DxD: Ascension - Redux

Chapter 8: A Dragon's Birth

BGM: Persona 5 - Confession Secret (Piano Version)

The Occult Research Club met soon before dawn, ready to train for their upcoming Rating Game against Riser Phenex. Rias and Akeno had arrived first together, followed by Kiba, then Koneko, and finally, Asia and Issei last.
"Where's Zach?" Issei asked with a yawn. "He better not have slept in..."
Asia rubbed her eyes. "I'm sure he'll be here soon."
Sure enough, Zach arrived in a few moments, seemingly out of thin air. "Hey, guys... everyone here?" he asked, sounding as though he'd been up all night.
"Yes, this is all of us," Rias confirmed. "Let's get going." A crimson magic circle formed beneath them. The group was transported to the start of a trail leading up a fairly tall hill with a mansion at the top. Four very large packs of supplies were laying on the ground next to them. "Kiba, Koneko, and Issei. Get those three packs." The trio picked up the packs, Issei with quite a bit of difficulty. Rias continued, "Hm... and Zach, why don't- oh." Before Rias could finish, Koneko picked up the fourth pack and began walking up the hill. The rest followed suit.

BGM: Persona 5 - Wicked Plan

As the group neared the top of the hill, Issei's complaints became unbearable.
"Why the hell do we have to carry these things?" he groaned.
"It's part of your training. We only have a week to prepare, so we need to do everything we can to be ready in time for the Rating Game. That means cramming training into as much of the day as possible," Akeno explained.
"I... I can't carry this," Issei complained, falling to the ground.
With a sigh, Zach picked up Issei's oversized luggage and continued on. "You've got to work harder if you don't want Rias marrying Riser," he chided Issei. "Your Boosted Gear is powerful, but you haven't seen anything yet. There's a lot more your dragon could be doing for you. Training will speed up the process." Zach thought back to the dreams he'd had on his first night in this timeline. He remembered seeing Issei donning a set of red armor and fighting Riser. Issei has to be ready... he thought.
The group finally reached the hilltop mansion at about noon. They all chose rooms to stay in and rested until that evening, when they assembled for dinner.

BGM: Persona 5 - Have a Short Rest

"So, Issei..." Rias began. "I've prepared a special training regimen for you. Tomorrow, you'll be spending the day with Koneko, honing your hand-to-hand combat skills and physical strength. That alright with you both?"
Issei fist pumped. "I won't let you down, Rias!" he promised with a determined tone.
"As long as he doesn't try anything," Koneko said nonchalantly. She gave Issei a death glare before returning to her food.
"Perfect," Rias said with a small smile. "Then Thursday will be speed training and swordplay with Kiba, Friday will be magic training with Akeno, Saturday will be sparring with Zach to practice against pyrokinetic magic, and Sunday morning will be general sparring to see what you've learned with some time to rest during the evening. Monday is the game. And Zach, would you mind helping with speed and magic training?"
Zach shrugged. "Sounds good to me."
"It'll be fun working with you." Akeno smiled.
"That's fine with me," Kiba agreed.
"I'll try not to push Issei too hard," Zach promised.
"Actually, push him as hard as you can," Rias suggested. "He'll need all the training he can get before Sunday."
"Oh, no..." Issei moaned.
Zach crossed his arms, a smirk on his face. "Oh, yes."
"You make that expression a lot," Akeno pointed out.
Zach chose to ignore Akeno's comment, beginning instead to write down ways to train Issei.

Tuesday (BGM: Persona 5 - Life Goes On)

Issei and Koneko walked out to the woods near the mansion.
"The first rule of fighting is to keep your opponent occupied," Koneko instructed. "You want them to be busy, without any time to think. Never leave them with an open hand." Without another word, she launched herself at Issei.
Issei cried out and stumbled backward, desperately trying to counter. I-I don't wanna hurt her! he thought.
She won't hesitate to hurt you, partner, a deep voice said in Issei's mind. You cannot hesitate either.
I-I recognize you! You're that dragon from my dream! Issei realized.
Yes, that's correct. My name is- head down!
Issei frantically ducked, narrowly avoiding being punched hard by Koneko. He turned and ran, trying to collect his thoughts and recover from the surprise. Koneko pursued him, closing the gap quick.
Stop running from a little girl and fight! yelled the voice in Issei's head.
"Tomorrow is speed training, not today," Koneko yelled.
She's no ordinary little girl! She's crazy! Issei thought to the voice.
Still a little girl. Now, as I was saying, my name is Ddraig. I am the Welsh Dragon of Domination, said Ddraig. Now, turn around and punch!
Issei followed Ddraig's directions, landing a direct hit to Koneko's chest, knocking her back. "I-I did it!" Issei yelled triumphantly.
Don't get confident yet, partner. She's still standing, Ddraig warned Issei. Left tumble!
Issei scrambled to the left, avoiding another hit from Koneko. However, the small girl was expecting the move and swung her right leg out to meet Issei. The kick hit him square in the gut, knocking the wind out of his lungs and leaving him on the ground, wheezing. The remainder of the day went similarly, with Koneko on the offensive and Ddraig trying to advise Issei in combat.