Eyes widening as his terrified mind processed what the red haired beauty had just said, and doing his best to ignore the very dangerous claws that were currently hoisiting him into the air, Issei managed to somehow to turn his head from the grinning demon to stare into Rias's less than amused expression.
"Di...did you just call this thing Inumbro? As is Mr. Inumbro, the new English Teacher? I knew there was something wrong with that guy. No man can resist the urge to stare at the female form. Unless of course they're ga...GRKKKK".
His words earning a snarl from the hulking mass of blackened tar, the chocking brunette resisted the very real urge to cry in relief as his new master decided to intervene.
"I would appreciate it if you stopped treating Issei so harshly Inumbro. Or do you wish me to tell both my brother AND your master that you are overstepping the bounds of your current arrangement"?
Her words earning an irritated huff from his heavily muscled tormentor, Issei watched in fearful amazement as the off colored comic book character steadily shrunk in size until all that was left was the glaring countenace of Kuoh Academy's newest teacher.
"I suppose not. Though I do hope you will follow my suggestion to properly...educate your newest servant on the realities of his new life. Otherwise he might run afoul of someone, or something, that is less in control of their violent impulses than I am".
Grunting in slight pain as he was unceremoniously dropped onto the floor, and now having more substantial proof that he had indeed become part of a wider world, Issei quickly picked himself up as he did something he thought he would never have to do.
Beg another guy for forgiveness in order to create the opportunity to obtain the secrets they possessed.
"I'm terribly sorry Mr. Inumbro. I didn't mean to insult you. I know that you've probably faced a lot of discrimination in your life, but I want you to know that I think its great that you are comfortable in your sexuality".
Though his teacher managed to keep his recent promise of refraining from physically harming him, the perverted brunette nevertheless got the very real impression that he was inches away from once again being reminded of how easily this black haired Devil could kill him.
"I want to make this very clear to you Hyoudou. Just because my eyes don't automatically measure up how generous puberty has been to a girl, that doesn't mean that I have any romantic interest in the male gender. I personally do not care what two or more consenting adults do behind closed doors, but as for myself, I will only ever engage in sexual activities with a female. Is that plain enough for you"?
Fearfully nodding his head, and fighting the urge to scowl as he noticed that a certain buxom black haired beauty was staring at their teacher with a look of undisguised lust, Issei managed to keep himself from crying in gratitude as Rias decided to interfere.
"Was there a reason for your visit Inumbro? Or did you come here only to harass my servants"?
Flinching a little at the deadly tone of the buxom red haired beauty, Issei bore witness to something he would have never expected to happen to one of Kuoh's most popular student.
"Considering Hyoudou's rather shameful ability to be distracted, I thought that I might as well mix business with pleasure. But since you seem to be in a mood, I'll tell you what I told your day time partners".
Though shocked by the teacher's disrespectful tone, a feeling that seemed to be shared by every other person in the room except Akeno, who was currently wearing a delighted expression as she witnessed this exchange, the brunette Devil found his curiosity piqued as Rias crossed her arms under her generous bosom as she listened to the almost bored sounding male.
"As you might have guessed considering the series of events that earned you a new servant, you have a bit of a crow infestation. Nothing too serious considering the four of them are all single winged, but since their being supported by a fair number of stray exorcists, my suggestion would be to keep a close eye on the servants that are...shall we say lacking in survival skills".
His anger managing to somehow surpass his fear thanks to the unmistakable insult that had been directed his way, Issei was prevented from doing something that he would undoubtedly regret thanks to the unexpected intervention of the youngest member of the group
"If they're so weak, why haven't you dealt with them"?
Though Issei could tell that Inumbro had been surprised at the white haired girl's sudden decision to speak up, he was nevertheless unsurprised by the black haired teacher's bored sounding tone as he answered her question.
"Because it isn't my responsibility to do so. I mean, I suppose if I wasn't concerned about the diplomatic consequences I could kill each and everyone of them. But since I do, and the fact that Kuoh is under the protection of your master, I will only get involved when there is no other choice".
Though this answer raised only more questions in his mind, Issei could nevertheless tell that this answer made sense to the school's unofficial mascot. Who proceeded to offer a curt nod before allowing her more developed club member the chance to make her own observations.
"Fufufufu. Your rather blunt with your explanations aren't you Mr. Inumbro. One has to wonder how on earth Lady Leviathan puts up with you".
Glaring at the now irritated looking Devil, which only made him more pissed since he would have gladly given his left arm for the chance to have a girl like Akeno stare at him with lustful admiration, the perverted brunette could only frown in confusion at the taller Devil's reply.
"If you were to look at the quality of her work before I became her servant, you would begin to have an inkling. Also, I thought your master was going to speak with you about...this sort of behavior".
Turning his head to look at the now smirking red head, Issei wasn't sure if he should be amused or depressed by the answer she gave the less than pleased teacher.
"And I did. However, considering you only specified that it was inappropriate for Akeno to act like her normal self when there is a clear line between teacher and student, I didn't feel it was necessary to make her control herself in more...private settings".
These words earning another bout of giggling from the raven haired beauty, Issei switched his attention back towards his ill tempered English instructor. Only to see that instead of wearing an annoyed frown, Inumbro was currently sporting an amused smirk.
"I see. Well then I suppose that since you appear to favor a less formalized atmosphere in a private setting, I see no reason why I should delay this any longer".
Tensing himself for action as he watched the black haired Devil reach into his pocket, a move that was copied by the rest of the Occult Research Club to some degree or another, Issei sported a look of confusion as Inumbro flicked a tiny metal disc at Rias.
Whose expression quickly turned into one of dawning horror as the device not only hovered in place, but also sported a small hologram of a man that was quite similar in appearance to the blue eyed beauty.
"HELLLLLOOOO MY DARLING RIAS. I'm sorry that this is merely a recording instead of the actual me, but Grayfia was sadly quite insistent that it would be improper for me to use my limited free time to pull you out of class because I'm feeling the pain of our separation. But hopefully in the near future we can schedule a time where neither your school work or my job gets in the way of some quality sibling time. Anyways, just wanted to let you know that both I and your biggest fan miss you terribly. And that we're both rooting for you all the way.
Ps: And while Sera's queen might be a tad...irritable, a trait that Grayfia sadly seems to share from time to time, he's honestly not a bad guy. Sadistic, and creative in ways that have allowed him to more than hold his own against opponents with more raw power, but generally a nice guy if your willing to develop a bit of a thick skin".
Unsure if he should either laugh at the somewhat flamboyant message, or scowl at the fact that someone had something nice to say about the sadist that was his teacher, Issei was broken out of his musings thanks Akeno's cheerful observation.
"It seems that the rumors about his ability to escape unnoticed were spot on. A shame really since I wanted to see how he would respond to your justified retaliation Rias. But I suppose that will have to wait for another day".
Seeing the red haired beauty take a deep breath in an effort to calm herself, something which naturally drew his attention to her rather impressive chest, the brown haired Devil instantly moved his eyes elsewhere as Rias moved to return to the conversation they were having before Inumbro's interruption.
"Indeed. But enough about him for now. We still haven't finished welcoming our newest member into our group".
...
Though he knew he would be severely punished if his so called superiors ever learned of his invasive habit, especially if they ever caught him during those moments where they used the building's private bathing chambers, Freed nevertheless eagerly listened to the conversation that was currently taking place between the four Fallen Angels.
"So let me get this straight Dohanseek. Because you underestimated your opponent, and overestimated your skills, the Devils not only know how much strength we have in this miserable town, but also what we are trying to accomplish"?
"You really screwed the pooch on this one didn't you"?
"Shut up Millet That bastard Devil didn't manage to get specifics".
"But he did manage to learn that were here under orders".
"Yes Kalwarner he did. But since moving against us would no doubt inconvenience his master, I suspect that as long as we're careful, and refrain from opening challenging either Levithan's queen, or the Devils that govern Kuoh, we shouldn't have anymore problems".
Scowling at the fact that these stupid, but sadly necessary crows were acting like a bunch of cowards, though if he was in a more charitable mood he would have to admit that the concept of facing dozens of Devils, some of them high class, was a bit much even for him, Freed's sour mood instantly brightened as he heard Raynare's next scathing comment.
"Still shameful that you lost though. Even if your opponent is the servant of one of the most powerful Devil's in the Underworld, the fact that he specializes in shadow magic should have put him in at a disadvantage".
"Well Raynare, perhaps if you had been there to help me instead of preparing for your sacrifice's arrival, it would have mattered if I had been restrained. But since you weren't, not only was I prevented from throwing a light spear or two, but I also had to endure the pain of being squeezed by moving barbed wire".
Stifling the urge to cackle as he heard this, the former priest abandoned his position by the makeshift infirmary door as he went over the information he had just learned.
"Oh this is fantastic. Instead of rotting in some grave like I thought he was, my favorite sparing partner is still alive and kicking. And to top it all off, he's managed to make me want to stab him even more by becoming a filthy Devil. And not just any lowly Devil. But the boy toy of the big boobed loli. This keeps getting better and better".
Chuckling as he imagined the former Human's irritated expression as he was forced to cater to the whims of his childish master, Freed allowed his usual disturbed grin to spread even wider as he contemplated all the fun he would have with the former human before he finally decided to finished what his former superiors had failed to do all those years ago.
Such a shame that Dante Inumbro was the last of his people. But considering that he was a lowly Devil now, the white haired exorcist could hope that his new sinful lifestyle had resulted in one or more half breed spawn which would allow him to further enjoy the thrill of destroying someone who couldn't have the decency to simply lay down and die.
...
Though I was perfectly able to find a new set of temporary accommodations, for my time as an active deal maker had ensured that I had collected a tidy sum from those who requested my services, I found myself slightly unwilling to change my current living situation.
Partly because it was not matter for me to change the décor of the classroom to resemble a bachelor's apartment. One of the benefits of finding non combative uses for my people's abilities. And partly because by living in the classroom, I would be in a prime position to potentially annoy the two Devils who rightly guarded their independence with the same energy I had once shown during my early days under Serafall.
As usual, thoughts about my energetic master caused me to experience a range of emotions that always left me confused as to how I should view her.
Her childish actions aside, I was grateful to her for allowing me the opportunity to grow beyond the strength I could have obtained if I had remained human. Especially since her love of media provided me the inspiration to use my powers in ways I would have never considered by myelf. Not to mention that her position gave me amble opportunity to enjoy the luxuries that had been largely denied to me since I was 8 years old.
But at the same time, I was once again placed in a situation where my only options were to obey or die. And while Serafall was a much more lenient master than the shriveled bastard that had taken me in after the death of the rest of our people, the fact remained that I was once again forced in to servitude.
Which of course served to ensure that I was less than cheerful when confronted with the possibility to partake in activities that, in my mind, were totally inappropriate for my current station
Making deals with desperate humans, making certain 'issues' disappear with out a trace. Or even restraining Serafall from restarting the war with Heaven, that I had no problem with.
Even if I really, really wouldn't mind seeing one of the most powerful of God's feathered children being cut down to size.
But being constantly pestered to star as a sidekick in what is essentially a kid show? Fighting off the advances of a woman who, while certainly attractive, possesses a mentality and fetish that tends to spoil the mood during the numerous times she's tried to sneak into my bed?
There are times where I have considered whether or not it would be worth putting up with the hardships of being a stray if it meant I could once again enjoy the freedom I had briefly possessed.
But since I had ample opportunity to vent my more...violent emotions, I always managed to prevent myself from taking the final few steps that would see me hunted down like a common criminal.
And speaking of proper venting, it appears that my quiet evening is about to come to an end.
Probably a good thing that I properly warded my temporary living space.
Because if my informant is being in a particularly...affectionate mood, and has managed to bring me some useful information, the last thing I need is to be interrupted by those that would undoubtedly be in a less reasonable mood if they discovered the various methods I employed to ensure that there were no unexpected surprises for Devil kind.
And since Serafall's sister strikes me as the type to scream her head off if she discovered a member of the faculty was having sex on academy grounds, the more defensive measures in place the better.
...
Savoring the undeniable proof that her queen would have made a fine hostess in another life, Rias waited until Akeno was finished pouring her own cup of tea before giving voice to her thoughts.
"Inumbro's...interuption aside, I think today went very well".
Receiving a look of amusement from her pony tailed servant, the blue eyed Devil was largely unsurprised by Akeno's opinion regarding the events of the day.
"Oh I don't know. I actually thought Dante's grand entrance was quite...exciting. Even if he did scare my newest teammate. Who would of thought that the 'Cruelest Queen' was a fan of comic books".
Acknowledging the point with a small smile, and choosing not to comment on the fact that her loyal queen had called Lady Leviathan's servant by his first name, if only because she knew that it wouldn't really change anything, Rias hummed in consideration as she considered the implications of what her queen had said.
"And considering his...temperament, I believe its safe to assume that any further... cinematic displays will be copied from those whose moral alignment is slightly questionable. Which I suppose would actually explain why he has yet to make an appearance in his master's show" .
Her words causing Akeno to giggle in her usually refined manner, the crimson haired Devil had no issues sharing in her queen's amusement as she commented on the nature of one of the few Devils that could match her brother's strength.
"Your probably right. I highly doubt that Lady Leviathan would be willing to pretend that her handsome servant is an enemy. The only way I can see her accepting such a 'relationship' would be if his character was given some sort of redemption arc. But I suspect that our minder wouldn't care to be part of such a thing".
Her good mood slightly souring at the reminder that Inumbro was there because her family was worried that she might do something rash to escape her arrangement, Rias raised an eyebrow in slight disbelief as Akeno tried to put a more positive spin on her current situation.
"That being said, perhaps we can convince him to play a more active role in your...production. It would probably be too much to ask him to deal with that flaming annoyance for us, but if we were to ask him to help us train a little, I think if he was properly compensated, he shouldn't have any problem with it".
Considering her loyal friend's proposal with a frown, the buxom red head almost felt as sense of regret as she sought to clarify the meaning behind the raven haired beauty's words.
"And what do you think would be proper compensation Akeno"?
And upon receiving a cheerful smirk from her pony tailed servant, Rias's concerns were quickly justified.
"Well that would depend on how much we want to improve ourselves wouldn't it? If we simply want him to offer suggestions of where we can improve, I think offering to sit in his lap and feed him would be good enough. But if we want him to take a more active role, I am perfectly willing to do anything and everything in order to fulfil my duty as your loyal queen".
Rolling her eyes at her servant's less than wholesome thoughts, the crimson haired heiress nevertheless had to concede that Akeno might have had a point.
"Considering his reputation, I suspect that it might be possible to come to an understanding with him. However, I think that a less...intimate form of payment would be more appropriate".
Her words earning a nod of acknowledgement from the slightly more 'gifted' Devil, Rias mused over what she knew about the queen of Serafall Leviathan.
And how he could help her escape her fate of being shackled to a man she did not love.
...
She couldn't believe it.
She absolutely couldn't believe it.
Here she was.
With both the outfit and the attitude that had never failed to gain the lustful attention of the male population.
Not the mention the willingness to ensure that both she and her associate would remember this night until their next clandestine meeting.
But the selfish bastard, one who had first hand experience of what she was like in bed, actually had the nerve to stand there and tell her that she wouldn't be enjoying any bedroom fun anytime soon.
"NYAAAA! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WON'T SLEEP WITH ME"?
Desperately trying to control her temper, if only because she suspected that the Devil's security wards would be destroyed if she wasn't careful, the golden eyed stray found her mood souring even further as she was given her answer.
"Because you haven't really told me anything that I can use. Vague rumors about a coup being planned against the leader of the Fallen Angels, and whispers of some powerful entity beginning to recruit an army? It's enough for a reward, but not enough for what you want".
Gritting her teeth in anger at the black haired Devil's less than apologetic tone, Kuroka did not hesitate to point out what she viewed to be an obvious flaw in his logic.
"Nyaaaa. That didn't stop you from having your way with me last time. And don't even bother denying that you enjoy our little 'exchanges' . If you didn't, I suspect that you would have stopped after giving me one satisfying orgasm instead of an entire night's worth".
Smirking as she saw Dante's eyes twitch in annoyance, the black haired cat girl was unsure if the sigh she released was one of irritation or contentment as she heard his reply.
"And last time the intel you provided me was more than enough to fulfil the terms of our agreement. And while I confess that sleeping with you is in fact an enjoyable expiernece, as long as our deal is in place, I can only safely do so when you fulfil your end of the bargain. Terms that you were only to happy to agree to when you decided to ensure repeated performances of our little...interaction in Kyoto".
Allowing a brief lust filled smile to cross her face as she remembered that night 3 years ago where she had decided to take advantage of her temporary sanctuary in order to have some fun with the uncomfortable looking Devil, Kuroka's expression turned sour as Dante sought to offer her a consolidation prize.
"That being said, while I am unable at this moment to once again repeat the attempt to start rebuilding your race, your information is enough to earn something else that is within my power to give".
Deciding that this was the best she was going to get out of one of the few Devil's that had refused to believe the rumors regarding her so called rampage, Kuroka managed to keep her tone civil as she asked her question.
"Nyaaa. And what would that be? A pardon for my so called crimes? The right to visit my sister without worrying that my race will be driven closer to extinction"?
The answer the provocatively dressed stay got served to remind her that while Dante could be a complete ass when the mood struck him, he also occasionally reminded her that there was a reason why she wouldn't mind having him stick around to help raise her future children.
"Considering that you already happen to keep a regular, if distant, watch on your sister, I suspect that there is little I can do to help you with your sisterly stalking. However, that doesn't mean to say that I can't do something to improve your...status. Sadly Serafall has little to do with domestic affairs, otherwise I could do more, but I have managed to ensure that the status of certain individuals has changed from 'dead or alive' to 'wanted alive'. It's not much I grant you, but since I am still trying to eliminate the rot that allowed such vile thing to be done to you and your people, I'm afraid that this is as much as I can do".
Giving him a slow nod to show that she appreciated this gesture, Kuroka shot the smirking Devil a sly look of her own as she proceeded to reward him for this generosity.
"Nyaaa, as much as I hate to say it, this isn't really a fair exchange. In fact, I would have to say that I now owe you one. And I know how you hate to leave a debt unpaid".
Unloosening the straps that had prevented her ROBE from sliding down her body, and enjoying the look of controlled lust that had come across the Devil's face as his eyes roamed up and down her nude body, the blacked haired beauty took her time to slowly stretch her arms above her head before leaning forward.
"Nyaaa So where do you want me Inumbro Sensei? Spread over your desk? On your lap? Or bending over by the wall"?
The choice didn't really matter to her.
All that mattered was she was about to scratch a certain itch that the black haired Devil was very capable of scratching.