Ichigo Awakens

(Devil Talk Show Studio)

Issei groaned as he leaned against the wall, the last hour replaying in his mind as he reflected on the last two weeks. Saji wasn't exaggerating when he talked about how harsh Soul Society training was, mitigated by the high class recovery methods they employed, but he could still feel in his hands how much stronger he became. Lieutenant Ikkaku even made him rethink the prospect of fighting, using it to see how much stronger he became and how much more capable of protecting his precious comrades as a result. Testing and pushing his limits gained a certain appeal to him now, but the rewards Rias and Asia gave him was even more incentive. Speaking of the other members of the Gremory peerage.

Kiba and Rias underwent more physical conditioning while Rias was nearly swamped in gathering combat experience of any kind; from the conditions she was most familiar with to being forced to rethink every possible strategy she normally employs to even having to fight her own self and peerage members as blank faced clones to understand her team's strengths and weaknesses even better. One day they tried having them actually emote in the fight, but the result left her in tears and the whole group was given the rest of the day off to ease her heart. The majority of Asia's training for the upcoming matches was almost entirely educational, mainly studying under the medical staff of the 4th division in biology and surgical practice, to heal more precisely and effectively as a result. Koneko was sent to Kyoto daily to train in her Senjutsu, studying under the various masters in the city and apparently befriended a girl name Kunou. Gasper was making some progress but his timidity and agoraphobia kept it at a snail's pace, mostly he was just in therapy whenever Orihime, Rias, or Issei were available to sit in with him. Akeno... something was off with her lately. After one training session she just seemed distracted and listless, even when it came to her attempts at teasing Issei and Rias. She would do it, but it seemed more to distract herself rather than have any fun.

Then there was the interview itself, which started out just fine for the most part. Asked the usual simple questions; how did they feel about the last match, about the next match, any plans in particular after the Rating Games, almost all of which was answered by Rias. She kept it mostly positive and expertly navigated the field to avoid giving away anything about their training and strategies for their match against Diodora. Then came the second half of that interview, and the utter embarrassment that came with it.

At first it was just him in his red armor fighting Saji in his black Scale Mail form as they explored their new strengths, Issei handling more and more boosts while Saji gained a myriad of new techniques. It was a new feeling for him to look back on a fight fondly... and then the title card dropped and the audio played; 'War of Tits: Breast Dragon Emperor vs Black Boobie Bandit.' Apparently it was popular with the kids and more demand for the Breast Dragon Emperor was starting to come up. Rias swore she'd get to the bottom of this before storming off while Issei found himself a corner to hide in. Between the Rating Game, the Sport's Festival, and now this new Breast Dragon nonsense, it was a hefty distraction from what he learned during a sparring match with Xenovia; Soul Society's plan to ambush the Old Satan Faction.

It was a rematch spar of him and Kiba against Xenovia and Irina, give them a chance to redo their first match properly under calmer conditions and minds with all involved wanting to see how far they've come. The difference between then and now was as clear as day to the four of them; no distractions for Kiba, no condescension from the girls, and Issei was more focused on the fight than Irina's tight bodysuit. They all made progress, but it was clear to Issei just how much further he had to go since he was on the defensive for the entire match. One bit of advice from a captain of the Gotei, squad 12 he believed, was that any move was viable in battle if used correctly. It was then that he decided to use the technique he developed before the last Rating Game, the one that disappointed Saji enough to beat his ass into the ground. Boobilingual.

He... wasn't sure what to expect at first since this was the first time he actually used it, but this wasn't it. First he created an aura that covered the field and he heard voices telling him what Irina and Xenovia were planning in their fight... and then he heard how thirsty Irina actually was toward him specifically. That girl was fighting some strong urges that he would only recognize with his human guy friends in the Pervert Trio. It was weird being able to react one move ahead but still get distracted by the... vivid fantasies Irina is repressing. Eventually he heard Xenovia's breast yell about her frustration at not getting her Shikai, whatever that was, and that they only had a few more days before the OSF ambush. Specifically, the day of the Rating Game.

"What the hell should I do?" He asked himself quietly, having kept this bit of information a secret since the day he heard it. Between the training, Devil world, and school stuff he didn't have the time to say anything. Should he tell the rest of the peerage about the attack now or was it too much of a security risk? This wasn't what he was used to and it felt like he was about to fry his brain trying to figure it out. He was brought out of those thoughts when he heard the rest of his peerage approaching.

"Okay, I got a call from Sona." Rias started, looking particularly irritated. "She told me that Serafall had a script writing contest based on your fight and the winning submission of the 'Breast Dragon Emperor', was written by my brother and Azazel Sensei. They didn't admit to it yet, but Serafall is certain it was them."

"Personally, I thought it was funny." They turned to see Azazel walking toward them, wearing a smug smirk. "And with the popularity it's been getting, we might as well expand it into a full blown series. Complete with a song and dance."

"Please don't." Issei begged tiredly, feeling his life and dignity being drained by the thought. He felt like he was making so much progress and this reminded him of his old self. He'll never abandon his love for boobs and sexiness, but he does understand needing to control it.

"So this is the current Red Dragon." The group heard a man say, turning to find four figures walking toward them. Half were well built men wearing togas to show off their muscles, one wearing white with a mustache and a crown on his head while the other wore green with a weathered tan look, but the other half were skeletons wearing priestly robes. The two halves were like opposites in every way and while the flesh and blood pair seemed lively, the undead ones filled the young Dragon with concern.

"Zeus, Poseidon I'll settle down when the time is right." Azazel returned, identifying the Greek gods that were currently ribbing the Fallen Angel for being single. "I'm more surprised that all three of the kings of Greece have decided to attend this. Especially you, lord Hades." He said to the more ornately dressed of the two and while the skull betrayed no emotion, Issei could swear it scoffed.

"The games of birds and bats are of little interest to me." He said in a raspy tone. "I was more interested in seeing the current Red Dragon and finding a certain upstart brat." The skeletal god turned to his brothers. "Zeus, Poseidon, we shall see to the arrangements for our stay. Enjoy your frivolities." He said before stepping away from the group and to the other skeleton, apparently making an itinerary for settling the self appointed job.

"He's such a workaholic." Zeus sighed, looking at his eldest brother.

"And I guess he hates the Shinigami as much as he dislikes any other pantheon." Azazel muttered, getting confused looks from the Greek gods. "We should do our best to keep him from meeting the Captain Commander." Poseidon opened his mouth as a hole in space appeared, revealing Ichigo, Toshiro, Orihime, Hestia, and Artemis.

"And we're only five seconds early." Ichigo said as they exited the void. "Toshiro, go meet up with Shinji, Orihime and I will meet with Serafall, and... Hades?" The hybrid stopped as the two death gods faced each other, with Ichigo's face turning most excited. "Hades!" He greeted excitedly.

"You damn brat!" The skeleton returned, sounding more elated than annoyed as he moved toward the Commander, his white priestly robes turning to smoke as his bones grew flesh. Eventually he was dressed in a black suit like he was a banker with combed back oil black hair. As the transformation finished, the two grasped arms and hugged each other. "All these years and no letters or visits?!" He demanded in good cheer.

"I've been busy!" Ichigo defended. "Lot of kids and the damned monster of endless paperwork, and I didn't become the highest authority until a couple months ago." He complained with a sigh before turning to the other skeleton. "And don't think I can't recognize that bone structure Persephone, you look as radiant as ever!" The skeleton cupped her cheek with one hand while waving at him with the other.

"Oh you~!" She said with a light laugh as her robes dissolved into smoke as well and her flesh formed, revealing a lightly tanned woman with long wavy brown hair wearing a dress of dark green and red that almost seemed like leaves and flower petals. "It's wonderful to see you again dear friend!" The Goddess and hybrid embrace with a quick kiss on the other's cheek. "Come! Tell us how you've been. How are the kids?" Persephone said as she, Hades, and Ichigo started walking off, with Ichigo reconfirming his order for Toshiro to hook up with Shinji while Orihime meets with Serafall. As they departed, everyone turned to Azazel, who's face was frozen in shock.

"Yeah... most of the time, you're right about Hades not liking other people." Poseidon said as he closed Azazel's gaping mouth. "But he respects other death gods and Ichigo just managed to hit every switch needed to get on our brother's good side."

"Comes from trying to respect and understand him and his role, unlike some." Hestia added, making Zeus and Poseidon feel like arrows shot into them. "Come on you two. Let's get ourselves situated for the Rating Game while they catch up and prove you can do stuff like this without Hades. Artemis, go make sure they don't spend too much time talking." The senior Goddess ordered, getting a nod from her niece while the other two dejectedly followed their elder sister.

"That was... something." Issei said as the Gremory peerage were now alone with Azazel, who was finally snapping out of his stupor. "So... where are we going to stay?" The Pawn asked, turning to his King.

"We'll head back home to Kuoh for some rest before we... deal with him." Rias said, calmly at first before her tone turned venomous as she saw a certain someone approaching them from behind. "Diodora. I was hoping our next meeting would've been in the arena." The Devil in question was in his usual attire, but now his face was mummified in gauze bandages that left one eye exposed and a support harness on the left side of his mouth, and behind him was a small group of women dressed as nuns. The more keen eyed members of the Gremory family could see the dead look in their eyes and heavier spots of make-up, even Issei didn't need Boobilingual to hear the pain in their hearts.

"Come now," the disfigured Devil's voice sounded raspy and worn, "we're supposed to be friendly before the game." He started coughing a little, his hand reaching up to his throat while one of the nuns pulled out a water bottle with a straw. The liquid inside had an amber hue that Diodora happily drank a few sips of, giving a sigh of relief. "Sorry, but those Soul Reapers did quite a lot of damage when they did their excessive punishment."

"And like then, there's nothing for us to discuss." Rias immediately said, quickly pulling Asia behind her while Issei and Kiba stepped in between the two nobles. "We're going home." She said, conjuring up a portal back to Kuoh.

"Wait! Please Asia! Show mercy on me again, like you did before." He begged before going into another coughing fit and reaching for his medicine, but his plea did give the healer pause as she turned to face him. "Yes... I was that Devil you healed, all that time ago." He said after drinking the medicine and exposing his chest, revealing a scar in the form of an X. "I... just wanted to see you again. To thank you and... I can't say with my face like this." He said, sounding on the verge of tears. "It was a simple desire to speak with my savior, why did I have to suffer so?" Asia looked ready to reach out to him, but Issei stood firmly between them while the other main fighters of the team maintained a steely expression as Bazz-B's words echoed in their minds.

"What do you think it means for a soul to smell bad?" Any faith and trust that could've been had between them was wiped away by the questions of what Diodora did to make his soul smell foul to the Captain Commander. Asia hid herself behind Issei while Rias took her into her arms, offering her comfort and a sense of protection.

"Asia, please. Just a bit of your-" Diodora tried before Issei stepped forward, a steely look on his face as he mentally prepared himself to fight.

"That's close enough. You're scaring our dear Asia." He said, making it clear who was protecting her. The Red Dragon would swear he could see Diodora's face twist into a snarl just from the anger in the one exposed eye.

"Move aside you filthy dragon bastard!" He actually growled. "Why can't I simply-!?" A loud slap rang out as Asia rushed forward and struck the bandaged Devil. "AHHHH!" He cried out as he fell, grasping his face as the gauze became discolored with blood and pus, while everyone looked at Asia in surprise.

"What happened to you was cruel, but I will not tolerate anyone speaking of the people most precious to me in such a manner." The healer said with a steely determination in her visage, stunning everyone but also filling the Gremory group with pride.

"He...hehe... I see." Diodora's eye seemed to fill with insanity as he rose to his feet. "So... If I can defeat them. Will you be mine?" Asia's bravery seemed to wilt as everyone felt an odd energy eminant from the Devil, except for Issei who got in front of him.

"Anytime, anywhere, it'll make no difference." He declared, meeting Diodora's mad gaze with his own calm fury as he felt Ddraig's power pulse through his body. "There's no way I'll lose to someone like you." Diodora glared at Issei for a few more moments before turning away, his own peerage tending to him.

"Partner, you felt that right?" Ddraig asked the Devil as he returned to the rest of the Gremory group.

'Yeah. I'll try to get some answers... and maybe if I can help them in the attack.' Issei decided, getting a better understanding of the present situation for all of them. Some other members of Serafall's staff came by asking for him to join them. 'I just hope nothing really distracts us from stopping that attack.'

(With Ichigo, Artemis, Hades, and Persephone)

"You want us to WHAT?!" Ichigo asked, demanding to get clarification on what he swears he misheard.

"I want us to get married." Artemis said, confirming Ichigo's worry. The group went to a small isolated terrace in Sitri territory, before Ichigo opened a Garganta and brought them into the void once Hades requested privacy... and Artemis dropped that bombshell.

"I... I'm not sure what to really say." Ichigo said, his brain shutting down at what was, frankly, an outrageous request. "Please explain, in a way that actually makes sense, why you want us to get married out of the blue like this."

"This was actually a scheme Hestia, Artemis, and myself have devised." Hades said, gaining the hybrid's attention. "See, Zeus is taking a neutral stance to this whole Khaos Brigade issue unless it directly involves Olympus itself. Our heroic legacies have vanished with only the three that helped you ten years ago giving any hint to what they were planning."

"'The world is changing. As heroes, we will ensure the safe future of the people.'" Artemis said, reciting what their heroes claimed in a note before vanishing. "Six heroes disappear and my father still insists that Olympus will be neutral beyond anything apocalyptic. This simply can not stand and the best way we can think of to change that is by establishing a political marriage and essentially strong arm him into being more active. Hence, you and me getting married."

"Will that even work?" Ichigo asked, still unsure about the idea of getting betrothed to the most chaste of Goddesses. "Didn't you make an oath to never marry? Wouldn't you be punished for that?"

"That was an oath on her father's name after she wished for eternal maidenhood." Persephone explained, conjuring up a thick file labeled with the very God's name. "That being said, he also owes her damages for the Callisto matter." She looked up from the file to smile at the hybrid. "See, after we reexamined my former arrangement and mother was punished, my husband and I looked at the rather long list of lives that the Greek, and by extension Roman, pantheons have ruined and decided to have each put on trial. With some carefully selected words, we made it sound to Zeus that he wouldn't have to worry about anything immediately."

"Six years and too much flattery later, it's time to put his sins on the table." Hades continued. "Of which, almost half of EVERY PROBLEM in Greece's mythological history can be traced back to him. Like Callisto's case." Artemis let out a sigh.

"She was one of my better huntress's back in the old days, devoted in her worship and was apparently in love with me. Father disguised himself as me, got her pregnant, and I was so furious that I turned her into a bear after exiling her." She explained, hanging her head in shame. "By the time I calmed down and figured out what happened, the damage was done and I couldn't actually do anything to punish him either." Hades took over again.

"And because of Artemis's own crimes, overreacting to some minor issues, her punishment was determined as thus. Forbidden to hunt wild game until she found a proper partner to keep her in check. We've decided to take advantage of this wording by making you her partner in marriage."

"I trust you to respect me and my chastity, not like you don't have a dozen other wives to take your lust, and we can exploit it on a political basis to actually keep Olympus in the fight instead of hiding on our damn mountain." Artemis finished before giving Ichigo a pat on the back with a tomboyish smile. "Come on! It'll be like back when we were teasing Aphrodite! Hunting together and rubbing her face in our platonic friendship, just like the old days!" Ichigo was slightly annoyed at getting dragged into another political matter, but the more allies the better.

"Fine. But you have to convince my other wives as well." He said, opening the way back into the Devils' domain. He was looking forward to the attack now, combat was much more simple than politics.

(Day of the Rating Game: With the Gremory Peerage)

The seven members of the Gremory group gathered in the ORC room, mentally preparing themselves for the battle to come. The training with Soul Society was harsh but they all felt the results of their efforts and were now eager to put them to the test. They were told that the game this time was going to be a team vs team battle and the team with the most standing at the end won, a simple brawl instead of anything overly complicated like their last one. Issei knew why and from the looks on the faces of the other, more experienced, members of the group, they expected something was up. Their answer came when Orihime came through the door.

"Hey everyone!" She greeted with a beaming smile. "I hope everyone's ready for today!" She said before letting that smile wane slightly to something more calm and focused. "Once again, I'm serving the role of healer for the defeated should anything get too out of hand. At least on paper." She admitted, getting the majority of the group to sharpen their gazes.

"So something is up then?" Rias asked, crossing her arms and looking at the spirit user. "What's Soul Society doing now and what does it have to do with Diodora?" Issei decided to jump in at that point.

"The Old Satan Faction are planning an attack during our match." He declared, getting shocked looks from his team while Orihime's expression did not change. "During a sparring match against Xenovia, I used this technique that allowed me to hear her thoughts and she was thinking about a counter attack on the OSF's ambush." The rest of the peerage looked to Orihime for confirmation. "Is it alright to let us in on this, considering how much your side likes to conduct their black ops?"

"There's no turning back at this point and we're in a secured location." The teacher answered, producing several small cubes. "Admittedly, you're bait to the extent of luring them out. When that's done you are to use these to teleport back to Kuoh by channeling your magic through it. Our rules of engagement are 'No mercy', and we don't want anyone to get caught in the crossfire. Our Squad 12 and your Ajuka Beelzebub have spent the majority of this time making it so that it'll only be the Gotei and the OSF fighting." Reactions were mixed among the group but Rias let out a sigh, apparently coming to her decision regarding this situation.

"Understood. We'll stay out of your way." She said taking one of the cubes from Orihime's hand. "Now, let's go get this started." Each member of the Gremory group took a cube and gathered together around Orihime before using teleportation magic to head for the arena. The battleground for this match was a rocky wasteland, black with stalagmite all around the arena like a ring of teeth, and ahead of the was a staircase leading to floating stone platforms and a few buildings further up. The whole scene resembled a lead up to a demonic final boss in an RPG, at least that's what Issei was thinking as the group got ready to fight.

"Well, I'll take up a vantage point for the game!" Orihime announced, walking away from the group and pretending to look for a good spot to watch from. "Then we'll-" She stopped as magic circles appeared and shot metal rods into the arena. "TerrAAAH!" She cried out as the rods glowed and she fell to her knees, grasping at her head. It wasn't just her as the rest of the Gremory peerage became likewise paralyzed, with the Sacred Gear users crying out the loudest.

"Wha- what's happening?" Rias groaned out as magic circles activated all around them, revealing a battalion of Devils associated with the OSF. The glow from the rods ended and a green aura surrounded both Orihime and Asia, causing them to pass out and fly up to the waiting Diodora Astaroth, with his face still mummified.

"You bastard!" Issei roared out, forcing himself to his feet before the rods started glowing again and crippled him once more. "Soul Society was right to burn you! Make your rotten inside match your crooked outside!"

"HAHAHA!" The Devil laughed before coughing. "Howl all you want you filthy reincarnate, but it's only right that I stand above you and claim what I desire." He grabbed his bandages and tore them off to reveal the hideous hand shaped burn scar over his face, with the harness still supporting his left jaw and an eye patch covering his empty socket. "I'm actually having a hard time deciding who I want first." He grabbed Asia by the hair to force her head up. "This innocent little fool that I've been waiting for ever since I found her, or maybe wait till you can watch me rape her over and over?" He questioned, licking his burnt lips hungrily before letting go and grabbing Orihime's chest roughly. "Or maybe, I can find some enjoyment with this used woman after I make her fix my beautiful face. I usually prefer taking virgins, but this whore feels like she might still be worth the effort."

"RELEASE THEM NOW DAMNIT!" Rias roared, rising to her feet and glowing with power before pointing her hands at the rods and sending balls of destructive energy to destroy them. As she did the pressure in her head seemed to lessen. "Diodora! You will not live beyond this hour!" She promised, through she could feel the drain on her being. But if she could free her team, she knew they would handle the rest.

"Empty words. Your deaths are guaranteed." The Devil said as he used a magic circle to vanish, leaving the Gremory group surrounded by OSF Devils with their weapons charged and pointed at the Gremory team. Hey were all unsteady, still being affected by the rods, but they would not die without fighting.

"Bankai." A voice calmly called out before two rows of giant katana blades rose up from the ground, surprising everyone into inaction at the sudden development. "Scatter. Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." The massive blades dissolve into glowing pink flower petals that fill the air with a seemingly endless number of petals. The enchantment ended when those same petals shot like bullets into the Devils filling the sky, stunning the Gremory group as the enemy fell as a rain of corpses. "This is a rather unfortunate development." They heard someone behind them say, turning to find Byakuya Kuchiki with one of the rods in his hands.

"Captain sir!" Issei said, getting to his feet and rushing to get in front of the Squad 6 captain. "I know you want us out of the way, but with our friend and Kurosaki sensei captured by that bastard, I must insist you let us at least rescue them!" He said, a steely look in his eyes that told Byakuya that he planned on doing exactly that whether he had the Gotei's blessing or not. A familiar rattling could be heard in the distance and getting closer before the captain made his decision.

"Go, and restore your pride, but show no mercy." He ordered as more Devils showed, only to be cut down by the petals. "I'll ensure no one stops you. They are located inside that tallest structure." Issei nodded before turning to the other Gremorys, giving them a thumbs up before leading the charge towards the stairs to the castle above.

(With Ichigo: Around the same time)

The VIP section was on the balcony of a palace on the floating island of Agreas, in front of one of the pillars as it projected the empty battlefield arena. On that balcony was the Satans, Seraphs, visiting Gods, various maids of the Devils, and Ichigo with Toshiro and Shinji at his sides. Shinji had chin length blonde hair with a slant on his bangs and brown eyes dressed in his Squad 5 captain's uniform. The air among them was tense that the Shinigami, Angels, and Devils seemed to have as the seconds ticked away, the calm before the storm that the Gods recognized. Eventually magic circles began to appear on the projection and around the island, the sight prompting the different Gods to rise to their feet, faces eager for battle. Something that was rendered moot as the pillars pulsed with a golden light as everyone but the three Shinigami were left as Devils began pouring through the magic circles.

"That looked like it was a success." Shinji said as they continued to watch the projection, seeing the trap that was sprung on Orihime and the Gremory group. "This on the other hand... is irritating."

"Agreed." Ichigo said as Diodora captured Orihime and Asia, making the hybrid clench his fists as he rose to his feet. "Time to move." He held out his hand and a Japanese Yari spear appeared in his hand. "Shackle, Rensa Seigi." The Yari transformed into a golden skull and spine with a spear tip jutting out of the mouth with two rusty chains loosely wrapped around the shaft of the hellish spear. Ichigo spun the spear in his hand before stabbing it into the ground, a golden ring pulsating from the blade in the ground. Soon after that he tore the blade up, the earth splitting open before him and hundreds of chains erupting from the opening. "Go forth, find every sinner and pin them down for judgment." Ichigo chanted before swinging his spear, severing the chains and letting them fly free. "Remember, no mercy." The Captain Commander repeated as the sky above the magic circles split open in a hundred different spots, with blue and red lights appearing in the black void.