High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

The night of the naked apron incident, I couldn't sleep.

My bed was occupied by Rias, Miu, and Asia all stark naked. (Thanks, Rias.) After the apron fiasco, I was too wired to rest.

So, here I am in the living room, catching up on recorded anime. Been too busy lately, so this is a perfect breather. It's Saturday night might as well binge. Sunday's free, right?

Later, as I sprawl on the carpet, footsteps echo from the stairs. The living room door creaks open. Miu stands there.

"Big brother, you're still up," she says, approaching.

She's not naked, thank God. But she's wearing my old button-up shirt—unbuttoned, barely covering her. First the apron, now this?

"Miu! That's… bold!" I stammer, recognizing the shirt I gave her when it stopped fitting me.

"Kirin taught me," she grins.

Kirin, you legend. This is somehow hotter than naked.

No, focus, Issei!

"You were asleep earlier, right?" I ask.

"Yeah, woke up thirsty," she replies, pouring tea and sitting beside me.

"Can't sleep now?" I ask.

"Nope. Once I'm up, I'm up."

"Wanna game?" I suggest, knowing she hasn't seen this anime.

Before she answers, a chill hits us. We lock eyes, sensing it—a dark presence.

We bolt to the yard, staring toward the source. That aura… a Fallen Angel. Powerful.

"Kokabiel," I mutter. "And Kiba's group is nearby. This is bad."

"We're going, right?" Miu asks.

"Yeah. If it were just Freed, they could handle it. But a Fallen Angel like this? No chance."

Miu grabs my hand. "I'm coming too."

"As your brother, I don't want you in danger, but…"

"I can't let you face it alone. I want to save Kiba and the others."

Ascending the stairs, Rias descends in her uniform.

"You felt it too?" she asks.

"We're heading out," I reply.

"Too dangerous!" she snaps.

"We'll escape if it gets bad. Miu's with me, and we can call Tiamat if needed."

Rias considers, then nods. "Fine. I'll rally Akeno and Sona. Stay in touch."

"Got it," I say.

Miu starts running, but I stop her. "Your outfit!"

She blushes, realizing she's still in the shirt. "Right… changing."

At the outskirts, a small mountain looms, dark and quiet perfect for a fight to go unnoticed. We spot Irina, pinned by Freed, her holy sword missing. Kiba and Xenovia are nowhere in sight.

"Miu, cover me!" I charge Freed, who's pressing Irina against a tree.

"Hands off my childhood friend!" I roar, swinging. Freed dodges, my fist cratering the ground.

Irina collapses, bloodied, her battle gear shredded. She's breathing, but barely.

"Kiba and Xenovia?" I ask.

"They escaped… I got caught," she gasps, fainting.

Freed smirks. "Mind leaving, Issei? I'm about to finish her."

Miu's wind bullet interrupts him. "Not happening!"

She rushes to Irina. "She's hurt bad. Needs Asia's healing."

"You got healing magic?" I ask, surprised.

"Yup. I'll stabilize her," Miu says, tending to Irina.

I face Freed and the ten-winged figure above: Kokabiel. His aura dwarfs Donasheek's. This'll need my Boosted Gear.

"You're Kokabiel," I growl, summoning my gauntlet.

"I am. And you?" he sneers.

"Hyoudou Issei, Rias Gremory's servant. Red Dragon Emperor."

"Interesting," Kokabiel muses. "Your dragon aura is… nostalgic."

"Your goons messed with my friend," I say, glaring at Irina. My killing intent shakes the trees, cracking the ground.

"Impressive," Kokabiel smirks. "What's your goal here?"

"To wreck Rias's turf and draw out Sirzechs," he replies.

"A war? You know what that means," I snap.

"Exactly. I want war. Michael sent weaklings, so I'll stir things up here."

"You're starting a war… for fun?" I seethe.

"Correct. The others grew soft. I'll ignite it myself," he laughs.

Miu's aura flares, mirroring my rage. We've lost too much to war my friend, her father. His casual talk of it is unforgivable.

"You'll pay for that word," I vow.

"Stop me at your school, then," Kokabiel taunts, vanishing with Freed.

They're heading to Kuoh Academy. He's serious about war.

"Irina?" I ask Miu.

"Stabilized, but deep wounds. Needs Asia," she replies.

"Calling Rias to send Asia home. We'll meet them after," I say.

Irina's stable now, thanks to Asia's healing. The threats remain: the stolen Excalibur, Balper Galilei, Freed, and Kokabiel.

They won't have their way.

"Asia, Miu, let's move!" I call, heading to the academy.

The battle with the Fallen Angel elite begins!