High School DxD: Return of the Crimson Dragon Emperor

"Your sister's no trouble at all," my mom says, serving Sirzechs her home-cooked meal.

"Rias is wonderful. She's been a huge help. Honestly, too good for Issei," she adds.

Sirzechs and Grayfia are staying at my house my idea. My parents were nervous about hosting a Demon King, but now they're chatting like old friends. Sirzechs is more charming young man than fearsome ruler.

"Leading devils so young? Impressive. Wish Issei could learn from you," Dad says.

Sirzechs smiles. "Issei's vital to us devils. He'll be a pillar of the Underworld someday. Honestly, I'd love for him to become a Demon King. He's got that spark."

I'm floored. He's got that much faith in me? Rias nods beside me. But why's Dad crying?

"Such kind words… Issei, study under Sirzechs. You're too dumb to be a Demon King now. You'd embarrass the devils," Dad sobs.

Ouch. Yeah, I flunked that last test, but still!

"I'd welcome you anytime, Issei," Sirzechs laughs. "I'm ready for you."

He's serious?! I'm half-tempted.

Rias grabs my arm, eyes fierce. "You're not going anywhere, Issei."

"Issei-san, you're leaving?" Asia's eyes well up.

"No way…" Miu adds, teary.

Ugh, those puppy eyes. No chance I'm leaving now.

"Maybe another time?" I say.

"Anytime you're ready," Sirzechs replies.

Dad returns with sake. "Sirzechs-san, care for a drink? Got some fine stuff!"

"Absolutely!" Sirzechs beams.

Man, my image of Demon Kings is shattered. So friendly. But me, a Demon King? Do I have it in me?

"No… I can't sleep with Issei?" Asia whimpers.

It's bedtime, and Rias and Asia are teary outside my room. Sirzechs wants to talk and share my room tonight. The girls, who usually sleep with me, are devastated.

Miu's already out cold in her room stayed up too late again. She's got a bad habit.

Rias reluctantly agrees. "Fine… Goodnight, Issei…"

"Goodnight, Issei-san…" Asia echoes.

Guilt's killing me. "G-Goodnight," I mutter.

Sirzechs and I enter my room. "This okay?" I ask, eyeing the futon.

Only one bed, so one of us gets the floor. I offer him the bed he's a guest and a Demon King but he waves it off.

"Don't worry. I sleep on beds daily. A futon's a fun change," he says.

Sleeping on a futon? Hard to picture a Demon King doing that.

"Before we talk, I owe you thanks," Sirzechs says.

"For what?"

"Rias's engagement. You led her to victory. As her brother, I couldn't interfere, so thank you."

The Riser thing. He was against it too.

"And you held back your sacred gear in that game, thinking of her future, right?" he adds.

He noticed? I never told anyone but Ddraig. I press a finger to my lips. "Keep that from Rias and the others, okay?"

"Of course. I won't waste your care. Just wanted to thank you for thinking of her," he says, bowing not as a Demon King, but as a brother.

"I'm her retainer. Her family. I just want her happy," I say.

"I'm glad she has you. Keep looking out for her, Issei."

"Count on it."

Talk shifts to Kokabiel. "That was some fight," Sirzechs says.

"I was shocked. You overwhelmed Kokabiel," he adds.

"Barely. My sacred gear's tuning was last-minute. Got lucky," I say, scratching my head. Without Balance Breaker, I'd have lost or called Tiamat.

"I knew you were strong, but beating Phoenix without your gear and crushing Kokabiel? Beyond expectations," he says.

"Just training paying off," I laugh nervously. Can't mention the other world where I fought a Demon King. Ddraig warned me other-world talk could spark trouble. Training's true enough, though.

Sirzechs stares into my eyes. "Training explains your strength, but not those eyes. They're strong, kind eyes of someone who's faced great trials."

I'm stunned. He sees through me?

"Your heart makes you strong, not just your power," he continues.

"I'm still lacking," I admit.

"You're young. Flaws are normal. Reaching this level at your age is astonishing. What experiences shaped you?" he asks, curious.

He might suspect something. Ddraig chimes in: Maybe not the other world, but he senses a tragedy.

Sirzechs changes tack. "Ever thought of aiming for Demon King?"

"You mentioned that at dinner. My 'spark,' right?"

He nods. "I feel it in you. Not now, but as a future dream?"

I've got my goal: become a high-class devil, Harem King. But after that? Demon King's not a bad next step, even if it's a stretch.

"I'll think about it. Long way off," I say.

He smiles, satisfied.

Issei Lucifer, huh? Doesn't suit a Japanese name.

"Enough serious talk. As a fellow big brother, I want to share something," Sirzechs says.

I tilt my head. Brother talk?

He pulls a book from his bag. "Rias's growth album."

What?! A photo collection of Rias? Of course he has one he's obsessed with her.

"Got video records too, but Grayfia might catch me. So, just the album," he says.

"Got it."

"As a brother who loves his sister, I want to share this with you!" he declares.

This was his real goal? The serious stuff was a side note?

"Look! Rias at five, playing with a giant teddy bear," he points.

So cute! Hard to believe the mature Rias was this adorable. Nosebleed incoming.

"Here, tissue," Sirzechs offers.

"Thanks wait, you're bleeding too!" I point out.

He stuffs his nose. A Demon King and Red Dragon Emperor, gushing over Rias's photos with tissues. Can't let anyone see this.

"What do you think?" he asks.

"Super cute!" I say.

"Right?!" he beams.

Each page reveals more adorable Rias. I get why he's obsessed. Who wouldn't be?

I stand, inspired, and grab a book from my shelf. Sirzechs gasps. "No way…"

"Yup. My Miu photo collection," I say. Middle school to now, her daily life worth more than any adult magazine. I've never shown it to anyone. Too much sister love, even for me. When did I become this siscon? I question it, but can't stop.

Sirzechs flips through, tearing up. "Incredible… Your love for her shines. You're as devoted as I am. Comrade?"

"Absolutely!" We clasp hands, crying.

Finally, someone gets it! My perv pals, Matsuda and Motohama, don't understand this bond.

"Comrade, let's talk all night!" Sirzechs says.

"Yes!" I nod.

We gush over our sisters until dawn.