Chapter 14 Politics

I don't own DxD; I just use its characters and techniques. All credit goes to its creator. Same applies for anything that I used from other animes.

Issei deals with Gasper

If Issei was going to train Gasper, he had to make sure of one thing before he got started with the young vampire. In order to do that, he made his way towards the Fallen Angel Azazel's house early Saturday morning. "Here we go Ddraig" Issei groaned in annoyance. The reason for his annoyance was because he knew he would be dealing with Le Fay today since his visit was unannounced. It was only a matter of time until Valerie's team had to take center stage and that meant ensuring that they didn't fight each other on sight anyway so it was a necessary step.

"Are you sure about this" Ddraig asked for various reasons.

"No, but we have no choice. If what everyone is suggesting is correct, I need to get over my Le Fay issue sooner or later since we'll be teaming up." Issei replied as he approached Azazel's house. After knocking on the door, Issei fully expected Valerie or Bikou to answer the door, but as the door opened Issei received a pleasant surprise.

"Hello there" Le Fay Pendragon of all people answered, but instead of her usual outfit she was wearing a kendo uniform not unlike the one the girls in the kendo club wore.

"Woah" Issei stammered not expecting that.

"Just come on in" Le Fay pouted clearly aware of something. As the pair walked, Issei was pleasantly surprised that he wasn't trying to strangle the girl which is what usually happened and when they arrived in Azazel's study they were met by smiling gazes of Valerie's team and Azazel. Valerie herself wasn't there for the moment but Issei knew that she wasn't far behind. Clearly they had anticipated his action and were waiting for him

"You owe me 20 bucks Arthur" Bikou chuckled. The other Pendragon nodded as Issei and Le Fay walked back to the team.

"Somebody want to explain what's going on?" Issei frowned before he felt a very familiar weight on his back. It was Valerie Lucifer herself pressing her body against him and wrapping her arms around his neck placing her head right on Issei's left shoulder.

"When Gasper's time stop powers were revealed, I knew you'd come talk to Azazel about it, but the usual elephant in the room was in play" Valerie explained nodding towards a pouting Le Fay.

"I see and Bikou suggested that she dress up in a kendo uniform to see if that would prevent my curse from activating. Arthur naturally doubted it and they made a bet" Issei smiled.

"That's right and Bikou won since we didn't have to break you two up" Valerie chuckled as she got off of Issei and took her place on one of Azazel's couches next to Kuroka who promptly laid on her thighs.

"Yes it did now can I change out of this. It feels weird." Le Fay pouted. Clearly she wasn't used to the outfit and it showed in her squirming around.

"Just deal with it for a little bit kid. We're having a talk involving all of us and you and Issei need to stay civil" Bikou scoffed as the group focused on a smiling Azazel.

"So Issei, what do you want to talk to me about." Azazel smiled nonchalantly as though he didn't know the reason.

"Were you aware that Rias had a bishop that could stop time before you guys planned this Three Factions meeting?" Issei said coldly.

Azazel frowned briefly before replying, "I did not, but I confess that does explain plenty."

Azazel's words spurned the other dragon in the room into speaking up, "What's Issei talking about Zaz?" Valerie said coldly towards the Fallen Angel cadre.

Azazel had the nerve to look slightly bashful as he continued, "When word of Kokabiel revealing God's death reached me, I got a hold of Michael and Sirzechs immediately and we tried to figure out what to do about the inevitable fallout"

"How long have you been able to get a hold of them?" Vali said in disbelief. They've been in a cold war for a long time and the idea of them talking was absurd.

"I've been able to talk to Sirzechs ever since I took you in Valerie. We rarely talk, though I do confess that I told him the truth about Kuroka after you took her in. It the reason people stopped hunting her or didn't you realize that." Azazel revealed.

Vali was stunned by the response but it was annoyingly like Azazel to be that way. "Anyway, you guys got a hold of each other. What happened next?" Valerie quickly questioned.

"We discussed the best way to handle the fallout and Sirzechs suggested we announce a Peace Meeting and have it at Kuoh. Michael and I were shocked but under the circumstances neither of us could exactly say no. Admittedly I was going to send you or Le Fay to Kuoh anyway so it just gave me an excuse to move up the timeline" Azazel shrugged.

"How long ago was this" Valerie questioned.

"Everything happened the day after you guys stopped Kokabiel. By the time those two church girls were on a plane back, everything had pretty much been arranged" Azazel revealed.

"I see" Valerie frowned and Issei was annoyed as well. Sirzechs knew about Gasper's power and was basically setting his sister up as live bait for the Khaos Brigade.

"And now I'm the one who has to train Gasper" Issei groaned.

"Look on the bright side. We know their coming and we can plan a counterattack" Valerie smiled having figured out the same thing.

"Fine but I still don't like it." Issei replied.

"You don't have to like it Issei. You just have to trust us to do our part." Azazel smiled.

"Yeah yeah. Well I gotta get going and deal with the little vampire" Issei frowned. This was not going to be a good day and he knew it.

(Scene Skip)

Issei's sour mood only worsened when he arrived on the side of the old school building with Irina and Xenovia to meet with Gasper. He was wearing a black tracksuit with grey stripes and a red shirt underneath ready to train but his sparring partner clearly wasn't. "So you're Gasper." Issei said coldly. This was going to be annoying and Issei knew it. He couldn't believe that the person who everyone was counting on was such a girlie looking loser.

"Yes. It's nice to meet you." Gasper said timidly. Gasper was wearing a white shirt with bloomers of all things which drove Issei up a wall. Anybody who saw him would've thought he was a girl but thanks to his scent Issei knew better.

"Likewise." Issei said calmly.

"I'll leave you two alone to talk." Rias said bashfully. The rest of her peerage along with Xenovia and Irina followed suit leaving Issei and Gasper alone for a little bit.

Once everyone else was gone Issei turned towards the young vampire and frowned. "So you can stop time huh?" Issei scowled.

"Scary!" Gasper yelped much to Issei's annoyance.

"Enough" Issei spat in disgusting before firing an attack at the young vampire. Fortunately for Gasper, it was lightly powered so the resulting blast didn't do any damage but it did bring the other members of the ORC back outside.

"What the heck was that?" Rias exclaimed.

"Dodging practice" Issei smiled as he prepared to fire again just for Rias to walk in front of him with a frown on her face.

"Go home now Issei." Rias said sternly.

"You're the one who wanted me to train him Rias. This is what you asked for." Issei smiled viciously.

Rias was clearly not amused and aimed a power of destruction sphere at his face, "Go home Issei or the next attack to be fired will be mine and unlike yours it won't miss." Rias scowled. This was overkill even for Issei and despite how she felt, she had to put her foot down.

"Finally you start acting like a King" Issei smiled before leaving just as Rias wanted. A concerned Irina and Xenovia wanted to follow, but a hand from Yumi told them that now was not the time. Something was clearly bothering Issei and none of the girls knew what. For now they could only hope that Issei calmed down after a breather.

(Scene Skip)

"Partner calm down" Ddraig lectured. It was obvious to the Red Dragon that Issei was furious about something and that he needed to vent and his partner would do just that. Issei was sitting at the large fountain in the middle of Kuoh's major park.

"It's not okay Ddraig. I shouldn't lose my focus like that." Issei chided himself. Gasper was an innocent pawn in all of this and he knew it.

"No you shouldn't. I'm amazed that Lady Gremory had faith in such a hot head." Le Fay Pendragon smiled bitterly as she walked in front of him. Unlike their earlier meeting, Le Fay was back in her witch clothing with a smug look on her face. She decided to follow Issei after the meeting figuring that the curse would be gone since he didn't react which is why she was in her old outfit.

"Le Fay I'm not in the mood to deal with you. Get lost." Issei growled trying to hold back the power of the curse that returned with a vengeance.

"I know you're not, but you need to calm down and I'm still annoyed about having to wear that uniform. So if you want to take out your frustration on anybody follow me." Le Fay smiled as she turned her back on Issei figuring they could spar for a little bit. Unfortunately for her, the current Issei wasn't in an honorable mood and simply chopped her down from behind. As Le Fay drifted into unconsciousness she turned around and she realized she messed up big time.

A smiling Issei looked down at the unconscious mage and many thoughts popped through his mind; some healthy and some certainly not. "Now what to do with you?" Issei questioned as he reached for the blonde wizard just for him to freeze slightly on instinct.

"Stop right there Issei" Valerie growled from behind him which was uncharacteristic for her especially towards him. The killing intent coming from her actually shocked Issei a bit.

"Le Fay approached me in her mage uniform well aware of the consequences." Issei replied calmly. Some might consider it suicidal to be that calm but Issei was aware how much leeway he had.

Valerie stared at Issei and activated her sacred gear behind her, "Yes but now it's your turn to be aware of the consequences. Keep going with whatever you've got planned and I'll kill you." Valerie said coldly.

Issei was slightly amused and taken aback at the same time, "Don't tempt me Valerie. You know that we're rivals and the only reason we haven't fought is due to our mutual respect for Azazel." Issei smiled just for a dragon shot to fly by his head.

"Yes and as my fellow dragon you know that my family means everything to me. Let her go Issei and we'll forget this ever happened. Keep going and the next dragon shot won't miss" Valerie said coldly.

There was a part of Issei that wanted to test Valerie and see what would happen but that part of him was very minimal. He was well aware that Valerie could kill him if she truly wanted unlike Rias. She was simply stronger due to her devil heritage and the matchup that came with their sacred gears. "You win this round Valerie." Issei smiled as he moved his hand away from Le Fay and made his way home. What he didn't see was the look of relief on Valerie's face as he did so. She really didn't want to fight him if she didn't have to.

"Damn it!" Valerie cursed. Had she not interrupted it's very likely that Issei would've at bare minimum had his way with Le Fay and worst case killed her thanks to the curse. The fact that nothing happened earlier meant there was some solution but clearly the curse was still in effect.

(Scene Skip)

Issei didn't go by the ORC the next day or the Monday and Tuesday after since it wasn't in the mood to deal with anybody including the kendo club. He was as aware of anybody that he overdid it with Gasper and Le Fay but he was tired of it all. He kept to his duties as lovers with Irina and Xenovia but the girls knew something was bothering Issei regardless. Arriving in homeroom on Wednesday he sat at his desk as always and prepared himself for the usual greeting from Murayama and Katase who did keep that up. Much to his surprise it was Yumi who approached Issei first straddling his waist just as Murayama and Katase would, "Issei please stop by today." Yumi pleaded before pressing her lips to his. The class had long since gotten used to the morning routine so it didn't faze anybody.

"I'll consider it" Issei smiled back but when Yumi left Issei's lap Karlamine took his place.

"I know you're angry but we still need you Issei" Karlamine said bashfully before following Yumi's example.

"Seems you need to go see the devils" Ddraig chuckled.

'Yeah' Issei mentally replied. He had been avoiding the group because he was mad but he couldn't hold the manipulations of the adults against Rias and gang particularly since he wasn't exactly the most on the book person himself. As Karlamine left, Issei resolved that he would go see the girls today himself at least for a moment.

"Good morning Issei" Murayama smiled hoping onto his lap reminding him that the ORC weren't the only ones he neglected before another heated makeout session began.

"Okay so I'll send a clone to the ORC." Issei smiled figuring the clone could handle Gasper while he resumed his duties as manager of the kendo club.

(Scene Skip)

A smiling Issei made his way to the ORC ready to deal with Gasper once again. Sure it was a clone, but considering Gasper's skill level it was enough for basic training. Opening the door, he saw a relatively shocked Rias "You came" Rias said in shock.

Issei smiled as he walked over to Rias and leaned down and planted a kiss on her lips as an apology, "Yes I did. You didn't deserve me behaving as I did the other day and I'm sorry." Issei said bashfully.

"It's okay" Rias replied as though she was putty in his hands.

"And I don't get a kiss Issei." Valerie teased as she got up from her couch.

'You do too Valerie" Issei said reluctantly aware that he wronged her rather nicely also. He could've avoided dealing with Le Fay but he didn't and it nearly caused irreparable harm to their relationship. Issei walked over to Valerie before wrapping his arms around her waist. Despite the fact she threatened to kill him a few days ago, Issei and Valerie made out for a minute before Issei pulled away.

"Now that you've properly apologized, are you ready Issei?" Rias said calmly trying to focus on the task at hand instead of growing jealously.

"Yeah, I'll train Gasper today. I'll be waiting downstairs with the others as you bring him to me" Issei smiled.

Rias pouted because she knew Issei was going to use the time to make out more with the others but she knew it couldn't be helped. "Fine" Rias pouted as she got up to go grab the vampire.

"Thanks Rias" Issei smiled before using his speed to get behind Rias once again and plant a kiss on her cheek.

'Jerk' Rias thought to herself. She only wished Issei was more affectionate with her naturally instead of just using it to calm her down.

(Scene Skip)

Rias arrived outside with Gasper and much to her surprise he was waiting patiently with the others. When Gasper saw Issei he freaked out and activated his powers freezing everybody but Issei and Valerie who were immune. "Pathetic, but I understand." Issei smiled as he looked towards Gasper.

"No way" Gasper said in shock not expecting Issei to resist his power. He already knew Valerie could but he didn't expect Issei to be able to do so.

Issei turned towards Gasper and smiled, "You're afraid of your powers aren't you." Issei stated.

"Oh yeah, watching him the last few days it's obvious that he's scared of what his powers can do." Valerie said solemnly.

"Of course it is. People called me a freak because of these powers and even my master had to look me away" Gasper said bitterly. He may be shy but he was no fool. Rias feared his powers and hid him away and even now she still did. It hurt far more than he cared to admit.

Valerie frowned at the young man's words and decided to help things along. "But you're not a freak Gasper. People have a really stupid tendency to react badly to things they don't understand. Supernatural beings are actually worse at it then normal people" Valerie said calmly before walking over to him and putting a hand on his head. "My father abused me as a child because my grandfather wouldn't accept that he fell in love with a human. It made me hate my devil side so much that I basically refuse to acknowledge my own name and heritage and left the underworld. Koneko over there watched her sister seemingly go crazy and now refuses to acknowledge a power that would make her a force to be reckoned with. Akeno watched her mother get murdered by her own family and now she hates herself too along with the father who was the cause of everything." Valerie revealed shocking Gasper and Issei who didn't know those little details.

"No way" Gasper said in shock.

"She's right and I'm not much better, before I met Rias a fallen angel tried to kill me because somebody feared the potential of my power without even being aware of the fact I awakened it. They were so scared of what I could be they tried to kill me." Issei chuckled from his spot. The way the supernatural world embraced and feared power was always hilarious to him.

Valerie couldn't help but notice that thanks to their words Gasper was holding onto his power and realized that his body unconsciously wanted to hear what they had to say. "Listen to me Gasper. There are four types of people with power in this world. Those who fear their power and hide it; those who fear their power but work to control it; those who embrace their power and let it control them; and finally those who embrace their power and learn control it. Right now you're the first one, but with the help of me and Issei, you're going to become the last one. You're actually trying controlling it right now" Valerie smiled.

Gasper was shocked that his power was still going and it had been five minutes. "I'll try." Gasper said bitterly focusing himself even more.

"Good because that's all you can do." Issei said happily finishing the conversation.

"Now once I get back into position unfreeze us since we have training to get to" Valerie chuckled.

"Yeah" Gasper smiled and when Valerie returned to her previous spot he undid his power at last. With the time returning to normal Rias continued as though nothing had happened.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Rias said bashfully.

"It's fine. Now let's get started." Issei said with a smile.

"Yeah" Gasper said happily much to Rias's shock as he walked over to Issei.

(Rias P.O.V)

As Gasper walked over to Issei, I was absolutely stunned at the change that had occurred. Issei was one thing, his temperament always a question, but Gasper was a whole different matter. Realizing that something happened when Gasper froze time, I went over to Valerie in order to find out what. After all she was no doubt behind it in part. "Valerie what did you do?" I asked in disbelief.

"Why don't we talk somewhere private?" Valerie said with a smile that unnerved me more than I cared to admit.

"Alright" I replied and we moved back inside. Irina could watch Issei and ensure he didn't take things too far this time.

Once we were back in the clubroom I cast some privacy wards on the room. "Careful aren't you?" Valerie chuckled.

"Yes well I had the feeling you didn't want others knowing what you were going to say." I replied with a smile. She did say keep it private and for somebody like Valerie that was a red flag

"That's right" Valerie replied with relative calm. "I told Gasper that he isn't the only one in the Gremory peerage who fears his power." Valerie said with a smile that bothered me more than I cared to admit.

"So you told him about Akeno huh?" I sighed since it was obvious Valerie would know about her circumstances.

"Yep and Koneko as well or should I call her Shirone" Valerie continued.

"How do you know that name!?" I yelled angrily.

Valerie simply smiled, "Because I've been good friends with her sister for quite some time now." Valerie continued completely stunning me.

"What!" I exclaimed since her sister Kuroka was a traitor to evil king.

Valerie relaxed calmly, "Her sister has been part of what I could consider my peerage for a few years now. By the way, your brother knows the truth about Kuroka as well" Valerie smiled causing me to frown.

"So my brother knows the truth about Kuroka but won't tell me." I pouted.

"Yeah, devil politics is a nasty thing." Valerie chuckled.

"Yes but how would you know that" I asked.

"Not telling" Valerie smiled causing me to frown even. Dealing with Issei was bad enough but Valerie, I always had a weird feeling about her. Sure she saved us from Kokabiel but even then, it felt like she was hiding something. Perhaps it was time to fight back.

"You'd do well not to anger me Valerie Amano. Remember that this is still my town and if I deem it necessary, I'll get rid of you in a heartbeat." I said smugly.

Valerie looked at me with a look of amusement and disbelief before saying "You won't and we both know it. I'm a wildcard but you need me Rias. With your peerage as it is, you don't have the firepower to protect Kuoh from major threats and let's face it Kokabiel would've killed you guys and right now you'd be at war if not for me. Now if you don't mind I want to see what Issei does with the kid." Valerie smiled ruthlessly before walking out of the room. She was correct and that's what made the whole situation worse. Valerie and Issei were by far the strongest supernatural beings in Kuoh if you didn't count Azazel and I needed them to keep my city safe. That bitter feeling was one that I hated and I wished I could do something about.

(Scene Skip)

(Normal P.O.V)

Rias and Valerie returned to find Issei and Gasper hard at work with Xenovia and Irina helping to instruct him. Irina and Xenovia would toss soft balls at Gasper and it was his job to freeze them as quickly as possible. Given the welts on Gasper's head it was clear those efforts had worked to a point, "Welcome back you two." Issei smiled causing Rias to stiffen once again. The Dragon Emperors were a problem and one she couldn't overcome very easily. The last few days proved that.

"So what did we miss?" Valerie replied calmly clearly not as nervous as Issei.

"Right now we're just working on control but it's gonna be a slow grind. The kids got a long way to go but we've got him on the right path" Issei replied calmly.

"I see" Rias replied with a bittersweet smile.

"I'm gonna get stronger Rias, I promise." Gasper said with a smile. The cheer coming from the young vampire was good enough for Rias and at this point that was all that mattered.

"That's good Gasper" Rias replied trying to stay positive. As she watched the group train her mind wondered just what lay ahead.

(Scene Skip)

Issei Hyoudou was not in a good mood at all as he made his way towards Nochizuri Prepatory for a kendo match on the custom bus that Sona gave the club as another measure to keep Issei in the supernatural world's good graces. The large black bus was very much like a limo so the driver couldn't see the girls in the back which came in handy given what was happening on the dark black love seats that each of the girls and Issei sat on. "Issei is everything okay" Murayama said bashfully as she relaxed on his lap. Due to the upcoming match the girls couldn't enjoy a proper fuck, but that didn't stop them from to sitting on his lap and enjoy his touch for a little bit.

"Yeah I'm fine. It's just been a weird week." Issei replied calmly as he rubbed his hands over Murayama's body. The conference was in a few days and while Gasper's training was progressing. The kid was still nowhere near competent enough to deal with foes and it was getting annoying.

"Yeah I bet. We have this new transfer student named Gasper in our class who's clearly a guy but wears the girl's uniform. It's weird but we've gotten used to it" One of the first year girls named Corinna revealed. She had tan skin with mint green hair and big orange eyes. She wasn't very busty but Issei didn't mind.

AN: Picture Fu from Naruto appearance wise.

"That's gotta be weird. So does he get changed with the guys or the girls" Katase wondered.

"They allow Gasper to wear the uniform he wants, but they do make him change in the proper room." Corinna revealed.

"Makes sense" Katase shrugged.

"I doubt Gasper will be wearing a men's uniform anytime soon which has to drive the teachers crazy." Issei chuckled.

"You're right but how did you know that?" Corinna asked again.

"Gasper is part of the ORC also. Oh and your time is up Murayama." Issei explained like it wasn't a big deal. Ironically enough it was Corinna who got to sit with Issei next.

"What's the deal with the ORC? For the longest time it was impossible to get into. Now it seems like every transfer student can get in without any issues." Corinna questioned.

Issei frowned since they were beginning to pray too mu, "Take it from somebody who knows the club. The less you know the better." Issei said firmly before beginning his teasing of the first year girl.

"Fine" Corinna pouted but her focus turned to Issei's touching. Their manager knew something they didn't but as long as he kept playing with them, they weren't going to complain.

(Scene Skip)

When they got off the bus arrived at Nochizuri Academy they were met by the familiar face of Genevieve Arcana and a second girl who was a bit taller with dark black hair and hazel eyes. "Hello girls of Kuoh. It's a pleasure to see you." Genevieve said calmly.

"What's going on Genevieve?" Murayama wondered since this was unusual.

"Our school's policy is that every male who arrives on campus must be screened by a member of our council before he is permitted on campus by himself. I'll be taking him over to the student council office to do that screening" Genevieve explained.

"But" Murayama started to say before Issei put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's fine Mury. You girls just get ready and prepare for a good match. This won't take too long" Issei smiled.

"Fine" Murayama pouted. She really didn't like it but she had no choice. Issei was their manager and had become a bit of a good luck charm since his arrival.

While the kendo club went to the locker room, Issei was escorted through the ornate buildings and made his way to the student council's office. It was a relatively simply office with a large brown desk and a fancy black chair behind it and a few regular brown chairs in front of it. Issei sat on the regular brown chair and Genevieve took her place behind the desk, "So is that little dog and pony show over Genevieve." Issei smirked.

"What do you mean? I'm following our school's policy." Genevieve replied calmly but Issei wasn't having any of it.

"Yes but if such a policy really existed, Kuoh would've been notified by now especially since I'm a manager for the girls kendo club. You made that policy up in order to get me alone and since this is my first time on campus nobody would've questioned it." Issei countered. It was actually clever all things considered and she clearly had a plan.

Genevieve frowned before casting a privacy barrier behind him, "You're right Red Dragon Emperor. I wanted to get you alone so I made that up." Genevieve said in a more serious tone.

The fact she used Red Dragon Emperor instead of Issei really got on his nerves, "Really, you're trying to recruit me again. I thought we went over this." Issei deadpanned showing a bit of killing intent once again.

Genevieve froze at the killer intent but kept her cool, "Yes am I but this time I'm going to try something different" Genevieve replied before walking in front of the desk.

"Oh" Issei replied with intrigue in his voice. That intrigue only grew when Genevieve began to undo the pure white uniform of Angel Academy.

"That's right. You said that a few less clothes would make for a better pitch. So here we go." Genevieve replied with her outfit on the floor. Issei couldn't help but appreciate her breasts that were a little smaller than Murayama's and the lack of underwear revealing the shaven pussy underneath.

"I see and what about the match." Issei smiled aware that she had a match to compete in with his kendo club and if she wanted to continue down the path she was on she would have no chance of doing so.

"We've got 40 minutes." Genevieve countered causing Issei to smile like a loon.

"Alright Genevieve, so what's your pitch this time" Issei smiled aware that today just got a whole lot more interesting.

That's it for Chapter 14 and once again a lot's happening for our boy. Rias has her doubts about Issei, Issei has doubts about everyone and now he's stuck with a naked Genevieve Arcana who is trying to recruit him to the Khaos Brigade yet again. How will things end this time and what will it mean for the upcoming Peace Conference.