Kei-Kei Yuki: This chapter took a lot out of me, I was going to add the school festival scene but decided to that in a separate chapter. When it comes to the girl's gender-bent counterpart, they are stronger and a tab bit more ruthless compared to their female counterparts. Also, Fem!Issei is a beautiful badass queen!
A/N: Shiranai-I also wished there were more female characters like Fem!Issei as well! I haven't made it yet to Elmenhilde, but I have seen a picture of her and I think her male adult self would so resemble Karlheinz from Diabolik Lovers! Also, Gasper doesn't grow romantic feelings for Issei until after the whole vampire arc. Currently, he only looks up to her like a big-sister figure. Song: Pretear-White Destiny. Issei Queen Form was inspired by Artoria Pendragon (Ruler) stage 3!
True Queen Awakens
Lying in the nurse's office, Issei contemplated the words her beloved Buchou said to her after Lady Phenex left Raine in their care. She was in the middle of sewing her maid costume when he appeared. At first, Issei was concerned, catching sight of the troubled look in his eyes when he sat down next to her and gently grasped her chin. "Did you know you call everyone else by name, except when it comes to me; it's always Buchou!? Do you only see me as your Buchou and nothing more?" he asked her, sapphire blue eyes yearning for an answer along with something else.
Faced with such a look, Issei was honestly left speechless and didn't know how to answer. Luckily she was saved by Aikhiko-senpai who called Richard away, saying how Sora-kaichou needed him for something. 'Of course, I love Buchou, what girl doesn't, but...' Issei was referring to Richard's popularity, the man that all the girls fawned over. He was handsome, smart, and just so perfect that Issei had a hard time seeing such a man having feelings for her.
"Ise-chan~!" Issei heard a flirty voice call out to her and saw Akihiko standing by her bed before suddenly joining her.
"Akihiko-senpai, what are you doing here?"
"I came to check up on you. Something has been bothering you lately and something tells me it's more than likely Ri-kun, right?" Akihiko guessed correctly, reaching a hand out to caress Issei's cheek. "Ise-chan... Have you ever fallen in love before?" asked Akihiko as Issei couldn't help but be reminded of Yuuto.
"I wouldn't say love... but I really liked him. Well, I should've known such a guy, who was clearly out of my league, wouldn't truly like me. I mean, clearly I'm nothing special." Thinking of her experience with Yuuto brought up Issei's own insecurities, something which Akihiko was not having, caging Issei with his arms as he peered down into her big brown orbs.
"Don't you dare ever think of yourself that way. You are special, kind, and beautiful. Don't let what that bastard did to you ruin your self-worth because... I like Issei-chan just the way she is~!" Akihiko landed a soft kiss on her cheek, smirking when he saw her blush adorably. Such a cute reaction made him want to kiss her, too bad he was suddenly pushed to the floor by a certain blonde priest.
"I also really like Issei-chan!"
"I also like Ise-senpai!" Appearing at Aster's side was Kabu, only to be joined by Raine.
"My heart has nothing but Issei-sama in it!"
"Hey, I liked Issei before all of you!" excitedly exclaimed Ivan who walked in alongside Xenos.
"I only have the mother of my future children at heart," proudly declared Xenos.
Picking himself up off the ground, Akihiko shot Issei a smirk, "See, Issei, you are special and loved by many!" Issei's face was red like a cherry but despite that, she was overwhelmed from receiving their sincere feelings towards her. The pain from Yuuto's betrayal disappearing, she was happy to be surrounded by people who actually liked her for being just herself.
Before the big match between the Gremory group and Sairaorg, both Sona and Raina came to send their regards. "Both Raina-chan and I ended our rehearsal dance practice with Serafall-oneesama early to cheer you on," said Sona. Ever since Hell-Girl's popularity began sky-rocketing, Serafall came up with the idea for the girls to perform their first big concert together.
Which was why all the girls had been busy preparing for the big event, which thankfully took place after Gremory and Sitri's group rating game match. "Hyoudou Issei, as the third heir to the Phenex Clan, I order you not to lose!" proudly ordered Raina, leaving Issei and others in the room to sweatdrop at the arrogant ojou-sama.
"Really? That's how you plan to cheer me on?" questioned Issei as Raina blushed adorably once she realized that everyone was looking at her.
"I... have never done this before," the Phenex princess admitted, causing Issei and Sona to comment.
"Ah, adorable." The girls patted their friend on the head. After getting over her embarrassment, Raina turned her attention towards Richard.
"This battle between you and Sairaorg has garnered a lot of attention. I'll only tell you these two words... Don't lose," Raina said to him. The two had known each other since they were children and even though Sora was outstanding when it came to strategic skills, Richard had the heart of a king, charismatic, had integrity, and knew how to issue out orders and receive complete loyalty from his peerage.
Even though Richard was still a beginner in the Rating Games, Raina knew she would have to keep an eye on him in the future. Smiling as if he could read her mind, Richard said his thanks to Raina who arrogantly flipped her hair and turned away from him. Right before the two girls took their leave, Sona yelled out to Issei. "Go out there and give that guy hell!" After waving them goodbye, Issei felt so happy to have such encouraging friends before regrouping back with her Richard and the others.
Before stepping out into the opening, everyone from the Gremory group could hear the thundering screams of excitement from the audience that came to watch the match. Turning towards his peerage, Richard said to them, "Today I will not be talking to you as your friend or buchou, but as your king." Richard made eye contact with each member of his peerage, voice firm and holding absolute authority.
"This will be the toughest match that we have ever faced. Many people here probably don't expect us to win, but today we will prove them wrong. 'Cause as your king, I will push you forward so that we achieve absolute victory. So don't expect me to be soft on you today." This was the side of Richard that always left Issei both in awe and somewhat terrified of him.
"Maa, Buchou's dark side is showing itself today. You are our king; we swore our loyalty to you. If you order it then we will obey." Despite the flirty smile Akihiko wore on his face, his eyes spoke a different story, serious at the same time they displayed his allegiance towards his king. After hearing the rest agree with Akihiko, Richard turned towards his precious Pawn who had remained silent.
"My King, your order is my command." Cupping his face, Issei peered into the gorgeous sapphire blue eyes that made her fall in love with this magnificent man. "If your wish is a victory... then I will deliver it to you." Issei filled Richard with utter pride, proud to have such a woman at his side.
In the first match, it was Yumi against Sairaorg's knight, which she won gracefully. Issei had noticed when she was training her Welsh Sonic Knight's mode against Yumi how the blonde had gotten more fast and agile with her attack, wasting no movements before going in to deliver the finishing blow. "Since my king has ordered it... I can not lose." Wielding two dual sabers in her hand, after Yumi unleashed her Balance Breaker, she summoned several Holy Sword-wielding Dragon Knights to her aid.
In the second match, it was Rosswald and Kabu who were summoned into the battle. The two were facing off against one of Sairaorg's knights along with one of his rooks. The enemy was a formidable opponent; even Kabu in his Nekomata form was having a tough time defending against the opponent attacks. It was a good thing he had Rosswald lending him a hand; the mighty Einherjar was not only proficient in magic but in combat as well.
Rosswald messed up when he for a second left his guard down, leaving an opening for Sairaorg's rook Gandoma to land a blow on him. Only to have Kabu sacrifice himself, but not before saying, "Buchou's victory... is now in your hands." Seeing his fellow companion so bravely sacrifice himself, gripping his spear Rosswald mercilessly eliminated his enemy.
The third match had a hilarious start with Sairorg's sexy bishop trying to seduce her with a stripping show to which Issei responded. "Wrong! Wrong! There is a sensual flare of elegance a man must have when it comes to the art of seduction! You, my good sir..." With one swing of her fist, Issei sent the guy flying into the sky. "...have failed!"
The rest of the Gremory group responded by saying, "That's our Issei-chan!" The match after consisted of Xenos and Gasper-kun, both who were very popular as Issei could still hear the squeals of girls shouting the handsome swordsman's name, along with all of Gasper's male fans who were captivated by his adorableness and cross-dressing ways.
The two started off strong, but it was in the middle of the match when the two started struggling. Watching her poor Gasper-kun get thrashed around by Sairaorg's rook Ladora almost caused Issei to lose control of herself. Even her silent and strong Buchou was having a hard time watching the match. "I am a member of the Gremory household. It was Issei-senpai who told me... if a person has something they wish to protect, despite what obstacles stand in the way, they'll risk it all to protect them. So... I won't let you harm my friends or get in the way of Buchou's victory!"
Seeing such courage displayed in the usual easily frightened young vampire caused pride to swell within Richard and Issei. "You have truly grown, Gasper," said Richard, after watching Gasper sacrifice himself so that Xenos could land the finishing blow, earning their team a win.
When it came to Akihiko's match, Richard felt for his friend as he could picture Akihiko's own frustration from being defeated even with the struggle he put up. "Don't worry, Buchou, I'll definitely get revenge for Akihiko-senpai," vowed Issei, resting her hand over his shoulder. For the next match Sairaorg finally made his appearance as the ones against him were Rosswald, Yumi, and Xenos.
Issei had to hand it to the three; they put up a good fight but in the end, they were no match for him. Even after Rosswald went into his whole 'Berserk' mode, boosting his physical strength with pure magic that left even Sairorg amazed at such a display of strength. Not to mention that in this form, Rosswald became cruder and ruthless. "You fucker, you'll pay for what you've done!" Seeing the polite and straight-laced Rosswald use such crude language honestly shocked Issei and she wasn't alone.
"So this was what Odin was trying to warn me about when I first accepted Rosswald in my peerage." Richard was reminded of a conversation he had with the mythological god. Not expecting that this was what the old man was trying to warn him about.
The main event had finally come; Issei was in the middle of doing battle with Sairaorg. Richard was holding his own against Sairaorg's pawn, who later revealed himself to be one of the thirteen legendary Longines, Regulus Nemea, who was now in Sairaorg's possession. But somewhere in the battle, Regulus decided to fight dirty by attacking Issei in her blindspot while she was still in the middle of fighting Sairaorg.
"B-Buchou!" Issei called out after watching her beloved buchou take the blow that was meant for her. Holding his head in her lap, Issei immediately took out the Phenex Tear to heal him.
"Buchou... why would you do such a thing? You are my king! I'm the one who's supposed to sacrifice herself for you!" cried Issei as Richard reached and caressed her tear-stained cheek.
"I wasn't going to let anything happen to the woman I love..." He finally confessed the words he so dearly had been wanting to tell her all this time. He wished it was under better circumstances, watching how those fierce emerald orbs widened in shock at his confession.
Issei honestly didn't know how to react as she was only brought out of her stupor when she heard Sairaorg call out to her wanting to restart their battle. Treasuring Richard's bold confession in her heart, Issei got back on her feet. Using Regulus' power, Sairaorg transformed into his Balance Breaker form. Restarting their battle, this time Issei could barely land a blow but nevertheless defended herself against Sairiorg's attacks.
When he delivered a punch so strong that bits of Issei's armor chipped off as she flew and landed on her back. All the strength in her body vanished, fighting to make herself stay conscious. 'Damnit! I can't lose! Not now! Not like this! ...I must protect Buchou and give him my reply...' Issei told herself, vision going dark, hearing a strange voice call out to her in the darkness.
"This battle isn't over just yet, partner." Opening her eyes again, Issei saw herself back in Ddraig's throne room, the mighty Empress of Dragon sitting upon her throne, holding a blue gem in her hand that she tossed towards Issei.
"This came from Albion, use it and awaken," ordered Ddraig.
"Awaken? What do you mean by that?!" questioned Issei.
"You're not finished evolving just yet; you still have one more form to awaken," Ddraig said to her when suddenly their conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone singing.
I'll be reborn as a new me in this sky that spreads into the endless future (Raina)
I'll show you the snow of happiness falling all over the world (Sona)
"Wait... Those voices... Raina and Sona?! Isn't this the opening song of Harem Queen Ise-chan!?" Issei had sung alongside them long enough to be able to distinguish their singing voices. Hearing this, Ddraig smirked.
"Dragons are known to become empowered through the power of singing," said Ddraig, listening to the singing voices of Sona and Raina.
I'll reach out my hand freely to grasp destiny (Raina)
There's no decided tomorrow
Even being quiet, I know that our meeting on that day wasn't by chance
In your distant eyes, I felt eternity (Sona)
Ddraig found both girls' voices soothing to listen to. Opening her eyes to stare down at Issei, she threw the blue gem towards the girl who caught it. "That should help you evolve. Ah, it seems even the cheers of your adorable fans have now joined in," remarked Ddraig as Issei began hearing the young voices of her devoted fans encouraging her.
"Harem Queen!"
As the cold wind shines through the beautiful fading sunset (Sona)
I just barely hear your soft voice
"Harem Queen, I believe in you!"
It hurts so much not being alone in my heart that my soul is made passionate (Raina)
The proof that my feelings are alive starts from my belief
"Don't give up just yet, Harem Queen!
I'll be reborn as a new me in this sky that spreads into the endless future (Sona)
I'll show you the snow of happiness falling all over the world while holding your hand
Amongst all the voices of children calling out to her, Issei's ears perked when she picked up on a familiar voice, calling out to her. "Please get up, Harem Queen! No matter what, you never give up, so please do not give up now!" yelled the same little girl Issei had helped out during the special program of Harem Queen Ise-chan.
Able to sense all of their love and support, Issei clenched her fist as tears ran down her cheeks. "I can't lose here. I can't let them down... but more than that, I have to tell Buchou... that I love him!" yelled Issei as the blue gem in her hand started to glow and merge itself with her.
Smirking at the ball of red and blue energy that concealed Issei, Ddraig only had one last thing to say, "It's time for the Queen to finally reveal herself." Just like before when Issei first evolved, waves of energy were emitted from the orb that concealed her. Back with the audience, Ivan was hyping on the children who were waving their glowing toy light-sticks; Sona and Raina were still singing.
A second later, Issei's voice could be heard from within the orb. "Fret in fear and feel my power. I, the mighty Empress of Dragons who all bow down before, prepare yourself and face my judgment - Cardinal Crimson Queen!" Similar to a cacoon, the orb shattered into thousands of shiny pieces that resembled rose petals. Amidst the shower of petals, Issei's new form was revealed.
Issei's chest armor had transformed into an elegant and sleeveless, crimson leotard with gold accents; blowing in the back was a long floor-length cape. A crimson detached collar was worn around her neck as the armor down at her feet turned into a pair of sleek crimson armor heeled boots, same with the ones on her arms. On top of her head was a crimson and gold crown that jutted out and embedded on each pointy tip was a ruby.
Dangling ruby diamond earrings were attached to her ears as this form caused all who saw it, be overwhelmed with awe at her beautiful appearance. "Crimson, just like his hair. Very fitting," smiled Issei, feeling Richard's eyes on her as he must've figured out the same thing.
"For the sake of those adorable children, for my friends who have cheered me on and fought so bravely, and... for the man that I love, I will defeat you, Sairaorg!" Issei declared out loud. Hearing such words caused Richard's heart to become overfilled with happiness, wanting to do nothing more than embrace Issei at that very moment.
Released from her back were a pair of crimson wings that detached themselves and reappeared before her like a pinwheel that was charging itself up with energy. "Crimson Annihilation" Shooting forth was a massive crimson blast of energy that Sairaorg was able to defend against. Seeing how this wasn't able to bring him down, the lion and dragon began duking it out with each other. Exchanging fist for fist, kick for kick, the impact of blows creating thundering sound effects.
In the end, Issei was the one who threw the last punch. Right before Sairaorg could be eliminated she heard from Regulus how Sairaorg had lost consciousness, and how he enjoyed the chance to fight against her even if it meant putting his dream on the line to do it. Hearing of such strong ambitions and bravery, Issei stepped forward and kissed his cheek. "You are one hell of a great man, Sairaorg. You've truly earned my respect," said Issei just before the Gremory group was declared the winner of today's match.
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