Lord Longinus

Disclaimer: I do not own or make any profit from High School DxD.

A/n: Okay, just a quick warning here. Many of you are probably expecting humorous reactions from Rias and Akeno, that is not the case in this fic. I tried to write a funny scene but it just wouldn't come out right and always ended up on the serious side, so that's what I made it. The other characters who learn about Issei will have better reactions, for the most part anyway. Also, in an earlier authors note I stated that Issei had about 1/10 of his full power. In this chapter I am going to contradict that, just a heads up so your not confused. There are some changes I made in the last chapter, nothing major plot wise but a few fixes and a name change. You'll get the information in this chapter regardless so it doesn't matter. Lastly I would like to thank The Slumbering Dragon for pointing out my oversights in my previous chapter, with out him my story would have had a gaping hole in it. I most certainly owe him/her one. So here's the next chapter!

Chapter 5: Reactions, Explanations and a Burnt Turkey

Silence held firm in the newly revived church sanctuary. It was a deafening silence that had taken root upon the revelation of Issei's identity, and none of the rooms occupants seemed willing to break it. Issei was patiently waiting for a reaction, Asia was following Issei's lead, and Rias and Akeno had yet to react at all. Only a few moments had passed since the revelation, and it was a big pill to swallow, so their lack of reaction was understandable.

Soon enough though it came to an end as both Rias and Akeno finally realized what they had been told. "Whaaat!?" Was their communal response.

Issei smile gently and began again. "I said that I am God from the Bible." He tried to continue but was cut off by Rias.

"B-b-but you can't be God! We've practically been living together for the past week, I think I would have noticed!" Anger and anguish clear on her beautiful features.

Issei lost his smile immediately after seeing Rias's expression. "I assure you, I really am God. But that fact doesn't change anything Rias, I'm still the Issei that you've gotten to know over the past week."

Rias had fallen to her knees and tears were making their way down her face, Issei's words having little effect on her. It was obvious she had grown quite attached to Issei in their short time together. "Why Issei? Why didn't you tell me!?"

"Because Rias, I wanted you to get to know the real me before something like this happened. I've known you for the same amount of time as I've known what I am. I just didn't know how to tell you, so I put it off, even after I knew I could trust you. It never mattered to me what you were, race has no impact on our relationship." At that last comment he snuck a glance at Akeno, one she caught before it could be redirected.

Rias looked up from were she knelt after taking a moment to dry her eyes. "Really?" She muttered it weakly.

Issei knelt down in front of Rias and placed his hands on either side of her face, forcing her to make eye contact with him. "Really." He spoke quietly before kissing her on the cheek.

After withdrawing, Issei lifted the now slightly settled Rias to her feet. Looking to Akeno, he nodded to her. Her reaction had been more shocked and slightly nervous rather than Rias' pain filled tears. "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yes, I think I'll be fine. I assume your taking Lady Rias home?" She spoke quietly and with a hint of respect.

"Yes, I will be. We need to speak, but now is not the time. I'll find you after school tomorrow, okay?" It was phrased as a question but brooked no opposition from the girl.

"I'll see you tomorrow then. Asia, you should know how to teleport, it's instinctual to all God made Angels. Go home and get some rest, I'll meet you in the morning." He waited for confirmation from Asia, which was quickly given in the form of a quick nod, before disappearing with Rias in a flash of white light.

Staring at each other in silent for a moment, the sanctuary's remaining occupants thought about what had just transpired. Akeno was more stunned than anything, she had no deep connection to Issei and didn't feel betrayed by his omission of the truth. If anything she was awed by the fact she was standing in God's presence, as a Fallen/Devil hybrid, and hadn't been killed on the spot. Asia on the other hand was ecstatic that she had meet her God and become an Angel, and though she didn't understand Rias' reaction fully, she felt bad that she was hurt by the discovery.

Eventually their gazes broke apart and Asia spoke. "I suppose I should get going then, it was nice to meet you."

Akeno returned the gesture before summoning a magic circle and leaving the church, barely catching a glimpse of Asia doing the same, albeit in her own method of transportation.

Break

Issei appeared in Rias' room with a soft flash of light. In his arms was Rias herself, who was in a rather disheveled state. It was plainly obvious that while Issei had calmed her down greatly, the nights events had still taken a great toll on her. Over the past week Issei had come to know Rias fairly well, and as such he knew the reason behind her reactions to the truth.

Rias had been raised as the sole heir of House Gremory, one of the 72 Pillars, and as the younger sister of Lucifer. While she had good relations with her family for the most part, everyone else saw her not as a person but as the Heir to Gremory and a connection to the Maou. So whenever she found a person that saw her as a person, that she got along with well, she latched on. She found that person in Issei, but the attachment was tenfold for some inexplicable reason. In addition she had been raised thinking anything Holy to be an enemy, or at least unapproachable. So when she found Issei, someone she had latched onto tightly, to be God himself, it tore her apart at a core level. It was one of the main reasons Issei hadn't told her the truth sooner, he knew what would happen if not approached correctly.

But it didn't matter now, what happened happened and nothing could change it. So he would move on and comfort Rias, hopefully getting her pieced back together soon rather than later.

Looking down at Rias' now still form, Issei silently noted she had fallen asleep in his embrace. Sighing he maneuvered her onto the king sized mattress, and laid her down gently. Snapping his fingers softly, he magically removed all her clothing as he knew she liked when she slept. Positioning the covers over her nude form, he began to undress himself the traditional way. After accomplishing the task he carefully crawled into the bed beside Rias and allowed her to wrap herself around him. Not that he would ever have any complaints about being in bed with a naked woman, let alone a Rias who was using him as a full body pillow.

Break

Rias woke in what was now an extremely familiar position. She was curled around Issei, having both her right appendages thrown over him, and her breasts were wrapped around his face. Despite what you would think, she wasn't in the slightest embarrassed or even unhappy about the situation. She had actually come to enjoy waking up and learning what odd position they would wake up to that morning.

Unfortunately for her, that enjoyment was short lived as the previous nights events came back to her and their full weight descended upon her. The man she had grown so very attached to, and maybe even had a crush on, was God, the very bane of her existence. But he obviously knew what she was yet hadn't taken a single action against her... Everything seemed to conflict in her mind for a moment before she felt a calming hand on her cheek. She looked up to see Issei awake.

"It's alright Rias, everything's okay now. We're going to be fine." He gently whispered soothing words into her ear, all the while stroking her hair. For close to an hour this continued until finally Rias found a bit of peace, even if only for a few moments.

"I don't understand Issei, if your really God you shouldn't have anything to do with me. It goes against everything I know about the Angels for their God to be so kind to a devil." She was extremely soft, almost inaudible, and Issei could feel the great tide of emotions being held back.

"Rias, one thing you have to understand is that being God doesn't mean hating the Devils or things deemed 'unholy'. I'm still not entirely sure but I think it's actually the complete opposite." At that Rias gained a dumbfounded expression and Issei grinned at her. "Would you like to know a secret?"

"Umm... Sure, I guess?" She replied, slightly unsure of herself.

"Yesterday I said that I've known you for the same amount of time I've known I'm God. You probably forgot I did or dismissed it as a misunderstanding on your part but it's the truth. You see, while God is a person, it's also a title and position. Every time God dies a new one is chosen and is born with the God's soul. I, the fourth God, am called Ceryx. This is of course one of the most heavily guarded secrets in existence, you are only the third person to know that truth." His smiling grew as he continued as a result of Rias' ever brightening expression.

"One question, why are Ceryx? It means herald, but of what?" Curiosity now filled her noticeably brighter features.

"Well, each God has what we call a Holy name. The First was Mundaret, the Second was Bellum, the Third was Sanctus, and I am Ceryx. The name is given to use at the first awakening of our power and is based of our ideals, traits or outstanding characteristics. The First wanted only to purify the world and lived much before the time of humans, the Second thrived off of battle and started the original Great War, and the Third wanted to save everyone but grew to hate Devils and Fallen after being scorned by them repeatedly. I aim to bring about peace and prosperity using both my power as God and Ddraig's power."

"Who's Ddraig?" More questions filled her mind in the seconds between each word.

"Ddraig is the dragon sealed in my sacred gear, the Boosted Gear." A grin appeared on his face.

Rias face still managed to glow brighter, her mood having done a 180 in only a few moments. "Talk about irony, you're God yet you use a god-slaying weapon." Even as she said those words she began to understand their implication however, and she became awestruck. "But Issei, if you have God's power and the ability to double that power indefinitely how strong are you!?"

Chuckling at her reaction, Issei elaborated. "Well one would assume I'd be ranked at around the top three most powerful, probably bordering Ophis in raw power. But the truth of the matter is that I'm only at about one fifth my full strength, putting me at the level of an Ultimate class devil, much like your brother in fact."

Frowning in confusion, Rias continued her line of questioning. "But why don't you have all your power, is it sealed or just incomplete?"

Without missing a beat at the interruption, Issei continued on in his explanation. "You see, each portion of power is awarded to me when I gain sufficient control over the power I already have. There are five fragments of my power, each bigger than the last, and I only have the first. Unfortunately the final and most powerful fractal, containing the bulk of my power, is seal beyond that. To gain that I have to meet incredibly difficult requirements."

If Rias was confused before, now she was completely lost. "But why is that? I understand the control limit but why is the final piece sealed away until you can meet an impossible goal?"

"Because Bellum, the second God, was an idiot and a total battle freak. She was the strongest being in existence save the Dragon Kings, Evil Dragons, Ophis, Great Red, and the Trihexa. Since none of the Dragons could be bothered to fight her and the Trihexa was in isolation, she was utterly bored. So to resolve her problem she negotiated with other religious faction to stop the church's major encroachment on their territory if they could seal off that final portion of power. It was a no brainier for the other deities, their territory would remain stable and their fiercest rival would be reduced to a fraction of her former self. What Bellum didn't know until after the sealing was the condition to regaining her power." Issei sighed in slight depression as he recalled the actions of his past self.

"I can assume things didn't end well for her?" Rias was completely consumed by Issei's story.

"You'd be right if you did. For a while she enjoyed her new struggle against foes she would have once dominated, but soon she became overwhelmed. She was overconfident, while in the past she could stand above the rest, now she could barely stand equal to them. But she didn't realize this and went into a battle she had no hope of winning, a brawl with three of the evil dragons did her in. Grendel, Ladon and Crom Cruach left her dying on the battlefield, she made it back to Heaven just in time to tell Michael and use her remaining power to give the system life until her successor was born." At the memory of Beelum's death he flinched slightly.

"But against three dragons of such power, even at her peak she wouldn't have stood much a chance. Why would she have fought them?" Even a peerless battle freak would go into a suicidal fight like that, it was unthinkable to Rias.

"From what I understand she didn't have much a choice. Despite her battle maniac tendencies she still had people she loved and the Evil Dragons wanted her dead for some unfathomable reason. So they used her family to goad her into a fight." Even though they weren't his memories, Issei still felt the ancient emotions attached to them. He understood what Bellum did.

"Anyway, what are the requirements?" She was done with talk of ancient history, ow she wanted to know more about the present.

Sighing, Issei recalled the mental list of requirements he had formed. "First and foremost is peace between the three factions. Second, I believe, is complete control over the first four fragments. And third is a union with the Devils."

Rias lifted an eyebrow at the last condition, it seemed slightly odd. "Well, the control should come with time and experience, so no problem there. But the peace between the factions is an outlandish goal if I've even heard one, the two of use might be fine but I'm not sure about everyone else. Anyway, what kind of Union are you talking about?"

Grinning sheepishly, Issei spoke his reply. "Well, it's the marriage kind."

Rias' eye just about popped out of her skull at those words and she was more than tempted to giggle. "That... That's almost laughable. Peace might be doable, but how could you get a marriage like that to work? Let alone who you could get to do it, they'd have to be high up and willing."

Issei thought for a moment, on both his decisions and his current course of action, before making up his mind and looking pointedly at Rias. His meaning was clearer than daylight to the youthful woman.

Spotting the look and immediately understanding it, it was all Rias could do to meekly utter one word. "...Us?"

All the reply Issei gave was a slight nod, his formerly calm demeanor now burning with nerves and repressed emotion.

Rias was stunned silent. On one hand she had indeed grown to love Issei over their admittedly short time together, and she would be happy to stay with him and help him reclaim his power. But on the other hand he was still God, she was engaged to Riser and her family wouldn't like it. There were so many things to consider and it all rushed through her mind at once, the only result was a migraine. Luckily it was ended when Issei spoke again. "Don't worry about answering that quite yet. I'd like to know you better first and it wouldn't be for quite a while yet. Despite everything we're only teenagers and we have our whole lives ahead of us, let's not rush things."

As he said those words the pressure left both Issei and Rias, only for it to return again as a silver magic circle sprouted from the carpet beside the bed they were currently laying on. From that circle rose a beautiful young woman, on Rias knew to be Grayfia Lucifuge. She had creamy skin, silver eyes and matching hair that fell to her lower back. On either side of her head were two long braids held together by blue bows and she wore a light blue French maid outfit, her only other accessory was red lipstick.

Power radiated off her form as she rose from the circle with closed eyes. As soon as she was completely present in the room her eyes snapped open and scanned the area. When her eyes landed on Issei they betrayed a flicker of hope before she quickly school her features. "Lady Rias, I was unaware you had company."

Looking at Grayfia slightly annoyed, Rias addressed her. "And I was unaware you would be making an appearance today, Grayfia." As she spoke she softly shook her head side to side as if trying to secretly convey a message to her. Issei picked up on it but decided he would remain silent.

Apparently getting whatever message Rias was attempting to get across, Grayfia moved on. "I only came to give you warning. Lord Riser is growing impatient and will likely be visiting you in the next week. If that is all, I shall be taking my leave." She paused a moment for a reply and got none. "Very well, take care Lady Rias." She left in the same fashion she had arrived in and was gone from the room.

As Issei looked away from Grayfia's former location, he notice that Rias had gained a somber appearance. "Rias what's the matter? And who's this Riser guy?" He had already known about Grayfia from talking with Rias.

Those words seemed to jolt Rias. "Riser Phenex, the third son of Lord Phenex and my fiancé. I'm sorry Issei, I should have told you sooner." With each word she spoke she seemed more and more depressed.

"Rias, you've done nothing wrong. It's obviously a sore subject for you a I for one don't like to push. What you tell me is up to you, but I can't help if I don't know what's happening." Each word was filled sincerity and they struck Rias. They made her realize what she needed to do, and she did it. They spent the better part of an hour discussing her situation and how to resolve it. When they finished, Issei realized the time and went home to speak with Asia before getting to school.

Break

Asia had been waiting in Issei's room for quite a while now. She had slept there the night before and had been sitting on his bed wait after getting ready and eating breakfast that morning. But now there was less than an hour until school started and she was getting a little worried. The fear was completely unfounded however, as Issei appeared in his room moments after it had started.

"Good morning Asia, how did you sleep last night?" Were the first words out his lips.

Out of instinct she replied instantly. "Well, how about you?"

"Fairly well." Were the few words he could get out before Asia pounced.

"Issei! How come you took so long!?" Her complaint sound more like a child than that of a young adult.

Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head, Issei replied. "Well you see, I had to explain some things to Rias and then something came up and I helped her out a little bit."

Curiosity overtaking her, Asia released Issei and began her interrogation. "What did you explain? And what did she need help with?"

So began Issei's repeat of his earlier discussion with Rias. As they spoke, he began getting ready for school and was done by the time he ended his explanation. They still had over half an hour to get to school.

They left the house then, planning to discuss how Issei helped Rias on the way. "So what are you going to do about Riser Issei?"

"Rias said that she planned to challenge Riser in a Rating Game to annul the betrothal. So because I can't directly interfere without causing incident, I'm going to help train her and her peerage. But as a failsafe I'll have Rias sign an ancient contract stating that she has sworn herself to the service of the Church. That way I'll be able to challenge Riser for her. There's no way I'd loose against him." He knew it wasn't the best plan but it was all he could do.

"Ok, but what dose the contract mean?" All Asia seemed to do was produce more questions for him to answer.

Taking a moment to organize his thoughts, Issei gave his answer. "The contract is part of an ancient treaty between the Angels and Devils. Basically, any angel or devil that wished to switch allegiances need only to sign the contract. It only comes into effect if it is signed by both the individual and a faction leader. I won't sign it until I absolutely need to for Rias' sake, so unless she loses and the Maou prove to be unreasonable I won't need it."

"That makes sense. So please, tell me about my... resurrection." Her words tapered off, slightly unsure of the topic.

Smiling at Asia's apparent nervousness, Issei reassured her and answered her inquiry. "It's alright to be a little nervous Asia, it's not everyday your resurrected as an Angel. Anyway, I brought you back from the dead using my power as God. It's part of my system in Heaven, but it doesn't work in full capacity without me. Unfortunately I could only do so as an Angel..."

"It's ok Issei, I'm glad to be an Angel and I'm especially happy to serve you!" Her expression was one of pure joy and genuine excitement.

"That's good to hear Asia, as long as your happy. But we're a bit off topic, for a multitude of reasons you were not only reborn as an Angel but an Archangel with six wings. You have a significant level of power and hold a high station within the ranks of Heaven. I have no doubt you will one day be a Seraphim and Michael's equal, but don't tell him I said that. Now, as an Angel of such high stature you have equal responsibilities." He paused for a moment letting his words sink in, but in that short time he was interrupted.

"What are those responsibilities?" She was hungry for more information and didn't want to wait.

Chuckling at her eagerness, Issei began again. "Your primary job will be as my personal aid. There are a few other things but they can wait, the academy is just around the corner and we have to get to class."

Getting the last bit of slightly depressing new didn't stop Asia from grinning like a lunatic for the rest of the day. Who would have thought she'd be God's personal assistant!

Break

The school day was largely uneventful for Issei, save when Motohama and Matsuda tried to force porn and lewd conversation on him during class and lunch. He of course shot them down, it's not that he didn't want to participate, just that he'd rather have a shot at getting into a girls pants than talk about it and never get said chance. Saving face and rebuilding his reputation were much more important to the cause than talking about it in public.

Other than that however, there were no outstanding events. Now school was out and Issei intended to speak with Akeno as he had promised. As such he was standing in the Occult Research Club room waiting for her to show up. Other than him the room was empty, Rias having taken Kiba and Koneko out so he could speak privately with Akeno.

As he sat in wait, his mind began thinking up ways to aid Rias and her peerage.

Rias herself was very powerful, but her control was lacking and she had little variety. She would benefit greatly from some meditation, a bit of magic control practice and a bit of creativity in applying her known magics. Akeno was strong, but was holding back for reasons unknown. What he did know was that she had control over Holy energies and wasn't using it. If he could convince her to use her full power she would dominate the field. The same went for Koneko, she was holding back her Nekomata abilities and relying on the Rook's strength alone. Breaking her of that would increase her strength tenfold and she could fight using her Senjutsu. But doing it wouldn't be easy, he had memories of her praying to God for relief before she was a devil, it would take work but it was worth it. Then there was Kiba, he was different. He had no hidden ability or bloodline, and he had a fatal flaw, his main advantage was his speed and against a faster opponent he stood no chance. But he had one ace in the hole that, if properly nurtured, could change the tide of any battle. His Sword Birth sacred gear had untold potential if he could study powerful swords closely to learn how to build them and if he introduced a new source of power. That and speed training would make him a formidable foe. But considering his past it would be difficult to gain his trust after revealing his true identity. Last but not least was Gasper, who was currently sealed away. If Rias could convince her brother to unseal allow his unsealing, Issei could help him gain control over his sacred gear, Forbidden Balor View. The gear had potential to become the fourteenth Longinus if properly trained. Meditation and focus training would do him great things.

He was broken from his planning by the sound of a door opening and closing. Turning around from his position standing by the window, Issei spotted Akeno taking a seat on one of the two couches in the room. "Hello Akeno, how was your day?"

"Fine, and yours ara ara?" Her voice perfectly sweet and innocent, an act put up by the ultimate sadist that was Akeno.

"Long, but not all that bad. Now, I assume you have questions for me?" As he replied and posed and question, he sat down in the opposite couch.

"Ara ara, so straight forward Issei." She grinned her slightly sadistic smile before letting it drop to continue on, having gotten the desired response from Issei. That response being a slightly distressed look. "But yes, I do have several questions for you. But this is my most important one, what are your intensions toward Rias?"

Getting serious to answer a serious question, Issei quickly replied. "Rias is my best friend and someone I care for deeply. I have no plans for Rias, anything we do is a joint decision. But no matter what I won't hurt her, ever."

Smiling genuinely, Akeno relaxed at the assurance. "Then please, tell me about the situation." She had no idea the pain those words caused Issei. But despite that pain, Issei launched into an abridged version of the discussion he had with Rias and Asia.

It took about an hour and a half to complete with small additions here and there as Akeno asked questions. But they eventually got past the bulk of explanation, newer questions began to appear. "So if your God can you make Fallen Angels rise again?"

"Yes I can. I can purify all Fallen, but Fallen Devil hybrids such as yourself can't be completely cleansed. It's because of your devil element that prevents it. But you would still rise to be what I call a Dark Angel, they're Angels only the embody the less pure elements of life. You'd be the first to exist since Bellum died, that's several millenia." He knew what she was getting at, he didn't know why but she despised Fallen. Being a partial Fallen was obviously torture for her, and she wanted to end that. If God was the way to accomplish it then so be it.

What he didn't count on was the small explosion mentioning her race would being on. "How did you know that!?"

Definitely a sore subject, one to be handled carefully. "Akeno what you have to understand is that when I inherited my position I heard all the prayers that had been uttered during God's absence, including yours. I know that you hat being what you are, I do t one why but you do. What I'll tell you is that race has no effect on what I or anyone worth your time will think about you."

Sighing slightly in mixed relief and apprehension, Akeno prepared herself for what she was about to do. "Issei, do you mind if I show you something?"

"Anything Akeno." Aside from being a good friend and helping her through this, it was the first stage in helping Rias win her rating game.

Wordlessly she unfurled her Fallen Angel wings, glistening feathers blacker than the night sky appearing around her. Nervously she looked at Issei. "What do you think?"

"They're beautiful, you might not see it but they are gorgeous." Those words were spoken with a complete and total honesty that not even the most accomplished liars could replicate. As he said them he reached out slowly with one hand to stroke the feathers gently.

"Ara ara Issei, so sudden. I'm not sure were at that point yet." Akeno had gotten over the first hurtle in her struggle, but there was certainly mor to come in the future.

Rather than give in, Issei played along with Akeno's innuendo. "Whatever you say Akeno, just let me know when we are."

Giggling slightly at Issei's playfulness, Akeno changed the subject. Retracting her wings at the same time. "So how are you handling the transition?"

Smiling at Akeno's concern, Issei realized she was he first person to ask him that. "I'm doing alright, thanks for asking Akeno."

"Ara ara, your welcome Issei. I'm glad your doing well though, I can't imagine the situation was easy to adjust to." Concern shining through her features.

"You'd be surprised actually, it was fairly simple. All I really had to do was re-sync my system in Heaven and claim my throne. There went very many responsibilities for God, most things are handled by the Angels or the Church and the rest are maintained by the system. Only the big things ever make it to me, and the rest is my own personal choice." A content look appeared on his face.

"Ara ara, I guess your actually happy with your position then. But I should get going Issei, it's already fairly late." She was starting to get tired and was yawning every so often.

Issei looked over a the clock and saw that it was indeed getting late, in fact it was just about sundown. "Your right, we should probably go home. I would want to worry anyone by being out to late. Goodbye Akeno." He stood up and began toward the door as he spoke.

"I agree, ara ara. Goodbye, I'll see you tomorrow. And Issei... thanks." She had also gotten off the couch and had walked to the door, but rather than open it she hugged Issei while thanking him then seductively swayed her hips all the way down the hall.

Break

The next day passed by in a much similar fashion as the last. Issei woke up with Asia wrapped around him, they got ready, they went to school, attended class, ate lunch, got pestered by the perverted duo, back to class and then it was finally over. Issei and Asia were just getting ready to knock on the OCR rooms door when they felt two being appear on the other side. One had a large concentration of power but not overwhelming, what was odd about him was the presence of a corrupt Phoenix in his aura. They other was a crushing aura that smelt of demonic ice, it belonged to one Grayfia Lucifuge. It appeared as though her warning to Rias had been correct.

Quietly telling Asia to stay behind him just in case, Issei opened the door widely, attracting the entire rooms attention. Scanning the room quickly, Issei noticed several things. One was how tense Rias' peerage seemed, even Akeno who knew the solution was already in play. Second was how Rias' face immediately brightened as they made eye contact. Third was how Grayfia seemed to try to mediate the situation and was only half succeeding. And fourth was Riser's hand attempting to grope Rias. The last one set him off. A blast of Holy energy so concentrated it couldn't be recognized as Holy hit Riser right between the eyes, blowing his head into tiny bits of flame scattered around the room.

The same second it happened every eye in the room, that didn't belong to one who knew who Issei was, widened at the show of power. Unsurprisingly it was Rias who first spoke. "Issei! I'm so glad your here, I need a bit of help please."

"Glad to see you to Rias, what can I do for you? It should take the flaming turkey over there about twenty minutes to grow his head back so we've got time." He smiled at Rias, loving the way she giggled at his name for Riser.

"I want you to help me convince Grayfia we can handle training Gasper." She whispered it into his ear so only he could hear her voice. "We've already agreed to an unofficial Rating Game and we have one week to prepare for it, I'd like to use that time wisely so if Grayfia deems you worthy you are going to help train us."

"Sounds easy enough, but what exactly do you want me to do? I'm not good at lying through my teeth." And he honestly wasn't, he could hardly look your direction when he was lying without a plan of action.

"Hmmm... I've got it, tell her you've studied sacred gears and how to control them all your life. Then give her a small demonstration with Kiba's Sword Birth and release a bit of your aura. That should do the trick." Winking at Issei in confidence, she backed off and allowed him to do his thing.

Grayfia took the initiative. "Who are you exactly and why are you here? Only Devil's should even know about this place."

Looking Grayfia in the eyes, he answered shortly and to the point. "My name is Issei Hyoudou. I've studied sacred gears all my life and I'm an expert in activating, controlling and bringing gears to their full potential and beyond." As he spoke he released a third of his aura, which was still a substantial amount. The power brought a chill to all the Devil's spines.

Issei then calmly stepped over to Kiba, where he asked permission to use him as an example. At first he was unsure, but seeing how greatly Rias trusted him convinced him to allow it. "Alright Kiba, your sacred gear, Sword Birth, is a gear that produces swords of any types using only on your imagination and the power source you use to activate it, correct?"

"Ya, that's right. Before I was a Devil I could make regular and even weak Holy swords." His voice was calm and even, but there was an underlying strain that Issei could pick up on around the word Holy.

"So the strength and abilities of your sword rely on the amount of power used and your mental depiction of the sword. Let's see your strongest sword right now." Issei had transition to full on teacher mode now.

"Holy Eraser!" Kinda shouted the name of his blade as he crafted it in his hands.

Taking the blade from Kiba, Issei studied it for a moment before flicking it with a holy infused finger, the blade shattered instantly. While everyone around him stood awestruck, Issei thought out were he would go next. Deciding his course of action quickly, he drew in a deep breath then continued. "Ok so that was your strongest blade, let's make a better one. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to give you an immensely powerful blade to study. I want you to look past the metal and look instead at the runic patterns and energy channels in the blade. Then you will try to recreate it, but instead of using you power as a source we're going to use mine. Now I have a few swords for you to chose from. First is Durandal, second is Ascalon, and third is Elicidator. All three are incredibly powerful but each has its own specialization, Durandal is destruction, Ascalon is dragon slaying and Elucidator is an anti monster blade. Please, take your pick." With those final words he opened three magic circles and the prescribed swords rose out of them.

Once again the room stared in shock and awe at the blades. How he could have these swords none of them knew, it was unthinkable. But sooner rather than later Kiba looked at each blade determinedly and reached out to grab one. In the end he went for Elucidator. Grasping the blade he felt the tingle of power it sent up his arms. At first he looked at the sword itself, but then he followed Issei's instruction and looked at the mystic intricacies of the blade. For a few moments he continued, then he relinquished the sword and nodded to Issei.

"Alright Kiba, your going to feel a light tapping sensation wherever your gear is centered. That's my power, I want you to draw on it to create this blade. In three, two, one, go." The signal was given and Kiba began to recreate the blade he had studied. It took slightly longer than his other swords but the result was obviously much more desirable. By the time he finished he had an almost exact replica of the sword in his hands. It had the same appearance, the same aura and even the same magical capability. The only difference was a decrease in power, it was about half as strong as the original. But that was still incredibly powerful.

Once again taking the blade from Kiba, he gave it a few test swings before punching the blade full on with a bare fist. But this time there was hardly a scratch.

Grayfia watched amazed as this boy taught Rias' Knight how to properly use his gear to replicate legendary swords. It was an amazing feat, one only a master could have been able to accomplish. But now she had to bit the bullet, she had promised Rias that he could train them if he was worth and he was beyond worthy. In the course of fifteen minutes he had practically recreated one of the most powerful swords in existence using only his raw power and a novice skill. It was honestly a miracle.

"Very well Rias, he has more than proven himself to me. I could think of no one better suited to train Gasper than him. You may unseal your Bishop at any time you wish. As for the Rating Game, you have one week to train starting tomorrow. I wish you luck. Oh, and please, send Lord Riser back when he wakes." Without another word she disappeared in a silver circle of magic.

At the same time as that short exchange took place, the rest of the rooms occupants save Asia and Akeno were looking to Issei in awe. How was he this powerful and they didn't even notice it? But at the same time they realized they couldn't feel his aura any longer, was he repressing it? They couldn't be sure, but time would tell.

Currently Rias was hugging the life out of Issei. With his help she had a chance to win the game with Riser. She didn't want Issei to have to fight for her sake, it wasn't his problem and certainly not his battle to fight. So she would do everything in her power to prevent that from happening. By the time she released Issei he was gasping for air, having been unable to breath in Rias' grasp.

"I know your happy Rias but there's no reason to suffocate me." The group chuckled slightly at the attempted humor.

It was at this point that Riser finally reawakened, slightly disoriented. "Who dares attack Lord Riser!? Some filthy Human!? You aren't even worthy of touching my boots!" He had obviously forgotten the pain he must have felt moments ago.

Issei was just about to tell the fried chicken to piss off, when he was beaten to it by Rias. "Get out of here Riser, I'll see you at the Rating Game!"

"Fine then Rias, but when you lose remember it's your own fault!" In a flurry of golden flames he vanished from the human world.

"And good riddance!" Were Issei final words to the man. It had the whole room cracking up with laughter.

A/n: I know you expected Kalawarner and Milltet to appear in this chapter but they didn't, sorry. They will however make there appearance next chapter, so no worries. Yes, I realize I changed how Sword Birth works, but for the sake of the story ip that how it will have to be. I tried to make this chapter my explanations chapter, but I may have been vague on a few things so if you have questions put them in a review. I will either answer them in a PM or an A/n next chapter. Anyway thanks for reading, and as always please review.