Second Chance

('Ddraig speaking telepathically')

("Ddraig talking out loud")

['Albion speaking telepathically']

["Albion talking out loud"]

'A character's thoughts'

Chapter 4: Second Chance

It is now September. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming.

"Who is that?!" - Interested Female.

"O. MG. He is so hot!" - THOT.

"I wonder what his name is and if he has a girlfriend..." - Interested Female.

"Does he have a girlfriend? If not, pick me! Pick me!" - THOT.

These were the type of comments Issei was hearing from the ladies watching him. As he entered the Kuoh Academy school grounds, practically every girl on campus who caught sight of him blushed and showed signs of attraction in some way, whether or not they were being THOTs. He couldn't help but smirk to himself though. Over 97% of guys fail to get this type of attention, and this much too. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride about it.

But more than anything, he missed Raynare. He hoped she is doing okay.

Issei entered the classroom, which just started session a couple minutes ago.

The teacher, Rossweisse, who was in the middle of writing on the chalkboard, blinked in confusion. "I'm sorry, who are you? I don't remember being told that we were getting a transfer student."

Issei sighed. He lowered his briefcase that he was carrying over his shoulder. "Rossweisse-sensei, have you really forgotten me? It's me, Issei Hyoudou. I have returned to resume my studies."

"EEEEEEHHHH!?" Everyone shouted except for Irina, Ravel, and Vali. Ravel has now transferred into Kuoh.

'When did he become so sexy?!' Thought every female, even the more innocent ones.

'Holy hell, he is ripped!' Thought every jealous guy, begrudgingly respecting the Dragon.

Rossweisse blushed. "O-Oh. Um... Where have you been, if you don't mind me asking?"

Issei smiled, melting the hearts of every girl. "Well, I can't divulge all the details, so let's just say that I had some personal issues that resulted in me taking time off from school to go on a journey of self-discovery. Those issues have now been permanently dealt with, and I am back."

Rossweisse replied. "I see. Take your seat, then."

Issei nodded and was about to take his seat when Matsuda charged at him.

"BASTARD! STOP STEALING ALL THE GIRLS!" Matsuda attempted to punch him. That was a mistake. It was at this moment that he knew he fucked up.

Issei, with his eyes closed, confidently dodged the punch and decided to show off his strength a little by jumping and flipping over the bald boy, twisting his body sideways and landing perfectly behind the pervert like a well-trained assassin going in for the kill. Now positioned directly behind his target, he grabbed Matsuda's still outstretched arm and slammed it down as he brought his knee up into it, fracturing every bone in his arm. The pervert cried in agony, but Issei wasn't done because he proceeded to German Suplex him for good measure.

Vali stood up and refereed the sudden fight turned wrestling match. "3! 2! 1! DING! DING! DING! ISSEI HYOUDOU IS THE WINNER!" He yelled in his commentator voice, raising Issei's arm up like he just won a heavy weight championship, earning sighs from the girls and laughter from the boys.

Dusting off his clothes and fixing his collar like a badass, Issei cleared his throat. "Sensei, it appears this bald pervert is in need of an ambulance, as I seem to have accidentally broken his fragile spaghetti-noodle sorry excuse for an arm."

Every guy, save for Vali, was terrified of him while every girl had hearts in their eyes. Irina, Ravel, and Murayama were no exceptions.

. . . . . . .

DING DONG DING DONG DING DING DING DONG

The bell rang, signaling the end of school. Everyone filed out except for Murayama and Katase.

Katase stood next to Murayama, trying to talk to her about Kendo, not realizing her friend wasn't listening. "So anyway, I started swinging... Wait, what are you looking at, Natsuki?" She asked.

"Hyoudou..." Murayama said as if she were hypnotized.

"Hm?" Katase looked over to the brown messy-haired boy. "Yeah... I see why you're into him. I'll leave you be, day dreamer, but if you're crushing on him, you better ask him out before he announces he has a girlfriend, meaning do it soon." Katase left from the back entrance.

Murayama blushed. She was about to get up and go after Issei, but she decided to sit and watch when Issei suddenly appeared to be upset for some reason. He was scowling at... Rias Gremory? Did they have some sort of spat? Murayama only hoped it wasn't a lover's spat... She eavesdropped on their conversation, hoping it wasn't anything too bad.

Issei was about to leave with Vali, Irina, and Ravel following when he was intercepted by the ORC at the entrance to the classroom. He scowled. "What do YOU want? Didn't I make it clear to you that I do not want to talk to you?"

Rias frowned. "Issei, please listen to us. We want to apologi-"

"Who is this 'we' you speak of? Why don't you speak for yourself, Rias?" Issei replied, angrily emphasizing her name. "An apology where you attempt to speak for everyone is meaningless to me because it seems so fake. Let me be frank and say that I do not care about what you have to say, because nothing you say and nothing you try can change time (8). As a matter of fact, let me give you my brutal, honest-to-God opinion on each and every single one of you."

"Issei-" Rias began.

He glared at her and coldly stated. "I will deal with you last, so wait your turn."

Murayama was bewildered. Outside of this group, the overwhelming majority of Kuoh Academy students share the same opinion that they would be very lucky to be in the Occult Research Club just to spend time with Rias Gremory and Akeno Himejima. Personally, Murayama, while she admires their beauty, doesn't agree with this as she prefers to judge people by their personality, not just their looks. She wondered what happened to make Issei so angry.

First up to bat is Kiba, and this scene could only be described as a one-sided roast. Issei walked up to the pretty boy. "So, you can understand what the girls are going through? Fucking white knight. Not a single man should ever trust a beta simp like you after what you said."

Kiba was shocked. "Wha... Issei, c'mon. I didn't mean it."

"He immediately strikes out and is kicked out of the game by Umpire Issei for his bullshit! Can we get an F in the chat please?" Vali said in his commentator voice, earning a laugh from Irina and Ravel as well as a chuckle from Issei. Even the stoic Koneko covered her mouth to not burst out laughing at the White Dragon Emperor's comment.

"Fufu..." Akeno laughed quietly.

Ddraig cried like a father seeing his kid graduate. ('*Sniff*. I am so proud of you, Issei! You are a true Dragon!')

Mentally, Issei sweat dropped at this.

Issei glared at Kiba. "You didn't mean it? Is that why you're always sucking up to the other girls in the ORC and agreeing with them, even when they're in the wrong? No wonder Ravel left! As a fellow blonde and an attractive person, a cute one who is actually enjoyable to be around, unlike you," Issei said, turning to the blushing short girl before he turned back to Kiba, "she definitely wants nothing to do with the likes of a fake, two-faced backstabbing son of a bitch like you. By the way, if you don't want people to think you're gay, then get a girlfriend; I speak for all men when I say this, but do you even have any idea how many girls have a crush on you? And people say I'm dense?! Unbelievable. You are such a dickhead who either thinks you are too good for the beauties who throw themselves at you, or you're gay. I can't tell, but I always fucking hated you from the moment I met you."

Second up is Gasper. "I'm disappointed in you, Gasper. I could tell that you didn't mean what you said, but if you really want to be a man, stop hiding and be honest with the way you feel, unlike your bitch of a King, who can't even speak for herself since she is that much of a superficial person."

Rias was offended, feeling her pride take a huge blow, but she stayed quiet. Vali smirked at this.

Next up was the trial of the accused. The defendant's name is Xenovia Quartet. Issei huffed. "Xenovia, explain. In what way does this redhead hold any love for me? She sure didn't act like it the day you said that. You act so superior, waving your little bible around as well as your stupid 'sword of judgement,' but the truth is you are no better than the evil you hate so much. I believe in God too, but I don't worship Him because of people like you, who are part of organized religion. Most of you are hypocrites. Religious nut-jobs like you need to be eliminated; you preach love and acceptance, and yet when you and I first met, you tried to force your beliefs down my throat. You know what I have to say to you and your beliefs? This, bitch." He flipped her off. "Shove your bible up your holier-than-thou ass! No offense, Irina."

Xenovia frowned, knowing he was right.

"Issei..." Irina said softly, understanding his anger, but feeling a little bad for the blue-haired former exorcist. She suddenly yelled, "Objection (9)! Your honor, you must not insult our Bible! Please and thank you~"

Issei sweat dropped again.

Fourth on the chopping block was Koneko. Issei glared at her with her hatred, and she trembled. "You, Koneko, I do not give a fuck about. I remember that pathetic 'training' session that your retarded King had us go through before our fight with the Fried Chicken. You kept insulting me, saying how I am such a weakling, offering me no words of encouragement, and when we last talked, you did the exact same thing. Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, I have my own shit to deal with? That there was a good reason why I never make the first move on girls? It's not fair for girls to always put that responsibility on guys, but now that it is all said and done, you should be happy to know that I will never speak with you and your bitch King ever again. She had her chance as did you, but you blew it. I also did most of the work in your stupid club since you and Rias treated me like a slave. You hate me? Well, the feeling is mutual. I hate you, too."

Fifth to face judgement is Akeno, whose legs were shaking in fear as Issei turned towards her with a sharp glare. "Akeno, what the fuck did you say about it being my fault? I never understood what exactly was my fault since all of you were so busy insulting me. Hell, I never got a chance to defend myself! So fucking explain yourself!"

Akeno opened her mouth to find her words, but she came up empty. Instead, she bowed. "I'm sorry, Issei! Please forgive me!"

Issei was surprised since she is the only one in the ORC who apologized thus far. His look softened, and he gently pet her head and softly said, "You're the only one who has bothered apologizing to me other than Irina and Ravel, and neither of them really did anything wrong. Irina kinda went with the crowd while the only thing Ravel did is be a bystander, which was the only choice she had since she didn't want to receive the same treatment all of you gave me. Akeno, I might forgive you someday, but sorry isn't going to cut it. You will need to earn my forgiveness, because your words hurt a lot. It wouldn't hurt as much if I didn't care about you, but I do, and that's exactly what makes it worse, why I am angry at you."

Akeno looked up at him. "What can I do to earn your forgiveness? I'll do anything as long as we get to be friends again."

Issei sighed. "Well, for starters, do not be blinded by the loyalty you have to your childish King. When your King is being a total idiot, or in this case, a bitch, it should be your job as Queen of said King's peerage to keep them in check, especially when they're abusing their power. That may require some violent discipline."

A sadistic look of sexual pleasure appeared on Akeno's face. "Discipline? I like dishing that out. Fufu. Hear that Rias? Maybe I should whip you." She licked her lips, making Rias back away in fear.

Last to the gallows is none other than Rias. "So Rias, what is this I hear about you having feelings for me? Any man would be delighted to have you if you weren't such a manipulative bitch."

Rias gasped. "W-What do you mean?"

Issei glared. "You knew. You knew that Kokabiel, who has a bloody history of having sacred gear users murdered in this town, would send someone to take care of me to make sure I would not end up as a slave to a Devil. Now that I think about it, dying to one of his subordinates sounds far better than being your slave. Did all of you know she had someone give me a summoning circle in case I died so that she could make me her prized possession?" He asked.

Akeno shook her head. "No. This is the first I am hearing of this, but I know Rias sent Koneko to spy on you."

Issei glared at the nekoshou. "You were following me on my date with my girlfriend? Oh, right. Gabriel said you were. Why?"

Koneko trembled. "Only because Rias ordered me to."

He glared at Rias. "I see... You are despicable, and you are officially dead to me."

Rias gasped. "I-Issei! There's a human listening to us! I'll have to have her memory wiped because of you!"

Issei looked over at Murayama, who stared at him in fear as if to ask, 'What is she going to do to me?'

"Don't worry, Murayama. I won't let her do anything to you." He turned back to Rias. "If you wipe her memory, I'll wipe the floor with your blood. Rip and tear until it is done (10). I don't care if you're the little sister of a Satan, I'll fucking kill you if you try to interfere with her life in any way. Yesterday, I already told Sirzechs what happened, and he apologized on YOUR behalf! Are you that much of a spoiled little bitch that you need your older brother to speak on your behalf? What do you need, a fucking diaper? Grow the fuck up. I am far beyond your control, and so are the people I care about. Stay far away from me, Raynare, Murayama, and everyone else I care about."

Rias ran away in tears.

Kiba looked like he wanted to say something, but after remembering how Issei just grilled into him, he kept his mouth shut, earning a triumphant smile from Vali. He sighed and left to look for his King.

Xenovia followed Kiba, and so did Koneko who carried Gasper, leaving Akeno with Issei's group.

Murayama walked up to Issei. "I... I don't understand. Summoning circle? Reincarnation? Slavery? What's going on?" Issei explained everything to her, and she was shocked. "I... I see. I need to go home and wrap my head around this. Stay safe, Issei."

She kissed Issei on the cheek and gave him a quick comforting hug before she left, leaving behind a blushing Sekiryuutei.

Issei cleared his throat and turned to Akeno. "Anyway Akeno, now that I think about it, you and Raynare look a lot alike. I think you would like her." Akeno frowned. "I know you don't like Fallen Angels, and you don't like that side of yourself for whatever reason, but they're not all bad. Were you aware that Rias likes killing them without the knowledge of the Fallen leaders? Of course, we must not mention it to them, otherwise we could restart the Great War, but what does that make Rias? She's one evil Devil."

Akeno was shocked. "I didn't know that." She lowered her head and grit her teeth in frustration. "I don't want to hate Fallen Angels, but I can't help but harbor resentment towards them because of my father. He... He failed to protect me and my mother when our home was attacked a long time ago."

Flashback

"Shuri! Get Akeno somewhere safe!" Baraqiel shouted as he fought off a large group of supernatural beings, mostly Fallen Angels, trespassing on their shrine. He didn't know why they were here or who they were trying to assassinate or even kidnap, but he would do his utmost to make sure his family is safe.

Shuri nodded. "Stay safe, darling!" She grabbed her daughter and ran into the home, locking the door behind her. Little did she know that this is exactly what the attackers wanted. She just signed her own death warrant.

A figure hovered high above the clouds, unnoticed by Baraqiel, smirked as they unleashed a massive barrage of bright blue Holy Lightning aimed at the house. It exploded, instantly killing Shuri Himejima.

Baraqiel was enraged. "NOOOOO!"

The figure smiled evilly. "Let's retreat. We got what we wanted." The figure ordered through a magic circle.

The mysterious silhouette's subordinates nodded and teleported away, not wanting to battle the Cadre-class Baraqiel any longer.

Baraqiel rushed into his home, tossing the destroyed door to the side. Under a pile of rubble, he found his dead wife shielding his unconscious daughter. Silently, he wept as he held them close.

Flashback End

"Akeno..." Issei said. "Please... You mustn't blame your entire race for the death of your mother, especially not your father. He was trying to protect you."

Akeno glared at him before she looked back down. "I know. I am sure your girlfriend is a wonderful person, but this is a wound that is going to take time to heal. I'm sorry."

Issei shook his head. "Don't be. You're being a hell of a lot more mature than the other members of your peerage that just left."

Ravel leaned forward. "What if we have her join your peerage, Issei? Maybe once you bring Raynare back, Akeno-senpai can talk to her to start getting used to associating with Fallen Angels again."

Issei nodded. "That's a good idea, Ravel! How about it, Akeno? Would you like to join my peerage? Of course, unlike Rias, I won't force you, but if you agree, we would need to keep this a secret from Rias until I find a way to make a magical contract with all of my peerage members that does not involve the Evil Pieces."

Akeno looked unsure, but she nodded. "F-Fine, but don't expect me to become Raynare's best friend! Got that?" She crossed her arms with her eyes closed.

'You're a tsundere now?! Make up your mind for what your personality is!' Issei thought.

. . . . . . .

A few days passed, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary, but Issei was worried about Murayama. He didn't want her to get too involved in the supernatural because he knew he wouldn't always be able to protect her since she is a normal Human without a sacred gear, as far as his knowledge goes. He waited for her to approach him when she's ready for whatever it is she will say.

Approach him, she did. The school day ended, and every Human went home except for Murayama. "Issei? Can we talk in private?" She said, smiling politely at Irina, Vali, and Ravel.

Issei nodded. "You three go on ahead."

Vali smirked. "Right, but while you're at it, please don't tell us afterwards that she asked you out, or else I'll start to feel jealous from the amount of attention you're getting from the girls in this school."

Issei blushed. "Idiot. You get plenty of attention."

Irina nodded. "I agree with Issei. Get yourself a girlfriend, Vali."

Issei chuckled as he led Murayama to the rooftop. Closing the door behind them, he looked at the Kendo Captain. "What is it you needed to talk to me about?" He asked with smile.

Murayama blushed. "I... I want to be a part of your life, Issei. Ever since Junior High, I have wanted to be with you."

"HAAH?! What are you saying?!"

"I am asking you out. Will you go out with me?"

Issei was floored. Murayama, one of the most beautiful girls he has ever laid eyes on, just asked him out. "I... I'd love to, but I need to talk to my girlfriend Raynare about this first, because there is no way that I would want to break up with her. If she agrees, and so do you, I could have both of you in my harem. If she doesn't, I would have to say no since she is the one I love above all else."

Murayama nodded. "That's fine. If it's a harem, so be it. As long as you love me no matter what, I'm happy."

Issei blushed and scratched his hair shyly, not expecting this development. "It could be very dangerous, you know, with this whole supernatural thing."

"I know."

He looked at her. "And you still want to be a part of my life? Aren't you scared? Anxious? Doesn't the fear of getting yourself involved in a potential war frighten you? Discourage you?"

"It scares me, but it's actually kind of exciting, don't you think?" She said, giggling. She gently took his hands. "You're a very sweet person, and I have already made up my mind. Also, who else could possibly be in this harem of yours in the future?"

('SHE'S A KEEPER!') Ddraig screamed in Issei's head.

Issei averted his gaze, feeling a little embarrassed at her advancements, but happy nonetheless. "Well, my girlfriend Raynare and my best female friend Irina Shidou for starters. I also had a crush on you since middle school, so you're obviously in the mix." He said shyly, making Murayama giggle. "Then there is also Ravel Phenex and maybe even Akeno Himejima."

Murayama whistled at that last one. "Quite ambitious, I see. Akeno-senpai and you? I never thought that would happen, but now it does seem very possible since you are now the 2nd Prince of Kuoh. She also shows no interest whatsoever in Kiba."

Issei huffed. "That's because Kiba may be have the looks, but his personality is a huge turnoff. No matter how many girls try to flirt with him, he politely declines like he thinks he's too good for them no matter how perfect of a girl asks him out. What a dickhead. A man-whore. Knowing Akeno, she probably tried to hit on him when they first met, but I guess he made a terrible first impression."

Murayama giggles. "Soooo... When can I expect a response from Raynare?"

He blinked. "Well, first I would need to find her. She's a Fallen Angel and is currently in hiding somewhere in Tokyo, at least that's what I think. It may take a couple weeks, especially since she excels at stealth. Irina and Vali are still a little upset about my murder. You're not mad at Raynare for killing me, are you?"

Murayama shook her head. "No. From what you told me, it sounds like she's just as much a victim as you because she was forced to kill the man she wuvs~" She said, finishing the sentence in a playful manner, winking at him.

Issei sighs and flicks her forehead, earning an, "Owie!"

"Stop that, you." He said, smirking. She pouted, but they both laugh as they head back.

To Be Continued

References:

(8) " 'Cause nothing you say and nothing you try can change time," - Lyrics from the song To End The Rapture by Avenged Sevenfold

(9) Ace Attorney

(10) DOOM (2016)

Issei's Harem (same as peerage members, most to least powerful, will not change):

Issei Hyoudou (Mutated King)

Arisu Yamauchi (OC, Six Mutated Pawn Pieces)

Raynare (Main Girl, Queen)

Akeno Himejima (Knight)

Kuroka Toujou (Bishop)

Irina Shidou (Rook)

Tsubasa Yura (Knight)

Rossweisse (Rook)

Ravel Phenex (Bishop)

Natsuki Murayama (Pawn)