Disclaimer: I do not own HighschoolDxD or its characters. It belongs to Ichiei Ishibumi

Chapter 22: Romantic Wormatic.

The first thing Issei did upon returning to the Occult Research Clubroom, his friends in tow, was to hold his arm out expectantly at Rias' direction.

The redhead rolled her eyes good-naturedly but handed him a thousand yen bill all the same.

"What's that all about?" Irina asked, confused while everyone else (bar Kiba and Gasper) chuckled at the exchange.

"Nothing to concern yourself with." Issei said with smug satisfaction, pocketing the bill and dropping onto the couch. "So, why are you here Irina? Not that I think having a beautiful girl like you around is a bad thing, I just wanna know why."

[You're laying it on too thick.] Ddraig said as response to Issei abysmal attempt at flirting with the brown-haired girl. [Booooo.]

"Oh shut up." Issei mentally rolled his eye at him. 'What would you know about this kind of thing?'

[Partner, I've been in different types of people in thousands of years, and most of them got laid. A lot. So believe me when I say I know more about this than you.]

Irina blushed lightly at his compliment and smiled back at him. "Thank you Issei-kun." Just then, Sona Sitri and Azazel arrived in the room, the latter coming in with his signature slouch, hands in pockets while the former looked a little miffed at the man by her side.

Issei blinked in surprise, staring at the new arrivals. "What are you two doing here?"

"Isn't it natural for me to be here?" Azazel raised an eyebrow, pouting as his eyes came across Rias occupying her (rightful) seat. He wanted that seat. He sighed sadly and settled for the couch right across Issei with Sona following, who answered. "I'm here as the Student Council President, not a Devil."

"Oh." Issei nodded, dropping his fist on his open palm. "That makes sense."

"Right." Irina shook her head then straightened her posture, saying. "Everyone! My name is Shidou Irina. I'm here, to Kuoh Academy, as a messenger to the angels. Please get along with me!"

"Irina." Xenovia smiled at her. "You didn't have to introduce yourself like that to us. We already know you anyway."

Issei, hearing that, muttered. "At least she didn't try to smash an Excalibur Fragment at my face."

Xenovia at least had the shame to look embarrassed. "I apologized for that didn't I? And that was a long time ago!"

"I saved your life and you tried to repay it by taking mine away from me! This is one of those things I'll never be able to forget."

Xenovia pouted and leaned back against her seat, looking away. "I said I was sorry." She said sulkily.

Suddenly, Azazel, showing just how lacking he was in both tact and sensitivity, asked Irina, and getting to what he saw as more important. "What happened to you?"

"S-sensei?!" Xenovia asked, half confused and half irritated for her friend's sake. "What are you talking about?!"

Azazel ignored her and barreled on. "Your Aura….Hm, it feels…..different. Oh, I see now." He murmured, understanding flickering through his eyes. "I can't believe that actually did it without my help. I wanted to help." He pouted childishly. "You're a Reincarnated Angel now, aren't you?"

"R-really Irina?!" Xenovia demanded, turning towards her friend, surprise on her face.

"Y-yeah." The now revealed angel answered nervously, taking an uneasy step back. "Why? Are you angry at me?"

"That's great!" The blue haired knight exclaimed, completely ignoring Irina's misgivings and running towards her, wrapping her in a hug, her enthusiasm twirling the both of them in a circle. "That's amazing! I'm so proud of you Irina!"

"That's so great Irina-san!" Asia said, eagerly moving closer to the two. "The Lord truly is kind!"

""Amen!"" Irina and Xenovia chorused, following Asia in praying to their God.

"Well they got along quickly." Issei said under his breath. His eyes then widened when white, feathered wings spread open behind her. "So that's how it is. Pretty cool. How does it work?" He asked Irina once they finally returned back to them.

"Well, there are currently only ten angels who were given the Brave Saints, the Four Archangels and the other Seraphs. They have 12 cards from the 'Ace' to the 'Queen' of cards. The cards of the King were given to the Angels who will be our Master."

"So Devils have 15 chess pieces and Angels have a quarter of a deck." Issei surmised. He gave a sidelong glance towards Azazel. "What about you Fallen? Have any plans of making a system of your own?"

"It certainly wouldn't hurt." Azazel mused thoughtfully. "Us Fallen are the ones with the lowest numbers after all. I'll ask Ajuka for the blueprints for his Peerage piece later. But what to use as a base? No chess or cards. That would just be unimaginative."

Issei stared at Azazel as he began to talk to himself, gesturing randomly, mouth open to ask him what the hell he was talking about before shaking his head and deciding that he didn't want to know.

"So Irina, what position do you have?" He asked instead.

Irina's eyes sparkled and she held up the back of her hand proudly, proclaiming. "I'm Michael-sama's Ace!"

"So Michael-sama is the new support of your life huh?" Xenovia nodded in understanding.

Issei shrugged. "Better than throwing your life away. Still, with the Angels having their system and Azazel-sensei planning on make his own, is it possible to make something like the Rating Games between the Three Factions? Could be fun." He added with a meaningful look at their chemistry teacher.

"Maybe in the future." Azazel said, then asked Irina. "It's still at the prototype stage I imagine?"

"Hai. For now, only the Seraphs have them, but in the near future, other Multi-winged Angels would be given the chance to use this system."

"So maybe….ten, twenty years before that happens?" The Fallen surmised with a sigh. "Maybe less if Ajuka and I worked together with Michael."

"Oh right. Azazel-sensei, can you talk to Michael-san and tell him to talk to the Church? Gasper here's scared of the vampire hunts. Says he's still paranoid about them." Issei requested, putting a hand on top the Dhampir's head.

"Sure sure." He acknowledged.

"Let's stop this discussion." Sona stepped in with a gentle…well, less stern expression. "Let's start the welcoming party for Shidou Irina-san."

"Hai!"

Irina, being the center of attention, stood up in front of them.

"For a while, I've been looking at you devils as an enemy and have even eliminated some of them….But now, Michael-sama said that we, all of us in the Church, should learn to get along with each other. I'm going to work hard as the representative of the Church! Please take care of me!"

()()()()()()()()()

Issei stared at the front with bored eyes, not really taking in anything the teacher was saying, only understanding that it was about the upcoming sports festival.

[What about it partner? Plan on doing this kind of thing again?]

'Nah.' Issei answered Ddraig. 'I've participated in most sports they had to offer last year. I think I'll pass and stick to the sidelines this time.'

"Xenovia and I will do the three-legged race!" Irina yelled enthusiastically, raising the hand of her former partner that she volunteered without even asking her about her opinion.

Issei sighed and dropped his head onto the table, still tired from his summons yesterday. Somehow, one way or another, two of his regular clients, Morisawa and 'Mil-tan' had met each other and had bonded through their mutual love of anime. They had revealed to each other that they knew him and had summoned him right after school to go to a convention with them a train ride away. The payment he had received was the free entrance fee and a poster about that magical girl show Mil-tan loved so much which now hung on his personal room at his house.

He also brought home some figurines and replicas of various anime characters as well as famous tourist destinations in Japan that Rias had eagerly taken away from him, claiming it for herself.

Issei grinned at the memory. The kiss he received from Rias as a sign of gratefulness was SO worth it though.

"Issei-san." Asia called him, bringing Issei back to the real world. "Are you going to participate in the Sports Festival?"

"Sorry Asia, but I won't." Issei said apologetically. He quickly continued though, seeing her face fall made him feel a little bit guilty. "But I'll go and watch you, so don't worry! I'll be sure to cheer you on Asia!"

"T-then, I'll do my best Issei-san!" Asia exclaimed, looking at him determinedly.

Issei laughed, laying a hand on top of her head. "I expect nothing less. What event are you in anyway?"

"A-Auuuhh…" The blonde suddenly deflated, looking embarrassed. "I haven't decided yet. Hehe." She laughed goofily, sticking out her tongue.

Issei sighed and smiled fondly at her. "Really, making me say all that for nothing. That's so mean Asia."

Asia rubbed the back of her head, a habit that she picked up from Issei and continued her awkward laughter.

()()()()()()()()()

"Let's do it Xenovia!"

"What are you waiting for Irina!?"

The two girls, one a Devil, the other an Angel, yelled at each other energetically, their legs tied to one other as they ran as fast as they could. Honestly, Issei was a little disturbed at just how in sync they were, knowing each other's movements almost instinctively and compensating for it easily.

Asia was with Kiryuu along with some of her other friends, chatting with each other cheerfully. They were in some rather mundane sports such as the bread-eating race and the item borrowing race, so they could take it easy.

As for Issei…

"If they move too fast, then it's hard to see their boobs bounce." Matsuda said seriously, frowning in concentration, staring at Irina and Xenovia, clad in their track suits.

"Yes, the girls should have a proper velocity in order for them to properly bounce yet can still be observable to us men." Motohama added his sagely advice.

"And women." Issei reminded. "Not only men enjoy the beauties that are bouncing boobs. The pleasure of seeing them move is not exclusive to us of the rougher sex, but is a universal delight! HAIL THE BEAUTY OF BOOBS!" As he spoke, his emotions got the better of him and he stood up, fists clenched in righteous passion, eyes burning of the beauty of his ideal.

Matsuda and Motohama fell to their knees, tears streaming down their cheeks, unable to contain themselves from the impact their friend's wisdom contained.

"W-what are you guys doing?"

Issei looked to see Saji, staring at them with a weirded out expression on his face.

"Nothing." Issei said at the same time as the two behind him said. "Watching boobs bounce."

"…okay?" Saji slowly said hesitantly.

"Hey Saji." Issei blinked, noticing a bandage on his bicep, nearly hidden by his uniform. "What happened to that?"

"Oh, it's…." He looked around, and once he made sure that no one was near, took it off to reveal a black snake across his forearm.

"You got a tattoo?" Issei deadpanned.

"What? No!" Saji yelled out. "Do you know what Kaichou would do to me if she found out I got a tattoo?"

"She'd rip you a new one and hang you by the balls." Issei nodded knowingly.

"Exac- You think she'd actually do that?" Saji asked nervously.

Issei shrugged. "You never know. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned and all that." He waved off.

"….No, this isn't a tattoo." Saji sighed, giving up on arguing with him. "This just appeared some days after the Rating Game with you guys." He covered up the mark again. "I think it has something to do with Vritra. Anyway, what event are you doing? I'm doing the bread-eating race."

"I'm actually not doing anything." Issei confessed once again for the nth time that day.

"What?" The blond squawked. "Why not?! It's a once in a year opportunity you know! Kaichou worked so hard to make sure that this is going to be a success, so I'm sure that she wants all students to have fun."

"Eh." Issei shrugged. "Last year I did most of events for my class, so this year, I'm gonna pass. Give others a chance."

"Saji, we're about to check the booths, so come here now."

"We're lacking in manpower as it is, so get back to work."

Sona and Tsubaki said respectively, both voices equally sharp.

"H-Hai Kaichou! Fukukaichou!" Saji answered. "Well, see you around Hyoudou."

"You too Saji." Issei nodded.

[Hmmm. Vritra's feeling more complete than before.]

'What are you talking about?'

[That kid, it seems like he finally met with the spirit of Vritra. He may be cut up into pieces, but he's still a Dragon King. That kid'll be powerful in the near future.]

'Good for him.' Issei thought back, standing up and stretching, letting out a groan of pleasure at the sensation.

"Where are you going Issei?" Motohama asked, looking up from where he was staring at Irina and Xenovia run around, along with the bouncing motion that inevitably followed.

"I'm going to buy some coffee from the vending machines." Issei answered. "You guys want anything?"

"Buy me some lemonade."

"I want some tea."

After receiving the money, Issei began his leisurely stroll, making sure to tell Asia and the others and offering to buy them something as well which they all denied politely.

Thunk

Issei bent over to pick up the can from the slot, grimacing at the cold surface.

"Hyoudou."

He blinked and looked up to see the president of the Archery Club, her bag slung over one shoulder.

"Kagome-senpai."

Five minutes later, the two were sitting on one of the benches on the school grounds, watching another class practice for the upcoming Sports Festival.

"So Hyoudou," Kagome began, looking at him curiously. "are we going to see a repeat of the Sports Festival from last year?"

"Haha." Issei laughed in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, but no. I'm just going to stay at the sideline this time."

"Oh." She didn't bother to hide her disappointment. "That's a shame. I would've wanted to see you crush everyone again."

Issei sweatdropped. "You're exaggerating senpai. I participated in seven events. That's not really a lot."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "There are twenty four all in all. You won your class nearly a third of all the games. That's not exaggerating, that's fact."

Ding Ding Ding

"School's over." Kagome sighed. "Well, I've got to go over to the Archery Club. Drop by sometimes too. You still have to practice for the competition in a few months."

"Hai hai." Issei said. "Can I even participate? I'm not exactly part of your club."

"I'll bring it up to the Kaichou." She said confidently. "I'm sure if I tell her how vital you'll be to the competition, she'll have no choice but to let you go. Besides, you promised didn't you?"

"Yeah yeah, I remember." Issei said, standing up and dusting himself off. "I have to go too. I still have stuff to do at my club."

Kagome made a face. "Why'd you even join that club anyway? You had no interest in it last year."

Issei shrugged. "It's vital to my continued survival." He said in the blandest voice he could.

The black haired girl stared at him for a while before sighing. "Do you really like staring at women that much?" She answered for him before Issei could say anything. "Forget it. It's not my business. See you Hyoudou."

"You too."

()()()()()()()()()

After picking up Asia, Xenovia and Irina, Issei went along with them to the clubroom where they were met with an unusually serious Rias with Akeno at her usual place by her side.

"Um….why so serious?" Issei asked after a moment.

"Our next opponent has been decided." She told him.

"Well that's good…..isn't it?" He asked.

"It's been decided that we will go up against the peerage of Diodora Astaroth." Rias declared.

"Huh." Issei said ever so eloquently. "Well that's…..I don't know what to say."

No one did, not really, and the rest of the day was spent in a contemplating silence.

()()()()()()()()()

"You guys are getting pretty good." Issei said, crouching down to where Irina and Xenovia were resting on the ground, handing each of them a bottle of water.

"It's pretty easy for us to be in sync." Xenovia boasted. "After all, we've been partners for years, so we know each other pretty well, right Irina?"

"Hai!" The brunette nodded, her usual bubbly nature showing. "I'm confident that Xenovia and I will win the race for our class!" She declared, pumping her fist.

"That's good." Asia smiled, but Issei could detect…..something in her voice. Deciding to do something about it, he said.

"Asia, could you help me out with something?"

"What is it Issei-san?" She asked, the thought of refusing his request not even crossing her mind, bless her.

"I'll show you." He gestured, leading her to the gym shed where no one usually came by. After they arrived, he turned around and grabbed the blonde maiden's hand.

"Asia." He said quietly, looking straight at her. "You know that you can trust me right?"

"O-of course Issei-san." She stuttered out, blushing and looking down on the ground.

Issei frowned and gently let go, tilting her chin up in order to meet her emerald green eyes. He held her gaze for a long moment then continued. "What's wrong? You're worried about something, I can see it."

"…..Hehe, sorry Issei-san." Asia said, glancing away. "I just didn't want to trouble anyone, so I tried to hide it."

"You can't do that from me Asia." Issei grinned softly. "I'm with you every day, so simple things like this are easy for me to see. You don't have to hide anything from me, but if you really want to keep it a secret, then I promise, I won't ever force you to say it, but I just want you to know that you can rely on me for everything, even if it's as simple as telling me you're problems over some tea,okay?"

Asia bit her lip then nodded, smiling back at him. "Issei-san it's just….. I don't regret saving that person back then. Even if that was why I became branded as a heretic, I don't regret saving him."

Of course she wouldn't. Someone as sweet and kind as Asia, she would never turn away anyone that was in need, even if doing so would make it far easier for her to live. Even if she didn't treat that devil, even if looked away, no one would think the worse of her. She would've continued on with her life as the Holy Maiden of the Church, her status quo unhindered.

Outloud, Issei only answered. "That's so like you Asia." He smiled, sitting down on the ground and leaning against the wall. "You're ready to give up so much just to help others." His smile faded, and he turned to look at her seriously, almost pleadingly even. "But Asia, please promise me something."

"What is it Issei-san?" Asia asked hesitantly.

"Please don't overwork yourself." He said earnestly. "It's okay for you to help people, but please make sure that it doesn't hurt you too."He turned towards her and gave her a sad smile. "Because I would be sad if Asia would get hurt."

"Issei-san." Asia blushed, looking down and began to fidget in place. "M-me too."

"T-This is so beautiful!" Irina's voice suddenly sobbed out, startling the two. They looked to see Xenovia standing and looking at the two of them fondly while Irina stood by her side, dabbing at her eyes with a white handkerchief. "This- This kind of friendship is one that was obviously blessed by the Lord and Michael-sama!"

"Amen."

Issei stood awkwardly as Xenovia and Irina crossed themselves and began to pray in unison, Asia confused but going along with their ritual.

"Yeah….I think some guys over there need my help." He said, pointing to a random direction and slowly walking away.

A bit later, the three of them walked back into the field, just in time for Issei to catch the tail end of a conversation.

"- I'll call it the Irina Shidou's Salvation of Love Club! The ones who join will help those in need without asking for anything in return! I shall spread my love to those who do not believe in our teachings, all in the name of the Lord!" She exclaimed, spreading her arms hugely.

"… Well, good luck with that." Issei muttered under his breath.

"How many people are in the club?" Asia asked, actually looking curious.

"Well…..for now, it's just me." Irina confessed then hastily added. "But don't worry, once I convince Sona-kaichou about my idea, I'm sure that the whole school will want to join!"

"Oh!" Xenovia and Asia's eyes widened, clapping at her speech.

Issei facepalmed. 'What's wrong with these three?'

()()()()()()()()()

"And, that's all of them!" Issei sighed, laying down the materials used for their classes' practice on the storage. Seeing as he had no events that he signed up for, Kiryuu had assigned him the royal task of stockpiling the miscellaneous things their school had provided. He really didn't mind the task, so he agreed.

Slam!

"The hell?" Issei blinked, turning around to see Xenovia, slamming the door shut with one hand while the other dragged a harried-looking Asia along.

"Xenovia?" He asked. "What are you doing here?"

Completely ignoring him, she said to the blonde.

"Asia, at this age, girls start to flirt with others during school."

"…"

Issei had been through a lot of things in his life, yet none of that experience could have prepared him for what the bluenette just said.

"F-Flirt?" Asia asked hesitantly.

"It means you get your breasts played around by a boy." Xenovia explained wisely.

"O-oh, so that's what it means…"

'LIKE HELL IT IS!' Issei roared in his mind. "THAT'S NOT WHAT FLIRTING MEANS!"

"Issei, be quiet for a bit. I have to talk to Asia about this first. We'll get to you later. In the meanwhile, can you please practice for what's about to come?"

"HOW THE HELL DO YOU EVEN PRACTICE SOMETHING LIKE THAT!?"

"Asia, there is a girl in our class who has her breasts played with everyday by her boyfriend."

"WHY THE HELL DO YOU KNOW THAT!?"

"Ah, it's because I researched quite a bit about the issue."

"…..WHY!?" Issei yelled. "WHY WOULD YOU POSSIBLY NEED TO EVEN RESEARCH SOMETHING LIKE THAT!?"

"Issei." Xenovia glared, laying her hands on Asia's shoulders. "Stop yelling. This is difficult enough without you pressuring Asia." She squeezed comfortingly. "Don't be tense Asia. Relax. You will get played with by Issei soon enough. I heard that it feels weird at first, but then feels good after a while."

"Asia, please don't listen to…" Issei tried to convince her.

"I-It feels good….and with Issei-san too." She said, twiddling her fingers.

"XENOVIA, YOU'RE SAYING WEIRD THINGS TO ASIA!" Issei roared, pointing at the blushing blonde.

"Asia." Xenovia said, once again, completely ignoring his protests. "We're friends right?"

"Y-yes."

"Then after Issei, let's flirt together as well."

Drip Drip

Issei's nose began to bleed as he imagined Asia and Xenovia doing that to each other with him in the middle.

Then, to add fuel to the fire, Xenovia, without much fanfare, took of her shirt and unclasped her bra.

Drip Drip Drip

"Asia, you too." Gently, she lifted up Asia's shirt and then took of Asia's bra, exposing her growing breasts to Issei.

Drip Drip Drip Drip

'T-This is getting dangerous!' Issei recognized, reaching up to stem the flow of blood and trying to find a way to escape.

"Oh Asia, have your breasts gotten bigger?" Xenovia asked, poking at them with an innocently curious expression.

"X-Xenovia-san, s-stop! I-Issei-san should be the first to do it." Asia cried out, covering her breasts in embarrassment.

'Chance!' Seeing an opportunity, Issei took the chance and leaped up to the window, attempting to open it and crawl through it in order to escape the dangerous situation he was in.

Just as he was halfway through the air however, the door banged open, to reveal a red-faced Irina.

"I-Issei-kun! Asia! Xenovia! What do you think you're doing?!" She let out a scandalized shriek.

Issei, thinking fast, spewed out. "I'm measuring them both for uniforms we're going to use for the upcoming event."

Everyone turned to stare at him. Irina looked at him suspiciously. "Then why did you only take the two of them? If you were really doing that, then you should've called your whole class over."

"I'm doing it for the Occult Research Club." He said with the straightest face he could muster. "I want to show off the club and this is a good publicity stunt."

"Issei-kun."

"Yes?"

"Are you lying to me?"

"Of course not." He easily denied. He reached into his pocket and drew out a ribbon measure, showing it off to all of them.

"O-okay." Irina blinked, clearly surprised at that particular fact and so she had no choice but to accept Issei's words at face value.

[I can't believe you managed to fool her like that.]

'Don't tempt the Universe! IT LISTENS!'

Asia looked at Issei and uncertainly said. "But I thought Issei-san was supposed to flirt with us?"

'Oh no.'

"He was." Xenovia nodded. "He's just saying that so Irina doesn't feel too bad about being left out from being fondled."

'Dammit Ddraig, you jinxed it.'

"N-next time, do it somewhere safer! It's filthy here!"

"THAT'S NOT THE ONE WHAT'S WRONG HERE!"

()()()()()()()()()

After school, the Occult Research Club gathered in their clubroom, watching a video recording of the matches between the Young Devils, this one specifically between Glasya-Labolas and Bael.

"Everyone." Azazel said in one of those moments where he was in the ORC instead of the Student Council. "I want you to watch closely in this one. He may not be your next opponent, but it would be better if you were prepared to fight against this monster of a devil this early on."

"Holy crap they're strong." Issei observed, watching as Sairarorg's peerage demolished their opponents. At the end, Zephyrdor's gasket blew and he challenged the black sheep of the Bael Family to a one on one fight.

They all watched as Sairaorg dodged each and every one of the goblin look-alike's attacks with contemptuous ease. After a minute of the Glasya-Labolas heir getting more and more frenzied, Sairaorg threw a punch, his fist digging deeply into his opponent's stomach, actually lifting him into the air and bending his body over.

Zephyrdor fainted on the spot, mouth frothing at the pain.

Issei winced in sympathy. He may not like Zephyrdor, but damn did he feel sorry for him. He's going to feel that one for weeks.

"Sairaorg…..Bael." Kiba tested out, eyes narrowed at the video of Sairaorg blurring out of the camera. "He's fast."

"For the Knight of our group, that's high praise indeed." Issei said, looking at the same thing.

"Hey Buchou, what's the ranking of that goblin compared to the other players?"

"Compared to the current six players? He's actually quite weak. But considering his familial situation."

"Oh." Issei frowned, trying to remember. "The Glasya-Labolas' previous heir died right? So he took his brother's place."

"Correct." Akeno confirmed, laying down some tea for everyone. "According to the Game community, Bael is first, Agares is second, Gremory is third, Astaroth's forth, Sitri is fifth, and the Glasya-Labolas family is last. It is all based on the strength of the King and their Servants. Though after each Rating Game, it's all arranged again."

"So in a scale of one to ten, with one being a slime and ten being a final boss, where does Sairaorg-san stand?" Issei asked.

"He would be a solid seven, probably even an eight. " Azazel told him.

"Ah damn." He whistled, impressed. "Where would you put someone like Raiser in that list? Just curious."

"The third son of the Phenex?" Azazel hummed. "Probably between four and five."

Issei smiled. "Not even having an unofficial Rating Game and yet already stronger than 'The Immortal Phenex?' That's pretty impressive."

"He's known as the 'Strongest Youth' after all." Rias said with a bitter smile.

"Where would Issei-kun be at that scale I wonder?" Kiba said outloud, looking straight at Azazel.

Azazel and Issei exchanged a quick look and the former said. "I'll show you some graphs about the type of parameters usually seen in a Rating Game. Don't worry, we've distributed it to everyone, even the other factions, so this is only fair.

There was Power, Technique, Support, Wizard and even King. Predictably, Glasya-Labolas was at the lowest in the latter while Rias, Sona and Seekvaira were more or less equal. Sairaorg on the other hand, was dominating all of them.

Issei looked at the Bael heir's parameters and saw that, while his Power was literally through the roof, maxing out on that area, his Support and Wizard was abysmal, at rock bottom even. He looked at it critically and asked. "You think I'll have something like this in the future?"

"If you do well, then I don't see why not." Azazel said. He looked at the TV where the video was paused at Sairaorg's retreating back. "I tell you this though, if you win against your fight against Diodora Astaroth, your next opponent will be Sairarog."

"Well damn." Issei said mildly.

"Be careful. If you aren't prepared, then you will suffer a crushing defeat, not just in the Games, but also in mind and spirit. He will come at you with everything he has. If you face him, then don't let your guard down. That's all I have to say." Azazel sighed and looked at his pocket watch. "Now, I have to get back to the student council. Excuse me. Oh right, before I forget." Azazel drew out a flash drive from his coat and laid it on the table. "That shows the fight between Astaroth and Agares."

Just as Azazel was about to leave, a magic circle appeared on the corner of the room, and if Issei was correct in his memorization…..

"Astaroth." Akeno said. As if his words were the trigger, a blond with a gentle smile on his face appeared, saying.

"How are you everyone? I've come to see Asia."

[Usually, this is where you make a stupid pun about Japan being part of Asia.]

Issei ignored Ddraig, instead focusing his entire attention on Diodora Astaroth, who inexplicably, undeniably, had his aura touched by Ophis.

Once Rias and Diodora were seated across each other, with Azazel sitting in the corner as an adviser, and Akeno had poured tea for all of them, Diodora announced his intentions to his fellow King.

"Rias-san, I will keep it short. I would like to trade Bishops."

"Iyaann! I-Is he talking about me?!" Gasper squealed, protecting his body and disrupting the tension of the room.

Issei sighed and knocked him on his head. "Of course not."

"Now, the one I would like to trade is-"

"Diodora-san." Rias calmly stopped him, sipping at her tea. "No matter who you want to trade with, I have no interest in them whatsoever. I will tell you this. I have no intention of trading pieces. It is not because I believe that your Bishop cannot stand up to mine, but because I simply think of Asia as an important part of my family. She is my important servant, and I do not want to lose her."

Diodora's eyes opened a fraction and he asked, some steel in his voice. "Is it because of her ability? Or is it her charm?"

"It's because I think of her as my precious little sister."

"Buchou-san." Asia whispered, and put her hand to her mouth, green eyes tearing up.

Diodora smiled, though instead of adding charm, it only made him look creepier. "I see….. I understand. I shall return for today, but I will not give up." He stood up and walked towards Asia who took a step back in nervousness. "Asia. I love you. Destiny brought us together, and destiny will not bring us apart. Even if the world itself rejects us, I will overcome them just to be with you." He bent over and tried to kiss Asia's hand.

Issei twitched.

Diodora's eyes widened, his wrist suddenly held in a vice-like grip.

"Oi oi. Can't you see that you're bothering her?" Issei said coolly, standing in front of Asia, holding up Diodora Astaroth's elegantly trimmed hand.

Diodora directed his smile at him, eyes opening halfway. "Can you please let go? It feels disgusting to be touched by a filthy dragon."

Smack!

Diodora's head rocked to the side, cheek reddening from the impact of Asia's slap.

"Please do not say that to Issei-san!"

Even Issei was surprised at the vehemence in her voice.

"I see." Diodora turned to level a stare at Issei that he returned with half lidded eyes. "In our match, I will defeat you, Hyoudou Issei, the Sekiryuutei. Asia, I would like for you to answer my love then." Diodora then looked straight at Issei. "Sekiryuutei… I will have fun crushing you to the ground in our fight."

Issei smiled and said. "Fuck off."

Diodora's eyes narrowed and he sneered contemptuously at Issei. "Five days. The match is in five days. I hope you don't back out."

"Oh I'll be there." Issei bared his teeth. "You can count on that you slimy little snake."

Diodora flinched at the word.

Issei leaned back, a glimmer of dark satisfaction shimmering in his eyes. 'Bingo.'

()()()()()()()()()

"I'm home." Issei said, stepping into his house with Koneko in tow. He blinked as no one came to greet him, when he would usually see one or two of the people in his house approach him. He frowned in concentration and sensed that all of them were in the living room along with an additional guests, one that he knew well.

"Vali?" He blinked, taking off his shoes and putting on his indoor slippers. "What the hell is he doing here?

He followed the hallway with Koneko and arrived to see that all of them were focusing on the TV with an unusual intensity.

"Hey guys, what're you watching?"

"Oh, Issei." Rias said with a troubled expression. She indicated towards the TV. "Watch for yourself." She picked up the remote and rewound it to the fight.

It was a complete landslide victory in favor of Diodora. He had fought alone against the whole Agares peerage with only the occasional support from his own peerage. Throughout the game, wisps of black smoke occasionally billowed out from him, seemingly inconsequential at first, but important to those in the know.

Issei shared a look with Vali who inclined his head in response.

"That is all I have to say Rias Gremory." The silverette said smoothly, standing up. "Good night."

"Thank you Vali….san." Rias said in response.

"I'll walk you out." Issei cut in, following Vali.

"Ara, Issei-kun, should we be concerned?" Akeno said with a twinkle in her eye, a teasing smile on her lips.

Issei rolled his eyes at her and didn't dignify that with a response.

"Rival." Vali turned to Issei seriously in front of the door. "I'll tell you what I said to Rias Gremory; be careful about that Diodora Astaroth. Anyone who has Ophis' snakes inside of them is dangerous."

"I know." Issei grimaced. "It's just…..why would Ophis do something like this?"

Vali looked indifferent. "I do not know. You know her better than I do anyway. Do you have anything to say?" After Issei kept silent, Vali sighed. "Well, see you around Rival. Oh right, if that Astaroth kid comes near me, I'll fight him. Just a heads up. I want to see how much power Ophis' snakes could give someone."

'Anything to say to Albion, Ddraig?'

[Albion, you suck.]

{You too Ddraig.}

[I've said my piece.]

Issei sighed. 'You can be such a child Ddraig.'

[Don't blame me. I got it from you.]

{Your host is weird Ddraig.}

[Like yours is any better.]

Issei and Vali exchanged a look and the former chuckled, the latter cracking a rare smile.

"To think that the Two Heavenly Dragons would be in each other's presence without wanting to kill each other. How the times have changed." Issei grinned.

"I've always said that it's all because of you that this happened." Vali told him.

Issei shrugged unrepentantly. "No regrets."

[Yep. This is better than being treated as a tool.]

{Agreed.}

[I'm still better than you though.]

{You can dream.}

()()()()()()()()()

Later that night, Issei finally finished decorating his private room in the newly renovated house. He debated whether or not he would sleep in it before deciding to leave it to another day, preferably when the room was finally all cleaned up and dusted off.

He closed it behind him and jumped when he came across a figure huddled right in front of him.

"B-Buchou?" He choked out. "What are you doing here?"

"Issei." She said quietly. "Can…..Can I talk to you?"

"Um….." Issei looked back at his room which he was sure was full of dust and other things that usually come from refurnishing a room and then back to Rias. After a moment, he made his decision. "Of course." Rias went in first and Issei followed closely, closing the door behind them.

After a few minutes of awkward silence where the two were on opposite ends of the couch, Issei was about to speak up when Rias beat him to the punch.

"Ne, Issei, what do you think about Sairaorg?"

Issei paused for a moment and said slowly. "I haven't really gotten to know him all that well yet, but from what I've seen so far…he seems like the dependable sort. He's crazy strong, the type to push people into doing crazy things, but can be gentle when it counts."

"Issei…do you think I can be like him?"

Issei blinked. "What brought this about Buchou?"

"It's just… I watched Sairaorg's fight and realized just how outclassed I really am." Rias waved helplessly. "No matter how much I act otherwise, Sona is a genius that I can never hope to reach, Agares is keeping her entire family afloat by herself, Diodora managed to beat her whole peerage by himself, and Sairaorg is known as the 'Strongest Youth'. Compared to them, what can I say about myself?"

"You're known as the Crimson-haired Ruin Princess. That's got to count for something right?" Issei tried hopefully, but all he got was a shake of her head.

"That's not it!" She grit her teeth. "I'm only called that because I have the blood of Bael in me, because of something I was born with. Compared to Sairaorg who is the Bael heir yet was cursed with lacking their traits, who somehow managed to overcome that through his own efforts. If this goes on….how can I be known as anything else other than Rias of Gremory, the little sister of the Crimson Satan? How could I hope to ever grow out of my family's shadow at this rate? How could I ever hope to be perfect!?" She asked the question with an almost desperate tinge to it, turning pleading eyes on him as if asking, no, begging for an answer.

Issei stopped for a while, thinking it all over. "You're right." He said and she slumped over in despair. "As you are now, you could never hope to match your brother, or even Sairaorg-san." He paused and then began again. "There will always be someone better than you out there, someone who's faster, stronger, smarter." Issei shook his head. "The world isn't equal, no matter how much people insist on saying it is. There are some distances that you simple cannot close, gaps you can't cross. Maybe it's because of their natural inborn talent or because no matter how much you try to catch up, they keep getting further ahead of you."

At the end of his spiel, Rias had sunk into the couch, even her ahoge limping in depression.

"So what?" Issei knelt in front of her and laid a hand on her shoulder. "Just because of that, does that mean you should quit trying? Hell no." Issei said vehemently. "The Boosted Gear is a weird Sacred Gear. Unlike the Divine Dividing, it doesn't have a backup where the excess power leaks out into the air as magic. When you boost over your limit, you could crush your body with the overflow of power. Ddraig actually told me a story about one of his wielders."

As Rias looked up, Issei took that as his cue to continue.

"He relied on it too much, so when the Hakuryuuko of his generation came, he overused it and bang." Issei snapped his fingers for emphasis. "His body exploded, unable to contain that much power. Look at me, I'm rambling." He chuckled self-derisively. "My point is, the gifts you were given doesn't decide what you become. It's the choices you make in spite of them that truly sets you on your path.

Buch-"Issei hesitated for a moment before plunging on. "Rias, I'm not saying that with enough training and determination, you could automatically become stronger than everyone else out there. This isn't an anime or light novel or whatever where you're the Chosen One. Life simply doesn't work out that way. Even you, blessed with your family's ability, wealth and status is just another one of us people who exist. You live the same as us, and in time, maybe because of someone stronger, a betrayal you could have never expected, or just simple death creeping up on you to a ripe old age, you will die the same as us.

But do you know the good thing about that?" He asked.

Rias, riveted by him, asked softly. "What?"

"It means you aren't perfect. Perfection it's….it's not really as grand as it seems. I've seen what it does to people. It breaks them, and no matter how well they pick up the pieces, how well they put it back together, they can never be whole again, not really. There are things they miss, pieces that become lost. Perfection means that you can never improve, can never get better, you will stand still at the top, alone, while you look down on people who smile through their blood, sweat and tears and each and every single one of them will be all the more better than you because of it. Worse, you won't ever make mistakes. Mistakes are what makes us us, what makes us fall down to the ground when pride gets the better of us, makes us look back at what went wrong and strive to improve.

What I'm asking you for, is for you to try. Don't give up, and I promise, when you fall down, when you think you're stuck where you are, everyone, me, Akeno-san, Sona-Kaichou, all of us, we will all drop everything and come to you no matter how far away not because you're our King, but because we're your friends.

Besides, do you think your brother is perfect? Because he isn't." Issei said firmly, trying to get that particular tidbit out of her mind. "He went through a war. Rias, you have to realize, he needed to get strong or he wouldn't have survived to see another day and even then, I'm sure he didn't come out of it wholly intact. Things like that, well, they fuck people up. He didn't come across every enemy in the battlefield and obliterated them with a single look, at least, not at first. I swear, if you ask him or any of the current Maous, they will tell you that they had their moments, moments where they were sure that they would die, that all their hopes and dreams would come crashing down and only got through it because of the men by their side, desperation, or through sheer, dumb luck."

Issei thought that this was rather much to take in for a rather sheltered princess who grew up in a comfortable and loving home, especially all at once before dismissing it as he thought that she needed it, to see that the world isn't as clean cut as she thinks.

For a moment, it seemed like time stood still. A beat passed. Two.

Then Rias let out something from her lips, a cross between a laugh and a sob. Issei realized for a second that this was one of the rare times where her usual high-class composure was completely stripped away, leaving bare what and who Rias Gremory truly is at her core. The red-haired devil reached up and wiped at her face.

"Thank you Issei. I really needed that."

"No problem Buchou." Issei assured her. "You can rely on me whenever you need to. Now, let's get you to sleep. Can't have you losing that beauty of yours."

"I'm a devil Issei." Rias rolled her eyes good-naturedly, standing up and smoothing down her skirt. "I can do whatever I want and still look like this."

"Oh what the girls at school would give to have an ability like that." Issei grinned. "You could recruit all of them if you just say that."

"It's a perk of being a devil." Rias agreed with a faint smile.

"Some would call it cheating." He pointed out.

"I call it good genes." Rias disagreed.

"Whatever you say." Issei rolled his eyes.

Rias laughed, relieved at the subtle (and not so subtle) reminder that Issei was there for her, that her friends were there for her. Inwardly, she scolded herself for even thinking such stupid thoughts and resolved herself. She was her peerage's King, and it would only shame them if their King had such ugly thoughts. "Thanks Issei."

"Anytime Buchou."

()()()()()()()()()

"Everyone, tomorrow we're going all going to be interviewed in a television program in the Underworld." Rias read out from her phone with a perplexed expression.

Everyone blinked in surprise and asked. "Television Program?"

()()()()()()()()()

"Asia, you look fine. Honestly." Issei sighed, reaching over to gently close the pocket mirror the blonde was holding. "You've been at it for half an hour now."

"Ara, Issei-kun doesn't seem to know how a maiden's heart works even now. Poor Asia-chan." Akeno sighed theatrically, finishing up her hair which was now tied up in an elegant bun with a few more errant strands that only seemed to add more to her appeal than lessen it.

Issei shot her a dry look. "She looks fine. You're all just blowing this out of proportion. It's an interview for a TV program, not for a presidential campaign."

"That isn't all that true Issei." Rias cut in, adding some finishing touches to the very minimal make-up she was wearing. "Since this is a very special occasion for us Young Devils, then most of the Underworld is going to watch this and judge not only us Kings, but our Peerage as well."

"Seriously?" Issei asked, looking down at his usual outfit sans the Kuoh Academy blazer. "Maybe I should dress to the nines too."

"That would be a smart idea Issei-kun." Kiba confirmed, tugging up the sleeves of his cardigan so that it showed off his forearms. "And I'm sure Buchou would appreciate it."

"Fine." Issei sighed. "Hey Kiba, you wouldn't happen to have an extra jacket with you would you?" He asked.

"No, but I have a dress shirt. Would you like to borrow it?" The knight offered politely.

"Why do you have a- you know what, nevermind. Thanks." Issei shook his head and thanked the blond as he passed Issei the shirt. "You sure this'll fit?"

"Issei-kun has quite a good build from what I can tell, so I'm sure it will." Kiba gave him a thumbs up.

"...Why do I feel uncomfortable hearing that from you?" Issei wondered, going towards the changing rooms.

"Aw, I wanted to see Issei-kun's body." Akeno pouted after he left.

Xenovia looked up, surprised. "Fuku-buchou, you've never seen Issei naked before?"

"No I haven't." She confirmed with a hint of disappointment.

Rias started, realizing something. "Neither have I." The redhead turned to her two bishops. Gasper, to no one's surprise, was wearing women's clothes. "Have any of you seen him topless?" When they denied it, she looked to Kiba. "Yuuto, what about you?"

"Sorry Buchou." He shook his head.

"…I see." She muttered, looking to the door where her Pawn had just disappeared to.

()()()()()()()()()

"Ah Sairaorg." Rias greeted with a wide smile, waving to her cousin. "How are you?"

After they had all gotten ready for the interview, some of the crew came in and directed them towards the program hall where they had run across the Bael Heir along with his peerage.

"I'm fine." The Black-haired powerhouse shrugged easily. "We're just about to be interviewed. I don't know why I have to wear this though." He indicated the noble jacket that rested on one shoulder. "It would only get in the way if I have to fight. But enough about me, how's my favorite cousin doing?"He grinned down at her boisterously.

"Honestly, you're about to be on TV and the thing you focus on is how well you could fight in your clothes?" Rias quirked a smile at him.

Sairaorg shrugged. "You never know. Better be prepared than caught unaware right guys?" He called over his shoulder to his peerage which responded with an energetic, 'osu!'

"Bael-sama, Gremory-sama, you're on in ten minutes." A woman came from the down the hall, wearing a headpiece over her ears and a microphone in front of her mouth.

"I'll see you then Rias." Sairarog said his farewell, passing through them to go to their designated program room.

"You too Sairarorg."

Just as they passed each other, the wild-haired teen laid a hand on Issei's shoulder. "I want to fight you." With a final grin and a pat on the shoulder, Sairaorg left, peerage in tow.

Issei watched them leave, a complicated look on his expression.

"What's that look for Issei?" Xenovia asked, looking at where he was staring.

"Nothing." Issei shook his head. "Now, let's get this over with already. Raynare begged me to take her away from Grayfia as early as I could."

"Why you even put up with that woman is beyond me." Akeno sighed. "Sometimes, you're just too nice Issei-kun."

The red dragon shrugged. "It's not like I hate her or anything. She's pretty funny once you get to know her too. Plus," Issei admitted sheepishly. "I always wanted a maid."

Akeno pouted but let the subject go.

"Ah, Rias Gremory-sama, if you could come right here." The staff assistant looked up from her notepad once they had entered the room.

"Akeno-sama, Gasper-sama, Asia-sama, Koneko-sama, Kiba-sama, Xenovia-sama, Issei-sama, can you please go to the rooms with your names on it to start the interview? Thank you." She said all in one breath which Issei personally found impressive and would've clapped for her if they weren't in a place that would determine Rias' standing in the public eye.

()()()()()()()()()

Issei lounged on the waiting area of the studio, browsing one of the many devil made magazines provided on the coffee table in front of him. He had finished his interview, which consisted of 15 questions, in under half an hour and was now only waiting for the rest to finish.

"I-Issei?!"

The teen looked up to see Ravel looking at him in shock from the open doorway with a man who couldn't be anyone else other than her older brother. He greatly resembled his father with a small touch of Riser coming in, so Issei was sure he could pick the man out of a lineup, even though he hadn't seen him before in the dinner with the Phenex family.

"Hey Ravel." Issei raised his hand in greeting, throwing the magazine back into the table and walking towards them. "Mind introducing me?" He inclined his head towards the man who was hanging back with a sharp expression.

"Oh right." She looked back and forth between the two. "Issei, this is my brother, Rambo Phenex."

Issei snorted in laughter which he quickly turned into coughs when the poor guy sighed miserably but acted as if he expected the reaction. "Sorry sorry." Issei apologized once he straightened his face and when he was sure that won't devolve into giggles. "It's just, I didn't expect your name to be-"

"Yes, I get that a lot." He sighed again. "Mostly from resurrected Devils. I do not blame them, but do I look like him? I watched his movies, and I do not resemble him!" He said with childish irritation, even stamping his foot. The second son of the noble house Phenex began to rant with obvious indignation.

Issei looked to Ravel who sidled up to him and whispered. "The Underworld was experiencing a boom in human culture when he was born so our parents named my onii-sama after their favorite actor."

Issei held back a snicker, biting the inside of his cheek. Rambo was already in a tizzy. No need to agitate him any further.

"What are you doing here anyway?" He asked Ravel once her older brother calmed back down again.

"Oh, Rambo-onii-san has a television program in this studio."

Issei said nothing, biting his lip hard. He could taste and feel the blood running over his tongue but that was preferable to pissing off yet another Phenex.

"It's fine." Rambo sighed. "I accepted it. That's actually why I agreed to make a program here."

"Oh wow. Really?" Issei blinked in surprise. "That's brave of you. No really." He insisted when Rambo looked like he didn't believe him. "Facing things like that just so you could be a better man? That takes courage."

The blond suddenly looked embarrassed and self-conscious. "You think so?"

"Yeah. Of course." Issei confirmed.

Rambo paused for a while then smiled. "Having your own TV program is also a hit with the ladies. The money's good too." He added as an afterthought.

"Where do I sign up?" The Sekiryuutei asked, laying a hand on his shoulders. He leaned in and asked the more pressing question. "Are the women hot?"

"I'm glad you're both getting along so well." Ravel cut in, looking a little bit annoyed at that last bit. "But we really do have to get going. Don't want to get late and all, right Onii-sama?"

"Ravel, we have half an hour left and the room's right across the hall!"

"Punctuality is important in this day and age." She insisted, pushing the reluctant man out of the room. "Besides, you can use the time to talk with the producer about your next projects."

"See you soon Ravel." Issei waved back at Ravel's farewell before the two disappeared around the corner. "Those two are like a comedy act all on their own." He muttered to himself.

"What was that senpai?" Koneko asked, coming out of the room she was assigned to.

"Hm? Oh, just Ravel."

For some reason, just hearing the name made the diminutive first year wrinkle her nose. Issei found it cute and he couldn't resist reaching over to pet her head. That seemed to make her loosen up, and soon, Issei didn't quite know how it happened, she was sitting on his lap while he continued to read a magazine about Devil pop culture on the couch, waiting for the others to come out.

Gradually, they all began to finish the interviews, Gasper first then Xenovia, Asia, Kiba, Akeno and finally, Rias.

"Thank you all for your patronage!" The whole staff chorused, bowing in unison as the Gremory Group prepared to leave.

Once they had all settled in the limo that was their ride, Rias addressed all of them. "Are you all ready for tomorrow?"

Everyone nodded, Issei's eyes unusually sharp. Azazel had….implied in a conversation between the two that the Four Maous, or at least, Sirzechs Lucifer knew what was most likely going to happen tomorrow. He was hoping that they were wrong and that it would only be another Rating Game in the rather corrupt business, but in the more possible likelihood that the Old Maou Faction would stage a coup….then it would be a lot safer if Issei was prepared wasn't it?

"I'm pumped." Issei said, an edge of protective ruthlessness in his voice because there was no way in hell that he'd let his friends get hurt by an asshole that felt like he could do a better job than the ones who run the Underworld.

()()()()()()()()()

"It's time. Everyone, please gather in the circle. We will now transport you to the field."

'Ddraig.'

[Yeah partner?]

Flames sprang to life in Issei's hands, and his gauntlets burned into existence. He sighed and cracked his knuckles.

'Let's see how well we do against Ophis' snakes.'

A.N.

WHEW. Holy crap, college is HARD. Between quizzes, readings, long tests, presentations, homeworks, groupworks, and everything in between, I barely had any time to do anything else other than read, sleep, and pass out.

Add all that to the clubs I joined and boy was I surprised at the workload.

I'm hopefully getting used to the atmosphere though.

Another part of why it took me nearly 3 months to update was another story I thought of, called Crippled(Hooray self-advertisement). It's basically about Issei getting run over by a truck, not dying and seeing math everywhere.

It's cooler than it sounds, I promise. Besides, a littler later into that story and there'll be political intrigue and Accelerator-esque fights. That'll be later though, and I'm not even sure what I'll focus on.

Rambo Phenex is there just to keep up with the R motif of the Phenex family. The name actually came from a conversation between me and a friend of mine for possible names and THAT one came out of all things. So, if anyone wants to stage a crusade against him, his name in the site's demonwarrior1029. He's also responsible for the title. So, get your pitchforks and torches and BURN THE WITCH.

That's all for now I guess. See you in the next chapter.

As always, reviews are both helpful and appreciated.

P.S. 2015's NEARLY ENDING?! WHAT THE HELL PEOPLE. STOP THE CALENDAR, TIME'S PASSING BY WAAYYYYY TOO QUICKLY! WE STILL NEED MR. FUSION! HOVERBOARDS! FLYING FREAKING CARS!