Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

****

Amid the starlight was the gentle glow of the moon, a glimpse of it could serenade anyone like a song and put them at ease

A boy with short brown hair not older than seven went out to buy some sweets at a nearby store without telling his parents

"Arigatou, Jii-chan!"

"Now best be careful young man."

The boy nodded his head and quickly took off to the direction of his house

He was almost there when something caught his eye, a ginger colored kitten adorning a red ribbon on its tail

"Meow~" it took off running when it saw him coming closer

"Hey, wait!"

He followed it for a few minutes and ended up losing sight of it

"Where did it go?"

The young boy was about to give up, but then he heard a high-pitched mewl nearby

He was at first against the idea of going after it

"I'll just be quick."
He felt a knot in his stomach and tightly clutched the bag of sweets

He ran towards the sound and ended up in the park

The bag was unable to stay longer in his grasp when he dropped it almost immediately after seeing the horrid sight in front of him

The cat he was following earlier is bathing in its own blood, its small frame now possesses a hole in it

"Aaahhh!" He fell on the ground with a loud thud

Two figures stood before him with an indifferent look

A man wearing a gray trench coat over a white dress shirt with matching ascot, black pants, shoes, pair of gloves and a black fedora

Beside him is a woman an inch shorter than him with a buxom figure, wearing a maroon trench coat top with a wide collar, a matching miniskirt and black heels

The woman was holding a light spear that pierced the kitten

"Hmm, you were right, Dohnaseek, this foolish boy did come to us."

The woman that spoke kicked the bloodied kitten away

The brown haired boy slowly backed away from the two, clearly terrified

"W-What do you want with me?!"

The guy named Dohnaseek summoned forth a blue light spear

"Die!" He managed to stand up and was about to make a run for it when he felt himself weakening and fell once more on the ground

He placed a hand on his abdomen and lifted it

A beautiful intoxicating red coated his hand

"Okaasan, Otousan...I'm sorry." he coughs out blood and his eyes starts to lose life

"Your existence poses a threat to us, blame God for planting a sacred gear inside your body."

The two vanished and left him there to die, he didn't understand a word they said and felt regret, hopelessness and excruciating pain from the blow

"If I could be born again, I...I..."

He didn't get to finish when the darkness already consumed him

****

Mr and Mrs. Hyoudou paced back and forth inside their living room, trying their best to stay positive that their son will be back soon

"Maybe we should call the police!?"

"Calm down, Honey. Maybe he just went out to buy something?"

"But he has been gone for an hour already, where would a child go at this hour?!" The wife exclaimed hopelessly and clutches at her husband's shirt 

"I know but we can't make any rash decisions, we can go look or call for help if he's not home after a few more minutes."

Mr. Hyoudou tightly embraced his worried wife, both praying that their son is alright

****

"Sirzechs-sama."

A handsome man who seems to be in his early 20's has shoulder length crimson red hair and blue-green eyes

"What is it?" He didn't take his eyes away from the person he deeply cared for that is lying on the bed that is rather feverish which happens to be his sister. It was just for a moment then he turned to the caller and gave his attention

"Is there something wrong?"

A young woman appearing to be also in her early 20's with long silver hair that is in a long braid on each side with small blue bows at the ends, while the rest is let down which ends in twin braids and has gray eyes

She was wearing a blue and white maid outfit with long sleeves and a white maid headband over her head with red lipstick

"Fallen angels has been spotted in the human world, in Kuoh town of Japan. They have been doing...unnecessary things."

She gave him a grim expression, he got the message and let out a heavy sigh

"I understand." The man closed his eyes for a moment while his hand found its way to his face and pinched the bridge of his nose. Worrying deeply about leaving his little sister to do work he promised not to ditch her for

"Don't worry, she's going to be okay soon." She went behind him and gave his shoulders a squeeze

He kissed his sister's forehead and stood up from his seat and took the hand of his wife and intertwined their fingers

They left the room and immediately went somewhere

"Kuoh huh?"

A young Rias Gremory fluttered her eyes open and slowly sat up and put a hand on her forehead

"Maybe I can help Onii-sama, considering it's my fault that he has been neglecting his job." Rias said to herself with a determined look

She went to her closet and changed into casual set of clothes and silently tip-toed out of the room

"Where are you going young lady?"

"O-Okaa-sama?!"

"So?"

"I-I was just going for a fresh air."

"Really? Are you feeling okay now?"
She went near to her daughter to feel her temperature

"Your fever do seem to have went down."

"Can I go? I'll come back as soon as I can!" she gave her mother a reassuring look

"Fine, now run along but ask one of the maids to accompany you or else you're grounded if I ever found out you disobeyed me, understood?" 

Despite her mother's words, the older woman  embraced her daughter and ruffled her hair and then left 

The crimson haired celebrated in her head and asked some of the maids the whereabouts of his older brother to confirm if what she heard was true ad not just because of her cold

"Seems like he already went to the human world."

She held out her right arm into the air and generated a red magic circle with the Gremory crest in the center

'Here goes.'

She was then enveloped in a bright crimson light and was instantly teleported 

"Where am I? Did I messed up?"

She doesn't know where she is at the moment, since it's has only been a few times she went here in the human world and haven't explored much

Walking around as she looked at the houses with no light on but there were still a few

'I'll take this opportunity to look around.'

She couldn't help but feel nervous with no one around, and thought that it was a bad idea to go alone

Entering the park, a slight breeze rustles the leaves making them fall to the solid ground one by one.The air was cool, the beams of moonlight glowing on her skin, flowers were vast, and they conceal the freshly cut geen grass. Not one human was present

"This scenery made my walk worthwhile." The cool breeze continues to touch her bare skin making her a little cold

She ended up in front of a baroque style fountain made of stone and marble with two medium-sized waterfalls on each side

Rias looked up at the mesmerizing starry sky with a content smile as she listens to the sound of the water, until her smile vanished when she smelled something unpleasant wafting in the air

She raised her guard up and frantically looked around, trying to find where the smell is coming from

The young gremory ran around the fountain and almost fell to her knees when she came across a dead body

"Oh no!" At the back of her mind, she thought that maybe she can still do something to save him

In front of her looks like a young boy with the same age as her or younger, she inspected the body and came to a conclusion that it has been only a few minutes since he died

'what should I do?!'

An idea suddenly popped into her mind and decided to do it

As a High-class devil, she is capable of gathering her own servants into her peerage up to 15 which are represented by each piece in a chess game

****

'Crimson colored hair...Darker than ripe strawberry.'

It was the first thing he noticed when his visions came back, it baffled him that he came back to life

'I thought I died?'

It was like she read his thoughts

"I believed a fallen angel killed you, I'm really sorry for what happened to you, I-I..."

She started to tear up, surprising the young boy and even herself

"P-Please don't cry, it doesn't suit you." While still lying down, he lifted his hand with the one without a trace of blood and brushed her tears away and placed it on her cheek

Rias blushed at his action and leaned on to his touch

It calmed her in an instant and felt safe with him, it's their first time meeting but his mere presence screams something odd about him

There was this fluttering feeling inside him and shrugged it off when he suddenly felt himself weaken by the second, trying to stay conscious as long as possible

"May I know your name?"

It didn't take Rias a second for her to tell him her identity

"W-Wait, you're a devil? Then that makes me a reincarnated devil."

Rias nodded at him, quite surprise how calm he seems to be. She really thought he would be upset that she turned him into her kind

"Are you not.....afraid of me?"

Issei shook his head but stopped immediately when he felt his head pound in pain

"How about you? Your name."

"Sorry, I should have told you first, um, I'm Issei Hyoudou and I want to thank you for saving me..." His hand on her cheek went limp and fell down on the ground. "Issei! Issei!"

He lost consciousness once again

"What am I going to do now?" She nuzzled his hair softly

"Why don't you start by explaining to me why you are here, Rias."

"Eep!" She squeaked in surprise 

Rias abruptly stood up from her seating position and turned to face her older brother with his wife besides him

"Onii-sama! I was going to look for you."

Sirzechs took a step closer to her and patted her head

"If you thought I neglected my duty for you, you don't need to worry yourself about that. Your brother is just really careless, that's all."

She pouted and removed his hand

"Grayfia, can you look for this boy's home?"

"Certainly." She conjured up a magic circle and disappeared

"I see that you revived him, is there a particular reason for that?"

"I-It's nothing." She looked away from him

Sirzechs noticed the pink hue dusted on her cheeks and inwardly smiled

"Are you really fine now? And how come you're here? Did mother let you?"

"Yes I am and I told Okaa-sama that I will just take a breather."

"And here your are, in the human world. You don't even have someone to guard you, you know how dangerous it is."

Rias fought the urge to roll her eyes because of her brother's lecture like a mother but was thankful to have someone so caring

"Don't worry I won't do it again, Onii-sama."

"Good. I won't be punishing you but maybe Mother has a different idea about that."

Another cold breeze passed by them, making Rias shiver

"We need to go home now little ria, before your fever recur." 

"I understand but what about Issei?"

"We'll take him home."

As if on cue, Grayfia appeared

"Sirzechs-sama,"

The said man nodded and took the boy in his arms, while Rias held on to Grayfia like she's afraid to get lost, making the silver haired beauty crack a smile

****

Mr and Mrs. Hyoudou was about to call the cops when they heard the door bell rang

"Issei!!" They shouted when they noticed their young boy unconscious 

Sirzechs let them take the boy and gave them a smile

"Thank you for bringing our son back!"
Mrs. Hyoudou said whilst hugging her son

"There's no need to thank us. We are happy to help."

The couple was first confused as to how they found their house and to what happened to Issei's previous clothes but then they felt everything to be okay, believing the crimson haired

Sirzechs altered their memories as he told them a different story

"Would you like to stay for a while?"

Sirzechs declined the offer and bids them goodbye and the couple thanked them once again

Mr and Mrs. Hyoudou tucked their son in bed and kissed his forehead. Happy to know that nothing is wrong

****

Chapter Text

****

Months has passed since that fateful incident that repeatedly sent him to this gruesome land of horror and revulsion

His Ghastly death of a spectacle seems to be getting worse every night, leaving him desperately crying, his hands shaking uncontrollably and his mind screaming for the agonizing pain to stop as if he might die from it

He sat upright and placed a hand on his forehead, trying to ease the headache. The pain eventually stopped with the help of his friend

"Partner, you alright?" 

"Yeah, thanks Ddraig" He said to the dragon

"I'm sure the pain will end"

Issei looked down at his clenched fist. "Why not now?" He mumbled under his breath

"All in good time"

The heavenly dragon decided not to say anything to him further and left him to his thoughts 

As midnight comes trailing, a clear night illuminated only by the glint of starlight and the radiance of a bright moon letting him forget about every bit of his dreadful memory 

His mind began to wonder back to the night he met the dragon, days after his bloody death and reincarnation

He dreamt of him dying once again with no crimson haired beauty in sight then the vast darkness slowly encompasses him 

Not far from him is a pair of glimmering eyes 

It made his skin crawl 

"Wh-Who are you?"

A powerful aura and intense heat began to emitt at the unknown source and soon flames made an appearance around 

"I am me." 

He sweat dropped at the confusing answer and it scared him knowing that a powerful being is in front of him

"What are you on about?" 

Issei almost fell because of the sight before him, a massive red Western Dragon. He also has red and golden spikes throughout his body

"I just wanted to greet you, since we're fighting together as partners from now on."

"Partners? Who are you? I'm getting confused here."

"I'm sure you already know, considering you're smart for your age. Don't you, partner?"

After that everything went black again 

New white rays shine through the window, light filtered through his thin eyelids that awoken him from his slumber

he blinked a few times, in an attempt to help his eyes adjust to the illumination directed right at his defenseless figure

He turned to his clock and felt relief to see it's still a bit early for him to actually get up and greet his parents

"That was one weird dream." Issei said to himself

"That was not a dream, partner." 

Issei immediately got up and frantically looked around his room. "H-Huh?"

Then he felt something on his left hand, a glowing green disk-shaped thing plastered on the back of his hand

"A sacred gear..." He suddenly remembered the fallen angel's words 

He was desolated by remembering his death

"I see that you remembered, yours is Listed as one of the thirteen Longinus—"

"Longinus what?"

"top-tier Sacred gears that can be used to kill Gods. And what you have is called the boosted gear that my very spirit resides in"

"H-How did you end up as a sacred gear?"

"When the three great powers, God and the angels, the fallen and the devil's were fighting and in the midst of the war, there were two foolish dragons who started a big fight. They fought wildly on the battlefield."

"Why were they fighting anyway?"

"They probably don't remember the reasons themselves."

The dragon continued his story and eventually gave the boy their names. "Those two Dragon's are Ddraig and Albion."

"So I'm guessing your Ddraig." 

Ddraig confirmed his suspicion

His reminiscing halted to a stop when his alarm clock loudly blares its annoying sound, Indicating the time for his meditation

He went to the center of his room and plopped down in an Indian position. Both of his foot is placed on the opposite thigh, head and neck are in line with his spine

Issei closed his eyes as he deeply focuses on relaxing, the silence caressed his skin like a cool summer breeze, smoothing his soul and taking away every jagged edge

****

A second year highschool student who just transferred with short brown hair and light brown eyes, He has a muscular and toned build with a height of 177 cm

Wearing Kuoh Academy boy's uniform, consists of a black blazer that he left open with white accents over long-sleeved shirt with vertical linings, discarding the black ribbon and having few buttons down, a matching black pants, and black combat shoes

It was still so early in the morning that he decided to walk around town that he missed

The streets is as silent as if it ended in the night except for Issei's footsteps echoing. The sun is still resolutely below the horizon and the altitude is really cool

He just got back a few days ago with his parents after staying at the country side with his grandparents for ten years

Issei scanned the new buildings and stores around him, having the same familiar feeling he had back then whenever he strolls around 

"Feeling good, partner?"

"Yup!" he said popping the "p" and took some deep calming breaths

Ddraig was really glad that issei is better compared to before

"As what we have expected, there are a lot of them."

"Hope we won't bumped into one" 

"You're clearly asking for the impossible." Ddraig retorted playfully 

"If we ever encounter them, I'll just kick their asses! I'm not the same naive boy anymore."

Both of them howled in laughter as Ddraig agreed with him

The two were talking about fallen angels that might be lurking around, waiting for the right time to strike and kill him once more

He turned a corner towards the direction of his new school, the only reason he went back is because Kuoh is where the crimson haired beauty resides 

Only a few students are present making him feel relieved and felt relaxed

He toured the large school around and stumbled upon the old school building

****

Rias' POV 

I couldn't sleep well last night and woke up slightly early than usual so I prepared myself for school, something inside me tells me today is going to be different than any other, making me feel anxious and excited at the same time 

I said my farewells to everyone in the house and walked to the direction of Kuoh Academy

I can feel the stares of other people around me, some are whispering things that seems to be too good to be true

"Hope this day goes well."

As I heaved out a sigh, I suddenly felt a familiar aura radiating from somewhere

It made my heart race with anticipation 

I put a hand on top of my chest, trying my best to calm the fast beating 

When I made it in the old school building, I went to one of the wood-paneled room that looks like an office and opened the window and looked outside 

Under the bright sun its rays warm my skin, the leaves of the tree just below have that soft green and the ground is scattered with vivid blooms whose petals dance in the breeze

Then something caught my eye, more like someone, suddenly I can feel my heart beat race once more.

A boy with brown hair lying under the shade of the big oak tree with his eyes closed 

I just stared at him that feels like forever but has only been a few minutes until I felt a hand on my shoulder

"A-Akeno, Good morning." The queen of my peerage just looked at me with worry 

"Is there something wrong?" I asked 

"Shouldn't I be the one to ask you that?" 

"What do you mean?" 

"I have been calling you multiple times earlier and you were just staring out the window." Akeno narrowed her eyes at her

"I-I'm sorry, a lot of things are plaguing my mind right now" I glanced away from her sharp yet concerned gaze and walked towards my desk and looked at the papers 

She seems to have noticed that I don't want to talk and left me be to prepare some tea  

I drowned myself in reading reports and feedbacks from clients and signed papers that needed my signature 

A loud ringing sound interrupted me from my work, signalling the start of homeroom 

I once again looked out the window and felt somewhat disappointed when I didn't see him 

Who is he? Do I know him? 

****

Chapter Text

****

"Minna-san, Konnichiwa!"

A woman with silky straight black hair and deep brown eyes walked in, wearing a white blouse with a bow collar, black pencil skirt ending just above her knees and black ankle strap heels

To say she's beautiful is an understatement for someone her age

Everyone immediately went back to their respective seats and happily greeted her back

"Today, someone new will be joining our class!"
She exclaimed excitedly

The thought of having a new student sent the occupants of Class 3-B in a frenzy

"Come in, Hyoudou-kun."

Their breath hitched and everything seems to be in slow motion

Issei casually walks in with his hands inside his pocket and a grin plastered on his face

"Yo! I'm Issei Hyoudou, 17 years of age, Um... Due to certain circumstances I moved back here in Kuoh. Nice to meet you all!"

He awkwardly bowed a little and gave them a small wave of his hand

There was a moment of silence, they gawked at him and his over all appearance like model before their sensei broke it and directed for Issei to sit on the vacant seat at the back row

Their first few subjects bore him to death, sending him to sleep or just stare into nothingness

It was a good thing their sensei didn't notice him not paying attention

When lunch time came, he was bombarded by girls asking him questions

"Issei-san, would you like to join us for lunch? Please say yes!"

"You have a really toned body, Do you work out often?"

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

"What are your hobbies?? Do you have a club in mind? I hope you join ours!"

Ddraig couldn't help but laugh while issei cursed him internally for mocking him

He shyly rubbed his nape as he glances away and his cheeks starts to redden from the attention and immediately turned his gaze back to them

He calmly answered their questions with only revealing a few things about him

The girls didn't bother hiding their disappointment but still happy knowing he's single and he agreed to eat together some other time

He stood up from his seat and put his hands in his pocket

"And by the way, just call me issei, no need for honorifics." he winked at them before walking away, their gazes still on him with hearts in their eyes

'So Smooth, partner'. Ddraig said in issei's mind

'What can I say, I learned from you.' Issei chuckled to himself

'Just don't break too many hearts.'

'Oh shut up Ddraig'

He too laugh along the dragon and made his way to his destination and this time, he concealed his aura better to not get notice by unwanted beings

He plopped himself down the grass covered ground and leaned against the trunk of the tree that shaded him from the hot sun

'It's safe to say they know you are here, considering you forgot to conceal your presence the moment you step into this town again.'

'Tsk, I know that already Ddraig and I'm so stupid for it.'

'I'm Happy that you know that you're also dumb.'

Issei let out a fake laugh and took out his bento from his pocket dimension and began to eat at a leisurely pace

'Good luck then, I'm sure there will be one or two that will come for you today.'

'Is that a bet? Better think twice because I don't think so.'

Their argument starts to get heated then issei rambles on how it's impossible for someone to find him so soon

When he was still talking mentally while shoving food in, he didn't notice a Kuoh academy student coming towards them except Ddraig noticed her presence

'Partner,' Ddraig called him and then his tone quickly took a turn 'I won!! Suck someone's ass! You lose!'

"How come?!" He accidentally yelled aloud then he sets his bento aside and looks frustrated from losing so fast

'I felt an odd presence earlier that seems to be coming towards us.'

Then a young woman with violet eyes having a slender body came a few minutes later prior to their fighting. She had long silky black hair down to her hips

"Uum hi, are you Issei Hyoudou?"

"Y-Yes, that's me."

'since you loss the bet, ask her on a date.'

'Are you serious?!'

'Very.' issei thought for a moment if he should but eventually gave in

"Can I help you with something?" Issei stood up and dusted his rear from the dirt

"H-Hyoudou-kun, are you seeing anyone at the moment?" The unknown girl shyly glances away while fidgeting in place

"N-No." he cursed himself in the inside for stuttering again

She perked up when she heard his answer

"I'm glad to hear that!"

'Ask her out already!' Ddraig said impatienly

The girl excuses herself and apologizes for the interruption and was about to walk away when Issei grabs her wrist in a gentle hold

"Um, may I know your name?"

"Ah! Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Amano Yuuma."

"Then Yuuma-san, would you like to go on a date with me?"

"E-Eh??"

"Is it not okay with you?"

"No, no! That's not it, Of course I would love to!"

"That's great! Let's have it this Sunday."

Yuuma agreed and went for a hug. "I'm looking forward to it!"She let go of him and immediately left

"Damn you Ddraig." He grumbles under his breath

' Goodluck on your DATE, partner. But kidding aside, you felt her aura, right?'

'Yeah, and that's the only reason why I agreed going on a date with her.'

****

His mind was scattered, genuinely nervous of the possible outcome of their "Date"

He was a bit early, standing in front of their meeting place, occasionally checking his watch for the time

"Issei-kun!" His head shot up when he heard his name and gave the caller a smile

"Hey, Yuuma-san!"

"Sorry, did I keep you waiting?"

"Oh no, I just got here"

He held his hand for her to take and then they walked along the busy streets

"Where are we going, Issei-kun?"

"It's a secret" he said with a matching cryptic yet playful tone

It took them a few minutes before stopping in front of what seems to be a fancy restaurant

"Wow~ this place is beautiful!"

"Glad you like it." he inwardly let out a sigh of relief. Even though this is all fake, he decided to go all out

"Name sir?" The man in front asked

"Hyoudou Issei."

He scanned the booklet and saw Issei's reservation

"This way sir." he led them to their table and served them drinks

"I ordered in Advance and I hope it's okay with you, You're not allergic to anything, are you?"

"Oh don't worry, I'm not!"

At first, the atmosphere seems to be awkward but soon turned comfortable as they started to eat

They left the place after paying the bill and went for a stroll

An agitated Rias Gremory watches them while hiding behind a tree nearby, she didn't mean to intrude in their Date, she just saw them going from shop to shop and felt the need to follow them

"Are they together?" She asked herself

The scene in front of her made her feel uneasy yet she kept following the two

Besides from the crimson beauty following them, there is also another one

Of course Issei noticed but kept his cool and let them be

As the day progresses and the sun about to set, Issei and Yuuma went to the park

"We had a lot of fun today!" Yuuma happily exclaimed

"Yeah...but—" iseei stopped in his tracks and created a distance from each other

"What's the matter, Issei-kun?"

"Shouldn't you be the one telling me? Don't try to lie and show your true self."

Yuuma's whole demeanor suddenly changed

"So you already know huh, for how long?"

Issei nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders

"Since the day we met."

Then a pair of black feathered wings sprouted from her back. "Although short-lived, playing innocent lovey-dovey with you was fun, Issei-kun."

"Likewise, Yuuma-san." he spoke in such a cold voice, sending shivers down her spine

She summoned forth a light spear and charged at issei, while he just stood there waiting for the blow

Rias' movements halted to a stop when she saw what was about to happen, she was about to bolt up right there when something unexpected shook her to her core

Yuuma's light spear stopped inches away from Issei's heart

"Not going to finish the job?" He held the spear by the side and gently pushed it away, his hand was slightly burned from the holy object

She hunged her head low while trying her best to stop the tears from falling

"I-I don't think I can...from the short time we spent together, you became someone s-special to me."

She doesn't know the reason herself, she just felt a little bit closer to him. It made her feel ashamed 

'EEEEEEEEHHHHH?!?!'

Both Issei and Rias didn't know what to think of it, eventually losing a brain cell or two from what they heard

Issei was about to say something when someone familiar pulled her away and stabbed him on his abdomen

He clutched the bloodied wound and fell on his back

'I'm just gonna wait 'til they leave.' He thought to himself 

"You're nothing but a disgrace to him, Raynare." A man in all black said while having a tight grip on her wrist while the other held a light blue spear, blood covering the tip

She tried to break free from the hold but couldn't

"Issei!!" She screamed his name

Rias couldn't believe what she is seeing more infuriating and frustrating than what she heard earlier, she was frozen once again

After the so called Amano Yuuma got taken away by the other fallen, the crimson haired beauty rushed towards Issei's location

"No, no, no! You can't die again on me!"

She tore a part of her dress and applied pressure to the wound

Rias kept muttering the word "sorry" in a soft voice while tears are streaming down and even getting some of the blood on her

****

'Ddraig, a little help here.'

The Welsh dragon complied and used a small amount of his ice powers to freeze Issei's bloody wound

"Wh-Wha? How?" Rias was clearly bewildered by this sudden occurrence

Issei lifted one of his hand and took strands of crimson hair

"Crimson colored hair...Darker than ripe strawberry" she blushed because of what he said and averted her gaze the other way

"Long time no see, Rias." he said, propping himself up using his elbows

She looked at him again and was met by his toothy bright smile

Rias didn't reply but moved a little bit more close to him and hugged him from the side, careful enough not to touch the wound 'He remembered...'

"We better go." Issei wobbly stood up with her help and conjured up a magic circle to transport them to his place

When they got there, Rias immediately asked for a first aid kit and patched him up

"Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?"
Her eyebrows furrows in worry

"Yeah, I'll be good as new in the morning! Just need to rest a bit." he said while striking a pose

His whole attitude suddenly took a turn, from being happy go lucky to being shy

"Uum, Rias-san, would you like to s-stay?" The crimson haired's eyes widen in surprise

'San??!' the sudden use of honorifics is what she got from what he said

"Uh, are you okay?" Moving a bit closer to her and he was about to place a hand on her forehead to feel her temperature but she turned away the last second

"Wh-What about y-your parents?"

"Oh them? they live in our old house before and then they insisted that I should live in one rather than an apartment or condominium."

'So that's why this house lacks furnitures.'

"Back to my question earlier..."

"Um sure! It pretty late too." She called one of her maids and told her that she will be staying at a friend's house then they stumbled upon a predicament

Issei insisted that he should prepare them dinner but Rias strongly opposed to the idea since he's injured and she ended up cooking

When everything was set for dinner, Rias told Issei to taste the food first

"Amazing, Rias-san!" He exclaimed with mouthful of food

"I-Is it really that good?"

He nodded his head and took another spoonful using her own spoon and directed it in front of her

"What are you doing?" She asked

"Open your mouth." She hesitantly did of what she was told to do with her eyes closed

Her eyes snapped open when the taste finally sank in as she chewed, not expecting it to be passable

"It's good, isn't it? I bet you'll be a great wife someday."

Rias blushed to what he said, she looked at him like he had grown Another head but it seems like he didn't noticed the effects of his words on her

She resumed eating the plate of food she prepared and soon both were done

After cleaning up, the possessor of boosted gear showed Rias to her room and gave her clothes to wear for the night

She politely decline the offer considering she sleeps naked but eventually took the clothes

Her night in bed just consist of her moving around and soon discarding the sleeping ware, it was nerve-racking for her to be in someone's house that she barely knows yet she chose to stay and trusted him

Morning finally came and truth be told that he really did recover, Rias bid him goodbye after eating breakfast and went home to prepare for school

****

Chapter Text

****

Issei walks along the pathway to Kuoh Academy, which each stride, a memory of yesterday comes passing through his mind

He was upset since the incident yesterday brought him to another dreadful memory from a distant past yet he was ecstatic, knowing that the crimson haired beauty remembered and helped him yesterday 

Then he was taken back to the real world when a pretty young girl with long blonde hair and green eyes laid on the ground on her sides while rubbing her bottom 

"Why did I trip?" She said with a pout

Her suitcase was wide open with clothes everywhere around her

He immediately ran off towards her and lended a hand for the blonde to take. "Miss, Are you all right?" 

"Thank you!" Issei gently hoisted her up and awkwardly let go of her hand when he caught himself holding it longer than necessary

"S-Sorry!" 

He then noticed her white veil being blown by the wind 

"One sec." He said and chased the veil 

After a few seconds of fighting against the wind, Issei managed to return it to the blonde

The blonde nun started to fiddle with her fingers and turned her gaze side ways while her cheeks turned pinkish, murmuring a soft "Thank you."

"Is there anything wrong?" 

"Uum, I got lost and needed help." 

"I can accompany you if you want" Issei politely offered to her

"Oh! That would be much appreciated." She said timidly 

He took her suitcase from her grasp and carried it as they walk. "Are you on a trip?" 

"I was actually appointed to this town's Church." 

"You're a nun, right?"She nodded shyly once again looking down on the pavement floor

"I'm so glad I met such a nice person like you, it must have been divine guidance" 

The blonde looked up to issei but this time a smile adorned her face. He smiled back and continued their walk towards the only Church in Kuoh

Both were enveloped in a comfortable silence but was interrupted by a kid crying in pain. The blonde instantaneously went to the kid and saw his scraped knee 

"Don't cry. It's just a scrape, everything is going to be just fine." she comforted the kid with a soft voice 

Issei stood at the background with a smile, his face then turned to shock when he saw her ring glowing a green color and the boy's scrape slowly healing 

'I knew she was different but this takes the cake, I didn't know she possesses a sacred gear.' He thought to himself

Ddraig then told him to take care of her since what she has is very rare 

"Look! Your wound's gone! It's all right now." 

The boy looked baffled but soon his face turned to one of happiness

"Thank you so much, Onee-chan!" 

He stood up and dusted himself, he gave the one who healed him a hug and then ran off to school

Issei helped her up and said, "Well, you have a pretty amazing powers!" 

"It's a wonderful power granted by God. And oh! It must be that place." She said, clearly excited to go but her gleeful bearing was spoiled by a phone ringing loudly 

Issei swiftly took it out from his right pocket and tapped the answer button 

"Hello." He greeted, as the call goes on, the caller asked him where he is and told him to go to school 

He solemnly apologized and said that he'll go to school immediately 

"...Okay" as he ended the call with his classmate, he looks a bit disappointed

"What's wrong?" The blonde asked 

"I'm sorry but I need to go to school, maybe we can meet some other time."He suggested and she nodded her head happily, immediately agreeing

"My name is Asia Argento, please call me Asia!"

"I'm Hyoudou Issei, you can call me Issei."

He handed her suitcase back and waved at her goodbye, before he can go he heard her say something

"I'm really happy to have met someone as kind as you this quickly after arriving in Japan! Please visit the Church when you find the time." 

"Yeah, I will!" 

He gave her one last smile and then turned the other way, going to Kuoh academy

****

"Wh-Who are you??" A tall man with glasses asked while holding a frying pan as a weapon

"I was asked to replace Koneko-san tonight since she's double booked." 

"But I don't want a man! I want the cute koneko-chan!" Issei sweat dropped, the summoner finally calmed down after a while and even offered issei some tea

"Oh, thank you." He held it in his hands and took a sip

"You're a demon, so you must have a talent, show me." 

"Talent, huh? What does Koneko-san usually do?" Issei asked, wondering what he can do to entertain his client for the night 

"There's cosplay and being held in arms, just like a pretty princess~~" 

He took out a sailor uniform and happily showed it to the brunette

"W-Well, I can produce fire and a little bit of ice."

Issei stretched out his right arm and came out a tiny ball of fire from his palm, while an ice cube formed from his left hand 

"That's so awesome!" 

The summoner eyed the two element in awe 

"You can touch the fire though. It won't burn you." 

"Wh-What?! Do you want me burn my finger off??" 

Issei dismissed the fire and ice and waved his hands defensively

"No, no! It's nothing like that! My flames can only burn those I deem as my enemy." He explained, which doesn't seemed to convince the man in front of him

Issei took the sailor uniform from the table and encased it in flames

"My cosplay!" 

"Wait! Just look at it first!" 

He did gazed intensely at his "burning" cosplay and his face soon turned to amazement 

"That's so cool! How did you do that?!" 

The guy snatched the uniform from Issei's grasp and seize hold of it

Then the flames began to spread to his entire body and only felt comfort and warmth 

"Quick! Take a picture of me!" He brought out his digital camera from his pocket that is also in flames

When Issei touched the camera, the flames were immediately extinguished 

The summoner repeatedly striked a pose and his posing only ended when he got tired of moving too much

Issei put out the flames and took a fan from somewhere and starts fanning the tired summoner and presented an ice cold water 

Then they just talked for a bit, mostly about Drago M-ball

"Thanks, you're a really good summon for a pretty boy like you"

"Anytime!" He exclaimed with a grin

Issei's night ended with him forming a contract with him and went back to the club room to report

****

The next few days turned out to be...normal than what he thought, no fallen in sight. It was like they don't even exist, it was quiet, too quiet for his liking 

Issei was bored, so bored that he considered skipping class 

'Why don't you?' Ddraig asked, cutting him out of his train of thoughts 

'I might get in trouble you know and the news of me skipping might also reach the president then I'll be scolded.' he shot back

'Just think of this as scouting the perimeters, since you're so bothered about those fallen.' 

'You're really a bad influence but good idea nonetheless.' Issei eventually agreed

Issei sneakily got out of school during their lunch break and made his way to the park

There he coincidentally saw the blonde nun that he immediately recognized, seemingly in deep thoughts, her brows furrowed and lips in a tight line

"Asia-san?" 

At first, it looks like she haven't realize his presence and is sitting on the park bench with no signs of moving anytime soon

He hollered her name for a couple of times and was able to make her look up 

"I-Issei-san! I'm sorry I didn't notice you there!" She said while slightly bowing 

It wouldn't take a genius to see that she's alone and troubled, and since Issei is with no one else either, he asked her if she would like to join him for lunch

"I would love to, Issei-san!" Her eyes gleemed in happiness

Asia just sat in her seat with mild confusion as she engages herself in a staring contest with her round shaped food wrapped in plastic

"Um, Asia-san?" 

Issei put two and two together and came to a conclusion that this is the first time she have seen a Hamburger 

"This is how you eat them."

Issei then took his own and took a large bite out of it 

"I-I didn't know you could eat it that way." Was all she said before holding her burger with both hands and slowly unwraps it 

She took a small bite and then her eyes widen a little 

"Oishiiii~" 

Issei just sat their with a grin on his face while watching the blonde happily eat her food like it's her first time 

Issei ignored the dragon teasing him and continued eating, matching Asia's pace. They went to the arcade after, requested by the blonde who seems so eager to go the moment she finished 

"Let's play to our heart's content today, Asia-chan!" 

They played every arcade game that piqued their interest, the racing games, shooting games and even the ones for little kids

"What this? It looks like one of those machines that have food in them."

Issei turned to where Asia pointed at and nodded his head 

"That's a coin-operated machine with a camera inside Wanna try it?" 

Asia first looks unsure but agreed to try it when Issei gave her a reassuring glance 

"Look over there and smile." Their first picture looks cute with an adorable Asia looking at the camera with interest

She soon got the hang of it and took a few more with different frame design for each picture

"I've never had so much fun in my life!"

"Asia-chan, you're exaggerating." Issei said as he waves his right hand in front of him while the other held his drink

"But it's true..." She casted her eyes down and walks towards one of the benches nearby and patted the space next to her 

Issei took a seat and waited for her to continue

"You know, Issei-san, my parents abandoned me right after I was born. I was told I had been found crying in front of a small European Town's Church." 

Issei felt bad and placed a hand on her shoulder, she flinched upon contact but soon relaxed from the hold, returning the smile given to her and resumed her story

"When I was eight, a wounded dog, close to death wandered into the Church. I prayed as hard as I could and that's when a miracle occurred. Soon afterward, I was taken to a big Church where I was ordered to heal illnesses and wounds of people coming from all over the world. I-I was so happy that my power could help people!" 

A sad smile then twitched its way up to her face 

"Then, one day, I encountered a man, heavily injured on the floor. But the man I came across was a d-demon, I was branded a heretic because I had the power to even heal demons."

Issei came to realization, 'So that's why she got picked up by Fallens, because she had nowhere else to go.' 

"But I never stopped praying to God, expressing my gratitude. The Lord must be testing me, If I can overcome this ordeal, he will make my dream come true someday."

"Your dream?" 

"I'll make a lot of friends, together we'll buy flowers and books and chat... that's my dream. I don't have any friends, you see." 

She finally looked up at him, adorning a smile with her eyes closed

"I'll be your friend, Asia-chan" he said with a serious look while looking from afar, it didn't last long when he once again looked at her with a shy smile

"I mean, aren't we already friends? We chatted and had fun together, after all." He slightly scratched his cheek with his index finger with a blush on

"Well, we didn't get to the flowers or books but still...or is it still not enough?" 

"But I'm causing you a lot of trouble, Issei-san." 

"No, not at all. And you're my friend and nothing's gonna change that!" 

She gasped, placing both of her hands on her chest, feeling her heart flutter in happiness after hearing she have someone and slowly smiled with tears starting to form on the corner of her eyes 

"I'm happy!" 

Their afternoon together ended with the two of them now parting ways

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?" 

"Hai! Don't worry about me, Issei-san. Besides, I want to take this time to think about something."

They bid each other farewell. Then she flung herself on to him and buried her face on his chest, right where his heart is. Issei gently returned the embrace and ruffled her hair once they broke off

"Be careful, okay?" 

"I'll be fine, it's not dark yet."

Issei heaved a sigh and walks away with a grin plastered on his face which didn't last long

"Sh*t! Buchou is gonna kill me!" He conjured up a magic circle and hopped on, appearing right outside the old school building

When he was just in front of the clubroom's door, he knocked twice before coming in when he heard the president's consent 

'Maybe she didn't know, school actually just ended earlier.' 

All hopes of surviving dropped to zero when he suddenly felt a murderous intent from someone standing by the window 

"Issei." she slowly turned around, raising her right hand with a black ball of demonic energy encased in crimson forming 

"Where have you been?" 

He screamed colorful words mentally and his heart starts hammering inside 

'Ddraig!! Help! What was our reason?!?!'

'You're on your own!' The Dragon laughed maniacally 

'F*CK you, Ddraig!!'

Issei bagn sweating, "U-Uh, I-I-I just w-went out for some fresh air?" 

"Oh, really? You were gone for hours, Issei. I'm not going to make you tell me what you did but never do it again."

"I'M SORRY, BUCHOU!" He kneeled down on the ground and bowed 

"You can't just say sorry then expect for everything to be fine! You didn't even bother to tell me!..." His scolding lasted for about two hours

"Because of your insubordination, you'll be giving out fliers for two weeks during weekends and you are not allowed to use teleportation whenever you pleased. You will only walk to the house of your summoner or ride a bike." Rias finished with a huffed 

"Eeeehhhhh?! That's too much! Please reconsider, Buchou." He pleaded with matching puppy eyes 

Rias' eyes softened a little but immediately turned back to its hardened gaze 

"Well, I guess you'll have to learn to deal with it or perhaps you would rather have it for a month?"

"No, no, no! Sorry for questioning your order, Buchou! I'll do my best!" 

"Stand up and do your job now, someone asked for you." 

sIsei saluted and flashed her a toothy grin, bidding the others a 'see you later' and out the door 

****

Chapter Text

****

The next day, Issei seems to be more wary than before. His gut is telling him that something is up again

"What's wrong Issei-senpai? You look like you don't enjoy what you're reading." Koneko asked

"No, I'm fine. It just that we have a test tomorrow." He shook his head and redirected the conversation

"Don't you enjoy reading, Issei-kun?" Kiba joined in, "I heard you're smarter than you let on but they may be wrong though." the blonde teased

Issei was left speechless from the remark, baffled of the conclusion he heard 

"That's ridiculous! I don't look stupid, Where did you even hear that, Kiba?" He scoffed

"I heard it from a group of girls I passed by talking about you." The moment Kiba said that, Koneko piped in and said, "Really? There are girls that 'admires' Issei-senpai?" 

Issei sputters in indignation, what great friends he has while Rias watches them fondly

"Ara, Ara~ Isn't it getting a bit lively here?" Their other third year upperclassmen said as she came inside the clubroom

"Ah Akeno, welcome back. Any news?" Rias' stood up from her seat and walks towards Akeno in such a hurry

"Hai, Buchou. The archduke just sent us a message. Apparently, a group of fallen arouse suspicion at the Church." That got a certain brunettes attention real quick 

'Asia!' multiple thoughts began to swirl inside Issei's head, making his calm facade show a crack

"Issei?" Rias worriedly looked at him with furrowed brows 

"I-Its fine." He replied but she didn't look convinced because of the tone of his voice but dropped the subject

He took some deep breaths and his demeanor returned back to normal

"As I was saying, we will split into two groups. Akeno and I will lure the Fallens outside of the Church, expecting them to think that we'll all take the back entrance. While the three of you-" she paused for a brief moment and look at Kiba, Akeno and Issei

"Will go ahead inside through the front, search everywhere for the ritual site then contact me. Does everyone understand?" 

"Yes, Buchou!" They all said simultaneously 

****

"What murderous intent." Kiba stated with his left hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "There must be a lot of them, This makes me feel relieved that I'm with you guys."

"We're a team, after all!" The blonde smiled towards Issei but then his personality suddenly turned unpleasant

"And personally, I'm not overly fond of Fallens and priests. I despise them." his eyes seemingly lost to far away lands as he continues to glare menacingly

Issei gave him a worried glance and waited for him to calm down, then he saw koneko walking straight to the main doors 

"Koneko-san?"

"Why bother hiding? They must have known we're here." Is all she said before kicking the doors open, surprising the other two greatly

"Hey! Hey! Is it my lucky day? Three demon trash in one night! How wonderful!" 

A creepy looking priest with white hair came out while holding a sword and a gun on the other

"You know, I'm strong, so once I meet one of your kind- he gets this treatment!" He said, gesturing a line through his neck with his thumb

Koneko didn't waste anymore time and made the first move, grabbed the large wooden table nearby and threw it at him

The priest sliced it into two and took a step back, shielding his eyes using the back of his arm from the dust

"You're one insolent midget!!" 

Kiba sprang into action and engages himself with the priest

Their opponent just laughed maniacally, seemingly enjoying their fight

Kiba then was able to lead an advantage, making the priest dropped the sword because of the deep cut on his shoulder 

The priest readied his gun, turns his attention to Issei and shoots. Issei dodged the bullet at the last second and kicked the weapon and sweeps him off of his feet

"Koneko-san, now!" 

Koneko quickly jumps up, fist raised in the air and delivers a punch, effectively rendering the priest down

"ACK! That f*cking hurts!!" 

****

With Rias and Akeno

"Look who's here, people call me the fallen angel Mitelt!" A blonde girl that has her hair in pigtails jumped down from the branch she was sitting on and did a curtsy

"Oh my, how courteous of you."Akeno said with a hand on her right cheek while still smiling menacingly 

Rias stepped forward, "My servant sensed you, you must be scared about us being on the move." 

"Perhaps, since you two are the only ones who actually stand a chance of interrupting our ritual." 

"Oh really? You'll be surprised by the results after all this, we're not going to join them" 

Miltelt ignored her and called for her two other accomplice. "Come forth, Kalawarner and Dohnaseek~"

"It's obvious you intend to interfere with our plan, repent with your life!" The man named Dohnaseek summoned a light blue light spear and used his black feathered wings 

"Akeno!"

Akeno envelops herself in yellow light and transforms her clothes into a traditional Miko attire. She placed a barrier around them, and multiple red magic circles appeared around the area

"You can't get out of this one, I'm afraid. We came here to get rid of all of you." A red hue began to make an appearance on Akeno's cheeks, placing a finger on her lower lip and shows a sickeningly sadistic smile

"Enjoy posing. Once the ritual is over, even you won't be able to stand in her way." Kalawarner said 

"Care to tell what you intend to do?" Rias asked 

"Why would we? We're not an idiot to do that." Kalawarner retorted

Unbeknownst to her,.the crimson haired's patience is running thin 

"Then we have no other choice but to eliminate all of you, now." Rias turned to Akeno and gave her a nod

The three fallen then Flew up into the air with their light Spears in hand and threw it in a blink of an eye. The weapons were directed towards Rias, but Akeno blocked it for her and sent electrical discharges 

"Not bad! But we'll see how long that fragile barrier can last." Dohnaseek said as he casually lands on a thick branch

"Your servants should be in for a beating by now, especially that weak brown haired boy you got as a servant. I remembered his pathetic face when Dohnaseek stabbed him years ago." A malicious grin appeared on Kalawarner's face as she spoke 

"Don't underestimate Issei."Rias said as calm as possible but her insides are in turmoil and that Kalawarner fallen still continued

"Oh right, I remembered something. You bunch of high-class trash depict your servants as chess pieces, right? If I'm not wrong, he's your pawn. How desperate can you be to put him in the front lines with the others!" 

"Oh my, our club president would never sacrifice any pieces." Akeno pipped in, clearly anticipating the next event 

They continued to belittle Issei, saying that no matter how good they think he is, he doesn't stand a chance against their comrade named Raynare because as far as what they have seen— He's the weakest

Mitelt summons her pink light spear, the others doing the same and was ready to charge at Rias but was pushed back by a sudden wave of powerful crimson energy

"You made fun of... You made fun of my servant." Her hair's floating in the air while her fringes covered her eyes, emitting a powerful aura

"Oh my, you shouldn't have made her upset" Akeno took a step back, excited of the outcome

****

Issei grabbed the priest's shirt and started to shake him. "Oi Oi! Don't pass out now, where's the ritual site?!" 

The priest lifted a shaking finger and pointed towards the altar and then passed out 

Koneko used her strength and wrecked the altar, revealing a passage way  

"I already contacted the president. She said they're on their way and that we should go on ahead." Kiba informed them while taking out his sword from its sheath again

They quickly made their way down and was greeted by a large group of priest, and right on top of the altar was an unconscious Asia chained to a glowing cross 

"Asia!!" Issei called out to her 

"Welcome Demons and my beloved Issei-kun~ Sorry to ruin our reunion but the ritual is almost over." 

Issei can't help but feel disgusted with the way Raynare looked at him 

"I see, That fallen angel's objective was to take Asia-san's sacred gear." Kiba said

"No! Asia might die!" The thought made him alarmed of the possibility 

The light from the ritual suddenly died out, two rings came floating down to Raynare's grasp. "The Twilight Healing is finally mine!" 

The Priests began to attack the three. "F*ck off! We don't have time to deal with you!" Issei yelled at them as he threw a body towards the others, knocking several down

"Issei-kun! Get Asia-san, we'll back you up!"

Issei made it up the stairs with ease and faced Raynare at the altar

"You can have her, she is no longer useful." With a snap of her fingers, the chain around Asia came undone. Treating her like some thing that has no use anymore 

Issei caught her in his arms and gently shook her, "Asia, wake up." He pleaded

"I-Issei-san?...."  She said in a whisper and fainted 

Issei looked at Raynare and demanded that she give Asia's sacred gear back 

"As much as I like you, unfortunately, I can't."

"Stop with the lie that you like me!" While still holding Asia he snapped at the Fallen 

"But it's true!" Her face then turned to an innocent one "I don't lie about what I feel, Issei-kun." 

He realized at that moment that this girl is a lunatic and is unfortunately obsess with him. He stood up with Asia in his arms, daring for the fallen to follow him 

Raynare let him go for now and watched his back as he ran for the exit. The wielder of Boosted gear laid the blonde nun down on one of the many long wooden seats in the Church and held both of her hands 

"Asia, hang in there! You'll be free once we get out of here and we can have fun together, just like what you wanted!" His eyes glistening with tears 

Asia heard his voice and forced her eyes to open and spoke softly. "It wasn't for long, but I'm so happy I was able to make a friend." She gave him a closed eyed smile 

"There are so many more places I want to show you! We'll go wherever you want, and I haven't introduce you to my friends yet, so please...hang in there!" 

By now, tears are cascading down freely, his shaking hands clutched on to hers tightly 

"Y-You're crying for me." She broke free from Issei's hold and used her right hand to brush away the tears. "I couldn't ask for more... Thank you."

Asia's hand went limp and fell beside her. Issei couldn't hear her heartbeat anymore after that. He felt like he was being stabbed over and over, it was hard for him to believe he has watched someone die again

"I'm the worst." He let go of Asia and punched the ground

"No need to cry, Issei-kun. I'm here."Raynare suddenly appeared beside him and placed his head on her chest 

"Why did she have to die? She could have lived a peaceful life!" 

Issei couldn't find the power in him to move, his eyes are beginning to become lifeless but anger continue to build up inside him 

"This is the destiny of the chosen ones, those endowed with a sacred gear. This was bound to happen." 

"That's no destiny" Issei muttered under his breath just enough for Raynare to hear every word 

'Partner, get a grip. Things can't end like this. What about Asia's feelings?' Ddraig spoke within his mind 

'Asia?' Then something snapped inside of him as his body began to heat up

"Ahh!" She hissed and jumped away from Issei

"What's happening, Issei-kun?!" 

He didn't respond and just kept his head hanging low, red scales started to appear under his right eye, not only on his face but also his right arm up to his neck

Issei gritted his teeth, showing the perfectly white sharp set and his eyes slowly turned black with red slits

"You're the reason why Asia's dead." 

He took a step closer

"You took her sacred gear."

And another

"And I will end you!!" 

Issei finally looked up to her, just his intense gaze made it hard for her to breath

She summoned her light spear and used it as a defense

He charged at her with his dragonified right hand and crushed the spear, he then clenched it into a tight fist 

She didn't have any time to dodge and was sent flying, destroying the roof in the process and coughing out blood 

Standing there while looking up, breathing quite heavily as the whole room's temperature rises up and steam coming out of him

"Issei!" He turned to the caller and was greeted by the crimson haired president, looking frightened by his appearance

Kiba and Koneko behind her, while Akeno is nowhere to be found 

He glared menacingly and was about to attack them as well when Akeno showed up with Raynare that seems to be barely conscious at the moment 

The sight of Raynare made him let out a deep growl as he makes his way to her instead. Rias ignored the other's call for her to stop but she still ran forward and cradled him in her arms, dismissing the heat as she whispers soothing words to him 

"This isn't you, come back please." She pleaded with tears forming on the corner of her eyes

The heat started to subside and the scales on him disappeared. Rias soon broke the contact and helped Issei on his feet

"Thank you, Buchou." Rias responded with a smile and turned her gaze on the sole fallen 

"Nice to meet you, Fallen Angel Raynare. My name is Rias Gremory, by the way—" She took something from her pocket, dropping it on top of Raynare's head 

Raynare stared, clearly shocked as three black feathers falls down on the ground

"I blasted away your friends."

"And you made such a mess, Buchou." Akeno said, placing a hand on her cheek

"Gremory girl, how dare you!—" Raynare couldn't finish her sentence when she saw something beginning to form on the crimson haired's hand

"You don't have the right to speak, Raynare. You and your friends have done enough damage!" A ball of destruction formed, exuding strong energy that promises death upon contact

"Issei! Help me please! I'll do anything you say!!" Raynare begged, not understanding the consequences of her actions and is completely delusional 

Issei just stared at her and gave Rias a nod to proceed, he turned around and waited for it to be over. He felt a little bit guilty but it vanished when the thought of Asia struck him again

When the light from the destruction died down, he returned his gaze back to Rias and saw her holding the Twilight Healing

"Let's return this to her." Rias gave the rings to Issei and let him put it back

"Issei, do you know what this is?" She asked him while he holding a chess piece

"A bishop." 

"Yes, and a Bishop's task is to support other demons in the household and I'm sure her capabilities will make her a great one." 

"Buchou, do you mean..." He stared dumbfounded at her

"I will try resurrecting her as a demon."

They laid her on the floor then a red Gremory seal appeared under her and glowed

"I, Rias Gremory, hereby order you: Heed me, Asia Argento. Bring your soul back to this world and become my servant demon. You shall become my bishop."

Asia's body also glowed red and it disappeared when the process was done. Her eyes fluttered open and was confused of how she was alive again 

Issei didn't waste any time and pulled her into a hug. His friends relieved to have things end on a happy note 

"Let's go back, Asia!" 

****

Chapter Text

****

"Onii-sama, What do you mean you'll take Issei?" Rias doesn't seemed okay with the arrangement 

"Rias, a friend told me that he went berserk, so I wanted to have him control his dragon side with the help of a former dragon king."

"B-But..." Truth be told, she just didn't want to part with him

"You told me that The Red Dragon Emperor talked to you and that the seal on Issei was damaged, right? We need to help him control it before someone else gets hurt." 

A sudden memory came flashing through her mind 

****

She was in this dark void 

"Rias Gremory, the Heiress to the Gremory clan and the younger sister of Lucifer."

Glowing green eyes glimmers from a distance

"Wh-Who are you?" She asked

"I am Ddraig, the partner of Issei Hyoudou. I came here to warn you about Issei's Other half."

"Do you mean his Dragon side?"

"Yes, he gave up his entire right side to become a half dragon, making his power increase exponentially. He does not have complete control over it yet so I placed a temporary seal but it was damaged by his anger and other emotions that fueled the transformation. I advice you and your peerage to exercise caution or better yet tell your brother. We are running out of time—"

There was no words that followed that it made Rias uneasy

"Wait! What does this have to do with Onii-sama?" 

Her eyes snapped open and carefully looked around her surroundings, finding herself to be in her room with little sunlight peeking from the window

"Issei...." 

****

"Fine, I guess it's for the better."  She said with her eyes casted down 

Sirzechs placed a hand on her head and said, "Don't worry, he'll be back before you know it."

The next day, Issei almost didn't bother hiding his displeasure since he doesn't want to go but in the inside Ddraig insisted

"When will I be leaving?" 

"Tomorrow, someone will come for you here in the morning, and I have talked about this with Sona, allowing you to miss school for as long as your training will last." Rias said 

Then a certain blonde came to mind

"Wait! How about Asia? I can't just leave her alone!" the mentioned girl is sitting with Akeno, a silent Koneko who's eating, and Kiba across them. The three are silently listening to their conversation, already knowing the reason for his departure

"Akeno volunteered to stay with Asia, dragging koneko with her, so there is no need to worry."

"Really? Thank you so much, Buchou!" He bowed his head, grateful for their assistance 

Then the crimson haired ushered him to go back home and prepare his belongings 

He did what he was told and called his parents, saying that he won't be home for who knows how long. Tis made Mr and Mrs. Hyoudou worry but allowed him nonetheless

Issei slept somewhat comfortably that night, a little worried of the future and his duties as Rias' servant 

The next morning, a woman in a maid outfit greeted him. "It's nice to see you again Hyoudou-san."

"Same here Grayfia-san and I beg you, just call me Issei."

"As you wish"

The other members of the Occult Research club watched and looks bemused 

'I shouldn't be surprised, Ddraig-san did say that Onii-sama knows Issei, and it's only natural he also meets his wife and queen.' Rias thought 

"Ah! Buchou, before I go, please promise that you'll call me when something is wrong or if I'm needed." Issei took her hands in his, looking directly in her eyes intently 

"Issei, I don't think—" She started to reason but he insisted

"Just promise me." He looked at her with a determine expression that she couldn't resist 

"I promise... but in exchange, you'll do your best in training."

"Issei grinned, "I'm already planning on that, Buchou! Besides, I want to be the mightiest pawn!" He raised his right hand to salute her

Rias nodded at him and then turned to Grayfia

"Good luck, Issei-san!" Asia tackled him in a hug which he returned 

"We'll be waiting for you, Issei-kun." Issei and Kiba did a fist bump

Koneko showed him a small smile while Akeno gave him a sexy photo of herself

"H-Huh?" 

"Just look at it whenever you miss me~" She gave him a sly smile and knew that it would rile their President 

His whole face turned red by what she said, you can even see the steam coming out of his ears

"T-Thank you, Akeno-san." He became a fumbling mess, while holding on to the photo with shaking hands

Rias rolled her eyes at this and pulled on his ear

"Ow! Ow! Ow! That hurts, buchou!"Issei said, rubbing on his now red right ear

"Pull yourself together, Issei." She huffed, slightly pushing him in the magic circle

He bid them all farewell and shortly after they have arrived inside a protected train going to the underworld 

"Yo!" 

A tall man in his twenties appeared, with his black hair and golden hair swaying slightly as he walks towards them

"What's up Azazel? Fancy seeing you here."

Azazel told Issei that Sirzechs asked him for a favor and that he's here to supervise the brunette's training with a former dragon king

"Then I'll be in your care!" 

"No need for that you know, it's the least I can do since you help me clean up last time and besides, I want to observe your sacred gear." Azazel nonchalantly relied and shrugged his shoulders 

What The former Governor General of the Fallen Angels and Grigori meant was about Issei helping him with his fallen angel problem, some have gone rogue in the human world 

Their talk didn't last for much longer when they have reached their destination

That's where the two met up with the Lucifer, the rest of the Gremory family members were nowhere to be seen except for his son, Milicas 

When they entered the Gremory residence, several maids formed a line on both sides with Sirzechs Lucifer greeting them enthusiastically

"Issei, you'll be staying at a cottage in the mountains, Why don't you head up there and greet Tannin." 

****

They gave him directions to where the cottage is, he made it up there by foot with his massive bag consisting of his clothes and supplies 

When Issei finally settled in, he changed into his gray track suit and decided to find the dragon that'll help him. Then he was greeted by a large Western dragon that is covered in purples scales and has yellow horns in the Rocky part of the mountain 

The dragon looked down at him, "This is the first time training one who wields Ddraig." His deep voice booms

"Before we start your training, show me what you got, boy!" Tannin inhales and gathers fire in his mouth and releases it, creating a massive ball of fire 

Issei was able to evade the attack in time by rolling to the side and blocked the incoming tail with his arms in a cross motion

The great force of it pushed him down, submerging his feet on the ground 

"Not bad, let's raise the fire power then."

He inhales once again and shoots multiple fire balls, Issei managed to avoid almost all of it but one was able to graze his sleeve, catching it in fire 

Issei puts it out before it spreads further and stepped away from the former dragon king

"Stop dodging and attack!" Tannin roared loudly 

The adrenaline finally getting to Issei, making him excited in the inside. The temperature rises around him and red scales starts to appear on his body along with a dragon-like gauntlet that covers majority of his left arm that has two green jewels and 10 golden spikes  

"Dragon Booster!" He exclaimed raising his arm in the air

"It seems you have already reached its third and final form." Tannin said, swinging his clenched fist down on Issei. The latter jumped away, the fist hit the ground and created a small earthquake 

"I offered half of my body to tap part of this power." 

Issei rose both of his hand, he began to concentrate his demonic power on the left and Ddraig's Blazing Inferno of Scorching flames on the right. "Boost! Boost!"

He then combines it together with both of his hands in the air, creating a massive ball of destructive power

"Blazing Dragon sphere!" He threw it towards Tannin, whom initially thought can take it head on but recognized the flames, the flames that can incinerate anything, Ddraig's flames

And the flames that Issei cannot easily control

Tannin quickly flew back a great distance before the attack can hit him and fired his own flames

Both attacks clashed together that generated a very destructive explosion sending both flying 

The dragon king manages to use his wings to fight againts the air blast and flying debris and Issei was not left unscathed 

"That's enough for today." 

Issei's mind screams 'Not yet', eager to continue the fight, slowly losing to his battle maniac side and with flames appearing around him 

"Boost!!" He charged at Tannin using his enhanced speed, his dragonified right hand coated in flames and demonic energy 

The former dragon king waited, ready to counter. But was surprised to see a barrier between him and Issei

The barrier started to crack, as Issei thrusts further

"Calm down Issei." Azazel said, using his hypnotism magic

The young pawn dis calmed down a little before completely losing consciousness, falling to the ground

"Ooh, should have seen this coming." The fallen angel winced at the sight below him

Tannin wasn't okay with the interference and said that he could handle the boy himself

"I know, I just want to see him up close in that state. You can leave him to me now."

Tannin just nodded his head as reply and flew away

Azazel put Issei's right arm over his shoulder and spreads his wings, because of how fast they were going, they made it back to the cottage within a few seconds

He laid the red dragon emperor on a simple white bed and called a maid to tend to him

When everything else was taken care off, he called out to Ddraig as he took a sit beside the bed with his arms crossed

"A past host of mine is manipulating Issei."

"A past host? Hm." Azazel's face brighten in realization. "Then what you're saying is that a fragment of their consciousness is stored inside the Boosted Gear."

Ddraig sighs, "To tell you the truth, Issei wasn't the first one to offer a part of his body for power. I forgot his name, but I do remember that he was the third strongest host of the boosted gear. He was blinded by the power and wanted more, then he eventually died because his body couldn't contain it. Now, he's haunting Issei to do what he couldn't, so when Issei went berserk last time, his emotions were used against him."

"This will make it harder for us to help him then, do you have any idea how to stop the haunting host?" 

"I believe all we can do is to help him grow, the rest is up to him, since he is the only one that can fight him in his mind."

Azazel stood up and thanked Ddraig for the valuable information 

****

The next day, Azazel came back to Issei's temporary place of stay with an ice cold bucket of water 

"Rise and Shine, Issei!" The cold sensation immediately woke him from his slumber

"W-W-What the He-Hell?!!" Issei wrapped his arms around himself with his teeth chattering as he yelled at the governor

"You should have seen the look on your face!" Azazel threw his head back and laughs hysterically

Issei envelops himself in flames to warm up as he jumps out of the bed. "Ha, ha, laugh all you want. What are you even doing here so early in the morning?" by now the governor ceased his laughing 

"Okay, first of all, it's already ten in the morning. Second, I'm here to tell you your schedule then we'll head out to meet with Tannin."

"Just give me a few minutes."

Issei left the room to go to the bathroom with his clothes, after his business there, he went to the small kitchen and toasted some bread

After waiting for what seems like hours to Azazel, Issei came back to his room 

"Now that I have your attention, your training will last for a minimum of 20 days or more, depending on your progress. You will work on your reflexes and the use of your senses, since you have perfect vision you will be using a blind fold. Then Tannin will help you be comfortable with your other half, We'll also work on the use of Ddraig's original powers." 

Issei's mouth hung open and his eyes widen in shock, "Ughhh, That's a lot of work!" He complained

"Don't complain just because you miss your precious Rias and friends, I know that you know that you need this." Azazel did an air quote on the mention of The president and the others while wearing a smug grin

"Tsk, Fine! You're right, I do need this so let's go already." 

They soon left the cottage and went to one of the mountains of the Gremory Territory

"You're late." The Dragon said, smoke puffs out of his snout 

"I apologize! It won't happen again." Issei bowed respectfully, inwardly cursing Azazel 

Azazel then gave issei a black blind fold then they started his training. Because of yesterday's incident, Tannin didn't show any mercy and ruthlessly trained him for the rest of the day with little amount of time for breaks

****

Chapter Text

****

Hyoudou Issei, has been training for a week now, while Rias and her peerage went on with their days as they continue to wait for him. Not to mention that their newest addition, Asia, managed to take in what devil's do and other necessary information that she needs to know with the help of everyone

This particular morning, Koneko and Asia walked towards the old school building with Kiba walking behind them

"Looks like you're all here" President Rias said, motioning for them to take a seat as soon as they entered the room

"Milady, should I talk to them?" Grayfia asked 

Rias shook her head and straightened up. "The truth is—" She started to say but stopped when a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room, flames erupted around it then came a tall blonde man who seems to be in his early 20's, wearing a white dress shirt, burgundy blazer with gold embroidery with matching pants and black dress shoes

"I haven't been to the human realm in a while. Rias, my love. I have come for you." The newcomer proclaimed boldly, not minding the glares he received

"This is Riser Phenex-sama, a pure blooded, upper-class demon. He is also the fiancé of the Gremory family's Heiress apparent, this is to say that he is engaged to Lady Rias." Grayfia introduced the blonde man

Kiba, Asia and Koneko moved away from the couch to give way to Riser while Akeno served him tea 

"My, Rias's Queen prepares quite delicious tea." 

"Thank you for the compliment." Akeno slightly bowed and stood with the others 

Riser acted like he owns the place and pats the place beside him. "Come sit and drink with me, Rias." 

Rias was about to decline when she thought of this as an opportunity to have a talk with him and not to appear rude.She sat with him, leaving a fair distance between them much to Riser's dismay

"Riser, haven't I told you before, I'm not going to marry you." 

"But Rias, I thought your family was with it's back to the wall, so you're in no position to be this selfish!" 

"I don't intend to bring my family down." She shot back, ready to stand but a hand wrapped around her waist stopped her

"The entire demon world struggles to preserve the lineages of pure-blooded demons, Our Fathers arranged this marriage for the common good." His right arm still around her while the other caresses her exposed thigh

"Cut it out!" Rias slaps his wandering hand and successfully pushed him away 

"This is the last time, I'm not going to say again. I'm not going to marry you, My father, elder brother, and other family members are all rushing too much, I am going to marry someone I want to be with!"

"You know, I am the face of the Phenex Family and I cannot have you sully my honor." Riser forcefully grabbed her chin, his thumb gently strokes the side of her lips

"I'll take you back to the underworld, even if it means burning all your servants to death!" His eyes glowed a golden color, Rias's eyes were the same, except it was red

"Please calm down, Milady, Riser-sama. As I am here on Sirzechs-sama's orders, I do not intend to stand idly by." Grayfia said, and daring Riser to keep touching her sister-in-law 

Riser let her go and took a step back. "When it's you, the mightiest queen, saying that. Even I can't help but be scared."

"Sirzechs-sama predicted this might happen, as such, I have been charged to carry out a last resort measure if no agreement is reached."

"What do you mean Grayfia?" 

"Milady, If you insist on your position, you can settle the issue with Riser-sama through a rating game."

Rias's peerage tensed at the mention of participating on a rating game for the first time

A game that resembles chess, where upper-class demons fight using their servants, their powers are likened to chess pieces

"I've played the game many times and won several times as well. You're not even a qualified player. let alone have any experience." Riser chuckled and questions her if everyone in the room beside Grayfia are all her servants

"What if they are?"She lied through her teeth 

Riser didn't seem to noticed, he snapped his fingers, summoning his servants. "I have fifteen, a full set of pieces. Doesn't this tell you something? If we're to have a rating game, you'll lose."

He called his Queen and decided that it was a good time to make out with her, making Rias more disgusted and wanted to run out the door. The blonde man infuriates her more than anyone in the universe

She glared at him, determined to break off the engagement

Riser cut short his intimate moment with his queen and faced Rias again

"I don't think anyone in your peerage stands a chance against my queen or anyone in particular." He was feeling smug with his comment

Rias and the others clearly felt offended and made their way beside the former, hell bent on proving the Phenex wrong— For mocking their King and themselves 

"All right." Rias sensed their strength and will, so she agreed. "I swear I'll blast you away!" 

"I'd like to see you try, looking forward to it. Rias, my love." He had the nerve to wink and send her a flying kiss before leaving with his own peerage

Given the differences between the two groups, Rias was offered ten days to prepare for the rating game. In terms of number, they're distinctly outshined 

They immediately left the next day, staying at the Gremory Household located in the underworld for training

"Where's Issei-san staying?" Asia asked the president

"I'm not sure. Even though I wanted to see him as well, we are forbidden, words from Onii-sama." 

Hearing those words saddened the group, to take their mind off of the topic, Rias decided to start what they came there for

When it was lunch time, all of them sat around the table with delicious food in front of them that was prepared by Akeno and Asia

"Thank you for the food!" They said simultaneously 

As they quietly ate their food, Asia broke the silence once more, looking nervous all of a sudden. "Um, B-Buchou," 

"Yes, Asia?" 

"Are we going to tell Issei-san?" They all looked up from their food and turned to their president, also curious if her answer

There was a moment of silence before she gave a reply

"I'm afraid we can't do that." Rias said with a heavy sigh

They all looked confused as to why not since he's also part of the group

"Given Issei's situation, he is going through something we are not allowed to interfere with. An internal battle only meant for him." 

After their training for the day, Rias and her peerage retired for the night and only two figures are still awake in the mansion

In a large room, there sat a crimson haired upper-class demon with his wife besides him on their bed. Both in already in their nightwear

"Her chances are pretty much non-existent unless she has something up her sleeves. He is part of a family that shares their name with a sacred beast, his quick regeneration ability plays a big part in his battle against Rias." Sirzechs stated 

"You knew that but you still..." Grayfia trailed off, not wanting to continue her sentence

"I merely gave her a choice, it's her decision." He booped her nose then proceeds to leave a kiss on her right cheek. "Don't worry too much, you and I both know that little ria won't go down without a fight."

She silently nodded her head and tugged on his sleeves. "Let's sleep."

"As you wish My Queen."

****

Rias and her peerage quietly sat together as they mentally prepare themselves for the upcoming rating game tonight in their clubroom 

Then they heard a familiar voice. "Excuse us," the Student council president of Kuoh said with the vice president behind her

"Good evening, Sona." Rias greeted her friend 

Asia gave Rias a questioning look as to the reason for the impromptu visit

She told the rest that since the rating games are broadcasted to members of both families, Sona is responsible for it

"I volunteered for the task, it is your first rating game after all."

"Then I'll show you a fight that won't insult our rivalry." right after the crimson haired said that a magic circle suddenly appeared 

"Everyone, are you prepared?"Grayfia asked them, looking at each and every person in the room 

"Yes, anytime."

Grayfia told them that when the battle is about to start, they will be teleported to the battle field. An alternate space created just for the game

"I will be going back to the student council room to manage the broadcast. I wish you the best of luck, Rias." Sona said as her words acting as support 

Rias nodded and thanked her again 

Another magic circle appeared, indicating that it is time for the game to start. They all went in, when the light died down, it looked like the teleportation failed but they actually made it to an alternate space that is a replica of their school 

"I am Grayfia, servant of the Gremory family, appointed judge between the Gremory and Phenex Families. Taking Lady Rias and Riser-sama's opinions, A school Milady attends in the human world is chosen as the battlefield." Her voice echoes everywhere

When you take a look outside, the sky looks different from the real one

"Lady Rias's main base is the Occult Research club room in the old school building. While Riser-sama's main base is the principal's office in the new school house. Thus, pawns can be promoted when they manage to invade the enemy's base."

There was a pause for a moment before her last announcement

"The game begins now!" 

Rias each gave them a transceiver for easy communication and began briefing them with the plan

"I expect a few of their nimble rooks and knights to be placed around this club house." She pointed to a particular club on the school map. "We'll take the gym first, which is near both the old and new schoolhouse. It's pretty close to our base and would help keep the enemies in check. First, we need to secure the defensive line." 

They all nodded in understanding 

"Yuuto, Koneko, go set up traps in the forest. Akeno, once the traps are set, use illusionary magic on the forest and sky above it. Asia, you're recovery and support, so standby with me here." 

"Roger!" They replied at the same time

Akeno and Koneko summoned their familiars and did what they were said to do. Once they were done, they called Rias and started their game plan

"Koneko, I know that once you enter the gym, you won't be able to avoid a battle, but I just want you to immobilize them then leave." Rias gave another instruction to the first-year

"Understood." Koneko responded 

"Yuuto, are you ready? After you finish off with the enemies that falls into our trap, I want you to save your energy as much as possible."

"Got it!"

And lastly, she called for Akeno. "Akeno, please be ready and wait for the right moment." 

"Yes, Buchou!" 

"Now, commence operation!" 

Koneko sneaked into the gym but was immediately spotted. "I know you're here Gremory servant, there is no use hiding, I am Xuelan, A rook." A girl with bun on her head said, followed by a blue haired holding a stick

Then a pawn named Mira came out accompanied by a pair of twins that are also pawns named "Nel and II" 

Riser's rook named Xuelan challenged her while Koneko got into a fighting stance as a response. The pawns decided to stand by 

In another location, three pawns and a knight of Riser were attempting infiltration, their surroundings began to get foggy, making it hard for them to clearly see 

Then traps from every direction starts to fire at them

"This is child's play!" One of them said

What they didn't know is that they are being lured somewhere else

"We're here!" A pawn said when she thought they're in front of the clubroom, then the illusions started to fade

"You can't get out of here anymore, you're inside a barrier that our queen created." Kiba stated, slowly walking towards them with a sword in hand

"Damn it, we didn't notice!" 

"No matter, he can't possibly take us all on his own." 

And boy, That's where they're wrong as they underestimated the power the blonde knight has

Back to Koneko and her side of the battle, Xuelan attacks her  with hands coated with flames. She  managed to avoid getting critical hits but was still left with scrapes

A kick caught her off guard and tore a part of her uniform, this time, she's done playing on the defense and sends out attacks of her own. Continuously sending barrages of punches, not letting Xuelan have any time to retaliate. And stopped for a moment before swinging a powerful roundhouse kick, sending Xuelan crashing to the wall

"Xuelan!!" The rook was barely conscious after that

"We'll rip you apart!" The twins raises their chainsaws in the air

Koneko dodges every strike coming her way, swiftly sweeping Nel off of her feet, the other twin was almost shredded by Nel's chainsaw making her stumble. She then strikes the pressure points on their body, preventing them from moving 

The only one left is the blue haired pawn, who's glaring at her. She thrusts her stick multiple times but was unable to land a hit on Koneko

"Let's get this over with." Koneko had enough playing around. She kicks the weapon away and delivered a solid punch, making the girl fall on her knees while clutching her stomach

Koneko then contacted the president and ran out the door, when she was a few meters away from the gym, there was a roar of thunder and the venue exploded. Credits to Akeno, who is in her Miko attire, floating high in the air 

"Riser-sama's three pawns and a rook, retired." Grayfia announces

They are still outnumbered, even with Rias's bold decision to blow up a strategic location 

Koneko then quickly made her way to the track field, where her and Kiba are supposed to meet, while Akeno hides somewhere nearby

Speaking of the blonde knight, he successfully defeated his opponents 

"Riser-sama's three pawns and a knight, retired." 

Rias smiled in satisfaction, as everything she planned are hitting their marks

Koneko and Kiba took a rest first inside a storage room before going out again to continue the plan. Just as what the president predicted, Riser's remaining pieces came out to deal with them, except for the queen who's nowhere to be seen

Two pawn, two Bishop, a knight and a rook faces koneko and kiba

"I'm Riser-sama's knight, Carlamain."

"And I am Rias-sama's knight, Kiba Yuuto. I look forward to crossing swords with another knight." Kiba bowed gracefully

"Well said Rias-sama's knight!"

Both lunged for each other

'Just when I thought I found a cutie, it turns out he's another sword freak.' A blonde girl with blue eyes, that looks like Riser thought, as she watches the two knights fight 

Riser's rook was about to engage herself with Koneko when both of them were blown away 

"Koneko!" Rias slammed her hands on the table. "What happened to her, Yuuto?!" She began to panic the moment she heard the explosion

"Riser's queen, made an appearance." Was what he said as he kicks carlamain away and rushed to Koneko's side

"I wish I could've been of more help to the president." she then disappeared along with the other rook

"Lady Rias and Riser-sama's rook, retired." 

Kiba felt the anger rising in him

"Kiba-kun," He looked up and saw Akeno. "I'll deal with her, so hurry along. I will avenge koneko-chan with all my might." She said while emitting a powerful aura 

Kiba nodded his head and left to deal with the others

"I wanted to fight you someday, Priestess of Thunder."

"Oh my, I am quite honored, Bomb Queen-san" 

With the abrupt appearance of Riser's queen, There was a change in Rias's plan

"It's time, Asia." Their plan to launch a surprise attack on Riser's main base started sooner

They sneaked inside the new schoolhouse and was greeted by riser, both deciding to take their battle on the roof 

"It's too early to go for a direct attack! A virgin like you shouldn't underestimate my experience, Rias." 

Her expression morphing to a disgusted one with how vulgar he is 

"Let me have some fun, I want to enjoy this foreplay!" 

Riser sends a fire based attack in a shape of a spear, Rias defends herself by countering it with her power of destruction

They both continued exchanging blows with no clear winner 

Akeno who managed to land a blow that enabled her to almost knock out the other queen but failed to do so if it weren't for the Phoenix tears the latter used, making her recover completely

"You are indeed formidable, Priestess of Thunder but it's game over." She silently laughs and made her way to her king 

"Lady Rias's Queen, retired." 

"No, Akeno!" Rias momentarily lost concentration when she heard the announcement 

"Focus on our fight, Rias." 

Riser send her another attack that she was not able to dodge. Asia heals her injuries and even with them gone, she still felt horrible

On the track field, Kiba readies himself for his upcoming and final attack, his whole demeanor seems to change again

"I am one of Rias-sama's subordinate, we came here for her sake! Sword birth!!" With all of his remaining power, he gave everything he had to this one attack

He strikes his sword downwards, creating numerous demon swords each with its own attributes and properties, emerging from the surface within 20 meter radius

They were skewered, except for Ravel, who is Riser's little sister who managed to fly away

"Riser-sama's two pawns, a bishop and a knight, retired." 

Kiba smiled victoriously as he fell down on the ground with no strength left in him and passes out

"Lady Rias's Knight, retired."

It's down to two against two not counting Ravel, since she doesn't want to fight and was only there to observe in the inside

Rias is clearly at a disadvantage, if it weren't for those Phoenix tears her opponent has then the tide of the battle would have gone in their favor

"Ready to give up, Rias?" 

"Giving up is not an option!"

Riser laughs, "Don't be ridiculous! You and your pitiful bishop are the only ones remaining."

His queen appearing beside him and offers to take both down herself to which he declined 

"No need, I'll deal with them. I bet she's exhausted and drained of all magic."

He attacks them with his hell fire, at first, Rias thought the attack was aimed at her but much to her surprise when it passes her 

"Asia!" It was too late for her to make a barrier or to even counter it in time and was left no other choice but to use her body to cover Asia 

"Buchou!" Asia cried out 

"It's over." Just when Riser said that, Grayfia announces his win as the match officially ended

****