The Future, Now

"It's nice to meet you, Dad."

Everything falls into place, the red hair, his resemblance to you. This guy is supposed to be your son? Inevitably, there are a lot of holes in this story that ignite an immediate scepticism within you. "Wait a second, what do you mean 'Dad?' I'm not even married to Rias – and I'd sure as hell know if I got her pregnant somehow. I wouldn't hear the end of it!"

"You're right. Devils don't grow any faster than a human does, so how do you think a twenty-something year old version of your son is running around?"

"...Time travel?"

He snaps his fingers, "Bingo, got it in one. Sorry for showing up unannounced and all, but I needed to make a dramatic entrance to save your skin back there."

You frown, "I don't need your help."

"Prideful as always. I know, everyone is in good hands with the 'Incandescent Devil-Emperor' here. Even though this is an... early version of yourself – before a lot of important things happen to you. But you don't have a way to beat Vali at the moment."

You double take, "I'm called what?"

"Devils really love elaborate nicknames," he laughs, "For example, in the future you're regarded under several different titles. Aside from the Incandescent Devil-Emperor, you're also known as the Ruin King, the Mirror-Holder, the Shatterer..."

"Okay, we get it," Mitsuru interrupts before he can reel off any more of them. She seems to be taking this news a lot better than you are at the moment. You're a devil AND a father. "You were the one who broke into the lab a few days ago. Why?"

He shrugs, "Good old Dad here told me to leave that paper with you."

"I did?" you repeat, "You mean 'me' from the future?"

"Correct. Utilising advanced technology and some devilish magic, we're capable of sending people through time. It was essential that I came back here, to this specific time, to give you this information."

"The form change system," Mitsuru continues, "You want me to complete it."

It's true that his assistance has resulted in the development of a new weapon. But the arrival of this imitator doesn't bode too well for your chances. She can summon equally powerful foes to try and take you down, if she can get over her personality quirks for long enough to realise that anyway.

He continues; "Time travel isn't a get out of jail free card. When you go rampaging through the past, it doesn't actually change the future. Everything that is happening now, happened before the time travel technique was even discovered in the first place. No matter what I do here, things are already set in stone to happen in that specific way."

Mitsuru closes her eyes, "An infinite loop."

"Sure, let's go with that. You both made it very clear to me that I needed to come here and give you this information. You've been preparing and researching how to do so for decades. In essence, the 'you' from the future is cheating, and giving you some of the answers now to set things into motion. From here, you'll both develop the technology and magic based on your own discoveries, and repeat the process all over again by sending another version of me into the past."

"That still doesn't answer why you need to be here," Mitsuru contests, "Are you saying that I couldn't discover the way to make my system work? If I couldn't do that – how did this future version of me get this thesis paper?"

Zandias grits his teeth; "That's the tricky part, we don't know. The real source of that information is a complete mystery. If this really is an infinite loop there's no way for us to find out. We can only guess that one copy of Mitsuru set this into motion by constructing the very first time machine."

"This might not even be my work," Mitsuru sulks.

"It has your fingerprints all over it, Mitsuru," he assures her. "Nobody understands interdimensional travel like you do."

He seems to know things that support his assertions of his real identity. But isn't this problematic? Why would he so willingly reveal the future to you like this? You pull him away from Mitsuru, "I don't assume you're going to tell me everything that's coming up in my life."

Zandias shakes his head, "Sorry. You told me to keep things simple for your past self. The only thing he wanted to say was that everything will work out in the end, you just need to keep doing what you're doing and trust your own judgement. I can tell you a few things though..."

"Like how I'm a devil?"

"Heh, pretty easy to figure that one out. You're one of the powerful, high-class devils in the underworld. Pretty obvious when you consider that you're married into one of the biggest clans around. I don't know how Mother convinced you to become a devil yourself though, maybe it provided an advantage in battle that was too much to ignore."

Him suggesting this to you may well be the reason that it even happens in the first place. You want to proclaim that you're above outside influence in making a heavy decision like that – but you're just a person like everyone else. It'll fester in the back of your mind for a long time, always there, waiting for the moment you crack and go ahead with it.

"And what a clan it is!" he laughs, "Some people call you a dirty geezer, but they don't know the family like I do."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You have a lot of wives, and a lot of kids to match. The Gremory clan went from a dozen or so devils to one of the biggest forces in underworld politics. It helps that a lot of my brothers and sisters are blessed with skills and abilities from other worlds."

Your face goes white at the implication. That is going to be a lot of work to manage. "Oh, I see."

Zandias finds your reaction amusing, but he moves to reassure you that it isn't so bad. "Don't worry too much about it. It's second nature to you in the future, and all of your wives are very supportive of you and each other."

"Chun-Li did tell me I'd have hundreds of them... I thought she was exaggerating." His face twitches slightly at the mention of her name. He's not very good at hiding his own feelings. Another question springs to mind; "So all of these wives are devils too?"

He wavers from side to side, "Eh. A lot of them. But some of them didn't 'need' the power of the evil pieces. Still, it's a big, tangled web of peerages with wives on top of wives on top of wives. I don't know how you even remember who's under who sometimes. I'll tell you something – a lot of traditionalists got themselves into a furore when they found out how many high-level devils you'd created."

"And there were people who were happy with that?"

"Ever since the triple war ended, a lot of devil leaders wondered why the clans were being so restrained with expanding their number. The underworld has more than enough space, and we were being left behind by the angels! Making sure that the big clans survive through reproduction is a practical concern for them. Some clan leaders took your example and had many children too, though there are concerns about internal conflicts over inheritance breaking out."

"You said you were the next in line?"

"Sure am. I'm the first-born son of the new Gremory line! Though, in actuality it'll take a very long time for me to be put into your position. Devils live for a very long time, and... hold up, I'm not gonna' say any more on that subject just yet. You'll have to wait a few decades and see for yourself."

You still have a hard time accepting that this is real. Who knows what kind of deceptive tactics the invaders are trying to use to get a leg up on you? He could be some kind of weird android designed to lead you down a darker path, or destroy you when you least expect it. You turn back to Mitsuru, who is again reading through the documents that her future self allegedly sent.

"So, do you think this is legit?"

She sighs, "I believe so. He's correct – this dissertation is exactly the kind of thing that I would write. I can't help but notice which details have been selectively removed as well. They're trying to prevent too much information from getting out. Anything that I create from beyond this point will be my work and my work alone."

Zandias smirks, "I could spill some personal details if you'd like..."

"No, we're good," you cut him off. "You can use that to complete the form change system?"

"Yes. I can,” Mitsuru grunts, "As frustrating as it is to admit. I have been bested by my future self. These adjustments are minor, yet significant. I would not have been able to pinpoint them on my own."

"Don't think that it's going to be easy to finish it," Zandias responds, "You have a lot more work to do before it becomes usable. Not to mention designing the form change itself."

"And you're not going to give us any more hints."

"No. As I said, everything will work out in time. Victory is inevitable – you just need the confidence to go out and grab it."

You touch the bruise on your chest, "Easier said than done when Vali is running riot. Speaking of which, weren't you going to summon Asia?"

"Oh, right," Mitsuru says.

Zandias snaps back to reality, "I better make myself scarce then. Trying to keep this whole mess on the down low, can't do with letting Auntie see me."

"Auntie?"

He freezes up, "Ah, crap. Shouldn't have said that."

You don't know why that's such a problem. Obviously, Rias' peerage would have a close relationship with her children. You usher him away with a wave of your hand, "Alright McFly, get out of here before you do anything weird to the future."

He smiles, "Don't worry about a thing. You'll take a few beatings in this line of work. I better let Asia do her thing."

A magic circle appears under his feet and he sinks into the ground, disappearing from sight again. You have to wonder where he's staying during his trip to the past. A moment later Asia nearly falls on top of you as you lie back on the couch and try to avoid aggravating your injuries any further. You'd gotten so wrapped up in the time-travel shenanigans that you didn't notice how much you're hurting right now.

"What happened?!" Asia cries.

"Had a run in with the white dragon emperor. I'd really appreciate some help, Asia."

"O-Of course! You needn't ask!"

Asia summons her rings and begins to cast Twilight Healing on your body. It's going to take a while for you to heal properly, even with her assistance. Asia is visibly worried, "The white dragon emperor? How did he get here?"

Mitsuru is hopping mad, "I'll tell you how, those freaking invaders have been stealing my patented technology without paying royalties! I'm going to make them pay!"

"...If Vali is here, then not even the President would be capable of defeating him in battle. The only person who can stand up to him is-"

You finish her statement, "Issei."

"That's right."

"Say, Asia, you don't mind carrying a message across to him, do you?"

"Anything you want," Asia smiles. She really does have the face of an angel – an angel turned into a devil.

---

At some point during the lengthy healing process, you must have passed out.

When you awaken again a few hours later – you find yourself in the vast cottony expanse of Lala's harem chamber. Not only that, but there are two pairs of very soft and large breasts pressing against your arms. On the left is Rias, who is wearing nothing but a pair of small black panties, and to your right is Asia, who is in a similar state of nudeness.

"Uh, what?" you whisper. Both women have fallen asleep next to you, but the stirring of your body brings them back to wakefulness. Rias gives you a dazzling smile and pressed herself closer to you.

"Are you okay, hubby?"

"Now that Asia's had a look at me, yeah," you chuckle nervously. The blonde-haired healer yawns and stretches out, before her eyes flutter open to meet yours again. She squeaks and covers her chest with her forearms. If anything, seeing her perky C-cups pressed against her only makes them more arousing.

"Uhm. Good evening..."

Rias is quick to step in and explain, "Asia asked for me to be here while she healed you. You fell **** a few minutes after she started."

"I'm not going to complain about having such a beautiful girl in bed with me, but why is she naked?"

Asia blushes, "The President said that it would make you happy."

You jump slightly as Rias paws at the front of your pants; "He is very happy Asia." But the flirtatious stare quickly turns into one of concern; "When I heard from Asia that Vali Lucifer was here... I didn't know what to think. As strong as you are, Vali has the power of the white dragon, not to mention his demonic heritage. It seems that I was right to be worried."

You have to agree, "Sundar arranged all of this. It isn't just Vali that I'm going to have to worry about. They can summon other fighters too."

"I told her about your plan," Asia says.

Rias nods, "It's a good idea. When you face a power like his divine dividing, the only counter is-"

"Boosted Gear. You're right, I need Issei here. Those two are rivals for a reason."

"I asked Issei-kun, and of course he accepted. He's always willing to show Vali up."

Asia giggles, "He's also a big fan of yours!"

You can imagine. Asia leans into your body and hugs you tight. You feel a little estranged by the way Rias convinced her to strip for you. "Anyway, you don't need to get naked just to make me feel better. Your healing is already more than enough for me."

Asia blushes, "But making sure that your mind is sound is just as important as your body."

"Let me guess, Rias told you that."

Rias just giggles into your ear as Asia nods with an innocent expression on her face. She really is a bad influence on girls like her, it seems.

"I really appreciate you healing me, naked or not."

"Thank you," Asia smiles. "After all, you are attempting to protect innocent people! A virtuous person like that is someone I want to support with all of my power." Gah. She's so sweet that you're going to get diabetes just looking at her.

Rias leans in to her, "You can support him in other ways too, Asia..."

"Really President?"

"That's right. In fact – it appears that there's some swelling down here that hasn't gone down just yet!"

You slap Rias' hand away from your crotch, but it's hard not to laugh when she does an obvious play for some sex like this. "Alright, alright. Let's not show Asia anything she isn't ready for." The nun is clearly confused about what Rias is getting at. She glances down at your pants and tilts her head to the side.

"Did... did I miss a spot?"

"No Asia, I'm fine. In fact – it feels like I didn't get hit at all!" You try to climb back up onto your feet, but you spoke too soon. A strong feeling of fatigue rolls over your body and forces you back down onto your ass. It's lucky that the entire room is covered with a huge mattress that can cushion your fall. "Okay, maybe I'm still feeling it a little," you admit humbly.

"After being healed using my Twilight Healing – your body will still need some time to rest and recover."

Rias leers over you and licks her kissable lips hungrily, "That's right, husband. So lay back and allow us to take care of you."

Before you can object, she pushes you down onto your back and steals your breath for a tongue filled smooch. Asia squeaks and hides between her fingers as the President takes liberties with your mouth. Rias' panty clad butt wiggles in the air like a playful feline. She's so insistent that you have to submit and let her have her fun. You fight back with your own tongue and duel with her. It's heavy and extremely lewd. This isn't helping the 'swelling' go down at all.

A string of drool connects your mouths as Rias finally pulls back to breath. Having such a beautiful and sexy woman hovering over you, chest bared and cheeks flushed, is enough to make any man go a little crazy. Asia is staring at the both of you in awe.

Her voice is as soft as a feather, "So this is what it's like."

"That's right, Asia. I've already bared my body for him, as has Akeno. He is the one who will be the next man of the house." Rias smiles again with a self-confidence that hefts some great expectations onto your shoulders. She believes in you. If only she knew how right she is. You and her are the next Gremory heads – and it seems that her peerage is involved too.

"And you'd like us to be his wives too?" Asia queries.

Rias flicks her hair back in that characteristic way and smiles, "Of course. As my future husband – he is also likely to claim the members of my peerage as mistresses and wives as well. Akeno is already positioning herself to join me."

"A-And Koneko-chan?"

"Uh, that one is a strong maybe," you chuckle. Koneko's tsun exterior is going to take some work to crack.

Rias plants her hands on Asia's shoulders and stares into her green eyes, "I understand that you are not familiar with how marriage between devils works – nor the complexities of our family trees, but there is a simple way to appreciate it. To fulfil your heart's desire and dive headfirst into the passion of love."

Asia responds like it's a mission being given to her; "Y-Yes, President! I'll do my best!"

Rias pulls her close and hugs her, "I won't ask you to do anything you aren't comfortable with. What do you think of my future husband here?"

Asia glances at you and blushes, "He is... very handsome, and brave."

"Do you think you'd like to stand by his side, come what may?"

Asia takes a moment to consider the commitment needed to give an answer, "I believe so."

She really doesn't know what Rias is getting at here. She's a chaste girl, raised in a church to do one thing for them, to heal the needy and the injured and to gather devout followers. Her naivete made it easy for her to fall in line and start doing sexual acts with Issei in the original series. She was surrounded by people who acted like it wasn't a big deal, after all. This is only going to end one way.

Mitsuru made it very clear – these girls are all head over heels for you, whether they 'realize' it yet or not. Asia had been there in the club room when Rias, Akeno and the others indulged in 'your' television series. She had seen a version of you struggle to do the very same thing that you are doing now, with a personality and appearance that resembles you down to each individual personality quirk and minor blemish on your skin. She admires you for doing what you do, and would be willing to do anything for Rias.

The redhead turns to you with a smirk and presents Asia to you, "There you have it, husband. Another member of my peerage for you to conquer."

"You don't need to make it sound so aggressive," you sigh.

"A man who sleeps with so many women can be nothing but aggressive," she titters, "As I said – you must be a man who is willing to take what he desires with no hesitation. Greed is a devil's virtue." Asia, who doesn't really understand what's going on, nods along with her words like an eager puppy.

But you still don't really know if Asia wants to do anything like this. You haven't gotten to spend much time with her like the other girls. With that in mind, you placate Rias by planning for the future.

"How about I spend some time with Asia and you, maybe even in a few days?"

"Hm?"

"Well, Asia hasn't been around me much. I want to make sure that she's... interested before we do anything more ****."

Rias pouts, but relents; "Very well. It will be a good chance for me to show Asia how to court a man."

"Court?" Asia repeats.

Rias jumps to her feet and strikes a boastful pose, "That's right! By the time I'm done teaching you, he'll be eating out of the palm of your hand and kissing your feet!"

Again – this is her boyfriend/husband she's talking about. Asia provides some polite applause, but is still completely lost as to what she means. Hopefully Rias starts her on the easy stuff. She didn't wait long to get Asia naked and in bed with you, but the girl doesn't know the first thing about romantic relationships. For the time being, you want to get to know her, Koneko and Xenovia.

Rias snaps her fingers and their clothes flash back into existence. Both girls are wearing casual outfits instead of their uniforms. "Guess I'll need to think of a great place to take both of you. I'll message you later."

"I'm looking forward to it," Asia smiles.

"Don't be a stranger, husband!"

---

Mitsuru was at her wit's end. Even though the man who claimed to be her best friend's son from the future had given her what she needed, there was still something missing. There was a material element that the paper indicated she needed, yet the details of it were redacted completely! None of her tricks could reveal further detail – the text hadn't been drawn over with a marker. They had manually edited the document and removed the contents, before printing it out again.

She growled and tossed another failed prototype over the table, knocking over several other half-finished devices in the process. It was on the tip of her tongue, the answer to the problem that she was looking for. She wasn't getting anywhere and she knew it. If only the cocky asshole had stuck around for a little longer and told her the details.

He was probably withholding them on purpose, she realised. He had an ulterior motive, one that he wasn't going to reveal come hell or high water. She didn't trust him one bit. The invaders had shown a capacity for strategic thinking and adaptation. A deception like this wasn't beyond their abilities. If she could confirm the magic signature coming from his circle with Rias, perhaps they could confirm if he was telling the truth. He made himself sparse quickly when he heard that one of the ORC was coming.

A loud whirring from behind her drew her attention away from the problematic wrist mounted device. You were standing over the printer with a solemn look on your face. She snuck up on you and peered under your armpit, catching a glimpse of the card you had printed.

Now, that was very interesting.

---