more than he let on.

"Still, you came from the Vatican. White Saint?"

Issei cringed as he heard that nickname echo through the room.

"I hate that nickname. I have seen my fair share of ladies there. You don't want to know what goes on there."

Issei didn't know it either and he was more than happy to keep it that way.

"And what about you?" The [Knight] blinked as Issei addressed him.

"You are certainly popular with the ladies back in Kuoh. Do you have any luck, scoring dates? Going out? Banging? Getting laid?"

Blushing, Kiba looked away.

"It is not proper for gentlemen to talk about that."

The Dragon barked a laugh when he heard that.

"You take me a gentleman? I'll take that as a compliment."

Scene skip

Issei was called into the room that Kalawarner and Raynare shared.

"What is so important to get me in your rooms? You want to show me something?" Issei jokingly asked as the two giggled.

Flashing him might distract him but it wasn't enough to keep the grin off his face.

"Those are nice. But that is not the only thing you wanted to show me."

Raynare was the one who spoke.

"I will admit, training with Rias and the rest isn't that much fun. But it showed off."

Both of them showed their wings and Issei found that two pairs of wings were attached to their back.

It did impress the Dragon.

"We have to thank you for it. If you didn't save us that night, we would have never gotten those wings." Kalawarner smiled at Issei while she felt the power rushing through her veins.

"You have done this. On your own. But that doesn't stop me from being proud of you. Both of you."

They tackled him to the ground and before he left, Issei got kissed by the two.

It felt nice like this.

There was more to those than just easy lays.

Scene skip

Issei found the sight of both Rias and Akeno, dressed up in their gym outfits alluring and interesting.

Raynare and Kalawarner had been fighting with them and this time, the two Great Ladies of Kuoh had been affiliated with what Issei called, speed and strength training.

"I saved you two for last. The reason you two might guess."

Issei had his arms crossed while he looked at them.

"So what are we going to focus on?"

"What did Raynare and Kalawarner use against you?"

Issei shot back the question while the two ladies shared a look.

"Most part, they came close and we had to blast through. We have suffered quite some wounds during that."

Akeno admitted while Issei nodded.

"That is how this works. Both of you don't have much hand-to-hand combat but that is also changing. I have also spoken to them. Harsh training for both of you has also shown its marks to me."

The Dragon cracked his knuckles as he stood before them.

"We are going to continue on the training that we had already."

Issei knew what that meant and for Albion, it meant it was time to play.

[My host has been calm with the [Rook] and [Knight]. Show us what you're made of.]

Issei opened his wings and zoned in at them.

Rias was the first to act as she unleashed her Power of Destruction. Issei divided that power while Akeno was next.

Instead of what Issei would have guessed, she didn't use her magic but came in close. A high kick came from the side as Issei felt the power of a [Rook].

She took him by surprise and even he couldn't deal with that.

Before he could focus again, he felt slender arms wrap around his neck. They tightened and Issei turned his head to find red hair around him.

Rias had sneaked up at him and she began to use her own body against him.

"So how would you get out of this?"

"No guy would want that. A beautiful girl pressed up against the back? No sane guy would get out of that."

He could hear her heart quicken so he threw her sexy body over his head and aimed her right at Akeno.

They recovered quickly and dispersed. Issei had just the time to avoid a raging fire and ice-cold water. Akeno had been practicing.

A blast came from the side and it told him that Rias had also aimed at him.

The power burned through him while he protected himself.

"How is that for close contact?" Rias asked and Issei felt the power eat at him before his [Sacred Gear] shouted.

"Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide!"

The power of the Vanishing Dragon went away while Issei thanked every deity he knew that he was made of stern stuff.

"I prefer the other one."

His ears told him that something sizzled and this time, he could avoid the lightning coming his way.

Akeno had taken up another position. It had been all too clear how they worked. Issei found that this worked out.

[I have to say, partner. Those ladies show promise in becoming your mates.]

'Do you mind keeping your thoughts to yourself? When this is over.'

Issei felt another surge hitting him and it had been clear that his days of teaching and holding back had done some damage to him.

He turned back when he got magical bombardment coming his way. His wings were all that he needed to protect himself.

"That's enough!" He shouted to them and they obeyed him.

"You two certainly worked out on this."

The two landed and their smiles were something he could grow used to.

"You're a big target. Easier to hit than the Fallen." Akeno giggled.

"And with you, we don't need to hold back. So what are your thoughts?" Rias added while Issei stood up.

"I see that you two certainly have improved on your teamwork and magic. Keep in mind though that in the Rating Game, that won't happen. I don't see how to improve on you there. Now, it's time for something else."

Body training became most of their training. Complicated holds, fist fights, and wrestling, which all parties grew to like.

Issei found that Akeno was faster than Rias and she had greater flexibility. She was as slippery as an eel and could get out.

Rias had better techniques and Issei wanted to know who taught her fist fights.

They did switch with partners during their matches.

Akeno was taking a break while Rias and Issei were tugged. He had gotten underneath her belly. Ignoring that one of the best pairs of tits the universe would ever know was pressed in his face, Issei rolled his body over and she went along.

Unlike what he had guessed, that Rias would give up, she tensed up and slid above him. Her long and strong legs wrapped themselves around his neck. His arm was put into a lock as Rias began to press on it.

She was making clear how this match was going. Issei began to struggle back but it became clear how the [King] wasn't letting him go.

Issei wanted to use a bit more force but Rias just kept restricting him. In a real fight, he wouldn't have entertained her but this could be a bit more relaxed. So he let himself go limp and tapped out.

"Excellent, Rias." The Crimson-Haired Princess let him go and stood up. Looking at him, the Dragon sat down with a humble smile on her face.

"I have no doubt that you would have ruined me in a real fight."

"In a real fight, I wouldn't have thought of Close Quarters Fight with a Magician like you. Use your magic on me. This is a just-in-case sort of thing."

Akeno giggled as the [Queen] stood up.

"This is all touching but it's my turn now, Rias. So if you could let me."

The [King] obeyed and Issei was ready to go. Sparring with the two most popular girls in school, many guys would love to be in his shoes. And he loved being in his.

So when Akeno ran up to him, Issei wrapped his arms around her waist and slammed her to the ground.

There was no reason to play gently.

Riser's Peerage wouldn't be going easy on them either.

Scene skip

The days had gone fast by that point and Issei couldn't be happier with the progress that each one of the group had gone through.

For some reason, his Fallen Angels had now all four wings while the Peerage of Rias had also seen great improvement.

Asia, cute little thing, had already worked her way up to them and she could handle healing. There was more that she could do with her [Sacred Gear] but Issei found that what she could do at that point had to suffice.

Koneko was nearly the same speed as Kiba and Issei felt that she had gotten closer to him during their training. When things worked out, he would be there to help her out. She would give Riser's Peerage a serious amount of trouble.

Kiba had learned to throw his Swords and while Issei doubted that he could ever beat the chivalry out of him, Kiba should pray that he would be the one who did that. But Issei began to grow fond of that [Knight]. Whenever they would train, he could keep his emotions in check. So Issei could see how this would work out.

Akeno and Rias had seen the biggest changes in their training. Akeno had learned to use all attributes of the [Queen] Piece, not just the [Bishop]. She hit as hard as Koneko and was getting to the speed of Kiba. Although she preferred to use other techniques than her fists.

Rias' own power would come through later. But Issei found that he could wait on that later.

In the end, it came down to him in this match.

He was Rias' solution, her key to survival and freedom.

And Issei found no issue with playing that part of her savior.

As long she would keep in mind what it meant for him.

The house has a small pavilion where Rias had taken up residency.

He found it most peculiar that she was reading a book at this hour.

Or most likely, she was reading that book before she fell asleep.

So he walked over to her and sat down next to her. Softly shaking her at the shoulder was enough to bring Rias back awake.

"I'm up!" She clearly had been awake for too long.

"Not sure if that is so good, right now." Without even asking, he lifted Rias up while he sat down. His own body heat warmed her chilly body up.

The nightgown she wore and the panties she had on barely would suffice against the cold. The effects of a warm rock pressed against her body had the noticeable effect that Issei was so much hoping for.

"You need sleep. So do we all. The Rating Game is tomorrow and if you're not up to snuff, we are going to suffer for it tomorrow. All our hard work would be ruined." The tone had just the right amount of understanding and admonishing.

"I know but I can't help it. There is a lot at stake for me. It's a whole different thing than a Stray Hunt."

She turned to face the man that she grew fond of.

"It's because of who he is. Riser Phenex shares the same attribute as the Phoenix. An immortal bird that can regenerate any wounds that he receives. Plus, his track record is eight wins and two losses. Two of which he gave away."

Tapping her on the nose, she found Issei's friendly smile in front of her. It relaxed her a bit while Issei's eyes studied her.

"Rias, if there's one thing I have learned, it's this. Nothing is invincible. If something seems, looks, or behaves invincible, it just means that someone hasn't figured out a way to defeat it yet. Plus, Riser is also a Devil, right?"

"Yes."

"I got a Holy Sword, etched up my arm. That will do him in. Although part of him wants to beat the shit out of him, pardon my language, just to see how far I can push it." Kissing him, Rias began to like that even more.

"Thank you, Issei. But my parents could see this as ending in a loss for me."

"I will be there to prevent that. Though, there is more why you hate the idea of getting married to him besides the fact that he turned his Peerage into his personal whorehouse."

Rias nodded to him.

"I'm the daughter of the Gremory House. I'm its heiress after my older sister became Satan. No one sees the Rias that I am as a girl. In the world of Devils, I'm always Rias Gremory. I'm proud of my name but I am never treated like a girl. I want to find someone who sees me for me."

Issei tried to get the smile off his face but found that impossible.

"And at school, you found me by some sort of miracle and got a Dragon courting you who sees you for you. Cause I don't see you as an heiress. What I have in my lap, is a girl that I am growing fond of and maybe I can love in a way that she wants."

Rias kissed him again while she felt warm by him.

"I think you described the way how I see you, Issei. Although I do have to ask. Wouldn't it be easier to soil me?"

Issei shook his head while his face turned as serious as during their training.

"That would open a lot of cans of worms that we wouldn't close. Value yourself a bit more than just giving yourself to me like that. Second thing is that Riser and your family would come after me. So I much rather win you in the traditional sense where you and I can elope from there. When we win this, and you wanna have that fun, sure."

"Does that mean that you don't find me sexy when I'm dressed like this and I am wearing this?" Rias had her teasing spirit back but she had to learn how Issei could be handled.

The Dragon grabbed one elegant arm and forced the right hand right into his trousers.

The eyes of Rias bulged out of her skull as she felt Issei.

"I think that is a stupid question given how you look. And I'll let him calm down when I put you to bed."

He let her hand go and the blush on her cheeks made her so adorable.

"If you tease me, I'll do it back." Kissing her on the nose, Rias snapped out of her stupor.

"You are so mean." The way Rias spoke the words was enough for Issei to realize that she didn't mean those words.

"Thanks. But Rias, let us leave this discussion for another time. I'll put you to bed and get some sleep myself." Scooping her up, Rias found that she could get used to the bridal carry of Issei.

Neither said a word as she put her head on his shoulder. He gently opened the door where Akeno lay sleeping.

From the words she said, Issei guessed that the dream was pleasant.

Tucking her in, Rias loved the feeling of being pampered. After one more kiss, she looked up at him.

"Issei, promise me something. Promise me, promise me we will win."

Issei nodded to her.

"Oh, you can bet your life on it. We will win." Rias had already fallen asleep before Issei let out a demented chuckle.

There would be quite some fun when they would go out and play.

And that is for next time, folks. I put a little easter egg in this. What you need to do is to think of Friday and go back a year. I will await the ones who can figure it out.

I hope you all enjoyed this double update. It was quite some fun for me to write this out.

We got closer to Koneko and next time, we're going to deep fry some chickens. And roast them on a sword.

Not much else to add here. I thank you all for your support in the last few months and your patience.

Saluut.