Draconis: And we're back.
Issei: Already?
Draconis: Meh. Might as well get moving toward the next arc.
Rias: (unenthusiastically) Yay...
Draconis: (blinks) Something wrong?
Issei: Remember... (whispers in Draconis' ear.)
Draconis: Oh...sorry.
Rias: (waves him off) It's alright, has to be done sooner or later.
Draconis: Where the hell is your co-star anyway?
Issei: Uhm...the interdimensional bookshop didn't have the book he was looking for yet. So he said he was going to get it at the source.
Draconis: (sweatdrop) I really hope he doesn't do anything stupid while he's there, I do not need him getting sealed into someone.
Rias: (confused) What are you two talking about.
Draconis and Issei: Nothing.
Dragon of the Elements
Chapter 4
The Arrival of the Phoenix
Draconis: Begin!
(start)
Kenshin shot out of his front door where Rias was waiting impatiently for him. "Aren't you usually up earlier than this?" Rias asked.
Kenshin glanced up at the sky. "Sorry, I had a weird dream that I guess kinda stretched on for awhile."
"?" Rias glanced curiously at him. "What about exactly?"
"Ah..." Kenshin said. "Better not say anything." He thought.
"Agreed." Issei said.
"Kenshin?" Rias asked.
"Ah, you know what...I forgot what it was about." Kenshin said.
"Oh, was it a good one? I hate it when that happens." Rias said.
"It was alright." Kenshin said. "Best one I've had in awhile, not counting the one I had before I fought the Dragon God." He thought.
"Oh, well that's good at least." Rias said, smiling at him. "Come on."
"Yup." Kenshin said following her through Kuoh. "So what's brought this on?"
"We're going to begin training today." Rias said. "We'll start with physical training."
"Um...for Issei I'm assuming?" Kenshin asked.
"No for you as well." Rias said.
Kenshin shrugged. "Alright."
(break)
A little while later.
"4,997, 4,998, 4,999, 5,000." Kenshin said, doing pushups with Rias laying on him.
"Uuuwaahh! I can feel her breasts pressed up against our backs, and feel them jiggle every time you push up!" Issei gushed.
"Shut up..." Kenshin thought.
"Five thousand, I must say that is impressive, considering the fact you seem to be built for speed." Rias said hopping off of him so he could get up.
"Please." Kenshin said. "The things my old master had me do were a lot harder than this. Now put a giant boulder on my back and have me do this, and maybe I'll break more of a sweat." "Push ups aren't really a power exercise unless you put more weight on you than you actually weigh."
"Whoa...could I possibly do the same as you...uhm...minus the boulder?" Issei asked.
"Probably not." Kenshin thought. "Yeah it's my body we're using, but you have no idea how to control my strength. Muscle memory and all that stuff, between you and me it's all different."
"Something up?" Rias asked.
"Oh, Issei was just wondering if he could replicate my strength." Kenshin said.
"Could he?" Rias asked.
"No, probably not." Kenshin said before giving her the same explanation he just gave Issei. "I don't think I have to say that my body build is better than what his was. He was a student, and I trained every day. For him it'd be like piloting a fighter jet with no prior experience." "I'd be having the same problems if the reverse of our situation happened. Fighting with strength that just isn't there and all. Depending on how long we're together like this, he'll learn eventually."
"I see." Rias said. "So I should be working with him instead of you then."
"Indeed." Kenshin nodded. "But it's not really all that necessary, I have other ways of speeding up his muscle memory to match mine."
"But how will you keep in shape if I do decide to go that route?" Rias asked.
"I'll be fine." Kenshin said waving her off.
"OK." Rias said. "In any case it's about time for her to show up?"
"?" Kenshin arched his brow curiously. "Who?"
"Sorry I'm late!" The two turned to find Asia running up to them wearing a jogging suit similar to what Rias was currently wearing. She tripped and hit her forehead. "Owww..."
Kenshin walked up to her and helped her up. "Are you OK? That was a pretty good spill you took there."
"I-I'm fine." Asia said rubbing her forehead. "Here, have some tea Kenshin-San."
"Thanks." Kenshin said accepting her offer. "So what're you doing out here?"
"Well I heard you and Chief Rias were training together everyday, so I wanted to be of help, but all I could do was make tea." Asia said.
"Aaah don't seem too down about that, I appreciate the effort." Kenshin said with a grin.
"Hic...to finally have a cute girl say such nice things to me, it's like a dream come true!" Issei said crying tears of joy.
"You must have lived a very isolated life." Undine noted.
"No, he's just a super pervert." Kenshin thought.
"I'm sure you'll make a great wife one day." Kenshin said smiling at Asia.
"N-No way! You're funny Kenshin-San!" Asia said laughing nervously.
"..." Rias stared at the two.
"Something up?" Kenshin asked noticing the stare.
Rias shook her head. "It's nothing, let's head back to yours and Issei's house, the luggage should have arrived by now."
"Huh?" Kenshin said.
They walked back to Issei's house and found a large box. "Uh...what's with the box?" Kenshin said.
"It's Asia's luggage." Rias said.
"OK Issei, carry this luggage to the room." Rias said.
"What, why me?" Issei said as he and Kenshin traded places.
"Because Kenshin already proved his strength, it's your turn, besides, shouldn't a gentleman carry her heavy luggage to her room?" Rias asked.
"Her room?" Issei said.
"Yes, from now on, Asia will be living here with you and Kenshin." Rias said.
"E-Eeeehhhh? !" Asia exclaimed, blushing.
Issei grabbed the luggage and carried it up to the guest room, only to be noticed by his parents. "Kenshin-kun, what are you doing?" Issei's Mother asked.
"Oh...uhmm..." Issei said "Still in Kenshin's body...play it cool..." He thought.
"Oh, may we talk in the living room?" Rias asked coming in behind him.
"Save!" Issei thought.
Rias, Issei and Asia gathered in the living room with Issei's parents. Rias explained the situation tactfully, without arousing too much suspicion...although granted that didn't take much effort. "So you see Otou-Sama, Okaa-Sama...due to these circumstances, will you please allow Asia's boarding?"
"..." Issei's father pushed up his glasses. "Otou-Sama...being called that by a foreigner resounds in both body and mind."
"Hey, Otou-San!" Issei thought.
"Issei...Rias isn't using magic this time I can tell. Your parents...are really friggin' gullible." Kenshin said.
"Tell me about it..." Issei said with narrowed eyes, resisting the urge to facepalm.
"You know, if Issei were still alive, we might have a problem with this. Boy was the definition of perversion." Issei's Mother said, his father nodded in agreement.
"Gaah!" Issei thought. "I can't really say anything in my defense, because one this is Kenshin's body, two, they aren't really wrong!"
"Hahahahaha!" Kenshin thought.
Issei's mother smiled. "Kenshin-kun is really well behaved, although there was that one incident of him walking in on me in the shower." She said with a light blush.
"Hn? !" Kenshin said.
"What happened?" Issei thought with an inward glare.
"What? ! My only company before I got here was my sister and we showered on different schedules, before that I was rooming with a female cyborg and her shinso vampire master!" Kenshin said. "I'm still adjusting to living in a normal house!"
"Oh? I should ask Kenshin about this later." Rias thought.
"K-Kenshin-kun does that sort of thing...?" Asia thought with a blush, thinking Kenshin was into mixed bathing.
"Well, Kenshin-kun is a growing boy." Issei's father said stroking his chin. "Wouldn't it be more prudent for her to room and board in another girl's home?"
"He does have a point." Issei said in Kenshin's voice...well to the best of his ability anyway. "Not to say I don't want her here, but it does seem strange."
"You're welcome for the lines." Kenshin said.
"True." Rias said. "Well then, what if Asia were to become your daughter then?"
"What do you mean?" Issei's father asked.
"Asia trusts Kenshin quite a bit. Kenshin may have a little hidden streak of perversion himself, but he's not one outright. He even protected her life with his own."
"Kenshin?" Issei's mother said. "Is this true."
"Yeah." Issei said.
"Kenshin is also pretty straightforward, able to charge forward and tear down any difficulty in his path." Rias said. "Asia and myself are well charmed by this, right Asia?"
"Y-Yes! K-Kenshin-San saved my life without any care for his own safety!" Asia said, feeling put on the spot.
"He didn't do it to try and win points with you did he?" Issei's father asked making Kenshin glare at him. "What?"
"I don't do that." Kenshin said.
"S-Sorry." Issei's father said. "When we say Issei was the very definition of perverted...we aren't kidding. God rest his soul."
"OK." Kenshin said.
"Well then, her time living here will also be as bridal training, how does that sound?" Rias asked.
"Bride? !" Kenshin and Issei's parents all exclaim.
Kenshin sighed and took a drink of tea as Issei's parents cried tears of joy, gushing about how while they wouldn't have a grandchild, they would have a nephew. "Wow...that's...all it took...no illusions, no nothing..." Kenshin thought.
"That's my parents for you." Issei said, pinching his nose in disbelief.
(break)
Kenshin, Asia and Rias walked down the street, away from the Hyoudou household. Kenshin tapped Rias on the shoulder as Asia looked around. "Are you OK?" Kenshin asked in a low tone.
"Yes, why?" Rias asked.
"Well, it just seems like whenever you mention the word bride or anything related to it, you start seeming gloomy." Kenshin said.
"...I can't hide anything from you can I?" Rias asked with a small smile.
"Well, on a job in my line of work, the wrong mindset could get you killed. Whenever I had more accomplices than just my sister I made sure they were mentally prepared and weren't thinking of anything that was bothering them. Old habits die hard I guess." Kenshin said with a shrug.
"Oh it's nothing serious, I'm just catching myself thinking about the various omiai's I've been forced into participating in." Rias said waving him off.
"You sure?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes." Rias nodded.
"OK." Kenshin said letting the subject drop. "Remember my offer though, OK?"
"Of course, I haven't forgotten." Rias said.
(break, again)
A few days later.
Kenshin and Asia were walking toward Kuoh Academy together. "Any reason I can't do this?" Issei asked.
"You still need to train physically, or mentally in the Phantasmagoria. You should be thankful, you don't have to really go to school." Kenshin thought.
"Eh, good point. How do I enter the Phantasmawhatsit?" Issei asked.
"Phantasmagoria, and just meditate and clear your mind." Kenshin thought.
"Uhmmm..." Issei said.
"Haahh...Gnome, do you mind?" Kenshin thought.
"Wait, nononononono! (Smack!)(thud!)" Issei was knocked out by the earth spirit.
"Thank you." Kenshin thought.
"I'm so excited! This is my first time going to an actual school with you Kenshin-San, usually it's Issei-San." Asia said with a low tone at the end.
"Neheheheh..." Kenshin chuckled seeing the envious stares he was getting.
"What's so funny?" Asia curiously asked.
"Nothing, so...have you been getting along with the other students?" Kenshin asked.
"Yes. I've made a lot of friends. I even got invited to go shopping with them." Asia said with a bright smile.
Kenshin closed his eyes and smiled back. "That's good." He said petting her head. In his mind recalling what she said before she died back in the church.
"Tehehe!" Asia giggled.
The two soon ran into Matsuda and Motohama, who greeted Asia, then the former tried to punch Kenshin in the stomach. (crunch!) "Aaahh! What the hell is your gut made out of, solid rock? !"
"Nope." Kenshin said with a smirk. "It's what happens when you work out a lot, flabby."
"You!" Matsuda snapped with a glare. "I'm not out of shape!"
"Compared to me, you are." Kenshin retorted.
"So tell me Kenshin T. Kuroshi, why is it you and Asia-Chan have been coming to school together every single day?" Motohama asked.
"Because she lives with me." Kenshin answered. "Not that it's any of your business."
"Is that true? !" The perverted duo exclaim.
"It is, Kenshin-San and I are living together under the same roof." Asia said with a smile. "He wakes me up every morning, and I help his aunt prepare breakfast for him and his uncle. One time he even needed a shoulder rub to work out a pain in his left shoulder.
"Huh? !" Kenshin thought. "I never made a request like that!"
"It was the pervert." Salamander said.
"Aaaiighhh.." Kenshin thought.
"Could you introduce us to at least one girl? !" Motohama exclaimed grabbing Kenshin's jacket. "You're friends with the two idols, Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima, and Koneko-Chan, now even Asia-Chan as well? !"
"Will you two piss off if I do?" Kenshin asked and was whacked on the head by Matsuda. "You wanna die? !" Kenshin snapped.
"Easy on the swearing in front of a pure maiden you jackass!" Matsuda said.
Kenshin chopped him on the top of his bald head. "Practice what you preach! Now hang on." Kenshin said turning around and taking out his cell phone. "Hmm..." A wicked grin crawled up his face. You see, in between the fight against Raynare and this point and time, Issei and Kenshin took a contract for someone named Mil-tan. A burly man whose request was to become a magical girl.
"Good evening, my name is Mil-Tan and my dream is to become a magical girl!"
Unfortunately for Kenshin he was the one that had to fulfill the contract for Issei who had burned out his time for that day.
Kenshin looked this strange person up and down. It was obviously a male...wearing a magical girl costume...it struggled to fit his muscled frame...and...was that a thong.
To his credit Kenshin kept his face neutral, but in his mind however...he, the spirits and Issei said one thing.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! ! !"
Kenshin shivered at the memory. He would rather fight the God of Dragons and the King of Demons of his world back to back once more than see something like that again. But duty...pranking calls. "Hello, Mil-tan? How ya doin'? Good? Good! Hahaha, full of power huh, don't overdo it now. OK, you doing anything today? No? OK. Just checking. Hahaha, OK bye."
Kenshin wrote Mil-tan's address down and turned to Matsuda and Motohama grinning. "Alright, Mil-tan isn't doing anything today, go to this address after school, got it?"
"Sweeet! Hahaha, you're awesome!" Matsuda said as the two ran off.
"Heheheheheheh, suckers." Kenshin snickered confusing Asia.
"Must you be so cruel Kenshin?" Salamander asked with a laugh.
"Those two won't leave him alone, I don't blame him in the slightest." Undine said laughing to herself as she did.
"Those two are gonna be scarred for life!" Sylph said giggling cheerfully.
"That's the plan." Kenshin thought
(break)
Later that day Issei and Asia had just finished handing out both Asia's and his own fliers. Kenshin traded places with him, wanting to get some training in his 'old stomping ground' as he called the Phantasmagoria that Ddraig had made.
"Sorry for troubling you with this." Asia said.
"Hahaha, don't worry about it, I had do this for myself as well." Issei said. "Besides neither of us can warp by ourselves right now. That jerk Kenshin can though." Issei grumbled.
"Ahahahaha..." Asia laughed uneasily.
Asia leaned against him. "Asia?" Issei said.
"I'm kinda tired...can I trouble you for this?" Asia asked.
"U-Uh, s-sure, go right ahead." Issei said with a light blush.
"Let's take our time, OK?" Asia asked.
"Alright..." Issei said. "Oh man, I'm actually having a intimate moment with a girl, my body or not this is awesome!" Issei thought.
Soon they were back Occult Research Club room. "We're back!" Issei called out.
"Well then, Good work. I'll go make some tea." Akeno said with her usual smile.
"So how was the evening date?" Kiba asked.
"The best!" Issei exclaimed with a wide grin.
"I-Issei-San, geez..." Asia murmured with a blush.
"Illicit sexual interactions, late at night..." Koneko said with a neutral gaze.
"Koneko-Chan...!" Asia said blushing darkly.
Issei approached Rias' desk where she appeared to have dozed off. "Chief, we're back." Issei said.
"..." Rias didn't respond.
"Chief we're back...!" Issei called out, a bit louder than before.
"!" Rias' eyes snapped open. "Oh, Kenshin you're..."
"Issei, Kenshin's getting some mental training in." Issei said.
"Oh, well you're all back, so shall we start the meeting?" Rias said rubbing her eyes. "Could you ask Kenshin to take a break Issei?"
"Uhm...well the place we go to in order to do our mental training, I can't quite get to on my own." Issei said.
"Then how do you get there?" Kiba asked.
"Kenshin has the earth spirit knock me unconscious." Issei said.
"I see, Koneko." Rias said.
"Hai." Koneko said approaching Issei.
"Nononononono! (Whack! Thud!)" Issei crumpled to the floor as Koneko jabbed her fist on top of his head.
Kenshin turned to find Issei. "What is it?"
"Rias wants you to take a break for a me- whoa? ! There were a lot more floating rocks when I left here!" Issei said.
"And? They respawn." Kenshin said.
"But still how did you destroy them? I left you in here a couple of hours ago!" Issei said.
"A lot of people back home could do this, and I guess I could take five, I'm starting to get a headache anyway." Kenshin said. "Alright let's get you out of here." He approached Issei.
"Come on man, that'll make three times in one day!" Issei complained.
(flick!)
Kenshin flicked Issei on the forehead and he was ejected from the phantasmagoria. Kenshin soon followed."Stand next to the mirror." He said. "You can keep control."
"OK." Issei thought walking over to the mirror.
"What's up?" Kenshin said from the mirror.
"Nothing really, it's just we have a meeting to attend to, and your presence is required." Rias said.
"And you like you were just sleeping, so I guess we better make this quick, so you catch up on the Z's eh?" Kenshin said with a grin.
An embarrassed blush appeared on Rias' face as she cleared her throat. "Yes, well...I was thinking of Asia making her debut tonight."
"Huh?" Asia said, confused.
"Means that now that you've finished handing out fliers, you now have to answer a summons and secure a contract." Issei said.
"M-Me?" Asia asked pointing at herself.
"Well of course, if I keep making you hand out fliers, you two...well three will continue to date each other." Rias said with a teasing smile.
"Wai...what? !" Asia and Issei exclaimed while Kenshin chuckled.
"What's wrong with showin' a friend a good time? Do I sense a hint of jealousy in your voice?" Kenshin asked.
"Not at all, just remember you're there on work first." Rias said in a smooth tone.
"Whatever you say madam." Kenshin said with a shrug.
"Alright, Akeno, could you please check if Asia is able to teleport via magic square?" Rias asked.
"There has been some circumstances, so I won't bother checking you again Issei." Rias said.
"Affirmative...I'm just an unprecedented devil who has zero magical capability." Issei said with a sigh.
"Chief Rias, she's fine within our kin." Akeno said. "She might even be second only to you in terms of magical power. She has a lot of hidden potential. She even passes myself and Kenshin-kun."
"That's great news. I might be able to make full use of my new bishop's abilities." Rias said.
"..." Kenshin takes over his body and taps Rias on the shoulder. "I just thought of something." He whispered.
"What is it?" Rias asked in a low tone.
"Asia's an amazing healer, there's no doubt about that, but she can't defend herself. What if she gets attacked like Issei and I did by the psycho rouge priest Freed?" Kenshin said. "Or just as bad, what if her summoner tries to molest her?"
"Hmmm...you bring up a very good point." Rias said stroking her finger under her chin.
"And another thing." Kenshin said with a sidelong glare at the mirror. "I'd like to be the one to handle the responsibility of being her protector if it's someone in this body that you pick."
"Why?" Rias asked.
"Two words. Super Pervert." Kenshin said with narrowed eyes.
"Aw come on Kenshin I was only..." Issei said.
"Letting your lust take charge, goddamn you're worse than a neko youkai in heat!" Kenshin thought.
Rias giggled to herself hearing this conversation. "Koneko, please take Asia with you for a few of your summons and show her the ropes."
"OK." Koneko said, munching on a banana.
"Good idea, in a pinch Koneko can use her strength to defend Asia." Kenshin said.
"And the two of them look so cute together!" Issei gushed.
"Pleasure to meet you Asia-Senpai." Koneko said holding out a banana. "Want one?"
"Y-Yes, the pleasure is all mine." Asia said. "Um...sure I guess."
"Oh, here comes a request now." Akeno said.
Koneko and Asia prepared to leave. "I'll see you when I get back Issei-San, Kenshin-San!" Asia said waving at them.
"OK." Kenshin said. He turned to Rias. "Anything for me and Issei?"
"No." Rias said shaking her head. "Why don't you go home and lay down and get some rest. Your mind must be worn out from all the training in that phantom world you two told me about."
"Hmm...now that you mention it, I am kinda beat." Kenshin said. "What about you Issei?"
"Yeah, me too." Issei said. "I guess two souls in a single body must get exhausting for the body in question."
"I usually have great stamina though. Ah well." Kenshin said. "Good night Rias."
"Night Chief." Issei said as the two left the club room.
As Kenshin approached the Hyoudou household Issei spoke up. "Do you think Chief is acting strange?" He asked.
"Issei if it's obvious to you, it's been obvious to me for awhile." Kenshin thought.
"You don't have to be a dick about it." Issei replied with a glare.
"Hah, my bad." Kenshin thought. "I've asked her about it before, something's been bugging her since the day after we recruited Asia. It's gotten to where I've actually almost beaten her a couple of times in chess. She seems distracted."
"You don't think it's Asia do you?" Issei asked.
"Nah, if it was I don't think Rias would have recruited Asia into her peerage, no matter how much we asked." Kenshin thought.
"What did she say when she asked you about it?" Issei asked as they entered the house. Kenshin found a note on the fridge saying that Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou wouldn't be back until late and left money for him to order a pizza.
"She said that she was just thinking about her past omiais that her parents set up for her." Kenshin thought.
"Omiais?" Issei asked confused.
"It's an arranged marriage between two families." Kenshin thought. "Usually done when the child is still a baby, or possibly before birth after the sex has been determined."
"That's screwed up." Issei said.
"Indeed." Kenshin thought as they entered Issei's room. He'd order out later. He laid on the bed and lit up a smoke.
"You know nicotine's bad for you right?" Issei asked.
"These don't have nicotine." Kenshin said. "They're the other smokes you have to roll yourself."
"Wha?" Issei said.
"You need to live a little." Kenshin thought.
He took a long drag and inhaled, then exhaled. "Wonder what the deal is though. Sending Asia away with Koneko...sending me home early...Issei's folks aren't home...man...one could really take advantage of this situation for their own pleasure."
"Dude, you're not gonna thumb through my magazine stash are you?" Issei asked.
"Unlike you I could probably go out and get a woman." Kenshin thought rolling his eyes.
Suddenly a magic circle appeared on the floor. "Huh? The Gremory clan's crest?" Kenshin said sitting up. Rias appeared, with a serious expression on her face. "Is...everything alright? Did something happen and we need to go help Asia and Koneko?"
"...It's something else." Rias said grabbing Kenshin's wrist and guided his hand upward while her other hand snaked around his neck, moving upward to his ears.
Kenshin saw where she was guiding his hand to and felt his face heat up. He then felt his ears being scratched. "Mmrnn...R-Rias what're you...? !" Before he knew it, his hand was grasping Rias' left breast and she was straddling him.
"Kenshin, Issei, whichever...please...take me now!" Rias said.
"? !" Kenshin stared at her in shock. "R-Rias?"
"Please...take my virginity right at this moment." Rias said staring him right in the eyes.
(ba-dump!)
"Holy shit!" Issei said. "She wants us to what? !" He finished with a nosebleed.
She got off of Kenshin's lap and began undressing. "R-Rias, did you find that wine bottle I hid at the club room?" Kenshin asked with wide eyes.
"No, I wasn't even aware you had hidden one." Rias said as her skirt hit the floor, followed by her shirt.
"O-OK, so you're not drunk..." Kenshin said.
"A...Am I not good enough?" Rias asked with a hurt look.
"I-I didn't say that, but this is just very, very sudden!" Kenshin said waving his hands in defense.
"I've thought a lot about this...and there's no other way." Rias said.
"Wh-What?" Kenshin asked, his heart rate soaring. "Please don't let THAT kick in!" He thought to himself.
"If something like this is done...there is no turning back and there would be nothing they could say among those close to me." Rias said. "There was no one other than you who could do such with me...Kenshin...after all our two families have an alliance together."
"W-Well, I am flattered that you chose me to..uhm..steal your chastity..." Kenshin said with a small smile.
"You do have experience...it'd have been nice to share a pure moment with another virgin, but...you do know how to make it as painless as possible, right?" Rias asked with a slight blush.
"I'll do what I can, if this is really what you want." Kenshin said.
"...Thank you..." Rias said unclasping her bra and throwing it to the side. She took his hand and guided it to her breast again. "Do you feel it?"
"Yeah...your heartbeat is as fast as mine is right now." Kenshin said.
Rias smiled and started to tug down her panties when another magic circle flared to life. She narrowed her eyes in disappointment. "Damn, I was so close."
"Who is it this time? Is Sirzechs himself gonna stop me from doing this? I wouldn't blame him." Kenshin thought to himself.
"Did you think that by doing this, the engagement would be broken?" A female voice asked.
"You say that, but if I don't do it. Otou-Sama and Onii-Sama will never listen to me." Rias said glaring at the woman. "Right Grayfia?"
"Grayfia?" Kenshin said.
"If it's discovered that you are giving your purity to this former demon, using him in such a way, I believe Sirzechs-Sama would be saddened." Grayfia said.
"..." Kenshin glared at her. "I don't like your tone. It's like you're thinking of me as some kind of low rank scum."
"Alliance or no alliance, as a devil you should be of a low class or even middle class, unfit to share a bed with a highborn like Rias-Sama." Grayfia said.
"Cute." Kenshin said getting out of bed. Getting ready to say something when Rias cut in.
"My chastity is mine to give, what's the matter with giving it to a man I approve of?" Rias asked.
"You mentioned the name Sirzechs didn't you?" Kenshin asked.
"I did, and please do affix an honorific next time you refer to him. He is one of the Four Great Satans." Grayfia said.
Kenshin crossed his arms as Rias turned her head to him. "How do you know my brother's name?"
"It's because of Sirzechs Lucifer that I'm even here." Kenshin said with narrowed eyes, stunning Rias.
"Wh-Wha? ! M-My brother brought you here? !" Rias exclaimed. "But you said you didn't recall how you got here!
"He asked me not to say anything, but I feel I might as well at this point." "Now Grayfia. If you have any issues with how I am handling my duties. Take it up with him, because I have zero interest in them." Kenshin said.
"I am merely here to prevent Rias-Sama from doing something reckless." Grayfia said. "I have no issues with you personally."
"Didn't stop you from referring to me as a low class schmuck." Kenshin said.
Grayfia bowed respectfully. "My apologies, I shouldn't have addressed you so rudely."
"In any case, when you see Sirzechs again. Tell him if he lied to me, I'm gonna belt him one." Kenshin said. "He'll know what you mean."
"You mean to threaten one of the Four Satans?" Grayfia said with narrowed eyes.
"If he's stronger than the God of Dragons, he won't have anything to worry about." Kenshin said.
"You think you still have claim to the same power you used to defeat him?" Grayfia asked.
"The God of Dragons? Defeat?" Rias muttered in puzzlement.
"Oh? You were watching with him? Did you make a movie night out of watching finer points of my life?" Kenshin asked. "Please tell me if I'm wrong." Kenshin said with narrowed eyes.
"Watching your life?" Rias asked.
Kenshin didn't say anything, keeping his eyes on the maid. Grayfia closed her eyes. "I'm not all that sure what Sirzechs was thinking when he began observing you, maybe because he thought you had a shot at becoming as strong as your clan's founder Ragnarok one day. I personally don't see how a man with a constant deathwish could."
Kenshin smirked. "What you see as a constant deathwish, is a complete and utter lack of fear." Kenshin said. "If it's my time, then it's my time."
"Don't you think you should be more responsible with your clan's legacy? After all you are the Last Son of the Kuroshi clan." Grayfia said.
"The Last Son of the Kuroshi?" Rias said. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Kenshin narrowed his eyes again, this time glaring hard at the maid. "Choose your next words very carefully. If they're wrong...my blade comes out and we're going to have a huge problem."
"At your current level of power I'd defeat you...easily." Grayfia said staring hard at him.
"You really think I care?" Kenshin asked clenching his fist, baring his fangs at her.
"Kenshin?" Rias asked, a surprised look on her face.
Grayfia sighed. "I apologize again. Anything pertaining to the fate of your families was something Sirzechs-Sama viewed alone. If I have offended you in some way I am sorry."
Kenshin unclenched his fist and took a breath. "Fine. Now..."
"Why are you here?" Rias asked as she got dressed again. "Did you come here by your own will, my father's or my brother's?"
"All of the above." Grayfia said.
Rias sighed. "Very well...I understand. Both of you, I'm sorry I pulled you into this. Kenshin, Issei."
"Issei? You mean to say this man also contains the wielder of the...?" Grayfia asked.
"Yeah, He contains the wielder of the Crimson Dragon Emperor's Boosted Gear." Rias said. "Just as well, Kenshin himself could be referred to as the Second Elemental Dragon Emperor as he can use the elements just as the previous one did with enough training. At least one of them is my pawn." "Anyway, let us go to my stronghold to have this discussion, having Akeno with me will be enough."
"That's fine, the king usually keeps their queen alongside." Grayfia said.
Rias approached Kenshin and kissed him on the cheek. "I apologize for this leading to something upsetting you."
Kenshin shook his head. "It's not your fault, and in the end, the maid back there was just doing her job. So no hard feelings eh?" He asked.
"Agreed." Grayfia said. "Have a nice night Kuroshi Tsuki Kenshin."
"Ah huh." Kenshin said.
The two disappeared and Kenshin flopped down on the bed. "Well that was disappointing."
"So you do have a bit of pervert in you." Issei said.
"When a woman like that wants to have sex with me, you better believe it." Kenshin thought.
"So...what was that all about? You got really pissed when the maid mentioned your family." Issei said.
"I'd rather not talk about it, I don't have the energy." Kenshin thought.
"OK." Issei said with a shrug.
Kenshin reached into the collar of his shirt and pulled out his necklace which had a small photo album attached to it. He started thumbing through it.
"Huh...so you weren't always the sword wielding badass you make yourself out to be." Issei thought seeing some of the pictures.
"Ugh! Turn your head!" Kenshin thought. "These are friggin private!"
"Fine fine! Fuck!" Issei said. "Although those two girls standing next to you in what look like school uniforms were pretty cute. Even that one wearing what looked like teacher's clothes."
"Ugh...the girls in the uniforms were my twin sister and younger sister. Yukari and Miyuki Tsuki. The other one was a very, very close friend named Negi." Kenshin thought.
"Very Very huh? Did you...y'know..." Issei said with a familiar gleam in his eyes.
"Rrgh! Gnome!" Kenshin thought.
"Wait, nononono I'm sor-! (Whack!) (Thud!)" Issei hit the ground, having been knocked unconscious yet again by Gnome the Earth Spirit.
"Thank you again Gnome." Kenshin thought, and received a mental nod. "Now I can look through my old pictures in peace." He thought as he flipped through the pages. As he reached the end something fell into his hand. "Hm? What in the world was a red chess piece doing in my album? Did Rias sneak it in while I was asleep or something?" "Aah, I'll ask her about it tomorrow." He thought laying back down.
He dozed off wondering about a lot of things. Why he was here? Certainly Sirzechs could have found someone else to do this job. Then again that whole bit about giving Kenshin an actual future seemed genuine to him. What was the deal with Rias and why did she try to force herself on him? He could see it in her eyes. She wouldn't have done what she did if she didn't feel it was a last resort. Although it did flatter him greatly that she considered him 'mate material.' How things back home were going. He always thought about this. He figured Yukari, his younger sister Miyuki and his very close friend Negi could take care of themselves if Sirzechs did indeed lie to him about his soul replenishing itself when it was reincarnated, but he still worried about them.
Finally he wondered...what kind of man his ancestor Ragnarok was, to have earned the respect of the devils of this world, and even of Ddraig. Maybe he could ask the spirits, they had to know something, right?
With all this in mind. He finally slipped fully into a slumber.
(break)
The next day.
"Man that was a let down, we could feel her breasts against our palms and everything!" Issei said.
"Yeah..." Kenshin thought.
"Huh...usually at this point you'd chastise me." Issei said.
"Normally I would, but I kinda got a lot on my mind." Kenshin thought.
"Yen for your thoughts?" Issei asked.
"Thanks, but no thanks, I'll be fine." Kenshin thought.
"There's something you're wondering about, what is it?" Salamander asked.
"Well, since you brought it up Salamander. Do you mind me asking about my ancestor, Ragnarok?" Kenshin asked.
"What about him?" Salamander asked.
"What kind of a man was he? He seems to be greatly respected amongst Rias' family and the devils, even Ddraig sings his praises." Kenshin thought.
"...Do you mind if this waits?" Salamander asked.
"Why?" Kenshin asked.
"We need to gather our thoughts, all four of us." Salamander said. "We were...very close to Ragnarok."
"Very well, take all the time you need, it's not urgent." Kenshin thought.
"Is everything alright Kenshin-San? Morning training was canceled, are you hurt anywhere?" Asia asked having been walking next to him the whole time.
"Rias didn't feel up to it today." Kenshin said.
"Oh, so something's wrong with her?" Asia asked.
"She's got a lot on her mind." Kenshin said. "It's what she said anyway." "Hm?" He saw two people rushing up to him.
"KEEEEEENNNNSHIIINNNN! ! !" Kenshin ducked as Matsuda and Motohama tried to clothesline him.
"The fuck's wrong with you two?" Kenshin asked. "How's Mil-tan?" He asked with a snide grin.
"Don't fuck with us you bastard! It was a dude wearing a goth loli outfit. And there were several of them!" Matsuda shouted with Motohama nodding in agreement.
"Oh fuck there's more?" Kenshin said, his face going pale. "Thanks for taking the grenades for me guys."
"Grenade nothing! That was a whole fucking case of C4!" Motohama shouts.
"Pahahahahaha! Indeed, indeed!" Kenshin said with a wide grin. "Anyway fellas I gotta go." Before he could leave the two perverts tried to suplex him, but in turn got suplexed themselves. "You are now within the limits of Suplex City. Would you like a tour? Or would you like to go straight to the mayor's office?"
"No thanks!" The two yelled in fright as they took off.
"Suplex City?" Issei asked.
"It's a reference to pro wrestling." Kenshin thought.
"Aah." Issei nodded.
Later the two met up with Kiba and Kenshin explained what was going on on the way to the clubroom. "Hm...her problems might be stemming from the Gremory household."
"I guess." Kenshin said as they entered the room. Akeno, Koneko, Grayfia and Rias were already present.
Rias turned to them. "Good, now that you're all here. I have something to say before we begin activities."
Grayfia glanced at Kenshin and Asia, making the latter hide behind the former. Kenshin patted Asia's head in response. "Don't worry, she's not a bad person." Kenshin said with a smile. He turned to Grayfia and mouthed. 'Hey, just because we got off on the wrong foot doesn't mean she should.' Grayfia nodded in response.
"Ojou-Sama, shall I say it?" Grayfia offered, only to be waved off by Rias.
"Actually...I'll be sayi-..." Rias was cut off by a large magic circle flaring to life.
"This crest belongs to the Phenex clan." Kiba noted.
"The so called immortal bird eh?" Kenshin muttered.
From the circle appeared a man wearing a purple suit and white dress shirt. Kenshin watched him approach Rias. "Just from how this idiot walks, I already don't like him. Wait isn't this the asshole I pickpocketed?" Kenshin thought.
"My lovely Rias, I've come to see you. It's sudden, but let us go to the location for the ceremony. The date is set, it's better to get it over with." The man said getting uncomfortably close to Rias, annoying her. He tried to touch her face with his finger only for.
(clench!)
Kenshin walked over and gripped his wrist and pushed him back. "You're too close and it's making her uncomfortable. Back...Off."
"Thank you Kenshin, I was about to force him away myself. The ceremony maybe set Raiser, but until such time you are to know your boundaries." Rias said.
"Hey, aren't you the person that robbed me? !" Raiser shouted at Kenshin, ripping his hand away.
"Heh, you shouldn't be so careless with your money in foreign lands." Kenshin said with a smirk. "Thanks for the cash it kept me fed for a while and I even bought a gift for her with it." He said pointing at Rias.
"And just who the hell are you?" Raiser said.
"You should give your own name before asking another's, firecrotch." Kenshin retorted.
"Pahahahahahaha!" Salamander laughed.
Raiser fumed at Kenshin and Rias giggled to herself. Grayfia cleared her throat. "Kenshin, this is Raiser Phenex, He's a pure-blood, high class devil and the third son from the legendary Phenex clan, and Raiser, the man before you is called Kuroshi Tsuki Kenshin, and sharing a body with him is Hyoudou Issei, the wielder of the Boosted Gear."
"And apparently the firey bitch whose going to be in an arranged marriage with Rias, am I right?" Kenshin asked. "Well that explains last night."
Rias inconspicuously told Kenshin to zip it while Raiser narrowed his eyes at Kenshin. "Kuroshi you said? I had heard rumors that a Kuroshi was here in this world, but I had discounted them."
"What about it? Did one of my kin fuck one of yours or something and now you're riding your high horse about it?" Kenshin asked.
"Grrh! You're really pissing me off." Raiser said with a glare.
"Suck it up princess, I'm an asshole, it's what I do." Kenshin said.
"He knows of your kin Kenshin, because The Elemental Dragon Emperor fought and defeated the then leader of the Phenex in combat, the Phenex clan has felt shame stemming from this loss ever since." Grayfia said.
"Oh ho ho ho, boo hoo." Kenshin mocked Raiser. "Should I feel sorry for you all or something? My kinsmen was just stronger than your leader. Deal with it."
Koneko glanced at Rias. "Kenshin-Senpai really knows how to get under someone's skin."
"I see that." Rias said with a smile. "It makes this really entertaining. I don't think I've seen Raiser this flustered."
"You keep mouthing off to me, and you're going to get hurt you lowborn scum." Raiser said with a scowl.
"Is that a threat?" Kenshin said. "Because if it is it feels very, very idle."
"Alright Kenshin, that's enough. As entertaining as this is, I feel I must cut in before you provoke him into attacking you in this room." Rias said stepping in between them.
"Very well." Kenshin said.
"Now Raiser, If I've told you once, I must have told you a thousand times, I am not going to marry you." Rias declared hotly.
"But isn't your clan being very pressing with this?" Raiser asked.
"It's none of your damn business, I, the next heir of the Gremory clan will choose my own suitor." Rias said glaring at him. "They're hurrying it too much, even though they promised they would allow me to do as I want until I graduated from the university here."
"Hey Kenshin, mind if I try something?" Issei asked.
"Sure! Get in on the fun!" Kenshin thought as they traded places and Issei took a couple of side steps to Rias' right.
"?" Raiser glanced over at him for a moment, as Rias spoke to him.
Issei held up his right fist and his left fist next to each other, where Raiser could see them. He began making a cranking motion with his left fist until his right middle finger stood up tall. He assumed a mock, aghast look and tried to put it down, only for it to spring back up. He then shrugged animatedly with his left arm. Raiser scowled at him, Rias turned to look at him and he started whistling innocently. Seeing nothing wrong she turned back to Raiser.
"That was pretty good." Kenshin said. "Try this..." Issei nodded and prepared himself.
Raiser started going on about the dire straits that the devil race was in. Kenshin told Issei to not begin yet. Then he went on about how Rias should be more willing to protect the pure blood of their race and how the reincarnated devils were gaining more and more leverage every day. Issei started mouthing each word that Raiser said, as he said it, making exaggerated expressions as he did. Kenshin meanwhile rolled his eyes at the way Raiser was talking to Rias. One thought crossing his mind. "Who are the Seventy Two Pillars?" He wondered.
"Ugh! I can't take this anymore!" Raiser said glaring hotly at Issei.
"What?" Issei said.
"You're sitting there mocking everything I say as I say it!" Raiser said.
"No I'm not." Kenshin said, taking back over.
"Don't sit there and lie to me you son of a bitch!" Raiser shouts.
"Oh, you must be referring to the other soul I got in my body." Kenshin said. "Yeah, he's kind of a dick to annoying people."
"Will you at least try to take this seriously?" Grayfia asked with a sigh.
"Take what seriously? This idiot trying to guilt trip Rias into having sex with him?" Kenshin asked. "By the way, nice dusting off an apocalypse movie relic and tuning it up to fit your needs. Please, become my bride and bear my child so we can preserve our race!" He said. "Basically the gist of it."
"Besides I won't destroy my clan, I do intend to give them a son-in law soon." Rias said.
"Then you'll mar-" Raiser was cut off.
"From the look of her, you're way down on her list of acceptable suitors." Kenshin said. "Hell she'd likely take me and Issei over you, and we've only known her for a few weeks."
"You aren't wrong." Rias said smiling at him. "The differing personalities would make the relationship very interesting."
"Mrow." Kenshin said smiling at her with narrowed eyes.
"Woohoohoo!" Issei gushed.
Raiser glowered at the two. "You know Rias, bearing the name Phenex I cannot allow it to get stained like this."
"Again." Kenshin quipped.
"Again." Raiser said without thinking. He snapped at Kenshin. "Fuck you!"
"You would!" Kenshin snapped back.
"Grrrh!" Raiser growled. "And to think I came all the way from the underworld for you, and I don't even like the human world."
"Then why were you here before?" Rias asked.
"Location." Raiser answered.
"In other words, he was stalking you." Kenshin said.
"I've had it up to here with you Kuroshi!" Raiser raising his hand to head level.
"Then mosey on home, or try and shut me up." Kenshin said. "Rias is staying right here with us."
Rias smiled at him. "He's really protective." She thought.
"Well, this is one of his more endearing traits." Grayfia thought. "Sirzechs figured these two would hit it off, and Kenshin would protect her."
"The flames and winds of this world are filthy. You mean to challenge the devil who governs the flame and the wind?" Raiser asked.
"If you think you're so tough Phenex, let's step outside and go a few rounds." Kenshin said with a smirk. "You forget, I'm the dragon who governs the elements, including wind and fire."
"I never had much love for these people." Salamander said. "Some of them were OK, but after Ragnarok took their leader to task, my opinion of them soured."
"They're too serious sometimes! Some of them don't know how to have fun!" Sylph said.
"..." Raiser glared him down before turning his head to Rias. "I will bring you to the underworld with me, even if I have to incinerate your servants to do it."
"I'd like to see you try it, Raiser." Rias said glaring at him.
"Over my dead body you will." Kenshin said glaring at him as well.
"Then I'm in luck, having descended from the immortal bird of legend." Raiser said smirking at Kenshin.
Kenshin smirked back at him. "You fool, there's no such thing as a true immortal. If your claim was true, then there really is no need for this marriage. You wouldn't be able to die, so your clan's legacy would be safe."
"Ojou-Sama, Raiser-Sama, Kenshin-San, please calm yourselves. If any of you do anything rash, I won't stand idly by. I won't hold back, for Lord Sirzechs' honor." Grayfia said with a tone that left little room for argument.
"!" Rias and Raiser backed down while Kenshin rolled his eyes.
"Are you his maid, or are you his wife that happens to be into maid cosplay?" Kenshin wondered aloud. "Aah, how disappointing. I was looking forward to a dance with a partner who would get my blood rushing."
"Dance?" Raiser said.
"He's referring to battle." Grayfia said ignoring Kenshin's wife comment. "It seems he shares a tick with the ancestor who beat your clan's former leader." A noise went off and Grayfia pulled out a cellphone. "Hm? Is this urgent?" She answered the call. "Sirzechs-Sama? What is it? Hm? You want me to...OK, if that is what you wish." She hung up.
"What did my brother want Grayfia?" Rias asked.
"Lord Sirzechs occasionally checks in on you as you know. He's also been doing the same for Kenshin to see how he's adjusting to the new world. After all if something goes wrong it's his responsibility. This conversation just now was one of those check in periods." Grayfia said. "So...I have two ideas for how you can force this marriage off, courtesy of Lord Sirzechs."
"What? !" Raiser shouts.
"The first is a Rating Game, your peerage against Raiser-Sama's." Grayfia said.
"Oh, well that's not so bad." Raiser said.
"Overconfidence is deadly you overcooked pigeon." Kenshin sniped.
"And the other?" Rias asked.
"A duel between Raiser-Sama and Kenshin-San, since the latter seems to want to fight him why not add a stake to it?" Grayfia said.
"I like that second one, but that's just me." Kenshin said.
"Why not both?" Rias asked. "Not to say I lack confidence in Kenshin, but if Raiser does beat him, I don't want Kenshin feeling like it's his fault I'm being forced into marrying Raiser."
"No offense taken. If you wanna get a crack at him Rias, that is fine with me." Kenshin said with a smirk.
"Very well, because a Rating game takes longer to organize, we'll have the duel first. Give me an hour to pick a suitable locale." Grayfia said.
"Hang on, I'm the only one putting up anything in this duel." Raiser said. "How is that fair?"
"How about this, in addition to removing the shame of your clan's past defeat, I'll quit fucking with you." Kenshin offered.
"Huh, that first one slipped my mind, very well, you're on." Raiser said walking out of the clubroom.
"You do know what you're getting yourself into, right?" Grayfia asked Kenshin.
"A fight." Kenshin said.
"Yes, but this will put you on the map as far as devils go. In your past you said you enjoyed anonymity." Grayfia said.
"Because of my surroundings that was the case. This is a new world for me." Kenshin said.
"Well there is that and as I was walking around this town the other day. I saw you with Raiser-Sama's younger sister." Grayfia said, confusing everyone in the room. "Are you close to her, or was that a chance meeting that day?"
"Raiser's sister? You mean Ravel?" Rias asked.
"When was she here I wonder." Akeno asked.
"Strange." Koneko said.
"So that's why you were late coming in that one day." Asia said.
"Kenshin what's going on?" Kiba asked.
"I don't know!" Kenshin said defensively.
"Um...that was me." Issei said. "She said was new in town, and I thought I'd be doing a good deed by showing her around."
"You mean you didn't perv on her?" Kenshin thought.
"Not enough to where she noticed." Issei said
"Issei showed her around town to do his 'good deed for the day'" Kenshin said. "Could really have used a heads up when that happened Issei, I must have been sleeping or training."
"My bad." Issei said.
"Well that explains that, I'll go find a locale for the fight and come back to get you." Grayfia said walking out the door.
A thought occurred in Kenshin's mind and he ran after her. "Um Grayfia-San, excuse me, could I pester you for a moment of your time?"
"Just Grayfia is fine." Grayfia said waving him off. "What is it?"
"I wanted to ask you about something." Kenshin said taking out his album necklace. "After you and Rias left, I went poking around in my photo album, y'know just reflecting on good ol' memories."
"OK..." Grayfia said, wanting to know where this was going. "Your point?"
"Well I found this when I reached the end. It looks like a chess piece from the set I bought Rias, but I checked the set this morning, all the pieces were there." Kenshin said.
"Let me see it." Grayfia said. "It might be an evil piece."
"But, Rias reincarnated me as her pawn alongside Issei." Kenshin said. "And this isn't a pawn." He said holding it out.
"? !" Grayfia stared at it. "Where did you get that?"
"I told you, I found it. It looks like it's a..." Kenshin was cut off.
"That's because it is, but I don't understand, a reincarnated devil with that piece is unheard of." Grayfia said. "Unless..."
"What?" Kenshin said.
"Let me get in touch with Sirzechs-Sama again, he has to know something." Grayfia said.
"OK." Kenshin said with a shrug.
Grayfia called Sirzechs again and put the phone on speaker. "Hello? Is this important Grayfia I'm on my way to meet Serafell about something."
"Serafell?" Kenshin said.
"Another of the Four Satans." Grayfia answered. Kenshin nodded.
"Oh? Kenshin is there too? How are things going so far?" Sirzechs asked.
"Alright, bout to tangle with a Phoenix and show him who the real king of the skies is." Kenshin said.
"Ah you met Raiser I saw that, you were really giving him a hard time." Sirzechs said.
"My lord, Kenshin-San here found an evil piece on his person that isn't a pawn. Did you have anything to do with this?" Grayfia asked.
"I did. I didn't count on the Crimson Dragon Emperor's new wielder taking up all of Rias' pawns, so I gave Kenshin the lowest rank in nobility possible. And just like that he's a king, capable of making his own peerage, his power certainly is on par with the lower ranked kings."
"Oh neat." Kenshin said.
"Don't you need the approval of another...Serafell-Sama approved of it didn't she?" Grayfia asked.
"Indeed." Sirzechs said. "However for the time being Kenshin, I'm holding on to your set, I trust there are no objections?"
"I wouldn't even know what to do with it right now, so fine." Kenshin said.
"But Sirzechs-Sama there's a conflict here with you doing that. Ojou-Sama's Pawn and Kenshin-San share a body, what happens in the case of Rating Games?" Grayfia asked.
"The latter will be prohibited from participating for the time being, without extenuating circumstances, such as their lives being in danger of course." Sirzechs said. "Loss of life in Rating Games isn't unheard of, and I do believe that at this moment, Kenshin is stronger that the Crimson Dragon Emperor. So if the possibility of their lives being in danger does arise, he will be allowed to step in."
"I see, thank you for clearing this up my lord." Grayfia said.
"No problem. Now Kenshin, could you please excuse yourself, I need to speak with my Queen." Sirzechs said.
"Right-o." Kenshin said walking away from Grayfia.
"What is it?" Grayfia asked.
"While this fight is going on, if it looks like Kenshin or Raiser is about to kill each other, interfere. Neither Kenshin or I need the Phenex clan in an uproar because their heir was killed, and I didn't bring Kenshin here to get him killed." Sirzechs said.
"As you wish, Sirzechs-Sama." Grayfia said hanging up the phone.
"That guy didn't have to flat out say that I'm weak." Issei grumbled.
"You're just starting out Issei, people will think that about you often. It's your job to shut 'em up." Kenshin thought.
"You think I can?" Issei asked.
"I know you can." Kenshin thought. "My master once said to me. 'I do not train weaklings or failures. You will succeed or you will be broken.'"
"Your master sounds...pretty hardcore." Issei said with a paled expression.
Kenshin chuckled to himself. "You ain't kiddin'."
Kenshin reentered the clubroom. "Did you find out what you need to?" Akeno asked.
"Yup." Kenshin said.
"You look like you're dying to say something more." Koneko noted.
"Well, I know this. Issei did definitely take up all of Rias' pawns." Kenshin said.
"..." Rias narrowed her eyes. "I see. So you, yourself aren't a member of my peerage."
"Nope." Kenshin said. "Sorry. I was told that if Issei's life is in danger I can step in during a Rating Game however."
"It's not unheard of, but it's very uncommon." Rias said.
"I see." Kenshin said.
"Well in any case. It is a nice opportunity to fight for Chief Rias' honor." Kiba said.
"Indeed." Kenshin said. "I get first crack at him." He finished with a grin.
"And hey, if for whatever reason you can't handle it, we got your back." Issei said from the mirror.
"Hahahahaha." Akeno, Kiba and Kenshin laughed.
Rias turned away, looking out the window. "...They're so confident, but why do I feel so nervous?" Rias wondered. She shook her head. "No, I can't be thinking like this, if I do, I'll have already lost."
Rias turned around to find Kenshin standing alone. "?" She looked around. "Where is everyone?"
"It got a little stuffy in here from everything that was going on, so they went out to get some fresh air." Kenshin said.
"I see." Rias said. She walked up to him. "Did you have to mention something about last night?"
"Hey, all I said was, 'That explains last night.' Kenshin said. "The statement itself is innocuous, and he obviously didn't catch on."
"Maybe so." Rias said closing her eyes. "I owe you my thanks for taking up for me against Raiser, but...I think we could have done without all of the jabs."
"Oh like you weren't giggling over there every time I ruffled his flaming feathers." Kenshin said.
Rias covered her mouth as she started giggling again. "Good point. But it felt at times like you weren't taking him seriously."
"Turnabout's fair play, because it seems like to me, that he wasn't taking the two of us and your peerage very seriously either." Kenshin said. "I know when someone's just brushing me off, even when I'm pissing them off. His little statement about having descended from an actual phoenix proves that he thinks we can't take him on. I don't know about you, but I find that damn insulting."
"You're right, he is vastly overconfident." Rias said.
"Excuse me, Kenshin-kun, Chief Rias. Grayfia says she found a suitable location." Kiba said poking his head in the door.
"Alright." Kenshin said. "Well, let's go show the Phenex we're not to be brushed off."
Rias nodded with a smile and followed him outside. They were guided by Akeno, Kiba, Koneko and Asia to a large clearing deep in the forest. Grayfia was there, as was Raiser, and fifteen women. One of which Issei recognized. "Hey, that's the girl, right there. The blonde one in the pink dress." He said.
"I assume this is your peerage?" Kenshin said taking out his cards. "Why am I not surprised it's all women? You do seem exceptionally desperate for female attention." He quipped with a smirk.
The girl Issei referred to stifled a laugh, prompting a glare from Raiser which she returned. Kenshin called out to her. "Hey, Ravel right?" She turned to him, a puzzled expression on her face.
"Yes, I thought I already told you." Ravel said.
"There's two souls in my body. The one you met was..."
"Named Issei Hyoudou, I remember." Ravel cut him off rolling her eyes.
"Right, I'm the actual owner of this body though. Name's Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi." Kenshin introduced.
"Oh, so you're from that clan huh? Honestly I don't see what our beef is with you. So your ancestor beat ours in a duel. Big deal!" Ravel said throwing her hands in the air.
"My sentiments exactly." Kenshin said with a laugh.
"Ahem!" Raiser said, glaring at Kenshin. "I would appreciate it if you didn't speak to my sister like I'm not even here!"
"Well I'd appreciate it if you fucked off and didn't come back Raiser, but we can't always have it our way can we?" Kenshin said.
"They're all women! Every one! What a bastard, what a man!" Issei said.
"Uuuuggghhhhh..." Kenshin groaned, his shoulders slumping.
"What was that all about?" Raiser and Ravel asked, confused.
"Trust me, I am doing you a kindness by not saying anything." Kenshin said.
"Issei being Issei?" Rias asked.
"A titantic perverted toad yes." Kenshin nodded. Rias sighed to herself.
"Anyway this duel between the King of the Third Phenex Peerage, Raiser Phenex and the King of the Kuroshi Peerage, Kenshin Tsuki Kuroshi will commence shortly." Grayfia said stunning Rias and the others while surprising Raiser. "Give me a few moments to set up the necessary barrier."
"This bastard has a nobility rank? !" Raiser shouts.
"The lowest one available, but yes." Kenshin said. He held out his piece. "The proof is right there."
"Lord Sirzechs noticed that Hyoudou Issei had consumed all of Ojou-Sama's pawns. So he moved to give Kenshin-San the lowest nobility rank so he could have an evil piece and lessen the risk of him going stray." Grayfia said. "Because of the circumstances that surround Kenshin Kuroshi and Hyoudou Issei, if one goes, they both go, and Sirzechs would rather not have the Devil race lose the Crimson Dragon Emperor's Boosted Gear and the Dragon of the Elements." "Lady Serafell approved the movement so he now carries a nobility rank."
"Hmph, when you put it that way, it makes sense." Raiser said crossing his arms. "But still low class is still low class."
"Raiser-Sama, this man is disgusting." Two twin girls said coming up to him wearing gym uniforms.
"Now now, don't say that, it's normal for those born into a lowly caste to look upon the highborns with envy." Raiser said holding the two girls close.
"Riiiggghhhttt, because I was totally looking at you with envy when I was verbally wrecking your shit earlier." Kenshin said with a smoke between his lips. "You might get envious looks out of Issei because his dream in life is to have a harem, but not me."
"Well then I guess you won't mind if I go through a pre-fight ritual of mine." Raiser said before kissing the twins deeply, back to back. Rias let out a disgruntled sigh. Kenshin watched it go on. Noticing Raiser kept staring at him.
"You know if you stare at someone whilst making out with someone else, it makes them think you want to make out with them next." Kenshin said with narrowed eyes. "It's really friggin' creepy.
"Pfft!" Ravel and Rias both had to cover their mouths to prevent a fit of laughter from escaping them. Akeno laughed to herself. Koneko shook her head amusedly at him. Kiba chuckled and Asia blushed.
"Nice!" Issei said with a laugh.
"Cute...but you could never do that with a woman." Raiser said smirking at him.
"...Hahahaha..." Kenshin laughed. "Oh wait you're serious...well let me laugh harder. Hahahahahahahaha! !"
"You've clearly never seen the following Kenshin-kun has here." Kiba said.
"Nor the following I had back home. The only difference is, I don't have to make them my servants first." Kenshin said. "But you see...you have fourteen willing women, my word somebody show them they can do better...but I digress, and you want Rias as well? Man and I thought Ryuujin the embodiment of Avarice...well...in your case it's Avarice and Lust."
"Grrrh! Rias will you tell your clan's ally to knock it the hell off with all the insults? !" Raiser said.
"Most of it is just him trying to get a rise out of you. It's not my problem if you can't deal with it." Rias said crossing her arms under her chest. "But in that same vein. He does speak the truth. Yes, you are a highborn. Yes you have the nobility standing and the lavish lifestyle, but you're also a spoiled, pompous, arrogant bastard who thinks the world owes him everything." Rias said with a huff. "If you acted even half way decent maybe I'd give you slight consideration into what I think is marriage material, but no. Every time this has come up in the past you never did at all. So right now, I am hoping Kenshin here beats some humility into you."
"..." Everyone stared at Rias with varying levels of surprise until Kenshin turned to Raiser and pointed at him. "Gonna need a healer for that one."
"Grh! Before we fight let's see if you can get by one of my pawns, Mira do it!" Raiser said. A girl wearing eastern style robes that ended at the middle of her thighs wielding a staff charged Kenshin who sighed.
"It won't work." Kenshin said as one of his cards disappeared, along with his eyesight. He hardened his gaze at her. "Serene Conqueror." He muttered as Mira froze, eyes wide with intimidation.
"Retreat." Kenshin said in a monotone. "Or fall."
Her knees gave out on her and she crumpled to the ground, unconscious. "What did you do to her? !" Raiser shouts.
"What do you mean? I made her pass out, nothing more, nothing less." Kenshin said canceling his Undine card. "I may have no problems fighting women, but it does bug me to fight one substantially weaker than I am, who...clearly doesn't know what she's getting into at that."
"But how?" Rias asked.
"It's a technique of mine known as the Serene Conqueror." Kenshin said. "It works when I use the water spirit's powers. The technique turns my willpower and intent into pure intimidation, if my target's willpower is substantially weaker than my own, that happens. It's good for avoiding fights against rank and file opponents which are boring, it wouldn't work on you though." Kenshin said to Raiser. "Now, are we going to do this, or are you going to turn tail and run?"
"No." Raiser said. "But I must say, it's good that you're not weak, if I were to embarrass you in this fight, it would be a blow to Rias as well as you as you are fighting on her behalf."
"How nice of you to worry about her status, it's probably all you care about." Kenshin said. "If she wasn't a high born devil, she might actually get some peace of mind from people like you, who only wanna marry her for her position."
"What's wrong with that?" Raiser asked with a small smirk.
"It'd be a loveless marriage. Call me old fashioned, but I believe a marriage should be between two people who actually give a damn about one another." Kenshin said.
"And that why you'll never get ahead, you don't have what it takes to do so." Raiser said.
"Tell me, do you always judge books by their covers or is it just mine?" Kenshin asked rhetorically.
A dome like barrier surrounded the clearing and a good chunk of the forest. Kenshin looked around. "Why is the sky green?"
"This is what the Underworld skies look like." Rias answered.
"Huh, Neat." Kenshin said.
"Alright, now if either of you wish to back out, now is the last chance you'll be given." Grayfia said. "It will be considered the same as a forfeit."
"If there is to be any backing out it'll be by this fool here." Raiser said crossing his arms.
Kenshin's response was to crack his knuckles and call his naginata to his side. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a coward."
"Good...it'll be fun to embarrass the Kuroshi and show Rias that she shouldn't oppose me." Raiser said.
"Alright." Grayfia picked up a rock on the ground. "When this hits the ground, you may begin." She tossed the rock into the air.
Kenshin and Raiser kept their eyes on each other as the small chunk of earth fell to the ground. Then finally when it hit the earth, two of Kenshin's cards disappeared and he shot toward Raiser, his fist cocked back. "Flash Bullet Fist!"
Kenshin's fist tore through Raiser's stomach as he shot by the Phenex Heir. He turned around as the wound created by his attack as flames seemingly restored his body. "..." Kenshin narrowed his eyes.
"Heheheh...you dumbass, that isn't going to work on me." Raiser said, smirking at him.
Rias and the others watched Kenshin's face as an unreadable expression appeared on it. "What's he thinking?" Rias wondered. Suddenly Kenshin smirked widely and said.
"Good, I'd hate for this to end too early."
(chapter end)
Draconis: Program! Get ya program here! The Brash, yet Mighty Elemental Dragon goin' against the nigh invincible Phoenix.
Ravel: Do you have any drinks, I'm parched.
Draconis: (disappears and reappears carrying a drink tray.) Drinks! Get ya drinks, Water, juice, pop, tea, and alcohol!
Ravel: Juice.
Draconis: One Juice for the cute Phenex girl! (hands Ravel a juice)
Rias: Uhm, you wouldn't happen to have any sweets would you?
Draconis: (sighs and comes back with a concession tray.) Take ya pick.
Rias: Thank you.
Kenshin: Ya have any 190 proof alcohol?
Draconis: Ah...dude that would make it ninety five percent alcohol!
Kenshin: I wanna see if I can do drunken fighting at all.
Draconis: (rolls his eyes and hands Kenshin a shot of booze)
Raiser: Any actual ghost peppers?
Draconis: (stares)
Raiser: What? I like spicy food.
Draconis: (Hands Raiser a small basket of ghost peppers.) I'll have the ER on speed dial.
Anyway. I know it may seem like I was bashing Raiser, but really it was just Kenshin actively trying to piss him off at every turn. I'm not really into bashing characters. See you all later.
Draconis678 out.