Unexpected Bloom [OCs X Highschool DXD]

Chapter 25 (Issei's Side)

The sun cast long shadows as Rias Gremory's peerage, burdened with travel bags, made their way towards their destination.

"Come on, Issei," Rias' voice held a hint of impatience, "Hurry up!"

Akeno, ever bubbly, chimed in, "It's delicious!" referring to the snacks she'd undoubtedly procured for the journey.

Issei, struggling under the weight of his oversized bag, groaned, "Okay!"

Asia, ever gentle, worried about Issei's plight, questioned, "U-Um, should I help him carry the bags?"

Rias, however, had a different perspective. "It's okay. He has to be able to handle it."

Yuuto Kiba, ever the stoic and efficient one, simply announced, "I'm going on ahead." And with that, he shouldered his own bag and strode off into the distance.

Issei, exasperation evident in his voice, retorted, "Damn you for showing off how easy you have it!"

Koneko, quiet and graceful as always, offered a simple, "Pardon me," before mirroring Kiba's actions, leaving Issei with even more to carry and complain about.

"I give up! Where the hell is Aebelle??!?" Issei finally exploded, clearly reaching his limit.

Rias, however, already had her answer prepared. "As much as we need Aebelle here, she needs her time off for now. She'll come join us later."

"WHAT!?" Issei's incredulous voice echoed through the air.

Grayfia Lucifuge, Rias' ever-loyal and unflappable servant, broke the ensuing tension. "Anyhow, the Rating Game will be held in ten days."

"Ten days?" Rias questioned, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Given the differences in experience and resources between Riser and you," explained Grayfia, "I believe this is necessary to level the playing field."

Rias, though not particularly pleased with the delay, conceded, "I hate to admit it, but I have to agree. I'm going to take you up on your offer and use the time for training. Issei, I'll use this training camp to make you a lot stronger. A lot stronger."

The group eventually reached a breathtakingly beautiful area, a stark contrast to their previous environment.

"Wow! This place looks lovely!" Asia exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Rias, however, had other priorities. "Let's get inside and start training right away," she declared, her usual composed demeanor tinged with purpose.

"Training?!" Issei's voice was a mixture of surprise and dread. "Just as I thought, you're a monster, President!"

Rias, with a small but genuine smile, corrected him, "No, I'm a devil."

Issei, chuckling, admitted, "I know. That's why I said it." Rias couldn't help but let out a soft giggle at his cheeky response.

Later, as Issei approached Kiba, he brought up a topic from their past. "Hey, Kiba. Back when we fought at that church, you said something about hating fallen angels and priests."

Kiba, with a thoughtful expression, replied, "Just like how she saved you, Aebelle, Marinoah and Asia, the President also helped us. That's why we have to win this game for her. Right?"

Issei nodded with newfound determination, "Yeah, of course!"

Marinoah, her dragon heritage shining through, added with fiery enthusiasm, "Hell yeah!" Her voice echoing the shared desire of Rias's peerage to succeed.

Highschool DxD: Dragon's Rebirth - Training Day
The air crackled with anticipation as Rias Gremory's peerage gathered in the training grounds. Marinoah, a striking young woman with scales subtly shimmering beneath her skin and eyes like molten gold, stood amongst them, her newfound devil powers humming beneath the surface. The training, a crucial part of their development as a cohesive and powerful team, was about to begin.