Chapter 71: Old Faces and Reunion

Chapter 71: Old Faces and Reunion

"I was wondering when one of you would volunteer. Who wants to go first?" Kokabiel asked, smiling as he held a sword of light in his hand.

They were within the research room, Kokabiel, the Star of God, the embodiment of the title, wings of starlight constellations contouring actual wings, white eyes so blinding that staring into them was like staring at the sun, hair was white as the light of heaven.

"I will go."

Azazel stepped up before Michael could say a word.

"...Azazel!" Michael called out.

Ophis was sitting on an operating table, munching on her sweets, swinging her legs back and forth.

"You play a vital role in Heaven, Michael. I am Fallen, and can be replaced in case I am inactive." Azazel answered. "...What are the requirements after losing my wings?"

Kokabiel grinned.

"Ascension requires a form of enlightenment. A strong desire to rise above yourself both mentally and spiritually. It took me months of wandering, panic, loss, regret and overcoming the fear that I might never become stronger than I was before to reach my stage. There is a level of resolve and courage that you must find and harness within you. That you must grab and carry as you ascend through the darkness and into the light above."

Kokabiel explained as Azazel hummed to himself.

"...That's it?" Azazel asked.

"You have been through much like I have." Kokabiel mused. "But who knows? You are a different man compared to when we first met. The charisma you have at that time, it was blinding. You called for war when we were cast down and betrayed by our Father, you brought us all together when we no longer have God's guiding grace! You shaped all of us into what we are through the darkness and inspired us to spite our Father through the atrocities you committed! Then your woman"

"Stop." Azazel shook his head as he inhaled. "I cannot take back what I've done. If you want me to admit that I was the most evil, despicable archangel of all time, then yes. I was."

Kokabiel watched Azazel taking a deep inhale before meeting Kokabiel's gaze.

"I was the most Fallen of us all. I have killed many, many humans that dared to serve The Lord because they reminded me so much of myself, and our Father rewarded them, spared them from the severe penance those like I would receive if I were to indulge and explore the emotions God forbade us to embrace, even a little. All because I decided to admire human anatomy to try and understand what makes the female so appealing."

Michael watched from the sidelines, understanding the pain of his fallen brother. His only regret was that it took loss and trauma for him to understand why his brothers fell and for what reason they fought.

"...I did everything because I was jealous, wrathful, and took pride in the vilest things I've done. Because I want to see our Father hurt, to tear down the image He tried to veil over our eyes. To have others see Him for He is as I have through my actions"

"...And you stopped because God's sheep murdered your child before he or she entered this world?" Kokabiel scoffed.

"...What do you know about love?" Azazel asked. "About parenthood? It is not as simple."

He turned away, his back facing Kokabiel.

"When I heard that I was going to be a father, I was there was conflict. At one point, I thought I could be the greatest father he or she had ever seen. Something better than God when they were murdered, I saw what I am. How can someone drowned in so much blood be someone better than the Father that raised us?"

Kokabiel widened his eyes at Azazel's rebuke.

"...The man you see now is someone that understands what he is. And now he is trying to undo the mistake he has started."

Azazel gave Kokabiel a sidelong glance.

"Do it. Let's see if I can master it in a week. I must finish it by then."

Kokabiel clenched his light sword.

"...You speak well, Azazel. I understand."

Kokabiel walked towards Azazel and raised his sword.

"I apologize." Kokabiel said. "...For underestimating you."

Azazel closed his eyes, "I apologize for leading you astray."

"I accept."

Then Kokabiel's sword swung down, blood and black feathers falling to the floor.

The powers of a Demon were different compared to the powers of a Devil.

Issei could conjure and play with spheres of fire and lightning.

No magical circles needed, just pure sorcerous intent and understanding of the powers he wield on a level that words and formula could not describe. From what he learned and heard from the Reincarnated Devils, Devils could use magic based on imagination, but it also required a level of knowledge of how magic works.

Otherwise, Yuuto would have become more than just a swordsman, using magic on the level of Rias and Sona, or Saji could pull off magic on the level of a master magician.

Issei could do it by mimicking the flow of energy more easily than ever before.

It was more occult and supernatural than the modern magic system, something God wanted as he heard, no knowledge of magical formulas, just an understanding of how energy and power works.

It was another morning, Issei in the training room, sitting on the floor in a lotus position, practicing his demonic powers in front of Vali and the Devil boys and girls.

Sona and her peerage were also there, watching Issei displaying his power.

"...You're already kind of OP without the demon powers, honestly. And I remember you saying that the Demon Lord used the Evil Pieces. How many did he use?" Saji asked.

"All of them. Even the King Piece." Issei explained as he summoned a ball of holy power to everyone's surprise.

"...All of them?" Rias asked.

"Yeah. I checked my inventory. Ersi used the evil pieces of the girls and Ajuka's King Piece to reincarnate me, all sixteen chess pieces in total. He said he partially succeeded, though." Issei molded the sphere of holy energy into an arrow.

Everyone recognized the shape and feel, the holy sun arrow Irina usually used with Houyi's Bow.

"...I am pretty sure that is unfair as Hell. Doesn't that make you like a one-man Peerage? Wait, is that even allowed in the Rating Games?" Saji asked Sona.

"No, of course not. It is also impractical as the games are meant for teams. In legal terms, you should be arrested for illegal abuse of Rating Game property. And using the King Piece." Sona pursed her lips.

"Yeah? Tell the Nobles to stuff it, or I'll go all Demon God on their asses. Pretty sure almost all of them are pansies compared to the heavy hitters," Issei scoffed.

"And that means you are officially impossible to reincarnate now." Rias pouted.

The slight chance that Issei could officially become a part of her family was gone now though this outcome did have new possibilities.

"Yeah, don't think you can stuff your Rook into me. Unless it's possible to exceed the chess piece number limit."

"Makes me wonder if we could" Rias tapped her chin in thought.

Everyone pondered on the possibility of abusing the Evil Pieces to such an extent.

"So what happened to the Demon Lord? Is he still around?" Vali asked.

"I had to let him go since who knows what else he'll try within Boosted Gear. Ten out of ten he'll try again or something." Issei explained.

"What's it like to transform?" Vali asked with curiosity.

"It's an incomplete reincarnation, so it has intense downsides. Like When I feel hungry for a snack, I want to eat a horse. All of it. To the last bone. Put that comparison on every smallest emotion or cravings and have it magnified on that scale. Imagine what it's like if I'm angry to the max with that kind of power. Or when I appreciate the opposite sex."

"Nyaaaa~? So you'll want to prey on any girl that has your fancy, hmm?" Kuroka popped up from behind Koneko.

Everyone turned to Kuroka, seeing the older catgirl swishing her tail left and right.

"Soooo? I heard about what happened and decided to come check on my little sister. Bikou and Arthur are bringing someone over from Asgard. Sooooo you encountered a Demon Lord? What is he like, nya?" Kuroka asked as she hugged Koneko to her chagrin, the white catgirl pouting.

"Intense yet decent for someone that wants to murder every Devil in existence." Issei summarized. "Very dangerous. Has knowledge and techniques I didn't know was possible. Right now, I'm experimenting on my new powers. I can use magic much better now."

Issei summoned a sphere of arcane, a magic missile.

"I am honestly kind of excited to test this stuff out. I always wanted to use magic like this when I was little. Who wants to spar with me?" Issei asked.

Vali was the first to raise his hand up.

"Of course" Issei gave a wry smirk but he gestured to Vali to head to the ring with him.

"So, are you doing alright there? I mean, I know what you're trying to do. Lucifer yeah, it's one thing to hear about him through popular media, but"

"It doesn't change the fact that he's the most abominable man in supernatural history." Vali scoffed. "...And I have to clean up the mess he left behind. I wish to give him a piece of my mind if I can. So how do you want to do this?"

"Magic battle." Issei smirked. "No punches. Just well, a magic snowball fight."

"Hah! You think you can beat me in a contest of spells?"

Issei summoned two fireballs of dragonfire in his hands while wiggling his brows.

"Oh, it's on. Bring it!"

Everyone stepped back as Vali summoned his array of arcane spells.

However, Issei smiled from cheek to cheek.

"SURPRISE GOD FORCE LIGHTNING!"

Then Issei threw his hands forward and fired a stream of lightning in a manner similar to a certain popular villain from a certain sci-fi media.

The lightning was fast, bright, forcing Vali to summon a magic barrier at the last second, pushing Vali back with his power.

"You bastard! Are you trying to pull Palpatine on me?!" Vali shouted.

There was no finesse or technique, it was just Issei throwing his power at him like a child playing with a toy, and Vali had no idea if Issei was holding back or not.

"AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! You're going to be the Luke to my Sidious, fool! And there ain't no Vader to chuck me into the reactor! Bow before my UNLIMITED POWERRRRRRRRRRR!" Issei shouted with childish glee, obviously possessed by the phantom spirit of Darth Sidious.

The girls could only sweat-drop at Issei's antics, Saji could only smile awkwardly at Issei's awakened inner Chuuni.

While Issei was trying to vaporize Vali in the name of the Sith, everyone then turned to see a tired-looking Yuuto entering the room with Muramasa latching on him by his arm. Behind them were a couple of familiar faces belonging to one Griselda Quarta and Lint Sellzen, followed by a new one.

She was a girl in her pre-teens with white hair tied into braided twintails with a hairclip on the right side of her bangs. For some reason, she would steal glances at Yuuto and Muramasa and pout at them.

"Whatsuuuuupppp fellassss. Did he just awaken to the Dark Side or something?" Lint pointed at Issei using 'Force Lightning.'

Issei stopped assaulting Vali with his god lightning and turned to the newcomers.

Waving his hand, Issei greeted the knight, "Took you long enough to come here, Kiba" He then noticed the other girls, "And Sister, good to see you. Good to see you arriving for training as well, Lint and who's the new girl?"

Issei asked as Vali heaved for his life from the pressure of the 'force lightning.' Honestly, while iconic, Vali felt as if he had too much power at this point.

"A pleasure to see you in good health, Mr. Ise." Griselda smiled before she gestured at the newcomer, "As for her, allow me to introduce Tosca. She is another survivor of the Holy Sword Project As well as an old friend of Mr. Kiba."

The girl - Tosca, stepped forward and bowed slightly, "I-It's nice to meet you! My name is Tosca, please take care of me!"

Soon, the other girls began to introduce themselves and exchange words with one another. Meanwhile, Issei approached Yuuto, who was still looking exhausted - emotionally speaking, judging from his resigned look as Muramasa was still smothering him.

"...So why do you look like a vampire sucked you dry?" Issei asked.

Earlier in the morning.

Tosca took a deep breath while she stood in front of an apartment door, with Griselda Quarta and Lint Sellzen standing by her flanks.

It took a while to acclimate herself to the fact that she had been in a stasis sleep for over four years, thanks to the sudden awakening of her Sacred Gear, which also saved her from the poison gas used to kill her other comrades from the Holy Sword Project.

A smile began to form on her lips at the prospect of meeting her old friend - Isaiah, who, from what she heard last time, had survived by reincarnating into a devil under the supervision of Rias Gremory.

Despite her only surviving friend being a devil, Tosca wanted more to meet him again. She had asked for her caretakers to help her to devise a quick plan for this surprise visit. Imagining his surprised look caused Tosca to bite back a giggle.

She glanced back at Griselda and Lint, who gave her encouraging nods, before she steeled herself and pressed the doorbell.

It took around a minute until footsteps could be heard from behind the door. Tosca then was greeted by the sight of Yuuto Kiba - formerly Isaiah; he truly had grown older and taller.

Yuuto was about to put on his signature smile whenever he had unexpected guests, but he froze when his eyes met Tosca's.

The two did not utter any word as they simply stared at each other's eyes, until Yuuto spoke, "...Tosca? Tosca, is that Is this really you?"

Tears began to gather in the girl's eyes, "Y-yes, it's me, Tosca It's-it's good to see you again, Isaiah."

Yuuto blinked and only realized that Griselda and Lint were also present. The former was smiling while the latter was waving at him.

"I Um" Yuuto was at a loss for words.

"What you are seeing here is real, Mr. Kiba. Or should I say Isaiah?" Griselda explained, "Long-story short, young Tosca here is also another survivor, and she's been dying to meet you."

Hope and elation began to spread across Yuuto's face. A few seconds later, the two old friends then shared a heartfelt hug with smiles and tears of joy, with Griselda and Lint contently stood by.

"I-I thought I've lost all of you!" Yuuto cried.

"I'm here I'm here, Isaiah - we both are here!" Tosca sobbed into Yuuto's chest.

Eventually, they broke off their hugs.

"That's right, please come in! I was about to prepare breakfast." Yuuto then stepped aside to make way for the guests to come in.

Tosca was too happy to feel reserved. However, when she stepped in and was about to take her shoes off, another presence appeared by the end of the hallway.

"...Master?" a feminine voice was heard, causing Tosca to pause, "Are we having guests so early in the morning?"

Lo and behold - a woman clad only in a shirt that was barely bigger enough to cover herself, walked out and blinked at the newcomers.

"Dear, master Who are we having?"

Tosca let out a choked gasp when the strange woman sauntered and threw her arms around Isaiah's shoulders before pulling him against her ample bosoms.

Lint and Griselda stared at Yuuto and then at the woman. On the other hand, Tosca's face was growing red as an apple.

"That's. Muramasa, correct?" Griselda whispered to Lint.

"Yyyep, and I have no idea of what's going on between those two." Lint replied.

Freed, now the katana, rattled against her hip as if trying to say something spiteful and insulting.

"Um, Muramasa, please mind your manners around guests, please?" Yuuto pried Muramasa's arms, "Right, Tosca, Sister Griselda - this is Muramasa, she's uh. She's a demon sword turned into a Tsukumogami."

However, Tosca immediately asked with a furious, stammering blush, "L-let go of Isaiah, you - you You woman! W-w-what is your relationship with him, anyway!?"

Muramasa blinked at the young girl's sudden question, "...Isaiah?"

"That's my birth name." Yuuto answered.

"...Oh, of course. I read your memories but I didn't read it that far" Muramasa nodded. "Let's see you are a friend of my master? But if I recall, the poison gas should've claimed you. Did the Church make a deal with an actual all-powerful Devil? Or did Michael decide to pluck the souls from Heaven or something?"

Muramasa asked Griselda.

"No, young Tosca here awakened her Sacred Gear when she was nearly killed. Unfortunately, her Sacred Gear was trapping her in a time-stasis barrier, keeping her in hibernation for over 4 years until we managed to retrieve her," Griselda explained.

"Oh." Yuuto was pleasantly surprised. "I I didn't"

Yuuto could still remember that day. He had to run from that facility, his friends telling him to live his life.

"...I am sorry I didn't"

Upon seeing Yuuto's hurtful look, Tosca immediately grasped his hands, "Isaiah, Isaiah, it's okay." She then fiddled with his fingers, "I'm here now. We are here now. That's all that matters."

Feeling her hand, Yuuto stared at Tosca's smile

"...It is strange. You haven't grown an inch while I'm already this tall." Yuuto joked a little with a smile.

Tosca pouted a little.

"Like I said. She was in hibernation." Griselda said. "Her appearance and 'age' was preserved in these four years. We had actually invited Saitama to see if he could break it" Griselda looked away a little.

Yuuto, Muramasa, and even Lint stared at her.

"...Really?" Yuuto asked.

"We are aware. It worked, so far. One finger was all it took" Griselda muttered under her breath..

Yuuto, Muramasa, Lint, and Tosca were not sure how to react to that. Yuuto could only imagine a flick of his finger and the barrier cracking from that flick.

"How are you doing now?" Yuuto asked Tosca, deciding to move on.

"Not sure But I am sure that I'm happy to see you again." Tosca smiled, then she realized the woman who was still standing behind Isaiah, "No - Wait a second, you!" Her smile was gone, replaced by a flustered panic.

"Who are you? And what were you doing with Isaiah?" Tosca asked while pointing at Muramasa.

Muramasa merely stared at the young girl before a mischievous smile crept up on her lips. She then hugged Yuuto from behind him.

"Why, just some regular bonding exercise between master and his loyal servant. In fact, our time in the morning was interrupted by your untimely arrival, isn't that right, master?" Muramasa replied before beginning to lightly tease Yuuto's earlobe with her mouth.

"Muramasa, all we did was sleep together." Yuuto simply pried Muramasa off him, before he noticed the expressions on the guests' faces.

Griselda was raising her eyebrows at him.

Lint was staring wide-eyed at him, while covering her mouth. Her face was also blushing lightly.

Tosca's expression was flustered and catatonic with her wide eyes brimming with tears.

To his credit, Yuuto quickly rectified his earlier words, "...Not like what you're thinking! Muramasa and I were just sleeping! That's all, I promise!"

"Sure, all while embracing my body like dear life." Muramasa quipped with a knowing smirk, which earned a pleading glare from Yuuto. "You're very warm, master~"

"I-Isaiah You and this woman - together on the same bed?"

Tosca was tearing up even more.

"Ohhh awkward~" Lint was not sure if she commented how she stumbled upon a scenario where the girl's childhood crush was stolen by another woman in front of her.

Freed was cackling in her head, saying he hopes Yuuto gets dumped.

Yuuto was a stuttering mess, unable to explain himself as Muramasa worsened the situation.

Griselda decided to interfere, "Ahem. I believe it is time for us to depart to Sir Issei's domicile. Mr. Kiba can explain himself on the way."

"Yes! Yes, let's do that!" Yuuto nodded furiously.

"...Wow." Issei had underestimated Yuuto in more ways than one. He glanced at Tosca, seeing her blush a fiery red that reminded him of Asia.

Speaking of the girl - everyone had noted that Asia spent the night alone with Issei, and despite she was able to wake up as usual, she was unusually drowsy, as if she did not get enough sleep last night. It took her quite some time until she was fully operational.

"...So you also have a childhood friend I want to ask something rude but I'll keep it to myself." Issei could feel Irina's lasing gaze burning into his scalp, warning him not to tease with an innocent maiden's heart.

"Quick question, did you finally do the deed with Muramasa?" Issei poked a finger through a ring he made with his finger and thumb of his other hand.

Yuuto gave Issei a dirty look, "I have to question why that is important. But no, not yet."

"Alright, that's on me. But how do you feel about Muramasa now?" Issei asked.

Yuuto sighed, glancing at Muramasa who had finally detached herself from him and was currently talking with others.

"...I guess recent events have made me realize how much I treasure her Though, I'd appreciate it if she could reduce the skinship I'm glad that she cares for me, and I also care for her But the way she clings to me is just too much." Yuuto said with an embarrassed tone.

"Progress." Issei summarized his opinions.

Yuuto gave a quick smile in return, "What about you? Anything new on your end?"

"Well, one, I am practicing my powers. Hence my trying to fry Luke Skywalker here." Issei pointed a thumb at Chuuni.

Vali flipped a bird at Issei.

"Ooohh... How is it?" Yuuto asked, feeling excited.

"I can use magic-magic now in a sense. The Demonic version is more intimate with the aspects of magic I use, not relying on magical knowledge like the Devils. Shoot energy projectiles much better, control it more than just expunging the power through my fists now. I am planning to schedule a training regimen to master my intense Demonic Form, which I gotta say, is badass. I am gonna become another Demon God at this rate." Issei smiled childishly.

Yuuto and the others gave him awkward smiles.

"On another note, Kiyome gave me a call and said she is coming over later. She wants more combat training after what happened yesterday. Which reminds me"

Ddraig, you think Elsha and Belzard want to join in?

[Despite the Mastema demon's Previous enchantment on them, and how powerful they were - Elsha and Belzard are in the end, still fragments of their true selves. Frequent release into the mortal realm would eventually force them to move on to the afterlife, regrouping with the actual souls.]

Ah

Issei frowned. It was a shame, those two would have loved to stretch their limbs and spar with the others.

Damn, I should've asked Ersi how to sustain them.

Issei wondered if it was the right call not to grind the other soul fragments and feed them to the two.

"That's the training room." Black explained. "The kids usually exercise there almost every morning to get in shape."

GYAAAAAAAH!

BOOM!

AAAARRGGHH!

GET OVER HERE!

BOOM!

CRASH!

She heard several people yelling behind the door, followed by some explosions.

I HAVE THE POWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!

"...And the kid is having fun there, heh." Black continued waddling past the door of the training room as Rosseweisse followed him.

"Here you go." Black stopped and knocked on a mahogany door bearing the sigil of the Scapegoat.

"Yes?" A voice spoke from the other side.

"Yo, you have a visitor. Some valkyrie girl and she's hot."

Rossweisse was not sure how to react to the compliment. It was accurate maybe? A bit vulgar, though.

"Oh ho?" Azazel sounded interested when the door opened.

"Ohhhh, she is nice. Wait, I remember you. Aren't you that valkyrie from the Underworld gathering?" Azazel asked as he inspected her from head to toe.

"Mhm. Yes, I am. I am Rossweisse, Lord Azazel." Rossweisse bowed.

"Ah, yes. Odin did say that he had someone that's willing to assist us in Midgard. Hmmm, didn't expect to see you. Was thinking he'll send some other intellectual like Loki or something." Azazel remarked.

"I do not think Lord Loki might be the best choice." Rossweisse smiled.

"Yeah, fair enough. Though I am surprised that he didn't crash the party in the way I expected. I'm sure he's one of the Gods that supported Ragnarok if what I heard about him is true. Come in. We have much to discuss."

XoX

It was the weekend, so everyone proceeded to gather in the living room after breakfast.

Asia had become a center of attention - with the girls relentlessly teasing her about her 'time' with Issei last night.

Asia - now fully awake, was a blushing mess, the confidence she mustered during her final battle with Diodora was nowhere to be seen, her fairy wings fluttering while Rassei cooed and nuzzled against his mother's cheek for encouragement.

"Alright, so thinking about it, what's the plan for today?" Issei asked. "I know I'm gonna have my hands full with the Demonic Form soon. And I'm not gonna stop until I master my Force Lightning."

Vali flipped a bird at Issei. His silver hair was now a static afro due to Issei spamming his God Lightning at him.

"Oh, now that you mention it, I am planning to go through everything in biology." Kiyome raised her hand. "My training is going to be lonely. There is no teacher out there that can help me master Stjarna's power, so I'll have to do it myself."

"Ah. By the way, how is your progress so far?" Issei asked.

"Well, I can use electricity and shoot high-pressure beams out of my eyes." Kiyome grinned while Issei and Black whistled. "I also have some popular references to use. I am hoping I can reach the point where I can stand alongside you against the leaders of the Khaos Brigade."

"Yeah, you're not the only one." Issei nodded.

"Oh, I have a question. Do you still have a connection to Stjarna?" Asia perked.

"...No." Kiyome shook her head. "Stjarna severed all connections to me. He is afraid that if the connection lingers, there might be psychic backlash when Rizevim decides to reset him."

Everyone could feel Kiyome's sorrow. Asia was also saddened as Rassei cooed with sadness.

"There is nothing we can do, then." Issei sighed. "What about you - Rias, Sona? No rating game stuff or something?"

"Originally, there was a talk about pitting young devils against each other in special Rating Games last Summer." Sona explained while fixing her glasses. "But that plan was shot thanks to Garou."

Rias then continued, "However, now there is a talk about holding another Rating Game tournament, but there is also some consideration of asking other pantheons to participate as well."

"...Hah?" Issei blinked. "What? Wait wait wait, what? Why? I thought the rating games were Devil exclusive what happened?"

Rias and Sona exchanged glances.

"Well, simply put My brother was the one that suggested it to promote cooperation with the other factions while mutually sharing our abilities while garnering fame, which all deities desire. There is some contention with the other nobles, saying that it's a cultural tradition that it should be Devil exclusive, but well, it was silenced when the Cult of the Demon God started speaking their voice"

"...The Cult of what?" Issei asked.

"Um, yes, long story short, Garou now has a cult We Devils admire strength above all, after all." Rias smiled awkwardly.

Everyone stared at Rias as they pictured a Demon God cult in the Underworld.

It was a strange image, Devils, descendants of Lucifer, worshiping an unknown, overpowered Demon.

"The cult is supported by a lot of commoners and nobility. They keep comparing the Demon God, who is not a Devil, with the Rating Games and others. They want to see strength above all else more than anything which the populace agreed with in the end. So, here we are."

"Huh interesting" Issei pursed his lips. "...So anyone can enter the Rating Games now?"

"As long as you're qualified, but again, it is in progress. The invitations are already sent to the Pantheons to see if they're interested," Sona confirmed.

"...Now I feel like joining with my own 'Peerage,' heh." Issei smiled, though his smile turned bitter as the faces of the girls who were once under his care appeared in his mind.

'...Ah crap.' Issei looked up at the ceiling.

He wondered if things would have been different if he decided to become a Devil

[Partner. It is alright.]

Ddraig called out, knowing his distress.

[Remember that they made the choice to pass on. ]

Issei understood

...So I'll make sure that the same doesn't happen again.

Issei inhaled and exhaled.

"You alright?" Saji asked.

"...Yeah." Issei nodded.

"So, what do you think? Son of the Strongest Man rising through the ranks with his entourage?" Issei asked.

"Ummm who's going to fight by your side?" Ravel asked.

"Oh, most of you guys and gals are taken by Sona and Rias, so Maybe the three angels among us?" Issei turned to Irina, Xenovia, and Asia.

The trio blinked at Issei's knowing smile, then their faces lit up.

"Yes!"

"We'd love to!"

"Of course!"

Ravel, Akeno, and Koneko pouted. Tsubasa also frowned that she was tied to Sona.

Lint whistled, "So you have become one with the trend, huh? You and your angel girl harem."

"Hey..." Issei frowned at Lint.

"What? It's true. Also, are the archangels upstairs okay with this, though?" Lint asked.

"Ummm We can ask them later. Though, I'm sure it's going to be fine." Irina assured.

"What about you, Vali? You wanna join in and show those uptight, aristocratic losers what it means to dominate the battlefield?" Issei asked the afro Chuuni.

Vali smirked, "What do you think? If you're in, then so am I. The only difference is that my numbers are more than yours."

"True can I employ animals?" Issei asked.

"Yes?" Rias answered.

"Then I'll take Rover with me." Issei smiled cheekily.

Saji, Tsubasa, Rias and some of her Peerage flinched at the mention of Rover joining Issei.

"...Really?" Saji asked.

Issei's cheeky smile widened.

"Issei." Koneko pouted. "Bringing the dog is unfair."

"He's a good dog. And he'll like the exercise." Issei's smile was at his widest.

Those that had bad encounters with Rover could only shudder. Gasper, on the other hand, was a little terrified to face Rover but would try his best.

Rias made a mental note to bring dog treats just in case.

"Oh, right. You want to join me, Kiyome? Show off Stjarna's true power to the world and make them tremble in fear?" Issei asked his other 'childhood friend.'

Kiyome pondered, leaning by the couch.

Lint could only smile mischievously as she wondered if this girl would be part of the boy's 'Harem.'

"Oh, I don't see why not. I don't want any of the politics trickling down to my family, but at this point, I'm willing to do anything to improve myself," Kiyome conceded.

"Sweet. Guess our numbers are tied, Vali speaking of which Say, since we have nothing on our schedule, does anyone want to play a small mock rating game between ourselves for practice or something?" Issei asked.

Rias and Sona blinked and shared a glance.

"That Sounds like a good training regime." Rias spoke.

"But where do we hold it? Rating Games need to be sanctioned by the heads of the involved families, and last time I recall, neither of us are family heads yet." Sona argued.

"That's why I call it a mock game." Issei pointed out, "Actually, what if we go to the Underworld and showcase a fight of Devils vs Non-devils? Make a show out of it for the crowd and see if they'll eat it up?"

Everyone paused as they pondered the scenario.

A roaring crowd cheering for both sides as they do battle, excitement in the air for the new era of the Rating Games.

"That's definitely possible. In fact, I believe the Satans have already had something like that in mind." Sona believed, "I forgot to mention this - after Lord Lucifer's declaration of allowing commoners to form their own peerages, my proposal for the general Rating Game school has been approved and construction will be put underway within the next month or so."

"Ohhhh." Issei and the others sounded intrigued. "That sounds interesting. So who wants a small road trip to the Underworld? Can we teleport there right now or something?"

"No, no, if you want to go to the Underworld, proper channels and protocols have to be followed. Instant teleportation is for emergencies only." Sona shook her head.

"Boooooooo." Issei jeered and flashed a thumbs-down. "Why does everyone hate teleportation? It's convenient for crying out loud. Hell, even the Khaos Brigade has a special teleportation technique, right?"

"I believe Genos called it the Hyperspace Gate" Rias tapped her chin. "A special technique made not by the concept of our magic and can bypass all dimensional barriers Anyways, I can schedule a small trip to the Underworld for the next weekend. Sorry, Issei, looks like you'll have to wait for your big debut."

Rias winked.

Issei then replied, "That sucks. Alright, lay it on me the rules of the Rating Games then. Looks like we have some time to prepare."

To be Continued.

Omake - A Quirky Date Episode 4: Akeno Himejima

When Issei decided to date the contender for school number one beauty, the Priestess of Lightning, Akeno Himejima, Issei did not really expect the date to be fancier than usual.

Then the first place Akeno decided to drag him into was the bar. He was in a casual T-Shirt and short denim pants Akeno was more loose - a red crop top and a pink skirt, her raven hair no longer in a ponytail, and she sported some accessories on her - earrings, bracelets and a small necklace around her neck.

"Wow, not that I mind, but what brought this idea on?" Issei asked his date as they stood in front of the entrance.

"Having to behave like a proper lady on a daily basis is not as easy as you believe, Ise." Akeno replied with a knowing smile, "I always want to know how it feels to just let loose and as the Americans say - get smashed." She finished with a giggle.

"I don't think inebriation is the best idea for a fun time." Issei argued.

"It'll be fine - we devils have stronger metabolism than humans. It will take more than one bottle of the strongest alcohol this place has, to intoxicate me." Akeno then smiled at him, bending over seductively to show her cleavage, "Or what, does the big bad Red Dragon Emperor cannot handle his liquor? Hm? Or perhaps, are you looking forward to making me drunk so you can take advantage of my intoxicated-self?"

Unfazed - at least outwardly, Issei snorted, "Please, that story about me and Vali being drunk was like ages ago, and. I'm also among those who know better than to take advantage of a woman of your caliber, So You're on. Shall we?"

He offered his arm which Akeno happily linked her hands around, before they walked into the establishment - a random bar with american neon lights, the scent of acrid alcohol and testosterone, casual men and some women in a seedy, dimly lit gathering with stools and seats, glasses on wooden shelves in a somewhat spacious environment, and more.

When they made it to the counter, the bartender in charge greeted them, "Welcome. Don't you two love-birds look rather young to be here?"

Issei blinked when he only realized about the age-restriction protocol, "Oh, um, about that"

However, before he could have come up with any excuse, Akeno had already beaten him into it.

"...We are old enough to be here." She leaned forward to make sure that the bartender was looking right at her eyes.

The bartender was immediately entranced by Akeno's beauty, before his body winced for a brief second and his eyes seemed to be glazed.

"Um. Sure. What would you like to have?" The bartender asked with a somewhat drowsy tone.

"Hm Two bottles of those, please." Akeno pointed at a couple of bottles on the display.

The bartender then wordlessly complied.

"...Did you just hypnotize him?" Issei asked Akeno, who merely winked mischievously as the bartender brought their order.

XoX

They laughed, drank and even danced to the live music filling through the bar. Sitting back by the counter, Issei watched Akeno glug directly from another green beer bottle, before she slammed the bottle on the brown counter.

"Another, please!" Akeno demanded as Issei sipped the lager from his shot glass.

"Whoa, whoa, don't you think you should slow down a little?" Issei asked.

"And bring something strong for my date! He can take it!" Akeno added.

Issei gawped as the bartender placed a bottle at Issei's front.

He could smell the stench of strong liquor from it.

"Okayyyy." Issei took the bottle and glanced at Akeno who was childishly watching him with anticipation. Issei decided to throw caution out the window and test his current tolerance for the conventional poison and threw his head up, glugging the bottle as she cheered.

Then Issei flinched when he sensed a murderous gaze. He recognized this sensation back in the Underworld.

He placed the empty bottle down and glanced at the reflection of the glass

He could make out the silhouette of a certain Baraqiel in a small disguise, sitting alone on the bench giving him the sidelong murderous eyes.

Issei was about to turn when Akeno placed her hand on his cheek, keeping him from turning his head.

"My father is here, isn't he?"

Issei stared at Akeno, who was smiling knowingly, "...You knew?"

"He's been tailing us before we walked in here. He's not exactly subtle, at least to me." Akeno shrugged while offering an apologetic smile.

"Well, he's making sure that I can't sense him well enough until now." Issei admitted. "Honestly, I didn't think he would be like this, an overprotective father worried that his daughter's growing up too fast."

"It is adorable in a way want to kiss to see how he'll react?" Akeno winked.

"Wouldn't he try to murder me?" Issei joked.

"Oh, he would if I dragged you into a hotel."

"Tempting, tempting" Issei felt like doing it to see if the guy would actually go all out in public.

"...Hey, missie."

Sitting on Akeno's other side was some Caucasian. He looked like a tourist more than a native, wearing that biker-gang setup.

"Why don't you dump this loser and have fun with me and my pals?" the foreigner smirked and jerked his head towards his friends at the other table, who were sneering and wolf-whistling at them.

Akeno merely raised her eyebrows in a mild amusement while keeping her smile on.

"Wow." Issei on the other hand, whistled back. "...If that's the best pickup line you have, I can't imagine the kind of woman that falls for it. They must have low standards to want to hang around with you."

Issei shot back tenfold, earning a giggle from Akeno.

"You want to play, you punk?" The man already popped as he stood off the stool.

"Hey, you shot first. Don't tell me, are you going to call your friends over now that I pissed on your feelings? Who's the loser now, buddy?" Issei said in English.

"You!" The man looked enraged.

"Ohhh!"

"He has fire!"

"You gonna take that, man?!"

The man looked at his friends, seeing them already betraying him.

"Alright, alright, if that's how you want to do it. You and I, outside the bar." The man dared.

"How about here and now so your friends can watch you fall like the pussy you are?" Issei answered back in english.

"Winner gets dibs on this bitch here." The redneck accepted.

"Whooo!"

"Don't let us down! We wanna have fun with her too!"

However, before anyone could have made another move, Issei froze when a large hand landed on the shoulder of the redneck, who turned to see the Lightning of God glaring bloody murders at him.

"...What did you call my daughter just now?"

The redneck stared at the larger man as he looked back and forth between the girl and the angry asura radiating his intent to murder.

Issei even saw Baraqiel's eyes open, which were usually clammed shut most of the time.

"...Uhhh I mean"

He did not get to finish when Baraqiel sent him crashing through a nearby window.

Issei saw teeth flying and breaking a bottle on the shelf.

"Hey!"

The others reacted to the violence as they ganged up on Baraqiel, surrounding the war general of the Grigori.

Issei watched the mayhem and slowly, wisely retreated back to Akeno, who was busy laughing at the spectacle.

"Alright, I think it's time for us to go." Issei grabbed Akeno's arm.

"Aww Just when things are getting fun." Akeno pouted before she suddenly lurched to capture Issei's lips with hers.

Issei froze, but when Akeno's hand reached his cheek before trailing around his neck - he closed his eyes to return the kiss and wrapped his arms around her waist and back. The sound of Baraqiel's roar, accompanied by several screams of agony along with several furniture being destroyed became dull noises in their ears when Akeno's tongue probed Issei's lips open and the couple deepened their kiss.

The kiss did not last long when Issei's instinct suddenly flared up, prompting him to break the kiss, pull the yelping Akeno into his arms so they could duck down and avoid a body of one of rednecks being hurled across the bar.

When they stood back up, they saw one of the rednecks had crashed into the display shelves and was unconscious with liquor drenching him. They turned and saw Baraqiel - who was still on the warpath, engaging the security guards trying to subdue him.

Issei shared a look with Akeno, and they descended into giggling fits.

"Do you think we should help him?" Issei asked with a mirthful smile.

"...No, he'll be fine. Now I want to try an actual club. The night is still young." Akeno replied with an excited smile.

Issei chuckled, "...As you wish, my lady."

Thoughts, people? XD