The Golden Dragon Empress

by KastheJedi

Summary:

17 year old Sukehiro Natsuki was trying her best to fight against the life of poverty and isolation that she was born into. Now given the chance to go to Kuoh Academy, Natsuki finds herself thrown into a world she never knew existed as she tries to find her place in it and discover who she really is.

No Harem for OC, polyamorous relationship

Chapter 1: Prologue

In the small, poverty-stricken town of Nitoshō a storm rages through the night. A hooded woman with a small blue bundle in her arms are the only things out in the streets, braving the harsh rains and winds.

"I'm almost there" the woman said aloud as the rain continued to batter her body.

Down the end of a twisted forested path stood an old worn-down building, with a sign above a chipped door that read "The Nitoshō Orphanage."

The mysterious woman walked up the porch steps to stand in front of the door,

"I am sorry about this little one. I just- I just cannot do this" The mysterious woman said as she looked down at the bundle, revealing it to be a newborn baby. This baby had a small tuff of black hair, light Carmel skin, and her most defining feature two blood red eyes.

"Know that I love you with all my heart my darling Natsuki. I do this so you have a much better life than the one I can give you" The woman said as tears spilled down similar red eyes.

"You are destined for remarkable things I just know it. I am sorry that I will not be there to see it, I only hope you will be able to feel the love your mother has for you as you grow". Natsuki gave her mother a toothless smile, unaware this would be the last time she would ever see her mother again.

The woman wiped her tears away as she placed her daughter down on the porch. She quickly knocked on the door and ran off, hiding behind a tree about 20 feet away. Natsuki began to cry as her mother was no longer within her sight.

"What is that sound" a voice was heard before the door was opened revealing a short elderly woman with graying hair.

The old woman looked down, surprised to see the infant wailing her little heart out at her feet.

"Hey little one, it's okay it's okay" The old woman said sweetly as she picked up the baby, rocking her gently to claim her down. This worked as Natsuki's cries ceased after a few moments, now looking up at the old woman with curious and innocent eyes.
"That is its sweetie. Now what are you doing out in this storm huh?" she said as she began to look around hoping to see who left the child here only to see nothing in the dark dense woods that surrounded them.

"Don't worry little one I will be taking care of you from now on. Now my name is Kushina the owner and caretaker of this orphanage, let us see if you have any identification on you." Kushina said as she began to look at the small blanket that was wrapped around the babe. She then saw at the bottom of the blanket the name "Natsuki" stitched in gold thread.

"Mmm I will have to give you a last name at some point but for now Natsuki will do just fine won't it?" Kushina said smiling as the infant giggled when she said her name.

Just a short distance away the mysterious woman watched as the matriarch of the orphanage turned around and walked back into the building with her daughter in hand, shutting the door behind her.

"Goodbye my little summer" The woman whispered as tears fell from her eyes now that her daughter was no longer in view. She then turned away walking back into the darkness from whence she came.

 

6 Years Later

In one of the few bedrooms of the orphanage sat a small black-haired girl, staring out the window watching the other children of the house playing in the yard below. This girl was a 6 year old Sukehiro Natsuki, the same infant the matriarch Kushina found outside the orphanage years prior during Nitoshō's worst storm in decades.

"You know you could go out and play with them instead of sitting here by your lonesome" A sweet motherly voice said causing the young girl to turn around seeing Kushina enter the room smiling down at her as she usually did.

"Why? They will just ignore me or make fun of me like they always do." Natsuki said while rolling her eyes.
"I thought I told them to stop doing that? Honestly, it is like it goes in one ear and out the other". Kushina now annoyed that her rule was ignored wanted to go at and reprimand the children. They should not be making fun of Natsuki, and she feared it would only get worse now that she was in elementary school.

"Please don't Kushina-Sama, to them I'm just the freak whose body can't decide if she's a boy or a girl." Tears began to swell in the girl's eyes as she desperately tried to keep them from falling.

"Natsuki, you are not a freak" the matriarch said as she kneeled in front of her, wiping away the few tears that escaped.

"You are caring, strong, smart, and perfectly perfect, never let anyone make you feel like you aren't."

Sniffle "Okay Kushina-Sama"

"Good, now I've got to go knock some sense into those little brats" Kushina said walking out the door to no doubt punish the other kids.

Natsuki sighed knowing there was nothing she could do to stop the old woman. Especially when she already made her mind up. This sucks now those idiots are going to be mad at me. It is better when they just pretend, I do not exist. Guess I am sleeping with one eye open for the next few nights. How troublesome Natsuki thought.

Hours later Natsuki sat outside on the porch staring up at the full moon, enjoying the stillness of the area around her. She had done a surprisingly excellent job avoiding the others who spent most of dinner earlier glaring at her. Kushina had punished the children for picking on her by grounding all of them for three days.

While she appreciated that the old woman cared for and stood up for her, she knew this would just make the isolation from the others worse. It was like the other bullied kids at school who told the teachers what other kids were doing to them. The small school was so underfunded that the teacher either could not be bothered to do anything about it or the punishments were barely punishments, regardless the bullies would just bully harder in response.
"Hey guys look it the She-man! Finally came out of her hole after snitching on us!" A small brunette boy name Hitoshi yelled as he and the other kids came outside and saw Natsuki there, no Kushina in sight as she had retired to bed, the elderly woman becoming increasingly tired as the years went on.

"Yeah you should have just did the right thing and died already!" Screeched at chubby boy named Shō. The others nodded and murmured in agreement.

Sigh "I didn't snitch, you guys were just being obvious in the fact that you're assholes and got caught" the red eyed girl mumbled.

"Who are you calling assholes you She-man!" Hitoshi and Shō yelled in unison as the other began to get angry as well. Although she could not understand them, it was just random noise to her.

"She-man, She-man. Is that the only insult your tiny brains can produce? That is just pathetic, although understandable since none of you will amount to being anything other than elementary school dropouts." Although none of them wanted to admit it, Natsuki's words cut deep. Nitoshō despite its proximity to the city of Kuoh Town, was incredibly poor and rundown. A hell hole that held the people Kuoh did not want. Most students would inevitably drop out to get jobs to support themselves and their families. It is because of this fact that about only 40% of children went on to middle school, 25% to high school, and finally only 10% would become high school graduates.

It was unheard of for a Nitoshō citizen to go to college, thanks to the steep cost of higher education. Even if you were one the lucky few to graduate high school that still did not grantee you would get a better paying job the everyone else.

Shō then pushed the girl off the porch causing her to fall into a dirty puddle at the bottom of the steps.
"You bastards!" Nastsuki screamed. The kids simply laughed at the girl's predicament. Seeing it as the freak getting what she deserved.

"Don't think just because your smart that your better than us She-man!" Hitoshi said with a cruel smile. "Your just a dirty abomination that no one will ever want. So be a good little freak and stay in your place, right there at the bottom". The children then walked back inside discussing how funny it was for the freak to fall in the puddle and how cool Shō was for pushing her in it.

What did I do to deserve this? Why am I their punching bad? Why was I born with this body? And why do I just sit here and take it?!

Natsuki continued the lay in the puddle staring up at the moon as her thoughts raged in her head.

No more. No more of this garbage. They are wrong I do have someone who cares about me. The girl thought that the image of Kushina formed in her mind. I do not care if I have no one else, I will not be like those idiots and waste my life in this backwater town. I am going to graduate, find some way to go to college and get myself out of here!

I swear on this night I will never again be someone for the people in this town to belittle and mock. I will make something of my self. Even if I must knock down everything and one in my way.

 

9 Years Later

A clear February day sees Sukehiro Natsuki, now 15 years old was walking back to the orphanage from Nitoshō Middle School.

She ignored to stares and the parting of the sidewalk as she walked. Thank to her former housemates everyone in town knew about her condition. That she was intersex, born with both male and female sex organs. Or a vagina and a penis if you want to be really specific.

They told the others kids in school, who then told their parents and so on. She expected to be somewhat of an outcast with her darker skin tone and red eyes, but having both of those things and being a "hermaphrodite" really sealed her fate in Nitoshō. The people around her doing everything in their power to avoid touching her, as if being intersex was a disease they could catch.

Although she was right that the others would becoming dropouts. All her former housemates that bullied her had all dropped out of school by the time she reached her 1st year of middle school. The true standouts from the pack were Hitoshi, who can now be found selling drugs at the gas station and Shō, who grew massively to around six foot tall and 210 lbs., is a bouncer at a local strip club. The rest were either sex workers or small time crooks.

Do not think about any of them Natsuki. You worked to hard to fail now.

Natsuki was now in her final year of middle school and was on track to graduating at the top of her school. Nitoshō High here I come. The girl thought , a little depressed as the high school was known to be in an even worse state than both the elementary and middles schools put together.

Nastuki entered the orphanage. When she opened the door she saw Kushina standing in the living room in front of her. This was normal, but she had a huge grin and held a large envelope in her hand.

"Are you okay Kushina-Sama? You are freaking me out here." The smile somehow got even wider "I am just so happy for you Natsuki! This is an unbelievable opportunity!"
"Opportunity?" the girl said, she then looked at the letter in her mother figures' hand, realizing that it was open "Did you read my mail?."

"That doesn't matter sweetheart. Now sit down and read it already!." The woman yelled while pushing Natsuki into the couch and handing her the envelope.

Natsuki pulled out the papers inside and began to read them. She could not believe what she was reading; she was told she was accepted into Kuoh Academy's High School division. Wait, I did not apply to Kuoh. The girl thought to herself as she paused in her reading. I figured what would be the point, I'd never be able to afford the uniform let alone the tuition or the transportation to get to and from every day.

The girl began to read once more and saw that she would be provided a full scholarship to the school along with an apartment and a small allowance at the end of each month!

Holy Shit! God if you're real please do not let this be a dream, if so, I never want to wake up!

This would all be provided to her by a benefactor. A benefactor who did not want her genius to go to waste in a place like Nitoshō. But it does not say who this benefactor is?

But wait if I go to Kuoh then I would be leaving Kushina-Sama behind! She's not getting any younger and the few kids that are here are to young to take care of her.

Natsuki's thoughts must have been showing on her face because the old woman quickly smacked the back of her head before she could voice them.

"Hey!" The girl screaming while rubbing her head. "What was that for?"

"I know what you are thinking you idiot. You want to turn this down so you can take care of me. Well I won't let you, I already called the school and accepted on your behalf as your guardian."
"But-"

The old woman slammed her hands down on the table. "No Natsuki! You worked to hard to let this chance slip you by like this!." The air around them became quiet, the only thing that could be heard was Kushina's angry breathing as she began to calm herself down.

"I know you want to take care of me sweetheart. But this is your only shot to get out of this miserable pit, to leave and experience the world without worrying about others. To go to a place where you can get a proper education and not worry about getting food to eat or that you might get attacked if you stay out too late". Natsuki's eyes began to tear up at the words, knowing that it is what she genuinely wants.

"Now come April you are going to find yourself in Kuoh Town, going to one if best schools around. Okay sweetheart?" Kushina said as she wiped away the girl's like she did when she was younger. "Besides, you can visit whenever you find yourself bored of the big city alright?"

"Alright." A smile now formed on the girl's lips to match her mother's figures'. "I promise I will make you proud. And when I become rich, I will buy the biggest house I can find!"

Laughter filled the air around them "I'm going to hold you to that sweetie!." Kushina exclaimed while hugging the child she was as her known daughter.

I promise I am going to work my hardest for you Kushina-Sama. To pay you back for everything you have done for me, I swear.

Chapter 2: Why Did I Not Just Walk Away?

Summary:

Natsuki’s normal and predictable life is forever changed when she meets two strange women.

2 Years Later

 

Sukehiro Natsuki, 17, yawned as she walked down a busy street in Kuoh early that morning. She rubbed one of her eyes trying to get rid of the last remnants sleep as she arrived at the school gates.

Same old same old. Go to class, listen to the teacher go on and on about lessons I already read ahead on, and go home. Should I switch it up and visit Kushina-Sama this weekend? It's not like I have anything to do as usual. The girl thought as she walked.

Natsuki was shaken from her thoughts as she heard the shouting of teenage girls mixed with the sounds of many, many kendo sticks smacking against flesh. "You perverts!" shouted one of the girls. "How dare you spy on us while we're changing!" She screamed and gave one final swing to hit the brown-haired boy between his legs.

Damn! That's got to hurt! Natsuki winced in sympathy as she watched the scene. Although she knew the trio were up to their perverted ways and deserved retaliation. Still I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemies.

As Natsuki entered the school building the students in the hall parted like the Red Sea, staring, and whispering as the girl walked past. The 17-year-old ignored the other students as she went to class. All her life Natsuki had been the subject of attention especially in these last 2 years. The girl had grown tall standing at about 5 foot 10 inches, she began working out more during that time gaining some muscle while maintaining her lean stature, her black hair now cut to a little past her shoulders, instead of wearing the standard girls uniform she wore the boys with the sleeves of her blazer rolled up to her elbows and a black tank top on the inside of her opened white shirt, and her with most prominent features her red eyes and caramel brown skin.

Thanks to all these factors along with her antisocial behavior, usual blank expression, the fact that she was from Nitoshō, and everyone once again learning of her condition after having to tell the gym teacher why she was changing in the bathroom instead of the locker room she was given the nickname "Kuoh's Dark Princess" by her peers. They saw her as a cold-hearted and dangerous being from the wrong side of the tracks that will not hesitate to put you down if you cross her, despite doing nothing of the sort in the 2 years she had been there.

At least everyone here is smart enough to leave me alone and not try to say something to my face. Not like in Nitoshō. The girl thought as she finally got to class and took her seat. Although it did not stop the constant rumors and judgmental looks that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

"Hey Natsuki! Matsuda and Motohama just got the newest R-18 magazines you want to check it out with us?!" Hyoudou Issei, leader of the Perverted Trio shouted for the whole class to hear.

Well almost everyone

Now it wasn't that Natsuki hated Issei. Unlike the rest of the student body him, Matsuda and Motohama didn't look at her like she was an unnatural creature. There was also the fact that she was the only girl in school that the 3 boys didn't perv on, but that was most likely because she had a dick. In turn the boys liked her because despite her cold demeanor and the rumors circulating the school, she was actually a kind person who didn't mock and belittle them like everyone else had. They were probably the closest thing she had to friends, as sad as that was.

While she didn't hate the boys, that didn't mean she wanted to become the fourth member of their perverted and lecherous group! She already had the false reputation of being a delinquent shemale that's apart of the yakuza or something similar, she didn't need to add pervert to that already stellar list.

"Not interested Issei" the girl quietly said. Sometimes Natsuki thinks the boys forget she was a girl when they talked about their desires with her.

"Come on Natsuki! How can you not understand the perfection of the female form, you should know better! Especially the greatest things ever made… BREASTS!." The two boys shouted in agreement, raising their fists to the sky in solidarity.

Meanwhile the girls of the class were already condemning the trio's existence, talking about how disgusting they were and how it was unfair that they had to share a not only a town but a school with the bastards.

"Yell at us you want, I don't care! One day I am going to be the Harem King and all the breasts of the world will be mine for taking!." At this point Motohama and Matsuda were full on crying, praising Issei for his manly dream.

Honestly, this was one of the few times Natsuki found herself jealous of Issei. Not of his infinite perversion but his lack of shame and complete confidence in himself. Being able to say his wants and desires aloud for the world to hear, not caring about how others viewed him because of it, and having total faith that his dreams would come true. Her secretly insecure ass could never, even just the thought of doing something like that makes her want to crawl in a hole somewhere and die.

"Okay class settle down" the teacher said as they walked into the classroom. "Hey you three put those magazines away before I take them.

"Yes Sensei"

---

 

At the end of the school day as students could be seen leaving campus, inside one of the school buildings that overlooked the yard two figures could be seen watching the masses below.

"Hey Akeno, whose that girl down there?" A tall, voluptuous girl with long crimson hair and sea foam green eyes spoke as she continued to look down at the sea of students. "Which one Buchou?" an equally voluptuous girl with kind features and violet eyes now known as Akeno said.

"The one with black hair and eyes darker than my hair."

"That would be Sukehiro Natsuki, a second year student in the same class as Hyoudou Issei. People call her "The Dark Princess" because of her good looks and dangerous nature. They also say that she has an unnatural body". Akeno turned to face Rias wanting to see her reaction to what she said. "Do you sense something in her Buchou?"

Rias simply stared at the girl, drawn to her vibrant yet empty eyes. Within those orbs Rias saw that she wasn't even trying to keep up appearances or look good in front of others. She appeared as if didn't care about what was going on in the world around her, but Rias could see the sadness and self-loathing in the younger girl that the rest of students seemed oblivious to.

"There is something about her. It's like Hyoudou-kun but at the same time it's something entirely different.." Rias watched the girl as she walked out of the gates, ignoring the stares of the other students. As she watched Natsuki fade into the distance all Rias could think was…

I want to know more about her.

---

 

The next day Natsuki once again seemed to be repeating the same process she went through the day before and every other day. Little did she know that what she saw that morning would lead to outcome she could never in her wildest dreams thought possible.

Natsuki walked passed the gate as she usually did only to turn and see the Perverted Trio standing with a young girl. Issei looked incredibly smug while the other two look at him in what could only be described as a mix of jealousy, despair, and anger.

"What's going on with you guys?" The tallest teen had noticed that the other two hadn't moved since she arrived. And why there a beautiful girl standing in your presence without a look of disgust?

"Natsuki! You're here now I can introduce you to my girlfriend Yuuma-Chan!." The boy turned waving his hands in front of girl next to him to show her off.

"What!"

Natsuki couldn't believe what she was being told, sure she knew Issei had his good qualities and he wasn't ugly or anything but she always figured his perversion would be the huge red flag that would keep the fairer sex from ever going near him. "You're serious?! In the 16 hours since I last saw you managed to get yourself a girlfriend?". The world no longer makes any sense!

"I'm sorry about that, Yuuma-chan, they usually aren't so rude." His new girlfriend smile at her him, "It's okay Hyoudou-kun, I'm just happy that you want your friends to meet me already." She turned to the other two perverts and the taller girl bowing to them, "It's a pleasure to meet you three. I hope we can get along very well in the future. Especially you Natsuki-Chan! I've heard a lot about you."

Issei bid Yuuma goodbye as she had to get going back to her own school. After she was out of sight, Issei turned back to his friends to see the two boys were still pale and frozen, and Natsuki who was confused by not only Issei having a girlfriend but what she said to her. He walked between them and made an even bigger smile...

"Life is good my friends. Life. Is. Good." Nothing could bring Issei down from this moment, he now had a sexy girlfriend and everyone knew it! Not to mention that he was going on a date with her soon where he might finally come into his sexual prime, he really woke up and started living his best life.

I might finally lose my virginity!

---

 

A few days later, on Sunday, Natsuki could be seen walking down the street back to her apartment early in the evening. She had just gotten off the train after spending the weekend in Nitoshō with Kushina, the older woman being happy to see her pseudo-daughter. The two spent their time together talking about how Natsuki was doing now that she was a 2nd year and the teen also helped with chores around the orphanage that the woman could no longer do herself.

At that moment, a leaflet with an occult-looking magic-circle with a sentence that said, "Your wish will be granted!" was waved in front of her face. When looked around the flyer she saw that it was being held by a brunette woman who for some reason was dressed like a bat.

"Here take a flyer" the piece of paper was thrust into her hand as the woman walked off, no doubt to hand out more. What is this about? Your wish will be granted? Yeah right, what a joke. The girl shoved the flyer in her pocket as she went on her way, wanting nothing more than to crash in her bed.

The girl then turned towards the park she always went through as it was a shortcut to her apartment complex at the edge of town. The moment she crossed the entrance the girl felt a chill go up and down her spine as the area around her no longer felt safe.

What was that about? I've walked through here a million times and never once broke a sweat, but now I feel like something really bad is about to happen to me. The girl reached into her pockets to grip her pepper spray and her switch blade, both things that Kushina had given her when she was young to keep her safe in Nitoshō whenever she went out and things she held on her person to this day just in case.

I'm just imagining it. I spent most of the day earlier mowing both the back and front yards of orphanage, it's just my drowsiness making me paranoid. The girl tried to reassure herself but it did nothing to stop feeling that something just wasn't right within the park.

The girl heard voices as she reached the fountain that sat at the center of the park, "Hey, Ise-kun." Natsuki quickly hid behind a tree and saw that the two standing there were Issei and Yuuma. They must be on that date that Issei couldn't stop bragging about. They must have come here because the park is almost always empty at this time. Damn it! If I come out now they'll know I was here and spying on them, guess I just have to wait until they have their moment and leave if I don't want to ruin Issei's first date. How fucking troublesome!

"There is something I want to do to celebrate our first date. Can you listen to my wish?" the girl said as she walked towards the fountain before turning to face Issei once more. "W-What is the w-wish you want Yuuma-chan?"

Wow Issei, you're going to get a kiss from a beautiful girl and yet you look like you are about to throw up! The girl could understand why since this was not only his first date, but this was probably going to be the first time he is going to kiss a woman that was not his mother or some other relative.

 

"Will you die for me?"

 

The fuck did she just say?!

 

It seemed that she was not the only one confused as Issei too looked as if he could not believe what he had just heard come from his girlfriend's mouth.

"...Eh? That is...huh, sorry, can you repeat that again? I think there is something wrong with my ears. Could you repeat that?." There's no way Yuuma-Chan just said that I just got too caught up in thinking I was going to get kissed and misheard her. Laughter filled the air as Yuuma raised her head to look him in the eyes.

"Of course would you die for me" Yuuma said as her entire expression changed from sweet and innocent to downright sadistic. The world around them became pitch black, as the sky took an eerie purple glow and the sun had completely disappeared. Yuuma's clothes ripped off her body showing off her naked form before she was then dressed in long black boots, a thin leather looking bikini, shoulder pads with large spikes on one of them, and long gloves but the most overwhelming part about her new look was the fact she had grown a pair of massive black wings.

Holy shit! She looks like a Demon! But that can't be true can it?! Crap! She said she wants to kill Issei, what do I do?! What do I-

 

Natsuki!

 

Natsuki froze as she heard a powerful voice call out her name. She looked around but saw nothing except Issei and the now transformed Yuuma who were too caught up in each other to notice her there.

 

Sukehiro Natsuki! Are you just going to sit here and do nothing while that boy gets killed by that unholy creature? Are just going to stay put as an innocent person is about to get hurt.

 

N-No but what can I do? I'm just some random high school student, what can I- Natsuki looked up as she saw Yuuma form a large purple spear in her hands. "The brief time I spent with you was fun. It was like playing house with a little child. But now it's time for you to die!" Yuuma then raised up the arm holding the spear prepared to throw it at the now frozen Issei.

---

 

Issei could not believe what was happening, today started out perfect as he and Yuuma enjoyed the day together but now she was trying to kill him! Is she really going to-Issei was pulled out of his thoughts by the force of him being pushed to the side. When Issei looked up he saw the spear imbedded in the ground where he once stood and Natsuki kneeling above him.

"Natsuki!" the boy had never been more happy to see the girl than in this moment.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Natsuki-chan here to protect her pervert. Thank you for showing up here, now I can killed you both right here and now instead of looking for you later". Yuuma smiled as she wasn't bothered by the fact that the spear had failed to hit the two, they were just a couple of humans who hadn't realized the power they held inside themselves. No effort would be needed to get rid of them.

"Natsuki what is going on here? And why does Yuuma want to kill us all-" Issei was losing his mind at what was happening, all he could think was what was going on, why was Natsuki here and what the hell even was Yuuma.

"I don't know Issei. All I do know is that she's not human and we have to get out of here before she fulfills her promise." Natsuki despite keeping her usual cool demeanor was freaking out on the inside because the second she saw Yuuma about to throw that spear she just jumped into the fray without thinking. How the hell are we going to get out of this?! Dammit! Why didn't I just mind my own business and stay behind the tree?! Stupid voice in my head!!

"As if I'm going to let you get away that easily" Yuuma then created two spears throwing them at the pair faster than the first. Just as they were about to hit, a glowing yellow light appeared from Natsuki's body, covering the entire area in its blinding radiance. As the light faded the spears were gone and Natsuki could be seen with a golden necklace wrapped around her neck. The chain was about 20 inches long, holding a hexagon shaped pendant with a white oval jewel placed in the middle. It didn't take a genius to figure out that whatever this necklace was it's the reason the two weren't skewered right now.

"What the hell is this?" The girl lifted the pendant to look at it and sees her reflection in the jewel. This thing must have did something to those spears just now. Wait, I no longer feel tired like I did when I first entered the park, it's like my strengths been replenished!

"No, it cannot be! You unlocked it and dispelled my spears! No matter I still crush you like the ants you are!" Yuuma summoned two more spears holding them in her hands like swords and went flying at the pair at breakneck speed. Natsuki pushed Issei away once more before rolling out of the way to dodge the strikes Yuuma was trying to land on her.

"Issei! Get out of here! I will hold her off as long as I can!." She only hoped she could do as she said until Issei was able to escape and get some form of help. However the young girl was too focused on not letting Yuuma strike her down to notice that Issei was once again too petrified to do as he was told.

Natsuki got in her stance and tried to throw a punch at the fallen angel only for her to dodge and try to ram one of her spears into her gut. Luckily for the teen, the gold pendant once again glowed and absorbed the spear, making her stronger once again. Yuuma, in her growing anger, began to summon more light spears covering most of the area, and even though she was stronger and faster than the human it didn't matter since the girl's pendant kept absorbing any spears that got too close.

As their fight continued, the fallen angel realized just as the girl was trying to land yet another punch that she was steadily growing stronger and faster with each light spear she absorbed! Not enough to match her yet but still it was worrying that her own magic was apparently making her better. That's when the thought came to her, if she couldn't beat her with magic she would just do it the old fashioned way. Yuuma dispelled all the remaining light spears surround Natsuki.

 

"Wait, what are-"

 

Natsuki was cut off by a wave of unimaginable pain, looking down she saw that Yuuma had thrust her arm through the middle of her chest! A few seconds later she felt her hand reappear as it forcefully came out the other side of her body. The pendant faded away and a combination of fatigue and agony hit her like a freight train.

The woman flapped her wings, gradually floating up into the air causing her arm to be slowly pulled out from Natsuki's chest. Natsuki coughed up a thick torrent of blood and fell to her knees as the immense pain wracked her body. With Yuuma's arm now gone there was nothing holding the human up, forcing the girl to fall face-first into the puddle of blood that began to pool beneath her shaking body.

Am- Am I going to die here?

"Natsuki!" the wet sound of Natsuki's body hitting the blood soaked floor finally pulled Issei out of his petrification but before he could do anything else all he could feel was pain as Yuuma had thrown another one of her spears through his stomach while he was distracted.

"Sorry about that you guys. You two were far too big a threat to us, so we decided to get rid of you early. If you want to hold a grudge, then hate him, for he was the one who put those Sacred Gears inside you."

Scared Gears? What the hell is she even talking about?

"Thanks for the date though Issei-kun, it was fun". Yuuma took off into the sky as the park returned to normal, the light of the sun now covering their dying bodies as it slowly set.

Why? Was all Natsuki could think of as she lay there dying in the park. Why did I have to try and fight that bitch like I'm some kind of hero? Now because of me both of us are going to die here, I mean I could have gotten help instead of trying to fight her. But deep down the girl knew that Issei would have been long dead by the time she got back, not to mention Yuuma would have just killed later like she said she was originally going to do and even if she did get someone what would they have been able to do against her.

No, the real reason she was upset was because she failed and was once again too weak just like when she was younger and was too weak to do anything against the kids of the orphanage. Over the years she became overconfidence in her growing strength and skill that allowed her to fight off the thugs and bullies that messed with her in Nitoshō, but it was completely useless against the monster they just faced even with the strange power she gained during the fight not being enough, and now thanks to her weakness she and Issei were going to die.

I didn't even accomplish what I set out to do with my life. All that time and energy I put into trying to prove myself to the world has gone to waste. All that work Kushina-Sama put into protecting and caring for me and now her selfish daughter is going to be leaving her in such a pathetic way.

I'm sorry Kushina-Sama. I only hope you will be all right without me.

 

---

 

You idiot. Thanks to you and your cowardice Natsuki is going to die even after she worked so hard to try and save your pathetic ass! Issei turned his head to the side seeing Natsuki a few feet away facing him as she too struggled to breathe, making his guilt grow.

Issei looked down at his hand as his mind began to wonder, the same color as that person's hair, crimson red hair which is more brilliant than strawberry blonde. Yes, that person's long and beautiful crimson hair is the same as the blood staining my hand. Why am I thinking about this as Natsuki and I are bleeding out? So this is how I die huh, trying to touch a pair of breasts? At least I died as I lived right? The only problem is that I brought Natsuki into this.

Issei looked up into the sky wishing deep down that he could be reborn, maybe live his next life as a better person he thought as his life faded away.

Suddenly a female figure appears above a large glowing red circle looking down at the scene below before turning to Issei. "So it was you who summoned me?"

"Ple-Please. Sa-save him". Rias turned her head to see Natsuki laying in her own puddle a few feet away. "You got to sa-save him. It's my fau-lt". The girl began to cough more blood as her vision clouded and her breath slowed.

Rias was surprised that the girl was still alive, even more so because she was still able to talk with that big hole in her chest. But what really shocked her was the fact that she cared more about making sure the boy across from her was safe instead of herself. She had already planned to save both, but Natsuki was already proving why she would be a perfect fit for her peerage.

The redhead kneeled in front of the dying girl "I swear on my name I will do everything in my power to save him" and you as well.

The girl smiled gave Rias a small smile, closing her eyes and losing consciousness, content with the fact that at least one of them would leave this place alive.

Rias stood over the now dead teens as her hands began to glow the same red color as her hair.

"From this moment you two shall live your lives for my sake."

Notes:

Hi everyone I just wanted to thank you all for taking the time to read my story. I also wanted to let you all know that I will be following the light novels storyline while using the elements I liked from the anime and other fanfics. The story will also be making changes to cannon in some ways.

Also Natsuki won't be very interested in sex/nudity but she will eventually feel attraction towards people she knows more intimately.

Chapter 3: Introduction to a New World

Summary:

Natsuki finds that her life has become even stranger than she perviously thought.

Natsuki gasped as she breathed in, opening her eyes in shock that she was still alive. She quickly sat up, looking around to see that she was in her bedroom. She quickly looked down her shirt but saw that there was no hole in her chest.

There is no way that was a dream, right? It felt too real to be fake. I mean I was dying, and now I suddenly woke up in my apartment perfectly fine, I don't even remember getting back here.

The girl grabbed her phone that sat on the desk next to her bed and realized that she had slept in, seeing that she was now an hour late. The girl noticed that her alarm wasn't set, even though she always sets it before she goes to sleep every night. She jumped out of bed and began rushing to get ready, temporarily forgetting her previous thoughts as she dashed out the door.

A few hours later

Natsuki sat alone against a heavily shaded tree in the school yard during lunch and all she could think about was how badly her day was going so far. As the girl ran to school that morning her body felt off, not painful or anything, but every time the sunlight touched her, she felt as if she was being drained. Then she had to deal with her ears ringing because of Sensei yelling at her in front of the class for being late and then yelling at her again because they had to take time out of the lesson to yell at her in the first place and by the end was given detention for her troubles. And to top it all off she still couldn't get what might have happened last night off her mind. This led her to avoiding the Perverted Trio as she could hear the Issei trying to convince the others he had a girlfriend named Yuuma but them not knowing what he was talking about. Which made her even more confused on whether the night before was real or some kind of shared hallucination between her and Issei.

Not to mention that voice and the glowing pendant. Wearing that golden pendant and hearing that voice encouraging me to fight just felt so right, as if they were a part of my very soul.

Suddenly the girl felt as if she was being watched, causing her to look up at the school. In one of the windows Natsuki saw her, the girl she apparently asked to save Issei's life last night.

Rias Gremory

The two stared at each other for a moment before the older girl smiled at her and walked off down the hallway. It's not as if Natsuki didn't know who she was, you couldn't go 5 minutes at Kuoh without someone talking about the one of the great "Onee-Sama's". But why would she even look her way, they were on completely opposite ends of social hierarchy?

Does this mean that last night really did happen and that was her way of acknowledging it?

Damn it! Why is my life getting so complicated suddenly?

---

 

It was late in the evening and Sukehiro Natsuki could be seen making her way back home visibly annoyed after serving her detention. Her thoughts continued to weigh heavy on her mind as she walked.

Her own body was adding to the irritation as it had begun to act up. I know that it's dark, I saw the sun go down and yet I can still see all around me as if it didn't! There's also my ears, being in that crowded school building made me want to jam pens in them just to stop the noise! Thankfully, my body does not feel sluggish anymore like it had been since I first woke up.

The girl came to a stop at the entrance to the park. She hesitated for a moment before walking again, sighing in relief as she didn't feel the same wave of unease and terror that she did yesterday.

This means that everything is normal, at least I won't- the girl came to a halt as the same sinister feeling had once again appeared to take hold on her, looking up she saw the color of the sky change just like it did before Yuuma revealed her true nature.

 

"Argh!"

 

A scream had pierced the air, and the smell of rusting iron filled her nose. Is that blood? So of course, like the hero (complete dumbass) she was, she ran off towards it.

---

 

It hurts. It hurts so much!

Hyoudou Issei kneeled on the floor holding his stomach as blood began to pour out of him. The same situation was happening again just as it did the night before, a being with black wings standing over him as he bleeds to death after being stabbed by one of their spears. He tried to pull it out, but the spear burned his hands and the parts of his body that it was imbedded in.

"It must be hurting you a lot little devil. Light is poisonous to beings like you. Getting hit by it will result in fatal damage. I thought this weakened spear would be enough to kill you, but your body is tougher than I thought. So, I will hit you with it again. But this time, I will put a bit more strength into it." The trench coat wearing man said as he created another spear to deal the fatal blow.

But before he could bring it down however a fist slammed right into his cheek, the force of it sent the man flying through the air and over the treetops.

"N-Natsuki" just like yesterday the girl had come to save him. Hopefully, this time they will not meet the same fate they did when facing Yuuma.

"Honesty Issei how do you manage to get yourself in this situation twice in the span of a day?" The girl stood over him while looking in the direction she hit the man toward. The golden pendant once again returned to give her its power.

"Yo-u remember? So, it wa-wasn't a dream?" The boy still hoped that this was once again a dream and that soon he would wake up and it would be like none of this ever happened.

"Seeing as how we both remembered getting murder by your crazy Demon girlfriend and this weird pendant around my neck, I doubt it."

"YOU BASTARDS!" The ground shook as the mysterious man shot back in the sky, flying back towards them with a new spear in hand. "Now you've really done it! I am going to make your deaths as agonizing as possible!."

But before he could throw the spear he was once again stopped when a column of red and black energy hit his arm, destroying the spear, and leaving burn marks in its wake.

 

"Don't you dare touch them".

 

They all turned to where the voice came from, revealing it to be Rias standing there as she glared at the man who tried to kill them. At this point Issei had passed out due to his injury and Natsuki, seeing a confrontation about to take place between the two, pulled her and Issei off to the side and out of the way as her pendant once again disappeared.

"Why do you people keep showing up out of the woodwork? Never mind I'll teach you to interfere in my business!" The man threw the spear right at Rias however a small girl jumped down from the sky, deflecting the attack.

"That is, it! I am done with you!" the man charged at the girls only for a yellow magic circle to appear in the sky above, bringing down a bolt of lightning in front of him, stopping his advance as he was knocked back a few feet.

Off to the side another girl appeared from behind the trees, stopping next to Rias with electricity dancing between her fingers.

What in the fuck is happening here?! First, I get killed, then I wake up like nothing happened, then I get someone trying to kill me again, and now there is a full-on magic battle happening right in front of me! What the fuck is my life anymore?!

"…That hair… You're from the House of Gremory" the man said, picking up his fedora as he looked at the woman in front of him with complete and udder hatred.

"My name is Rias Gremory and who are you other than a fallen angel?" Fallen Angel? That is what he is? So that means Yuuma is also the same as this guy.

"…Fufu. So, these two and this town belong to the next head of House Gremory huh? Well then, I apologize. But I advise you not to let your servants loose again they might walk into people like me while out on a walk." Damn it who does this bastard think he is? He wasn't talking all high and mighty earlier when I knocked his ass into a tree!

"I appreciate the advice but allow me to issue you a warning as well: Should you or your kind ever attempt something like this again in my territory, it will be the last mistake you ever make," Rias gave him a look that could have cut glass from its sharpness alone.

The man flapped his wing and took off into the sky, "I could say the same thing to you. My name is Dohnaseek. I pray that you and I never again cross paths." As he disappeared, the sky had returned to normal. Does that happen every time a fallen angel shows up or are those two special?

"Buchou if he doesn't get help soon, he will die". "Don't worry I won't let that happen." The girl was snapped from her thoughts looking away from where Dohnaseek flew off and realizing that the 3 girls were now standing in front of her looking at Issei as Rias pulled him closer to her.

"So, are you just not going to explain what the fuck just happened?" The 3 girls looked at Natsuki as if just now remembering that she was there. Damn, am I that forgettable?

"Sukehiro-chan, I'm sorry but I need to take Hyoudou-kun home and make sure his injury doesn't become more serious." Rias stood up as a glowing red circle appeared beneath herself and Issei "But I promise that the two of you will know everything by tomorrow" the older girl gave her a smile before she and Issei disappeared.

Natsuki just stood there dumbfounded, after what just happened, she had to wait until tomorrow for the answers she desperately wanted. The look on her face must have been funny as she could hear laughter right behind her as a pair of arms wrapped around her neck.

"Ara Ara, don't pout Sukehiro-chan. You must be patient, good things come to those who wait". Natsuki jumped quickly turning around to see the 2nd of Kuoh's Great Onee-Sama's, Himejima Akeno standing there looking like the cat who got the cream. When did she get so close, I didn't even hear move!

"Now come along Koneko-Chan we still have things to do for the club." The beautiful girl turned on her heel, swaying her hips as she walked away.

Natsuki turned at looked at the last remaining girl knowing her as Toujou Koneko the 1st year that everyone thought was incredibly cute, even proclaiming her to be the school mascot. The two quiet girls stared at each other for a moment before Natsuki broke the clam silence, "I don't suppose you'll explain what's going on, will you?"

"…No" the shorter girl then proceed to walk towards the exit following Akeno and leaving the taller teenager alone by the fountain.

Is this just my life now? Being in a constant state of confusion and uncertainty while evil creatures try and kill me?

Fuck Issei and his perverted life, I really should have just stayed behind that tree.

---

 

Natsuki walked into school the next morning, and just like every other day the students parted, only instead of whispers, she was met with dead silence. Confused, the girl looked around and saw that for the first time since she entered Kuoh Academy that nobody was looking at her. Now the girl wasn't vain or anything, but she had gotten used to always being looked at by others even though it was never for the reasons she wanted, so the fact that she was standing there seemingly invisible to everyone was strange. Not a bad strange but strange, nonetheless.

She finally turned around and saw what was making everyone look on with shock and disbelief.

Hyoudou Issei, the lead member of the Perverted Trio, was walking in with the Queen Bee herself Rias Gremory wrapped around his arm, the girl ignored the stares while the boy next to her looked like he too could not believe what was happening. Natsuki saw the smile the older girl gave her as she and Issei walked past her and down the hall towards the stairs that lead to the third floor and all the 3rd year classrooms. Well, it makes sense why they came in together if Rias had to heal Issei last night.

Once the two were out of sight the hallway exploded in noise as the students tried to wrap their heads around why their beloved Onee-Sama was engaging with the pervert. The girl simply shook her head and walked to class, content that for once it wasn't her at the center of the school's wild rumors and tales.

---

 

Towards the end of the day Natsuki sat at her desk as she looked up at the ceiling and leaned back in her chair. The girl was thinking about when Rias would finally tell them the truth of what was going on. It has to be something supernatural or rooted in religion since that guy Dohnaseek and Yuuma are apparently fallen angels. So, what does that make Rias and the others?

Natsuki couldn't talk to Issei about this, as during all their breaks he was hounded by their classmates who demanded answers on why someone like him was seen with Rias that morning. Even now the Motohama and Matsuda were still trying to find out as Issei just bragged about seeing real boobs without telling them how.

The door to the classroom slid open and in walked the "The Prince of Kuoh Academy" himself, Kiba Yuuto. The boy was in the same year as Natsuki and Issei with short blond hair and blue eyes with a mole under the left. He had captured the hearts of every girl in school with his kindness and good looks.

While Natsuki herself had no real opinion on Kiba, she knew Issei and the rest of the trio hated him for being a pretty boy and the 'enemy of men everywhere.' The girls of the classroom screamed for joy as their Prince walked into the room before eventually stopping in front of Issei's desk.

"Hi. How are you doing?" Kiba had a small smile on his face as he stared at Issei. "So, what business do you have here?" Issei responded with a dismissive tone, hoping the pretty boy would say what he wanted and leave already.

"I was sent by Rias-buchou to escort you and Sukehiro-chan to our clubhouse," Kiba said without breaking his smile while turning to look at Natsuki a few desks away.

Natsuki and Issei looked at each other for a moment before standing up and following Kiba out the door. The girls in the hallways began wallowing at the sight of the two outcasts walking with their precious prince, afraid the two, mainly Issei, might corrupt him.

What is this the "We Hate Issei Tour"? The boy thought as he heard the girls talking about how they hoped perversion wasn't contagious. He looked at Natsuki and saw she was unaffected by the chatter around them. How does she not care about the things they say?

''Ha ha your pretty popular Hyoudou-kun.'' Kiba said with a smile. ''Stop rubbing salt in the wound you bastard." Issei said with a small tick mark on his head.

A few minutes later the group arrived at the old school building.

After a few moments they had ended up at their destination. Kiba opened the door for them, revealing a large room with an intimate atmosphere, closed curtains, vintage furniture, and candled lights.

While Natsuki was being cautions and analyzing the room and the people in it, Issei on the other hand was drooling at the beauties in the room, especially Rias who had just come of a shower that was behind a curtain after putting on the clothes Akeno handed her.

Why would you have a shower in a clubhouse? And why use it when the room is full of people?

''Please have a seat. Hello, my name is Himejima Akeno.

"O-Oh. My name is Hyoudou Issei. N-Nice to meet you too!" This is the greatest club ever! I am so glad I am me!

"…Sukehiro Natsuki.'' Natsuki said with a calm voice.

The two sat on the couch as Rias took her seat at the desk in front of them.

''I thank you for coming, here help yourselves.'' Rias said while Akeno served them tea and cookies.

''Thank you'' Natsuki and Issei said in unison as they both took a cup of tea.

''So Gremory-senpai ...did you call us here today just for tea or to finally explain what is going on?" Natsuki asked in her normal bored and emotionless tone.

''Ara ara, Sukehiro-chan sure is a serious one.'' Akeno said as she returned to Rias' side.

Rias leaned back in her chair seemingly unbothered by Natsuki's bluntness "I will get to the point then. We are all Devils, you and Issei-kun included.

"What do you mean all of us are devils?!" Issei reacted with shock and disbelief at that statement while Natsuki remained silent, wanting to know more about this life of devils they were being brought into. Unlike Issei who still could not believe everything that happened was real, Natsuki has already taken the time to accept that their normal lives had just got thrown out the window.

"The person who attacked you yesterday is known as a Fallen Angel." She explained. "Some people think we're the same, but we most definitely are not." Seeing Issei's confused look Rias elaborated. "Fallen Angels still seek to serve God even though they have been cast out of Heaven and into the Underworld, though you'd probably call it Hell. The confusion between the two species is understandable because Fallen Angels and Devils walk this world together. In order to please God, they seek to wipe out Devil kind and earn His praise as well as claim the Underworld for themselves. There are also the typical Angels who are obviously sent down by God to slay Devils in His name."

Natsuki pondered Rias' explanation, noticing a pattern when headaches forming in her mind every time God was mentioned. "So, Devils have to protect themselves on two fronts from both the fallen and regular angels then?" Natsuki asked as the pain finally started to subside. Guess this means I will not be mentioning him when I curse anymore.

"That's correct." Rias answered, smiling at Natsuki. "Though we are currently in the middle of an uneasy truce, so conflict occurs mostly based on personal grievances and less with full-scale battles."

Rias held up her right hand and a red light with an arcane symbol flared on the back of her hand, causing a chain reaction where it appeared on the back of everyone else's. "This is the sigil of the Gremory Family, a high-ranking Devil Family, as long as you have this you are both under my family's protection." She let the symbol fade and returned her hand to where it was before. "With this you will be safe from those Angels and Fallen Angels who respect the uneasy peace we have right now."

Natsuki thought over what Rias just told them. Great so this is basically a three-way supernatural cold war. And now that I am a devil, I will have to watch out for the other two factions and based on what happened earlier I cannot leave this group because I am not strong enough, unless I want to get jumped again. Yippee, how fun.

Issei had a blank expression on his face, drawing Rias' attention. "You, okay?" The President asked, noticing her 1st pawn's confusion. "You look a little confused." Natsuki too had noticed the boy practically radiating confusion.

The boy was justified in his confusion as so much happened to him with the existence of Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels being shown to him within just a few days. This kind of news would throw anyone off their feet.

"That's because I am." Issei said. "I'm kind of overwhelmed by all of this, it's really heavy stuff." Learning that there was something like a secret society of the supernatural existing right under everyone's noses was a concept he could not wrap his head around.

Rias just closed her eyes. "Do you remember Yuuma Amano?" She asked, causing Issei to gasp in shock and Natsuki herself to sit straight as a rod. That name did not bring back positive memories for either of the teens.

The girl pulled out a picture of Yuuma showing it to the pair before talking once more.

"Of course, you do," Rias smirked. "How could you forget? The two of you dated for a little bit didn't you".

And she fucking killed us! Natsuki though to herself wondering why Rias mentioned that part as she saw Issei's face drop. That bitch pretended to like Issei just to kill him. I mean if she's some powerful fallen angel she didn't even need to do what she did, she could have just done what Dohnaseek did and gone after us outright! No, she chose to put up with that façade to get sadistic pleasure from showing that no girl would genuinely want him. It was safe to say that Natsuki had nothing but hatred for Yumma or whatever her real name was and that if she saw her again, she would show her what happens when you mess with Sukehiro Natsuki's people.

 

And that was not a threat. It was a promise.

 

"Everyone said it must have been a dream. That I was hallucinating. Nobody believed me and no one remembered her existence." Issei stared at the picture in shock that Rias not only knew of her but had proof.

"She exists. She's a fallen angel just like the man who attacked you yesterday. And it seems after killing you and Sukehiro-chan she erased all memory of her being here."

Natsuki looked up from the photo to the girl in front of them. "What do you mean she erased all memory of herself?"

"We devils along with fallen angels, manipulate human memory to hide our existence and to protect them in general from the supernatural. Which is why your friends didn't remember Yuuma." She turned back to Issei. "For example, your parents Issei, I did a little memory manipulation on them so that they wouldn't give you trouble after finding me naked in your bed." Natsuki just rolled her eyes at that, as well as Issei's blush, accepting the justification given.

Guess it makes sense. Most people would not be able to handle the knowledge that there was something like this hidden under their noses for so long.

Issei just further proved the girl's point, "But I am still alive! We both are! More than that, why was I targeted!? Why did she kill Natsuki too?"

"The reason she approached you is so she could check if there was a dangerous thing inside the two of you. She must have received a weak response from it. That is why she took her time checking you. That you were humans who possessed a Sacred Gear —"

"Sacred Gear? "What is that and why do we have it?" Issei interrupted more confused than ever.

Natsuki's eyes widened, Sacred Gear? That is what Yuuma told us about before she left. That he was the one who gave them to us. Is that what that necklace is? Was the voice in my head really the necklace or something else?

Instead of Rias it was Akeno who answered his question. "It's basically a unique power that manifests in a rare few throughout history. The only ones I know of for sure who have had one are historical figures which make you both kind of a big deal." She teased looking at the two with a grin.

Natsuki snorted after seeing the awestruck look on Issei's face, "Do not let this go to your head and give you an even bigger ego Issei. There were probably plenty of people who held Sacred Gears that got lost to history." She continued her statement, shaking her head as she ignored the dejected look Issei shot her. "Don't judge someone's potential based on something that some historical figures may have had because the reason those people went down in history likely has just as much to do with who they were as an individual as well as their powers." She then looked directly at the boy, "Besides having scared gears didn't do shit when Yuuma killed us, nor did it help with that Dohnaseek guy. So, we shouldn't allow ourselves to get overconfident just yet".

"Well said Natsuki-chan." Rias spoke before moving back to the discussion. "Sacred Gears have sometimes driven their users mad in the past, causing their wielders to become threats to the Underworld. As such, you'll need to be careful as you train with your powers." Rias considered something. "Hold up your left-hand Issei." She requested, watching as her Pawn did as she asked. "Close your eyes and concentrate on the part of your body you feel is the strongest and focus hard on that strength. Can you do that for me?".

The poor choice of wording caused Natsuki to slap her palm to her forehead in exasperation as Issei took that statement further than she was sure Rias intended. Or she had intended for it to be taken the way Issei heard it and was messing with him. Honestly, it's hard to tell with her. Issei started to get distracted by the girl's body despite Rias' efforts to get him to focus.

"You're doing it all wrong Issei," Natsuki informed him in a calm voice that cut through the budding tension in the room. "Don't force it out, guide it – work with it. Let it flow out naturally. What you are doing right now just makes you look constipated."

Issei's cheeks burned red while everyone else turned and stared at the tall girl with shock apparent on each of their faces. "Uh…sure, Natsuki," the gold-eyed boy said with his cheeks still tinged red from embarrassment.

"What?" the girl asked everyone that was staring at her. "It's how I felt that night Yuuma killed us. I was not thinking of some magical power trying to come out of me just that I didn't want to die and that I need to get us away from that woman".

"What she said is true, Issei-kun," the raven-haired beauty managed to speak first as she looked towards the boy attempting to reawaken his power, smiling as she got closer to him. "It's a fundamental lesson in harnessing your abilities as a Devil. Don't force the energy out, but instead show it to where you want it to go. It might be difficult at first, but it gets easier the more you use it."

Natsuki looked at the two older girls with the most deadpan and tired expression she had. "You two are definitely doing this on purpose aren't you?"

All she got in response was two equally teasing smiles.

Issei closed his eyes once more, but this time his facial features remained lax and loose instead of strained and forced. After a few moments of tense silence of apprehension, his golden eyes shot open with a fierce determination within them while he thrust his left arm into the air and called out confidently, "Kamehameha!"

Despite the dumb phrase, Natsuki couldn't help but smile as Issei's left hand began to glow. When the lights died down a red gauntlet then formed over Issei's wrist and hand and then extended down his forearm while a large green jewel glowed brightly over the back of the boy's hand covered by the gauntlet.

Rias smiled as she looked at the boy, "That is your Sacred Gear. Once it appears, you can use it anywhere and anytime you like."

Issei could not stop looking at the gauntlet on his arm. T-This red gauntlet is a Sacred Gear…? Eeeeeeeh… I still cannot believe it. I shot a Kamehameha and I…I…

Rias then turned to look at Natsuki, "Sukehiro-chan if you can summon yours as well so we my get a proper look".

Natsuki stood on her feet, closing her eyes as she tried to remember the feelings she had when both fallen angels attacked her and Issei.

The anger, the fear, the need to protect…

The same yellow glowing light appeared from Natsuki as the golden pendant, with the white jewel in its center once again formed around her neck. Only this time the girl noticed that the necklace seemed more attached to her body than the last two times. The pendant didn't sway like it did before and the chain seemed to have gotten larger as it wrapped around the entirety of her neck, gaining a fleshy lizard-like texture.

That is weird. It appears less like a necklace and more like something imbedded in my chest.

Rias had then inspected the two of them up close. Natsuki heard a hum from the older girl, and she had a happy smile on her face as if her birthday came early. There must be something more to these Sacred Gears that she is not telling us, otherwise I'd doubt she would look this happy. I mean Sacred Gears cannot be as rare as she made them out to be, especially with what Akeno said about many historical figures having them. So, there must be something special about ours.

"Now on to other business. Remember this?" Rias asked as she held up a copy of the flyer Natsuki remembered shoving in her pocket on her way home the day before yesterday. She blinked, instantly connecting the dots as Rias explained just what that flyer was. "Devils can be summoned through these flyers to fulfill pacts with humans. You both summoned me with your thoughts through this flyer, with that you were revived and reborn as honored members of the House of Rias Gremory, daughter of the great and powerful Devil the Duke of Gremory." Her wings flared from behind her back.

So, what you will but she has a knack for showmanship.

Before they knew it everyone in the club began to sprout wings including Natsuki and Issei.

Rias then had a serious look and kind smile on her face, "Well, Issei, Natsuki. I have reincarnated you both into my devil servants. I swear on the name of the Gremory Household, I will treat you with kindness and grant your every desire. In return, you will give me your utmost loyalty and see me as your master. Do you two accept?".

Issei was reluctant at first, being turned from human to devil was not something that happens to you every day. The fact that he was no longer human terrifies him, but he resolutely accepts. However, being a servant was not something Natsuki herself keen on, which is why she needed one last confirmation.

"I don't care what your household is. If I am going to be serving you from now on, I want to know what you personally think. I want to know the real Rias, not the Gremory of a noble family or the most popular girl in school but the Rias standing right in front of me. Do you, Rias swear that you truly treat your servants with kindness and will do the same for Issei and I."

If I can't get out of being a devil, I at least want to be sure I'm not a slave to the whims of a selfish or cruel master.

The atmosphere in the room changed: Akeno for once was not smiling, Kiba was looking at Natsuki with a glint of something in his eye, Koneko stopped eating and gave the older teen her full attention, and Issei was staring at her with his mouth slightly opened, the girl usually kept her thoughts to herself and rarely spoke out so it was surprising for him to see Natsuki so vocal and passionate.

Rias had her eyes widen and stared at her for a moment until she smiled, "I, Rias Gremory, swear on my name that I will treat you kindly and grant your every desire. Do you accept me as your master, Natsuki?"

Natsuki looked straight into her face to find any deception but saw there was none. She then sighed before she answered…

"Yes Buchou."

The other members of the club surrounded the two and congratulated them for joining. Rias eventually took back control of the conversation.

"The duties of a devil can vary, but the way it usually works is devil's grant the wishes of humans for a price. It used to be people drawing magic circles to summon us and we would claim their souls, but that has fallen out of practice in the last few centuries due to its unnecessary complexity of it so now we take power of the fulfillment of pacts instead."

"Nowadays we make house calls, personal deliveries, things like that." Akeno walked behind the desk and pulled out multiple boxes filled with flyers. Rias gestured to them and said, "Normally we'd have a Messenger Demon deliver these, but I think it'll be beneficial for you two to learn just what goes into this job."

Natsuki walked over and, after analyzing the flyers for a few moments, grabbed a few handfuls to place into her jacket pockets. Issei, however, started scooping them into his backpack, and Rias then whispered something into his ear that, thanks to her newly heightened senses, Natsuki heard all of loud and clear. "If you do well enough you could even end up having some Devil servants of your own." Issei's face went red, suddenly gaining a lot of motivation.

Issei looked at Rias with a level of perversion that Natsuki was used to whenever the boy got to talking about his Harem dream. "If they're my servants, that means they can't disobey my orders, right?"

"That's right".

"You know where I am going with this right?! THAT MEANS ITS GOING TO BE SEXY TIME!." Stream began to bellow from Issei's nostrils as the image of him being surrounded by beautiful, naked woman formed in his mind. Dying was the best thing that could ever happen to me!

Rias just smiled at the boy's words, "The great thing about servants is that you use them for just about anything".

"You hear that Natsuki! We can start our own harems now that we are devils!" Issei began to cry tears of joy that his dream would finally come true, oblivious to the fact that Koneko was looking at him with complete disgust while Kiba just laughed softly.

"Issei, I don't want a harem so don't lump me in with you, besides, it just sounds really messed up to force your servants to do whatever you want." Natsuki just continued to analyze the flyers, not even having to look at the boy as unfortunately this was a near constant argument the two had.

"You know the promise of servants isn't the only benefit to rising up the ranks, there is also getting stronger and gaining more power and influence in certain circles," Rias said as she and the others listened to the two newbies talk about the pros and cons of harems.

Natsuki turned to look at her new master, "What do you mean by power and influence?" Although her face held her usual blank expression, Rias could tell she was interested in what she said.

Rias' smile widened as the two stared at each other. Got you now Natsuki-Chan

"Well, many reincarnated devils once they branch out on their own, often create businesses and other ventures in either in the human world or the Underworld. They use their newly gained status and their abilities to become successful, some of whom become richer than some of the important devil families."

Rias had to keep herself from bursting out in laughter at the practical dollar signs she could see in the taller girl's eyes.

My 1st pawn is guided by lust, while my 2 nd  by greed.

"I will do my part to become a strong and worthy servant to you Rias-buchou." Natsuki could not stop thinking of things she'd be able to do once she struck out on her own. I'll be able to get Kushina-Sama her dream house, much sooner than I thought!

"Hey Natsuki, don't judge me for wanting a harem when your dream is just as bad as mine!" Issei too had noticed Natsuki's shift in behavior when Rias talked about devils getting rich. "If anything, yours is worse! Doing this only for materialistic gain, at least I want to help the poor defenseless women of the world! How selfish are you?"

"Selfish?! You're the one who just wants to have a bunch of naked and unwilling girls at your disposal, don't confuse me wanting to live in comfort with your useless desires you prick!"

Kiba gave his usual smile at the scene of their two newest members arguing so intently. He chuckled a little, "Well, our club hasn't been this exciting in a while now, huh?"

Koneko just absentmindedly nodded her head in agreement while continuing to eat her chocolate as Akeno placed a hand to her cheek and said 'Ara Ara'.

Rias shook her head at the two trying to prove the other wrong. "Alright you two that's enough, you still have some flyers to deliver".

---

 

An hour later

Natsuki returned to the club room alone, she had yet to be called in to fulfill one of the pacts, but she figured it wouldn't happen so fast. When she arrived, she heard huffing from behind her and turned around to see Issei running up the stairs. The boy tried to catch his breath. "I used my bike! How did you finish before I did?" The boy was worried that he took too long and was keeping Rias waiting.

I thought being a devil would make me stronger. But I feel like I just ran a marathon!

"I took less flyers than you, so I managed to walk to my destinations faster since I had fewer places to go." she replied, causing the boy's worry and shame to fade as a grin spread across his face.

"Ha!" Issei declared triumphantly. "That's a relief I thought I took too long getting back".

The pair then walked into the club room. "All done with the deliveries Buchou." Natsuki said as they walked in, Issei almost immediately started drooling at the sight of Rias in her towel. The darker haired girl merely sighed and asked, "Anything else you need us to do?"

How many showers does she take in one day? Natsuki liked the girl; she didn't want to deal with Rias being naked every time she entered the clubroom. She figured she would get desensitized to it eventually and just have to deal with the awkwardness until then.

"Well, could one of you help out Koneko?" Rias asked as she dried her hair. "She's double booked with requests right now and I could use someone to take her extra shift. It's the last thing I need either of you to do today."

"Sure, no problem Buchou!" Issei said happy to do a request for Rias.

Koneko looked at the pair and bowed slightly before saying, "That's super rad. Thanks." With her typical dry tone, it didn't sound very thankful, but Natsuki thought she might have heard a bit of relief mixed with amusement in her tone. She wondered what made her feel that way about this summon request.

"I'll wait for the next one then." Natsuki said without issue. The girl had a gut feeling that there was something about this request that Koneko wasn't telling them.

So better Issei than her.

Akeno then walked to an empty space in the clubroom, as a large crimson magic circle appeared beneath her feet.

So, that's what a magic circle looks like, It's beautiful. Natsuki was mesmerized by the gorgeous color and the power she could sense flowing around the circle. I want to learn magic. The girl admitted to herself.

Issei was filled with a similar sense of awe as Rias answered their unspoken question. "That's called a Transportation Circle," she explained. She directed Issei to hold out his left hand and imprinted the sigil of her family onto his left palm. "This is called a Seal; it will help me keep track of your performance during your requests. When you get to the client's location, just make sure to make them aware of the cost of their request and make sure they select the correct areas of the screen so that you can officially have the Pact fulfilled." She then reminded him of the rules he had to follow once he got there.

However, something with the transportation circle went wrong as Issei remained even after the circle disappeared.

"The fuck?!" Issei exclaimed in confusion.

Rias tried to absorb the fact that Issei could not use the Transportation Circle to fulfill requests. She had her head in one hand with the other crossed under her bust, ignoring her Queen's "whoopsie" and Kiba's nervous chuckle. "No, it's okay." She reassured Issei, though he was still confused. "Looks like you can't make the jump for some reason," she sounded slightly exasperated. "But there's another way." Natsuki quickly caught on and had to resist her own chuckle. "It's mundane but I'm sure you can use your bike." Rias said to Issei's horror.

Rias then turned to Natsuki, "Unless Natsuki wants to try?"

"Nope. Issei said he'd doing do it, can't have him breaking his promises can we?" There was no way in hell she was taking that job with how Koneko reacted.

Natsuki and Issei then proceeded to walk out, Natsuki to go home and Issei to start biking.

As they exited the building Natsuki put her hand on his shoulder, "Don't worry Issei, I'm sure you'll still be the coolest devil around on your bike".

"Shut up Natsuki!" Issei's head dropped in shame as he hopped on his bike and took off, This sucks balls! What kind of devil is summoned on a bicycle?!

Natsuki laughed as she watched the boy disappear into the distance. Natsuki then turned on her heel and began her way home.

As she walked Natsuki looked up into the sky. I wonder if I will be able to hear that voice again the stronger, I get?

Once she entered her apartment, she moved her hand to the center of her chest. Summoning the necklace.

She sat on her bed and closed her eyes, trying her hardest to hear the voice until she eventually fell asleep.

Notes:

Hi everyone I once again wanted to take you all for reading this fanfic. This chapter is a little longer than than the last two because I had to put more information about the supernatural and introducing the Club for the MC

Chapter 4: The Dragons and Their Resolves

Summary:

Natsuki and Issei are starting to get a used to their new lives as devils however when a group of fallen angels with sinister intensions for a kind-hearted nun appear the two along with the rest of the ORC must come together to defeat them.

In the depths of a great black void floated Sukehiro Natsuki as she opened her eyes. Her eyes moved around as she was confused by seeing nothing but emptiness, she became worried when she realized that she couldn't move her body.

Suddenly a golden light appeared in front of the girl, she tried to look within it, but the light was just too blinding, forcing the girl to close her eyes. A voice then rang out across the void, the same voice she heard the night Yuuma killed her.

Natsuki could hear the voice more clearly than she could before. " Natsuki Sukehiro. It seems that you are able hear me once more."  The girl noticed that the voice was female, reminding her a little of Kushina-Sama in the fact that it was warm and attentive while holding an authoritative edge to it.

You may be able to hear me, but you are still a fledgling. You are a long way from being able to use our power to its fullest potential.  The voice rang out once more before releasing a powerful roar that shook Natsuki to her core, expelling the girl from the black void.

The newly turned devil awoke from her dream with a strangled gasp, sitting up and looking around, calming down once she realized that she was just in her room. She laid back down, looking at her phone and seeing that she had woken up an hour before her alarm was supposed to go off.

I remember activating my sacred gear last night, I guess I fell asleep. Well, I got what I wanted since the voice came back. Rias said that as we complete our pacts and train, we'll get stronger, at this rate how long will it take for me to reach that full potential like the voice said?

Natsuki knew that the voice she heard in her dream had to be her sacred gear, there was no other explanation, but she didn't know that sacred gears could be sentient. This would just be something to ask Rias about later. The girl then sighed before standing up, pushing her thoughts away for later and getting ready for the day.

---

 

Natsuki had run into Issei on their way to school that morning and had to keep herself from laughing as Issei recounted the job he had to do yesterday. Natsuki would have killed to see the look on the boy's face when he realized the client was a muscular man cosplaying as a magical girl who referred to himself as Mil-tan. Issei then explained how afterwards he was attacked by another fallen angel, but he summoned his sacred gear, scaring her off. I have never been happy to not accept a request in all my life.

By the end of the day, Natsuki and Issei had once again found themselves in the ORC clubroom. The girl sat on the couch next to Koneko as Issei explained what had happened to him, the other members of the peerage were focused on Issei's gauntlet though Koneko was more focused on her food and Natsuki was thinking about her own sacred gear.

Issei then left the room to hand out more flyers with a downcast expression after Rias had warned him not to go halfcocked against a group of fallen angels because chances are they won't let him go like the one yesterday did, and he would end up either seriously hurt or dead.

Natsuki then looked towards Rias, "Hey Rias-Buchou, I wanted to ask about my own sacred gear." The girl then explained her dream last night; she noticed the others look at her in surprise while Rias cocked an eyebrow.

"That is a little strange. Here, stand up and summon your gear"

Natsuki stood up summoning her gear just like she did yesterday and just like yesterday her transformation looked different.

The necklace looked the same, but her upper body was now covered in golden armor with black lining. She also noted that her hands were covered as well with claws and white orbs on the back of them like Issei's arm. The part that stuck out most to Natsuki was that the white jewel in the center of her pendant had gotten bigger, looking to be the size of her hand.

Rias then gave the girl a wide smile "It seems you're keeping your promise of becoming a strong member of my family."

"But what about the voice I heard?"

"Some Sacred Gears have been said to call to wearers, I suppose that is what is happening here". Natsuki still wasn't convinced, there had to be something else about her gear that the girl wasn't telling her.

Just as the girl was about to confront her about it, she felt a strange itch in the back of her head that began to overtake her mind. It continues to flare as if calling out for her to do something.

"How does it feel when someone calls for you when they use a flyer?" she asked, as the feeling grew more powerful with each passing second.

Akeno looked her in the eyes. "It feels like you have a sudden urge to go somewhere." She explained. "Why? Do you think someone is calling for you?" She and Rias looked Natsuki as she grasped the side of her head.

"Yeah, it feels like someone has used one of my flyers. Like they're calling out to me, and I need to answer back." Natsuki felt confused by this, it wasn't a painful sensation but very intrusive.

Akeno walked over to the accessible area of the clubroom and spread her arms preparing her spell. "Alright, just tell me where you feel like you need to go, and I'll direct my spell to send you there." Natsuki was surprised that she gave the girl a specific address right on the spot. I guess this is magic at work. I wasn't even thinking of where I was going until Akeno asked.

Once the girl stepped out of the portal, she realized she was standing in the middle of a living room. The girl then turned seeing a woman with brown hair that looked no older than 35 years old standing to her right while holding one of the flyers she handed out, she also noticed two small children sitting on the couch in front of her, a boy with curly black hair and a girl with brown hair and glasses both of whom looked younger than 10.

"Oh. This flyer worked I thought she was pulling my leg when she said a devil would appear to grant my wish." The woman said while still looking at the flyer happily, surprised that her friend wasn't pulling her leg so to speak.

Natsuki than gave the woman a slight bow "Good evening. I am a devil of House Gremory, my name is Sukehiro Natsuki. How may I be of service to you?"

The woman looked the girl over "You don't look like a devil to me, more like a teenage delinquent." Natsuki's eyebrow twitched at that last part, it wasn't the first time a person had said something like that to her, hell it is what people at school thought all the time, so she was used to it. She understood with her blood red eyes, darker skin tone, tall stature, and solemn face that she didn't look very welcoming, but it was still annoying how people judged her without knowing her.

The girl causally summoned her wings but once she saw their shocked and scared faces, she quickly retracted them. "I-I see, that is very undeniable proof. My name is Murayama Hanaa, and this is my son Murayama Haneki and my daughter Murayama Amiru. I was hoping that you could clean the apartment and watch over my children until I come back from work, my pervious sitters have all quit" Hanaa then gave her kids a look that had them turning their heads away quickly. What did these kids do to their babysitters?

Natsuki then gave another bow, "As you wish Murayama-San". Hanaa smiled at the teen before grabbing her bag and heading towards the door "Now I want you two to behave yourselves for Natsuki-chan" she looked at her children hoping that the devil would not be chased away like the others had been by their "pranks."

"Of course, Okaasan" Hankei said while smiling. "We'll be on best behavior" came from Amiru. The woman could only sigh as she turned and walked out the door.

This left Natsuki standing in front of the two children whose smiles went from complete innocence to mischievous smirks.

A few hours later:

Hanaa walked up the steps to her front door after a long day at work, as she brought out her keys, she noticed that she couldn't hear any sound coming from inside her house. This never happened when she left her children with a babysitter, usually by now, she would be met with a person running and screaming from her house while covered in a multitude of different paints, foods, etc. while proclaiming Haneki and Amiru to be demons (pun not intended).

Worried that something terrible might have happened she quickly opened her door, rushing into the house and seeing Natsuki and her children sitting down at the dining table eating and talking with each other.

"Okaasan!" Haneki and Amiru excitedly yelled as they ran to give her a hug. While she was hugging them, she noticed that not only was Natsuki perfectly fine, but the house was spotless. No messy or broken furniture anywhere in sight. "Ho-How did you..."

"Your children are quite nice once you get to know them, so it wasn't that hard." Natsuki wasn't necessarily lying with her statement, while the two tried to prank her they gave up after an hour once they saw that not only was she not falling for their tricks, but Natsuki was turning the pranks back on them. The teen had grown up in the foster system so she had seen and experienced everything the two could throw at her only 10 times worse.

"Did you two enjoy your time with Natsuki-chan?" Honestly Natsuki had exceeded all Hanaa's expectations, she had never seen someone other than herself be able to handle her kids. Maybe devil babysitters are the way to go?

"Yeah! Natsuki-Oneesan is the coolest!" The two then began to talk over each other as they told her about the activities they got up to with the devil. Hanna laughed as she was happy the two liked the devil, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time she would be able to babysit them.

"I cannot thank you enough for helping me out here. You might be a miracle worker."

"There is no need to thank me, I'm happy to help." Natsuki truly knew how hard it was for single parents especially when caring for multiple kids. It reminded her of her own childhood with Kushina in the worn-down orphanage.

Natsuki then completed the rest of the procedure and had Hanaa sign the contract, walking out of the house and heading back to the clubhouse.

Once Natsuki entered the school she was met with a strange sight. Issei was staring at the floor of the hallway dejectedly as Rias looked at him for a moment before leaving him there.

"Did I miss something?" Natsuki asked drawing Rias out of her contemplative mood. She looked at her curiously. "For him to look so depressed like that, you must have forever denied him the right to peep on girls or something." Rias blinked at the girl. Wow, my joke was incredibly bad, though Rias seemed to laugh at her terrible joke as it pulled her out of the funk she was in.

"He's upset because I told him he wasn't allowed to meet up again with a cute nun he met today on his way home." Rias said. "Devils and the Church don't get along too well so it would likely end badly for him if she found out what he was, and I couldn't take that risk."

Natsuki considered her argument. "You did the right thing," Natsuki admitted, surprising Rias as she didn't expect the girl to agree with her since she was friends with Issei.

"Really? You don't think I should have let him follow his heart?" she asked, getting confused when Natsuki shook her head.

"What I meant was that, if relations are really as tense as you say, then Issei's lust for a cute nun doesn't outweigh the risk he'd be at if he went to the church to spend time with her and ended up discovered as a Devil."

"You needed to weigh his personal safety in comparison to his personal feelings. You believed his safety was more important and acted accordingly, therefore you did the right thing as Issei's master." Rias reacted with slight shock, Natsuki was turning out to be less of the quiet loner she taught she was. Ignoring her reaction, she continued. "Regardless, I didn't say that letting him follow his emotions would be a bad thing. If this girl is important to Issei, he will probably find a way to be with her despite what you told him. Besides, it might be good for him to have someone who genuinely cares about him, he doesn't have a lot of that." Natsuki then made her way to the couch to the right of Rias' desk, ignoring her master's stunned silence.

Rias then cleared her throat choosing to move on from the topic but keeping it in the back of her mind to think about later. "I see you completed your first contract Natsuki-chan. Congratulations are in order."

"Thank you Buchou, and you can just call me Natsuki I do not like honorifics on my name. I wanted to ask if I would be able to feel the effects of each contract I fulfill?" Natsuki said as the other members of the peerage began to enter the clubroom.

Rias smiled at the girl "Not right away but you will as you begin to develop your powers. Although our kind eventually reach a palto of sorts where the power given to us from contracts will barely increase our strength unless they are more serious."

Natsuki thought this over as Akeno came over and stood behind her.

"Akeno, did something happen?" Akeno's expression changes after Rias asks her.

"We received an order for a hunt from the Archduke."

---

 

Natsuki looked around once the transportation circle disappeared and saw that they were in a forest on the outskirts of Kuoh. "We're about to face off against a Stray Devil." Rias declared, as they began their trek through the woods. Her Pawns, Knight, Rook, and Queen were gathered for this fight. Natsuki wondered if they were all necessary for this "hunt", considering she and Issei had next to no supernatural fighting experience.

The group walked forward as Kiba explained just what a Stray Devil was for Natsuki and Issei. "A Stray Devil starts out as a Devil's servant," Kiba began before Issei interrupted him. "You mean like us?"

Kiba reacted strangely, his eyes flickered to Koneko for a second causing Natsuki to do the same, noticing the smaller girl's clench her fists at that insinuation.

"Not exactly, a Stray Devil is one that has betrayed their Master and either killed them or fled from their service." Kiba responded to Issei, Natsuki wondered why Koneko would have such a reaction to being compared to a Stray Devil, but she didn't know her well enough to ask.

"This one has been luring people into that abandoned mansion." Akeno gestured up to the enormous building they could see towering over the trees atop the hill. "According to the report, she's been devouring their souls to grow stronger." Issei's grossed out by that, Natsuki too but she didn't show it.

Rias continued the explanation. "Usually for a Stray Devil at only this level I'd only send Akeno or Kiba to handle it, but this is a good chance for the two of you to see how we Devils fight."

As they entered the building Natsuki noticed that the others had changed positions. Rias and Koneko in the front followed by Akeno and Kiba and finally her and Issei. Is this how they always are on a mission or is this to protect Issei and I since we are the least experienced?

"Issei, Natsuki." Rias spoke to the pair as they walked through the halls. "Are you familiar with the game of chess?" She was curious since if they knew at least a little, as it would make her explanation easier to understand.

Issei answered unsurely, "Yeah, sort of its like shogi, right?" What did chess have to do at a time like this? "I've played it before, but I totally suck."

"I've played the game many times as a kid, not so much recently but I have a good understanding of its rules and regulations." Natsuki answered as she was brought back to times Kushina whooped her ass each game they played.

Rias took a deep breath and began to describe the Evil Pieces.

"As the Master, I'm the King, my Empress is the Queen, my Cavaliers the Knight, my Tanks the Rook, my Clergyman the Bishop, and finally my Foot soldiers the Pawn." She looked at Issei out of the corner of her eye to make sure he wasn't getting overwhelmed like the night of their induction. Seeing that he was following along, she continued. "High Ranking Devils can grant the characteristics of each of these Pieces to their servants."

"That sounds kickass." Issei interrupted.

"We have a special name for these." Rias said ignoring Issei's comment. "We call them our Evil Pieces. This system became so popular with Pureblood devils that it led to the creation of the Rating Games".

Natsuki raised an eyebrow "Rating Games?"

"They are large-scale chess matches where servants fight each other as the pieces. By displaying your strength, you might have a chance to be promoted to a higher class, though I am still too young to enter one officially".

"That sounds cool and all but why are you telling us this?" Issei asked as his brain tried to process the amount of information Rias had just given them.

"I want you and Natsuki to watch and learn what these attributes mean in combat."

Natsuki was hoping she could see just how the attributes of the Evil Pieces could be used in battle. Wait, Rias didn't tell us which pieces Issei and I were.

"Pay close attention to my Devils as they do battle for tonight." She ordered her two newest servants. Issei mumbled a quick, "Okay" while Natsuki said, "Understood." Before feeling a cold and prickly sensation raced up her spine.

"It's here." Koneko's quiet tone as the building made her voice echo slightly around them.

A seductive voice called out from the shadows, "Now what could that foul smell be? Something smells delicious. I wonder if it tastes sweet..." Natsuki noticed that a disturbing looking form appeared behind the pillar, "or bitter?"

Issei exclaimed in joy as he saw the full chest of their enemy and Natsuki at least knew one thing. It is definitely female. she thought dryly to herself, ignoring Issei's exclamation about breasts with practiced ease by this point.

Rias began a dramatic speech declaring their purpose here in eliminating the Stray Devil before them as well as listing out her crimes, giving her a final warning that felt more like a formality than anything else, but Natsuki was distracted as she tried to figure out what the hell made up her lower half. It sure as Hell is not human!

Natsuki got her answer once Vaizor stepped out into the moonlight shining from the window above. The upper half was a woman, but the lower half was the body for a four-legged beast with black fur, claws at the end of her feet, and a snake tail! The group were also able to see that stray had two spears one in each hand.

"Leaving your master's side and rampaging as you please, you deserve death. In the name of Gremory, I will gladly eliminate you!"

"You insolent little girrrrrrl! I will rip your body apart, and color it in red just like your haaaaaaair!" The monster barks, but Rias just laughs.

"What a witty line for such a small fry. Yuuto!"

"Got it" Kiba yells as he rushes towards the monster at a speed that Issei and Natsuki cannot keep up with making it look as if he disappeared.

Rias then turned around to face the two "Yuuto is my Knight, his trait is speed. And his strongest weapon is the sword." Kiba then reappeared right in front of Vaizor as he swiftly cut off her arms.

The creature screamed in pain and bled from the two stumps where her arms used to be. Koneko silently walked up, staring at the stray with an almost bored face. A second mouth on her stomach opened wide and tried to devour the Rook. Issei and Natsuki were worried about her at first until Rias continued, "Don't worry. Koneko is my Rook; her trait is tremendous strength and defensive abilities." The giant mouth was suddenly opened by an uninjured Koneko who jumped out, as she then literally punched the stray across the room.

After that devastating punch Koneko simply walked back to the group while patting the dust off her hands.

Never piss of Koneko! Issei and Natsuki thought.

"Lastly, Akeno."

"Yes, Buchou. Ara ara, what should I do? How exciting, I so love this game."

Akeno is laughing while walking towards the monster that laid on the ground after being hit by Koneko.

"Akeno is a Queen. She's the one who is the strongest after me. She is the unbeatable Vice-president of our club who has all the traits of Pawn, Knight, Bishop, and Rook." Issei and Natsuki noticed a sudden movement behind Rias as she explained what Akeno could do.

Natsuki briefly activated her sacred gear and quickly grabbed the severed arm before it could attack Rias, "Issei!"

"Got it, Natsuki. Sacred Gear!" Issei yelled, summoning his gauntlet, and punching the limb across the room.

Issei asked if she was okay whereas Natsuki helped Rias up as she thanked them.

Akeno raised her arms up and prepared to end the battle. But not without a little fun. "You're not the only one who likes to play rough here." Akeno declared with a voice that caused a fearful shiver to pass over Natsuki. She then watched in pure shock as Akeno giddily tortured the Stray with her lightning magic.

"She's also the ultimate sadist. But don't worry, she only does that to her enemies." Rias finished with a hint of satisfaction ignoring the looks Issei and Natsuki sent her. Ultimate sadist?!

"Let's get this over with." Rias declared before requesting everyone stand back. Natsuki moved away from where Akeno stood, keeping about a foot of distance between them, with Issei and Kiba taking up her other side. Together, the five of them all watched as Rias used her own magic.

"Game over." Rias declared as a dark power began to gather before her, in an instant, the Stray wasn't just killed…

It was absolutely annihilated. There was not a single sign that its body had even existed.

"We're done. Now, let's go back."

"U-um, Buchou". Issei asked with a hint of excitement, "You still haven't told us what pieces me and Natsuki are. I mean, what are our roles? Are we like some badass knights?"

"You and Natsuki are my Pawns." Rias said as she walked past them.

"What! Pawn!? So, I'm just a foot soldier! But I don't want to be a Pawn". Issei's hopes were crushed with one sentence.

"Hang on Issei, we can still promote. Right Buchou?" Natsuki asked, wanting to be sure their evil pieces followed their roles outside of chess.

"Natsuki is right Issei when you step into enemy territory or with my permission, you can use Promotion to promote into any other pieces except the King. Furthermore, when I revived you two, I had eight Pawns, one Knight, one Bishop, one Rook, and one Mutation Piece to choose from. I used up all eight of my Pawns to revive you, Issei, while Natsuki used the Mutation Piece. That just shows how strong you are".

"What? All eight Pawns? On just me?" Issei whispered in shock. "Wait, I thought you could only have eight Pawns, if I used all if them, how is Natsuki a Pawn too? And what's a Mutation Piece?

"Mutation Pieces are very rare, said to be bugs created by the Evil Piece System. They can become any of the other chess pieces when used, and are useful when reviving a person requires more pieces without having to use them. I had gotten the piece as gift some time ago from my brother, he said I would need it."

"And I'm guessing that the remaining pieces you had wouldn't have been enough to revive me?" Natsuki asked.

Rias shook her head, "They wouldn't have, so I in theory had sixteen Pawns, and used them to revive you and Issei, each of you having the power of eight."

"That's insane!" Issei exclaimed, feeling even more shocked that Rias would go to such lengths just to revive him and Natsuki.

Natsuki was confused as Rias said she still had one rook, one Bishop, and one knight yet there were five of them not included Rias herself. "Wait hold on, from what you just said, doesn't that mean you already have a Bishop. So, where are they?"

Everyone grew quiet and solemn, until Rias spoke up. "You are quite perceptive Natsuki. Yes, I do have a Bishop, but due to his unique circumstances, he is currently... unavailable."

Sensing the tension Natsuki replied, "Okay then. If he has a reason for being unavailable, I understand." The girl figured this was like what happened with Koneko earlier, so she didn't want to make the rest of the peerage uncomfortable by pushing.

Rias smiled at Natsuki before forming the transportation circle under them and teleporting the group back to the clubhouse.

---

 

A few days later

It was late into the evening when Natsuki could be seen walking back home. Unlike Issei who Rias sent out to finally complete a pact, she didn't have any request for the day, so she went to the forest just beyond the city limits to train without being seen by humans.

It has become easier for the newly turned devil to summon her sacred gear, she has even able to shoot so type of energy blast from her hands destroying 7 nearby trees. She also discovered that she could elongate her claws and slash through things like she was Wolverine! However, her sacred gear did not seem to grow and cover more of her body like the other times she summoned it nor was she able to hear the voice again, both awake and asleep.

Maybe it's like in those Shounen amine and I need to overcome so kind of great challenge or protect someone I care about from a D-grade villain that seemed strong at the start of the show but was incredibly weak compared to the show's final boss to show any signs of improvement.

Suddenly Natsuki froze as she felt a chill run down her spine, it was different from when the fallen had arrived, but also similar?

"GUAAAAH!"

A screamed then pierced through the air coming from the house in front of her.

"Issei?!"

Natsuki then turned towards the house, summoning her scared gear, and running inside.

---

 

"... That Fallen Angel girl told me that I cannot kill you. But I'm getting pissed. I can do whatever I want if you don't die, so it shouldn't be a problem. Maybe I can rape you something but before I do that, I just need to kill that trash over there first." The exorcist known as Freed Sellzen proclaimed as he stood over Asia, groping the girl's chest with a perverted smile on his face.

Issei forced himself to stand on his shaky, bullet ridden legs before summoning his sacred gear "Stop it! I'm not kidding around, let her go!" I would never leave a girl who just protected me from danger!

Freed smirked as he released Asia causing the girl to fall to the floor as he turned his sword on the devil. "Well, well you think you can take me down? Then come over here and show me what you got!" But just as the exorcist began to run towards Issei a figure appeared from the shadows, kicking Freed across the face sending him hurdling into the adjacent wall.

This mysterious person stepped closer to the light revealing herself to be Sukehiro Natsuki, once again appearing just in time to save Issei's life.

"Honestly, Issei, twice is a coincidence but three times is starting to become a pattern that I don't like." Natsuki stated as she stood in front of the boy, it was then that she noticed a half-naked girl sitting in the corner with a bruise on her face. That must be the nun that Issei befriended.

"I-I know Natsuki, thanks for saving my ass yet again." While he was thankful, Issei couldn't stop the helplessness he was feeling in his heart. They were both devils now and yet he had to keep relying on Natsuki and even Asia to save him.

"Ohoro! So, you called one of your shitty devil friends to come and save you huh?! No matter I'll just send both of you bastards straight to hell! Freed screamed as he pulled himself off the floor and charged at them once more.

Natsuki squared herself up but quickly looked down at the floor as flash of red light that appeared in front of the two devils.

"What was that?!" Issei yelled.

This is Rias' magic seal Natsuki thought.

Just as Freed was about to bring his sword down on them Kiba appears through the circle stopping the blow with a sword of his own. "Hey Issei-kun, thought you could use a hand. And it seems Natsuki-chan had the same idea." The knight said as he turned back to smile at them.

"My, my this is just awful, talk about a nasty mess."

"...An exorcist."

Akeno and Koneko said as they each came through the portal.

"You guys came!" Issei cheered as their comrades had come to save them. Natsuki was glad too as although she would not have said it aloud, she was not confident that they would have beat Freed especially with Issei injured.

"Hell yes! Now we've got ourselves a good old-fashioned gangbang!" Freed yelled while jumping back to put distance between himself and the group of devils.

"Hehe, more shitty devils keep coming like flies. Glorious! Is it my birthday? All the shitty devils I can kill! Yay! But I'm not going to introduce myself again. Just ask your soon-to-be-dead friends. I'll be sure to kill you all nice and slow." Despite how ragged he looked he was still ready to keep on fighting.

"You've got quite a filthy mouth for a priest" Kiba said as he summoned a second sword and took his stance in front.

"TCH! What are you the impropriety police?! Get off your high horse douchebag, hunting your kind is my only concern! So, stop preaching and let's get to it!"

"My, my you're certainly a piece of work. An over-zealous priest who enjoys hunting devils just for the excitement… but even we devils have rules." Akeno was still smiling but she stared at the priest with cold and emotionless eyes.

"And you my dear are a hot piece of ass! Those eyes of yours are really something! The hard and seething bloodlust in 'em is so freakin' sexy! There is nothing I lust over more than a sexy devil bitch!" Freed began to blush as his smile turned more perverted the longer he talked.

"If you want it come and get some..." a voice called out before a beam of destruction energy was thrown at the crazed exorcist. "But I really don't think you could handle it. No one hurts one of my servants and gets away with. " There stood Rias Gremory, staring down the priest with nothing but a cold and simmering fury. "It's alright I'm here" she said before walking towards her male pawn.

"Thanks a lot, Buchou. I am sorry that I let you down again. I tried but I failed you." Issei looked down at the ground unable to meet his master's gaze, scared that he might see the disappointment in her sea foam green eyes.

"Look at how hurt you are Ise. I sent you into the hands of an exorcist and I had no idea. There was a barrier in place until a moment ago, so we didn't even realize..." Rias said as she held Issei's face in her hands.

It was at this moment that Freed kicked Asia in the stomach as she laid on the ground, angered by what he just heard Rias say. "You dumb bitch! You were supposed to make the barrier!" Before he could kick her again a large blast of gold energy was sent directly at Freed, forcing the man to jump to the side as part of the floor and the wall where he once stood was completely blown away.

Natsuki stood with her arm still raised as a small trail of steam could be seen wafting off the girl's hand. "Touch her again and the next shot won't miss, you worthless piece of trash." Freed froze as he stared into the girl's red eyes. It had been a long time since he has met someone with such a monstrous and evil glare, a look that promised death, and a painful one at that.

"I too show no mercy for those who hurt my servants. Particularly, a fiend like you will have his life forfeited". Rias had a glowing red aura around and was about to fire another shot of Destruction-

"Buchou, I sense multiple fallen angels heading our way. We need to leave; Issei still needs treatment." Akeno warned everyone of the situation.

"Joy oh joy, just in the nick of time, now I can kill all of you, now, can't I? Get ready because there's gonna be light spears for each one of you!" Freed almost jumped in glee at the news.

Rias' had a frustrated look and took charge. She grabbed Natsuki's arm and pulled her towards the group. "Akeno, prepare the jump. Koneko, make sure we have Issei."

"Wait, we need to bring Asia back. She helped me. We can't just leave her with that bastard." Issei tried reasoning but Rias was having none of it.

"That is not possible, the magic circle will only accept members of my household. We need to leave her." Rias spoke with an authoritative tone and would not take any arguments.

"The jump is ready Buchou." Akeno yelled out.

Nodding her head, "Koneko get Issei and let's go. Yuuto you too, we're leaving." Rias ordered. Kiba disengaged and Koneko did as she was ordered. Everyone got onto the magic circle.

"Let me go, I need to help Asia!" Issei shouted and struggled to free himself from Koneko's grasp.

"Issei, calm down! Remember what he said. The fallen angels value her, so they will not kill her. I understand how you feel, but even if you stay, you'll just get yourself killed again." Natsuki spoke as she tried reasoning with him.

"Issei-San... we'll see each other again, okay?" The girl gave Issei a closed eyed smile, but it did not reassure him as tears fell from her eyes.

Next moment, Akeno finished casting the spell, and the magic-circle on the floor starts to glow red again.

"Like hell I'll let you escape!" The priest came slashing at the devils, but Koneko threw the sofa at him. By the time the priest smacked away the sofa with his sword, the devils had already teleported back to the club room.

Issei did not have the time to think about his first teleportation through the magic-circle, and all he could focus on was the smile Asia gave him.

"Asia... I am definitely coming back for you. JUST YOU WAIT!" Issei shouted standing on his feet looking more determined than they had ever seen him before.

---

 

Issei leaned back on a park bench and sullenly threw his head down as he thought about his failure two nights ago. His mood grew worse as he thought about what Rias told him after she healed his wounds.

"Buchou, I need to save Asia!"

"It's impossible. How will you fight them? You are a Devil. And she is a servant of Fallen Angels. Our two kinds cannot coexist. Saving her means making the Fallen Angels your enemies. …If that happened, we would also have to fight."

"…"

I couldn't say anything back to her. I will cause trouble to Buchou and others due to my selfishness.

I compared Asia with Buchou and others.

But I can't find the answer. Which one is more important?

That…that will be…

I realized what a small man I am because I can't find the right answer.

I can't save even a single girl.

I am too weak.

Issei rubbed his face and groaned, he felt so worthless. Issei couldn't explain why he felt so sad about Asia. She was a sister and former member of the clergy from the church and now she was a part of the Fallen Angel faction; the group that ended his life.

And yet Issei couldn't bring himself to hate her.

Issei sighed once more before a voice broke him out if his depressed mindset.

"Issei-San!"

The Perverted teen's eyes widened in shock as he lifted his head up to the golden-haired sister standing right there in front of him.

Asia cried happily at the sight of him, "Oh thank goodness you are all right! I was so worried about you. I was worried that your injury got worse and that you might be…"

Asia was interrupted when Issei wrapped his arms around her small body and hugged her tight. She was caught off guard as she looked at the side of his face. "Issei-san?"

Small tears came out of his eyes as he tried to contain the joy he felt at seeing her again. "I-I didn't think I would see you again, Asia. I thought you might have…"

Asia smiled and returned his hug, the two teens stood there silently in the park as they ignored the looming expectations of their respective factions.

Issei and Asia once again found themselves in the park after spending the day together. They went to the movies, the arcade, and got food to eat at a fast food restaurant.

Asia hugged the small rat plushie that Issei won for her close to her chest. "Thank you Issei-san, for everything you have done today". Issei just chuckled "No problem princess doesn't mention it."

Issei then almost tripped because of the uncomfortable feeling in his leg.

"Ouch."

The wound from the other day, the place where he was shot by that shitty priest still hurts.

Despite Rias' best effort it appeared that the wound would not properly heal for some time.

"…Issei-san, are you injured? Is it from two days ago…" Asia's expression gets cloudy.

Issei felt bad, they were having an enjoyable time, but he made her remember something painful. But Asia bends down and starts to check his injuries.

"Can you please lift your trouser up?"

"S-Sure." Issei rolls his pant leg up to have his calf exposed. The bullet mark is still there when Asia then places her palm on top of it.

A warm and gentle light shines on his calf. It really is a warm light, a green color just as beautiful as Asia's eyes. It felt like her kindness was inside her light.

"How is it?" Asia stops her light, and she urges the boy to move.

Issei moved his leg around. Oh? Wow. This is amazing!

Asia smiles happily when she sees Issei jumping around.

"You are amazing, Asia. The healing power, it's an incredible power. …This is a Sacred Gear, right?"

"Yes, it is." Asia says shocked that the boy knew what a scared gear was.

"To tell you the truth, I also have a Sacred Gear. Though, I can't use it all that well."

Asia is even more shocked after hearing his confession. "Ise-san, you also have a Sacred Gear? I did not realize it at all."

"Hahaha, I don't even know its actual abilities. And to compare it to you Asia, your power is amazing. It can heal humans and even Devils like me."

She had complicated expression on her face and soon after, a single teardrop falls from her eyes. Then, more tears start flowing out as she started to cry.

"Whoa, whoa! I'm sorry I did not mean to say anything offensive…"

The girl just shook her head as she began to tell him the story of the "Holy Maiden".

"…After that I was taken in by the Fallen Angels… I know this is also a test that the Lord gave me. Since I am a worthless nun, the Lord gave me this trial. So, I must endure it. I know when I pass this trial my dreams will come true."

"What are your dreams?"

Tears began to fall from her eyes once more "I want to be normal and have friends I can shop and talk with… I want a friend to do all kinds of things with…"

Issei stood in front of Asia "I don't care what other people say I'm your friend, I mean after what we have been through how we cannot be. It's true I would say we have gotten to know each other pretty well… and I've won you that stuffed animal." Issei ended his speech with a nervous chuckle, the blush on his cheeks getting darker as he did so.

"I'm sick and tired of people telling me what to do, so we're friends alright?"

Somehow Asia's smile grew larger than it had before "Really? All right, thank you Issei".

The sweet moment was then interrupted when a voice broke the silence between them. "Isn't that sweet…"

Issei and Asia looked at the figure that landed behind them in shock, a woman with large black wings stood over the fountain with a sinister smirk.

Yuuma Amano

Issei's eyes widened in horror, "Y-Yu-Yuuma-chan?"

"Raynare-sama!" Asia squeaked out from behind Issei.

Raynare looked down at the two with boredom and disgust. "So not only are you alive but you're also a devil… How pitiful." Raynare then looked past Issei and towards Asia "Come along Asia. I won't be mad if you be a good girl from now on."

"Asia isn't going anywhere with you!" Issei exclaimed; his face was full of anger as he summoned his Sacred gear.

Raynare stared at him for a moment before she busted out in laughter "Is that all you got? It's nothing but a [Twice Critical]! Coming up short as usual huh? Also known as a dragon's hand, all it does is double your strength twice."

Issei looked down at his gauntlet, "Is that really all it does?"

"I was told that your Sacred Gear was a dangerous one by the higher-ups, but it looks like they were totally wrong! Damn, I wonder if that girl Natsuki was just as useless? That's why I put on that dumb little girl act."

"Please, Issei be my boyfriend" she said using the same tone she spoke when pretending to be Yuuma. "You fell for that garbage, hook, line, and sinker!"

"Just shut your mouth and fight me already!" Issei growled.

"You are an idiot if you think you can beat me with that tiny thing. Just give me the girl and take what's left of your dignity and leave."

A bright light then shined from the gem at the center of Issei's gear.

[BOOST]

"Hell yes! Now I've got the power to-"

Swick

Blood spewed from Issei's body as a light spear pierced his stomach. He then fell to the ground as the spear dissolved, just a few feet away from where Raynare had killed him that night and where Donnaseek tried to do the same.

I fucking hate this park.

Issei prepared himself for the intense pain which will be followed by certain death, but he does not feel any pain at all. That is when he noticed the green light was enveloping around his body.

When he looked back, he saw Asia was healing the wound for him.

"I could have killed him you know. But I decided to spare him, so come with me Asia, before I change my mind." Raynare held out her hand for the nun, waiting for he to take it.

Asia nodded her head and turned to the boy next to her. "I am sorry Issei-san. You got hurt because of me. But it's all right now, I promise you won't get hurt anymore. Thank you for everything."

Issei desperately tried to reach out for her but couldn't find the strength. Raynare pulled the girl into her body as they disappeared in a shower of black feathers.

Issei was left to wallow in a pool of his blood.

He failed to save her again.

---

 

The sound of a slap echoed in the silent clubroom. "Let me try this again, if I tell you don't, you don't. You must forget about Asia; you are a member of the Gremory Family."

"Fine, then maybe it's time you release from your household because I refuse to let her go." Issei told Rias unflinchingly...

"I'm sorry but I can't do that."

"Of course, you can't let me go, I'm your one of your precious pawns and scared gear holders, can you?" Issei's voice was filled with anger at the Fallen Angels, Rias, and himself.

"That girl was originally from God's side. She is a person that we cannot ever coexist with. Even if she went with the Fallen Angels against her will, it doesn't change the fact that she is still the enemy of us Devils."

"Asia isn't our enemy!" A kind girl like her can't be our enemy!

"Even if she isn't, she is still in enemy territory and she has nothing to do with us. Ise, you must forget about her." Even if she says it like that, there is no way I can forget about her!

Rias sighs "Do you remember what Natsuki and I said about promotion?"

Issei blinked "Something about gaining the power of the other pieces?"

"Pawns can promote to any other piece besides the [King] piece. Ise, when you step foot in the location I acknowledge as "Enemy territory" you are able to change into any piece besides the [King]."

Oh man! So, can I promote to Kiba's [Knight] class, Koneko-chan's [Rook] class, and even Akeno-san's [Queen] class!?

"Since it has not been that long since you and Natsuki became Devils, there are restrictions, so it is probably still impossible for you to be promoted to the ultimate piece, a [Queen]. But you could change to other classes. If you wish strongly for [Promotion] within your heart, then there will be a change in your ability."

Akeno interrupts their conversation when she whispers into Rias' ear.

What is it? Did something happen? Akeno-san also has a serious expression. But it looks like it isn't because of Buchou and I's discussion.

Rias looks at her pawn, and then looks at the remaining members."I have urgent business to attend to. Akeno and I be stepping out for a bit."

"Wait I still have more-"

"Remember even with promotion, no matter their rank a single devil cannot stand against a fallen alone." Rias said as she and Akeno disappeared into the circle.

A moment passed before the 2nd pawn broke the silence. "So, are we going to rescue Asia or just sit here and waste time?"

Wait what?

"Do you really mean that Natsuki." Issei was confused after everything Rias told them she didn't expect anyone to want to help him.

"Yeah dumbass, Rias said that once you get there, you would be able to promote. But she also said you can't do it alone; besides, I owe that Raynare bitch some payback for killing me." Natsuki stood up from the couch, walking past Issei and towards the door.

Kiba summoned one of his swords "Natsuki-chan is right, were not about to let you go into that fallen nest alone, so you might as well save your breath." He then followed Natsuki out the door.

"Koneko too?"

The girl in question just shrugged "Nothing else going on," walking out the door as well.

Issei stood there for a moment before a smile overtook his face. The boy then turned on his heel and ran after the others.

---

 

The four devils were flying in the sky, near the clouds to minimize the chances of being spotted. The abandoned church sat on the outskirts of Kuoh, just outside the forest, taking the group about 10 minutes to get there. They landed in a back alley and could already feel their devil instincts telling them that danger was near.

"So, anybody knows what we're dealing with here." Natsuki asked.

Kiba pulled out some sort of schematic diagram which showed them the interior of the church, "According to this, the church isn't very big and the sanctuary itself seems suspicious, but..."

"But what, Kiba?"

"Our surveillance says that there are at least four fallen angels and almost fifty exorcists occupying the church".

"F-fifty!? How can there be so many? You just said the place isn't that big". Issei was intimidated by the numbers.

"The most probably scenario is that one or two Fallens and some exorcists will be stationed out in the air as well as the surroundings. The back entrance will take some time to pass through. They might even have some guards inside as well. From what I can tell, it is only the matter of when we are spotted, not if". Kiba deduced with a thoughtful frown.

"If we're gonna get found anyway, then might as well just charge through front door as fast as we can" Natsuki did not care if their enemy knew they were here or not, it wasn't going to stop her from kicking some ass.

"...Agreed". Koneko deadpanned and proceeded to smash the front door open.

The group entered the building only to stop at the sound of clapping, the sound coming Freed Sellzen as he approached the group from out of the shadows.

"So, we meet again! Glad you can all it make it, I guess I'm a welcome sight huh?"

"Yeah right!" Issei yelled.

"Well, I've never met the same devils more than once before! You know, since I'm super strong, I cut Devils like you guys into pieces when I first meet them! Then I kiss the corpse and say goodbye! But you guys are ruining my reputation by refusing to die so now I'm lost! That is no good~. It's not good to interfere with my lifestyle~! You guys are really pissing me off! I hope you guys will die, die you trashy Deeeeeeeeevils!" Freed proceeds to pull out his gun and a sword made of light as he stares down the devils.

"You guys came to rescue little Asia right? Hahaha! You devils sure are big hearted coming to rescue a bitch like that who even heals scum like you! Well, just being entranced to a Devil should make that Sister die!"

Issei ignored what Freed said at the end of his speech "Hey! Where is Asia!?"

"Well, there is a hidden staircase under that altar. From there you can go to the place where they are doing the ritual."

Ritual? Just what are they planning do to Asia? Natsuki thought.

Issei, Natsuki, and Kiba then proceeded to summon their sacred gears as Koneko threw one of the church pews at the priest, only for him to roll out of the way.

"Haha, you're pretty strong for a runt aren't you?"

Koneko narrowed her eyes, "…Suck it." More pews were thrown Freed's way as a result.

Freed was about to shoot the Rook, but Natsuki fired a golden beam at him, forcing the exorcist to jump back to avoid it. Natsuki was about to fire again when she felt a pluses of magic over the area. She looked around but saw nothing different so she just ignored the sensation and focused back on the priest.

Kiba then ran towards the priest at a speed that the others could barely track.

GIIN!

Sparks flew all around as Kiba's sword and the Priest's blade of light clashed against each other. Freed then brought his gun up shooting at Kiba several times luckily the knight was able to jump back and avoid the gunfire.

"If you're taking this seriously then so will I" suddenly a stretch of darkness coated Kiba's blade and as he charged at Freed the darkened sword began to absorb Freed's blade of light.

"Huh?... what the hell is this?" the light was now gone and all that was left in Freed's hand was the sword pummel.

"It is the holy erasure sword. A sword that devours light" Kiba remarked as the smirk on his face grew.

Seeing his chance Issei activates his Sacred gear.

"Sacred Gear! Activate!"

[Boost!]

A voice comes out from the jewel and the power flows into Issei's body. Just as his about to attack, a figure flies through the window and gives Natsuki a nasty gut punch, shocking everyone as the girl went flying through a wall.

"Natsuki!"

It was then that the figure reveled itself to Donnaseek floating in the place where Natsuki once stood, his lips now in the form of a cruel smirk. "Consider that the first part of the retribution I owe you for that cheap punch you gave me the first time we met, you disgusting little devil."

Natsuki pulled herself out of the rubble, other than her ripped and dirty clothes the girl looked fine. "And you call what I did a cheap move? Besides that was some weak retribution you fucking crow. "

Scoff "Like I said, it is only the beginning. This is will end with me obliterating you off the face of the earth!" The fallen angel's anger continued to grow, he was done with these pests thinking they were superior to him. That is why the second he sensed the girl's energy he left Kalawarna and Mittelt behind with the Germory heir and her queen. He couldn't miss the opportunity to get his revenge on the one who originally humiliated him.

Besides Kalawarna and Mittelt could handle the devils outside. They were nothing compared to them.

"Fine. Let's go settle this outside then, I will need space if I'm going to give you a proper ass whopping." Natsuki's passive face and words only seemed to anger the fallen angel even more.

Kiba stepped forward, "Natsuki-chan are you sure? I don't it will be wise to separate."

"Yeah I'm sure. Besides that, bastard over there said they are using Asia for a ritual so we're going to have to split up if we want to get to her in time." Natsuki's gaze never left Donnaseek's as she spoke, the girl didn't want to be caught off guard again in case the fallen tried something.

Issei's eyes widened, he knew Natsuki was right but that didn't make him feel better about it. "Dammit! You better not let this guy beat you Natsuki!"

Koneko nodded her head in agreement "…Beat that bird."

Natsuki nodded before she ran off into the forest, Donnaseek flying close behind.

Once she was far enough away from the church, the Pawn turned around to face the fallen.

"You're no longer running? Finally realize that you can't escape your fate?" Donnaseek touched down a few feet away from the teen and conjured two light spears.

Natsuki simply fired off energy beams at the fallen angel. All the beams seemed to have missed the fallen angel, only hitting the ground around him, and kicking up dust.

Donnaseek laughed at the display "I thought you were going to kick my-", the fallen angel was interrupted when he was suddenly punched across the face and was given a sidekick that sent him hurdling into a tree.

Natsuki hadn't missed; she planned to use the dust kicked up from her blasts to prevent the fallen from seeing her until it was too late.

"Graaah! You bitch!" Donnaseek stood at one of his spears at the girl, expecting it to land, but the girl caught, holding it with no damage done to her hands.

"Th-that shouldn't be possible!" How can a devil hold a [Spear of Light] and be perfectly fine? Holy Light is deadly to their can kind so how can she…

"Your friend Raynare tried to kill me with her spears before but I was able to absorb them. I assumed that it was because I was human at the time, but this proves that for some reason I hold an immunity to holy energy despite my status a devil." Natsuki twirled the spear in her hands. Maybe it's because my scared gear? No that can't be it, even when Issei had his gear activated Raynare was still able to hurt him. Maybe mine has some unique feature…

"Oh well I'll just ask Rias about it later."

Before Donnaseek knew it a wave of pain erupted from his stomach. When he looked down, he saw that Natsuki had stabbed him with his own spear! "Well would you look at that, it seems that holy light can still hurt you despite your ability to wield it." She twisted the spear deeper, causing him to scream out in agony.

"Aaaghh!" It hurts! It hurts so much!

"I should give you a longer more drawn out death for what you did to Issei, but I don't have time to waste. You see there is a sweet nun that needs my help, you understand right?" Natsuki's eyes shined with a cold and vindictive pleasure as she absorbed the light spear, causing Donnaseek to fall to the ground.

She then lifted her hand that was now coated with a black aura and placed it right in the fallen's face.

"W-wait! Pl-please don't kill-"

The Pawn fired a beam of black energy, larger than the golden ones she fired earlier. It was stronger too as it destroyed the land in front of her, leaving nothing but a larger crater that stretched a kilometer long and a pair of black wings.

Natsuki looked at the wings and then her hands. I certainly was not able to do that before. Why was this black blast so much stronger then the gold ones I shot before? Did I improve that much since the night started or have I always been able to do that? It looked like Rias' Power of Destruction, less chaotic and destructive. And shouldn't I be more of a mess after I just killed someone for the first time? I now have blood on my hands but I feel calm and a little excited?

Natsuki quickly shook her head, she could think about all this later she needed to join up with the others before it was too late.

As Natsuki ran back towards the church, the last two members of the peerage could be seen floating up in the sky watching what just took place.

---

 

Issei's gauntlet cracked and broke apart, revealing a leaner, more stylish red gauntlet with a green crystal over his hand. Raynare stared at it in disbelief, "B-Boosted Gear?!"

[Explosion!]

Issei glared up at her as his body was filled with power than ever before as he ran forward. He pulled back his fist, "THIS IS FOR ASIA!"

Raynare tried to raise her arms to protect herself but Issei's fist dug into her face and sent her flying upwards. She impacted against the large cross mounted on the altar and broke it in half. She fell back down to the floor as the cross came crumbling apart over her.

When the dust settled, Issei stood there with an outstretched fist, beaten and bloody but victorious in his fight.

But only his fight.

Issei brought his fist back down as looked to the side and saw Asia's motionless body, still peaceful and unharmed even after his vicious fight. He walked towards her and kneeled in front of the nun. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you… hic… I'm so sorry…."

"Good work, Issei-kun. You actually managed to beat a Fallen Angel all on your own." Issei turned his head to see Kiba with his hand on his shoulder, a smile on his face as he supported his weight.

"Yo, you're late lady killer." Issei furiously wiped away the tears that were falling from his eyes.

"Fufufu, Buchou told me not to interfere."

Buchou did what?

"That's right. I believed that you would be able to beat the Fallen Angel Raynare."

Issei turned his head to see Rias, Akeno, and Koneko who was dragging in the unconscious body of Raynare enter the room.

"Buchou? Where did you come from?"

"From the basement. I finished my business, so I used the magic-circle to come here. It looks like you won somehow, although I would expect nothing less from one of my precious servants." Rias then proceeded to pat Issei's head causing the boy to blush wildly.

It was then that Natsuki ran into the room. "How did you two manage to get here before me, I didn't see either of you on my way back to the church?"

Rias turned towards the taller girl, "Oh you noticed Akeno and I watching you, Natsuki?"

"I felt a wave of magic earlier when we were facing Freed but it didn't feel malicious to me so I ignored it. Then I felt it again when I was leading Donnaseek away and when I killed him. Besides, you do not seem like the type to leave her subordinates unsupervised when you basically told us to break into an enemy base." Even without the magic warnings going off it her head, ever since she was young Natsuki had always been acutely aware of when she was being watched she supposes that instinct has gotten stronger now that she's a devil.

"Fufu, the magic you felt was mine. So Natsuki-chan what did my magic feel like?" Akeno glided over to Natsuki with her signature teasing smile.

"Like I was in the center of a lighting storm, only I wasn't scared because I knew the electricity would never touch me." Natsuki felt that Akeno's magic, despite seeming chaotic at first, had an underlining calmness and duality that felt familiar but couldn't accurately describe.

Akeno started at Natsuki for a moment before a wide and beautiful smile took over her face. "Ara ara Natsuki-chan you really do know how to talk to girl." Akeno stepped closer to the girl as she grabbed her arm.

Natsuki just titled her head, confused by both the older girl's change in attitude and her comment. "Also, why are you dressed like a shrine maiden?"

Natsuki's question went ignored as Rias asked Akeno to wake up Raynare. Akeno proceeded to summon a small orb of water and drop it on the fallen angel.

"Good evening, Fallen Angel-san," Rias greeted her with a formal politeness.

"My name is Rias Gremory, the next head of House Gremory. It's wonderful to meet you, it is a shame we don't have time to chat. It is time for you to meet your friends that I and my pawn disposed of earlier. They were rather rude to me…" The King dropped a few black feathers from her hands to show that these few scraps were all that was left her comrades.

"When I met with the Fallen Angel Donaseek who attacked Ise before, I predicted that there were a few Fallen Angels plotting something in this town. I normally would have ignored it because but they seemed rather instant on targeting my team. so I went to talk to them, taking Akeno with me. When I met them in person, they blurted that it was their own plan. By helping you, they said, they would get promoted to a higher status. Low lives that move around secretively for their purpose usually brag about their plots."

Rias smirked.

Raynare bit her lip in frustration.

Rias' smirked got even smugger, "Although the fatal error you and your group made was underestimating Issei and Natsuki's sacred gears. It wasn't a [Twice Critical] you were dealing with but two of the fourteen legendary Longinus, Boosted Gear and Ethereal Domination!"

Raynare's widened in sheer disbelief, "No way! Maybe the girl, but the [Booster Gear] really ended up in the hands of a guy like that?!"

"The legends goes that the ability of the [Boosted Gear] can double the power of the possessor every 10 second. Even if their power starts from 1, it doubles their power every 10 seconds, it can reach the power of the leader-class Fallen Angels and High-class Devils. And by mastering it, one could even kill God. Then there's [Ethereal Domination] which allows it possessor to achieve the same feats by absorbing the energy and magic of all things that come within its range. It's even said that the Golden Dragon Empress' heart allows its wielder to take on the properties and abilities others that it ensnares."

Natsuki looked down at the white jewel at the center of her necklace. So that's why the holy magic didn't hurt me, I must have gained Donnaseek's ability to wield it because he was in range of my sacred gear. The Golden Dragon Empress' heart…

"You've got be kidding me, sacred gears that powerful in the hands of mere children…" Raynare stared at the floor in despair and disbelief over the cruelty of fate.

"Very well then," Rias strode towards the frozen woman kneeling on the church floor with a fierce look within her eyes. "For the crimes of harming one of my servant's friends as well as harming my precious servant himself earlier today, I sentence you to death, Raynare-san." The Power of Destruction formed in one of her hands.

But just before she could fire the beam Raynare quickly turned towards Issei.

"Pleas-Please, I'm sorry I know I said some rude things to you, but I was forced to." The fallen had taken the form of Yuuma and began to beg for the boy to spare her life.

"W-why?" Issei looked at the girl with tears in his eyes as he moved closer.

Just as Natsuki, Koneko, and Kiba were about to move in to stop him Rias lifted her hand, silently telling to stay back and let the scene unfold.

"Shut up. I do not buy this Buchou please I-I just cannot…" Issei turned away from the fallen as she could no longer bare to look at her.

Rias took the boy's place "You've toyed with my servants for the last time. Be gone." She fired the beam and just like that the Fallen Angel Raynare was no more.

Rias turned her attention to her peerage with a smile. "It's over, Issei." She said as she was framed by the falling black feathers. "You can move on now." He gave a weak smile back to her before looking up in surprise. Rias did the same and noticed the Sacred Gear Raynare had stolen was slowly descending from the sky.

Rias raised her hands, cupping the Sacred Gear. "These are beautiful." She noted with some pride. "Shall we return them?" The Gremory heir made her way towards the body of a blonde. Issei slipped the rings on Asia's fingers, but she refused to awaken from her death.

Issei apologized to the poor girl and to them for his failure. The group maintained a respectful silence before Rias spoke, telling Issei he had no need for forgiveness. Then, she did something Natsuki should have seen coming, but still did not expect. She pulled out a single white bishop.

"You're going to resurrect her as your Bishop, aren't you?" Natsuki claimed before she could go any further.

Akeno walked up behind Rias, back in her uniform and out of her strange priestess outfit. "Well, we do need a healer to put our ragtag team back together, now don't we?" She asked with a giggle.

"What does that mean?" Issei asked, confused by Akeno's statement.

Rias looked at the small chess piece in her hand and smiled softly. "The Bishop's position of power is to protect and heal the other Devils in the household." She looked at Issei whose hope was shining in his eyes. "Perhaps the timing is just right for me to add another member to my Peerage." Her smile shifted slightly into a smirk. "I could use a good Clergyman."

She directed Akeno to move the girl's body to the floor and she began her preparation, holding the Evil Piece between her thumb and index finger. "Our good sister is about to be born again into the Underworld." Natsuki smirked at the born-again joke, finding it funnier than she should have.

Rias placed the Evil Piece in Asia's hands and manipulated them so that they were clasped, as if in prayer before beginning her chant. A magic circle appeared beneath the blonde and Rias' voice echoed with power.

"In the name of Rias Gremory, I call to the spirit of Asia Argento, hear my command. Return thine soul from the Shadows of Death to the Human Realm. Rise once more as my Devil servant! Rejoice, for you have been given new life. Wake as my Healer and Clergyman!" The Bishop Evil Piece dissolved into Asia's chest as Rias finished with a shout. Her magical power flared, flowing into the body of Asia, resurrecting her as the newest member of her Peerage.

"What now?" Issei asked impatiently. "Is she gonna wake up?"

Rias smiled at his enthusiasm. "Just wait a moment." Suddenly, the Sacred Gear that Asia held inside her soul flared with a green energy. Natsuki noticed that the healing magic felt almost soothing before it faded into her body. Her breathing was rough as she coughed before she opened her eyes, staring at the group.

"Huh?" Asia reacted with confusion, ignoring Issei's reaction of wonder at her resurrection. She held up the broken strap of her dress. She didn't want to expose herself in front of so many strangers. She turned to face Issei and a red-headed woman with long hair.

"From now on, you are her protector." Rias ordered Issei, as Asia reacted with surprise at the statement. Her gasp was quiet, still not used to being alive again after knowing she had died. "You are the senior Devil after all." Now that statement caused a sense of shock to flow through the blond-haired girl.

"Issei, um, what's going on?" Her weak voice stammered out, gasping in surprise as Issei wrapped her in a tight hug and began to cry tears of joy.

Natsuki smiled at the scene, she was happy at the boy's obvious joy that Asia was alive again. She was glad that Issei had had someone she cared about so fiercely back, she just hoped something like this would not happen again.

---

 

Within a black and empty void laid a beast of great and unmeasurable power, a dragon of gold, black, and white.

Unbeknownst to the group of devils it had watched the events of their battle under in perfect detail.

Hmm. I thought it would be sometime before we could truly converse with one another, but the day is steadfast approaching.

The dragon lifted its head as she watched her new wielder and her friends.

You are proving to be one of my more interesting possessors, Natsuki Sukehiro. Just how far will I go with you by my side?

Notes:

Hi I just wanted to thank you all for reading my story once again and that it might be a little while before I update again. So enjoy this over 11,000 word chapter!

Chapter 5: Higher Power and Familiars

Summary:

Our resident group of devils prepare to travel to the Familiar Forest in order to get their newest members Familiars of their own. With Sona and her Peerage standing in their way.

Notes:

Hey everyone sorry it took a while to update I've just been very busy for these past few months. But I hope you enjoy this chapter!

In the empty streets of Kuoh, Sukehiro Natsuki and Hyoudou Issei could be seen running laps dressed in tracksuits as their Master followed behind them on a bicycle and in a tracksuit of her own.

It had been a few days since their fight with the Fallen Angels and after their respective battles, Rias thought it best to have her two Pawns start training. It was all but likely they would face stronger enemies in future, so she needed her peerage to be at its best.

"Has anyone ever told you that you run like a schoolgirl Ise?" Rias said from behind the pair.

"Yes, people have been telling me that my whole life!" Issei could barely get the words out as he struggled to breathe. He wasn't used to doing any sort of exercise outside of gym class. Meanwhile Natsuki looked as if she could keep running indefinitely, which spurred Issei to run faster and thus making him more tired.

"Pick up the pace Ise, you don't see Natsuki complaining, do you?"

"Come on! Don't compare me to Natsuki, she's like a damn machine!" He said as he looked at the girl a few feet ahead. I don't even think she's broken a sweat!

After their 20km (about 12.43 mi) run the three were in the park doing pushups, although Issei had it harder as Rias was sitting on his back.

"Listen in the world of devils intelligence doesn't matter as much as physical strength, so you two need to get strong in both mind but especially body."

Natsuki was listening closely to the information given, it made sense to her, since they were newborn devils, they would be easier to pick off if they didn't have the strength to defend themselves. This was a good workout to do, as in the daytime they were weaker, even when they had the nighttime advantage like at the church the fallen angels were still stronger than the two.

Issei, however, wasn't focused on this, but on Rias sitting on his back. Buchou is sitting on my back. The feeling of her soft asscheeks feels amazing, but I have no time to enjoy it since my arms are crying in pain. No, the feeling of her ass is the best!

"Auuh!"

Issei cried out in pain as Rias slapped his butt. "You are having dirty thoughts. I can tell by the lecherous movement of your hips." Rias stared at the boy with an unimpressed look.

"…T-That's…68… when I t-think about you riding me…69…I feel like a wild stallion! …70!"

"Talking while doing push-ups. You seem to have grown, Ise. Should I add another hundred to both of your sets?"

"Issei, you fucking bastard!" Natsuki had already finished her set and now thanks to the pervert she had to do another. Issei nervously laughed. "Hehe sorry about that Natsuki."

Thirty minutes later and both pawns had finished their sets. Natsuki was stretching while Issei lay on the ground, tired and in pain.

Rias looked around, "I wonder what's keeping her…"

Issei looked at their Master, "Keeping who? What are you talking about?"

"Issei-san, Natsuki-san, Buchou-san!"

The three devils turned their heads and saw the newest member of the peerage running towards them. The girl was wearing a tracksuit too and carrying a basket in her hands.

"I'm sorry I'm late! I will not let-" Before the girl could finish, she tripped over her own foot and went tumbling to the ground.

"Ise-san, here's your tea."

"Y-Yeah, thanks."

"Do you want some too Natsuki-san?"

The girl in question just shook her head, "Thanks Asia but I'm good." The devils were taking a break from their training. Issei took a sip of his tea and looked at the blonde.

"Asia, why are you here?" When asked, the blonde beauty's cheek becomes red. "I heard that Ise-san, Natsuki-san and Buchou-san are doing training here every morning…so I also wanted to be of help as well, though I was only able to prepare tea today."

Issei drank his tea while crying out in joy. "Uuu, Asia! I'm deeply moved by your kindness Asia! Aaah, I never expected that there would be a day when a girl would say that to me!" Asia… You are such a wonderful girl! I'm deeply moved!

Natsuki noticed that Rias was unusually quiet; she looked at the older girl and saw that she seemed lost in her thoughts. "Rias-Buchou, are you alright?" Rias snapped her head back up to look at the Pawn. "Yes, I am. Now that we're all here it is time that we go over to Ise's house."

Issei tilted his head in confusion, "My house?"

---

The Next Day

"U-um, h-hello everyone. It's a pleasure to meet you." The blonde girl nervously said as she stood in front of the class. She bowed her head, "My name is Asia Argento and I'll be transferring into your class today. I-I hope you all can watch over me while I'm here."

The moment the new transfer student finished her introduction, everyone in class jumped out of their seats and roared like animals. It wasn't every day they got a super adorable little blonde foreigner transferred into their class. As everyone flocked around her, Asia was panicking and did not know what to do. She was not used to having everyone pay attention to her.

One bald student raised his head as the light reflected off his scalp. His eyes narrowed in a serious manner, "A flag has risen on our pathetic little class. Among all this coal, a shining diamond has finally appeared."

His friend, a young man with glasses, adjusted his spectacles as they started to shine. He shared the serious tone, "B78-W55-H81 cm (about 2.66 ft.). Long flowing blonde hair. Small but sturdy frame. Nervous but overall kind demeanor. Yes..."

The two perverts jumped out of their seats and posed in unison as they screamed, "The beautiful transfer student event has finally arrived!"

Issei watched with a fond smile as Asia fumbled with her words and tried to answer all their questions as fast as she could. She may have looked embarrassed and flushed but she must have been so happy that she could talk to so many new people and make friends.

"He's got that look on his face again." Matsuda whispered to his friend as they stared at Issei. "Yep. He's already getting perverted thoughts about what he wants to do with her." Motohama said as he adjusted his glasses. They then both gave him a thumbs-up, "That's our Issei." Issei was brought out of his thoughts as he saw his friends surround him, "W-what, no! I was-"

"Ugh. They're already roaring to go. Freaks." One female student said as she looked at the Pervert Trio with scorn in her eyes.

"They can't try to control themselves for a single day, can they?"

"You need to stay away from those guys, Argento-san." One of the girls said to the new blonde as a warning. She looked back at them like they were vile, "You don't want to catch any- Argento-san?"

But the whole class saw that Asia had disappeared from their little wall of protection from the lustful group as she happily walked over to them. She didn't notice Motohama and Matsuda's complete look of disbelief before she stopped and smiled, "I tried my hardest and I was able to speak in front of everyone. Do you think I did well?"

Issei smiled reassuringly and nodded his head, "Yeah. You were fantastic Asia. Right Natsuki?"

Natsuki turned in her chair looking up from a book she was reading. "Issei's right, you did a good job Asia." She even gave the blonde a small, almost unnoticeable smile.

Asia beamed a great big smile and jumped in happiness, "Oh, thank you Ise-san, Natsuki-san!"

"EHHHHHHHHHHH?!" The class yelled in disbelief.

"No way the pervert and the black princess know her?!"

"She's talking to Hyoudou and Sukehiro!"

"Why the hell is Argento-san associating with that perv?!"

"But how does she know the red-eyed Oni? You think she has made her into her next target?"

Motohama and Matsuda slammed their hands on the desk as they glared at Issei, "Issei! What the hell?! How does a smokin' hot blonde transfer student know your name?! You hidin' somethin' from us you bastard! And you too Natsuki, how the hell to do you her!?"

"Don't even try to lie because we'll know!"

Issei leaned back as he was cautious of their uneasy stares before he answered, "Well...Asia's our friend."

"WHAAAAAATTTTTT?!" The entire class yelled in even greater disbelief.

"She can't be your friend!"

"Girls aren't friends with us! Especially you, the most depraved and horniest of the bunch!" Motohama and Matsuda could never believe a pure girl like Asia would want to be around Issei.

Even though the class was quick to call out Issei on this, they kept their thoughts on how Asia could be friends with a delinquent like Natsuki in their heads, not wanting to draw out her anger.

Issei glared and yelled at his friends, "Hey, I can have friends too, you bastards!"

"T-that's right!" Asia walked forward and stood by Issei's desk while placing a hand to her chest, "Issei-san and Natsuki-san are my dearest and closest friends! Honest!"

Issei and even Natsuki to an extent, felt touched by her honest feelings about their friendship as everyone stared at them in utter shock. One girl stuttered, "B-but that's impossible, isn't it?"

"Why would you think that?" Asia was confused by how surprised the rest of her classmates looked.

"B-because he's a pervert."

"That doesn't mean that Issei-san isn't a good person!" Asia said with a red face as she defended her new friend, "He's kind, a-and he's always watching out for me, he's wants me to make as many friends as possible, a-and-and..."

"And he was nice enough to let me live in his house!"

Everyone in class was gob smacked by that declaration before they mechanically turned their heads to look at the brown-haired pervert.

Natsuki sighed before standing up and slamming her hands on the desk. The entire grew quiet as they stared at the girl.

"Not that it is any of your business, but Asia is living with Issei because she's a part of a foreign exchange program. Issei's parents were kind enough to let her stay with them to further pursue her studies, nothing audacious is going on." Natsuki then retook her seat and went back to reading.

The class was still for a moment before going back to normal, or as normal as it gets in their school.

The girls of the class were warning Asia to stay on constant vigilance as to not be at the mercy of the pervert while Issei was calming that he would not do any of what they said he would.

Natsuki just rolled her eyes at what was going on around her. Honestly why can't this place just be normal for once?

---

"Familiars?" Natsuki asked curiously a few days later as she sat down on the clubroom couch.

"Familiars are a little like pets, only more useful due to their supernatural aspects." Koneko waltzed into the room and plopping herself down next to her.

Natsuki tuned back into the conversation as Rias revealed her own Familiar, a rather… strange looking bat creature. What is that? She wondered curiously, noting with some mild surprise as it transformed. "That's the girl who gave me my flyer." She murmured to herself, catching everyone's attention.

Issei blinked in realization. "Hey me too!" He remembered the hot chick in the bat cosplay with a grin before his face froze. "Wait, so that girl was a bat?" His face became pale for a moment as he resisted the urge to vomit. Well, there go those fantasies. Issei thought as he gulped, feeling sick and then hanging his head.

If Issei had known that cute girl had been a bat there was no way in hell, he would have let it feature in his dreams.

Natsuki, meanwhile, realized something that kind of annoyed her. "You mean you could've had us get Familiars before we had to hand out flyers?" Her eye twitched in irritation, realizing that all that walking and the rude looks she had gotten had been for nothing.

"Yes, but it was important for you and Issei to understand the basics before moving on." Rias reminded her annoyed Pawn, placating her for now.

The Black Princess just sighed, still a little peeved but accepted the explanation. Akeno went next and revealed her Familiar, a strange emerald imp creature.

Issei reacted with wonder, before turning to turning to Koneko. "And what's yours?" He asked the petite Devil. "This is Shiro" Koneko said, holding a small white cat in hands. Natsuki stared at the cat for a bit. A white cat, it suits her.

"Mine's pretty badass." Kiba said, before Issei waved him off. Natsuki wasn't surprised in the slightest.

"If you want Issei to be interested in your Familiar, you'd need to grow a pair up top Kiba." Natsuki said dryly with a smirk, gesturing to her own chest.

This drew snorts of amusement from Rias, Akeno, and Kiba, especially as Issei was halfway through a nod of agreement before he processed what Natsuki had said. "Screw you." Issei deadpanned at Natsuki, even though the red-eyed girl was entirely correct.

"Familiars are an important part of being a Devil." Rias retook control of the conversation and redirected it to get them back on track. "When you need them, they're always there to back you up." She was still amused by her Pawns interactions with each other. It was like watching a hyperactive dog run around a grumpy and annoyed cat.

"Well, that's just great." Asia said sadly. "Now only if we knew where to get them." Her soft sigh of disappointment pulled at Rias' heartstrings, and as she decided to get to the main point of this meeting, a knock sounded at the club's door. "Yeah?" Akeno called out; Rias still confused as she looked at the door. She had not been expecting anyone this late in the day.

Natsuki turned her head and blinked as she noticed the Student Council walk in.

"Sorry to interrupt." There at the head of the group stood Shitori Sona, Kuoh Academy's student council president.

"Why are you here Sona?" Rias asked her friend.

"I wanted to congratulate you on increasing the number of your servants by three over the past month." Sona answered, causing Issei to realize what that statement implied. "That's rather impressive after all."

"Hang on." Issei stuttered out. "How does she know about that?"

"Her real name's Sona Sitri." Akeno explained to Issei, taking on the role of teacher for Rias' newest Devils. "She's not just Student Council President, she's also the heir to the House of Sitri, a High-Ranking Devil family in the Underworld."

"Wait you mean there are other Devils beside us at school?"

Natsuki herself wasn't surprised, since they had been turned, she could sense the demonic energy within herself, the peerage, and the student council. She didn't see the point in calling them out on it since they hadn't done so either.

"Honesty Rias-Buchou I am hurt that you did not tell your little boyfriend about us. But I suppose if you do not trust him with inside info, he must not be worth much huh." A boy with dirty blonde hair and a smug smirk said from behind Sona as he stared at Issei.

"It's considered bad forum to get involved in the affairs of other households Saji, so it makes sense why Rias held this back" Sona stated.

"This is my Pawn Genshirou Saji" Sona stated as she showed him off.

Rias stepped forward and did the same "And these are my Pawns, Hyoudou Issei and Sukehiro Natsuki. And my Bishop Asia Argento."

"Woah so you're a Pawn too? Guess that means we are the same." Issei tried to be nice to his fellow Pawn, but Saji was not having it.

A smug grin formed on Saji's face, "Can it D-bag. You and your gaggle of sluts don't deserve to be in the same room as a group of distinguished devils such as ourselves."

Issei's face twisted in anger and Asia was shocked by the words that Saji spoke. Natsuki and the others didn't react.

"Not even gay prince charming over there can protect you from me. I took up four Pawn pieces."

Sona adjusted her glasses before correcting her Pawn. "Both Hyoudou-kun took up all eight pieces and Sukehiro-chan used a Mutated Pawn piece, as well. It is always better to check your facts before you make a complete fool of yourself."

Saji was floored by the proclamation, "Your freaking kidding, me this butt monkey and the she-man each took up eight Pawn and one Mutation piece?!"

Pffft

Everyone looked towards Natsuki when the girl scoffed.

"Why is the weakest person in the room taking such shit? Honestly, guys like you are the worst, pathetic pieces of trash whose heads are so far up their own asses they delude themselves into thinking they're all that." Natsuki didn't even bother to look at the boy, keeping her eyes closed with her head resting on the back of the couch while she talked. A guy like this isn't worth the effort.

Natsuki wasn't lying, she could not sense much energy from the blonde boy, she guessed he was only recently reincarnated. In fact, she would say that the boy who had arrived with Sona was the weakest devil in the room right now magically speaking, aside from Issei, even if he was physically stronger than a few of Sona's Peerage, but Natsuki couldn't get a good enough read as only the blonde Pawn, Sona, and Sona's Queen were distinctive enough.

It was easier to tell within their own group, Rias was easily the strongest followed closely by Akeno.

Koneko and Kiba had about the same level of magical power, though Koneko was far stronger physically.

While Asia was the physically weakest, she had almost as much magical power as Akeno. Natsuki would place her herself after the Knight and Rook and Issei at the bottom, although though his Sacred Gear made up for the lack of magical power.

Of course, even with their lower base powers, their scared gears allowed them to get stronger albeit temporarily and only to a certain extent as if they were newborns. Of course, such numbers were simply hypothetical since it was difficult if not impossible to quantify magical power.

"Their arrogance is also why they're the first ones to get killed in a battle."

Saji's face looked as if he just sucked on a lemon as the members of both peerages were silently laughing at the girl's remark, everyone except Rias, Sona, and Issei. Rias rolled her eyes with an exasperated but amused expression, Sona maintained her composure, and Issei had almost dropped to the floor, not even bothering to hide his own chuckles and gaffs.

Sona's Pawn then turned to face her, "She's lying right Kaichou? There is no way I'm the weakest, right?" But his master's silence spoke volumes, Saji's head then fell in despair.

Sona ignored this as she said, "Sorry about him, he is still young, so I hope you forgive his youthful nativity. Newbies don't always appreciate the finer points of civility. Do they?"

Saji looked up as saw Sona staring at him, "Uh…right." The Pawn walked up to the ORC and shook Asia's hand. "…My pleasure." Asia smiled at the boy, "No the pleasure's all mine."

Saji was shocked by the goddess in front of him. "Are you sure you're not an angel, 'cause I'm sure you just fell down from heaven-" Saji was interrupted when Issei pulled their hands apart and squeezed his own with astonishing strength.

"Saji I just want you to know if you even think of making the moves on Asia, I'll slice your nuts off and feed them to you through a tube!" The two male Pawns had a showdown of sorts as they squeezed the others hand to try and get the other to submit.

Rias and Sona looked at the other in exasperation as their Pawns argued with each other. Well, isn't this embarrassing?

Sona was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Issei say that he was getting a familiar too. "Well, this seems to be a bit of a problem since he only takes visitors once a month."

Rias smirked. "Well in that case why don't we have a friendly little contest to sort this out."

"Surely you don't mean a rating game."

"Oh no, we'd never get permission for something like that."

Sona returned her smirk "You are right besides now the time to draw attention to yourself, is it?"

"Don't go there." Rias's tone shifted from playful and teasing to cold and angry in an instant. Natsuki heard Akeno silently gasp and wondered what caused such a change in attitude from the two. I wonder what that was about. Natsuki hummed in thought.

"I know." Rias announced eagerly. "We should settle this the old-fashioned high school way, with sports!"

Natsuki was filled with confusion, why would sports be the way to solve this? And would this be some sort of intense Devil sport that caused injuries and possibly death like how Rias explained rating games were like?

Natsuki shuddered at the thought of something like that.

---

The next day, Natsuki laid on her back and stared at the sky on one of the hills of Kuoh Academy, ignoring the clamor as hundreds of people gathered around the tennis court to watch the match between Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki. That, or to try and see their panties as their tennis uniforms had truly short skirts.

"I swear, it's like they're enjoying teasing damn near the entire male population of the Academy." She murmured to herself, before closing her eyes with a sigh. She didn't react when she felt Koneko's presence when the white-haired girl sat down next to her.

Maybe it was because they were devils, but Natsuki had not expected that a tennis match would be the deciding factor over which group would go to this "world of familiars".

"Honesty a tennis match that doesn't even involve the ones getting familiars doesn't even make sense."

Koneko hummed, deciding that Natsuki's argument made sense and moved slightly closer. The younger girl was cold because of the breeze coming in and the taller teen was very warm, even by devil standards.

Since she became a devil, Natsuki had been gradually getting closer with the rest of the peerage. While she was not the most talkative, the girl had tried to be less antisocial than she usually was because she would be around the others for the foreseeable future.

Natsuki blinked as she felt a flare of magical power. Kiba and Koneko reacted as well, standing up and turning to face the tennis court. The Pawn just sighed, rolling her eyes before pressing her hand against her face.

"I thought the rule was no magic, even if we didn't expect a mob to show up." Kiba spoke, trying to recall the rules they had set up.

"That rule doesn't seem to be stopping them." Koneko reported as the Knight, Pawn, and Rook sensed another flare of magical power. "Rias is about to lay the smackdown." She commented, recognizing her friend's magical signature.

"Time to kiss the rulebook goodbye huh." Kiba commented, wondering if they should make their way over to prepare to wipe the humans' minds.

Eventually the three of them had an unobstructed view of the match and saw Saji, Sona's newest Pawn, waving a red flag with Sona's face on it from the top of the fence. "Wow" Natsuki murmured. "He's almost exactly like Issei."

"Most of the guys here are, they're just more respectful or hide it better." Koneko replied dryly. The only ones who openly embraced their perversions are the perverted trio. "Say what you will about him and his friends, and I have, but at least they're honest about their base instincts." Natsuki and Kiba snickered lightly, not entirely sure if that was supposed to be a compliment or an insult. Nonetheless, they still found it amusing.

"Honestly with the dozens of rules they've broken while attending this school, Rias is probably the only reason they haven't been expelled by now." While Natsuki did like the trio, they had been caught peeping, and stealing girls' clothes far too often to not have faced profound consequences by now.

She blinked as she watched the tennis ball explode and the two teams' nets practically disintegrated. "Holy shit."

A little while later, they were all in the clubhouse as Koneko held up what was left of the net. "Too bad it was a draw." She deadpanned, though Natsuki could sense the annoyance in her tone. "Since nobody won, they're suggesting we all compete in a team match."

"We've decided on dodgeball." Rias declared as she and Akeno entered the room and Natsuki resisted the urge to roll her eyes and say how dumb this was aloud. "We'll meet over the weekend, tomorrow night in the gym. Let's win this!" She pumped her fist enthusiastically, encouraging the other five members of her Peerage to do the same, Natsuki did so half-heartedly.

This dodgeball game is going to be just as much of a mess as that tennis match was.

---

"Not bad there, Issei," Natsuki complimented the boy's work after everyone else. "Who'd have thought you actually knew how to sew?" Issei had decided to make everyone team headbands, he spent the night making them.

The Occult Research Club's praises caused Issei to blush bashfully. "Ah, it was nothing," he tried to play it down while scratching the back of his head. "I just wanted to do something for everyone since I'm still pretty much useless."

"You're not useless, Ise," Rias spoke up. "No one here thinks you are. You are my one of my two Pawns, Ise, and that makes you a part of our family."

"And family doesn't ever think one of their own is useless," Natsuki finished. "Isn't that right, everyone?"

"Ara, Ara, I adore my darling kouhai," Akeno giggled.

"We're family, Issei-Kun, each and every one of us," Kiba smiled.

"…Hai," Koneko eventually agreed after receiving a nudge from Natsuki.

"You guys..." Issei sniffled.

Each member of the Gremory Group was dressed in the appropriate Kuoh gym uniforms aside from the King, who was garbed in her dark-red sweats. "Let's stick these on and kick some Sitri ass!" Rias declared as she put the headband on, prompting the rest, to follow suit as Sona and her Peerage arrived in the gym.

"Ready to rock and roll?" Sona's voice rang out as the teams began to get into position, with two of Sona's Peerage taking up the position of referee. They had set up another "no magic" rule, but both sides were too competitive and would use it to try and get an edge over the other team. Natsuki doubted the rule would last thirty seconds.

There were about three balls available, Natsuki thought it was a stupid idea considering it would be all too easy to stick the balls in the middle of the gym and charge to get them, whoever got them first would be able to strike first, and the less dodgeballs meant the game could go on for longer than necessary. In the end, she decided it was the safest option since no one was supposed to get hurt by the competition even if it wasn't the best option overall. It would defeat the whole purpose of this game.

Issei and Saji were both glaring at each other heatedly. Both Kings and Queens stared directly towards their enemy counterparts with outwardly calm expressions, but their bodies were coiled and prepared to spring directly into the action the very instant the battle started. Kiba still had his usual smile on his face while he and Sona's lone Knight, Tomoe Meguri, met eyes. The two Rooks present – both Koneko and the blue-haired Tsubasa Yura with her bishounen face – stared directly into each other's eyes with nary an emotion passing over either of their faces. Asia smiled kindly towards the glaring other Bishop across the way – Reya Kusaka. Natsuki meanwhile, out of pity for the timid lone Pawn left across from her, just stared at the ball placed just in front of her.

An eerie silence coated the gymnasium. Even though it was an enclosed space, a small breeze fluttered across each team. A basketball somehow rolled across the mid-line in place of a tumbleweed. Both referees locked eyes and nodded.

Both referees glanced back towards the teams once more. They both locked eyes one last time and simultaneously dropped their flags while both cried out, "Begin!"

Natsuki immediately grabbed the ball and tossed it to Issei. "Go wild," she told the boy with a feral smirk.

Issei sprouted a smirk of his own and immediately threw the ball directly towards Saji's face, but the other Pawn managed to avoid it by batting it aside with his own ball.

With the first shot fired, war ensued. Natsuki quickly ducked under a shot from Sona's Queen, Tsubaki Shinra, and then followed that up by back-flipping over the follow-up volley sent from the Kaichou herself. The red-eyed girl landed on one knee and then rolled to her right and caught the ball Saji had just launched at Issei's back.

"Tsk, tsk," she berated both the stunned Pawns. "Can't even hit me when I'm not even trying."

"Not bad," Tsubaki complimented her skill. She then spun away from a potshot Akeno had sent her way.

"Faster than I anticipated," Sona calculated with a thousand thoughts dancing behind her eyes.

Natsuki shrugged her shoulders, she had always been fast because of long arms and legs, now that she was a devil her physical attributes like speed, agility, and flexibility had increased. Although she was nowhere near as fast as Kiba, she was still faster than many of the other Devils on the court.

Natsuki felt a breeze blow by her head, and she found Koneko standing just behind her and to her right. "Natsuki-senpai fast," she commented.

"Why thank you for the compliment – Duck!" She shouted and pulled Koneko down with her while two balls then passed over their heads. Those were going even faster than before, she noticed. I guess I was right about the no magic rule not lasting that long.

Koneko leaned back and a magic-empowered ball tore her shirt from the base to just above her chest, revealing her bright green polka-dot bra. "Out!" Momo shouted to make her the first casualty.

Natsuki ignored Issei's comment about the rook's undergarments and just looked at the one who had hit her fellow club member, marking her down as her target. "Go get a drink, I have a sweatshirt in my bag that you can cover up with." Natsuki offered as she picked up the ball that had hit Koneko. "I'll take her out, no problem." She then coated the ball in golden energy and ran around, dodging glass after a window shattered as she built up some speed before throwing the ball, using the momentum that had built up to nail the girl in the back as hard as she could.

The back of her shirt was consumed and Natsuki dissipated the energy, stopping the blast from destroying it entirely. It was currently held together by some threads. She winced apologetically at the glare sent her way. "Sorry about your shirt." she said, redirecting her attention away from her. "I didn't mean to do that, I just wanted to take you out." She said and hoped her fellow devil believed her.

The dark-haired devil did not want to have to deal with her having a vendetta against her for what was an accident.

Rias ended up catching a strong throw from another one of Sona's Peerage, bringing Koneko back into the game as she was currently the only one out, though Issei had some close calls as he was distracted by the uniforms of many of the girls as many of them ended up getting shredded or outright destroyed like the poor girl Rias had just targeted.

Natsuki chuckled as the first thing Koneko did after coming back into the game, once she got the ball, was nail Saji in the balls with pinpoint accuracy. She held her fist out for Koneko and she bumped it with a small, satisfied grin. "Good shot." She said, ignoring the sympathy pains she had towards Saji. The squeaking from the blonde Pawn was amusing to the devil.

Sona launched a powerful throw that Natsuki managed to only just slide under, and she admired the amount of power flowing from the dark flames of energy licking around the ball as it hunted down its target. Poor Issei didn't stand a chance, though he put up a valiant effort in trying to outrun it, it took about ten seconds for the ball to make full contact with him.

Though when it did Natsuki winced, as did Kiba and Saji, who was still crumpled as Issei collapsed. The brunette Pawn's face reflected nothing less than sheer agony as he hit the floor with barely a twitch. While Saji had been hit in the balls with a Rook's enhanced strength, that had nothing on a fully magic enhanced ball thrown by his King. Especially after it built up momentum due to Issei's dodging.

The pain indeed. The two conscious males and Natsuki thought as they felt extreme sympathy for the semi-conscious boy, remembering Sona's comment before her attack.

A break had allowed them to try and make sure Issei would still be able to have children before they started up the match again. Asia's naïve offer to heal Issei if he "showed her where it hurt" was downright adorable, and Issei's reaction, despite the sheer amount of pain he was in, was hilarious in a twisted way as he tried to wave the girl off. Rias' Peerage began to congregate around the pair as they observed the little interaction as Asia tried to convince the boy to let her heal his injury.

Eventually, the pain wore him down and Asia's offer to heal him over his pants was sufficient for him to submit to Asia's Twilight Healing. Issei's reaction to the "tingly" sensation as he put it was predictable. The soothing power of Asia's Sacred Gear flowing through his injury made the injured boy moan.

"You better not be getting off on this." Koneko deadpanned. Natsuki snickered, she wouldn't be surprised if the boy were enjoying this healing session more than he should be.

"It's got a mind of its own." Issei admitted self-deprecatingly, groaning slightly. Issei sometimes wished he were not such a pervert as even something like this felt better than it should have considered just how hard he had been hit in his junk. But all he could think about was how wonderful Asia's healing powers felt as they fixed the damage as best it could. The pain was far more muted now and Issei was beginning to regain hope that he would still have his favorite body part attached to him.

"Please take care of him Asia." Rias began determinedly. "We have a game to finish." She nodded at her Bishop's reply, directing her attention to Sona and her team. "Come on guys, let's win this one for Issei!" She clenched her fist, prepared to strike down Sona's Peerage for this slight.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "You want us to win this in honor of Issei's dick?" Rias just gave the girl a deadpanned look before Akeno came from behind and elbowed Natsuki in the stomach. Hard.

"Don't be so crass Natsuki-chan. This is serious, no time for joking around." But from the smile she gave her, Natsuki knew she found it just as if not funnier than she did.

As they gathered back on the court, Natsuki was being stared down by Sono and Tsubaki. "We need to take her out," Tsubaki's voice whispered to her King. "If not, then some else will be taken out the next time she throws a ball."

"Wrong, Tsubaki," Sona responded with a critical shake of her head. "We don't as much need to remove Sukehiro-san, but minimize her impact. Send one full-powered ball at her to test her abilities," she instructed. "If she dodges, then every time you have a ball you are to do the same over and over in order to keep her in one corner of the arena. If she cannot dodge it, then we will still take care of her. Whatever you do, don't let her get her hands on another ball."

"Hai, Kaichou," the Vice-President acknowledged her orders with a tense nod. "Restart!" both the referees shouted, and Tsubaki was immediately in motion.

Natsuki watched and felt the magic power gather around the dark-haired young woman and centered around the spherical projectile in her hands. "Grief of Memories!" she then shouted and sent the ball flying towards the dark-haired Pawn.

"Natsuki!" Rias warned her. "Dodge it!"

The red-eyed teen stared at the ball coming towards her and held out her hands directly in front of her, summoning her sacred gear and coating her hands in a black energy.

The flaming blue ball collided with her open palms, a shockwave from the impact of the collision was so great that it blew everyone's hair out of their faces, revealing a collection of comically wide eyes. Natsuki's stunt stunned both teams so greatly that the ball Saji was prepared to throw fell from his hand and bounced off his head.

The red-eyed girl looked up from behind the ball and noticed that the force had pushed her back several feet, "Wow. I did not think that would work. What were you telling me to do Rias?"

The azure-eyed beauty merely shook her head in bemusement at Pawn's increasing abilities and amended with a weary sigh, "Never mind, Natsuki."

"A daring show, for certain," Sona's calculating voice sliced through the still room's air. "However," she added ominously, "there is always more than one way to win a battle."

"Daring show? That shot almost killed me, it felt as if my arms were going to be ripped off?!" Natsuki stared at Sona in disbelief, the leader of the student council didn't even look remorseful, as if what Natsuki did was nothing.

While she was distracted an explosion rang out behind her, and the devil Pawn slowly looked around and saw that most of Sona's Peerage was out cold on the ground, while Sona herself fell on her ass.

Glass rained down from the shattered windows and Natsuki slowly blinked, trying to piece together what the hell had just happened.

"Ah… Oops." Koneko's soft voice rang out in the suddenly silent gymnasium. "Sorry." She apologized, leaving Natsuki still mystified as to what had happened in the few seconds she had been distracted.

"Huh, I guess that's what happens when dodgeballs enhanced with magic collide together." Rias' voice was as mystified as Natsuki's expression, but at least she knew what caused the devastation now.

With that knowledge, she could deduce that Koneko must have accidentally thrown the ball she had enhanced with magical energy, and further boosted by her Rook strength, into another ball similarly enhanced by one of Sona's Peerage. The resulting collision obliterated the other ball and caused a shockwave that knocked out everyone hit by it save for Akeno, Koneko, Kiba, Rias, and Sona. Natsuki was furthest from the blast zone as Tsubaki's earlier shot had pushed her back, but Asia and Issei were out cold.

"Well, I guess we won." Natsuki mumbled, still in shock at just how sudden the end to the match had been.

At least she would be able to get a Familiar now.

---

One teleportation later, and the group had found themselves at their destination. Natsuki looked around and noticed that the forest itself does feel different, like something permeating in the air, but it didn't appear to be dangerous since her instincts weren't acting up. Wonder how many species are living here?

Issei looked back at the girl, "Do you really need that big backpack? What even in it?" Natsuki was carrying a black backpack that looked filled to the brim.

"Just clothes, I did not know that the environment would be like, so I just packed some stuff just in case. Don't want to be unprepared."

"This place is kind of creepy, don't you think?" Issei commented, moving on from the backpack topic.

"Welcome to the Familiar Forest." Rias gestured out. "Now, we only have until the end of the night of the full moon to find familiars for you, which is about 10 hours."

Natsuki looked back at the others confused, "10 hours? Is that enough time to search through this whole forest to find three compatible familiars?"

"Normally not. Devils can come anytime to look for a familiar, especially specific ones. However, I scheduled an appointment with the familiar expert so he can help us to find them faster. He usually helps on the nights of a full moon as most creatures will show themselves on those days." Rias explained.

"He is also the one who helped us find our familiars." Kiba added.

"Okay, so where is he?" Issei asked.

"Hm, he should be here around-"

"Gotta catch em all!" A voice interrupted Rias and they saw someone on a tree branch. "I am the familiar master, Zatouji. I can catch any familiar you want."

Natsuki blinked, "Holy crap, it's bootleg Satoshi from Pokémon!"

The rest of the peerage had mixed reactions to the girl's statement. Akeno and Kiba snickered, Koneko shook her head in exasperation, Issei gasped as it finally clicked his head why the familiar expert looked so strange, Asia was confused as she didn't understand the reference, and Rias gave the girl a deadpanned stare before slapping the back of her head.

"Don't be rude Natsuki, Zatouji is being generous enough to show us around!"

"Aw come on Rias! He literally just told us that he's 'gotta catch em all' and he's wearing a snapback and fingerless gloves! Next thing you know Team Rocket is going to show up to kidnap his Pikachu!"

Rias glared at the girl as the others continued to laugh. She then turned her head towards the familiar master.

"How are you, Zatouji-san? I greatly appreciate your help." Rias greeted.

"I am fine. Thank you, Gremory-san. So, these are your new servants you told me about?"

"Yes." Rias then turned to us, "Issei, Natsuki, and Asia. This is the familiar master, Zatouji-san. He will be guiding you to catch your familiars, so please treat him with respect." Her gaze stayed on Natsuki a little longer than the others.

"What do we have here? Two dull faced boys and a beautiful blonde." Zatouji's eyes lingered on Asia a bit longer before resuming, "What will it be? A power-type, speed-type or maybe a poison-type?"

Natsuki was going to correct the man about her gender, but one look from her master kept her quiet.

Natsuki followed the rest of the peerage as they made their way through the strange forest of the Familiar world, keeping an eye out for any potential Familiars she would want to claim for herself. She tuned out their guide after his fourth rhyme, finding his need to make everything rhyme annoying. She felt a flare of magic nearby, but saw that the others didn't notice, figuring the group couldn't get into too much trouble without her, she went off alone to check it out.

After pushing past the trees and wandering up a beaten path, Natsuki was in a desert. There was nothing but sand in front of her, the only other thing that stood out was a river that she decided to follow.

This place is much bigger than I thought if the forest breaks off into a damn desert. I wonder if there are other terrains and environments here?

After a sometime pass, Natsuki sees that the river goes inside of a cave. When the girl enters, she sees that the cave is much bigger than it looks from outside. The river she followed becomes a large lake with a large rock platform behind it.

On this large rock, the dark-haired Pawn sees a group of lions. A Pride.

These lions, however, are not normal, they are much bigger, almost the size of stallions with blue eyes, and gold-colored claws and teeth. It's then that the pride breaks apart and reveals another lion.

This lion is a little bigger than the rest with black fur instead of golden brown, blood red claws, and gold-colored eyes. It was then that Natsuki noticed that the lion was not male as it did not have the large mane of fur around its head that male lions do. So, I guess I should be calling her a lioness.

Natsuki walked to the edge of the lake at sat down, never breaking eye contact with the leader of the pride.

The lioness jumped down from the platform and onto the water, instead of sinking down, the lion stood on its surface.

So, can they all walk on water?

The familiar walked gracefully across the lake as it got closer to the teenager, the glow of its eyes getting brighter with each step.

"I know this might be a lot to ask of you, but would you like to make a contract with this lowly devil? I have no desire to control you, not that I could I simply wish to make a partnership between us." Natsuki said once the creature was directly in front of her.

You are a strange one devil; it is as if your soul is made of more than one constitution.

While Natsuki didn't show it she was surprised, not by the lioness talking but about what she said. More than one constitution, what does that mean?

"Does this mean you do not wish to make a contract?"

The lioness stared at the girl for a moment, I would like to see you grow more, maybe then I will get the answers I seek about you. Your strength calls out to me so yes, I will make a Pact with you devil.

Natsuki smiled at the lioness. "Thank you so much, my name is Natsuki. May I know yours?"

We Spirit Lions do not have names that can be translated in your tongue. So, you may call me whatever you wish Natsuki.

Natsuki thought about it for a moment before a name came to mind. "What about Midnight, for your black fur?"

The lioness considers it, That would be most acceptable.

"Alright then follow me please". As the girl turned around, she felt a small weight drop on her shoulder, when she looked to the right, she saw that Midnight hand shrunk herself down on was now curled up in a ball resting on her. Natsuki smiled at the sight before walking out of the cave to join up with the others.

As she made her way out of the desert, she realized that the others had moved farther ahead. Wonder where– The thought was cut off as a scream echoed down the forest. One that sounded suspiciously like they were in pain, but not necessarily against it. Akeno. Natsuki thought dryly, well she knew where they were now at least.

Natsuki sped off into the direction of the screams, as lightning flashed in a clearing and Natsuki activated her sacred gear before she burst through the underbrush ready to kill something.

Natsuki was not prepared for what she was looking at, a green slime beginning to dissolve the clothing of everyone touched by it. Kiba was lucky as the slime seemed to be content with his jacket as an offering, but the girls weren't so lucky as their clothes actively being disintegrated by the strange slime. Lightning was flashing from Akeno and Rias was doing her part with her Power of Destruction to quell the apparent threat.

"What… the… fuck." She murmured, making her way over to the girls who were destroying the perverted slime with great prejudice. As she stepped over Issei's fallen body, she noticed the wide-eyed look of glee on the pervert's face and a stream of blood flowing from his nostrils. She fired one of her black energy blasts at the slime as the orbs she had shot up began to spin around and rip the creature a part.

"No!" Issei's voice sounded with despair as he watched Natsuki destroy the creature he wanted as his Familiar. "Why?! That was supposed to be my Familiar!" His face was pale with terror as he looked at Natsuki with tears in his eyes. "Why would you destroy such a beautiful thing?!" Why would the girl kill such an amazing creature, why couldn't she see its value?!

"That was a Familiar?" Natsuki murmured, she then took off the blazer of her uniform and handed it to Koneko, who was the closest to her.

The angry Rook pulled the jacket down as far as it could go, but she couldn't get it past mid-thigh as it would begin to slide from her shoulders otherwise. "That slime is a parasite, the pervert wanted it so he could turn girls naked anytime he wanted." Her voice was tainted with disgust as she answered the 2nd Pawn's question.

Natsuki just gave a chuckle, "Well you can't deny that the slime wasn't a good match for someone so perverted."

Her attention was quickly diverted as Issei rushed over and held Asia tightly to protect the last remnants of the slime. Koneko, Rias, and Akeno all walked over slowly as they prepared to eradicate the slime. "Move Issei, the only way to deal with that kind of parasite is to destroy it completely." Rias declared boldly, though it may have had more gravitas were she not almost naked.

Suddenly a small dragon spewed lightning to free the former nun from both from Issei and the slime. Koneko snickered quietly next to her as Issei collapsed, smoking from the rather shocking experience. So, this forest has dragons as well then. Rias' comment regarding the "Sprite Dragon" simply confirmed her earlier observation, all manner of mythical creatures existed in some form in this world. Though, Natsuki had a feeling this one was a noticeably young dragon considering she doubted beasts of that size would have spawned so many heroic tales.

Issei was promptly shocked again as he mourned for the slime before turning his focus to blaming the tiny blue dragon.

"That was dope." Koneko spoke, a smirk gracing her face as she crossed her arms in satisfaction.

Now that the slime was gone Natsuki opened her backpack and gave the other three girls the jackets and shirts she had inside to at least cover up a little more.

While Rias and Asia thanked her, Akeno tapped her shoulder to get her attention. "Ara, Ara Natsuki-chan I think this shirt might be a little too small."

Natsuki turned around and saw that her shirt barely fit over the older girl's substantially larger bust. While Natsuki had never felt insecure about her small chest size (her lower half took all of that up), part of her felt jealous of Akeno's womanly figure.

Natsuki cleared her throat, "Well I have another jacket." She reached for her bag and handed Akeno her old Nitoshō Middle School sweatshirt.

Akeno took the sweatshirt and looked and the girl with a flirtatious smile "Fufu Natsuki-chan, if you wanted to mark me as your property you should have just said so."

Natsuki was confused for a moment before she saw her last name on the back. She gave the girl a deadpanned stare, "Akeno, just wear the damn thing already."

Akeno made a showing of taking off the tight shirt, making sure to move and bounce around more than necessary before pulling the sweatshirt over her head.

"There, a perfect fit, don't you think so Natsuki-chan?" She gave the girl another teasing smile.

Natsuki just stared at her for a moment before walking back to the others, Akeno giggled a little at the Pawn's behavior.

"Now that your Familiar has been chosen, it is time to bring it in!" The voice of the Familiar Master spoke with his irritating rhyme, drawing Natsuki's attention. Zatouji noticed the familiar on Natsuki's shoulder. "A spirit lion, you must be really flyin"

Rias smiled at the girl, "Nice work Natsuki, spirit lions are hard to come by. Not only are they secretive but they hardly chose anyone to form a contract with."

"Very well then, speak this chant in your name and your Familiars shall become tame." The Familiar Master spoke after a moment to ensure the young devils' choices.

"In the name of Sukehiro Natsuki, I request that you accept this Contract to become my Familiar and serve me forevermore." A golden magic circle appeared beneath Midnight, enveloping her before dissipating. Natsuki stretched out her arm to let the lioness climb on her shoulder again. "Thank you for becoming my Familiar Midnight."

I hope we will work well together, Natsuki.

Time was now up, and the group needed to head back. Rias looked a little disappointed though, "We couldn't find familiars for all of you, but two out of three is not bad I suppose."

Issei fell to the floor as he bemoaned the loss of the slime before Rias activated the magic circle taking them back to the clubroom.

---

Natsuki walked into her apartment, she kept Midnight with her instead of sending her back to the Familiar Forest at least for the night.

As she laid down on her bed with Midnight sleeping at her feet, she couldn't help but think about what the lioness told her.

I have more than one constitution? I asked her what she meant but Midnight couldn't give me a straight answer it was just a feeling she had. Maybe it's my sacred gear, there is supposed to be dragon inside of it right? Speaking of scared gear, it's been over a week, and I still haven't heard the voice again.

I hope this peak I'm supposed to reach comes soon; I want to hear your voice sacred gear.

I want to know you…

Natsuki's thoughts faded as she fell into a dreamless sleep.

As she slept a golden glow shined from her chest. The light died down and all that was left was a large golden necklace with a white jewel in the center. [Ethereal Domination], Natsuki's sacred gear. The jewel glowed a white light as a voice rang out into the quiet room.

"The time for our first meeting has finally arrived Natsuki Sukehiro. Sleep well my golden champion, for tomorrow we shall bring forth a brilliant dawn."

Chapter 6: Calm Before The Flaming Storm

Summary:

Natsuki continues to grow into her powers, gaining a new and fiercely loyal friend. As this goes on, a certain blazing peacock finally makes his appearance.

Natsuki groggily woke up the next morning. Despite the full night's rest, she felt as if she was just running a marathon instead of sleeping for several hours. She looked at the end of her bed and noticed that Midnight was no longer there. She must have gone back to the Familiar Forest while I was sleeping.

It was then that she noticed that her Sacred Gear was activated. I don't remember summoning it. Did I activate it in my sleep?

When the girl rubbed her fingers across the center of the pendant, a white glow came from the jewel and a voice rang out.

"You are finally awake, Natsuki."

Natsuki flinched, releasing the pendant as she looked at it shock. "Y-you are talking to me?!"

The glow of the pendant flickered as if to show annoyance, "Of course I am talking to you, do you see anyone else in this room named Natsuki?"

"It's just when I heard you speak to me in my dream you made it seem like it would be a long time before we would be able to communicate again." Natsuki couldn't believe that her scared gear was speaking to her and that she was having a conversation with it.

"I assumed it would be a while before we spoke, but you have exceeded my expectations and have gotten stronger faster than I thought."

The girl's eyes widened; she honestly hadn't thought she had gotten any stronger since the fight with the Fallen Angels. Sure, she did some training by herself and with Rias and Issei, but she felt the same and she didn't notice any newer abilities. "Are you sure? I feel the same, I haven't felt any kind of rise in power since the fight with the Fallen."

The pendant glowed once more, "Yes, I am sure. You may not be conscious of it, but you are getting stronger every day you use our power, ever miniscule drop matters."

That does make me feel better, I thought that I wasn't working hard enough.

Natsuki looked back down at the Sacred Gear. "Hey, you have a name, right? I just realized that you know mine, but I don't know yours."

"I have gone by many names and titles. The Golden Dragon Empress, Evolving Dragon, Gold-One, Aureum, Yellow Dragon of Exaltation. But in recent years I go by the name of Lux."

Well, that was a mouthful. Why do I get the feeling that she was even more titles but those were just the main ones?

"It's nice to meet you Lux. I hope you and I will get along since we will be stuck with each other for the near future."

"I as well. You and I will be partners so it will be most beneficial if we have a good relationship."

Natsuki laughed at the formal way Lux was speaking. "I want to be friends with you too Lux."

A much larger glow shined from Lux, "The way I speak is not funny Natsuki. Honestly, kids today…"

Natsuki couldn't stop the giggles leaving her, she just didn't expect an all-powerful dragon to be so proper.

"Keep laughing little one and I will think twice about using my power the next time a Fallen tries to kill you. Besides are you not late for school?"

Natsuki stopped laughing and quickly grabbed her phone, seeing that she was 20 minutes late. The girl jumped out of bed and rushed to clean herself up.

"Dammit! I'm going to get detention again for sure!"

Natsuki's Sacred Gear disappeared, the laughs of the she-dragon fading along with it as the devil ran out the door and towards Kuoh Academy.

---

 

Natsuki was walking through the hallway with an annoyed look on her face. Sona had been standing at the entrance of the school with a look of disappointment and a detention slip in her hand. The girl had given her a 2-minute speech on why she should take her education more seriously and not be late. Once she was done the Pure-Blood Devil handed her the slip and told her to go straight to class.

Just as Natsuki turned the corner, the door to the girl's locker room exploded as three figures were thrown through it. When the dust settled Natsuki looked down and saw that the figures were the Perverted Trio. The three boys had been beaten into bloody pulps and were now unconscious, Issei had gotten the worst of it.

Natsuki then turned her head to the now opened doorway and saw a group of angry half-dressed first year girls glaring at the trio with Koneko at the front with blood on her knuckles.

The two stared at each other for a moment before Natsuki spoke.

"Koneko."

"…Natsuki-senpai."

"I'll take these guys to the Nurse and hopefully Asia will be able to heal Issei after school. They didn't try anything else right?"

Koneko shook her head, "…No. But I will beat them harder if they try it again."

"And I'll tell them that if they ever wake up." It's not like it will do anything, these three will be back to their usual antics in a few hours.

Natsuki grabbed each boy and dragged them to the Nurse's Office before heading to class.

---

 

A loud groaning sound rang out when Natsuki entered the clubroom, the last to arrive as she had to spend some time in detention. "Oh, I'm so sorry Issei." Asia said apologetically.

Issei the living punching bag sat in the middle of the room, with Asia, Akeno, Kiba, and Rias surrounding him. "I didn't think touching your face would hurt so much." As soon as Issei's swollen eyes caught sight of Koneko, he broke into a cold sweat and began to shake in fear.

Noticing this, Asia turned and noticed Koneko's presence. A cute glare was leveled at the girl by the former nun, "What did you do to him?"

"Nothing he didn't have coming to him." Koneko's dry response annoyed Asia, but the white-haired Devil just ignored this in favor of controlling her emotions. Seeing Issei, beaten and broken as his face was right now, still pissed her off.

A sound of frustration escaped Asia's lips before she directed her attention towards healing Issei's injuries rather than allowing herself to be consumed by her anger. "Let's get you fixed up." She whispered quietly, settling Issei down on the floor forcing him to face away from Koneko.

Natsuki ignored the conversation going on in the room as she sat on the couch. She had gotten a strange feeling when she entered the clubroom.

It's like I'm being watched, but I don't know from where. Nobody else seems to notice. Is something watching us or am I just imagining it?

Natsuki quickly stood on her feet as she felt a small pulse of magic, it was so faint she almost didn't notice it. Everyone else except for Koneko were focused on Issei and Asia, the white-haired girl looked at Natsuki confused by her sudden movement and anxious expression.

The older devil summoned her Sacred Gear, moving faster than Koneko thought possible of the girl. She ran towards the windows, wanking one of them open and quickly grabbing something from outside.

When she turned around, Natsuki was holding a red eagle like creature with blue eyes and yellow accents. The bird struggled, trying to get out of the girl's hands, but Natsuki's grip was too strong.

At this point everyone in the room had noticed what was going on. Issei and Asia looked confused while the rest of the peerage and especially Rias were horrified.

The first person to speak was Akeno, "A phoenix…"

Rias finally snapped out of her stupor; her face now filled with murderous anger. "A phoenix. What is his phoenix doing in my territory?"

Just as Rias moved closer, the phoenix suddenly burst into flames causing Natsuki to drop it as her hands and arms were burned. The bird then disappeared before it could hit the ground.

"Natsuki-san!" Asia ran over to the girl with Issei, Kiba, and Koneko right behind her as she gently held Natsuki's arms. Her hands and arms were as dark as charcoal with blood oozing from the places where her skin had begun to crack.

"What the hell even was that thing?!" Issei yelled, taking in the damage done to his friend.

"It was a Familiar, a phoenix to be exact. One of its abilities is control over fire." Akeno answered before looking back at Rias who had begun to shake a little.

Akeno looked away from her master and towards the 2nd Pawn, "Are you okay, Natsuki-chan?"

Natsuki walked back over to the couches and sat down as the former nun started to heal her. "I'm fine Akeno, it looks worse than it feels. But why was that Familiar watching us?"

Kiba stepped forward "Someone must have sent it to spy on us, so it burned you in order to get away and keep us from interrogating it."

Issei grits his teeth, "So some asshole has been spying on us this whole time?! Dammit! We got to find them and-"

"Issei, that's enough."

Issei faced Rias, "But Buchou…"

Rias smiled at the boy "It's okay Issei, I already know who that Familiar belongs to, and I will deal with it accordingly."

"Alright Buchou." Issei was still angry at what just happened but if Rias said she had it under control, then he would let her handle it.

Rias walked towards the couch, placing a hand on Natsuki's shoulder. "Are you sure you're okay Natsuki?"

"Yeah, I'm sure Rias-Buchou. It's my fault anyway, I should have told you about the feeling I was getting instead of just rushing towards the window and grabbing that bird without know what it was."

Rias' eyes widened a bit. "You mean you didn't see the Familiar?"

Natsuki shook her head, "No, I just felt like I was being watched and then a suddenly felt magic being used."

"Magic?" I didn't feel any magic in the area besides Asia's [Twilight Healing].

"It was really small; I wouldn't have noticed if I wasn't trying to figure out who was watching us. Especially since the magic from Asia's Sacred Gear was covering the room."

Rias was still in shock that the Pawn noticed such a small magic signature. Familiars can almost completely mask their magical presence, which made them so affective at recon. And yet Natsuki was able to notice while the rest of us were oblivious…

Natsuki is proving to be quite the unusual specimen.

"It's alright Natsuki, you did the right thing, but for now I think its best that we end today's meeting and reconvene tomorrow." Rias stated once Asia finished healing Natsuki's arms.

The other members soon stood and began to leave the clubroom, Kiba and Koneko looked at the leader with worry while Issei and Asia were confused at Rias' change in attitude. Natsuki looked as if she were about to say something but quickly closed her mouth and followed the others out of the room.

"Are you sure you're okay Rias?" Akeno asked once the two were alone.

"While I'm happy to have my best friend worry about me this is a problem I can handle on my own. I am still the King of this Peerage am I not?" Rias didn't face Akeno as she spoke, looking out the window watching as her servants left the school grounds.

Akeno stared at Rias for a moment, "Yes, you are right Buchou."

Soon after this, Akeno left leaving Rias alone. But before she could continue to think about what had occurred earlier a purple glow encompassed the room as a magic circle appeared. Rias glared at the figure that appeared once the magic circle vanished.

Of course, you show up now, after it's been made apparent what actions  he's  been taking towards me.

---

 

Natsuki woke up even more tired than she was the previous morning. She couldn't get what happened the previous day out of her mind. Someone was watching them, someone that made everyone else in the Peerage, specifically Rias, anxious. But why were we being watched? Even though she tried to hide it, Rias was incredibly nervous and a little scared. I don't think she will be able to handle it like she said she would.

"You should not run yourself ragged over this, I am sure your master will tell you and the rest of her Devils in due time." Lux's voice broke through her partner's thoughts.

"I know, I just can't help feeling like this is just the prelude to something bad. And I hate that something is clearly bothering Rias, but I can't do anything to help since Issei, Asia, and I are being kept in the dark". Not to mention I want to find out who this person is and pay them back for thinking they can spy on us so blatantly. Must be one arrogant bastard.

"Yes, Yes I am positive that you will find who this person is and cure your master's aliment." While the words themselves were reassuring, but the girl could hear the sarcasm deeply imbedded in the dragon's tone.

"Do you not like Rias, Lux?"

"I do not hate, nor do I like her, I am merely indifferent to Rias Gremory as a person. However, as a dragon part of me is a little annoyed at having a lesser being in control of me."

Natsuki was confused about Lux's feeling on the matter, "Well technically Rias is in control of me not you, she brought me back as a Devil, so I have to followed her at least until I'm strong enough to strike out on my own."

"You and I are partners Natsuki, we share a body which means you and I are walking this road together. I cannot do anything without you and vice versa."

"Oh. I'm sorry about putting you in this position Lux." She's a powerfully God killing dragon of course she would hate being stuck following the lead of another, of being trapped inside an unworthy body.

Unbeknownst to Natsuki Lux had been able to hear her thoughts, "It is not your fault Natsuki so do not blame yourself. Both for you becoming a Devil and for I becoming a Sacred Gear, besides without the former I doubt you would have ever been able to activate your Gear nor become strong enough for us to interact with one another."

The last sentence caught the teens' attention. "What do you mean when you say that I wouldn't have been able to activate my Gear without fighting Raynare?"

"Sacred Gears are usually activated when the yielder is placed in life-or-death situations in order to protect them, which is what happened when you and the pervert were attacked by that Fallen Angel. Although Sacred Gears can also come fourth due to a fervent desire or will, like the former nun and her desire to heal those who had been injured. However, there are a few rare instances where one's life can be in danger, but their Gear does not appear, this can be because they were killed before they could realize the danger they were in, their desire and will were not stronger enough to push through their mortal limitations, or outside forces were suppressing their power."

Is that what happened with Issei then? I mean Raynare got him right after she stabbed me, maybe his mind didn't truly believe what had happened then was real until I got hurt. I doubt it was because of his desire or will…

"You know I figured you would be more worried about how you missed almost an entire day of school than about your Peerage and Sacred Gears, but I suppose yesterday's events are still at the forefront of your mind."

Natsuki immediately grabbed her phone and saw that the time was 1:49pm. Lux was right, she had missed an entire day of school. She also noticed that she had gotten a lot of missed calls and texts from the rest of the club, most coming from Issei.

Natsuki groaned "Well there's no point in going since school will be over soon anyways." Besides, I would rather wait until tomorrow to get chewed out and given dentition by Sona-Kaichou than have it happen today. And I'm already weeks ahead of all my lessons anyway, so it's not like I'll be missing anything important.

"That may be true, but you are supposed to meet with your Peerage after school today, remember?"

Natsuki let out another groan as she walked to the bathroom to clean herself up.

"You know, this is just adding to the belief that you are nothing more than a drug dealing, street brawling delinquent."

"YOU AND YOUR SUPERNATURAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE THE REASON WHY I'VE BEEN GETTING ALL THESE DETENTIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE!"

"Honestly, kids today are so incapable of taking responsibility for their own actions."

Natsuki didn't even bother giving the dragon a response as she headed into the shower.

---

 

It took Natsuki about forty minutes to finish showering and walk to school, by then school had already ended. Granted, she could have done this much faster, but didn't see the point. As she is walking up the stairs of the old school building the young devil could hear screaming coming from the clubroom, she opened the door and saw Koneko sitting on the couch while Rias, Akeno, and a woman were crowded around the former's desk. The strange woman was busty with long, silver braided hair, pale skin, red eyes a few shades lighter than her own, and was for some reason wearing a maid uniform.

"I told you already, Grayfia." Rias glared at the woman, her anger flaring. "I don't want to marry that bastard!" Honestly, she had this discussion with her brother and his wife so many times, even her parents had gotten involved. She was desperate to end her engagement to Riser, so why couldn't they just let her?!

"Is that why you almost threw away your purity to that young man?" Grayfia asked, hiding her disappointment in Rias' impulsiveness. This marriage had been arranged for years, it upset Grayfia to see Rias so willing to abandon her responsibilities as the heiress to the Gremory Family.

"At least Issei is a good person, Riser is just an asshole!" Rias growled back, getting up from her seat to stand behind her desk, with Akeno backing her up. The sadistic, dark-haired Devil remained by Rias' side, staring down the wife of one of the Four Great Satans without fear. She knew she was outmatched, but if Rias wanted to fight, Akeno would stick by her side to the end.

Natsuki stared at the scene in front of her, one piece of information catching her attention. Rias tried to sleep with Issei?! She thought incredulously.

Natsuki though more of what was said, if this were truly an arranged marriage it would make sense especially adding Rias' recently strange behavior to the mix, she knew that they weren't always an option that those involved preferred. One of the deal-breaking clauses in almost every arranged marriage contract that she could recall in both history and in fiction was an unfaithfulness clause, so sleeping with Issei could have worked if she were willing to take the hit to her reputation. And if she was willing to damage her reputation then Rias clearly didn't want to get married to Riser, whoever the hell he was.

Natsuki also couldn't stop staring at Grayfia. There was something about the Devil maid that just seemed familiar to her, as if they had met before. But that couldn't be the case, I think I would remember meeting a Devil dressed as a maid. So, why am I getting the feeling that we have?

Before Natsuki could think more of this strange new topic, a hand was placed on her shoulder. Natsuki turned her head, revealing the presence of Issei, Kiba, and Asia, oblivious to the tense situation in the room.

"Natsuki! Man, I was wondering where you were! You weren't in class, and you didn't respond to any of my texts." Issei exclaimed as he let go of the girl's shoulder and opened the other door allowing the three newcomers to enter the room.

"And why are you just standing here blocking the-" Issei said as he entered, falling silent at the sight of a silver-haired maid. The perverted Devil blinked before narrowing his eyes. Is this what Kiba was talking about? Something that would piss Buchou off? He thought, remembering what the blond Knight had said on the way to the clubroom.

"Grayfia-sama." Kiba spoke, narrowing his eyes as he deduced the reason for the Lucifer's wife being here rather quickly. So, he's finally become impatient with Rias' stalling.

"Well, everyone's here." Rias spoke, her irritated tone obvious to all. It looked like things would be moving faster than she'd like. Rias would have preferred to have a little bit more time to train up Issei and Natsuki, their Sacred Gears were probably the only things that could defeat Riser. But neither was strong enough yet for her to be confident in her victory.

"Permission to speak freely, Milady?" Rias turned to Grayfia as she asked her question. Despite her sister-in-law's fetish, she knew Grayfia had no need to ask permission to speak. She was just staying 'in character' for her own amusement. Still, there was no reason not to indulge her. Despite her anger, Rias knew that directing it at Grayfia was pointless, especially as she was not at fault in her current predicament.

That, Rias knew, laid with her brother and their parents.

"Sure, why not." Rias breathed out an annoyed sigh as she answered her brother's wife.

But, before Grayfia could speak, a portal made up of flames burst to life in the darkened room.

Natsuki narrowed her eyes and felt something within her soul twinge. As if something within her was repulsed by the nature of these flames, there was just something about this magic that made her want to stomp it out of existence. When the portal's flames dissipated, Natsuki realized that her repulsion quickly turned to sudden hatred.

The flames flickered out of existence with a cry that reminded sound almost exactly like the Familiar they caught spying on them yesterday, revealing the back of a man with spiky blond hair. The man was tall and dressed in a formal red tuxedo. Before even turning around, the voice of the man rang out declaring, "Riser has arrived." Speaking in the third person. That wasn't something Natsuki had expected as her eyes narrowed, observing the arrogant newcomer.

So, this is the punk Rias is betrothed to. Natsuki watched quietly, she moved to take a seat on the couch next to Koneko as the man continued to speak. The way he spoke and the way he carried himself spoke of his confidence in his power. He was acting like it was a bother that he had to come to the human world in the first place and he spoke to Rias with a fondness coated in condescension.

Issei hated this man on the spot. "Okay, who's this asshole?" The brunette Pawn asked, irritated at the way the said asshole disrespectfully addressed Rias. His question was answered by the silver-haired maid.

"This gentleman is Lord Riser Phenex." Grayfia answered the crass servant, stressing her manner of addressing him to hint to the Pawn that he needed to be careful. "He is a Pureblooded Devil of noble birth and third heir in line to the House of Phenex." As third in line he was essentially the 'spare to the spare' which made him less important than the ones above him in the line of succession, though that didn't mean he was weak.

"And that means…" Issei continued to press for answers, not getting the big deal about this annoying Devil being the third in line. Especially when, as far as he knew, Rias was first in line to inherit her family titles. Issei didn't know much about nobility, but what he did know was that first in line outranked third by a good margin.

"It means you just insulted a man who could probably have you executed, Issei." Natsuki spoke, her eyes never leaving Riser's as she stared at him with open contempt. Her statement drew the attention of everyone in the room. And despite being under the stare of some undoubtedly important individuals within Devil hierarchy, she remained calm.

"So, someone in this detestable world knows their place." Riser's arrogant voice sounded, eliciting a scowl from Natsuki. "What is your name?" A dark chuckle rumbled in Natsuki's chest before she corrected the arrogant Devil.

"Know my place?" Natsuki questioned after chuckling. "You are incorrect, I am simply familiar with the type of trash who feels the need to try and crush others beneath their heel." Natsuki titled her head back to stare down Riser, despite sitting, she conveyed her own arrogance with a chilling ease.

"I've always enjoyed crushing the spirits of those fools, would you like to be next on my list, you flaming peacock?" She taunted, unaware of the drastic change in her voice, she sounded as if the voice of another was layered over her own as a faint yellow glow appeared in her eyes. "It has been so long since I've had the pleasure of hearing a weakling like you cry out in agony as he's forced to face reality..." A cruel and vicious smile overtook the Devil Pawn's face at that moment. "The reality that he is nothing in the face of true power."

Riser's face contorted from an arrogant grin to a hideous sneer at Natsuki insult, but before he could act Rias stepped in.

"Natsuki! Stop this instant!" Rias ordered; her tone sharp with rebuke as she drew 'Natsuki's' attention away from Riser to her angered face. "Do not taunt Riser again. Do you understand me Natsuki?" There was no way that she was prepared to face off against Riser or his Peerage, she needed more time.

Rias' intervention allowed Riser to compose himself again while Natsuki bowed her head. "I apologize, Buchou." She responded, her voice returning to how it was before she had begun insulting Riser. What was that? I've never acted like that to a person I hated before. It was like I wasn't in control of myself.

I must apologize to you Natsuki, it appears that my anger had gotten the better of me for a moment. Lux's voice rung out in Natsuki's mind.

Wait, so that was you? But it felt like something I would think in my head but never say out loud.

It was, but the anger over came your usual desire to keep quiet and forced you to speak your thoughts aloud. I am sure that everyone else in the room noticed a change in your appearance and voice. As my partner we influence each other in many ways, one of which being temperament.

Natsuki didn't notice that physical change she went through due to her anger at Riser. He reminded her of a lot of the people she's meet throughout her life, the arrogant assholes who think that they can rule over everyone else, especially the children she grew up with at the orphanage.

It appears that you and I both have an intense hatred of peons who think they can match a dragon.

It appears so.

Riser was the type to not take challenges to his supremacy well, allowing his anger to dictate his actions if he were sufficiently provoked. That was all Natsuki needed to know, there was no way in the deepest pits of hell she was letting this pompous piece of fried chicken marry her master.

What is going on with Natsuki? Rias thought to herself, having not expected Natsuki to be the one to antagonize Riser. Issei yes, but not Natsuki. Natsuki knew and was willing to show respect, she didn't know where this sudden disgust came from. With this and earlier incident with Saji, she felt mildly annoyed at still being unable to fully get a read on her 2nd Pawn.

"So, is she one of your two Pawns then?" Riser asked rhetorically, he already knew the answer thanks to his Familiar's spying on Rias' Peerage. He turned Issei and said, "That must mean this is your 1st." A snort of derision escaped the Phenex. "Your Peerage still remains incomplete, my beloved fiancée." He taunted, drawing Issei's attention like a moth to a flame with his last sentence.

"Say what?! You're joking, right?!" Issei asked disbelievingly, not willing to believe that the beautiful Rias was going to be married to a Devil like Riser.

"He is not." Grayfia answered on Riser's behalf, divulging a little bit of history for Rias' Pawn. "Lady Rias has been engaged to Lord Riser for many years now, due to an agreement between their two families." It was an agreement that left a bad taste in her mouth as she watched how Riser developed, but the agreement was binding unless the conditions for voiding it were met or both parties agreed to end it themselves. And as the latter was unlikely, that left the first option which, while still unlikely, was at least not as impossible as convincing stubborn nobles that they were wrong about something.

Riser made his way to the couch across from Natsuki and Koneko, sitting down before beckoning Rias to sit by his side. The rest of Rias' Peerage took positions opposite of the betrothed pair, standing behind the Pawn and Rook.

Akeno moved to prepare a cup of tea for Riser, as he was a guest, though she had been sorely tempted to poison it. Still, her better nature won out over her desire to at least attempt to kill Riser and she simply brought the beverage as Rias ordered. I hope you choke on it. Riser had been responsible for most of Rias' problems for some time now and Akeno really wanted to rip his smug face off on the behalf of her best friend.

All of this was held behind a perfect smile, none of her anger or hatred had been allowed to seep through.

Picking up the cup with an easy grace, Riser tasted the tea prepared by his fiancée's Queen. "Ah, truly the tea prepared by my beloved's Queen is most delicious." He spoke after a sigh of satisfaction escaped his lips. Perhaps he would keep her as well once he was married to Rias, the least she could do would be to continue to serve his wife once the Phenex claimed her for his own.

Perhaps it could be a wedding gift, truly Riser's generosity knew no bounds.

Once he finished with his tea, Riser returned to his low-key attempts at fondling of Rias, ignoring the Gremory heiress' shaking at his touch. Unfortunately for him, Rias was through playing his game.

Rias stood up, finally done with this entire situation. "That's enough Riser." She would need to shower to wipe the feeling of his touch off her skin. A long, hot shower. Rias repressed a shudder of disgust at having even allowed that Devil to touch her so intimately. If only she had managed to sleep with Issei before Grayfia interfered, then the engagement would have been broken off as a result of her unfaithfulness. "Let it go." She spat, her disgust with her fiancée almost palpable. "Why don't you understand? I have no intention of ever marrying you." Rias would rather give up her claim as the Gremory heir than chain herself down to Riser's side for the rest of her life.

"But my darling." Riser spoke patronizingly. "Riser knows that your family situation doesn't allow the privilege of choice." That was the point of an arranged marriage after all. "To keep the Seventy-Two Pillars from losing anymore pure Devils, that is why this marriage was arranged by our parents so many years ago." Riser tossed his right hand in the air dismissively and crossed his legs. "We're already down to thirty-two pure families, we can't afford to lose anymore. Our children will help keep Devil blood pure for future generations, and with how many Pureblooded Devils that have fallen, both in the war and during this so-called ceasefire, it makes even more sense to have two High-Class bloodlines merge doesn't it?" If one did not care to consider feelings in the equation, each point made by Riser had validity to it.

"You see," she began to deride him with a sick look of satisfaction in her eye, causing Natsuki to begin looking at her with a slight awe, "it is because I have decided that you would make both a horrible husband and an even worse head for the Gremory Clan. You brazenly gamble away your family's money and then threaten the very people who defeated you into returning what you lost hoping that your father and brothers do not catch wind of your shameful and pathetic behavior. You cast aside your servants if they fail you like they are nothing more than mere pieces of trash and no Gremory has nor will ever act in such a manner so long as I am the heir. And the worst part of all of this is your shoddy strategies in your Rating Games," she continued with an icy glare. "You have won many more than you lost, true, but not a single observer has ever claimed that you were victorious because of your intelligence like how a true winner would. You are still ranked no higher than you were last month despite your three consecutive victories, Riser, and I refuse to let the cast-off third born misfit child of another clan take the position of Gremory Head so long as I draw breath. The Gremory will not be losers, Riser, and a loser like you will never be the one whom I choose to marry."

The entire room was stunned into silence after hearing her speech, and Natsuki was desperately fighting off the urge to openly applaud her for calling out the asshat in such a harsh manner like she had. Issei had no such reservations as he laughed at Riser's dumbstruck expression.

Riser had to force a smile on his face despite the rage that burned through him due to Rias' tirade and reached around and placed his arm around her shoulders, eliciting several bad looks from the members of the ORC. He smiled, "Don't make up such lies darling. You will be treated like a queen. Like a goddess. You will never have to work another day in your life. You will have servants working for you at your disposal. You can live your dream life...just become Riser's." Riser started reaching out so he could run his hand over her thigh-

Until a hand shot down between them and grabbed his wrist.

Rias, Riser, and the other ORC members looked surprised at the unexpected action. The two Pure-Bloods looked up to see the red-eyed girl reaching between them to stop the immortal's hand.

Riser blinked before looking down at where his advance had been prematurely stopped. He looked up at the Pawn and asked, "What do you think you're doing?"

Natsuki didn't bother to look at him, "Sorry. It just seemed like you were making continued advances on someone who didn't like it."

Riser looked at the girl in confusion before he just started chuckling. He sighed contently before staring up Natsuki once more, "That's very heroic of you, but Rias is Riser's fiancé. We can do whatever we want with each other. It's one of the rewards of being betrothed to one another. You know, Riser let go of your earlier comments, but now you are really annoying Riser."

"I'm sure you must think that's very romantic..." Natsuki finally looked at Riser and glared, "But it would be more meaningful if you didn't look at her like an object to be won."

Riser easygoing smile slowly started to fade until it became a straight line. The two continued to glare at each other as neither was taking the chance to move.

Riser looked down for a moment before looking back at Natsuki and smirking. His sleeve started to turn orange and red, and the upper portion started being engulfed in flames. It slowly started to creep towards the gripping hand, but Natsuki made no effort to let go or back off.

"Riser." Rias spoke firmly while looking at the Phenex son, "Stop acting childish. There is no reason to try and assert your dominance at every opportunity. It's obnoxious." Riser rolled his eyes and increasing his flames before Rias turned to look at her friend, "Natsuki...please let go of him." She could not stand to see a member of her family being hurt, the burns that Riser were giving Natsuki looked worse than the ones from yesterday.

"Riser-sama," Grayfia's voice did not rise in volume yet sounded even more menacing because of it, "should you continue on this course then I will use the authority of Sirzechs-sama to end the conflict in any manner I see fit to use." She then calmly directed Natsuki, "Sukehiro-san, please release Rias-sama's fiancée."

A bead of nervous sweat fell from Riser's brow, and he pushed back his Battle Lust after finally feeling such a mighty presence after so long. Riser acted as if Natsuki's grip did nothing and he relented, "Riser supposes that if you get involved then Riser will have no choice now."

Natsuki looked into Rias' eyes and saw a firm confidence in her sea-foam orbs. She slowly let go of Riser's wrist before taking a few steps, but instead of returing to her original spot, she stood on the other side of the couch, next to her master. She then looked up to see each of the ORC members giving her grateful looks. Asia was smiling happily as Issei sent her a thumbs-up. Kiba and Koneko, both sent her a quick nod, the former smiling while the first-year student still looked stoic. Akeno had a softer smile while sending her a thankful nod.

Grayfia signed in exasperation once Rias' eyes now joined Natsuki's in glaring defiantly into Riser's own and the maid spoke up, "I was given a suggestion from Sirzechs-sama should these exact events unfold as they have: A Rating Game between Rias-sama and Riser-sama to either annul or permanently seal the betrothal. Do the two of you agree to this?"

Rias finally showed her first emotion, confidence, and replied while smirking towards her betrothed, "I do. Do you, Riser? Or are you afraid of losing?"

He growled at her, but he eventually managed to calm himself under Grayfia's careful watch. The blonde Devil chuckled once to himself, snapping his fingers, and answered, "Riser and his fifteen servants accept this Game." Fifteen orange magic circles then appeared behind him, and the same number of young girls and women arrived.

A full set, Natsuki observed from Rias' side. She briefly looked at Issei to check on him and was mildly impressed that the boy didn't leap for joy at seeing that his dream of a harem was possible; he only cried silently while Asia tried in vain to control him by pinching his arm.

This quiet crying didn't last long as Issei fell to his knees behind the couch and started wailing in both sadness and joy, everyone on the Gremory side just stared at him as he sobbed.

Riser and his peerage were all confused by what was happening. Riser leaned forward, "Is he okay?"

"He's..." Rias just rubbed the bridge of her nose, "His dream is to have a harem."

"Ew what a disgusting barbarian!" A small blue-eyed blonde girl exclaimed from Riser's Peerage. A look of disgust and contempt graced her features as she stared at Issei. Natsuki noticed that the girl bared a striking resemblance to Riser. Must be his sister.

Riser laughed "Oh is that so. Yubelluna!"

A tall, voluptuous woman with long, wavy purple hair that falls all the way down her back and matching eyes moved from the rest of the Peerage and walked towards Riser. The blonde devil pulled the woman towards him and proceeded to try and suck her face off before pulling her in to his chest and groping her as he taunted Issei.

"No matter how long you live, you'll never have what Riser does. You're just a lower-class Devil."

The blush on Issei's face vanished as anger filled him. "Shut up you damn Yakitori! Once I stop sucking at this devil shit, I'll have all the ladies I want!"

"Watch your tone when you speak to Riser. Honestly, you Pawns are so damn disrespectful to your betters."

"Shut up! The only one whose opinion matters to me is Rias-buchou!"

Rias looked at the brunette in shock at awe at his statement. Issei…

The Pawn then summoned his Sacred Gear, "We don't need to play some damn Rating Game, I'll kick your ass right here right now!" Issei charged at the Pureblooded Devil, but as he got halfway across the room when Riser called out to Mira, a young girl with blue hair and light brown eyes. Her hair is styled with six short ponytails, with four of the six. The front of her hair features split bangs going across her forehead, with side bangs framing her face. Her outfit consists of white haori with a red obi, which is worn under a red coat. She wears bandages on her forearms and shins and wears black guards over her hands. For footwear, she wears a pair of zori. But most noticeable is the large Bo staff in her hands.

Issei scoffed, "What's she going to do, she's tiny!" But it appeared that he learned nothing from watching Koneko fight as Mira quickly closed the distance between them, hitting Issei in the stomach with one end of her staff and sending him hurdling up into the ceiling with the other.

Once Issei fell back to the floor, Mira looked to strike him again only for an armored hand to catch the staff mid swing.

Everyone in the room looked up to see Natsuki standing in front of Issei, Mira didn't have time to question the moment as she was quickly backhanded by the older girl, the force of the strike sending her speeding through the air like a bullet as she crashed through the clubroom doors. After a few tumbles and spins, the Devil's body finally stopped as she laid on the hallway floor, bruised, bloody, and unconscious.

"Mira!" The all-female-Peerage looked at their fallen member in shock, fear, and anger as a few of them moved into the hallway to check on her.

Natsuki ignored the glares and turned her head slightly to look at Issei, who was now in the arms of Rias. "Are you okay Issei?"

"Yeah Natsuki… Thanks for the help." While he was happy that Natsuki defended him he still couldn't stop the anger and disappointment in himself for being so weak and once again needing the taller Devil to save him.

"How surprising, while the yielder of the [Boosted Gear] is so laughably weak, the yielder of [Ethereal Domination] is strong enough to be reckoned with." Despite watching his Pawn get demolished, Riser's tone was filled with amusement, after all Mira was his weakest servant so it didn't matter much to him that Natsuki beat her. Riser still has 13 other servants who can get the job done.

Rias raised her head and stared at her brother's wife, anger and blood lust wafting off the Heiress in waves. "Grayfia, tell my brother that I will agree to the Rating Game."

"Very well then." Grayfia accepted their decisions with a graceful bow. "The Game will require fourteen days to be prepared; is that acceptable?"

"Riser, believe me when I say this; We will annihilate you!"

Riser laughed as he stood in front of her Peerage, a few of them glaring at Natsuki as they held Mira's unconscious body. "Whatever you say darling. Grayfia, Riser accepts the terms of this challenge. See you at the game my beloved." Riser and the rest of his Peerage soon disappeared in a flashy show of fire, his overconfident laughter echoing throughout the room.

"I'll need you to have my brother prepare the vacation home, Grayfia." Rias asked politely, already developing more intense training regimens for her Peerage. Oh, and I'll need to get a bunch of training clothes, or finish that repairing spell soon. There was so much to do before training began and so little time. "We'll be using it until October thirtieth." She really hoped she could get everyone strong enough, Issei would probably take the most work, but she believed his [Boosted Gear] along with Natsuki's [Ethereal Domination] were the only things that would be able to defeat Riser's flames and his immortality.

Issei shivered in fear as he sensed impending doom, most likely related to the ORC President's plans to train him to the bone.

"Everyone, pack your bags." Rias ordered, a small smile on her face. "We'll all be taking a little vacation to train for our upcoming match. Make sure to pack the essentials, we won't be returning to Kuoh for some time." With that out of the way, everyone slowly filtered out of the room, even Issei after a little help from Asia.

Natsuki stayed behind for a moment. "Rias-buchou I wanted to apologize for my actions earlier to today. As a servant of the Gremory house, my actions reflect on you and what I did was incredibly poor-"

Rias cut the younger devil off by placing a single finger on her lips. "You have nothing to apologize for Natsuki, you were defending Issei and I from that bastard Riser. Sure, it was a little surprising seeing you act like that, but I really do appreciate it. Thank you, Natsuki."

Rias surprised the girl further by placing a kiss on her cheek after thanking her. Natsuki opened and closed her mouth, making her resemble a fish on land, causing her two senpais to laugh at her expression.

"A- I – No problem, Rias." Natsuki turned away, desperate to escape her embarrassment and quickly left the room, but not before glancing at Grayfia once more.

Akeno looked at Rias, noticing the twitching of her lips as she tried to uphold her smile. "Rias, we'll kick his ass for you. I promise." The Queen squeezed her best friend's shoulder comfortingly before teleporting to her own home to gather her things.

When she was left alone with Grayfia, Rias allowed her smile to drop as she looked at her sister-in-law sadly. "Is there really no other way?" Rias whimpered as Grayfia took the redhead into a hug, pressing Rias' head against her bosom.

"Have faith in your friends and family, they will not let you down." Grayfia brushed her hand through Rias' hair comfortingly. "And trust in your brother, Sirzechs only wants what's best for you." Rias returned her hug tightly before Grayfia had to let her go

"It was my family who got me into this mess in the first place." She whispered before the magic circle transported Grayfia away.

She had just two weeks to prepare, Rias hoped desperately that it would be enough.

Chapter 7: Horny Devils and Training Montages

Summary:

The ORC begin their training to win Rias' freedom.

Issei thought he knew suffering after everything he has been through since becoming a Devil.

He was wrong.

So, so, utterly, wrong.

"Rias… is… evil." Issei panted as he struggled to climb up the rocky terrain. He was currently trying to will his legs to keep moving as the heavy pack on his back weighed him down.

"You're almost there, just a few more feet!" Rias called from a few feet away, standing in between Akeno and Asia near a watering hole.

Asia looked on nervously, "Rias-Buchou, should I go and help him?"

"He'll be okay, he needs to learn to carry that much on his own". Rias was still focused on her 1st Pawn as she spoke.

As Issei continued to struggle, Kiba came up from behind while carrying a similar pack of his own and a plastic bag in his hand and walked around him. "On your right, Issei."

"Ah come on! Are you carrying a bag full of feathers or something?!"

But before he could continue yelling at the Knight, Natsuki came up from behind as well and she too walked around him. However, unlike the two boys she was carrying a pack on her back and a smaller one in her hands.

"Damn it Natsuki! You too?!" Issei was convinced that someone had to be messing with him, there was no way that these packs could all weigh the same and he was struggling the most.

Natsuki looked back at her fellow Pawn, "You shouldn't take it so personally Issei, the two of us are still new to this life so naturally we're going to be weaker than everyone else."

Issei looked down at the ground, "But you're not struggling…"

"I am, I'm just not showing it. I hate looking weak…" The last part came out as a whisper, but Issei was still able to hear it. Unbeknownst to the brunette a voice spoke to Natsuki.

And you never will be again my child, not if I can help it. Lux's voice and strong words soothed the anger that had formed and quickly calmed her, even causing the Pawn to smile slightly before she continued talking with Issei.

"Besides I have years of experience walking far distances while carrying heavy objects."

Issei tilted his head "You do?"

Natsuki hummed "Yeah, we didn't have a car and couldn't afford a cab where I'm from so whenever we needed things from the grocery store or any other place, I would walk there and walk back home."

Issei thought more about it, that would explain a lot about Natsuki. For starters how she could run for miles on end when they trained with Rias without getting tired, why she had those lean muscles of hers, and right now being able to carry these packs.

Natsuki cut off Issei's thoughts when she spoke again "Besides what we're doing is nothing compared to her." Issei looked towards where the dark-haired girl was facing and saw Koneko carrying a pack about 5x times the size of her body with ease.

"…Move it." The rook responded as she walked past them, causing Issei to fall to his knees in despair.

"Ahhhhgggh come on! I can't!" Comically large tears fell from Issei's eyes while the others watched on.

Natsuki just rolled her eyes "Get up Issei. How do you expect to beat Riser if you can't even get up the mountain." The girl then leans in closer and whispered, "Do you really think any beautiful girl would join your harem if you're so weak?"

"Uoryaaaaaa!" Issei screamed as he jumped back to his feet.

"You are right Natsuki! I refuse to lose here! Not to someone like that fried chicken bastard! And I cannot let my dream die like this!" After this claim, Issei proceeded to run full speed up the mountain.

Everyone else turned to look at Natsuki once Issei was no longer in sight. All Natsuki could do was shrug before picking up her packs and continuing to walk up the path. I figured that would motivate him, but not to his extent. I guess I shouldn't have underestimated the power of perversion.

Issei would only stop for a few moments to catch his breath and then run again. He did this repeatedly until the group reached the summit, and he collapsed on the ground from exhaustion.

In front of the group stood a large mansion and an even larger yard, Natsuki even noticed a large pond that looked like it could be used as an Olympic swimming pool. "Jeez Buchou, just how rich are you?"

"Never underestimate the Gremory household's finances." She boasted.

"I'll keep that in mind. So, what's the training plan?"

"You and Issei will rotate as you train in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat with Yuuto and Koneko respectively. In between, both of you will join Asia in magic training with Akeno whereas Yuuto and Koneko spar. In the morning, you fight Koneko and Issei fight Yuuto. Any questions?"

"*huff*... no." Issei answered as he was still sprawled on the ground.

"Just one. I wanted to know if I could help you produce the strategies, we're going to use in the Rating Game?"

Rias' eyes widened in surprise, "You want to help me with our strategy?"

Natsuki nodded "Yes, I noticed somethings about Riser yesterday that could be taken advantage of, and I have some ideas to help even the playing field against his immortality and his full Peerage if they don't go against any rules." Natsuki swore that she would do anything in her power to help them win and not let that piece of trash marry Rias and that is just what she was going to do. By any means necessary…

Rias smiled at the younger girl, "Of course you can help Natsuki, I would appreciate whatever input you can come up with." The pureblood devil knew that Natsuki was intelligent, the girl was in the top 5 in not just her year but the entire school academically and she could not deny that she was not curious as to what the Pawn thought was the best way to deal with Riser.

The redhead then turned towards the mansion and open the doors, "Welcome to the Gremory Family's private villa!" Rias stepped out of the way to show off the large and impressive interior before giving everyone directions to their rooms, girls on the left and boys on the right.

"Well, let's go get changed everybody because we are starting our training immediately!" Rias then walked up the stairs, leading the girls to their side of the villa.

"You're changing?!" Issei yelled as he immediately jumped to his feet, his exhaustion forgotten as images of the girls (except Natsuki) in various states of undress popped into his head.

Issei was removed from his lecherous thoughts when Kiba walked past him, "Issei-kun, I'm going to change as well." The knight paused for a second as a small blush and a shy smile took form on his face, "No peeking, okay?"

Issei's face took on a stony expression as he stared the knight down, "Don't make me hit you, you bastard." Issei turned towards the stairs and speed walked away as Kiba chuckled and quickly caught up.

Meanwhile with the girls, Natsuki entered her room the second Rias pointed it out to her, shutting the door as Akeno said they should all change together. Rias was unable to stop herself from giggling at her best friend's pout, as she grabbed her arm and pulled her towards her own room.

---

 

Lesson 1: Sword Training with Kiba

"Bring it blondie!" The Occult Research Club stood in the yard as Issei and Kiba faced each other, bokutos in hand.

Issei took off running at Kiba, his wooden sword raised high above his head before swinging down only for each of his strikes to be parried by the knight. "You're a little off. Don't limit your focus to just the sword, keep an eye on your opponent." Kiba sidestepped Issei's next strike, using the opportunity to knock the sword from the Pawn's hands.

Issei looked at the bokuto in shock before looking back up sheepishly, "I uh, totally meant to do that". Kiba just smiled at him before picking up the discarded weapon and throwing it to Natsuki who caught it.

"Okay Natsuki-chan, your turn now." Natsuki moved from her stop standing where her fellow Pawn was before the start of his match. The dark-haired girl stared at the sword for a moment before lowering her stance, her feet spread apart and her upper body slightly hunched, with the point of the bokuto facing right at the Knight.

The Knight and Pawn stared at each other for a few moments before Kiba sprinted towards Natsuki once he realized that the girl wasn't going to make the first move. Kiba aimed to make a quick strike to Natsuki's side, but she spun out of the way and tried to hit Kiba now that his back was facing her, but the boy quickly turned and blocked the attack.

This time Natsuki struck first as she held the bokuto in one hand as she charged once there was only a couples of inches between there the Pawn looked as if she was about to swing the sword again only to drop to the ground, kicking her leg out and sweeping the Knight of his feet and causing him to land on his back.

Natsuki jumped up and raised her bokuto high into the air bringing it back down for the final hit only for Kiba to roll out the way into a keeling position and knocking the bokuto out of the Pawn's hands as she tried to regain her balance.

Kiba took a deep breath before chuckling "Wow! That was great Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki looked at him confused "But… but I lost?"

"Yeah, but you didn't lose focus and you used your own skills to your advantage to try and win. Do you have any sword training?"

The girl shook her head before answering, "No, I just figured you wouldn't expect me to sweep you like that and I saw the way you were holding your bokuto against Issei and thought that was the best way to do it."

Kiba once again chuckled "Well I certainly wasn't. Come back up Issei, we still have work to do!"

---

 

Lesson 2: Demonic Magic Training with Akeno

"Lesson two, it's time you three became aware of the magic surrounding you and streamline it to a focal point." Natsuki, Issei, and Asia stood in one of the many large rooms of the Gremory villa as Akeno prepared them for their lesson.

Issei immediately stuck out his right arm and tried to force a reaction straining as he did so. Akeno walked up behind the boy and glided her hand across the expanse of his arm, "Let the image of light flow through you and be released as magical power…"

"I think I did it!" Asia exclaimed as the other three devils turned to face her and saw a glowing green orb floating in between the Bishop's cradled hands.

"Ara ara. So, Asia-chan has talent in using demonic-powers after all." Asia's cheeks got red after Akeno complimented her.

Natsuki herself continued to stare at the orb of Asia's demonic power, Lux what do you think I should do?

Clear your mind Natsuki, focus on nothing but drawing out our power. Do try and force it out but gently release like one does to the air the breath.

Natsuki followed the dragon's advice, closing her eyes as she thought of nothing but releasing her magic out from within herself. Natsuki's snapped open once she heard a gasp, she looked down at her hands and saw a small black blob floating in her hands. It was smaller than Asia's energy and was nowhere near as round and smooth, as the blob moved around unable to stay still for more than a few seconds with parts of it sticking out like long tendrils before snapping back in place and repeating the motion.

It looks a lot like the black energy I used when I fought against Dohnaseek…

That is because it is Natsuki. This is our magic untethered.

If this is our magic, why was I only able to use it then, I was able to use something similar during the dodgeball game, but it wasn't as strong.

That is because you were using your Sacred Gear, the two of us were working together and you were fighting to stay alive and save your friend's life, so your emotions also helped. It will be hard to draw out our magic on your own but not impossible.

Akeno came closer to the Pawn "Hmm I've never seen a Devil's magic look like that before. How strange…" Akeno then smiled at her "You may not have Asia's natural talent, but you clearly have some skill, I suppose this is just another unique thing about you huh?"

Akeno soon brought out a bottle of water and placed it in front of them, "Now let's move on, next you guys will be changing your demonic power."

Akeno then channeled her magic into the water inside the water bottle…

SPIKE!

The water that received the demonic power changed into ice and shot in various spikes, ripping through the water bottle from the inside.

"You can do this by just imagining it, using any element you want all though for beginners like yourselves fire and water will be easier."

"Asia-chan, Natsuki-chan, I want you two to copy what I just did next. Issei-kun, I want you to continue with those concentration exercises. Visualization is the essence of all magic, think about what whatever it is you want, and it will happen."

Issei scratched the back of his head a let out a groan, "Are there any rules to what I can do?"

"Not at all, anything you want just to concentrate. Yeah, there you go…" As she says this Akeno leans closer across the table bringing Issei's attention away from her eyes and lower.

Hmm? Something I'm good at and something I always think about huh. Ah, then does that mean "that" wild ideas of mine is also possible?

"Akeno-senpai, do you have a minute?"

If I can make something I always think about into reality...

The Queen walks around the table stooping in front of the Pawn and allowing him to whisper his idea to her. After that Akeno pulls away and her face goes blank before she smiles at him while saying, "Ufufu, that sure is something you would come up with Issei-kun."

Natsuki and Asia turned to look at Issei in confusion once Akeno left the room only to become more confused when she returns a few minutes later with a large crate filled with onions, carrots, and potatoes.

"Now then, Issei-kun. During our stay here, I want you to strip all of these off with your demonic power."

Issei stood straight as a rod before saluting, "Hai, Akeno-san!"

Natsuki was still looking at the two even as Asia began to focus on trying to use her magic on her own water bottle, wondering why Issei was being given a different form of training here and what it was that he whispers to Akeno. I shouldn't even bother thinking any more of it, it's probably something perverted based on what Akeno said before she got the crate.

Looks like it's a road ahead will be full of bumps, and vegetables apparently.

---

 

Lesson Three: Sparing with Koneko

Unlike the lessons before, it was now just Natsuki and Issei with their given instructor as Asia stayed behind with Akeno, however just like the other lessons it was not going well for Rias' 1st Pawn.

"Nugagaaaaaa." Issei screamed as he was thrown into yet another tree for the 10th time in a row. The Pawn slumped to the floor in pain as he attempted to catch his breath, he was getting quite frustrated as all it took was one punch every time and Koneko would take him out.

"That was lame…" Koneko stood in front of the fallen Pawn; arms crossed over her chest as she stared at him blankly. Natsuki stood a few feet away and couldn't help but silently wince every time Issei got hit by the Rook and dreading the moment Koneko would get bored and make her go next. Glad that Issei went first if only to dely the inevitable.

I thought that I might have her beat with technique but that clearly isn't the case. She doesn't throw her fists around like a dumb brute; she is quite agile like a cat. If we were allowed to use our Sacred Gears, I might be able to keep up but as of right now… this cute 1 st  year is going to kick my ass. Koneko is good at doing throwing moves, pinning moves, and other kinds of martial arts. She is insanely strong with the mix of a Rook's traits of super strength and super high defense. She is also keen because she has a small body, so any time Issei looks away she will immediately be right in front and give a blow to his body.

Immediately after Koneko's insult Issei jumped to his feet and charged at the Rook, "I'm not done yet!" He jumped at the small girl only for her to sidestep away, kick him in the back of his head, and then wrap her legs around his neck, pinning him to the ground.

"You've got to aim more towards your opponent's core and strike with precision." The Rook maintained her monotone voice and expression as she tightened her legs, choking the Pawn out. After a few moments she released Issei and walked over to the other Pawn, "Your turn Natsuki-senpai."

Natsuki looked at the small girl with a blank expression before quickly looking at Issei who was still sprawled on the ground rubbing his hands on his own bruised neck. The released a sigh, "Alright Koneko." I think I might be faster than her and after watching her and Issei the best plan is to not let her grab me because once she does it's over.

Natsuki ran towards the girl, pulling her fist back once she got close enough to try and strike her stomach. Just like with Issei the girl sidestepped the punch and was about to deliver a punch of her own, only for the Pawn to grab her arm mid-swing, pulling the girl off her feet and throwing her to the side. Natsuki thought she had her, but Koneko was able to right herself midair and land on her feet.

Koneko then jumped high into the air, falling towards Natsuki at a fast pace, causing the Pawn to dive for cover, a smart move since the ground where she once stood was now a giant crater with a small Devil in the middle of it. Koneko pulled her fist from out of the ground, it had been buried deep after that strike and calmly walked out of the hole she made. The Pawn and Rook stared each other down before Koneko charged at Natsuki her arms open as she intended to grab her senpai and pin her.

The Rook thought she had her but looked down and saw that she only had the girl's sweatshirt in her hands, realizing that Natsuki must have quickly taken it off to keep her from grabbing her properly. She looked up and saw the older girl standing a few feet away in a black tank top and sweatpants.

Natsuki quickly closed the distance between them and raised a fist for a brutal punch only from Koneko to do the same, their fists collided, causing a shock wave to ripple through the forest, Issei had to hold onto a tree to not be blown away.

When they landed on their feet, Natsuki held her right hand, crying out in pain as she saw that all the bones had been shattered and blood was oozing from the open wounds. Koneko used her distraction to get closer, Natsuki tried to move out of the way but was too late as the Rook grabbed her left leg, slamming her into the dirt before sitting on her chest and pinning her arms down.

"You did a good job at avoiding my touch, but you got distracted and became more focused on getting away than trying to stop me." Koneko said as she stared at the girl beneath her, "But you did better than the pervert."

Natsuki snorted at the comment and the small 'Hey!' she could hear from said pervert. Koneko gave her a small smile, helping Natsuki to her feet before looking at her senpai's bloody and broken hand, "Do you need us to stop so you can go see Asia?"

Natsuki shook her head "No, I'm good. I'm a Devil, so this should be fine, I've had worse injuries." The girl remembered the recent ones she received from both Riser and his Familiar.

"Just because we're devils doesn't mean we can't get hurt and need others to help us."

Natsuki thought over what was just said, the logical part of her mind agreed with the Rook but the prideful loner part of herself didn't want to be seen as weak, as someone the others needed to constantly worry over. "I know Koneko but really, I can keep going."

The small starred at her for a moment "…. Alright, I'll take your word for it. But I'm not going to hold back just because you're too stubborn."

Natsuki smirked "And I wouldn't expect you to Master Koneko."

The two girls quickly got into their stances and once more charged at each other. Issei and Koneko were the only ones to see the vicious and battle hungry smile that overtook Natsuki's face.

---

 

Lesson 4: Training with Rias

Issei still maintained the belief that his master is a sadist.

It was currently late afternoon, as the sun had begun to set and the two Pawns of the group were still training.

"Come on Issei! Keep going and give it your all!" Rias was currently sitting on top of a large Boulder strapped to the boy's back.

"Ooso!" The boy groaned out as he continued to walk up the steep path. Satisfied with his 'answer', she turned around to look at her 2nd Pawn. "You too Natsuki! Don't give up now!" Unlike her brunette counterpart, Natsuki had to carry two boulders as they climbed. Rias said it was because the girl already had a good base level for her strength, and this was to further improve it.

Natsuki wheezed, "I-I wa-wasn't planning on it!"

After about 30 minutes they had finally reached the top and both Pawns were swaying, ready to drop to ground once Rias said they were done.

If only they were so lucky…

Rias hopped off the Boulder and clapped her hands to draw their attention. "Excellent work you two! Now, up next is… 600 push-ups!"

Issei's mouth falls open at the order, even Natsuki couldn't control her expression enough to hide her dismay as her shoulders slumped and a groan escaped her.

Rias giggled and it would have been cute if it weren't for the words that left those tantalizing lips, "Well, what are you guys waiting for? Do you not think it's worth your time? Maybe I should make you do 1,000 push-ups so it's more of a challenge~"

The Pawns immediately dropped to their hands and started their push-ups, moving even faster than usual so the redhead wouldn't change her mind and increase the amount.

If we weren't devils, we would have died over a hundred times already!

---

 

A few hours later and the Peerage, sans Natsuki, were sitting in the dining room waiting to eat. Eventually Natsuki exited the kitchen with a cart of food that she placed on the table.

Boar, fish, steamed potatoes, rice, curry, udon, kushiyaki, and takoyaki were spread across the table.

The group dug in and were shocked. The food had somehow tasted even better than it looked and soon everyone was ravenously eating. "So, I guess this means you all enjoy the food." Natsuki stood by watching everyone eat, slightly amused by the intensity of all their movements.

"Holy crap Natsuki! This is so good!" Issei yelled as he slurped his udon.

"This is the best food I've ever eaten Natsuki-san!" Came from Asia. Koneko had taken a break (a very small one) to nod her head in agreement with Asia before resuming her own eating.

"They're right, you really are an amazing cook." Rias chimed in, "Maybe you should cook for the rest of our stay."

Akeno quickly raised her hand, "All those in favor of having Natsuki-chan be our vacation chef?"

"Hai!" The Peerage voted.

Natsuki took her seat and started to grab her food, "Wait I didn't agree to-"

"It's too late Natsuki, the people have spoken and you're now the Peerage chef!" Issei interrupted.

Natsuki just rolled her eyes and went back to eating. She didn't have a problem cooking for everyone, it used to be her favorite thing to do with Kushina, she would just prefer if she were asked before everyone else just 'voted' on it.

It wasn't long before the group was finished, and they were brought into a quiet lull. The atmosphere was calm before Rias looked towards her Pawns and broke the silence.

"Now Ise, Natsuki. What have you two learned today?"

Issei put down his chopsticks and gave her an honest answer. "I've learned that… I'm the weakest one here."

Rias then turned to Natsuki, waiting for her response.

The Pawn sighed, "I have learned that being a Devil doesn't automatically make me strong. And that I've still just a long way to go before I can call myself such."

Rias linked her hands under her chin, "…Yeah, you're both right."

Issei looked as if Rias had just punched him in the gut with how plainly she answered. Natsuki clenched her hands under the table to hide her disappointment in herself.

"Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko have lots of battle experience even though they have not participated in the game, so they can fight if they get used to it. The two of you and Asia basically don't have any experience yet. Even so, Asia's healing ability, Issei's [Boosted Gear], and Natsuki's [Ethereal Domination] are things that cannot be ignored. Even the enemy knows that. I want you to have at least the power to run away from the enemy."

Natsuki soon tuned out the rest of Rias' explanation as anger filled the entirety of her being. I want you to at least have the power to run away from the enemy…

How can she just expect us to run away? We are doing this so she doesn't have to marry that piece of shit, how can we win if we run? Just the thought of running away with my tail between my legs makes me want to scream!  How can she think a dragon will bow down to a pathetic bird?!

Unbeknownst to Natsuki, her magic had begun to pool out of her and into the dining room. The malicious hatred within her had become suffocating to the other occupants.

"-suki! Natsuki!"

Natsuki blinked, looking around and seeing everyone staring at her with differing levels of worry and fear. Eventually, her eyes landed on Akeno, who had her hand on her shoulder and was calling out to her.

"Are you okay Natsuki?" The Pawn just stared at the Queen for a moment wondering why she seemed so worried, more so than everyone else. She was also wondering why her heart raced a little at Akeno saying her name with no honorific at the end. She had never had that reaction to anyone else doing it, so why now?

"I'm-I'm fine Akeno." Natsuki could no longer look the older girl in the eyes any longer and stared down at her plate.

The room had become tense, everyone waiting to see if the girl would release another wave of magic. When she didn't, Rias cleared her throat and resumed talking.

"As I was saying, now that we're all done eating, we should go take a bath. It's an outdoor bath so I know we'll be able to enjoy ourselves."

Issei's head immediately snapped towards Rias as various thoughts began to consume him.

Bath!? Outdoor bath!? The open air baths!? If it's an outdoor bath, then it's a place to peek! Peeking is all but required for an outdoor bath! Yes, it's a sin not to peek if you are born as a man!

"Don't worry, I'm not going to peek, Ise-kun." Kiba says with a smile.

"Idiot! D-Don't blurt it out!" The boy screeched.

"Oh, Ise. Do you want to peek at us while we are taking a bath?"

Everyone looked at him after Rias' question.

Uwa. I feel awkward. ...I feel like apologizing for being a perv.

But Rias just chuckles and says, "Then how about you bathe with us? I don't mind."

What!

"How about you, Akeno?"

"I don't mind if it's Ise-Kun. Ufufu. I might want to wash a gentleman's back."

"How about you, Asia? You should be all right if it's your beloved Ise, right?"

Asia got red and became quiet after Rias' question, but she eventually makes a small nod with her head.

"Koneko? How about it?"

"...No."

Issei fell to his knees in despair. He had been so close to living his dream of being surrounded by hot, naked, and wet girls only for it to be ripped away when it was just within reach.

Rias then gave the boy a naughty smile, "Then, it's a no. Too bad, Ise."

Issei was wallowing before an idea suddenly came to him and he jumped over the table, landing at Natsuki's feet. "Wait shouldn't it be a majority vote?! There's still one more girl who didn't vote yet!" He then gave his fellow Pawn a pair of puppy eyes, but the effect was ruined by the perverted smile and the trail of blood flowing out of his nose.

Natsuki shook her head, "It would matter Issei. I'm not bathing now; I'm going to wait until you're all done before I go."

This confused the others, "You're not bathing?" Issei asked.

"I am bathing, I'm just waiting until you all go first."

This time Rias spoke "Natsuki, you know if this is about your condition you don't have to-"

"I'm going after you're all finished." Natsuki spoke, not looking at anyone as she walked out the door.

Rias sighed, "Okay everyone let's go head towards the bath." As everyone left, she could help but look in the direction Natsuki went towards.

I hope that one day you'll be comfortable around us Natsuki. Because we all deeply care about you.

---

 

Natsuki was lying in her bed, it had been about 15 minutes since the others had gone to the baths. As tired as she was, she couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier.

The anger over being told to run away during the Rating Game if things got too hard and the others wanting her to bathe with them.

"Hey Lux, did something happen when Rias spoke to us at dinner?"

There was no sound besides Natsuki's breathing before Lux began to speak.

"Yes, something did happen. When your master spoke of running away if things potentially become serious during your fight against the bird, you-we unconsciously released our magic into the area."

"Well, that explains why everyone was so worried. But why though? I mean have never been so angry in all my life not even when I fought Dohnaseek or when Riser showed up."

"The reason is because dragons are prideful creatures. Our power is what makes us such feared beings, we believe ourselves to be above all, even if it is not always true. Remember what I said about parts of your nature changing and the two of us influencing the other, what happened at dinner would be an example of that."

"So, if I'm in a fight I'll want to keep fight even if I know that I can't win, because the prideful dragon within me will not allow it?"

"It is not that you will not be able to Natsuki, it is that you will not want to. I have a pair of brothers who are just like this. They both swore to continue fighting each other until the end of everything because they refused to lose to the other, because that would be admitting that they are weaker than the other. So, every time one of their partners 'loses' they raise the next one to accomplish what the pervious one failed to do."

Natsuki's eyes widened "Wait! You have broth-"

BAM!

Natsuki jumped out of bed at the sound and realized it came from the back of the villa. The same place that Rias said the outdoor bath was.

Wasting no time, Natsuki sprinted out the door and towards the bath, her Sacred Gear already activated in case it was somebody trying to break into the compound.

When Natsuki finally got there she stood confused at the site in front of her. It seemed the stone wall that divided the bath was destroyed as it laid in pieces in the water. She soon saw an unconscious and naked Issei floating with hearts in his eyes and blood flowing from both nostrils. Kiba was just barley able to grab a towel before the wall fell; the girls were not as lucky, standing there completely naked. Natsuki had to guess that the wall fell before they had a chance to cover themselves as both Koneko and Asia were standing behind Rias, using the older girl as cover while Rias and Akeno stood there without a care.

Natsuki didn't bother saying anything once everyone saw her standing at the entrance, she just turned and walked back to her room.

Why is this my life?

---

 

Rias had finally entered her office after not only having to check on Issei and take him back to his room, but fixing the wall he accidentally destroyed and was tried. But she could let that stop her, she now only had 13 days to plan out how they were going to beat Riser and his Peerage. Time was of the essence.

What she didn't expect to see was Natsuki sitting on one of the couches, her head engrossed in the large book she was holding.

"Natsuki? What are you doing here?"

The girl looked up, closing the book, and placing it on the table in front of her, "You said that I could help you come up with the strategies we're going to use for the game."

"Oh, that right it must have slipped my mind."

Natsuki leaned forward, pointing to the book infant of hers, A History of the 72 Pillars. "I was reading about the Phenex Family when I found that they produce a potion know as Phenex Tears and sell them."

"Yes, the Phenex Clan produces them, they have the ability to instantly heal injuries and restore a person's health with just a single drop."

"I also read that the Rating Games allow teams to bring two outside items with them that can be used in the game with no consequences. So, I'm correct in guessing that Riser will bring some tears with him to the game?"

Rias saw where Natsuki was going, "Yes, it's most likely that he will. And he will give them to his most important servants, that being his Queen and his sister Ravel."

"Do you think you can acquire some Phenex Tears Rias-buchou? If his Queen will have some then it's only fair that ours do as well you know, even the playing field."

Rias smirked, "Of course, it's only fair right?"

Natsuki returned the smirk before she spoke again, "However I don't think both items should be the tears, I know it sounds like a good idea, but I think we will need something that can help us go directly against Riser if possible."

Rias agreed while she wanted to say that with two bottles of Phenex Tears that they could heal and overwhelm Riser, she knows him well enough to know that won't work, that way could work is if no one got eliminated and everyone attacked him together and that was pushing it. "A phoenix's immortality is almost impossible to overcome the only things I can think of that can are holy weapons and even with the two items rule, it would never be allowed."

Rias looked at Natsuki and saw that she clearly had an idea but didn't know how she would take it. "What idea do you have for the second item Natsuki?"

Natsuki pursed her mouth, "It's kind of a little crazy plus I don't know if it would be prohibited based on what you said about holy weapons."

"Well, if we're going to have any chance of beating Riser, we're going to have to leave conventional statics behind. So, tell me, what's your idea?"

---

 

Day 2:

It was the second day of their two-week training vacation, and it was study time.

The Peerage had gathered in the living room, deciding to teach Natsuki, Issei, and Asia more about Devils' knowledge and history.

"Our greatest enemy, the Angels led by God. What is the name given to the highest rank Angels? Also, the ones among them?" Kiba asked the three.

"Seraphim, and it's members are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel." Natsuki immediately answered.

"Correct."

"Next is our Maou-samas. What are the names of the "Yondai Maou-sama"?"

Issei quickly jumped forward, answering the question before the girls beside him had a chance to. "Sure! Piece of Cake! I'm planning to meet them when I get a peerage! So, I remembered all their names perfectly! Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama, and Asmodeus-sama! And lastly the female Maou-sama that I look up to, Leviathan-sama!"

"Correct."

"I'm definitely going to meet Leviathan-sama!"

I heard from Buchou. That the person standing at the top of the female Devils is the Maou Leviathan-sama. I also heard that she is unbelievably beautiful! I was also told that I could meet her if I'm lucky! Ku! I cannot wait! How beautiful will she be? Since she is a Maou, she must be exceptionally beautiful...

Ha... I really want to meet her.

"Then next, I will ask you to say the names of the leaders of the Fallen Angels that you hate the most, Ise-kun."

The smile was wiped off Issei's face, no longer was he as joyful as before. Anger bubbled to the surface before he became more serious.

"The main group of the Fallen Angel is called 'Grigori'. The name of the Governor is 'Azazel', and the name of the Vice-governor is 'Shemhazi'. I know completely up to here. And the names of the leaders are... Armaros...Barachiel...Tamiel... Ah, and, hmmm, huh? Bene-something and C-C-Cocaine...?"

"Penemue, Kokabiel and Sariel. You must remember them properly. This is the basics, it's the same as remembering the names of the prime minister and the vice-prime minister of Japan as well as the leaders of the surrounding countries."

How can I!? They have too many leaders! Two is enough! What are the jobs of the other leaders, then!? Man, that's why Fallen Angels are such a pain. I can't come to like them. They are scum anyway.

After this Asia began her own lesson.

"Now then, I will explain about the basics of the exorcists." Asia stammered once as she walked to the front of the room and everyone was staring at her.

Issei then excitedly clapped at the news of Asia soon speaking, causing the girl's face to turn bright red.

"U-Umm. From the place I used to belong to, there were two types of exorcists."

"Two types?" Issei asked as Asia nodded at the boy's question.

"The first type are the ones that appear in films and novels. The father reads a section of the book, then he uses the holy water to get rid of the Devil from the person's body. They are exorcists that the world knows. So, the exorcist in the shadows are the ones that are threat to us."

Rias then took over, "Issei, Natsuki, you two also have met him before, but the greatest threat to Devils' are exorcists who received the divine protection from a God or the Fallen Angels. We have been fighting against them for a long time behind the scenes. They come to destroy us with the power of light they received from the Angels, and with their physical bodies that they trained to the uttermost limits."

"You mean that sadistic fucker Freed?" Natsuki asked.

Rias nodded her head before reaching into Asia's bag, pulling out a small vial of water, holding it as if it she disgusted by it.

Issei was confused by the reactions the older devils had given the water, "What's that?"

"This is holy water. Like Asia had said before holy water is dangerous to Devils. It will burn your skin and weaken you if touched." Rias said, placing the vial on the table in front of the Pawns.

"But why do we have it here if it's so dangerous?" Issei asked.

Rias then smirked, "Because thanks to Natsuki's suggestion were going to be using it in the Rating Game."

This time Akeno spoke up, "But aren't holy weapons banned from the games? Won't we be disqualified if we try to use holy water?"

Natsuki then pulled out a long book, the title of which was Magical Spells and Regulations: Volume 6. The girl flipped through the book before stopping halfway through it. "Like you said Akeno, holy weapons are banned, but according to this and other similar books despite their origins, holy water is considered a potion."

"I've already spoken to Grayfia and she took our suggestion to the Maous. They've agreed that holy water is a potion and can be used in the game." Rias declared, her smirk turning into a genuine smile. They now had a chance of being able to overcome Riser's immortality.

"Hmm, so we asked Asia if she could make enough that we can use it against Riser. Holy energy being one of the few things that can get through a Phoenix's healing and immortality."

"That's right, I can make holy water…but I can't touch it anymore." The smile left Asia's face once she realized that she could enjoy some of the more religious things she liked. "Like the Bible, I used to read it every day as a child. But now I can't I feel pain everything I try to read a sentence."

Everyone in the room except for Issei just stared at the girl blankly.

"You are a Devil."

"You are a Devil after all."

"...A Devil."

"Ufufu, Devil's receive intense damage from anything holy."

"Sob, I can't read the Bible anymore!" Asia cried as tears fell down her face.

"Nope." Natsuki said, adding emphasis at the end. "If you keep trying, you'll probably kill yourself, Asia."

Despite this, Asia pulled out a Bible from her bag. "But this is one of my favorite verses… Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the…ow… plans I have for…ah!... you, declares the Lord, plans… Ow! Ah!..."

Asia's reading was stopped once Natsuki pulled the book out of her hands. "Please Asia, stop reading from that book of pain." A grimace had formed on not only her face but everyone else's as they all felt the pain thanks to the Bishop reading the verse aloud.

This was going to be a long two weeks…

---

 

Day 14:

Two weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. And during that time Issei had noticed improvements in his fighting skills and his power.

During one of his battles with Kiba, one of his boosts ended up destroying part of a nearby mountain!

Right now, he was taking a break from his sparing with Kiba and Koneko. Rias and Asia were closer to the villa working on the younger girl's spells, while Akeno and Natsuki were doing their own sparing deeper in the forest.

I've never felt this strong in my life! I going to beat that flaming chicken's ass! No way I going to let that asshole marry  my  Rias!

BANG!

Issei was brought back to reality when his fellow Pawn came flying in from the woods and landing a few feet in front of him, creating a crater where her body hit the ground.

"Fucking hell." Issei heard Natsuki mumble once the dust settled. The girl's Sacred Gear had been activated before disappearing in a golden flash.

"Ara, ara. You've gotten so much better since the start of our training Natsuki-chan." Akeno said as she slowly appeared from out of the tree line, staring down at the girl with an amused look.

"Don't patronize me you perverted sadist." Natsuki said, squirming as she tried to remove herself from the ground. She found that she couldn't as the older girl had hit her so hard that she was now embedded in the dirt.

"What can I say, you look so delicious when you're at my mercy." Akeno had run her tongue across her lips, her eyes getting darker and her smile widening as she moved towards the crater.

"Akeno, leave her alone." Rias said as she and Asia joined the rest of the Peerage, saving the Pawn from her Queen's darker intentions.

"... I've got you." Koneko said as she pulled Natsuki out of the ground with one hand. Natsuki gave the girl a small smile before focusing on Rias.

"I think that enough for today. I just want you all to know how proud of you I am. Whatever happens tomorrow, I-I just want to know how proud I am be your King." Rias said, her eyes watering as she smiled at her servants.

Issei stepped forward, "We're going to win tomorrow, Buchou! No way we're losing to the chicken!"

"We won't let you down Rias-buchou!" Kiba said.

"...They're going down." Koneko stated.

"Ara, ara I wonder what kind of entertainment Riser and his Peerage will give me?" Akeno stated, her smile contradicting the tone she spoke with.

"We're going to win for you Buchou!" Asia cried out.

"You-you guys..." The tears fully falling from Rias' eyes, overwhelmed by the support her Peerage was giving her.

Rias's sight was then obscured by a white handkerchief. When she looked to the side, she saw that it was being held by Natsuki.

"Be proud of us tomorrow when we beat the fire chicken and his band of rejects. So don't cry Rias, that asshole doesn't deserve any of your tears." Natsuki said, gently using the handkerchief to wipe away her master's tears.

Rias smiled at her 2nd Pawn, leaning into the girl's hand, "Thank you, Natsuki."

"Geez Natsuki, why are you always so well prepared to help the other girls of the group? First the clothes in the Familiar Forest now this handkerchief. I am starting to think you keep all these things on so you can have an excuse to take advantage of the situation." Issei said as he popped in between Rias and Natsuki, grabbing Natsuki's hand and pulling it away from Rias. He couldn't deny that part of him was jealous of the attention that his friend was getting from the other girls of the Peerage, especially in this moment with Rias.

Natsuki scoffed at Issei, grabbing the hand that was holding her as she stared him down. "I'm just trying to be a good person. Don't compare me being helpful to something that you would do."

And just like that the two Pawns were arguing over which one of them had the less noble intentions. The rest of the Peerage was watching them in amusement. Rias just rolled her eyes at her Pawns behavior, but deep down she knew she wouldn't trade these moments for anything.

---

 

The Next Day: The Rating Game

Natsuki sat on one of the couches in the ORC clubroom, waiting in the room with the rest of the club, waiting for the time for the Rating Game would start.

Kiba and Koneko were wearing their school uniforms like most of them. However, the Knight had gauntlets on his arms and the Rook had martial arts gloves. Asia was the only one of them not in her uniform, wearing her nun outfit just without her veil.

The room had been quiet for a while before a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room. Once the glow died down, Grayfia was left in its place.

"The game will begin in 10 minutes. Have you made the necessary preparations?" the stoic maid asked. "The Rating Game will be broadcast to all members of both households. The Devil King Lucifer will also be watching. Take care not to forget this."

Rias looked at the ground dejectedly, "So Oni-sama is going to see this firsthand..." For the Devil it was bad enough the many Devils she knew would be watching, but her brother as well?

"Huh?! Oni-sama?" Issei asked confusedly.

"Buchou's older brother is the Maou Lucifer-sama." Kiba clarified for the newer Devils.

"Whaaa! Wait... Lucifer? I thought Buchou was from the House of Gremory?!" Issei exclaimed, Natsuki too was shocked as Rias never mentioned being related to actual Satan!

"The actual Lucifer perished in the last Great War. However, Devils cannot be without a leader. So, the title of Maou was granted to several immensely powerful Devils. Presently there are four who inherited their names from the first Maous – Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus. So Buchou's big brother was the chosen successor to the Devil King. Sirzechs Lucifer, 'The Crimson Satan' is Buchou's brother and the strongest of the Maous." Akeno further explained.

So, because he gave up the Gremory name to become a Maou, Rias is the heir to their house. Natsuki thought to herself.

"It is time. Everyone, please proceed to the magic seal." Grayfia said, waving one of her wands creating a magic seal under her feet.

"In a moment I will send you to an alternate dimension that will serve as your battlefield. Everything in the space is entirely expendable, so fight to your heart's content. Moreover, once you arrive on site, teleporting on sit via magic will be impossible until the game has ended."

The Peerage stood on the magic circle once Grayfia finished her explanation. The seal began to glow after Grayfia waved her hand again.

There's no coming back. We either win or lose...

Chapter 8: The Battle Begins! Gremory vs Phenex

Summary:

The rating Game has finally begun and both sides are giving it their all for their masters, pushing themselves to the limit.

The glowing light of the magic seal had disappeared revealing that the location of the battle was….

The Occult Research Clubroom?

"What the...?" Issei looked around in confusion. "We're still in the clubroom. Did the spell not work?"

"Greetings everyone." The familiar voice of a certain maid sounded from the speakers. "I am Grayfia, a servant of the Gremory Family. I have been charged with the honor of refereeing the match between Riser Phenex and Rias Gremory. Please note that my master, Sirzechs Lucifer-Sama, will also be observing this match. After taking in the opinions of both Riser-Sama and Rias-Sama, we have decided to use a replica of Kouh Academy, the school that Rias-Sama attends in the human world, as the battlefield."

"What does she mean by replica?" asked Issei.

"Take a look outside."

Issei looked at Rias oddly for a moment, but soon followed her advice, opening one of the shutters that kept the window closed.

What he saw would forever be engraved in his mind. The grounds of Kouh Academy looked the same as always. The beautifully crafted Western style building sat in the middle of a grassy field surrounded by a fence, lush trees, and more buildings. Everything looked exactly as it always had.

Except for one difference…

The sky was completely white. As far as the eye could see, stretching across for miles, was a pure white sky. It did not even look like a sky, just a blank canvas that God had forgotten to paint on when he made the world.

"That sky shows that we are in an alternate dimension created by Devils to host the Rating Game."

Natsuki whistled as she looked outside. "The fact that Devils can make another dimension so easily and make it look so realistic is pretty damn amazing."

"Both parties have now been transferred to their respective strongholds," Came Grayfia's voice once more. "Rias-Sama's team is in the Occult Research clubroom. Riser-Sama's team is in the Student Council room. To promote your Pawns, you will have to proceed to the opponent's stronghold."

"Natsuki," Rias grabbed the dark-haired Pawn's attention. She held out her hand, showing a small ear bud resting on her palm. "This is a communicator. It will allow everyone to always stay connected.

"Thanks." Natsuki said as she put her hand in hers. It lingered for a moment longer than necessary before she grabbed the communicator and put it in her ear.

"So, all I need to do in order to get promoted to Queen is enter the school," Issei pounded a fist into his open palm. "Then I can become the strongest piece in the game!" He was ready for this. After all the training he had been through, there was no way he could lose now. This was my moment! My time to shine! Just you wait, harem, Hyoudou Issei is coming!

"Ara, ara, you make it sound so simple." Akeno said.

Natsuki responded to Issei's words much more bluntly than Akeno. She smacked the boy in the back of the head, causing the poor pervert to nearly fall flat on his face as he stumbled forwards.

"Ouch!"

"Don't think it will be that easy, Ise," Nasuki chided. "You have to remember that in order to get to the school, we will more than likely have to go through at least several of the douchebag's servants, each of which will most likely be a Bishop, Knight, or Rook and they'll be guarding against any intrusion."

"You also have to remember that Riser's Pawns will also be trying to enter our territory," Kiba added. "And seeing that Riser's got a full set, it means we'll have to deal with eight Pawns as opposed to our two, that is something he'll take advantage of."

"Ugh," a cloud of depression formed around Issei. Asia took a weary step back as the darkness seemed to grow. "I see your point."

"Don't worry too much, Rias-Buchou has a plan for dealing with the douche's harem." Natsuki said, ignoring the way Issei began crying at the mention of Riser's harem. "Have a little faith in her just like she does in you, alright?"

At the mention of their leader, everyone turned to Rias, who had taken to sitting behind the desk.

"Our first task will be to take out Riser's Pawns," she told them. "He has eight of them, and it will be problematic if he manages to promote one of them, much less all eight of them, into Queens."

"You seem awfully calm about all this..." Issei mumbled, obviously not seeing how someone could stay so calm when they were on the cusp of a battle that would determine more than just who won and who lost. Rias was fighting with her hand in marriage on the line. How could anyone be calm with that kind of pressure on them?

"The battle has just started," Rias said, sipping at a cup of tea that Akeno had prepared for her. "Rating Games like these tend to take a long time. There is no point in worrying right now when we have only just begun."

As she spoke, Natsuki walked up to the desk and placed a sheet of paper, which displayed a map of the school, on it. It was an overly simplistic map, using different colored blocks to represent sections of the academy.

"The enemy base is the school building," Rias began, pointing out the large block that represented the building in question. She then began moving her finger across the board until it was pointing at a patch of yellow. "Going through the quad is the fastest route to get there, however..."

"It's in clear view of the school." Koneko pointed out.

"Yes," Rias nodded. "And because of that, the risks are far too great to go through there."

"Then maybe we should go through the track and field grounds behind the building?" Issei suggested.

"A good idea, but one our enemy is likely expecting." Natsuki said. "I wouldn't be all that surprised if they stationed both Knights and Rooks at that clubhouse right there." She pointed towards the orange block with the word clubhouse written on it.

"Natsuki-chan brings up a good point," Akeno sounded a lot more serious than usual. "That's a very obvious first move. We would be walking into a trap."

"Buchou," Kiba got everyone's attention. "Could we get closer to the school by going through the Gymnasium. Perhaps we should head there first?" His index finger landed on the two purple squares that had the word Gymnasium written inside of them. "It's close to our base, and at the same time, we can gather more information on our enemy."

"Information is something we'll need if we want to have any hope of fleshing out a plan." Natsuki spoke.

Rias considered all the thoughts being given to her. "In chess terms, the Gym is at the center of the board. The first side who takes control of it will certainly have an advantage." She leaned over the desk. "It's decided then. However, I think a powerful Rook, rather than an agile Knight, would be best suited for this task."

"In an enclosed space, a heavy hitter will have an advantage." Natsuki agreed.

"Right, Koneko and one other Pawn should go to the gym. I think you should go with Koneko, Nats-"

"I'll go to the gym." Issei said, cutting off Rias.

Rias herself blinked, staring at Issei for a few seconds, "Are you sure Ise?"

"Yes, Buchou, I'm sure. I'll be the one to handle the servants in the gym."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow; she had no problem with Issei going instead of her, but she was confused as to why the boy was so adamant about it.

It is because he feels inferior to you. Lux's voice rang out in her head.

Inferior? Natsuki asked.

Yes, inferior. Issei believes that he is falling behind as you both became Devils and Pawns at the same time, but you are showing more improvement. He wants to prove that he is not a burden to you and the others.

Natsuki thought about this before speaking, "It's fine Rias-buchou, the plan still works even if Issei goes instead of me. I'll go with Kiba."

Natsuki's agreement went unheard as when she turned around, Issei was crying tears of joy as his head rested on Rias' lap while Asia watched on in jealousy from the side.

"What the fuck…" Natsuki said, confused by the scene in front of her.

"I'm removing the seal I place on Issei the night I turned you both into Devils." Rias said, as if that was an answer.

"What seal?" Natsuki and Issei asked.

"When I first revived you Issei, your body wasn't able to handle the power of your Scared Gear and the four Pawn pieces at the same time. So, I broke down your power into multiple tiers and sealed them off. I'm unlocking one of them now."

"So, this is why I feel stronger." Issei said, before his expression became perverted once more. "I'm going to win this for you Buchou!... I wonder what other ways my power can be unlocked."

"You're not going to do that to me right?" Natsuki asked, the idea of resting her head on Rias' thighs to unlock her power made her uncomfortable.

I think I would rather maintain the power I have now if that's the case.

Rias locked eyes with Natsuki, "No, I won't be doing this for you, Natsuki. I don't know why but for some reason sealing your power wasn't necessary when I revived you."

Rias didn't need to seal my power. But why? Do you know, Lux?

Natsuki's head was silent as she was given no response from the dragon. She was about to try again when Rias said they needed to head to their locations as they were making their move.

So, this is it, the battle is finally beginning…

---

 

Grayfia's voice then rang throughout the battlefield. "Game Start!" Soon Issei and Koneko sprinted off together through the fog and towards the gym.

"Phase One," Rias had told them, "is to immediately gain control of the middle of the Board. Tonight, that is the gym building. Issei, Koneko, the two of you will take it and defeat anyone Riser sends. Riser won't send much so it should be an easy task. Akeno, Kiba, and Natsuki will run defense. Riser will undoubtedly try to sneak some Pawns through for an easy Promotion."

Issei ran right alongside Koneko. Before the training trip, Koneko had been faster than him. Now, he ran with her without getting winded at all. He smiled proudly. A sign of his growth. It didn't take them long to get to the gym. They burst through the doors but saw no one first...

"We know you're there, servants of Gremory! We watched you come inside." The voice of a woman spoke out before the lights turned on revealing four female Devils standing at the center of the basketball court.

"One Rook and three Pawns... please take care of the Pawns Issei-senpai, the Rook is mine." Koneko said, tightening her gloves.

"You bet! [Boosted Gear] on standby!" Issei yelled as his Sacred Gear boosted.

Rias's voice buzzed in the earpieces, "Xuelan, Mira, Ile, and Nel. Xuelan is one of Riser's Rooks and the rest a single-piece Pawns. Riser is underestimating us, show him how foolish he is my cute servants!" The Peerage could hear the smile in her tone.

"Hai, Buchou!" Issei and Koneko acknowledged their master.

Issei quickly took stock of his oppenents, he hadn't paid much attention when Rias had explained their abilities. He didn't need to, he already had his trump card over each one of them, the power he had been working on since their training camp started.

"Wait Koneko, I got this!" Issei exclaimed.

"Issei-senpai, take this seriously." Koneko deadpanned.

"Don't you trust me Koneko-chan?"

"No."

Issei hung his head in sadness, "But Koneko! I have a super-secret weapon I developed just for this! Please just let me try it out!" Issei held his hands in front of him, begging the girl to let him try his new attack.

Finally, Natsuki ended the begging when she chimed in through the communicator. "Koneko, just let him try it out. Worst case scenario it doesn't work, and you can kick his ass. Best case you end the fight quickly. Let's just not any more waste time arguing about it."

Koneko sighed, "Okay."

"Yosh! Thanks, Natsuki!" Issei said before he moved his fingers lecherously. "All I need to do is touch them."

Mira soon got tired of watching the two Gremory Devils talk, leaping across the gym as engulfed her staff in flames, "Don't act so confident! We're going to make short work of you two, Hyoudou!"

The other three moved forward as well, preparing to attack only for Issei to quickly run between them, tapping all four of them with his hand. Although the pervert also took the opportunity to tap them on the ass and causing them to gasp out in shock.

He then stepped back dramatically, "Now for my super-secret technique, Dress Break!" He spun around and landed on one knee, snapping his fingers.

It was like an invisible pair of scissors had attacked them, every single piece of clothing on Xuelan, Mira, Ile, and Nel had been shredded into nothing, leaving the four of them completely naked.

The four Devils had shrieked in shock, their faces red from embarrassment. The twins hugged each other to cover up as much of their bodies from prying eyes. Mira squatted down, hugging her knees to her chest and Xuelan remained standing trying to cover her breasts and womanhood with her hands.

Blood sprayed from Issei's nose like a faucet as he held his hands up in victory. "Yes! How's that?! This is my new technique! Dress Break! I've spent all my energy in making a technique that will give me all the naked girls I want!"

There was complete and udder silence from the communicator. Koneko had the blankest expression Issei had ever seen from her, but he didn't care. Now I can get back at all the people who beat me and called me scum for peeping! The possibilities are endless!

"Scum." Koneko said, finally breaking her silence.

"Pervert!" Yelled the twins.

"Freak!" Mira screamed.

"Disgusting piece of trash!" Xuelan finished.

But Issei didn't care, proud of the ability he made, "Haha it really is-"

Rias interrupted him, "Koneko please... end it. They may be Riser's servants but even they don't deserve this. And Issei, you and I will be having a long, long talk about this Dress Break." The sharp coldness in her words was evident, causing the Pawn to wilt.

"Hai, Buchou." Koneko walked over to the Devils, knocking each of them out with one punch.

All four bodies were soon enveloped in a bright green light before they all disappeared. Grayfia voice soon rang out once again, "Riser Phenex-Sama. One Rook and three Pawns retired. Unable to continue."

"Wait, so the new technique that you wouldn't stop talking about, was stripping people of their clothes?" Natsuki asked through the communicator once Grayfia was done with her announcement. She was confused about how Issei's Dress Break was supposed to be powerful.

"Don't speak about it so plainly Natsuki! It's the ultimate attack!" Issei proclaimed.

"Does it injure your opponent?"

"Nope, just reveals the beauty of the female form!"

"Does it work on men?"

Issei's face took on a disgusted expression, "Of course not! Who would want to see another dude's package?! This is just for breasts!"

"Stripping a person wouldn't keep them from fighting, so it's useless."

Issei was taken aback by the statement, "Wait Natsuki, are you saying that you would still fight even while naked?!"

"Yes, if anything being stripped would just make me want to kick that pervert's ass even more."

Issei was about to reply when Natsuki cut him off, "Also I remember you and Asia sneaking off in the night during training. I'm assuming that you tested your ability on her, right?"

Issei scratched the back of his head, "Uh, yeah?"

"Try that on any member of the Peerage again and I will beat you into the ground, Issei." Natsuki's voice took on a darker tone, causing shivers to run down everyone's backs.

"Go-got it!" The other Pawn replied, scared of the threat that was thrown at him.

"Anyway, well done winning the gym even if the methods were... unconventional." Rias spoke, breaking the tension that Natsuki created.

"Oh yeah! High five Koneko!" Issei said while raising his hand in front of him.

Koneko gave him a harsh glare, "Touch me Issei-san and I will crush you." Purposing not calling him 'senpai,' as she was disgusted by his previous actions.

Issei slumped, "Come one Koneko I-"

"Guys! Get out of the gym!" Natsuki yelled through the earpiece.

That's when Issei felt it, his senses screaming out for him to run.

BANG!!

---

 

Issei looked up and saw that the roof had exploded, and debris was falling towards them. Instinctually Issei raised his arm up and the [Boosted Gear] exclaimed, 'Explosion' releasing a powerful green blast that blew apart the falling wreckage.

The jewel on his gauntlet became dull as Issei looked around and saw that the gym had been destroyed. Issei and Koneko then looked up, seeing a purple figure floating above them.

Natsuki suddenly appeared next to the pair, "Are you guys alright? I tried to warn you when I felt her energy nearby, but I was too late." The dark-haired Pawn ran as fast as she could to the gym once Kiba told her that he would be okay by himself until she returned.

"Hai." Koneko replied.

"Yeah, we're good. I don't know how, but I sensed it too and my gear reacted before I knew what was going on." Issei said.

Rias released a sigh of relief; "You three need to get out of there now. Riser is clearly pissed as he sent Yubelluna out much sooner than expected. Let Akeno handle her, you guys need to meet Kiba at the athletic fields."

Akeno then flew into sight and to say she was angry would be an understatement. She was downright furious, the typically easy-going and teasing smile was nowhere to be found as she was dressed in her Thunder Priestess outfit, staring her fellow Queen down.

A thunderclap then boomed, and Akeno was surrounded in crackling lightning while Yubelluna had a dark purple aura coming off her body.

"Let's go guys, Akeno-senpai can handle herself." Issei stated as he turned away from the battle about to take place. Queen vs Queen, both of whom are the strongest players on the field after their Kings. He shuddered a bit at the thought.

Koneko watched the two, a look of genuine anger crossed her face over what Yubelluna tried to do them before she took a breath and followed Issei out of the ruins, leaving Natsuki by herself.

Grayfia voice overtook all sound, even drowning out the thunder. "Riser Phenex-sama. Three Pawns retired. Unable to continue."

"And that would be Kiba." Rias said. "Natsuki? Natsuki, you need to get going."

Natsuki sighed before cupping her hands in front of her mouth, gaining the attention of the two Queens. "Akeno! Akeno, remember what you've got to do!"

Akeno looked down at Natsuki and for the first time since she appeared in the sky, she smiled. "Of course, not Natsuki-chan!" And she subconsciously touched her pocket, "Just trust in me!"

Natsuki and Akeno stared at each other for a few seconds before the Pawn broke the moment by turning and walking away. "Just don't lose Akeno. We're trusting you to beat this bitch... I'm trusting you." She whispered the last part to herself and leaving the area, unaware of the fact that the Lighting Priestess had heard her.

"How pathetic, that worthless insect thinking you have a chance in beating me." Yubelluna said, pulling Akeno's attention away from where Natsuki's figure disappeared into the trees.

Akeno stared at Yubelluna, giggling sadistically as lightning danced between her fingers. "You're going to regret running your mouth, Bomb Queen."

"We shall see Priestess of Thunder." Yubelluna shot back with her own sadistic grin.

---

 

The Priestess of Thunder and the Bomb Queen had begun their bloody battle.

"You're going to-" Yubelluna was cut off as a massive bolt of lightning came falling from the sky, striking the Bomb Queen and blasting her into the ground below. She barreled through the dirt for several moments before finally stopping.

Yubelluna slowly pulled herself out of the crater she was in, staring at Akeno. Her fellow Queen was looking at her with nothing but anger. "Don't you know its rude to cut someone off?"

Akeno smirked, "Is that so? How about I give you an apology!" Akeno summoned several balls of electricity, sending them hurdling at Yubelluna.

Yubelluna countered this by using her demonic power to create her signature explosions, dissipating the electricity flying at her.

This song and dance went on for several minutes and Akeno knew she needed to use her other side if she wanted to come out on top.

"Holy Lightning!" The Queen cried out.

A giant magic circle formed in the sky, releasing Akeno's largest bolt of lightning. The electricity enveloped Yubelluna's entire body and once again threw the Devil to the ground. Yubelluna's impact completely obliterating what was left of the gym.

Akeno slowly hovered over the crater, looking down it and breathing heavily. She may have been tired, but she succeeded in taking down the other Queen.

So why hasn't Grayfia-sama announced her retirement? Akeno thought.

Akeno was unable to further think about it as Yubelluna burst from the crater, punching her in the face and sending her flying a couple of meters back. Akeno rubbed her cheek as she saw the vial in Yubelluna's hand.

Yubelluna smirked when she noticed where Akeno's attention was, "So you've noticed huh? Let me show you the true power of the Phenex!"

Yubelluna creates several large explosions on Akeno's body, leaving the Devil as a bloody mess. Her priestess outfit left in tatters as she fell to the ground.

"You had no chance of beating us. I fight for Riser-sama, his love fuels me." Yubelluna stated as she laughed at the other Queen.

Akeno slowly picked herself up, she could feel the bones she broke as she crashed into the ground. While her enemy was distracted, Akeno reached into her pocket and pulled out her own vial of Phenex Tears that Rias had given her. "Yo-you may fight for Riser, but I'm fighting for not just my master, but all of my friends!" The Queen yelled, drinking the tears, and feeling her power replenish and her injuries heal.

"That shouldn't be possible how did you-" Yubelluna screamed, shocked by her enemy's return to health.

Akeno smirked, "Your master's family shouldn't have made their tears a public product if they only wanted it to be used for themselves and their allies." She then threw away the vial and summoned her wings, meeting Yubelluna back in the skies.

"Shut your filthy mouth! You dare insult the great Phenex family?!" Yubelluna growled out, her purple aura once again covering her body.

Akeno smiled as her own aura covered her, "I already told you; I'm not going to lose here. I have a promise to keep!"

The two Queens then flew towards each other at breakneck speed, their attacks already drawn as they prepared for the second round of their battle.

---

 

Natsuki could still hear the tremendous explosions and thunderclaps coming from the battling Queens the further away she got.

After a few moments, the Pawn was able to catch up to Issei and Koneko and soon the three Devils made their way to the athletic fields. Eventually they saw Kiba waiting for them by the soccer field.

"I heard you guys did well, we've dealt them a lot of damage and haven't lost anyone yet." Kiba said once the three got close.

"Yeah, we've kicked their asses!" Issei declared.

"Issei-senpai is a disgusting pervert." Koneko stated, causing Natsuki to snicker when Issei's face fell.

Natsuki soon composed herself and took charge, "Yeah, yeah Issei is the scum of the earth, but we still got a job to do. Riser still has himself, his Queen, and 7 other servants left."

[Boost]

Issei raised his hand up to the sky, "Hell yeah, we've got this! Let's go!" Natsuki then had to grab his collar to keep her fellow Pawn from running off without them.

The four Devils then took off and after a few minutes they came across the remaining seven Devils of Riser's Peerage.

One of the younger girls stepped forward once she noticed them. She had the most distinguishing features with her blonde hair put in drill like twin tails and she had large feather like extensions on her back that resembled the tail of a bird.

"How dare you peasants harm Onii-sama's ladies?! We're going to make sure you live to regret it!" The girl told them.

"Onii-sama?" Issei asked.

"She's Riser's sister. I think Rias said her name was Ravel." Natsuki answered.

"Sister?! HE GOT THE LITTLE SISTER ARCHETYPE FOR HIS HAREM WITH HIS ACTUAL LITTLE SISTER!" Issei yelled, tears falling down his face as his jealousy rose to the surface once more. Natsuki slapped her own forehead, Koneko gave him a disgusted look, and Kiba just chuckled nervously.

Ravel's eye twitched as her face became red with anger, "I'm not a part of his harem! I'm just here to be his Bishop!"

"By being in his harem." Issei spoke up again, unintentionally make the Bishop even angrier.

A pair of fire wings sprouted from the girl's back and she flew into the air. "Everyone, take care of them! Beat them into the ground! Leave no trace of them!" Ravel barked out.

The other 6 servants stepped forward. The twin cat girls Ni and Li ran towards Koneko, the Rook had dodged Ni and sent Li flying away with a single punch. Ni darted after her twin and Koneko chased after them.

Kiba was facing off against the swordswoman and Knight, Karlamine. He was wielding two black and blue swords, skillfully parrying and blocking each strike that was sent his way.

Natsuki was fighting against the other swordswoman and Knight, Siris and the second Bishop, Mihae. The Pawn was able to evade the strikes coming her way and using her Sacred Gear to absorb the shock waves and the energy beams the Knight and Bishop were creating.

This left Issei to face off against the masked Rook, Isabela. She had slammed her fist down, splitting the ground and forcing Issei to jump up into the air to avoid getting caught in attack. Once he landed Isabela sped towards him with her fist encased in flames. Issei had raised his own arms up to block the strike.

"Issei, duck!" Natsuki yelled.

Issei didn't have time to question it as he quickly dropped to the ground. Just as he looked up, he saw that Siris and Mihae had been sent flying by his friend and crashed into Isabela, sending the three hurtling into a nearby tree and knocking it over from the impact.

"Thanks, Natsuki!" Issei said as he ran over to the Pawn.

Just as she was about to respond, Kiba had sent his own opponent flying in the direction of her Peerage mates. Even Koneko did so as well, dropping the twins on the ground near the broken tree as she made her way over to the others.

This proved to not be enough as the six Devils slowly picked themselves off the floor, once again preparing to attack.

"Issei, Kiba. Remember what you guys worked on?" Natsuki asked.

Issei gave the girl a wide grin, "Of course Natsuki!" He activated his [Boosted Gear's] Transfer ability, pointing his arm at Kiba. "Boosted Gear Gift!"

A green aura soon overtook Kiba's body, and he embedded his sword into the ground, "[Sword Birth]!"

Over a thousand steel swords came into existence, popping out from every part of the forest. The six servants were impaled, with blades all over their bodies, making them look more like shish kabobs than Devils.

The same glowing light from before appeared taking the Devils off the battlefield, Grayfia announcing their retirement from the game and leaving only Ravel left.

"No way... they... they beat them all?" The Bishop asked herself, looking down form above and seeing the carnage the Gremory Devils left in their wake.

"Riser Phenex-sama. Queen, retired. Unable to continue." Grayfia's voice broke out and a few moments later she said, "Rias Gremory-sama. Queen, retired. Unable to continue."

The four Devils all froze at the news. "Akeno-senpai lost?" Issei couldn't believe that Akeno, their Queen, had been beaten.

"No, she didn't, she won." Natsuki answered.

"What are you taking about Natsuki-chan? You heard Grayfia-sama, she ann-" Kiba stated.

"Grayfia called Yubelluna retiring first. Not to mention Rias-buchou gave Akeno Phenex Tears before the game started. My guess is that Akeno and Yubelluna both used them and continued fighting. Yubelluna fell first and Akeno shortly after." The Pawn didn't want to admit the other reason she was so confident is because Akeno promised her that she would win. To trust in her.

Thanks, Akeno. We're not going to let you down; you helped us greatly by taking Yubelluna down. So just leave the rest to us, Senpai! Natsuki thought, clenching her fist as she made her own promise to her fallen Queen.

"Don't get so cocky! Yubelluna may be gone but she still got rid of your useless Queen! Now Riser's going to get rid of all of you! I can't wait to see my brother teach that whore Gremory her place!" Ravel yelled at them, but it was hard to take seriously as her body was shaking as she spoke and was partially hiding behind the crown of a tree.

Well, it was hard to take seriously for Natsuki, her Peerage mates were a different story.

Issei and Koneko glared at the girl and Kiba could no longer take the Bishop's insults, raising his sword and charging at her.

"Wait Kiba! She's not fighting back!" Natsuki yelled, she knew they had to win but striking down a defenseless person didn't sit right with her.

Before Kiba could reach Ravel, a giant fireball came down and exploded where Kiba stood. Once the smoke cleared, Kiba was shakily standing, his entire body burnt to a crisp, steam wafting of the hunk of charcoal that was once Kiba Yuuto.

The Knight fell to the ground, his body enveloped in green as he soon disappeared. "Rias Gremory-sama. Knight, retired. Unable to continue."

"Kiba!" The remaining members of the Peerage cried out.

"YOU DARE TRY AND HURT RAVEL?!"

Riser Phenex was done messing around. He was going to destroy every single one of these lowborn Devils.

---

 

During her servants' battles, Rias and Asia had made their way towards the top of the school building in order to draw out Riser.

Her plan worked as Riser heeded her call and soon the two Pure Bloods were staring each other down. Rias' face was blank and emotionless, giving nothing away and Riser's was smug and arrogant, fully believe that this game was already won and lost.

"Honestly Rias, I didn't expect you to take the King vs King route. Especially since you aren't that much of a fighter. Don't you think this is a bit reckless of you, my beloved." Riser spoke, his face showed cockiness, but deep inside anger filled him.

Riser had already lost 7 members of his Peerage and the rest were fight tooth and nail against Rias'. This should have been the part where Rias felt discouraged and given up. But the Devil across from him continued to look confident.

No matter. Riser has more experience, Riser has won every game Riser has fought in, Riser only lost because the families Riser fought are close to Riser. Riser is a proud member of the Phenex family, Riser won't lose to lesser Devils. The Devil thought.

Rias ignored his taunt, sending another wave of destruction Riser's way. It destroyed part of the roof and even cut off Riser's arm, only for the Devil to regenerate the lost limb a few moments later.

Riser simply laughed and sent a fireball her way, the Gremory heir was able to block most of it with her own magic, but part of the flames broke through, burning her hands.

"Buchou-san!" Asia cried out before bringing her hands up, using her Sacred Gear to heal her master's injuries.

"Don't you see how pointless this is Rias? Riser can continue to heal forever, but eventually your Bishop will grow weak, and her Gear will fail. Where will you be then?" Riser spoke, laughing smugly as he did so. "Although Riser supposes Riser's servants will beat yours long before that happens."

"Riser Phenex-sama. Two Knights, two Pawns, one Rook, and one Bishop retired. Unable to continue." Grayfia called out.

"Your servants will beat mine, huh?" Rias said in a mocking tone, her lips curling into a smirk.

Riser scoffed, summoning fire to his hands. "It doesn't matter. Yubelluna will simply have to deal with that trash on her own!"

"Riser Phenex-sama. Queen, retired. Unable to continue." Grayfia spoke once more, Rias smiled smugly at Riser before it quickly fell with Grayfia's next announcement. "Rias Gremory-sama. Queen, retired. Unable to continue."

"Akeno/Yubelluna lost!" Both Kings cried out.

"No that shouldn't be possible! How could Yubelluna lose to that bitch?!" Riser screamed, the fire surrounding him growing in tune with his growing anger as now only himself and one single piece were left.

Akeno has been eliminated, even giving her the Phenex Tears wasn't enough to change the outcome. Rias thought to herself. At least Akeno managed to get rid of Yubelluna, the rest of us will just have to manage without, we still hold the advantage in terms of numbers.

"Akeno-senpai has been eliminated?" Asia asked, tears coming to the surface as she thought about how hurt her friend could be.

"It's okay Asia. Everyone that gets eliminated is sent to healers that will take care of their injuries." Rias said to placate her Bishop.

"Wait Kiba! She's not fighting back!" A voice cried out. The three devils looked across the forest and saw that the voice belonged to Natsuki and that the Pawn was speaking to Kiba who was charging at Ravel Phenex with his sword drawn to strike the cowering young girl down.

Rias was about to speak out as well, but stopped when she felt an immense burst of heat coming from across the roof. She saw that Riser his entire side of the roof were engulfed in flames. The Devil then pointed his hand at the Knight, a giant fireball flying from his palm and hitting Kiba directly.

"Kiba!" Rias and Asia screamed.

"Rias Gremory-sama. Knight, retired. Unable to continue."

"YOU DARE TRY AND HURT RAVEL?!" Riser screamed before jumping off the roof and flying towards the three Gremory Devils and his sister like a flaming bullet.

Natsuki, Issei, and Koneko were still in shock over the brutality of Kiba's elimination, when the Knight's attacker landed in front of them. The ground had cratered beneath his feet and the trees exploded in flames from the intense heat coming from Riser's body.

"Onii-sama!" Ravel shouted; she too was shocked at her brother's action. She had never seen her brother so angry in all her life and part of her was genuinely worried about the fate of the Gremory Peerage after seeing what he did to the Knight.

"Ravel, stay out of this. I need to teach these peons what happens when they dare to harm a Phenex." Riser spoke in an eerily calm tone, not even looking at his sister as he was solely focused on the Devils standing in front of him.

"O-okay, Onii-sama." Ravel agreed before flying up. She was now over a hundred feet in the air, far enough away from her brother's rage.

"This is so not good." Natsuki whispered to the others, she knew that Riser was already angry about the rest of his Peerage but now that his sister was almost hurt, the King was done holding back. "We've got to get to the student council office. Right now."

Issei snapped his head towards the other Pawn, "You want us to run away?!" How can she want us to run?! Don't tell me she's scared?!

"Of course, I don't want to run, but you saw what Riser just did to Kiba. We need to get to the student council office so we can promote to Queen if we want to stand any chance against him." Natsuki argued.

"Natsuki-senpai is right. He will just eliminate us and Rias-buchou and Asia-senpai will be left alone with him." Koneko said, trying to convince Issei of the smarter plan of action.

Issei gritted his teeth. They're right. We don't stand any chance against him right now. We need to promote so we can help Rias-buchou take this fucker down!

"Alright let's go!" Issei said, and the three soon took off running towards the school building to promote and meet up with Rias and Asia.

"Where do think you are going?! You can't just attack my sister and run away!" Riser yelled, flying after them and blasting torrents of fire from his hands.

The Gremory Devils scrambled to dodge the flames, still running towards the school as they did.

Just as they reached the entrance, Riser suddenly dropped down from the sky, grabbing the back of Koneko's head and slamming the Rook into the ground. The force of the strike was strong enough to blow the two Pawns back a few feet.

"Koneko!" the Gremory Devils yelled. A green glow appeared from underneath Riser and Koneko was gone.

"Rias Gremory-sama. Rook, retired. Unable to continue."

"Ha, just as Riser thought you all really are weak. Your pathetic Queen must have pulled some sort of trick to beat Yubelluna, that's the only explanation." Riser said, looking up at Rias as he arrogantly walked out of the hole he made with Koneko's body.

Natsuki and Issei were livid when they heard Riser speak ill of their friends, both Pawns glaring at the Pure blood Devil, but Riser paid them no mind as he continued to smirk at Rias.

"How dare you?!" Rias yelled and she then jumped off the roof, Asia following suit, and both floated down, landing in front of the Pawns.

"Riser just speaks the truth. You all are so laughably weak, but don't worry my beloved, once Riser is done teaching your servants about the greatness of Riser Phenex you'll never have to fight again. The wife of Riser will have no need to." Riser said, striking a pose to show off his so-called greatness.

"You bastard!" Issei yelled flying at Riser with his hand raised in a fist with the intent to punch the smug Devil. This failed as Riser caught the punch and delivered one of his own to Issei's stomach, sending the brown-haired Pawn flying back towards his Peerage.

Natsuki jumped into the air catching Issei and placing him on the ground. "Issei! Are you okay?"

"Urggh!" Issei cried out holding his stomach.

"Issei!" Asia cried, moving from Rias' side and going over to use her Sacred Gear on the boy.

"Oh no you don't!" Riser yelled, flying at Asia his fist was raised and just as he was about to strike her, Natsuki jumped in front of the Bishop. The force of the strike sent the girl flying into the school building, her body smashing through the walls and appearing on the side.

"Natsuki!" Rias and Asia yelled.

Issei looked on in horror when Riser flew at Asia only for Natsuki to take the blow, being sent flying away in the process. The fear in him soon turned to rage when he heard Riser laugh and prepare to try and strike Asia again.

[Boost]! His Sacred Gear cried out.

The Pawn jumped to his feet and punched Riser, knocking a Pure blood back a few yards.

At first Issei was confident he was making a comeback, only for him to vomit a torrent of blood.

"Issei!" Rias and Asia appeared behind him calling out to the boy, but the Pawn was now lost within his own mind.

---

 

Issei soon found himself, naked as the day he was born in the middle of a white void.

"As you are, you will never become stronger." A voice called out.

"Huh?! Whose there?!" Suddenly a large black shadow appeared before him and spoke once more. "You are a unique being within whom a dragon dwells. So, stop failing miserably. I will never hear the end of it from that 'White Bastard,' I can even feel Aureum looking down on me from within her own partner."

"You're that dragon from my dream! Did you give me that power-up before?" Issei asked.

"Yes, your desire is my desire, the 'White Bastard's' too. That's why I helped you evolve to the next level."

Issei looked down at the ground, "But it wasn't enough, even with your help I wasn't strong enough to beat Riser... I'm still just a useless burden to everyone."

"You are right the power I gave you wasn't enough but there is a way to make you even stronger."

Issei's head snapped towards the dragon, "Even stronger?! So, let's do it, give me your power, O' mighty dragon!"

The dragon shadow soon took on his true form, a large red dragon that caused Issei to step back at the sudden change. "My power will make you stronger, but it will only be temporary. It will also come at a price."

"A price?"

"Your left arm. It will become that of a dragon, transformed forever more. Once you agree it can never be undone. Are you sure you still want my power?"

Issei didn't hesitate, "Do it! Take my arm, I don't care! So long as it gives me the power to protect Rias and my friends, I'll sacrifice my entire body!"

The dragon gave the boy a fierce grin, "Now that is what I expect from my partner! The name is Ddraig, you best remember it." A glowing light soon enveloped Issei's arm.

"Remember the power I have given will only last for about a minute as your body won't be able to handle anymore. Now, demonstrate the power of a dragon to those who have mocked you." And with that, Issei was ejected from the void.

---

 

Despite the conversation that had taken place, no time had passed in the real world when Issei was brought back to his body. He pushed himself away from the others and yelled "Shine on, Over boost! Welsh Dragon Over booster!"

His [Boosted Gear] glowed covering the Pawn in his balance breaker, [Scale Mail].

Rias and Asia gasped in shock; the King was unable to believe that her Pawn had reached his balance breaker. "You- you unlocked your balance breaker?"

"It's no matter if you unlocked a new power. Riser will still turn you to ash, Red Dragon Emperor!" Riser proclaimed, flying at the armored teen with flame covered fists.

"I won't let you win, you fucking fire chicken! Rias doesn't belong to you! Besides Rias-bouchou's virginity is MINE!" Issei stated, oblivious to the blush that overtook Rias' face at his bold statement.

You now have 40 seconds. Any longer and your body will be finished. Ddraig said inside Issei's head.

"Thats more than enough to beat this chump into the ground!" Issei said, firing a massive energy blast at the Devil.

Riser dodges the blast, but was taken off guard when Issei flew at him faster than he could keep track of, delivering a devastating punch to his stomach and leaving a gaping hole in it and sending Riser flying into the school.

Issei continued his assault by flying down and using his claws to tear off one of Riser's arms. Even going as far as to smack the Devil with his own torn appendage, knocking Riser back into the courtyard.

Issei flew back at Riser in order to continue beating the Phenex into submission when the jewel on his gauntlet released a glow. Once it dissipated Issei still had his [Boosted Gear] activated but was no longer in his balance breaker.

"Ddraig! That wasn't a minute! Wasn't my sacrifice enough?!" Issei exclaimed while looking down at his gauntlet.

"Your sacrifice was quiet enough. What was insufficient were your own basic abilities. You need more training." Ddraig's voice spoke from the Gear.

Issei despaired, "You're telling me all that training I did this past two weeks still wasn't enough?!"

Before Ddraig could answer him, Riser appeared from behind grabbing the Pawn by his neck and raising him off the ground.

"You know Riser never imagined you'd get this far, boy. If you had one more year- no, six months even you could have made the dragon's power your own and beaten Riser soundly." Riser proclaimed, tightening the grip he had on Issei's neck.

"Hmm? Don't despair, When Rias and Riser marry Riser might give you the benefit of being trained by Riser personally. Riser will make you a powerful Devil."

"Shut... up... sto-p patron-izing me!" Issei said.

"Ha, it seems this dog still needs to be disciplined!"

Riser the raised his other hand blasting Issei with a massive beam of fire point blank, releasing Issei from his grasp and sending him into the ground near Rias' feet.

"Issei!" Asia ran towards the fallen Pawn, holding his burnt form to her chest, his body completely unrecognizable except for the Sacred Gear still on his arm.

"I'm sorry, partner." Ddraig voice spoke out. Hopefully, sis and her partner will be able to win.

Rias fell to her knees in front of the pair, staring at her Pawn in despair. Tears falling down her cheeks at the injuries and pain her Pawn was forced to endure just for her.

"Hold on Issei just let me-" suddenly a glowing light encompassed Issei's body.

"Rias Gremory-sama. One Pawn, retired. Unable to continue."

"Issei!" Asia cried, desperately rubbing the ground where Issei once laid as if it would bring him back into her arms.

Riser let out a triumphant laugh, "I told you that Riser would win! Now surrender Rias, before I do the same to your Bishop." A fireball formed in Riser's hand to strengthen his threat.

Rias' eyes flew to Asia for a second before she dropped her head in guilt and shame. "I Rias Gremory, surren-"

"Do not finish that sentence."

---

 

Just before Issei's short fight with Riser had begun, Natsuki had painfully pulled herself out of the wreckage she found herself in.

Once she made it out, she noticed that Riser had punched her all the way to the other side of the school, through the building and into the ground.

"Fucking hells that hurt. And I thought getting murdered was the worst pain I had ever felt in my life." Natsuki hissed. Her left arm was broken, her bones poking out from the open wounds along with her blood. The rest of her body was not fairing much better as it was covered in other abrasions and bruises.

BAM!

The girl was removed from her thoughts when she felt the ground shake and saw pieces of the school break off. "What was that?"

"Ddraig. He has finally made his appearance to the boy." Lux's voice sounded off from her amulet.

"What do you mean? Is Ddraig the dragon inside of Issei's Gear?" Natsuki asked.

"Yes, Ddraig is the dragon within the [Boosted Gear]. The power you just felt was his, he no doubt gave it to your friend so he could achieve his balance breaker after a great sacrifice, but it has failed."

"What do you mean it failed?" Natsuki already knew about the balance breaker from her and Lux's talks. It was an evolved form of the Sacred Gear in which the user's full power would be released.

"The boy was not capable of using his balance breaker to its full potential because of this he was only able to maintain it for less than one minute. He needed far more training."

"Then that means Issei is going to lose. Riser will beat him." Natsuki said in despair.

"Yes, he will."

"Wait! You said that the reason it didn't work was because Issei didn't have the experience, right?" Natsuki asked.

"Yes, he was too much of a novice to use Ddraig's power to its fullest."

"That means the same thing will happen to me if I try it, right?"

"Yes, it will." Lux answered, not seeing where Natsuki was going with this.

"Then use me Lux!"

"What?"

"You said it before that you and I share one body, right? You give me your power and I use it every time I do anything magical. But if I give you full control of my body then we can overwrite the experience issue since you're a dragon that's been alive for thousands of years! This way the balance breaker will last more than a minute!" Natsuki exclaimed.

"It could work-"

"Then let's do it Lux!" Natsuki said, cutting the dragon off.

"I said it could work! Natsuki, if we do this not only could your consciousness be lost within the recesses of your mind forever, but the strain of me using your body would most likely kill you!" Lux yelled, hoping that her golden champion would see reason and not go through with such an idea.

Natsuki was still for a moment before quietly speaking, "Lux, I know you're looking out for me and I-I love you for it, but I need to do this. My Peerage, my friends, the only ones I've ever had need me. I can't let them fall into Riser's slimy hands, so please even in if it kills me, let me do this for them."

"Natsuki..."

"Rias Gremory-sama. One Pawn, retired. Unable to continue." Grayfia's voice shattering the quiet pause between the two partners.

"Please, Lux." Natsuki begged once more, her face full of sorrow and pain as she heard of Issei's retirement, guilt eating away at her being unable to defend Issei from Riser.

Lux sighed, knowing there was nothing she could do to change her partner's mind. "Fine, Natsuki. But remember the warning I gave you. You better not lose yourself."

Natsuki smiled, "I promise I won't. Thank you, Lux."

The she-dragon scoffed, "Thank me after we clip that pathetic bird's wings."

Natsuki just shook her head in assument before crying out, "Go Yellow Dragon! Heavenly Absorption!"

Soon a glowing golden light overtook the girl's form and when it vanished Natsuki's balance breaker, [Scale Mail] had formed. Golden armor with several white jewels, the biggest of which was the one at the center of her chest and a pair of rocket thrusters formed at the bottom of feet to increase her speed and flight.

"We have done it, Natsuki." Lux voiced, speaking through Natsuki's mouth as the girl was no longer in control of them.

Unlike before, Lux could not hear her champion's thoughts, but was still able to feel her presence, signifying that Natsuki was still there, not lost to her mind. Yet.

"Damn it." The dragon uncharacteristically cursed. "Hang in there, Natsuki. Just let me deal with the bird and you will be back in control. Just hold on until then."

Lux released their retractable wings, shooting up into sky and heading towards the battle.

---

 

The other three Devils stared at the newcomer who had appeared before them. The golden figure stood next to Rias and Asia, taking the place where Issei once laid.

"Na-Natsuki!?" Rias exclaimed, "Is that you?"

"Close enough." Lux stated, ignoring the looks of confusion the King and Bishop threw at her because of her voice.

This doesn't sound like Natsuki, but at the same time it's definitely her. Rias thought.

"So, you're still here huh?" Riser spoke. "No matter, Riser is actually glad you are, Riser still has to pay you back for the comments you made about Riser!" The Devil then shot a beam of fire at the three.

Lux raised her hand, causing a golden shield to appear in front of her, absorbing the flames. As this was happening Lux turned towards Rias. "Give it to me."

Rias pulled her eyes away from the shield to stare at the dragon. "Give you what?"

Lux clicked her teeth, her body shaking as anger and annoyance clouded her vision. "Are you stupid, Devil? The vial of water! What else would I be asking you for?"

"Natsuki!" Asia said, shocked at how rude and angry the taller girl was acting towards Rias. Rias herself widen her eyes at her servant's tone."

Lux rolled her eyes, although this action went unnoticed thanks to the balance breaker's helm. "Honestly, I do not understand why Natsuki is willing to risk so much for you pathetic creatures."

Rias was at first confused by why Natsuki was referring to herself in the third person like her fiancée, but this along with the strange voice and unusual attitude made the realization click in her mind. "You're not Natsuki, are you? My guess is that you're the Golden Dragon." Rias said, her eyes narrowing at the dragon that somehow possessed her friend.

"Yes, I am the Golden Dragon."

"How did you-"

"Now is not the time for questions, Gremory. Just know that Natsuki has given me control of her body for the moment." Lux said, cutting the heiress off. "For some reason that I cannot understand, Natsuki desperately wants to save you. So, give me the vial and let me do what Natsuki has asked of me."

Rias released a sigh, the dragon was right, now wasn't the time for questions, but she would be getting the answers to them later. The young Devil then reached into her pocket and handed the vial to Lux.

Lux took the vial, clenching it in her hand and pulling down her shield once Riser's fire had stopped.

"Now allow me to show you the true power of a dragon, little boy."

Riser scoffed, "You show Riser, the power of a dragon? How ridic-" The devil was unable to finish his sentence as Lux used her blinding speed to close the distance between them, obliterating his head with a punch!

"ONII-SAMA!" Ravel cried out, horrified at the grisly sight. Her brother's body hit the floor as blood spilled onto the ground near the leftover remains of his head.

Fire shot out from the bloody stump that was his neck, His head reappearing perfectly intact once the flames were extinguished.

"Haha! Don't worry Ravel, Riser is-" Riser was cut off again when Lux punched him in the gut, the dragon embedding her fist inside, causing the man to cry out in pain when she twisted it.

"Do not get distracted little bird. Your beating is not finished yet." The gold dragon spoke in a calm, eerie tone.

"You fucking bitch!" Riser growled, waving his hand in front of him, sending a curved flame at the dragon above him.

Lux avoided the attack by backflipping a few feet away. It was then that Lux's mask broke off, revealing Natsuki's face. Everyone watching the fight noticed that the girl's eyes were no longer dark red but were yellow, her pupils slit like a dragon's. Lux was confused at first as she knew the attack didn't land, until cuts started forming on Natsuki's face and the dragon vomited blood, pain spreading throughout Natsuki's body.

It is already starting. Natsuki's body cannot handle my power and is breaking down. I must finish this quickly. Lux thought.

Riser shakily pulled himself onto his feet, fire forming in the hole in his midsection. Once the wound was healed, fire sprouted from the ground, creating a wall of flames behind him. "THAT'S IT! RISER IS DONE WITH THIS LIZARD BITCH! RISER WILL GIVE HIS ALL TO CRUSH YOU!" The third born son surrounded himself in fire and shooting himself at Lux, his speeding having greatly increased. Rias, Asia, and Ravel were unable to keep track of him and to them he suddenly appeared in front of Lux.

This was not the case for the dragon who simply raised her hand up, swatting him to the ground like he was a fly. The earth splintered and cracked at least seven yards outward from the two fighters due to the force of Lux's strike.

Lux then kneeled over Riser, using her claws to make gashes on his face and midsection. She then opened the vial and poured the water into the newly opened wounds.

"AAARRRGGHHHH!" Riser made his agony well-known as he let out a blood curdling scream. He desperately clawed at the dragon's arms trying to dislodge her, but Lux did not budge continuing to make wounds and pouring the water into them. Even going as far as to pour some into his mouth, making the poor Devil ingest the dangerous liquid.

"Holy Water. One of the few things that even you worthless birds cannot fight against. This makes me glad that you are supposedly immortal, it means I can keep going for as long as I want." Lux said as a sadistic smile formed her face, the various cuts and blood on it only served to make the dragon more terrifying.

"Oh, my God!" Asia said, ignoring the pain she felt at calling out God's name as she was horrified at the torture she was witnessing.

Rias herself knew what holy water could do to a Devil, but she wasn't expecting this... this brutality. And while she knew it wasn't Natsuki performing the act, a part of her couldn't help but be afraid of the dragon that lived within her.

"Le-leave Onii-sama alone! Please, Onii-sama just give up!" Ravel shouted as she landed a few feet away from the pair.

Lux let out a dark chuckle, "Little girl, your brother is not going to give up. He is the great Riser Phenex after all, nothing can harm him. So why would he lose to a lesser being, such as myself?"

Lux drew her attention back to the Devil beneath her, causing Riser to let out a whimper. Lux grinned again as she stood up, hand drawn in front of her as a black energy formed around it. "Do not worry Riser, once I obliterate your body, I will wait for you to reform good as new and start our fun all over again. And then again. And then again. Until I either get my full or the Phoenix finally takes its last flight. Would you not like that?"

The thought of continuing what felt like hours of torture over and over again is what finally broke Riser Phenex.

"I SURRENDER! I SURRENDER! PLEASE JUST STOP, I'M BEGING PLEASE! I RISER PHENEX SURRENDER!" The Devil screamed louder than he ever had in his life, crying to anyone who would listen and come and save him from this monster.

"Combatant Riser Phenex-sama has retired. The victor is Rias Gremory-sama." Grayfia announced as Riser and Ravel disappearing in beams of light.

Lux felt relieved before falling to the ground.

"Natsuki-san!" "Natsuki!" The dragon heard as she lay face front in the dirt, blood spilling from her eyes and mouth as the two Devils surrounded her on both sides.

Her Sacred Gear was glowing an intense bright golden color, the smell of brunt flesh wafting off the dragon.

There, I did it, Natsuki. I saved your master and her servants. Now keep your end of the bargain and come back to me, محاربي الشجاع. The Gold Dragon thought to herself as she closed her champion's eyes, drifting back to the darkness she had grown so accustomed to.

Chapter 9: A Painfully Sweet Victory

Summary:

The ORC celebrate their victory over Riser with a party thrown in their honor.

In the middle of a white void, floated a person.

There was nothing surrounding them as they continued to move through the blankness untethered.

A calmness had filled their heart as they moved, not a single thought in their mind to weigh them down. This person could not remember how they entered the void, they could not even remember where they came from, their name, or what they looked like.

All they knew was that the void was safe, in the void they no longer had to deal with the cruelty of the world, the judgment of things they could not control, the insecurities, the self-hatred, or the crippling loneliness that threatened to consume them at every moment of their existence.

The void was a comfort, its brilliant light burning away the darkness from within them, covering them in its loving embrace.

They could stay here forever in the void of love.

"Natsuki! Natsuki!" A strange voice yelled, shaking the void and the person within it.

What's a Natsuki? They thought, hoping the voice would find it and leave them alone.

"NATSUKI!" Suddenly part of the void had shattered, as a large golden dragon burst through the hole they created and flew towards the person.

"Natsuki! We must leave this retched place, the longer you stay here the more of you the void consumes!" The dragon yelled.

The person turned over, facing away from the dragon, and finally speaking. "I do not know who this 'Natsuki' is, but it is not me. Now leave me, you are hurting my savior."

The dragon did not take this well as it released a powerful roar once again shaking the world around them, causing the person to cover their ears.

"Damn it Natsuki! I thought you were stronger than this. You promised me that you would fight and not let yourself be consumed. I was wrong to make you my partner."

The person did not know why, but the dragon's words had angered her. "I am strong! And I never go back on my word!" They screamed.

"Really? From where I am looking that does not seem to be the case. What has happened to you, my champion?"

It was then that the person felt a sharp pain emanating in her head, hundreds of thousands of images flashed through their mind. The sensation lasted only a few seconds, but felt as if it had been decades.

Once the images had stopped the person had looked up at the dragon. "Lux?"

The she dragon grinned,  "You have come back to me, Natsuki."  Lux then gently placed her enormous head against the girl's.

"Yeah, I'm back. I'm sorry that I left you alone." She could not believe that she had forgotten herself. She was not some random person that belonged to the void, she was Sukehiro Natsuki, Devil servant of Rias Gremory and partner of the great Golden Dragon, Lux.

"It matters not. Let us just leave this terrible place." Lux lowered her head allowing her partner to climb onto her neck. Once the Devil was settled, the dragon raised her wings and flew out of the void, hopefully never to return.

---

 

Rias was feeling a lot of things at the moment as she currently stood in one of the many halls of Gremory Manor.

Asia had left her side an hour ago to check on the rest of the Peerage and give the healers working on them assistance with her Sacred Gear.

Rias stood alone as her thoughts consumed her. Natsuki had done it, she defeated Riser and thanks to her she had won the Rating Game. But she had barely paid any attention to Grayfia announcing her victory once she saw her Pawn's body hit the floor.

She had been satisfied with the strategy she and Natsuki created for the game, that satisfaction soon grew into confidence once she saw how her Peerage was decimating Riser's.

But the last few minutes had caused her to lose all that confidence, all that pride, all that smugness, feeling nothing but despair.

Despite giving her Phenex Tears, Akeno had fallen in her fight with Yubelluna, which had destroyed her plan of having a Promoted Issei and Natsuki fight alongside her Queen against Riser. She had been worried, but figured they could adjust even with the loss.

But then Kiba fell and Koneko as well shortly after.

And then Issei...

"Congratulations, Rias-sama. Your engagement is now forfeit and no longer binding as per the rules of the game." Rias looked to the side and saw that Grayfia had appeared in front of her. Rias had been so distracted that she didn't notice the older Devil's presence until she spoke.

"Thank you...Onee-sama." Rias' smile was strained as she looked down at the ground, her hair failing over her eyes and hiding the tears that were coming to the surface. "But I do not feel that I deserve it. If it were not for Natsuki, I would not have won."

"That may be true, but she is your Pawn, after all. Are her victories not yours as well?" Grayfia said, not contradicting the girl's statement.

Rias gave the maid a watery chuckle, "But I am the King. I'm the one who is supposed to protect my Peerage and I didn't! I just stood there uselessly crying like a child as my family were being cut down fighting for me! Issei and Natsuki nearly killed themselves pushing their bodies beyond their limits just to beat Riser. Is that the kind of victory I should be proud of?!"

Grayfia pulled her sister-in-law into her arms and held her as she sobbed. She said nothing, letting the young Devil release the emotions she had been bottling up since the Rating Game started.

After a few moments Rias lifted her head out of Grayfia's neck and wiped her eyes. "Even now, I am proving just how worthless of a King I am."

Grayfia lifted Rias' head in her hands, forcing the girl to make eye contact. "Rias..." She said, not using the term of respect as she wanted to be personal. "I know you are feeling ashamed and useless after what happened today, but this is part of the journey of becoming a good King. You may have gotten your first servant years ago, but you are finally seeing what being a true master entails. Your servants rely on your leadership, they put their lives in your hands because they trust you to do right by them. I fear that you will soon find yourself in more dangerous situations as you grow, your Peerage having to fight more challenging enemies than Riser Phenex, so use this Rating Game as a learning experience to better yourself, not just for your servants but for you. Use this to never feel as you do, ever again."

Rias sniffled, "I will Onee-sama, I promise I will."

Grayfia smiled at the young heir before reaching into one of her pockets, pulling out a few papers with magic seals on them. "I must return to Lucifer-sama, but these are for you and your Peerage. They will teleport you straight to the party."

"Party?" The heiress asked.

"Yes, party. Lord Gremory and Lord Phenex decided they would host a party to celebrate the results of the Rating Game... whatever the results had been."

Rias understood what she meant, had she lost, this party would have been to celebrate her engagement and later marriage to Riser.

But since she won, it was now to toast her first Rating Game win. She had a bitter taste at the thought that almost all the guests expected to be attending an engagement party.

Including her own father...

"Thank you, Grayfia. When is the party?"

"Tomorrow evening, it is being hosted at Lucifer-sama's private residence."

"I'll be there. Well, I'll try to be if my servants are able."

Grayfia nodded her head and handed Rias the teleportation seals. "Good night, Rias. And once again, congratulation." She then teleported away.

Rias released a sigh once the older Devil was gone. While the speech she gave did help, she could not stop thinking about how she failed her Peerage. And with is thought Rias had left to go check up on her family.

---

 

Rias had walked towards the sitting room after looking in her servants' rooms and seeing that all of them were empty except for Natsuki's.

The Pawn was still unconscious, but she also saw that Akeno was sleeping next to her. This led Rias to believe that her Queen must have awoken during her talk with Grayfia, making her way into the taller girl's bed.

She also took that time to take off her clothes, since Akeno laid completely naked on Natsuki's chest. Honestly, part of Rias wanted to wait there until Natsuki woke up just to see her reaction, but needed to make sure the rest of the group were doing okay.

Once Rias reached the end of the hall, she saw Issei, Koneko, Asia, and Kiba sitting on the couches, talking to each other.

She stood there staring at her servants for a moment before Kiba had noticed her, drawing everybody's attention to her. "Rias-Buchou!"

"Hey everybody. Are you all doing, okay?" The King asked as she made her way into the room.

"Yeah, we're doing great! Asia and those healers really know their stuff!" Issei exclaimed.

"We-well the he-alers had it covered I-I barely di-did anything!" Asia stammered, her face bright red from Issei's compliment and the attention it brought her.

Rias smiled, "Well I'm happy that you're all feeling okay. You each gave the Rating Game your all, and I am proud of you. And-and thank you... for fighting for someone like me."

"Of course, we gave it our all, we were fighting for our great leader." Kiba said, smiling brightly at his King.

"You are worth fighting for, Buchou." Koneko added, giving a small smile of her own.

"You don't have to thank us Buchou-san, we were happy to do so." Asia said.

"I am always going to fight for you Rias-Buchou. I will do whatever it takes to make you happy!" Issei finished, clenching his fist in front of him to seal his promise.

Rias smiled as tears filled her eyes. "You guys..."

Rias then wiped her eyes to compose herself. "What I originally came here to do besides check in on you all was to tell you about the party we will all be attending tomorrow."

"Party?" Issei and Asia asked in unison.

Rias went on to explain what Grayfia told her earlier, including the part where the party had been planned regardless of the Rating Game's outcome.

"Buchou..." Kiba began, knowing the true meaning of what she was saying. He could not imagine how Rias was feeling knowing just how much everyone truly expected her to lose.

Rias waved her Knight off, "It is fine Kiba, I've made my peace with it. Besides thanks to you all I managed to prove them all wrong by winning."

"You mean thanks to Natsuki, you won." Issei corrected. He was happy that Rias no longer had to marry Riser, but once again he was completely useless in the end.

Asia had told him, Koneko, and Kiba what happened towards the end of the battle. How Natsuki managed to unlock her Balance Breaker by having the dragon within her Sacred Gear control her body, using both to beat the asshole into submission. He thought that their two weeks of training had finally changed things, but just like all the other times they fought, Issei got his ass kicked and Natsuki had to bail him out.

Even his desire to save Rias was not enough to overcome his weakness...

And he hated it.

"Issei..." Rias started.

"Speaking of, where is Natsuki-san? And Akeno-senpai too?" Asia asked, oblivious to Issei's inner turmoil and not noticing the self-hatred in his tone.

Rias blinked before answering the questions. "Oh, last I checked, Natsuki was still unconscious, but Akeno was with her. I am sure they are awake by now, so let us go check on them."

And with that, the Devils left to go check on the remaining members of their Peerage.

---

 

Natsuki's eyes blinked open and she found herself lying on her back and staring up at an unfamiliar ceiling. Despite the unknown surroundings the girl was just grateful that she was awake no longer trapped in her own head.

Fuck my body hurts…

Yes, despite the nun using her [Twilight Healing] on you, the strain of me using your body was so great that even though they are no longer there you still feel the pain of the injuries. Not to mention the injury that still lies on your chest. Lux said.

I'd rather be in pain and injured than be a human vegetable, Lux.

I feel the same as well, Natsuki.

Now that the Rating Game is over, I can just lay back and relax unbothered.

Ha, I do not believe that you will be relaxing just yet. Unless you are referring to more than just laying down and doing nothing. Despite not being able to see her, Natsuki knew that the dragon was smirking at her based on her words and how she said them.

Huh? What are you-

"Umm..."

Once Natsuki had heard the moan she quickly looked down and saw Himejima Akeno laying on her chest.

How did I not notice her?!

Natsuki's movement had woken the Devil up as her eyes blinked open. Light violet had met burgundy red when the older girl raised her head.

The sleepiness had left the Queen's face as a brilliant smile took shape. "Hello, Natsuki-chan." Her voice taking on a raspier tone than usual due to the lack of use. It sent shivers down Natsuki's spine and caused Akeno to smirk when she noticed.

"Akeno? What are you doing here?" Natsuki asked.

Akeno giggled, "I was sleeping, silly."

The girl beneath her rolled her eyes, "I saw that. I meant why were you sleeping in my bed? On top of me?"
But instead of answering the girl's question, Akeno leaned forward and laid a kiss on Natsuki's lips. The kiss itself only lasted a few seconds before Akeno pulled away, smiling at the girl's dumbfounded expression.

"What the hell was that?!" Natsuki yelled, her cheeks burning as the kiss replayed in her mind. That was- that was my first kiss!

"I wanted to thank you for what you did for me."

"Th-thank me?"

"I heard what happened after I was eliminated. How you defended me when everyone else thought that I lost, you still believed in me. No one has ever done that for me." Akeno said as she cupped Natsuki's face in her hands.

"Besides after almost killing yourself to save Rias, to save all of us, you deserved the gift." After this Akeno sat up, straddling Natsuki. This movement caused the blanket covering them to slip down her shoulders, revealing her naked form.

Normally Natsuki would not have given much thought to Akeno's state of undress, it was not as if she had not seen the older girl naked before. But Natsuki had never been so close to Akeno when she had and for some reason, she could feel her heart trying to beat its way out of her chest. She felt her fingers twitch, forcing her to grip the sheets beneath her.

It must be the kiss. I'm just thrown off because it was surprising. Fuck, I can still taste her...

"Akeno, why are you naked?" Natsuki asked, her voice and face were calm, not showing the nervousness, embarrassment, and shame she felt inside.

"Fufu, skin to skin contact is one of the ways people get closer to each other. Don't you want to get closer Natsuki-chan?" Akeno said, her lips in a small pout because she did not get the reaction she wanted from showing off her body like she did from the kiss earlier.

"I'm pretty sure we're close enough."

"Are you sure? I think there's still more we can learn about each other." Akeno said as she leaned down, pushing her chest against Natsuki's.

Natsuki gave Akeno a blank look, "I'm sure. Now get the fuck off me."

Before Akeno could reply to her, the door had swung open revealing the rest of the Peerage on the other side.

"Oh, are we interrupting?" Rias asked with an amused smile as she and the others saw the position the two Devils were in.

"Yes."

"No."

Akeno and Natsuki said respectively before starting at the other. Akeno grinned while Natsuki gave her an annoyed glare.

Issei pushed his way into the room, blood pouring out of his nose as he stared at Akeno's naked form. "No way! Akeno-senpai's massive boobies! I've got to burn them into my mind!" He said despite only being able to see the sides of Akeno's breasts due to them being pushed against Natsuki.

Natsuki rolled her eyes at Issei's behavior. She then gently pushed Akeno to the other side of the bed, using her body to shield her from view, before grabbing the discarded blanket and wrapping it around the older Devil.

Issei quickly snapped his head towards Natsuki once he realized that he could no longer see a naked Akeno. "Dammit Natsuki! What the hell are you doing?! Don't cover them up! Oh, I see what you're doing, you're trying to keep Akeno-senpai's boobs to yourself! Not cool! Don't you know that real friends share with each other?!"

Natsuki glared at him, "That's not what I'm doing at all."

Akeno giggled, "Do you really want to see my chest that badly, Issei-kun?" She teasingly moved part of the blanket down, showing the tops of her breasts.

Both Natsuki and Rias glared at the Queen, "No, he doesn't." They said before looking at Issei, both Devils staring him down as they waited for his response.

Akeno silently laughed as she rests her head on Natsuki's shoulder from behind. Her smile widened when after a few moments Natsuki showed no signs of pushing her away.

"Uh, yeah I don't want to see them." Even though it hurt him to say that, Issei did not want to find out what Rias and Natsuki would do to him if he said yes.

Asia pouted at the display of perversion that Issei was showing Akeno, causing her to latch onto the Pawn's arm. "I can show you my chest, Issei!"

Issei blushed at the statement and was about to respond before Koneko spoke.

"Issei-senpai, you better not. You already made a fool of yourself just now. We don't need you adding to Natsuki and Akeno-senpai's perversion." Kiba had to cover his mouth to keep from laughing at the younger Devil's statement.

"Hey, don't compare me to these freaks!" Natsuki yelled, offended that the girl thought she was like Issei and Akeno. Which led to everyone speaking over each other.

Rias shook her head at her servant's before clearing her throat and explained to Natsuki and Akeno what she had told the others.

"So, we are going to this party? Do you really want to celebrate with people who still think you should be Riser's breeding mare?" Natsuki asked.

"Yeah, Natsuki's right! Why should we go to this party? It's going to be filled with nothing but classist jerks!" Issei added.

Rias sighed, "You two are right about the kinds of Devils that will be there. Many of them believe in the purity of our race more than anything else. But that's exactly why I want us to go, to show them what a group of reincarnated Devils are capable of and that their archaic values belong in the past."

Natsuki let out a groan, "Fine I'll go. But I'm not going to try and win these people over. They don't deserve it."

The others soon agreed to go as well, with varying degrees of excitement.

"Great! Now some tailors will be coming over to take your measurements."

"Measurements?" Issei asked. Why do we need to get measured?

"So, they can make the clothes we are going to wear tomorrow. You don't think we'll go to a party filled with nobility dressed in our school uniforms, did you?"

---

 

Nighttime : The Next Day

The Peerage had spent most of the morning being surrounded by a group of tailors, poking, and prodding them as they took their measurements.

Now they were getting prepared to travel to Sirzechs' private residence for the party.

Rias was the first to finish, standing in the parlor in a dark red sleeveless tube dress and red high heels. The dress had an exceedingly high split, showing off the King's long legs.

She only had to wait about a minute before Koneko, Kiba, and Akeno appeared.

Koneko looked adorable in her black sleeveless dress with the plunging V-line in the back and shoulder length black gloves. Kiba was wearing a black suit with a white dress shirt and a black bow tie.

Akeno was wearing a navy-blue spaghetti strap dress that hugged her form like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. She was also wearing white gloves that went below her shoulders and black heels.

Rias smiled at her servants, "Wow. You all look great."

"Thank you, Buchou. You look beautiful tonight. "Kiba replied. Koneko nodded her head in agreement.

"Fufu, he is right you do look beautiful Rias. Are you trying to impress someone tonight?" Akeno said suggestively.

A small blushed formed on Rias' face, dissipating when she rolled her eyes at her Queen. "Why are you teasing me as if you're not doing the same thing?"

Akeno just giggled; Rias was not wrong when she said that she too was looking to gain someone's attention. She was still thinking about what happened yesterday.

I'm  going to get Natsuki's attention, no matter what.

As if she heard her thoughts, Natsuki soon entered the room. Her outfit for the evening gaining everyone's attention.

The Pawn was wearing a black, off-the-shoulder, dress that ended halfway down her tights, showing off her long and muscled legs, with an asymmetrical hemline, small wedged heels, and a chiffon train that flowed behind her as she walked.

Her black hair was no longer in its pulled back low ponytail. Her hair was now in a braided bun that rested on the top of her head and with two curled strands shaping the sides of her face.

"Wow…" Kiba whispered, voicing what the others were thinking.

"Hey guys." Natsuki finally spoke once she stood in front of the group.

"Whoa! Natsuki, you actually look like a girl!" Everyone turned towards the entrance, seeing Issei and Asia walk in.

Asia was wearing a pure white dress with lengthy sleeves that went down to her wrists, with a small window that showed the base of her collarbone and a hint of her breasts.

Issei like Kiba was wearing a suit, except it was red instead of black. He wore a black dress shirt and a green tie. Natsuki thought that he looked like his Sacred Gear in that outfit.

"Issei!" Asia exclaimed at Issei's statement; she could not believe that he would say something like that to Natsuki.

Issei flinched and saw the way that the others were looking at him as well. "No, I didn't mean it like that, it's just I've never seen you look so pretty, not that you're not attractive! I mean-"

Natsuki just waved him off, "Don't give yourself an aneurism, Issei. I get what you meant; this isn't how I normally look."

Issei let out a sigh of relief, "Thanks Natsuki."

"Don't worry about it. Nice suit, by the way."

"Hehe, thanks. I wanted to look just like my [Boosted Gear]!" Issei stated, proving Natsuki's previous thought right.

He then turned towards the others and looked at their outfits, mainly Rias and Akeno.

Natsuki rolled her eyes when she saw him drooling over the two girls, but she could understand as both looked striking in their dresses.

Rias let out a chuckle at the expression Issei was making. "Don't you look handsome, Issei? You know that they call me the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess and you are the Red Dragon Emperor. It appears that we're matching even more." She said, pointing to her red dress and his red suit.

"Ye-ah we- we are Buchou! I mean you look beautiful!" Issei exclaimed, his eyes continuing to take her in, completely oblivious to Asia's growing jealousy.

Rias clapped her hands, "Okay, you guys. It is time for us to get going." Rias waved her hand, causing the magic seal slips to appear in her grasp. Everyone took one, as magic circle forming under their feet as they did.

"Is everyone ready?" The King asked, once she got her conformation she exclaimed, "To the Lucifer Residence!" causing the group to disappear in a large flash of light.

---

 

Once the light dissipated, the ORC found themselves inside of a large entryway. All throughout the hall were grand tapestries, busts, and banners displaying a gold emblem over a field of purple.

A young male servant stepped forward, giving everyone a respectful bow. "Gremory-sama, I welcome you to Lucifer-sama's ballroom hall."

Rias stood tall as she spoke, "Thank you, Mercer. Are we late?"

Mercer shook his head, "No, not at all, my lady." He then turned to open the large double doors in front of them.

Once opened, Mercer announced Rias' arrival with her Peerage to everyone inside. When they stepped through the entrance, it revealed a large and expansive ballroom with black marble floors, walls decorated with expensive paintings, ornately crafted windows, and a high ceiling that was arched and rose high over their heads.

Filling the room were hundreds of people all dressed in finely made clothes, a mark of the obviously rich and snobbish nobles around them.

To Natsuki, a few people stood out amongst them, one of them being a mountain of a man with black hair and violet eyes. Even without sensing his magic, Natsuki could tell that he was exceptionally powerful, feeling as if she was staring at the sun as she looked him over.

The large man met her eye, the two staring at each other for several seconds. A large grin formed across his face before he broke eye contact with her and continued his conversation with the woman next to him.

The Peerage made their way across the long red carpet, once reaching the end, Rias turned and addressed them all. "Everyone, please enjoy yourselves, but I ask that you do not embarrass yourselves as you represent the Gremory name."

She looked around, "It seems only friends of the family were invited." Taking note that Riser and his Peerage were missing from the affair. She then smiled at Issei, "And you... will be escorting me tonight."

Issei gave her a large smile before sticking his arm out for her, as she took it, he jumped when he felt his other arm being grabbed. When Issei looked down, he saw Asia standing there, "Asia?"

"Will you escort me as well Issei-san?" Asia asked, not wanting to lose to Rias in this endeavor.

Issei blushed, "Ye-eah, of course!"

Issei, Rias, and Asia soon disappeared into the crowd, leaving the rest of the Peerage at the entrance.

Koneko's eyes lit up when she saw a waiter walk by with a food tray and quickly followed him. Kiba nodded at his remaining friends before walking off on his own, immediately becoming surrounded by a group of girls that had been eyeing him since they walked in.

Natsuki sighed, wondering what she was going to do to pass the time. She had never been to a party before, let alone one as fancy as this, she was about to follow Koneko to the food tables when she felt a hand wrap around her right bicep.

Natsuki looked to the right and saw that it was Akeno who was holding her. "Don't you know that it's not very chivalrous to leave a lady by herself at a ball?" Akeno teased.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow but made no move to release herself from Akeno's hold. "I never claimed to be a knight, last I checked that was Kiba's calling."

"Well, Kiba is not the one I want to spend the night with." Akeno retorted.

The Pawn was thrown by both the words and the sincerity in which she spoke them. Why would Akeno want to spend the night with me? She could have anyone here, so why settle?

"You don't have to force yourself to stay, Akeno. I understand if you would rather be doing anything else." Natsuki said, giving the older girl an out. She did not want Akeno to stay because she felt bad for her. Akeno should enjoy the night without worrying about me.

Natsuki flinched when she felt Akeno's other hand gently caress her face, causing the two to stare into each other's eyes. "I want to spend the night with you, Natsuki. So, are you going to be my escort?"

Natsuki opened her mouth but quickly closed it, amusing Akeno. After a few seconds, Natsuki finally spoke, "Of course, Akeno."

The pair soon walked through the ballroom together. Akeno noticed that all eyes were on them, especially Natsuki. The girl in question paid the stares and whispers of the no mind as they walked around. A part of Akeno wanted to snap back at the judgmental nobles around them but held herself back due to how it would reflect back on her King and their family.

After a few minutes, the two found themselves in front of two other Devils. They were both tall, the man was handsome with blond hair and blue eyes, while the woman next to him was well-endowed with golden blonde hair and light blue eyes. Natsuki knew instantly that they had to be the Lord and Lady of House Phenex.

"Lord Reiner-sama, Lady Raelyn-sama." Akeno stated before giving a respectful curtsy, Natsuki awkwardly followed suit. She assumed that she did not look all that graceful as she could see the mirth in Lady Phenex's eyes.

"I am happy to finally meet you, Natsuki-san." Lord Phenex spoke.

"You know of me, Phenex-sama?" Natsuki asked.

"Well, you are a part of Rias Gremory-san's Peerage. It was interesting to see you fight, you as well, Akeno-san."

"Thank you, Reiner-sama." Akeno replied.

"So, you saw the Rating Game?" Natsuki wondered what was going through their minds then. Even though she barely remembered it, she knew that Lux had beaten Riser badly during the fight, she knew that she was them that she would not be happy to watch her child experience that.

"Yes, we did." Lady Raelyn spoke this time, "And we wish to congratulate you on your victory."

"Congratulate me?" Both Natsuki and Akeno were surprised by the notion.

Reiner laughed at their expressions, "Yes, we want to congratulate you. Riser had been growing arrogant due to his Rating Game wins and our family's immortality. This loss will push him further in the future."

"Where is Riser?" Natsuki asked.

"Oh him? He was holed up in his room, whispering about dragons when we saw him earlier, but do not worry he will get over it soon." Reiner waved off.

I doubt he will, I have made sure of it. Lux's voice rang out in Natsuki's mind for the first time since they came to the party.

Just how badly did you fuck him up? Natsuki asked.

Well, enough. Natsuki could hear the smugness in her partner's voice

"So, this where you have been old friend!" A strong voice ended the internal conversation between dragon and Devil.

The group turned and saw five Devils approaching them, Natsuki already recognized Issei, Rias, and Asia but did not know the other two that were with them.

The one who spoke was a tall, handsome man with long striking red hair, bright blue eyes, and a short red beard, he was also wearing a white suit with gold accents. The woman next to him had short, flaxen hair with violet purple eyes. She was exceptionally beautiful, looking at lot like Rias, but her figure far surpassed the redhead's, wearing a forming fitting white dress that showed it off.

"Hey guys. I see you found yourselves in Lord and Lady Phenex's company." Rias spoke once her group stopped.

"Mother, father, I want you to meet my second Pawn, Sukehiro Natsuki. Natsuki, these are my parents, Zeoticus and Venelana Gremory." Natsuki was shocked that the two were Rias' parents and not her siblings but remembered that Devils not only had incredibly long-life spans but also magic that could be used to change their appearance.

"It's an honor to meet you, Zeoticus-sama, Venelana-sama." Natsuki said while bowing her head. Koneko and Kiba also appeared during this and gave their own greetings.

Zeoticus let out a bark of laughter, "It seems my daughter found herself two dragons, Reiner!"

Reiner playfully rolled his eyes, "Yes, yes. Your daughter is quite impressive."

Venelana quickly stepped forward, keeping the two men from continuing their friendly squabbling. "I had been wanting to meet you for a while, Natsuki-chan. I wanted to thank you for what you did."

"You don't have to-" Natsuki spoke but was cut off by her King's mother.

"I do. Because of you my daughter no longer has to go forward… with an agreement that was made while she still in my womb." She finished while giving Zeoticus and Reiner a fierce glare. Both men tensed and began sweating at the look the Brunette Ruin Princess was sending their way while Raelyn giggled at their plight.

Yep, she is definitely Rias' mother. Natsuki thought.

Natsuki tuned out of the proceeding conversation. She felt a sharp tingling sensation race across her spine, she was being watched by someone.

Whoever they were, she knew they were extremely powerful. It was like nothing she ever felt before, the magic was stronger than that of all the other Devils in the room.

Lux, do you feel that? She asked in her mind.

Yes, Natsuki. I feel it. This magic is one I have encountered before. Lux answered, her voice tense and weary.

You have?

Yes, this magic belongs to the Devil now known as Lucifer, your master's older brother.

Just as Lux responded, a servant announced to the room the presence of Sirzechs and Grayfia to the party.

Sirzechs Lucifer looked just like his father and sister, being tall, with long shoulder length crimson hair, blue-green eyes, a handsome face, and a lean muscular build.

The King and Queen glided across the ballroom, making their way towards his family and the Phenex's.

"I must apologize for my tardiness. I found myself busier than usual these last few days." Sirzechs spoke, his voice smooth and deep.

As the Maou continued to talk, Natsuki was unable to tear her eyes away from him and his wife. The same feeling, she got when she first met Grayfia returned when looking at Sirzechs, that she had met them before.

But why do I keep feeling this? I've never seen their faces before, but I can't stop the feeling that the three of us have met already. What is this fucking feeling?

"-suki. Natsuki!" The Pawn was pulled from her thoughts when she heard her King calling out to her, when she focused again, she saw that Lord and Lady Phenex had left and that everyone else was staring at her.

"Have the three of us met before?" She finally asked the question that had been in the back of her mind since Rias and Riser agreed to the Rating Game.

A quick second passed before Sirzech chuckled, "No, Natsuki-chan. I believe this is the first time we have had the pleasure of meeting. Although I know you and my wife met before the Rating Game."

He is lying to you, Natsuki. The Pawn heard Lux tell her internally, the dragon's voice coming out as an angry growl.

Even without her partner telling her, Natsuki knew that Sirzech was lying to her. The feeling throughout her body was too profound for it to be a coincidence.

"Pffft! Haha! C'mon Natsuki! Why would you have met a Maou before?! I mean we were human not too long ago, why would a Devil waste time with a human?!" Issei found the very idea of it hilarious, forgetting the fact that they knew the rest of the Peerage and the Student Council before they ever became Devils or Asia who knew Devils and Fallen Angels long before getting turned.

"Regardless, I was telling Rias how impressed I was with your performance during the Rating Game, and I wanted to thank you for what you did, but it seems my family has already done so." Sirzech said, gaining everyone's attention once again.

"It was nothing." Natsuki replied.

"It was not nothing, allowing the Golden Dragon to take control of your body is unheard of! I don't think any other Sacred Gear has ever done such a thing, but you somehow were able to. I find myself impressed."

"According to Lux doing that was incredibly stupid and almost killed me. I don't think she'll be letting me do that ever again, regardless of the reason."

I most certainly will not, Natsuki! Even though it worked out this time you are still suffering from the effects of even after the Nun healed you. Lux exclaimed.

The She-Dragon was not wrong, after she first woke up, Natsuki noticed that she now had a scar on the center of her chest. The circular shaped mark looked like it had been branded onto her skin, Lux had explained that [Ethereal Domination] had begun to overheat while she had been in control.

She had talked to Asia about the scar and the former Nun had told her that despite her efforts, she was unable to heal it with her [Twilight Healing].

Rias had theorized that for some reason Natsuki's Sacred Gear was affecting the scar and keeping Asia's Sacred Gear from healing her. But even Lux herself did not know why the scar could not be healed.

Sirzech's eyes widened a bit, and a spark could be seen before returning to normal, "You have already been in contact with the Golden Dragon? Can I speak with the great dragon?"

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, but went ahead with the request, "I guess. Hey Lux, Lucifer-sama wishes to speak with you."

Natsuki did not get a response, but she knew the Golden Dragon was listening to the conversation, she asked Lux inside her head why she wasn't speaking but once again was met with silence.

"I apologize, Lucifer-sama. I don't know why she isn't responding; she was spoken out before."

"It is okay, Natsuki-chan. Maybe I will have the chance to speak to her another day." Sirzech replied kindly.

"Yeah. Maybe."

---

 

Natsuki immediately kicked off her heels the second the transportation circle disappeared and fell backwards onto her bed, letting out a sigh as she could finally relax.

The Pawn was exhausted, after speaking with Lucifer, Akeno asked (demanded) Natsuki to dance with her. Which somehow led to her dancing with the other female members of the Peerage, the most awkward of which was her dance with Rias. Not because of anything the two of them did, but because of the glare that Issei was giving her, her fellow Pawn hovering nearby. Rias enjoyed the attention, laughing every time they would spin and she would catch Issei's eye while Natsuki rolled hers.

Unlike Issei, no other Devil tried to speak with her, Lux told her she could feel fear and anxiousness every time she got too close to one of them. The savage beating Lux had given Riser had made most of the guests afraid they would meet the same fate.

It seemed that even in the supernatural world, people were deathly afraid of her.

During the night she could feel the eyes of the Phenex's, Rias' parents, Sirzech, Grayfia, and the black-haired man, along with a few others. None of them made the move to interact with her, but she got the feeling that the time would come soon.

After a couple of hours, the party finally ended once Issei and Rias flew off on a giant griffin that Grayfia had summoned.

Kiba soon teleported away, taking Asia with him as he offered to drop her off at the Hyoudou residence, Koneko disappeared not too long after that once again leaving the Pawn and Queen alone.

"Do you want me to take you home?" Natsuki asked after a moment of silence, the two Devils ignoring the other guests leaving and talking with each other.

"You're offering to walk me to my door, Natsuki-chan?" Akeno asked, her teasing evident in her smile and her voice.

Natsuki rolled her eyes, she felt like she had been doing it a lot more since becoming a Devil. "Take it however you want."

Akeno smiled, "As much as I would love for you to take me home, I can get home by myself." Her heart skipped a beat over the fact that Natsuki wanted to make sure she got home safely, even though teleportation negated that fact, but she did not want Natsuki to see her shrine just yet.

"Okay th-" Akeno cut the younger girl off by placing a kiss on her cheek. The Queen giggled when she saw that Natsuki was now completely quiet, the skin under her cheeks darkening slightly.

I think I will start kissing her more often if it keeps giving me more delicious reactions. The sadistic part of her cried out.

Akeno winked at Natsuki as she disappeared in a bright light.

Natsuki shook head to clear it when she started to think about the kisses she had gotten from the older Devil. She has to stop kissing me, this is getting fucking ridiculous! And why do they keep making me speechless?

"Hey Lux, why did you ignore me when I was talking to Sirzech?" Natsuki asked.

*SIGH* "I did not want to speak with that fake Lucifer because I greatly dislike the man." Lux spoke out.

Natsuki was shocked by that, "You hate Sirzech?"

"I do not hate him I dislike him..." Natsuki could inwardly feel that Lux hated the Maou through their bond, but kindly did not bring it up.

"...Remember when I told you that I had met him before? It was not in my original form but through some of my previous partners."

"Previous partners?"

"You are not the first Devil, reincarnated or half-breed that have I have found myself entwined with. Some of my partners had met their ends at the hands of the four Maous."

"I'm sorry, Lux. Do you think that's what Sirzech wanted to talk to you about?"

"It is all right, Natsuki. I do not know why exactly Sirzech wanted to speak with me, but I do not plan any fulfilling his desire."

"Do you want us to get revenge?" Natsuki could feel the rage and sadness from Lux when speaking about her previous partners. She wanted to get rid of her pain, a part of her screamed that it was her duty as Lux's partner to destroy all that would harm her.

"Ha. I thank you for the sentiment but that is unnecessary. I know that doing so would be treasonous due to your relationship with Rias, not to mention the many people that would come after us if we tried."

"I know, I just don't want you to be upset anymore."

"I know. We should focus on getting stronger; you drew all the attention from the Rating Game. It will not just be Devils and Fallen Angels you will be dealing with going forward."

"Let's just hope the next big problem waits a few weeks, I'm fucking exhausted."

"Ha. Let us hope."

---

 

In the master bedroom of the Lucifer Residence, Sirzech Lucifer could be seen standing on his balcony, a glass of whiskey in hand.

"It seems I underestimated my sister's dragons, especially Natsuki." He spoke aloud when he felt his wife appear behind him.

"Yes, Lucifer-sama. Despite not having unlocked her Sacred Gear at the time, Sukehiro-chan could feel our magical energy and has subconsciously held onto the fact even after all this time." Grayfia answered, taking the time to stand next to her husband.

"Haha. Yes, she did. I wonder how Natsuki and Issei will improve next time we see them?"

"Hopefully, further than they are now, Lucifer-sama."

"Yes. Hopefully."

Chapter 10: Holy Swords, Part 1

Summary:

Kiba begins acting strangely after seeing a photo of Issei's childhood friend...

Notes:

Sorry for taking so long to update! I was really busy these last few months with work and being a college student. But I thank you all for being patient with me!

Natsuki let out a yawn, stuffing her hands into her pockets as she walked down the street. The ORC was meeting at Issei's house as the clubhouse was being cleaned and because now Rias was living there.

She did not know why Rias wanted to live with him, his family, and Asia, but she shrugged it off.

Despite going to school that morning, Natsuki was taking her time heading to Issei's place.

Hopefully, this won't take too long, and I can go back home and take a nap. Hmm, Lux might be right about me becoming a delinquent…

After another five minutes of walking, Natsuki finally found herself on the Hyoudou's front porch. Just before she could knock, the door swung open revealing a man and a woman. Natsuki could tell these were Issei's parents with the resemblance they had to him, especially Issei's father.

"Good afternoon, my name is Sukehiro Natsuki, and I am a part of The Occult Research Club along with your son. We are supposed to have a meeting here." Natsuki said while giving the pair a respectful bow.

"Oh! So, you're Natsuki-san!" Hyoudou Miki exclaimed, a large smile overtaking her face.

"Yes, that is me, Hyoudou-san." Natsuki responded.

"Haha, it's great to finally meet you! Issei has said a lot of wonderful things about you." Gorou responded.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "Issei talks about me?"

"Oh yes, all the time. He told us about how you first met last school year and how you helped him stay out of trouble. It's so nice to know my son doesn't only have perverts for friends!" Gorou answered as he and his wife placed their hands on Natsuki's shoulders, leading her inside. The pair waited until the teenager took off her shoes before taking her further into the house.

Miki wiped tears from her eyes, "You don't know how much it means to us that Issei finally has a good influence in his life!"

Natsuki awkwardly scratched the back of her head, "I think you are both giving me too much credit, Issei's a good person. I didn't really do anything."

She was shocked that Issei spoke to his parents about her, especially as according to them, he had been doing so since their first year. Not to mention the low opinion they seemed to have of their son.

The bar must be in hell if I'm a good influence. Although I guess it makes sense if they are comparing me to Matsuda and Motohama. The Pawn thought.

Natsuki continued to make small talk with Miki and Gorou as they led her to Issei's room, Natsuki realized that despite the comments about his perversion, the two deeply loved Issei and accepted that part of him.

The Pawn could not deny that she was a little jealous of this, of the fact that Issei had two loving parents who accepted him as he was while never trying to change him or even thinking about getting rid of him.

She had a loving and supportive parent in Kushina, but the orphan within could not help but think about her biological parents. It had been a couple of years since she thought about them, whether they cared about her, if they were alive, or if they abandoned her for her best interests or because she was a freak they did not want.

Natsuki shook her head, I shouldn't be thinking like that. I have a parent, that's more than a lot of people in my place can say. I shouldn't be acting greedy over this.

"Issei! Your friend Natsuki is here!" Miki exclaimed as she opened her son's bedroom door. When it opened, Natsuki saw that the rest of the ORC was already present, sitting on the floor around a table in the center of the room while Rias sat on Issei's bed.

"So, you finally decided to grace us with your presence, Natsuki?" Rias sarcastically asked, a smile graced her lips as she stared at her second Pawn.

"Yeah, I found myself lost on the path of life, but I figured it would be a tragedy to deny you my greatness, Rias-Buchou. So here I am." Natsuki responded equally sarcastic as she took a seat in between Rias and Akeno.

Rias fondly rolled her eyes, "Do we need to have a talk about your tardiness?"

"Don't try to change me, Rias-Buchou. You'll just find yourself deeply disappointed." Natsuki shot back.

Rias smirked, "Oh, I think I would be able to mold you quite easily, Natsuki. I'd have you melting in my hands if I really put in the effort."

"Would you like something to drink, Natsuki-san?" Miki asked, ending the banter between master and servant.

"I would like a glass of water. Thank you, Hyoudou-san" Natsuki said, returning the smile the older woman gave her before leaving the room.

"Damn, I've never seen my parents act so happy to meet someone. What did you do when you got here for them to act like that?" Issei asked.

Natsuki shrugged, "I didn't do anything. They started acting like that when I introduced myself, apparently you told them about me."

"Oh yeah! I guess I speak about you lot when they ask me how school was." Issei realized.

When they first met last year during the fifth day of school Natsuki had found him, Matsuda, and Motohama beaten and bloody behind the school. They had been left there after being caught peaking on the girls' softball team, despite not knowing them, but knowing what they did, Natsuki still took the three boys to the infirmary. She even lied when the nurse asked her how they got their injuries, as the trio would have surely been punished.

He was shocked, even though it was the beginning of the year, Natsuki had already started gaining a reputation for being a violent delinquent from the poor and crime ridden town of Nitoshō. He did not think that the 'Black Princess' as the other students started calling her, would do something so kind for the newly formed 'Perverted Trio.'

Issei remembered telling his parents what happened (not all the details, but Miki and Gorou were able to figure out the truth) and they told him that there was no way that someone who did that for Issei and his friends could be a bad person like everyone at school had been accusing her of being.

The next day Issei greeted the girl when she walked into class. The room became quiet when this happened, many expected Natsuki to beat the boy into the ground for daring to speak to her, but to everyone's surprise, she returned the greeting and sat at her desk, pulling out a book and ignoring the class.

During lunch, Issei convinced Matsuda and Motohama to sit at Natsuki's empty table at lunch. She gave the boys a quick look before returning to her food, once again surprising everyone who was watching the interaction. Issei smiled before engaging the girl in conversation, once they saw that Natsuki would not attack them and was conversing with Issei, Matsuda and Motohama joined in.

From that day forward, Natsuki became a person that Issei considered a friend and someone that Miki and Gorou constantly heard about from their son.

"Matsuda and Motohama must have really rubbed them the wrong way if your parents actually like me." Natsuki said.

"You are a good person Natsuki-san! And you're Ise's best friend, which gives them even more of a reason to like you!" Asia exclaimed from Issei's right side, she felt that she needed to reassure Natsuki that she was a kind and caring person.

Natsuki's face scrunched up in response to the last thing Asia said, "I'm not Issei's best friend." She could accept being his friend, but being called his best friend was pushing it.

"Yeah, you are. You're always going out of your way to save him." Kiba jumped in.

"You guys spend a lot of time together, even without the rest of us being there." Akeno said.

"You hang out with him even though he's a pervert." Koneko dryly stated.

"They're right, Natsuki. You and Issei deeply care about each other, and Issei was the only person you truly talk to before becoming a Devil. Then there is the fact that you both clearly trust each other a great deal." Rias finished.

After a few moments of contemplation, Natsuki released a shocked gasp. "Oh my God..." Natsuki said, ignoring the pain that formed in her head from saying the word God. "Hyoudou Issei is my best friend."

"HEY! Don't say it like that! Like it's the most disgusting and disturbing thing you've ever heard in your life!" Issei yelled, angered by her tone and her expression.

"Why would you all tell me this? Why couldn't you just let me live in ignorance of this terrible truth?!" Natsuki dramatically cried out, ignoring Issei.

The rest of the Peerage laughed when Issei, finally having enough of Natsuki's wailing, threw a pillow at the girl's face.

The laughter died down and the group began discussing the contracts they filled for the month. Akeno had eleven, Koneko ten, Kiba eight, Asia three, Natsuki two, and Issei could not fulfill even one.

"You know, if you don't work hard and fulfill contracts, you'll never become a high-ranking Devil." Rias told her first Pawn.

"Next month, I'm going to do what it takes to get first place!" Issei exclaimed, pumping his fist into the air.

"Sorry to interrupt, kids." Miki said as she made her way back to the room, in her hands was a tray holding a large plate of cookies and the glass of water Natsuki asked for. "Now this little gathering is for the Insult Research Club, right?"

Issei sighed, "She's always so close, but so wrong." He mumbled under his breath.

"Well, I brought something might inspire everybody!" Showing off the photo albums that she had been holding under the tray.

"MOM!" Issei cried out when Miki sat next to Rias and placed the now open photo albums on the table.

Issei blushed when the girls of the club expect for Natsuki immediately swarmed Miki, seating around the woman as she explained each photo of Issei.

"Oh no it's a tiny, itty, witty, bitty Issei!" Rias said with a smile.

"I totally agree with Rias-buchou. Tiny, itty, bitty, and cute!" Asia said.

"Awesome. Wow. Way to freaking break my balls, mom." Issei mumbled.

"Why are you naked in all these photos?" Natsuki asked as she leaned over the table and saw another picture of Issei's bare bottom.

"Shut up, Natsuki! I doubt you look good in all of your baby pictures!" Issei screeched, his face turning even more red.

"You're right, but at least I managed to keep my pants in all of them." Although she made a mental note to never let Issei meet Kushina, knowing her guardian, the older woman probably did have naked pictures from when she was a baby that even she did not know about, hidden somewhere at the orphanage.

And knowing Kushina-sama, she is saving them for the day I would finally make friends so she can embarrass me the same way Miki-san is doing to Issei. Natsuki thought.

"She seems like a great mother to me." Kiba chimed in.

"Like you would know!" Issei's embarrassment was reaching its peak.

"Yeah, it must be nice to have a family." The smile on Kiba's face was not the one he usually wore, this one was more somber, and his eyes pained.

Issei was about to ask him about not having a family when Kiba cut him off with a question of his own. "Hey, Issei. What is this picture?"

When Issei and Natsuki leaned over to look at the album, they saw a picture of a young Issei sitting beside another child. The child had messy chestnut hair that was pulled back in a ponytail and violet eyes. In the picture both Issei and the child were holding Gameboys and were sitting next to a fireplace with a large sword in a white scabbard directly behind them.

"Oh, that kid lived down the street from me, we used to play together all the time, but they had to move once one of his parents got a job overseas. Hmmm, I can't remember that kid's name, but it has been a while." Issei answered.

"One more thing. Do you remember this sword?" Kiba asked.

"Nah, you know, I was five."

Kiba let out a rueful chuckle, "I guess anything's possible, huh? This is a Holy Sword."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "Why would Issei's old neighbor have a Holy Sword?" It did not make sense to the girl, not unless the parents of Issei's childhood friend had a secret connection to the church.

"I don't know. It's funny, I never expected to see it in a picture with you, Issei. Imagine that..." Kiba trailed off.

"What?" Issei asked, he was confused by Kiba's sudden change in attitude. The blond still had his signature smile, but it looked more fake than it ever had before.

Kiba snapped the album closed and handed it to Issei, "Its nothing. Thanks for letting me see the pictures, really appreciate it."

Issei and Natsuki shared a look with each other, neither finding the Knight's act very convincing. But since Kiba did not want to talk about whatever was bothering him, they let it go.

---

 

In the middle of a dark room, one of many in the large apartment complex, a large red magic circle formed and Natsuki and Issei appeared from within.

"Thanks for helping me teleport, Natsuki. It would've been lame if I had to ride my bike all the way here, like always." Issei told Natsuki.

"It's fine. Besides, this is a joint summoning, so it wouldn't have made sense for me to teleport while you rode your bike." Natsuki said, she was a little confused as she did not know why she and Issei were specifically chosen for this job. Akeno had explained to them weeks ago that a person who summons more than one Devil usually has an important request that requires a lot of magical power to complete.

And yet two low ranking Devils were picked. This must be a mistake, but until we meet the contractor, we won't know for sure. Natsuki thought.

The lights suddenly turned on revealing a man standing near the front door. The man was a little over six feet tall as he stood a few inches taller than Natsuki, he had black hair with golden bangs and a black goatee.

"Well, hello there, so you must be the Devils I summoned." The man smirked.

"Uh-yeah! I'm Hyoudou Issei and this is Sukehiro Natsuki, and we are Devil servants of House Gremory." Issei said.

"Well, you two can go have a seat." The man waved to the couches on the other side of the room before leaving.

"Well, that guy seems strange. This place is amazing, but he clearly isn't from around here. What do you think of him, Natsuki?" Issei said as the two Devils sat on one of the couches.

"You don't feel it?" Natsuki asked, her eyes never leaving the hallway that their client walked into.

"Feel what?" Issei asked.

Natsuki looked at Issei, "The weird energy that was coming of that guy. He's not normal."

She was sure that their client was not human. The energy coming off him felt familiar, as if she had encountered something like it before, but she could not place from where.

Issei tilted his head, "Are you sure you're not just imagining it?"

"Something to drink, perhaps." The client returned holding a tray with alcohol and drinking glasses, ending the Pawns' conversation.

"Oh, no thanks; I'd love to, but I'm still a minor." Issei answered.

"Same here." Natsuki added.

"Really? Bummer. I was hoping to have a partner or two to drink with." The man said as he sat down on the opposite couch.

Issei leaned forward, "So you wanted two Devils to have drinks with?"

"What, is that bad?"

"No, it's fine. The contract will be formed when we fulfill your request and receive a fitting compensation in return."

"Unfortunately, all I have is sake. You okay with tap water?"

Issei and Natsuki looked at each other, "Yeah, sure."

An Hour Later

"Hahahah! So, your magic is so weak you have to ride a bike to see the people who've summoned you?!" The man cried out.

"Well, kind of." Issei said in exasperation.

"That's hilarious!" The man laughed.

Issei's head fell between his shoulders. Being laughed at like this will never not piss me off, but I don't have much of a choice if I want that contract.

"That was fun." The client said once he stopped laughing. "So, what would you like as compensation."

"What already?"

"You're Devils right? I guess this means you want my soul?"

"No, we don't want your soul. All we did was have a drink with you. So that wouldn't fit the contract at all."

"Oh, that's unexpected."

Natsuki narrowed her eyes at the man, the same feeling she got whenever she was being lied to was rushing through her. She had stayed quiet for most of the conversation trying to figure the man out but couldn't.

"Would this do?" he pointed at the painting above his head. "It's not a reproduction."

"Isn't that kind of expensive?" Issei asked.

"I don't have anything else to pay you with at the moment. If it won't work, I have my soul." He shrugged.

"It's cool; the picture's fine." Issei said.

The Pawns worked together to carry the painting, walking to the center of the room so Natsuki could cast the teleportation spell.

As the magic circle formed under their feet Natsuki looked back at their client. "You didn't tell us your name."

The man smirked, "Maybe I'll give it you the next time we meet."

"So, you're planning on summoning us again?" Natsuki asked.

"Of course, I need my new drinking buddies."

"Are you human?" Natsuki asked the question that had been in her mind since meeting the man standing before them.

"Natsuki!" Issei cried out, hoping that the man would not be offended by Natsuki's question. If he does, then he might take back the painting and I'll be back to zero contracts!

"I'm just as much human as anyone can be." The client said, once again smirking at the girl.

Natsuki scoffed at that, she was about to respond when both her and Issei's phones went off. Issei placed the part of the painting he was holding down and pulled out his phone.

"It's a text message from Buchou! She wants us to head out because there's a stray Devil, she wants the group to take care of." He explained.

Natsuki sighed, "Okay, let's go."

Natsuki changed the destination of the spell and the two disappeared in a flash of light.

The man let out a laugh once the two Pawns were gone.

"What an odd pair of dragons I've met. I wonder how Vali will feel once he meets them himself?"

---

 

Once the pair had placed the painting their client had rewarded them with down in the clubroom, Natsuki and Issei had teleported to the Peerage's location.

Once the teleportation circle disappeared, the Pawns found themselves standing outside an abandoned building, the rest of the Peerage was also outside, waiting for them.

"I'm sorry I had to make you guys come out here." Rias told her Pawns once they arrived.

"Nah, it's fine. There's something going on in there, huh?" Issei replied.

"No one can miss the smell of a stray Devil." Koneko said.

"No kidding." Akeno said, "We've been ordered to take it down before the night is over."

"Whatever it is must be extremely dangerous. We shouldn't try to fight it inside. Asia, you wait at the rear, Akeno and I will be ready and waiting outside. So, Koneko, Kiba, Natsuki, and Issei draw the enemy out where we can take care of it." Rias ordered.

"Makes sense to me." Akeno answered.

"Right." Koneko said.

"Of course." Natsuki replied as she summoned her Sacred Gear.

"I'm on it." Issei followed Natsuki's example, summoning his [Boosted Gear].

Kiba had remained silent, staring at the ground and was unaware of the conversation going on until Rias called out to him.

"Yeah, right. Got it, Buchou." Kiba said.

Before Rias could question her Knight, Issei had called the others to go as he took off into the building. Natsuki, Koneko, and Kiba quickly followed behind him.

"I wonder what it will be, another weird ass monster, right?" Issei said as the four Devils reached the building's iron door, a smile gracing his lips as Issei pumped himself up.

Koneko ignored his prompting and walked forward, using her strength to blow the door open with a single punch.

"Nice. Why can't you warn me when you do that?" Issei asked.

"Let's go." Koneko said, ignoring Issei's question once more.

The four Devils walked into the building and for a few moments saw nothing until Koneko called out that she had spotted the stray. She appeared to look like a normal young woman with blonde hair and dark eyes. This illusion did not last long when she suddenly transformed into a spider-like creature with grey skin, purple eyes, six limbs, large razor-sharp teeth, pointy ears, and a large horn protruding from her forehead.

"Holy shit!" Issei exclaimed as they watched the stray jump up and begin to crawl across the ceiling. Issei's Sacred Gear began to power up, and the word [Boost] could be heard coming from the gauntlet every couple of seconds.

"Kiba, focus. What are you doing? Hey! Kiba!" Koneko yelled when she saw Kiba standing there staring at the wall, ignoring the situation they were in.

Kiba's head jerked upwards, "Oh, sorry."

At that moment, the Stray Devil shot out a clear liquid from its rear, hitting Koneko's shoulder. The Rook was knocked to the ground and the top of her uniform began to disintegrate, leaving a burn mark where she was hit.

"Bastard!" Issei yelled, the gem on the center of his [Boosted Gear] glowing a bright green as it finished charging up and crying out, 'Explosion.'

Natsuki jumped in front of Koneko, picking the younger Devil in her arms, and throwing the two off them to the side, just barely avoiding another acid spray.

"Dragon Shot!" Issei screamed, releasing a red beam of energy at the stray, the attack had no effect as the Devil kept charging at them.

"What are you zoning out for princess?!" Issei yelled when he saw that Kiba was once again lost in his own thoughts and ignoring the world around him.

Kiba used his sword to cut the stray in half and was about to attack again when he tripped on a pipe, falling to his knees which allowed the stray to regenerate and land on top off him. The stray was about to eat Kiba when Koneko grabbed the stray's back legs and threw her through the skylight above them.

"Akeno." Rias said with a smirk on her face.

"I'm all over it, Rias!" Akeno replied from her place in the sky, the Devil now in her priestess uniform and her hand already raised.

A yellow magic circle formed above the stray, firing a bolt of lightning into the stray, sending her heralding into the ground leaving the stray severely burnt before Rias' feet.

"Wanton Devil, you who ran wild away from your master to fulfill your own desires. For such a crime, you deserve to die a thousand times over. And now in the name of the Duke of Gremory, you shall pay with your life. Time to die!" Rias exclaimed as she used her Power of Destruction to completely eviscerate the stray.

"Hell yeah!" Issei shouted as he and Koneko ran out of the building to witness their master's judgment. Natsuki walked out, focusing entirely on Kiba as the young Devil once again became lost in his thoughts.

"Koneko! Do you need help?" Asia said as she ran to where the others were standing.

"Yes, please." Koneko answered.

Natsuki took off her uniform jacket and handed it to the Rook once Asia finished healing, Koneko nodded her head in thanks as she threw the jacket around her shoulders.

SLAP!

The others turned around and realized Rias had slapped Kiba across the face.

"Think you've got it together now? With a mistake like that, you put everyone here in serious danger." Rias stated.

"I apologize." Kiba responded.

Rias moved forward and placed her hands on Kiba's shoulders, "What's the matter, Kiba? This isn't like you."

"I'm fine; just having an off day. Now if you will excuse me, Buchou." Kiba said as he walked away, ignoring Rias calling.

But before he could leave, Issei ran up and grabbed him by the shoulder. "What the hell Kiba? Why would you be so rude to Buchou?"

"It's got nothing to do with you." Kiba growled.

"That doesn't mean I can't be worried." Issei argued.

Kiba smiled, "Worried? Why would you be worried? Devils are by nature selfish beings."

"I've got no idea what you're point is here." Issei said.

"Well, for the record I do think I was wrong." Kiba tried to walk away again but Issei stopped him.

"Wait a minute! If you're that upset, then you can talk to me about it. I mean we are friends, aren't we?"

Kiba scoffed at Issei's words before turning around to face him. "Friends? Issei, I appreciate your passion. However, something's recently been brought to my attention."

"Something like what?" Issei asked.

"A purpose. See, I remembered my reason for living; the reason I fight."

"I thought you were fighting for Rias." Issei responded; he did not know that there could be any other reason for the Peerage to become Devils and fight in Rias' name.

"You thought wrong. All I want is revenge. It won't be much longer now; I'm going to destroy Excalibur. That alone is my purpose." The smile Kiba carried quickly left his face the longer he spoke and once he finished, he walked away again, Issei not stopping him this time.

---

 

"Holy Swords are the worst weapons against Devils. Simply touching one burns a Devil's body. More importantly, to be cut by a Holy Sword could mean instant death. The truth is a Holy Sword can annihilate a Devil." Rias told her three newest servants, the four had returned to Issei's house after Kiba left. Rias had felt the need to explain what Excalibur was in their world and how dangerous weapons like it could be.

"Wow, okay, that's kind of intense." Issei said.

"It is. The fact that those who can wield them are extraordinarily rare is the sword's biggest weakness. The church did what they could, they tried to raise people artificially, perhaps they could wield Excalibur then they could annihilate Devils everywhere. It's known as the Holy Sword Project." Rias explained.

"Was Kiba apart of the Holy Sword Project before becoming a Devil?" Natsuki asked, in her mind it was the only thing that would make sense.

Kiba started acting weird earlier today when he saw that picture of Issei and the Holy Sword his childhood friend had in his house. I guess seeing the sword triggered him and reminded him of his past. Natsuki thought.

Rias let out a rueful chuckle, "Once again, you have shown an eye for details, Natsuki. You're right Kiba was in this project, but it had failed and each of the subjects were killed by the Church in a coverup with Kiba barely surviving it."

"Poor Kiba." Asia said when Rias finished.

"I think Issei and I know what triggered him." Natsuki said.

"Oh, right!" Issei reached into his desk drawer and pulled out the picture of himself, his old friend, and the Holy Sword behind them.

"It's not nearly as powerful as Excalibur, but there's no mistaking it. Kiba was right, that is a Holy Sword." Rias said.

"I knew it, Kiba only started getting weird after seeing this picture." Natsuki said.

Rias mumbled something under her breath, but when Issei asked her to repeat it, she waved him off and took off her clothes, stating that it was time for bed.

Natsuki placed her hand on her forehead and shook her head as Issei and Asia looked on in shock.

"Wait, why are you changing in here?!" Issei asked.

"You know I can't sleep unless I'm completely naked." Rias answered.

"No, I-I mean why-why are you getting naked in my room?" Issei reiterated.

"Well obviously because I'm going to be sleeping with you, silly." Rias said, the Devil now down to her matching black lace bra and underwear that left little to the imagination.

"And that's my cue to leave. See you all tomorrow, try not to die of a nosebleed or an erection lasting more than four hours, Issei." Natsuki said as she formed a teleportation circle under her feet.

"Huh?! What are you-" Issei was unable to finish as Natsuki left the middle of his sentence.

When he turned back around, he saw that both Rias and Asia were now naked. The two females began fighting over who would get to sleep in Issei's bed that night, pulling by each arm as they argued. Issei had a perverse grin as he was pulled back and forth.

Dying and becoming a Devil was the best thing to ever happen to me!

---

 

Kiba Yuuto was walking through the streets of Kouh, no destination in mind as the heavy rain continued to pour down on him.

I have never forgotten my revenge against the Holy Sword, Excalibur. I let myself get caught up in my school life. My friends, my lifestyle, even my name... It's all been granted to me by Rias Gremory. I have no right to strive for anything more than this... for any more happiness. I'm sorry Issei, but I have no right to have any friends especially since I have yet to fulfill my comrades will... to avenge their deaths...

Kiba let out a sigh and lifted his head to the sky, the Knight opened his eyes when he heard a small splash near him.

Just when he felt the unknown person move closer, Kiba summoned a demonic sword from his left hand and pointed it towards the unknown threat.

Kiba saw that it was a priest in front of him. The anger swirling inside Kiba swelled as he stared at the man, one of the many that use the name of their God to justify their terrible actions, to erase all blame and guilt from themselves while declaring others to be evil sinners.

Kiba hoped the man was an exorcist so he could kill him right there although he was so angry that it was doubtful that the man not being an exorcist would stop him.

Before Kiba could do anything, the priest coughed out some blood and fell to the ground in a lifeless heap. It was then that Kiba noticed the a hole in the priest's stomach as blood began to pool onto the floor around him.

The Knight suddenly left a wave a killing intent rushing towards him and quickly used his sword to block and incoming strike coming from behind, Kiba was pushed backwards from the force of the strike, skidding across the wet pavement. When he looked up, he saw that his attacker was the crazed rouge priest, Freed Sellzen.

"Yahoo! Long time no see, pretty boy!" Freed cheered.

"Freed Sellzen. Looks like you're still in town, what's your business here?" Kiba growled.

"Whoa, what crawled up your ass? And here I am, weeping tears of joy at the thought of our reunion!" Freed smirked.

Kiba was about to retort when he finally noticed the weapon in Freed's hands.

"That sword... it can't be possible, its-"

Freed gave the Devil a lustful smirk before he licked the side of the blade, "How about you and I see which is better, your Devil swords or my Excalibur?"

Chapter 11: Holy Swords, Part 2

Summary:

Xenovia Quarta and Shidou Irina make their appearance in the city of Kuoh, causing more tension within the ORC....

Natsuki did not expect to see Akeno on her knees, wearing an almost see-through robe with nothing underneath, sucking on Issei's fingers when she walked into the clubroom that morning.

Both Devils turned and saw Natsuki standing behind them, both having different reactions to seeing the girl. Issei had a grin on his face while using the hand that Akeno was not holding to give his fellow Pawn a thumbs-up. Akeno smirked when she and Natsuki made eye contact and proceeded to make an even more provocative showing of licking Issei's nearest finger.

"What's going on in here?" Natsuki finally asked after a few moments, her face blank and her voice eerily calm.

"The best thing ever!" Issei exclaimed.

Akeno smiled before going on to explain the process of removing the Dragon's Essence from Issei's arm so that the illusion spell that was placed on it to disguise the arm he had given up to Ddraig would hold.

"And there are no other ways of extracting the Dragon's Essence?" Natsuki asked once Akeno finished her explanation.

Akeno pressed her finger to her chin and pretended to ponder for a moment before answering, "Well, there is another way, but it involves a lot more contact."

Akeno then turned back to Issei, "Do you want me to touch you more, Issei?" Issei sat up and was about to answer when a dangerous chill raced down his spine.

"AKENO. What is the meaning of this?" Rias answered, standing directly behind Natsuki, but keeping her gaze directly on Issei and Akeno.

Natsuki looked between the three before moving to the side and letting Rias into the room, not wanting to be on the receiving end of her King's anger like the other two were going to be.

Akeno just gave her friend a closed eye smile, "Ufufu. We were just dispelling the dragon's power."

Rias' body began to shake as she struggled to control her rage and jealousy. "Do you really expect me to believe that is all this is?!"

As this was going on Issei quickly put on his clothes and tried to sneak out of the room unnoticed. His attempt was thwarted by Rias pinching one of his cheeks and roughly pulling on the skin.

"Ouch!" Issei cried out.

"Looks like you were having quite the bit of fun, hmm?" Rias coldly asked.

Issei tried to reassure the Devil King that he was not, but all his words came out incoherently and mumbled due to her still pinching his cheek.

Rias huffed, dramatically turning away from the other occupants in the room as she pouted. "Fine! Do as you please!" She yelled before leaving the room and slamming the door shut in her fury.

Akeno placed a hand on her mouth, "Jealousy is so cute on her. I didn't think she would get so jealous over our friendship, Issei-kun."

"Why was she so mad?" Issei asked while rubbing his sore cheek.

"You cannot be serious?" Natsuki mumbled, shaking her head at her friend's obliviousness. She did not understand how Issei could not see that Rias was jealous, especially since she had been throwing herself at him since the Rating Game and with how much she and Asia fight over him.

Some people just can't see what's right in front of them. Natsuki thought.

"Rias has always been hot tempered, Issei-kun, no need to worry about it. The Dragon Essence has been removed from your arm, so we'll meet back here for your next session." Akeno said once she stopped smiling to herself.

"Oh, okay. Thanks for your help, Akeno-senpai!" Issei said while buttoning up his shirt. He then left the room with a dazed look on his face, still thinking of Rias' reaction.

"Did you need something, Natsuki-chan?" Akeno asked once they were alone.

"Hmm?" Natsuki turned her head from the door to face her senpai.

Akeno smiled, "You must have come to the clubroom for a reason especially since we don't have an ORC meeting today."

"Oh, right. I came for... I came to..." Natsuki realized that she could not remember what reason she had from coming to the clubroom. Catching Issei and Akeno in the position they were in, followed by Rias storming in had caused all previous thoughts to leave her mind.

Eh, if it's really important it will come back to me. Natsuki thought to herself.

"So, you and Issei have gotten closer." Natsuki said, not looking Akeno in the eyes and staring at the adjacent wall.

Akeno blinked, not expecting the response. "We have. Issei's a great person, it's hard not to like him."

"Yeah, he is. It's not hard to understand why you like him so much." Natsuki said.

"What?" Akeno mumbled. "Do you think I like Issei?"

Natsuki was confused by how quietly Akeno had asked her questions but continued. "I mean it's obvious, pretty much every girl in the Peerage is gearing up to join Issei's harem. I mean why else would Rias start fighting with you earlier?"

"Do you want me to having feeling for Issei?" Akeno calmly asked.

Natsuki's eyebrows raised, "Why would it matter what I want?"

Akeno opens her mouth to respond, but quickly closes it. She did not know what to say, she liked Issei, but knew she did not love him. Not the way Rias and Asia clearly did.

I like Natsuki as well, but I don't love her, I don't think I do. She caught my interest ever since I first saw her, but now... Now I'm not entirely sure what it is I'm feeling for her. Akeno sighed as she stared into Natsuki's eyes, her thoughts swirling as she put on a fake smile.

"You're right, it doesn't matter. Excuse me Natsuki-chan." Akeno said before leaving the clubroom.

Natsuki tried to stop her, but Akeno had already vanished before she could. She knew that what she said had upset Akeno, but she could not understand why.

I was just trying to be supportive. I mean Akeno must like Issei, why else would she suck his fingers so enthusiastically? Or enjoy watching Rias get jealous over her and Issei's closeness?

But Natsuki felt a pang in her chest as she thought about Issei and Akeno's physical closeness, it was not the first time she had felt it, that being after the Rating Game and Akeno had asked if Issei wanted to see her breasts.

Why do I care so much? Why the hell is this bothering me?

Natsuki let out a groan as she could not figure out what she was feeling, all she knew was that she felt like an asshole for unintentionally upsetting Akeno. The Pawn soon went on her way, hoping that she would feel less annoyed after a good night's rest.

---

 

Natsuki's feelings of annoyance failed to leave her as she stood in the ORC clubhouse with the rest of the Peerage in the presence of two members of the Church.

Rias had told others about the two girls' visit to Issei's house the previous night and how one of them was Issei's childhood friend from the picture with the Holy Sword.

And now they showed up at ORC clubhouse to personally meet with Rias.

The first of the two girls looked just like the picture with herself and Issei, only older. Her chestnut hair was now longer and placed in twin tails. The second girl was just a bit taller than her partner with chin-length blue hair with dyed green fringe on her right-side bangs and brown eyes.

Both wore slightly different white cloaks that covered their bodies, and the second girl had a large sword wrapped in bandages placed on the floor next to them.

They had introduced themselves as Shidou Irina and Xenovia Quarta, respectively.

Rias, Akeno, Xenovia, and Irina sat across from each other on the couches while the rest of the Gremory Devils stood off to the side, in front of the doors.

It was the first time in days that the Peerage had been together as no one had seen or heard from Kiba since their fight with the Stray Devil.

Everyone could feel the anger rolling off the Knight as he directed his venomous glare at the two humans, but neither paid him any mind as they focused on the King and Queen in front of them.

"Three of the Excalibur Swords that were being held by the Church in the Vatican Headquarters were recently stolen." Irina finally said after a tense beat.

Issei's face scrunched up in confusion, "Wait, you mean the legendary sword Excalibur is actually multiple swords?"

Irina turned to Issei, "Yes, Issei-kun. The true Excalibur was broken a long time ago."

"Now it looks like this." Xenovia said while picking up and unwrapping the sword that she placed next to her. "The broken fragments of Excalibur were gathered and reforged into seven new blades and this is one of them... Excalibur Destruction."

Once the wrappings fell away the weapon was revealed, it was a large rust colored two-handed sword with an axe-like guard, its pummel was long enough that it could be held with three hands, with its huge blade ending at three points.

It was clear that this was one of the ultimate weapons used to kill Devils, the second it was revealed every Devil in the room felt a terrible chill race through their bodies. Fear, awe, and hatred were evident in all of them as they looked upon the sword.

"And mine is called Excalibur Mimic!" Irina exclaimed, showing off the white string tied to her arm, the sword taking on this appearance as it was not in use.

"Okay, we get your point. Now if you don't mind?" Rias said, wanting to be as far away from the sword as possible.

Xenovia picked up the bandages off the floor and rewrapped her Excalibur Destruction.

Rias sighed "Well, what is it you would like us to do for you today?"

Xenovia began to speak, "As we said earlier, three of the Excalibur Swords in our possession were recently stolen and we believe the thief to be hiding out in this area."

Rias arched an eyebrow, "So these thieves have decided to make my territory their base for their criminal activities. Fine, who do you suspect to be the thief?"

"An executive of the Fallen Angel organization, The Grigori. Kokabiel." Xenovia finished.

Rias had a smirk of disbelief on her face, "Kokabiel, the Kokabiel? One of the Fallen Angel leaders who survived the previous wars... I did not expect to hear the name of one that appears in the Bible."

Irina sighed, "The other day we sent a group of priests and exorcists to this town, but they were completely wiped out."

Natsuki was shocked when she heard this, the fact that not only a group of holy men from the Church but one of the most powerful Fallen Angels to ever exist, were in Kuoh and were fighting each other and none of them noticed was alarming.

How did none of us notice? I mean even if Rias didn't, surely Sona-senpai and her Peerage would have to have noticed it? For both groups to be caught off guard is worrying. I guess the only reason they've come to Rias now is because they're probably desperate after losing so many of their own. Natsuki thought to herself.

"The reason we have come to you now is-" Irina tried to say but was cut off by Xenovia.

"We demand that you Devils not intervene in this battle between us and the Grigori over the Excalibur Swords." Xenovia said, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the Gremory Peerage.

Rias returned the look in kind, "Did no one teach how to speak with the proper respect? Honestly, what you are saying sounds like an accusation. Do you think myself and the rest of Devils in my territory would side with the Fallen to keep you from obtaining the Holy Swords?"

Xenovia's expression did not change, "The higher-ups have considered this possibility. I mean, you Devils do find Holy Swords quite detestable. Wouldn't it make more sense for you to support the Fallen Angels?"

Everyone could feel the magical power within Rias spike, sparks of destruction energy dancing across the Gremory heir's eyes as she glared at the Holy Sword user.

"And if you do interfere, we will have no choice but to eliminate you. Even if you are the sister of a Maou." Xenovia finished without caring about Rias' glare or the strength of her magic.

Rias smirked, "You eliminate me? What a fucking joke. Honestly, humans are getting quite arrogant, believing that their little toys and false God are enough to protect them."

Xenovia was about to retort but stopped when Irina grabbed her arm, silently telling her to stand down. Xenovia gritted her teeth but obeyed her partner.

"If you know that I am the sister of a Maou, then it must mean that you have a lot of connections with the Church higher-ups, so let me say this; There is no way I would ever even think of joining the Fallen Angels. I would never do anything to besmirch the name of the House of Gremory or my dear brother." Rias declared.

Xenovia smirked, "Fu. Hearing that is good enough for me. I was only relaying the thoughts of headquarters; I honestly didn't think the little sister of Lucifer would really be that stupid."

Rias sighed, "Good to know. Then you also know that I will not provide aid to your side either."

"Of course. I trust that we will prevail if you promise not to intervene in anything we may do in this town." Xenovia said.

Rias took on a look of shock, "So, it really is just the two of you? Are you going to try and retrieve the Excalibur Swords from one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels with just the two of you? Are you trying to die?"

"But of course, we don't intend to die. We will retrieve the Holy Swords." Xenovia said fearlessly to Rias' questions.

After that the conversation stopped and the two Holy Sword wielders looked at each other and stood up.

"If that is all we will be taking our leave. Let's go, Irina." Xenovia said.

As the two girls began walking to the exit, they suddenly stopped in front of Issei and Asia.

"I had my suspicions when we met at Hyoudou Issei's house, but..." Xenovia began speaking, "You're the 'witch' Asia Argento, aren't you?"

Asia's entire body shook as she was called a witch by the girl in front of her, her skin grew paler, and her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Irina noticed this as she stepped towards the former nun, "So you're the saint, the former Holy-Maiden? I've heard rumors about you, you are said to have the power to heal Devils and Fallen Angels, right? They say that you were excommunicated and that you wound up being sent far away, I never thought that you'd become a Devil though."

Asia continued to tremble, "Well, I um- I guess-I-"

Irina's expression soon became a somber one, "Don't worry. We won't tell anyone that we found you here. I'm sure it would shock those who knew you as a Holy Maiden to find out that you ended up here."

Asia did not know how to react to Irina's words, standing with a perplexed and uncomfortable expression.

Xenovia looked down at Asia with disgust and contempt. "But to become a Devil, one who was once called a Holy Maiden. You have fallen to the lowest place you could. Tell me, do you still believe in our God?"

Irina looked at her partner incredulously, "Xenovia, how could a Devil possibly maintain her belief in the Lord?"

Xenovia looked at Asia with pity, "That said, there are those who have betrayed the Lord and chosen to live in sin but have not completely forgotten their faith... I feel that you may be one such individual."

Asia's gaze fell to the floor, "...I could never abandon my faith. I've believed in it my whole life and it brought me this far..."

Xenovia closed her eyes for a moment, "Is that so? Then it's only fitting that we should end your life."

In an instant, Xenovia brandished Excalibur Destruction. "Show me your conviction in the name of the Lord. Sinful though you may be, the Lord will reach out and save your soul."

But before Xenovia could carry out this cleansing of Asia's soul, Issei jumped forward standing in between the two and glaring at Xenovia.

"Issei, no!"

"Stop! Don't do it!"

"Everything is alright, please stop Issei!"

Rias, Akeno, and Asia yelled simultaneously.

Issei ignored them as he glared at Xenovia, "Screw you! What right do you have to call Asia a witch?!"

Xenovia smiled, "Believe me; that's one of the nicest descriptions I have for someone who has done what she has."

"I don't want to hear it!" Issei screamed. "You pricks are the ones who decided she was a Saint, not Asia! That wasn't her choice! When Asia needed help, not one of you came to save her! If you cannot see what a kind heart Asia has than you're just a stupid and worthless as the heads of your so-called Church!"

Xenovia scoffed at this, "A genuine Saint can survive on the love of God alone. If Asia makes sacrifices for the love of anyone besides God, then she was never a true saint."

"Asia is more genuine than all your true saints combined. She is especially better than the so-called warriors of God standing in this room." Natsuki spoke up, having had enough of listening to Xenovia insult her friend.

"What did you just say?" Xenovia hissed, turning her glare at Natsuki.

"You heard me. Your whole religion is just a front for the corrupt and evil assholes at the very top to abuse everyone beneath them for their own power and selfish desires and yet you have the nerve to act like you're better than us. You say that God will 'save Asia' but it's nothing but fake shit that you're using to make her feel bad for something that is not her fault. Those higher-ups and your pathetic God can fuck themselves, they're all useless anyway." Natsuki replied.

Before Xenovia could rage against Natsuki's statement, Irina calmly stepped forward. "God's love is true and just. If her faith had been strong enough, she would have been fine. Or maybe her faith was a lie from the start."

"And who are you to Asia anyway?" Xenovia gritted her teeth not understanding why the Devils before her were fighting for Asia.

Before Natsuki could speak, Issei interrupted. "We're her friends! Her family! That's why we help Asia. And that's why I will protect her and if you even think about laying a hand on her, I will spend the rest of my life making you regret it."

Xenovia scoffed, "You would dare challenge the Church? For such a little Devils you both have such big mouths."

"This is perfect. I'll take both of you on." Everyone turned to Kiba. The Knight had stepped forward, his gaze never leaving Xenovia and Irina.

Xenovia raised an eyebrow, "And who would you be to suggest such a thing?"

Kiba gave the two girls a cold and hate filled look, "Your superior. Though apparently, I was a failure." After this was said, countless demonic swords appeared in the clubroom, all pointed at Xenovia and Irina.

Irina smiled as she looked at the swords, unfazed by the intimidation tactic. "If it's a fight you want, then we'll be more than happy to provide one. Right, Xenovia?"

Xenovia nodded, "Of course. We can't let a Devil get away with insulting us." Then she turned her head towards Natsuki and Issei. "Especially these two."

Natsuki moved so that she and Xenovia were standing face to face. "If you want to get your ass kicked so badly than I'll-"

"Your fight is with me." Issei said, cutting Natsuki off.

Okay, he has to stop fucking doing that. Natsuki thought in annoyance as she looked over at the other Pawn. "What are you talking about, Issei?"

"They insulted Asia. I can't let that stand. Anyone who messes with her, messes with me." Issei said to her, knowing that he had to be the one to fight. The day that Asia became a Devil, Issei swore to always protect her, to always fight for her, so this battle had to his and his alone.

Issei felt that it was truly time he stood up and showed everyone that he was strong, he could not keep relying on Natsuki to fight his battles for him because he was too weak.

Natsuki saw the resolve on Issei's face and backed away. Even though she wanted to fight and show the humans in front of them what happens when to mess with someone she cares about, she knew that Issei's mind would not be changed, she also knew that Kiba was itching for the confrontation himself. "Fine, but you better not lose, Issei. Especially not to people like them."

Issei nodded his head and soon followed the humans and Kiba out the door. Asia and Koneko quickly followed, leaving Natsuki and her senpais in the clubroom.

Rias sighed, "So much for deescalating the situation."

"You saw the look on Kiba's face, Buchou. This was going to happen regardless of what niceties could have been said." Akeno told her friend.

Rias groaned, "I know, you're right, Akeno." Rias then turned to her Pawn, staring at the younger girl with a tried expression.

Natsuki shrugged, "They should not have come in here preaching about the love of God and how Asia was a sinner who had fallen so low that she did not deserve to live any longer. Self-righteous and delusional idiots like that are the worst breed of garbage."

Natsuki, even before becoming a Devil, had an incredibly low opinion of organized religion. In her eyes, all organized religions were just cults that used their doctrines as ways to subjugate the masses. The few at the top used their 'faith' as shields to commit the most depraved of actions in the shadows while calling those that did not bend to their will or fit outside the norm, sinners and abominations.

Rias shook her head at the Pawn's response before leaving the room. Akeno sighed and was going to follow Rias but stopped when she felt Natsuki grab her arm.

"I-I didn't mean to make you upset the other day. I'm sorry, Akeno-senpai." Natsuki whispered, feeling nervous as the words left her mouth. Since she had walked in on Akeno and Issei, the Pawn and Queen had not had a direct conversation with each other. Normally if someone did not speak or acknowledge her, Natsuki would continue with her life, not caring about that person nor their individual opinions of her.

But for the last few days it felt like a rock had been sitting in her stomach whenever Akeno and herself would be in the same vicinity, but Akeno would ignore her.

Akeno was surprised, knowing that Natsuki was not an apologetic person, usually standing her ground on the things she said. She was also surprised because she did not believe that Natsuki needed to apologize to her, it was her own overthinking and subsequent embarrassment over the situation that led to this.

Akeno rested her hand on top of Natsuki's, "Its fine, Natsuki-chan. You don't have to apologize to me, I was the one who overreacted."

Natsuki shook her head, "No, I do. I shouldn't have assumed what your feelings were and said that you were going to be in Issei's harem. That was rude and inappropriate, I should have known better."

Akeno smiled, "Thank you for caring, Natsuki-chan." Akeno felt her heartbeat faster and her stomach flutter as she stared into Natsuki's burgundy red eyes.

Natsuki's cheeks burned as Akeno smiled at her, it was one of the Queen's real smiles, not the fake smile she constantly showed the rest of the world. I want to see more of it. "Of course, I care. You're important to me."

Akeno forced herself to look away from Natsuki to hide her embarrassment. "You're important to me too, Natsuki."

The two teenagers stood silently as neither knew how to continue the conversation, both were simulations happy and embarrassed about what the other had said.

Eventually Akeno cleared her throat, "We should go outside. The others are probably waiting for us so they can start the fight.

"Oh. Yeah, let's go." Natsuki said, walking to the door and holding it open, waiting for Akeno to walk past.

The fuck is wrong with me? Every time I'm around Akeno, she makes me turn into an idiot. It's impossible for me to act normally. Natsuki thought as she and Akeno walked out to the field where the Holy Sword wielders and the rest of their Peerage were waiting.

---

 

"Before we begin, allow me to confirm something..." Xenovia started as she and Irina stood next to each other directly across from Issei and Kiba with the girls of the ORC a few feet behind them. Xenovia looked between the two servants and met Rias' eyes.

"...This is a private matter that needn't concern the Church at large. We won't make anything more of it, and neither will you? Is that correct?"

Rias used her magic to form a large barrier around the surrounding area. "Yes, that is correct." Besides, Yuuto will not rest until this is over, after all...

Xenovia raised her sword high, "The power of Rias Gremory's Peerage and that of one of our alleged 'seniors'. I shall test them both then."

Kiba then began to chuckle, his entire body shaking as his laughter filled the air. Xenovia glared at the Knight, "Why are you laughing?"

A cruel smirk formed on Kiba's face, "Because the one thing I've always wanted to destroy more than anything has appeared willingly before my very eyes. I couldn't be happier." A field of swords sprouted around Kiba, showing his resolve to destroy the Holy Swords before him.

"[Sword Birth]?" Xenovia asked, "Now I remember. During the Holy Sword Project, there was one subject facing disposal that managed to escape. So that was you?"

The smirk left Kiba's face as his eyes became colder, branding Xenovia under his thirst for revenge. More swords sprouted around Kiba as the Knight became angrier from the reminder of his traumatic past.

"Issei-Kun!" Irina shouted drawing said Pawn's attention away from Xenovia and Kiba and onto herself. "We finally see each other again after so long and it turns out you've become a Devil! God must be testing my will to overcome this traumatic heartbreak! If I can prove I'm strong enough, I will be that much closer to Him!"

Issei sweat dropped at the proclamation, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure none of this has anything to do with me. But whatever."

"I'm sorry Issei. This hurts me much more than it hurts you, but for your sins you shall now face the wrath of my Excalibur!" Irina yelled, charging at Issei with her sword drawn.

"Fine. You want to go there?" Issei said as his [Boosted Gear] appeared. "[Boosted Gear]!"

[Boost!]

"Amen!" Irina shouted as she closed the distance between them and drew her sword downward. Issei just barely dodged the attack, having part of his shirt slashed in the process.

"What the hell?! That was so dangerous! I thought this was a friendly fight?!" Issei shouted while inspecting his damaged shirt.

Irina paid this no mind as a small blush formed on her cheeks and she rocked her body back and forth. "Oh! To return to my hometown only to be forced to kill one of my oldest friends? Alas, fate can be so cruel!"

"Issei, try to avoid her direct attack!" Rias shouted from the sidelines.

"Yeah, that was the plan. Thanks." Issei replied while calling out another [Boost!].

"... The Red Dragon Emperor's Hand? That with Asia Argento's [Twilight Healing], the other Pawn's [Ethereal Domination] and your [Sword Birth], you Devils certainly have a fair amount of the sacred pagan treasures." Xenovia said she and Kiba prepared to battle.

"I have another power." Kiba began as he pulled one of his swords out of the ground, "One that comes from my fallen comrades. With this power, I will destroy all the Excaliburs and I will annihilate their wielders!"

Kiba rushed at Xenovia, using this to push her backwards. Xenovia landed on her feet, holding her sword up just in time to block an oncoming strike from him.

"Just being touched by a Holy Sword can injure a Devil. They're at a huge disadvantage." Akeno said as the girls continued to watch the fights.

"Kiba can manage with his speed, but Issei..." Rias trailed off as they all turned their attention to Issei and Irina's fight.

Just then Irina slashed at Issei's left arm, but there was no damage, ands no physical reaction by Issei to the strike.

"Huh, that doesn't seem to be bothering him all that much." Rias said with pleasant surprise.

"Or at all. But that left arm is the Dragon itself after all." Akeno added.

Issei's [Boosted Gear] continued to charge itself up, increasing Issei's power and speed, allowing him to slowly close the gap between them.

I'll just keep dodging and bide my time until I can find an opening. Then I can use my Dress Break! Issei thought as his face became increasingly lecherous.

"Why the hell is he making that disgusting face?" Irina whispered to herself.

"...Please be careful. Issei-senpai has a move that allows him to tear the clothes of the body of any girl he touches." Koneko said to Irina, warning the older girl of Issei's intentions.

"What? Their clothes?!" Irina said in shock.

"Koneko-chan! Why are you revealing my secret move to the enemy?!" Issei yelled.

Koneko looked at Issei with nothing but contempt and disgust. "Because you are the enemy of all women. Nothing but a disgusting parasite."

Issei's head feel in despair, "Sometimes the things you say really hurt."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Seriously Issei? Why can't you come up with an actual attack instead of this bullshit?"

"I can hardly believe how you ended up, Issei. It's bad enough that you have become a Devil, but to fall to this level of depravity? Oh Lord! Please forgive this sinful pervert!" Irina cried out as her view of Issei instantly changed.

"Hey! Don't look at me with those pitying eyes!" Issei yelled indignantly.

"...The absolute worst." Koneko said afterwards.

"Ise-san! If you were craving for a woman's body, then you could have said it to me…! I wouldn't mind sacrificing my body for Ise-san." Asia exclaimed, jealous that Issei was once again focusing on the body of another woman and not her own.

"Self-sacrifice! Just to be expected from a former Christian, Asia-san! WAIT! Don't say something bold like that out of the blue!" Issei screamed.

This caused the fight between Xenovia and Kiba to temporarily stop as both took in the Pawn's actions and desires.

"I see. So, he truly is the personification of lust. From the start, he did strike me as a very lewd and greedy Devil." Xenovia said as she stared scornfully at Rias' first Pawn.

"I'm sorry about him." Kiba said as he bowed to both Irina and Xenovia.

"Don't apologize for me!" Issei screamed at Kiba, growing angrier over everyone's scathing comments and opinions about him. Damnit! Why I'm I the only one being treated like this?!

The fight soon continued when Kiba sheathed his sword back in the dirt and pulled out two others. The first was his Fire Sword and the second was his Ice Sword.

"It's time for you to burn and then freeze!" Kiba rushed at Xenovia, waving both swords and creating streams of fire and ice as he moved.

"How naïve." Xenovia said as she destroyed both swords with a single strike from her Excalibur, turning them to dust. Her feat of strength was not yet done, as Xenovia's strike went onto destroy the ground around her, forcing Kiba to jump back and leaving a crater at the base of her feet.

Kiba was speechless as he watched both of his demonic swords were destroyed with a single swing. What destructive power!

"My Excalibur Destruction is the embodiment of ruin. There is nothing it can't destroy." Xenovia smirked.

"So strong, despite not even being the True Excalibur. Destroying all seven will not be an easy task..." Kiba said disparagingly, his facing becoming bitter.

"How the hell did she do that?" Issei asked, thinking that Kiba's goal of destroying the even Excaliburs was becoming more impossible as he saw the damage that just one was capable of.

"Don't forget about me Issei! Our fight is just about over!" Irina yelled, running faster than she had before and instantly closing the distance between her and Issei.

Issei's eyes widened as Excalibur Mimic was now centimeters away from his face. Issei quickly lifted his Sacred Gear in front of him, hoping to grab the blade. He underestimated Irina's strength as the force of the strike sent Issei flying backwards like a bullet.

Issei hit the ground hard, rolling a few times before coming to a stop and lying on the ground in a heap. The Pawn did not have time to think about the pain he was feeling, having to roll out of the way to avoid Irina's second attempt on his life.

Issei jumped to his feet, "That's it! Let's go [Boosted Gear]!"

[Explosion!] Ddraig shouted from within the Sacred Gear.

Issei could feel the power surging throughout his body. A twisted look appeared on Issei's face as he was now strong enough to use his Dress Break effectively.

"Sorry for stripping you." Issei said, using his new speed to rush behind Irina without her even noticing.

Irina backflipped over Issei just as he was going to touch her, "How obscene!"

Irina increased her speed to avoid Issei's lecherous fingers, but the Holy Sword wielder noticed that Issei was continuing to get faster.

"Oh my. Issei-kun's movements are looking sharper than usual." Akeno said trying to not sound judgment as she spoke.

Koneko had no such feelings, "...Senpai's pervy instincts are enhancing his physical abilities. He is so much of a pervert that the increase is very noticeable."

Natsuki slapped her hand against her forehead, "I should have just fought Irina myself."

"At least he is trying to win." Rias tried to find the bright side of the 'fight' they were witnessing, but her tone lacked its normal confidence.

Natsuki gave Rias a deadpanned stare, "Only so he can see Irina's breasts."

Before the two could continue their conversation, Issei lunged at Irina again. The human ducked when she saw the Devil, causing Issei to go flying over her.

Issei was heading towards Asia and Koneko and his hands touched their shoulders. The girls' uniforms exploded in a flurry of cloth, leaving them both completely naked.

Asia and Koneko used their arms to try and cover their bodies as the others stared at them, shocked by Issei's accidental use of Dress Break.

The only sounds that could be heard were the clash of Kiba and Xenovia's swords and the blood dripping from Issei's nose.

"Ko…Koneko-chan! You have it wrong! This is a mistake! Well, it did work! But I still think that even small boobies are important! Huh? What am I saying? That's not it! It's because Shidou Irina dodged it! I wasn't aiming for you and Asia! B…But thank you very much! I will just thank you just in case…" Issei stuttered as he saw Koneko's body begin to shake as she glared at him.

"...You super pervert!" Koneko yelled, giving Issei a devastating punch to the gut, sending the pervert flying into the air.

Issei violently hit the ground, creating a small crater from the impact. The Pawn coughed up blood from the critical hit.

Natsuki sighed as she quickly went back into the clubhouse. When she returned, Natsuki was holding a duffel bag, pulling out two large sweatshirts and tow pairs of gym shorts.

"Here." Natsuki said as she handed them to Asia and Koneko. Both girls thanked Natsuki as they quickly took the clothes and put them on.

"Why do you have a duffel bag filled with clothes?" Rias asked.

"After what happened in the Familiar Forest, I figured it would be best to have extra clothes. Especially with Issei's Dress Break now in the mix." Natsuki explained.

Irina walked over to Issei's crumpled form and repeatedly poked him. "Issei-kun, are you alive? I believe this is divine retribution for creating such an indecent attack. Should you live to fight again, would you please stop using that move?"

Issei slowly pushed himself to his knees, trying his best to stand. "...N-no way. That's my special technique. I put all my talent, all my magic into it... I'm going to keep blo-blowing away girls clothes no matter what... The real question is whether I should continue with this move or make another that makes clothes invisible."

Issei suddenly lurched forward, shakingly standing on his feet. "I'll continue fighting until I can blow away girls' clothes just by looking at them!"

Irina's face lost its color as she took in Issei's determination. What is wrong with him? Is his perversion really this strong?!

"My libido is my power, my strength!" Issei aimed a punch at Irina's head but the human ducked and jumped back.

Issei then lowered himself to the ground, trying to deliver a sweeping kick to Irina's legs. Irina noticed this and once again jumped back.

As this happened, Issei kicked off the ground to uppercut her...

SWING

Issei's uppercut had missed Irina's chin and with sharpen eyes, Irina swung her sword to the side, just barely grazing the Devil's stomach.

At first, Issei thought he was fine as the cut was about two centimeters long, but the Pawn fell to his knees, feeling all of his energy leaving him. The pain was immense as smoke began emanating from the small wound.

"This is the damage caused by a Holy Sword. Devils and Fallen Angels get their power and existence erased by receiving damage from the Holy Sword to their body. If it were a bit deeper, then it would have been critical." Irina explained once she saw the painful confusion on Issei's face.

It was just a graze! Is such a small cut enough to get me on my knees!? The Pawn thought.

[Reset!] Issei's Sacred Gear exclaimed. Issei looked at his arm in shock, the time for the Boosted Gear activation was finished, causing Issei to lose the boosted power within his body.

"If you had another boost, then you could have evaded that attack, and we could have had a proper match. You lost because you used your Sacred Gear while not knowing the power difference between yourself and your opponent. This 'fight' is over." Irina said as her Excalibur returned to its rope form and she wrapped it around her arm.

Issei fell forward, lying flat on the ground. Damn it. It was no use, I can't at all... I lost? Did I make a fool of myself in front of Buchou and Asia? Fucking hell!

Rias let out a sigh, "You are right. Yes, Shidou Irina, I officially acknowledge your win."

Issei and Irina's fight was not the only one that had reached its end as Kiba and Xenovia continued to square off.

"Let's see which is the strongest! The power of destruction of your Holy Sword or my Devil swords?!" Kiba yelled, summoning a giant sword with a powerful aura around it. The blade had a jagged shape and stood more than two meters tall.

Kiba then swung the sword with such force that a wave of magic flew at the human. However, Xenovia was unimpressed, letting out a disappointed sigh.

"What a shame... you made the wrong decision."

GACHIN!

Kiba's sword instantly broke apart, sending large fragments in every direction. Xenovia's Excalibur easily destroyed Kiba's demonic sword.

"Your greatest strength is the variety of swords you can create and your speed. You would need a lot of strength to swing a gigantic sword like that, causing you to lose the speed you are so proud of. Are you seeking a destructive power? From your fighting style, it's something unnecessary. Don't you even know that?" Xenovia said as she stared the Knight down.

Before Kiba could respond, Xenovia rammed the pommel of her sword hilt deep into Kiba's stomach. The force of the hit created a shockwave behind Kiba, showing that even the pommel of the Holy Sword still contained its devastating power.

"Gahh!" Kiba fell to his knees and vomited.

"Even if it's not a strike with the blade, that hit just now will be enough to stop you from standing for a while." Xenovia glared at Kiba and turned around.

"...Wa...wait!" Kiba reached his hands towards her, but everyone here knew that the match was over. Akeno unsealed the barrier and the red aura that covered the area disappeared.

"Senpai, I suggest you don't allow your emotions to overtake you the next time we fight." Xenovia then looked at Rias. "Rias Gremory, I trust that you will not interfere as we discussed earlier. Also, you should train your servants a bit more, their battle styles need some work."

Kiba glared at Xenovia with a strong hatred in response.

Xenovia then looked at Issei, "I will tell you one more thing; The Vanishing One has already awoken. You will meet him eventually, but in your current state you'll never win."

"Will you face off against the Vanishing One as well, Sukehiro Natsuki?" Xenovia asked as she walked past said Pawn.

"The White Dragon is Issei's to fight, not mine." Natsuki responded, "But if they want a fight, I'll give them one. And I'll beat their ass into the dirt."

Xenovia huffed at the reply, annoyed by Natsuki's arrogance. She picked up her discarded cloak, rewrapped her Holy Sword, and walked away.

"Wait for me, Xenovia!" Irina shouted as she rushed to grab her own things.

She then turned to Issei. "Then I guess it's like that, Issei-kin. Tell me when you next want to get judged. Amen." Irina winked at the boy and ran after her partner.

The ORC watched the two humans as they left the school grounds, neither looking back as they faded into the distance.

---

 

"Are you okay?" Asia asked as she raised a hand to Issei's stomach to heal the wound Irina gave him, the warm green colored light made from her Sacred Gear surrounded him and healed his wound.

"I'm sorry, I showed you a pathetic side of me earlier." Issei said as he thought about how easily Irina was able to beat him.

Asia shook her head, "I'm just glad your wound was small after getting cut by a Holy Sword. I was really worried, thinking Ise-kun could have vanished."

"I'm also sorry that I blew your clothes off." Issei apologized again as he saw the spare clothes that Natsuki had given the girl on her body.

"Don't apologize or encourage him, Asia-senpai. He's still a pervert." Koneko said from her place on the couch, still angry over Issei's actions.

Issei's head fell in despair, "I said I was sorry! It was really dumb of me!"

Natsuki snorted, "You should be sorry. Irina was right; if you hadn't wasted your boosts trying to strip her and actually fought, you could have won."

"Wait, Yuuto! Where do you think you're going?" Rias yelled, interrupting the discussion between her servants.

"You do realize that I never gave you permission to leave me. Remember you are a Knight of the House of Gremory." Rias stated, trying to stop Kiba from leaving.

"I know, Buchou. And I am sorry." Kiba replied as he walked to the door.

"Yuuto!" Rias yelled again, but Kiba ignored her and opened the door, shutting it loudly behind him.

"Oh no! He left." Asia said sadly.

Rias' face fell to the floor as her eyes dimmed. "Oh, Kiba. Why now?"

"Damn. He's defiantly going after those girls from the Church and Kokabiel." Natsuki muttered to herself.

"We can't just let him do that. As much as I hate to admit it, that pretty boy is our friend." Issei whispered, hearing Natsuki's statement.

Natsuki turned to the other Pawn, "And what do you expect us to do about it?"

Issei said nothing, simply leaning back in his seat and smirking at the girl.

Well, that look is not comforting at all, it means we're about to do something dumb and reckless. But Issei's right, we can't let Kiba get hurt on his quest for revenge, no matter how much he pushes us all away. Natsuki thought, dreading what Issei's plan was to stop Kiba.

Notes:

I know I said before that I would try to not take too long with the next update, and here I am updating months later... Sorry about this, I have no other excuse except for a lack inspiration and writer's block, but I hope you enjoy this chapter, I will be trying to keep a more consistent with future chapters.

Chapter 12: An Alliance Between Enemies

Summary:

Issei's plan to help Kiba leads to the formation of an unlikely team...

Notes:

Bold- Ddraig/Lux speaking, emphasis

Bold and Italicized- Inner thoughts and Speech

The Next Day

Natsuki did not know what to expect when she went to Issei's house the next day when he said he had a plan to help Kiba.

"You want us to ask Xenovia and Irina if they'll let us destroy the Holy Swords?" Natsuki asked.

This however, was not it.

"Yeah! I mean, destroying the swords would benefit everyone! Kiba can get his revenge and Xenovia and Irina can compete their mission." Issei stated.

Natsuki did not like the idea of working with those girls, but was willing to put that aside because of the greater threat. Although, there was a problem with Issei's plan, "What about Rias-Buchou?"

Issei blinked, "Buchou?"

"Yeah, Rias made it clear that she was not going to involve herself and the Peerage in the fight between the Fallen and the Church. There's no way she would agree to this." Natsuki explained.

"Then we just won't tell her!" Issei responded.

Natsuki groaned, "Issei, how are we going to be able to do this by ourselves? We are not only going against weapons that can kill us, but Kokabiel, one of the most powerful Fallen Angels to ever exist."

Issei thought about what Natsuki said, she was right the odds would be against them if they went by themselves.

But we have to do this, we're Sacred Gear holders and dragons, our strength should be enough to help Kiba, it has to be. He thought.

Issei then jumped off his bed as an idea came to him, "We can ask Saji!"

Natsuki looked at him confused, "The smug Pawn from Sona-Kaichou's Peerage?"

"Yeah! Not only is he a Pawn just like us, but he has a Sacred Gear too! I remember him bragging about it before." Issei yelled, "And he's apart of another group, so we don't have to worry about him telling Buchou. It's perfect!"

Natsuki was not convinced, she doubted that Saji was as strong as Issei thought, remembering when they first met, how she sensed his low magical energy. But then she remembered that her own magical energy was average, and Issei's was terrible, and despite this they were both strong, so she did not have room to judge.

Natsuki sighed, "Fine, let's ask Saji for help. But you know that even if we do win, Rias will still punish us for disobeying her."

"Huh? But she didn't punish us when we went to go save Asia?" Issei asked, he did not think this would be any different as in a way they were trying to save Kiba.

"She didn't, but that was different; Rias was basically telling us to go without saying it aloud, that way it wouldn't look like she was picking a fight with the Fallen. This is far more serious than what happened before, this could actually lead to war." Natsuki stressed, trying to make Issei see what the problem was.

"There will already be a war if the Church and the Fallen start fighting each other. This fight will be unavoidable, Buchou can't avoid a war in Kuoh by trying to stay neutral." Issei countered.

Natsuki leaned back in the desk chair she was sitting in, "That still doesn't change the fact that Rias wanted to stay out of it, and she'll have no choice but to fight if we're caught in the middle of it."

Before Issei could reply, a small glowing green aura appeared around his left hand and Ddraig stared speaking. "Just go ahead and do it! Who cares if you get in trouble later, helping your friend now is what's important!"

"Huh? Ddraig? You're speaking to me again?" Issei asked.

Natsuki stared at Issei's hand in shock, "Ddraig? The Red Dragon Emperor?"

"Nice to meet ya! It's been a while since I've met one of Lux's partners." Ddraig greeted.

Suddenly a small white aura appeared over Natsuki's chest. "Ddraig, it has been some time since we have last spoke. About forty years if I remember correctly." Lux's calm voice rang out.

"Haha! It's good to see ya too, big sis! How's your Devil been treating ya? Mine wants to become the Harem King or something." Ddraig laughed.

"Unlike your partner, my golden champion has better goals than that. I will make Natsuki the strongest to ever live." Lux answered, her pride in Natsuki evident as she spoke.

Despite not see his face, it was clear that Ddraig was excited. "Ah, I see. So, you finally want to join me and that white bastard and fight it out? Finally, a three-way battle between dragons!"

Lux scoffed, "No, I do not want to join you and Albion's petty squabbling. I would lose my mind taking part in such a never ending and pointless endeavor."

Ddraig sighed, "Well you can't make Natsuki the strongest without fighting me first! You're going to have to knock me off my throne first!"

"Why are you encouraging me to beat you? And even if I did, you are not the strongest so beating you would still be pointless." Lux drawled.

"Okay hold up! This is so fucking weird!" Issei stopped the dragons' conversation with one another. "Ddraig, you've been ignoring me for the last few days and now you finally come out just to talk to your friend?!"

"Eh, what can I say, you were boring me these past few days." Ddraig quipped.

Issei threw his head back in annoyance, "Whatever, you lazy lizard. C'mon Natsuki, let's get Saji."

Ddraig huffed, "That's what I was saying before. You should go fight those Fallen Angels and destroy the Holy Swords. At least this might make you a bit stronger, push us closer to fighting that bastard."

"Wait, I've been meaning to ask, who is this 'white bastard' you've been talking about? I even remember Xenovia telling me about the 'White One' and how I wouldn't be able to beat them." Issei asked, remembering the instances when this figure was mentioned to him.

"Issei, the 'white one' is Albion, The White Dragon Emperor. You know, the other half of The Two Heavenly Dragons? How do you not know this?" Natsuki asked, confused by her friend's lack of knowledge about something that was very important to him specifically.

"Huh, what? I have never heard of them? How do you know?" Issei asked.

Natsuki looked at him strangely, "I read about both Ddraig and Albion when we were at Rias' villa. And Lux told me about him when she told me that she had two brothers."

"Honestly Ddraig, why am I not surprised that you did not give your wielder any crucial information about his destiny as your host. You are just setting him up for failure." Lux added, disappointed in her fellow dragon's lack of foresight.

Issei immediately looked at his left arm, "If this is something I should know, why haven't you told me?

There was a pause before the dragon answered, "I didn't tell you about the Vanishing Dragon because I didn't want you to freak out."

"So then tell me. I'm ready to hear the truth." Issei fiercely said.

Ddraig sighed, telling the beginning of his story. "You know of the Great War that took place between Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils, right?"

"Yeah, I do." Issei replied.

"The war was not just between the big three powers of the Christian faith; all sorts of beings lent their strength to each side. Fairies, ghosts, western monsters, eastern spirits, even humans. Only the dragons refused to ally themselves with any side."

"Why?" Issei asked.

This time, Lux spoke, "By nature dragons are extraordinarily powerful embodiments of free will, Issei, we are inherently selfish creatures. There were a few who joined the war simply to amuse themselves and satiate their bloodlust, but most dragons saw the war as none of their concern."

Issei looked disinterested, "So the dragons basically thought that all other races were beneath them and those who joined only did so to crush everyone else under their feet."

"Don't lose focus, Issei. There's still an important part of the story that was caused by this superiority." Ddraig told his partner, "During the conflict, two dragons appeared and began to fight their own war with each other. They were dragons of the highest class, comparable to even God and the Devil Kings. They were completely indifferent to the war going on around them, their violent battles resulting in casualties on all sides, there was no greater nuisance to the three factions."

"What was the fight about anyway? Lux told me that she didn't know, but it had to be something major, right?" Natsuki asked the red dragon.

"A stupid trivial matter that those idiots blew out of proportion." Lux answered.

"Hey, it wasn't stupid!" Ddraig yelled.

"Do you even remember what the fight was about?" Lux asked.

Ddraig said nothing, knowing that Lux was right, he could not remember what had started the fight between himself and Albion. It had been so long that all he could recall was that one of them said something to the other, Lux tried to calm them down, this failed, and they ended up fighting.

"That is what I thought." Lux snarked.

Ddraig growled before continuing the story, "Whatever. In their fury, the three factions decided to join forces for the first time to take down the two dragons. Enraged at having their battle interrupted, the two dragons lashed out against God, the Devil Kings, and the Govenor General of the Fallen, as that would not stand. In the end the two dragons' bodies were cut to pieces and scattered to the wind, their souls locked away inside the bodies of humans, as Sacred Gears."

"So, the three warring factions made an allegiance just to get rid of these fighting dragons?" Issei asked, thinking of just how bad the dragons' fighting had to be for these three sides who famously hated one another to put aside their differences just to take them down.

"Using the humans their souls had been sealed in as intermediaries, they would clash repeatedly throughout the ages. Whenever their respective human hosts died, the dragons would temporarily cease to function. Their souls would wonder the earth until the next human vessels fit to contain their souls were born." Ddraig finished.

"So, I'm guessing you and this Vanishing Dragon were the two dragons in the story?" Issei asked, already knowing the answer.

"Indeed. I came to dwell within you, and you became a Devil. It's been quite some time since I've occupied one so I'm rather looking forward to our rematch. I wonder how things will turn out this time..." Ddraig spoke, wistfully remembering his last encounter with Albion and his host.

"So do you think I can beat the White Dragon Emperor then?" Issei asked.

"Ha, nope. At your level, we would be horribly crushed." Ddraig said without hesitation.

Issei hit the floor, feeling a mixture of shock, despair, and anger. "What?! How can you have such little faith in me?! You couldn't even try to spare my feelings and lie?!"

"Sorry, partner, but it's the truth. It's not your fault though, you and Natsuki both got your Scared Gears late, so you haven't had time to come into them. That bastard and his partner have most likely been working together far longer than us." Ddraig explained.

"What do you mean by late? Natsuki and I are seventeen, how can that be late?" Issei wondered.

"Most Sacred Gear wielders unlock theirs when they're small children, usually through either sheer force of will, an overwhelming desire, or a near death experience. You both grew up fairly protected and safe until your run in with that Fallen Angel."

Issei said nothing deeply think about Ddraig's words. Then look lifted his left hand in front of his face. "Your right Ddraig, I am weak. You said an overwhelming desire and will is what can summon your power, but I have failed."

Issei then rose to his feet looking more determined than ever. "Raynare, Riser, and now Xenovia and Irina, they have showed me the error of my ways; I need to make my desires stronger; show everyone just how deep my love of women truly goes! I am going to become a High-Class Devil and then the Harem King!"

"A-h w-what?" Ddraig stuttered, wondering just how the Pawn could have reached this conclusion from what he had told him.

Natsuki gave a depressing sigh, "Just when I thought he was going to say something impactful and inspiring, he lets me down."

"I do not know why you were expecting anything different; I have seen plenty of men like Issei, those who have great qualities, but waste them on strange pursuits." Lux said as the two watched Issei and Ddraig take about the Devil's dream for the largest and greatest harem.

Natsuki hummed and looked at her chest, "There was something I wanted to ask you. Is the reason why we don't refer to you, Ddraig, and Albion as the Three Heavenly Dragons because you became a Scared Gear later than they did?"

"Not really. My brothers are called the Heavenly Dragons because of the destruction they caused during the war. After I saw that their fight was inevitable, I stopped trying to end the fighting and left, leaving them to their faiths." Lux answered.

Natsuki could understand why Lux did this, dragons are prideful creatures, if Ddraig and Albion were going to fight than nothing would have been able to stop them, especially not Lux by herself.

"If the three factions didn't go after you like they did with Ddraig and Albion, how did you become a Sacred Gear?"

Lux did not immediately respond, Natsuki had almost thought that the dragon had retreated into her mind, but the continued glow on her chest told her otherwise. "Lux? Is something wrong? I didn't mean to-"

"It is okay, Natsuki." Lux spoke. "I am sorry, but I am not ready to talk about this just yet. The story behind my transformation into a Sacred Gear is not one that I enjoy reliving."

"I get it. You can tell me whenever you feel ready, I'll be here to listen." Natsuki said softly, not wanting to push Lux into talking about something that made her uncomfortable.

"Thank you, محاربي الشجاع." Lux said. "Now, let us end the stupid conversation between those two idiots and destroy the Excaliburs."

Natsuki smiled, walking to Issei, and smacking the back of his head. Issei glared at the girl and the two left his house, he then pulled out his phone and called Saji, asking him to meet them at the shopping district.

---

 

"And? What was the reason for calling me?" Genshirou Saji said, looking across the table at Issei, Koneko, and Natsuki.

"...He's right. What are you two trying to do?" Koneko asked Issei and Natsuki as she held onto the collars of their shirts, refusing to let go.

The pair had coincidentally met the Rook on their way to meet Saji at a dessert shop in the middle of town. At first, Koneko thought nothing of it, but this was thrown out the window when Issei became terrified and tried to run away when she made eye contact with him.

Natsuki pinched the bridge of her nose as she watched Koneko tackle Issei to the floor, annoyed that he not only made them look incredibly suspicious, but that he thought he could outrun their kouhai.

Koneko pulled one of Issei's arms behind his back and bent it until he cracked and told her where they were going. Koneko then grabbed them both by their collars and dragged them to the shop.

Issei removed his collar from Koneko's grasp and faced Saji, "The reason I called you out here was to help Natsuki and I to destroy the Holy Swords that the Fallen Angels stole."

"Hell No! Are you two fucking insane?! You realize both our Kings will punish us just for being involved with Holy Swords, right? And yet you still want to destroy them? We're going to get murdered for sure!" Saji screamed, his face frozen in terror at the thought of facing weapons that could so easily kill them.

"C'mon Saji, you're the only other Devil we know that could help us." Issei pleaded. He did not know the other members of the Student Council well enough to ask and there would be no way he would be able to convince them to help, Issei and Natsuki also could not ask the members of their own Peerage for that same reason.

"That's easy for you to say! You guys have Rias-Buchou, she's strict but at least she's reasonable. Sona-Kaichou is strict and she's strict! She loves to punish us when we even so much as think of stepping out of line!" Saji exclaimed, shuddering at the very thought of the Sitri heir.

Before Saji could leave, Koneko grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him to the ground.

"I had a feeling you would try and run away. It seems to be a Pawn trait." Koneko said in her usual monotone voice.

"I just want to go home!" Saji whimpered, desperately trying to escape Koneko's grip, but was unable to move an inch.

"So, you want to collaborate with the Church?" Koneko asked Natsuki and Issei.

"It would make the most sense, those girls said they would rather destroy the swords than allow the Fallen to continue using them." Natsuki replied, "And we already know that Kiba is also trying to destroy them, so our goals align with each other for the moment."

"I'm not sure they'll be as eager to do this as you two are, though." Koneko said.

"We should at least try! Especially if it means Kiba can keep being a Devil with the rest of us. We got to do everything we can think of!" Issei exclaimed.

Koneko sighed as she stood up, "First, we have to find those girls. I don't like keeping secrets from Rias-Buchou and Akeno-senpai, but we must do something to help Yuuto-senpai."

"We?" Issei asked confused.

Koneko turned to look at them, "I'm not letting you guys do this alone. We destroy those swords and bring back Yuuto-senpai, together."

"Cool, so does this mean I no longer have to be here anymore since Koneko-chan is helping you?" Saji asked hopefully.

The three Gremory Devils gave him equally unimpressed stares for the question.

"What?" Saji asked.

---

 

Twenty minutes later and the four Devils had left the dessert shop and had begun their search for Irina and Xenovia.

"Damnit. Why did you guys take me along? You already have your Rook here, so I'm useless to you." Saji complained.

"We need you because the more of us are here than the stronger we are. And we need all the strength we can get." Issei replied.

Natsuki raised her arms and placed them behind her head. "Besides, we need all the eyes and ears we can get. It's not going to be easy to find them, you know. It's not like we're going to run into a couple of weirdoes in white ropes on Main Street."

"Oh, wait! There they are!" Issei yelled, pointing at the girls standing at the corner of the street. They both had their hoods raised and were standing next to a sign that had 'Help the hand of Love' written on it. Irina was carrying a bucket in her hands, moving it towards those passing by, hoping to be given some money.

"Oh, what the fucking hell?!" Natsuki angrily shouted.

"Why are you upset? We were looking for them." Koneko asked.

"Because why is it that whenever I say something won't happen, it does, but when I personally ask something of the universe, I get nothing." Natsuki stated, thinking of all the times she wished for money or acceptance, only to be ignored.

"Life is unfair, you should get over it." Koneko said plainly, giving Natsuki a few pats on the back.

Natsuki grumbled about mean kouhais under her breath as she and the others walked over to the Holy Sword wielders.

"Oh, please give blessings on the wondering sheep before you!" Xenovia said aloud.

"We are pitiful when compared to you, O Lord! Please have mercy on us dear father!" Irina added.

"Or maybe we will." Issei said as the Devils reached the girls.

Xenovia gave them a nasty side eye, "We do not require help from the likes of you."

Natsuki scoffed, "You can stop acting like you're better than us, you're literally begging for money off the side of the road."

Xenovia's glare intensified, "As I said, we don't-"

GRRRRR!

Xenovia's face turned bright red at the loud sound of her stomach growling, she wrapped her arms around her midsection and turned around, too embarrassed to look at anyone.

"You know, I could buy you guys something to eat?" Issei offered.

"Really?" Irina asked hopefully.

"Uh, Yeah, of course! But only if you hear what we have to say." Issei replied.

"Hear what?" Xenovia asked, looking at the Pawn with a suspicious glare.

GRRRRR!

BRRRRR!

Both girls' stomachs growled, and they comically fell to the ground, holding their guts in agony.

"Please buy us food!" The girls rose to their knees and begged.

The four Devils looked at one another, shocked by the humans' quick change in temperament.

---

 

"Delicious! Japanese cuisine is delicious! Don't you agree? This is heaven!" Xenovia yelled as she devoured her omurice.

"Yes, yes! This is it! Everything I'm putting in my mouth is like food for the soul!" Irina cheered while slurping down her noodles.

Are they really assassins sent by the Church? The devils thought.

"Watching this is a little too intense for me." Saji mumbled, astonished by how much food the girls were eating.

Issei agreed, "Yeah, looks like they were really hungry."

"Here's your hamburger steak." A waitress said as she put the food down next to the mountain of empty plates at their table.

Half an hour passed before the girls had finally had their full and stopped eating.

"What just happened?" Xenovia asked aloud, horrified by her and Irina's actions, "Even if this will help build our faith, a Devil saving us must mean the end of days."

"We've practically sold our souls to the Devil! How will we ever be forgiven?!" Irina cried, tears streaming down her face, equally horrified at what had just occurred.

Issei slammed his hands against the table, "This is the thanks I get for buying you food?!"

"Get it together." Koneko said.

Issei slumped in the booth, "I'm going to be so fucking broke."

Irina clasped her hand together and closed her eyes, "Lord please have mercy on these kind Devils even if they are Devils." Irina then ended her prayer by using her fingers to draw the cross over her body.

"AAAAAHHH!" The four cried out in pain, each one receiving powerful headaches due to Irina's prayer.

"For the love of thick thighs! Damn it; we don't need God's blessing, so stop it!" Issei screamed.

"Oh! Right, sorry. It's kind of a habit." Irinia apologized.

"Well? What's the deal? What did you want to speak with us about?" Xenovia asked, reminding the others of why they were all together in the first place.

"We want to help you destroy the Excalibur swords." Issei proclaimed.

Xenovia's eyes grew cold, "What?"

Issei then explained to the humans why they had wanted to destroy the Excalibur swords, mentioning Kiba's quest for revenge, their desire to help him achieve this, and wanting to get rid of the Fallen Angels in Kuoh.

"I understand the situation. I don't mind letting you take care of one sword, if you can destroy it that is." Xenovia answered.

Irina turned to her partner in shock, "Wait a minute! Are you sure?"

Saji's head fell in despair at the sight. Damn it! Why couldn't she say no like I was hoping she would?!

Xenovia sighed, "You know who the other side has, Irina, Kokabiel is incredibly dangerous. Honestly, despite what I said yesterday, it'll be almost impossible for us to recover all three swords on our own."

"Yeah, I get that, but they're Devils!" Irina retorted.

"We have less than a twenty percent chance of returning home." Xenovia said despairingly.

Irina shook her head, "We knew the risk we were taking before we got here. This isn't anything new, Xenovia!"

"True. We were sent by the higher ups, fully prepared to sacrifice our lives for this sacred cause. I know it may come off as weird to you, but I want to continue living and fighting for God."

"I want to as well but..." Irina trailed off, becoming conflicted between her wants and her duty.

"That's why we won't ask for help from the Devils, instead, we ask for help from Dragons. The high-ups didn't tell us not to borrow the strength of two Dragons." Xenovia then looked at Issei and Natsuki, talking about their legendary Sacred Gears.

"I never thought that I would meet the Red Dragon Emperor or the Golden Dragon Empress in a distant country like this. Even if you turned into Devils, I see that the dragon power within you both is still present. If it's like the legend says, then you can increase your power to that of a Maou and you can absorb the power of all beings amd make it your own, correct? If you gain power to that of a Maou, then you can break the Excaliburs without a sweat. It was God's doing that we had this meeting." Xenovia said joyfully.

Irina became silent at Xenovia's words, but her expression showed that she was okay with it for now.

Issei looked at Natsuki, giving their answer when he saw her nod her head. "Okay then, the negotiation was a success. We'll lend you guys our Dragons' power."

Issei was about to stand up when Natsuki raised her hand in front of him. "Wait. We still need to tell Kiba about this."

Natsuki then pulled out her phone and called the Knight. The conversation was brief as Natsuki told him that they had a plan to destroy the Holy Swords, but Kiba agreed to meet them at the park before hanging up.

"Then let us head out!" Irina cheered as she and Xenovia exited the restaurant.

Issei was about to stand when their waitress appeared and handed them the bill. Issei's jaw dropped as he saw the price. "¥44,000 Yen!"

"They did eat a lot of food. The only thing any of us got was that milkshake Koneko had." Natsuki explained.

"Yeah, they had to have eaten about nine platefuls of food each." Saji added.

Issei could feel his wallet hurting just by looking at the bill. He then slowly turned to Natsuki, making himself look as pitiful as he could. "Hey Natsuki, you want to share the bill with me?"

Natsuki snorted, "Fuck no. You can pay for the food your damn self."

"Oh, come on! Why not?" Issei cried out.

"You were the one who offered to buy them food, it's not my fault you underestimated their hunger. Besides, I refuse to spend any of my hard-earned money on a bunch of snobbish hypocrites." And with that Natsuki stood up and walked away, standing with Xenovia and Irina outside the restaurant.

Issei then turned to other Pawn, "Saji?"

Saji shook his head, "Nope. Sorry man, I didn't even want to be here, this is your problem not mine." Saji then gave him a two-finger salute and left as well.

Issei then looked at the Rook, "Koneko-chan?"

Koneko stared at Issei blankly before reaching into her pocket and handing him a bill.

Issei's face lit up, "Thank you, Koneko-chan! You really are the best-" Issei immediately stopped celebrating when he saw that Koneko had only handed him a ¥2,000 note.

"That's for my milkshake." Koneko replied.

"Eh?! You're only paying for your food?!" Issei shouted.

"Yep. Natsuki-senpai is right; you said you were going to buy them dinner so you should pay for it yourself, don't force us to chip in just because you're too nice." Koneko said before joining the others.

Issei stood there shocked, letting the weight of what had just happened sink in. Depressed, Issei pulled at his wallet and took out all the money in to pay for the Xenovia and Irina ate.

I'm totally fucked until I get my allowance! Damn you Kiba! I'm going through all this shit for you! I'm definitely going to make him introduce me to one of his hot clients! Issei screamed in his head as he and the others walked to the park.

---

 

Kiba had been standing next to the fountain when they arrived in the park, his contempt evident as he looked down at the humans of the group as they drew closer.

"I get it, but I'm quite disappointed that someone who can wield an Excalibur would approve of their destruction." He spoke.

Xenovia refused to take this laying down and unsheathed her sword. "Speaking of disappointment, didn't you recently abandon your place in the House of Gremory? We could execute you if you would like?"

Kiba growled, a magic circle forming on his hand, "You're welcome to try if you'd like."

"Stop it. Both of you, we're trying to cooperate not fight each other." Natsuki said, moving to stand between the two.

Xenovia ignored Natsuki, continuing to speak to Kiba. "You've got quite a way with words, for a filthy Devil."

Irina stepped up this time to try and defuse the situation, "We get that you hold a grudge due to the Holy Sword Project, against the Church and the Excaliburs. But Kiba-kun thanks to the work performed back then, research on Holy Sword users has progressed beyond leaps and bounds. It's only because of those efforts that Xenovia and myself, among others, have managed to achieve compatibility with the swords."

Kiba looked at Irina with nothing but absolute hatred, his killing intent permeated the area, making the air suffocating. "You think that's enough to make me forget the slaughter of all those test subjects?"

The killing of all those children was an unforgivable crime, a cruelty of the highest order, an especially inhumane act for those who follow God, making Irina unable to respond to Kiba's question, causing the girl to drop her head down in shame.

Xenovia, however, kept her head high and her face devoid of emotion, appearing to not care about the Knight's suffering. "It is regarded by the Church as a terrible crime. The individual responsible was punished, labeled a heretic and excommunicated. He's now working with the Fallen Angels, his name is Valper Galilei, also known as the Archbishop of Slaughter."

"I know Valper. It was all him, he was responsible." Kiba said, his eyes glossing over as he remembered the last time he saw the man, the twisted smile on his face just before his friends were all murdered.

"We believe that the rouge priest Freed Sellzen is also working with him under Kokabiel. It's not uncommon for there to be collusion among those who have been banned from the Church." Xenovia explained.

Kiba closed his eyes and took a breath, "Well, after hearing that there's no reason for me not to cooperate with you."

Irina cheered as Xenovia faced the others, "We shall return the favor the food someday, Red Dragon Emperor, Hyoudou Issei." She then handed a folded piece of paper to the Pawn, "If anything comes up, please let us know." And with that the humans left the park.

"Well, I think that went pretty good!" Issei grinned.

"Not good! Not good at all! We could be responsible for another war with the Church if something goes wrong!" Saji screeched, thinking about the ways that this deal could go wrong for them.

"Why did you do this?" Kiba quietly asked the other Devils.

"We're friends, and we belong to the same Peerage. Besides, you've helped me out before, so I thought I'd leaned a hand right back. We all did." Issei answered.

"And if I acted alone, I would cause trouble for Buchou, right?" Kiba asked, partially not believing that the others genuinely wanted to help him.

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Yeah, Rias would be upset if you went on a rampage, she'd probably blame herself for it too. But we came because you're our friend and we don't want you to become a stray or end up dead because of this."

Kiba stared off into the distance, still not convinced that he should allow the others to help him on his quest for revenge.

"Yuuto-senpai," Koneko said as she walked up to him and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt. "If you went away, I'd be lonely without you." Koneko's usually unemotional face, became filled with grief and anguish, "...I'll help you, so please don't leave us."

Kiba became troubled by this show of emotion from his kohai and put on a happy face, "Hahaha. I give up, if Koneko-chan says that to me then I can't continue so recklessly and run off on my own."

Kiba then turned to the others, more determined than ever. "Okay, I'll work with you. Thank to you, Issei-kun, Natsuki-chan, we know who our true enemy is, but this isn't over until those Holy Swords are destroyed."

Issei grinned, "Oh, right! Now we're officially the Excalibur Destruction Squad!"

"Very creative name." Natsuki said sarcastically, ignoring Issei's demand for her to shut up.

"Um...does this mean I still have to join too?" Saji asked the four while raising his hand, "Sorry, for being out of the loop but just what do the Holy Swords have to do with Kiba?"

Kiba became somber once more, "...I guess I should tell you about my past."

"Behind the scenes, the Catholic Church once conducted an operation known as the 'Holy Sword Project.' They experimented on scores of us kids in hopes of producing individuals capable of wielding Holy Swords. The test subjects were young men and women in possession of Sacred Gears, as well as an unusual talent for swordplay. Painful, inhuman experiments were performed on us day after day, believing that we may one day truly achieve something great, we endured the cruel training and experimentation. But in the end, we were marked as disposable. Once it became clear that the experiment failed, we were quickly killed off, simply because we couldn't manage to synergize with the Holy Swords. After watching my comrades perish and managing to escape, I was about to draw my last breath when I-when I met Buchou." Kiba explained.

He then closed his eyes and clenched his fists, trying not to lose himself in his memories again. "That's why I want to erase their regrets. I need to make their deaths meaningful, so that all their suffering and pain wasn't for nothing. I am living on for all of them, because of them, so I must prove that I'm stronger than any Holy Sword."

"GAHHH! Oh Kiba!" Saji cried, tears streaming down his face, racing to hug the Knight. "I had no idea you had such a horribly tragic past! I don't care about Sona's punishment anymore! Hyoudou, Sukehiro, count me in! I'll help you guys out with whatever you need!"

"Yeah? Thanks man." Issei said tentatively, surprised by the sudden change in the other Pawn as he turned to hug him next.

Natsuki put a hand up defensively, not wanting Saji to hug her like he did with Kiba and Issei. "We get it, thanks for staying to help us."

Saji still continued, "To tell the truth Kiba, I used to hate you and your pretty boy ways, but this changes everything!"

Once again, the other Devils were thrown by how different Saji was from when they first met him, the boy in front of them was a good guy and was full of passion.

"All right! This is a good time! If we're going to be working together, you guys should know a little about me! My dream..." Saji's face changed as he spoke, his eyes shined, and his smile grew larger. "...Is to knock up Sona-Kaichou so we can get married!"

After hearing Saji's confession, tear drops began flowing out of Issei's eyes. Of course. Of course, idiot! This guy! Saji! He's the same as me! He's the same kind as me! He has the same understanding of the world as me…Issei thought to himself.

He then took Saji's hand and said it straight at him, "Saji! Listen to me! My dream is to grope Buchou's boobs…and then suck on them!"

Saji returned the gesture, crying tears of joy as well. "Hyoudouuuu! Do you know what you are saying? Do you understand how hard that dream is, to touch a High-class Devil's breasts… To touch the breasts of your master?"

"Saji, I've touched them, I've even fondled them." Issei replied more seriously than he had been for most of the day.

Saji's eyes almost popped out of his skull from shock, "No way! Is that even possible? No, you've got to be pulling my leg!"

Issei showed the same intensity, "It's no lie. Your master's boobs may be a lofty goal, but they're not out of reach."

"Sucking it…!? Sucking Ka…Kaichou's boobs… You are talking about the nipple right…? The place where you can suck is the nipple right…?"

"Dumbass! If you are going to suck boobs, then the nipple is the only thing you can suck! Yes! I'm going to suck the nipple!"

Saji started to cry harder after hearing Issei's words.

"Saji! We may be useless Pawns just by ourselves, but it's different if it's the two of us. We can truly soar if it's the two of us! We can fight if it's the two of us! We can do it if it's the two of us! We can make them pregnant and marry them if it's the two of us! Let's have sex with our own masters!"

"Yeah. Yes!"

A new friendship was born, Issei and Saji had become kindred spirits connected by the shared perverted nature and desire to sleep with their beautiful Devil Kings.

As the two celebrated their new bond, Natsuki, Koneko, and Kiba stared at them with varying different emotions.

"...Yep, they're the worst." Koneko deadpanned.

"Why did we need to know that about either of you? I mean, who just blurts something out like that with such pride?" Natsuki asked aloud.

She already knew about Issei's various goals he had set for himself upon his journey to becoming the Harem King, but Natsuki did not want to know about Saji's dream of impregnating the Student Council president.

"You know, after seeing how Saji acted towards Sona-Kaichou when our Peerages were competing to see who would get to go to the Familiar Forest first, this really shouldn't be surprising us as much as it is." Kiba awkwardly chuckled.

Natsuki groaned, "Am I the only Pawn out there who isn't a pervert?"

"Probably..." Koneko answered, sympathetically rubbing her senpai's back when Natsuki let out an even louder groan.

At the end of this 'detour' in the conversation, the Devils agreed to return to their respective homes and prepare themselves to look for the Holy Swords later in the night.

Notes:

Hey... So I know I said I would try to update this work as fast as possible, but its just hard to do fics like this when you have work, school, and then have to go through the LN, the anime, and the manga, to remember all of the plot clearly and then have to figure out how to add my own OC to it and how the story would end up changing because of it.

But I will be trying harder from now own to update Golden Dragon Empress as fast as I do my other fics, I promise!

Chapter 13: A Strong Enemy Appears!

Summary:

Natsuki and the others' plan to find the Holy Swords works (but also fails), leading to the introduction of their strongest enemy to date...

Over the next few days, the four Devils and two Church agents traveled all throughout Kuoh in search of the Excaliburs, Freed, and the group of Fallen Angels.

Days of dead ends and loose trails had followed them as they were no closer to finding the enemy that was threatening to restart the war between the three factions.

Natsuki let out a yawn and placed her chin in the palm of her hand as she leaned over her desk, tired after spending most of the night searching for the Fallen with the others.

The teenage Devil hoped they found the Excaliburs soon as Rias was starting to become suspicious at the way four of her servants were acting, staring at them curiously but unable to confront them as she had no proof that they were up to anything.

"You guys have been super serious lately, Ise, Natsuki." Motohama said aloud, breaking Natsuki out of her thoughts.

"Eh? Aaah, yeah kinda. Even I have to think about certain things sometimes." Issei replied as Natsuki remained silent.

"Is it that? Were you thinking about groping Rias-senpai's boobs or Himejima-senpai's?"

And with this, Natsuki once again tuned out the conversation, not in the mood to deal with the usual tendencies of her three friends.

This did not last long as Natsuki suddenly found soon found her eye line filled with nothing but the skirt of the girls' school uniform. Natsuki looked up and saw that it was Kiryuu Aika standing in front of her desk, the bespectacled brunette was smirking at her as her gold-colored eyes trailed down her body.

Great, another one to deal with...

"Did you need something, Kiryuu-san?" Natsuki said, actively keeping herself from rolling her eyes.

"I was just telling these clowns that they don't have a chance of ever comparing to you, not with how... impressive you are." Kiryuu answered, her final words coming out as a suggestive purr.

Natsuki let a groan, "Why did you need to say that?"

This was not the first time that Kiryuu flirted with Natsuki or tried to catch a peek at her, and she knew it would not be the last, but it was still annoying every time she did.

"Because people should know about your enormous size! It honestly makes me worry for Akeno-senpai when you two finally do it." Kiryuu exclaimed.

"Damnit! Stop sexually harassing us! And stop trying to corrupt Asia-chan to your vile ways!" Issei yelled, getting in between Natsuki and Kiryuu.

Natsuki found it ironic and hypocritical that Issei was calling out the other girl for sexual harassment while he, Matsuda, and Motohama did the same thing, and it could be argued that the boys were worse with the actions they took to try and lose their virginity.

Wait, why did she mention Akeno-senpai when she was talking about my dick? Natsuki thought to herself.

Natsuki waited until the boys and Asia started talking about the group going out for karaoke after school and were distracted before standing up and walking over to Kiryuu.

"Why did you mention Akeno-senpai when you were talking about... my thing." Natsuki's expression was blank even as she inwardly cringed at herself for saying 'my thing.'

Kiryuu was confused at first, but smirked evilly once she realized what Natsuki was asking her, "Because you both want each other, obviously!"

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Why did I even bother asking you?"

"You know, you shouldn't deny your feelings, Natsuki-chan! I mean, Akeno-senpai has to be suffering knowing that she cannot get any of your big-" Natsuki covered Kiryuu's mouth with her hand before she could finish her sentence, knowing what she was going to say and not wanting to hear it.

Kiryuu snickered under Natsuki's palm before going back to bothering the Perverted Trio and trying to teach Asia the meaning of different innuendos.

Why did I even ask? Kiryuu doesn't know what she's talking about, I don't have a crush on Akeno-senpai, and she definitely doesn't have one on me. Fucking ridiculous...

Despite the words she thought, Natsuki realized that Akeno refused to leave her mind for the rest of the day, the older Devil a constant presence in the back of her head and she hated how a small part of her had begun to consider Kiryuuu's words.

---

 

Hours Later

The group had once again waited until the sun set before meeting up with each other to scour the town. They met at the abandoned church, the same church where Raynare had stolen Asia's Sacred Gear, and the former nun became a Devil.

The four Devils had dressed themselves in fake Church garments, wanting to blend in and not draw suspicion to them if they came across anyone from Kokabiel's group.

"You think we'll actually find something today or will it be the same as yesterday?" Saji asked aloud.

"We will; nothing will stand between me and my goal." Kiba said determinedly.

Xenovia walked to the bottom of the cross, standing in front of the group, "Tonight, you all will take the east while Irina will search the west part of town."

"Understood." Natsuki said, turning as she and the others prepared to leave.

"Remember, if anything goes wrong then call us on your cell phones!" Irina exclaimed as the Devils exited the Church.

"Anyone have an idea of where we should look first?" Natsuki asked the others.

"Definitely somewhere without people." Kiba answered, "And I think I know just the place."

The Knight then moved to the front of the group and began leading them through the streets of Kuoh.

After about twenty minutes, the group of Devils finally reached the back of an abandoned mansion.

"Hey, wait a minute; isn't this where we defeated that Stray Devil, Viser?" Issei asked as he realized why the building looked so familiar to him.

"You guys fought a Stray Devil?" Saji asked, curious as he had yet to fight one himself.

"Yeah, she was a total monster. You couldn't tell if she was a woman or a Devil, it was freaky!" Issei answered as they began walking up the steps of the building.

Before she could get too far, Natsuki felt a chill race down her spine. A massive wave of killing intent hit her from behind and the Pawn knew that they were not alone.

Koneko realized this as well, hearing the sounds of another's heartbeat getting closer to them, "Kiba-senpai, hold on."

"She's right, someone's nearby, someone who really wants us dead." Natsuki added.

"Look up!" Saji shouted, the group looked towards the roof of the mansion just as a white-haired priest jumped off with a sword in hand, ready to strike Kiba down.

Kiba immediately used his [Sword Birth] to create a sword, using it to block Freed's strike, sending the exorcist flying backwards.

Freed landed on his feet, standing atop the lower ring of the mansion's roof, "You know, I forgot to thank you earlier!"

"For what?" Kiba angrily asked.

"Is that the stray priest?" Saji asked.

"You psychotic bastard!" Issei shouted at the man.

Freed looked down at them and smirked, "Oh, hi! If it isn't the little midget and friends!"

This caused a sharp and feral gleam to shine in Koneko's eyes, staring at the man with a burning hatred.

"Ha, ha! Whoops! I mean 'Little Lady'! Forgive me." Freed said in the most unapologetic tone. "You know, I was really looking forward to some priest hunting, but all I found are a bunch of Devils in costumes."

The Devils then took off their robes, revealing their normal school uniforms as it was clear that their disguises were now pointless.

[Boost!] Issei's Sacred Gear cried out as he summoned it.

"Well, at least this night is no longer boring." Natsuki said as she summoned her own Sacred Gear, its golden glow radiating from her chest.

Freed smirked at the group, "Oh, my. Four of you in one night? I'm overwhelmed by my own popularity!"

"Don't get too excited; I'm your only opponent." Kiba growled as he took his stance, the Knight then charged at the priest.

"You know it's funny; no matter how many of you brave little Devils sling themselves at me, they are no match for this sword!" Freed exclaimed, jumping into the air and over Kiba.

When Kiba finally stopped, he looked up only to see Freed quickly descending upon him, the priest's sword pulled back above his head, prepared to cut through him.

"Thanks for playing!"

Kiba dropped to one knee and lifted his own sword, blocking the strike, but the second the swords connected, Freed showed the Excalibur's true ability. Despite appearing to still be pushing against Kiba's demonic sword, Freed's Excalibur was creating slashes so fast that various afterimages were able to be seen.

"Some have called this blade The Holy Sword of Heavenly Flashes: Excalibur Rapidly! But I call this the "Super Fast Sword"!" Freed yelled.

Freed then jumped back before charging at Kiba once more causing the Devil to throw himself sideways to avoid the strike. This led to a game of high-speed tag as the two swordsmen would dodge and then try to strike the other down.

"Damn, he wasn't kidding! He's moving faster than Kiba!" Issei yelled after watching the parts of the fight they were able to keep track off.

[Boost!] Issei's [Boosted Gear] cried out once more.

"Looks like Kiba needs some help. Issei, can you transfer you power to Kiba?" Natsuki said as she looked towards the other Pawn.

Issei raised his left hand and faced his palm to the roof. He tried to move his arm along and follow Kiba's movements, "Fuck! I can't get a clear shot; they're moving too fast. If I try to do it now, I might end up hitting Freed or missing all together."

"This sucks." Koneko muttered as she pulled out her phone to make a call.

"You just need to slow him down, right?" Saji asked with a smirk.

He then raised his arm up in front of him, "Stretch my line!"

A violet purple light began to glow from Saji's left hand and when the light died down, a small black bracer in the form of a small black chameleon-like lizard with violet eyes and a deformed appeared.

"Okay, Line Go!" Saji yelled as a glowing pale blue line shot out from the mouth of the lizard, flying towards the sky, and wrapping around Freed's ankle.

Freed let out a scream as the line pulled him down, causing him to slam into the roof of the mansion.

"What'd you think? It's called [Absorption Line]! Or you could just call it my Sacred Gear." Saji spoke as he maintained his hold on the exorcist.

Absorption Line? "You can absorb the energy of others too?" Natsuki asked, she knew the other Pawn had a Sacred Gear, but did not know its name or abilities.

"Hell yeah! You aren't the only one who can use someone's abilities against them!" Saji replied, pulling his arm behind his body, attempting to yank Freed off the roof.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" Freed screeched, slamming his Excalibur Rapidly against the line, trying to cut it to no avail. "This must be another one of those dragon sorts!"

Before Issei could ask Saji why he did not tell them that his Sacred Gear was also a dragon type, he felt himself being lifted into the air. "Whoa!"

"We don't have time to gawk." Koneko said, raising Issei above her head and throwing him in Kiba's direction.

"Damn it, Koneko!" Issei yelled as he was sent flying.

[Boost!]

The Pawn then tucked his knees into his chest, causing him to barrel roll through the air, "Hey! Heads up!"

Issei flew over Kiba's head, pressing his hand against Kiba's back as he soared by, transferring the power that his [Boosted Gear] had built up.

[Transfer!]

The Pawn then landed on his feet at the other end of the roof, "The dragon's awaken now, and so is his gift!"

"This power I've been given is a gift. Thank you, Issei, Saji, I will use this gratefully!" Kiba cried out, bring his sword down, "Its over! [Sword Birth]!"

A red magic circle appeared above the Knight and soon dozens of demonic swords appeared across the roof, heading in Freed's direction.

Freed began to furiously slash at the swords that tried to reach him, but for every sword he destroyed more would appear in their place, their intentions to skewer him evident.

"Don't forget about the rest of us." Natsuki said, raising her hand in Freed's direction, her hand now coated with a familiar black aura. "Black Bolt!"

A beam of black energy flew from Natsuki's hand, ripping up the ground before suddenly changing direction and flying upwards, destroying the walls and roof of the house as it got closer to Freed.

The exorcist raised his Excalibur in front of him, using his blade to shield him from the blast. The strength of the beam almost knocked the sword from his grip, but Freed held strong and after a few moments, the beam lost strength and dissipated.

Freed let out a breath before smirking at the girl, "You're going to have to try harder than that!"

His mockery did not last long as he was back to cutting down Kiba's demonic swords, the previous attack returning with a vengeance.

"Shit." Natsuki muttered, clicking her teeth in distaste.

"Black Bolt?" Koneko asked aloud, looking at Natsuki confused.

Natsuki shrugged her shoulders, "Everyone else gives their attacks and spells cool names so I thought I'd try it. What, does it suck?"

Before Koneko could respond a voice rang out through the battlefield.

"[Sword Birth], huh?"

Kiba's turned his head towards the voice, "Who's there?"

"A Sacred Gear that can exhibit invincible power based on the user's ability." A short, bespectacled elderly man with gray hair, a moustache, and black eyes, wearing a priest outfit emerged from inside the mansion, calmly walking to the part of the roof where Freed was currently pinned to.

"Looks like your use of Holy Swords could still use some brushing up, couldn't it?" The man said to Freed as he stood in front of him.

"Valper!" Freed cheered.

"Valper?" Kiba said, his eyes widening at the sight of the man.

"So, he's the mastermind behind the Holy Sword Project." Koneko said as she glared at the man who caused her friend so much pain.

"Valper Galilei!" Kiba roared, glaring at the man with furious anger and contempt.

"Humph. The one and only." Valper said as he smirked at Kiba, he then turned back to Freed, "Freed, what are you doing?"

"What do you think I'm doing, old man?! I can't run away because of this Devil's weird freaky lizard tongue!" Freed exclaimed.

"Gather all the holy element that is running throughout your body to the blade of the Holy Sword. With that, you should be able to cut it." Valper explained, using the knowledge he had gathered from his research.

"Oh, is that all it takes?" Freed said doing just as researcher told him to do, and a bright yellow aura began to flow across the Excalibur's blade.

The exorcist then slashed through the line holding his ankle, and unlike before was easily able to sever it. Due to the holy energy of both the sword and Freed, the cutting the line caused Saji to fall backwards, feeling his strength leave him as his back hit the ground.

"What the hell?" Saji asked as he tried to push himself off the ground.

"It's all making sense now." Freed said as he stared at the Excalibur with a wild glint in his eyes. "If I figure out the perfect way to use the holy elements, I'll continue to gain more power."

Kiba's eyes widened as he saw the glee in which Freed was now looking at him with, "I have an idea; why don't you all just stand there and become food for my sword?!"

Kiba pulled his sword out of the roof, dispelling all the swords that were imbedded in the roof as he raised the blade in his hands to block the strike coming from Freed.

Just as he did, another sword suddenly appeared in his line of sight and blocked Excalibur Rapidly. Standing next to Kiba was Xenovia, and the human was using her Excalibur Destruction to protect Kiba.

"Xenovia?" Issei exclaimed, surprised to see the girl.

"Yoo-hoo!" Irina yelled as she ran through the trees, stopping as she reached Natsuki, Koneko, and Saji.

"Irina? What are you doing here?" Saji asked.

"Koneko called us and said you needed help." Irina answered as she pulled off her robe, revealing her battle attire.

"Oh, when you pulled out your phone earlier." Natsuki said aloud, realizing what the Rook had done.

"Good to know one of you is paying attention." Koneko said as she gave Saji the side eye.

"You are both traitors! Hear me, Freed Sellzen, and Valper Galilei. I will cut you both down in the name of our God!" Xenovia yelled, fully prepared to follow through with her promise.

Freed's smile fell and angrily snarled, "You little bitch! Don't you ever utter that disgusting name in my presence again!"

"Aaaaaah!" Kiba jumped towards the pair, his sword raised above his head. Xenovia and Freed lowered their swords and broke away from each other a few seconds before Kiba could land a hit on the exorcist.

Freed landed right next to Valper, the man was thinking of what his next move would be when the researcher began speaking.

"You're done, Freed."

"Huh?" Freed looked at the man confused. He wanted me to get rid of them, what does he mean I'm done?

"You were supposed to get rid of those vermin from the Church who snuck into town. But there they are with Holy Swords, and you're now outnumbered due to the Devils they partnered with." Valper explained, looking at each of the enemies, but his gaze remained on Kiba the longest.

"Oh, man." Freed pouted before pulling out a small pebbled shaped object from his pocket, "Well, see you later alliance of the Church and shitty Devils!"

He then threw the object at his feet and a blinding flash overtook the area and when the light disappeared, Freed and Valper were gone.

Xenovia jumped off the roof and began running towards the forest, "We're going after them, Irina!"

"Right!" Irina shouted as she followed her partner, the two women disappearing through the trees.

Kiba was not far behind, wordlessly chasing after the girls.

I won't let you get away, Valper Galilei! Not this time! Kiba screamed in his head.

"Damn it, Kiba, wait!" Natsuki said and just as she was about to sprint after the Knight, a familiar voice was heard from behind the group.

"Goodness, just what have you gotten yourselves into?" The four remaining Devils turned around and saw that it was Rias.

Next to the King was Akeno, and next to her were Sona and her Queen, Shinra Tsubaki. Two different magic circles glowed behind the four Devils before disappearing, indicating that the group had just arrived.

"Sona-Kaichou!"

"Rias-Buchou!"

Saji and Issei cried out, respectively.

"I'm sure this will be a lively story, I can't wait." Rias said with a smile, but Koneko, Issei, and Natsuki noticed the dangerous tinge to it.

"Whenever you'd like to start explaining, I'm ready." Sona said coolly, looking only at Saji.

"Aaaaaah!" Issei and Saji both yelled in fear, Koneko closed her eyes and Natsuki let out a groan.

We're fucked. The dark-haired Pawn thought.

---

 

The Devils had entered the abandoned mansion, the four older Devils looked on silently as their charges went on to give their account of what had happened that night and what they had been doing for the last few days.

Rias did not have a pleasant expression on her face by the end of the story, placing a hand on her forehead in frustration. "Destroying Excalibur. You three... now it looks like we have no choice but to intervene."

"Saji." Sona barked at the Pawn prostrating at her feet.

"Y-es?" Saji said, hesitating as he lifted his head off the ground to look at his King.

"You were doing something like this behind my back? You were not nearly as cautious as you should have been, you truly are a troublesome child." Sona's eyes narrowed, "I'm disappointed."

Saji began to nervously sweat, tears staring to form in the corners of his eyes. "I-I'm so sorry, Kaichou! Please forgive me!"

"Well, I'm guessing Kiba isn't here because he went after Valper, I'm I correct?" Rias asked her servants.

"Yeah, along with Xenovia and Irina. But I think if something happens, he'll let us know." Issei responded.

Rias sighed, "I wonder, his head is so filled with thoughts of revenge, I don't think he would call like he normally would."

Damn, she's right. Issei thought, thinking of how Kiba has been acting since everything with the Holy Swords began.

Rias then looks at Koneko, "Koneko. Why did you get involved with all of this?"

Koneko looked towards the floor, "... I didn't want Yuuto-senpai to go away."

Rias looked more confused than angry, "Well, there's no use dwelling on it now, is there? I need you three to be mindful of your actions, this is not like those other times that I have let your choices slide. What you three and Kiba have done could influence the supernatural world, and it will affect the rest of us in this family, you understand that right?"

"Yes, Buchou." Koneko, Natsuki, and Issei said as they nodded their heads, knowing that they took the situations they were in too lightly.

Slap! Slap!

The Gremory Peerage looked in the direction of the slapping sound and saw that Sona had covered her hand with demonic magic and was using said hand to spank Saji.

"You need to reflect on your behavior." Sona said in between slaps.

"Uwaaaaaaan! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please forgive me Kaichouuu!" Saji cried, wanting his misery to end.

"No. One thousand spankings." Sona replied.

"She's using her powers to spank him?" Natsuki asked aloud, horrified by what she was watching.

"Aw, man. What's Rias going to do to us?" Issei whisper shouted to his friend, afraid of what punishment Rias was going to give them if Sona saw fit to spank their fellow Pawn.

Rias stood up from where she was sitting and took a step towards her servants, "Issei, Natsuki, Koneko."

Before any of them had time to question her, Rias pulled the three into a tight hug. "What is wrong with you three? You really are stupid children, making me constantly worry like this."

"HUH?! How come they get hugs over there and I'm getting my ass beaten?!" Saji yelled indignantly, angered by the difference in how the two masters were treating their servants.

"That is them. This is us." Sona answered, delivering an especially hard spank to Saji's bottom.

I'm so glad that I'm Rias' servant! Issei thought to himself, happy that he was not in Saji's position.

This is way too good to be true. Natsuki thought simultaneously, thinking of how suspicious Rias was acting.

"Now Issei." Rias said as she released her servants, "I need you to bend over please."

"What?! I thought you were going to forgive us!" Issei cried out in horror.

Rias smiled at the trio, "That's not how this works; a master is responsible for disciplining her servants. You too will be punished with a thousand spankings."

"What? A thousand?!" Issei yelled.

"And you, Natsuki." Rias said as she looked at said Pawn.

Natsuki flinched as she was hoping that Rias had be too focused on Issei to remember her role in all of this. "Yes, Buchou?"

"While this was Issei's idea and not yours, you still went along with it and deserves to be punished as well."

"Okay, in my defense, I did try to talk Issei out of this, and l only went along because I knew he would do it without me and get in more trouble." Natsuki quickly spat out, raising her hand in front of her defensively.

"Natsuki, you traitor!" Issei screamed, glaring at his friend who was now trying to throw him under the bus.

Rias thought this over, "You do make a fair point."

"What?!" Issei screamed, thinking Natsuki was going to go unpunished.

"But you also could have told me about this so I could stop Issei myself." Rias argued.

"Uh..." Natsuki had no rebuttal, she could have gone straight to Rias if she were truly so against Issei's plan.

"Fine. I will not give you a thousand spanking, but instead two hundred." Rias stated.

"I humbly except my punishment, Buchou." Natsuki said respectfully, the look Rias was giving her told her that the King would not go any lower, so Natsuki knew to just take what she could get.

"Fuck you, you bastard!" Issei exclaimed, tears comically falling down his face as Rias prepared to spank him.

"Wait just a moment, Rias. Issei and Natsuki are not the only ones at fault." Koneko interrupted, standing between Rias and Issei. "I think I deserve half of the spankings."

"Are you serious?" Issei asked, staring at his kouhai in shock.

A frown formed on Natsuki's lips, "Koneko, you don't have to-"

"Okay then. Koneko, get ready for your spankings." Rias responded; her expression more serious than it was before.

Koneko kneeled in front of Rias, "Yes, ma'am."

"Wait, Rias, please!'" Issei exclaimed, "Don't spank Koneko! This whole thing was my stupid idea, Koneko doesn't deserve to get punished, she should get what's supposed to go to me."

"Issei's right; this was all his idea." Natsuki began, ignoring the glare Issei sent her way, "But Koneko wouldn't even have done any of this if the two of us didn't rope her in. If anything, Koneko was just trying to look out for her three idiot senpais."

"You're both wrong." Koneko spoke, but the two Pawns ignored her.

"Please take it out on my butt as much as you want." Issei said as he bent over.

"I mean, I don't want to get spanked, but I won't have someone else be given my punishment, especially not one I deserve." Natsuki added as she bent over too.

"Issei, Natsuki. Move out of the way." Rias said as she took another step forward. She then looked down at Koneko, "Are you ready."

"I'm ready, thank you." Koneko answered, squeezing her eyes shut as she waited for the pain to start.

Rias raised her hand and when she brought it back down, she just barely touched the younger girl's backside.

Koneko looked back at Rias in surprise as the King repeated this motion a second time.

"Alright, Koneko, all done." Rias said as she smiled at the girl.

"But..." Koneko trailed off, still confused by the lack of force.

"It's commendable for you to have reflected on your actions in the way you've done, so this is the punishment I've decided to give you in response to your choice today." Rias explained.

"I-I don't know what to say. Thank you." Koneko said softly, a blush staining her cheeks as she stood up.

"Classic Rias Gremory! She can be kind but firm too." Issei said as he watched the King with prideful awe.

She didn't say anything about letting us off the hook. Natsuki thought, she wanted to say it aloud, but a tiny part of her feared that maybe Rias was going easy on them and that saying anything would cause her to change her mind.

"Now, it's your turn next, Issei." Rias remarked, still smiling kindly.

"Right on!" Issei cheered happily as he bent over.

"All right, I'm going to do the rest now."

"Wait, like all the rest?" Issei asked as he looked back at Rias.

"Yes, Koneko took yours and Natsuki's place for one your thousand and one of her two hundred, you should both be grateful." Rias explained, "You only have nine hundred and ninety-nine left."

I knew it... Natsuki thought sorrowfully, visibly slumping in place.

"Nine hundred and ninety-nine left?!" Issei cried out.

A red glow encapsulated Rias' hand and she began to spank Issei, these spanks were far stronger than the two she gave Koneko.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Issei cried, feeling nothing but pain.

"Fuck." Natsuki muttered as all she could do was watch and wait her turn. She thought about running but she knew that Rias would eventually find her, and her punishment would be worse.

"You know, Natsuki-chan," Natsuki looked to her right and saw Akeno looking at her with a sadistic grin and red cheeks. "If you don't want to wait, I could give you your spankings?"

Natsuki immediately stepped back, trying to create distance between them but Akeno kept moving closer. "NO! I'm good, Akeno, I'm good, I'll wait for Buchou."

While she was not looking forward to being spanked, Natsuki knew that her spankings would be nowhere near as painful if Rias did them instead of the S & M obsessed Devil standing before her.

Rias momentarily paused in dolling out Issei's spankings, giving Natsuki an evil smirk, "Actually, Akeno, that's a great idea. It will take me too long to finish with Issei, you have my full permission to give Natsuki her punishment. Remember, its one hundred and ninety-nine of them."

Akeno licked her lips salaciously, her eyes never leaving Natsuki's form, "Of course, Buchou."

"No, no, wait!" Natsuki squealed, quickly running and trying to escape. Natsuki ran towards the exit, she only made it about a yard before she was slammed into the floor.

Natsuki coughed as the wind was knocked out, she turned her head to the side and saw that Akeno had tackled her and was now sitting on her back.

Akeno was breathing heavily and Natsuki knew that it was not out of exhaustion but excitement. The older Devil trailed a finger down the side of Natsuki's face, stooping once she reached her lips.

"Mmph!" Natsuki was thrown when Akeno shoved her finger into her mouth, the younger Devil could feel her senpai rubbing her finger against the grooves of her teeth.

"I thought you said that you would take your punishment, Natsuki-chan?" Akeno asked, enjoying having the girl at her mercy.

She then stood up, her hand becoming covered in her own magical energy, "It's time to get what's coming to you~"

I'm never doing anything that Issei says ever again!

---

 

"I can't tell who's more of a sadist; Rias or Akeno?" Natsuki complained once she teleported into her bedroom.

Every movement she took cause agony throughout her body, especially her rear.

"I cannot say I have ever witnessed a partner of mine be punished in such a manner but I also cannot say that was not enjoyable." Lux said aloud, her voice strong with amusement.

"Go fuck yourself, Lux. In my mind, this is just as much you and Ddraig's faults as it is Issei's." Natsuki muttered.

"Your master was right; you did not have to do what Issei said, and by that extension you did not have to do what I said. Are you not your own person?" Lux replied.

"If I could kill you, I would." Was all Natsuki said in response, ignoring Lux's chuckling.

Natsuki took a deep breath and raised her hand, a magic circle appeared on the ground in front of her.

When the light disappeared, a large black lioness was now in the room.

Natsuki. Midnight greeted.

Natsuki smiled, "I'm sorry it's been so long since I've called you, Midnight. Things have kinda crazy around here lately."

There is nothing to apologize for, we are both individuals with responsibilities to others. Midnight replied.

"I actually have a favorite to ask; my friend Kiba is missing, so I wanted to ask if you can find and keep and eye on him." Natsuki asked.

Which of the Devils you are entwined with is this Kiba you speak of?

"Kiba is the male with blond hair, blue eyes, a mole on his cheek, and uses swords to fight."

I will find this Devil you seek. Do you only want me to watch over him? Midnight asked.

"Could you step in it looks like Kiba is losing? If he is in danger?"

Of course, I will watch over this Devil you care for. Midnight said before disappearing in a flash of light.

"Your friend will not like having another step in and possibly hinder his quest for vengeance." Lux said once they were alone.

"I'd rather he's alive and pissed then dead because he's too focused on killing Valper." Natsuki answered.

Lux stayed silent, thinking over Natsuki's words. In her mind she doubted if Natsuki was in a similar that she would let others besides Lux help her.

Natsuki too can be singularly focused. Lux thought to herself.

Before she could further question Natsuki, the teenager threw herself into bed, burying herself under the covers.

"I know you have more to say, but can it wait till morning?" Natsuki asked.

"Of course." Lux sighed, "But you feel it do you not? Magic is moving in this town, and it will all come to head within the coming days."

Natsuki rolled onto her back, "I know, but it's not like I can just run in blind by myself, it didn't work for me and the others, you saw that tonight."

But it still feels wrong to being nothing while Kiba, Xenovia, and Irina are out there fighting. Fucking hell, this sucks… Natsuki thought as she drifted off to sleep.

---

 

The Next Day

The Gremory Peerage had met up after school in the ORC clubhouse, the Devils planning their next move.

"So Kiba didn't call any of us?" Issei asked the group.

"Not one call, but the good news is the two Kiba's with are strong. They should be able to take on a stray priest if they run into one." Rias answered, worry and annoyance were the two emotions most obvious on her face.

Issei sighed, turning his gaze to the floor. "I'm sorry, I just made things worse."

Akeno stepped forward, "You didn't, whether you made your plan or not, Kiba was always going out for revenge, Issei. But we couldn't sit around waiting for him so we sent out our familiars."

"You guys did too?" Natsuki asked Rias, Akeno, and Koneko.

"When did you send out your familiar?" Rias asked.

"Last night, after you sent us all home. I told Midnight to search for Kiba and help him if he's in danger." Natsuki replied.

As Rias moved to continue, a small magic circle appeared on the back of her hand. "My familiar has found something!"

The Peerage moved to the center of the room as Rias formed a teleportation circle to take then to her familiar's location.

A few moments later and the group found the in the park. In front of them was the bat familiar in her humanoid form and in her arms was an unconscious Shindou Irina.

"Irina!" Issei shouted as the group made their way over to the pair, the familiar moved out of the way, allowing Issei to cradle the unconscious girl's body.

"Quick, Asia!" Issei shouted to the girl.

Asia immediately kneeled next to Issei and began using her Sacred Gear to heal Irina's injuries.

"Can you hear me, Irina-san?" Asia asked as Irina began to twitch, her eyes opening slightly.

"What happened to you? Are Kiba and Xenovia are okay?" Natsuki asked the human.

"I don't know where they are, but they got away. I was… I was attacked trying to escape." Irina replied as each breath she took became harsher.

"What were you guys trying to escape." Issei asked, worried about the threat that could have made the three flee.

"I let them down, I was too slow!" Irina cried out as her memories started replaying in her mind.

"Try not to push yourself!" Asia exclaimed, seeing and feeling the strain that Irina was putting herself through.

Irina started to cry, "I couldn't get away he was too strong."

"Who's 'he'?" Issei asked but his question went unanswered.

"Please be care-careful." Irina whispered to the Devils before losing consciousness again.

"Irina!" Issei shouted.

The Gremory Peerage then turned and saw a magic circle glowing a few feet away from them, and through the circle Sona, Tsubaki, and Saji, stepped out.

"Thank you for coming, Sona." Rias greeted.

"Of course, I came right after I received your message." Sona said before making her way towards Issei and Asia, kneeling on the other side of Irina. "The damage is very bad, isn't it?"

"Yes, [Twilight Healing] isn't strong enough to restore consumed stamina." Asia said, looking back down at Irina, ashamed that she was not able to do more for her.

"It's okay." Sona told Asia, "I have the equipment to treat her at my house. Tsubaki?"

"Right." Tsubaki said as she kneeled and took Irina into her hands."

"I'll live her with you." Sona told her Queen.

"Understood." With her King's blessing, Tsubaki summoned her own teleportation circle and vanished.

"So are Kiba and Xenovia okay for now?" Issei asked, still worried about their safety.

"We're going to have to assume that for now, Kiba and Xenovia are alive and well since Irina told us they escaped." Natsuki answered.

I haven't heard from Midnight but I have to assume she found Kiba by now. And if he was hurt or worse she would've contacted me. The Pawn thought.

Suddenly a sharp pain emanated through the hearts of all the Devils in the park. A dangerous feeling washing over them.

"What's this in my chest." Saji cried out, gripping the center of his shirt tightly.

"Damn it! That creepy fuckers back!" Natsuki yelled, glaring at the tree line behind them.

"Well, well, well, would you look what we have here! If it isn't the 'We all took the bait club'!" Freed cheered as he moved from behind a tree, and stood on the path in front of them. "Welcome all of you, you fucking Devils!"

"You're like a fucking cockroach, you just keep coming back." Natsuki gritted out, not at all pleased to see the exorcist.

Freed ignored this as he smirked at the former nun. "Asia Argento, the traitor nun who gave her soul to the Devils. How much do you love your new life as Devil scum?"

Asia took a step back, the memory of her last encounter with Freed still fresh in her mind.

"Shut up!" Issei yelled as he stood in front of Asia. "Lay one finger on her and I'll kill you!"

Issei summoned his Sacred Gear but Rias and Sona jumped to the front of the group, magic circles already in their hands as they prepare to strike Freed down.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on! Don't hurt the messenger, someone wants to talk to you, Red." Freed said mockingly.

"Which someone?" Rias asked as she and Sona temporarily disengaged.

"Heh, heh… my boss!" Freed shouted, leaning back and pointing to the air above him.

The air in the park instantly changed, a heavy forbidding feeling overtook everyone. The sky became the same dark purple it did when a Fallen Angel was near and had sealed off the area.

Floating above all of them was a lone figure, a tall, pale man with long black hair and narrow, blood red eyes, pointy, elf-like ears and five pairs of black wings.

"Fallen Angel…" Koneko whispered.

"And he has ten wings." Akeno added, glaring at the man with fierce contempt. "He's of the leader class."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, daughter of the House of Gremory." The Fallen Angel spoke, his voice deep and raspy.

"You must be Kokabiel. I heard you were in my town but I did not think you would come down to meet me personally, I must be quite special." Rias said calmly, but those who knew her could see the tension the flowed off her. "It's nice to put the face to the name."

Kokabiel smirked, "Your crimson hair is quite breath taking. Just as lovely as the scarlet haired Devil King, even your facial expressions are similar. That is absolutely nauseating."

"Thank you. Is there something you wish to discuss with me or are you just here to review my appearance?" Rias said sarcastically. "Not that I'm rushing you, it's nice to see a leader of a another faction up close."

Kokabiel grinned, "I will be rampaging in this town using your base, Kuoh Academy, as the starting point. Then Sirzechs will also appear, right?"

Rias glared at the Fallen Angel, "And why would you want to harm or school? It has nothing to do with your quest for the Holy Swords. If you do something like that, the War between God, Fallen Angels and Devils will begin again."

"That's what I'm wishing for. I thought that Michael would start a war if I stole the Excaliburs. But what he sent were grunt Exorcists and two pathetic Holy Sword wielders."

"Wait, that's what you wanted? You actually want to start a war?" Akeno spoke up this time, appaled by what they were learning.

"Yes, yes! After the first war ended, I was bored, I'm bored indeed! Azazel and Shemhazai were being so passive about when the next one would start." Kokabiel growled.

"Not only is Azazel distracted by impending wars but he's also obsessed with collecting Sacred Gears and suing them for his boring research."

"So stealing Holy Swords wasn't enough for you guys? Now you need Sacred Gears, too?!" Issei exclaimed, gripping onto his [Boosted Gear] with his right hand.

"No need to generalize, I don't care about your [Boosted Gear], but Azazel might. Maybe I should give it to him after I rip it from your body? I'm sure he'd love to add a Devil's toy to his collection." Kokabiel grinned before turning back to Rias, "That's why I'm going to rampage at Sirzech's sister's base. Perhaps if I rape and kill you, then Devil kind will rise up to avenge you?"

"You're a fucking battle manic." Rias sneered.

The Fallen laughed, "Obviously, why do you think I'm using Devils this time? The little sister of Lucifer and the little sister of Leviathan right here, clear for the taking. The school you two rule over must be filled with demonic-powers, it will allow me to enjoy the chaos! It's also the best place to release the real power of Excaliburs! The perfect battlefield."

Freed began laughing, "Hyahahaha! Isn't my boss the best? His craziness is the best. So I'm also eager to do it. He even gives me treats like this." The exorcist then opened his coat, revealing the countless swords he had inside.

"Those are Holy Swords!" Koneko said, feeling the holy energy wafting off the blades.

"Does that mean they're all Excaliburs?" Issei asked.

Issei's question was soon answered as Freed began pointing to all the swords in his collection. "You all already know that is one is Excalibur Rapidly. The one on the left is Excalibur Nightmare. The one on my hip is Excalibur Transparent. I also received Excalibur Mimic from that sweet little girl in pigtails! Man I would just love to take Excalibur Destruction from that other girl. Hyaa! Am I the first person in the World to be in possession of this many Excaliburs? I also received an element from the geezer Valper that allows me to wield Holy Swords. Right now I'm in a hyper mode that allows me to wield all of them, you know? I'm invincible! I'm wonderful! I'm the strongest! Hyahahahahahahahaha!"

"Hahaha! Let's have a war! Little sister of Sirzech Lucifer, Rias Gremory!" Kokabiel laughed viciously.

A green magic circle the formed in Kokabiel 's hands, and a barrage of light spears flew in the direction of the Devils.

"Everyone! Move!" Rias yelled as she, Akeno, and Sona created large circles to smiled the group.

The others followed this order, moving for cover.

The spears deflecting of the shields kicked up a large amount of dust and by the time it cleared, the sky had returned to normal and Kokabiel and Freed were gone.

"Where did they go?" Saji asked, looking around desperately for the pair.

Koneko spoke from her place on a high tree branch, pointing towards the town. "I saw them go that way; they're heading towards the school."

"They going to destroy the entire school." Issei announced.

"Guys," Sona spoke up, "They said they were going to start at the academy, but it won't be ending there."

"Sona's right." Rias said, still staring at Kuoh Academy in the distance.

"There's no telling what's he's going to do but a Fallen Angel of that class could easily wipe us out."

"So once he's done with us, Kokabiel will destroy all of Kuoh?" Natsuki asked, already knowing the answer to her question.

"This is bullshit! We can't let those Fallen Angel bastards fuck with us again! We have to make sure this is the last thing Kokabiel ever does!" Issei shouted to the others.

This all reminded him of Raynare and her group of Fallen Angel comrades. He still hates thinking of them, of their arrogance and disregard for the lives of others.

We can't let that bastard think he can mess with our town, like he just start a war like this! Issei thought.

Rias stepped to the front of the group, "It's time. We need to make our way to the school."

"What happened to not getting involved?" Natsuki asked.

"That ended when that piece of trash thought he could walk into our territory and mess with our lives." Rias replied, a fine burned in those bluish green eyes.

A look that promised pain and suffering to all who met it.

Natsuki smirked at her King, clenching her fist at the thought of their upcoming battle. "That's more than fine with me."

Chapter 14: The Battle at Kuoh Academy

Summary:

The Occult Research Club's fight against Kokabiel begins...

The Occult Research Club and the Student Council immediately rushed to Kuoh Academy once it became clear where Kokabiel was planning to start his war.

"We've covered the entire school in a large protective barrier, if nothing drastic happens, it should be able to keep everything within from getting damaged." Sona said, watching as her Peerage collectively used their magic to form said barrier.

Sona then turned to Rias, "My servants and I will continue to hold the barrier in place to reduce the damages, I want to minimize as much as possible. It will be hard to prevent our school from getting damaged, but it looks like we must since it's the leader of the Fallen-Angels who is moving."

"Thank you, Sona." Rias replied.

"To tell you the truth, if Kokabiel were to fight seriously, not only this academy, but the whole region would be annihilated. Adding to that, he has already gotten prepared for that; my familiar has seen him releasing his power at the school grounds." Sona explained.

A purple magic circle appeared behind the group, revealing the traveler to be Tsubaki.

"Tsubaki-senpai, how is Irina?" Issei asked.

"Her condition is not life-threatening; she can thank Asia for that." Tsubaki answered as she walked past the ORC and towards her master.

Asia smiled, "What a relief."

"Yeah, but we still haven't heard from Kiba or Xenovia." Issei said aloud, still worried about the two.

"They'll be here." Natsuki assured.

Issei turned to Natsuki, "How do you know? I mean, we know they got away when Irina was attacked but a lot could've changed."

"I don't know Xenovia, but I know Kiba and he's not an idiot. He most likely would've stayed low after he and the girls were originally caught. Besides, like Sona-Kaichou said, Kokabiel is releasing his power all over the place. It will be a beacon for pretty much every supernatural in the area." Natsuki explained.

You haven't lost him yet, have you, Midnight? Natsuki thought, reaching out to her familiar through their link.

No, I still have the Knight's scent. He is heading in the direction of your school. Midnight answered back.

Sona's gaze sharpened as she looked in the direction of the school, her eyes filled with hatred. "Rias, our enemy is a monster with strength far above ours. It's still not too late, we can get your Oni-sama-"

Rias shook her head, looking at her friend with a smirk, "You know what I don't see? You trying to contact your Onee-sama."

Sona returned the smirk, only hers was more rueful, "With good reason too. Your brother loves you, Sirzechs-sama will definitely move, there's no doubt that he'll come here as soon as you call him. So, call him."

Before Rias could respond, Akeno spoke over her, "There is no need, I have already informed Sirzechs-sama."

"Akeno! How can you do that without asking me first?!" Rias snapped, shocked, and angered by her friend and Queen acting without her knowledge.

Akeno glared back at her King, her expression deathly serious, "Rias, I understand that you don't want to cause problems for Sirzechs-sama or bother him unless we absolutely must. But our enemy is a Leader-Class Fallen Angel; he's not someone you can take down on your own." Akeno then smiled, "I think that qualifies this as a must."

Rias did not hold onto her anger for long, sighing, "Fine."

Akeno gave her King a closed eyed smile, "I thank you for your consideration, Buchou. Sirzechs-sama is on his way, I believe that his forces should arrive here in within the hour."

Rias rolled her eyes with a grin, "Good grief, girl, I cannot win against you, can I?" She then crossed her arms and turned back to face the school, "Should be a fun hour."

Rias looked back at her servants, "Now, my servants. We will be on the offensive; we will go inside the barrier and draw Kokabiel's attention. Unlike the battle against Riser, this is a battle of life and death! Even so, I will not forgive you if you die! Do you hear me? We will survive this and continue to attend this school!"

"Yes, Buchou!" The five Devils before her cried out.

The Peerage then moved through the barrier, making their way inside the school, preparing to fight the battle of their lives.

---

 

The moment they entered the school, Issei and Natsuki both promoted themselves from Pawns to Queens now that they were in enemy territory. Magically, their Queen states were still weaker than Akeno's, but having three Queens no matter the power level, increased the Peerage's strength.

"Issei, I need you to be on support this time." Rias said aloud.

"Support?" Issei asked as they walked.

"I want you to use your ability to transfer your power to the rest of us to increase our strength." Rias explained.

Issei grinned, "No problem, I'm all over it!"

Rias then looked towards the others, "And I think you can all stall until Issei can safely transfer his power to the rest of us."

"I bet we can manage that." Akeno smiled.

"Absolutely." Koneko nodded.

"Natsuki, you're going to be the key to our offense. Your ability to absorb magic is going to essential in fighting such a powerful foe." Rias said to Natsuki.

Natsuki sighed; she knew Rias was going to say that but still held doubts. "I know, Rias, but I don't know if that will be enough."

Rias looked back at second Pawn, "What do you mean?"

Natsuki shrugged her shoulders, "We all saw Kokabiel, I felt his magic in the park, nothing we've faced before now has come close to matching him in terms of strength."

Rias and the others had come to realize after the Rating Game against Riser that Natsuki was finely attuned to magical energy, able to sense it better than most. Rias had figured it had to do with the nature of Natsuki's abilities; to absorb magic and use it to make herself stronger.

"We're not fighting to beat him, only to stall long enough until Sirzechs-sama and his Peerage arrive." Akeno spoke, trying to assuage Natsuki's worries.

Asia looked Natsuki, "Is he really that strong?"

"I can't put it in numbers, but I would say that Kokabiel is way stronger than Riser, but weaker than Rias' brother." Natsuki answered, remembering just how strong Sirzechs felt when they met him.

"Don't try and back out, Natsuki. We agreed to fight this bastard long before now, so don't be getting scared!" Issei exclaimed, not used to Natsuki being so cautious and apprehensive about a fight.

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "I'm not, I'm just saying that this more serious than anything else we've dealt with, we can't fuck around."

"Natsuki is right." Rias said stopping the argument from beginning, "This nothing like the Rating Game with Riser. This time our lives will be at risk."

A gleam passed through Rias' eyes as they reached the doors the main courtyard, "But believe me; I will not allow us to die here."

As they entered the yard, a large golden magic circle could be seen spreading across the whole school field, four tendrils flowing out of it and towards the ground as they interlocked.

"That magic circle is enormous." Asia said as they all looked at it.

"We don't have time to focus on it; the Fallen is here." Natsuki said, being the only one not looking at the magic circle, but at the large throne floating above them in the sky.

Kokabiel snickered, drawing everyone's attention, "So you noticed me? I suppose I should not have been surprised by this; you are the newest Golden Dragon Empress."

"Kokabiel!" Rias growled, glaring at the Fallen Angel.

"Valper still needs a few more minutes to finish, but I must know; is Sirzechs coming? Or is it Serafall instead?" Kokabiel smirked, looking down at the Devils.

"Right now, we're the ones here ready to fight. That's all that matters." Rias bit back.

Kobabiel's smirk remained as he snapped his fingers, and a blot of light formed in his hand. Without him moving, the bolt moved out of his hand and flew down, growing as it quickly slammed into the school's gymnasium, destroying the building in a massive explosion.

When the glow died down, the gym had been destroyed, and in its place was a giant spear of Holy Light. Not only was the spear larger than it was before it destroyed the gym, but it had three light blue rings surrounding the middle and another end pointing upward.

"This is so boring." Kokabiel complained, "But atlas, this will have to do as far as entertainment."

"No fucking way." Issei muttered, staring in awe and fear.

"What's wrong, are you scared, partner?" Ddraig asked aloud, drawing Issei attention.

"I've never seen a spear of light that big before. It's on a different level than us." Issei replied.

"Of course, it on a different level. We're talking about a man who is so strong his name is recorded in the Bible, a man who survived fighting with God and the previous four Maou."

"Do you really think we can beat him?" Issei asked, looking at Kokabiel.

"When it comes down to it, I'll beat him even if I must turn most of your body into a dragon. And I'm sure sis feels the same way. Isn't that right, Lux?"

Natsuki being the closest to Issei had heard the conversation and a glow appeared on her chest at Ddraig's question as she slowly pushed herself off the ground.

"I will not be taking over my champion's body again." Lux started, " But I will help to ensure enough lasting damage is done until the Maous arrive."

"Lux-" Natsuki said before being cut off.

"No, Natsuki. I will not take over your body, not ever again, not under any circumstances." Lux said fiercely, the glow on Natsuki's chest glowing hotter and brighter then before.

I will not be taking over your body to save any of your friends. Was what Natsuki heard in Lux's tone and that worried her.

But Natsuki did not have time to dwell on this feeling further for Kokabiel started to speak, "Since you came all this way to see me, I might as well let you play with my favorite pet!"

The Fallen Angel snapped his fingers once more, but this time the golden light that appeared flew straight to the ground, causing a green magic circle to appear.

A large pillar of fire exploded upwards, a shadowy figure emerging from the dark pot that had been created from the flames. There was the sound of the ground rumbling as it came closer to the group, the form becoming larger, appearing to be more than ten meters tall.

Once the fire dissipated it became clear what the figure was, showing that it was a large, three-headed dog creature. The body had thick legs, each with a set of sharp claws and each head had a pair of red eyes and a mouth lined with sharp fangs.

"Cerberus." Rias said, her voice filled with disgust.

"He-he's real?" Asia asked aloud, staring at the beast in horror.

"Cerberus?" Issei asked, not being as well versed in myth and magic as the others.

"The famous creature of myth that protects the gates of the Underworld from intruders; The Guard-Dog of Hell." Natsuki explained.

The Guard-Dog of Hell? Just how dangerous does it have to be to get a name like that?! Issei thought.

"What are we going to do?" Asia asked.

Rias glared at Cerberus, "Bringing him to this world is forbidden. Let's send him back! Akeno! Koneko!"

"Yes, Buchou!" The two exclaimed, following Rias as they went to attack the creature.

"Issei, use your Sacred Gear to enhance our power!" Rias ordered as she summoned her wings and flew towards Cerberus.

"Right! [Boosted Gear]!" Issei shouted, causing his Sacred Gear to appear on his arm.

[Boost!]

"Asia, get back!" Issei told the girl.

Asia followed, moving behind Issei and Natsuki.

"We'll be fine. Trust me; our girls will have no problem taking care of that puppy." Issei smirked.

"Let's hope not. [Ethereal Domination]!" Natsuki said as she summoned her own gear.

One of the heads then looked towards Rias who was flying at it and breathed out fire.

"Too naïve." Akeno said as she flew in front of Rias and froze the fire instantly.

"Take this!" Rias jumped from behind Akeno and released an enormous black and red block of demonic power, knocking the dog to the ground, a tear forming in its side.

As Cerberus tried to stand again, Koneko jumped down and slammed her foot against the top of its middle head, causing loud cracks to primate through the area.

Akeno let out a dangerous chuckle as she watched the beast continue to push itself to its feet even while being attacked by Koneko. "I think he wants more…"

Akeno then pointed her fingers up to the sky, only a second passed and Cerberus was surrounded by a violent storm of lightning. This added to the blow that Rias had given it earlier, causing dark black blood to begin oozing out of monster dog's stomach. But what was still shocking was that the beast could still move even after receiving those attacks.

"Damn it, just how strong is this bitch?" Issei asked angrily.

If only I was stronger, then I could enhance everyone in a split second. Issei thought bitterly.

"Eeeeeeeehhhhh!" Asia screamed and quickly the two Pawns turned around.

Another Cerberus had appeared and was staring Asia down. Just as it opened its mouth to breathe fire, Issei ran and grabbed Asia, pulling them both out of the way.

"What the hell? There's more than one?" Issei shouted.

The second beast geared up to attack again, a stream of flames flew out of its mouth, but Natsuki stood in front of the other two Devils, shielding them from the attack.

"Natsuki!" Issei and Asia shouted as they watched her disappear into the flames.

The fire was not continuous as it had been before, quickly being sucked downward and disappearing just as quickly as it came. Natsuki was still standing in front of Issei and Asia. Her body was completely free of damage, but her necklace was glowing brighter.

"I guess fire from a demon dog is still magical." Natsuki said as she looked over herself.

Issei felt relieved as he glared at Natsuki, "Don't do that again, you asshole!"

[Boost!] Issei's Sacred Gear cried out, causing him to look at his gauntlet confused.

Did the multiplier just rest? Issei thought.

"Yeah, yeah." Natsuki waved off, "Hey Lux, you think this much will be enough?"

"To deal with this lowly thing? Most definitely." Lux answered.

Natsuki smirked, "Good."

The Pawn quickly ran, closing the distance between her and Cerberus, jumping up and upper cutting the left head, causing it to slam into the other two and pushing the creature back a couple of feet.

Natsuki looked back at the other two when she landed, "Issei, take Asia and run. I'll handle this thing."

Issei wanted to argue, "But-"

"But nothing, your gear just reset because you went to save Asia. If we want to use you affectively, then we need to give you as much time as possible to charge up." Natsuki explained, "Besides, I have a dragon gear too, dumbass. I'll be fine."

Issei was reluctant, but followed Natsuki's order. He picked Asia, carrying her bridal style as he tried to put as much distance between them and the dogs as he could.

"This sucks!" Issei shouted as he ran towards the school.

"Issei! Behind you!" Asia shouted as she pointed to something over his shoulder.

When Issei turned around, he saw that a third Cerberus had appeared and was running straight towards them, its mouths open as it tried to swallow them.

Issei was about to use his [Boosted Gear] to defend himself and Asia when Koneko flew at the newest Cerberus and punched one of its heads before latching onto the back of its neck.

"Get out of here!" Koneko shouted, hanging onto the dog head as it vigorously tried to shake her off.

"But you can't take him alone!" Issei yelled, finding himself stuck between wanting to help Koneko and maintaining his gear's [Boost].

"I'll just stall for time then. Now go!" Koneko shouted.

Issei gritted his teeth but once again did as he was told, running away. "Be careful!"

Koneko was not able to hold on for long as the head soon bucked her into the air, and one of the others quickly followed her and bit down, trapping her within its teeth.

The head was not able to swallow her as Koneko used her legs to slowly pry its mouth open. A large scratch was visible on her leg, and she was covered in blood and saliva. The Rook summoned more of her strength and kicked the upper jaw all the way up, breaking a few of the head's teeth and allowing her to jump out of the mouth and escape.

"That was absolutely disgusting." Koneko muttered, glaring at the creature.

"Are you alright?!" Asia asked, she and Issei circled back when they saw the beast trying to eat her.

"I've been better." Koneko replied as she watched Issei put Asia down and the girl use her [Twilight Healing] on her leg.

"Don't worry; I've got this." Issei said, stepping forward as Cerberus got back up, the beast looking angrier then before.

The beast let out a roar, but it soon turned into a whimper when the second Cerberus was suddenly thrown into it, causing them both to go flying backwards.

The trio turned to the side and saw Natsuki calmly walking towards them, staring at the two dogs with a look of boredom. A smirk soon appeared on her face as she stopped in front of the other Devils, "I believe it's time to finish this."

Natsuki extended her right arm, her hand now covered in a mass of black energy as she pointed it in the direction of the two Cerberus'. Before Natsuki could release her attack, a gust of wind blew past the Devils and towards the first Cerberus causing one of its heads to fall off, having been severed from its neck.

"You need a little help here?" The Devils saw a certain blue haired human had jumped in front of them, turning to look at them with an amused smirk.

"No, I didn't." Natsuki deadpanned, annoyed by the other girl's interference.

Ignoring Natsuki's snarl, Xenovia turned around and charged at the now two-headed dog, lifting her sword, and cutting through the Cerberus, causing the creature to burst into flames.

"And that is exactly the damage one can expect a Holy Sword to have on evil." Akeno said aloud, she like the others taken aback by the power of Holy Swords.

"If you didn't need my help, then why didn't you kill it earlier?" Xenovia asked, turning her head towards Natsuki.

Natsuki felt her eye twitch as she stared Xenovia down, "You are truly begging for me to kill you, aren't you?"

Rias smiled, "I'd rather we didn't need the help, but I am glad you're here."

Natsuki clicked her teeth and ran at the second Cerberus, intent on killing it herself. Xenovia saw what Natsuki was doing and ran to join, keeping pace with the Devil. The two jumped into the air; Xenovia with her Holy Sword and Natsuki with the same black energy in her hand, slammed their attacks against the dog, causing it to explode.

"Whoa, they're amazing." Issei whispered as he watched how easily the two were able to kill the demon.

Before he knew it, a bright light began to emanate from his gauntlet, shining brighter then he ever saw before. "What is that?"

"It's the signal; we've reached an appropriate multiplier for fighting. The Cerberus can be defeated if you transfer it to Rias Gremory or Himejima Akeno." Ddraig explained to him.

Issei looked back at the fight between his seniors and the last remaining Cerberus, "Seems kind of convenient to have that built in."

"Just chalk it up to you and the Sacred Gear maturing, it has made possible what you desired. As you cannot tell the power difference between you and the opponent, you didn't know how many boosts you needed. It has started to tell you now."

Issei smiled, realizing that his [Boosted Gear] was responding to his weakness and compensating for it, reacting to the power difference between himself and his opponent. "Buchou! Akeno-san! I have enough power to take down Cerberus!"

Issei ran towards them as Rias and Akeno flew closer to him, allowing Issei to place his hands on their shoulders.

[Transfer!]

A green aura surrounded Rias and Akeno as they absorbed an enormous amount of demonic energy, both shocked by the power that was flowing through them.

Rias smirked as she looked down at the two remaining dogs. "Akeno?"

"Of course. Now, ring out, thunder!" Akeno pointed her fingers to the sky, a magic circle appearing as she started to control the thunder before her fingers were now aimed towards the remaining Cerberus.

The Cerberus tried to run from the spot as if it predicted the upcoming thunder, but the creature was unable to get far as countless swords sprung from the ground and pierced through the Cerberus.

"I won't let you escape." A voice was heard coming from the forest.

The person who appeared through the clearing was Kiba, the Knight, walking towards the group with a smile.

"Kiba!" Rias said with a look of relief. Rias then summoned her own magic circle, looking back at her Queen, "Let's end this, Akeno!"

"With pleasure." The lighting that Akeno summoned went down with blinding speed, going through Rias' magic circle, causing the lighting to become even larger before it flew at the Cerberus.

The lightning bolt was so large that it covered more than half of the school grounds.

The moment that all the beasts were killed, Rias turned her attention to the Fallen Angel above them, throwing a giant mass of her destruction magic at him. "Take this, Kokabiel!"

As the Power of Destruction hurdled towards him, Kokabiel smirked, lazily lifting a single hand in front of him. The Fallen Angel slapped the attack away, sending it flying back. Rias flew out of the way as her spell hit the ground, creating a large crater behind her.

"Impressive." Kokabiel said, staring down at the group, ignoring the smoke that had begun to waft from his hand. "Look at how much stronger you have become due to the power of the Red Dragon Emperor. How fascinating."

"That bastard!" Issei growled, shocked, and angered that he was able to deflect Rias' attack.

"It is complete!" Valper's voice rang out.

Everyone turned to see that the four Excaliburs that were placed in the center of the school field started giving out incredible amounts of light.

Kokabiel started applauding, "The four Excaliburs are going to become one."

Divine light began to spread throughout the school field, because of its brightness, the group were forced to cover their eyes with their hands. The four Excaliburs were put on top of each other and when the bright light was gone, there was one Holy Sword at the center of the field giving out a blue-white aura.

"No!" Kiba shouted.

Valper began to laugh maniacally, "Finally, it is done!"

---

 

"Seriously? Now what?" Issei asked aloud, looking back at the others.

Valper smirked at the boy, "I would suggest leaving quickly. You only have about twenty minutes before everything in this town is nothing but rubble."

Kokabiel took this time to stand from his throne, releasing his ten black wings. "If you want to save this town then you'll need to defeat me. So, are you ready, Rias Gremory?!"

"More than!" Rias growled as she threw an even larger beam of Destruction at the Fallen.

This time, Kokabiel caught it, holding the sphere of Demonic power in his hand. Akeno used this as an opportunity to fire a bolt of lightning at the Fallen, only for him to do the exact same thing to her attack.

Kokabiel slammed the people spheres together, creating a large mass of red and black magic, with sparks of electricity flowing around it. He then threw it back at the two Devils, hitting Akeno directly and causing her to slam into Rias.

The two went flying backwards, Rias righted herself midair, but Akeno continued to fall to the ground. Natsuki summoned her own wings, flying up and catching Akeno in her arms, the Pawn was able to slowly float them back to the ground.

"Are you okay, Akeno-senapi?" Natsuki asked the girl once her feet touched the ground.

"I'm fine." Akeno said before looking to the other Pawn, "I'm sorry, Issei. You wasted all that power on me."

Issei shook his head, "I'm not worried about that right now." He then looked up at the Fallen Angel, "Hey asshole, how could you do that to her?!"

Natsuki took this moment to place the older girl gently on the ground. "I'm going to make that bastard pay."

Akeno let out a small laugh, "Ever the passionate hero, huh, Natsuki-chan."

Asia then ran towards the older girl as Rias float back down, landing next to her.

The Bishop began using her [Twilight Healing] on Akeno.

"It doesn't look like we'll be able to hold out. What is taking Sirzech-sama so long?" Akeno asked.

"It doesn't matter we have to find a way to win." Rias said before looking around, "Kiba?"

Natsuki stopped in place, causing Issei to do the same, looking back seeing that Kiba was slowly walking towards Valper. "Kiba?"

Kiba stopped about a yard away from the man, staring him down venomously. "Valper Galilei, I am a survivor of the Holy Sword Project, or more accurately, of those you tried to murder. I was able to live because I was reborn as a Devil, I refused to die because I knew that one day I would avenge the death of my comrades!"

Valper grinned, "Is that so? Freed!"

The white-haired boy priest then emerged from the darkness. "What's up, boss?"

"Use the Excalibur in the circle, it shall be the last entertainment. Fight while using this new powerful Excalibur."

"Yeah, yeah. Geez, my Boss sure uses people recklessly. But I'm so honored to use the Excalibur, I will use it to chop up you worthless Devils!" Freed put on a crazy smile while holding the Excalibur.

Valper grinned, "You see, I like Holy Swords. I had been fascinated by the legend of Excalibur since I was a child. That is why when I found out that I could not use Excalibur I fell into despair."

"Why is this geezer trying to tell us about his past?" Natsuki muttered.

"I held admiration for those who can wield it because I could not. That feeling became so powerful that I started an experiment to create those who can use them. And after years of research and experimentation my everything is completed, and it is thanks to you and the others."

"What? Complete? You disposed of us after finding us to be a failure." Kiba said incredulously.

Didn't they dispose of them because they found them to be a failure? Kiba thought but Valper shook his head.

"I realized that there was an essential gene needed to wield Holy Swords. So, I used the numerical value of these genes to investigate their capability, most of the test subjects had the right genes, but they didn't have the numerical value needed to wield the Excalibur. Then I reached a conclusion; Is there a way to take out the genes and gather them together?"

Xenovia's eyes widened, "I understand now. The thing that exist within Holy Sword wielders when they received a blessing are these genes."

Valper smirked, "That's right, girl. We take out the genes from those who have them and crystallize them. Just like this."

Valper took out an orb that was giving out light that contained this so-called holy aura in it. "With this, the research on Holy Sword wielders improved. Even so, those fools from the Church banished me for heresy and took away my reports on the research. But looking at you, I see that the project was succeeded by someone. That Michael. He made me look like a criminal and this is the result? Well, even if he takes the genes out from the test subjects, he will not go as far as to kill them. That would only make him more human than me. Kukukuku."

It became clear to everyone what Valper was saying. At present, to create Holy Sword users artificially, it requires a sacrifice. So Kiba and many others that currently worked for the Church were victims of the project started by Valper.

"…You killed my comrades and took the genes needed from them to have others wield the Holy Swords?" Kiba asked Valper, his voice filled with killing intent.

"That is right. This orb is from back then. I have used three of them on Freed though. This is the last one."

Freed began to laugh, "Hyahahahaha! Other guys besides me died because their bodies couldn't synchronize with the genes! If I think like that, that makes me special."

Kiba's body began to shake, his anger palpable. "…Valper Galilei. How many lives have you sacrificed for your greed and experiments?"

Valper playfully pondered Kiba's question and tossed the orb in his hand to the Knight. "Hm. My research has reached the stage where it is possible to mass produce them in the right environment. So, to start, I will destroy this town with Kokabiel. Next, I will gather the legendary Holy Swords stored around the world. Then I will mass produce Holy Sword wielders and start a war against Michael and the Vatican with the combined Excaliburs. I'm going to show the result of my research to those foolish Angels and their followers who have convicted me."

"Everyone…" There were tears on Kiba's cheek, his expression was filled with sadness and anger.

The orb that Kiba held started giving out shallow lights, the lights started to spread, and eventually covered the whole school field. From the ground there were lights coming out and it started to form a shape.

It took the shape of people, boys and girls giving out blue-white aura as they surrounded Kiba.

"The various powers that are present on this battlefield made the spirits within the orbs appear." Akeno said, making Natsuki and Issei question how things like this happen.

The boys and girls that appeared looked at Kiba with dear and sad expressions. Kiba looked at the spirits surrounding him in shock, "Everyone! H-how ar-how are you all here?"

It was understood by all that they were also involved in the Holy Sword project, used, and disposed of.

"…I have always…always thought about it. Was it all right that I was the only one that survived? There were those who had more dreams than me. There were those who wanted to live more than me. Is it all right that I am the only one to have a peaceful life?" Kiba said tearfully, barely holding himself together.

Then one boy's spirit smiled, and it seemed like he wanted to say something, he was moving his lips no sound could be heard from him.

Unlike everyone else, Kiba could understand what he was saying clearly.

[Do not worry about us anymore. You are alive at least].

There were tears coming out from both of his eyes because it seemed like their thoughts reached him. Then the spirits of boys and girls started to move their lips in a rhythm.

"…The sacred song." Asia mumbled, as the voices of the children could now be heard, recognizing the tune.

As they were singing, Kiba started to sing while shedding tears. When they were going through the painful experiment, this was the only thing they obtained to keep their hopes and dreams, this was the only support they had to continue living during their harsh life.

Their bodies started to glow blue and white, these lights glowed brighter, with Kiba in the center.

[We were no good alone.]

[We did not have enough to wield the Holy Swords. But.]

[It will be okay if we are together.]

[You must accept the Holy Sword.]

[It is not scary.]

[Even if God is not watching over us.]

[Our hearts are always…]

[ONE.]

Their spirits went up into the sky and they turned into a big light that fell over Kiba. The ORC watched on sadly, moved by the scene in front of them.

"That's sweet." Akeno remarked.

Asia had her hands clasped beneath her chin, crying silent tears.

Issei was the opposite, sobbing at the sigh as he vigorously wiped his own tears away. "Damn it, Kiba! You're breaking my heart!"

The light that split the abyss night looked as if it was giving blessings to Kiba.

Kokabiel became very intrigued by this new development. "Oh?"

Kiba glared at Valper once the lights disappeared, his resolve strengthened. "My friends never wanted me to seek revenge. They wanted me to be free, but I'm not. First, I need to destroy the evil in front of me, then no one else will have to suffer."

Kiba then summoned one of his Demonic Swords, pointing the blade at Valper. "No one but you!"

A twinge of fear appeared on Valper's face as he took a step back. "Freed! Help me!"

Freed smirked, "Don't you worry, I'm here!"

"Kiba! Kick that bastard's ass and destroy those shitty Excaliburs!" Issei yelled, cheering his friend on in his pursuit.

Kiba looked back in surprise, "Issei…"

"You are the Knight of the House of Gremory my comrade! Fight Kibaaaaaaa! Don't waste those spirits feelings and lives!"

"Yuuto!" Rias herself began to speak, "Fight like member of my Peerage. Do it; you must finish this yourself! Surpass Excalibur! You are the servant of I, Rias Gremory, and a true Knight of mine will not lose to such a pathetic foe!"

"Come on, Yuuto-kun! We believe in you!" Akeno yelled.

"Kiba-senpai! Please do your best!" Asia shouted.

"Spill this fool's blood." Koneko added.

"Oi, what are you still standing around for? Hurry up and beat these worthless fuckers, make them pay for their crimes." Natsuki exclaimed.

Everyone… Thank you. Kiba thought to himself.

"Gross! Another touching scene from the House of 'Gag me' Gremory! It's totally the worst, now my skin is crawling, I don't want to hear it anymore. I'm totally at my limit! I'm going to cut you into pieces to make myself feel better!"

Freed Sellzen. My friends' spirits reside within you. I can't allow you to do evil deeds with them any longer! These tears I have are tears of determination.

"…I will become a sword."

My comrades. My comrades who have merged with my spirit. Let us overcome it together. The feelings we couldn't say back then! The wishes we couldn't fulfil back then! Right now, right here!

"I shall become the sword of Buchou and my comrades! Please respond to my feelings now! [Sword-Rebirth]!"

"He has done it." Lux said aloud, drawing everyone's attention to Natsuki's Scared Gear.

Ddraig added his own voice, "She's right, that Knight has reached it."

"What are you guys talking about?" Natsuki asked.

Lux explained what they were seeing. "Sacred Gears change and evolve while using the feelings of the possessors as a key. It happens when the thought and feelings of the user oppose nature, when they go against the natural order of things in this world. The Sacred Treasure then peaks as it reaches this new stage. Yes. This is…"

Ddraig gave a laugh of enjoyment as he finished Lux's sentence. "Balance Breaker."

Kiba's Sacred Gear and the spirits of his fallen comrades began to mix, taking root in the sword he was holding, the demonic and holy powers were combining.

Yes, this sensation. My Sacred Gear is…my comrade were telling me—that this is sublimation.

"Balance Breaker: Sword of the Betrayer! The power of this sword that has both the power of light and demonic powers!" Kiba yelled, raising his newly empowered sword into the air.

Valper looked on in shock, "A Holy Demonic Sword? That's impossible! Two opposing elements cannot mix, something like that is an aberration!"

Xenovia moved, standing next to Kiba, and putting away her Excalibur Destruction. "Rias Gremory's Knight, if the cooperation is still valid, let us destroy that Excalibur together."

Kiba looked at the human from the corner of his eye. "Is it okay?"

Xenovia laughed fearlessly at Kiba's words. "At worst, it won't be a problem if I collect the fragment of the Excalibur that is acting as the core of it. Since Freed is the one now wielding it, that blade is a Holy Sword no longer. That is a sword of heresy."

"Heresy?" Issei asked.

"Holy Swords can change depending on its user, taking on that person's traits. And with how twisted Freed is, I can only imagine what that Excalibur is capable of." Rias explained.

"Oh, Saint Peter. Oh, Basilius and Dionysius, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, I ask you to please hear my prayer!" A golden magic circle appeared next to Xenovia, and a chained gold and blue sword slowly emerged from it. She then grabbed the sword, pulling it free from the chains that it was wrapped in. "In the name of the Saint living within this blade… I hereby set you free! Durandal!"

"Durandal?" Kiba asked in surprise.

"It's a Holy Sword!" Natsuki exclaimed, unable to take her eyes off the legendary blade.

"A sword on par with Excalibur, said to be able to cut everything in this world." Akeno said in awe.

"That's impossible! My research did not go into how to handle Durandal; no one should be able to wield that thing!" Valper exclaimed.

"You're wrong. Unlike Kiba or Irina, I'm one of the rarely found naturals." Xenovia said.

"One who is perfectly suitable, a True Holy Sword user! So, you are not the wielder of the Excalibur!?"

"I was originally the wielder of Durandal, but I was also chosen as the holder of the Excalibur Destruction."

Not just Valper and Freed, but not even Kokabiel, could hide their astonishment.

Xenovia began to smirk, "Durandal is a sword that ravages beyond what people can imagine, cutting anything it touches. It doesn't even listen to me most of the time. That's why I have to keep it in another dimension, even I, its holder, has a hard time with it. Now, Freed, thanks to you, we can have the decisive battle between Excalibur and Durandal. Right now, I'm shaking with enjoyment, don't die in a single strike, okay? At least use the Excalibur to its fullest!"

The blade of Durandal started to give out more Holy energy than the Excalibur Freed held.

That aura! It had more power than my Holy Demonic sword! Kiba thought to himself.

Freed growled before charging at the pair, "Just shut the fuck up already!"

His Excalibur started to twist as if it were alive, moving randomly as it came towards Kiba with intense speed. The Knight realized that this ability had to be from the Excalibur Mimic, showing that the sword had the abilities of the four that used to make it.

Then Freed's sword split into two at the tip of the blade and started to come at Kiba even faster than before, with God speed. This was the ability of Excalibur Rapidly, its trait was its velocity, it accurately tried to pierce Kiba from every direction, but he blocked each strike.

Kiba had found it easier than before to read Freed's killing intent, allowing him to know which direction the man was trying to attack him from even though he could not physically see it.

Freed became more frustrated, "Why!? Why isn't it hitting!? This is supposed to be the unrivalled Holy Sword!? Fine, then! Then I just have to add this as well!"

The tip of the Holy Sword disappeared completely from view, a transparency pheromone of Excalibur Transparency, the ability to make the blade transparent.

GIIN! GIN! GIN! GIIIN!

The transparent sword and Kiba's sword made sparks as they clashed against each other, the Knight still able to parry all of Freed's attacks.

Freed narrowed his eyes and made a shocked face, even as he used the powers of his Excalibur, he was still unable to harm the Devil before him.

"Yes, keep him there." Xenovia suddenly intruded, and with a single side slash, the Excalibur shattered. Because of the pressure given by the swing of Durandal, there was a big hole in the school field where Freed had previously stood, having been sent flying backwards.

"So, it's just a broken Holy Sword, huh. It can't even compete with my Durandal." Xenovia sighed while looking bored.

"Are you serious!? Are you really fucking serious!? The legendary Excalibur, shattered into pieces!? And by Devil scum and a worthless bitch no less! Was it wrong to use something that was broken from the start? Is this all the shallowness of humans can accomplish?" Freed cried out, his killing intent dissipating as his resolve began to falter.

A shallow shattering sound echoed across the school field and the broken pieces of the Excalibur began crumbling away into nothingness.

Kiba smiled before using his Knightly speed to rush towards Freed, using his Holy Deomic sword to cut the rouge exorcist down, blood beginning to flow from the wound that was made from his shoulder to the side of his stomach.

"Gah! Fucking damn it!" Freed hissed as he clutched his wound.

Kiba smiled to himself, "Did you see it? Our powers have surpassed Excalibur!"

Valper stood gob smacked, "How is this possible? In theory, the fusion if Holy and Devil powers is-"

Kiba then turned to face the man, remembering that just because he and Xenovia destroyed the Excalibur did not mean that his mission was over. "Prepare yourself, Valper Galilei!"

Valper then started to laugh maniacally, "…I see! I understand now! If the balance between Holy and Demonic powers is disrupted, then it could be possible! Which means that not only the Maous but God has also-"

Before the man could finish his explanation, everyone watching was shocked when a spear of light fell from above, piercing Valper through the chest, killing him instantly.

"Oh, Valper, you were a remarkable mind. Unfortunately, you were not supposed to figure that part out." Kokabiel said aloud as he slowly descended upon the group.

"What are you doing, Kokabiel?" Rias asked, like the others she was confused as to why would kill his ally.

Kokabiel chuckled, "I'm destroying everything I find tedious. Now, I'm even more bored than before." He then looked at Issei, "You there, Red Dragon Emperor! Raise the dragon's power as much as you can and transfer it to one of them."

He was pointing at Rias and Akeno as he said this before looking at Natsuki, "And you Golden Dragon Empress, do you need me to fire some spears of light at you? I can send as much as I can to empower you to your limits."

Natsuki narrowed her eyes, "Why would you allow us to do any of that? You know that you give us the edge over you."

Kokabiel laughed, "That is exactly what I want; You all are going to need as much help as you can get to even last a minute against me. I would not want our battle to end too quickly by squashing you too fast."

Natsuki looked back at her King to get her orders, "Rias-Buchou."

Rias continued to look at Kokabiel as she spoke, "We're out of time, my brother should have gotten here by now."

"So, we're doing this?" Natsuki asked.

Rias looked towards her Peerage; she saw how everyone was looking at her, their faith in her unwavering, fully prepared to follow her into this battle, even as the odds were stacked against them. A sigh escaped her as she grabbed Issei's hand, "Akeno."

Akeno nodded her head, moving towards Natsuki and placing her hands on the Pawn's back, her hands glowing as she pushed her magic into Natsuki. The Pawn's Sacred Gear shining brightly as it absorbed the magical energy that was being given.

"Let's do this." Rias said as she and Issei began walking towards Kokabiel.

The Fallen Angel grinning from ear to ear as the sounds of Issei's Scared Gear could be heard as it charged up, excited to see just what the group before him was truly capable of.

Notes:

Hi, I just wanted to let all of you know that I put a poll on my (p a t) account.
It's to vote for a possible second love interest for Natsuki. And I know that it says that there is no Harem for her in my synopsis of this fic, and there won't be, but the thought of Natsuki being in a poly relationship won't leave my mind, so I'm giving people the option to vote.

You can vote whether you're a patron or not and with multiple choices until the 30th of October.
https://strawpoll.com/6QnMQ87P8ne

Chapter 15: Go, Occult Research Club!

Summary:

The Battle for Kuoh heats up...

"…It's done!"

Issei's gauntlet emitted a bright light that shined like a beacon, the Sacred Gear having reached its limit.

"Issei!"

"Yes!"

Issei started to transfer the power at Rias' call, from their clasped hands, a green aura passed from the Pawn to the King. The aura once it left Issei, changed color, becoming red as it covered Rias' body, increasing drastically in size.

"Fuhahaha! Good! That flow of Demonic power! The Demonic power I can feel right now is that of an Ultimate-Class Devil. A little bit more and you could reach that of a Maou, Rias Gremory! Looks like you have a talent equal to that of your brother's!" The Fallen Angel leader laughed as if he was genuinely enjoying it all, his expression was colored in ecstasy, showing the pleasure he felt in fighting.

"In that case, be gone!" From Rias' hand, a large amount of Demonic energy was shot out, covered in the Power of Destruction.

It made a shockwave that shook the ground as the powerful shot headed towards Kokabiel, with both his hands put in front of him, he tried to deflect it. "Interesting! Interesting, you're indeed a Maou's sister!"

Kokabiel began to gather the power of light into his hands, as he took the blast head on. Rias' shot started to get pushed back, beginning to lose its shape. Even with the power from Issei's [Boosted Gear], Rias' magic had not done much damage to Kokabiel, only tattering his black robe and cutting his palms. And because of the attack she just performed, Rias' breathing became ragged, glaring at the man with nothing but pure hatred.

It wasn't enough! Rias thought.

"Now ring out, Lightning!" Akeno sent the lightning towards Kokabiel who was still facing Rias, but her lightning was dissipated with a single movement of Kokabiel's wing.

Kokabiel smirked as he turned to Akeno, "Will you stand in my way!? You who inherited her power from Baraqiel!?"

Akeno's eyes widened, becoming enraged, "Don't speak his name! I am nothing like that creature!" She continued to use lightning, but they were all deflected by Kokabiel's wings.

Baraqiel? Isn't that a Fallen Angel? Natsuki thought as she stared at Akeno's back. How is he related to Akeno?

"What's a Baraqiel?" Issei asked aloud.

"One of the Fallen Angel leaders." Xenovia answered, "He can use lighting and thunder, so basically Akeno's power."

Kokabiel laughed loudly after nullifying Akeno's attack completely. "For you to become a Devil! How hilarious, how far have you sunk!" He then looked back at Rias, "You have such interesting servants, Rias Gremory! Sekiryuutei! Kogane Ryū Kōgō! The leftovers of the Holy Sword Project who reached Balance Breaker! And the daughter of Baraqiel! You have weird tastes, just like your brother!"

"No, it can't be!" Xenovia exclaimed in shock.

"What?! For real, Akeno? You're the daughter of a Fallen Angel?" Issei yelled.

Akeno grits her teeth, staring at the ground in shame and anger, she could not find the strength to turn and look at the others, afraid of seeing the disgust and anger on their faces.

Issei, Asia, Xenovia... Natsuki, they all must hate me now. Akeno thought disparaging.

Kokabiel snickered, "How terribly amusing. A propensity for inferior products must run in the-"

The Fallen Angel was cut off by a large black mass of energy flying at him and hitting him directly in the face and knocking him back a step.

Everyone turned and saw Natsuki who was scowling at the man viciously, her hand still raised up, facing Kokabiel. "Did anyone teach you not to talk so much, you fucking bastard? That wasn't your secret to tell, it was Akeno's. And where do you get off calling her or any of us inferior products? An overinflated piece of shit like you has no room to judge anyone."

Natsuki did not know the relationship between Akeno and her father, but it was clear based on Akeno's reaction that it was not a good one. Akeno obviously did not want the newer members of the Peerage to know, that she was not ready to tell them, so seeing Akeno angry and ashamed of Kokabiel revealing her parentage, and his amusement with everything, made Natsuki's blood boil with rage.

Akeno stared at the other girl in awe, surprised that Natsuki was not mad at her, but for her. "Natsuki..."

The smoke cleared from Kokabiel's head, revealing that Natsuki's attack had caused the skin to burn away from half of his face, showing the muscles and bone underneath. But the Fallen still had that damnable smirk on what was left of his lips, "Oho! It seems I've awoken the dragon. Will you be the one who gives me a somewhat passable challenge?"

Rias drew his attention away from the Pawn, "Your comments about my brother will not be tolerated! But more than that, for insulting my servants, you will pay the ultimate price!"

Kokabiel flew to the ground, landing with a resounding slam that kicked up some dirt. He smiled provokingly at Rias, "By all means, go ahead and try to destroy me! A Maou's sister! Possessor of Welsh and Evolving Dragons! The Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess! Please tell me you realize whom you are up against? You are confronting the archenemy of Devils! See this as a chance you may never get again."

Kiba gritted his teeth, he did not know if his new Holy Demonic Sword could go against the Fallen Angel, but he knew he had to try, that if they were going to defeat Kokabiel, then he could not stand around not doing anything.

As he gripped his sword, Xenovia took a step forward, slowly walking past Kiba, "We will attack at the same time."

After hearing that, Kiba also moved ahead, putting his strength into his sword, and went on slashing at Kokabiel with Xenovia. Xenovia reached the Fallen first, attempting to bring her sword down on his head, but Kokabiel created a sword of light with his hand and blocked her.

"Hmph! Durandal, huh!? Unlike the Excalibur that was already broken once, its light is the real thing! But..." The air shook, and there was a buzzing that rang throughout the field, Kokabiel emitted an air wave from his other hand and made Xenovia's body float, using this to kick Xenovia in the stomach.

"Gaa!" Xenovia flew back with an anguished cry.

"It depends on the wielder, girl! You still can't control Durandal! The previous wielder was someone who had unrivaled strength!"

As this was happening, Kiba finally reached Kokabiel, engaging the Fallen with a flurry of sword strikes, which Kokabiel countered with ease. Xenovia adjusted her stance in the air and landed on the ground, she then went on slashing towards him once again, Kiba continued attacking him at the same time.

"Kokabiel! I will eliminate you with my Holy Demonic Sword! I'm not allowed to lose anyone anymore!" Kiba roared.

Kokabiel grinned, "Ho! Attacks at the same time from a Holy Sword and a Holy Demonic Sword! Interesting! Good indeed! Come! You can't defeat me unless you do that much!"

Kokabiel created another sword of light with his other hand and clashed with their swords, Kiba's Holy Demonic Sword and Xenovia's Durandal. He was taking on both of their attacks as if it was nothing, showing that even in terms of swordsmanship, Kokabiel was above them.

Kokabiel rolled his eyes when he felt a presence trying to sneak up on him from behind, Koneko jumped towards him, thrusting her fist out with the intent to punch him.

"How naïve." Suddenly, his black wings turned into sharp blades and cut up Koneko's body, her body fell to the ground as blood oozed out of her open wounds.

"Koneko-chan!" Kiba screamed in horror.

"Hey, looking away while fighting will easily get you killed!"

Kiba had let his guard down because of the damage Koneko took, allowing Kokabiel's sword of light come straight at him. Luckily, his fast reflexes gained from being a Knight kicked in, allowing him to block the blow with his sword on instinct. The sound of cracking soon permeated the atmosphere, causing Kiba to look down at his sword when he realized where the noise was coming from.

A crack appeared on his Holy Demonic Sword, the strength of it solidness depended on his thinking, so if he lost concentration for a moment, then for that period, the hardness of his blade would go down as well.

Another shock wave emanated from Kokabiel's body, sending Xenovia and Kiba flying, both were to fix their stances midair and land on their feet but were each breathing heavily.

Issei covered Asia as they ran to Koneko's side, the former nun activating her Sacred Gear and beginning to heal Koneko's wounds.

"Issei, just focus on boosting. We'll create an opening for you." Natsuki said to her fellow Pawn.

Issei nodded his head, "On it."

[Boost!]

"Good." Natsuki said before running at Kokabiel, his fist raised as she punched him.

Kokabiel was able to catch Natsuki's fist, but the Devil used her momentum to bring her left foot up and kicked him across the face.

"Is that all-" Natsuki did not let the Fallen finish his sentence, bringing up her free hand and blasting him in the face with another Black Bolt.

Before she knew it, Natsuki felt a horribly painful sensation coming from her stomach, looking down she saw that Kokabiel's fist was there. The Fallen's face was even more burned than before, but he smiled as he used his other hand to slap Natsuki away. The Pawn was sent hurdling into the sky before landing on the ground with a loud bang, cracking the ground beneath her.

"Natsuki!" Akeno and Rias cried out.

"C'mon, that can't be all you have?" Kokabiel asked playfully, the skin on his face slowly beginning to regenerate.

Kiba growled, "Kokabiel! It's not over yet!" He put as much strength as he could into his Holy Demonic Sword, the crack on the blade disappearing as he ran forward, rushing Kokabiel.

Kokabiel laughed, "Hahaha! You still want to come at me? All right! Come!"

"[Sword Birth]!" Kiba surrounded the Fallen Angel by making swords covered with Holy and Demonic aura, trapping Kokabiel in a prison of swords.

"You think you've captured me with this?" The ten wings of Kokabiel started to sharpen again and began breaking the swords around him with ease.

It didn't work! Kiba moved to strike him from the front, but the Fallen Angel didn't flinch at all, stopping Kiba's Holy Demonic Sword with just two fingers.

Kokabiel sighed in disappointment, "Is this it?"

Kiba's Holy Demonic Sword had been stopped and he could not move it at all. He then created another Holy Demonic sword, but that was also stopped with Kokabiel's other hand, the Fallen again using two fingers to stop the second blade.

It's not over yet! Kiba opened his mouth wide and imagined creating a Holy Demonic Sword around his mouth. This third sword, he gripped with his teeth and moved his neck roughly to the side. Kokabiel did not think of a third strike, causing him to let go of Kiba's swords and stepped back. As Kiba looked at the Fallen Angel, he saw that there was but a small scratch on his cheek, a bit of blood coming out of it.

The Knight looked at him despairingly, even with that attack, Kiba could only give him that much damage.

So, this was the power of one of the top echelons of Fallen Angels.

Everyone else was making similar expressions of despair and breathed violently. Only Kokabiel who had the advantage, was smirking.

"You cut me." Kokabiel said before throwing a sphere of Holy Light at Kiba.

Xenovia jumped in front of the Devil, using her own sword to block the attack, the attack pushed her back a bit, but Xenovia was able to cut through the sphere and dispel it.

Natsuki sat up with a groan, rubbing the side of her face, "That fucking hurt."

"Are you okay?" Rias asked as she and Akeno helped pull Natsuki to her feet.

"Other than the fact that I just got bitch slapped, I'm peachy." Natsuki drawled.

Rias rolled her eyes, "Well, you're being sarcastic so you must be fine."

[Boost!] Issei's [Boosted Gear] cried out.

Issei looked at his fallen and tired friends, gritting his teeth with how he had to sideline himself. "A little bit more, I'm almost there."

Kokabiel began to laugh when he saw that they were regaining their resolve. "Why fight so hard even after losing the master you serve?"

"Mind clarifying that?" Rias asked with doubt.

Kokabiel began to laugh even harder, "That's right, I totally forgot. The truth wasn't revealed to you lowly grunts! We'll there's no point in hiding it any longer, I am trying to start a war; in the pervious three-way war, God was killed alongside the Yondai-Maou!"

Everyone stood shocked, no one could believe the words that had just come out of his mouth. God, the supreme being, the creator of everything, had been dead for centuries.

---

 

"He's what? God has been dead since the war? How is that possible?" Rias opened and closed her mouth, trying to find the words, before shaking her head and staring at the Fallen Angel. "You're lying; I've never heard anything about that!"

"It's normal for you all to not know about it. Who can just come out and say that God has died? Humans are an incomplete bunch, without God, they cannot control their hearts and obey the rules, you know? Even us, the Fallen Angels, and Devils couldn't tell this secret to those below us. You won't know where the information about God will be leaked from. Even among the three-powers, only the people at the top and certain people know about it. Though it seems Valper noticed it earlier." Kokabiel playfully shrugged his shoulders.

He then leaned back, raising his head to look down on them. "Back then, the Devils lost all their Kings and the majority of their High-Class Devils. The Angels and Fallen Angels lost almost everyone except for their leaders. Pure Angels could not increase their numbers, and purebred Devils are just as rare, aren't they? All sides have been ruined to the point where they must rely on humans to survive; Angels, Fallen Angels, Devils. The leaders of the three factions had to seal this information away, that way the God-fearing humans would keep on fearing."

"No way. God is dead?" Xenovia whispered to herself, her eyes wide and her face pale. "Lies, they're lies, it's not true, it can't be true."

She then fell to her knees, a panicked and fearful expression overtaking her face. She was an active believer, God's servant, a person who lived their life to serve God, viewing it as a holy mission. With the existence of God being called into question, Xenovia was losing the will to fight, the will to live.

Asia was in a similar position as she stumbled backwards as if the truth had hit her like a physical blow.

Kokabiel continued to rant, but this time his expression grew into one of disgust and hatred. "I don't care about any of that. What drives me crazy the most is the fact that after God and the Maous died, it was decided to stop the war! Why would they do something like that in the middle of winning?! How dare they try to keep me from squashing my enemies just when it was getting fun?! We would have won! Even that bastard Azazel declared there would never be another war! And now, Fallen Angels are stuck relying on inviting humans who possess Sacred Gears to join our ranks."

All expect Asia were taken aback by the manic and demented look on Kokabiel's face as she shakily rose to her feet. "God doesn't exist anymore? Then where is the love that has been given to us coming from?"

"Heh! Michael has been holding his own so far, he's the one who has been keeping the humans and Angels together in God's stead."

"The Archangel Michael is acting as God's agent?" Xenovia asked aloud as her head fell, "What does that mean for our prayers?"

Kokabiel continued to talk, "As long as the system works, prayer and exorcisms will endure to a certain extent. I'm sure someone has been listening."

After hearing this Asia fainted, as she was falling, Koneko jumped up to catch her before she could hit the ground.

"Asia!" Issei exclaimed as the girl fell into Koneko's arms, watching as the Rook placed her unconscious body against a nearby tree.

Xenovia looked back at them with pity, "It's a natural reaction to have. I'm surprised that I can even think right now."

Kokabiel smiled, "Well, I suppose knowing that compared to when God was still alive, the number of believers has drastically decreased, doesn't help, does it? But without anyone to manage the balance between good and evil, it's no wonder something contradictory like the Holy Demonic Sword would appear. Which means the war must continue! And I'll keep it going by taking your heads if I must!"

Akeno looked at Rias, watching the redhead's body beginning to shake. "Rias?"

Rias lowered her head, causing her bangs to fall over her eyes, her body still shaking and her voice starting to crack. "Again, I've let my pride get in the way. It's my fault."

"Fuck off, asshole! Natsuki was right, you really don't know when to shut up!" Issei screamed, jumping to his feet.

"Issei..." Rias said softly, staring at him in awe.

"I'm not going to let you destroy this town or my friends, and I don't care what bullshit reasons you have! Besides, I don't think you understand; I'm going to be the Harem King! And some cliché, wing flapping Fallen Angel is not getting in the way of my glory!" Issei shouted, cocking his fist back.

Kokabiel looked at him stunned, before starting to cackle. "Harem King? You mean, that's all the infamous Red Dragon Emperor wants?" He then smirked enticingly, "Then join me, you'll be Harem King in no time. Beautiful girls falling at your feet wherever you go. You just point at the ones you like and take them."

Issei froze on the spot, his lips quivering and his eyes glossing over, "I... I wo-won't fall f-for y-your sweet, awesome words. Even though that sounds amazing."

"Seriously, Issei? You're considering betraying us just like that?" Natsuki said, staring at him with both disapproval and annoyance.

Rias became angry, "Issei! Wipe that drool from your mouth! Why are you like this even in this kind of situation?!"

"Yes, ma'am!" Issei exclaimed, wiping his mouth, and standing as straight as a rod. "So-sorry, you know how I get with the word Harem."

Rias sighed, "If you really like girls that much, listen up. After we get back home, I will let you do whatever you want to me."

That sentence echoed in Issei's mind, repeating over and over. His cheeks turned red as he looked back at Rias from the corner of his eye, "Really? So, uh, not just groping, but like, even sucking on your boobs?"

Rias looked a bit uncomfortable, but pushed forward, "You can. If that's what it takes, it's a small price to pay."

As images of Rias' breasts flashed through his mind, the jewel on Issei's Sacred Gear let out a large burst if glowing green light.

"No way!" Rias exclaimed as she and the others watched the display.

"I know that light, I swear I've seen this before!" Kiba shouted.

A closed eyed smile appeared on Akeno's face, "It's a Sacred Gear releasing power after being perfectly aligned with its master's wishes."

Issei closed his eyes, raising his fist into the air as he smirked, "Yes, bring it on, Kokabiel. You're going down, and I'm going to suck on a pair of world class tits!" He then opened his eyes and pointed his finger at Kokabiel, "Right now, I feel like I can kick God's ass. Lucky for him, he's already dead."

[Explosion!] The [Boosted Gear] exclaimed, taking on a new appearance as a second green jewel formed and the gauntlet took up more space on Issei's arm.

"It's like when Natsuki uses her gear." Kiba said, noting that more of Issei's arm was covered, like how more of Natsuki's body was covered by her [Ethereal Domination].

An enormous amount of power flowed out of Issei, the boy grinning wildly, "Hell yeah! I'm going to beat you into the ground and suck on Buchou's nipples, Kokabiel!"

Kokabiel growled and threw a spear of Holy Light at him. Issei took off running, punching through the spear with a single blow, jumping into the air and slamming his gauntlet covered fist into the side of the Fallen Angel's face. Kokabiel took a few steps back and held his now bruised cheek, glaring at the Devil, "All the Red Dragon Emperor had to do release this much power was think about sucking on some breasts? Unbelievable. What in the world are you?"

Issei gave him a smirk, moving his body and making what he thought was a cool pose. "Remember me, Kokabiel! My name is Hyoudou Issei, I possess a [Boosted Gear] powered on sex and passion. I am also Rias Gremory's Pawn!"

A rueful smile appeared on Kiba's face, "This is embarrassing. I bet he thinks that sounds cool."

Koneko stared at the Pawn blankly, "Being a twisted pervert will never be cool."

Natsuki stared at Issei, not knowing what to feel about Issei's newfound strength. With a reason like that!? The Sacred Gear increased its power by answering Issei's lecherous thoughts! He... he did what I couldn't. Natsuki thought, clenching her fists tightly.

"Well, I suppose that's Issei for you, right?" Akeno said, amused.

Rias cleared her throat, trying to will down the blush that had formed on her cheeks from how blatant Issei's desire for her was. "He's right; what's important now is that we haven't lost yet, you can only lose when you give up. Let's take Issei's lead guys!"

"You got it, Rias!" Akeno, Kiba, and Koneko said in union, all three being emboldened by Issei's actions and Rias' words.

Natsuki remained silent, still clenching her fists. For the first time since she had known Issei, she had found herself staring at his back, a feeling of dread building inside at the thought of Issei surpassing her and leaving her in the dust.

"Do not tell me you are going to sit back while your allies fight?" Lux said in Natsuki's head.

"I... I wasn't. I just... Issei has gotten stronger." Natsuki stammered.

"Is that not what you wanted?" Lux asked.

Natsuki looked at the ground, "I did, but, this strength, Issei got it from thinking about breasts! He has synchronized with his [Boosted Gear, I wasn't able to do that. Last time, you had to take over my body to use Balance Breaker, my strength then and now aren't-"

"Did I end up in the possession of a coward?!" Lux growled, causing Natsuki to wince as it felt like her head was splitting open. "It does not matter if you are weak now, you swore to get stronger, to become the strongest, and you will not become that by being jealous of other's growth. Where is the girl that put her life on the line to keep her friends from ending up as Riser's playthings? Where is the girl that begged at the feet of a Devil to save the life of a friend that she believed she failed to protect? The odds have always been against you, and you have never wavered, so do not do so now!"

Natsuki took a breath, "You're right, Lux. I'm sorry you had to see me like that."

The Pawn then took a step forward, "Minus all the boob stuff, Issei is right. Who gives a shit if this idiot is Fallen Angel leader or that God is dead, it doesn't change the fact that we're going to kick his ass."

Kokabiel scoffed, but he was still grinning, "I admit I found myself surprised when not one, but two low ranking Devils managed to land blows on me. But I guess I should have expected such from two Dragon Emperors, this is interesting, I find it remarkably interesting!"

Natsuki's frown turned into a scowl as a shiver ripped through her. An unknown fear and nervousness encapsulated her whole body, she could feel an overwhelming power above them, her head snapped up to look at the barrier above them. "Guys! Something's above us! Something incredibly powerful!"

Just as she said this, something fell from the sky, crashing through the barrier and destroying it while overwhelming everyone with its presence and the power difference, making Natsuki despair.

Whatever it is, it's far stronger than Kokabiel! Natsuki thought, horrified.

"They have finally arrived..." Lux said, clear surprise bleeding through her tone.

"Wait, seriously, Lux?! Then are they here for Issei?" Natsuki asked aloud, drawing the Peerage's attention.

"Do you know who that is, Natsuki?" Rias asked but Natsuki did not respond, still staring at the figure in shock.

Despite not understanding what was going on, Issei could feel his entire body beginning to shake, his heart racing and his left arm burned as he looked at the mysterious newcomer.

What's going on? And who is that?!

The person descended while cutting the abyss of the sky by sending out a white light. They were glowing a bright white light, not leaving a shadow in the dark night. They floated an inch off the ground, covered in white plated armor with jewels across it in various locations. The armor also had a mask, covering the face of the person wearing it.

Eight armored wings emerged from the person's back, giving out a divine glow. While it had a different shape and color, it was nearly identical to the [Boosted Gear] and [Ethereal Domination] Scale-Mails.

"…The Vanishing Dragon." Natsuki muttered, but the tense silence that had overtook the field allowed everyone to hear her.

The other half of the Two Heavenly Dragons, the rival of the Welsh Dragon, and one of the nineteen Longinus. But what shocked everyone was the fact that the wielder of [Divine Dividing], was in their complete Balance Breaker state.

Kokabiel sneered as he looked up, "So the Vanishing Dragon must be captivated by the Red as well-"

Before Kokabiel could finish his sentence, the White Dragon Emperor appeared behind him in the blink of an eye, two of Kokabiel's black wings now within their hands, causing the Fallen Angel to cry out in agony.

"What is he doing to him?" Issei asked aloud.

"He... he moved too fast to even see." Kiba said, surprised that he was only able to see the aftermath of the White Dragon Emperor's action.

"Your wings remind me of a filthy crow, Azazel's wings are deeper, like everlasting darkness." The Vanishing Dragon said, their voice carrying across the field.

Kokabiel gritted his teeth, glaring at his new opponent as he clutched the top of his back. "My... my wings! What the fuck do you think you're doing, you bastard?!"

"Someone who's fallen lower than the ground hardly needs wings, don't you agree?" The White Dragon Emperor said sarcastically, a hint of amusement bleeding into his voice.

Kokabiel flew up into the air, creating countless Holy Light Spears in the sky, but the White Dragon Emperor was hardly intimidated by the display.

[Divide!] Cried from [Divine Dividing] and the aura surrounding Kokabiel disappeared along with half of the light spears.

"The name of the dragon within me is Albion. One of the powers of my Sacred Gear is [Divine Dividing]. It halves the power of those I touch every ten seconds, your power will become my power. You don't have time, if you don't defeat me quickly, you will become so weak that you can't even beat a human." They said to the Fallen tauntingly.

"Cuts power in half?" Issei exclaimed.

"The Red Dragon Emperor multiples its owner's power and transfers it to something, while the White Dragon Emperor halves the enemy's power, using that for its owner." Rias stated, scoffing at the situation they were now in, "So the legends were right."

Issei gulped, turning from Rias to Natsuki, "If that's true, isn't their power just like yours, Natsuki?"

"No, it's not." Natsuki growled, her eyes not straying from the White Dragon's form.

It's better, it's far better than my own. Natsuki thought, her fingernails digging into her palm with how tightly she was clenching her fists.

From what she could see, [Divine Dividing] allowed the White Dragon Emperor to absorb another's power just by being near them, including magical attacks. Natsuki could do no such thing, she could not take power just by being near, she had to be touching them or physically touching magic in some way to absorb it. So, in her mind, even with the ten second caveat, [Divine Dividing] was superior to [Ethereal Domination], at least with how she was currently capable of using her Sacred Gear.

With his remaining wings, Kokabiel tried to fly towards the Vanishing Dragon, but he could not catch him because he was not able to keep up with the Sacred Gear user's movements, looking as if they were moving at the speed of light. It was shocking to those on the ground that one of the echelons of the Fallen Angels who was overwhelming them minutes prior, was being played around with.

[Divide!]

A small chuckle escaped the White Dragon, "Still bored? Here, let me make this a little more fun for you."

[Divide!]

Kokabiel tried to attack with another spear of light and a sword of light, but Hakuryuukou swung his arm to the side and vaporized them. While Kokabiel was having a tough time fighting, his powers were being halved and after a few moments, Kokabiel's power had fallen so low that any of the Devils below could take him on with ease.

"Already the power of a middle-level Fallen Angel, huh? Boring. I thought I could have a bit more fun…" They then flew at Kokabiel at breakneck speed, slamming their fist deep into Kokabiel's stomach, causing the Fallen to cough up blood.

"…I…Impossible… me…" Kokabiel muttered, unable to believe how badly he was being beaten.

"What? You said a common phrase of a worthless grunt. 'Impossible? Me?' What's after that? 'This can't be?' Is it?" The Emperor laughed as if they found it truly amusing. "I was told you were getting out of hand, so Azazel asked me to bring you back, by any means necessary."

"So that's how it is! Azazel… Azazeeeeel! I…I…!" Kokabiel growled, howling with rage.

The figure then punched Kokabiel in the face, causing the Fallen to crumple and fall to the ground. Once the Fallen was unconscious, the mystery person hoisted Kokabiel onto his shoulder.

Natsuki shook with a silent rage, this had been the hardest battle they had ever fought and yet, the White Dragon Emperor defeated Kokabiel with ease.

He's also a dragon holder, Issei's eternal rival, and he's better than us, so much fucking better!

"Looks like I must carry that stray exorcist as well, there are some things I need to ask that fool." The White Dragon Emperor said to himself as he walked towards the unconscious Freed, grabbing the human by his collar, and dragging him along.

As they were about to leave, Ddraig spoke out loud, the gems on the [Boosted Gear] glowing. "Are you going to ignore me, White One?"

The White Dragon Emperor turned around, their wings glowing as Albion started to speak, "You're still alive, Red One?"

Ddraig scoffed, "I've been wondering when we would finally meet again."

"As have I, we are still fated to fight. It is inevitable."

"You two are always ready to fight, even when there are other things of more importance." Lux called out, causing the gem on Natsuki's necklace to glow gold.

Albion sounded surprised and jovial, "Lux? It has been even longer since we have spoken to each other, sister."

"You'd be even more surprised to learn that our dear sister wishes to join us in battle. She's feeling left out." Ddraig said cheekily.

"Is that true?" Albion asked, his voice intensifying.

Lux sighed, "Only this time around. My champion here desires to be the strongest, getting past you two is a step in what we must do to accomplish this goal."

"Then it appears that our battle will be even more exciting." Albion stated.

"A fight between the Two Heavenly Dragons is already hard to imagine, but adding the Evolving Dragon to it, it's unbelievable." Rias said incredulously.

"That's how it is. Then let meet again, Ddraig, Lux." Albion said.

"Yes, let's, Albion." Ddraig said.

"Farewell, brother." Lux said.

The White Dragon Emperor was preparing to leave once more, but Issei was not having it.

"Hey, wait!" Issei exclaimed, scowling at the figure in white. "What the hell is going on?! I don't even know who you are!" The Pawn then clenched his fists, "More importantly, you just ruined everything! I was going to win, now I can't suck on Rias-Buchou's boobs and it's all your fault!"

Seriously? Almost everyone else thought, still amazed at where Issei's priorities lay.

The White Dragon Emperor spoke as if they did not hear Issei's reason for being angry at them. "Before you can understand, you'll need more power." They then looked at Natsuki, "Both of you will. So become stronger, my rivals, we will fight someday."

They then turned into a white light and flew up, leaving everyone speechless at the outcome of the fight, and the magic circle of destruction that Kokabiel created had disappeared as the White Dragon Emperor carried him away from the school.

"Rias." A voice called out.

"Sona!" Rias quickly turned around, seeing her oldest friend and her Peerage standing a few feet behind her.

"I wonder what caused the White Dragon Emperor to show up out of the blue like that." Sona said, staring up in the sky.

Rias let out a deprecating laugh, "I wonder if he even knows that he saved our town?"

"Oh, I certainly doubt it." Sona said nonchalantly before turning to her Queen, "Now, Tsubaki, it's time to repair the damage done to our school."

Tsubaki looked at the damaged field, "We should be able to finish before classes start, Kaichou."

"We can help." Rias offered, feeling bad as most of the damage done was due to herself and her Peerage.

Sona shook her head, "No, taking care of the school is the job of the student council."

As this was going on, Kiba looked down at his Holy Demonic Sword. Is it over? No. There were still people who took over Valper's research. When I confront those people, what I will do with this Holy Demonic Sword, I still don't know. But now, yes, just for now-

Kiba felt someone wrap their arm around his shoulders. "Hey, you did it, pretty boy."

"Oh, thank you, Issei." Kiba said softly, snapping out of his thoughts.

Issei then looked at Kiba's sword with interest, "So that's a Holy Demonic Sword? It looks beautiful with the whole white and black thing all mixed together. Super badass."

Kiba looked away from Issei, "Look, Issei, I wanted to say something-"

Issei waved this off casually, "No, don't say another word, okay? It's over now, isn't that enough, for the Holy Swords and your friends?"

Kiba stared at Issei surprised, not expecting to be let off so easily for everything he had said to the other boy.

Issei then folded his arms behind his head, "Besides, with all the new drama we now have, whatever you were going to say is too much for my brain right now."

The image of the White Dragon Emperor flashed through his mind, momentarily stopping the joyful and happy aura Issei was trying to exude.

"Um, we can still do club activities, right, Kiba-san?" The pair turned and saw that Asia was now awake, walking towards them with Koneko by her side.

Kiba felt bad as Asia was worried about him, even though she should be having a tough time after the learning that God no longer existed.

You really are a kind girl, Asia. Kiba thought.

Just when he was going to reassure Asia, someone else called out to him.

"Yuuto." Rias said, giving him a warm smile.

"Rias…" Kiba replied, not knowing what to say.

"Yuuto-kun, I'm glad you decided to come back to us. And for you to be a Balance Breaker, as your master, I can't tell how proud of you that makes me."

In response, Kiba dropped to one knee, bowing his head to her. "Still… I betrayed the club. And most importantly, I betrayed you, the person who saved my life and gave me purpose. I can't make up for what I've done, nor can I find the words to express my apology."

Rias' expression became softer, still smiling at her Knight. "But you came back, that's enough for me, that's enough for all of us. Next time, don't let everyone's feelings go to waste."

Kiba looked up, seeing the smiles on the rest of the ORC's face before dropping his head again, trying not to cry shamefully. "Buchou… I'll make my vow to you once more. I, Kiba Yuuto, promise to protect you and your companions as a Knight of the House of Gremory for the rest of my life."

Rias walked towards Kiba, kneeling in front of him and gently cradling his face, pulling the surprised boy's face into her chest as she held him. "Thank you, and welcome home."

Issei jumped forward, staring at the pair jealously, "Hey get your face off there, that's my spot!"

"Calm down." Kiba said placating.

"Instead of being a stupid Pawn, I wish I could have protected everyone as a Knight like you did!" Issei's jealous look soon turned into a happy and accepting one, "But I guess you're it. You're the only guy I know who's good enough to be Rias-Buchou's Knight, so no more flaking on your responsibilities."

Kiba smiled gratefully, happy to know that he was still accepted by the group.

"Now then, Kiba." Rias began, a glowing red aura covering her hand, giving him a closed eyed smile. "It's time to accept your punishment. One thousand spankings."

"What?!" Kiba exclaimed, his face becoming pale with fear.

Issei started laughing at the Knight's plight, "This is awesome! Good luck with your punishment, pretty boy!"

"Shut up, Issei!" Kiba yelled, cautiously taking a few steps back as he stared at Rias' glowing hand nervously.

The Knight considered using his speed to run, but after taking a few more steps, he bumped into something behind him. When Kiba turned to look, he saw Natsuki standing behind him, a cruel and vindictive smirk gracing her lips.

Natsuki stared at Kiba sharply, her smirk growing more with it, "You know, Kiba. Issei, Saji, and I got spanked harshly by our masters for going out of our way to help you. Honestly, it was one of the worst pains I've ever experienced, and it was embarrassing as fucking hell. Don't you think as the person who caused all of this by running away and acting like a damn brat, that you should take yours like man, instead of trying to run away?"

"I-But I didn't a-ask you to d-do that!" Kiba stammered.

Natsuki then reached forward and grabbed both of Kiba's arms, holding them in a painfully tight grip. "Are you trying to say that we shouldn't have been good friends and came to your rescue? Maybe I should ask Rias to give you another thousand spankings, just for being so inconsiderate to us, Casanova?"

"Natsuki, if you would be so kind?" Rias said, continuing to walk closer to them, her glowing hand raised.

Natsuki wordlessly kicked Kiba's feet from under him, pushing him onto the ground and pressing one foot onto Kiba's back, the boy's backside now raised up into the air.

Issei began to cheer, "Yeah, Natsuki, hold him down!"

Rias maintained a warm smile that contrasted greatly with her magic enhanced hand as she now stood behind Kiba.

Oh, no. Kiba thought fearfully.

---

 

A Few Days Later

Issei and Asia were talking to each other as they entered the club room, only for their conversation to cease when they saw they saw a familiar blue-haired foreign girl sitting on one of the couches, now wearing a Kuoh Academy uniform.

"Hey, Red Dragon Emperor." Xenovia said casually.

"Why are you here?!" Issei exclaimed, pointing his finger at her.

Rias smiled from where she was sitting at her desk, "She is the newly made Knight of the House of Gremory. Welcome home, Xenovia."

"Now remember, Issei, it's important that you get along with her." Akeno added, watching Issei and Asia's expressions with amusement.

"Wait, she's your new Knight? This has to be a joke!" Issei said in disbelief, still eyeing the girl with suspicion.

Xenovia then drew out her two black bat wings, causing Issei to cry out in shock.

"You've been transformed into a Devil?" Asia asked, shaking with fear.

"Well, that's a rather unexpected development to say the least." Kiba said, taking a sip of tea.

"After I found out that God had died, I was desperate, so I begged her to take me in." Xenovia explained.

Issei looked between Xenovia and Rias in shock, "Wait, you begged for this? Seriously?"

In his mind it did not make sense that someone like Xenovia, who hated Devils with extreme prejudice, would suddenly turn around and beg to become one.

Rias chuckled, "It'll be nice to have the Durandal user added to our ranks. With this, you and Kiba will be the swordfighters, covering our right and left flanks."

"So, you're going to add someone who's beliefs are so flippant to our Peerage just for some firepower, Buchou?" Everyone turned and saw Natsuki standing in the doorway of the club room, her eyes firmly on Xenovia.

"Natsuki, I take it you heard all of that?" Rias asked, looking her Pawn cautiously.

She knew of Natsuki's dislike of Xenovia, which stemmed not only from Xenovia's treatment of Asia, but also from her being a member of the Church and worried that the taller girl would act on these negative feelings.

"I did, and why should we trust her? She hated Devils before and now she suddenly wants to be one?" Natsuki asked, walking into the room, and standing less than a few centimeters away from Xenovia.

Xenovia met Natsuki's glare head on, "The reason I didn't return with Irina and why I became a Devil is because without God I have no meaning, there was nothing for me-"

Natsuki scoffed, smirking cruelly at Xenovia, "You have no meaning without God? You religious types always spout nonsense about your unshakable beliefs and now look at you; all afraid and nothing but a hypocrite. Kokabiel said that the Angels have been keeping Christianity together, so why not turn to them for salvation? Why not take your cowardice and your desire for meaning in your life to fucking Michael?"

Xenovia glared at Natsuki, insulted by her talking down to her and calling her a coward. "Was Asia not someone who was also faithful? You do not treat her-"

"Because Asia has shown how determined and strong she is! Even when you bastards threw her away like she was garbage, she stayed faithful, believing that God had a plan for her, that he was looking out for her. She didn't run, looking for someone to absolve her, she didn't turn her back on everything she knew even when she had every right to!" Natsuki yelled, her eyes glowing with a golden yellow hue.

How dare she compare herself to Asia?! Asia had no choice but to rely on the Fallen, and even when they were clearly using her, she didn't beg for us to save her, she wanted us to be safe and not endanger ourselves for her sake. How dare this foolish girl even think that they are in the league, that their experiences are the same?! Natsuki thought angrily.

Rias stood up and she and Akeno moved away from her desk, preparing to stop Natsuki physically if she made a move towards their newest member. The rest of the Peerage were similarly tense as they had never seen Natsuki become this riled up and so quick towards anyone before.

But Xenovia stepped closer to Natsuki, not fearing the Dragon's rage that she had brought to the surface, standing her ground. "You are right; it is foolish to try and compare myself to Asia. And I do not know if becoming my old enemy was a good thing, but the sister of the Maou treated me with nothing but kindness and compassion. So, I will do everything in my power to pay this back, even if it means giving my life to her."

While it may not have seemed significant to Natsuki, to Xenovia, Rias was her savior, pulling her out of the depths of despair when she had no one else. She could not talk to Irina about this, not wanting to cause her dear friend to also lose faith and become a hallow shell like she was, so Rias finding her after the battle with Kokabiel, was a blessing to her.

Natsuki continued to scowl at the other girl and when she was going to speak, she felt someone grab her hand, holding it within their own. When she looked down, Natsuki saw that Asia was holding her hand, looking up at her firmly, "Natsuki-san, it's alright."

Natsuki felt her anger diminish, realizing how she had allowed her rage to get the better of her and made her look childish. She calmed down but was still staring at Xenovia menacingly.

Issei let out an awkward chuckle, looking between the three girls anxiously, "So you mentioned Irina before. What happened to her?"

Thankfully, Xenovia allowed the topic of the conversation to change, turning her head to stare out the window, watching the sun setting. "She returned to our headquarters in Vatican City along with Valper Galilei's corpse, the four cores of the destroyed Excaliburs, and my former Excalibur, Excalibur Destruction."

"So, you didn't tell her the truth?" Issei asked.

"Irina's faith is deeper than mine, I didn't tell her the truth because I don't know if she could handle the truth. And unlike me she was lucky, she wasn't at the battle because of her wounds, so she didn't learn the truth about God like the rest of us."

"And you just gave them your Excalibur? And the Church just let you leave so easily as after betraying them?" Natsuki asked, narrowing her eyes at Xenovia.

Xenovia sighed, "I had to give them the Excalibur, while both of my swords are Church property, unlike Durandal, Excalibur Destruction could more easily get inexperienced users who could wield it. As for me, I'm now a dangerous person who found out the truth about something I shouldn't have, so the Church has declared me a heretic."

Asia's expression became solemn, "They kicked you out, that's why you became a Devil."

"Yes, and Asia, I owe you an apology. If there is no God, then there is no hope of salvation or love, so I am deeply sorry." Xenovia then bowed her head to Asia, "The things I said to you were wrong and hurtful, you may hit me if will make you feel better."

Asia flinched, "Um, no-no thank you!"

"For a Holy Sword user who should be respected to be cast out for knowing the truth, it's changed the way I look at everything. I can't get the treatment of the higher ups out of my head; I must have made you feel the same way."

"Xenovia-san," Asia said, smiling softly, "Don't feel bad, in case you couldn't tell, I'm incredibly happy here. Even though I'm a Devil now, I've never felt more blessed. I've met so many people who mean so much to me, I've never been this happy before in my whole life."

Xenovia stared at the blonde shocked by her kindness before smiling back, "I see. Then may I ask if you could show me around school sometime? Now that I will be a student here."

"I'd loved to." Asia grinned.

Xenovia then looked forward, meeting Kiba's eye, "Also, if it isn't too big of deal, I think it would be fun to try out my Holy Sword Durandal against your Holy Demonic Sword."

"I was thinking the same thing." Kiba said, already thinking of a rematch between the two of them.

Asia tugged on Natsuki's hand, drawing her attention back to her, "Is this enough for you to trust her, Natsuki-san?"

Natsuki looked down at Asia, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on her. Knowing that continuing to argue was pointless, Natsuki rolled her eyes with a sigh, "You people really need to be less trusting."

Rias moaned, staring at Natsuki in exasperation, "I think you're just too paranoid and skeptical, Natsuki."

"Someone has to be." Natsuki said before looking at Xenovia sharply, "You're a part of the Peerage now, that means you have everyone here relying on you, putting their faith in you, so don't screw it up, otherwise I'll make you regret it."

"I won't. And I'll work hard so that you can see me as a peer." Xenovia said, smiling tentatively.

Natsuki felt someone pressing their finger into her cheek, playfully twisting it against her flesh. Akeno then rested her head on Natsuki's shoulder, "Aw, you're like the Peerage's very own guard dog, Natsuki-chan. Acting all tough and scary to protect us."

Natsuki looked forward with a blank and chill inducing expression, "I will rip your finger off and shove it down your throat."

"Is that a promise?" Akeno asked suggestively, rubbing her chin against the taller girl's neck.

Issei looked at his friend jealously, "Damn it, Natsuki! It's bad enough you're holding Asia's hand so perversely, but doing so while rubbing up on Akeno-senpai, is going too far!"

Natsuki turned to Issei, "You're the last person who should be calling anything anyone does perverse, you dumbass! And I'm not even doing anything, your shitty pervert eyes are turning what is obviously normal into something dirty!"

"I would agree with you about Asia-senpai, but Akeno-senpai doesn't have good intentions." Koneko spoke for the first time since Xenovia's arrival.

"Aw, Koneko-chan, I'm being perfectly innocent." Akeno said, still rubbing her head against Natsuki's neck, even going so far as to wrap her arms around Natsuki's waist.

"Goddamn it, Akeno-senpai! Get off me!" Natsuki yelled, realizing that Koneko was right.

Rias smiled at the chaos but eventually cleared her throat, knowing that she had to explain the recent goings on to her servants. "The truth of this whole incident with the Excaliburs has been given both to the Angels and the Devils by the Governor General, Azazel. The theft of the Excaliburs was an action taken by Kokabiel and Kokabiel alone, the other leaders didn't know about it. He planned to break the tension between the three sides, and because he tried to start another war, he was put in the Cocytus for eternity in a frozen state. And though it ended with the intervention of the Vanishing Dragon, they stopped the rampage done by one of them by sending someone from their organization."

So, the White Dragon Emperor is with the Fallen Angels. Only humans can get Sacred Gears, so are they just like Issei, Asia and I, some fool who was just unlucky enough to get killed and was revived, or are they like Xenovia, someone who chose to be reborn? Or have they not been even reborn at all and are still human but choose to align themselves with Fallen Angels? Natsuki thought.

Natsuki could not stop thinking about the White Dragon Emperor, thinking about just how strong they were, how far above thery were over she and Issei in terms of power. As she thought about the White Dragon's perfect Balance Breaker, Natsuki could not help but feel inadequate, knowing that she was nowhere close to being able to do the same thing.

She had technically achieved her Balance Breaker, but it was only because Lux took over her body and forced the transformation, at the moment, Natsuki was not capable of doing so on her own.

"There will also be a meeting between the representatives of the Angels, Devils, and Azazel. Apparently, there is something Azazel wants to talk about, I heard that maybe Azazel would be apologizing about Kokabiel. Though it's suspicious if Azazel would actually apologize." Rias said with disgust while shrugging her shoulders, thinking about what she knew of the Fallen Angel and his ego. "We have also been invited to the meeting; we have to make a report about the incident since we were involved."

"Are you serious?!" Issei asked out loud.

Everyone had shocked expressions on their faces, surprised that they would be in the same room as the most important people of the three factions.

As everyone thought about what could result from such a meeting, Issei asked Xenovia something that had been bothering him. "Xenovia, the White Dragon is a part of the Fallen Angels, right?"

Xenovia nodded, "That's right, Azazel is gathering Sacred Gear possessors who have a Longinus, I don't know what he is thinking, but it's not good. The Vanishing Dragon is the top fighter among them, I heard that he is the fourth or fifth strongest out of strongest of the group, including the leaders of Grigori. At this point, he is far stronger than you, who is his rival."

"Fourth strongest?!" Issei shrieked, looking at Xenovia wide eyed.

That's why they were able to defeat Kokabiel, who we couldn't even stand up against. Issei thought, thinking about what would happen they would inevitably meet again.

Natsuki's jaw clenched, resolving herself to get stronger by the time this meeting between the three factions took place. If The White Dragon Emperor was so strong then it would be a given that he would be there. She was not their eternal rival, Issei was, but if she wanted to be the strongest being around then Lux was right; beating the White Dragon Emperor was a necessary step she needed to take to reach that goal.

I know that I won't have enough time to become stronger than him in such a small amount of time, but I want to be strong enough so that the White Dragon Emperor has to acknowledge me. I won't let them get away with writing me off like last time.

Natsuki's gaze drifted Issei, ignoring the speech about the Occult Research Club back in business now that the everything with the Holy Swords was done with.

I'm glad that Issei is getting stronger, I know that's what he's wanted since we became Devils, but I don't want to be left behind either, he's improving while I'm stagnating. There are going to be threats far stronger than Kokabiel, and maybe even the White Dragon too.

I have to get stronger, not just for myself, but for them... for my friends.

---

 

The Next Day

The Gremory Peerage sans Rias, Akeno, and Xenovia were sitting in a karaoke room after school along with Motohama, Matsuda, and Kiryuu.

Issei was on the stage singing the Dragon Ball theme song, while his performance was energetic, his singing was completely off key. Today was the club's day off, so Issei decided to invite his club mates and friends bowling and karaoke.

Xenovia had declined, wanting to finish unpacking all her belongings and getting ready for her first day of school. Rias and Akeno had also declined as they wanted to spend the day shopping together.

When Issei had invited Saji, his fellow Pawn declined with tears in his eyes, telling Issei that Sona forbids him being so close to the opposite sex. Issei felt for Saji, knowing that Saji wanted to come, but was cursed by being the servant of such a strict master.

Asia was the only person enjoying Issei's singing, her joy causing Motohama and Matsuda to boo Issei, calling him an idiot and mocking his singing. Koneko was not participating, eating a slice of pizza, Natsuki was covering her ears with her hands, staring at Issei annoyed and seemingly offended by Issei's inability to carry a tune, and Kiryuu was flipping through the song book, still choosing which song she wanted to sing.

Once he was done, Issei gave the microphone in his hand to an impatient Matsuda, dropping down on the couch next to Asia with a breath.

As he took a sip of his juice, Issei heard his phone ringing and when he picked up his phone, he saw that he had gotten a message from Rias. It was a photo with the words 'Picking a swimsuit. I'll choose one that I know you'll like' with a heart emoji. The photo was of Rias' face, the girl standing in a changing room with a sultry smirk on her face. Getting this text along with the idea of Rias showing him her swimsuit, made blood burst out from Issei's nose on the spot.

What Issei did not see while he was distracted was that Natsuki had gotten a similar text message from Akeno at the same time.

Akeno had sent a picture of the swimsuit she had chosen, still on the hanger as she smiled at the camera, the words, 'This is for you' with a purple devil emoji at the end were sent along with it. Natsuki rolled her eyes, but a small smile appeared on her face as she put her phone down.

Koneko noticed Issei's reaction, staring at him with a bored and knowing look, "Pull yourself together, Issei-senpai, your nose is bleeding. You were thinking of something lewd, weren't you?"

Kiryuu laughed, reaching up and fixing her glasses, "Is there something abnormal going on between your legs?"

"Hey, my eyes are up here, you perv!" Issei yelled, placing his hands over his crotch so Kiryuu could not look at it with her secret ability.

Natsuki heard her phone ringing, and when she checked she saw that a familiar client was calling her. As Issei and Kiryuu were arguing, Natsuki took the opportunity to leave the room and answer the call.

Natsuki leaned against a wall as she spoke to the man on the other end. "Hello? Yeah, we can make it, Issei would be pissed if I decided to cancel for the both of us, we'll leave now. No, it's not a problem. See you soon."

Issei soon appeared, his phone in hand, "Did you get a text too?"

Natsuki shook her head, "Nah, he called me. I already told him that we're going to head out now."

Kiba, who had been sitting in to hallway nursing his drink for the last few minutes, looked up at the pair, "Got a client?"

Issei sighed, walking towards the drink machine that was next to the Knight, refilling his glass. "Yeah, it's that same old rich dude who always calls us."

"Calling on a day off too. That sucks." Kiba said.

"We could always decline and say we're not available." Natsuki said, sitting down next to Kiba.

"No way!" Issei exclaimed, "Unlike you, he's the only regular I have, and he won't see me if you decide to bail!"

"I know, and I decide not to do so out of the goodness of my heart." Natsuki drawled.

"Goodness of my heart, my ass." Issei mumbled but knew that Natsuki did not fully trust the old man and was only continuing to keep him on as a client because Issei desperately needed the contract and the old man would only remain a client if both of them came. It also did not hurt that their client paid them exceedingly well, and Natsuki was not the type of person to turn down a large amount of money.

Kiba looked at the pair seriously, "Issei, Natsuki, I wanted to thank you both, but I haven't gotten the chance to yet. So, thank you."

Issei took a sip of his drink before responding, "It's no big deal. And don't worry; all of us, including Rias, we've already forgiven you. Besides, you don't need to thank us."

Natsuki bumped shoulders with Kiba, "We all understand why you did it, and moved on. Just make sure you learn from this and rely on us in the future, alright, Casanova?" Natsuki then stood, "Now come on. We got to sit through another one of Issei's terrible sets before we leave."

"Eh?! Who's set are you calling terrible? Last I checked, you haven't even sung yet!" Issei yelled.

"Because I don't want to embarrass you with my amazing voice. I've got to let you win at somethings otherwise you'll become demoralized." Natsuki said, smirking as she walked back into the karaoke room.

"Oh, fuck you!" Issei screamed, quickly rushing after the girl.

Kiba shook his head, laughing mirthfully as he followed the other two Devils back into the room, happy to have friends like them.

---

 

A Few Hours Later

"Aw, man! I lost again!" Issei cried out, once again seeing his character bring killed by his client in the fighting game they were playing.

Once Natsuki and Issei had reached their client's apartment, he quickly let them in, stating his desire to play his favorite video games against them. Natsuki was sitting on the couch behind them, slumped as she stared at the television screen with pout, she had decided to verse their client first but lost each time. Issei was not surprised that Natsuki refused to give up as despite her general 'I don't care' demeanor, Natsuki was a sore loser at heart.

After an hour, their client had to take the controller from Natsuki's hands and give it to Issei so they could play, and the girl had been sulking ever since.

The older man chuckled, "I've had a lot of time in order to play against you guys. After all it has been a while since you've come by to visit."

Issei scratched his head and laughed awkwardly, "Sorry about that, we've been kind of busy lately." He then looked around the room, his eyes landing on all the new things there, "Meanwhile, you've been busy buying a ton of new stuff!"

"Yeah, I got kind of obsessed with games after you two took me to that arcade."

"Really? That's awesome, but how many video game systems do you have? All of them?"

Their client smirked, his eyes gleaming, "What can I say? I can't stop once I've started collecting something. I've often been told that I get completely immersed whenever I'm collecting."

"Collecting?" Natsuki asked aloud, trying to think of why that stuck out to her.

Their client turned his head and smirked at her, causing Natsuki's to tense up and glare at him, but the man only grinned before turning around.

Issei was thinking the same, that he had heard something about someone who was obsessed with collecting things. His distraction caused Issei to not realize that the man had killed his character for over the dozenth time until it was too late.

With this the man stood up, stretching his arms. "Well, you want another match, Devil boy? Or should I say Red Dragon Emperor?"

Natsuki immediately jumped to her feet when she heard this, stepping between Issei and the man, standing defensively as she scowled at the man.

How did he know that?! He shouldn't know that! Natsuki thought.

A pair of pitch-black raven wings sprouted from his back as she smiled at the pair of Devils. "I am Azazel, otherwise known as the head, the Governor Angel of the Fallen Angels."

"Azazel?!" Issei exclaimed, "But… why- why us?!"

Natsuki closed her eyes and groaned, not for the first time wishing that she never decided to try and save Issei's life from Raynare, nostalgic for her previous, non-supernatural life.

Notes:

The poll is now closed and after tallying the votes from the two polls, the winner is: Ravel Phenex! So from now on The Golden Dragon Empress, will gave a polyamorous relationship between Natsuki, Akeno, and Ravel.

It won't be Akeno and Ravel only interested in Natsuki alone, but all three of them falling for each other. (Although, this will make the fic even more of a slow burn then it already... sorry😳)

Chapter 16: The Start of Summer

Summary:

Summer begins as Natsuki keeps learning new information, being kept in the dark about said information, and running into danger.

Natsuki and Issei stared at the man in shock, surprised that their client was not only a Fallen Angel, but the race's leader.

Natsuki pointed her finger at Azazel, "I knew it! I knew there was something off about you, with the weird vibes I was getting from you there's no way you could've been human!"

Natsuki had felt a strange energy coming from the man since the day they made a contract with him, the feeling never going away each time they met. She had told Rias about it, but the redhead waved her concern off, stating that there were many average humans who had higher than normal amounts of magical energy and that was what she was noticing.

Natsuki's anxiousness about the whole matter was only settled when she spoke to Lux, and the dragon told her that she sensed no ill will or malice from him towards Natsuki and Issei.

Azazel chuckled, "No, I'm not. I was almost afraid when we first met that you would have seen through the glamor spell, I used to disguise myself and figured out I was a Fallen Angel."

Issei spoke up, "A glamor spell? But you look exactly the same as before just with twelve wings popping out of your back."

"There are several types of glamor spells that exist; the one I used was made to hide my scent and power, but Natsuki was still able to pick it up, even just faintly. I heard about your ability to sense magic, but the rumors don't do you any justice. Where did you get it from? Last I was aware, it was not an ability that belonged to the Evolving Dragon."

Natsuki ignored his question, openly scowling at the man, "Why are you here?" It's not an ability from Lux?

"After what happened with Kokabiel, I thought I'd quickly visit. That and one other thing; I also happened to have a special interest in your [Boosted Gear] and [Ethereal Domination]. It also seems that Vali did some excellent work didn't he?"

Oh, yeah. Xenovia told us that Azazel has been collecting Sacred Gear users for a while now. So, is he trying to recruit me and Natsuki? Issei thought.

"Vali?" Natsuki asked.

"It's the name of the White Dragon Emperor." Azazel answered, a dangerous smirk appearing on his lips. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be as present as I'd liked, so I had someone else take care of it in my stead. And I must say I was impressed with how well he followed directions this time."

Natsuki was about to ask what he meant by his last sentence, but Issei jumped forward, comic tears falling from his eyes as he glowered at the Fallen. "So, it your fault, you're the reason I couldn't suck on Rias' boobs! You destroyed my dreams!"

Azazel began to laugh, not expecting such a response, "Did I really? I'm so sorry."

Natsuki slapped the back of Issei's head, "Take this seriously, dummy!"

"Fuck off, Natsuki, this is more than important! This bastard deserves to have a house fall on him!" Issei roared, grabbing Natsuki by the collar of her shirt and shaking her.

"Okay, okay, I get it." Azazel said, stopping the two Devils from arguing any further, "You two will never be able to defeat someone like Kokabiel with the amount of power you have. It really doesn't matter how hard you try."

Natsuki flinched, a low growl leaving his lips, her eyes flashing gold as scowled, a fire burning through her at the man's words.

Azazel raised his hands up placatingly, still smiling lazily, "What I said wasn't meant to be an insult, Golden Dragon, only the truth."

"Well, it won't be true for much longer." Natsuki spat.

Oh, I know it won't... Azazel thought, wanting the two teenagers before him to grow stronger. "But in all seriousness, I have something that I want to discuss with you two."

---

 

"First the Governor General of the Fallen Angels intrudes on my territory and interferes in my business, but now he's trying to poach two of my prized and beloved servants?! It's definitely because of your Scared Gears, how dare he try to lay his hands on you?! The price for this transgression must be answered with a thousand deaths!" Rias angrily spat, pacing in front of her desk.

The next day, Issei and Natsuki immediately told Rias about their encounter with Azazel, how he had been using magic to disguise and masquerading as their human client.

"I'm absolutely livid!" Rias said before walking to Natsuki and Issei and patting their heads softly. "Don't worry, Ise, Natsuki, I protect you both from the evil Fallen Angel."

Issei smiled brightly, not bothering to hide the lovesick expression on his face, more than happy with how Rias was treating him. Natsuki did not know how to respond, she was aware of how deeply the redhead cared for her servants, but she never knew how to react whenever Rias showed how possessive she could be with them.

Kiba then came up to the trio, staring at Issei and Natsuki as if they were going to disappear. "I will protect you both."

"Thanks, Kiba." Natsuki said.

But Issei had an exaggerated look of disgust on his face, "No, um, I am happy but…how should I put this… if I hear such things from a man with a straight face then I'll be troubled on how to respond."

Kiba shook his head, "It's obvious that I'll say that with a straight face; you saved me, you're my precious comrade. If I can't save a comrade in crisis, then I can't call myself a Knight of the Gremory household."

Issei shuddered in disgust; he could understand what Kiba was trying to say, but the tone that Kiba was using was not one used towards a comrade or a friend, but what a hero would say to their love interest.

Please, stop, Kiba. There are already rumors spreading around school that we have a BL romance; this will make it worse! Issei thought.

Without caring about that, Kiba continues, "There's no problem. With my Sacred Gear that attained balance breaker, Ise-kun's [Boosted Gear} and Natsuki-chan's [Ethereal Domination], if we combine these three, then I feel we can surpass any danger that comes our way. Fufu, I wasn't the type to say such things before. After hanging out with you, my readiness for comrades also changedl. But I don't know why I don't dislike that, it makes me feel hot around my chest region."

"…D-Disgusting. You… Don't come near me! Don't touch me!"

Natsuki could not stop herself from laughing when Kiba tried to hug Issei, only for Issei to run to the other side of the room, hiding behind Asia.

Rias smiled too, but it soon fell as her thoughts were consumed once more with the Governor General. "Still, I can't help but wonder how the Governor of the Fallen Angels could be moving around Kuoh unnoticed. And this is even more maddening because we don't know what he is truly planning."

Natsuki felt a chill race down her spine and she quickly turned her head in the direction of the door, facing where she was now feeling two immense amounts of magical energy coming from. Her eyes grew larger when she saw the two people standing across from her, their eyes meeting her own.

Did they just get here? I didn't see any teleportation circle, so how did they just appear like that? Natsuki thought, still staring at the pair dumbfounded.

Sirzechs' smile grew as he stared Natsuki, not surprised that she was the only one out of the group to notice his and Grayfia's arrival. "Azazel has always been like that, Rias-chan."

The rest of the Peerage heard a voice that belonged to nobody among them, turning to face the same direction Natsuki was and the direction the voice came from, seeing a familiar crimson haired male smiling pleasantly at them with his maid dressed wife and Queen by his side.

""O-O-O-Onii-sama!" Rias let out, surprised.

"Azazel won't do anything like what Kokabiel did a few days ago, he may do a prank like last time, though. The Governor just came earlier than the planned date." Sirzechs said.

The rest of the Devils hurriedly kneeled before the Maou and Natsuki followed suit, realizing that she was being rude by just blatantly staring at the older and more powerful Devils.

Sirzechs chuckled, "Please relax, I came here for private business today, no need to be so formal."

Everyone obeyed the order and stood up.

"Onii-sama, w-why are you here?" Rias asked doubtfully, confused by her brother's presence as he had not informed her that he was coming to the human world, along with the fact that he had never come directly to the school when doing so.

After she said that, Sirzechs pulled out a printed form from his pocket and handed it over to Rias. "What are you saying, your open house is coming soon, right? I wanted to see my little sister working hard in her studies from up close."

A look of disbelief and horror overtook Rias' face as she looked at the form and then at her sister-in-law. "Grayfia Onee-sama, please tell me you weren't the one who told him?"

"Yes, the reports from the school come to me as I am the one entrusted with the schedules of all members of the Gremory household. And of course, as Sirzechs-Sama's Queen as well, I reported it to my master." Grayfia responded without hesitation.

"Father is also coming." Sirzechs added, his smile growing larger.

Rias took a step back, "But-but you can't. Both you and father are busy, I mean you can't just drop your responsibilities and-"

"And come see my baby sister in action? Of course I can!"

Rias could do nothing more than drop her head and sigh, seeing this as the losing battle that it was, nothing would deter her brother and father coming to the school's open house and embarrassing her into an early grave.

Th open house was a yearly event that allowed parents and teachers to meet each other face-to-face, where parents are given the same schedule as their child, following them during the school day and were also given reports on their child's progress. They will also be given tours of the school and different classrooms, clubs, and teams, showing off the school's achievements and accolades.

Sirzechs' smile became more of a smirk as he spoke, "And this will count as work, in a way. As you are aware; there will be a meeting between the representatives of the Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels, but we have decided to hold this summit here at Kuoh Academy."

Rias' eyes grew, "Here? Really? Are you serious?"

"Ah, this school somehow seems to have fate tied to it. My little sister, you, the legendary Sekiryuutei and Kogane Ryū Kōgō, the Holy Devil Sword user, the Holy Sword Durandal's wielder and Maou Serafall Leviathan's little sister are attached to this place, and Kokabiel and Hakuryuukou have attacked this place. This is a phenomenon you can't label as coincidence; strong powers keep mixing here, it's like wave motion. I think the people accelerating this wave motion are Hyoudou Issei-kun and Sukehiro Natsuki-chan."

Sirzechs glanced at Natsuki and Issei, Natsuki pursed her lips while Issei stood straighter at the attention, feeling nervous at the way the Maou looked at him briefly.

Sirzechs then looked in Xenovia's direction, "You must be Xenovia-chan."

"I am, it is nice to meet you, Mauo-sama." Xenovia responded, bowing her head to the devil King.

"I got the report from Rias; the Holy Sword wielder of Durandal got reincarnated as a Devil, and not to mention becoming my sister's servant. Truth be told, I was doubting if my ears were working properly when I heard it the first time."

"I also didn't think that I would become a Devil. To be reincarnated into the side that I hated so deeply, even if I say so myself, I sometimes regret it and that it was quite a bold move. Why did I become a Devil? Desperation? However, at that time, truthfully, everything was fine. But was it fine to be a Devil?" Xenovia declared, again unknowingly saying things that she did not mean to say aloud as she was thinking deeply.

This caused Sirzechs to laugh, "It's great that my little sister's Peerage has a lot of interesting people. Xenovia-chan, since you were just reincarnated you won't understand right away, but I want you to support the Gremory household as one of Rias' Knights. I'll be counting on you."

"If I am asked by the Legendary Maou written in the Bible to do it, then I will have no choice but to do it. I don't know how much I will be able to do, but allow me to do whatever I can in my capability."

After hearing Xenovia's words, Sirzechs smiled, the same smile that Rias would always give her servants. "Thank you."

Hearing Sirzechs' thanks and seeing him smile so brightly and earnestly, Xenovia cheeks became slightly red, and she broke eye contact with the Maou, looking towards the ground.

Natsuki clenched her fists as she stared at Sirzechs and Grayfia, once again getting that intense feeling that she knows the pair. It irritated her not knowing the truth that they were no doubt keeping from her, and how she could not explain having met them but having never seen their faces before becoming a Devil.

"Sirzechs-sama."

Sirzechs turned to look at the Pawn, "Yes, Natsuki-chan?"

He will not tell you the truth. Lux suddenly spoke to Natsuki in her mind, He may be smiling at you and treating you kindly, but I can feel his shiftiness around us.

You still haven't told me how you can feel what other people feel and tell when they're lying. Natsuki thought, amusedly.

"Natsuki-chan?" Sirzechs repeated as the girl was just staring at him, not saying anything.

Is she talking to the Golden Dragon? Sirzechs thought.

Natsuki blinked, clearing her throat when she noticed that everyone was looking at her questioningly. "I…You said that Azazel was here for the leaders' summit."

"I did."

"But Issei and I have been going to Azazel for job requests for a while now, so this summit would have had to be in the works way before everything with Kokabiel went down."

"She's right." Rias said, turning towards her brother, "Onii-sama, how long have the leaders of the Three Factions been planning this summit for peace?"

Sirzechs gave his sister a closed eyed smile, "Since God and the four original Maous were killed and the war ended, of course."

"What?!"

Sirzechs laughed at the reactions of everyone, "Obviously, the hatred between our three races was and is still prominent. But even back then, there were those of us aware enough to realize that continuing to kill each other would only lead to the destruction of our races. And lately, more serious issues have become known, making a more permanent alliance between us all."

"What issues?" Natsuki asked.

Sirzechs waved her off, "That's not important; work is being done to correct them. Right now, the only thing you all should be focusing on is putting your best foot forward and preparing for the summit."

Natsuki clenched her jaw, forcing herself to remain quiet and not ask the questions she truly desired to voice. She always hated being kept in the dark about things, of being lied to, but she had to accept that she was now a part of a larger world than the one she was once aware of.

There was a chain of command, a hierarchy, and despite being a servant of a High-Class Devil such as Rias, who was the heir to a Duchy and the sister of one of the leaders if the Devil race, and having one of the fourteen original Longinus as a Sacred Gear, Natsuki was still seen as very low on the totem pole as a reincarnated Devil who was still subservient to another.

Calm yourself, محاربي الشجاع. As I told you, we will not get much from this fake Lucifer, it is pointless to waste time and energy trying to do so. Lux said to her.

I know, but it's so vexing to know that you're being lied to. Why shouldn't I be upset that they are clearly hiding something from me?

You have the right to be upset, but as I said it will not get you anywhere. They cannot keep whatever they are hiding secret for long, and in the meantime, I will help you discover the truth. Discreetly.

We don't even know where to start.

You are a Devil, my dear. We have all the time in the world, just have patience.

Sirzechs clapped his hands together, ending the internal conversation between dragon and host. "Now that the difficult conversation has been had, let us move on to more important matters. Even though I came to the human world, it's nighttime. Would it be fair to ask for a place to stay for the night?"

Everyone looked at each other, all of them, apart from Issei, Rias, and Asia who lived in the Hyoudou household, and Akeno who lived in a converted shrine at the edge of town, lived in apartments, none of which would be big enough to house Sirzechs and Grayfia.

After a few seconds, Issei hesitantly and slowly raised his hand, drawing everyone's attention to him. "You can stay at my house for the night."

---

 

"I am glad to hear that my little sister has not inconvenience you." Sirzechs said, smiling at Miki.

"Oh, no. Rias-san is a such a lovely girl." Miki said as she walked back into the living room. "Clean, eats her vegetables, she hasn't been a bother."

Why am I here? Natsuki thought to herself as she sat next to Sirzechs Lucifer on a couch along with Hyoudou Gorou.

Natsuki knew why she was in the Hyoudou residence; Sirzechs had asked her to come with them and who was she to say no to an all-power Devil who could kill her without even lifting a finger.

It is strange how he has invited us to a home that is not even his. Lux asserted, causing Natsuki to snort. Rias looked at her questioningly for a few seconds before turning away.

Rias had tried to refuse when Issei offered up his house for her brother and sister-in-law to stay in, but there was no way of stopping them once the words left Issei's mouth. And she could do nothing when Sirzechs all but dragged Natsuki to the Hyoudou house, not taking any refusal that Natsuki tried to give.

So, Rias had been red faced since the group arrived in the house, embarrassed and afraid of what Sirzechs and Grayfia might say in the presence of Issei's parents.

Neither Gorou nor Miki was bothered by Natsuki, Sirzechs, and Grayfia spending the night. If anything, they were ecstatic to meet some of Rias' family and getting to better know the friend their son was constantly talking about.

"Oh, she's a wonderful young lady, but I have no idea what she's doing with Issei." Gorou said with a laugh, pouring Sirzechs another drink.

"If you insist." Sirzechs said as he lifted his glass.

Issei could do nothing but sigh and drop his shoulders at the scene, muttering to himself. "Sure, Otou-san, hang out with the Devil King like you two are old friends."

Asia looked at Issei sympathetically as she whispered to him, "It's okay, he doesn't know he's talking to a Maou."

Rias crossed her arms as she started pointedly at Issei, her cheeks still slightly red, "Why did you say he could stay at your house?"

"I was being polite." Issei argued, "And he said he would find a hotel tomorrow."

"Ugh, this is so humiliating," Rias groaned, leaning further back into the chair she was sitting in.

Rias gets humiliated? Issei thought, shocked by the revelation while also thinking of how cute Rias' uncomfortable and shy expression was.

Gorou looked at the other side of the couch to the space directly behind Sirzechs, loudly whispering to the man, "The maid-san over there is…"

"Her name Grayfia. She's actually my wife." Sirzechs answered.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?" The Hyoudou's exclaimed and no one could blame them for how Sirzechs and Grayfia acted.

Grayfia was expressionless as she reached over and pinched her husband's. "I am the maid, Grayfia. I apologize for my master speaking such boring jokes."

"It huwts, It huwts, Grayfia." Sirzechs exclaimed, smiling teary eyed while the angry and quiet Grayfia continued to pinch his cheeks.

Rias covered her face with her hands, trying to hide from the embarrassment she was feeling.

Natsuki took a sip of the juice Miki had given her, "I guess this happens a lot?"

Rias moved her hands low enough to glare at her second Pawn, "This is not funny, Natsuki."

"I didn't say it was." Natsuki replied, but Rias did not believe the girl as she was actively hiding a smirk behind her glass.

Miki cleared her throat, causing Grayfia to reluctantly release her hold on her husband's face, "Well then, Gremory-san, will you be attending the open house as well?"

Sirzechs rubbed his cheeks, "Yes, I have taken a break from work, so I thought I could use this chance to see my little sister's school and how she looks in class. My father will be coming as well."

"Ah, Rias-san's Otou-san as well."

"Father helped in the establishment of Kuoh Academy, so we viewed this as a good chance visit as well. Although, frankly, he just wanted to see Rias's face."

Once again, Rias sighed, her face becoming as red as her hair as the adults in the room laughed.

I am in hell… Rias thought.

---

 

"What? You cannot be serious! Are you trying to tell me I can't sleep with Ise?" Rias exclaimed, standing in the doorway of Issei's bedroom in a form fitting nightgown.

"Sorry, but I want to talk to him as we go to bed. Natsuki too, its why I asked her to come. Surely, I can borrow him for just an evening?" Sirzechs said as he and Natsuki set up the futons Miki had given them.

Whatever he has to say has to be important if he wants to talk to me and Issei alone. But since Issei is here, it's not going to be about Sirzechs' lying. Natsuki thought.

Issei looked at the two surprised. He doesn't care that we sleep together?

Rias then ran into the room and hugged Issei, "Can you sleep alone? Are you all right with me not being beside you? I am not all right though. Just by you not being beside me..."

While he was very happy by the action and the words, this made issei think about something Akeno had told him, wondering if she was right about Rias' degree of dependence towards him was increasing and if it was obvious to everyone if Sirzechs did not care that he was sharing a bed with his younger sister.

Before Issei could respond, Grayfia entered the room with Asia, "Ojou-sama, now let's return to our room."

"I'm coming." Rias sighed.

"Rest well." Grayfia told the other as she curtseyed to them, Grayfia then took Rias by the hand and led her out of the room, saying something quietly to her.

"I know, Grayfia…" Rias replied, looking back at Issei.

"Uh, sweet dreams, Buchou." Issei said as the two left, "She's acting like we're a parent and child being separated."

Natsuki turned to Issei in disbelief, "You can't be serious? Do you actually think she sees you as her kid?"

"Yeah. I mean, I'm one of her cute servants. She sleeps in my bed because I'm like her body pillow that she uses to have a good night's rest. Everything between us, it's familial." Issei answered, ignoring Natsuki looking at him like he was an idiot.

To him, there was no way that Rias Gremory would ever be interested in someone like him. And he has been painfully taught why a lame pervert like himself would never get a beautiful girl to return his feelings.

No doubt the boys from my class think I've lost my virginity, and I'm definitely not going to correct them! But if it were Kiba or some other guys, would they have already slept with Buchou? No, no, that's not true! Even though I sleep with two hot girls every night, there is a proper order for things. For me to skip the order and attack Buchou is…

With how cowardly you're being about the whole thing, you're not the Red Dragon Emperor but the Red Virgin Emperor, Partner. Ddraig voiced within Issei's mind.

Shut up! Leave me alone! In the meantime, I will do ecchi things with Buchou and you can just keep on looking from there!

Issei shook his head, pulled out of his conversation with Ddraig when Asia hugged him, "Ise… Um, Ise-san, good night. I also think it's unfortunate but tonight I'll sleep in my room."

Slightly bowing her head, Asia headed off towards her room smiling to herself, leaving Issei and Natsuki alone with the Maou.

Man, why did that make me feel guilty? Issei thought as he and the others finished getting ready for bed.

When Issei turned off the lights, Natsuki could not deny the awkwardness she felt laying on a futon right next to a Maou, feeling like this could have been the set up to a really bad and raunchy joke.

"I heard you two met Azazel." Sirzechs finally said, breaking the silence.

"We did." Issei said obediently.

"I hear he did nothing to you, but did he say something to you?"

Natsuki answered this time, "'I'll meet you again next time,' is what he said."

"I see, Azazel has always had a strong interest in the Sacred Gears, your [Boosted Gear] and [Ethereal Domination] are no exception. Actually, same as the two of you, a person possessing the Longinus has gathered alongside him."

"We know, Maou-sama; Rias told us, and it was obvious who Vali was when he showed up and beat Kokabiel. But what purpose does Azazel have for any of this?" Natsuki asked.

Sirzechs turned to face the ceiling, "I don't know, Azazel is the Governor of an organization with the power to affect Heaven, the Underworld, and the human world. However, he doesn't like war like Kokabiel does. And it's because of that hate for war, that the Fallen Angels were the first to withdraw from the Great War. And I know that Azazel has punished Kokabiel by freezing him solid in Cocytus."

I don't want to have another owner other than Buchou. Would Azazel want Natsuki and I as his servants? Is that why he's so interested in us? What if he brainwashes us? Issei thought, a shiver racing down his spine.

As if realizing Issei's concern, Sirzechs spoke in an amused tone. "Don't worry, I can guarantee your safety, you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't happen often that one, let alone two, legendary dragons join the side of Devils. And my little sister treats you both dearly, I've never seen Rias have so much fun, even in the underworld. I am sure she must be having fun every day, so I have to thank you."

The two Pawns could hear the deep affection Sirzechs had for Rias in his voice, see the way his expression brightened as he spoke about her.

Sirzechs looked at the pair warmly, "Hyoudou Issei-kun, Sukehiro Natsuki-chan. Take care of my sister Rias, from now on too."

"Of course! I'm Rias Gremory's Pawn, I will protect her with my life!" Issei boasted.

Natsuki nodded her head, "Rias is our friend and King; she has me in her corner as long as she needs me."

"Thank you very much, I appreciate it." Sirzechs said before sitting up in his futon and looking at Issei directly, "Also, I never asked, is it if I call you Ise-kun like my little sister does?"

Issei sat up in his own bed, "O-Of course! It's an honor!"

Sirzechs then looked at Natsuki, placing and hand under his chin as if he was deep thought. "You don't have a nickname, Natsuki-chan."

"And I don't need one, Maou-sama." Natsuki quickly vocalized, trying to be as respectful as possible.

The only person who referred to her by a nickname was Kushina, who would often call her Natsu, Natsu-chan, or her summer princess, all of which made her feel a warmth in her chest and embarrassment if Kushina did so in public.

So, the thought of a Maou, and undoubtedly others doing the same felt wrong in a way that she could not properly put into words.

"Oh, I'll think of one later. It will come to me eventually." Sirzechs laughed, ignoring what the younger girl next to him said and the sigh that went with it. "Regardless, it's only fair that I ask you both to call me by name. Onii-san is also fine."

Natsuki and Issei looked at each other, both shocked before Issei answered the older Devil. "I feel like that would rude given everything. Would calling you Sirzechs-sama be all right?"

Sirzechs sighed, a pout appearing on his lips that made him look even more like his sister. "That's fine, but it's a pity, I wanted to be called Onii-san by two legendary dragons. Meh, it will happen eventually with one of you, so this can do for now."

"Huh?" Issei breathed out, not understanding what Sirzechs was implying.

Natsuki did understand and chuckle to herself, accidentally meeting Sirzechs' eye, the man giving her a playful wink that made her laugh harder, much to Issei's confusion.

Sirzechs then looked at Issei, "Hey Ise-kun, I wanted to ask you something. You have an appreciation for women with large breasts, yes?"

Natsuki's eyes grew larger, not expecting the Maou to ask such a question.

Issei's hearing the question, jumped out of his bed passionately. "Yes, sir! I love them more than air!" But the Pawn immediately froze, realizing that he just voiced his lustful desires to Maou, becoming embarrassed by his own behavior.

Sirzechs continued, unbothered by the outburst, "Even as her brother, I can acknowledge that Rias has a very attractive set."

Issei stood straighter, "Agreed. Rias-Buchou-my master's boobs are the best there is. Nothing else can compare."

"What the fuck kind of conversation is this?" Natsuki asked aloud, looking at the other two Devils annoyed and weirded out, but was ignored by them both.

"Might I speak hypothetically for a moment?" Sirzechs asked.

"Uh, yes?" Issei replied.

Sirzechs began to smirk, "Have you ever wondered what would happen if you transferred your power from your [Boosted Gear] to Rias' breasts?"

A shock like he had never felt before, washed over Issei as he began to think about Sirzechs' idea.

Use [Boosted Gear] on Bu-Buchou's boobs? No way, such a thing even possible? No, but! That concept wasn't present! Gift to boobs! To transfer the power of Sekiryuutei on boobs! Th-That is, what exactly would happen if that occurred? I can't imagine it! I can't predict it! Dammit! Sirzechs-sama's glorious brain is far above mine! Would the size increase? No, no, would they shine while stretched? Uhhhhh! I don't know!

"Just something to think about." Sirzechs said, watching as Issei weakly climbed back into bed, staring at the ceiling as his brain was overwhelmed by the thought of what he could do with his newly given knowledge.

Natsuki looked at the Maou deadpanned, "Did you really come all the way to this house, made me sleep over here too, just to tell Issei to sexually harass your sister?"

I cannot believe that this fool was the man capable of besting so many of my pervious hosts. It makes me feel pathetic. Lux said, the disgust in her tone evident, and Natsuki could not help but agree somewhat.

Sirzechs grinned, "From what I witnessed in the Rating Game against Riser and in the reports I received after your battle against Kokabiel, Issei seems to respond greatly to women's bodies. I am only ensuring that he continues growing as much as he has been."

Natsuki could not deny that Sirzechs was right in a sense; Issei's dream of becoming a Harem King and his lust have driven him to become stronger. But Natsuki knew that this dream had been secondary in the battles they had fought.

Raynare and her group of Fallen, Riser and his Peerage, Kokabiel, Valper, and Freed. They were all people Issei fought in the defense others, to protect and keep their friends safe.

Issei was weaker than me, a lot weaker, but now I can feel him closing the gap. I have been fighting just like him to protect the Peerage, so why do I feel like I'm stagnating? I want to be the strongest, isn't that a better goal to have than sleeping with a bunch of girls? Natsuki knew that it was wrong to think the way she was, that she should be happy for Issei's growth, but she could not help it, this newfound jealousy and insecurity was gripping her tightly.

"You shouldn't be upset about your own progress. You're getting stronger every day, even if it doesn't feel like it." Sirzechs said knowingly, causing the girl's head to snap towards him.

Natsuki's jaw clenched, "I'm not-"

"You are. You're jealous of Issei, afraid that he is going to overtake you soon."

Natsuki quickly turned her head the other way, looking at Issei and feeling relieved when she saw that the boy had fallen asleep.

"It is a common emotion to feel, it does not make you lesser. It's what you do and how you act with that emotion that matters." Sirzechs continued.

Natsuki looked down at her hands, "And you can relate to what I'm feeling?"

"I wasn't always Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan, Ace of the Anti-Satan Faction."

Natsuki scoffed, "Excuse me if I find it hard to believe that the Embodiment of Destruction was ever a normal man."

"My sister tell you about that nickname?" Sirzechs asked with a laugh, "Still, I was not as strong nor confident in my abilities as I am now. You are much the same, you just need to reach that… enlightened moment in your path to greatness."

"Enlightened?"

"Yes, enlightened." Sirzechs repeated, "You have to find clarity and understanding within yourself, your reason for being."

"And Issei's obsession with breasts is enlightenment?" Natsuki asked sarcastically.

"To Issei it is." Sirzechs grinned, "It's different for everyone, Issei just happens to be guided more by the tenant of lust than other Devils."

"So, the Seven Deadly Sins are real?" Natsuki asked, temporarily distracted.

"Not in the physical or magical sense. Devils are known for being creatures of selfishness and desire, so its easiness to chalk up the commonness of these traits into seven tenants to which one must aspire."

Natsuki remained quiet for a few moments before whispering, "How do I reach this enlightenment I need to get stronger?"

Sirzechs shrugged playfully, "I can't tell you that, Natsuki-chan. It's something one must figure out for themselves."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Will you at least tell me how we know each other?"

"Natsuki-chan, you are my sister's Pawn, how else-"

"I know you are lying to me." Natsuki snapped, "I can feel it, so how do I know you and your wife?"

Sirzechs stared at Natsuki, the smile on his face irritating the girl. "It's not important for you to know at the moment; you'll learn the truth soon enough, especially with the surprise coming in a few days."

Natsuki looked at the other Devil confused, "A surprise? Not important? What does that even mean?"

Sirzechs once again shrugged, "Who knows."

Natsuki narrowed her eyes, "And you won't tell me, Sirzechs-sama?"

"I won't." Sirzechs replied with an easy-going tone, "You could always try to beat the answers out of me if you desire to know so badly."

"I don't have a death wish." Natsuki said sardonically.

Sirzechs laughed, "Oh, I wouldn't harm one of Rias' precious servants."

"But-"

"Natsuki," The girl could not stop herself from flinching with the now serious and cold way that Sirzechs said her name and with no honorific and the end. His eyes her glowing a slight reddish black color, and his body language had lost its playful demeanor; this was no longer Rias' goofy, friendly, siscon older brother, this was a Maou, one of the strongest beings alive, and it terrified her.

Natsuki… Lux said, her voice taking on a tense and nervous edge.

"I know you have questions, but I will not answer them for you. Trust me when I say you are better off not knowing, there is nothing you need to concern yourself with."

Better off not knowing? Not knowing what? I just wanted to know why you know me, what does this have to do with, why is this so serious? "I just-"

"Am I understood, Natsuki?" Sirzechs asked, his voice becoming deeper, shaking Natsuki to her bones.

"I-I… Understood, S-Sirzechs-sama." Natsuki stuttered.

In an instant, the glow of his eyes was gone, his body relaxed, and his smile returned. "Good."

What the fuck was that?! Natsuki thought, staring at the Maou wide eyed.

Sirzechs then yawned loudly, "Well, that was a good talk. Good night, Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki watched as Sirzechs laid down on his futon, pulling his blanket over his chest and closing his eyes, falling asleep quickly.

"What the fuck…" Natsuki said aloud, still shocked from what just happened.

We need to leave. Lux said to Natsuki, her voice slightly frantic.

"I don't think we can." Natsuki said, still staring at Sirzechs sleeping face, "Wouldn't he notice us leave?"

He would. Lux sighed; This Devil is more dangerous than I remember him being, and he has certainly gotten stronger. And it only makes me more curious about what he knows.

Natsuki laid down on her futon, staring at the ceiling conflicted, "I need to know."

Natsuki could not see Lux's face, but she could practically feel the expression on her face. Even after he just threatened you?

"I'm stubborn, you know this, Lux."

Lux laughed slightly. Yes, I am more than aware of that fact.

Natsuki continued to stare at the ceiling, Lux quieted down but remained awake with her, as a form of silent protection and support.

As hard as she tried, Natsuki was not able to sleep peacefully that night, her body and mid still wired with questions that refused to leave her and a fear that remained with her due to the man sleeping calmly beside her.

---

 

Two Days Later

The next day after spending the night at Issei's house, the younger Devils took Sirzechs and Grayfia out and showed them around the area before they had to leave.

They went to a few arcades, something Sirzechs mentioned he wanted to bring to the Underworld, and Issei found himself shocked when he kept getting beaten by the centuries old Devil. At the ice cream shop, they tested out all the flavors, much to the annoyance of the people working there. And finally, they went to the Shinto shrine, where the Maou's absolute Demonic power drove away the shrine's Holy power just by stepping one foot inside the building, allowing the other Devils to enter the holy building unscathed.

Now the Occult Research Club was cleaning the school's pool as a favor to the Student Council and as thanks for helping them maintain the barrier when Kokabiel tried to reignite the Great War. Rias agreed to cleaning the pool on the condition that she and her Peerage were the first ones to use it and as often as they liked.

"Natsuki, why do you look so bored? Don't you understand the greatness that has befallen us on this day?!" Issei exclaimed, staring at the pool with tears of joy.

He, Natsuki, and Kiba were standing before the pool waiting for the rest of the girls to finish changing into their bathing suits now that they had finished cleaning.

Issei was wearing moss green swimming trunks with a gold rope, Kiba was wearing a blue swimming cap over his head and dark blue speedos, and Natsuki was wearing a black bikini top and yellow swimming trunks with a black vertical stripe going down both sides.

Issei could not help the slight jealous he felt seeing his friends more muscular builds, both Kiba and Natsuki having lean muscles and abs.

"Issei, it's a pool, and all we're doing in it is swimming." Natsuki replied.

In all honesty, Natsuki did not find much enjoyment in swimming, all of which stemmed from her childhood and how she only learned to do so because the other kids in the orphanage like to throw her off an old bridge that was near their home during the winter.

They found humor in watching the cold and soaked girl nearly drowning trying to escape the river and reach the shore. But this behavior stopped once Natsuki had to all but force herself to learn how to swim and thus no longer being able to watch her flail around helplessly.

It also did not help that swimming at a pool required a person to change in and out of a swimsuit, but Natsuki circumvented this today by wearing her swimsuit underneath her clothes and was planning to wait for the other girls to finished changing before doing so herself once they were done for the day.

Issei shook his head back and forth, "It's not about the pool! It's about what the pool provides; beautiful girls in skimpy, barely able to hold on, bathing suits!"

Kiba chuckled, "I feel like you two will never be able to agree on this topic."

Issei then turned to the other boy, "C'mon, Kiba, you have to agree with me here!"

Kiba shrugged, "Sorry, Ise, but I mainly want to use the pool because it's a good sense of exercise. I'll be able to improve my endurance with a couple dozen laps for sure."

Issei dropped his head, "I'm surrounded by ungrateful fools."

The trio were not kept waiting much longer as Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Asia walked out of the girls' changing room.

"Sorry to keep you three waiting." Rias said while Akeno used her magic to fill the newly cleaned pool with water.

The redhead was wearing a pure white swimsuit that fit firmly on her body, with her bottoms being held up by three interconnecting golden rings on each side of her hips. The whole look extenuated the girl's long shapely legs and backside.

Noticing Issei's hard staring, Rias grinned, "Hey, Ise. How does my swimsuit look?"

"Puh! It's the greatest swimsuit I've ever seen!" Issei yelled, feeling blood beginning to drip from his nose.

"Ara, ara. It's amusing how badly you wish to impress Ise-kun with your bikini, Buchou." Akeno said as she walked over.

Akeno was wearing a purple and pink bandeau with matching bottoms, and the shoulder straps were moved to hang around her neck. The cloth was small and stretched out, as if it would snap and break if Akeno did anything too strenuous.

Aah, if the two Great Onee-samas wore clothes like this every day, then a lot of young boys will have to start slouching! Issei thought feverishly.

"As if you aren't trying to do the same." Rias said to the other girl quietly, pointedly looking in Natsuki's direction.

Akeno giggled, but did not deny the claim that Rias threw at her; she bought this outfit with the singular purpose of drawing some reaction out of the Pawn and was not shy to say it. But she also found herself burning up as she looked at Natsuki's attire, licking her lips as she watched Natsuki's muscles tense with each movement she took.

"Ise-san. I-I came after changing as well." Issei turned around and saw Asia fidgeting behind him. Asia was wearing the traditional school swimsuit, with the name 'Asia' written across her chest.

Issei grinned, giving the girl a thumbs up, "Asia, you're looking cute! Your onii-san is deeply moved! It suits you well!" Yeah, if a blonde haired bishoujo wears a Japanese swimsuit then you will feel an incredible power!

Asia smiled, "Ehehe. I am happy that Ise-san said that. Koneko-chan is wearing a school swimsuit too."

Koneko was indeed wearing the same school swimsuit, the only difference being that Koneko had a white swim cap on her head and the name written across her chest was her own.

"Wow, Koneko-chan, you're looking more like a school mascot than ever. I've got to say, it works for you!"

Koneko looked away from Issei, a small blush appearing on her cheeks, "I honestly have no response for that. I guess it's better to have the pervert's opinion than anyone else."

Natsuki reached over and poked one of the red cheeks with her finger, "Koneko, don't tell me you're falling for Issei's charm, I thought he was a useless pervert?"

Koneko's face twitched and in response to Natsuki's teasing, grabbed the finger she was still poking her cheek with, squeezing it hard.

"OW! It was a joke, Koneko, it was a joke!" Natsuki screamed, trying but failing to pull her finger out of the younger girl's grip.

The others laughed at the sight, especially when Koneko refused to show mercy and squeezed even harder, causing Natsuki to drop to her knees.

Rias had come to Natsuki's rescue, clapping her hands to gain everyone's attention, "Alright guys, let's get to swimming, we don't have all day to waste."

"Yes, Buchou!" Everyone except Natsuki who was still cradling her finger exclaimed.

Rias then put her hands on Koneko's shoulders, "Ise, I hate to ask, but could you help Koneko and Asia by being their partner? Neither of them knows how to swim by themselves."

"Oh, yeah, totally." Issei said before looking at Koneko, "Let's get in the water, Koneko-chan."

Koneko nodded her head and walked to the edge of the pool, holding Issei's hand as he slowly helped her into the water. Asia stood on the side watching the pair and beginning to cheer on the younger girl."

Kiba jumped into the water, swimming to the other side and beginning his laps, swimming as fast as he could back and forth inside the lane he had entered.

Natsuki walked over to the nearby chairs, sitting down on the one directly under an umbrella as she closed her eyes and relaxed.

Akeno pouted as she watched Natsuki sit down instead of swimming and was about to go and try and convince her otherwise but was distracted when Rias issued a challenge to race in the water.

Why can't I relax? Natsuki thought to herself, reluctantly opening her eyes as her thoughts kept racing, still thinking about two nights ago in Issei's bedroom.

You could try swimming to burn off your restless energy. Lux spoke softly in Natsuki's head.

I could. Natsuki said plainly, staring at the pool with distaste.

Lux, being intwined with Natsuki's soul, could look into Natsuki's mind and see her memories, so she knew why Natsuki did not want to swim, and did not begrudge her for it, nor was she going to mention it. You are going to drive yourself mad by refusing to move on from your encounter with Sirzechs.

Natsuki sighed. I know, I'm trying, it's just so… I don't know what to do, Lux.

Neither do I, to be honest. This whole situation has left me troubled, but I suppose it makes sense why Sirzechs would be hiding something in relation to you.

Natsuki sat up, staring at Issei as he helped Asia with feet pedaling. What do you mean? Do you know something, Lux?

Lux sighed, she had not been planning to tell Natsuki this, but she figured this was as good a time as any. You and I share a body, Natsuki. That night, when you first unlocked your Sacred Gear, I awoke from my slumber, and… and I could feel that something was different about you.

What? What was different about me?

Your body, your soul, they were not like any human host I had ever had before, but I realized that it held similarities to some hybrid hosts I have had in the past. Like your friend, Akeno, I do not believe that you were entirely human when you died.

Natsuki froze, shocked by what she just heard. I'm, I'm not human?

I cannot tell you what your other side might be, but I do know that I have not had a host with the same lineage. And I can tell you that it does not belong to the pantheon that you are currently apart of; you are not of Devil, Fallen, or Angel origin.

Pantheon?

Gods, mythical creatures, and monsters from other religions and cultures; pantheons, exist. Lux explained. Greek, Roman, Norse, they are all real.

Natsuki took a moment to adjust. And you don't know which one I could belong to?

No, I do not. Many of the pantheons have crossed with each other over the eons, and many share histories and commonalties with each other. There are so many beings with similar energies that it is hard to tell, especially with how many I have come across in my lifetime.

Natsuki did not know how to process the knowledge that she was a hybrid; a reincarnated Devil and something else that she did not know.

It is one of the reasons I believe that your magic is so strange and has manifested the way it has. Why you are so attuned with the magical energies around you, able to sense it better than almost all partners I have had in the past, why you can create black masses of magic.

Natsuki's eyes widened. That ability didn't come from you?

It did not, it is all you, Natsuki.

It's all me...

Natsuki did not know how much time had passed as she became lost in thought, only snapping back when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck from behind, the person pressing their chest firmly against her back, and resting their chin on her left shoulder.

Akeno's lips skirted against the edge of Natsuki's ear, allowing Natsuki to feel Akeno's warm breath as she spoke. "You know, it really hurts my feelings when you sit here with your head in the clouds, especially when I picked this bathing suit just for you, Natsuki-chan. It breaks my heart; you should take responsibility for that."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "I didn't ask you to buy anything for me. And even if I did, I doubt I would like any form of payment I would have to give you for it."

"Maow, you're no fun." Akeno joked, taking a strand of Natsuki's hair, and twirling it around her finger. "Why aren't you swimming with the rest of us?"

"I didn't feel like it." Natsuki said.

"Why?" Akeno asked.

"Where's Xenovia? It shouldn't take that long to put on a swimsuit, one of us should go check on her or something." Natsuki tried to stand up, but Akeno tightened her hold, refusing to let the other girl leave so easily.

"Natsuki-chan, it's rude to change the subject like that and to make up fake excuses."

Natsuki sighed, "I don't like swimming, okay. It just brings up bad memories for me."

Akeno became solemn, "You could have told us, we would all understand if you didn't want to stay after the pool was clean."

"I wanted to stay, Akeno-senpai." Natsuki argued, "And besides, it's not like I have some debilitating aversion to swimming, I just don't care for it the same way you guys do."

"Well, let's make some new memories to get rid of those pesky ones from when you were a kid." Akeno said, nodded her head towards the pool.

"You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?"

Akeno grinned, leaning even closer to Natsuki, "I would honestly love it if you said no; it would make things all the sweeter for me." She then licked the inside of Natsuki's ear before biting her earlobe, pulling the skin with her teeth.

Natsuki jumped at the sudden action and the pain it caused, but she also shivered, a warm feeling spreading in her stomach and across her face.

Akeno's eyes brightened in delightful surprise, "Did you enjoy that, Natsuki-chan? Do you like it when I hurt you? I'm sure you'd like me to be in control of your pleasure, to-"

"Akeno..." Natsuki turned her head, looking at the older girl coldly.

"Yes?" Akeno asked playfully, slowly releasing her hold on Natsuki, and standing.

"I'm going to kill you." Natsuki spat, embarrassed that Akeno had managed to draw out such a strange sensation in her body.

Akeno giggled, quickly sprinting away, Natsuki right on her heels determined to catch her. Akeno ran to one of the pool's diving boards, balancing on the edge as she watched Natsuki run at her full speed.

Natsuki, not paying attention to where Akeno was standing, only that she had stopped running, kept charging towards her and tackling her, causing them both to fall into the pool.

When they resurfaced, Natsuki was still holding Akeno, her arms wrapped around the older girl's waist. Akeno laughed, "That wasn't so hard now, was it?"

"You're annoying, senpai." Natsuki growled.

Akeno laughed in response, and when she stopped, she rested her hands on Natsuki's shoulders as the younger girl continued to hold her.

Her eyes, they're brighter when she's relaxed, the burgundy color becomes more prominent. Akeno thought, seeing that Natsuki's eyes were no longer hooded like they were when she was sitting by herself.

Natsuki cleared her throat and tried to let go of Akeno when she realized the position they were in, but once again, Akeno refused to let her.

"Ara, I'm not letting you go, Natsuki-chan, you might try to leave."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "I won't, if I do, I'd have to deal with you annoying me again."

"I would call it being kind instead of annoying." Akeno smirked.

"Of course you would." Natsuki said, and as they remained in an embrace, Natsuki then remembered her conversation with Lux. "Akeno-senpai, can I ask you something?"

"Yes?" Akeno said, fluttering her eyelashes at Natsuki flirtatiously.

Natsuki licked her lips, "When we were fighting K-"

Splash!

Suddenly, the pair were hit by a wave of water, with the water getting into their mouths and noses. And when they looked to the side, Rias and Issei were grinning at them, making it obvious who splashed them.

Akeno and Natsuki looked at each other for a moment, and simultaneously turned back to the other two Devils. Both smirked fiendishly, their expressions promising vengeance, unaware of how fitting they looked with each other.

"Buchou, I think we made a mistake here." Issei said, slowly trying to back away from the pair across from them.

Rias only laughed, "That's what makes it fun!"

Just as the words left her lips, Rias was hit by a fast stream of water that Akeno used her magic to create, sending her to the other end of the pool. Issei's mouth dropped open in shock, both by the force of the stream and the speed at which Akeno had fired it, the attack having moved faster than he had been able to track.

When he turned to look at Natsuki, Issei saw that she had a sphere of water in her right hand, a similar form to the black bolt she liked to create. Natsuki pulled her arm back and threw the sphere of water at him, the object blurring before his eyes.

Oh, no...

---

 

The Next Day

Issei sighed as he folded his arms behind his head as he walked to school that morning.

This was the first time in a while that he was walking to school by himself, Rias had work that she had to in the clubroom that morning and Asia had also left early, going to the apartment that Xenovia was now living in, wanting to help her get ready for her first day of school.

When he thought of Xenovia, Issei sighed, not knowing what to make of what happened yesterday in the pool equipment room. The Knight had propositioned the Pawn, wanting him to give her child as she desired to become a mother, choosing Issei as she believed that he would give her powerful children.

Xenovia had grown up in the Church, devoting her entire life to God, training, and her studies, so now that she was a Devil and had been excommunicated, she had to find a new purpose.

In that moment, Issei was shocked and ecstatic that a beautiful girl wanted to sleep with him, that he would finally lose his virginity, but now that he had a clearer head, Issei realized how scummy it would have been if he did sleep with Xenovia.

The newly reincarnated Devil was a lot like Asia; both were girls who grew up in sheltered and conservative environments, and now they were free to do what they liked, Xenovia asking him to impregnate him proved that.

Xenovia just wanted to fulfil a dream, and I was the closest guy there, it didn't mean anything. I mean, if she wanted really strong kids, she could go to Kiba or Natsuki. Well, maybe not Natsuki, she's more likely to run Xenovia through with a sword than have sex with her. Issei thought.

As if she could hear his thoughts, Issei saw Natsuki approaching as she crossed the street, yawning as she walked, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Hey, Issei."

Issei grinned, "It's been a while since you've been on time for school."

Natsuki huffed, "I don't want another lecture from Sona-Kaichou, so I willed myself to get ready. I think becoming a Devil has made me more tired, I never used to sleep in like this when I was human."

"You sure it's not just you? I've been a Devil just as long as you and I'm not having any problems getting up in the morning."

"Yeah, because Rias probably rolls onto you in her sleep and suffocates you into consciousness with her chest every morning." Natsuki said drily.

"T-t-that's not what happens!" Issei screeched, but with how red his face was becoming, Natsuki was sure that such a scenario had happened at some point.

"Hmm, sure." Natsuki said as the two were getting closer to the gates of the academy.

"Shut up! You're just jealous that you can't get Akeno-senpai to use you like a body pillow like Buchou does with me!"

"Why would I be jealous of-" Natsuki stopped talking, feeling an overwhelming power wash over her, coming from the school gates.

It's, it's him again. Natsuki thought.

Issei looked at Natsuki when she suddenly stopped talking, seeing the unnerved look on her face, "Natsuki, what's wro-"

Issei froze, grabbing his left arm when he felt a pulse run through it, over the area that his [Boosted Gear] encompassed. The feeling was an intense burning sensation that came without warning, getting stronger the closer they moved to the school.

"What the hell is going on?" Issei asked, his attention falling on a teenage boy who was leaning on the school gates, his eyes locked on Issei and Natsuki, smirking at them.

He was a handsome young man with light silver hair, and hazel eyes. He was slightly shorter than Issei, and with his facial features it was clear that he was a foreigner, but neither Devil could tell what his age was, if he was younger or older than them. He was wearing a dark green V-neck shirt with a high-collared black leather jacket over it, burgundy jeans with a silver chain drooping down over them and black leather chaps with three bands encircling his right calf, and black shoes with black buckles.

"Who are you?" Issei asked as the other students around them were filling into the school, but most taking note of the handsome stranger as they passed by, leaving the three alone.

The stranger pushed himself off the gate, sauntering up to Issei and Natsuki, the smirk never leaving his face. "You don't remember me? That hurts, this is the second time we've met."

"It is?" Issei asked, confused as he was sure that he would have remembered meeting a guy who looked like that.

"Issei," Natsuki said, glaring at the man across from them, "He's the White Dragon Emperor."

The White Dragon Emperor grinned, "I'm Vali, but you can keep calling me the White Dragon, or even the Vanishing Dragon."

"What?!" Issei yelled, "You're the White Dragon Emperor?!"

"And you're the Welsh Dragon, Sekiryuutei; Hyoudou Issei." Vali then looked at Natsuki, "And you're the Evolving Dragon, Kogane Ryū Kōgō; Sukehiro Natsuki."

Chapter 17: Open House

Summary:

The Open House at Kuoh Academy happens, causing Natsuki to learn some pretty damning things from Sirzechs....

"Yeah, so what do you want?" Natsuki asked, still glaring at Vali.

Vali smirked, and while Natsuki could feel his magic coming closer to her, indicating that he was moving towards her, Natsuki could not move fast enough to avoid Vali's hand wrapping around her throat.

Vali smirked, "Too-"

Vali opened his smirking mouth to speak, but quieted himself when two swords were suddenly thrust at him, both sitting less than a millimeter from his neck.

Kiba and Xenovia were standing behind the Vanishing Dragon, both using the speed their Knight pieces granted them to close the distance. The Holy Demonic Sword and Durandal were emitting an intense aura, the blades responding to the emotions of their wielders, feeding on their anger.

"I don't know what you're planning, but you're taking it too far. Now let go of Natsuki." Kiba growled.

"Your rivalry with Natsuki-san and Issei-san will not be starting here and not today. We won't let you." Xenovia added.

Vali turned his head to look at the sword wielding duo, his arrogant smirk still on his face, "Those are some tough words, and I might have been able to take them seriously if your hands weren't shaking."

Like Vali said, Kiba and Xenovia's hands were indeed shaking, causing their swords to tremble, their expressions tightening with rage. As Devils, they all had instincts not unlike the ones animals possessed, and their instincts were telling them to run, to get as far away from the apex predator before them.

"It's fine to boast, not knowing the difference between your opponent's strength, but between me and you, there is a decisive difference in power. You, who couldn't win against the likes of Kokabiel, won't be able to win against me." Vali snickered as Kiba and Xenovia reluctantly dispelled their swords, knowing that if Vali genuinely wanted to, he could kill them with ease. He was not Kokabiel, the Fallen who not only outmatched them, but made it very clear that the only reason the Gremory Peerage lasted so long was because the Fallen was toying with them.

A growl ripped through the air as Natsuki grabbed the hand that Vali still had on her neck, forcing it off. She squeezed Vali's wrist tightly, her eyes no longer burgundy, but a glowing gold as she glared at him venously, her voice becoming layered, something that had not happened since Riser appeared in the clubroom. "Shut your fucking mouth, you arrogant little punk. Keep on smirking and keep on talking; it'll just make it all the sweeter when I beat you into the dirt."

Vali looked Natsuki up and down, unbothered by the hold she now had on him, and to Natsuki's displeasure, still smirking. "You'd definitely be the more interesting combatant out of the two of you, you're more in touch with your dragon. But tell me, Sukehiro Natsuki, how do you think you and Hyoudou Issei compare to those with power in this world?"

"What do you mean?" Issei asked.

"I'm talking about your Balance Breaker; it looks quite incomplete to me, but still a four-digit ranking." Vali said, raising four of his fingers with his other hand. "On a scale of strongest to weakest, that is. I'd say between one thousandth and fifteen hundredth or lower. Although, for such a perverted owner, I bet it's even lower."

"Don't talk to him like that!" Natsuki all but roared.

Vali grinned, "There are a lot of strong people in this world. Even the Crimson Satan, Sirzechs Lucifer wouldn't fit in the top ten."

Are there really so many people stronger than Lucifer-sama? I honestly can't imagine it. Issei thought.

The Vanishing Dragon then raised a finger, "However, first place has long been decided; it's a fixed existence."

"Are you saying you're the first?"

He shrugs his shoulders in response to Issei's question, causing Issei to glare at Vali, "That's great and all, but what's your point?"

Vali looked between the two Pawns, "My point is that you're, you both are, valuable players. You should be taken care of and natured." Vali then looked behind Natsuki and Issei, "Don't you agree, Rias Gremory?"

Around Rias, there was Asia, Akeno, and Koneko, in contrast, Asia looked troubled while Akeno and Koneko looked ready to fight Vali.

Rias was angered, barely containing the rage that Vali's sudden appearance inspired within in her. "I don't need your advice, Hakuryuukou. Now, what is the meaning of all this? If you've come here on behalf of the Fallen Angels, then more-"

"You are aware that the Welsh Dragon and the Vanishing Dragon are known as the Two Heavenly Dragons, yes? People related to the Red, White, and even the Golden dragons have never had the best luck, it makes me wonder, how the lives of you and your Peerage will turn out."

Rias' expression remained the same, but her Demonic energy began flaring up, covering the outer area of Kuoh Academy.

"Calm down, I'm not here to fight." Vali said causally, "I just wanted to see the school that I visited last time, under more dire circumstances. I came to Japan while escorting Azazel, but I was bored, I won't fight the Welsh and Evolving dragons here, not to mention, I have a lot of work to do."

After saying that, Vali rips his arm out of Natsuki's hand and turns his heel and walking down the street, away from the school. But even after he leaves, the large cloud of nervousness and fear the Devils felt does not go away, still permeating the surrounding area.

Natsuki growls again, but her voice and eyes have returned to normal, "Damnit!"

She knew that Vali was stronger than her, him beating Kokabiel more than proved this, but being powerless in his grasp and having him laugh in response to her threats, unfazed by any of them, bruised her ego in more ways than she could count.

Akeno stepped forward, placing a hand on Natsuki's shoulder, "Nat-"

Natsuki growled again and ripped herself away from Akeno's touch, not looking back or saying anything as she stormed onto the school grounds.

"Hey!" Issei yelled, but Natsuki ignored him, continuing into the school building, disappearing from sight.

Issei was about to follow her, but Rias stopped him, "Leave her be, Issei."

"But-"

Rias reached forward and gently held Issei's hand, still facing the direction Vali had left in.

Issei looked at Rias questioningly, "Buchou? Are you okay?"

Rias did not respond to the question, still staring at the last place that she had seen Vali but continued to hold Issei's hand.

Her hands are sweaty, she must be freaking out. Issei grits his teeth, his gaze falling to the floor, now understanding Natsuki's outburst after Vali left.

He was supposed to be the Red Dragon Emperor, the White Dragon Emperor's rival, their equal, and yet he was so much weaker than Vali. And Issei's anger and helplessness only worsened as he realized that Vali had only come here for him, and this had put the rest of the Peerage in danger.

The rest of the Gremory Peerage stood outside the gates of the academy until they were forced to go to class, each thinking about their second encounter with the Vanishing Dragon.

---

 

The Next Day

"Wow, on time two days in a row. Who would've thought?" Issei grinned as he saw Natsuki take her seat behind him.

Natsuki put her bag down before sitting and placing her head against her desk, without looking, she raised both hands, showing both of her middle fingers to Issei proudly.

Asia, who was sitting in her own seat behind Issei and to the left of Natsuki, frowned and leaned to the side, using her own hands to put Natsuki's down, Natsuki stopped her offensive gesture when she lifted her head and saw the disappointed look on Asia's face.

Issei snickered to himself as Matsuda and Motohama approached the duo, taking their own seats.

"Are your parents coming, Ise?" Motohama asked.

Issei sighed, "Yeah, but more like Okāsan and Otōsan are coming to see Asia."

Matsuda nodded strongly to Issei's reply. "Ah, I understand. If Asia-chan is one's daughter, then you would want to come see her by all means."

Asia grinned, "This sort of thing is a first for me, so I am really excited."

At least one of us is. Natsuki thought, turning her head to stare out of the window and tuned out the madness Xenovia created when she entered the room and as walked up to Issei.

The last time Kushina had come to one of her open house's was two years ago when she was in middle school, last year, Natsuki had told her guardian that she did not want the woman making the trip to Kuoh just to watch her doing different activities and to talk to her teachers, not when the women had so many other responsibilities.

So, Natsuki was not expecting the woman to come this year, as Kushina had not mentioned the open house when they spoke over the phone a few days ago. Instead, Kushina spent most of their conversation berating Natsuki for not coming back home to visit in the last few weeks, suspicious of the excuses the girl would give her every time she asked why.

I can't really blame Kushina-sama for not believing me. I've never mentioned having friends or being in any clubs and now I suddenly can't go home because I have responsibilities in my club and club meetings with my friends keep running late? Yeah, I would call bullshit too. I really should make time to go back to  Nitoshō.

Natsuki was pulled out of her thoughts when their English teacher entered the room, pulling a cart filled with supplies with him, he then walked by each desk, putting a lump of PVC clay on each one. Once he was done, he walked to the back of the classroom and opened the door in the back, letting the student's parents and other family members inside.

The teacher cleared his throat as he walked back to the front of the room, "On your desks, you'll see a lump of clay. Your assignment is to create something original, it can be whatever you want, as long as it's meaningful to you. We all see life differently, it's the same with everyday conversations you may have."

The students got to work on their assignment, each putting in their best effort with the weight of their parents' eyes on their backs.

Natsuki stared at her clay trying to think of what to do but drawing a blank, but she felt a bit better when she looked up and saw that Issei and Xenovia had not yet gotten started either.

"Psh! Natsuki Onee-chan!" A voice loudly whispered.

As she was sitting in the last row, Natsuki only had to run her head slightly to see the group behind her, and what she saw filled her with shock and dread.

"Izo?" Natsuki asked aloud, seeing the familiar brown haired, ten-year-old boy covered in scars standing there along with the other children of the Nitoshō Orphanage and Kushina.

Izo grinned, "Make something cool, Onee-chan!"

This led to the other children talking excitedly over each other, drawing the attention of most of the room.

Issei leaned his head back, "Natsuki, who are they?"

"They're the kids from the orphanage and the matron, Kushina-sama." Natsuki said as she turned around, staring to mold her clay.

"Seriously?" Issei asked, Natsuki had never hidden the fact that she was an orphan and had lived in an orphanage in Nitoshō before coming to Kuoh, but she had never gone into much detail about her life. So, he was taking a longer look at the group of eight, but all his attention was soon on the matron.

Kushina was a woman in her early sixties, but her age did nothing to take away from her beauty. She was average height; her hair had become grey, and a few strands of white could be seen mixed through, she had brown eyes and smile lines around her mouth. But what drew Issei's eye the most was her figure; the woman maintained a curvy shape that Issei could still see through her jeans and t-shirt, despite both being loose fitting.

"Woah! I didn't know I had a thing for obaasans before, but I definitely do n-"

Issei did not get to finish his sentence before Natsuki lifted her foot and kicked the back of his chair so hard that she slammed him against the wall, knocking the breath out of him.

When he looked up, Natsuki was glaring at him with a fire that threatened to burn him alive, and Issei could have sworn that her eyes had briefly flashed gold. "I will fucking kill you if you ever some much as look at Kushina-sama again, you pathetic piece of trash."

Issei shuddered, happy that they were in a public place to ensure that Natsuki could not carry out her threat, but was still afraid of what she might do to him later. "Ah- I won't!"

Before Natsuki could speak, a hand slapped the back of her head, diffusing the moment. When she turned, Natsuki saw Kushina staring at her.

"Have I not told you before to not put your hands on other people, Natsuki?" Kushina asked, an eyebrow raised.

"You did." Natsuki muttered.

"And yet here you are doing it. Focus on your work instead of hitting little boys, hmm."

Natsuki turned around and went back to molding her clay, but not before shooting Issei a dirty look as he straightened himself, silently blaming him for her being chastised.

"Asia-chan, keep going!"

"Asia-chan, you're looking cute!"

Miki and Gorou said respectively, cheering Asia on as she molded her clay. They ignored Issei outright as Gorou held up a video camera, pointing it at Asia. Hearing their voices, Asia smiled and turned back to her clay, doing so happily unlike the rest of her classmates.

Issei started to think about what was important to him as he closed, getting lost in his very descriptive thoughts, unaware of the movements of his hands.

"Hyo-Hyoudou-kun…." Noticing the hand on his shoulder, Issei opened his eyes and turned his face, saw that it was his Sensei, he had an astonished expression and his whole body was shaking.

And that was when Issei became aware that everyone was staring at him and what he had created, in front of him was a miniature figure of Rias, one that was incredibly realistic and completely naked, showing off the Devil's jaw dropping form.

"Holy crap; it's a gray Rias-senpai." Katase exclaimed.

"Amazing; it looks just like her." Murayama added, equally astounded.

"T-That is Rias-senpai? Shit! As I thought, Issei, you bastardl! With senpai!"

"No way! Rias Onee-sama with that beast…!" Other students started to say, talking over each other as they could not believe that Issei of all people could have been able to see Rias naked.

The teacher leaned forward to get a better look at the piece, "You've been holding out on us, I didn't know we had such a sculptor in the class."

Issei froze, trying to use his hands to cover the sculptor. "Oh, we don't-really-I just, um... It was an accident."

Kiryuu pushed her glasses upwards, smirking at Issei devilishly, "You must be feeling her up so much that you've memorized her body."

Issei glared at the girl, "I don't believe anyone was talking to you."

Matsuda scowled, "I knew he was messing with her!"

Motohama scowled too, "You asshole! What do they feel like?"

"You're such a pervert!" Katsase screeched.

Murayama agreed, "I don't know why Rias-senpai would want to mess around with a freak like you."

Matsuda then got in Issei's face, "I'll give you eight thousand yen for it."

Motohama pushed Matsuda out of the way, "Don't listen to him; I'll give nine thousand for it."

This led to most of the students trying to outbid the others for Issei's sculpture, turning it all into an auction. While the other parents in the room looked confused and disgusted, both by Issei's art and their children trying to buy it, Issei's were pleasantly surprised.

"Look at how talent our son is." Miki said, grabbing her husband's arm.

Gorou grinned, agreeing with his wife, "And to think, I always thought of him as a total loser whose only skill was coming up with unique and creative ways to describe women's breast!"

Kushina tilted her head to the side as she looked at the Hyoudous before leaning close to Natsuki, "They're proud?"

Natsuki sighed, shaking her head, "They are, to be fair, they have never had much faith in Issei so they usually take what they can get from him."

Kushina's eyes widened a bit at Natsuki knowing Issei's parents, "Is this Issei your friend?"

"He is. I guess he has been since first year." Natsuki said plainly.

"And you have never mentioned him before and thought to introduce him to me?" Kushina asked, looking at the girl dryly.

Natsuki shrugged, "Issei's a lot."

Kushina huffed, a smile appearing on her lips, "He seems like it."

"Why did you and the kids come?" Natsuki eventually asked.

Kushina's smile grew, "You remember your benefactor?"

"How could I forget."

"Well, I received a letter from them in mail a few days ago along with train tickets."

Natsuki blinked. Train tickets, why?

"They wrote that they wished to meet us both in person, to further discuss your scholarship after the open house."

Discuss my scholarship? Are they thinking of rescinding it? They have never asked to meet before; all our communication has been through letters. I mean, they wouldn't have had Kushina-sama come all the way to Kuoh just to do that, and even if they did, Rias would help me stay school, so it won't bother me much.

"Oh, and who are you two, darlings?" Kushin asked, seeing the two girls sitting on either side of Natsuki looking at her questioningly.

Asia jumped slightly, her cheeks turning pink, "S-sorry for staring, I am Asia Argento."

"And I am Xenovia Quarta, ma'am." Xenovia said, "Are you Natsuki-san's mother?"

Kushina stared at Xenovia for a few seconds, before her eyes flickered towards Natsuki, seeing the girl's body tense in response to Xenovia's question. Before Kushina could respond, Issei jumped from his seat, holding the statue he made. "Guys, seriously just give me some space!"

Natsuki took this opportunity to go back to her clay now that the two girls and her caretaker were distracted, molding it harder than she was before.

She had thought of it in her head, but Natsuki had never referred to Kushina as her mother aloud. In a lot of ways, Kushina was a mother to her; the woman had raised her since infancy, but Kushina was the matron of an orphanage, she has raised countless children.

I'm not special; Kushina has dealt with who knows how many children in her career, so it would be stupid to think I'm different from any of them. Natsuki thought as she sculpted her clay to look like the Nitoshō Orphanage.

---

 

A Few Hours Later

"It's very well made." Rias said, smiling brightly as she held the statue that Issei had made of her. Issei could not find it within himself to sell it to any of his classmates, unable to give any something he made in his King's image.

It was currently lunchtime, and Natsuki, Issei, and Asia had gone out to the vending machines overlooking the school field, coincidentally running into Rias and Akeno.

"Ara ara, as expected of Ise-kun who looks and touches Buchou's body every day." Akeno said, but equally surprised by the quality of the statue.

Issei scratched the back of his head, "It's not every day. So, I have been forced to crave that image deep into my head."

"In that case I would love it if you'd make one of me too." Akeno said, fighting back the smirk she wanted to make when the heads of the other three girls snapped in her direction.

Issei's eyes grew wide, "What? Like, naked too? Without clothes and with my hands?"

He practically drooled when Akeno's smile grew, "Well when do we-"

The sound of a soda can being crushed ripped through the air, and everyone looked at Natsuki. The girl's hand was holding the crushed can and had soda dripping from it as she glared at Issei. "You won't be sculpting her or anyone else. Understood?"

Issei laughed nervously, "Yeah, of course."

Akeno grinned as she leaned closer to Natsuki, "Does that mean you will, Natsuki-chan?"

"Not in your wildest dreams, you sadist." Natsuki replied, standing up to throw away the soda can.

Issei turned to Rias, "By the way, Buchou. Did Sirzechs-sama come?"

At his question, Rias puts a hand on her forehead and let out her breath. "Yeah, he came along with my father."

It was then that Kiba appeared, "Ah, Buchou. Moreover, everyone came as well."

"What do you mean by everyone, Yuuto?" Rias asked.

Kiba pointed to the corridor leading into the school, "I heard a witch was doing a photography shoot, so I thought I'd come see it."

As Kiba said this a group of boys ran past them, heading in the direction that Kiba was pointing.

"A magical girl photo shoot?"

"C'mon we have to get pictures!"

Natsuki then looked at Rias, "Do you know a witch who also headlines as a magical girl?"

Rias started to laugh as she realized the only person it could be, "You could say that."

The group went inside, walking to the gymnasium where they saw a large crowd present, all taking pictures, cheering, and trying to talk to the person at the front.

At the front was a beautiful girl; looking in her late teens with black hair, tied into twin tails and blue eyes. She also has a child-like body, albeit with large breasts and was wearing a costume of an anime character from Magical Girl Milky Spiral Seven.

"Rias-Buchou, why do you know a Magical Girl Milky Spiral Seven cosplayer?" Natsuki asked.

Asia looked at the taller girl, "Natsuki-san, why do you know that costume?"

"Issei kept hounding me for months to watch the anime until I finally gave in." Natsuki replied, "I can admit it was a good show, even if I could have done with a little less fan service."

Issei grinned, "I said you'd like it. We've got to have a marathon one of these days."

Before Natsuki could say anything, she noticed two redheads from the corner of her eye. Sirzechs-sama and Gremory-sama?

Zeoticus was watching the magically girl, but Sirzechs met her gaze after a few seconds, smiling at her as he raised a finger to his lips, making the quieting motion. While Natsuki knew that Sirzechs was being playfully, she was taken back to that night in Issei's bedroom, and quickly turned away from the man, trying and failing to ignore his presence.

Luckily for Natsuki, the voice of Saji Genshirou cut through the air a moment later, "Knock it off! We are still on school property; today's the day for displaying classes to the public! You've seen enough."

Saji was standing in front of woman, blocking her partially from view as ordered the people in the gym to leave. The crowd of male students complained and cursed Saji, but did as they were told, reluctantly leaving the gym and the magically girl behind.

Saji then turned to the cosplayer, "Okay, are you related to a student here?"

The girl nodded her head, smiling at Saji.

"Well, they should have told you that this sort of outfit is unacceptable here."

The Mil Kiss cosplayer started make cute poses, defending herself by quoting lines from the anime. "Sparkle, shine, your command is mine! "

Saji ignored this and pressed his warning, "You have to stop doing that."

"Eh, but this is my uniform~"

Saji ground his teeth but as soon as he noticed Rias from the corner of his eye, he lowered his head. "Oh, it's Rias-senpai. You came at the right time. I was just guiding Maou-sama and senpai's Otou-san."

As Saji looked behind him, the crimson haired males approached, revealing themselves to the rest of the group.

The doors of the gym soon swung open, revealing the strict Student Council President. "What's this? Saji, I always tell you to settle things concisely-" Sona immediately stopped talking as she looked at the cosplayer, her face turning pale and her eyes widened.

"I finally found you Sona-chan! I'm so happy to see you!" Mil Kiss exclaimed, running past Saji and happily hugging Sona.

Wait, that Mil Kiss girl has magic, and it feels similar to Sona's. They also look like, are they related somehow? Natsuki thought.

Issei, Asia, and even Saji were just as confused as Natsuki, and they too noticed the physical resemblance between the two.

"Have you finished having your fun, Serafall?" Sirzechs asked aloud.

"Serafall?" Issei asked aloud.

Rias smiled, "She is one of our four Maous; Serafall Leviathan-sama. And she is also Sona's Onee-sama."

"Eeeeeehhhhh!"

Rias then walked towards the two sisters, "It has been some time, Serafall-sama."

Serafall grinned as she faced Rias, "Ara, Rias-chan. A long time no see~ How have you've been doing? How exited are you to see me?"

Even Rias seemed to be taken aback slightly by the Maou's cut tone, "V-very, thank you for asking. Did you come here to visit Sona for the Open House?"

"Yeah!" Serafall exclaimed, her lips forming a pout, "But I had to find it on my own! Sona-chan is a meanie and didn't tell me. I was so mad when I found out the truth. I almost attack Heaven out of frustration."

"Is she serious?" Issei asked aloud.

"I think she is." Natsuki said, once again surprised by the strangeness of a Maou.

Rias then turned to them, "Ise, Natsuki, there's someone I want you two to meet."

Issei lowered his head when he and Natsuki stepped forward, "N-Nice to meet you, I am Hyoudou Issei. I am Rias Gremory-sama's servant and Pawn! I'll be under your care!"

Natsuki then lowered her own head, "I am honored to me you, Leviathan-sama. I am Sukehiro Natsuki, also Rias Gremory-sama's Pawn."

Serafall smiled while turning sideways and making a peace sign. "Nice to meet you. I am the Maou Serafall Leviathan. Call me Levi-tan "

"Uh, cool?"

"I would rather not." Issei and Natsuki said, respectively.

Serafall then looked at the red-haired male Devils, "Hey, Sirzechs-kun. Are these two the rumored Dragon-kun and Dragon-chan?"

"Yes, they are the people that the Welsh and Evolving Dragons reside in, Hyoudou Issei-kun and Sukehiro Natsuki-chan." Sirzechs answered.

"Ara ara, hi, Uncle Gremory." Serafall said to the man next to Sirzechs.

Zeoticus smiled, "Hello, Serafall-dono. Is what you're wearing another manga uniform? I like it, but I think that as a Maou, its quite strange."

Serafall stuck her tongue out of the side of her mouth as she posed again. "Ara, uncle, don't you know? This is the fashion in this country, you know?"

Zeoticus chuckled, "Heh, is that so? It seems this was my ignorance showing then."

"Hahaha, tou-ue, you don't believe it."

Issei turned to Rias with a sorry look on his face, "Bu-Buchou, this light of a mood is far surpassing my imagination but, Serafall-sama is..."

Rias sighed, "I forgot to say it, well, it's more like I didn't want to say it, but for the four current Maou-samas, every one of them is like this. During private times, they are amenable, to a severe extent."

Serafall pouted as she looked back at her sister, seeing Sona's expression and her skewed glasses. "What's the matter? You look sad and your face is all red. Aren't you excited to finally see your Onee-chan again? I'm going to require a lot more happiness from you! C'mon! You should be running into my arms and telling me how much you missed me! And then I'll say; 'Oh, Sona-chan, I've missed you too!' And then I'll give you a big kiss and then you'll kiss me back and we will be all Yuri together. Wouldn't that be hot?"

"So, all Maous are obsessed with and want to fuck their siblings?" Natsuki asked aloud, causing most to look at her in shock.

Rias glared at Natsuki, "You know, Natsuki, sometimes it's best to keep your smartass comments to yourself."

Natsuki shrugged uncaringly "You shouldn't have revived me and made me into your Devil servant then. Didn't you know about my delinquent reputation?"

"I thought you hated when people said those things about you?" Issei asked.

"I hate them cause they're all wrong, but the rumors of me being an asshole are correct."

"You almost sound proud of that." Kiba added, staring at Natsuki sardonically.

Sona finally broke out of her silent stupor, staring at sister intently, "Listen to me, Onee-sama. This is my school, and I am entrusted with the job of the student council president here. No matter our relation, both your behavior and attire are entirely inappropriate, so I must ask you to calm yourself down and change your outfit."

Serafall shook her head, "No way, Sona-chan! If I am told that by Sona-chan, your Onee-chan will be sad! Sona-chan doesn't know that her Onee-chan is admired as the Magical girl! If you keep saying that I'll have no choice but to use my sparkling staff and erase all the Angels and Fallen Angels."

Sona glared, "Do you have any respect at all? If you start sparkling, you could annihilate a small country in minutes."

"I just had a thought." Issei said as he spoke to Saji, "When Kokabiel was attacking, why didn't Kaichou call her Onee-san? Is it because they don't get along?"

"It's the actually the opposite; Serafall Leviathan-sama dotes on her little sister so much, is obsessed with even. If she had been called, and if she found out that her little sister was possibly injured by the Fallen Angel, we didn't know how she would have reacted, but it would have probably started a war. So, it was the correct decision to not call Serafall-sama, and rather call Lucifer-sama. However, I am meeting her for the first time as well, but this is..." Saji trailed off, showing that he too was bewildered by the scene before them.

The usually calm and composed Sona eventually lost it as her eyes became wet with tears and she ran away. "Ugh! I can't take it anymore!"

"Wait! Sona-chan! Don't leave your Onee-chan behind!" Serafall yelled, immediately following her sister.

"Stay away from me!"

"Noooooo! Don't abandon your Onee-chaaaaaaan! So-taaaaaan!"

"I have asked you so many times not to add 'tan'!"

Saji sighed, "It looks like Sona-Kaichou is going to need my help. I'll talk to you later."

"I hear you, see you later." Issei said as Saji took off running after his King and her sister.

Sirzechs moved to stand next to his sister, "The Sitri household is peaceful. Don't you think so, Ria-tan?"

Rias looked at her brother with a deadpanned stare, "Onii-sama, don't add a 'tan' to my pet name and call me that please."

Sirzechs looked at Rias with dramatic shock, "No way, Ria-tan. How can you say that, even though you used to follow me all the time while saying 'Onii-sama Onii-sama'? This must be a rebellious phase, huh?"

"Geez! Onii-sama! Why do you remind me of my childhood-"

Flash!

Everyone looked and saw that Zeoticus had taken a picture of Rias' angry face. "That's a nice face, Rias. It's good that I raise you so splendidly. Your mother couldn't be here today, so I promised to take lots of pictures of your big day for her."

Rias' face turned red, "Otou-sama! Geez!"

It's good to know that there isn't much difference between human and Devil families. Well, besides the fact that fights could lead to countries being destroyed. Issei thought.

"So, does this means I was right about the Maous and their obsessions, Ria-tan?" Natsuki asked, smirking at Rias.

"Akeno." Rias said coldly and without turning around.

"Got it, Buchou." Akeno said as she moved behind Natsuki before the girl could react, coating her hand in her Demonic energy and slapping Natsuki' rear end as hard as she could.

"Aggh!" Natsuki cried, falling to her knees, her face resting against the cold floor of the gym as she clutched her bottom, feeling nothing but excruciating pain.

Both Kiba and Issei winced in sympathy, knowing just how painful those hits could be, especially from one so sadistic as Akeno.

"Mao, was that truly necessary, Ria-tan? Natsuki-chan was just making a joke." Sirzechs said.

"It was extremely necessary; she should have known better than to say her terrible joke out loud." Rias replied, her cold expression remaining present.

The group soon left the gymnasium, Rias' face was still red as her brother and father continued to speak about her to the others, mainly Issei.

"Ugh... Th-this is abuse, Rias." Natsuki groaned, walking in step with the older girl and still holding her backside.

Rias smirked, "It's not abuse, its correcting ill behavior."

"You're evil." Natsuki said with a shudder.

"Thank you, Natsuki. You're so sweet."

"And why is this correcting directed only at me?"

Rias looked at from the corner of her eye, her eyebrow raised, "Do you really need me to answer that?"

"Yes." Natsuki frowned, "What about Koneko? She's always making mean comments. Or Issei? He's practically a walking Chikan PSA."

"Hey!" Issei exclaimed, both because of the comment itself and because Natsuki said it in front of Sirzechs and Zeoticus, but the two men only looked at him amused.

"What's a chikan?" Asia asked, much to Issei's horror.

Asia's question was ignored as Rias answered Natsuki, "Because Koneko and Issei are cute enough to get away with it. You're not."

"Whatever." Natsuki rolled her eyes, not bothering to refute the statement.

The group soon entered the lobby of the school, walking past the many students and families that were milling around and talking.

Near the stairs, Kushina was speaking to Issei's parents while the children played behind them, using the stairs as a playground.

Gorou was the first to notice them, raising his hand up in a small wave. "Oh, Ise."

"Hi, Otou-san." Issei said.

Zeoticus leaned forward as he looked between Issei, Gorou, and Miki. "Hyoudou Issei-kun, are these people your parents?"

"Y-Yes. They're my parents." Issei said.

"I see." Zeoticus said before standing in front of Miki and Gorou, smiling at the pair. "Nice to meet you, I am Rias' father, Zeoticus Gremory."

Miki and Gorou's faces changed, from joyful to a dark color of nervousness.

"T-T-TTTTTTTTTTTThis is, thank you! Ah, um, I am Hyoudou Issei's father! We're being taken care of by Rias-san, um, that is..." Gorou trailed off as he shook Zeoticus' hand.

Zeoticus shook his head, "No, same here. Thank you for taking care of Rias. I thought of coming to greet you before now, but Sirzechs and I were busy with work, so it wasn't easy to able to get the opportunity. It seems this occasion was blessed by good luck, it's an honor to meet you today."

"No-No way! I too also said to greet you once to Issei's father-No no, I talked to my husband about it." Miki stammered, taken aback by the handsome man before her.

Seriously, why are you guys being so weird?! Issei thought, blushing with embarrassment.

Zeoticus then looked at Kushina, "And you must be Sukehiro-san's mother?"

Once again, Natsuki flinched at the notion of someone calling Kushina her mother. "She is the matron of the orphanage I come from, Aozora Kushina."

If Kushina was bothered by this correction, she did not show it as she shook Zeoticus' hand. "I am her guardian, however. But I am sorry who is Rias?"

"I am Rias, Aozora-san." Rias said, smiling at the older woman, "I am the president of the Occult Research Club."

Kushina smiled, "And you are all friend's with Natsu-chan?"

Issei snickered, "Natsu-chan?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes, she disliked nicknames, and only tolerated Kushina doing so, and she was now sure that she would have to go through the others doing the same.

"We are, Natsuki is a trusted and friend and dear member of our club." Rias replied.

"I'm glad, Natsu-chan has always struggled making friends, I worry about her being alone, it's not good for her."

"You act like I'm some shut-in who can't take care of herself." Natsuki said dryly.

"Aren't you?" Kushina shot back, "I'm going to have to spend the rest of my life worried about you dying alone."

"If anything, I learned it from you. I don't see you drowning in friends either."

Akeno giggled when Kushina pinched Natsuki's ear in response, Natsuki did not give much of reaction besides glaring at the woman.

I see where Natsuki gets her sarcasm and wit from. Akeno thought.

"Wow." Everyone looked down at a brown-haired girl with green eyes, pigtails, and a gap between her teeth. "Onee-chan has friends?"

"Last I checked, you don't have many friends either, Enri." Natsuki said.

Enri crossed her arms, raising her head back as she glowered, "I'm six and way you're older than me, so it was sad that you didn't have friends, not even one."

Izo who was standing next to Enri, pointed at Natsuki, and laughed. "Ha! Burn!"

The other children stopped what they were doing to laugh at Natsuki as well. The teenager did not take any of it to heart, only huffing when she saw that the others were now looking at her in amusement.

Asia smiled as she crouched down, "And who are all of these sweethearts?"

Natsuki pointed to the seven children, naming each of them, "The girl with pigtails and a big mouth is Enri, the boy with all the scars is Izo, the blonde pair of identical twins are Kenji and Renji, the tall girl with bandages on her arm is Rina, the short girl with glasses is Nariko, and the youngest boy with a shaved head is Daisuke."

Nariko pouted, "Is that all you see us as?"

Natsuki shrugged, "It's the quickest way to introduce all pf you. What, you want me to give everyone detailed descriptions on you guys?"

"It would be better than being called, 'short girl with glasses,' Onee-chan."

"I'll remember that for next time."

Sirzechs stepped forward, taking the time to shake Kushina's hand, "It is an honor to finally meet you Aozora-san."

"Finally?" Kushina asked.

Sirzechs smiled, "I have been wanting to speak to both you and Natsuki-chan for a while now, but I couldn't find the time until today's open house, it's why I sent you those train tickets for you and the children."

Natsuki and Kushina both froze at this piece of information, staring at Sirzechs in shock.

Kushina broke out of her stupor first, "You are Natsuki's benefactor?"

Sirzechs chuckled, "Guilty."

Everyone besides Zeoticus, looked at the trio in confusion, Rias then spoke, "Benefactor?"

"You see, I-"

"It was you? You were the one who fucking paid for me to come to Kuoh?" Natsuki spat, glaring at Sirzechs.

"Natsuki!" Kushina shouted.

Sirzechs turned towards Natsuki, "Natsuki-chan, now I know that this may sound... predatory. But this was done for your benefit."

Natsuki scoffed, still glaring at the man, stepping closer to him. "My benefit?! What a fucking joke! Do you really expect me to believe that shit?!"

Rias moved between her brother and Natsuki, using her arm to push Natsuki back. "That is enough, Natsuki! Now what is going on?"

Natsuki slapped Rias' hand away, "Like you don't know!"

Rias's eyes widened, surprised as she had never been on the other side of Natsuki's anger, unconsciously taking a step back when Natsuki's eyes flashed gold for the briefest of moments.

Issei glared at Natsuki, "Back off, Natsuki, before I make you."

Calm down, Natsuki. You are still in the presence of mortals, and I doubt that Sirzechs will allow you to speak to his sister in such a manner in front of him. Lux said in the girl's mind.

Natsuki let out a scornful huff, "I can't believe I didn't see it before; someone like you just so happened to get Issei and I into your Peerage and becoming Devils, seemingly out of the blue. I can't believe I was stupid enough to not see through it."

"Natsuki, what are you talking about?" Rias asked.

"Me being brought to this school by a mysterious benefactor, Issei never being expelled despite harassing every female student he comes across? What better way to get rid of an annoying egoistical fire bird than to ensure their little sister has the odds staked in her fucking favor when she has to fight him?"

A stillness overtook the group, Kushina, Issei's parents, and the children looked at Natsuki confused, not understanding what she was talking about. But the Peerage were equal parts shocked and horrified as they looked at Natsuki and Sirzechs.

"Onii-chan," Rias whispered, "Tell me she's wrong, tell me that this is just a misunderstanding."

For the first time that day, Sirzechs no longer had his usual easy-going smile on his face, staring at his sister seriously and without remorse. "I can't do that, if I did, I would be lying."

Rias looked devastated, her voice becoming rough with anger and betrayal, "How could you?"

Sirzechs' expression fell slightly at his sister's pain, "I did it to save you, Rias. I couldn't act openly and stop your marriage to Riser due to my position, so underhanded methods were necessary."

Natsuki scoffed, "So my life was just a piece on the board for you?"

Sirzechs sighed, "It was for your-"

"Don't lie and say any of this was for my benefit!" Natsuki yelled, "I was... I was just a damn puppet for you."

Natsuki then turned on her heel and left, ignoring the calls of the others as she moved as quickly as she could out of the school.

---

 

The moment Natsuki left, all hell broke loose among the group as everyone turned their attention to Sirzechs Lucifer.

Kushina was the most incensed, not knowing what was going on, but knowing that Sirzechs had done something to cause such a reaction in Natsuki, and began to yell at him, demanding answers.

It had gotten to the point where Sirzechs had to use his magic to alter the memories of the humans with them, something that angered Issei as he watched his parents slump over, staring ahead blankly as if a fog had overtaken their minds. This reaction could also be seen in Kushina, the children, and the students and families who were in the lobby and had seen the incident.

It was only Asia grabbing him by the arm, that prevented Issei from moving closer to the Maou and demanding that he stop using his magic on Miki and Gorou.

"Perhaps we should go to Hyoudou-kun's house so that Sirzechs can explain himself?" Zeoticus said, his face was calm, but his voice left no room for argument as he spoke.

Rias glared at her brother, barely keeping her Power of Destruction from leaking out and using it to strike Sirzechs down. "Akeno, call Koneko and Xenovia and tell them to meet us at Issei's house."

"Of course, Buchou." Akeno said, doing as she was told despite the desire to chase after Natsuki.

It did not take them long to reach Hyoudou house, the ORC had gone into Issei's bedroom for privacy while Zeoticus kept the Hyoudou's, Kushina, and the children distracted in the living room. He did not mind watching the video tapes of Issei and Asia during the open house as he already had his suspicions about his son's actions and secrecy.

"How long? How long have you been manipulating my life? My Peerage?" Rias asked, glaring at her brother from her place on Issei's bed.

"Not every person in your Peerage is here because of my direct involvement." Sirzechs answered, "As you already know it's because of me that you were able to take Akeno and Koneko-chan with no repercussions when you decided to have them in your family, but when it comes to Ise-kun and Natsuki-chan, I ensured that they would be here, at Kuoh Academy for you to notice them."

"And you gave me that Mutation Piece because you knew that the Pawns I did have would not be enough to revive both Natsuki and Issei?" Rias asked, already knowing the answer.

"I did not know that Issei would take up all eight of your Pawns, but it would have been impossible for you to revive two Longinus wielders with the Evil Pieces you had at the time."

"So, Natsuki was right? You played us so that Rias-Buchou could use us to beat Riser?" Issei asked the Maou.

Sirzechs turned to Issei, "You must understand, Ise-kun, I would do anything for my family, and what I did might seem callous of me, I won't deny you that, but I won't apologize for it. Riser Phenex was not a good man, especially not for my sister, and I would do it all again to keep Rias from having to marry him."

Issei clenched his fists as he looked at the floor, "I get wanting to protect your family, but it was still my life. You took away my choices, for all you know I could have decided to become a Devil on my own instead of being purposely put so close to the supernatural."

Sirzechs smile became somber, "You could have, but I could not take that chance. If you had refused my sister's offer, Rias is not the type of Devil that would have forced you into turning, even at great detriment to herself."

"Were-were you the reason Issei and Natsuki were killed by Raynare?" Rias quickly asked.

Sirzechs shook his head, "I will admit that I was going to create an accident that would kill the two of them; you were taking too long to approach them, and the date of the wedding was drawing closer. But Raynare appearing was not my doing, simply a coincidence that worked in my favor."

How can you even say that? Rias thought, she knew that her brother had sides to himself that he did not show her, it was a given with his status of Maou, but hearing him speak so causally about killing her friends, left Rias blindsided.

"I don't think that will be a good enough answer for Natsuki, Sirzechs-sama." Kiba spoke, relating to the feelings of deception and betrayal Natsuki was undoubtedly having.

Issei sighed, "Kiba's right; Natsuki will probably still be pissed, but I think she'll come back."

"Really, you think she will?" Asia asked, afraid that Natsuki might become a Stray Devil because of the betrayal she felt.

Issei shook his head, "Natsuki's anger is aimed at Sirzechs-sama, not Buchou. And Natsuki isn't an idiot, no matter how she feels, she not going to risk becoming a Stray Devil, even if she never forgives Sirzechs-sama."

"I was aware of this being a possibility, and I am more than happy bare any anger or distrust Natsuki-chan may have against me."

"Were you always aware of Natsuki's existence, Sirzechs-sama?" Akeno quietly asked.

"No, I was not." Sirzechs answered, "It was only until Natsuki-chan was around seven years old, that I sensed her magical energy and the Dragon within her soul."

So, this all started around ten years ago? That would have been around the time that Cleria Belial had died suddenly. Rias thought.

Cleria Belial had been a member of the branch family of the Belial Clan and was the overseer of Kuoh Town before Rias and Sona. Rias remembered how the Great King Faction, led by their mother's family, the Bael Clan, had sought to gain control over Kuoh and how much Sirzechs and the other Maous fought against this.

For the next few years, until Rias and Sona enrolled in the junior high school of Kuoh Academy, Sirzechs and Serafall temporarily ruled over the region, and Rias could remember her brother making periodic trips to Kuoh.

"After the Ratings Game, at the celebration party thrown for us, Natsuki asked you and Grayfia if you two knew her and you said no. Were you lying then?" Rias asked.

"I was not entirely truthful to Natsuki-chan." Sirzechs said.

Rias looked away from her brother, "You were the one who told me that a Peerage is supposed to be a family, a group of people that you can trust and rely on."

"And it is; a Peerage is those things and more."

"But you manipulated everything! You used Issei and Natsuki for selfish reasons!" Rias yelled, "How am I supposed to trust anything now, knowing how easily and heartlessly you could just ruin people's lives just for me?"

"Rias, when you're a leader, you realize that you cannot look at every situation through the lens of good and evil." Sirzechs started, "That you must act morally gray or even cruel to do what is necessary. You would not have beaten Riser without Issei or Natsuki, and even with them on your side, you almost forfeited the match because seeing your servants hurt, left you too demoralized to even keep trying. If I had not acted, your softness would have kept you from being the leader that the rest of your servants needed you to be."

Rias was devastated by her brother's words, she already knew that she had failed her servants during the Rating Game, but hearing Sirzechs lay out plainly how much she failed them, wounded her deeply.

Issei stood up, "Buchou is a great leader! And even if you hadn't sought to push us around like chess pieces, I bet she would have been able to succeed on her own!"

"Ise..." Rias said softly, looking at him surprised and longingly.

"And I am not saying that she is not, only that I needed to be sure that she would not be stuck in a loveless marriage to a cruel man, and that she would not allow such a fate to befall her just for the comfort of others." Sirzechs said and everyone could tell that he was becoming agitated with how the conversation was going around in circles.

Rias shook her head, "But that's just the thing Onii-chan, you didn't believe in me, your actions more than prove this."

Sirzechs frowned, "I just wanted-"

Rias interrupted her brother, "I know what you wanted, I know you were just trying to be a good brother and protect me, and I recognize that, but that doesn't justify using people in the name of doing that. I want any person that is a part of my Peerage to be here willingly, to choose to have their lives irrevocably altered by becoming a Devil. Natsuki and Issei did not get that choice, and I can acknowledge my own part in all of this; I could have allowed them to die, to a least be allowed to stay human in their final moments, but I... I also saw the opportunity. They were dying, and the thought of Riser filled my mind as I watched them bleed out, so I convinced myself that I was helping them, but I was just as selfish."

"Buchou, that isn't true! You're the most selfless person there is." Kiba interjected.

"Yuuto-senpai is right. The rest of us wouldn't be here without you." Koneko said softly, her voice filling with slight emotion.

Rias let the tears she was holding back fall, "Even so, I... I've always been there during all your worst moments; I capitalized on all of it."

"You did." Akeno said, drawing everyone's attention, "But that doesn't change the fact that you saved us, you benefiting from us being your servants afterwards, doesn't change that."

Asia nodded her head, "Akeno-senpai is right, I have felt happier and freer since you made me your Bishop than I ever was as a human."

"I feel the same as well." Xenovia said, "I have not been a part of the Peerage for very long, but I too feel less burdened. After the battle, when I was excommunicated and felt nothing but despair over the knowledge we learned, you took me into your household, even after how I acted towards you. Yes, me being the wielder of Durandal of course was a part of your decision-making process, but you didn't force me to become your servant, you allowed me the choice."

"If you were only using us to beat Riser then, why did you make the offer to Xenovia? Why did you try so hard to save me from myself? If you just wanted all of us for what we could do for you, then getting new servants would have been easier, but you didn't, only someone who genuinely loves others would do so much for them." Kiba argued, staring at the redhead resolutely.

"You guys," Rias said, still crying, "I don't know what to say."

Issei pumped his fist, "Just stop saying that you're a bad leader, Buchou. You've helped all of us one way or another, so you shouldn't say anything about us helping you in return."

Rias smiled as she wiped her cheeks, "Issei, everyone, thank you, for believing in me for becoming my family." Rias then looked back at Sirzechs, "I don't know if I can forgive you right now, Onii-chan, or if I will be able to trust you again."

Sirzechs expected this, Rias was a young girl of certain morals and principles, ones that sometimes clashed with the upheld ideals of demons. It was something he admired about his sister and wanted her to maintain for as long as possible, but also something that made him worry about her as she grew older.

"I know, Rias, and I will step back for as long as you need me to, until you are comfortable again." Sirzechs said.

Rias nodded her head, staring at her brother fully, "And you owe Natsuki an apology."

"If she is willing to hear me out, then I will give her one." Sirzechs then turned to Issei, "I know that cannot give you a fully genuine apology, but I am sorry Ise-kun, for the pain that what I have done has caused you."

"Uh, thanks, Sirzechs-sama." Issei said awkwardly before turning to the man's sister. "Buchou, are we sure that's a good idea? Natsuki would probably prefer that Sirzechs-sama doesn't apologize at all if he's not going to truly mean it."

Issei knew Natsuki better than most, and he knew that Natsuki was the type of person who preferred blunt honesty to pretty lies.

Rias sighed, "I know, but she deserves an apology."

Natsuki has to know that what she feels is valid and deserves some type of effort is being made by Sirzechs to right his wrongs. Rias thought.

---

 

A Few Hours Later

"Natsuki, how long are we going to stay here?" Lux asked, breaking the silence.

Natsuki sighed, "Until I'm no longer angry."

Lux hummed, "That could take several lifetimes. I have not known you long, but I know that you can certainly hold a grudge."

Natsuki laughed, but the sound was hollow, "Yeah, I can."

The Pawn was sitting on top of the abandoned mansion on the edge of Kuoh, staring at the skyline of the town and watching the sun set. She had been ignoring her cell phone, watching as it would light up with calls and text messages from her friends and Kushina with a blank expression. And to make sure that she could not be found, masked her Demonic energy, preventing anyone from teleporting to her location.

"I don't think I'll be able to be in the same room as that man without punching him in the face."

"I have felt similarly for some time, that Maou is a blight."

Natsuki clenched her fist, "Who knows how long Sirzechs has been manipulating my life from behind the scenes? All of this; coming to Kuoh, becoming a Devil, the Rating Game, it was all just Sirzechs trying to get Rias out of her engagement to Riser."

"It was, and despite my own anger, I must admit it was clever of him."

Natsuki scoffed, indignation rising within her, "Clever?"

"Yes, clever." Lux replied, "As he told his sister, as a Maou, Sirzechs is not allowed to show favoritism towards his family once he took the name Lucifer, he is supposed to remain neutral. By acting as he did, he ensured that Rias had enough time to build a strong Peerage, pushed back the wedding for as long as possible, and he did all of this while making Rias think that that this was due to her own merit and luck and without revealing his plotting to the other High-Class Devils. That Maou is far more devious and intelligent than I gave him credit for."

"Good for him." Natsuki muttered.

Lux sighed, "You know that you must go back at some point, lest they think you have gone rouge."

"I know." Natsuki threw her head back and groaned, kicking her legs out as they dangled over the roof. "I know that I do, and I will, I just don't know how."

"I do not believe that Rias nor the other members of her Peerage knew about Sirzechs' scheming. I could feel the shock and betrayal coming from the Gremory heir in waves when her brother admitted the truth."

"I know too, but I was just so angry that I accused Rias of having something to do with it. I have to apologize when I see her."

"You do, but Rias-senpai won't hold it against you." Natsuki turned her head and saw Koneko standing behind her.

Was I so distracted that I didn't pick up on her magical energy? Natsuki thought, "How'd you find me, Koneko."

Koneko walked across the roof, sitting down next to her senpai. "A person can block their magical signature, but you can't block your scent so easily."

Natsuki huffed, a small smile appearing on her face, "I'll take note of that for next time."

Koneko looked at the setting sun, "Sirzechs-sama told us what he did."

Natsuki glowered, "And I'm guessing he was pretty unapologetic about it all?"

"He was." Koneko said plainly.

Natsuki snorted, unsurprised that Sirzechs was so shameless about everything, and she hated how she could understand Sirzechs' reasoning. If she was in Sirzechs' position, Natsuki knows that she would have made the same if not similar choices, if it meant protecting someone she cared about.

"Did Rias send you?"

"No, Sirzechs wanted to speak to you and Aozora-san about something. Rias wanted to come, but I told her that would go instead."

Koneko did not mention how Akeno stared at her when Rias agreed and said that only Koneko should go out and search for Natsuki, not wanting to overwhelm the Pawn. The Queen was smiling, but Koneko could feel the hairs on her neck stand up as she felt the anger that was rolling off Akeno, and at the dangerous gleam in her eyes.

Natsuki looked at Koneko bewildered, "Why did you want to come instead?"

Koneko looked down at the ground below as she started to scratch her nails against the old roof tiles they were sitting on. "Hav-have I told you about how I became a Devil, Natsuki-senpai?"

"No, I don't believe so." Natsuki said, knowing that she knew nothing about Koneko's past.

Koneko hesitated for a moment before finding her courage, "I wasn't a human when I was turned."

Koneko wasn't human? Natsuki thought, her eyes widening slightly.

"I came from another race of supernaturals, and I was related to someone who committed a terrible crime against a Devil." Koneko said, gritting her teeth as a dark looked passed through her eyes, "That Devil was an important person and my relative had runaway and escaped, but the Higher ups wanted to punish someone, so I was brought to trial, and was going to be executed."

"What?! How is that fair?" Natsuki exclaimed.

Koneko shrugged, "It wasn't, but people in power don't care about what is and isn't fair, they wanted an example to made. And when I was about to be executed, Rias stood up for me, she said that I shouldn't be killed for the crimes of another, and that if I was allowed to live that she would make sure that I would never fall down the same path."

"So, Sirzechs convinced everyone that Rias should become your master and that she would be able to keep you in line." Natsuki said, seeing where the story was going.

Koneko nodded her head, "Th-the race that I come from gain powerful abilities once they mature. And while I am indebted to Rias for everything, I was under no illusion that if I had no potential or if anyone besides Rias had stood up for me, that Sirzechs-sama would have advocated for my life."

So even then, Sirzechs was moving things in Rias' favor. "I'm sorry that happened to you, Koneko. I know it was hard for you to tell me this."

Koneko took a deep breath, "I... I wanted to tell you this, not because I wanted you to pity me, but because I know how it feels to have people only care because of what you can do for them."

I've learned to move past those feelings towards Sirzechs-sama, it wasn't hard when I had more important things to think about back then. Koneko thought.

"Did you ever tell Rias how you felt or about why Sirzechs help you?" Natsuki asked.

Koneko shook her head, she could not tell Rias, not with how much the older girl looked up to and admired her older brother. She did not want to cause any strive between the siblings, she did not feel comfortable being so vulnerable with Rias, and because Koneko feared what Sirzechs' reaction would. And after some time, it stopped mattering to Koneko as becoming Rias' Rook was the best fate that could have befallen her.

"You can talk to me about your feelings if you ever feel like doing so." Natsuki said softly.

"This wasn't how this was supposed to go." Koneko said as she looked away.

"Eh? What do you mean? You were trying to make me feel better, right? Well, you did, you were right; I do feel better knowing that someone else can relate and I want to be there for you if it ever becomes too much. So, thanks for being such a sweet kouhai, Koneko." Natsuki said before lifting her hand and patting Koneko's head.

Koneko blushed, leaning into the touch, Natsuki was always warm and inviting to her despite her abrasive outside. It reminded Konkeo of sitting next to a roaring fire in winter. "You're the worst, senpai."

Natsuki chuckled, continuing to pet Koneko, and she could have sworn she heard the younger girl purring like a cat, but knew better than to say that out loud. The two sat together in silence, watching as the sun continued to set and eventually disappearing and bringing the night sky and the moon into view.

Natsuki sighed as she stood up and stretched her arms, "Well, that's enough sulking for me."

"You're ready to go back?" Koneko asked.

Natsuki held her hand out towards the Rook and pull the girl to her feet, "I can't avoid one of the four Maous forever, no matter how much I'd like to."

Koneko nodded her head as she met Natsuki's gaze, "If you say so."

"Stay close, I'll teleport us to Issei's house."

"Are you sure you're okay?" Koneko asked.

Natsuki looked at the moon as she spoke, "I've been better, but yeah, I'm fine."

Koneko nodded, placing her hand on Natsuki's arm as a magic circle appeared below them, teleporting them to the Hyoudou resistance.

---

 

"So, what did you want to talk to us about?" Natsuki said tersely, opening glaring at Sirzechs.

Kushina pinched Natsuki's arm, "Don't be rude, Natsuki. Sirzechs-san has been kind enough to give you this opportunity, don't act like a brat for no reason."

Natsuki furiously bit her lip, fighting and struggling to keep down the anger that wanted to explode from her. She hated that Kushina was under the effects of Sirzechs memory altering spell, but she knew it was necessary to keep Kushina from asking questions.

Natsuki and Kushina were sitting inside the kitchen of Natsuki's apartment. After Natsuki had returned with Koneko, Sirzechs asked that they go to her apartment so that he could speak to her and her guardian privately. The children were in the living room, thoroughly distracted by the tv, having never used one this new.

Sirzechs continued to smile, ignoring Natsuki's snarls. "I wanted to make an offer for Aozora-san and the orphanage."

"An offer?" Kushina asked.

"Yes, an offer." Sirzechs affirmed, "I wanted to propose that the Nitoshō Orphanage become the Kuoh Town Orphanage."

"What?" Natsuki and Kushina asked aloud, looking at the redhead across from them in shock and confusion.

"You have had issues getting assistance from the Catholic Church for years now, have you not? The organization does not want to waste money on such a poor and unimpressive town like Nitoshō. Not to mention children running away and becoming homeless before the age of eighteen, and the police doing nothing to bring them back."

How does he know all of that? Kushina thought but could not deny Sirzechs' words.

Nitoshō was known as a town of broken dreams, where people fade from society, it was a place where everyone had been beaten down and disillusioned before long. Kushina remembered being an orphan in the Nitoshō Orphanage and how people had mocked and belittled her when she grew up and took over the orphanage when the old matron died, but Kushina wanted to help the abandoned children of Nitoshō the same way she had been helped all those years ago.

But even with her optimism, Kushina realized that she just did not have the resources to truly make a difference. She had watched countless children leave her care only to fall into the darkness that seemed to permeate from the town, unable to make much of themselves due to being born without a silver spoon in their mouths.

It was why she pushed Natsuki to accept the offer that came from Sirzechs to become a student at Kuoh Academy, and Natsuki was not helping herself with her desire to help Kushina and the orphanage. The teenager had kept her promise of wanting to provide for her guardian and for the last few months had been sending money back.

The large amount startled Kushina, and when she asked, Natsuki had assured her that she was not doing anything illegal to obtain the money and taken an after-school job.

Natsuki had the drive and the intelligence, but the stain of being raised in Nitoshō would have followed her, would have crushed her once she had gotten out into the real world, but being a graduate of a Kuoh Academy, one of the top ten most prestigious schools in Asia, would open doors for her.

He really has been watching me for a long time. Natsuki thought angrily.

Kushina cleared her throat, "You are right, but how would that even be possible?"

"My family own some properties here in Kuoh, you could say." Sirzechs answered, his smile growing when he heard Natsuki snort. "And I know some people from the Vatican. They are willing to allow, due to Nitoshō and Kuoh's close proximity to each other, the orphanage authority over both. You would operate here, taking over for the matron who works here, your yearly budget would increase, and would be able to bring children from Nitoshō to live and go to school here."

"The children would be acceptance to the academy?" Natsuki asked.

"Not just acceptance but full scholarships, similar to what you have, Natsuki-chan."

"I… I would have to be a fool not to accept your offer, but…" Kushina looked over at Natsuki.

"Take the deal." Natsuki said.

"You won't-"

"You've always wanted to help as many children as you can, and now you have the opportunity to make your dream a reality. I've never liked having things decided for me, and the Catholic Church even less, but what is happening is a good thing." Natsuki explained, looking at Kushina softly.

Kushina reached over and cupped the side of Natsuki's face, "Thank you, sweetheart."

Natsuki blushed, looking away from Kushina, "I didn't do anything."

Kushina made an amused noise, "Don't be stubborn, Natsu-chan." Kushina then stood up, "I'm going to tell the children to good news."

"We can discuss the finer details later." Sirzechs said, watching as Kushina left the kitchen and kneeled in front of the children, facing them as she spoke.

"Why are you doing this?" Natsuki whispered once she was sure that the others could not hear them.

"Doing what?" Sirzechs asked knowingly.

Natsuki did not hide her glare, openly baring her teeth at the Maou.

Sirzechs held up his hand defensively, but was still smiling brightly at Natsuki. "Okay, okay. But to be serious, I was not the one who decided to do all of this, it was just easier to tell Aozora-san that it was me."

"Then who did?"

"It was Michael."

Natsuki's eyebrows raised, "Michael? Like the Seraphim Angel, Michael?"

And the true leader of the Angels and all of Heaven.

Sirzechs chuckled at Natsuki's expression, "The very same."

"Why would he do that? I don't even know him and I'm a damn Devil, why would he want to do anything for someone related to me?"

"I can't say for certain what Michael's motivations are, but I assume it has to do with the recent revelation during your battle with Kokabiel along with Asia-chan and Xenovia-chan's situations."

Natsuki clenched her jaw, "So, you think he's trying to buy my silence? Or that he feels bad that Asia and Xenovia had to be excommunicated?"

Sirzechs shook his head, "Michael is not the malicious and devious type."

"Valper told us how Michael was the one who authorized the Holy Sword Project. Even if he was not aware of what Valper was truly doing, that doesn't change the fact that he holds some culpability in it."

It did not matter that Michael was supposed to be the leader of the side of good, that did not mean that he could not be capable of evil things in pursuit of goodness.

Maybe I'm being biased, but still, I can't trust some guy I don't know. You don't get things in life for free or because someone just wants to be nice. Natsuki thought.

"That is true, and you can bring up your grievances with Michael when he arrives."

Natsuki looked at Sirzechs confused, "Speak to Michael?"

"During the conference."

"I suppose." Natsuki said quietly but doubted that such an opportunity would arise.

Sirzechs' smile then dropped as he became serious, Natsuki-chan, I wanted to apl-"

"Sirzechs-sama, I don't want your apology, especially because I know you don't mean it."

It seems Issei-kun was entirely correct. Sirzechs thought, "But you were quite upset earlier."

"I was." Natsuki agreed, "But I would rather not be lied to my face, I'm sure you realize already but it's not something I enjoy. I'm still angry, you used me like a puppet for your own ends, you played with my life, I'm still angry but I understand why you did it."

"Thank you." Sirzechs said.

"I still don't like you." Natsuki admitted without shame or fear, "You made me become a Devil and you're still hiding things from me for some reason."

"I am, and I maintain that I am doing so for your own good. But I will try to stay out of your life from now on."

"But will interfere if you believe that it's necessary?" Natsuki asked knowingly.

"I will." Sirzechs said truthfully.

Natsuki leaned her head against her chair, smirking at Sirzechs devilishly. "So, how mad was your precious Ria-tan with you?"

Sirzechs' face immediately fell, and tears started pouring from his eyes, "She wants space from me! Can you believe that?!"

Natsuki met Kushina's gaze from over Sirzechs' shoulder, seeing the woman staring at them both, confused and slightly disturbed by Sirzechs' extreme reaction.

Natsuki shrugged her shoulder, pretending not to know why he was suddenly acting this way.

It's a miracle that Devil kind has lasted this long with such weird leaders.

Chapter 18: A New Kouhai

Summary:

Rias finally introduces her first Bishop to the newer members of the Peerage.

A Week Later

Natsuki was not sure how to feel as she watched the movers carry furniture into what was now the new Kuoh Town Orphanage.

Her reluctance had nothing to do with the move itself, but the location that was chosen; the abandoned church in the center of town, the one that Raynare had used as her base of operation and had killed Asia inside of.

Even though this place has lost a lot of its Holiness, it still makes me feel uncomfortable. Now I know why Sirzechs told me it would be better for me to keep living in my apartment rather than moving in with everyone. Natsuki thought.

"Hey, Natsuki." Natsuki turned around when she heard Issei calling her name, seeing him and the rest of the ORC with him.

"What are you guys doing here?" Natsuki asked.

"We wanted to see if Aozora-san and the children needed any help with the move." Rias answered, "And I wanted you to come with us afterwards to the clubroom, I have something very serious to show you and the other new members of the Peerage."

"That doesn't sound ominous at all." Natsuki drawled.

Rias smirked, which did nothing to change Natsuki's opinion that Rias was being purposefully vague to mess with them.

You really did end up with a cruel mistress. Lux said inside her mind, causing Natsuki to snort.

"Natsuki, there you are, you didn't tell me your friends were coming today, I would have made something for them if I had known." Kushina said as she exited the church and saw Natsuki standing in front of the rest of the ORC.

"I didn't know they were coming." Natsuki replied.

"There is no need to make anything for us, Aozora-san. We only came to see if you and the children needed help." Rias voiced.

"Oh, well Sirzechs-san has hired very good thorough movers, so I don't think that is necessary." Kushina stated, "And you all can call me Kushina. Come, come inside."

Kushina led the group inside the newly renovated orphanage, telling them to sit as she disappeared up the stairs. The ground floor now looked bigger than it had before and had been cleared of the pews, now having a sprawling living room and three walls that separated it from the dining room and kitchen.

Kushina had told the group to sit down in the living room as she went to the kitchen to get them all something to drink.

"Wow, this place looks way different than it did before." Issei said as he looked around the new orphanage in awe.

Kiba chuckled, "That's because it was abandoned and falling apart before."

It also doesn't hurt that there are no Fallen Angels and rouge exorcists around trying to kill us. Kiba thought.

"But is it still supposed to feel so uncomfortable?" Issei asked, shuddering as it felt like a stone was sitting on his shoulders and like some of his energy had been taken from him the further, they walked into the building.

"The orphanage is being sponsored by the Church; it also doesn't help that this building used to be a baptized church." Akeno explained as they all began to sit down on the couches and chairs.

Holy energy, much like Demonic energy, tended to linger in places, objects, and in people for prolonged periods of time, only slowly losing its strength and permeance.

Xenovia sighed as she heard this, "I keep forgetting that as a Devil now, that building like this feels so oppressive and cold."

She had once found warmth and comfort in holy places, even ones that were abandoned and desolate, but now her new body rejected such things. And this feeling grew worse as Xenovia was reminded of how she became a Devil in the first place.

"I went through the same thing when I became a Devil. It's almost impossible pray to God or read the Bible now without hurting myself." Asia said, smiled at her reassuringly, ignoring the sting the flashed through her skull at the mention of 'God.'

"I too miss praying." Xenovia said, her shoulders falling as she remembered that even if she could pray, her prayers would not be going to God but instead Michael.

"You pray?" Kushina asked, hearing Xenovia's words as she reentered the living room, a tray with glasses of water in her hands.

"Uh, yes, Az-Kushina-san." Xenovia answered, not expecting the woman to have heard her, "I- is something wrong with that?"

Kushina glanced at Natsuki, who had to fight the urge to roll her eyes and scoff, before putting the tray down on the coffee table. "No, there is nothing wrong with prayer, I, myself am a Christian and some of the children are religious too. I just, I just didn't expect Natsuki to befriend someone with those kinds of beliefs."

Natsuki crossed her arms, "I'm not some discriminating asshole, Kushina-sama."

"Natsuki, you're an asshole ninety-five percent of the time." Issei muttered, causing the others to laugh while Natsuki glared at him.

Xenovia turned to Natsuki, "You were quite discriminating when we first met, Natsuki-san."

Natsuki glared at Xenovia from the corner of her eye, "Because you were being a bitch to everyone in the group, or did you forget how much you looked down on us that day? Must be nice to have such a short memory."

Xenovia looked down at the floor, she could not say that Natsuki was wrong, she did not like any of them when they first met simply because they were Devils, as everything she thought she knew Devils, painted them as cruel and evil.

Kushina smacked the back of Natsuki's head, "Stop acting so rude, Natsu. If you're friends with her now, then she must have apologized to you and the others. I know you; you wouldn't be sitting here right now if you didn't accept it, so leave the girl alone."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, but did not argue with Kushina, leaning back into the couch, "Yes, Kushina-sama."

Wow, there's someone who can tell Natsuki what to do. Issei thought he wanted to make a joke about this, but he knew that Natsuki would get him back for it later.

Before long, one of the children ran into the room, their skin flushed and sweaty from exertion, smiling brightly as he spotted Natsuki. "Natsuki Onee-chan! There you are! I need to you to help us get our ball down from a tree."

Kushina put her hands on her hips as she stared Izo down, "Izo, what do you say when you see that we have guests?"

Izo quickly bowed to Natsuki's friends, "Sorry! It is nice to see you again, welcome to our home."

Rias chuckled, "Thank you for having us, Izo-kun."

Natsuki rolled her eyes when she saw Izo blush at Rias' smile, "This is the third time today."

Izo shrugged, feeling no sympathy for the older girl. "You're the only one tall enough to reach the ball when it flies so high. You should have been shorter if you didn't want this to be your job."

Natsuki smacked the back of Izo's head, ignoring his shout of indignation as they left the others and went to the backyard. When she came back less than three minutes later, Natsuki saw that Kushina had gotten old photo albums and was now showing them to the Peerage.

Issei grinned widely at Natsuki when she returned, "We're looking at some very cute pictures of you, Natsu-chan."

He showed her the photo album in his hands, showing her a picture of herself from when she was six riding an old bicycle, her eyes were visibly wide as she leaning to the side instead of balancing properly.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "Okay? I'm I supposed to care?"

"Damn it! Yes! You were making fun of me when my okasan showed my baby pictures!" Issei growled.

"Because you were naked in almost all of them, unlike you, I knew how to keep my clothes on." Natsuki said as she sat back down.

Koneko looked up from a picture of Natsuki as a toddler walking around with a toy shovel, "You used to be cute, senpai. What happened?"

Natsuki stared at Koneko blankly, "I went through puberty. Don't worry, little one, I'm sure it will happen to you any day now."

Akeno giggled when Koneko glared at Natsuki and pinched her thigh, causing Natsuki to yelp. "Don't worry, Natsuki-chan, I still think you're cute."

"Why are you saying that while looking a picture of me taking a bath?" Natsuki asked, looking at Akeno suspiciously as she pointed to the picture of her as a baby that was in her hands.

"Well, I was wondering if you still have that adorable birth mark on your butt?" Akeno asked, her smile widening.

Natsuki did not respond to Akeno's question, ignoring the sound of her giggling as she looked away.

Rias drew Natsuki's attention away from the other girl when she spoke, "Natsuki, when did you meet missionaries?"

Rias was looking at a picture of Kushina and Natsuki with a bunch of other children that she did not recognize, but what drew her eye was the two adults standing behind the children and next to Kushina.

The two were dressed in formal clothes, but what clued Rias into their profession was the gold cross necklaces around their necks, and the beaded bracelets around their hands. As part of her education as the heir of a noble house, she was taught to recognize the signs that could denote a person's race or affiliation.

The beaded bracelets were protection charms that are given to lower ranking members of the church, who had no magical abilities or aptitude for combat when they would travel to various parts of the world.

Natsuki clenched her fists when she saw the picture in Rias' hand, "I did."

Rias raised an eyebrow, waiting for Natsuki to continue, but when she realized that she would not further elaborate, Rias turned to Kushina.

Kushina cleared her throat, glancing at Natsuki again. "As you know, our orphanage is sponsored by the Catholic Church, and every so often members of the Church come to talk to the kids. They pray with them, play games, read them Bible stories, teach them about God."

"If the Church comes to visit, why did they not feel the need to fix the orphanage before, if they knew it was worn down?" Issei asked.

Before Kushina could answer, Izo ran back into the room, "Natsuki Onee-chan! The ball's on the roof now."

Natsuki took a moment to speak, "How the hell did you guys throw the ball onto the roof?"

Natsuki did not look at anyone as she left the room, and Kushina looked at Natsuki's back worryingly as she did.

"Uh, Kushina-san? Why does Natsuki not like the Church?" Issei awkwardly asked.

Kushina looked away from the group as she started to pick up their empty glasses, "When that picture was taken, it was the first time that Natsuki was there for those meetings. Natsuki used to be religious, you know?"

"She was?" Issei asked, trying to imagine the Natsuki he knew ever being a believer in God.

Kushina laughed but it was hollow, "She was. I mean, I raised almost all of the children who come through my doors to believe, but for Natsuki, God was a comfort for her."

Kushina remembered how Natsuki would pray with her in the morning when she was younger, of the rosary she used to own, and how Natsuki had thrown it away, destroying it in a fit of rage.

"What led to her no longer believing?" Asia asked.

Kushina sighed, "The missionaries said some truly cruel things to Natsuki, and it just... it just broke her. That's why she can be so hostile towards religion."

Each of the Devils was wondering just what the missionaries could have said to Natsuki that could have permanently destroyed her faith.

But no one could gather the strength to voice this question by the time Natsuki returned to the living room and the topic was soon forgotten by everyone, except for of a certain Queen, blond Bishop, and blue haired swordswoman.

---

 

A Few Hours Later

The Peerage were now on the ground floor of the old school building, standing in front of a door that had a sign which was labeled, 'Sealed classroom.' This room was so securely closed that no one could see inside and was also covered in with tape that was plastered onto it with magic seals that had been carved into the wood.

"So, they're here?" Issei asked.

"Your other Bishop is in here?" Asia asked.

Rias sighed, "Yes. Last night, my older brother insisted that I release the seal and let my Bishop out. I'm not sure why, but my Bishop refused the offer."

"You still haven't explained why your other Bishop is being kept in here, Buchou?" Natsuki asked.

Rias had explained to the newer members of the Peerage that due to various circumstances; the Bishop could not participate in the Rating Game between the Phoenix household and the battle against Kokabiel. That they had a dangerous ability, that not even Rias could control, so she was ordered by the Maous and other nobles to seal her Bishop.

Rias sighed again, "The reason they refused my brother's offer and why you four have not met them yet is twofold; first, is that their powers are difficult to control as I said before, and secondly, because of their powers and life experiences, they choice spend all of their time indoors, refusing to come outside due to fear."

"So, they're a shut-in?" Issei asked surprised.

Akeno smiled, "Such a shame really. Especially as this child is the largest earner we have."

"No way! You can't be serious!"

"Through a computer, the kid would take special contracts from humans," Kiba added, "Theses contracts are usually from people who don't want to meet us."

"That makes sense; not everyone would want to be in the presence of a Devil, even one they're making a deal with. And the internet makes it possible communicate with anyone you want." Natsuki said aloud.

Honestly, making deals through my phone would be better than having to talk to some people who want to make a contract with me. Natsuki thought.

Rias took a breath, lifting her hand and breaking the seal on the door, "Alright, let's see how this goes."

Rias used her hand to push the door open and the second she did, a high-pitched scream emitted from inside.

"Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Rias was not surprised, but sighed as she opened the door wider, allowing herself and the rest of the group to enter. "Hello. I am glad to see you are looking well.

The room was decorated in a cute manner; with stuffed dolls lining the shelves, ruffled blinds that were covering the windows completely, a pink and purple circular rug in the middle of the room. There was no bed, but instead a singular coffin that sat in the corner of the room.

And sitting down on the floor was the room's occupant; a bishoujo wearing the Kuoh Academy girls uniform with noble looks, platinum blond hair that was styled in a short bob cut with several small strands of fringe covering their forehead, pointed ears, and pinkish-violet eyes who looked like a doll.

Their back was facing the rest of the Peerage, tears falling from their eyes as their body shook from fear.

"I don't understand what's going on." The Bishop cried out.

"Ara, ara, the seal was removed, you know? So, you're able to go outside now." Akeno said.

More tears fell from their face, "I don't want to leave, it's too scary outside!"

"What? She's just a little girl!" Issei exclaimed, "And look! She looks a lot like Asia! Does that mean that all Bishops have to be pretty blondes or something?"

Kiba chuckled at Issei's words and the way he was now looking the newly revealed Bishop.

Issei frowned as he turned to Kiba, "What's so funny?"

Rias turned her head sideways as she spoke, "This child is a boy."

Issei froze, slowly turning around to face Rias, "Eh? Uh, wait. What did you just say?"

"Appearance-wise, this kid looks like a girl, but I can assure you that they're a little boy."

Issei's mouth dropped open, "No, no, no matter how you look at it. It's a girl, Buchou! Eh? Seriously?"

Issei then looked at Natsuki, pointing at her, "Is it a Natsuki situation? Does he have, like, more parts down there?"

Natsuki glared at the other Pawn, snarling as she looked like she was going to beat Issei to death.

Akeno chuckled, inadvertently saving Issei's life, "No, it's nothing like that, he just likes to dress up like a girl. It's a hobby of his."

Akeno-san said that calmly. Hobby of dressing in female clothes? T-Then this kid was not wearing that uniform because he's a girl but-because of a hobby? Issei thought.

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh!?" Issei shrieked due to his shock.

The young boy in front of the group jumped back at Issei's shouting, "Eeek! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Seriously! Is he a boy even like this!? No, no matter how you look at it, that part of him was more like a bishoujo than even some girls! I seriously didn't get it! Even the voice was like a girl! He's even so small too!

Issei fell to his knees, holding his head in his hands, "Is it all right to have such a cruel story? He perfectly looks like a bishojo, for him to be a man... for him to have a penis on him. What a waste."

Koneko slapped the back of Issei's head, knocking him to the floor, "...No vulgar words around Gasper."

But Issei was undeterred, "It's an even more painful story that he has a hobby of wearing girl's clothes! The shock is too huge! Even though he's a shut-in, he has a hobby of wearing girl's clothes!"

"B-B-B-But girl's clothes are super cute." The younger boy argued, stammering as he struggled to make eye contact with Issei.

Natsuki rolled her eyes, trying to move the conversation past Issei's horror, "Koneko called you Gasper, is that your name?"

Gasper to one look at Natsuki, shrieking as he threw himself into Rias' arms, burying his face in neck.

"Wow, your face scared him, Natsuki-senpai." Koneko said.

"Natsuki-san does make very menacing expressions I have noticed." Xenovia added, "But you were not glaring at him or anything just now, so his reaction seems surprising."

"Why does this keep happening? I look like a normal person." Natsuki mumbled to herself.

This was not the first time that Natsuki's appearance had scared or unnerved other people. Her sharp facial features, tall stature, dark red eyes, her obviously mixed race and foreign appearance, and her aloof and closed off demeanor, intimidated most.

And while she was used to people calling her a delinquent, being accusing of being a Yakzua, or even her classmates calling her a Dark Princess and black hearted, Natsuki still hated the comparisons.

Asia placed a hand on Natsuki's arm reassuringly, "It's okay, Natsuki-san. Even if everyone else thinks you're scary, we don't. They just don't know how nice you are and are too focused on your face."

That doesn't make me feel better, Asia. Natsuki thought, her shoulder slumping as she felt the smaller girl's words hit her like a physical blow.

Rias shook her head as she turned back to Gasper, "Now Gasper-kun, I wanted to introduce you to my new servants who joined us while you were in here. My Pawns, Hyoudou Issei and Sukehiro Natsuki; my second Knight, Xenovia Quarta; and like you, my second Bishop, Asia Argento."

Before they could greet him properly, Gasper shrieked, "Eeeeek, the members increased by a lot!"

"It did." Rias chuckled, "Now you four, I want to introduce you to Gasper Vladi. He is my Bishop and for the time being, he is a Kuoh Academy first year student. And before I had the honor of turning him into a Devil, this little guy was half human, half vampire."

"He's a real vampire?" Asia asked in shock.

"Like a bloodsucker? Serious?" Issei exclaimed.

I guess it shouldn't be surprising that in a world where Devils, Angels, Fallen Angels, demon dogs, and dragons exist, vampires would too. Natsuki thought, looking at her new kouhai differently than before.

"Gasper-kun, will you please come outside with us?" Rias asked sweetly.

Gasper shook his head vigorously, "No! I don't want to go; please don't make me!"

Issei frowned at this, bending down next to Rias as he slowly reached out to hold Gasper's arm, wanting to pull the younger boy out of the room. "C'mon, you heard the lady; let's go."

Gasper flinched at Issei's touch, yelping as a flash of purple light emanated from his body and covered the room. Once this happened, Gasper shook off Issei hand and ran to the corner of the room, shacking as tears fell from his eyes.

"What the hell?" Natsuki exclaimed, looking around and seeing that everyone but was frozen in place, and that her [Ethereal Domination] activated subconsciously.

"This must be because of his Sacred Gear." Lux spoke aloud.

"He has a Scared-" Natsuki cut herself off when she saw that Gasper's eyes had changed in appearance, his pinkish-violet eyes now covered with black lines that intersected at Gasper's pupils.

"Eekk! Y-you c—ca-can mo-move?!" Gasper shouted, shaking even more than before.

Natsuki walked towards Gasper wanting to calm him down, but stopped when she saw that his shaking had grown worse, starting to hyperventilate with each step she took.

"Sorry, Gasper. I'll stay here, see everything is good." Natsuki said, putting her hands up in a gesture of compliance.

Gasper's eyes returned to normal, and he was no longer breathing heavily, but he still looked at Natsuki wearily.

"I think your King may have been understating this boy's antisocial behavior." Lux said and Natsuki could not help but agree with her.

"What the? Natsuki, how did you get over there? And how did he get over there too?" Issei asked, for him and everyone else, no time had passed, and it was as if Natsuki and Gasper had just instantly moved.

Kiba sighed, "It looks like he did it again."

"Did what?" Xenovia asked.

"Used his Scared Gear." Natsuki answered.

Issei looked at Natsuki confused, "Sacred Gear?"

"[Forbidden Balor View]." Akeno voiced, "Also known as the Evil Eye that Stops the World. It's Gasper-kun's Scared Gear, and when he gets too excited, he can stop of the time of everything in his field of vision for fixed intervals of time."

"What kind of broken ass power is that?" Natsuki asked aloud, surprised that such a shy and timid boy could have such a power Sacred Gear.

Akeno raised an eyebrow as she smirked at Natsuki, "This coming from the girl who can absorb magic, which is probably why you were the only one of us who was able to move?"

"She makes a good point." Lux said in Natsuki's mind as the girl pursed her lips, acquiescing to Akeno.

"Because Gasper-kun can't control his Sacred Gear, by the order of Maou Sirzechs-sama, he was sealed away here as a precautionary measure."

Rias sighed, "On top of that, his ability seems to grow stronger unconsciously, so there's a distinct possibility it could become a Balance Breaker."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Issei asked before realizing Gasper disappeared again.

"He's inside that box by the windows." Natsuki voiced when she saw Issei looking around, once again being the only person unaffected by Gasper's Sacred Gear.

"I don't like it when talk about me like I'm not here. Why can't you just ignore that I'm alive like normal?!" Gasper yelled from inside a cardboard box.

"How did he even get in there?" Asia asked.

Rias looked at the box with a deadpanned stare, "Gasper-kun's potential would be a good thing if he could control his powers. Like Akeno said, he only uses his powers unconsciously, when his emotions flare up, so it seen as nothing but a huge problem by everyone else. But I was recently evaluated by the higher ups and judged that I should be able to control Gasper now, because you, Natsuki, and Yuuto have achieved Balance Breaker."

Although, I feel they are giving me too much credit for that. Rias thought sourly.

As if she could hear Rias' thoughts, Natsuki spoke, "But only Kiba unlocked his Balance Break and can use it willingly. Issei and I only did so during the Ratings Game because of different requirements; they're incomplete."

"That doesn't matter to the higher ups, all they care about is that you and Issei were both able to achieve Balance Breaker while under my authority. The semantics of it all is irrelevant, they expect Gasper to achieve it too."

"It also doesn't help that in Gasper's case he was revived with a Mutation Piece." Kiba added.

"A Mutation Piece? I thought they were rare and that you used the one given to you by Sirzechs-sama on Natsuki?" Issei asked, remembering the conversation they had about Evil Pieces when he and Natsuki first became Devils.

"For High Class Devils, one in ten Devils possesses a single Mutation Piece. It's an irregularity born when the Evil Piece system was created, it's kind of like a bug, but was kept for fun and because of the strength it gives. Gasper-kun is the one who I used that piece on. The Mutation Piece that I used on Natsuki was a gift from Sirzechs that he had gotten from Ajuka Beelzebub-sama, one of the four Maous and the creator of the Evil Piece system. Although, I now know why my brother gave me the piece so flippantly." Rias said, both her and Natsuki frowning when she mentioned Sirzechs and his involvement in the latter's life.

Rias then sighed, "As his Mutation Piece dictates, Gasper-kun is strong, judging by ability, he could be ranked as coming second only to Akeno in the Peerage in terms of magical output. And even though Gasper-kun is a half vampire, he is from a pureblooded vampire family with a good lineage and has a powerful Sacred Gear because of his human half. He is well-endowed with the abilities of vampires, and he excels in human magic wielded as well. So, you can see why he would not have been made a Bishop with just one or two Evil Pieces."

Okay, this kid really is fucking broken. Natsuki thought, "Since he is half vampire, can he walk in the sunlight?"

Rias nodded her head, "He is a Daywalker, so he has no problem with the sun. However, he does dislike it."

"No! I hate the daylight! It would be better if the sun disappeared!" Gasper shouted strongly, proving Rias' point.

"You don't attend class either, right? If you don't control your power and open yourself up, then can you really say you're living?" Issei asked, stepping closer to Gasper's box.

The box Gasper was in shook, "No! I'm fine in this cardboard box! Everything outside of it, is my personal enemy! Why can't you just let me live in this box forever?!"

"Does he need blood?" Natsuki asked, feeling her exasperation rising.

"He doesn't crave it as often as full-blooded vampires, but he does need it. I supply him blood every ten days, but like with sunlight, Gasper-kun doesn't like blood." Rias answered.

"I hate blood!" Gasper shouted.

"... He's a good for nothing vampire." Koneko said plainly.

"Uwaaaaaaah! Koneko-chan is a meanieeee!"

"Damm, Koneko-chan, no first-year camaraderie? You're so merciless." Issei asked jokingly.

Koneko crossed her arms, "He doesn't deserve my kindness with how much trouble he causes."

Akeno looked at her phone and when she saw the time, she turned to Rias, "Buchou, I think it's time for us to go."

"Yes, you're right." Rias said before speaking to the rest of the Peerage, "For the time being, till I come back, Ise, Natsuki, Asia, Koneko, Xenovia, I'll leave Gasper's training to you. Akeno and I will be going to the meeting place for the leaders' summit. And Yuuto, it seems Onii-sama wants to hear in detail about your Balance Breaker so you should accompany us."

"Yes, Buchou." The Devils said in unison.

"Good." Rias said as Akeno formed a transportation circle behind them and Kiba moved next to her.

Akeno turned her head and looked at the cardboard box in the corner with a small smile, "Gasper-kun, you should start getting used to the outside, you know?"

"Akeno Onee-samaaaaaaa! Please don't say stuff like thaaaaaaaat!" Gasper shrieked.

"Ara ara, that's troubling. Natsuki-chan, I'll leave it to you."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "What the fuck am I supposed to do?"

"Don't pretend that you're not good with kids, we've all seen you with your client's children and with the children in the orphanage." Akeno grinned.

Natsuki looked at Gasper's box from the corner of her eye, wearily, knowing that dealing with the young boy would not be as easy as the other children she had taken care of.

Not to mention, those kids are all younger than Gasper. Natsuki thought.

Soon the trio of Devils disappeared from the room, leaving a nervous Gasper to his fate.

Xenovia stepped forward, opening the top of Gasper's box, "I've always wanted to fight a vampire, you guys should leave his training to me."

"Eeeeeeeeek! N-N-N-N-No way, I don't want to fight against the user of the Holy Sword Durrandaaaaal! I-I'll be destroyed!" Gasper cried out.

"Don't scream, Gaspar. If you like, shall I prepare a cross and holy water, and attack you with garlic instead, if you don't want me to use my Holy Sword?" Xenovia said, trying to give him a reassuring smile, but this along with her words only served to terrify the vampire even more.

"Eeeeeeeeeek! Garlic, noooooooooo!"

It may have been bad luck for him to have met Xenovia. Issei thought, remembering how Xenovia used to be an agent of the Church with experience in exorcising Devils.

---

 

A Few Hours Later

"Hey, start running. If you are a Daywalker then you should be able to run in the day." Xenovia said as she chased Gasper.

"Eeeeeeek! Don't chase me while swinging the Durandaaaaaaal!" Gasper yelled, trying desperately to stay as far away from the swordswoman.

The sun had started to set as Xenovia chased Gasper with Durandal, the Holy Sword emanating a holy aura that sent chills down the spines of all the Devils within its vicinity.

"It just looks like she's gone vampire hunting." Natsuki said dryly.

Gasper soon tripped over his on foot, falling face first into the ground. When he turned his head to look up at Xenovia, tears could be seen in the corners of his eyes, "Why do you have to be so mean to me?!"

Xenovia sighed as she implanted Durandal into the ground, "A healthy mind lives in a healthy body. Trust me, you won't think I'm so mean when you're stronger."

"At least she looks like she's enjoying herself." Issei said, smiling awkwardly.

"That's true, it seems like she really enjoys yelling at people." Asia added.

"I can't do this anymore!" Gasper yelled, starting to openly cry, "What you say doesn't matter if my legs don't work!"

"...Gya-kun, if you eat this, you'll feel better." Koneko said as she walked up to Gasper, holding three knobs of garlic out to him.

"No way! Are you trying to kill me!" Gasper jumped.

Now it became Koneko chasing Gasper, telling him not to be so fussy as she tried to feed the garlic to him.

"C'mon, Gya-kun, you can wash it down with holy water."

"Koneko-san seems to be having fun too." Asia said.

"Not in a good way." Natsuki said as they watched Koneko bully the younger boy.

"Who knew Koneko-chan would ever care enough to tease someone?" Issei said, surprised by the scene in front of them. "And why is she calling him Gya-kun?"

"Okay that's enough." Natsuki sighed, standing between Gasper and Koneko, allowing Gasper to hide behind her. "You and Xenovia have had your fun, but none of this is helping Gasper."

Xenovia frowned, "What do you mean? Rias said we have to train Gasper, that is what we're doing."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "What's the point of Gasper getting physically stronger if he's too afraid to go outside, and uses his powers with no control?"

"I suppose that's a good point." Xenovia relented.

"It looks like you guys are having fun." The group turned and saw Saji walking towards them.

Issei smiled, "What's up, Saji."

"I heard that Rias had finally released her dangerous Bishop, so I wanted to see them for myself." Saji said before catching sight of Gasper behind Natsuki, "Another pretty blonde?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Don't get your hopes up, Saji, the Bishop behind me is a crossdressing boy."

Saji fell to his knees, completely heartbroken, "A boy? Why have I been forsaken?"

Issei nodded his head, "Trust me, I know exactly how you feel."

Natsuki ignored the conversation between Saji and Issei as she turned her head to look at the boy behind her. "Hey, Gasper."

Gasper flinched at the sound of Natsuki's voice, trembling as he met her steely gaze. "Y-y-yes?"

"You like video games, right?" Natsuki asked.

"I-I do."

"How about I make you a deal."

"A deal?"

Natsuki nodded her head, "I will buy you whatever video game you want, if I can come to your room and meditate with you."

"Really?" Gasper asked, looking at the Pawn with surprise and suspicion.

"Yeah, throwing you into the deep end is not working for you, I'm sure Rias and the other have already tried that."

Gasper looked down, "They have."

For years, the Devils of the Gremory Peerage have been trying to help Gasper overcome his fear of people and the outside world, only for none of their efforts to be successful.

"Then we will take baby steps and move at your pace. You're already doing a surprisingly decent job, so don't feel bad about that."

"I-I am?"

"You are." Natsuki said, "I mean, you've been outside for hours, allowing Xenovia to run you ragged when you could have used your Sacred Gear to escape. That's proof that you're trying, even if it doesn't feel like it to you."

Gasper blushed at Natsuki's subtle praise, realizing both that he had been outside and around people longer than he has in a long time and that he judged Natsuki prematurely.

Was she human before she died? The magic coming from her doesn't feel like that of a reincarnated Devil, maybe it's her Sacred Gear? Gasper thought quizzically.

Natsuki's head immediately shot up as she looked to the right, towards the trees at the edge of the ORC clubhouse as she felt a magic presence suddenly appear. "Who's there?"

A chuckle was heard as a person stepped out of the shadows, revealing the form of a familiar Fallen Angel. "It seems the servants of the Maou's family are out here playing. That's just so sweet."

"Azazel!" Issei exclaimed, glaring at the Fallen Angel.

"Hey, Sekiryuutei, you're looking good." Azazel said with a smirk.

Everyone was dubiously staring at the Fallen, and with a single word from Issei, the atmosphere completely changed.

Xenovia pulled her sword out of the ground and pointed it in Azazel's direction. Asia hid behind Issei while he summoned his [Boosted Gear] to protect her.

Why is the Governor of the Fallen Angels in a place like this!? Issei thought.

Despite his shock, Saji was also able to summon his Sacred Gear, "Hy-Hyoudou, by Azazel you mean-!"

Issei nodded his head, "I am serious, Saji. I have met this guy plenty of times."

"Calm down, guys. He's not here to fight." Natsuki called out.

Unlike everyone else, Natsuki was the only one not posed to fight or hide behind anyone, she simply stared at Azazel with a blank expression.

"Natsuki! He's a Fallen Angel!" Issei exclaimed.

"And he's the leader of the Fallen." Natsuki added, "He's here for the leaders' summit, remember? And even then, fighting back won't matter; he's Vali's boss."

The memory of the White Dragon Emperor flashed through their minds. No one could deny that Vali was powerful, so it only made sense to think that whoever Vali took orders from would be stronger than him.

Azazel chuckled, "Natsuki's right; I'm not here to fight. And no matter what you did you wouldn't win against me, but you don't have anything to fear, I'm not the type of person who likes to bully the lower classes. Anyway, where is that Holy Demonic Sword user? I came by to pay him a visit."

Issei growled, "You're not getting Kiba! I won't let you, bastard!"

Azazel ignored Issei as he looked around, "Aw, the Holy Demonic Sword user isn't here? How boring."

He then looked at the vampire who was hiding behind Natsuki, "You are the possessor of the [Forbidden Balor View, right? You know, this type of Sacred Gear can wind up becoming extremely dangerous if the user's capacity is too low. As a support type Sacred Gear, if you can supplement the deficient aspects, it should be fine but now that I mention it, the research of Sacred Gears by Devils hasn't progressed much."

Azazel then took a few steps closer, peering into both of Gasper's eyes and causing Gasper to tremble in fear despite the lack of killing intent coming from the Fallen.

"Back off, Azazel." Natsuki growled, blocking Gasper fully with her body.

Azazel grinned, "I didn't take you for a mother hen, Natsuki."

Natsuki's eyes narrowed, "You're scaring the kid, so like I said; back off."

Azazel continued to smile, doing as Natsuki said and not moving another inch in her and Gasper's direction, instead moving his attention to Saji. "And you've got the Black Dragon Pulse, [Absorption Line], right? During this little training session, you should connect with the vampire so you can drain the excess of his Sacred Gear. It will run less wild that way."

Saji had a complicated look on his face as he looked from Azazel to his [Absorption Line, "M-My Sacred Gear, it can suck the power of other's Sacred Gears as well? I thought it simply absorbs the opponent's power and weakens them."

"Don't tell me you didn't know that! Have we gotten to a point where recent Sacred Gear holders don't know the power of their own Sacred Gears well enough?" Azazel said with a laugh, an amused expression appearing on his face. "Your Scared Gear holds the power of one of the legendary Five Dragon Kings, the Prison Dragon, Vritra. It scatters the power of whatever comes into contact with it, of course, attaching itself to something else for a brief period of time is another benefit.

"This thing is more badass than I thought." Saji whispered before looking at Azazel, "Does this mean the line on my side, for example, I can connect it to Hyoudou or some other person? And then the power will flow into Hyoudou?"

"Yeah, if you grow, the number of lines you can make will also increase. And if you do that, the output of your absorption will increase many times as well."

Saji became quiet after this, more than astonished by what Azazel had just revealed to him about his Sacred Gear.

Azazel then smirked, "Although, a faster and more simply way to go about training would be to have the vampire drink Sekiryuutei or Kogane Ryū Kōgō's blood."

Issei sneered, "Hope you don't mean me, because I don't do vampire bites."

"Don't get mad at me; he's the vampire."

Gasper's eyes widened at Azazel's words, his breathing became heavier and Natsuki could feel him shaking against her back.

Natsuki scoffed, drawing attention away from Gasper, "Did you just come here to discuss Sacred Gears? I guess Kokabiel was right about your obsession with them."

"No, I didn't but I had to take the opportunity, you know?" Azazel answered, "I came to apologize for what Vali did the other day. I'm sure you all must have been surprised by him suddenly seeking you out on his own, but Vali has always been an unusual guy. But don't worry, I'm sure you know that Vali isn't thinking of settling the rivalry just yet."

"Because he thinks Issei and I are too weak." Natsuki spat.

"You are too weak." Azazel said plainly, smiling when Natsuki's glare intensified, "Oh, come now, you know that, isn't that why you called me 'Vali's Boss,' earlier?"

Natsuki said nothing, it was the truth, but once again it was a truth that infuriated her to no end.

"But you should take it as a good thing. You have time to grow stronger without the worry of a powerful foe coming to kill you." With that, Azazel turned to leave, walking towards the tree line that he had first appeared through, no longer seeing the point of sticking around.

"Hold on a second!" Issei called out, stopping Azazel in his tracks, "I want to know why you hid your real identity from me and Natsuki when you first contacted us. You may have apologized for Vali, but you haven't done so for your actions!"

Azazel turned his head slightly, looking at Issei from the corner of his eye, "Oh, well. That's just my thing; I won't apologize for that."

After saying this, Azazel disappeared through the trees before teleporting away, leaving the Devils thoroughly confused.

After Azazel left, the Devils exchanged glances, troubled on how to continue before Saji stepped forward and made a suggestion. "For the time being, I'll use my Sacred Gear on the new face-kun over there. In that state, let's try using his Sacred Gear and practice. In exchange for that, next time, I will have you help me out with a flower bed Kaichou wants me to take care of."

Saji connected the tongue of the [Absorption Line] to Gasper, following Azazel's suggestion as the group went to the school's gymnasium.

Issei came up with the idea to throw volleyballs at Gasper and have him stop them in midair using his [Forbidden Balor View].

"Alright, have at it." Issei said as he threw the volleyball in his hands directly at Gasper's face.

"EEk!" Gasper exclaimed as his eyes flashed purple, and when the light disappeared Gasper was no longer standing on the court.

"Whoa, he just disappeared." Saji said, looking at the stop where Gasper once stood.

Koneko sighed as she followed the direction that Saji's line was heading, knowing that Gasper was still on the other end of it.

Issei scratched the back of his head, "That is not how this was supposed to work. His goal was to stop the ball, but he stopped us too."

"I found him." Koneko said as she dragged Gasper back onto the court by the scruff of his collar, causing his shirt to drag up over his stomach.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to!" Gasper cried.

"This training would be fairly hard for anyone." Xenovia said as they watched Gasper once again fail to use his Sacred Gear properly.

Asia frowned, "And it doesn't help that he has so much power."

"It's too strong for his own good. Poor guy." Issei sighed before looking at Saji, "Saji, do you think you could take away a bit more from him?"

"Totally." Saji said, using his [Absorption Line] to take away more of Gasper's magical power from him.

Gasper shivered as he felt the magic being drained from his body, finding the experience to be uncomfortable and strange.

"Awesome, thanks for helping us out."

Saji smiled, "It's no problem. I mean, I'm the one who's got to learn how to use a new power, right?"

Natsuki crossed her arms, "I still think we should be working on his Anthropophobia before doing any physical training."

"Anthropophobia?" Xenovia asked, having never heard of the word.

"It's an intense and irrational fear of people." Natsuki answered, "I think Gasper has an extreme version of it. And I think we should deal with that first before working on his powers."

Issei scowled, "Well, we don't have time. You saw the way Azazel was looking at Gasper, we have to get Gasper strong enough to defend himself, or Azazel might take him."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, ignoring how Gasper yelped at Issei's claim, "Unless Azazel is an idiot, he's not going to take Gasper, at least not forcefully. And even so, I don't think Azazel has much interest in Gasper beside clinically."

"I guess you're right, but even if he is obsessed with Sacred Gears, why would he help us by giving those suggestions?" Issei asked, "And what was with that whole blood thing? Ugh, everything about this just freaks me out."

"Me too! I hate blood." Gasper said.

"You know, you and Buchou didn't explain how that works. I mean, how can you hate the taste of blood; you're a vampire?"

Gasper started to shake, "I just can't help it! The smell of blood makes me want to vomit; I hate that stuff!"

Koneko sighed, "You really are the worst vampire ever."

Gasper crouched down and started to bawl, "Why are you so mean to me, Koneko-chan?!"

Xenovia rubbed one of her ears, "Wow, that whine is starting to hurt my brain."

---

 

By the time night had fallen, Gasper had escaped Koneko's attempts to stop him and retreated into his room, refusing to let anyone inside. Eventually the others soon left, leaving only Natsuki, Issei, and now Rias, standing in front of the once sealed door.

"Gasper-kun, please come out." Rias pleaded.

Issei looked at the floor as he scratched the back of his head, "Sorry about this, Buchou. The last thing I wanted to do was bug you in the middle of your big meeting."

Rias glanced at Issei, "No, don't worry. It means a lot that you're all working so hard and want the best for him."

"I can't leave! It's too scary outside!" Gasper shouted from inside the room.

Issei frowned, "I feel like we're just making things worse though."

"Well to be honest, knowing Gasper's background there's only so much we can do."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "His background?"

Rias continued to stare at the door as she spoke, "Gasper's father was a vampire from the pureblood vampire family that I had mentioned before and his mother, a mere human, vampires are even more concerned with pedigree than Devils. As a result, Gasper was discriminated against by everyone, including his own family. And sadly, when it came to the human world, he was treated like a monster."

"And with his power to literally stop time, a power he couldn't control, he wasn't just feared, he was loathed, wasn't he?" Natsuki asked knowingly, seeing where Rias was going with her story.

"You hit the nail right on the head, Natsuki." Rias said dejectedly, "A person can't know what happens to them when they have been frozen. Naturally, no one wants to be near with that kind of power."

Issei clenched his fists, "I get it now. Sounds like Gasper and Asia have a lot in common, don't they?"

"Yes, they do. And like her, we know that he would never use his powers to do anything that bad." Rias said before looking down at the floor, "What kind of King am I to him?"

Issei quickly turned to Rias, "Don't say that! Listen Buchou, I-we can take care of this. You can count on us."

Rias smiled softly, "Thank you, Ise."

"This is huge, finally, there's someone around who's a boy and younger than me in the Peerage and I'm going to keep it that way!" Issei said resolutely.

Issei thought about how he now had someone in the Peerage who would have to look up to him, and because Issei was older, he viewed it as his responsibility to help his kouhai.

"That sounds pretty selfish of you. It just sounds like you want a cute kouhai who hangs on your every word." Natsuki said dryly.

Issei immediately grabbed Natsuki by the collar and started to shake her angerly, "Shut up, you bastard! You don't know what you're talking about! And you haven't even been helping, so you don't have any room to talk!"

"I made a suggestion; you guys just didn't want to hear it out." Natsuki said, unbothered by Issei shaking her.

"Bribing him with video games is not a suggestion!"

Rias covered her mouth with her hand, laughing at the sight of her two Pawns, feeling better for the first time since she arrived.

Once Issei was done, Rias summoned a teleportation circle under her feet, "I'll leave Gasper-kun in your hands, Ise, Natsuki."

Issei gave her a thumbs up, "When you see Gasper again, he'll be a brand-new Devil."

Rias smiled again, but it soon fell as she looked back at Gasper's door before she teleported away, leaving Natsuki and Issei alone again.

Issei leaned against the wall, "Okay Gasper, we're not leaving until you come out."

Natsuki sighed as she stood next to Issei before slowly sliding down the wall, sitting on the floor, and pulling out her phone. "This is going to take a while."

---

 

"Oh, yes, I understand. Of course, of course. I'll be fine, I promise, Koneko-san and Xenovia-san are with me. Alright then, I wish you and Natsuki-san luck, bye." Asia said as she ended the call and put her cell phone in her pocket. "That was Ise, he said he won't be able to come home tonight."

"So, it's an endurance test between them and Gasper until he comes out, huh? I'm surprised that Natsuki-san would stick around for that, she seemed the least involved out of all of us during training." Xenovia said.

"That's because Natsuki-senpai knows that Akeno-senpai would never let her hear the end of it if she didn't try. To her, it's less annoying to deal with Gya-kun." Koneko stated.

Asia looked down, "I still feel bad leaving them to deal with Gasper-san by themselves."

"Really? Because I don't." Koneko said dryly.

Xenovia tried to assuage Asia's guilt, "Well, our options are limited, what could we possibly do to help him? Natsuki-san wasn't wrong when she said that Gasper's problem isn't his power, but his fear of, well, everything."

Eventually, the trio of girls reached the Hyoudou residence, Asia letting them inside and she and Koneko agreeing to Xenovia's suggestion to bathe together.

"I didn't realize how much I sweated chasing after Gasper today." Xenovia said as she scrubbed her skin, "I'm glad we have a chance to take a bath."

"I have to say, Xenovia-san, I was impressed with how hard you worked today." Asia smiled.

Xenovia shook her head, "It was nothing compared to Issei's enthusiasm. What is really impressive to me is that he is still working hard to take care of Gasper."

Koneko pursed her lips, "I guess you can't say that Issei-senpai never cares about his friends. When you look past how much of a pervert he is, it's his best trait."

"I'm beginning to understand that, especially because the only reason I'm able to be with you guys in the first place is because of Issei-san wanting to save Kiba-san."

"Um..." Asia muttered.

"Is something wrong, Asia-senpai?" Koneko asked, seeing the hesitation on her face.

Asia blushed and she knew that she could not blame it on the hot water in the tub. "Xen-Xenovia-san, do you like Ise?"

Xenovia looked at Asia as she climbed into the bathtub, "I find him a suitable mate, as the Red Dragon Emperor, he will be able to give me powerful children. And that will help me make up for all the time I lost as woman while in the Church."

You're seventeen. Koneko thought when Xenovia called herself a woman.

Asia blushed when Xenovia mentioned Issei giving her children, but pushed past her embarrassment, "W-what about Natsuki-san? S-she strong, she could, could give you..."

Xenovia placed a finger under her chin as she thought about the dark-haired Pawn, "Natsuki-san is powerful, and at the moment she is stronger than Issei, but her personality is all wrong."

"Wrong?"

Xenovia leaned her head against the tiled wall, "If I asked Natsuki-san to have my children, she would most likely punch me in the face."

Koneko snorted at that, agreeing with Xenovia's statement, and imagining how Natsuki would react to anyone propositioning her for sex as bluntly as Xenovia has done to Issei.

"And Issei-san, from what I have seen is less complicated and far kinder than Natsuki-san. I wouldn't want to deal with someone who is so purposely distant."

Asia had mixed feelings about what Xenovia said; on the one hand, she was glad to know that Xenovia's feelings for Issei were not serious and were purely physical. It was hard enough competing with someone like Rias for Issei's heart, Asia does not know how difficult things would become if Xenovia ever fell in love with Issei.

But she was also upset because Xenovia wanted to sleep with Issei, a boy whose dream was to become the Harem King. What if Xenovia managed to convince Issei to sleep with her? And if that happened, what if that led to them falling for each other?

But this in turn, made Asia feel like a terrible person for wanting to dictate both Xenovia and Issei's feelings for her own desires.

Asia sighed as she slid down the wall and partially submerged her head under the water, no longer feeling relaxed by the warm bath.

---

 

An Hour Later

"C'mon Gasper, don't you want to be outside instead of in that cramped room?" Issei pleaded, realizing that he underestimated Gasper's fortitude.

Natsuki leaned her head to the side, "I don't think asking for the hundredth time is going to change his mind."

"Well, I don't see you doing anything to help!" Issei shouted glaring at his fellow Pawn.

"Stop screaming, you're just scaring Gasper even more." Natsuki said plainly, her supernova hearing pocking up on Gasper's surprised yelp when Issei raised his voice.

Issei's glare turned venomous, and he wanted to scream at Natsuki again, but did not want to scare their kouhai.

Natsuki crossed her arms as she looked away from Issei, "Just speak plainly to him, don't beg or try to force him."

"What do you mean?"

"Earlier, after Xenovia and Koneko finished chasing him around, Gasper seemed receptive when I told him he was doing good just by being outside, talking with us."

"Yeah, I remember Gasper being calm with you before Azazel showed up."

"And now he's probably thinking about all the things Azazel told him about his Sacred Gear. And with what Rias told us…"

Issei's gaze became contemplative as he pressed his head against the door. Issei sighed as he decided to follow Natsuki's advice. "Hey, Gasper, I know you're scared of your Sacred Gear, and of us for that matter. I also possess a Sacred Gear, but with one of the strongest dragons around inside of it. I've got a dragon in me, I… to be honest, am scared. I feel scared to use that power because it often feels like a part of my body is changing into something else. I don't know much about Devils right now either, or about what a dragon is. It's terrifying, but I refuse to let that fear stop me."

To his and Natsuki's surprise, Gasper responded through the door. "But aren't you afraid? A-afraid that you may lose the things you care about most because of your power? Why do you, senpai... how can you live life without any doubts like that?"

Issei found the questions troubling, but pushed forward, "Well, I'm an idiot, so I might not get the whole picture, it's just…"

"Just what?" Gasper asked.

"I've seen Rias cry, and I never want to see that again." Issei said, clenching his fist as he looked at the floor. "During the Rating Game, my friends had been defeated one by one, and in the end, when I tried to face off against Riser, I couldn't beat him, I was too weak to win. I don't remember all of it, but I was in such bad shape that Rias almost forfeited the match. Rias' tears, they have been burned into my heart forever, it was the hardest thing I ever had to watch and all I could do was lay there pathetically before I was retired."

"I heard about that fight, I'm sorry." Gasper said as he opened the door slightly, looking through the crack and holding back tears. "I was sealed in here when it happened."

"You don't have to apologize; besides we won." Issei said, trying to reassure Gasper.

Gasper looked at Natsuki, remembering that she was the one who had defeated Riser with her Balance Breaker.

Natsuki noticed the stare, causing Gasper to flinch, but instead of glaring at him like he expected, Natsuki sighed. "I won't say I understand completely how you feel Gasper, but I know what it's like to ostracized."

Gasper looked surprised, "You do?"

"All my life people have hated me for being a hermaphrodite and looking so much different from everyone in a country with so much racism, didn't help either. And after a while, I stopped trying to be accepted, and like you, I closed myself off to others, I… I made a shield around my heart, so to speak, so I could never be hurt again. Even when I first met Issei, I kept an emotional distance, because I figured he would grow bored and stop wanting to be my friend. But after becoming a Devil and joining this Peerage, even with all the crazy shit we've experienced, it's the happiest I've ever been in a long. And… for the first time in my life, I've had people that I can call my friends… f-family."

Both Gasper and Issei looked at Natsuki in shock, not expecting the girl to be so open and forthcoming and seeing her struggle to express herself properly.

Natsuki closed her eyes before continuing, "And, even though I beat Riser, I was only able to do so because I let the dragon inside me to take over, it wasn't my strength that own the battle. And when Kokabiel showed up, I was helpless, he didn't see me as an equal, but as a toy he could spend a few minutes playing with. Issei was the one who…"

Issei furrowed his brow, "Me? I wasn't able to do anything, I was just as weak."

"But you got stronger!" Natsuki exclaimed, causing the two boys with her to jump. "You got stronger, because you fucking thought of Rias' tits, as stupid as that was. You rallied everyone to keep fighting when I was… when I was standing there frozen, scared out of my mind, like a fucking coward. I couldn't keep anyone safe."

Natsuki was scared? Issei thought to himself.

In all the time he had known her, Natsuki has always been the strong, confident protector, the person you could rely on to get the job done, and to never falter, she was not supposed to get anxious, nervous, or scared, that was his job. And she was the one who was supposed to reassure him and make sure that he kept going.

She's still a person, just like you, partner. Ddraig said inside Issei's head, through their link.

I know that. I just… it's surprising, you know. I mean, Natsuki isn't supposed to be envious of me, doesn't she know how hard I've been trying to catch up to her, to stop looking at her back? Issei thought.

I doubt it. Ddraig said. Sometimes it can be hard to see the insecurities of others when looking at your own.

"Well, then we all have something to work towards!" Issei shouted, unintentionally saying this out loud.

Natsuki frowned, "What?"

Issei grinned as he jumped to his feet, "Even if the three of us aren't as strong as we'd like, that doesn't matter. We can bring our strengths together so we can protect Rias and the rest of the Peerage. I mean, with the power to stop time and two legendary dragons, there's nothing we can't do!"

Gasper gripped the stuffed bunny in his hands tighter as he looked away, troubled by Issei's declaration. "I don't know…"

Issei was undeterred, "What about drinking my blood? If what that bastard Azazel said is true, then if you drink my blood then you may be able to control your Sacred Gear."

"No, it's too scary!" Gasper said as he shook his head, "I don't like drinking from living creatures, and it takes everything I got just to do so from transfusions occasionally. Blood makes me feel stronger and with my Sacred Gear… I'm scared I won't be able to handle it."

"That's weird, but I can't deny that I'm jealous of your powers." Issei said.

"Really?" Gasper said.

"Yeah, being able to stop time would be awesome as hell!" Issei said, leaning closer to the younger boy as a lecherous expression appeared on his face. "Imagine all the girls' skirts I'd be able to peak under! I'd even be able to play with Rias'-"

Natsuki ended Issei's tirade by making the back of his head, sending him falling to the ground.

"Ouch!" Issei cried; his voice muffled by the floor.

Natsuki ignored this as she looked at the Bishop. "Gasper, when it comes to girls, ignore everything Issei tells you, and don't let him trick you into doing anything perverted. It's a bad path to fall onto, and I don't want to see that happen to you."

"Screw you, Natsuki!" Issei yelled as rubbed the back of his head.

Gasper smiled softly, "I've never had anyone say they're jealous of me. Even if it's for perverted reasons, it makes me feel better."

Well, at least he wasn't offended. Natsuki thought, not knowing if this was better.

Issei looked embarrassed, "Yeah, well, uh…"

"It's funny, hearing that you're jealous of something I've hated all my life."

Natsuki slowly put her hand on Gasper's shoulder, giving him time to move away, and happy when he did not. "You have a Sacred Gear; that's something that is not going to change. And there's nothing wrong with being afraid or weak, only with staying so when you have the ability to shed those traits. So, you should-"

Issei jumped on Natsuki's back, interrupting her. "So, you should make yourself a goal that you want to accomplish with your Sacred Gear and show it that you are serious! I've told the dragon within my arm that I want to use my transfer ability to increase the size of Rias' breasts! And Akeno-senpai's too-"

Natsuki growled as she reached behind her and grabbed Issei by the back of his shirt, throwing him down the hall, sending him flying through the wall at the end.

Gasper's eyes widened, staring at the angered Pawn with fear. "I- I t-think you killed him."

"Good." Natsuki spat.

Why did he say that he wanted to use his transfer on Akeno?! Why do I care that Issei wants to do that? Natsuki thought angrily.

Issei pulled himself out of the now broken wall, unscathed and mostly just not expecting the violent action from Natsuki.

Well, Natsuki does have a thing for Akeno-senpai, so it makes sense that she got upset. Although I wish she would just come out and say it instead of threatening me with violence all the time. Issei thought.

Gasper's eyes widened when Issei walked back to them. "Wow Ise-senpai. While possessing a powerful Sacred Gear, and to be able to face forward with such indecency. Ise-senpai, your lusts are overflowing with courage, right? That's why your dreams are so strong."

Ha, I feel like I am being made fun of, maybe it's my imagination! Issei thought while smiling sheepishly. "Good, you're a nice kid. Here, look at my right hand. I have rubbed Buchou's breasts with this hand, you know?"

Gasper looked with astonished eyes onto Issei's right hand upon hearing his speech while Natsuki looked at Issei with a blank stare.

"R-Really? N-No way… To be able to touch our master who is a High-Class Devil. Ise-senpai, you truly are capable of surprising things." Gasper said.

"Also, about the story of transferring it to boobs, it's Maou-sama's idea. I have thought of following Maou Sirzechs-sama for my entire life. That person is amazing! He's drawing out my abilities!" Issei gave Natsuki a smug look before responding to Gasper as he led the young boy into his bedroom.

Well, I've definitely lost Gasper, why is he so impressed with Issei being a perv? I just hope he doesn't fully take on Issei's ways. Natsuki thought as she followed the pair.

The trio sat on the floor as the two Pawns took turns telling Gasper about their experiences as a Devil and their own goals and desires. Gasper warmed to the older Devils, feeling more comfortable with them as time passed.

"Look at you three, nice work, Ise-kun, Natsuki-chan." Kiba said as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.

"Hey! Welcome back." Issei greeted.

Kiba smiled, "It's good to see you a bit more comfortable now, Gasper."

"This is perfect timing, because I have something I want to talk to you about, Kiba."

"What is it, Ise-kun?" Kiba asked, seeing the seriousness on Issei's face.

"Me, you and Gasper are males."

Kiba raised an eyebrow, "We are, why is that important?"

"I have thought about how us male members of the Gremory Peerage have to come together and make an alliance."

"I'm not a male, so don't make me a part of this foolishness." Natsuki voiced.

Issei waved her off, "You're basically an honorary guy, Natsuki, you have a dick and everything. And this plan won't work without you."

"Gee, thanks." Natsuki said dryly.

"Okay, I'm intrigued. What is this plan?" Kiba asked, wondering what Issei could be planning that has Natsuki so against it.

Issei grinned, "Get this; during school tomorrow, I'll transfer my stored power to Gasper and then Gasper will use it to stop time! And after all the girls are frozen, I'll be able to grope them as much as I want!"

Kiba stared at Issei blankly for a couple of seconds as he digested what Issei had just told him, he then smiled uncomfortably. "Okay, if that's the case, technically you don't need me or Natsuki-chan then, right."

"Are you serious?!" Issei exclaimed, "Of course I'll need you two. While I'm doing my pervy stuff, I might get attacked, so I'm going to need Natsuki's strength and your Balance Breaker to protect me. You see, this is the perfect team up!"

Natsuki then looked at Kiba deadpanned, "You see what I've been forced to listen to while you were gone?"

Kiba sighed, still smiling awkwardly, "Look Ise-kun, normally I would do practically anything for you, but you might want to think about how this is going to affect us in the long run. You might even make Ddraig cry with your actions."

Kiba is a good guy. Ddraig said in a teary voice, glad that there was one person in his host's orbit who cared about how Issei's actions affected him.

Shut up! And don't say that like you're upset, I'm your host not Kiba. You're supposed to help me out with my erotic ideas! Issei shouted back at Ddraig mentally.

"You shut up! And don't look at me like I'm a freak!" Issei shouted, grabbing onto Kiba's shoulders as he began to cry excessively and dramatically. "It's so easy for you, you handsome bastard! No one's ever told you that just making eye contact with them was creepy!"

"I think that has less to do with your looks and more to do with your wondering eyes and hands." Natsuki muttered under her breath.

"And you!" Issei shouted as he turned to Gasper, giving him a fake smile, "You're back inside the box I see. How come? What's that about?!"

Gasper was sitting in his cardboard box, but instead of enclosing himself completely, Gasper was sitting upright with the top open.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I just feel better talking to people if I'm inside of here." Gasper apologetically, "But I didn't close the top, that's good, right?"

Issei sighed, "No, and that doesn't make it less weird."

"It is better than him trying to run away every time someone gets too close." Natsuki said as she stood up.

Gasper pouted, "Ah, but this is calming. This cardboard box is like my heart's oasis, it keeps me safe, and I don't have to look at people and they can't look at me when I'm in it."

This box kind of suits him in a weird way, I think it's because I've gotten used to seeing him in it. And Gasper's problem seems to be him hating to make eye contact with anyone. Wait, I've got an idea.

The Pawn then looked around Gasper's room, trying to find something that could help him go outside while feeling the same comfort as his cardboard box.

"Natsuki-chan, what are you looking for?" Kiba asked as he, Issei and Gasper watched Natsuki go through Gasper's things.

"I found it." Natsuki declared as she pulled out a large brown paper bag from inside Gasper's closet.

"A paper bag?" Issei asked, becoming more confused as he watched Natsuki cut two holes in said bag.

Natsuki smiled as she finished before placing the bag on top of Gasper's head, covering his head completely. Through the small eye whole you could just barely see the glow of Gasper's pinkish-violet eyes as he looked around.

"Do you like it?" Natsuki asked.

"Maybe... I, I feel calmer." While no one could see it Gasper smiled as he touched the front of the bag, "I think I do like it ~"

"How did you get the idea to cover his face?" Kiba asked as he watched Gasper move around sluggishly.

Natsuki shrugged, "Gasper said he hated being face to face with people and that's why he loves his box so much. It reminded me of when Asia first joined the Peerage, and she use to cover her face with her veil before she warmed up to the rest of us."

Gasper continued to move around, sluggishly walking towards Issei as if he were a zombie. "How does it look? Does it make me look cool?"

Issei shuddered as Gasper crept closer, no matter how he looked at it, Gasper looked and was moving like he was degenerate that you would come across while walking in a dark alley by yourself.

Kiba chuckled awkwardly, "It certainly has an indescribable impact, Gasper."

"Really?" Gasper asked breathily, clasping his hands together in excitement, "I wonder if I wear this, if my reputation as a vampire will increase?"

Natsuki snorted, smiling at Gasper, "I will say that no one will see this look coming, that's for sure."

Gasper bowed his head, crying tears of joy under his new mask, "Thank you guys so much!"

After calming Gasper down, the four Devils spent the rest of the night talking. Although Natsuki rolled her eyes when Issei moved the conversation to more perverted topics.

But both Pawns were surprised by how lecherous Kiba secretly was as he answered Issei's questions without hesitation and with total honesty.

---

 

The Next Day

Before school had started that day, Natsuki and Issei were asked by Akeno to meet her at the shrine at the edge of town when school ended. The older Devil did not tell the Pawns why, only smiling when she said that she had someone she needed to introduce them to.

This is where Akeno lives, right? Natsuki thought as she and Issei walked up the numerous stairs trying to reach the top of the mountain.

Normally, Natsuki would have just teleported her and Issei to the top and save them the trouble of walking, but Akeno had explained that the wards on the shrine would not have allowed Natsuki to enter the building without her and that if Natsuki tried to, the wards would have randomly sent her to another location, anywhere in the world. And the Pawns could not use their Devil wings to fly given that they were in a public place and would risk being seen by normal people.

Honestly, if I hadn't seen Sirzechs dispel the holy energy of the shrine we visited with him in Tokyo, I wouldn't be able to believe Akeno could live here. But I guess it matches the whole shrine maiden thing she has going on.

"Bah! Don't walk so fast, Natsuki. Man, having to walk up all these steps sucks." Issei complained, walking a few steps behind Natsuki. "And why did Akeno-senpai ask us to meet her here? Aren't shrines bad places for us Devils, like churches? I remember Buchou telling me not to go to shrines once."

"The holy energy is gone from this place. If it wasn't, we wouldn't have been able to walk up the first step without bursting into flames or something. Or we'd feel like how we did when we went to the orphanage." Natsuki answered.

Issei blew air out of his lips, "Still. It just seems so weird that Akeno-senpai wanted us to come here and with how secretive she was about it."

Natsuki was going to respond, but stop herself and her stride when she felt a familiar magic signature and saw a person sized shadow appear on the steps in front of her.

"Welcome, Natsuki-chan, Ise-kun." Akeno greeted the pair with her usual smile.

"Hey, Akeno-senpai." Issei said as he walked faster up the stairs while Natsuki maintained her normal pace.

Akeno was wearing her red and white shrine maiden attire as she turned around and started to walk up the steps, not waiting for the other two to catch up. "I must apologize for the sudden invitation."

"Ah, it's no problem, but what kind of work is this? And where is Buchou?" Issei asked.

"Rias has to do a final meeting with Sirzechs-sama regarding the leaders' summit." Akeno answered.

"Is it alright not going to the meeting along with Buchou? I was thinking that the Queen's power may be required."

"Grayfia-sama will be following up over there, not to mention if it advances by a certain degree, then even without me, it will be all right. More than that, I have to meet the person who's waiting upstairs."

"So, are you going to finally tell us why we're here and who we're meeting?" Natsuki asked, now walking beside the older girl.

Much to her annoyance, Akeno only gave her a teasing smile as they finally reached the large arch over the top of the stairs.

"Do you really live here, Akeno-senpai?" Issei asked as he looked at the main building of the shrine.

Akeno smiled, "I do, the priest who previously owned this place died and the God who gave its blessing to it left, so Rias was able to secure it for me afterwards."

Natsuki froze as she felt an immense amount of holy energy above them, when she looked up all se saw was the sky, but she knew someone was there.

If I had to compare this power to someone it would be Sirzechs-wait... Sirzechs told me that Michael wanted to speak to last time I saw him.

Natsuki's eyes were wide as she looked back at Akeno, "Akeno-senpai please tell me you have brought us here to meet an Angel."

A smooth laugh was heard by the Devils in response to Natsuki's question. "So, this is Sekiryuutei and Kogane Ryū Kōgō? Hyoudou Issei and Sukehiro Natsuki, it is nice to meet you two."

In the place that Natsuki was once looking at, a bright flash of golden light suddenly materialized and once this disappeared, a floating man was now visible to them.

This man was handsome, with long blond hair and green eyes, from his back, sprouted twelve golden wings. He was wearing a red robe with a gold cross on the front of his white Alb, golden shoulder plates with a white sash, and with a golden halo set above his head.

To Natsuki's growing chagrin, the man introduced himself as the one man that she did not want to meet. "I am Michael, leader of the Angels."

Chapter 19: Lead Up to The Summit

Summary:

The Leader's summit is interrupted by the arrival of The Khaos Brigade...

Why does the worst shit always happen to me? Natsuki thought as she, Issei, and Akeno entered the main building of the shrine with the Leader of the Angels.

Akeno stood in between the two Pawns and Micheal, smiling in her usual manner as Natsuki and Issei looked at Michael wearily.

And both Pawns flinched, feeling as if their skin was crawling as an unknown aura suddenly appeared in the room, sensing the danger coming from Michael's direction.

What the hell is going on? Issei thought, confused as to why Akeno was not reacting the same way he and Natsuki were to the aura as she continued to smile.

It was then, as Micheal held out his hand, that a bright light overtook the room and when it disappeared, Michael was holding a Holy Sword in his grasp.

The Holy Sword was a European sword with a grey hilt, a red diamond design imprinted on it surrounded by four blue lines that curved slightly and a golden pommel in the shape of a cone-like arrow. The blade was notched three times on both sides near the bottom and the fuller, which reached slightly above the notches, had a golden color and a large pearl on its center, and the rest was colored purple.

Michael held the sword towards Issei, "This is Ascalon. This Holy Sword has also earned another name; Dragon Slayer."

"Oh, that's a cool name." Issei replied, unsure of what to make of being so close to a Holy Sword being wielded by an Angel.

Natsuki's head snapped in Issei's direction, "Are you stupid? Do you have any idea who that sword once belonged to?"

"Nope." Issei said plainly.

"It belonged to Saint George!" Natsuki hissed.

Issei continued to stare at his friend blankly, not knowing anything about Saint George and why Natsuki felt it was important for him to know.

He was a famous dragon slayer, he was also one of the most venerated saints, heroes, and megalomartyrs in Christianity. Ddraig answered within Issei's mind. You should also study a bit more; it's embarrassing to have a partner who's so ignorant of basic history.

Shut up! And, what's up with that Dragon Slayer title? I can understand it being important because it's a Holy Sword, but there's no way that this could have killed a dragon, right? Issei thought.

Not a dragon, but many. A weapon such as this wouldn't have got the title of Dragon Slayer if it wasn't made specifically for slaying my kind. Many of Ascalon's wielders were warriors who specialized in killing dragons. Ddraig explained.

Warriors specializing in killing dragons, huh. Scary. Doesn't that mean I am also a target of people like that? I'm hating this more and more.

"Many dragons have fallen to the power contained within this blade, but fear not, Hyoudou Issei, for this weapon was sent unto you from on high." Michael explained further.

Issei's eyes grew larger, "Seriously? Y-you want to give me a Holy Sword?"

What the hell?! Natsuki thought, just as shocked as Issei.

Michael glanced at Issei's left arm, "I am hoping that you can assimilate Ascalon into your [Boosted Gear]."

"But why me?" Issei asked.

"I've heard your reputation as the weakest Welsh Dragon host in history and hope that Ascalon will give you the necessary strength in times of tribulation."

Issei felt like his pride had been thoroughly stepped on, "Weakest in history? Well, it's not for lack of trying, and it still sucks to hear."

Natsuki let out a snort at Issei dejected expression and had to keep herself from laughing out loud when Issei glared at her, hearing the noise.

Issei then turned back to the Angel, "But, you still haven't said why you're giving this to me? I mean, it can't just be because I'm weak and you feel bad."

"This upcoming meeting between the Three Great Powers is an important opportunity for us all to come together." Michael explained, "The closing of the Great War ended large scale fighting but as you know we still have small skirmishes. They are nothing more than useless battles for us to pastorate and feed our egos, but if they are allowed to continue, then all will be brought to ruin."

"Ruin?" Issei asked, "I thought the battles were small."

"He means from other forces." Natsuki voiced, "Other powers could use the conflict between Angels, Devils, and Fallen as a chance to attack."

"She is right; it is not just the forces of Heaven and Hell that exist out in the world. As you all know, we lost our creator, God, during the last war, the Devils also lost the old Maous in battle, and the leaders of the Fallen Angels are reticent. We have all been weakened for some time, which has shown us all that we would be stronger together, that is why this summit will be used to create an alliance between the three sides."

Sirzechs already told us that this was want the summit is for, but it's still strange to hear the idea coming from someone else, but that still doesn't mean that this will end the way that Sirzechs, Michael, and Azazel want it to. I can't imagine that many of their subjects will be on board with aligning themselves with their sworn enemies. Natsuki thought.

Michael then lifted up Ascalon again, "This sword is a present from me to the Devil side. Of course, I also sent presents to the Fallen Angel side, and I got a few of the rumored Holy Demonic Swords from the Devil side as well, which our side is incredibly grateful for. Only once have the Three Great Powers aligned themselves for the same purpose. That was during the Great War when they defeated the Red and White Dragons."

Of course he's proud of that. Ddraig said to himself.

Eh? What do you mean? Issei asked, but Ddraig did not reply.

Issei stood up, holding his hand out to take the sword, but flinching and hesitating when he remembered that such swords were dangerous to his kind.

Akeno spoke up when she saw this, "There were final adjustments done on the sword in this shrine by Maou-sama, Azazel-sama, and Michael-sama's camps. Ceremonies have been performed so even a Devil and one that houses the power of a dragon, can touch it."

Fearfully, Issei took the Holy Sword that was now floating in midair, but nothing happened. He could feel the holy aura, but no damage or the aura itself flowing into him.

Partner, focus your consciousness on the [Boosted Gear], I'll follow up after that. Try making the sword in your hand combine with the surge of power from your Sacred Gear. Ddraig told the Devil.

For the time being, Issei focused on invoking his Sacred Gear, and made the red gauntlet appear. He tried combining the surge of [Boosted Gear] with surge of the Holy Sword, now feeling the holy aura flowing into the gear. It passed through the Sacred Gear and Issei could feel the sensation of energy entering his body, slowly becoming familiar with it, and a sensation as if it is being taken in by Ddraig's power attacks him.

A flash of red light suddenly overtook Issei's [Boosted Gear], disappearing as quickly as it arrived, and when it did, the gauntlet now existed with a blade growing out of the front portion of the back of Issei's left hand.

"Incredible." Issei whispered in awe; his eyes locked on his gear's new feature.

Michael clapped his hands when it became clear that the assimilation was successful, "Good, good. Now we can move onto Natsuki-chan."

"Me?" Natsuki asked.

Michael smiled, "Yes, you. I did not only come barring a gift for Issei-kun."

"I thought the old Church building here in Kuoh would have been my gift; you seemed intent on giving it to me for some reason." Natsuki said.

"One can't have too many gifts, can they?" Michael asked.

"Why? Why go out of your way to do that? It's not like you people cared before, so why now? Is it just because of Kokabiel, because he told us that God is dead?"

"Natsuki, stop." Akeno said strongly, looking at the taller girl admonishingly for the way she was speaking to the Angel leader.

Michael continued to smile, unbothered by Natsuki's glare, "If that was the case, I would be trying to bribe everyone who heard the secret."

Natsuki looked at Michael, growing more frustrated, "Sirzechs told me that you saved the orphanage because of my past. So, do you know the truth about me, like he does?"

"I do." Michael said truthfully.

"And you won't tell me the truth."

"And I won't tell you the truth."

Akeno and Issei looked between the two, wondering what they were alluding to and why it was making Natsuki so angry.

"In all honesty, Natsuki-chan, I felt pity over how everything went in your life. No mistakes are made when life is created, but you were treated as such, and you will continued to experience that treatment." A sad smile appeared on Michael's face, "And you are right; nothing was done to correct this, which is why I felt the need to come and meet you, and to help the orphanage. You deserved better, and I will do better for others who come along."

"Is that supposed to make me feel good?" Natsuki asked, glaring at the Angel, "Knowing that you will preserve to do better in the future?"

"No, I don't expect it to. I only wish to make up for certain wrongs."

Before Natsuki could ask more questions, Michael held out his hand and a bright golden light once again appeared. In Michael's hand was a sword, but unlike Ascalon, this one radiated a type of pressure that made the air feel suffocating and was not a traditional European sword, but a khopesh.

The sickle-shaped iron blade of the khopesh was inscribed with a name that Natsuki could see was there but at the same time could not read, looking blurry to her eyes, its point exceptionally sharp and with only one edge. Its pommel and bolster were both made of brass and the bone that sat between the two was made of gold.

"This is the Sword of Methuselah." Michael stated, "A sword created by God himself and given to Methuselah, son of Enoch, and a descendant of Seth. Methuselah used this very blade to kill nine hundred thousand Demons with a single swing, and it has been passed down through his descendants throughout time."

Methuselah, the man who lived the longest life, dying at nine hundred and sixty-nine years old. A man from the book of Genesis, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that his story is real. "Would it really be wise to give me such a powerful sword? Especially one that has one of God's names inscribed on it?"

"So, you are aware of the tale?" Michael asked amused, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised due to how faithful you once were."

Natsuki bristled, her expression turning downright murderous as she glared at the Angel, but Micheal was unfazed by it once again.

"But you are right; God wrote one of his ineffable names upon this Demon Slaying sword. No ordinary man can wield it, the weapon will consume souls of the unrighteous in holy fire for daring. It is a weapon of protection, justice, and wrath, made for the purpose of destroying malevolent beings completely, and I believe that it will be the prefect weapon for you, Natsuki-chan."

"And you believe that it will accept me?" Natsuki asked.

"Of course." Michael said, "Who best meets these qualifications then you?"

Natsuki said nothing as she summoned her Sacred Gear, holding her hand out and allowing the khopesh to float into it from Michael's.

Lux, are you ready? Natsuki asked as she prepared for the assimilation.

Whenever you are. Lux replied.

Natsuki grasped the khopesh and after a few moments, a bright golden light shined from her [Ethereal Domination]'s jewel and when it died down the khopesh was gone.

Think about the weapon and you should be able to summon it. Lux told Natsuki.

Natsuki did as the dragon told her and thought about the weapon, forcing it to appear. Unlike with Issei and Ascalon, the Sword of Methuselah did not become fused to her own Sacred Gear, instead showing in her hand.

I guess this makes sense since Issei has a gauntlet, and I have a necklace. This thing would be next to useless if the blade just appeared out of the bottom of my [Ethereal Domination] or something like that. Natsuki thought as she moved the sword around in her hand.

There was a heat that seemed to emanate from the bone of the sword, but Natsuki was not bothered by the sensation, even finding it comforting.

Michael's smile grew, "It's good to see that the assimilation worked, I would not know how to explain this to Sirzechs-kun if you had died today."

Natsuki looked at Michael wide eyed, "Died? What do you mean died? I thought that a ritual was done on the sword so I could use it?"

"No, that was only done for Ascalon, as a weapon that has one of the names of God name inscribed on it cannot be felled so easily with magic, not even I have the power to do so. As I said before, the Sword of Methuselah judges all those who seek to wield it, if you were found unworthy, you would have immediately burst into flames, there would not even be ashes left to bury." Michael explained, still smiling at Natsuki.

"So, you just let me grab a weapon that could have instantly killed me without telling me that?!"

"I was confident you would succeed, and I was right. No harm was done."

"No harm was done? How can Heaven have survived this long with such a lackadaisical leader is beyond fucking me." Natsuki growled.

Again, Michael was unbothered, which only fueled Natsuki's growing anger and annoyance with the Angel. "Now that I have done what I set out to do, I will now take my leave."

"No wait, hold on!" Issei exclaimed, "Before you go, there was something I really wanted to ask you."

"My apologies, but I haven't the time, child. I have been here far too long and have not yet finished what has been required of me, but I'll gladly hear you when our paths next cross."

Issei's expression became serious, "Promise me you won't forget, okay?"

"Yes, you have my word." Michael said before looking at the other Pawn, "Is there anything else you would like to say?"

Natsuki looked at the Angel with disgust, "You know what I want to ask you, but you won't tell me. So, I can say that I'm perfectly fine with us never talking again... Michael-sama."

Michael laughed at this before spreading out his wings, "Farewell, Natsuki-chan, Issei-kun."

After saying that, Michael's whole body is wrapped by light, disappearing in a bright flash less than a second later.

"I fucking hate that sparkly bastard." Natsuki said once Michael was gone only for Akeno to immediately slap the back of her head in reprimand.

---

 

An Hour Later

While Michael had long since left, Natsuki and Issei were still intruding in Akeno's home and shrine, waiting for Rias, and having been given tea by Akeno. Now Natsuki sat in a Japanese style room, holding the Sword of Methuselah, watching as the sunlight coming from the screen doors reflected off the iron of the blade.

Natsuki still could not read the name that was inscribed on it, still seeing nothing but blurred symbols.

I don't think I'll ever be able to read the name, even though I own this sword now. Probably because God is-was supposed to be an exceptionally powerful being. Just my fucking luck, huh, five-year-old me would have been over the moon with this. Natsuki thought to herself.

"I thought you said you were going to use the bathroom." Natsuki turned her head and saw Akeno standing in the doorway.

"I did." Natsuki replied.

Akeno walked into the room and pulled the door closed behind her, "That was twenty minutes ago."

Natsuki shrugged her shoulders before dissipating her new sword, "Guess I got lost."

Akeno kneeled and sat down next to the taller girl, "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Talk about what, senpai?" Natsuki asked, being purposefully obtuse.

Akeno sighed, "If it makes you-"

"I'm not human." Natsuki blurted out.

Akeno looked at Natsuki confused, "What?"

Natsuki closed her eyes and began to spill her feelings, "I... I wasn't human when I died, at least not fully, I was, I am a hybrid. It's what Sirzechs is still keeping hidden from me, why he was so interested in me and made sure to keep an eye on me, not just because of my Sacred Gear."

"And Michael-sama knows too, that's why you were so upset with him." Akeno stated, realizing what the two had been talking about earlier.

"Yeah, and like Sirzechs, he won't tell me the truth. According to Sirzechs, it's not in my best interest to know my parentage. I asked Lux but she's not sure what my other half could be, but she knows that its somewhat familiar to pervious hosts she's had and beings she has met."

Akeno stared at Natsuki firmly, "Maybe you should listen to Sirzechs-sama."

Natsuki's head snapped in Akeno's direction, staring her in disbelief, "What?"

Akeno looked away from Natsuki, biting her lip anxiously, "For as long as I've known him, Sirzechs-sama is not the kind of person to obscure the truth without good reason. What if everything regarding your background is dangerous? What if you learn that one of your parents was some horrible, monstrous creature? Ignorance is bliss, you know? You might not like what you find out."

"I don't care."

Akeno felt anger surge through her at what she thought to be flippancy from the other girl, she opened her mouth to speak but Natsuki cut her off.

"It's my life, senpai." Natsuki said, staring at Akeno adamantly, "I shouldn't have knowledge of my parents, of where I come from, and who I am kept from me. And you may be right; I might not like the truth, but that should be for me to decide, not Sirzechs, not Michael, not anyone. I want answers, and if they're not going to give them to me, then I'll figure out myself."

"I shouldn't be surprised." Akeno said aloud, chuckling weakly, "You're the most stubborn person I have ever met, Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki laughed for a moment before Akeno spoke again, "Natsuki-chan, do you remember what Kokabiel said during the fight at school?"

Is she... "About Baraqiel? Akeno-senpai you don't have to-"

Akeno shook her head, "No, I do. I'm sure you're curious about it, even when you blasted Kokabiel and told him that it wasn't his place to reveal it. That's what you were going to ask me at the pool before we were interrupted, weren't you?"

Natsuki said nothing to that, not seeing the point in denying what they both knew to be true.

"That's right; before becoming a Devil, I was originally the half-breed daughter of one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels, Baraqiel, and a human woman."

For a few moments, the air between them grew thicker and Natsuki watched as Akeno folded in on herself, and she fought the urge to reach over and touch her, to provide Akeno physical comfort.

Akeno's eyes became clouded as she told her story, "My mother was a young shrine maiden, and one day, she found a wounded Fallen Angel and decided to nurse him back to health. She did her job well, the two would then fall in love, and soon enough, I came along."

Natsuki frowned as she saw how difficult this was becoming for Akeno, "Akeno-senpai, please, you-"

Akeno reached over and covered Natsuki's mouth with the palm of her hand, startling the younger Devil. Natsuki's eyes widened, surprised by the action and by the expression that was now on Akeno's face.

After a few seconds, Akeno removed her hand from Natsuki's face and stood up, she silently turned around and began to untie her white kosode, exposing her back to Natsuki. Before Natsuki could question her, Akeno expanded her wings from her back, but unlike usual, the two wings were different from each other; one was the black bat wing of a Devil, and the other was the black raven wing of a Fallen Angel.

"Woah..." Natsuki murmured, transfixed by the dichotomy between the two appendages.

"They're dirty wings; the wing of a Devil and the wing of a Fallen Angel. Signs of my heritage that I try to hide." Akeno said, and showing her hatred for the black feathers, grabbed them with her hand. "I grew up hating my Fallen Angel side, and when I met Rias, I jumped at the opportunity to become a Devil when she made me an offer. Maybe it was my half-breed blood, but the results of my transformation were not what I wanted, and instead of becoming a full Devil, I became a garish mixture of both Devil and Fallen. These two pairs of wings, what a better way to show my impure lineage? Such mismatched plumage."

Hearing that Akeno hated herself so much, that she held so much contempt for the blood that flowed through her veins, left Natsuki floored.

She... she's just like me. Natsuki thought. She hates herself just for existing. I never knew, Akeno, she's always been so... so confident and self-assured. It just never seemed like it could be possible that she would, that she could ever...

Akeno turned around to face Natsuki, allowing Natsuki to see the sad and heartbroken smile formed on Akeno's lips and she hated it, she found it just as wrong on the girl's face as the words coming out of her mouth.

"You know, I've wanted to tell you this for such a long time, but you hate Fallen Angels, right? They were the cause of so much pain for you, Ise-kun, and Asia-chan. And they even killed the three of you because of your Sacred Gears, not to mention their attempt to destroy this city and the people living here. It isn't hard to guess what you think of them."

Natsuki stood up, "I don't hate Fallen Angels, and even if I did, I could never hate you, Akeno-senpai."

Akeno's expression went from sadness to surprise at Natsuki's words, having expected Natsuki to agree with her statement.

She, she doesn't hate me? Akeno thought.

"I don't care that you're half Fallen Angel, and I don't give a shit that your dad is one of their higher ups. I know you, Akeno-senpai, and you're a good person."

Akeno huffed as a small, and deprecating smile appeared on her face, "You never know; my apparent congeniality could just be a facade."

Natsuki scoffed, "You can lie to yourself, but you can't trick me, you are a good person, and being a Fallen Angel doesn't make you tainted or impure."

"Natsuki-"

"Am I impure? Am I an abomination for being a half-breed? For not looking entirely Japanese? For being intersex?"

"Of course not!" Akeno quickly exclaimed, "You'd never be an abomination to me."

"Then why would you think that I would see you like that just because you're half Fallen?"

Akeno could not find the words to refute Natsuki's question, only looking away from Natsuki and clenching her fists.

Natsuki walked closer to Akeno, the two now standing only a few inches apart, "You know, the first time that I saw you, I thought you were the ideal Japanese woman."

"You did?" Akeno asked, it was not the first time that someone had said something like that to her, but she would not have expected Natsuki to think the same.

Natsuki nodded her head, "I remember being a first year during, I think the second day of school, seeing you and Rias walking through the yard. You had this calm and dignified aura around you, even as Rias was excitedly talking to you, it made me understand why everyone calls you both the Two Great Onee-Samas. You two definitely play your archetypes well."

Akeno let out a snort, using her hand to cover her mouth, the reaction making Natsuki happy that Akeno was no longer looking so defeated.

"Although that opinion did change after Issei and I became Devils, and I really got to know you."

"And what was your opinion of me after becoming a Devil?"

Natsuki pondered this for a moment, "In all honesty, I thought you were kind of two faced; someone who hid their sadistic and masochistic tendencies behind a smiling and elegant persona."

"And that has changed?" Akeno asked, genuinely curious.

Natsuki snorted, "Fuck no, you're definitely still a sadistic masochistic who doesn't show any mercy or remorse towards the enemies she slays and finding pleasure in their pain. Or did you forget what you did to me at the pool? Or when I woke up after the Rating Game?"

"I remember you enjoying my actions, both times." Akeno shrugged, smiling playfully at Natsuki.

"Anyway," Natsuki stressed, ignoring Akeno's giggling, "I also saw how much you care about everyone else in the ORC, and I've seen how you would fight to keep all of us safe. And... and you've never judged me or treated me differently, to you I'm just Sukehiro Natsuki, not Kuoh's Dark Princess, or the koronbo, or lady cock, or even a street rat. So, why would I ever see you as anything other than Himejima Akeno? Being a Fallen doesn't define you, the same way being intersex doesn't define me. You're smart, driven, kind, loving, you're the type of woman that inspires others, you know?"

After hearing Natsuki's words, Akeno started crying, worrying Natsuki as she watched Akeno smiling while wiping away her tears.

"Shit, Akeno-senpai, I didn't mean to make you cry-" Natsuki tried to explain.

"You can stop worrying, Natsuki-chan." Akeno said softly, "When you say such sweet things like that, what's a girl to do?"

Huh?

Before Natsuki could process what, Akeno had just said, the older Devil immediately wrapped her arms around Natsuki and leaned completely on her, causing the two to fall onto the ground with Akeno now on top of Natsuki.

"Akeno-senpai, what the fuck are you doing?" Natsuki asked incredulously.

Akeno ignored her question, "Can you call me 'Akeno'?"

Natsuki's eyes widened, "What?"

"I want you to call me by my name." Akeno explained, "Do you have any idea how much it infuriates me when you speak so casually with Issei, Kiba, Asia, Koneko, and Xenovia? You even call Rias by her name without honorifics sometimes, so why can't you do the same with me? And I mean casually, not just those few times when you're upset."

Natsuki pursed her lips, "I think this is the first time someone's gotten mad at me for being respectful. Usually, it's the other way around."

"Please, Natsuki-chan."

The tone her voice took, combined with the imploring expression, made Natsuki feel uncomfortable. "Fine, Akeno. Are you happy? Can you get off me now?"

Akeno smiled brightly, leaning down and hugging Natsuki tightly, "I'm so happy, Natsuki."

For the first time, Natsuki realized that Akeno's voice was not its usual teasing and flirtatious, but she instead sounded like a normal teenage high school girl.

Wait, Akeno is cute?! Since when?! What the fuck is happening?! Natsuki thought, confused on how their serious conversation led to this.

As Akeno tightened her hold, Natsuki could feel Akeno's breast pressing against her own, Akeno breathing against her neck, and Akeno's hips lying on top of her own.

"Okay, Akeno, you really have to get off." Natsuki said, placing her hands on Akeno's hips and gently trying to push her away, but Akeno refused to be moved, using her Queen enhanced strength to cling to and push Natsuki firmly onto the floor.

Akeno chuckled, a low, dark, and sensual sound that made Natsuki's heart race and her for her entire body to feel like it was on fire. A blush appeared on Akeno's cheeks as she sat up and hovered over Natsuki, she smirked as she moved her hand and dragged a finger against Natsuki's lips. "It feels like little Natsuki has woken up and wants to play."

When Akeno said this, it felt like water was rushing over Natsuki's head, like there was a suffocating pressure sitting on her chest, barely registering the sensation of Akeno slowly grinding her hips down on Natsuki's growing hardness.

Akeno blinked when suddenly, Natsuki grabbed her by the shoulders and flipped them over, now laying on her back while Natsuki held her down, kneeling above her.

"Don't fucking play with me." Natsuki hissed, her eyes flashing gold momentarily.

Akeno frowned, "I'm not messing with you, Nat-"

"Yes, you are." Natsuki spat, closing her eyes as she clenched her teeth, "I know you're a flirty person and you like to tease people, but I don't want you to come onto me as a joke. I'm not Issei; I don't appreciate being propositioned just because you think it's funny."

"I don't do it because I think it's funny."

Natsuki opened her eyes and raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"It's different with you." Akeno said, "Issei is one of my cute kouhais, an interesting guy who managed to catch Rias' attention and heart, and I find his perversion amusing, and it's even more amusing when I flirt with him and Rias gets upset. But I flirt with you because I like you and want your attention, so you don't have to be angry and jealous, you mean more to me than Issei."

Natsuki blushed and was no longer able to meet the older Devil's eye, "I wasn't angry, and I certainly wasn't jealous over Issei of all people."

Akeno giggled, grinning as she reached up and cupped Natsuki's face with her hands, forcing the younger Devil to look at her again. "You're the one who brought it all up."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, although she could not deny that Akeno saying that their interactions meant more to Akeno than the ones she had with Issei, made her feel better. "Why are you so irritating?"

Akeno brushed her thumbs against the apples of Natsuki's cheeks. "Natsuki, I don't flirt with you because I find it amusing, well, it's not entirely the reason."

"Then why?"

Akeno huffed, "Is it so hard to believe that I have genuine feelings for you?"

Natsuki glared at Akeno, "No one would ever want someone like me."

"Aren't you the one who said that I see you for who you are? Or was that just a lie to make me feel better?"

"There's a difference between accepting me and wanting to be in a relationship with me."

"Do you?"

"Do I what?"

"Want to be in a relationship with me?"

Natsuki was quiet for a few moments, unconsciously moving her face closer to Akeno's, the two now sharing one breath. "Akeno-"

"You two seemed to be having fun." Rias teased as she opened the door and seeing the two girls in the position they were in, finding the whole thing amusing.

She had arrived at the shrine a few minutes ago and only found Issei in the main tearoom. So, she decided to go looking for her Queen and second Pawn and was not disappointed by what she found.

Natsuki moved back, causing Akeno's hands to fall from her face as she looked at the redhead. Akeno sat up slightly, not bothering to hide the scowl she was giving Rias, much to said girl's growing amusement.

Payback's a bitch. Rias thought, satisfied with her revenge after the countless times Akeno teased her about her feelings or purposely interrupted moments between her and Issei.

"Hey, Buchou, did you find Natsuki and-" Issei began to ask as he walked towards Rias, his eyes widening when he looked over her shoulder. "Holy shit! Damn you, Natsuki! Going after Akeno-senpai's glorious boobs while pretending to use the bathroom! You lucky bastard! I'm so proud of you!"

Natsuki grabbed the top of Akeno's kosode and pulled it up, covering Akeno as she glared at Issei. "Shut up, you fucking dumbass! That's not what's going on here."

Issei snorted, "So you just ripped the clothes off all your friends?"

"Ripped the clothes off? I'm not you, idiot, I don't walk around assaulting girls!"

This led to the two Pawns arguing with each other, throwing accusations left and right as Rias and Akeno watched. Finally, Akeno rolled her eyes and ended the argument by pushing Natsuki off her, knocking Natsuki to the floor before standing up.

Rias giggled, "I know from Ise that his assimilation with Ascalon was successful, but was yours with the Sword of Methuselah also?"

Natsuki pushed herself off the floor and sighed, "Yeah, although I would have liked being told that I might have exploded before I tried."

"I doubt Michael would have let you try the assimilation if there was a possibility that it would fail." Rias said.

Natsuki looked at Rias, "You knew?"

Rias smirked, "I knew."

Natsuki pursed her lips, "You really are an evil mistress. What did I do in my life to be cursed into being your slave?"

"Most likely the crime of running your mouth too much." Rias shot back, the smirk never leaving her face.

"It's weird, I only run my mouth so much while in your presence, Buchou." Natsuki drawled.

Rias rolled her eyes, "Show me your new toy, Natsuki."

Natsuki summoned her sword, showing it to Rias who looked at the weapon appraisingly, being able to feel the weight of the sword's power.

"Good." Rias said, "With this and Ascalon, our Peerage's strength has grown immensely. And I trust you two to use these new weapons responsibly."

"Yes, Buchou." Issei and Natsuki said in unison.

Rias then asked her servants questions about their meeting with Michael and after a couple of minutes, Rias sent Natsuki and Issei home, and told Issei to head out without her as she would catch up with him because she wanted to speak to Akeno.

"Are you angry with me, Akeno?" Rias asked the other girl.

"Why would I be angry?" Akeno asked as the two stood outside, near the stairs of the shrine.

"For interrupting you and Natsuki, you seemed pretty angry when I did."

Akeno glanced towards the sky, "I was certainly annoyed, but I'm not angry with you. I just..."

"Just what?" Rias asked.

Akeno lifted a hand to her face, a small blush forming on her cheeks as a soft and tender expression formed on her face. "I think I have feelings for Natsuki."

Rias eyes grew wide, "Oh..."

Rias already knew that Akeno liked and lusted after Natsuki since the Rating Game against Riser, but she was surprised to hear her best friend make such a declaration. Rias knew about Akeno's past, and about her feelings towards love, so she did not expect Akeno to ever admit to having genuine romantic feelings for another person.

"When did you realize that you love Natsuki?"

Akeno chuckled, "I don't think I love her, Rias. But I-I think I might one day, and the thought scares me just as much as it excites me. She doesn't see me as Baraqiel's daughter or a half-breed or piece of meat to gawk at, she just sees me."

Rias bumped shoulders with Akeno, smiling at her playfully, "Never thought I'd see the day that Himejima Akeno was swooning over someone. The Underworld must have frozen over while we were gone."

"I could say the same of you, what happened to the girl who said she would never get married?"

"That was because I was betrothed to fucking Riser."

"And is it different now? With Issei?" Akeno asked teasingly.

Rias blushed, causing Akeno to laugh in response, "I-I-I do-don't want to marry Issei!"

"I-I-I d-d-don't wa-want t-to ma-mar-marry Issei!" Akeno parroted mockingly.

"Shut up." Rias growled, shoving Akeno away, her face now as red as her hair as Akeno laughed at her.

---

 

The Next Day

Natsuki yawned as she watched Gasper use his Sacred Gear, once again feeling the effects of the daytime on her body.

In the early hours of the morning, so early that the sun had yet to rise, she, Issei, and Asia had come to the school and had taken Gasper to the back of the old school building that housed the ORC clubroom for the younger Devil's training.

Gasper's eyes flashed purple as he used his [Forbidden Balor View] to stop the volleyball that Natsuki had weakly thrown at him, freezing it in midair before deactivating his gear and letting it fall.

"Good job, Gasper-kun. You're now able to catch it once every twenty tries now!" Asia said encouragingly.

I guess this is a huge leap in progress from before when he wasn't able to catch any of the volleyballs and would run from them. Natsuki thought.

Issei grinned as he took another volleyball that Asia handed him, "Alright, Gasper! Incoming! Ready or not, here we come!"

Gasper steeled him, "Okay, senpai!"

But when Issei threw the ball, Gasper was unable to activate his Sacred Gear and the volleyball hit him directly in the face, knocking him off his feet.

"You okay, Gasper?" Natsuki asked as Gasper sat up while rubbing his nose.

"Natsuki-senpai, Issei-senpai, I think I'm done for today." Gasper whimpered.

"Don't let speak like that! We've got a dream to turn into reality here and I can't do it without you! C'mon, Gasper!" Issei shouted, reaching into the metal ball cart, and throwing more volleyballs at Gasper.

Gasper curled into himself, covering his head with his hands as the volleyballs rained down on him, unable to use [Forbidden Balor View] to stop any of them.

"Okay, that's enough." Natsuki said as she grabbed one of Issei's arms to keep him from grabbing and throwing anymore volleyballs.

Issei wrenched his arm out of Natsuki's hand, "Natsuki, don't you see this kind of tough love is necessary?! This is exactly what happened to us when we trained for the Rating Game against that fire chicken, and we came out the other side stronger than ever, so I know the same will happen for Gasper. And besides, if he can't figure out his powers, I'll never see my dream come to fruition!"

I've already made a list of all the girls with the biggest boobs and figured out each of their schedules down to the minute so I can know the best time they will be alone and when to target them! The only thing stopping me from being able to feel all of them up is Gasper! Issei thought despairingly.

"You truly are a terrible person." Natsuki said with a shake of her head over why Issei was so intent on helping Gasper.

"I'm sorry for failing you Issei-senpai!" Gasper cried out, feeling like he was nothing but a failure and was not living up to everyone's expectations.

Natsuki smacked the back of Issei's head before walking to Gasper and taking a knee into front of his curled-up body. "You don't have to apologize; Issei was the one being stupid. You're still learning, so it's expected you'll make mistakes. I think all of us have had moments when we can't control our powers."

Gasper wiped his eyes, looking up at Natsuki hopefully, "Really?"

"Yes, really." Natsuki stated, "So you shouldn't let the setbacks keep you from moving forward, and while Issei's words were wrong, he's trying to get you to do the same thing too. But you shouldn't push yourself too much either, you can tell us if you can't handle something."

Gasper shook his head, "But I have to get stronger. S-Since I am incomplete both as a human who had a Sacred Gear, and as a vampire, I only cause trouble to everyone, I-I have to control my power more."

The look on Gasper's face and the way his voice cracked reminded Natsuki painfully of Akeno when the older Devil told Natsuki about her identity.

Gasper and Akeno were both hybrids born from distinct species before becoming Devils, and both felt doubt in and hated their existences. And unlike Natsuki, who had grown up never knowing the truth of her own heritage, Gasper and Akeno suffered immensely and were ostracized because of it, and unlike Natsuki, felt burdened by it most of the time.

Natsuki's expression softened, "You don't cause trouble for everyone and you're not incomplete. And you shouldn't listen to anyone who told you that nonsense in the past."

"But-"

"But nothing. They were wrong, Gasper, and do you know what the best way to prove people wrong is?"

Gasper tilted his head, "No, what is it?"

Natsuki raised her fist and clenched it, "To beat their asses into the fucking dirt."

Natsuki felt someone slapping the back of her head before she heard Issei screech in her ear. "And you're calling me a terrible person?! When you're teaching him to be a violent brute?!"

Natsuki turned her head and glared at Issei, but Gasper spoke up before she could say anything to the other Pawn. "I don't want to hurt people, but I want to be strong enough that everyone doesn't have to keep looking out for me."

Issei pumped his fists and puffed out his chest, "Then get up and keep training! We're all members of the same club, and Rias-Buchou's servants and comrades! So, let's keep getting stronger for the sake of all that! So, bring out more of your power for Team Awesome"!

Seeing that, Gasper wiped his tears and stood up. "Issei-senpai, Natsuki-senpai, I-I'll do my best! For Team Awesome!"

"Team Awesome!" Issei declared with a roar.

"I am not part of this team, and stop saying that I am." Natsuki voiced, knowing what Issei's ultimate goal was with Gasper, but was ignored by the two boys.

Is this where the inspiring montage comes in? Asia thought amused as she watched the scene in front of her. "Do your best! Ise-san, Natsuki-san, Gasper-kun!"

"Gasper! Since the bishoujo, Asia-senpai is cheering you on as well, cheer up!"

"Y-yesssss! Thank you very much, Asia-senpai" Gasper said while Natsuki rolled her eyes before they went back practicing.

While this was going on, Kiba, Xenovia, and Koneko arrived and began to watch Gasper's training from a couple of feet away, standing next to the old school building.

"Hey, weren't you supposed to be helping out with Gasper-kun's training?" Kiba asked the other Knight.

Xenovia sighed before responding, crossing her arms as she looked on, "Every time I tried to help train him, the poor kid would break down crying. He kept saying something about how training him made him feel guilty. Eventually, Natsuki-san said it would probably be best for me to keep my distance when Gasper is training."

"Natsuki-senpai told me the same thing, but I don't know why. I was being extremely helpful when training Gya-kun." Koneko said, sounding confused by Natsuki's decision.

Kiba sweat dropped, "I don't think chasing him with garlic and Holy water was very helpful, Koneko-chan."

Koneko ignored this as she continued to watch her friends, "You know, I've only seen Issei-senpai this happy about training once before."

"When was that?" Xenovia asked.

"When we were at the training camp." Koneko answered, "That was when he came up with his perversely perverted joke of a finishing move."

Xenovia brow furrowed, "You mean he was this excited when he came up with the Dress Break?"

They then looked at Issei who was watching Gasper with a large smile on his face, his eyes teary as he spoke and his voice full of joy and pride. "Let's make our dreams come true at last, Gasper! Get ready for another hundred!"

Koneko and Xenovia did not look impressed as they stared at the brown-haired Pawn, knowing that he must have ulterior motives when it came to training Gasper beyond wanting to help Rias, while Kiba slapped his hand against his face, knowing exactly what Issei was planning.

Why, Issei, why? Kiba thought, feeling embarrassed for being associated with Issei.

---

 

Hours Later

The members of the Occult Research Club had gathered in their club room just as a large barrier completely enveloped the school. Outside the barrier, Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devil forces surrounded the school, both were measures that would allow no one to enter or leave until the meeting between the Three Great Powers had concluded.

The location of the meeting would be Kuoh Academy's staff meeting room, and as that day was a holiday and it was late at night, the school was completely empty with the exception of the three groups.

"It's time for us to go." Rias told her servants as she stood from her desk.

Rias then looked at the cardboard box in the corner of the room that held her first Bishop inside of it, speaking gently to him. "Gasper, today's conference is important, it would stall negotiations if your Sacred Gear activated during it, so you can't participate. I hope you understand."

"Y-yes, Buchou." Gasper said, poking his head out of the box.

Issei walked up to Gasper's box, bending down to hand the younger boy his portable handheld console, "Cheer up, Gasper, you can borrow this while you stay here so you don't get bored. And me and Natsuki got a bunch of snacks you can have."

Natsuki then stood on Issei's other side holding a box filled with sweets and chips, placing it down next to Gasper before pulling out a brown paper bag from inside it. "We also got you your paper bag, so you can where it if start feeling scared or lonely."

Gasper looked at the items in awe before looking back at the two Pawns, "Thank Issei-senpai, Natsuki-senpai."

"Anything for you, buddy." Issei said while Natsuki nodded her head in agreement.

The rest of the Peerage left the clubroom and began making their way to the staff room while Issei and Natsuki walked a few feet behind the group, having their own conversation.

"Hey, Natsuki. You don't think it was sad that a video game, a box of junk food, and a paper bag were the best we could do for Gasper?" Issei asked, feeling uneasy about everything.

"No, it's not enough, no one should be happy with that little." Natsuki admitted, "A kid like Gasper deserves a lot more. But I guess with everything he's been through that this would be a lot for him."

"I just-I just really want to do something to help him, but I can't think of anything."

"I don't really know either, but I think we should just keep doing what we're doing, drawing him out of his shell little by little. Gasper seems to respond well to it, I mean, I get the impression from everyone else that Gasper isn't always this open."

"Maybe you're right." Issei said, but he still could not stop the feeling that they could be doing more for their kouhai.

After a couple of minutes, the group reached the Kuoh Academy staff room, and the closer they got the more, Natsuki shivered and folded in on herself, understanding immediately why no guards were posted there, leaving the doors unattended.

"Are you okay, Natsuki-san?" Asia asked, seeing the physical reaction Natsuki was having.

Natsuki shuddered as she straightened her posture, "I'm fine, Asia. I just... I was just not expecting to feel all that power."

Rias turned her head, looking the girl sympathetically, "Sorry about that, Natsuki. I know that my brother and the others usually mask their presence, I should have figured that it wouldn't be enough to be blocked by you."

"I should've figured myself." Natsuki said, regaining her composure.

"Is it really that bad?" Issei asked.

"Almost everyone in that room is a fucking monster." Natsuki told him, "Even now when they're hiding their magical energy, they could kill all of us with a finger."

Is it because they're all gathered together in one place? Because I didn't have this problem when I met Sirzechs, Grayfia, Azazel, and Michael individually. Natsuki thought.

When they reached the doors, Rias knocked on one of them twice, "Excuse us." Rias then opened one of the doors and walked inside, the rest of the group following her.

In the middle of the room sat a gorgeous and pompous looking table, and as if surrounding it, were the leaders from each respective faction. The air is enveloped by quietness, and everyone had a serious expression on their faces.

On the Devil side of the table, sat Sirzechs and Serafall, while Grayfia was on standby beside a cart preparing tea. And behind them, stood Sona Sitri and her Queen, Shinra Tsubaki, the rest of her Peerage notably absent.

In the middle of the table was the Angel side, headed by Michael and standing behind him, to the surprise of most, was Shidou Irina.

"Irina?" Xenovia said wide-eyed.

Irina sneered at her former friend and partner before turning away, refusing to look in Xenovia and the rest of the ORC's direction. Xenovia frowned but did not try to call out to Irina again, seeing it as pointless.

And finally, on the Fallen Angel corner was Azazel with his twelve wings unfurled, like Sirzechs and Serafall, he was not wearing normal clothing, instead a robe elaborated with ornaments. And when he glanced at Natsuki and Issei, his lips rose up happily.

Behind Azazel, was the Vanishing Dragon, who smirked when he made eye contact with the other two dragon Sacred Gear wielders in the room. Issei flinched and then glared at Vali while Natsuki briefly met Vali's gaze before looking away with a roll of her eyes.

This only made Vali's smirk grow wider, finding the difference between Issei and Natsuki to be humorous.

You've gotten stronger since we last saw each other, Natsuki. Are you that determined to be stronger than me? Vali thought, the idea of Natsuki training intensely since their last meeting, causing a small amount of excitement to fill him. This was only tempered when he remembered that Natsuki's recent boost in strength would not be enough for her to pose a significant threat to him, at least not yet.

The ORC walked to where Sirzechs and Serafall were sitting, standing behind them and right next to Sona and Tsubaki.

"Everyone's here." Sirzechs said before introducing Rias and her Peerage, "This is my sister and her family. They are the ones who fought against Kokabiel during his surprise attack a few days ago."

"A rather impressive feat. I thank each one of you for your hard work." Michael said cordially.

Azazel smirked, placing his elbow on the table and resting his head against his fist as he looked at the group of young Devils. "Once again, I apologize. It seems one of my boys caused you a bit of trouble."

Rias' mouth twitched as she fought the urge to scowl, still smiling despite the Governor General's blase attitude towards the Holy Sword debacle.

Sirzechs cleared his throat, and he addressed the room, "Now that all participants are represented, let this summit commence."

Chapter 20: Summit Interrupted

Summary:

The Leader's summit is interrupted by the arrival of The Khaos Brigade....

Rias and Sona both stepped forward, each taking turns giving their reports of Kokabiel's attempt at restarting of the Great War, neither leaving anything out in their accounts.

When the two Kings finished, Serafall was the first to speak, "Yay, So-tan and Rias-chan!"

Sona visibly shivered in disgust at her sister's exclamation while Rias smiled back at the female Maou.

"Good job, Rias." Sirzechs said, but his smile soon fell when Rias stared at him blankly before returning to the wall and rejoining her Peerage, not giving him a second glance.

She's still angry it seems. Sirzechs thought dejectedly.

"How cute." Azazel remarked dryly, "How about we move onto the important part of this meeting, hmm? Our perpetual three-way stalemate is getting rather old and is hardly doing this world any favors. I assume we're all in agreement on that?"

Michael sighed, "The people present in this room are aware of the acknowledge that God is dead So I can agree that continuing down this path will only lead to more destruction amongst our kind."

Asia quietly gasped and looked down at the ground, a somber expression appearing on her face. She knew that God was dead, but hearing Michael, the head Angel, say it so causally, felt like the final confirmation of a truth she terribly wished was not true.

Issei looked at Asia worryingly, having noticed the girl's reaction. His hand twitched at his side, wanting to take Asia's hand and hold it reassuringly, but decided not to, not wanting to draw attention to themselves.

Irina, I suppose she must have heard the truth by now. Xenovia thought as she stared at Irina, seeing the sad expression on the other girl's face.

"Azazel, I want to ask one thing." Sirzechs began, "Why have you been gathering owners of Sacred Gears for the past few decades? At first, I thought you were gathering humans and attempting to augment your battle potential, I even anticipated that you wanted to wage war against Heaven or us but, but even then, your actions did not align with that train of thought."

Michael's opinion was the same as Sirzechs, "Yes, no matter how much time passed, you didn't wage a war against us. When I heard that you got a hold of the Vanishing Dragon, I was enveloped by a strong sense wariness."

Azazel smiled bitterly, "It's for the sake of Sacred Gear research. If that's the case, should I send a part of the research materials to you as well? I wouldn't wage a war against you or anything as I don't have any interest in war as of late, I am perfectly satisfied with the world right now. I have strongly ordered my subordinates to 'not interfere with the human world's politics,' you know? I have no intention of intervening in religion either, or to influence the business of the Devils. Damn, is trust in my faction the least out of the three?"

"That's true."

"That's right."

"That's exactly it." Sirzechs, Michael, and Serafall said in unison, each smiling at Azazel.

That's rich. Natsuki thought, she found it hypocritical that Michael, Sirzechs, and Serafall were looking down on the Fallen race, despite the clear issues that Angels and Devils clearly had within their own ranks.

Maybe the three of them know Azazel pretty well, but I doubt it. Kokabiel didn't try to restart the war on his own, Freed and Valper were working with him and both used to be members of the church. And then there's fucking Riser, the less said about him the better, along with everything Sirzechs did to prevent Rias from having to marry him. All three sides are shitty in my opinion, it's like these guys are trying to compete in the world's stupidest race for who is less shitty than the others.

Upon hearing this, Azazel uninterestedly pecked at his ear, "Che, I thought you were better than God or the last generation's Lucifer, but you guys are a troublesome bunch yourselves. Sneakily researching doesn't get along well with you, huh? Then let's make peace already."

"I also planned to propose peace to the Devil side and the Grigori. The original pursuers of the war, God, and the Maou-sama, have all been annihilated, so we all have nothing left to fight over, and I won't restart a war over the desires a dead person." Michael stated.

Azazel burst out laughing at Michael's words, "Ha! Look at stubborn little Michael growing a backbone and a voice! Even though you used to be God's perfect lapdog, the only thing you could talk about back then was God, God, God."

Michael frowned, pushing past Azazel's taunts, "I have lost a lot of things over the centuries, however, there is no use seeking things that are no longer present. It is our duty to guide humans, we members of the Seraph have the same opinion that the most important thing is to watch over the children of God from now on, and to guide them."

"Hey, hey, with your speech just now, you'll fall you know? If you keep speaking so recklessly, even if you have taken over the system. And the world is completely different from the one we once inherited, falling now, will be entirely different."

"It's the same for us as well." Sirzechs spoke, "Even if the original Maous are no longer here, to continue the species, we Devils too have moved forward. Even we wouldn't want war, and even if we did, the Devils of today would not survive such a conflict."

"Yes, if we do another war, the three factions will definitely be mutually destroyed. And then, it will affect the human world as well, and the world will end, we can't do wars now." Azazel agreed, becoming serious for the first time since the meeting began, "Did you think a world without God is wrong? Did you think a world without God would decay? I am sorry to say, but that hasn't been the case."

"Because the world moves even without a God." Serafall voiced, she too becoming serious, "There's no point wasting time on what used to be."

Azazel smiled at the Maou, "You're right."

"So, we have all come to an agreement? About ending this cold war and officially coming together?" Sirzechs asked.

Azazel scoffed, "Would we have given each other those little 'gifts,' if none of us were serious?"

"Good." Sirzechs grinned as the most important conversation of the night came to an end.

And while Grayfia began serving tea to the faction leaders, Michael turned his gaze towards Issei. "Now then, the discussion has considerably been solved in a good direction, is it all right if we hear about the matter of Sekiryuutei-dono?"

Everyone's gazes were now concentrated on Issei as he tried on to show his nervousness. He was surprised that Michael had remembered the end of their conversation at Akeno's shrine, but he wrote this off as expected of the leader of the Angels.

Issei turned his head to Asia and when she smiled at him, Issei faced Michael confidently, "Why did you exile Asia?"

At his question to Michael, everyone looked at Issei either wondering what he was talking about or why he was asking such a question of the Seraph. Issei didn't care about this, wanting to hear the Angel's response.

Why Asia, who trusted God so much? Why was she exiled? Issei thought strongly.

Michael answered Issei's question earnestly, "I can only apologize for that. After God had been annihilated, only the system to govern divine protection, mercy, and miracles remained. This system was, if I explain it simply, God made the system and used it to bring about miracles, and to bring about the effect of holy things like exorcism and crosses."

"And after God died, some trouble occurred in this system, is what you're saying?" Issei asked.

Michael nods his head, "To be honest, it takes a big toll on anyone who uses it with the exception of God. With me as the center, every one of the Seraph was able to somehow start up the system, but compared to the times when God existed, the divine protection and mercy to those who believe in God now is not complete. It's an unfortunate thing but, those who can be granted salvation are limited."

The truth clicked in Natsuki's head after this, and she spoke out, "So you needed to keep away those who could cause the system to falter. Asia's [Twilight Healing] can not only heal humans, but Devils and Fallen as well, and then there's Kiba's Holy Demonic Sword, it's as Kokabiel said; such things could only be possible in the world if God was dead, meaning that the balance between light and dark could no longer be upheld."

"You are spot on, Natsuki-chan." Michael said, smiling ruefully, "Asia Argento's [Twilight Healing] could influence the faith of those around her, the system is barely surviving as it is, and we cannot afford to lose a substantial number of believers with proof of God's nonexistence, which is why [Twilight Healing] was declared a forbidden Scared Gear by the Church and why-"

"And why those who know the truth about the lord are also excommunicated?" Xenovia asked, looking the head Angel straight in the eye.

"Yes, that's right, Xenovia. To lose you was a serious wound even for us, but if anyone apart from the Seraph and the higher rank Angels, know about the non-existence of God, then the system may collapse in on itself." Michael said before bowing to both Asia and Xenovia, "I must apologize. There was no other way but to make you and Asia Argento into heretics."

Then, she didn't betray us? Irina thought as she looked at Xenovia, shocked by what Michael just said.

The head of the Angels was apologizing to Asia and Xenovia, causing the two in question to stare at the Angel in wonder. For a moment, they were troubled on how to respond, however, immediately Xenovia shook her neck sideways, and smiled. "No, Michael-sama, please don't apologize. I grew up in the Church, so I must admit that I have a few regrets. But to be perfectly honest, I am more satisfied with my life as a Devil."

This caused the rest of the Peerage to smile at the girl, happy that Xenovia felt this way about her new life with them.

"As am I, Michael-sama, and I'm so much happier as a Devil too. I've met so many people I cherish who also care about me, it's everything I've ever wanted." Asia also said while clasping her hands together.

At Asia's and Xenovia's impassioned words. Michael showed nothing but relief, "Both of you have such forgiving sprits, and I am grateful for that."

Azazel started to chuckle, smirking as he looked at Asia, and when Asia noticed his stare, trembled in fear. "Oh, right, I've heard of her. It seems one of my subordinates killed her while keeping quiet about it. I received a report about that incident as well."

Issei glared at the Fallen, pushing himself off the wall and walking closer to the table, "Yeah, and you should be apologizing for that! Do you know why that Fallen Angel bitch killed her? Because she wanted to be useful to you, you stupid asshole!"

"Issei, calm down." Rias tried to warn him, but just as these words left her lips, the room was filled with the oppressing feeling of Azazel releasing a bit of his magical power, causing everyone besides the Maous, Michael, and Vali to flinch and tremble at the action.

Natsuki felt herself gasping for air as the sensation hit her harder than the others due to her energy sensing abilities.

Natsuki! Calm down! Focus on the sound of my voice, you are not in danger, that fool will not attack you or your friends, not while the Maous and the Angel are present. Lux hurriedly inwardly said to her partner.

Lux? Fuck that was horrible, is this going to happen to me every time I'm in the midst of a powerful person? Natsuki thought as she forced herself to relax.

No, you will grow accustomed to it the longer you surround yourself with these kinds of individuals. Lux reassured. It's only your sensor ability that is making things hard for you; we must work on helping you attain better control of it going forward. What is worse is that the Fallen was only highlighting a small amount of his power, otherwise your leaders would have jumped into action instead of remaining seated.

Lux, that's fucking terrifying. It's just like with fucking Sirzechs, these guys really are monsters that hide behind curated facades. Despite her fear and dislike of Sirzechs, Michael, and Azazel, she could not deny the admiration she held for their power.

Issei's eyes widened as he felt like falling to his knees before the now angered Azazel, but he held strong, continuing to glare at Azazel.

As quickly as he released it, Azazel suppressed his magic, the scowl on his face leaving as he sighed. "I did not order Raynare to kill the girl, she did that of her own accord. But I will admit that it's true, we Fallen Angels are eliminating Sacred Gear users who may cause harm to us and the world. We sense a person that may become a threat in the future, then if we know about it beforehand, we'll eliminate him. The real reason is we killed you, Issei, is because you were a human with no talent, you could have run wild with the power of the Sekiryuutei and not having the ability to control it."

Natsuki scoffed, "So that's why you had Raynare kill us? Because you were scared? You had no proof that Issei and I would lose control over our powers, and so you acted irrationally."

Azazel stared at Natsuki seriously, "Oh, my actions weren't irrational. Each leader in this room has seen an example of a human who couldn't control their gift, risking the lives of others."

When the others at the table did not refute Azazel's words, Natsuki reluctantly accepted them to be true to an extent.

"And you, Natsuki? You would have been a far greater threat as a half human hybrid than Issei would have been if you remained humans."

Fucking Azazel knows too? Why am I even surprised? Natsuki thought angrily, ignoring the confused and surprised looks that were the faces of all her friends except for Akeno. "Well, now I wish I was still human. With how scared you're acting, maybe I'd have a better chance of beating you into the dirt for everything you've done."

"Natsuki!" Rias hissed, but Azazel only laughed in response to Natsuki's words, reminding Natsuki far too much of Vali.

When Azazel stopped laughing, he leaned forward with a smirk, "Now then, I think it's time we hear the opinion of people other than us, those who seem like they can influence the world; the invincible Dragon-sama. Vali, what do you want to do to the world?"

Vali smiled, "If I can fight strong guys, then it's fine."

You seriously only like combat? That seems like a nuisance to others though. Issei thought as Azazel turned to him.

"Alright then, Sekiryuutei, what about you?"

Issei replied while scratching his cheek awkwardly as he was put on the spot. "To be honest, I don't really know, I've already got a lot of stuff on my mind with being a Devil along with looking after my Devil kouhai, so even if I am asked what I think about the world, how should I say it, I don't have any big feelings to express."

"While that may be the case, you are one of the few people with the power to change the world, if you don't make your choice, then it would be difficult for those standing on top of each of the powers, such as myself, to make moves. Do you understand?" Azazel said, troubling Issei.

But I really don't have any opinions on the state of the world.

Azazel let out an amused look at the lost expression on Issei's face, "Well then, why don't I make this easier for you Hyoudou Issei, so try to focus here. If the three great powers start fighting again, then you'll never be able to have your way with Rias Gremory."

Issei's eyes widened as he stared at Azazel, "...Uh?"

"But if we make peace, then there won't be a need to fight. If that happens, then what's left that is the most important is continuation of the species and prosperity. You may be able to endeavor in making children with Rias Gremory every day. How's that? Is it easy to understand? If there's a fight, then there's no sex. If there's peace, then you can have sex all the time, so which will you choose?"

"Hey, I'm right here!" Rias exclaimed, a small blush forming on her cheeks as she scowled at Azazel.

Grayfia let out a tired sigh, not at all surprised by Azazel's clear manipulation of Rias' Pawn.

For the first time, Issei understood Azazel's language from the bottom of his heart.

I see! If there's peace, then I can do ecchi things with Buchou all the time! No, can I do ecchi things with Buchou? Am I in that position? Even if I don't, peace means I have a chance to someday be able to do ecchi things with Buchou! That wish is huge!

"Peace is number one!" Issei cheered with a large grin, "Yeah, peace for me, please! I'm going to do it with Buchou so hard!"

As Issei let his desires known, Rias' face turned completely red, no longer able to look at him due to the embarrassment she was feeling.

"Ise-kun, Sirzechs-sama is present here, you know?" Kiba said with a bitter smile.

Oh, right. Issei froze as he realized that Sirzechs was now laughing lowly to himself.

Rias covered her face with a hand, "Both of you are nightmares."

Issei's face fell when Rias said that and when he saw Akeno laughing into her hand behind Rias while the rest of the Peerage looked at Issei embarrassed.

"Why is Issei-senpai such a pervert?" Koneko asked aloud in disgust, crushing Issei further.

"You know, Issei, you almost sounded cool for a moment, but then you fucking ruined it." Natsuki sighed, looking at the other Pawn tiredly.

I'm trying, I just can't help it! Issei thought, to him, one moment he was trying to think about what he would genuinely want out of the world, and then the next he was listening to Azazel convincing him that he might have a chance with Rias.

Azazel smirked as he looked at Natsuki, "And you, Kogane Ryū Kōgō? What do you want?"

What do I want? Natsuki thought to herself. I do want to get stronger, strong enough to not have asshole think they can look down on me, but is that really enough?

She started to think about all the things that are important to her; Kushina, the children at the orphanage, her friends. Natsuki also began to think about

"I don't think that even with my title that I can change the world." Natsuki began, "It's foolish to think otherwise because people are always going to be people, whether they're humans, Devils, Angels, Fallen Angel, or whatever else. We're always going to be selfish, cruel, violent, manipulative, spiteful, and ignorant, I don't think there's any other way of being for most people. So, what I want is to live my life comfortably, and that means having a lot of power, riches, and a feared reputation that the cunts of the world don't try to mess with me and the people I care about."

Azazel stared at her for a few seconds before he started to laugh, "So that's what you want? To get strong and rich enough so you can live the easy life?"

Natsuki shrugged, "If I'm going to be a Devil and must take on all the responsibilities and the problems that come with it, I might as well enjoy the perks of the lifestyle."

Rias sighed, "Why am I even surprised? You were just like this when I first revived you."

"I'm a selfish bastard." Natsuki said plainly.

"You're damn right you are!" Issei exclaimed, "How can you judge me for my goal when yours is just as vain?!"

"I judge you because of how obsessed you are with boobs. Also, because trying to get money is far more important than trying to have sex."

Issei stepped closer to Natsuki and grabbed her by the collar of her jacket, pulling her down and looking her dead in the eyes with a blank expression. "Take that back. Take back that terrible lie you just spewed from your mouth."

Natsuki stayed silent as Issei accosted her, not seeing the point in trying to argue with him, especially not about a topic like this.

Your friend truly needs to let this matter go. Lux said to Natsuki.

Yeah, but not anytime soon. Natsuki replied, I wonder if-

Suddenly, Natsuki felt a shiver race down her spine, followed by an overwhelming amount of magic energy coming from the ORC clubroom.

What the hell? There's someone-no, there's a bunch of people here in the school! But the Angels, Fallen, and Devils outside should be keeping anyone from breaking in. Were they defeated without any of us noticing?

Natsuki felt another sensation rip through her body, causing her to pull herself out of Issei's grasp, her eyes widening when she realized that the magic she was feeling was Gasper's and that said magic was coming towards them all rather quickly.

Gasper!

Natsuki! Now is not the time to lose your composure, you must move now! Lux shouted inside Natsuki's mind.

Natsuki grabbed Akeno's hand, ignoring the sound of surprise that escaped Akeno's lips as Natsuki grabbed her, pulling her to the side.

---

 

"Woah. What the hell happened?" Issei asked, he had felt the familiar sensation of Gasper's time stop touching him for a few seconds before it disappeared. He looked down and realized Rias had clung onto him when the time stop had hit the room.

Nothing in the room appeared out of the ordinary at first, until Issei noticed that the walls, floor, and ceiling were a bright purple, along with the sky.

"It seems time has been stopped." Michael said as he stood up and walked to one of the windows.

"Fortunately, those of us with superior powers weren't affected." Azazel said, a lazy smile on his face, "And for those of us without, sword girl and Kogane Ryū Kōgō have thankfully decided to step in."

Rias quickly turned to look at the rest of her Peerage; no one was frozen. Koneko was standing perfectly fine, but Kiba and Xenovia had both summoned their Holy Demonic Sword and Durandal and Xenovia had an arm wrapped around Asia.

And when she realized that Akeno and Natsuki were no longer standing near her, Rias quickly turned around and saw a strange sight; Natsuki with one arm wrapped around Akeno's waist, and the other was around Sona and Tsubaki, forcing them just like Akeno, to be pressed against Natsuki's body.

"Um, what are you all doing?" Rias asked.

"Why don't you ask your Pawn." Sona said, looking up at Natsuki with a deadpanned expression, "She ran towards us like a madwoman and grabbed us."

"I'm sorry, did I invade your personal space?" Natsuki asked sarcastically, letting go of the three older girls when she realized they were no longer in danger of freezing. "It's not as if I had time to ask, 'Kaichou, can I grab you and Tsubaki-senapi so that you don't end up frozen,' now did I?"

"Ara, ara, that sounds like a convenient excuse." Akeno teased, pressing herself closer to Natsuki.

Natsuki scowled at the older girl and took a step back, "Piss off."

Rias' eyes widened as she realized what had happened, "Ise is the possessor of the Sekiryuutei, Koneko is... Yuuto has an irregular Holy Demonic Sword, Xenovia invoked Durandal, and Natsuki is the possessor of the Kogane Ryū Kōgō, so it makes sense that they were all safe. Like Azazel said, everyone with higher powers was unaffected. So, by being in physical contact with those of us without such powers when the freeze occurred, we were kept from being caught in the time stop."

Asia looked at Durandal, the Holy Sword was releasing a powerful aura before looking up at the Devil wielding it. "Thank you for protecting me, Xenovia-san."

"There is nothing to thank, Asia-san. My body truly moved on its own." Xenovia said, gripping Durandal tighter.

"Let us now focus on what is going on outside." Sirzechs said as he stood next to Michael, "We're under attack, it seems our summit was too monumental to ignore and try to capitalize on."

"Who are those freaks?" Issei asked as he looked outside and saw a large group of hooded people in black robes slowly descending from teleportation circles the sky, firing magical bullets from their heads towards the school.

"Magicians." Akeno answered looking at the human with disgust, "Humans capable of using magic. They use a magic system created by the legendary magician Merlin Ambrosius, based on the Demonic powers of Devils."

Serafall pouted, "They're so rude! I'm a real-life magical girl and they're flat out ignoring me!"

"That is not important in the slightest." Sona said, staring at her sister with serious judgement.

"Who is this power coming from?" Michael asked, referring to the freezing of time.

"Most likely, they're forcing that half-vampire kid's Sacred Gear to go into Balance Breaker state." Azazel explained, "It's only a temporary Balance Breaker state, even then, to think that it even affects people present in the interior of objects outside the field of vision. So that half-vampire's potential ability was this high? Well, it seems that he lacks the output to stop us top-position guys, though."

"Gasper has been made into a terrorist weapon at the old school building. Just where did they get information on my servant's abilities and location? Moreover, for them to use Gasper's power to go after this important meeting? Never have I been so insulted like this! These fools will pay for this disrespect!" A red aura began to waft off Rias' body, her fists were clenched at her sides and her eyes briefly flashed red.

Buchou looks really scary right now! Issei thought with a shiver.

"Gya-kun... One... one of us should have been there to protect him. Now he's scared and all alone with those people." Koneko whispered, her shoulders shaking as she spoke, her worry for Gasper evident.

Kiba placed a hand on Koneko's back and rubbed it gently, "None of us could have known he would be targeted. It's not anyone's fault or yours, Koneko-chan. We have to focus on saving him right now and making sure those who hurt him pay for it."

Koneko looked up at Kiba, seeing the resolute and fierce expression on his face and felt emboldened by it, she gave Kiba a sharp nod and clenched her fists.

We're going to save you, Gya-kun. Koneko thought strongly.

"By the way, the armies of the Fallen Angels, Angels, and Devils outside of this school building all seem to be stopped as well. Geez, Rias Gremory's family is just dreadful." Azazel said, putting a hand on Rias' shoulder.

Rias brushed off Azazel's hand, turning her glare onto the Fallen, "Don't touch me."

Azazel sighed as he turned his attention back to the window, raising his hand up just as the magicians outside were attacking the second barrier surrounding the school building, causing countless light spears to appear in the sky.

In a matter of seconds, the light spears rained down at the same time Azazel put down his hand, showering the attacking magicians.

The terrorists tried to put up barriers of their own to protect themselves, but the spears smashed through them without any trouble, eradicating the magicians.

When the dust settled, the school grounds were covered with the lifeless corpses of the magicians, blood and severed limbs could be seen all over. This was proof of Azazel's power, finishing the humans in a single attack that he made with no preparations or effort.

"Holy shit." Issei whispered under his breath at the gruesome scene.

Of course he would be a monster too. Natsuki thought as her gaze drifted to the Governer General.

"This school is enveloped in a barrier and despite this, these humans have appeared within it. There must be a transfer-use magic circle or a person connecting with a gate to the inside of the premises. Either way, if they increase the effect of [Forbidden Balor View] any more than this, there's a concern that they'll be able to stop even people like us too. By stopping us here with their fierce attack, they intend to annihilate each school building the instant our time is stopped."

As Azazel said this, magic circles appeared at various places in the school grounds and started shining ominously. From where the magic circles appeared, more magicians began to come out of them, hovering over the bodies of their fallen comrades.

Azazel pursed his lips, "They'll keep appearing even as we knock them down again and again. With the timing and the technique, it stands to reason that there is a traitor in our mist. One who knows that we cannot dissolve the barrier to the school without causing damage to the human world."

"I recommend we act fast then." Sirzechs said, "If they manage to make Gasper even stronger, none of us will survive it, so our first goal should be to rescue him from the old school building.

"Onii-sama, I'll go. Gasper is my servant. It's my responsibility to take him back." Rias proposed strongly.

Sirzechs frowned, "I understand my younger sister's personality. However, how will you get to the old school building? This building is currently surrounded by magicians and the usual way of teleporting is also blocked by magic. And even then, how will you free Gasper?"

"We could transfer some of your power to them to force a teleportation circle. Castling should be effective in this situation." Grayfia said, "Ojou-sama should have another Rook she can use for the process."

"I do. I have my unused Rook piece in a safe inside of our clubroom." Rias said, more determined than ever.

Castling would allow for her King piece to switch locations with one of her two Rooks, having the same principle as the maneuver in chess. Rias had never used the technique before as it was usually one that was only used in Rating Games, not only that, but she would not be using her own power to perform it but her brother's, something that could have adverse effects.

"Alright, however, it's reckless to go alone." Sirzechs relented, "Grayfia, is it possible to transfer more than one person through [Castling] with my magic system?"

Grayfia nodded her head, "We would only be able to deploy a simple technique ceremony here, but it should be possible to transfer Ojou-sama and one other."

"I'll go, Sirzechs-sama!" Issei and Koneko said at the same time.

The Devils looked at each other after saying this; Issei looked surprised, not expecting anyone else to speak out, and Koneko stared at him with a glare, wanting the Pawn to back down.

"I will go with Buchou and save Gya-kun." Koneko said strongly, her glare hardening as she stared at Issei.

But Issei was not deterred by this, "No, I will go."

Koneko was going to argue but Issei did not give her time to, "Koneko-chan, I have to go with Buchou. I know you're worried about Gasper, but I won't let anything happen to him, I will save him. You can count on me!"

Koneko grinded her teeth together, looking away from Issei as she clenched her fists. "You better, or I'll beat you into the dirt, pervert."

Issei grinned, pumping his fist, "I won't let you down, Koneko-chan!"

Koneko's cheeks turned slightly red as she looked upon Issei's earnest smile, and she quickly turned away from him, muttering under her breath.

Sirzechs' eyes turned towards Issei for a moment, but then quickly moved in Azazel's direction. "Azazel, according to rumor, you've been researching how to freely handle Sacred Gears for a fixed time, right?"

Azazel raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, that's true, but what about it?"

"Is it possible to control the Sekiryuutei?" Sirzechs asked.

Azazel fell silent in response to Sirzechs' question, however, the Governor of the Fallen Angels reached into his breast pocket as he called out to Issei. "Oi, Sekiryuutei."

"Yes?" Issei asked.

"Take this." Azazel then took something out of his pocket and tossed it to Issei.

When Issei caught the items, they appeared to be wide rings, large enough to put around the hand with multiple layers of strange characters carved into them.

"Those are bracelets with the power to control a Sacred Gear to some degree. If you find the half-vampire, put one on him, it'll help him control his power somewhat." Azazel explained.

Issei frowned, "But why there are two of them?"

"The other one is for you. You haven't mastered the power of the Welsh Dragon, right? If so, put it on. If it's for a short time, it'll be possible to go into the Balance Breaker state without paying any price. This will be used in place of the price."

Seriously? I'll be able to go into Balance Breaker? Issei thought wide eyed.

"What's the catch?" Natsuki asked before Issei could even think of putting on one of the bracelets, staring at Azazel suspiciously.

"What? You don't trust me?" Azazel asked teasingly.

Natsuki narrowed her eyes, "Nothing comes without a price. So don't go making these things sound like they're so amazing when you're expecting us to put them on Gasper and Issei."

Azazel looked from Natsuki to Issei, "As a side effect, you'll also temporarily undo the seal that's been applied on you. Your Pawn power has been blocked, right?"

But this did not alleviate Natsuki's concerns, "And just where did you get that information from?"

Issei did not yet possess the strength to cope with the power of the eight Pawn pieces used to revive him as a Devil, so Rias had been actively suppressing it. Everyone in the Peerage knew about this, and Natsuki would assume that Sona and her Peerage, along with Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Serafall would all know, but why would Azazel? A man who before today was the leader of an enemy faction?

"It wasn't that hard to see from the times I met you both as a client." Azazel said with a grin, "This is only my personal opinion, but in terms of piece distribution, Ddraig is seven and Issei is one. No, wait, it may actually be 7.9 and 0.1. Promotion also builds the necessary foundation for the sake of manifesting Ddraig's true power. Either way, it's a fact that releasing Ddraig's power will release the seal as well, right, Rias Gremory?"

Rias narrowed her eyes in response to Azazel's question, giving the Fallen Angel no answer.

"Use that ring as a last resort since it can't regulate its consumption of stamina, you'll just exhaust yourself wastefully if you activate it suddenly. It will consume a large amount of stamina and magical power while in armor mode."

Michael sighed tiredly, "Azazel, just how far did your research into Sacred Gears take you?"

The Fallen Angel just smiled fearlessly, "It's fine, isn't it? God isn't here, right? Isn't it better if there's someone who can explain Sacred Gears at least a little? I heard there are all kinds of things that even you don't know."

"The problem is that you're the one who's researching it." Michael deadpanned.

It really isn't just us Devils that have childish leadership, but everyone, huh? Natsuki thought, watching the scene in front of her.

"Ojou-sama, please wait a little while." Grayfia said as she placed the special technique formula on Rias' forehead.

Rias clenched her fists, "Please hurry, Grayfia."

As Rias and Issei were getting ready, Azazel turned to the Hakuryuukou, "Vali."

"What is it, Azazel?" Vali asked boredly.

"You go catch the enemy's attention outside. If the Hakuryuukou comes out at the front, it'll disrupt their strategy a little. And someone may make a move to intercept you." Azazel said.

Vali became a bit more interested, "So that they will also become aware of me being here?"

"If you do that, they won't expect for the Sekiryuutei to transfer over to the center using Castling. It'll have the effect of attracting their attention."

Vali scoffed, "Wouldn't it be faster to blow up all the terrorists in the old school building and the half-vampire?"

This caused the Gremory Peerage to glare at the White Dragon Emperor, each of them infuriated by his careless words and attitude.

"What did you say, you fucking dick?!" Issei yelled, trying to push past Kiba who was using his free arm to block and keep him back.

Azazel let out an exaggerated sigh, "Vali, try to be a bit more considerate, okay? After all, we're trying to make peace here."

"Understood." Vali said with a sigh before releasing his wings from his back, showing off his Sacred Gear. He then smirked, "Balance Breaker!"

[Vanishing Dragon Balance Breaker]! A voice called out from the wings.

After that sound, a snow-white aura covered Vali's form and when the light dissipated, his body was wrapped in full-body armor that emitted a white radiance.

Both Natsuki and Issei stared at Vali, each seeing how easily he was able to enter his Balance Breaker, lamenting their own inability to do so.

After glancing at the other two dragons, Vali opened the meeting room's window and rushed out into the sky. In that instant, a loud shockwave was heard from outside as Vali dropped down from the sky, cutting through the enemy magicians.

He danced in the air without worrying about the concentrated bullets the magicians threw at him, and a large mass of surge bullets hit the school grounds in their attempts. Without accomplishing anything, the magicians were annihilated, but magic circles appeared right afterwards, and a new group of magicians appeared.

"That guy really is a dick." Natsuki said as they watched Vali fight.

"A strong dick." Issei said, disliking Vali greatly but unable to deny his power.

Natsuki nodded her head, "The worst kind of dick there is."

"Stop saying the word 'dick,' please." Kiba sighed.

"Azazel, I wish to continue what you said earlier." Sirzechs announced.

"What about it?" Azazel asked.

"What are you trying to do by collecting Sacred Gears? You've been collecting Longinus owners too, right?" Sirzechs asked, narrowing his eyes at the Fallen.

Azazel shook his head at the question, "It's to prepare."

"To prepare?" Sirzechs scoffed.

"That's some uneasy talk for a man who has been rejecting war so fervently all day." Michael stated

Azazel looked annoyed, "I said I won't go to war against you people, so I won't make war. However, means of self-defense are necessary. Rather, I would say we're not just preparing for an attack from you all."

Serafall raised an eyebrow as she looked at Azazel, "Then who are you preparing to fight?"

"The Khaos Brigade." Azazel finally said.

Khaos Brigade? Natsuki thought, having never heard the name before, and by the looks on Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael's face, they had not either.

"I only confirmed the organization's name and background recently, but my Vice Governor, Shemhazai, also had his eye on this suspicious group for a while. It's said that they're gathering dangerous members from all three big powers, and some Sacred Gear-possessing humans who have attained Balance Breaker seem to also be included. I've also confirmed several Longinus possessors among them."

"What is their goal?" Michael asked.

"Destruction and mayhem, it's as simple as that. They don't like this world's peace, moreover, they're ill-natured to the extreme. And the organization's leader is the most powerful dragon we know, the one far above the Welsh Dragon, Evolving Dragon, and Vanishing Dragon."

Everyone besides Natsuki, Issei, and Asia became speechless at Azazel's confession.

"...I see, so they have finally moved. The Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis. The dragon feared by God, the one who kept reigning over with the position of the strongest since the world began." Sirzechs said with a grim expression.

The Ouroboros Dragon, Ophis? Who is that, Lux? Natsuki asked her dragon, knowing that they could not have been with the way everyone else was reacting.

Lux took a moment to respond, her voice just as grim and tired as Sirzechs'. There are many things that one could use to describe Ophis, but the most important is that they are one of the most powerful dragons, the most powerful being in all of existence. A god who represents infinity, chaos, and nothingness.

And you did not think to tell me that there is a crazy dragon god out there in the world? Natsuki asked.

It did not seem necessary. Lux said. Ophis, for as long as I have known them, does not interact with other creatures very much. And Khaos Brigade should not have attacked this summit, especially knowing what Ophis created the group to truly accomplish.

What? What do mean by truly accomplish? Natsuki asked.

Before Lux could answer, Natsuki felt a chill race down her spine, realizing that someone was trying to teleport to the room. A magic circle quickly appeared in the center of the room, and a voice spoke out, "Yes, Ophis is the leader of the Khaos Brigade."

Sirzechs-sama clicked his tongue, recognizing the voice, "Grayfia, transfer Rias and Ise-kun quickly!"

"Yes!" Grayfia said as she urged Issei and Rias to a corner of the meeting room and created a small magic circle on the floor where they stood. "Ojou-sama, I wish you the fortunes of battle."

"W-Wait, Grayfia!? Onii-sama!" Rias called out, but she and Issei were quickly enveloped in a bright light, teleporting from the meeting room.

---

 

As Rias and Issei disappeared, a figure stepped through the other magic circle, causing various reactions in everyone present.

Notably, Azazel laughed, and Sirzechs made a sour expression, glaring at the woman with nothing but contempt.

The new figure was a tall bespectacled woman with a voluptuous figure, she had tan skin with long brown hair tied into a bun with an ornate hairband and had purple eyes. She wore a low-cut purple dress with high slits which exposed much of her breasts and legs.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the unworthy Maous Sirzechs-dono and Serfall-dono." The woman said fearlessly.

"Explain yourself, Katerea Leviathan; what are you doing here?" Sirzechs growled.

Natsuki's eyes widened. Leviathan? So, she-

She is descended from the original Leviathan. Lux finished for her.

Katerea smirked, "The members of the old Maou faction have decided to cooperate with Khaos Brigade."

"So, it's a feud between the new and old Maou sides has become full-scale, huh? You Devils are all so difficult to deal with." Azazel just smiled like it was someone else's problem.

"Are you sure that you want to say such a foolish thing, Katerea?" Sirzechs asked, his eyes flashing crimson for a brief moment.

"Sirzechs, it's exactly as I said; we are also taking charge of this attack and are fully committed to it."

"So, it's a coup d'état, huh? Why?"

"Sirzechs, we have arrived at the exact opposite idea of this worthless meeting today. We've concluded that, since God and the original Maou are gone, this world should be reformed."

So, they did this coup d'état after learning everything about the non-existence of God and the peace conference of the three great powers? Natsuki thought.

"Has that Ophis seen that far ahead into the future? That doesn't seem likely." Azazel asked with a smirk.

Katerea let out a breath in response to Azazel's question, "Aside from being a symbol of power, he also bears the position for the sake of gathering power. We've asked for his help to destroy the world and rebuild it again, so that we may be the ones to manage this new world."

"So, you're a gathering of Angel, Fallen Angel, and Devil rebels who want a new world that they rule over? And the mediator of this all will be Ouroboros Ophis?" Sirzechs said, smiling at the Devil sarcastically.

"Katerea-chan! Why are you doing such a thing!? Don't you understand that if you continue this path then you'll just be throwing your life away?" Serafall yelled, staring at Katerea pleadingly.

Katerea turned to Serafall, staring at the other woman hatefully, "Serafall, how dare you act so shamelessly, as the one who stole the position of Leviathan from me! I'm descended from the original Leviathan! I was the one suited to be Maou!"

"Katerea-chan. I... I!" Serafall was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say in the face of the woman she once knew.

Katerea's smirk grew, "Don't worry, Serafall. Today, I'll kill you and take the title of Maou Leviathan for myself. Then, Ophis will become the god of the new world, and it will be fine if he's just a symbol. The system, the laws, this world's very doctrine will be constructed by us. Michael, Azazel, and Lucifer-no, Sirzechs, your era is over."

The expressions of Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael, all darkened at Katerea's words. However, there was one person who was pleasant and smiling. And it wasn't long before Azazel started to laugh hard and loudly.

Katerea glared at the Fallen, "What is so amusing, Azazel?"

Azazel continued to laugh, "Hahaha. So, you—no, you people, will reform this world all together, huh?"

"That's right. That's exactly right, Azazel. This world is—"

Azazel laughed some more, "In decay? Humans are foolish? The Earth will be destroyed? How cliche. Come on, you must know that the first villains to die always say crap like that?"

Katerea's eyes twitched, becoming enraged as a powerful aura flowed from her body. "Azazel! I'll punish you for daring to ridicule me!"

"Oh, you will, will you? This sounds like fun." Azazel grinned as a gloomy and oppressive yellow magical aura covered his body. "Sirzechs, Serafall, Michael, I'll take care of it. Don't help, okay?"

"Katerea, do you have no intention of surrendering?" Sirzechs asked as a final warning.

Katerea said nothing, a wild grin forming on her face as she lifted her staff, sending a large magic sphere hurdling towards the group.

In an instant, Michael, Serafall, and Sirzechs used their magic to form another protective barrier around the new school building, keeping Katerea's attack from destroying it.

"I think you've gotten your answer about a possible surrender." Natsuki said aloud, her eyes remaining on Katerea.

"The kid's right." Azazel said as he stepped out of the barrier and unfolded his twelve black wings from his back, flying up to meet Katerea in the sky. "A descendant of the former Maou Leviathan, a desperate monster nearing her end. Not a bad opponent. Katerea Leviathan, are you dressed up for a bout of Armageddon with me?"

Katerea responded to Azazel's intense challenge with a fearless smile of her own, "I was just wishing for that, Governor of the Angels who fell."

As the auras around them increased, more magicians were spawning onto the school grounds, replacing each of their slain at higher volumes.

"Just how many magicians are a part of Khaos Brigade?" Irina asked with a mixture of surprise and annoyance.

"It seems even the efforts of The White Dragon Emperor are not enough." Sirzechs said before looking at the teenagers of the room. "Michael, Serafall, and I must keep the barrier around the school up now that Azazel and Katerea are going wild out there. I hate to ask this of you all, but I need you all to keep the enemy outside busy until Grayfia finishes her analysis of the magicians' transfer-use magic circle."

"Yes, Sir!" The Devils said in unison. Irina did not respond to Sirzechs but nodded her head in agreement.

Natsuki looked at Asia, "Asia, I think it would be best if you to stay here."

"I'm going with you all." Asia exclaimed, a determined expression quickly forming on her face.

Natsuki sighed, "Asia, were going to be surrounded on all sides by the enemy. It would be safer for everyone if you stay here."

Asia looked around, seeing that no one was disagreeing with Natsuki, and her head fell in disappointment. "Okay."

Asia watched frustrated and troubled, worried for all her friends, and she hated that she could not deny that Natsuki was right; she would not be helpful in such a situation. In a fight where they needed to take down as much of the enemy as possible and to prevent them from doing something, she would just get in the way.

She knew that she was not as strong as the others, that she could not fight like them, but she had been confident in her ability to heal anyone. And now she could not help but see how ignorant that was, feeling a deep sense of uselessness.

The group rushed outside, and Sona took charge, "We will make a circular formation around the school. If we can push them back and advance, then we will, but if not, continue to hold the line until Grayfia-san is done with her work."

Natsuki smirked as she and the others began their charge, she summoned her Sacred Gear, absorbing the magical attacks thrown at her before firing her own spells at them, cutting them down with ruthless precision.

As the fight continued, Xenovia and Irina found themselves back-to-back, surrounded by a horde of magicians. Xenovia used Durandal to block multiple magic bullets fired at them, which gave Irina the opening to jump over her, using her Excalibur Mimic to tie all the magicians together and throwing them off to the side.

"Thank you." Xenovia said, tightening her grip on her Holy Sword.

"Why?" Irina asked, glaring at the magicians around them, "Why didn't you tell me the truth, Xenovia? That you weren't a traitor, but had just been exiled?"

Xenovia sighed, "In order to tell you that, I would've had to tell you that God no longer existed, I couldn't do that to you. And I didn't have the strength to tell you."

Irina's eyes widened before she squeezed them tightly, her body beginning to shake as she was overcome with sorrow.

Xenovia turned her head slightly, witnessing the other girl's reaction, "Irina?"

Irina shook her head, her eyes snapping open and her shaking ceasing, a smile appearing on her lips. "Well, come on. We can't let these talks be thwarted by these fools, right? Because if peace gets established, then Devils won't be my enemy anymore.

This caused Xenovia to smile, positive that their friendship could be salvaged when this fight they were in was over. "And neither will believers in God. Let's do this; let's fight for our friendship's sake!"

Irina grinned, "All right!"

The two girls then leapt forward, their swords raised as they rushed towards the magicians.

With the group working together, the number of humans was beginning to thin out, but they were still greatly outnumbered.

Sona used her water manipulation to create a large flock of birds, sending them flying towards the magicians, knocking them back. Tsubaki noticed a magician trying to attack Sona from behind and she rushed towards them, cutting them down with her naginata.

"Thank you, Tsubaki." Sona said, glancing at her Queen.

Tsubaki then created a defensive barrier around them, protecting them from a few magical bullets. "It is nothing, Kaichou."

Sona then looked up, "Akeno! Now!"

Akeno grinned from her place above the others and let down a storm of Holy Lightning, killing dozens of the magicians around Sona and Tsubaki.

Seeing the threat that Akeno was, a few magicians tried to fire at her, but were quickly dispatched by Kiba and Koneko, the Knight and Rook, going after each of them before they had a chance to attack Akeno.

Where is Vali? Natsuki thought, she could feel his presence on the school grounds, but she realized that she had not seen him for a while, and that only she and the others were attacking the magicians.

Natsuki did not have time to ponder this further as she felt an attack heading towards Sona and Tsubaki before it was released. She ran with all her might towards the girls tackling them out of the way seconds before a giant Holy Light spear obliterated the ground where they once stood.

"Seriously?! What the fuck, Azazel?!" Natsuki yelled, glaring at the Fallen as he continued his fight with Katerea.

"Sorry about that." Azazel smirked, "She's a bit more stubborn than I thought."

Katerea was breathing heavily as she glared at Azazel, "You dare-"

"I'll take care of her now, no more playing around with my food." Azazel said.

Katerea scowled before she reached into the front of her dress, pulling out a small bottle and swallowing a small snake that had been inside of it. Space vibrated intensely, and a wave of power surged throughout the school yard. The magic power given off by Katerea's body swelled up and gave off an ominous aura.

Natsuki shuddered, she could feel Katerea's power increase exponentially, she now felt on par with that of Governor General.

Azazel fired countless spears of light at her, but they were easily destroyed just by Katerea calmly moving her hand sideways.

"How could a snake be giving her this much magical power?" Kiba asked, staring at the scene in shock.

Natsuki looked at Sona, "Could it be Ophis?"

Sona thought about this, "It could. Ophis is known for their connection to snakes, and they are the leader of Khaos Brigade, so it would stand to reason that they would give Katerea something to ensure she could win today."

"Should we help him?" Xenovia asked as she and Irina joined the others.

Sona shook her head, "Azazel's power is comparable to that of my sister, Sirzechs-sama, and Michael. We would only be getting in his way if we did that. Let us keep our attention on the magicians."

"That's if we don't get killed by any more stray attacks." Natsuki muttered to herself.

The Pawn was content to follow Sona's order, until she felt Vali's magical presence closing in on them. At first, she thought Vali was simply flying around, but she felt him racing towards Azazael and Katerea, his magic congregating in one of his hands.

Natsuki summoned her wings and flew upwards, her hand raised in front of her as she sent a Black Bolt at Vali. Vali used his [Divine Dividing] to half the attack before smacking the remainder of it away with the back of his hand.

Natsuki flew until she was behind Azazel, glaring at the Vali, "I thought you and this fucker were allies. Seems that you just tried to attack him."

"Tch, so you're betraying me under these circumstances, Vali?" Azazel turned his head to look at The White Dragon Emperor, glancing at Natsuki. "Thanks, it seems I'm losing my touch a little bit."

"Sorry, Azazel." Vali said coolly, "Things just look so much more interesting on this side."

Azazel sighed in an exaggerated manner, a lazy smile appearing on his face, "I guess I should have figured that peace would have sent you running for the hills."

Chapter 21: Three-Way Deadlock!

Summary:

The fight between the newly aligned Three Great Powers and Khaos Brigade heats up, as Issei and Natsuki finally clash with Vali....

Notes:

Bold – Dragon's Speaking

Italicized – Inner Thought/Emphasis

Bold and Italicized – Dragon's Speaking Internally

Issei blinked as he and Rias instantly appeared in clubroom, the transfer having been successful.

"Impossible! How have they transferred here?!" One of the magicians exclaimed as they all took notice of Issei and Rias' arrival.

"B-Buchou! I-Ise-senpai!" Gasper cried out, being magically restrained to the wall, an intricate magic circle placed behind him as he was surrounded by the magicians.

Rias was relieved, "Gasper! I'm so glad that you're safe."

"Buchou...It's already too late..." Gasper said bursting into tears, "It's better if I die. Please, Buchou, senpai. Please kill me...Because of these eyes, I can't make friends with anyone...I'm only a bother...and a coward..."

Rias smiled kindly at Gasper, "Don't say such a stupid thing. Do you remember what I told you when I transferred you into my family? That I won't abandon you? That now that you've been reborn, you will live for me and find a way of life that can satisfy you?"

Gasper shook his head, "I couldn't find it. For me, who just causes trouble...to have value in living isn't right."

"You're my servant and part of my family. I won't abandon you so easily."

Issei stepped forward, a determined expression on his face, "That's right, Gasper! Me and Buchou won't abandon you!"

Gasper's eyes widened and right before he could say anything, Rias and Issei watched as Gasper was struck by a female magician, the magician seizing Gasper's hair with a nasty sneer.

"You people are so stupid. It's foolish how you treat such a dangerous half vampire normally. It's just as the old Maou faction says; the Gremory family are as dumb as they are deeply affectionate and overflowing with power." The magician said contemptuously, "Maybe you would have gotten more value if you had brainwashed this half-vampire and used him as a tool? If you had made his Sacred Gear run out of control while throwing this child into the territory of Fallen Angels, he might even have taken out one of their leaders as well. Why haven't you done that? Could it be that you intend to treat a servant as a close friend?"

Rias looked at the head magician with a bored and condescending expression, "I know this must be beyond your pitiful and minuscule understanding, but I treasure my servants. I see no reason to use them as tools because I lack the strength, unlike you worthless insects."

"You disrespectful bitch! I'll turn that face into one deserving the name Devil!" The magician screamed, firing a magical bullet at Rias.

Rias did not flinch, still smirking as Issei threw his left hand in front of her face, using his [Boosted Gear] to block the bullet.

How dare she try to aim for Buchou's face?! Issei thought, growling at the magicians.

Rias turned her gaze on Gasper, her smirk turning into a gentle smile, "Cause me as many major problems as you'd like. I promise if you do, I'll scold you over and over for being naughty, Gasper. Then I'll hold you and never let you go."

Gasper cried again, this time tears of joy, "B-Buchou!"

Two of the magicians moved back, holding swords to Gasper's neck while their leader growled at Rias and Issei. "You move and this child dies."

Two more magic bullets were fired, both of which Issei used his Sacred Gear to block.

"Buchou! I'm promoting to Queen!" Issei yelled, and when Rias nodded her head, he felt his power increase and used it to quickly run to Gasper's side, placing the bracelet Azazel had given him on Gasper's wrist before he was forced to jump backwards to avoid a magical bullet to the head.

But Issei knew that he needed to do one more thing, raising his [Boosted Gear] into the air. "Ascalon!"

[Blade!] Along with a new voice, Issei new weapon, Ascalon, extended from the shell of his Sacred Gear.

The female magicians cautiously watched him; however, Issei pointed the tip of the sword away from the enemy and at his own hand. He temporarily suppressed the sword's power and cut the palm of his right hand with the blade; blood flowed out of his hand.

"Ise?" Rias looked at his action dubiously, but Issei needed to give this gift to Gasper.

"Gasper! It's no use if you don't get up on your own, you know? After receiving encouragement from a girl, next is standing up!" Issei yelled, sticking out his left hand and flicking Ascalon and sending some of the blood on its blade flying into Gasper's mouth faster than any of the magicians could react.

"Drink it and show us that you're a man!"

Gasper nodded at Issei's words, and the instant Gasper swallowed Issei's blood, the atmosphere in the room changed. Gasper was no longer bound to the wall's magic circle, seemingly disappearing from the room, shocking everyone.

Suddenly, the sound of chirping was heard throughout the clubroom, and countless bats began circling the room, swooping down towards the magicians.

"Kuh! So, he transformed, that damn vampire!"

"Bastard!"

The cursing and now frantic women pointed their hands at the bats, trying to fire magic bullets, but they were pulled down by something and lost their balance.

It was then that countless black hands could be seen extending out from the magicians' shadows and beginning to pull women inside of them. They fired magic bullets at the shadows, but the shadow hands quickly dispersed.

During that, the bats wrapped around the forms of the magicians and bit at various parts of their bodies, drawing blood from them and absorbing their magic energy.

Realizing that they could not deal with Gasper in this way, the group turned their attacks on the two visible Devils, firing multiple magic bullets at them.

But before the attacks could get halfway across the room, they suddenly froze in midair, and Gasper's voice filled the room, taking on an eerily and distorted tone. "It's useless. I can see all your movements and attacks."

The red eyes of the bats began to glow brightly, showing that Gasper had invoked his Sacred Gear from the eyes of these bats.

So, he really can control his Sacred Gear thanks to the effect of my blood and that bracelet! Issei thought as he watched.

"I'm stopping you people!" The eyes of the bats shined even brighter, this time making all the magicians in the room stop. "Ise-senpai! The finishing blow!"

"Leave it to me!" Issei yelled, running forward, and touching each of the magicians. Once he finished, he reached the center of the room and struck a cool pose.

"Dress Break!" The clothes of the witches who were time stopped were instantly blown off

Issei gave Gasper a smile of victory as blood spurted out of his nose, "Gasper, together we're invincible."

"Is that really so?" Rias poked Issei's forehead while sighing, "Why is it that even when our lives are in danger, you still act like this?"

"Sorry." Issei said, laughing awkwardly.

Rias shook her head and then created a magic circle of her own before directing Issei to tie up the magicians while they were still frozen in time.

Once Issei had finished and put the magicians in the circle, Rias used it to send the magicians off to a public office in the underworld, knowing that once they reached there, the women would be immediately arrested, thoroughly questioned, and put in prison.

"Senpai, is your hand, okay?" Gasper asked once he had returned from the bats and shadows to his true form.

"No, I'm fine, I've had worse injuries than a slit palm." Issei waved off, "I've had several holes in my stomach from Fallen Angel attacks."

Gasper stared wide eyed, "R-Really? S-Senpai must have really experienced a lot of violence..."

I guess I have been through a lot of death and violence since I became a Devil. I haven't really thought about it all that much because of how much I enjoy being with Buchou and the others, but my chances of dying have greatly increased, haven't they?

"Come, you two." Rias called out, breaking Issei out of his thoughts, "Let's rejoin the others."

The three made their way out of the old school building, knowing that the battle was still raging outside, and that their comrades were still in the thick of it.

---

 

"That's right, Azazel." Katerea said with a sharp smirk, "The instant you decided on peace, arrangements were made to invoke the Sacred Gear of the kidnapped half-vampire and begin the terrorist attack. And the Hakuryuukou was more than ready to join us once he saw the good time we offered, seeing to issue in burying you."

Azazel laughed at himself, "Damn, I really have lost my edge. For one of my followers to do this... When? When did you decide to do this?"

Vali stored away his mask on his helmet, showing his face, "I got the offer while I was enroute returning Kokabiel to headquarters. Sorry, Azazel, but I wasn't lying when I said this side was more interesting."

That seems like a shitty reason to abandon the side of someone you care about. Natsuki thought, able to see, despite both of their efforts to hide it, how strongly Azazel and Vali cared for the other.

"Is that so? Vali, has the Vanishing Dragon surrendered to Ophis?" Azazel asked.

Vali sneered slightly at the implication, "No, I'm just cooperating stubbornly. They made an attractive offer; 'Wouldn't you like to fight against Asgard?' When they said that, as someone who wants to test my power, I couldn't decline. Azazel, you dislike the idea of fighting with Valhalla, right? You have always disliked war."

"I told you to 'become strong,' but I guess I should have also said, 'don't only make factors that will destroy the world'."

Vali shook his head, "That's unrelated. I just want to fight eternally."

"...I see. No, I anticipated in my heart that you would leave my side, but I refused to accept that. Since the day we met to this very moment, I know that you only want to fight with strong people."

Despite the smile that was on his face, Azazel was deeply hurt by this betrayal, feeling more pain from this than any physical blow.

Why does this hurt so badly? I knew this was coming; Vali was always going to leave me for whoever could give him the opportunity to fight strong opponents. Azazel thought.

"The preparations and information outlet for all of this were thanks to the Hakuryuukou. It was unusual of you to have left him alone, despite knowing his true nature. As a result, you've wrung your own neck." Katerea sneered.

Natsuki looked at Katerea from the corner of her eye, "You talk a lot of shit for a woman who hasn't won yet. It's fucking annoying."

Katerea glared at Natsuki, "And what give an insignificant worm like you the gall to speak of my character?"

"Having met so many people like you." Natsuki smirked, "It's always the same song and dance, no wonder you and your friends haven't been able to regain your place at the top of Devil society. I mean, what kind of plan is attacking the strongest of your enemies with nothing more than some human magicians, the battle maniac in front of me, and you? It seems more like the Old Satan Faction was using some disposable pawns to deliver a message to the other three factions."

Katerea's face turned red with anger, giving Natsuki a vicious look of disdain.

"It seems pretty hypocritical of you to admonish someone for running their mouth when you're doing the same." Vali smirked.

Natsuki shrugged, "Was I wrong? It seems up your alley; fighting for a side with no chance of winning because it would harder than fighting for the stronger side, an impossible challenge for you to try and overcome."

"I feel vulgar eyes." Katerea said aloud, looking in the direction of the old school building and seeing the arrival of three Devils, her gaze focused on Issei. "Is this kid the Sekiryuutei, Vali?"

Vali sighed, "While regrettable, it's true. He truly is a most pathetic host."

Issei glared, pointing at Vali while he shouted, "Don't keep saying regrettable and pathetic, asshole! I'm getting stronger every day and doing my best! And why are you and Azazel confronting each other? And who is this Onee-chan?"

"I see. He really does seem to be a regrettable child. Will you be killing him?" Katerea said with pitiful eyes before looking at Natsuki with a glare, "And her?"

Vali ignored Katerea, hitting his hand against his chest as he looked in between Natsuki and Issei, "My real name is Vali, Vali Lucifer."

Lucifer? Most of the people who Vali thought.

"I'm a descendent of the previous generation's Maou Lucifer, however, I'm also a child of mixed blood, born from a father who was the old Maou's grandson and a human mother. And it's because I'm half-human, that I obtained the Vanishing Dragon's Sacred Gear. Although this was just by chance, I, who is a true blood relative of Lucifer and is also the Vanishing Dragon, was born. If there really is such a thing as fate and miracles, I may be that." When Vali finished, several Devil wings along with his wings of light, grew from his back.

Rias, along with most had a look of astonishment on her face, "No way, that can't be..."

But Azazel confirmed it, "It's true. If there is such a thing as a ridiculous existence, it's him. He'll become the strongest Hakuryuukou from those of recent generations, and probably of all time."

So, he's a hybrid too? Natsuki thought, clenching her fists.

"Have you resolved yourself, Azazel?" Katerea sneered at Azazel, her killing intent spiking.

Azazel clicked his teeth, "That powerful aura that swelled up from you earlier, what did you get from that bastard Ophis?"

Katerea smiled at Azazel's question, "For the sake of the world's reformation, I borrowed a little of his power. Thanks to that, I can fight against you, there's even a chance that I can beat Sirzechs, Michael, and that bitch, Serafall. They're such foolish leaders and so are you."

Azazel chuckled, "I am foolish, I can't do anything without Shemhaza, and I'm just a Sacred Gear enthusiast. But you know, do you really think to the extent that Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael are idiots? At least they're far superior then someone mediocre like you."

Katerea's face twisted at Azazel's words, "What nonsense! Very well, I'll deal the finishing blow right here and now. I will destroy you, the Governor of the Fallen Angels, as the first step to the creation of a new world!"

Despite Katrea's power rising once more, Azazel looked pleased. He then took out a lance-like golden dagger with a purple jewel at the end of the handle from one of his pockets.

Katerea looked at the dagger suspiciously, "What is that?"

Azazel pointed the tip of the dagger at the Devil across from him, "I have gone beyond being a Sacred Gear enthusiast and now I produce them myself. I've built replicas, but almost all of them are garbage. God was amazing, his development of Sacred Gears, that's the only thing I respect him for. However, they're incomplete because God died while leaving behind 'bugs' which can just upset the world's balance like the Longinus and Balance Breaker. But that's also why Sacred Gears are so interesting though."

"Be at peace of mind then, Azazel. Things like Sacred Gears will not exist in the new world. Even without such things, the world functions, and eventually, we'll make Northern Europe's Odin move as well and then the world will have to change."

"The more I hear, the more I feel like vomiting at your goals. Valhalla!? The Earth Gods!? So, you intend to snatch everything Odin owns as if something like that is easy? An idiot like you should just disappear."

The dagger in Azazel's hand had changed shape, its parts separating as light gushed out and enveloped the Fallen Angel's body.

Katerea gasped, "I-Impossible! Azazel, you...!"

"Balance Break!"

The vicinity was covered in a momentary flash of light and after the light faded, Azazel was now covered from head to toe in gold plated armor. The armor had a golden sparkling radiance and a shape that resembled a dragon, with purple jewels throughout it.

Twelve jet-black wings then unfolded from Azazel's back, black feathers fluttered about, some falling to the earth, and in his hands was a two-pronged light spear.

"What the hell?" Natsuki said aloud, staring at the now transformed Fallen in shock.

Azazel pointed his spear at Katrea, "I studied the Vanishing Dragon and other dragon-type Sacred Gears and produced this; my masterpiece artificial Sacred Gear. This is the [Downfall Dragon Spear, and this is its pseudo-Balance Breaker state; [Downfall Dragon Spear Armour]."

Natsuki, Issei, and Vali could each feel the power of a dragon surge from Azazel's armor, and each feeling something strange deeper within.

So, it's like a bargain sale of Balance Breaker?! But I thought Balance Breaker is a rare phenomenon? Issei thought.

No, that isn't a true Balance Breaker. Ddraig said internally.

Issei blinked. What do you mean, Ddraig?

"What the hell is wrong with it?" Natsuki said aloud, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Azazel. "It feels... I don't know, like a sword made of glass?"

Azazel laughed at this comparison, "I should have figured that you would see through it, Natsuki-chan. It's hard to hide minute details from someone who can sense magic the way you do."

What the hell is he talking about? Issei thought.

He made the Sacred Gear go into a Burst state and did a forced awakening, a kind that is running out of control. So, the Sacred Gear will break after a battle with that. Does he intend to use that so-called artificial Sacred Gear as a disposable one for his fight?

Issei's eyes widened at the thought of a disposable Sacred Gear, still not understanding how the Sacred Gear could be emitting a dragon aura.

Vali began to laugh, a wild grin appearing on his face, "Hahaha! As expected of Azazel! You really are incredible!"

Vali then rushed forward, his hand cocked back, preparing to punch through Natsuki to get to the man behind her.

Natsuki fired a Black Bolt at Vali, but the other hybrid turned his head to the side, the attack flying past him. Natsuki could do nothing more than cross her arms in front of her face, barely holding on as Vali's punch connected, feeling as if he had snapped her arms off.

Natsuki was knocked back into Azazel, the Fallen being solid enough that Natsuki remained upright. Vali tried to punch her again but was forced to half the power of Natsuki's returning Black Bolt four times over, allowing the rest of the attack to hit him and taking no damage from it.

Natsuki then summoned the Sword of Methuselah, not wasting a single moment as she moved to slash at his neck.

Vali grabbed Natsuki's wrist, "You're in my way."

"Vali, don't you know proper battle etiquette?" Azazel asked, still facing Katerea, a shield raised in front of him as the woman had taken the opportunity Vali presented to launch an attack of her own. "It's first come, first serve. As much as I'd love to be your opponent, but I'm busy with one of my own."

"But fighting you would be far more interesting." Vali said, causing Natsuki to growl and her eyes to glow gold before Vali released her hand. "Especially as you've endowed yourself with a dragon's power."

"Yeah, I sealed the Gigantis Dragon, Fafnir, in this artificial Sacred Gear. I copied it from the Sacred Gears of the Two Heavenly Dragons and the Evolving Dragon, but I've yet to see if it succeeded or not. If we fight and I failed, you'll just end up frustrated by such a pathetic battle."

So Farnir has been sealed? It would appear that the Five Great Dragon Kings have begun to falter as of late. Lux said, surprise tinging her voice.

Natsuki could understand why; the Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat, the Mischievous Dragon, Yu-Long, the, Sleeping Dragon, Midgardsormr, and even the Evil Black Dragon, Vritra, who had been eliminated and sealed, were all known to be some of the most powerful dragons to ever exist. So, for Azazel to have sealed the Gigantis Dragon, Fafnir, into a fake Scared Gear seemed too unbelievable.

Is he telling the truth? Vali thought but knowing that Azazel had no reason to lie in this moment.

A bluish-black aura covered Katerea as she glared at the Fallen, "Azazel! Even though you possess so much power, you still hunger for more?!"

Azazel let his shield vanish, "Katerea, you yourself said that you made a pact with the Ouroboros Dragon. So, I don't think you have room to truly be judging."

"The research of Sacred Gears should never have developed to this extent." Katerea spat.

Azazel smirked, "From the look on your face, it seems that the group that betrayed my organization, took out some of the Sacred Gear research. However, it's pointless, only I and Shemhazai the truth of it all."

"I am one who is descended from the great true Leviathan! Katerea Leviathan! I won't lose to an annoying Fallen Angel like you!" Katerea roared, her aura increasing in intensity as she flew at Azazel.

Both Natsuki and Vali flew down to the ground after seeing Azazel hold his spear in both hands, knowing that it would be best to be out of range of the Fallen Angel's counterattack.

In an instant, blood gushed out from the Katerea's body as Azazel cut her across the chest before bashing the other end of his spear into the side of Katerea's head, sending her hurtling towards the ground.

The ground had been gouged out from the aftershock of Azazel's attack and Katerea's body being embedded into it. Azazel quickly descended, hovering a few feet above the crater and waiting to see if Katrea would continue their fight.

Katerea spat blood out of her mouth, clawing her way out of the earth. "This isn't over!"

Katerea changed her arm into a giant tentacle and wrapped it around Azazel's left arm as the mark of Ophis began to spread further across Katerea's body along with a strange pattern.

"That is a self-destruct technique formula!" Rias yelled.

Azazel tried to tear the tentacle away, but it refused to be moved, instead squeezing his arm even tighter.

A vicious grin and crazed look emerged on Katerea's face, "Azazel! Even if you try to kill me while in this state, it's useless! Now that you're connected with me, this strong magic will activate and kill you too when I die!"

"So, you'll deal great damage to me by sacrificing your own life? What a tawdry way of thinking, but the result is an enormous reason."

"Ise, Natsuki, Gasper! Get some distance or we'll get caught up in the blast!" Rias yelled to servants.

"But Buchou! What about Azazel?" Issei asked.

"If he's the Governor of his organization, then he'll deal with it somehow! However, we'll die!"

Rias led the other others further away from Azazel and Katerea, and once they were far enough away, deployed several layers of defensive barriers and started preparing for the explosion's aftershocks.

"Wah!" The older Devils turned around when they heard Gasper's screams, seeing a magical pattern now engraved onto Gasper's eyes.

"Sorry, but I'll be sealing that. It's annoying if time is stopped." Vali said from where he was floating above the Devils. "But you know, if you're aware of its ability and activation conditions, that Sacred Gear really isn't that great of a power, it's full of weak points. There are many techniques like this one that seal one's vision, not to mention, if his magic is drained, it changes into a double-edged sword that submits damage to allies as well."

"Fucking bastard!" Issei roared, unfurling his wings, and jumping up towards Vali, preparing to cut him down with Ascalon.

"Issei, wait!" Rias shouted but was too late to stop him from leaving the barrier.

Issei swung Ascalon at Vali's head, only for Vali to shift his head to the side and avoid it. When Vali moved to punch Issei, he instinctively grabbed the Sword of Methuselah when Natsuki threw it at him to protect Issei.

Vali immediately let go of the weapon as the second he touched it, the sword burst into flames, leaving Vali's entire arm completely burnt.

If I had kept holding it, my entire body would have gone up in flames. Vali thought, once again avoiding another swing from Issei's sword.

"You fucking prick! What gives you the right to do that to Gasper?!" Issei yelled, growing more frustrated and anger as not one of his attacks was able to even graze Vali.

Damn it! This guy really is the best. He said Gasper in his current state is full of weak points, but I'm no different, having a powerful Sacred Gear means that you're strong, is just not true! It's like Azazel said; even if a Sacred Gear is strong, it's all useless if the host is useless! Issei thought ruefully.

Natsuki was going to fly up to join and help Issei, but Rias saw what she was doing and quickly grabbed her arm squeezing painfully. "You are not going up there!"

Natsuki clicked her teeth, "Rias, I-"

"No! You are not going up there, you are staying within this barrier!" Rias shouted before looking up, "Issei, get down here!"

Issei stopped for a moment, "But Buchou-"

"Now, Issei! Your King commands it!" Rias seethed, needing Issei to get back inside the barrier before Katerea exploded.

Neither Pawn had ever heard Rias order them to listen to her because she was their King, something that only proved how serious she was being.

"You might want to get back down there before your lovely King, becomes even angrier." Vali taunted.

Issei's face turned red with rage, but he swallowed his pride and flew back into the barrier. Once he landed, he immediately turned his attention on his kouhai. "Are you okay, Gasper?"

"I-I'm fine, but i-it burns w-when I try to open my eyes." Gasper said, his eyes tightly closed to stop the terrible fiery burn that overtook his eyes when he tried to open them.

"The seal is not life threatening, but with how complex it is, I'll need Akeno or Grayfia to help me undo it." Rias said as she looked over Gasper, "Will be alright until then?"

"I'll be fine, Buchou. I'll fight through it!" Gasper said, not wanting Rias to worry about him even more.

I don't want to be a burden to them. Gasper thought.

Natsuki kept her gaze on Vali, barely containing her anger, especially as Vali only sealed Gasper's Sacred Gear because he did not want Gasper to possibly freeze time and halt Azazel and Katerea's fight.

Sick fucker just wants to keep watching the show. Natsuki thought, clenching her fists.

"This tentacle is a special make that is already absorbing my life; it won't break!" Katerea laughed, showing no fear in regard to her rapidly approaching demise.

Giving up on cutting it, Azazel shrugged his shoulder and in the blink of an eye, cut off both the tentacle and his own arm. Blood gushed out from Azazel's wound, and the cut off arm along with the tentacle surrounding it, turned into dust once they hit the ground.

"You cut off your own arm!?" Katerea said shocked before her abdomen was soon pierced by a spear of light that Azazel threw at her.

Katerea cried out in pain as blood poured out from her new wound, feeling the intense burn of the spear.

Azazel raised his two-pronged spear above his head, "I'll give you an arm at least."

Katerea's body blew up, a powerful shockwave spreading across the school grounds. The remains of Katerea's turned into dust and vanished into the sky as the light attack completely annihilated her.

With that, Azazel's armor was released, and he clicked his teeth, caring more about his artificial Sacred Gear than the loss of his arm. "So, this is the limit of an artificial Sacred Gear? There's still much room for improvement, but as long as the core jewel is safe, I can remake it again. I'll have you keep me company a little while longer, Fafnir."

Azazel then kissed the purple jewel that his [Down Fall Dragon Spear] turned into before putting it in his pocket.

Vali descended from the sky once the fight concluded, unmoved by the death of his newly gained ally, "As expected of Azazel. However, your armor has been released, your artificial Sacred Gears still require more study."

Azazel pointed at Vali, "Now then, Vali. You still want me to fight you next? Even if I have no armor and am one-handed, I can fight with you adequately." Azazel made a spear of light appear in his hand and pointed the blade at the Hakuryuukou.

Vali glanced at Azazel when the Fallen took up a fighting stance but turned his attention to the Devils behind them, meeting Issei's eye. "But don't you think that destiny is cruel, Hyoudou Issei?"

Issei frowned, not understanding what Vali was trying to say, "Maybe."

Vali clarified himself, "On one hand, there is the strongest existence that one can think of with a Maou and a legendary dragon like me, and on the other hand, there is a mere human like you which possesses a legendary dragon as well. Say what you like, but I think that this accident of fate is cruel. Though we're rivals with the same Dragon-type Sacred Gears, the gap between the two owners is too great."

Vali then started to laugh, "The blood of both your parents along with all your blood relatives are completely ordinary. There are also no ability-users or practitioners who possessed power among your ancestors. Of course, your ancestors had nothing to do with Devils or Angels either. You were a completely ordinary male high school student until you were reborn as a Devil, except for the [Boosted Gear, you're nothing."

"Do you have a fucking point?" Issei spat, glaring at the now laughing hybrid.

Vali ignored him as he looked at Natsuki next, "And you Sukehiro Natsuki, I expect a lot more from you given your heritage. Which makes me think that you simply haven't unlocked all of the abilities your linage has granted you, though your sensor ability gives me hope."

"And I don't suppose you'd tell me about that since you seem oh so willing to talk about people's bloodlines today?" Natsuki said sardonically.

"Did you know that you're a hybrid, Sukehiro?"

Natsuki could hear the gasps and exclamations of the others but paid them no mind as she stared at Vali with a blank stare.

"Of course you did." Vali chuckled, "But to answer your question, on your mother's side, you come from a long and powerful line of Egyptian magicians; the great Rashaankh family."

Rias' eyes grew wide, "Rashaankh family?"

Natsuki turn her head, "Do you know who they are?"

Rias bit her lip with nervous hesitation, "He is right about them being family of powerful magicians. Their linage has spanned millennia, has served countless pharaohs, and have had prominent roles in many historical events. Even today, their influence spans the globe, with few able to outright match their strength."

Egyptian magicians, huh. "And my father?"

Before Vali could answer, Azazel spoke out, "Don't, Vali. She doesn't need to know."

"And how many times do I have to tell you lousy pieces of shit that I have every right to know?!" Natsuki snarled, her voice becoming layered, her magic spiking.

Azazel ignored her as he kept his gaze on Vali, "You know how important it is to keep that secret."

"I suppose telling her now would be pointless, like I said, she's fallen short of my expectations for what she should be capable of." Vali said offhandedly, "Being an orphan, having no friends, and being ostracized for your appearance, should have been enough, but maybe it's because you and Hyoudou had people who cared about you that kept you two from getting stronger? The weakness that comes with love. Maybe I should kill you parents and those kids at the orphanage? Make you into a fine pair of avengers?"

"I'm going to kill you, you bastard." Issei said quietly and at that moment, he could finally understand what killing intent felt like as he glared at Vali with a fiery rage.

Why should my parents have to be killed by this kind of bastard? That's also a stupid reason; my father and mother have nothing to do with you. Issei thought.

"...Kill them? My father and mother? Why should they have to be mixed up in the situation of someone like you and be killed? As if I give two shits about things like destiny! As if I'll let you do it!"

Natsuki's own body shook as she heard Issei's words, the images of Kushina and her foster siblings dead at her feet, all because Vali decided she was not an interesting enough challenge for him.

She thought his arrogance had aggravated her before, but now, Natsuki felt this relentless and all-consuming fury within her heart, an anger she never felt before now, all of it directed at the half-Devil floating above them, looking down at them.

This disgusting parasite thinks he has the right to touch what is mine?! Because he wants a fucking fight?!

But at the same time, Natsuki knew that she had brought this upon herself, she had challenged Vali after he defeated Kokabiel, even though Vali was Issei's rival, all because of her own insecurity and that short-sighted desire to become the strongest, as if such a thing could be so easily accomplished.

She had allowed her own arrogance up to that point to blind her, but she also had a dragon's pride, and she could not back down now, not after she made her promise to Lux.

"Go Yellow Dragon! Heavenly Absorption!" Responding to Natsuki's rage, her Sacred Gear released a golden aura, overtaking her body, and equipping her in [Ethereal Domination] Scale Mail

She did it? Can she use Scale Mail without giving Lux full control again? Issei thought, his surprise brief as he quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out the second bracelet that Azazel had given him, placing it on his wrist.

"Shine on, Over boost! Welsh Dragon Over Booster!" With the bracelet he got from Azazel acting on it, Issei equipped [Booster Gear] Scale Mail without having to sacrifice anything.

"Issei." Natsuki said, her voice sounding as strong as steel as she glared at Vali.

"Yeah, Natsuki?" Issei said, his voice sounding the same as hers.

Natsuki's eyes flashed gold, "Let's kill this arrogant little bastard."

Issei's eyes flashed red, "Let's do it. I'm tired of listening to his worthless shit, and this battle maniac needs to be knocked down a couple dozen pegs."

The two Pawns then used the wings of their armor and flew up to meet the other Dragon in the sky.

---

 

"Natsuki's Scale Mail looks different." Akeno stated as she landed next to Rias.

"Akeno, why aren't you... you're not fighting the magicians anymore." Rias said.

"They all disappeared and stopped coming back a few moments ago. I think Grayfia-sama finished her spell." Akeno answered.

"That's good." Rias let out a relieved sigh, she then turned back to the three dragon Sacred Gear holders.

Akeno's right, Natsuki's armor is different. It no longer looks the same as when she used it during the Rating Game. Rias thought.

The Golden Dragon's [Scale Mail] no longer looked the same as Issei's but with different colors, instead being more slender and sleek, lacking the pointed ridges that flowed on the arms, legs, and tail, along with the various white jewels, now only having a small one in the center of its chest, and the claws on the ends of its hands were sharper than before.

"Do you think Lux is in control of her body again?" Kiba asked, he, Koneko, Xenovia, Irina, Sona, and Tsubaki now joining them as there were no more enemies to fight.

"No, I don't. It would be far more obvious if that were the case." Rias remembered how Lux acted and sounded when she was in control of Natsuki's body, so she knew that this transformation was all Natsuki's doing.

"Should we be letting them do this?" Koneko asked, her arm around Gasper's shoulders as she looked up at the three dragons.

"I don't think there is much of a choice." Sona answered, "They are intent to have this clash."

"So, we are just going to let Issei-san and Natsuki-san fight the Hakuryuukou alone?" Xenovia asked.

"Ha, you truly don't understand dragons, do you?" The group of young Devils turned at the sound of Azazel's laughter.

Rias frowned, walking forward with a glare, "And what would you know?"

Azazel smiled before looking back at Vali, Natsuki, and Issei, "I know that there is no stopping a dragon once it's committed to its goals, or when they issue or have been issued a challenge by another. You should be thrilled, we're all about to witness a clash of titans. At least if your friends can push Vali far enough."

Natsuki felt stronger than she ever had before, clenching her fists as she stared Vali down.

So, this is what Balancer Breaker feels like? Natsuki thought. But why do I look different? When I watched footage of the Rating Game, my [Scale Mail] didn't look like this.

Natsuki heard Lux laugh at her question through their connection. My Balance Breaker always appears the same as Ddraig and Albion's when first used by my wielders, think of it as a beginning stage, if you will. But our [Scale Mail] will almost never have the same appearance twice. Why do you think I am called the Evolving Dragon? Why do you think there is always such a marked improvement within you after each battle we face?

So as long as we're together, then I will keep evolving and adapting after each challenge we face? I thought you were being hyperbolic not literal when you told me that we will keep getting stronger.

You have reached it, a true Balance Breaker, are you truly complaining about a few details that I kept to myself? Lux asked.

What do you think? Natsuki smirked. I wonder what changes will come with my Sacred Gear after this fight?

Lux laughed again, sharper, and full of intent. I do not want to ruin the surprise.

Issei, meanwhile, looked down at his gauntlet, a countdown had appeared on the jewel of his left arm, giving him about fifteen minutes in this incomplete Balance Breaker.

This is a lot more than what I got the last time I reached Balance Breaker. Ddraig, do you think it will be enough? Issei thought.

I don't want to lie to you, partner, but it might not be. Even with my sis and her partner reaching their complete Balance Breaker, Albion and his partner are still stronger and have a lot more experience than you two. Ddraig answered.

Natsuki completed hers?! Issei thought, a small sprout of jealousy forming in the pit of his stomach, but he quickly squashed it, knowing that this was not the time for any insecurities. So, you think we will lose?

Ddraig scoffed. This will not be an easy fight, especially as you are short on time when it comes to the Balance Breaker. But who cares about that, let's just fight Albion with everything we have.

Vali chuckled, his arms crossed as he looked at the other two, "Look, Albion. Hyoudou Issei's power went up by an incomparable amount. So did Sukehiro Natsuki's, not only that, but she managed to achieve [Scale Mail] without outside help. The plain and simple reason called rage was the trigger, but this is...Hahahaha, what a dragon's surge."

"Sacred Gears use strong emotions to sustain their power, so you are facing their genuine rage right now. Well, done, this is one of the most appropriate ways of drawing out a dragon." Albion said aloud.

"So, what you're saying is I'm even greater at drawing out their dragons then they are at controlling them?" Vali asked, his voice tinged with amusement and superiority.

"Yeah, keep talking, asshole!" Issei yelled, "Ascalon!"

[Blade!]

Vali, that sword carries dragon-slaying powers. And just like the sword Lux's user has, if it hits just once, you'll undeniably receive great damage. Albion said to Vali within their link.

Vali grinned, "Is that so, Albion. But there's no meaning if it doesn't hit!"

Natsuki held both hands out in front of her, creating a gust of wind and forming it into a sharp crescent shape before firing it a Vali.

The wind moved at breakneck speed towards the White Dragon Emperor, but just like every other attack, Vali used his Sacred Gear on it.

[Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

He continued to divide and shrink the power of the spell until it turned into nothing but a small breeze that barely brushed against his armor.

But as Vali did this, Issei had flown behind the spell, using it as cover. Once it disappeared, the end of Ascalon was less than a couple of centimeters from Vali's face.

But Vali simply moved to the side, causing Issei to fly past him as he was moving too quickly to stop. And when Issei turned his head, Vali pulled his fist back and landed a heavy blow on the center of Issei's chest, sending Issei flying backward.

He flew for a bit before Natsuki caught him, Issei could barely breathe, his body trembling as a crack formed on the front of his armor.

"So, this is my rival?! Hahahaha! How embarrassing! Weak! Too weak!" Vali said harshly.

"Ise!" Rias exclaimed, she and the others watching worriedly from their places on the ground.

"Damn it!" Issei growled, both at the feeling of weakness and the anger over scaring Rias.

Natsuki moved in front of his, "New plan. I'll fight him head on, while you activate your boosts."

"What?! But you can't beat him by yourself!" Issei argued.

Natsuki was undeterred, "I know that, but I'm the better fighter between us and I can use Promotion while you can't. So, I'll hold him off while you charge up, then you can go in for the blow."

Before Issei could say anything, Vali used his Sacred Gear again.

[Divide!] Once Albion's voice from the [Divine Dividing] wings spoke, Issei felt his power instantly vanish.

Did he halve my power!? Was it activated from the blow I received to my chest!? He can do that with just a touch?! Issei thought frantically. Issei forced himself to relax and he activated his own Sacred Gear.

[Boost!] With that, Issei felt his taken energy being restored.

Partner, the power that was halved was restored by my own power, but the Vanishing Dragon's other ability is troublesome. Ddraig spoke.

Ddraig, what do you mean?

That guy halves his opponent's power and then adds the decreased portion of power to himself. In other words, your power is taken away and turned into his own power.

So, it doesn't matter if I reset, he'll just get stronger?!

That's right.

Natsuki wasn't kidding when she said his ability was more versatile than hers the first time we met him. Issei looked at Vali now with trepidation.

However, no matter how amazing the host is, he has a limit. Power that goes beyond his capacity is released from the wings of light on his back, so he can keep maintaining his power limit without destroying his body. Stamina can't be recovered; it's only power to the end.

Natsuki turned her head to look at him when he did not respond, "Issei? Issei are you-"

Issei grabbed Natsuki's shoulder, an idea forming in his mind thanks to Ddraig, "You're right; hold him off while I boost."

"What are you planning?" Natsuki asked, confused by Issei's sudden change in demeanor.

Issei smiled under his helmet, "I'm going to give him everything I've got. You'll know what to do after that."

Natsuki was still confused, but she was unable to ask Issei to explain himself as Vali interrupted, becoming impatient. "Come on, come on!"

Enjoying himself, Vali fired a seemingly endless number of magic bullets at the duo. Natsuki quickly moved in front of Issei, using her [Ethereal Domination] to absorb the attacks. But the sheer number and strength of the bullets eventually started to overwhelm Natsuki, and she could feel her Sacred Gear reaching the limit of its absorption.

"I hope you know what you're doing." Natsuki said.

"I do." Issei said, "Just give me a minute, that's all I'll need."

Natsuki nodded her head and the two quickly broke away from each other; Issei flew upward, hovering a few yards above the other two while Natsuki flew directly at Vali.

Thanks to the magic that she had absorbed, Natsuki was able to fly and move faster than before, quickly closing the distance between herself and Vali, her fist raised and aimed at Vali's midsection.

Vali smacked Natsuki's hand away, but Natsuki twisted her body, bringing her legs up to her chest and giving Vali and flying drop kick. Vali had used his other arm to block the kick, keeping it from hitting his face as he was pushed back.

[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]

"Just a little bit more." Issei muttered, glancing between his gauntlet and the fight below him.

"Oh no you don't." Vali said as he watched Issei and raised his hand towards him.

Before he could use another spell, he felt the air shit behind him, and Vali leaned back, avoiding the Sword of Methuselah, allowing it to soar past his face.

Faster than she could keep track of Vali blitzed Natsuki, punching her across the face, sending the Pawn hurdling to the ground.

"Is that it?" Vali asked aloud, watching Natsuki hit the ground with a bang.

Natsuki's amor had cracked and was broken, revealing the left side of her face. She pushed herself off the ground, now standing in the crater her body had created. She then lifted her right hand, her palm facing Vali.

Once again Vali was forced to move to the side and avoid Natsuki's sword, the blade having turned around while in the air, and now heading towards Natsuki.

When the Sword of Methuselah flew into her hand, Natsuki pointed the blade at Vali. "Promotion: Queen!"

Natsuki bent her knees, cracking the earth beneath her feet as she jumped up, shooting towards the other hybrid like a high-powered rocket.

Use the blade's fire, Natsuki. It will be harder for him to avoid. Lux told Natsuki.

Natsuki brought her sword down, activating its main ability sending a massive wave of fire, taller than the school building, at the other hybrid.

[Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

Vali clicked his teeth, flying down to steer clear of what was left of the fire. "That attack was stronger than I thought it would be."

But still not fast enough that we cannot overcome it. Albion said.

Vali grinned, "Is this all you got, Sukehiro?! You're starting to bore me!"

Natsuki ignored Vali's taunts, and she created and threw a Black Blot at Vali. Once again Vali halved it until there was nothing left of it, but this allowed Natsuki to close the distance between them.

Natsuki did not have much experience fighting with a weapon, something that she was beginning to regret not correcting as Vali was able to dodge and weave past her strikes and slashes with relative ease.

He was still moving faster than Natsuki even with the increase she had gotten from her Promotion to Queen.

Damn it. This isn't working, he's just toying with me at this point. Natsuki thought, gritting her teeth as she continued trying to cut Vali down.

"I'm done!" Issei exclaimed, he then flew toward Vali and Natsuki as quickly as he could.

What is he- Natsuki's eyes widened slightly when she saw Issei flying at Vali, with no intention of stopping. Quickly, Natsuki realized what Issei was planning, so she dismissed her Holy Sword and latched onto Vali, wrapping her arms around his waist to keep him from moving and his attention off Issei.

"What the hell? Are you this desperate? Do you truly have nothing else to give, but this pitiful attempt at trying to push me down?" Vali asked, raising his hands, and bringing them down on Natsuki's back.

Natsuki clenched her teeth, refusing to let go of Vali even as she felt cracks forming on her armor along with the pain of Vali's blows.

Vali continued to punch Natsuki, "At this rate, this rival showdown will be-"

Before he could finish talking, Issei finally reached them, "Ddraig! Transfer power to the stored Ascalon!"

Understood! Ddraig roared.

[Transfer!]

A surge of massive power flowed into Issei's left arm, Issei did not have any sword knowledge, he could only lodge the power into his fist while the sword was still stored in my gauntlet. But the brown-haired Devil had experience when it came to punching arrogant bastards.

Issei punched Vali across the face, causing Vali to bend backwards, with Natsuki's hold on him, being the only thing keeping Vali from being sent flying. Cracks spread from the edges of the mask on the Hakuryuukou's helmet, allowing the right side of Vali's face to become visible, making him resemble Natsuki.

Issei grasped his hand around the base of Vali's [Divine Dividing, and Natsuki finally let go of Vali as Issei now held him. "Apparently the effect of your Sacred Gear comes from here. In that case!"

[Transfer!] Issei transferred all his boosted power to the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail, in an instant, Issei was struck by the feeling tiredness as his power suddenly being removed from his body.

So, it really does consume a fair amount of stamina and magic power! But it's fine like this!

Issei grinned, "I'll raise the power you absorb and the power you emit all at once to the point that even you can't deal with it!"

"Kuh!" Vali groaned as the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail's jewels started to glow white, red, blue and yellow over and over again.

Issei had forced Vali to activate the special ability of his Sacred Gear. His ability stole some of his opponent's power that his halved and used it as his own fuel. However, since the limit of the power Vali adds was already decided, it depended on the capacity of the host.

He stole so much power that he can't process it, and at the same time, the power he's spitting out is also too much. As a result, the Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail stopped its functions! This is definitely better than my plan. Natsuki thought, impressed by Issei's idea.

"Vali, regain your posture at once!" Albion spoke aloud.

Vali reacted to Albion's voice and tried to defend by crossing his arms, but Issei closed his left fist as it was filled with Ascalon's power and easily destroyed Vali's defenses, including the gauntlets of both his arms, and threw a blow to his abdomen.

The white-shining Vanishing Dragon Scale Mail was not enough to handle the onslaught and shattered, as if the armor were made of paper.

Fresh blood flew out from Vali's mouth, and he was sent crashing to the ground while holding his abdomen. When the dust cleared, Vali was standing in a newly made crater as blood poured down from the edge of his mouth, but Vali smiled with joy as he looked up at Issei and Natsuki.

Vali laughed, "Hahaha, amazing! My Sacred Gear was blown off! So, you can do it if you try?! Just what I would expect, my rival."

The Gremory Devils landed on the ground, and Issei glared at Vali, still annoyed by his personality and presence. "You're the only one I won't be satisfied with if my fist can't hit you."

Natsuki then started to smile sharply at this, "Don't get cocky yet, Issei. We're not done yet."

After Natsuki said this, Vali's armor once again returned to its previous state. Issei's mouth dropped open in shock, surprised that Vali could fix and regenerate his armor so easily and quickly.

Ddraig clicked his teeth. The battle doesn't end until the host is made incapable of fighting. It's no use at this rate; you'll make no progress. It's next to impossible for you to defeat him within the limited time of the control unit. The best plan would be to run away, but you can't do that, can you?

Of course! There's no way I could leave Buchou and everyone else behind! I won't let Natsuki fight Vali alone! And even if I did, where could I escape to within this barrier that Vali won't follow me to?

Then, what will you do? The difference in power is still wide, you could do something thanks to the control unit Azael gave you, but with the limited time, it's out of the question. Will you surrender?

At this moment, another idea came to Issei, "Hey, Ddraig. The Sacred Gear responds to feelings and evolves, right?"

Natsuki looked back at Issei questioning as she heard this, wondering what he could be planning now.

Yeah, that's right. Why are you asking?

Issei picked up a jewel of the Vanishing Dragon that had been lying at his feet. Earlier, when Issei hit him, and his armor had been damaged, this jewel had been knocked off. Vali armor has been restored, including the jewel, and as far as Vali is concerned, this jewel will turn to trash as time passes, so it's inconsequential. However, there should be at least a little of the Hakuryuukou's power lodged in it. "Do you see what I'm thinking."

After a few seconds of silence, Ddraig spoke aloud. "Partner, you've sent me quite a dangerous image. But it's interesting! We may die, but do you have the resolve?"

Issei tightened his hold on the jewel, "I can't die. I haven't taken Buchou's virginity yet. If it hurts, I'll endure it! If I can just exceed this damn bastard in front of me with that!"

"Hahahaha! In that case, I'll resolve myself too! This isn't a notification of my character, but I am the Red Dragon Emperor! Let's show them that we'll live and exceed them together, Partner! No! Hyoudou Issei!" Ddraig declared happily.

Issei pumped his fists, "Yeah!"

Natsuki looked at Issei with confusion, "What the fuck kind of conversation are you two having right now? And why is Rias' virginity important to it?"

"Yes, what do you intend to do?" Vali asked that, becoming interested.

"Vanishing Dragon Albion! Vali! I'll be taking your power!" Issei yelled as he smashed the Sekiryuutei jewel that was on the back of his right hand into pieces and drove into it the Hakuryuukou jewel that he had picked up.

While fighting, Issei remembered the battle with Kokabiel and how Kiba had achieved the so-called impossible fusion of Holy and Demonic energy. So, Issei figured that he could achieve a similar result with the Hakuryuukou.

A silver aura sprang forth from Issei's right hand and wrapped around the right side of his body. But as this happened, a terrible and indescribable pain circulated throughout Issei's "Ugaaaa!"

"Issei!" Natsuki yelled, watching as Issei began to convulse and writhe in pain and agony.

A shocked expression appeared Vali's face, "You intend to take in my power?"

"What a reckless thing to do. Ddraig, we are existences that oppose each other. That is nothing more than an act of self-destruction. Do you intend to annihilate yourself by doing such a thing?" Albion said indifferently.

"He is right. Why would you do this?" Lux asked, her own voice, tinged with anger and slight worry.

Ddraig was feeling the same agony as Issei, and while Ddraig was screaming, he was also laughing. "Albion! You're as inflexible as always! Over countless eons, we've lodged in hosts and continued to fight each other! It's a repeat of the same thing every time!"

Albion maintained the same tone, "That's right, Ddraig. That is our destiny. Even if our respective hosts are different, the way we fight is the same. You raise power, I steal power. The side that skillfully uses its Sacred Gear deals the finishing blow and it ends; this is how it always has been and always will be."

Ddraig gave a fearless laugh at Albion's words. "Since meeting with this host, with Hyoudou Issei, I have learned one thing; that anything is possible with stupid determination!"

Stupidity is fine, If I can't win with ability anyway, I'll excel through stupidity! Issei thought, "Respond to my feeliiiiiiiiiiings!"

[Vanishing Dragon Power is taken!] Issei's [Boosted Gear] shouted, and his right hand was wrapped in a dazzling white light. When the light dissipated, a white gauntlet appeared on Issei's right arm.

Issei slowly lifted his right, "...Hehehe, so this is [Divine Dividing]? No, the [Dividing Gear!]"

Albion was astonished, "Impossible! Such a thing is impossible!"

"He... he did it." Natsuki whispered, equally astonished.

"It because of the death of God." Lux said as the realization came to her, "Your friend was able to create his Balance Breaker with the same principle. God is no longer around to keep the balance between different powers and energies, because of the problems that exist within the Sacred Gears."

"So, you nudged the imperfections of the Sacred Gear system and achieved this?" Albion asked once he heard Lux's explanation. "No, but such a thing is...Even if you think of that, to actually do it is just foolish. No one knows what will happen with the fusion of opposing powers. When that is something concerning dragons, you might die, you know? No, it would be natural for you to die."

Issei breathed heavily, "Yeah, it was reckless. But I survived."

Ddraig sighed at Issei's words, "And I thought Lux's partner was the crazy one. You both risked your lives on a gamble, but stealing Albion's power has certainly made your lifespan shorten. And it's a lot even for Devils, creatures that live almost endlessly."

Issei only grinned, "I have no intention of living for ten thousand years. But, since there are a lot of things I want to do, I'd like to live for at least a thousand years, though."

"Are Issei's emotions really that strong?" Natsuki whispered, "Would-"

"Do not even think about doing the same, Natsuki." Lux said, knowing what she was about to suggest.

Natsuki frowned, "But Lux-"

Lux growled, "How many times must I tell you that I will not help you endanger your life again? And this is certainly not a situation that requires you to do so. It is one thing to absorb magical energy, it's another to try and take one's essence, you are simply wishing to assuage your own bruised ego."

Natsuki scowled at the dragon's words, clenching her fists as she had nothing to say that could refute them.

"You do not need Albion's or any other dragon's essence. Not even I would be able to keep you from the consequences of it if you attempt the same."

You would think having the ability to absorb magic would allow me to try. Seeing Issei being able to, even with the shorting of his life...

Vali clapped his hands, "Interesting. Then, I'll also get a bit serious! If I win, I'll halve all of you two and everything that surrounds you with the Hakuryuukou's power!"

Vali floated into the air and opened his arms wide, his wings of light becoming larger than before. He could sense Natsuki and Issei's confusion and apprehension, and he laughed. "If you two are so strong then you'll have no problem with this!"

Natsuki could feel the magic forming before it became physically visible and when Vali pointed his hand at them, she grabbed Issei and flew them across the yard.

[Half Dimension!] Vali's Sacred Gear yelled as it became surrounded by a dazzling aura.

In an instant, the ground and the trees that had been behind where Natsuki and Issei once stood, had their thickness halved.

"What the fuck was that?!" Issei yelled as they witnessed the destruction.

"That was [Half Dimension], the ability to halve the size of objects and living beings, and the wielder does not need to make any contact with the target to use this ability." Ddraig explained.

Before Issei could say another word, Vali instantly appeared between himself and Natsuki. Natsuki reacted first and tried to fire a spell, but Vali immediately punched her in the face, destroying the rest of her helmet and knocking her back.

"Natsuki!" Issei roared as he watched Natsuki tumble and roll across the field. He then moved to attack Vali, but he was quickly backhanded.

Issei growled, summoning Ascalon and using it to slash Vali, just barely cutting him across his exposed cheek. Vali hissed, feeling the burn of the sword's dragon slaying magic, but was undeterred, punching Issei in the stomach.

[Divide!]

[Boost!]

Issei grabbed Vali's arm and tried to stab his face, but Vali moved his head to the side, avoiding the blade and punching Issei in the stomach again.

Vali then fired a large beam of pure energy at Issei, but he raised his right arm out in front of him, using his [Dividing Gear].

[Divide!] The gauntlet cried, halving the beam, and allowing Issei to take some of its power. But the rest of the attack was still moving at him with a quickness, until Natsuki had jumped in front of Issei, using her Sacred Gear to absorb the rest.

Natsuki then held her hands out in front of her, sending a beam of black energy at Vali, the spell tearing up the ground and heating the air around it as it moved.

[Half Dimension!]

The beam was instantly halved, with the rest of it flying past Vali, destroying the forest behind him.

"Can he spam that shit?" Natsuki asked, her breathing starting to become heavier.

This was the second time that Vali had used that ability, and unlike with Issei's Transfer ability, it did not seem to need any recovery time. Although, Natsuki reasoned this was because of Vali's greater experience and baseline strength, compared to Issei.

Again, Vali blitzed the duo, instantly appearing between them, but instead of attacking Natsuki first, he went after Issei, grabbing him by the shoulders.

[Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!] [Divide!]

Issei tried to push Vali away, but Vali held on, and Issei could feel his newfound strength being ripped away from him.

[Divide!] Issei's [Dividing Gear] cried out but was not activating its ability as fast as Vali's [Divine Dividing].

Natsuki used the claws of her armor to attach, Vali, cutting through the back of his armor and leaving three jagged marks on his armor and skin, but his skin immediately healed, and his armor restored itself.

Vali had ignored Natsuki and the pain of her attack, his focus entirely on Issei as he continued to halve and take Issei's power.

Before Natsuki could try something else, Vali had finished dividing Issei's power, he then threw Issei to Natsuki and the second she caught him, delivering a devastating punch to Issei's stomach, one that Natsuki could feel the force of through Issei's body, knocking both Devils back and across the field.

Bloody vomit flew out of Issei's mouth at the force of Vali's strike, and Natsuki felt the back of her armor and its wings break and fall apart when her back smashed into the ground.

Natsuki felt her head spin and her vision go dark as she slumped on the ground, Issei's haggard and wheezing body lying on top of her.

---

 

When Natsuki next opened her eyes, she found herself floating in an inky black void, naked as the day she was born. Her body felt heavy, and she found that she could not move at all, not even a finger when she tried to.

I'm not dead, am I? Would I even be conscious if I was? You know, I never asked anyone what happens to a Devil when they die? I mean, it can't be Hell, and it definitely won't be Heaven. I can't die, I can't die, I can't die, I can't die...

She could not even open her mouth to speak, unable to see anything around her as she simply floated.

But she could feel, and all she felt was anger and despair. She had lost, lost to Vali despite resolving herself not to, she failed her Peerage, she failed Issei, and she most of all, she failed herself.

And as Natsuki continued to float through the black abyss, a small orb of light had formed in front of her very eyes.

It was not like a flame; its bright yellow color hurt Natsuki's eyes when she tried to stare directly at it, and she could feel an all-consuming and powerful heat from the orb. But most of all Natsuki felt drawn to the light, and the more she looked at it, the more her negative emotions were burned away until there was nothing but serenity.

 

 

 

Ř̴̶̩̘͕̠̉̌͆͛̃͒͌ͥ̔ͤͅî̸͉̞̪̄̔ͤͮ̾͠_̴̡̲̞̣̰̪͇͉͑̿̑̽͌̌̚̚͞ś̺̘̦͙̻ͬ̋̕̚͠͡è̶̢̪̗͛̐̾̄͐́͌̋͛̏ͧ̚͢͡,̞͈͉͉̭̗͇̼̳̥̯̘͖̬̠̽͌̃͐ͩ̋́̈̏́̂̌ͦ̔̓̍̓ͪ̂̕͘̚͟͟͠ͅͅ Ņ̷̢̦̳̠̩̣̫̄ͧͨ̔̆̊ͣͧ̈́̉ͤ́͑̚ā̸̟̼͚̹͛́̾ͤ͡ͅt̗̭̣̣̪̘̦͆̍ͬ̽̃̿̌̇̀̋͒ͥ̽̑̇̑͗ͬͥ͊ͫͩ̕̕͡͝͝ş̣͓̤̞̻̑̉ͩ̊ͯ͆̃̀͜uk̸͈͚͔̱̪̜͚̥̜͇̪̞̠̗̦̖̳̤̙͋͑̉ͦ̑̌̍̀͂̈́ͮͦ͂̓͌̈̉́̃ͣ̑́̚͟ͅi̢̨̧͍̟̯̱̻͖̦͖̥̗͈̱͍̘̭̲ͣͮ̽̆͗͋̈́̍ͪ̈́̔̉̇̎ͯ̊̓͒̃͢.̛͖̼̩͕͐̽ͯ̽ͅ Ŗ̴̙͚̀̒̈͠i̛̬̹̲̯̙̣͕̻͙̞̙̲̤̖̝ͬ͋̎ͭ̌̋̽̌ͯ̿̄ͣ̆ͪ̊ͤ̕͡s̲̱̾ḛ̷̵̱̝̩ͨ͋_̶̹̙̻̠̝̰̹̜̮͍͊̀̂̍̐ͥ̌ a͍̦̹̖ͪ͛̏̄͛ņ̛̦͔̫̭̥̝̪͕̲͔̟͇͌ͯͤ̽̓ͧ̃͆̌͛̈́͘̚͟d̵̷̛͍̮͉̹̯̺̫͕̺͔̤́̑͛͑̓̎̈́ͨ̐ͨ̈́ͤ͢͡ b̵͙̥͚̽̀ͭͯͫͣ͑e̝c̸̛̗̜̟͎͎̮̘͈͙̜̬̅̔ͦ͛̀́́͛̓̓ͤ͆̍ͪͥ̓̆̓̓̄͡ǫ̷̵̛͔̠̬͇̖̦̻̙̞͙̩͐ͩ́͑͐͐̌̾ͪͦ͢͡m͈͕͓̋_̢̡̓ͦe̴̶̡̛̺͔͍̟͙͍̦̳͓̻̪̟̜͎̘͙̝̦̪̱ͪ́͋̿̉ͣ̾̐͗̎ͤͪ̏̀͐ͤ̕͡ ă̗͠ n̴̬̲̮̅̿ͨ͊͡e̴̲̹̥̳͈͙̟͕͖̟̼͒̄̍̓̐̓ͨ̌̂ͫͪ̉ͯ̎͛͡͡w̓ͦ͑̀ ȃ̷̷̶̴̡̛̙͓̹̗̲̥̺̙̺͔̼͈̗̗̅̀̓̈́ͬͬͪ̋͒̄̆̏͗̒̋̈̀͌ͭ̚̚͟͜͞ņ̷̶̷̴̡̧̻̟̬͕̜͍̤͚͈͎̖͈̯̱̳̟̋̌̀̒͆̉͆͊ͥ̆̈́̿̊̑͋̄͢͟͜͡͝ͅͅd̡͇̘̪̩͎͕̼ͩ̐͆̍ͭ̽͝ b̞̝̭͙̻̥́ͫͬ̊̇r̴̨͉̼͓̰̥̝͉̝͖ͬ̓̈̓̐͆̾ͤ̀ͣ͋̋̒͛̕͢͡ͅi̶̤̪̩͙̞͙͖̗̳̻̬̼̺̇ͦͨ͛͑ͭ́̍ͧ͋ͦ̈́͊ͧ͒ͯ̈́ͣ̒͆̑̾̀ͥ̕͟͝l̷͙̟̙̘̫͇̰̠̪̩̟̋ͨ̀ͭͫ̆̈́́́ͫ̏ͧͫͣͦ̈́̂ͮ̋ͥl̷̴̴̞͙̠̥̖̭̣̻̣̙̭͈̱̺̼ͧͭ̃͐̃̈̉̑̍̏͂ͦ͂̓ͭ̽̐ͣ̚͘̚͘̕͡ͅi̴̶̳̮͉͍̋̓͢aͨṋ̵̢̙͍̫̥̱͓̜̫ͫ̓̿̍͑̔̌͌ͥ͜ͅt̫͉̬̻̖͋ͣͫ d̡̗͖͊̏̃̐_̶̢̣̜̬͖͔̹̣̯̯͙́͐̑̓͑ͫ̆͋̊̀̀ͪ̊͘͜͜ă̵̱̾ͯͪ̽̈͟w̺͍͙͐͛͠n̵̛̗͇͙͓̥̭̄̉́ͨ̓͂̐͌͂̆́̃̚͘͟!̡̨͈͇̯̱̳̗̭ͨ̽̓͗̑͗́͐͆͗̅

 

 

Natsuki could not understand the language that the orb was speaking, nor could she truly hear it, but she could feel it speaking to her inside her head.

Her left eye began to burn as the light from the orb grew brighter, as if she was in front of a miniature sun. The intensity of the burn and the glow of the light increased as Natsuki lifted her right hand and reached for the orb.

The abyss, once dark and filled with nothingness was now covered in a blinding light as Natsuki grasped the orb within her hands, her heart renewed a stronger desire for victory.

---

 

Vali sighed, disappointed as he stared at Issei and Natsuki's fallen forms. Issei was trying but falling to stand up while Natsuki had lost consciousness. "I should have known better, you two were never a match for me."

"Y-y-you fucking b-bastard!" Issei spat, still holding onto his stomach.

He had managed to push himself off Natsuki and fell onto his knees beside her, but could not stand, his body too weak, and his stamina all but gone.

Fucking damn it! I said I wouldn't lose! Get up! Get up! Issei thought, finally standing on to his feet, albeit shakily.

"I doubt you'll be able to use more of my power with how spent you already are." Vali said with another sigh, "And even if it did work, it will just be the same as before. You can't beat me, Hyoudou Issei."

Before Issei could say another word, a bright golden light suddenly shone from behind, and when he turned, Issei and everyone else saw that the light was coming from Natsuki's body. Natsuki was now awake, pushing herself up and glaring at Vali as she did so.

Lux, can you hear me? Natsuki thought.

Natsuki, I can hear you again. Lux responded. You disappeared for a moment, and I... I felt another presence enter your mind.

I know. Natsuki thought, closing her eyes as the bright light coming from her body gradually vanished. But that's not important right now, I think I'm ready for it.

Lux hesitated for a moment. Are you sure? You have only used it once before for a brief moment, and even then, you only used its primary facet, this would have to be on a larger scale for someone like him. With how injured you are, you might not be able to handle it.

I can handle it. Natsuki responded, her [Ethereal Domination] glowing, responding to her emotions.

Vali playfully huffed, "I guess you weren't awake when I was speaking to the pervert. You two can't-"

[Devourer's Gluttony!] Natsuki's necklace cried, and behind the Devil, a multitude of Holy Light spears appeared, all pointed at Vali.

"No way!" Issei shouted, staring at Natsuki and the spears around them in shock. "How the hell?! Natsuki?!"

Azazel laughed to himself, "I was wondering how long it would take for you to finally use this ability. Were you trying to maximize the shock factor, Natsuki?"

"Huh?" Issei let out, "I still don't know what is going on."

"Buchou?" Kiba said, looking at the older girl questioningly.

Rias kept her eyes on her second Pawn, "This is Natsuki's secondary ability, like with Issei's [Transfer] or Vali's [Half Dimension]. [Devourer's Gluttony] allows the wielder to use the magic and energy that they have absorbed in the past. It also gives them immunity to certain powers that could otherwise be harmful to them."

"I have never seen Natsuki-san use this ability before." Xenovia said, her eyes still drawn to the Holy Light spears.

"Natsuki has only used it once before." Akeno answered, her hands still clenched at her sides.

The time Akeno and Rias were referring to was when the Peerage had gone to the old church to rescue Asia from Raynare and her allies. Natsuki had unknowingly used this ability to hold a light spear that Donnaseek had thrown at her, catching the spear, holding, and using it without any damage done to her hands.

Natsuki had tried to use it a few times but had not achieved the strength needed to sustain it for more than a few seconds. And again, it failed her when it came to Riser and Kokabiel, and she was forced to rely on her other abilities.

Vali laughed, a look of pure joy on his face, "Now we're talking! Are you-"

Natsuki fired the Holy Light spears at Vali, each one moving at incredible speed as they raced towards their target.

[Divide!] [Divide!] The spears vanished, but Natsuki summoned a few dozen more and fired them.

[Divide!] "Is this all you've-"

"Vali, duck!" Albion yelled.

Vali did as Albion told him, ducking down and narrowly avoiding the blast of Power of Destruction. When he looked up, Vali saw that the substance now coated Natsuki's arms.

She can use Buchou's Power of Destruction?! Issei thought, shocked that Natsuki could use an ability that only those of the Gremory family could.

Faster than he could blink, Natsuki appeared within striking distance, her fist raised high, her eyes glowing gold as she went to punch his head.

She's gotten faster? No, she's matching my speed! Vali realized this, he saw a flickering of bright orange light and an intense heat, when he looked down, Vali saw that Natsuki had gotten rid of the Power of Destruction on her arms and instead had her body wrapped around in Hell Fire.

Natsuki slammed her fist into Vali's abdomen, simultaneously burning him, and cracking the center of his armor.

Vali fired a beam at Natsuki as he flew back, trying to create distance between them, but Natsuki absorbed it, once again appearing in Vali's face and punching him, burning his body as his helmet cracked open.

"Argh!" Natsuki roared as she summoned a Holy Light spear and stabbed Vali in the stomach, running him through.

[Divide!] [Divide!] She's becoming faster than me. The Evolving Dragon indeed. Vali quickly healed himself and when he tried to reform his Scale Mail, Natsuki went on the offensive once more.

Vali created a barrier around himself, but Natsuki crashed through it, absorbing the magic as she continued to run at him.

[Half Dimension!]

Vali thought that he had won when Natsuki did not avoid the attack, but his eyes widened when instead of being cut in half, Natsuki absorbed his [Half Dimension] and she hit him with another Hell Fire infused blow.

In contrast to a composed and focused Natsuki, Vali just gave Natsuki a happy smile as he staggered backwards, "Interesting, truly interesting. You kept your word about getting stronger.

"Vali, I finished analyzing her." Albion voiced, "Her [Devourer's Gluttony] has allowed her to close the gap, but it is a temporary one. Compared to you and your experience, she will soon hit a wall that she won't be able to overcome."

Vali smirked, "Albion, do you think she's worthy enough to show the Hakuryuukou's Juggernaut Drive?"

"Vali, it would be reckless for you to enter Juggernaut Drive. It would be too much for them, and even then, Ddraig and his partner are not down for the count, his curse may be removed."

"Is he serious?" Natsuki asked, speaking out loud for the first time since regaining consciousness.

"Natsuki, you will not be able to fight Vali if he enters Juggernaut Drive, you are not ready for such a challenge." Lux said worriedly.

Natsuki huffed, starting to feel herself coming down from her previous high. "Is it that much stronger than Balance Breaker?"

"The difference is night and day. That power and the curse that comes with it, he will destroy us all if he uses it." Lux explained.

Vali ignored Albion's reproach, "It'll all work out, Albion. [I, who am about to awaken, in supreme justice-]"

"Don't act rashly, Vali! Is it your desire to be at the mercy of my power!?" Albion yelled.

Again, Vali tried to ignore the advice of his dragon, restarting his chant, "[I, who am about to awaken-"

"Natsuki, stop him!" Lux yelled.

"On it." Natsuki said as raised her hand at Vali, "Black Bolt!"

She fired her orb of darkness at Vali and as it raced towards him, a silhouette smashed through the barrier in the sky, swooping down, and landing halfway between Natsuki and Vali. The newcomer used the staff in their hand to instantly destroy Natsuki's Black Bolt, the weapon left unscathed.

"Vali, I've come for you." The figure said cheerfully, revealing themself to be a young man with short reddish-brown hair, brown eyes, and an athletic build. He was dressed in ancient Chinese armor that looked like it came from the Three Kingdoms period.

"Bikou, what are you doing here?" Vali said, wiping away the blood from his mouth.

"Aren't you being a bit cruel? I made a long journey and came all the way to this island country because my partner is in a pinch, you know?" Bikou pouted before smiling again, "The other guys were making a fuss at headquarters, you know? We're joining together to fight the Northern Country Gods; you were supposed to flee and return right away if the mission failed. Katerea failed to assassinate Michael, Azazel, and Lucifer and Leviathan, right? In that case, your observation role is also over. So come back with me."

"I see. It's about time." Vali said.

Is that it? Who the fuck is this new guy? Natsuki thought.

"Who the fuck are you?" Issei said, pointing to the newcomer as he staggered to Natsuki's side.

"That's Bikou, a descendent of the Victorious Fighting Buddha." Azazel answered.

Issei was still confused, "What?"

Natsuki sighed at Issei's ignorance, "You've heard of Son Goku, right?"

Issei turned to his friend, "Of course I have! Sun Wukon from Journey to the West! Who doesn't know that story?!"

"This guy is a related to Sun Wukon." Natsuki explained.

"S-S-Son, Gokuuuuuuuu!?" Issei exclaimed entirely blown away as he looked at Bikou.

He did not know what was more shocking to him, a legendary figure from myth being real or that said figure had descendants.

"To be factual, he is a monkey youkai that has inherited Son Goku's power." Azazel said, turning his gaze to Bikou, "I must say, Bikou, I never expected you to become a member of the Khaos Brigade. Hell must have frozen over. On the other hand, Son Goku and the Vanishing Dragon do look good together."

Bikou laughed, "Well, charm and beauty do run in my family, so I look good with just about anyone." He then looked at Natsuki and Issei, still smiling, "Until next time, Sekiryuutei, Kogane Ryū no Kōgō."

Bikou spun around his staff in hand and then pierced it into the ground, instantly, a black darkness spread over the ground, and it seized Vali and Bikou, allowing them to partially sink into it.

Vali turned to his two rivals, "When our battle continues, we should make sure make this fight more intense. So, make sure you're ready, Issei, Natsuki."

"Wait, you're running away?!" Issei gasped, "As if I'll let you escape!"

Issei took a step forward, but the bracelet Issei had used to achieve his Balance Breaker crumbled away, causing his armor to vanish, and making his Sacred Gear release itself.

Issei quickly turned to Azazel, "Azazel! Don't you have more of those bracelets!? I can't let him escape!"

Azazel shrugged, "It takes a tremendous amount of time to purify those things. I can't mass-produce them. And even if I could, the possibility of attaining complete Balance Breaker fades if used too much, it's an emergency-use measure."

"Right now, is an emergency!" Issei shouted, "I was made a fool of by him! I can't let him get away after all that!"

Suddenly, Issei was seized by intense fatigue, and he fell forward, hitting the ground with a thud, he tried to stand up but could not find the strength to.

Azazel looked amused, "Even if it was just for a moment, he released an explosive amount of power; he's out of steam."

Issei looked up at the still standing Pawn, "Natsuki, come one, we got to kick that guy's ass, remember?"

"It's fine, Issei." Natsuki said, still staring forward.

"But-" Issei could see that Natsuki's fists were clenched, her body beginning to shake with a visible rage.

"We'll finish what we started next time." Natsuki said, her eyes flashing gold again when Vali heard her words and smirked as he and Bikou disappeared in the darkness of Bikou's spell.

"Well." Azazel began, "That was a fun fight to watch."

Rias immediately rushed forward, pushing past Azazel, and running to Issei's side, lifting his head off the ground. "Ise! Are you alright?"

"I feel much better now, Buchou." Issei said, smiling as his head now rested on Rias' chest, his anger already forgotten.

"You know, I feel like chopped liver, Rias." Natsuki said, staring at the two with a blank expression. "Are you not going to ask if I'm okay? Give me a hug too?"

Rias huffed, smile appearing on her face, "I think your sarcasm is enough of an indication of your health and well-being."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, her Balance Breaker and Sacred Gear choosing that moment to vanish, and when they did, Natsuki felt her strength leave her as she fell to her knees.

Everything fucking hurts. Natsuki thought. While she could use the magic she had absorbed without physically harming herself, it still stole a large amount of her stamina.

And it's still not enough.

---

 

Walking back to the new school building was more embarrassing for Natsuki than a struggle. Neither she nor Issei could walk by themselves due to their injuries, so they had to lean on another member of the Peerage to do so.

She appreciated Kiba's help as he pulled her arm over his shoulder and held onto her waist, but it still stung Natsuki's pride to be in such a state of weakness.

As they moved, the forces of the three big powers had arrived, coming together to carry away the corpses of the dead magicians and clean up all the damage the school had suffered during the battle.

When the group had advanced to the center of the school grounds, Sirzechs, Serafall, and Michael could be seen giving orders to their subordinates.

Asia had left their side and ran to her friends, immediately summoning her [Twilight Healing] when she took note of Issei and Natsuki, and the Pawns sat on the floor, allowing the former nun to heal them.

"So, you're safe." Sirzechs said as he caught sight of the group, "Thank goodness- Azazel, what happened to that arm?"

Seeing the one-armed Azazel, Sirzechs gestured his hand at Asia. Asia responded to that, leaving Issei and Natsuki and applying her recovery Sacred Gear on the opening of Azazel's wound. The pale green light healed the wound on Azazel's arm, but the lost arm was not fixed.

Azazel remained unbothered, "I was caught by Katerea and nearly self-destructed along with her. I had no choice but to cut it off."

"I see. Katerea was one of our internal issues, and that wound-" Sirzechs tried to apologize, but Azazel held him back with his hand and showed that it was not necessary.

"Vali also caused problems as well. It's nothing you need to apologize for." Azazel said.

"So, he betrayed you?"

Azazel's gaze became hollow, "From the start, he was a guy that cared only about power. I was my fault for not nipping it in the bud sooner."

Michael then walked and stood in between Sirzechs and Azazel. "Now then, I'm returning to Heaven at once and will work on a plan for the matter of peace and countermeasures against the Khaos Brigade.

"I still must apologize; I was the one who set up this conference. I feel ashamed for allowing enemy forces to attack." Sirzechs said.

Michael shook his head, "Sirzechs, please don't feel so responsible. As for me, I'm only glad that the Three Great Powers are walking on the path to peace together, you know? With this, useless quarrels should also decrease."

"I don't think our subordinates will agree with that." Azazel said sarcastically, "Mine certainly don't, I'm sure it's the same with all of us."

He glanced at the grunts who were cleaning the school, seeing the suspicious looks and glares the Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were giving each other as they worked. The three groups also kept to and created their own sides of the area, not crossing over even once.

"That is inevitable because of the centuries of hatred we have all had for each other; however, it should change even a little from now on. But there is still the problem of Khaos Brigade, I doubt this will be our only meeting with them." Michael said, a frown marring his features.

"Then let's cooperate from now on regarding that matter." Sirzechs put forward, and Azazel and Michael nodded in agreement.

Nothing like a common enemy to force people to get along. Natsuki thought.

This had already been the primary reason for the summit, but now with Khaos Brigade's attack on Kouh Academy, the idea of an external threat had become real.

Michael prepared to leave again, "Then, 'll come back immediately, so we'll conclude the formal peace agreement at that time."

"U-Umm. Michael-sama!" Issei called out, not knowing when he personally would see Michael next.

"What is it, Issei-kun?" Michael asked.

"There's just one thing I'd like to ask of you." Issei said

"As long as it's within my power, then I shall try." Michael replied.

Issei let out a breath, "Do you think you can allow Asia and Xenovia to pray again? I know it would mean so much to them."

After hearing Issei's wish, Michael showed a surprised expression on his face. Asia and Xenovia were also surprised as they stared at Issei.

Since they became Devils, Issei had noticed Asia and Xenovia force themselves to be happy with no longer being able to partake in certain aspects of their faith. Even if they were Devils, Issei believed that they should be free to have something they believe in and was so dear to their hearts.

Michael let out a small laugh before nodding his head, "I understand, if it's only two people, I may be able to do something about it. The two of them are already Devils and can't get near Church headquarters. Asia, Xenovia, let me ask you, you know God is dead, yes? Even so, will you still pray?"

At Michael's question, the two of them shook their heads and then nodded.

"Yes, I want to pray even if there is no Lord." Asia said.

"Me too. I'll give thanks to the Lord- to Michael-sama." Xenovia said.

Michael smiled at their responses. "Very well. I'll do that right away when I return to headquarters. It would be fine if there are only two Devils who didn't receive damage when praying. How interesting."

Issei grinned as he turned to the two girls, "With this, you can pray to God without problems!"

Asia became teary-eyed and embraced Issei, "Ise-san!"

Xenovia hugged Issei as well, her own eyes a similar state to Asia's, "Ise, thank you."

Issei gently stroked the tops of their heads, "It's fine. You can pray without restraint from now on, it was more than worth it."

Xenovia's cheeks turned red, but Issei chalked this up to embarrassment, still holding both girls in his arms.

"And you complain about girls not wanting you." Natsuki muttered.

This led to both Xenovia and Asia blushing as they heard Natsuki with their enhanced hearing. Issei frowned, "What are you talking about?"

Natsuki could only shake her head at Issei's obliviousness, not seeing the point in trying to explain any of it to him.

Michael then looked back, meeting Kiba's gaze, "And I have not forgotten about our discussion, Yutto-kun. I swear on the Holy Demonic Sword that you gave us, that I will not allow Holy Sword research to produce any more victims. It was a huge error for us to flatly reject important believers to this extent."

Kiba grinned brightly, "Thank you, Michael-sama."

"That's great, Kiba!" Issei exclaimed, wondering when Kiba could have spoken to the Angel about this, but happy for him none the less.

"Thank you, Ise-kun." Kiba said.

Azazel spoke to Michael after watching the exchange, "Michael, I'll leave explaining everything to the Valhalla guys to you, since it would be problematic for me to move imprudently. Afterwards, you'll have to convey what happened today to Mt. Sumeru."

Michael nodded, "Since there would be no persuasive power if either the Governor of the Fallen Angels or the Maou explained, I'll have to tell them. I'm accustomed to reporting to God, after all."

With that, Michael took his subordinates and flew upwards towards the heavens.

Azazel turned to his own subordinates, "I have chosen peace. The Fallen Angels will no longer fight with the Angels and Devils from now on. Those who are dissatisfied with this may leave; however, I'll kill you without reservation the next time we meet. Only those who want to follow should come with me."

"We will live for the sake of Governor Azazel till the day we die!" The Fallen Angels roared as one.

Azazel saw this and expressed his gratitude with a small thank you and with his orders, the Fallen Angels deployed magic circles, teleporting back to Hell.

The Devil troops also took this moment to return to Hell, and the school grounds that had been crowded, became rapidly desolate, with only a few people left gathered there.

Azazel sighed, walking in the direction of the school gate, "I'll leave the rest of this cleanup to you, Sirzechs. I'm tired, so I'm heading back."

He raised his hand to wave his hand, but he stopped himself as he pointed his finger at Issei and Natsuki. "I plan to stay here for a little while, so I'll help that Bishop of Rias Gremory, only because I can't stand it, to see a Sacred Gear that can't be controlled."

"Eh?" Issei let out.

Azazel looked at them amused, "For the red, its women. For the white, it's power. And for the gold, it's an easy life. All are so fucking simple, it's shocking."

"You still going to make us play video games for you, or do you have something else planned?" Natsuki asked boredly.

Azazel chuckled, "Why do you ask? Do you want to get your butt kicked by me again?"

Natsuki's expression stayed the same, "I just want to know how often you're going to be coming by. You're the kind of person who enjoys raising people's blood pressure."

Azazael did not answer Natsuki's question, letting out another laugh as he finally walked away.

"I really hate that guy." Natsuki said.

After this day, the representatives of the Three Great Powers signed their peace treaty, thereafter, disputes between the three great powers were prohibited, in the framework of cooperation. And the treaty became known as the Kuoh Treaty.

Chapter 22: Off to The Underworld

Summary:

The Aftermath of Khaos Brigade's assault on Kuoh Academy and Natsuki trying to be less angry and dragon-like.

Notes:

Italicized – Emphasis/Inner Thoughts

Bold – Dragon Speaking/Thoughts

The Next Day

Natsuki rolled her eyes as she walked, finally growing tired of her friends' behavior, "Just ask the questions you all have already, your staring is irritating me."

Natsuki had met the rest of the Peerage, except Gasper, on their walk to school that morning, and while no one had said anything to her, each of them kept glancing at her. She could not help but feel that this was intentional as she almost never ran into Kiba, Koneko, Akeno, or Xenovia when walking to school, usually because they all went to school far earlier than she ever did, so seeing everyone at the same time felt pointed.

Natsuki was not surprised when Issei was the one who spoke first, "You're a hybrid. Why didn't you tell us you were a hybrid?"

"Because I haven't known for that long, I found out after we cleaned the pool for the student council." Natsuki answered.

"So, you're part human magician and part what?" Issei asked.

Natsuki scoffed, "Your guess is as good as mine. No one seems open to telling me."

Rias sighed, "It would explain why Onii-sama had been watching you for so long. Like I said yesterday, the Rashaankh family are powerful practitioners and have ties to many different factions. Although, it does make me question how you could have ended up in Japan of all places."

"What do you mean?" Natsuki asked, trying to make herself not sound as interested as she was.

"It doesn't matter to them how powerful one is or who they are as a person, if they have Rashaankh blood, then they must be accounted for and made to be of some use to the family, and at least from the rumors I have heard about them, they have they have some kind of arcane art that tracks their lineage." Rias explained.

"So, I shouldn't have been living in an orphanage for most of my life? If this lineage tracking spell was working, then I would've have been found long before now?" Natsuki asked, "Is there any way to contact them?"

Rias grimaced, "I don't know if that would be a good idea, Natsuki."

"Why not?"

"Because you're a Devil." Xenovia was the one who replied, "I remember learning about many of the prominent magician families during my own lessons, they are all obsessed with blood purity and with keeping their secrets within their own ranks. They might take one look at you and decide that your either lying about being their relative, or-"

"Or that my status as a reincarnated Devil has dirtied my blood and that my allegiance has compromised me. Either way, they will choose to kill me." Natsuki finished, seeing where Xenovia was going.

"We don't know for sure that is what they would do." Rias said, "But it's best not to risk it."

That sucks, I was hoping to find out what else I might be capable of. Vali seemed confident that my bloodline should or would make me stronger, is having a whole family of murderous assassin magicians worth trying to find out? Natsuki thought.

Natsuki was happy to have one piece of the puzzle that made her who she was revealed, even if it just gave her more questions than answers.

"You're not going to run off to Egypt and try your luck, are you, Natsuki-chan?" Kiba asked, the gentle smile he usually wore, becoming a bit sharper.

"No." Natsuki saw the looks that everyone was giving her when she said this, "I'm not going to Egypt, alright?"

Akeno smiled, "You are quite stubborn, especially when you become singularly focused like this, Natsuki."

"Yeah, we'd probably have to do to what we had to do with Kiba, if we're not careful and don't keep an eye on you." Issei said, looking at Natsuki as if she was going to take off right that second.

"You won't let this go, Natsuki-senpai. We know you won't." Koneko added.

Asia smiled, "It's understandable to want answers about yourself, but we don't want you to get hurt, Natsuki-san."

"You assholes have opinions about me that I'm not sure I like." Natsuki said, stopping to stare at them blankly.

"Have you met yourself? They're accurate opinions to have." Rias said, grinning when the taller girl turned her head to glare at her.

"All of you should drop dead." Natsuki said dryly, "But seriously, is there anything else I can learn about them?"

"There are some history and magic books I can lend you that will have some information on them, but like I said, the Rashaankh are a secretive group."

"Thanks, Rias."

Lux, do you know anything about the Rashaankh family? Natsuki asked the dragon.

I have run into a many Rashaankh magicians in my time, a given as Egypt is where I originated from. Lux said.

It is? Natsuki asked. I would have thought that-

That my brothers and I sprouted in the Underworld out of nowhere? Lux asked with amusement. No, we dragons, and many other creatures, came to be here on Earth as manifestations of the strong magical properties that naturally exist here. And due to living on Earth, we eventually encountered humans, humans who would tell stories of us and pass those stories down the generations, until we became the very myths you know of today. Why else do you think Ddraig is known as the Welsh Dragon? Due to his association with humans, an image of him is now forever stitched onto the flag of Wales.

I never really thought about that, but that does make sense. Although, I don't remember hearing about any Egyptian dragons before.

The ancient Egyptians did not have dragons, but sea serpents, there were and are countless who inhabit the country. I was the only one of my ilk to manifest in Egypt, and even then, the people there did not know me by current name and titles.

What did they call you back then?

While Natsuki could not see her face, she could hear the smirk in Lux's voice as she said her next words. They called me Mehen.

Mehen?! Natsuki thought, freezing in place, and allowing the rest of the Peerage to walk past her. The snake-God who wrapped around the Boat of the Sun and the Sun God, Ra?!

The very same. Lux said with a laugh.

But, but I thought Mehen was a snake-God! And you know Ra?!

The history and myths that you learned in school or read about on your own, are not always accurate to real life. Dragons do share qualities with reptiles, which is why I was referred to as a snake, and the ancient Egyptians could not fathom how a creature that did not resemble a human could speak, so I was called a God as well. Ra and I shared a friendship, during those times, he needed my help to protect him as he did his duty.

That explanation did nothing to curb Natsuki's shock and curiosity, and she was left with even more questions.

But to answer your first question. Lux said once Natsuki started to walk again. Their origins stretch back to the dawn of Egyptian civilization, then, your ancestors were originally known as Heka-Ka, but the man that founded your family and gave them their purpose was a powerful sorcerer named Rashaankh. A man whose abilities were so extraordinary that he became one of the earliest figures to be revered as the Divine Priest of Heka by the Pharaohs of Egypt. His talents in both the arcane and spiritual domains made him indispensable, and soon his descendants were marked as the guardians of ancient and forgotten magics, an importance that they have held ever since.

And then they managed to gain positions of power in government, finance, and the occult, spreading their influence worldwide, right? Natsuki asked knowingly.

You would be correct. The same way that supernaturals revere the Germory family, so to do they revere the Rashaankh. Your connection would explain your particular abilities.

What do you mean?

Rashaankh magicians are known for being exceptionally gifted when it comes to six types of magic; elemental, necromancy, binding, curse, divination, and void. You have already shown that you are capable of elemental and void magic, and I would have counted binding magic as well, but your claiming of the Sword of Methuselah had nothing to do with your magical aptitude or lineage, but instead the contents of your spirit.

Natsuki thought about her training before the Rating Game, the water fight she had gotten into with Akeno, Rias, and Issei, and her use of her Black Blot as instances of what Lux was talking about.

So, does this mean that I'll be able to do the other four types of magic?

It is not guaranteed just because you have Rashaankh blood. I would also not recommend trying to use necromancy or curse magic without a skilled magician with you, and certainly not by yourself. They are dangerous arts, calling upon things beyond your control and understanding.

That wasn't ominous at all, but I get it.

Natsuki wanted to ask more questions, but she was satisfied for now, resolving to continue her search for answers later, now that she had a good jumping off point.

"Natsuki-chan." Akeno said as she fell in step with the other girl. "Are you sure that you're okay?"

"What do you mean?" Natsuki asked.

"I mean, you haven't said anything about Vali or the attack." Akeno explained, "And you're usually…"

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "Usually what?"

Akeno placed a finger on her chin, her head leaned back slightly as she thought of the right was to articulate what she meant. "The kind of person to brag after a win or a least complain about the whole affair and why it happened in the first place."

"Yeash, do I come off as that much of an asshole? Natsuki playfully asked.

Akeno gave her a smirk, but it soon fell away into a concerned expression. "But seriously, are you okay?"

"We didn't win." Natsuki murmured, shoving her hands into her pockets. "And… Vali, he was a fucking monster, Raynare, Donnaseek, Riser, Kokabiel, all of them had nothing on him. Issei and I together weren't enough, hell, I'm sure that even if the whole Peerage fought with us, we'd still lose. It's only because of Vali toying with us, and Son Goku's descendant arriving at the last second, that kept us from getting our asses kicked or worse."

Natsuki did not think herself an egoist, but she knew that was a lie, and since becoming a Devil, it was a problem that had grown worse. She may not have always had confidence in herself, and was self-deprecating at the worst of times, but she had pride over a mile long.

Seeing Vali look down on her, it reminded her of those she had mentioned before, who each took one look at her and thought she was like the dirt beneath their shoe, a joke to laugh at and she hated it.

Even though she knew it was stupid to rise to Vali's challenge and to drag Issei into it, just hearing the other hybrid call her weak and threaten to harm those she cared about just because he could, enraged her tremendously.

"And what if that bastard comes back? You know he will, Issei is his eternal rival, and I was stupid enough to demand equal treatment during the Holy Sword debacle and yesterday because I…"

"Felt insulted?" Akeno finished for her.

Natsuki nodded, but her head was facing the ground as she walked. "Not to mention he's working with the faction who wants Sirzechs and the other leaders to be removed from power and killed. Rias is that jerk's little sister, there's no way we won't be involved when things get heated again."

"You know, you're a walking contradiction."

Natsuki turned to look at Akeno questioningly, waiting for Akeno to explain herself.

"When I first saw you, I thought you were a quiet loner. And as I got to know you, I thought you were this intelligent, sarcastic, cautious, and misunderstood girl who people weren't giving a chance to."

"And do you still think that?" Natsuki asked, the turn in the convention making her think of what she said to Akeno back at the other girl's shrine.

Akeno hummed, "I do, but I've also seen how quick to anger, brash, arrogant, and confrontational you are when you interact with others."

"Like I said before, you people have opinions about me that I'm not sure I like."

Akeno laughed, "But they are true, are you saying that I'm wrong?"

Natsuki sighed, "You're not. I know I shouldn't say or do a lot what I have, I just… it's so hard to keep a lid on how I feel. Especially when I have to interact with people who think I deserve to be treated without any respect. It's like this demon comes out of me that overrides all of my other senses and demands I put them in their place for having the gall to try and put me in what they think is mine. And it's definitely gotten worse since I gained my Sacred Gear."

"What do you mean?"

"Lux was explaining it to me when I first met Riser in the clubroom and after I insulted him and kept him from touching Rias. She told me that when a person unlocks their Sacred Gear, based on its type, attributes, or even the creature sealed within, it can have effects on the user's mind and emotional state. Pride and arrogance were already traits that I possessed before unlocking [Ethereal Domination], but now they have increased or are currently increasing. And Lux's own emotions can end up entangled within my own, making things even worse."

"Which is why sometimes your eyes will glow gold and your voice changes." Akeno said, drawing the connection, "Does this happen to every Sacred Gear holder? I've never seen-"

"No, Lux said that not every user experiences it. And even for those who do, the influence of their gear is usually minimal enough that those changes appear normal within that person. Although, that can change if the user is in a situation of high stress."

Akeno did not know that, but it made sense when she thought about many of the Sacred Gear holders that she has known and come across.

I guess even after centuries there are still things to be discovered about the Sacred Gear system. Akeno thought.

"Before becoming a Devil, in most situations I would have bitten my tongue and walked away, not seeing the confrontation as worth anything. But now, it's like I have to say, to do something, it's annoying acting that way even when my head is telling me not to but also-"

"Freeing." Akeno said, "It's freeing not having to hold your thoughts and actions back."

"Yeah." Natsuki said quietly, "That's probably childish to admit."

"There's nothing childish about admitting to your failings."

"But those failings make things worse instead of better, it's one thing to be like that when it's just us in the Peerage, or with someone like Saji or Xenovia. But with guys like Riser, Kokabiel, and Vali, fuck, it's just like when I was a kid."

"So, you're telling that you haven't always been cursing at people and threatening to beat them up? Akeno asked with a smile.

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "No, I wasn't. When I was younger, I was bullied relentlessly by the other kids who used to live at the orphanage with me and by my classmates. I used to try and fight back, but that would just lead to me getting my ass kicked, and after a while I stopped fighting, I stopped talking back hoping that would work, but it didn't. The other kids in the orphanage who bullied me eventually left, but it was still the same in school, and the only reason it didn't continue when I came to Kuoh is because everyone here learned I was from Nitoshō, and they thought that I was some crazy delinquent and that I would kill them or whatever. Still didn't keep them from talking about me when they thought I couldn't hear them."

I don't want to be that small, scared girl who the world thinks it can walk all over anymore. Natsuki thought.

"Maybe you just need a better way to express those emotions you've kept buried for so long that doesn't include taking it out on other people?"

Natsuki let out a snort, "You saying I don't know how to emotionally regulate?"

"You said that, not me." Akeno said calmly, "But whenever I feel out of control, I usually take deep breaths and try to focus on everything good that I have in my life. And if things are still too much, I focus on my shrine or cooking, it helps me feel closer to my mother."

Natsuki wanted to ask Akeno what had happened to her mother, but from the way Akeno spoke of the woman, Natsuki knew she had to be long since passed, and Natsuki did not want to upset her senpai.

Natsuki then sighed, "This is not the kind of conversation to be had early in the morning and before school."

Akeno giggled, "You were the one who started it."

"No, I didn't! You were the one asking what was wrong with me, don't start trying to shift blame!"

This just made Akeno laugh harder, making Natsuki roll her eyes, unable to keep the small smile off her own face.

"Still, I'll try it, worst that can happen is that it doesn't work."

Akeno smiled, "No one's asking you to change, least of all me, Natsuki-chan. But I'm proud of you for working on yourself."

"Eh? Okay, what's going on with you? Being all nice and supportive without making any innuendos or trying to grab me? Yesterday's battle must have affected you way more than it did me." Natsuki said, turning her head away to keep Akeno from seeing the effect her words had on her.

Akeno leaned closer to Natsuki, wrapping her arm around Natsuki's bicep, her head now as hair's breath away from Natsuki's as she spoke. "If you want me to be more forceful, you should just be honest and ask me instead of talking around it, Natsuki."

"You're the most irritating person I have ever met." Natsuki said plainly, her face blank as she stared at the other Devil.

Akeno giggled again, resting her head on Natsuki's shoulder, a warmth spreading through her chest as Natsuki did not push her away as they walked.

---

 

"And so, from today on, I'll be the advisor of this Occult Research Club. Please call me Azazel-sensei. Or Governor is fine too." Wearing a worn-out suit, Azazel stood in front of the Occult Research Club, smiling lazily at the group.

"No fucking way in Hell are you going to be the advisor of my club." Rias spat, looking at the Fallen with disgust.

"Oh, come on, I'm a super-cool guy, you should feel happy to know that I'll be here." Azazel said with a mocking smile.

Rias' expression did not change, "You still have not told us why you are even here."

"Sirzechs told Serafall's little sister to give me the position."

"Damnit, Onni-chan." Rias muttered, annoyed that her brother would go behind her back to do this, especially as it now meant that she would have to see the irritating Fallen Angel on a regular basis.

"Is it because of Khaos Brigade?" Natsuki asked, "They're obviously planning something, especially now that they're aligned with the Old Satan Faction."

"You're right. I'm an expert on the Vanishing Dragon, and from the information I have on him, I know that Vali has his own team. We're temporarily calling it the Hakuryuukou Team. We don't know their identities, but several people are gathering around the ones who've been identified as of right now; Vali, and Son Goku." Azazel said.

"Are Vali and the others going to attack the school again?" Issei asked.

The Governor General shook his head, "They won't attack here again, yesterday was simply a rare chance to assassinate the leaders of the three great powers at the conference, but it failed. Their current opponents are Heaven and the Underworld. In the Underworld, all the Fallen Angels under my command have joined together with the Devils, and the Seraph in Heaven also won't remain silent. There are also the other unaffiliated creatures who call Heaven and the Underworld home that wouldn't allow their land to be so easily conquered."

"So how long would it take for both sides to declare war on each other?" Natsuki asked, taking a cup of tea that Akeno had brought out for everyone.

"What makes you think war is coming?"

Natsuki gave the Fallen a tired look, "Obviously war is coming, there can be no other outcome with everything we know about these guys. Besides, isn't this the whole reason why the Three Factions came together and put aside centuries of hatred? That way in case a powerful enemy comes along, they can use their combined power to win and not be annihilated?"

Azazel chuckled, "That is true, but at the moment, you could say they and us are in a prepping period. Something like a full-on war won't occur at least until you people graduate from university, let alone this school's high school division. But still, the danger is eminent, so you'll need to focus on what you can do to prepare for it."

"Prepare?" Issei asked, "I mean, if the war isn't-"

"Do you think that you'll be of any use if you remain as weak as you are now?" Azazel asked, a serious expression resting on his face for the first time that day. "No matter how you feel about it, your enemy will always be Hakuryuukou Vali. You were only able to repel Vali because of the dragon-slaying sword you got from Michael, your [Boosted Gear], the fact that you were fighting with Natsuki and not by yourself, along with the fact that Vali didn't go all out. If it weren't for those reasons, you would have lost. Rather, you could only fight thanks to the compatibility and teamwork, if it was another opponent that wasn't a dragon obsessed with proving themselves the strongest, you would have been killed."

Issei could say nothing in defense, he knew that Azazel was right, without Ascalon, without the bracelet that first allowed him to achieve Balance Breaker, and without Natsuki there, he would not have beaten Vali.

It burned him thoroughly just to even think about being so weak, especially when compared to a man like Vali. And his anger grew when he thought about how Vali had threatened his family, and how casually Vali did so just to get a rise out of him.

Azazel looked at Natsuki, "And the same goes for you as well, Natsuki-chan. You're ahead of Issei when it comes to using Kogane Ryū no Kōgō's power, but you still fall impossibly short of matching Vali. You may have gotten a second wind towards the end, but it was a temporary one, had the fight gone on any longer, you would have lost."

Natsuki remained silent, waiting for the man to continue speaking, already knowing where and how she was failing.

Azazel turned back to Issei, "Can you now use the Hakuryuukou's power?"

Issei shook his head, "No, it doesn't function at all. I tried last night after going home but nothing happened."

The power he had taken from Vali and the gauntlet that had been lodged in his right arm had not appeared since then.

Was it a one-time use only? Issei thought.

"That's what I thought, you can't handle something that strong so easily. It's beneficial to take in another dragon's power, it's an entirely different matter whether you can freely control it or not. If used unskillfully, it may be an ability that is more difficult than attaining Balance Breaker. However, the power you took in should have been recorded into Ddraig's soul. The rest depends on training, you'll first have to complete hellish training in the long term otherwise you'll die if you try it again untested."

Damn it, even if I stole Albion's power, there's no point if I can't use it freely? And I also can't control Ddraig's power, which sucks even more.

Azazel was not done, "Your Sekiryuutei power is also unstable, its explosive power is tremendous, but that's also only temporarily. A lower ranked opponent would instantly be brought down with that, but it would be suppressed by a higher ranked one. If you're also going to participate in Rating Games as a Devil from now on, you must stabilize that power, and to do that, you first need to attain Balance Breaker. Having said that, Rating Games aren't straightforward either, something like a Pawn that consumed only one piece taking down the King can happen, everything depends on how you fight. I'll have to teach you all about that as well."

"You seem well-informed about Rating Games." Rias muttered.

"Rias-chan, you should know that Devils aren't the only fans of the game. Thanks to the peace pact, there are also a lot of Angels and Fallen Angels going out to watch the games unreservedly. And besides, it's not only Issei and Natsuki who need to step up, the Rating Game you fought against that Phenex boy, showed where each of you is lacking."

Rias could not deny that Azazel was right, even though it burned her just to think, she was willing to put aside her pride. "What would you suggest for each of us?"

"Well, starting with Issei, for the time being, we'll build up your body so that it can fight for long periods of time. Your problem is that you have a weak base, which doesn't help with having a Sacred Gear that requires adding on to the paltry amount of power you currently have."

Issei nodded, pumping his fists, "Hell yeah, I'm going to become so much stronger, that Vali bastard won't know what hit him!"

Azazel smiled mischievously and that worried Issei for a brief moment, but the Fallen soon turned his attention onto Gasper. "Gasper, every time something makes you nervous, you freeze time. You were so weak that you couldn't stop those witches from holding you hostage and using you to freeze the school grounds. We don't know what kind of people are in Khaos Brigade, so who's to say that they won't try it again?"

Gasper, who had been standing behind the rest of the Peerage and hiding from Azazel's sight, took refuge in his cardboard box while crying. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm so useless! I'm not useful at all! I'm garbage! I'm pig food! I'm seriously reflecting deeper than the sea, and I possess a target higher than Everest! So please don't abandon meeeeeeeee!"

"Kid can really scream." Azazel muttered before looking at Kiba, "Holy Demonic Sword kid, how long can you fight in Balance Breaker?"

"Currently, one hour is my limit." Kiba answered.

Azazel shook his head, sighing dramatically, "That's not good. At the very least, you need to make sure that you're able to continue using it for three days."

Kiba's expression became one of determination at Azazel's words, "I will."

"Good." Azazel said before looking at Issei questioningly.

Issei scratched the back of his head, "I-I can only do it for ten seconds under restricted conditions..."

The Governor's eyes became half-lidded, "You'll have to retrain from scratch. The Hakuryuukou can stay in Balance Breaker for one month, that's the difference between you."

One month?! Issei thought at the overwhelming difference between himself and Vali, but now that he had a clear objective, he was determined to reach it.

"And you, Natsuki?"

"I don't know." Natsuki said.

Azazel blinked, "You don't know."

"I haven't tried going into Balance Breaker again after the Rating Game, I haven't had the opportunity to. Although, Lux said that I wouldn't be able to use it for very long if I did, but I know that I can reach it on my own now." Natsuki explained.

"Well, I doubt you'd you able to hold your Balance Breaker longer than sword boy, so let's put you at less than ten minutes for now. We can check later for the actual time frame, but still, holding it for a month will be your goal too."

Natsuki nodded her head, she wanted to train, and she was confident that whatever Azazel had planned would be better than anything she had already been doing.

"That and getting your temper under control. When facing off against a superior foe, you have a habit of throwing away all sense of reason and flying off the handle. Although that may not be something so easily fixed, I've certainly tried for years to deal with Vali's battle lust. Maybe it just a dragon trait."

Natsuki clenched her fist, but still refused to speak.

Next Azazel's gaze turned towards Akeno, "Do you still hate us-no, do you still hate Baraqiel?"

At the mention of her father, Akeno's expression darkened, "I have no intentions of ever forgiving him, it's that person's fault that my mother died."

Azazel's expression softened slightly, "Akeno, when you became a Devil, he said nothing about it."

Akeno scoffed, "Naturally. That person isn't in a position where he can judge my life choices."

Azazel sighed, "That's not what I meant. No, well, it might be thoughtless of me to push myself into the problems of a parent and their child."

"I don't consider that person as my father!"

"I see. But I don't think it's bad that you joined the Gremory family, but I do wonder, if things were different, what would Baraqiel think?"

Akeno did not respond to Azazel's words, a complicated expression now resting on her face. Hearing about Baraqiel always angered Akeno, pulling out the terrible feeling that she had kept locked within her fragile heart.

Azazel then looked at Rias, "Regardless, you and Rias-Hime have the same problem, when it comes to pure magical power and talent, you two outrank everyone here, but that's it, all you have is your magic. You have no fighting prowess, no close-range spells, and when fighting, you both decide to take up the rear and wait for the others to strike out first. How many times could either of you have ended fights just by firing a spell or two?"

"I-"

Azazel did not let Rias speak, "But there are definitely ways to correct that, can't have the daughter of Baraqiel and the sister of Sirzechs be so laughably weak."

Akeno flinched, her frown deepening and Rias' eye twitched, both girls had lived to some extents in the shadows of their male relatives, but no one ever said it so blatantly.

"You have a similar problem, Asia-chan." Azazel said to the former nun, "The only difference is an overall lack of combat ability and accruement. Not a terrible thing, given your support role in the group-"

"I want to get stronger!" Asia exclaimed, staring at Azazel with a burning resolve to the surprise of everyone in the room.

Azazel blinked, "I was already going to suggest that you improve your use of your Sacred Gear."

Asia looked down at the floor, "I don't just want to be better at using [Twilight Healing]. Yesterday, I... what Natsuki-san said hurt me deeply."

"Eh?!" Issei exclaimed, rearing up on Natsuki, getting up in her face as he glared at her, "What the fuck did you say to Asia-chan?!"

Natsuki did not look at Issei as she was too busy staring at Asia to care about what he was doing, "Asia, it hadn't been my intention to-"

"I know you weren't trying to hurt my feelings." Asia said, "It hurt because you were right; if I had gone out with everyone, then it would have been distracting having to fight those magicians while protecting me."

It made her think of the fights with Riser and Kokabiel, both situations in which all she could do was try and heal her friends, not being able to do much less when things became dire.

"Are you saying that you have it within yourself to hurt others? To take their lives?" Azazel asked her.

Asia flinched, gripping the bottom of her skirt tightly, "I... I... I don't know if I can... But I don't want to stand on the side anymore."

Azazel stared at her for a few seconds before smiling, "How adorable. Don't worry, Asia-chan, Ol' Azazel here will make you stronger than you ever dreamed of being."

A large smile broke out across Asia's face, "Thank you, Azazel-sensei!"

Rias sighed, "Asia-chan, please don't call this man sensei."

Azazel chuckled before looking Koneko who met his gaze passively, "Are you going to be willing to use your own abilities, little kitten?"

Koneko glared at the Fallen, "I can't."

"Can't or won't?" Azazel smirked.

Koneko bared her teeth, her eyes narrowed, looking as if she was about to jump over the table and beat Azazel bloody.

Rias stepped in forward, her Power of Destruction flickering around her body for a moment, "That is enough, Azazel. Back off."

What abilities are they talking about? And why is it making Buchou and Koneko-chan so angry? Issei thought as he watched the scene.

Natsuki was thinking the same thing but wondered if this had something to do with what Koneko had told her on the roof of the abandoned mansion.

Azazel huffed, but decided not to push the matter further, "You live up to your title of Rook, you're strong and able to tank a lot of damage, but you're also impossibly slow and don't try to incorporate any magic into your attacks besides enhancing your limbs. Against a physically stronger opponent, you're fucked, so we're going to work improving that and building your magical abilities.

Koneko frowned and said nothing else you the Governor General, the idea of using that side of herself, scared and disgusted her in equal measure.

"And finally, the blue haired sword girl." Azazel said as he looked at Xenovia, "You may be a True Holy Sword Wielder, but you still need to improve your use of Durandal. You are too used to fighting as a human and not a Devil with enhanced strength and magic at your grasp."

Xenovia tilted her head, "You still have not told us when we would be accomplishing these goals."

The idea of becoming stronger intrigued her, but Xenovia was not sure if Azazel was capable of delivering on his promises.

"You're all going to train and achieve your individual goals during summer vacation." Azazel answered, "Although, I'm not sure we'll be able to start right away, according to talk, there's going to be a meeting of young Devils in a few days, right? I heard you, Rias Gremory, was included among the names of promising young Devils that are close to debuting."

"Debuting?" Natsuki asked.

Rias crossed her arms, "The young Devil heirs of the various noble families will gather together in an annual event to essentially showcase their dominance to the other families. In the Youth Devil Gathering, the debuting Devils, such as myself will compete in tournament against each other. Although this one will not be an official debut as per the order of the elders."

Issei looked confused, "Is it fine to think about games at a time when a terrorist attack just occurred?"

"It's a good idea to compete, battles in the games will be good experience for current young Devils without previous battle experience. It's because the present Devils are crowded together with reincarnated Devils of humans, Fallen Angels, and Demonic Beasts, that they are troubled by their opponents." Azazel explained.

"So, it's not only a way to build comradery amongst Devils of all classes but it makes them compete with other Devils which causes the quality of power to be raised and prevents stagnation?" Natsuki said seeing the ingenious in such an idea.

Azazel sat back, "Yeah, Sirzechs and the others were looking at the current situation with the future in mind when they created these games. What crafty guys they are."

"Why didn't you tell us about this?" Natsuki asked her King.

"To be honest, with everything that has happened these past few weeks, I completely forgot about the gathering." Rias admitted sheepishly.

"Then it's for the best that Azazel-sama spoke of it now before Sona-chan would have had to remind you the night before." Akeno said teasingly.

Rias slightly blushed as she threw a small glare in Akeno's direction, "I'm not that bad."

Neither Akeno's smile nor tone falter, "Of course not, Buchou."

"Don't worry, there are plans for the matches to be set during your training camp as well. I believe they're doing it in Rating Game style, I've already finished probing Sirzechs about it." Azazel promised before looking at Issei in particular, "And I'll drive into you how to use your personal power and your Sacred Gear's power."

Azazel-sensei, you seriously seem to like preparing for this...Is it really that fun? Issei thought. It kind of reminds me of how Natsuki was acting during training camp for the Rating Game against Riser.

Azazel let out a dangerous laugh, "Kukuku, there's the [Boosted Gear] which has begun an unknown evolution, [Ethereal Domination] which has already begun its own famed steps towards true power, then there's also the Holy Demonic Sword, and furthermore, there's the [Forbidden Balor View]. I'll drive my research results into them and explore their original evolved forms."

Natsuki felt a shiver race down her spine at the sound, wondering just what the Fallen's 'research' would entail.

---

 

Two Days Later

"Hey Lux, do you know if I need to bring anything other than clothes with me?" Natsuki asked the dragon as she packed her bags.

"I doubt it, the Underworld is not much different from the human one is currently." Lux said

Natsuki grinned, "Besides the Devils, Fallen Angels, and monsters?"

"Yes, besides that." Lux said dryly, "Even then, the Gremory girl and her family will undoubtedly be able to procure anything you need should you ask for it."

"Yeah, that probably true." Natsuki said, "I'm going to have to check in on Kushina-san and the kids too, don't know how long I will be gone."

"You will also have to come up with a good excuse as to why you are not around. For all we know, you could be gone for the entirety of your summer vacation."

Natsuki sighed, "Gone doing fuck knows what too. But knowing Azazel, it's most likely going to insane and annoying."

Natsuki's phone started ringing and when she walked to her dresser to pick it up, seeing that the call was from Issei. "Issei, what's up?"

"Natsuki." Issei said, his voice full of excitement, "The most amazing, wonderful, beautiful thing just happened to me!"

"What? Did Rias give you a pity grope?" Natsuki joked.

Issei was undeterred, "No, it's not that good, but it's the next best thing! All the girls are living in my house now!"

Natsuki blinked, "Wait, what?"

Issei went on to explain that Sirzechs had apparently proposed this for the sake of improving the physical relationship of the Peerage. Rias had tried to resist but Issei's parents had consented to it, and the move of Xenovia and Koneko into the Hyoudou household had been arranged.

Issei also described how his family home had been completely renovated, his neighbors' houses being bought so the land could be cleared by Sirzechs' men in order to accommodate everyone that now lived there.

"Improving the physical relation of the Peerage? Nah, it sounds like Sirzechs just wants to motivate you by having a bunch of beautiful girls around you in a pseudo harem. If that wasn't the case, why weren't me, Kiba, or Gasper made to move in?"

"I don't care what the reason is, this is still the best day of my life! Do you know how I woke up this morning? With Buchou, Asia, and Xenovia all naked, in my bed."

"Wasn't that how you slept before, only with Xenovia now added to the mix?" Natsuki asked as she went back to packing, "We both know you're still not going to be making any moves."

"Damnit, Natsuki, stop trying to ruin this!" Issei yelled.

"Just being honest." Natsuki said, pausing for a moment, her voice lowering, "It's just Rias, Asia, Koneko, and Xenovia living with you, right?"

Issei let out a snort, a teasing tone filling his voice, "Oh? You want to know if Akeno-senpai is here? Why? Are you afraid that I'll make a move before you do?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I'm totally afraid, are you going to tell me or not?"

Issei laughed, "Okay, okay, she's not here, Akeno-senpai is still living at her shrine."

Good. Natsuki thought, "Did Sirzechs or Rias say why?"

"Buchou said it's probably because if Akeno could choose, she wouldn't want to live in my house, whatever that means."

Natsuki felt her stomach clench when she heard that, "Who knows, Akeno can be weird like that. Anyway, I'm not going to walk into something weird when I go over there later, right? Because I don't know if I want to walk into the girls fight over their marked territory, aka you."

"Shut up, asshole." Issei muttered, making Natsuki snicker.

---

 

Natsuki sat on the front steps of the orphanage along with Kushina, watching the children doing their own thing in the yard.

"So, you're going to be visiting Rias' summer home with the rest of your club for a special event?" Kushina asked.

"Yeah, apparently it's something Rias and her family do every year." Natsuki said, trying not to outright lie to her guardian. "And she offered to let us all stay for the rest of the summer, so I've taken her up on it."

"I suppose I can't be too upset about not getting to see you, I did say that you should go out and make friends." Kushina said, cupping the side of Natsuki's face, "I'm so proud of you."

Natsuki rolled her eyes but did not move away from the woman's touch, "Again, I'm not sure why you like acting like I'm some-"

"Some antisocial loner?" Kushina said with a grin.

"Again, I learned it from you, you crazy old woman." Natsuki muttered.

"If that's what you have to tell yourself in order to feel good about yourself, then go ahead, I shall allow you your delusion."

After a few moments of silence, Natsuki spoke again, her voice softer as she looked up at the sky, "Kushina-sama, do you remember what happened at the Open House? When my friends asked if you were my mother?"

"I remember." Kushina said, staring at Natsuki with patience and understanding.

Natsuki sighed, "I've... I've been looking into who my birth parents were."

"Oh." Kushina breathed, she was surprised to hear this as Natsuki had never voiced to her a desire to know about who her parents were and how she ended up at the orphanage.

"I don't... I'm not looking for them because I want to get to know them and have them in my life, but I just realized that there's a lot of things I don't know about myself. It never seemed important before, but now, now it does. If that makes sense."

Kushina brushed her thumb against Natsuki's cheek, "It makes sense, and even if it didn't, you don't have to explain it to me if you don't want to."

Natsuki finally looked back at Kushina, burgundy eyes meeting rich brown ones, "I just wanted to say that... It doesn't matter what I find, you are my mother, and the only parent I need. I'm sorry I've never said it before, I just-"

Kushina smiled brightly and lovingly, "I understand, Natsu-chan, you have always been my daughter, ever since the moment I first laid eyes on you, you have been mine."

Natsuki looked away as she felt her as water, forcing herself not to let those tears fall. "I always thought that with all the other children you've raised that-"

"All of the children that have entered my care, hold a place in my heart, no matter who they are and what they've done with their lives. They are all my children, and that includes you, I love each one of you."

For the first time in years, Natsuki was crying, furiously wiping her eyes, she could not bring herself to tell Kushina she loved her, not yet, but she knew in her heart that she did.

"What has brought this on?" Kushina asked, "You've never been this open, Natsu-chan."

Natsuki was still wiping her eyes as she spoke, "I've wanted to say this for a long time, but I couldn't. I... I had a talk with a friend who told me that I should try to do better at emotional regulation instead of just bottling up how I feel."

"And who was this friend? Issei?"

"No, no, it was Akeno."

"Akeno, huh?" Kushina thought of the dark haired, purple eyed girl who had been teasing her daughter the last time she saw them together. An impish grin soon appeared on Kushina's face, "Is that so? Not only have you surprised me by making friends, but getting a girlfriend too? Now I'm really proud of you."

"Akeno is not my girlfriend." Natsuki said.

"Really? Well, work on getting her to be! I'm old, Natsuki, if you take too long, I may not live long enough to meet my grandbabies."

Natsuki growled, standing up and walking away, "Damnit! I'll see you at the end of summer break, you crazy old woman!"

Kushina laughed as she watched Natsuki walk down the path towards the street proper, she could practically see how embarrassed the girl was even as she disappeared from sight.

Never change, Natsu-chan. Kushina thought with a smile.

---

 

"There is a lot of favoritism going on here that is boiling my blood." Natsuki said as she stared at the newly renovated and massive Hyoudou residence.

Even just from the outside, the building was now several stories higher, eclipsing every other house on the street, looking more like a fancy hotel than a family home.

"Green isn't a good color on you, Natsuki-chan." Akeno said with a giggle.

"I don't think Natsuki-chan is listening." Kiba joked as he stood next to Akeno, holding the cardboard box that Gasper always and was currently inhabiting.

"Come on." Akeno said as she pulled Natsuki by the arm, dragging the girl into the home.

The group greeted Miki as she opened the door and let them inside, there was a confused expression on her face when she realized that there was a child inside the box Kiba was carrying, but she did not ask any further questions as she told them where the rest of the Peerage was.

As they entered Issei's room, they saw how different it was then before, it was now twice as large, containing a new model flat screen TV, a California King sized bed, and the latest game consoles.

"I think I understand what Natsuki-chan was talking about." Kiba said as he put Gasper and his box down.

If I were to tell Sirzechs that I wanted to fuck his sister, would he give me a room like this? Natsuki thought to herself.

"Eh? What are you talking about?" Issei asked.

"Nepotism." Natsuki said plainly, taking a seat on the floor, "Do we known when we're going to leave?"

"We're still waiting for Azazel." Rias said, "But like I said yesterday, we will spend the remainder of the summer holidays in the Underworld until after the 20th of August. The plan is to train and attend various kinds of events there."

Issei sighed, "Aw, but there were things I wanted to do this summer."

Before becoming a Devil, Issei, Matsuda and Motohama, promised each other that this would be the year they all got girlfriends. They had a plan to go to the sea and to the pool this summer, where they would pick up girls.

"Ara, Ise. And just what plans were that?" Rias asked dubiously as if knowing what he was thinking.

Issei cleared his throat as he looked away, "I was going to go to the sea and the pool."

"There aren't any seas in the Underworld, but there are huge lakes. There are also pools in this house and at my parents' home as well, you know? And there are also hot springs there." Rias said.

A perverted look soon appeared on Issei, that caused Natsuki to shake her head before sitting back and leaning against Issei's bed and watching everything passively.

I still haven't asked Rias what we're going to do for this Young Devils Gathering we have to go to. If it's a Rating Game tournament, then we will need to find out who we're going up against, especially since we will be at a disadvantage as I'm sure most of them have already watched our game with Riser and know what we can do.

Before Natsuki could think more of the gathering, a shiver raced down her spine, and she found herself instinctively turning her head in the direction of a chair in the corner, seeing a familiar Fallen Angel sitting there.

I really want him to teach me how the fuck he is able to do that. "Have you been watching us this whole time?"

When everyone heard Natsuki speak, they followed the direction her head was facing, each jumping when they realized there was another person in the room.

"W-Where did you come in from?" Rias asked, staring at the man surprise.

"Hmm? I used the front door." Azazel said calmly.

"I didn't even feel your presence." Kiba said honestly.

Since he attained Balance Breaker, Kiba knew that he had gotten exponentially stronger, but he could not sense Azazel.

"That's just due to your lack of training, I just came in normally. Natsuki only noticed because she felt my magic settle when I sat down. More importantly, since your teacher is here now, we can start our journey to the Underworld."

Azazel then pulled out a notepad from his pocket and began to read what he had written out loud, "The first thing we need to do when we get there is visit Rias' parents, and have the formal introduction of the servant Devils to the current head of the family. After that, there's the annual meeting of new young Devils. And then there's your training, I'm mainly going along with you for your training. While you're all at the Gremory house, I'll be meeting with Sirzechs. Geez, this is all so troublesome, wasting my time doing this when I could be researching."

"How did you become the leader of the Fallen Angels if you find almost everything you do for your cause, bothersome?" Natsuki asked dryly.

Azazel shrugged, "People chose to follow me, and so I was elected Govenor."

Natsuki did not blink as she responded, "That is absolutely terrifying."

Azazel laughed, "I'm sure it is. Anyway, it's my first time entering the Underworld through the Devils' route. I'm looking forward to it since I usually use the route of the Fallen Angels."

"There are different ways to get to the Underworld besides using teleportation circles?" Issei asked.

Azazel only grinned in response to Issei's question, making the boy more curious about what this Devil route could be.

Chapter 23: The Underworld

Summary:

The Gremory Peerage finally arrives in the Underworld and attend the Young Devils' Gathering...

Natsuki was surprised when she and the others ended up at the Kuoh Town Train Station.

This is the Devil route to the Underworld? Natsuki thought, having never seen anything out of the ordinary about the train station during the countless times she had been there.

Rias and Akeno led the group towards a small elevator that Natsuki remembered could only hold six people at most.

Rias beckoned the new Devils of the Peerage with a wry smile, said Devils exchanged glances with each other, but complied with Rias' words. "Yuuto and the rest of you who are used to it, please come together with Azazel afterwards."

"Yes, Buchou." Kiba answered before the elevator doors closed.

Since they had luggage with them, the inside was cramped as a result, the floor display only had a first and second floor, but when Rias took out a card from her skirt pocket and turned it towards the electronic panel along the elevator's wall.

Natsuki, Issei, Asia, and Xenovia each jolted when they felt how quickly the elevator began to descend, causing Rias and Akeno to giggle at their reactions.

"Buchou, I grew up in this town, this is the first time I'm seeing a secret level beneath the train station!" Issei exclaimed.

"That's only natural, it's a route that is exclusively for Devils. Ordinary humans can't arrive here or even notice it exists, no matter how hard they try because areas like this are hidden within the town using seals." Rias explained.

The group continued to descend for another minute before the elevator stopped. And when the doors opened, Rias urged the newly turned Devils forward, showing a vast artificial space with a large train station in the middle with a few differences in its design and structure of those in the human world, sitting above train tracks that stretched far into the distance.

After waiting for the rest of the Peerage and Azazel to come down and exit the elevator, Rias began leading the group through the station.

After taking a few passages, they entered another open space, inside of which was a peculiar looking black and red train. There were many Devil-representing patterns carved into the train at acute angles and at its front, sat the symbols of House Gremory and Sirzechs' personal sigil.

"The train and this platform are both owned by the Gremory family." Rias stated proudly.

Natsuki let out a low whistle as their bags were magically teleported onto the train as they entered, looking around the interior and seeing the opulence inside. "Not that this train and trains in general aren't cool, but why are we taking a train to the Underworld instead of just teleporting?"

"That's because we can't." Rias said.

"We can't?" Asia asked, "But we teleported to the Gremory estate after the Rating Game, and we teleported back after the party held for us."

"I used the wrong words; it's usually fine to teleport straight to the Underworld, but not for new Devils." Rias said as she sat down on one of the plush green seats. "And before you ask, those previous instances only happened because of my brother. New household Devils are required to enter through the official route at least once or they'll be punished for illegally entering, going through this route creates a passport of sorts that allows you to travel freely, that's why you all have to properly finish the official entry procedure."

What kind of punishment would we have been given? Issei thought with a shiver.

Natsuki turned her head to look out the window behind her, watching the purplish black of the dimensional space, ignoring the nonsense that was going on between Issei, Rias, and Asia. All she could think about was the upcoming Young Devils' Gathering and the training that Azazel was intending to give them.

I really want this, strange enough. Maybe I was built for Devil life this entire time if I'm this excited about a fighting tournament and another soul crushing training camp. Natsuki thought, enjoying the knowledge that she would once again be pushing past her limits and gaining new strength.

Huh, I'm not that much different than that asshole Vali, am I? Natsuki leaned her head back, looking at the back of the train and staring at the now sleeping Governor General, there was a lot about the Fallen that intrigued as much as annoyed her, especially as she knew there were more things that Azazel was keeping hidden.

I know Azazel knows more about Khaos Brigade than he's letting on, everything about this is irritating as hell.

"Rias Ojou-sama, communication with your servants is fine, but isn't an example of procedure also good?" Natsuki was pulled from her thoughts by the appearance of an elderly man dressed as a train conductor in the car.

"I-I'm sorry." Rias said as her cheeks turned red with embarrassment, making Natsuki wonder what she had missed for Rias to be acting like this.

"Ho-ho-ho, for the little princess to be concerned with the topic of men and women, I've lived a long life to be seeing this." The elderly train conductor said with a laugh, causing Rias' face to become redder.

The man took off his hat and bowed to them, "It is an honor to meet the princess' newest servants. I am Reynaldo, the conductor of the Gremory private train, pleased to make your acquaintance."

The new Devils stood and returned Reynaldo's polite greeting with ones of their own. And with the greetings finished, the conductor took out a unique machine and used it to capture the four on its monitor.

Seeing their confused reactions, Reynaldo laughed as he explained what he did, "This is a machine from the Devil world that checks to ensure that you are who you say you are. All modes of transport that formerly enter the Underworld require inspection, and in this current time, it would be quite serious if someone secretly occupied the train."

"Does it have to do with our Evil Pieces?" Natsuki asked, figuring that what was being used to check their identities.

"For the most part, your pieces are given designations once they're used, and when transmitted using machines like this, are registered as data in the Underworld. Although designations can also be given without holding an Evil Piece so long as you have something else that can prove your identity and that you have been given permission to travel." Rias explained further.

"Rias Ojou-sama, I have finished, now you can all rest and relax until we arrive at the scheduled station." Reynaldo stated.

"Thank you, Reynaldo. Is Azazel next?" Rias said as she turned to look at Azazel, seeing that he was sleeping soundly and sighing. "The nerve this man has, sleeping on a train car that is occupied by a race that were his enemies until just the other day."

Reynaldo laughed pleasantly, "Ho-ho-ho. The Governor of the Fallen Angels is truly courageous or perhaps just audacious."

"Definitely audacious." Kiba muttered as they all knew that Azazel was a man who was bothered by almost nothing.

After another hour, the group heard an announcement, a warning for the break that they were soon approaching.

"We will momentarily be breaking through the dimensional wall. Please remain seated."

"Try looking outside." Rias told her newer servants with a grin.

Through the window, the scenery changed, and a landscape appeared, revealing a large forest that was surrounded by mountains and rivers. The break in the dimensional wall that the train had pierced through appeared like a smooth black hole, a tunnel that seemed to disappear just as quickly as it had formed. The forest around them was not empty, containing a bustling town with buildings that were all built with peculiar shapes and styles.

Rias sat back proudly at the awe she was seeing on their faces, "Everything you're seeing is a part of the Gremory territory."

"Then, is everything including these train tracks we've been running on until now, on the land of Buchou's family!?" Issei exclaimed.

Rias nodded at Issei's question, further shocking her newest servants.

Natsuki looked at Rias with a look of pure envy, "Rias, how large is the Gremory's territory?"

Kiba was the one to answer her question, "If I remember correctly, it's about the size of Honshu in Japan."

"H-Honshuuuuuuu!?" Issei shouted while Natsuki felt her jaw drop.

"The Underworld has about the same surface area as the human world, but the population here isn't the same, even with Devils, Fallen Angels, and other races, it isn't that high. And since there are no oceans, the land is even more spacious." Rias explained, "Oh, and I just remembered, since you four are part of my Peerage, territory will be given to you all later, so please tell me what places you want."

Rias then used her magic to make a map appear using it to show the expanse of the Gremory territory. "You're all the servant Devils of the next family head so living in my territory as part of the Gremory group is permitted. Akeno, Yuuto, Koneko, and even Gasper possess land within my territory."

Natsuki immediately jumped out of her seat and kneeled in front of her King, looking at her with a serious expression. "Can we do whatever we want on and with the land you give us? What else do we get as your servants? Why haven't you-"

The dark-haired teen was knocked away from Rias and was lying face down on the floor as Koneko stood over her with her fist raised.

"You're acting like Ise-senpai when he thinks of breasts, Natsuki-senpai." Koneko said as she put her hand down, looking entirely unrepentant of her actions while also ignoring the offended noise Issei made.

Akeno smiled as she kneeled by Natsuki's head, "Ara, Natsuki-chan, it's not nice to covet what other people have while demanding more."

"Who gives a shit?!" Natsuki yelled, lifting her head and resting her weight on her hands before looking back at the heiress. "Why didn't you tell us about this before?!"

Rias gave the younger Devil a deadpanned look, her dry tone going along with it, "You know, I'm starting to think you only joined and stayed with my Peerage because of the monetary benefits as opposed to anything else."

"Of course I did! Did you think I would stick around you danger magnet bastards if I got nothing out of it?!" Natsuki said just before Koneko punched the back of her head again.

Rias shook her head before looking at Natsuki, Issei, Asia, and Xenovia with an amused smile, "The red areas on the map are places that have already been taken, but anywhere else is okay. Now then, please point at the land you like, I'll give it to you."

I'm going to find out everything I can do with this land. Ha! I own land now, becoming a Devil was the best thing to ever happen to me. Natsuki thought.

---

 

After another ten minutes, the train finally arrived at the Gremory family's main residence, and outside waiting for them was a large crowd of people with patrol of soldiers wearing the Gremory crest on their armor at the train's entrance.

"Are, you're not getting off, sensei?" Issei asked as the group began moving towards the exit only to see Azazel still sitting.

Azazel waved his hand boredly, "Yeah, I plan to keep going through Gremory territory and head to the Maou's territory. I have a meeting with Sirzechs and the others there, a so-called invitation. Since it's close to the main residence, I'll come after I go see them and finish my greetings."

Natsuki only shook her head as she turned to walk off the train, looking over the large crowd.

"Welcome home, Rias Ojou-sama!" The crowd cheered the moment Rias stepped off the train.

Immediately, fireworks were set off, soldiers aimed their guns at the sky and fired, and an orchestra began to play. One soldier who rode on top of a large creature flew in the sky and was happily waving a flag around.

The newer Peerage members could only stand there, feeling out of place at the spectacle while everyone else was clearly accustomed to it.

"So many people..." Gasper whispered, hiding behind Issei.

"Does this happen every time you guys come back here?" Natsuki asked as she looked at the crowd.

"Rias is deeply loved by everyone who calls the Gremory territory home." Akeno answered before smirking, "You should see what happens when it's time for us to leave."

Natsuki snorted, "I could imagine."

Along with the soldiers, there was a small group of maids and butlers waiting for them, and they simultaneously bowed their heads as Rias approached. "Welcome back, Rias Ojou-sama."

Leading the group was Grayfia, the silver haired woman bowing to Rias, "Welcome back, Ojou-sama. Above all, it's good that you were safe while traveling. Now then, all family members, please board the carriage, we'll be going to the main residence with this."

Grayfia led the Peerage to two large and gorgeous looking carriages while the maids took the luggage off the train and place it all on top of each.

Natsuki had ended up in the second carriage with Akeno, Kiba, Koneko, and Gasper, staring out the window as the carriage moved down the road. And before she knew it, a large castle came into view and outside the building, beautiful flowers bloomed, water flowed out of a magnificently modelled fountain, and birds flew about.

"You have that look on your face again, senpai." Koneko drawled, looking at Natsuki with an unimpressed expression.

"It's like watching a starving person stare at a steak." Kiba said, smiling as he shook his head.

"Natsuki-senpai really likes the fancy things in life." Gasper said from behind his paper bag mask.

"Piss off." Natsuki said as she looked back at the others.

Akeno laughed, "Is this behavior something we should get used to the longer we're here?"

Natsuki rolled her eyes before returning her attention to the passing scenery, once again hit with proof of how opulent the High-Class Devils were. As they disembarked from the carriages, more maids and butlers stood on either side of a red carpet that was stretched out towards the castle.

"Ojou-sama, and all the members of her group, please, advance forward." Grayfia said with another bow as she urged the teenagers forward.

After taking a few steps, a small silhouette broke out from the line of maids and ran towards Rias, quickly embracing her. The person hugging her was a small redhaired boy who bore a striking resemblance to Rias, "Rias Nee-sama! Welcome back!"

Rias lovingly hugged the boy back, "I missed you so much, Millicas! Look at how big you've gotten since I've been gone."

"U-Umm, Buchou. Who is this child?" Issei asked.

Rias' smile grew as she introduced her new servants to the young boy, "This is Millicas Gremory. My nephew and Sirzechs Onii-sama's son."

That idiot reproduced? The horror. Natsuki thought.

Millicas stood straighter, "Yes. I am Millicas Gremory, it is nice to meet you."

Issei was taken aback by how polite Millicas was and by the fact that he was Sirzechs' son, and was tense as he bowed, his expression giving away his nervousness. "I-I accept your polite greeting! I-I'm...No, I am Hyoudou Issei!"

Natsuki let out a snort, smirking as Issei glared at her before looking back at Millicas, "It is nice to meet you as well, Millicas-sama. I am Sukehiro Natsuki."

"I am Asia Argento, pleased to meet you, Millicas-sama." Asia said with a bow.

Xenovia followed to suit, "And I am Xenovia Quarta, my lord."

Rias looked at the four with amusement, "Because the title of Maou is one that is given and can only be held by four people at a time, this child is a Gremory even though he's my brother's son. He's also next in line for family head after me."

Natsuki thought this made sense, the four new Maous were expected to leave their family name and the things that came with it behind when they ascended to prevent favoritism and a consolidation of power and resources. If they allowed their children and other descendants to take their given titles as names of their own, then that would defeat the purpose of electing new rulers and may lead to the same problems that created the Old and New Satan Factions, and the civil war fought between them again.

And because Pureblood Devils have been struggling to reproduce, allowing them to take the name of their Maou parent's family and be considered in that family's line of succession, it could help curtail the population nosedive and keep those select houses from possible extinction.

Rias held hands with her nephew as the group headed towards the gate, and as they entered the castle, each of the building's inner gates opened one by one. When they arrived at the entry hall, there was a large set of stairs leading to the second floor, a chandelier on the ceiling, and various paintings lining the walls.

"Ojou-sama, I'd like to show everyone to their rooms at once." Grayfia raised her hand, and a few maids suddenly appeared.

"I see, then, I suppose we'll let everyone rest in their respective rooms for now. Has the baggage been carried in already?"

"Yes. There should be no problem with using your room right now."

"Ara, Rias. So, you've returned." Everyone looked up and watched as Venelana Gremory descended the stairs, looking at her daughter with a warm smile.

"Mother." Rias said as she hugged Vanelana.

Everyone else in the Peerage bowed to the Gremory matriarch, "Greetings, Venelana-sama."

Venelana chuckled, "I see your Peerage has gotten larger since the Rating Game."

"Yes, this is my newest servant and Knight, Xenovia Quarta." Rias said as she waved the girl closer.

Xenovia gave Venelana a deep bowed, "It is an honor to meet you, Gremory-sama."

"Oh, Venelana is fine my dear." Venelana said before looking at the half-vampire hiding behind Issei. "And I see that you have gotten Gasper-kun out of his box."

Gasper flinched when Venelana's eyes landed on him, shaking as he fully hid behind Issei.

Rias sighed at the display, "We still have a few things to work on."

"I see." Venelana chuckled, "Now, I shall not keep you all long, I will allow you to put your things away and freshen up, dinner will be in a few hours."

---

 

Natsuki did not know where exactly she was in the Gremory castle, having left her room shortly after her luggage had arrived and started to wander around.

But now she stood in a large room, its walls lined with various portraits, many of whom were good-looking Devils with crimson hair. Underneath each portrait was the Devil's name and the number along with their placement, that denoted when they took the title of Duke and control over the Gremory clan.

She had already caught sight of Zeoticus' portrait, the man looking the same as he did now, except he was wearing rich red and black robes and a crown on his head.

She wondered what each of the Dukes and Duchesses that she saw had accomplished in their lives, what triumphs and failures they took part in.

"They are majestic, are they not?" Natsuki flinched at the sudden voice and when she turned around, Grayfia was standing behind her.

Natsuki was not used to people being able to sneak up on her so casually and forced herself to relax. "Something like that."

"Have you gotten lost, Sukehiro-san? Dinner." Grayfia asked.

Natsuki shook her head, "I wanted to explore the castle, I apologize if I wasn't supposed to enter this room, Grayfia-san."

"This room is not off limits, and I am sure that Venelana-sama would take kindly to knowing that her décor has been appreciated." Grayfia said.

"So, it was her idea to have this room made?"

"She wished to properly show off the prestige of House Gremory, but most of these portraits were made before she became lady of the house. Venelana-sama had the others created after the idea came to her."

Natsuki hummed, brushing a finger against the wooden frame of a portrait that sat next to Zeoticus', of a redhaired woman with drooping eyes that bore a strong resemblance to Rias.

The two fell into a short silence as Natsuki stared at the portrait, with it being broken when Grayfia said something she was not expecting. "I wish to thank you, Sukehiro-san."
Natsuki turned to face the woman, "Thank me for what?"

"For saving Rias Ojou-sama from her marriage to Riser-sama." Grayfia clarified.

"I thought you wanted Rias to marry him." Natsuki sad, "You seemed to admonish Rias for trying to get out of it when you announced the Rating Game to our Peerages."

Grayfia's face remained expressionless, but Natsuki could feel the woman's guilt, "Rias Ojou-sama is the heiress of the Gremory clan, she does not have the same luxury as others when it comes to following her desires, she must put her house first, even before herself."

"And Riser would have been a strong husband, physically and politically, even if his personality leaves a lot to be desired." Natsuki said, understanding what Grayfia was saying. "Especially as the population of Pureblood Devils is decreasing while the population of Reincarnated Devils is increasing, not to mention most of the Seventy-Two Pillars having already gone extinct."

Even now, Natsuki was sure that Reincarnated Devils outnumbered their Pureblood counterparts, but Purebloods were still overall richer and far stronger, which allowed them to maintain power even as they are starting to become the minority. And a big factor in this is the Evil Piece system, most Reincarnated Devils are not strong enough to strike out on their own, and even the few who have, still maintain ties to their old Peerage, so in a way, they are still empowering the pervious King and their house.

"That is the reason why Gremory-sama and Phenex-sama made the marriage pact in the first place. House Gremory would have greatly benefited from the match, although Rias Ojou-sama would have been unhappy."

It was a strange thing for Grayfia to come to terms with, she had known Rias since the day she was born, had watched her grow up, and to see Rias so genuinely hurt when Zeoticus and Velelana revealed that she would marry Riser, and see the lengths Rias went to avoid that fate hurt beyond belief. It was hard for the Devil to come to terms with wanting to see Rias happy while also wanting to see House Gremory prosper.

"I didn't do much, and I think most people would do the same thing in my position."

Grayfia shook her head, "That is an understatement, for I do not believe most would risk their lives and give their body to a dragon to save someone that they scantly know. It is the mark of a good persona with strong convictions."

Natsuki looked away from Grayfia and crossed her arms, "Well, Riser had a very punchable face, you know. And the thought of marrying him, made Rias sad enough to cry, so something had to be done."

A faint smile appeared on Grayfia's face as she watched Natsuki refuse to take her compliment, but the smile soon fell away. "I would also like to apologize."

Natsuki did not respond, waiting for the woman to explain herself.

"I know that Lucifer-sama spoke to you and Hyoudou-san about how you both came to join Rias Ojou-sama-"

"Grayfia-san." Natsuki interrupted, "It was Sirzechs-sama who came up with this idea, yes? And he asked you to take part?"

"My master did." Grayfia admitted.

"Then I don't think I can fault you for going along with what your King, Maou, and husband asked you to for his own desires and plans. And I've had some time to reflect about everything, and even though I hate what he did, I understand why he did what he did." Natsuki explained.

Even if I still want to punch in his stupid, sister obsessed face.

Grayfia blinked, "And you are not going to ask what I know about your lineage?"

"Are you going to tell me?" Natsuki gave her a deadpanned look.

"No, I would not." Grayfia said plainly.

"Figures." Natsuki muttered.

"But it is good to see happier than you used to be, even a year ago. Rias Ojou-sama and the others have had a positive impact on you." Grayfia said.

Wait-what? Natsuki knew that Sirzechs and Grayfia had been keeping an eye on her and that they had to have crossed paths with her due to Natsuki picking up on how familiar they felt, but the way Grayfia spoke made it seem as if they had been far closer to her than she previously thought.

Before she could ask, Grayfia began leading her out of the room, "Now come along, we have been keeping the others waiting long enough."

Ugh! This is the worst! Natsuki thought, once again having more questions than she did answers when it came to speaking of those in power, allowing Grayfia to quietly lead her away.

---

 

When the two entered the dining room, Natsuki saw the extravagant meal that had been put out, and they were the last the last ones to arrive.

"Why were with Grayfia?" Rias asked as Natsuki sat down.

"I lost track of time and Grayfia-san brought me here." Natsuki said.

Now that everyone was there Zeoticus smiled from his place at the head of the table, "Please enjoy yourselves without holding back."

Issei was starving but did not eat as ravenously as he wanted to because he did not want his crude eating to embarrass Rias. He dug into his food slowly, noting that Kiba, Akeno, and even Natsuki were impeccable in their table manners.

Gasper, who was sitting in front of Issei, was eating with his eyes squeezed shut, making Issei think about how hard the day had to be for his kouhai, after being surrounded by so many people.

But when Issei looked at Koneko and saw that she had not started eating, a strange sight as she usually would have been the first to heartily dig into and finish her meal. And as he thought about it, Issei realized that Koneko had been acting strange for most of the day. She had been quieter than usual, and was showing even less emotion, the only time Issei had seen her act normally was on the train when she hit Natsuki for acting greedy over the land that Rias had given them.

When Koneko met his gaze, she immediately averted her eyes, staring down at her untouched plate, which only made him more suspicious.

"Hey, are you okay, Koneko?" Natsuki asked from beside the girl, having seen what had just happened between Koneko and Issei, and also finding the girl's lack of appetite to be strange.

"...I'm fine, senpai." Koneko muttered, keeping her head down as she responded.

"If you're sure." Natsuki said as she went back to eating, occasionally glancing at Koneko afterwords.

Coming to the Underworld always reminded Koneko of her older sister, Kuroka, and all the terrible feelings that came with thinking about her for very long. Unlike on Earth, Koneko could not hide what she was and who she was related to, everyone in the Underworld knew of Rias Gremory's Nekoshou Rook.

Everyone knew what her sister had done all those years ago and looked at her with the same suspicion, as if waiting for the moment that Koneko screwed up so badly that being associated with the Gremory clan would not be enough to save her from persecution, from the revenge that they wished to take out on her in absence of Kuroka.

And Koneko knew this scrutiny would only grow worse once the Young Devils Gatherings commenced and she could no longer hide inside of the Gremory castle.

The tournament will be even worse. Koneko thought dejectedly.

She wanted to do her best in the Rating Games, for Rias and the rest of the Peerage, but the thought of using her Senjutsu terrified her beyond belief, and so she resolved herself to not rely on it, even though her thoughts kept straying towards the idea.

Senjutsu was what made her once loving and kind sister lose her mind and slaughter their pervious King, and Koneko could not take the risk of ending up like Kuroka, not now and not ever.

What if I hurt someone, or worse? I can't let that happen, I can't be like her.

Koneko would just have to use the upcoming sessions to make herself strong enough to not need such a tempting and evil power. She did not want to worry her friends about this, but Koneko was counting down the days until they could finally return to the human world, taking her as far away from her past as possible.

---

 

The Next Day

Is it just a rich person thing to have a bunch of exotic animals? Natsuki thought as she stood in the garden of the Gremory castle, watching as a pack of peacocks were strolling about.

Did they have to get them from the human world or what?

The large garden was the last stop on tour that Rias had taken the Peerage of the Gremory lands, all of them except Issei who was currently being taught by a tutor hired by Rias' parents to teach Issei everything he needed to know about Devil society and nobility.

And Natsuki could not deny that she laughed a little bit when she saw the confused and despairing expression on Issei's face when he was dragged away to a classroom on what was supposed to be a vacation.

Knowing Issei, he's too oblivious to see that the reason he's the only one taking these classes is because Rias' parents are clearly banking on the prospect of him becoming their son in law. Issei will need to know how to move about noble circles if he's married to a Duchess.

"Who are you thinking badly of, Natsuki-chan?" Akeno asked when she noticed the smirk on Natsuki's face.

Natsuki blinked, "Eh? What are you talking about?"

"You only smirk like that when you're enjoying someone's misfortune." Akeno said, "I call it your evil smirk."

Natsuki schooled her features, making Akeno laugh knowingly as she now knew that she was right about her assumption.

"There you guys are!" Everyone turned to the entrance of the garden and saw Issei standing there, his hair frazzled and his eyes wide.

"Ise, are you done with you lesson for the day?" Rias asked.

Issei groaned, "That was worse than school! I don't think I've had to cram this much information into my head, Buchou!"

Rias smirked, "And it will only get worse, my mother won't allow you to stop taking those lessons until she is sure that you have retained everything."

This caused Issei to groan again and everyone else to smile and laugh at his misery.

Now that the tour was done and Issei had rejoined them, the group soon set off towards the Gremory train, taking it to the Maou owned territory. It took three hours and several long-distance jumps using teleportation circles that were imbued into the train tracks for them to reach their destination.

When the Peerage exited the train, they found themselves in the middle of a large city, not unlike the modern cities of the human world, with slightly different designs of its buildings and roads.

This is the city of Luciferd, it's the old capital of the Underworld where the previous Lucifer-sama lived. When our current Maou took over, the nearby city of Lilith was made the new capital and is also ruled by Sirzechs-sama." Kiba explained.

"So, I assume that all of the Maous had cities that they lived in and that were named after them?" Natsuki asked.

"They do, although each city, like Luciferd, are different from how they used to be during the Old Maous' time." Kiba said, "We're going to change over to the subway from here to avoid the traffic that can often be found on the roads."

Issei let out a snort, "Devils have to deal with traffic jams?"

Kiba laughed, "Luciferd is the second most populated city in the Underworld, so the sheer volume of people moving about can become a lot.

"But would it not be easier and faster to teleport to your location than take a subway or a car?" Xenovia asked.

"It would, but the cities are places where teleportation is heavily regulated for security reasons; it makes it easier to keep track of where people are and where they are going." Rias said, "Especially because we share this realm with a few other races."

As they walked, Natsuki wondered if this came to be about because of Reincarnated human Devils assimilating into Devil culture, bringing along their own customs and ideas with them.

As they reached the subway platform, a high-pitched cheer from a group of Devils looking at Rias with longing gazes, drew the group's attention. "Kyaaah! Princess Rias-samaaaaaaa!"

"I thought Buchou was just popular with the people who live on her land, is she popular here too?" Issei asked out loud.

"Buchou is the younger sister of a Maou, what's more, she's also beautiful, so she's a sought-after target among Low and Mid-Class Devils." Akeno explained.

"...So many Devils..." Gasper whined in a panicked fashion from behind Issei, shaking in place as she gripped the back of Issei's shirt.

"Don't worry about them, Gasper. I don't think they care much about looking at you, not when they have Rias-Buchou in front of them." Natsuki told the younger boy, and this did relax Gasper slightly.

"How troublesome." Rias complained, "Let's switch over to the underground train quickly, before this becomes an uproar."

"What? You don't want to say hello to your adoring fans?" Natsuki asked, grinning at the older Devil.

Rias glared at Natsuki, "No, I do not."

Natsuki chuckled, but before Rias could say anything else, pushed Issei to stand next to Rias while pulling Akeno to stand closer to her, and then stood directly behind Rias. The rest of the Peerage followed Natsuki's example and were now surrounding on three sides, Rias' eyes widened before a grateful smile as she looked at her servants.

"Rias-samaaaaaaaa!" Another group of men shouted as the Peerage moved toward their private subway car.

Rias waved her hand at a group of men, a strained smile gracing her lips and walking just a bit faster.

The subway ride was far faster than the train, only taking them about five minutes before they arrived at a platform that sat underneath the tallest building in the city. Once they left the subway car, the Devils boarded an elevator that had been placed at the other end of the underground basement.

"Everyone, I'll say this once; no matter what happens, stay calm, and no matter what is said, don't start a fight. The people above are our future rivals; we mustn't show them anything unsightly that can be used against us." Rias' voice was that of someone who was prepared for battle and did not intend to lose as she spoke.

"Yes, Buchou." The servants declared.

The elevator eventually came to a stop at the top floor and when the door opened, an employee was there waiting for them, bowing slightly to Rias and the others. "Welcome, Gremory-sama. Please come this way."

The employee led the Peerage through a long passageway, and as they rounded a corner, there were several figures standing there, blocking the path.

"Sairaorg?" Rias exclaimed, recognizing one of the people standing there.

The person Rias called out to, turned, smiling as he saw Rias and began making his way towards them. He was a handsome young man with black hair and violet eyes; he was very tall and had a muscular build along with a face resembled Rias'.

Sairaorg's smile grew as he shook Rias' hand, "It's been a while, Rias."

"Yeah, I missed you, it's good to see that you're doing well. There are also people here who haven't met you yet." Rias said as she looked back at her newest servants, "Everyone, this is Sairaorg, he's my cousin on my mother's side."

Sairaorg looked at everyone, "I'm Sairaorg Bael, the next head of the Bael family."

Bael, like the famous Great King? Natsuki thought before she remembered why the Devils looked so familiar to her, "Wait, I remember you, you were at the victory party held after our Rating Game with Riser."

Sairaorg laughed, "Glad to know that I left an impression on the Golden Dragon Empress without even having said a word."

He really does remind me of the sun, like if I keep staring at him for too long, I'll be blinded by his brilliance. I think I want to fight him.

"You two met?" Rias asked as she looked between her cousin and Pawn.

Natsuki shook her head, "No, we just saw each other from across the ballroom."

She did not know how to really explain how both her and Sairaorg had been sizing each other up during that brief interaction, not without it sounding strange.

"So, what are you here, outside the reception hall?" Rias asked Sairaorg, making the mental not to ask Natsuki further about what happened during the victory party.

"Ah, we came out here because things had started to become hectic in there." Sairaorg said as he turned around, an expression of dislike appearing on his face. "Agares and Astaroth have already arrived and Zephyrdor arrived last. Immediately after he arrived, Zephyrdor and Agares started arguing, I came out here with my Peerage to try and get away from it."

After Sairaorg said this, a loud explosion could be heard coming from nearby, causing the building to shake quickly after. Worried by it, and without hesitation, Rias went towards the set of big doors from which the noise had come from.

"Geez, this is why I advised not having us all meet before the meeting." Sairaorg sighed, following Rias along with his servants.

When Rias opened the doors, they saw that the reception hall was completely destroyed, tables, chairs and decorations were thrown about and smashed beyond repair.

All the Devils inside were split into two camps, weapons drawn, and both groups were glaring at each other from two sides of the room. One side was made of Devils with goblin-like features while the other side seemed to be made of relatively ordinary humanoid Devils.

"Zephyrdor, can you not help starting a fight at a place like this? Do you want to die? Do you really want to die? If so, I'll gladly acquiesce your cry for help." A beautiful female Devil with long, pale greenish blonde hair, long slit pink eyes, glasses and wearing a revealing deep blue robe, said to the male Devil who was seemingly leading the other group of Devils.

The male Devil sneered at the female, "Hah! I'll say it again, bitch! The Agares' Onee-san really doesn't like being without her guards, now does she? Heh, is that why you're still a virgin who hasn't let a man come near her till now!? Geez, all the women of families of the Maous stink of virgins and are unbearable! So, I'll do a formal opening ceremony for you, maybe spreading you open will help remove that stick from your ass!"

He had a black magic-like tattoo on his face and upper body, green hair that was standing on its end, matching green eyes, and pointed ears. His upper body was bare and uncovered, and the ornaments on his pants jingled and clanked as he moved.

Heh, so there are delinquents in the other world as well. No matter how you look at him, he's a delinquent. Issei thought, wondering why the Devil was sexually harassing this beautiful woman. "What is even going on here?"

Sairaorg, having heard Issei, explained the situation, "This place is a waiting hall where we must remain on standby until the meeting begins. To explain it better, the young Devils gather here and give each other small greetings. However, by gathering so many hot-blooded people in one place, problems like this also come up. The old Devils of the old families and High-Class Devils can't help but think this is a good thing. I don't want to have anything to do with such a useless thing, but it can't be helped."

So, this is a place where the Higher up want the spoiled rich kids to get their grievances out of the way before the meeting can begin? Natsuki thought,

Sairaorg then adjusted his neck with a snap and stepped forward, walking to the two teams, intent on ending the dispute.

Issei's eyes widened as he watched Sairaorg move, "Is he really going to-"

"Ise, Natsuki, watch Sairaorg carefully." Rias told her Pawns.

"Y-Yes, but why? Because he's your cousin?" Issei asked.

"No, because he's number one among the young Devils." Rias responded.

"I knew it." Natsuki muttered, watching the Bael heir more closely than before.

"Seriously!? Number one!? As in the strongest!?" Issei exclaimed.

Sairaorg stood in between the two sides, forcing the two arguing Devils to look at him. "That's enough. Don't dishonor the Agares family by humoring him, Seekvaira, we all know that he's the problem child of the Glasya-Labolas."

"Fuck you, jackass!" Zephyrdor yelled, "Shit talking like that to me will get your ass beaten into the ground!"

Sairaorg smiled as he cracked his knuckles, "I know it's strict, but this is your last warning. Depending on your next words and actions, I'll be happy to show you the door."

Seekvaira frowned and looked away, knowing that Sairaorg would fully carry out his threat and not wanting to bring the wrath of the Underworld's Strongest Youth down upon her.

But Zephyrdor had no such fear or reservations, a vein started throbbing on his forehead and taking a step closer to Sairaorg, cocking his fist back and preparing to punch Sairaorg. "Ha! I'm not afraid of the useless Bael family's talentless dog!"

Faster than any of them could see, Sairaorg closed in on Zephyrdor and punched him in the stomach, hitting him so hard that he was sent flying into the wall on the other side of the reception hall. The wall cracked behind Zephyrdor and when he fell off it, he had already lost consciousness, falling face first onto the floor.

"I told you, that was your last warning." Sairaorg said.

He didn't use Demonic Power or magic on his body. Natsuki thought, as she started at Sairaorg wide eyed. Is he just that physically strong or is it something else?

But as she focused on Sairaorg, Natsuki realized that the amount of Demonic Power that she could feel from him was incredibly miniscule. If she had to scale him, Natsuki would say that Sairaorg had even less Demonic Power than Issei.

"You bastard!"

"Damn Bael family!" The green haired Devil's servants yelled, nearly rushing forward after seeing their master be defeated so easily.

"Look after your master, that's the first thing you should do. Even if you turn your swords towards me, you will gain nothing. Make sure your master recovers, the gathering will be starting soon." Sairaorg told the Peerage, not phased by the murderous glares they were throwing his way.

Zephyrdor's Peerage stopped moving and then ran over to where their master had fallen, a few still glaring at the Bael heir.

Sairaorg turned to look at Seekvaira, "There's still time. Put your make-up on again, it wouldn't do to attend the function after looking as if you've been fighting."

"I-I understand." Seekvaira said before turning back and leaving the hall along with her Peerage.

"He's so cool." Issei whispered, charmed by Sairaorg's behavior and conduct.

"Are you getting a man-crush?" Natsuki asked jokingly.

"No! Can't a man acknowledge how impressive another man is without it being weird?!" Issei exclaimed.

"I didn't say it was." Natsuki smirked.

"You would never find me-"

"Ah, Hyoudou! Sukehiro!" Issei was unable to give Natsuki his usual tirade when they heard a familiar voice calling out their names. And when they turned around, the Kuoh Academy Student Council was there.

"Oh, its Saji, and the student council." Issei said.

"Hello, Rias, Hyoudou-kun, Sukehiro-chan." Sona said in greeting, "Are we going to just stand here? I was sure that the function would have begun by now."

Rias explained the situation to Sona, causing the bespectacled girl to frown.

"How disappointing and unsurprising." Sona said after learning about the fight.

Natsuki wondered just how common this was for Sona to be so resigned by it all and for Sairaorg to say that he wanted nothing to do with it.

---

 

A few minutes later, the reception hall had been restored by the magic of the building's staff, and the young Devil had gathered amongst themselves again and were all sitting down and exchanging greetings with each other.

At a table that sat directly in the center of the room, sat Rias of the Gremory family; Sona, of the Sitri family; Sairaorg, of the Bael family, Seekvaira, of the Agares family, and Zephyrdor of the Glaysa-Labolas family. Along with these five, the sixth and final High-Class Devil was a gentle-looking, handsome young man with blond hair and eyes that were closed.

Each King had their servants standing behind them, and each servant was sizing up their counterparts, even if they knew that nothing would come from it for some time.

"I am Seekvaira Agares. The next head of the Agares family, rank Archduke." Seekvaira greeted the others.

Once Seekvaira sat down, Rias went next, "Nice to meet you. I'm Rias Gremory, the next head of the Gremory family, rank Duke."

Sona followed Rias, "I'm Sona Sitri, the next head of the Sitri family, rank Prince."

"I'm Sairaorg Bael, I'm the next head of the Bael family, rank Great King." Sairaorg said majestically.

"Zephyrdor, next head of the Glaysa-Labolas family, rank Count." Zephyrdor said tersely, still glaring at Sairaorg and wincing as he sat down, still in pain from the punch Sairaorg had given him.

"I'm Diodora Astaroth, the next head of the Astaroth family, rank Duke. Please take care of me, everyone." The blond Devil said gently.

Why is this even necessary? I'm pretty sure these guys all know each other, all of them are heirs to some of the highest-ranking families in the Underworld, and five out of six of them are related in some way to one of the four Maous so why do they need to introduce themselves? Natsuki thought, finding this all tedious as she watched the six Kings converse with each other.

But I suppose the pomp and the illusion of superiority is the point.

Rias explained to her Peerage the other day that unlike other gatherings, this one would only be composed of six Kings and their servants, instead of the usual amount and the non-noble born High-Class Devils. And this was done purely because Sirzechs, the other Maous, and the many of the Devil elders believed that these six were far above the other High-Class Devils of their age group, and would be far more useful in the coming years, especially with the reemergence of the Old Satan Faction.

"Hey, Issei, don't make such a stupid face." Saji said to his fellow Pawn while sighing.

Issei, who had been staring at the six sitting Devils and their Peerages with unease and awe, turned to Saji. "But isn't this a meeting of High-Class Devils? I can't help being tense, they all seem strong."

"What are you saying? You're the Sekiryuutei, right? Shouldn't you be a bit more dignified and confident about your strength?" Saji asked incredulously.

Issei shook his head, ""Even if you say that-wait, why are you getting angry about it, Saji?"

"As Devil servants, we must behave with dignity since everyone here is an opponent and are not only the Kings of each Peerage, but their subordinates as well. So, if you act like that, you're being rude to Rias-senpai as well. Be a bit more aware, you're the Sekiryuutei of the Gremory group, after all." Saji said fiercely.

Issei was taken aback by the change in Saji's demeanor, watching as a bitter smile appeared on Saji's face.

"So, you shouldn't act so awestruck and naïve because you're senpai's prided servant. Even I would like to be the pride of Kaichou."

Buchou's prided servant? I'm not her prided servant, if anything, her prided servant should be Akeno-senpai or Kiba, or even Natsuki! What is Saji talking about? Issei thought, not knowing why

Before he could think more of Saji's comments the second pair of doors at the other end of the reception hall swung open and a staff member came inside.

"Sorry for making you all wait for so long. Please, enter, everyone is waiting."

The room that the young Devils were all led to was bare except for a table that was placed high above the ground and had a group of people sitting at it. The table had multiple layers to it, a visual representation of the power and authority each person had based on how high and low they were placed.

Natsuki ignored most of them, her attention focused on the four youngest looking people sitting at the very top of the table. Of those four she recognized two, Sirzechs and Serafall were not wearing their usual clothing and instead wearing rich and overflowing robes. The other two men, Natsuki did not know, but knew had to be the other two Maous; Beelzebub and Asmodeus.

Sitting next to Serafall, was a bewitchingly beautiful and attractive young man that looked as if he was his early twenties, with light blue eyes and green hair that was slicked back, and an aura around him, that made him seem more Devilish to Natsuki than the other three Maous even from far away.

And next to the green haired Maou, was a tall bald man with a goatee. He was handsome but in a rugged way compared to Sirzechs and the other male Maou, and unlike the other three Maous, was sleeping, showing the apathy he held for this event.

Even then, I can feel the power flowing through him. So, this is the pinnacle of Devil society? The strongest among the strong who were made into Kings? Natsuki thought, a sense of hunger manifesting within her.

The six young Devils stood in a single line before the great table, and behind them, these Devils had their servants lined up in single file.

An elderly male Devil stood and spoke with a solemn voice while clasping his hands together. "Good, you have gathered. In order to check the worthiness of you all, you who will carry the burden of the next generation, you have been gathered here. This is also a meeting that is performed over a regular cycle, so that we can ascertain the quality of our Devils."

"They seem to have fought right away, though." A mustached Devil said sarcastically, his eyes falling on Seekvaira and Zephyrdor.

Clearing his throat, Sirzechs was the next to speak, "You six Devils are the next generation and have pedigree and true ability that no objection can be raised against. That's why, I want you to compete against each other before your debuts and increase your power in this way."

"Will we also eventually be sent out in the battle against the Khaos Brigade?" Sairaorg suddenly asked, surprising most.

"I don't know. However, I don't want to send out young Devils if possible." Sirzechs answered.

Sairaorg furrowed his brow, "Why? Even if we're young, we carry part of the responsibility of devils. If we just coddled by our predecessors at this age and nothing further is done-"

"Sairaorg, I acknowledge your bravery. However, you're reckless, and above all, I'd like to avoid sending you all, who are still in the midst of growing, to the battlefield. Besides, it would be too great a loss if we lost even one of you, you are all more important to us than you think. That's why I want you to gain more experience by taking things step by step instead of being thrown into the fire and forced to sink or swim."

"I understand, Sirzechs-sama." Sairaorg said, but his dissatisfied expression remained on his face.

After that, the Higher-Ups ignored the young heirs and their Peerages and spoke about the upcoming games with the Maous, giving their opinions on who should fight who, what events each game should consist of, and the security measures that should be implemented.

"Now then, I apologize for keeping you all with this long talk. Well, we all see our dreams and hopes in you, young ones. I want you to understand at least that. You are the treasures of the underworld." Sirzechs said as everyone hung on to the sincerity of his words. "To finish things, will you now let us hear your respective future goals?"

Sairaorg was the fist to answer Sirzechs' question, "My dream is to become a Maou!"

"It's unprecedented for a Devil from the Great King family to leave it." One of the elderly Higher-Ups said after hearing Sairaorg declare his dream without hesitation.

Sairaorg was undeterred, "When the people of the Underworld can no longer deny my strength, I will become a Maou."

The conviction in his words alone was enough to convince most that Sairaorg could accomplish his goal, that nothing and no one would be able to stop him.

Rias went after her cousin, "My goal for the near future is to become the next Gremory head, and to win in each Rating Game battle that I compete in."

I see, so that's Buchou's dream and goal. How reliable, that's so like Buchou. Alright! We servants will do our best for the sake of Buchou's dream! Issei thought, stealthily pumping his fist.

With a cocky swagger, Zephyrdor announced his dream, "My dream is to become an Ultimate-Class Devil and to bag as many sexy ladies as possible."

Most of the women in the room rolled their eyes at the second part of Zephyrdor's declaration, while Zephyrdor's Peerage politely clapped for him.

Seekvaira gave Zephyrdor a glare before clearing her throat and speaking, "My dream is to bring the Agares to further heights once I become head of my family."

After Seekvaira, was Diodora, "My dream is to succeed my father as the head of the Astaroth family, and to do everything in my power to support our Great Maous."

Natsuki did not know why, but there was something about Diodora that she felt was fake, which would not have mattered too much to her, if it was not for the way she noticed him occasionally staring at Asia.

I mean, Devils aren't shy about their attractions so maybe that's it and I'm just overthinking it. I'll tell Rias regardless, better to be overly cautious than to be caught unaware. Natsuki thought.

The last of the young Devils to come forward and state their dream was Sona, "My dream is to build a school for the Rating Games in the Underworld."

A school! Heh, so Kaichou wants to build a school. Issei thought, and while he felt admiration for her, the Higher-Ups scrunched up their eyebrows.

"If it's learning about Rating Games, isn't there already one for that?" One of them asked her.

"The one you are thinking of is a school where only High-Class Devils and Devils of privileged ranks are accepted. The school that I want to build is one where Low-Class Devils and Reincarnated Devils can also attend without any distinction." Sona said blandly.

So, a school without discrimination? Natsuki thought, seeing Sona's dream as an overall positive for Devil kind as it was possible for Reincarnated Devils to become Kings of their own Peerage, so why stifle their growth by keeping them from learning opportunities?

However, the Higher-Ups clearly did not see it this way, and their boisterous laughter soon filled the assembly hall.

"That's impossible!"

"This is just brilliant!"

"I see! So, you're a little girl with childish dreams!"

"It's good to be young! However, for the next head of the Sitri family to state such a dream, I have to say thank goodness that it was here at this place of introduction before your debut. Otherwise, you would have truly embarrassed yourself before the rest of high society!"

Issei leaned forward and spoke to Kiba, "I don't get it. Why was Kaichou being looked down on by these guys?"

"Even though the Underworld has changed much from the past, discrimination between the High-Class, Low-Class, and Reincarnated Devils still exists." Kiba whispered.

"What's with that? But weren't we welcomed normally by Buchou's family?" Issei asked.

Kiba frowned, "Ise-kun, the Gremorys are a family that has a lot of affection, they don't discriminate against humans or Low-Class Devils, but this is not the norm amongst Higher Class Devils, remember the House of Phenex?"

At Kiba's words, Issei remembered Riser Phenex, of how that Riser had looked down on him and Natsuki, both because they were Low-Class and servants.

"I'm serious." Sona said, her face expressionless.

The rest of her Peerage was angry enough on her behalf, Saji looked as if he was a few seconds from rushing at the table and fighting each person who dared mocked his King's dream.

Serafall nodded strongly in agreement, with her position as Maou, she could not openly support her younger sister and looked between a cross of worried and angry.

"Sona Sitri-Dono." A Higher-Up said coolly, "Low-Class Devils and Reincarnated Devils merely work for their High-Class masters and are only selected for their talent. Wouldn't building such a training institution make the old families, who value tradition and pride, lose face? No matter how much people say that the world of Devils has entered a period of change, change can be both good and bad, something like teaching mere Low-Class Devils really is nothing of your concern."

No longer able to hold his tongue, Saji jumped forward, "Why have you been looking down on Kaichou's-on Sona-sama's dream like that!? Why should you decide that it won't come true!? We're being serious here, you old wrinkly bastard!"

The man who Saji had held at sneered at him, "Be careful how you talk, young, Reincarnated Devil. Sona-Dono, your servant hasn't been properly trained."

"…I apologize. I'll speak to him later." Sona said while still not changing her expression.

"Kaichou! Why!? These people, they mocked your- our dream! Why are you staying silent!?" Saji asked, not able to understand her reaction or lack thereof.

"Saji, be silent. This isn't a place where you can display such an attitude, I simply told them my future goal. That's all."

"But, Kaichou-" Sona narrowed her eyes as she looked at her Pawn, Saji wanted to say something else, but he held his tongue at the look she had given him.

"In that case! If my Sona-chan wins magnificently in the games, you won't have any complaints, right? Since things are usually granted to those who have good results in the games!" Serafall exclaimed.

Everyone was surprised by Serafall's sudden suggestion, along with the uncharacteristic look of anger that sat on her face.

Serafall's eyes began to water dramatically to go along with her rage, "Geez! You Oji-Samas are all joining forces to torment my Sona-chan! Even I have a limit to how much of such a terrible thing I can endure! If you bully her that much, I'll torment you as well!"

Sona covered her face in embarrassment as the Higher-Ups could only sit there confused, having trouble reacting to the female Maou's anger.

Natsuki let out a snort, while she was annoyed on Sona's behalf and questioning how sound of mind the Higher-Ups actually were, seeing Serafall's overwhelming love for her sister and Sona's embarrassment over it, was incredibly entertaining.

Natsuki schooled her features when both the King and Queen of her Peerage turned around to stare at her, having heard the noise. Rias looked unimpressed before pointing at Akeno, who lifted her hand and allowed a few crackles of lightning to dance between her fingers.

Oh, come on! That was funny as fuck! But Natsuki kept her expression blank, being reminded of what happened the last time she found joy in watching the Maous' loving their sisters.

"Very well. Then, let's play the games, between these young people." Sirzechs announced, drawing everyone's attention to him and off the Sitri sisters. "Rias, Sona, would you not like to fight each other?"

Rias and Sona stared at the redhaired Devil and then each other, blinking in surprise over what Sirzechs just asked.

Without minding them, Sirzechs continued, "Originally, it was planned for Rias' game to take place in a few days. Azazel has gathered Rating Game fans from each of the powers, under the pretext of watching the games of the young people before their debuts. So, let's hold the game with Rias and Sona first."

Rias let out a breath and then showed a defiant smile to the other king, which Sona returned with a scornful smile of her own.

"It may not be an official one, but it feels like fate to me that you would be my first Rating Game opponent, Rias."

"Now that we're competing with each other, I won't lose, Sona."

Sparks were practically flying between the two, a sudden showdown between childhood friends and the two Devil Peerages that attend Kuoh Academy. Both of whom had something that they needed to prove and dreams that hinged out the outcome of this fight.

"A match between Rias-chan and Sona-chan! Yes It may fire things up!" Serafall said happily.

"The date of the competition is August 20th in human world time. You may divide up your time as you like until then, the details will be sent again later." And by Sirzechs' decision, the Rating Game between Rias and Sona was official.

This is going to be all kinds of fun. Natsuki though, a grin sliding onto her face as she looked at the Peerage standing next to her.

Chapter 24: The Second Training Montage

Summary:

A second training montage for the Gremory Peerage in the lead up to their Rating Game against the Sitri Peerage....

"I see, so your first game will be with the Sitri group." Azazel said.

When the Peerage had returned to the Gremory residence after the gathering, it was Azazel who welcomed them back. Now, they were all sitting in the castle's living room, giving the Fallen Angel an account of the meeting.

"Today is July twenty-eight, in human world time. So, we have about twenty days until the day." Azazel muttered.

"I-Is this for our training?" Issei nervously asked.

"Naturally. I plan for you to start from tomorrow onwards. I've already considered each of your training menus."

"But is it okay for only us to receive advice from the Fallen Angel Governor? Isn't this like foul play or something?" Issei felt that it would not be fair and would undoubtedly lead to complaints from the other young Devils if they were to find out about this.

"Not really." Azazel sighed, "I intend to give my expertise to various Devils, including those who will be competing in the tournament as part of the Three Factions newly made alliance. The Angels, for example, will be doing a backing-up system. But even with my help, the rest will depend on the pride of the young Devils themselves, and if they truly want to get stronger."

The Fallen Angel then stood up and handed each Devil a piece of paper, each with training regimens that focused on the things they needed to improve on.

"Now, I've already gone over what each of you needs to do when we were back at Issei's house, so I won't repeat myself again. Tomorrow, each of you will be given special instructors or assignments that will take you to the next level, regardless of how some of you personally feel about your abilities. Because denying yourself makes you weak, accept everything about yourself, even the tough and painful things. Your primary focus should be to overcome your weaknesses by day of the battle, if not, you will become a mere obstruction in future battles and pull down the rest of your Peerage."

Azazel's gaze turned to Koneko and Akeno with his last sentence, harboring back to what he had told both girls in Issei's bedroom when first discussing each way that the each of the Gremory Devils' weaknesses.

Neither girl responded to Azazel's thinly veiled remark, Akeno looked annoyed, clearly tired of hearing that she needed to embrace those powers, while Koneko looked frustrated, her hands clenched at her sides and like she wanted to punch Azazel in the face.

Natsuki wanted to say something to them both, but did not think that it would do much to lift their spirits. There was also a part of her that agreed with Azazel's reasoning, even if she did not like the way that he was trying to force the issue.

She did not know what Koneko's secret ability was, but she knew that if it was like Akeno's, then it was deeply tied to feelings of self-hatred and to a singular figure whose actions had done them wrong in the past. But Natsuki knew that denying a part of yourself would just continue to do more harm for them both.

And as Natsuki was thinking this, Grayfia had teleported into the middle of the room, "Everyone, I have come to inform you that the hot spring bath is ready."

"Hot spring?" Issei immediately perked up.

Akeno chuckled at his reaction, "There is a Japanese-style hot spring that exists in the far corner of the Gremory's garden, Ise-kun."

"Seriously?! This is the best day ever!" Issei cheered, chanting excitedly about going to the hot spring.

"He does know that there will be a divider between the men's and women's sides, right?" Kiba asked with exasperation.

"He does, but just the proximity to boobs will be enough for him. Plus, knowing Issei, he'll probably find some way to get around that." Natsuki said dryly, remembering the last time the group had been together at a hot spring.

"He better not." Koneko muttered, cracking her knuckles as she gave Issei a dark look, causing the older boy to shudder.

Natsuki only shook her head before walking towards the door, "Well, you all enjoy your bath. Keep an eye out for annoying brown-haired perverts."

"Fuck you!" Issei yelled as Natsuki left the room with a wave thrown over her shoulder.

Azazel tilted his head, "Is there a reason that Natsuki doesn't want to join us?"

"Natsuki simply prefers to bathe alone." Rias said, although the look she was giving Azazel was a cold one.

What a loaded question. I didn't think it would garner this kind of response. Azazel thought, seeing the awkwardness that had now befallen the group of teenagers in front of him. And it made him wonder if he would get the same reaction if he asked Natsuki herself.

---

 

The Next Day

The Gremory Peerage were gathered in the Gremory family's garden, each dressed in their Kuoh Academy gym uniforms.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Natsuki asked Issei.

Issei kept his large grin on his face, "Because hot springs are amazing and coming to the Underworld was the best thing to ever happen to me!"

Yeah, I don't want to know. Natsuki thought.

"Now, I'm sure each of you took the time to read over each of your regimens, and as I said, you will each be given a teacher who will be there to help you." Azazel said to the Devils, dressed in the Kuoh Academy men's gym uniform.

"And where are these teachers?" Natsuki asked.

"You will be going directly to them, meeting them at different parts of the Gremory lands. With the exception of you three." Azazel said while pointing at Natsuki, Issei, and Rias.

"Huh? Why not us?" Issei asked.

Azazel looked up to the sky, a lazy smirk appearing on his face, "You're about to find out why."

Everyone else followed Azazel's gaze but saw nothing out of the ordinary and just as Issei started to feel doubtful, a large shadow suddenly appeared in the sky heading towards the group at extreme speed. When the figure landed, a cloud of dust was kicked up and the earth shook almost knocking the Devils off their feet.

When the dust cleared, in front of them was a fifteen-meter tall, western dragon. It had a triangular head with yellow horns, a pair of large, keen red eyes with lavender sclera, and serrated yet sharp canine teeth, and with the exception of its stomach, the inner portions of its long tail and its legs, that were beige in color, a majority of the dragon's body was covered in dark purple scales. It also had claws with long sharp, yellow nails, on his hands, and large bat-like wings with rigid tips.

"A dragon!" Issei exclaimed, staring wide-eyed at the creature.

"Yes, Issei, a dragon." Azazel said in a patronizing tone.

And just as he said this, the dragon changed its form in a flash of light, becoming slightly smaller and more humanoid looking, was standing on its hind legs and wearing black armored pauldrons that extend down to its arms and a loincloth decorated with metallic accessories.

"Azazel, you have some nerve openly entering Devil territory." The dragon said, glaring at the Fallen Angel.

Azazel laughed, "I've properly gotten the personal permission of the Maou-sama and have entered this territory fairly, you know? Do you have a complaint, Tannin?"

"Wait, you're Tannin? The Tannin?!" Natsuki asked, giving voice to what the others were thinking.

"Is he someone important?" Issei asked, looking at Tannin questioningly.

Azazel shook his head tiredly, "Honestly, Rias-chan, what are you teaching the boy? He doesn't even know who one of the former Five Great Dragon Kings is."

"Ise." Rias said, looking at him seriously, "The group of five, previously six, are legendary dragons said to be the strongest and most noble of dragons, with powers that rival those of Ultimate-Class Devils, and with the strongest of them considered on par with the Four Maous. Tannin himself has a reputation that is so renowned that he is mentioned in the Bible."

He's in the Bible?! Issei thought, remembering how shocking it had been to discover how Kokabiel was also mentioned in the Bible.

"And this guy is going to be your teacher." Azazel added, pointing to the enormous dragon, and grinning at Issei's shocked expression.

Issei's [Boosted Gear] appeared on his arm, the jewel on the center glowing as Ddraig spoke aloud, "Ah, how nostalgic, it's been some time, Tannin. Last time I saw you, you and the others were still known as the Six Great Dragon Kings."

"A long time ago, Tannin decided to become a Devil, so the Six Great Dragon Kings became the Five Great Dragon Kings. But even among the current reincarnated Devils, he is Ultimate-Class." Azazel explained, "Blaze Meteor Dragon Tannin, it's said that even his fire breath is equal to the impact of a meteorite, and he's one of the few legendary dragons that are still active right now. Sorry, Tannin, but please help with the training of this kid, I want you to teach him how to use a dragon's power from scratch."

"I came because of Sirzechs' request, so I will not refuse." Tannin said gruffly, a hint of excitement bleeding into his voice, "This will be my first time teaching someone who wields Ddraig, and you and Sirzechs are sure that my assistance will be required?"

"Issei is unable to achieve his Balance Breaker on his own, he really needs true dragon training."

"I see, so you're saying that you want me to torment this boy?" Tannin's eyes narrowed as he smiled viciously at Issei.

I-I'm going to die if I'm trained by such a monster, there's no way I'll be able to endure it! Issei took a step back, his face paling.

"Please control yourself, Tannin, my host is weaker than you think. He won't be able to handle what you're planning right out the gate." Ddraig said, sensing Issei's fear through their bond.

"It will be fine as long as he doesn't die, right?" Tannin asked, "Then just leave it to me, I'll do everything possible to whip your host into shape."

"The period is about twenty days in human world time, Tannin, and I'd like for him to reach Balance Breaker by then. Ise, work as hard as you can without dying." Azazel said, giving the Devil a thumbs up.

"Why is 'not dying' allows a perk with you?!" Issei asked the Fallen, and then gasping as Tannin reached down and picked him up with his claws.

"It's too bad that I'm only being given this one and not your host as well, Lux. Something tells me I'd enjoy a future encounter with her." Tannin said, turning in Natsuki's direction as his wings unfurled.

Natsuki's [Ethereal Domination] appeared, and Lux's voice rang out, "I see you have not changed much, Tannin. The issues my host has are not the same as Ddraig's, although, I cannot deny that you may be right Natsuki enjoying fighting you someday."

"Oh, is that so? Is Lux right, little one?" Tannin asked Natsuki.

"I haven't fought a dragon before, can't say that I'm not wondering how it would go." Natsuki replied, causing Tannin to laugh.

"Don't have a casual conversation while I'm dangling like this!" Issei yelled, screaming further as Natsuki had the gall to smile and wave at him.

He only stopped yelling at Natsuki when Rias stood next to the other girl, catching Issei's attention as she spoke to him, her arms crossed as she gave him a stern look. "Ise, get it together and take this seriously! I'm counting on you to do your best and awaken your Balance Breaker when I see you again, okay?!"

Issei sighed, reluctantly smiling to himself as he knew that his fate was now sealed, "Right, I forgot that our King becomes a full-blown dominatrix when it comes to training. If only she was the one doing the whipping instead of this guy."

Issei's eyes widened as Tannin pushed himself into the air and began to fly away from the garden, "Argh! This sucks!"

"That's not going to happen to us, right?" Natsuki asked, referring to herself and Rias as she watched Issei and Tannin disappear from view.

Azazel chuckled, "No, you two are not going to be taken like that, Rias-chan's teacher is already here, while you, Natsuki, will be going directly to yours. I couldn't have your teaching coming directly here, not with Ddraig's presence all over the place, she would kill all of us just to get to him if I did something like that."

Oh, I see. Natsuki heard Lux say inside her mind, hearing the tinge of apprehension in the she-dragon's voice.

What? What's wrong? Natsuki thought.

Lux took a moment to respond. I know who your teacher will be.

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

It is a good thing, she has never had an issue with me, and I can say that she will make you stronger with her training. Although do not mention Ddraig in her presence, and you should spray yourself with perfume before we leave, just to be sure that she cannot smell him and Issei on you. Lux said.

This did not answer her question, and it only made her wonder what Ddraig could have done to have both Azazel and Lux note that her mysterious teacher would have a score to settle with him.

Rias furrowed her brow, "What do you mean my teacher is already-"

"Rias-chan." Rias flinched, her face paling as she turned around and saw her mother standing behind her.

"That's what I meant." Azazel said with a gleeful smile at Rias' reaction, "As the King of your Peerage, a question is to be asked, are you the brains or brawns of your team? A good King is both and neither because they know when to fight and when to lead based on how to use their pieces to the fullest. And it's for this reason why you will be pushing both your mind and body to their absolute limits, you can't just rely on what you already know and your base strength as a Pure-Blood Devil forever. Not unless you want to end up like your ex-fiancé, Riser."

Rias frowned, remembering how reliant Riser had been in his immortality and flames during their Rating Game, only for Lux, who was controlling Natsuki's body, to basically break Riser's will to fight, all while Rias could only watch. Then there was the fight against Kokabiel, and Rias thought about how useless she felt when Kokabiel blocked or threw back each of her attacks, showing just how far below him, she was.

I have to be better, and if training with my mother is what I need to do, then so be it! Rias thought.

"You will have nothing to worry about, my dear." Venelana said to Rias, "I will do everything in my power to ensure that you are strong enough to win your Rating Game."

"O-Okaa-sama?" Rias' voice cracked, her face became even more pale as she was suddenly brought back to her childhood, lost in the memories of how Venelana had first taught her how to use her Power of Destruction. A shudder raced down her spine, and Rias could have sworn that she felt her mother's evil gaze on her back, knowing that the woman would not hold back for the next twenty days.

Azazel looked away from the horrified King and towards Kiba and Xenovia, "Now, our two Knights will be heading towards the mouth of the river. You will both be sharing a master who Sirzechs believes will be perfect for you, maybe even teach you some real swordsmanship."

"Real swordsmanship?" Xenovia muttered, while Kiba wondered just who Sirzechs could have gotten as their teacher for the next few weeks.

Azazel then looked at Gasper who jumped and hid behind Natsuki, shaking nervously, "You just get more pathetic every time I look at you, kid."

"S-s-sorry, A-Azazel-sensei!" Gasper shouted, still unable to make eye contact with the man.

Azazel sighed, "I'm supposed to be your teacher, but you and I won't be doing anything until you get rid of this fear of people, or at the very least get it under reasonable control. If you don't show any progress in this area then it's doubtful you'll be allowed to use your Sacred Gear, so you'll meet with a few of my boys at the front gates who will be watching over you until you do."

"W-wa-watch me?!" Gasper said, his voice was full of dread and his body still shaking even as Natsuki tried to give him a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"And you, Asia-chan, will be meeting you're teaching in the castle's parlor. You ready to put in the work like you said you would?"

"Hai, Azazel-sensei." Asia said with a determined expression on her face, making Azazel chuckle.

"For the Rook, your teacher will be in the gym. And hopefully you'll feel the need to focus on more than just the attributes your Evil Piece gives you."

Koneko scowled at the Fallen Angel, barely stopping herself from barring her teeth at him.

"The same goes for you as well." Azazel said as he turned to Akeno, "Which is why you will be meeting your teacher at the top of that mountain over there. Give you the perfect place to use your lightning if you decide to move past this childishness."

Akeno's usual smile faltered slightly, her eyes narrowing at Azazel, "I'm perfectly content to maintain my childishness, Azazel-sama."

"Of course you would." Azazel said sardonically before turning to Natsuki, "I'll be helping you get to the Lifeless Shallows; it's a part of the territory your teacher calls home."

"And you're not going to tell me who this teacher is and where exactly the Lifeless Shallows are?" Natsuki asked.

Azazel waved her off, "Neither is important since I'm taking you directly to her anyway."

Natsuki got the feeling that Azazel was trying to do to her what he had done to Issei and Rias and could only tiredly sigh in response.

Azazel then walked over to Natsuki, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as he spoke to the rest of the Peerage, a teleportation circle appearing under his and Natsuki's feet. "I'll be checking in on each of you during the break to see how you're progressing, so make sure you don't disappoint."

In an instant, Azazel and Natsuki disappeared from the garden, leaving the group of Devils behind.

---

 

When the spell wore off, Natsuki found herself standing before a massive lake, its water bluer than she had ever seen, and sat in the middle of a dense forest.

The area was unnaturally quiet, as if there were no living creatures around to give the forest life, no wind pushing against the trees, no birds chirping, even the water of the lake was deathly still, and this sent a shiver down Natsuki's spine.

"Where the hell did Azazel take me? And where the hell did he go?" Natsuki asked, realizing that she was standing there alone.

The Fallen teleported away while you were distracted by the sight of the lake. Lux immediately told her.

"Of course he did." Natsuki muttered.

The Pawn did not have time to curse Azazel's name as within the blink of an eye, Natsuki was knocked off her feet and was sent flying through the air, crashing through several trees.

When her back slammed into the final tree and she fell to the ground, the breath had been knocked from Natsuki's lungs, along with coughing up a handful of blood, and feeling an indescribable amount of pain all over her body, but especially in the center of her chest, where she had been originally struck.

What? W-what hit me? Natsuki thought, struggling to breathe and to push herself up into a sitting position, not seeing or sensing anything around her.

Natsuki, move out of the way! The Devil heard Lux shout in her head just as the familiar sensation of her sensory ability washing over her, knowing that something extremely powerful was rushing at her.

But even with these warnings, Natsuki was not able to move fast enough to avoid a giant appendage slamming down on her from above, crushing her against the hard ground. Again, the wind had been knocked out of her, and Natsuki was unable to move any part of her body besides her head, which was the only part of her not being pinned down.

"Pathetic." Natsuki heard a gruff and disappointed sounding voice say from above.

When she looked up, Natsuki saw that a giant, pale blue Western Dragon with celestial blue scales, large, twisted horns atop their head, large bat-like wings on their back, and a mouth full of large, serrated teeth that was visible to the sneer the dragon was giving her. From the back of its neck down to its tail, which Natsuki was able to see was the appendage that was currently crushing her, the dragon was covered in sharp pitch-black spikes.

"When the Devils told me that my assistance was required to help one of their own improve, I did not think you would be this weak." The Dragon said, pressing down on Natsuki harder, a growl escaping her when Natsuki gasped.

"Tiamat, I do not believe that killing my host was a part of your job description." Lux said aloud, her voice carrying a dangerous edge to it.

Wait, Tiamat?! Natsuki thought, staring at the dragon wide eyed, realizing that she was not just another of the Five Great Dragon Kings, but was reported to be the strongest of the six to wield the title.

Tiamat scoffed, her eyes flashing and ominous and eldritch blue, "Lux, you must truly care about this one if you are daring to speak to me with such a tone."

"I do." Lux said tersely.

"Clam yourself, Golden One, your host is safe from me." Tiamat huffed, "I simply wanted to see what I would be working with."

I don't think you'll get the chance if you don't get off me!

Natsuki felt nothing but relief when Tiamat eventually lifted her tail, allowing Natsuki to greedily gulp in air even as it hurt her ribs to do so.

"Sukehiro Natsuki, I am Tiamat, one of the Five Great Dragon Kings, the Chaos Karma Dragon, and for the next twenty days, I will be the one to ensure that you do not thoroughly embarrass yourself in your little Rating Game." Tiamat said, speaking directly to the Devil.

Natsuki coughed before responding, "I... Was, was this necessary?"

"Yes, how else would see how far you truly must go to even be considered a true dragon?"

"I think there are other ways to get the message across then punting me through a bunch of trees and trying to crush me within the first few minutes of us meeting." Natsuki groaned.

"If you have the strength and awareness to be a sarcastic little brat, then clearly I didn't hit you hard enough." Tiamat said, and Natsuki could have sworn that the dragon was smirking at her, "Now, come, we don't have a moment to waste."

"This is going to be hell." Natsuki muttered, groaned as she pushed herself to her feet and reluctantly followed the dragon at a slower pace as she led them back to the lake.

When they reached the lake, Tiamat took the moment to transform, and when the flash of light disappeared, Tiamat now had the appearance of a beautiful woman with a sophisticated and cold atmosphere around her, straight and long, beautiful pale blue hair, dark blue eyes, and deep blue skin, she was also now wearing clothes, a pair of navy-blue trousers and a sleeveless shirt. And she was tall, standing taller than Natsuki, something that Natsuki had not seen in any other woman.

Do all dragons have different forms? Natsuki thought.

"I have three different forms that I can take." Tiamat said after seeing the question written all over Natsuki's face, "Although I will not be showing you the third."

"Is there a reason for that?" Natsuki asked.

This time Natsuki was able to see Tiamat's expression more clearly and had to fight the urge to shiver at the deadly grin Tiamat was now giving her. "You wouldn't be able to handle it."

Natsuki cleared her throat, "I have the training regime that Azazel wanted-"

"I already know what you need to improve on, Azazel and Sirzechs explained everything to me. And I also watched the Rating Game you had against that spoiled Phenex boy, it was what made me accept their proposal to train you."

"It was?"

"Yes, it was, most would not risk their lives and allow another being to control their body just to win what was essentially a mock battle."

"That mock battle had a lot at stake." Natsuki said.

"Still, others would call it foolish to be so prideful that you don't know when to quit. But why should the opinions of those less than us deter us from our goals and desires?" Tiamat said, "It is those all-consuming desires that push dragons to high planes of power, because we have the will and selfishness that others lack."

Natsuki looked down at the ground, "I'm not sure if that is always a good thing."

"Because of your battle against Albion and his host?" Tiamat asked.

"So, you know about that too? Then you should know that I would have lost had that fight continued, Vali is leagues stronger than me, my desire to win wasn't going to help me overcome the difference in strength. I doubt these twenty days are going to change anything, not when I sure that asshole does nothing but train for the next interesting opponent he meets."

"You would have lost, as you are now, you are not strong enough to beat a Heavenly Dragon who is using their Juggernaut Drive." Tiamat agreed, "But is that enough of a reason to sound so defeated?"

Natsuki frowned, looking at Tiamat with confusion, "What are you-"

"Your desire is to become strong, is it not? To be so powerful that you can live a life of ease and comfort with those you care about? Are you truly going to let a hurdle like this stop you from achieving that dream? Perhaps I was wrong about you, you are just a child spouting nonsense without the will to keep moving forward. It's a miracle that your friends find you reliable enough to continue placing their faith in you when you reek of such weakness-"

"That's enough, alright!" Natsuki yelled, glaring at the immortal dragon, "I get it, I should stop sounding like a weak little bitch. Excuse me for trying to be cautious and realistic about all of this!"

Tiamat stared at Natsuki for a moment before sighing, "And allowing yourself to be gripped by fear and indecision will only stiffen your growth. As I said it is our desires and selfishness that make dragons stronger, you are weak, Vali is strong, do you think that red bastard's host is allowing the fact that Vali is stronger than you both to keep him from pushing forward?"

Does she mean Ddraig? Natsuki knew enough from what Lux and Azazel told her to not ask, "Issei doesn't let much of anything keep him down, and especially not for long. To be honest, I'm kind of jealous how he can just bounce back from things and how confident he can be despite everything."

"Such is the way of idiots, with how little goes through their heads and how happy go lucky they are, they don't have to worry about imagining worst-case scenarios, dwelling on past events, or second-guessing themselves, they can simply focus on the here and now." Tiamat hummed and Natsuki let out a snort, feeling like that was an effective way of describing Issei at times.

"So, you're telling me to just focus on keeping my promise?"

"I am not telling you to walk through life as if you are the strongest being alive or to let your emotions rule you and keep you from seeing sense, but do you truly think your friends need someone who is unsure of themself? I'm sure you know that there will be times when you must fight, even when your foe feels like an unstoppable force, they will be no other choice for one with such a lineage, Sacred Gear, and connections. If you are so scared of being defeated, of having to acknowledge that you are not as strong as you once thought, why did you come here? I'm sure that the Gremorys would have released should you have asked, you could go back to your normal life."

"I think we both know that I can't go back to being a normal human." Natsuki said, thinking about Tiamat said about being destined to fight, and about what Sirzechs did to ensure that she became a part of Rias' Peerage. Natsuki took a moment to gather herself before speaking again, "And… And I don't want to be normal, it's not as if I ever was but still. I want to get stronger, the idea of backing down and just walking away from everything, makes me want to rip my hair out."

Why am I even being so open with a stranger right now? Natsuki wondered if Tiamat was doing something to her to cause this, or if what Akeno told her a few days ago was true.

"I think I would hate myself if I just gave up or didn't try to become a strong as I possibly could, and that includes kicking Vali's ass. Besides, I have people who depend on me now, I can't just walk away when things are just starting to heat up, you know."

Tiamat let out a laugh at the girl's statement, "It's good to know that you're not as gutless I thought you were a few moments ago."

Natsuki huffed, "Now that we have cleared that up, can we start? Something tells me that this training is going to be similar to how you greeted me, and I want to get through it as quickly as possible."

Lux sighed, "You should not have said that."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Natsuki asked, and just as the question left her lips, Tiamat rushed her and punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground.

Tiamat said as she stood over Natsuki with a sharp grin on her face, and Natsuki growled as she kicked her leg out towards Tiamat's stomach, but the dragon jumped backwards to avoid it. Natsuki jumped to her feet, not wasting a moment as she summoned her Balance Breaker.

"Good girl." Tiamat said, her smile growing, "The best way for me to get more of a feeling of what you can do, is through fighting."

"I'm not as weak as you think I am." Natsuki growled.

"Then show me." Tiamat said before running at Natsuki again.

"Let us show her that she is wrong to underestimate us." Lux said and Natsuki agreed as she moved to meet Tiamat halfway.

---

 

Day 4

"You must learn to use less of your Demonic Power, Rias. You can't continue to waste it trying to overwhelm your opponents, especially ones who a far stronger than you." Venelana called out from the field.

Rias did not have time to respond as Venelana crossed the distance between them and punched her in the face, knocking her backwards.

She had spent the first three days of her training in the castle's library, going over everything she could about battle tactics and strategy, knowing that she would need every drop of knowledge she could absorb if she was going against someone as intelligent as Sona.

Today she was focused on improving her usage of her Power of Destruction because in her mother's blunt and critical words, Rias' current aptitude was amateurish, especially compared to others of Bael blood, including herself and Sirzechs.

It stung her pride to hear that, but Rias knew that Venelana was not saying this to hurt her, but because she wanted her to become more proficient and knew she was capable of doing so. As she staggered back, Rias took a deep breath and once again forced her Power of Destruction to form an aura around her body, making a layer that could be used as a shield.

The idea was to focus more on defense, to protect herself from any spells or physical attacks that would come her way as she was not the fastest or most martially inclined of Devils.

Again, Venelana blitzed her daughter, this time landing a devastating blow to her stomach that broke through the layer and knocked the wind out of Rias.

"Obaa-sama is terrifying." Millicas whispered from his place next to his grandfather.

The two were standing on the balcony overlooking the estate's training field, watching Venelana and Rias from above.

Zeoticus had a lovesick smile on his face, "She sure is."

Millicas looked at Zeoticus confused about why he looked so happy to watch his wife beat their daughter so viciously but decided to ignore it as he turned back to watch the fight.

---

 

"Th-this-this is-is t-the worst!" Gasper shouted, pressing himself closer to the wall he was hiding behind.

Azazel's training for him was to stand in the middle of the town that the Gremory family owned and to greet as many people as he could, all while making eye contact and trying to keep the conversation going for as long as possible.

So far, the Damphir was unsuccessful, and each time he tried to run away back to the safety of the Gremory Castle, the Fallen Angels that Azazel said ordered to guard him would catch up to him once his Time Stop wore off and bring him back.

It made him wish that he was more proficient at using his Sacred Gear just so he could be better at evading his relentless protection detail.

No! I can't think like that! I have to, I have to do this! Everyone else is giving it their all, so I should too. I can't let them down again. Gasper thought, gathering his resolve as he gently pulled off his paper bag mask and stepped out from the alleyway, he had taken cover in.

The four Fallen Angels nearby, were shocked as they watched Gasper make an effort to talk to someone, only to become exasperated again when Gasper made eye contact with an older male Devil walking past him, and Gasper ran to his cardboard box, which they had been unable to stop Gasper from taking with him this morning.

As Gasper hid in his box, the Fallen tasked with watching over him, questioned why they took up this job at their leader's behest.

---

 

Day 5

Asia quickly wiped away the sweat that had begun to form on her forehead with the back of her hand, focusing on the task of trying to throw out her healing magic outward.

"Relax your posture, Asia-chan. You must allow your energy to flow freely out of you instead of trying to forcefully push it out." The older Bishop said as he stood behind Asia.

MacGregor Mathers, Bishop of Sirzechs, was a skinny man that looked as if he was in his late twenties with sharp, long slit eyes, and long and slightly wavy blackish blond hair. He was wearing a crimson robe and had a somewhat creepy aura that surrounded him, the usual shallow smile that sat on his face only adding to that effect, but he also carried himself in an elegant, almost noble manner.

Asia had been nervous about spending the next few weeks with him when she first met him, especially as he had taken her to his own estate on the plot of land that had been afforded to him as a Bishop of a Maou. But she had quickly realized that MacGregor's personality did not match his outward appearance, and he was far kinder than she had given him credit for.

Now they stood inside MacGregor's reception hall, trying to expand the range of her [Twilight Healing], and throw her healing power like a projectile at an injured dog that MacGregor had brought for her to practice on.

So far, Asia was only capable of throwing her healing power about thirty centimeters ahead of her, but she was not deterred, chasing after each milestone like they were a drop of water in the middle of a desert.

I don't want to be left behind again. Asia thought, thinking about the attack on the summit meeting by the Khaos Brigade and how useless she felt when everyone else ran off to fight.

"Good, Asia-chan, keep that same feeling." MacGregor said, watching as the length of Asia's beam increased slightly.

"Hai, MacGregor-sensei." Asia said, gritting her teeth.

"Your [Twilight Healing] has already made leaps and bounds since we began. Of course, from what we know of previous holders of your Sacred Gear, this will be far less effective than direct touch, and we still haven't tackled the problem of you indiscriminately healing everyone you come across if you try to heal people at once. Not to mention, your complete lack of offensive capabilities, I think we could offset this with a staff, no, maybe a bow, along with increasing the amount of spells you know, and..."

Asia sighed, one thing she had noticed about her teacher is that MacGregor had a habit of going on long tangents as he overly explained something to a person, she was inwardly worried that one the man would accidentally asphyxiate because he did not take the time to breath.

---

 

Kiba huffed as he righted his stance, aiming his Balance Breaker, Sword of the Betrayer, at the Devil standing lazily across from him, focusing on not allowing his weapon to dissipate even as his body ached due to how long his Balance Breaker had been active for.

Okita Souji was a man of unbreakable calmness, his laidback personality shining through as he regarded his student without much emotion on his face. He had the appearance of a Japanese man in his earlier twenties with his hair styled in a chonmage that hanged behind his sakayaki and was of average height. He was wearing the traditional Shisengumi uniform, a constant reminder of his previous life before becoming a Devil, and it consisted of a haori and hakama over a kimono, with a white cord called a tasuki crossed over the chest and tied in the back, and the haori was a light blue color, and the sleeves were trimmed with light mountain stripes.

When Kiba had learned that his former teacher was the one that Azazel had brough for him and Xenovia, he was eager to show Souji just how much he had improved since the last time they had seen each other.

Souji twirled his katana in his hand, still looking at Kiba as he spoke to Xenovia who was standing a short distance away from them. "You're still not channeling the Holy Sword's properties correctly. You need to focus more on resonating with it instead trying to force your will upon it."

Xenovia gave Souji a nod of her as she panted, trying to catch her breath. She was not anywhere close to mastering Durandal and so it was decided by Azazel that she would use the Holy Sword, Ascalon, to help her.

Unlike Durandal, Ascalon was a Holy Sword that was more balanced due to its dragon slaying properties, did not consume a lot of stamina to wield it, and did not have an overpowering will that often refused to do what the bidding of weaker wielders, making it easier to wield and with more finesse.

If she could master Ascalon, it would make it easier for Xenovia to do the same with Durandal.

Xenovia raised Ascalon, quickly bringing it down and unleashing a powerful wave of Holy Aura, cutting down twelve trees in front of her with this single swing.

"Now." Souji drawled, "Come at me, Yuuto."

Kiba did not hesitate, running at the older Knight at full speed. When he reached Souji, he was already prepared, blocking Kiba's strike with ease and pushing him back a few steps.

---

 

Day 7

"Come on, Koneko-chan! You can do it! Let's go, full power!" Koneko heard the Devil above her shout as she slowly lifted the heavy weight.

Surtr Second was a large man who looked as if he was in his mid-thirties and was about two meters tall with spiky orange hair that was styled upwards, hands that were the size of human heads, a large build, expressive blue eyes, tanned skin, and a wild grin on his face. He was wearing a thick coat and was carrying a bottle of sake with him on his hip.

Koneko clenched her jaw as she laid on the bench, her arms shaking as she held up the massive weights before bringing them back down and repeating the process. The smaller Rook had been adamant about not using her Senjutsu or Youjutsu, refusing to even transform, and nothing Surtr had said so far had been able to change her mind.

So, the two had been focusing on what Koneko was willing to work on, strengthening and conditioning, along with hand-to-hand combat.

Koneko huffed when Surtr added more weight to the bar, and now she was carrying well over thirty thousand kilograms.

"No pain, no gain, isn't that what the kids say?" Surtr grinned, "We're going make sure you're the strongest Rook on the field when we're done!"

Koneko tried to focus on lifting, but the stray thought of Kuroka flashed through her mind and she lost her grip. Luckly because Surtr was supporting her, he was able to catch the bar with one hand before all of it could come crashing down on her.

"Woah, are you okay, Koneko-chan?" Surtr asked, place the weights down.

"I'm fine, Surtr-san." Koneko muttered, "I can keep going."

Surtr stared at the younger Rook for a moment before sighing and allowing Koneko to get back to lifting, looking at her with a hint of concern.

I have to get stronger; I don't need my powers; I can get by without them. Koneko thought, and she hated the part of her mind that thought otherwise.

While she and Surtr refused to acknowledge it outwardly, Koneko had reached a plateau when it came to the strength and defensive abilities that her Evil Piece granted her.

This kid. Well, I can't force her to stop holding herself back, Koneko-chan is stubborn like that. She would just double down if I tried, which would just make things worse. Surtr thought, knowing that Koneko would have to come to that realization on her own.

He knew better than most what it was like to have immense power that caused others to fear and seek to control you. But he had Sirzechs there to save him once the Norse Gods abandoned him, and Sirzechs was the one to show him a different path.

So Surtr could only hope that Koneko's own King and Peerage mates would be able to do the same for her and soon.

---

 

Day 9

Issei thought about the vacation that he had dreamed of going on, warm weather, beaches filled with beautiful girls, no work, or responsibilities for him in sight. Instead of that, here he was, running across a mountain as a monster was hunting him down.

"Uwaaaaaaaaaah!" Issei shouted as he narrowly avoided Tannin's powerful fire breath.

"Come on, Sekiryuutei. If you don't dodge quicker, you'll become charcoal." Tannin called out as he chased Issei from the air.

No! I can't become charcoal before I lose my virginity! Issei thought, running harder despite how exhausted he was already.

For days this has been Issei's reality; his fatigue was at its peak because he was being chased around day and night by Tannin. He had no choice but to secure his own meals, fishing from a nearby river and gathering nuts and berries from trees that grew on the mountain. He had even managed to improve his abysmal magical skills and get fires started to cook his fish and keep himself warm.

Occasionally, Issei was able to gather enough of his strength to launch a counterattack, but Issei was not capable of turning the tables, unable to damage Tannin's near impervious scales.

Even using his transfer power was insignificant, so all Issei could really do was run away and hide as he knew that a direct hit from the dragon would be enough to kill him. But Issei had to begrudgingly admit that this was working, while he had yet to activate his Balance Breaker on his own, his Demonic Power has risen significantly.

Why is this my life?! Issei thought when he finally lost Tannin and was not hiding in a small cave, but he knew this respite would not last long.

"Hey, Issei, how's it going?" Issei jumped and quickly turned around, seeing Azazel standing there, a grin on his face and two bento boxes in his hands.

"Azazel-sensei!" Issei exclaimed.

"Nice cave." Azazel said as he gave the area a once over before handing Issei the bento box, "Here, Rias and Asia made them for you. Said they were worried about you not eating well up here."

Issei opened the first bento box and began to cry at the sight of rice balls; he did not waste time as he started to eat them.

So good! I can taste the love Buchou put in them! Man, I can't wait to see what Asia-chan made too!

Azazel patted Issei's shoulder, "Haha, you've been putting in the work I see. I can tell you've definitely gotten stronger since I last saw you."

"Don't joke around! I almost died! I really almost died! This dragon Ossan is insanely strong! You may have told him to teach me how to be a true dragon or whatever, but he uses too much of his real power, it's absurd!" Issei cried out while rice flew out of his mouth, "Tannin-ossan doesn't know how to hold back! I'm going to be killed! I don't want to die while still a virgin!"

"You idiot, you've decided not to die, right? If I was so inclined to kill you, you would have become charcoal from my breath of fire by now. If you don't want to worry about experiencing a premature death, then reach Balance Breaker quickly." Issei nearly choked on his food as Tannin suddenly appeared at the entrance to the cave.

The dragon had taken on his humanoid form and was no longer looking to chase Issei, at least for now, and had walked past Issei and Azazel, sitting down on a nearby boulder.

"Even if you say that! If someone with a human base like me can't take a punch from someone monster-sized like you, I'll be turned into itty-bitty pieces with one blow!"

"Hmph." Tannin rolled his eyes, "How foolish, do you know how many Devils would want to be Miss Rias' servant? You don't sound very reliable from where I'm sitting, maybe she should just replace you and let Lux's host be her only Pawn."

Issei flinched when Tannin said this, his words cutting deep at the insecurity he had at not being enough, and of once again being compared to Natsuki. No matter how strong he was getting, it felt like Natsuki kept getting further ahead of him.

Azazel caught Issei's attention again as he spoke, "If you don't do this much, your body won't be able to keep up when you attain Balance Breaker. There is too much that you are lacking in, as you are now, you wouldn't be able to win against Vali with magic even if he was fighting you while doing a headstand. Therefore, you have no choice but to raise yourself up through physical strength."

Issei understood what Azazel was saying, Vali was not only a Hevenly Dragon but was also a descendant of the Old Maou. In terms of magic, he absolutely could not win due to the wide gap between himself and Vali.

"Hey, Azazel-sensei, what was Vali trying to do back when he was fighting Natsuki at the school?" Issei asked the Fallen, remembering how Albion had tried to restrain his host.

"Ah, that was the Juggernaut Drive."

"Juggernaut Drive? Is it above Balance Breaker?" Issei asked.

Azazel shook his head, "No, there exists nothing above Balance Breaker, it's the ultimate and final form of all Sacred Gears. However, there are several things that are also apart of Sacred Gears that have magical beings sealed in them, your [Boosted Gear] and Vali's [Divine Dividing] are examples of that. Juggernaut Drive is a curse made up of the negative emotions of the past possessors of the Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing that influences the current user when activated, it gives them an insane amount power that uses up their own lifeforce. And it forces the user into a berserker state, one that causes them to lose all sense of reason, seeking to do nothing but destroy everything around them, even themselves."

So that's what Vali was going to do? "And Vali has mastered this form?"

"No, it's impossible to master that power in actual combat, but...Vali can handle it for several minutes by consuming an enormous amount of magic power... or he should be able to anyway."

Issei could hear the tinge of worry in Azazel's voice and saw the way Azazel's gaze darkened for a brief moment.

"But anyway, Issei, let's change the topic." Azazel said, immediately taking on a more cheerful tone.

"And what do you want to talk about?"

"You care about Koneko, right?"

"What? Of course I do, wait, what's wrong with Koneko-chan?"

"She overdid the training that I gave her and this morning, she collapsed." Azazel answered.

Issei was shocked, "Collapsed?!"

Azazel nodded his head, "Yeah, she collapsed. Asia can treat injuries, but she can't do anything about physical strength."

Koneko-chan? Why would she, how could she? She's been acting differently ever since we came here, does that have anything to do with this?

"Rias tried talking to her, but she was able to get through to her, so I decided that you'll return to the Gremory castle tomorrow, just this once to see if you'll have any luck talking to her."

"Me?" Issei questioned, not understanding what he could do to help Koneko if even Rias had failed.

"Well, you'll be going to talk to Koneko, and because Venelana also wants to give you another lesson on Devil etiquette." Azazel grinned when Issei's shoulders dropped in dismay.

I'm getting a break from one hell only to be thrust into another!

---

 

Akeno was breathing heavily as she was forced to fly out of the way of the fire spell that Grayfia had launched at her head.

"Your attacks would be more lethal if you used your Holy Lightning, Akeno-san." Grayfia said, completely unbothered and without a speck of dirt anywhere on her body.

Akeno scowled, "I don't need it."

Akeno shot a torrent of flames at the older Queen, her scowl deepening as Grayfia dodged it. Within a blink of an eye, Grayfia flew to Akeno, and when Akeno tried to use her defensive magic to block Grayfia's punch, the spell instantly shattered against the woman's strength, knocking Akeno down and sending her crashing into the top of the mountain they were hovering over.

Akeno desperately crawled out of the hole that Grayfia used her body to create, narrowly avoiding the ice spikes that Grayfia had fired. Akeno raised her hand and was about to use her lightning, only to freeze when she felt the familiar sensation of Holy Energy through her body, horrified that she almost used her Holy Lightning.

Grayfia used Akeno's distraction to attack her, flying down and punching Akeno in the face, breaking Akeno's nose.

"We should take a break." Grayfia said, watching as Akeno hissed due to the pain.

Akeno shook her head, "No, I'm-"

She was not able to finish speaking as Grayfia had grabbed her by the chin and began to clean away the blood from her face.

When she was done, Grayfia did not let go of Akeno's face, "I know you do not wish to hear this, but allowing yourself to use all of your abilities would be far easier than having to constantly hold yourself back."

Akeno looked away from her, hating herself for almost losing control and for Grayfia seeing it; she usually had a better grasp of this.

"I can't, Grayfia-san." Akeno muttered, "I just can't."

The idea of using Holy Lightning, even just for a moment, disgusted her because it was as if she was acknowledging the fact that no matter what she did, or how much she wished it was not true, her father's blood flowed through her veins.

And what disgusted Akeno even more was the pity that she could see in Grayfia's otherwise expressionless face.

"I don't need that retched power, I can get through the Rating game without it." Akeno said, pulling her face out of Grayfia's hand.

"And what about after the Rating Game? Has facing threats like Kokabiel and Vali not shown you that this kind of behavior is only hurting those you claim to care about?" Grayfia asked.

Akeno bristled, "That's not, that's different-I-"

Grayfia took a step closer, "Does your hatred of yourself run that deep that you would let your friends die just to stick to your vow?"

Akeno felt her insides twist with shame, what Grayfia had said had been running through her mind ever since she and the rest of the ORC faced Kokabiel, hating how useless she felt when she knew she could have done more.

"The role of a Queen is to be their master's second-in-command, overseeing the rest of the Peerage. You are the King's sword and shield, their most powerful piece, their most dependable, and with that position, you must often put the needs of others above your own. Do you understand what I am trying to tell you, Akeno?"

"I understand." Akeno whispered, breaking eye contact with her.

Grayfia stared at Akeno for a moment, "Let us get back to it then."

Grayfia and Akeno flew back into the air, resuming their original position across from each other. Despite what Grayfia said, Akeno still could not find it within herself to use that side of herself, even as the thoughts of failing her friends entered her mind.

There was too much hurt and anger that she associated with her Fallen Angel heritage, it was as if she was that same scared little girl running for her life while the Himejima clan hunted her down like a dog.

How can I even consider using it? Just because of Grayfia's words? Akeno thought.

She could not be like Baraqiel, she refused to be anything even remotely close to that man.

---

 

Day 11

Natsuki stood by the edge of the water, her eyes closed, and her arms hanging loosely at her sides. Her clothes were tattered and ripped with specks of dried blood all over; she was barefoot, having lost her shoes and socks days ago, and her hair was a matted and tangled mess.

Natsuki took a deep breath and immediately ducked, narrowly avoiding Tiamat's flying kick. She kept her eyes closed as this was a part of this exercise; fighting while relying solely on her magic detection. The idea was to hone her sensory ability, so she could use it to react quicker, instead of her instincts kicking in at the last moment, and possibly too late.

One of the most important thing Tiamat taught her was that all things had magic within them, whether they were living, dead, or inanimate, and no one thing had the same magic as another, usually consisting of different properties or compositions that made everything in existence a unique entity.

When Tiamat lunged at her again, Natsuki could feel the wind shift, the rippling of the Lifeless Shallows due to Tiamat's movements, and she felt a good deal of her energy flowing into her right arm.

Natsuki backflipped away, avoiding the devastating punch Tiamat threw that shattered the ground where she had been standing.

Tiamat smirked when her feet touched the floor, smacking her hands together, "Chaotic Oceanic Dimension!"

Water was pulled from the lake along with water that began to form from thin air, creating a large circular dome that entrapped the two inside. The walls of the dome were composed of multiple whirlpools, and sea monsters made of water that occasionally stuck their bodies in and out of the interior.

This field-based ability can disrupt low to mid-tier spells, slow enemies' reactions, and suppress Holy or Demonic Power by flooding the inside with raw magic, applying pressure to her enemies. And in her domain, Tiamat's power was amplified drastically.

The second that Natsuki heard Tiamat yell out her spell, she called out her own, "Devourer's Gluttony!"

She used her ability to summon Demonic Lightning, forcing the concentrated magic over her legs and increasing her leg strength, while also boosting her running speed and jumping distance. Natsuki then ran towards Tiamat, moving so fast that it felt like she was flying, raising her leg up to give the dragon a flying kick of her own.

Just like what Natsuki did before, Tiamat ducked and avoided the kick, reaching up and grabbing Natsuki's now overextended ankle, throwing her away. She then created a giant sea dragon made of water, sending it after the Devil.

Natsuki landed on her feet, slapping her hands onto the ground, "Void Shatter!"

An inky black aura appeared around Natsuki's hands, sweeping across the ground and forming a sun shape on the ground around her. Before the sea dragon could reach her, it stopped in midair and started to violently shake for a few seconds before exploding, drenching Natsuki and Tiamat.

Her new spell that Tiamat helped her create, which built off her Black Bolt, disrupted the magic whatever attack was within range, immediately causing it to fall apart.

While Void Shatter looked strong on paper, it had a limited range of a few feet away from Natsuki, it only worked on physical energy and not living beings, and it could not disrupt spells that were of a certain level of strength.

Natsuki raised her hand, summoning a ball of fire and launching it at the dragons, "Scattershot!"

Quickly, the ball broke apart into over a dozen fireballs, each one speeding towards Tiamat. The dragon created a water shield, and the shield did not break even as the fireballs hit it and began to explode on impact.

Once the attack was finished, a purple aura formed over Tiamat's body, causing Natsuki to finally open her eyes, clicking her teeth in annoyance.

Not this shit again. Natsuki thought, glaring at Tiamat and using her Devourer's Gluttony to fire Hellfire at her.

Conjuration of Hysteria gave Tiamat an even greater ability to wrap the environment around her, and combing this with her Chaotic Oceanic Dimension, Natsuki's small chances of winning plummeted even further.

Natsuki was unsurprised as she watched her Hellfire spiral out of control and turn hard right, avoiding Tiamat entirely as it crashed into the lake's surface.

Nor was she surprised when her vision started to blur; her body feeling as if it was a thousand pounds heavier than it actually was, and a sudden and intense rage filling her heart and mind, making her want to lose control and rip apart everything in her path.

This was the true power of Conjuration of Hysteria; disruption of spells, making them spiral or lose direction, weakening of artificial constructs, and increased aggression and hostility of lesser beings, pushing them into disarray and madness.

Natsuki grabbed the side of her head, trying to calm herself down, knowing that Tiamat was trying to make her act reckless.

"You can't fight chaos and try to bend it to your will, little one. You must either ride the current or drown in it." Tiamat purred, rushing towards Natsuki again.

Tiamat coated her fist in a sheen mass of densely pack water, which Natsuki was able to absorb the water the second it touched her, but because she was absorbing the attack, Natsuki was unable to see and avoid the punch Tiamat threw at her face with her other hand, knocking Natsuki back.

Natsuki felt nothing but rage as she threw herself at Tiamat, swinging wildly at Tiamat as she lost herself to the anger that Tiamat's aura had inspired within her. Tiamat leaned back, allowing Natsuki to overextend herself and delivering quick blows to Natsuki's face and then stomach. She then grabbed Natsuki's arm, lifted her off the ground, threw her over her shoulder, and slammed Natsuki into the dirt.

The dragon then pressed her foot against Natsuki's neck, pinning her down as she thrashed about. Tiamat shook her head with exasperated bemusement before deactivating her Conjuration of Hysteria.

Once she did, Natsuki immediately relaxed, letting out a groan as her rationality returned to her, and she realized what had just happened.

"You need to focus less on committing to an action and just allowing your instincts to carry over, your overthinking is what is making your movements so awkward." Tiamat said, slowly lifting her foot off Natsuki's neck. "And you must have a better grasp on your emotions; you had started to succumb within moments of me using my ability."

"I know, I know." Natsuki said pushing herself off the ground, "I should control my wrath, not let my wrath control me."

Tiamat had been repeatedly telling Natsuki this, telling her that her anger was a boost, but was often a crutch and a weakness that was holding her back.

The strongest weapon in one's arsenal is not overwhelming might or the power of friendship, or any of that nonsense, but your mind. The second you throw intelligence, cunning, and unpredictability to the wayside, the battle is already won and lost. Natsuki remembered Tiamat telling her after their first spar.

"Are you going to let me use my Balance Breaker yet?" Natsuki asked.

Since her training had begun, Tiamat had given Natsuki one stipulation after their first spar, that she was not allowed to use her Balance Breaker, not until Tiamat deemed her ready.

"Soon." Tiamat answered, "You are making good progress, but I am still not confident that you are there yet."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "And when will that be? Tiamat, we're on Day eleven, we don't have much time left."

"We will get there, have a bit more faith. Now, get up, we're not done yet."

Natsuki groaned, but did as she was told, taking up a defensive stance across from the now grinning she-dragon.

Despite her outward complaints, Natsuki wanted to continue just as much as Tiamat did, needing to win against her, even just once.

---

 

Ten Days Later

Issei grinned as he was riding on Tannin's back, flying towards the Gremory residence. He had to admit that despite how overwhelming it was, riding on the dragon's back was actually comfortable and quick.

Before he knew it, Tannin was landing in front of castle gates, lowering his head, and allowing Issei to climb off him.

The Devil was left with only one shoe and his sweatpants, his shirt and sweatshirt having been destroyed and left unsalvageable due to his training.

"I'll be going now. I will also be attending the Maou-sponsored party, let's meet again there, Hyoudou Issei and Ddraig." Tannin said, preparing to take off again.

"Thank you, Ossan! See you at the party!"

"Sorry for troubling you, Tannin. We'll meet again." Ddraig replied.

"It's fine, I had fun training your host, so there's nothing to apologize for." Tannin said, "That's right, I almost forgot; do you want to enter the party by riding on my back?"

Issei blinked, "Really? Is that okay?"

"Yeah, it's no problem. I'll take my Peerage first, and then I'll come here on the day of the party. I'll contact the Gremorys later to set it up."

Really, Ossan truly is a sensible dragon! Issei thought, nodding his head.

"Then, I'll come here again tomorrow. Farewell!" After saying that, Tannin flapped his wings and disappeared into the sky.

Issei saw him off while waving his hand until he could no longer see the dragon.

"Good to know that Tannin hasn't changed, he's always been like that for as long as I can remember." Ddraig said.

"I think he's a good person. When we first met, I thought he was absolutely terrifying, but he's cool for a dragon!" Issei exclaimed.

Ddraig scoffed, "You do know that me and you are also dragons, right?"

"That's true, but I just think that a genuine dragon is really large and magnificent. Me and you, we're just a possessed Devil that was originally human and a dragon's soul that was put inside a Sacred Gear."

"Well, that's true." Ddraig admitted.

"Hey, Ise-kun." When Issei turned around, he saw Kiba standing there. Unlike Issei, he still had all of his gym clothes, but they were all tattered, covered in little holes and cuts.

Kiba tilted his head to the side as he looked the Pawn over, "Your body has gotten toned."

Issei quickly used his hands to cover his upper body, feeling as if his body was now in danger "S-Stop it, what's with those eyes...Don't look at my body with those eyes, you freak!"

"That's cruel, Ise-kun." Kiba said with a pout, "I just wanted to say that you built up your muscles nicely."

Issei shudder with disgust, "You haven't changed, you bastard."

"Why is it wrong for Kiba to point out how muscular you've gotten, Ise?" Issei jumped, finally realizing that he and Kiba were not the only ones in the room.

Standing next to Kiba was Xenovia, who was covered in bandages, with only her mouth, eyes, and hair visible.

"Xenovia?! What's with that appearance?" Issei asked, staring at the girl in shock.

"I kept getting injured with Souji-sensei, and since none of us can heal quickly or possessed healing magic, this was the best Souji-senpai could do for me." Xenovia said.

"You're like a real mummy woman!" Issei exclaimed.

Xenovia frowned, wincing as her facial muscles pulled on the skin of her face, "How rude. I have no intention of being preserved forever, you know?"

"That's not what I meant!"

"Xenovia-chan was working with Durandal and Ascalon, remember? Even though she is a True Holy Sword wielder, she is still a Devil, and so has the same thing happens to her that it does for the rest of us when exposed to the Holy elements." Kiba explained.

Issei had loaned Xenovia Ascalon before they had all left for their training as to further help with her, allowing her to get used to the Holy elements of different Holy Swords.

"Well, at least both of you got stronger with your teacher, although I don't know if coming back looking like a mummy can be seen as worth it." Issei muttered.

Issei's ability to see the flow of magic power had also improved from because of training with Tannin, so he was to feel that the auras around the two Knights were denser and thicker than before. He did not possess Natsuki's level of skill, but Issei found it useful to be able to tell by himself how strong other people were, instead of relying on his friends to tell him.

"Ise-san! Kiba-san, and Xenovia-san too!" Asia shouted happily as she walked through the castle gates, seeing them standing there.

Issei grinned, "Asia-chan, it's been a while."

"I-Ise-san! P-Please get dressed!" Asia said, panicked at seeing him standing there shirtless. She was more embarrassed by his conduct rather than his nudeness.

I should put something on. What's with this girl, she was used to seeing me naked. Issei thought.

"Ara, it seems everyone from the group that went out has returned." Rias was the next person to appear, smiling at her servants, having missed each of them.

Buchou! It's been so long My Buchou! My Onee-sama! She's still just as beautiful as always! "Buchou! I wanted to see you!"

"Ise...You've become very robust, haven't you? Your chest is thicker." Rias embraced Issei tightly while saying this.

Ah, the feeling of Buchou...Rather, because my lust itself was suppressed during that mountain seclusion, the level of my arousal was intense from smelling the scent of the woman I missed so much, women are nice.

Rias let go of Issei and faced the others, "Now then, everyone. Please come in. Once you've taken a shower and changed clothes, we'll meet to report the outcome of our training."

After allowing everyone to clean themselves up, and in Xenovia's case, allowing Asia to heal her injuries, for the first time in over two weeks the Rias Gremory Peerage were all gathered in one place.

"Wait, where's Natsuki?" Issei asked, realizing that his fellow Pawn was the one missing from the living room.

"Yes, where is Natsuki?" Rias asked, narrowing her eyes at Azazel.

Azazel's smile did not falter, much to Rias' chagrin, "There's nothing to worry about, Natsuki and Tiamat just needed a little extra time, that's all. She'll be here in time for the little party tomorrow, safe and sound."

Rias' expression did not change, hating how the Fallen never felt the need to properly explain himself, always keeping things private until the last possible moment.

I'll just have to believe him for now, if Natsuki isn't back here by tomorrow, I'm going to give this asshole hell. Rias thought, focusing on her servants as they each took turns explaining how their twenty days went by.

---

 

The Next Day

As the teleportation circle disappeared and she found herself standing outside the gates of the castle, Natsuki took the moment to throw her arms up into the air and stretch.

Natsuki looked as if she had been living in the wilderness for months instead of a few weeks, the legs of her sweatpants had long since been torn off, now cut just above the middle of her thighs, her sweatshirt and t-shirt had both been destroyed, leaving her in just her sports bra, and she was covered in grim as Tiamat had refused to let her bathe in the Lifeless Shallows.

The lake's waters were apparently sacred and had been given a blessing long ago, so Tiamat refused to let anyone use it, especially not Natsuki, that it was not for her to sully it quite literally with her dirty body. Natsuki was not sure if she believed Tiamat, a part of her thinking that Tiamat was simply lying to keep Natsuki out, but she was not going to test her theory by attempting to go against the she-dragon's orders.

I'm going to take the longest shower of my life and then crash in that beautiful bed Rias gave me. Natsuki thought as she walked through the gates.

You will not be able to do either of those things for very long. The Devils have that little get-together tonight, remember? Lux said through their shared link. Your presence is required.

Fucking hell, I forgot. Why do Devils throw so many parties? Natsuki asked, too tried to bother speaking out loud and simply continuing the conversation in her mind.

Because they have nothing else to waste their time and money on. That, and they like to show off to their peers.

You're probably right. I just hope that there isn't some fancy-dress code requirement because I did not bring anything like that when we came down here.

When Natsuki entered the castle, she walked past a few maids who were staring at her with shock, unable to take their eyes off her.

What is their problem? Is it the lack of clothes or the dirt?

Natsuki could practically feel Lux rolling her eyes through their bond. It is most likely the blood, you idiot. You are bleeding all over the place, they have most likely never seen someone with such an injury continue to move about unbothered as you are.

Natsuki had almost forgotten that Tiamat had given her a little congratulations present before sending her on her way.

During her training, Tiamat had given Natsuki little reprieve, especially in the final five days when Tiamat had deemed Natsuki ready to use her Balance Breaker again.

Even this morning the two were still sparring against each other, and just when Natsuki had felt confident and was pushing back Tiamat in her human form, Tiamat transformed back into a dragon and decided to teach Natsuki that her brief showing of arrogance was unfounded.

Now there was a still gapping and weeping wound in the center of her stomach from where Tiamat had pierced her with one of her talons.

This should be good enough for now; we're just going up against Sona and the Student Council. If it was against a stronger opponent, I don't know if I would have come back so soon. While Natsuki knew that she had gotten stronger, she still could not help but think that this was not enough and that she was still lacking.

You are not weak, Natsuki. And if you feel that you still are, Tiamat was more than clear with her invitation. Lux said, referring to the fact that before Tiamat had teleported them away from the lake, she had told Natsuki that she was free to come back at any time, whether it was for more training or to simply talk.

You think Kushina-sama will be jealous if I told her that I got adopted by a dragon? Natsuki joked, trying to change the subject.

Lux allowed her to do so with a small laugh. I think she would try to fight Tiamat, and I am afraid that Tiamat may lose that battle.

Natsuki snickered, finding the imagery of Kushina fighting a giant mythical dragon and somehow coming out on top hilarious.

Eventually, Natsuki found her room and was about to enter as she heard the voice of Issei coming from down the hall. "I'm telling you guys, I can feel Natsuki, I know she's here."

When the group turned the corner and saw Natsuki, Issei grinned, "See? I told you guys that I knew where-What the fuck, Natsuki?! What the hell happened to you?!"

His and everyone else's eyes were now locked on the open wound on Natsuki's body.

"Hey guys." Natsuki said plainly.

"Don't act so causally!" Issei exclaimed, "Not when you have a hole in your stomach and are bleeding all over yourself!"

Asia rushed to Natsuki and immediately began using her powers to heal her, "Are you okay, Natsuki-san?"

"I'm fine, Asia. Really, it's nothing, Tiamat was just showing me how serious she can get this morning." Natsuki answered, relaxing as she felt the familiar and soothing sensation of Asia's healing aura brushing against her skin.

"You were still training this morning?" Rias asked incredulously, "Honestly, Natsuki, do you even get tired?"

"I'm powered by spite and competitiveness." Natsuki said with a shrug.

Rias looked as if she had just aged about five years and was thoroughly done with Natsuki, which Natsuki counted as a personal record for how quickly she could push someone's buttons.

It's good to be back.

Chapter 25: Traumatic Childhoods

Summary:

A final party is held, Natsuki meets someone who will become very important to her, and more is learned about Koneko and her past....

Natsuki felt somewhat relieved when the lady of the estate had immediately taken her and Issei into another room when she discovered that neither of them had anything suitable to wear for the party.

When Issei had mentioned that he was just going to wear their school's summer uniform and that Natsuki would be doing the same, to say that Venelana had been appalled would have been an understatement. And the look that she had given Rias before dragging the two Pawns away made Natsuki sure that the older woman would be having a long talk with her daughter about it.

"Honestly, school uniforms? And to an event such as this? You are both Pawns of a Gremory heiress, and as such, are representatives of our house." Venelana said, watching as the tailors she had called for took Natsuki and Issei's measurements.

Issei flinched, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, "Sorry, Venelana-sama. We didn't know."

Venelana let out a small huff, waving Issei off, "No, it is not yours or Natsuki-san's fault, Issei-san. My daughter should have told you both about the banquet so you could have prepared and brought proper attire. I swear that girl is so forgetful at times, she would lose her head if it were not attached to her shoulders."

Natsuki chuckled, finding it amusing how, as of late, she had been able to see her usually confident King made into a sheepish child whenever Venelana would admonish Rias.

Maybe karma does exist. Natsuki thought, seeing this as justice for all the jokes Rias had made at her expense.

"Venelana-sama." One of the tailors said, both having finished measuring the Pawns, "I believe that we have everything we need."

Venelana smiled at the man, "Then I will allow you to begin your work."

"Will they be able to finish on time? Don't we have to leave in about an hour?" Issei asked, watching the two tailors walk over to a large table in the far corner of the room.

He did not know much about sewing, but he knew that it was not something that could be made quickly, especially not multiple items.

Venelana chuckled, "Magic will be doing most of the work, my dear."

As Venelana said this, the two tailors stood at opposite ends of the table, their hands hovering above it, glowing a pale blue color.

"That's convenient." Natsuki said, impressed at seeing the beginnings of a pant leg from one of the tailors.

"So, cool! Wait, Venelana-sama, do you think they can add flames to the sleeves?" Issei asked.

"What is with you and decorative flames?" Natsuki let out a snort, remembering how Issei had gotten the same thing done to the suit he had worn to the Rating Game afterparty.

"Fire is cool, especially on clothes. And it matches my whole Red Dragon Emperor vibe." Issei said, sparkles practically shining in his eyes.

Venelana's face was expressionless as she looked at Issei, "Issei-san, I think you should just let the professionals do what they know best, and without input."

"I think that's a no." Natsuki said to her friend, snickering at his put-out expression.

Issei rolled his eyes in response, crossing his arms with a pout on his face.

They were not left waiting for long, as it only took a few minutes for the tailors to finish their outfits, allowing the Natsuki and Issei to dress and enter the castle's parlor ahead of the rest of the Peerage.

When they walked down the stairs, they saw Saji standing there, wearing a white dress shirt, a black tie, and black dress pants.

"Hey, Hyoudou, Sukehiro." Saji said, messing with his tie.

"Saji, why are you here?" Issei asked.

"Ah, Kaichou decided that it would be easier for us to get ready here and go to the meeting place along with Rias-senpai because of the distance. So, Kaichou went to meet with senpai, and the rest of the Peerage are still dressing up. I finished pretty quickly, so I've just been wandering around the mansion ever since." Saji explained.

How big is this place for a whole group of people to arrive without being noticed and for Saji to get lost so quickly? Issei thought.

A serious expression soon fell over Saji's face as he looked at the other Pawns, his shifting between Issei and Natsuki. "The game will be taking place after today."

"Yeah, it will." Issei said, wondering why Saji was mentioning the obvious.

Saji clenched his fist, "I've trained harder than I have in my entire life."

Issei's eyes widened a bit before a smile formed on his face, "Me too. I was chased around by a dragon on a mountain every day."

"I-Is that so? Well, I struggled too, so don't count me out, either of you. I'm going to let you two bulldoze your way to victory; the Sitri Peerage is going to be the ones on top!" Saji exclaimed.

"When did I get brought into this little rivalry you two have?" Natsuki asked blandly.

Saji glared at the taller girl, "You think you don't fit into this as a fellow Pawn?! Or that I'm going to let those little comments you made about me when our Peerages were competing to over the Familiar Forest slide?!"

"You were being a dick, so don't act like you didn't deserve it." Natsuki shrugged, "Besides, that was months ago, you really should just let it go. Seems kind of childish to hold onto grudges like that."

Issei looked at his friend like the liar she was, "Natsuki, you're the last person who should be calling anyone childish for not letting things go."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Natsuki said, making Issei snort. She then looked back at Saji, "To be honest, I'm surprised Sona-Kaichou is even letting you attend this party. I thought she'd still be mad at you over what happened at the Young Devils Gathering and would be hiding you away to save face."

Saji shivered when Natsuki said this, remembering the punishment Sona had given him after the gathering for embarrassing her in front of the higher-ups. He could still feel the phantom pains whenever he sat down.

Saji scratched the back of his head, "She was upset, really upset, but Kaichou understood why I acted the way I did. We both take our dream very seriously."

"Your dream is also to open up a rating Game school?" Issei asked.

Saji blushed at the question, "Well, yeah, but not really. I mean, m-my…d-dream is to become a teacher!"

A teacher? Natsuki thought.

Saji's blush grew darker at his outburst, but he spoke sincerely, "As you know, Kaichou is trying to establish a Rating Game specialty school in the Underworld, one that's open to any Devil, regardless of their status. Things like discrimination and traditions have softened in the Devil society little by little, but there is still a majority that refuses to accept these changes. And even with the Maou-samas ordering that all games must be equal, the path to participation for Low-Class Devil commoners is almost nonexistent. That's strange, right? The possibility for promotion shouldn't be zero!"

Natsuki admired the seriousness of Saji's opinions, even though she also found it strange in a sense that Saji, of all people, was being towards the future in such a way.

"Kaichou wants to teach so that even Low-Class Devils can participate in the games, that's why she'll make a school where anyone can enroll in the Underworld! She's even studying in the human world as well for the sake of that! To give a chance to those who never got into the spotlight! As long as it's not zero, one might be able to become a High-Class Devil! That even we believe in that possibility and try to become High-Class Devils, right?"

Issei grinned, "Hell yeah!"

Issei had long since set his sights on becoming a High-Class Devil, the dream having started with wanting to make a Peerage of his own.

For Natsuki, being a High-Class devil would mean power and wealth unlike she had ever known, but the idea of also showing up a bunch of arrogant aristocrats had an appeal all its own, and a sharp grin formed on her face.

"T-That's why, I will work as a teacher there when Kaichou finally builds her school. I'll become a teacher who teaches Pawns everything they need to know to succeed as Devils." Saji's smile fell somewhat as embarrassment started to set in again, "Even someone like me may be able to become a schoolteacher. I-I've only done stupid things in the past, and I've also caused trouble for my parents and been disliked by the people around me. I've kept the fact that I became a Devil secret from my mother, but even so, she cried when I told her about my future dream. That's why I have to stay by Kaichou's side and help her for life! For her and for myself!"

So that was Saji's dream. Since we're both Pawns, I had thought we might be the same, but people really are different after all. He has his own dream. I wanted to become independent of my master in the future and had set my own goal, and he intends to serve his master his whole life, even though we became Devils around the same time. Issei felt a bit ashamed by how basic his dream felt in comparison to Saji's, while also happy that Saji knew what he wanted to do with his life.

Is this what Azazel-sensei meant by at the Summit?

"I think you'd become a pretty good teacher, Saji." Natsuki said, surprising Saji by how she said it sincerely and with no sarcasm in her voice. "You were the one who came up with that idea for Gasper back when we first started trying to help him with his Sacred Gear. So, I would say you're already well on your way."

A large grin spread across Saji's face, "Thanks, Sukehiro."

"Yeah, yeah, don't make this weird." Natsuki muttered as she looked away.

Before Saji could say anything else, Rias' voice called out from behind them, "Ise, Natsuki, sorry for making you wait so long. Ara, and hello to you, Saji-kun."

Walking down the stairs was Rias and the rest of the Gremory Peerage, each dressed as finely as the three Pawns.

Rias was wearing a long crimson gown with a halter neckline, an open back, and a slit on one side. Her hair is styled in a high ponytail that shows off her face.

Issei's smile grew as he noticed that he and Rias were both wearing the same shade of red, standing straighter in his custom-tailored crimson suit with black piping on the lapels and cuffs.

He felt slightly jealous over how good Kiba looked, noting the Knight's sleek three-piece navy-blue suit with a silver pocket watch chain and the single blue rose pinned to his lapel, the muted gold tie that complemented his blonde hair, and the white gloves on his hands. But that feeling quickly disappeared as he looked at the rest of the girls in the Peerage.

Koneko looked adorable in her soft silver and white chiffon dress that had a high collar and a short, layered skirt that was accented with moon-themed jewelry and pale lavender ribbon at her waist. Her hair was done in twin low buns with cat ear clips subtly holding them in place, adding to the cute image.

Asia looked like an angel straight from Heaven in her light gold and ivory empire-waist gown, the flowing, sheer layers and the sleeves are off-the-shoulder, translucent white sleeves fabric that flowed like wings every time she moved. And she wore white low heels with gold clasps and a pearl rosary-style necklace and small dove-shaped earrings.

Xenovia wore a form-fitting royal blue gown with silver trim, structured shoulders, the neckline decorated with a single aquamarine gem, and an open side slit on the left side, along with silver arm bands engraved with small crosses.

Finally, Akeno was wearing a black furisode with a white obi and gold rope, zori sandals, and with kanzashi and floral pins holding her hair in place. It was far more formal than the kimonos she had usually worn before, but Akeno pulled it off exceptionally well.

But Issei's attention was soon taken off his senpai and placed firmly on Gasper, his eyes widened as he took him in. "Gasper, are you wearing a dress?"

Gasper blushed, hiding behind Koneko as he realized everyone was now staring at him due to Issei's question. The hybrid was wearing a Gothic-style Lolita black and red dress with puffed sleeves, a corseted bodice, and a layered skirt with small bat motifs along the lace trim. A red velvet choker with a black rose pendant sits around his neck, and black stockings.

"Ye-yeah, I wanted to wear a dress too." Gasper whispered, looking down at the floor.

This guy... even tonight he's still obsessed with wearing girls' clothes.

"Leave him alone." Natsuki said, japing Issei's arm with her elbow, "If Gasper wants to wear a dress, then there's nothing wrong with that. So don't judge, dumbass."

When Akeno got a good look at Natsuki, she found herself stunned by what she saw.

There she stood in a tailored white three-piece suit, slim-cut and designed to accentuate her height and posture. With the slight movements Natsuki made, Akeno could see that the inner lining of Natsuki's jacket and vest was gold, her blazer had gold embroidery on the cuffs, beneath the vest, she wore a black silk button-up shirt with a gold tie, and black boots. Natsuki's hair was out of its usual low ponytail and was slicked back, and she had a single ear cuff shaped like a coiled dragon along her right ear.

Oh my God. Akeno thought, ignoring the slight pain that flashed through her head at the mention of God's name, unable to take her eyes off Natsuki.

"Something wrong?" Natsuki asked Akeno when she and the rest of the Peerage joined them at the base of the stairs, noticing the way Akeno was staring at her.

"I feel conflicted. On the one hand, you look amazing, but on the other, I know that if we go to the party, everyone there is going to be devouring you with their eyes too." Akeno said, her voice husky and her gaze heated.

Natsuki felt like a gazelle in the presence of a hungry lioness, and she forced herself not to visibly react, "Why do you have to be so fucking weird, Akeno?"

Akeno bit her lip before responding, preening when she saw Natsuki's eyes flicker down when she did, an action that she would have missed if she had not been staring directly at the taller girl. "I don't think I'm the weird one between us, Natsuki-chan."

Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Of course you don't."

"Well? Aren't you going to tell me how good I look?"

"That depends, do you want me to be as candid as you were with me?"

"Yes." Akeno said without hesitation.

Natsuki let out a snort, making Akeno smile. Natsuki then stuck her hands into the pockets of her trousers, drawing Akeno's eyes to the way her muscles flexed under the material.

"I don't know why you need me to; you could be wearing a burlap sack, and you would still be the most beautiful girl in any given room." Natsuki said, before a small blush appeared on her cheeks, "So it would stand to reason that you look exceptional right now."

Akeno blushed, her heart felt as if it was going to beat its way out of her chest, and she could not keep the smile off her face.

Why did I say that? Natsuki thought, kicking herself for being too honest.

But at the same time, she was also glad that her words made Akeno happy, knowing that ever since they had come to the Underworld, Akeno had been in a bad mood, hating the mere mention of her father and her Fallen Angel abilities. So, if embarrassing herself was the way to get the older girl smiling, then Natsuki was more than fine with turning herself into a bumbling jester.

Before either of them could say anything else, a butler came and spoke to everyone. "Tannin-sama and his family have arrived."

Natsuki blinked, just now realizing that she had been so distracted by Akeno that she did not know when the Sitri Peerage had joined them in the parlor and how much time had passed.

"We should go." Natsuki said, immediately following the others out of the parlor and outside.

Akeno sighed, partially annoyed at the interruption and at Natsuki for essentially running away from her at the first opportunity.

Natsuki is just too obliviously frustrating to be a real person sometimes. Akeno thought, trailing behind the others as they joined the dragons outside the castle.

---

 

After riding on the back of one of eleven dragons, Natsuki found herself less excited as she walked through the banquet hall.

The event was being hosted at the top of a fancy high-rise hotel that sat at the edge of the Gremory territory, every corner dripping with opulence and filled to the brim with important and powerful people.

Natsuki had been left on her own as the others were doing their own thing. Gasper, Koneko, and Xenovia were sitting at a table filled to the brim with food, although from what Natsuki had seen when she walked past, only Xenovia was eating.

Kiba was surrounded by a gaggle of female Devils, each one hanging on his every word. Issei was escorting both Rias and Asia, linking arms with them as Rias spoke to an older Devil, and Akeno was doing the same networking close by.

I guess I can't be too upset about being ignored, can't say I've made myself all that popular. Natsuki thought as she leaned against a wall in the corner of the ballroom, seeing how the other Devils were giving her the same wide berth that they did after her first Rating Game.

"Did you hear about what's going on in Asgard?" Natsuki heard someone ask from a nearby flight of stairs.

A scoff followed the question, "Who hasn't? This shit has to be the most interesting thing to happen since the Maous agreed to the alliance. You would think that Odin the All-Knowing would be better at keeping his house in order."

Natsuki could not see the two men speaking, but made sure to push herself flush against the wall behind her, leaning her head upwards to better hear them.

In that moment, she remembered Vali and Azazel both mentioning a tense situation going on with Odin and the other Norse Gods, knowing that this had to be what they were referring to.

"Please, you can't trust that old pervert with anything. Loki has been causing problems for millennia, and Odin has always ignored it because how could he punish his sworn brother, the man who has fought so many battles by his side? Odin has only grown soft in his old age, and everyone knows it."

"But this is different." The second Devil hissed, "Before it was just Loki going around spreading childish mischief, but now I hear he's trying to depose Odin as King, and that a lot of other Norse Gods are following him and proclaiming Loki their new sovereign, even some of Odin's Valkyries changed sides and joined him. Apparently, it has to do with us, the Fallen, and the Angels finally working together."

"Wait, really?"

A laugh followed the surprised question, "Now who doesn't know what's going on? That's why the four Maous and the Governor General are all together in public lately, not because of the gathering but because they're preparing to meet Odin and his party. I guess the idea of Asgard aligning themselves with the Three Great Factions has some of those troll fuckers pissed off. As if those cunts have the right to look down on us from their high horses."

"That would make sense, especially in light of that group, Khaos Brigade, appearing out of nowhere. Even Odin must know that he and his brood will not fare well if they were to turn their sights on them, even Gods of renown are nothing in the face of Infinity."

Natsuki wondered if the men speaking above her were high-ranking and important in the hierarchy because she doubted that the average Devil would be privy to this kind of information, let alone feel comfortable enough speaking it aloud and so brazenly.

"It terrifies me just knowing that the Ouroboros Dragon is now interested in our realm. Who knows what they and their group of sycophants are planning? How can Loki be so sure that he can stand against them, let alone with while he's at war with half of Asgard?"

Nothing good, most likely. Natsuki thought about Vali and Katerea, one wanted world domination, and the other wanted the opportunity to fight against the strongest beings around. And she wondered just how many of Khaos Brigade's members had differing goals that coexisted for the sake of mutual benefit.

"Arrogance, nothing but pure arrogance. Honestly, I think we should just forget about the Norse, if they want to fight each other over what they think is the best course of action for their people, we should just let them. We just ended our truce with the Fallen and the Angels, we Devils don't need to be throwing ourselves into another conflict."

"I don't know, I kind of want to see what a Valkyrie can do up close."

"Skewer you before you have time to fucking blink."

"Um, i-it's been a while, Kogane Ryū Kōgō." Natsuki looked down when she heard a soft, nervous voice speaking to her.

Standing before her was a beautiful young girl with dark blue eyes, long blonde hair that had several bangs hanging over her forehead, tied into twin tails with large, drill-like curls, and blue ribbons keeping them in place. Her outfit consisted of a light purple dress with dark purple accents and a blue bow at the front, and at the back were three feather-like extensions mimicking a bird's tail protruding from the dress.

Man, how distracted was I? "You're Riser's little sister, right?"

The younger devil glared at Natsuki, stomping one of her feet down, "My name is Ravel Phenex, you simpleton! How could you forget that?!"

Natsuki relaxed her body, taking up the stance that she had when first resting on the wall. She could feel with her senses that the two Devils speaking above her had left once Ravel started yelling, and she silently mourned the loss of interesting gossip, but made a note to ask Rias about the situation when the night was over. "Yeah, you're definitely Riser's sister."

Ravel's glare deepened, "Geez, this is why I hate you Low-Class Devils, you're all so slow and disagreeable."

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "And yet you felt the need to seek me out and speak to me, despite finding me so slow and disagreeable?"

Ravel huffed, crossing her arms and looking away from Natsuki with her nose pointed up at her, as if she was trying to look down on Natsuki despite being quite notably shorter. "I saw you standing here all by your lonesome, clearly abandoned by your Peerage, and so decided to do the kind and graceful act of blessing you with my presence."

Natsuki laughed at the girl's arrogance, something that caused Ravel to blush when she heard it, which mitigated the already poor effects of her glare. Natsuki thought the younger girl looked like a ruffled bird, which only made her laugh even more when she remembered that Ravel was a descendant of the Phoenix from myth.

"How's your brother?" Natsuki asked when she calmed down.

The question surprised Ravel somewhat, "Do you really care?"

Natsuki shrugged, "Right after the game, I heard from your parents that he was holed up indoors, too depressed to do anything."

Ravel scoffed, crossing her arms, "And he still is! It's been months, and he still hasn't gotten over his loss; it's gotten pretty pathetic. He shouldn't have been acting like he was hot stuff to begin with, but you know what they say about pride and falls. This should be a good lesson for him once he grows up and stops acting like a child."

What a sharp tongue, who needs enemies when you have a little sister like this? Damn, do I feel bad for Riser now? Nah, asshole had it coming. Natsuki smirked, "I guess it would suck if you're a Bishop whose King is just moping around instead of trying to improve."

"About that, after Riser Onii-chan lost, I was removed from his house and placed in my mother's. Since my mother never enters games, she said she would trade me again when I found someone whose family I want to become part of, so I'm essentially a free Bishop now."

Natsuki had heard of servants being traded between Kings, having had the concept explained to her by Rias when she first became a Devil. Although it seemed weird to her that High-Class Devils would willingly become servants of their family members' Peerages, and wondered if it was some kind of practice that she did not know about.

Ravel cleared her throat, "B-By the way, Kogane-"

"Natsuki."

Ravel blinked, "Huh?"

"You wanted me to call you Ravel instead of 'Riser's little sister', right? So, call me by my name, Sukehiro Natsuki." The taller Devil explained.

It had always felt off to have people refer to her by her title, like she was being mocked or put on a pedestal she did not deserve. She did not want the same from someone who Natsuki knew had to be around the same age as her.

"I-Is it really okay for me to call you by your name!?" Ravel exclaimed, looking at Natsuki with unabashed glee.

Natsuki only raised an eyebrow in response, not understanding why Ravel would be so happy about something so unimportant. "Of course, why wouldn't it be?"

Ravel froze when she realized how she was coming off, clearing her throat as a blush formed on her cheeks. "You're nicer than I thought you would be."

"I'm plenty nice."

Ravel snorted, "The first time we met, you insulted my brother and slapped one of his Pawns through a set of doors. Then, when we met at the Rating Game, you proceeded to torture my brother with holy water until he gave up, torture that has left him afraid of his own shadow."

Natsuki pursed her lips, "Hey, your brother had it coming in both instances; I was merely defending myself."

"Is that what Low-Class Devils call self-defense?"

"It is where I'm from." Natsuki said, a vicious grin forming on her face.

The grin reminded Ravel of how Natsuki, or the Golden Dragon, looked as she stood over Riser, threatening him with her version of a good time and Ravel shuddered at the thought.

Natsuki noticed the reaction and quickly schooled her features, taking on her usual mask of expressionless passivity.

Ravel cleared her throat again, "I-I-I never did thank you."

"For what?" Natsuki asked.

"When that brutish Knight Rias-sama ran towards me, you shouted at him to stop." Ravel explained, not looking Natsuki in the eyes.

"Oh, you mean Kiba?" Natsuki asked, "That isn't something you need to thank me for, you weren't a threat, so there was no need to take you out."

Ravel did not know how to feel about Natsuki writing her off and saying that she was not a threat. It was true, she was a strategist, not a fighter, but it still rubbed her the wrong way to hear her strength be dismissed so carelessly.

Natsuki continued, not having noticed the younger Devil's change in mood, "You were the one directing the battlefield, but with everyone else besides Riser taken out, there wasn't much for you to do."

"You, you notice that?" Ravel asked, surprised.

"I did, I noticed in the clubroom that the other servants deferred to you somewhat. At first, I thought it was because you were Riser's sister and a High-Class Devil, but during the game, I saw the others following your orders. Makes sense that you were running things, your brother's too much of an idiot to think strategically."

Ravel felt like all she could do was blush while in Natsuki's presence; the idea that even before now, Natsuki had been paying attention to her made her feel warm, warmer than she had ever been in her life.

"Are you okay, Ravel?" Natsuki asked, seeing how quiet she had become.

"Natsuki-sama, the next time we meet, would you like to have some tea with me? A-A-A-And if it's okay with you, would you like to have a homemade cake p-p-prepared by me?" Ravel squeaked out, fidgeting with her fingers.

"You bake? Wait, 'Natsuki-sama'?" Natsuki asked, feeling more confused than when the conversation started.

"I-I need to-to greet the other guests. Bye!" Ravel said, not answering Natsuki's question, raising the hem of her dress and curtsying before leaving.

"What the fuck was that?" Natsuki asked as she watched Ravel disappear into the crowd.

Ravel seemed to look down at her for being a Reincarnated Devil, but also admired her for the ruthless way she beat her brother during their fight and for trying to keep Kiba from attacking her, while also being nervous the entire time.

She kind of reminds me of Asia, only if Asia weren't the living embodiment of innocence and sunshine.

Before Natsuki could think further of her interaction with Ravel, she felt a flicker of energy, but it had disappeared as quickly as Natsuki could sense it, but it was unlike anything she had ever felt before.

It did not feel like magic; it was lighter, for lack of a better word, but similar enough to Demonic Power and Light Power that she

was not completely caught off guard.

No one else seemed to notice the blip, but Natsuki could not shake off the feeling that something was wrong, especially when she could no longer feel Issei, Rias, and Koneko in the hall. When she stretched out her sensory ability, Natsuki realized that her friends her still on the grounds but a good distance away.

Natsuki quietly slipped out of the banquet hall unnoticed, she did not know what was going on, but was going to find out.

---

 

"That's Koneko-chan's Onee-san?!" Issei exclaimed, looking between the two in shock, much to Rias' exasperation.

Standing across from Koneko was a beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure, long black hair with split bangs, and hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils. She was wearing a black kimono, a yellow obi, a set of golden beads, and an ornately detailed headband. The kimono had a red interior, and it opened at her shoulders, giving a view of the tops of her large breasts.

Of course, Issei had already known of Kuroka's existence, Rias had explained Koneko's past to him, how her older sister had one day lost her mind, killing their former master and going rogue. But he had not been expecting to ever see said sister in person.

Kuroka giggled; she had been aware of Issei and Rias' presence from the moment they left the hotel, but had ignored them in favor of focusing on her sister. So, she decided to finally acknowledge them in lieu of Issei's outburst, blowing their rather flimsy cover, "Your friends are pretty funny, Shirone-nyan."

"...Nee-sama. What is this about?" Koneko said with anger in her voice as Rias and Issei stepped out from the trees they had been hiding behind.

Kuroka just smiled, "Don't make such a scary face. I just had some minor business to take care of. I heard that the Devils were holding a big party here, you know? That's why I was interested and just had to make an appearance. Nyan."

Kuroka then waved her hand like a cat and winked at the three Devils before.

So cute! Issei thought, and what he was thinking must have shown on his face as Rias immediately started pinching his cheek.

"Man, it looks like a party down here. You having fun without me kitty-cat?" A voice spoke out from above, and when the others looked up, they saw Son Goku Bikou sitting in a tree above them.

"It's that damn monkey-san!" Issei yelled, pointing his finger at the Youkai.

Bikou laughed, not at all offended by the crude nickname.

"How's that jackass Vali doing?" Issei asked with a glare.

Bikou laughed again, "He's fine. As for you...Heh, so you've become a little stronger, huh?"

He can tell just by looking at my body? Issei thought in puzzlement.

"Bikou, who is this boy?" Kuroka asked, pointing at Issei.

"The Sekiryuutei." Bikou replied.

The Rouge Devil's eyes widened, "Really-nyan? Heh~, so this is the current breasts-loving Sekiryuutei who helped repel Vali?"

Issei could not deny what Kuroka had just called him, as everything she said was true.

Bikou spoke while yawning, "Kuroka, let's go back. We can't participate in that party anyway; it's a waste to stay here."

"Yes, let's return. But I'll take Shirone with me-nyan, since I wasn't able to bring her with me that time."

"Arara, if you bring her back with you of your own accord, Vali might get angry, you know?"

"When they know that the same power as mine flows within her, both Ophis and Vali will be convinced, right?"

Bikou shrugged, "Well, that may be so."

Kuroka's grin widened as she turned back towards the three Gremory Devils, and seeing the look on her sister's face, Koneko shivered, hating the fear that started to overtake her.

"This girl is an important friend of mine and our Peerage; I'm not going to let you fuckers take her away! You have no right to her!" Issei yelled, stepping in front of Koneko.

"Ise-senpai..." Koneko whispered, staring at Issei's back with tears in her eyes.

Seeing Issei's actions, both Bikou and Kuroka laughed, finding the idea of Issei fighting them to be hilarious.

"No, no, that's very brave of you, but do you really intend to make me and Kuroka your opponents?" Bikou asked, still laughing, "Don't be foolish, Sekiryuutei, just let us take the girl and leave, that way we don't have to hurt you, alright?"

Rias stepped forward, her face full of anger, "This child is my servant. I won't let you put even a single finger on Koneko."

Kuroka laughed again, "Is that what you're calling her now, Koneko? Ara-ara-ara-ara, what are you saying-nya? She's my little sister; I have the right to love her. A High-Class Devil like you doesn't have that privilege."

Seeing that neither was going to back down, the atmosphere changed as Rias and Kuroka glared at each other.

Kuroka scoffed, a smirk quickly replacing her frown, "Since you're so troublesome, I'll just kill you little brats-nyan."

In an instant, Issei felt himself being thrown to the side, and if not for his recent training, he would have helplessly hit and then crashed through the trees. Instead, Issei was able to right himself in midair, kicking off the tree he was thrown towards and jumping in Rias' direction, seeing that she had been similarly thrown.

Issei was able to catch Rias before she could get hurt, landing on the ground in a crouch as he held Rias in his arms.

Fuck, Koneko-chan! Issei's eyes widened, and he quickly turned his head, realizing that Kuroka had thrown them out of the way to make a straight path for her sister.

But when he did, Issei felt relieved when he saw Natsuki standing where he once was in front of their kouhai, her hand tightly holding onto Kuroka's outstretched arm and keeping her from reaching Koneko.

"Oh?" Kuroka said, intrigued, "And who would you be?"

"Koneko, is this her?" Natsuki asked, not taking her eyes off Kuroka.

Koneko was confused for a moment before she remembered the conversation she and Natsuki had after the Open House. "Sh-she is."

"Oh~, has Shirone spoken about me to her little friends-nya?" Kuroka grinned, "That makes me so-"

Kuroka pulled her arm out of Natsuki's grasp and jumped into the air and summoning her Devil wings, avoiding the powerful blast of fire that had burst forth from Natsuki's other hand, scorching the ground where she once stood.

Natsuki slowly looked up, a wild and vindictive grin appearing on her face, "So you're the bitch who ruined Koneko's life? Well, as her senpai, it's my responsibility to kick your ass for what you've done to her."

Kuroka snickered, "Is that so~?"

"It's so." Natsuki summoned her necklace, the gem glowing brightly in the moonlit darkness of the woods.

She flinched when the feeling of suddenly being transported to another space washed over her. Natsuki did not see anything different about the environment, as would usually be noticeable when taken to a replica of a place.

Rias' expression soured, "Kuroka, so you have not only learned Senjutsu, Youjutsu, and Devil magic, but also the ability to control space and time?"

"I didn't go as far as learning how to control time; that would have been far too difficult to pull off, but I was able to easily learn how to control space. I found that if I used the foundations what is used for accomplishing barrier techniques, this would be possible." Kuroka grinned, "I covered this entire forest with a barrier and isolated it from the outside world-nyan. So, no matter what flashy and powerful techniques we use here, it won't leak outside, and nothing, not even the Devils at the party, will be able to get in."

So, we won't be able to get out unless she pulls down the barrier or someone else, far stronger than her, is able to destroy it. Natsuki thought, "I think you're acting a little too cocky about your chances of winning here."

Bikou's smile grew, "Is that so, Kogane Ryū Kōgō? Aren't you the one who's acting cocky? You've gotten stronger, I'll give you that, but not enough to be a threat to either of us."

Natsuki tilted her head, "This ability of yours, it allows you to sense the flow of energy in my body, doesn't it?"

"It does, Senjutsu, allows me to see the flow of your spirit to a degree, so I can tell the volume of aura that covers you has risen since we last met. Upset that you're not the only one who can do so?" Bikou playfully asked.

"No, just curious." Natsuki shrugged, "But the reason that I believe your cockiness isn't warranted is because I didn't come alone."

Just as Natsuki said this, a large mass of fire appeared in the sky and began hurdling towards Bikou. Natsuki then grabbed Koneko and jumped towards Issei and Rias.

Bikou used his Ruyi Jingu Bang, holding it out in front of him and spinning it vigorously to dispel the flames. When he was done, Bikou grinned at the newcomer, "Oh, oh, oh! If it isn't the former Dragon King himself, Blaze Meteor Dragon Tannin!"

Tannin huffed as he floated above the Devils and Youkai, "When I ran into Sukehiro Natsuki and we came to investigate the trouble that was going on in this forest, I was not expecting to be trapped within a barrier. You must simply know that terrorist scum such as yourselves are not on the guest list, but no matter, I will have my fun personally escorting you out."

Bikou's smile grew, "We have no choice but to fight now, Kuroka! There's no way he's going to let us just leave so easily."

Kuroka smirked, "You seem happy, monkey-san. Very well, if we take down three beings that are above Dragon King class, Ophis will also be silent on the matter of me bringing Shirone and blowing our cover."

"Kintoun!" Bikou shouted, and a gold cloud appeared underneath his feet, he then quickly flew off towards Tannin, extending his staff as he tried to hit the dragon, but Tannin avoided the strike.

Tannin let out another torrent of flames, which Bikou swiftly flew out of the way of, "Hmph! I always wondered what kind of person Son Goku was! You seem quite happy to have received an attack from me, Tannin!"

Bikou grinned, "The name's Bikou! Nice to meet you, Dragon Boss!"

"Kukukuku. You talk like a true monkey, do you understand who you have made your opponent right now?"

"I'm also descended from a legendary demon, you know. I can't afford to lose so quickly, so bring it on, Dragon Boss!"

"Nyan. Now, don't ignore me in favor of them, I'm just as dangerous." Kuroka purred, a bewitching smile on her face as a dark and ominous aura emanated from her body.

Fuck, what has she done to be capable of this? Natsuki shuddered at the killing intent and the maliciousness she could feel from the woman.

"Nee-sama, wait, I'll go with you. Just please don't touch my friends." Koneko suddenly blurted out, trying to push her way forward, but Natsuki refused to let her walk past her.

"What are you saying—" Issei tried to say.

"What are saying!? Koneko! You're a servant of my Peerage! I won't allow you to do as you please!" Rias yelled, tightly embracing Koneko.

Koneko shook her head, "...It's no good. I understand Nee-sama's power best, and she rivals that of an Ultimate-Class Devil. For Buchou, Ise-sempai, Natsuki-senpai...even with the power of a former Dragon King, I don't think any of you can capture my sister, not when she excels in both genjutsu and senjutsu..."

"So what?!" Issei yelled, "So what if she's stronger? We're not just going to let her take you, this Onee-sama can fuck off for all I care! You're staying with us, Koneko-chan."

Kuroka smiled at the Devils' anger, "How cute, but Youkai need only the help and care of another Youkai. I can understand Shirone and her power better than a spoiled princess and two weaklings, you know?"

Koneko shook her head at her sister's words, "...No...I don't need that kind of power...I don't need a dark power like that...I don't need a power that brings misfortune to people like that..."

Koneko started to tremble and cry, making Rias hug her even more tightly and feel even more anger towards the rogue. "Kuroka, you allowed yourself to be blinded by power, leaving a wound on this girl's heart and making her life hell. For so long, Koneko was a shell incapable of showing emotion, betrayed and abandoned, and despised and abused by other Devils, to the point where she was going to be disposed of. You didn't deserve her then, and you sure as hell don't deserve her now, especially when you think she can be anything like you! This girl is Toujou Koneko, Rook of the Rias Gremory Peerage and one of my most important friends! I don't care how strong you are, I won't let you take her!"

Koneko could no longer hold back her tears and was now sobbing in Rias' arms. "...I don't want to go...I am Toujou Koneko. Kuroka Nee-sama, I don't want to go with you! I want to live with Rias-buchou! To live!"

After hearing that, a bitter smile briefly appeared on Kuroka's face before she started to laugh derisively. "Then, die."

Natsuki quickly turned, grabbing Rias and Koneko, "Run, Issei!"

Issei did as he was told, and the moment he did, a thin mist-like substance sprang out from Kuroka and began to gradually spread out, threatening to cover up the whole forest.

Natsuki clicked her teeth, "The mist is poisonous."

"Seriously?" Issei asked, running alongside Natsuki as she continued to carry Rias and Koneko.

"I can smell it; it's like rotting flesh and blood." Natsuki said as she looked down and saw that Rias was breathing heavily, "Rias, are you-"

Rias coughed, curling her body flush against Natsuki as she started to shiver. Koneko was in a similar state, covering her mouthwith her hand as she coughed, struggling to breathe.

"Hmm, so this mist doesn't work on you because you're the Sekiryuutei and the Kogane Ryū Kōgō, huh? I made this a poison mist specially to work only on Devils and Youkai-nyan, making the target slowly suffer as it spreads throughout the body, killing you gradually-nyan." When the two Pawns stopped running, they saw Kuroka sitting on a tree branch above them, swinging her feet with a smile on her face.

Rias shakily raised her hand and fired magic bullets at the rogue, but they missed Kuroka completely as her body vanished.

"Aim for the tree on the far left!" Natsuki said, and Rias quickly readjusted her aim, destroying the tops of the tree.

Laughter could be heard all around them before Kuroka reappeared, standing where Natsuki had turned to face, beneath the destroyed tree. "It seems like my basic genjutsu doesn't work on you. I should have figured, given what I've heard of your skill as a sensor, so I'll just have to throw something stronger at you!"

Suddenly, silhouettes were born one after another within the mist, standing on either side of Kuroka, and her perfect illusions of the original.

"Natsuki, which one is real?!" Issei asked, unable to tell the difference himself.

Natsuki clicked her teeth, grinding them together as Kuroka started to laugh at her. "The energy coming from each one is the same."

"...If you can't read the flow of one's spirit, you can't deal with a skilled practitioner's genjutsu." Koneko said, hissing as she spoke.

Natsuki put Rias and Koneko down, not moving her arms until she was sure that the two would be able to stand on their own. "Balance Breaker!"

Once her Balance Breaker formed, Natsuki flew towards Kuroka, throwing several Black Bolts at the rogue and her illusions.

The bolts flew through five of the Kurokas, but the remaining seven jumped to avoid them, continuing to hide which one was the real Kuroka.

It was only her instincts that allowed Natsuki to raise her arms fast enough to block the flying kick that was aimed at her face.

Kuroka giggled, pushing herself off Natsuki's arms and landing a few feet away, "You have to try harder than that-nya."

"I'm just getting started, sweetheart." Natsuki said.

"Don't make promises you can't keep!" Kuroka shouted, raising her hands and firing a flurry of bullets at Natsuki.

Natsuki allowed the bullets to hit her, absorbing the energy, pressing her hands together, "Have a gift courtesy of my teacher; Waterfall Prison!"

Water was pulled from the trees and plants around them, forming chains made of water that quickly flew towards the Kurokas. The chains flew through the illusions, but instead of dissipating, changed directions midair and wrapped around the true Kuroka.

"Kinky~" Kuroka purred, unbothered by her new state until she started to feel dehydrated, realizing that the chains were pulling the water from her own body to strengthen themselves.

"What the-" Kuroka growled as she threw herself to the side, narrowly avoiding a red figure that tried to tackle her.

Issei, now in his [Boosted Gear] Scale Mail, followed Kuroka, swinging at her in an attempt to knock her down. Kuroka avoided each strike, but she could see Issei steadily getting faster, coming closer to reaching her each time.

Kuroka turned her head, allowing Natsuki's fist to fly past and kicking the Pawn in the chest. When Natsuki staggered back, Kuroka turned to Issei and kicked him in his helmeted face.

Natsuki summoned a large fireball and threw it at Kuroka after Issei was sent flying, just in time for Kuroka to destroy the water chains and catch the fireball before throwing it back at Natsuki.

Natsuki wondered just how Kuroka was able to grab and then throw her spell as she allowed the fireball to hit her, absorbing it. Natsuki ran at Kuroka and grabbed her leg, slamming her into the ground and bringing her foot down upon Kuroka's head. Natsuki used her free hand to create a Black Bolt and fire it down at Kuroka, but when her spell connected, Natsuki realized that the Kuroka underneath her was a genjutsu illusion.

Before she had time to react, the real Kuroka jumped out of the shadows and punched Natsuki in the face, breaking her helmet on impact.

Kuroka clapped her hands together, and two different auras began to form, coating them completely. She then pointed her palms at Natsuki, allowing two beams to shoot out from them.

When the beams hit Natsuki, a huge blast exploded outward, covering the area in smoke, and when the smoke dissipated, Natsuki was standing there completely unharmed.

Kuroka's expression changed to one of shock, "It didn't work!? No way. I built up a considerable amount of spiritual power! You can absorb Senjutsu as well?!"

Natsuki smiled fiercely, "It seems like it."

"Ugh!" Kuroka doubled over, seeing Natsuki's fist now embedded in her stomach, pain filling her senses as she did not even see Natsuki move.

She was sent flying into a nearby tree, splitting the tree in half and knocking it over as she crashed through it, crashing through two more trees before finally hitting the ground with a heavy thud.

Kuroka stood up, spitting out some blood that had made its way into her mouth. Issei tried to use this opportunity to use his Dress Break on Kuroka, but she danced out of the way of his hand and fired a magic bullet at his back, breaking through his armor and knocking him down.

I can't use my powers on her; she'll just absorb the spells again. I'll have to deal with her, physically. Kuroka thought.

Natsuki watched Kuroka disappear from her sight, only for her to punch her in the face, laughing as she felt Kuroka's fist connect with her cheek. Despite knowing that she was hit, Natsuki did not feel pain from the blow, immediately trying to kick Kuroka away.

From the second she absorbed Kuroka's latest attack, Natsuki felt energized and as if she could do anything, as if she was riding a strong high and unable to think beyond just wanting to hit Kuroka, and this led to the two furiously trading blows when Natsuki ran at Kuroka again.

More of Kuroka's hits were landing in comparison to Natsuki's, but the boost Natsuki had gotten prevented her from feeling the damage. Another laugh spilled from Natsuki's lips as Kuroka was unable to entirely avoid Natsuki's hits, seeing the rogue's skin beginning to bruise.

Kuroka growled as she grabbed Natsuki's right arm, using her enhanced strength to shatter the armor around it, and then bending the arm back until it snapped, the bone now sticking out of the torn skin. Still, Natsuki was not phased, lifting her left hand and firing another Black Bolt at Kuroka, which the rogue dodged.

"Devourer's Gluttony!" Natsuki yelled, Hellfire shooting out from her body, making Kuroka jump back to avoid being burned.

Kuroka closed the distance between them when the flames died down, punching Natsuki in the stomach and sending her flying backwards.

When Natsuki's feet touched the ground, Kuroka was on her again, elbowing her in the face, knocking out a couple of her teeth. And when Issei tried to use this opportunity to attack her again, Kuroka grabbed Issei by the shoulder and threw him into Natsuki, sending them both falling to the ground. As she stood over them, Kuroka started firing magic bullets at the pair, with the majority hitting Issei.

Natsuki threw Issei off her, absorbing the bullets and intensifying the rush she was feeling. Continuous and manic laughter filled the air, Natsuki's eyes bright and glowing gold, making her friends worry about her behavior.

"N-Natsuki?" Rias breathed out, having never seen this type of reaction to her Pawn absorbing energy before.

Natsuki ignored the looks and charged at Kuroka, but the rogue was done messing around with the Pawn and punched her in the face before kicking her leg and shattering her kneecap. Again, Natsuki did not feel the pain, but was not able to charge at Kuroka anymore, now limping as she tried to move towards her, still laughing as she did so.

Kuroka leaned her head back, her attention now on the other Pawn as she avoided getting stabbed by a long blade. Issei was standing before her; his armor cracked in the various places where her attacks had penetrated, and with Ascalon now summoned.

"Now, where did you, of all people, get a Holy Sword from-nya?" Kuroka asked.

"Don't worry about that, just worry about now getting skewered!" Issei roared, slashing his blade at her.

Kuroka avoided each strike as Issei was not fast enough to hit her, and while she could not see her, Kuroka could sense Natsuki behind her, knowing that Issei was purposely leading her to the other Pawn.

Kuroka smirked as she backflipped over Natsuki, causing Issei to cut the right side of Natsuki's cheek, having not expected the maneuver.

Issei's eyes widened as he dropped his arm, "Shit! Natsuki, I didn't mean to do that."

Natsuki only smiled as blood and smoke began to bubble from the wound, her eyes still glowing and unfocused, as if she were in a completely different reality from the others.

"You should be more careful-nyan. I didn't think the Sekiryuutei was so careless with his friends." Kuroka laughed.

Issei glared at the Youkai, "Shut up! I don't need to hear that from someone like you!"

[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]

Focus, partner, don't let her bait you. Ddraig said through their bond. Just stick out your hand and try firing a magic bullet.

But I've never-

Just trust me, Issei. Ddraig said, leaving no room for argument.

Following Ddraig's instructions, Issei raised his hand and pointed it directly at Kuroka, firing a large red beam of energy at her.

Feeling the raw power within the spell, Kuroka summoned her Devil wings and flew into the sky, narrowly avoiding it. But as the spell tore through the ground, it had the effect of dispelling both the poison mist and the barrier that Kuroka had created.

"Whoa, did I just do that?" Issei asked himself, looking at his outstretched hand.

"Hahahaha! It's been a long time since I've seen that red blast!" Tannin laughed from above. He and Bikou temporarily stopped fighting to see Issei's attack. "You have attained it at last!"

"I'm not done yet." Kuroka summoned her Kasha, multiple big wheels of Senjutsu that were covered in black flames, and just when she was going to launch them at Issei, a terrible shiver raced down her spine, and when she looked up, she saw something truly shocking.

There stood Sukehiro Natsuki, a dark cloak of Senjutsu radiating off her, the weight of which was drowning almost everything in the area.

"We're not going to let assholes walk all over us." Issei spat, "So stop underestimating us."

Bikou laughed loudly, twirling his staff around, "Hyahahahahahahaha! This is really interesting! Now there are three dragon bosses! It'd be a lie to say I'm not enjoying this!"

"Ahahahaha! Shirone, what kind of servants did your Gremory princess obtain for herself?" Kuroka said, looking at Natsuki and Issei in a new light.

Koneko glared at her sister as she and Rias were slowly recovering now that the poison mist had been blown away.

A low chuckle escaped Natsuki's lips, and a few took staggering steps towards Kuroka, wanting nothing more than to rip Kuroka apart with her bare hands.

She was only stopped when Koneko grabbed her arm, pulling her back slightly, "Senpai... don't lose yourself to this."

Koneko's whispering barely registered in her brain, a growl leaving her lips as Koneko prevented her from moving forward.

"Please..." Koneko said, looking up at Natsuki with tears in her eyes.

Natsuki froze, and in that moment, she felt all the alluring pull of the Senjutsu disappear, leaving her body quickly. "What-"

"That's far enough, Bikou, Kuroka, the Devils have noticed." Everyone turned to look at a bespectacled young man with blond hair, a strand of hair across his face, and who was dressed in a business suit. In his hands was a Holy Sword with a grip long enough that it appeared like a two-handed sword with a round pommel at the end, a huge cross-like guard, and a long blade with a gold-colored edge.

"Aw, man. What are you doing here, Arthur?" Bikou said as he descended.

Arthur pushed up his glasses with a sigh, "Kuroka was taking too long, so I came to see what was keeping her. What are you doing here, Bikou? More importantly, what do you two think you're doing?"

"The Holy King sword Collbrande, one of the seven fragments of the Holy Sword, Excalibur. Also known as Caliburn, and the strongest Holy sword in existence. For a wielder of such a blade to be aligned with the Hakuryuukou..." Tannin let out a bitter laugh, "That blade was supposed to be within the Church's possession, but I see that isn't the case. You must be a True Holy Sword Wielder."

"I am." Arthur said plainly before looking at the Gremory Devils, "I must ask if you could please give my greetings to the Holy Demonic Sword user and the Holy Sword Durandal user? I'd like to face them sometime as fellow swordsmen, you know?"

Bikou let out a snort, "Do you really think you're in a position to ask them that, Arthur?"

"It does not hurt to try." Arthur said before using Caliburn to cut the air behind him, creating a spatial tear. "Now then, let's retreat."

"Boo!" Bikou groaned before looking back at Tannin with a wild grin, "Don't wait up, dragon boss, we still need to determine a winner between us!"

Tannin scoffed, "It will not be much of a fight if we were to cross paths again."

Kuroka smirked as she looked at her little sister and her friends, "Bye, bye, Shirone~, Sekiryuutei, Kogane Ryū Kōgō, Gremory-Nyan."

With that, the three members of Khaos Brigade walked into the spatial tear and disappeared, leaving the five Devils behind.

The moment they disappeared, Natsuki fell forward, losing consciousness before she hit the ground.

"Natsuki!" Both Issei and Rias cried out.

"I was wondering how much longer she was going to keep standing." Tannin said as he landed next to the younger Devils.

Koneko kneeled next to Natsuki, using her hand to brush some of the hair away from her eyes. It terrified her to see Natsuki lose herself to Kuroka's powers, and she was relieved when Natsuki was able to pull herself out of it.

"Natsuki's going to be alright, Koneko-chan." Issei said, noticing Koneko's worry, "She's stronger than that, you know?"

Koneko nodded her head, unable to take her eyes off Natsuki.

Rias sighed as she could hear the sounds of people approaching them now that Kuroka's barrier had been destroyed. There had been nothing that would have kept them from sensing the Khaos Brigade members' presence before they left.

She looked at her friends, her gaze lingering on Natsuki the longest as she sighed again, "Honestly, what am I going to do with you three? Every day, my cute little servants are always finding trouble or having trouble finding them."

Issei awkwardly laughed as he scratched the back of his head while Koneko looked away with a blush on her cheeks.