Flames spread along the camp ground. Demigods and Legacies continue their fight against the army that trudged inside the camp. There was supposed to be a barrier to protect the people inside but who could oppose a goddess? If she and her army wish to invade a camp to their desire, then they can. After all, her army is made up out of her children. Technically, they're half-bloods. Though half-god, they are not exactly half-human.

Oh, loopholes. I thought sarcastically while viewing the camp from above a hill. How I love them.

I held my 3 foot long bronze sword, gripping it tightly as I asked the person behind me. "Why?"

"He has something great planned, you know. I was lucky that I was one of those people that he gave that dream." The guy doused in water said.

"Who's him? And who's lucky?" I laughed without humor. "Lucky. Wow. What in Hades happened to you?! Look at the destruction you did! Look at it! Your home! Your family! And you threw it all away for some dream you had?!"

He shook his head. "You don't understand it yet. But, I'm doing this for all of you. I have to betray you. I have to."

Beneath his hood, I saw a glimpse of his changing eyes. I saw how vulnerable he is. For a moment, I loosen the grip of my sword. Then, his eyes harden and he charged.

He took advantage of me but I was able to bring my sword up just in time. I deflected his sword that glimmer gold with the flames that is below us. I glared at him. I wanted to hurt him, to kill him for what he is doing but I don't know how. I don't think I can.

"You can't fight me. You know you can't." He said as we continue our sword fight.

I didn't have time for this. I should be helping the people down there. I could beat him. I know I can. Why can't I do it?! Is it because he's my friend? Is it because he is almost like a brother to me?

"Shut up." I said through gritted teeth.

He went to stab me through my chest but I deflected it. I twisted his sword with mine and slashed at him. He dodged to left and lunged at me. I could see his pattern, his style. I parried every blow he's giving me.

"Why won't you attack, huh?" He asked as he slashed at my torso. I avoided it but it made me falter in my defense. "You can't avenge those people if you just keep defending! This is why you can't protect anyone!"

"Hya!" He went a sure blow and slashed at me. I parried it with my sword and tried to push him away.

"I don't need…you to tell me what to do!" I lashed out at him. I switched our positions and went for an attack. I hacked through his defense quickly but each time he manages to deflect it.

This isn't right. My attacks aren't right. I growled and kept going but my logical side kept telling me this is wrong. Something is clouding my judgement and I didn't know what.

He manages to get through my attacks and slashes at me. He made a cut my left forearm. A gash appeared on it and blood seeped through. He gave me a disappointed stare. "This is not how you usually fight. You're angry. You're not worth it."

Hearing him say that made me angrier. I know that. He didn't need to tell him. I hated him in that instant. I growled at him, "You're damn right, I'm angry!"

I threw my whole rational side away and continue to fight him through my instincts. "You're the one that's not worth it! Who throws his family away for some stupid belief!"

It seemed to trigger something inside him. His movements grew more intense and he started attacking back. "His beliefs are true and are right! You have no idea how many people he can help! You have no idea!"

We were both fighting for something but I can tell he's the one that's wrong. A bit of my rationality came back. I shook my head, "No. You're wrong. Anyone that fights for the destruction of his own home is wrong. You turned against the people that helped you grow. This is not right!"

He glared at me. He gave an annoyed laugh. "I knew it. You don't understand. You would never understand. Like your parents did. Your fate should be the same as them."

"My fate? My parents?" I frowned. What does that have to do with anything?

He gave a mad laugh. I stopped my charges and stared at him. "What did you-?"

-RIIING!

My eyes shot open and met the sight of the ceiling. I was gasping for air and my body was covered in cold sweat. I sat up and groaned. I smacked the alarm clock to shut it up. "Great way to start the day, huh, Theo?"

I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair. I rubbed the sleep off my eyes and made my way towards the bathroom to shower.

A start of new life. I sighed. Though that dream didn't exactly gave me a good morning. Never mind, maybe it'll just go away with time.

I exited the shower and put on my new uniform. I was going to Kuoh Academy for my high school. Actually, I have never experienced school. I shrugged mentally. It's good time to try. At least, nobody is trying to kill me. Though the weight of that guilt of leaving that place is still on me. I sighed and looked at myself at the mirror while buttoning up my dress shirt. For a moment, I saw the guy that I was fighting in my dream but my flaming sea-green eyes stared right back at me in a snap. I ruffled my black and blonde hair and went down to make breakfast.

What greeted me was not what I was expecting. A nine-year old girl with brown hair and flaming orange eyes was smiling at me. On the table was a complete all-American breakfast, hot and ready to eat.

I was speechless to say the least. The little girl raised an eyebrow at me, "Well, Theseus? No "thank you" for your patron?"

I snapped out of my surprise. I rubbed the back of my neck and laughed, awkwardly. "Sorry, Lady Hestia. I was just…surprise."

I walked towards the table and sat down. Lady Hestia sat in front of me and offered me a kind smile. "Eat up, Theseus. It's your first day. You wouldn't want to be late, would you?"

I grinned and shook my head. "Thanks, my lady."

Lady Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth. She is currently my guardian and at the same time she is my patron. Apparently, she put a blessing on me the day I was born. So, I received her powers and guidance. The reason was because I was special, they say. I don't really get why I was special but I guess it is because I'm a special kind of legacy.

My parents are two of the most powerful demigods ever known. They both survived the Second Titan and Giant War. They were Perseus Jackson, Son of Poseidon and Annabeth Chase – Jackson, Daughter of Athena. Just by being the son of two legendary heroes, I was already crowded by a lot of people. Though what's more is that I seem to inherit my dad's power. I have control over water, earthquakes and tsunamis. It didn't even made sense because having a legacy with powers is very rare. I guess that's what they mean by special.

While I was eating the ever so delicious food that Lady Hestia prepared, I asked with an amused grin, "What's this for, my lady? Or is this my everyday wake-up call?"

She giggled. "Be good for your first day and maybe I'll prepare your breakfast. But, don't expect much. You already got this house."

Right, she was the one that gave me this new home. I took a drink of juice and smiled at her, "Hey, a kid could hope, you know. Thanks for this house though, my lady. So, this is first day morning breakfast?"

"Yes, think of it as a boost for your first day." She said.

I hummed. "Thanks, my lady. Truth to be told, I was in no mood making breakfast a while ago. Your food is nectar to me, my lady."

She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why? Did you have a dream?"

I looked up at her and cocked my head. "How do always seem to know everything?"

"I am your patron. Should I not know what is happening to my champion?" There was a tiny mischievous glint in her eyes, showing that she is amused but at the same time she looks at me concerned.

I chuckled. "That's not what I meant, my lady. But, to answer your question, yes, it's another dream – and, yes, I'm fine."

She sighed and stood up. She went towards me and ruffles my hair. It was a bit weird because she was in a form of a nine-year old girl while I'm a sixteen year old guy as she does such a motherly thing to me but I didn't mind. Actually, it was a bit comforting. "Are you sure you're okay, Theseus? There's nothing else you need?"

I put on a thoughtful face. "Breakfast prepared everyday still sounds like a good deal."

She rolled her eyes at me and softly flicks my forehead. "Only for this week, Theseus."

A grin occupied my face. I stood from my chair and bowed deeply to her. "Thank you, Lady Hestia." With every bit of sincerity in my voice, I continued. "Thank you for everything you've done and given me. I would probably be lost if it weren't for you."

I felt her hand under my chin as she lifted my face up. "It's fine. Just promise me one thing: Stay safe, okay?"

I smiled at her gently. "Okay."

She smiled back and took a step backward. "Good. And, stop bowing to me. There's no need for that, Theseus."

I sat back down and continued eating breakfast. "Only if you start calling me Theo."

She cocked her head to the side and hummed. "Hm… I don't think so, Theseus."

I pouted at her as she laughed at me. "Well, I must get going. Someone is still supposed to tend the hearth in Olympus and in camp."

She was about to disappear in a swirl of flames when I called out to her. "My lady, please… If you can, please keep the camp safe. At least, until I get back."

She nodded with a smile but her eyes started flaring a bit more, signaling that she promises the safety of my home. "I swear, Theseus."

Flames enveloped her as she teleported away from this house – this country, back to New York. I sighed and sat back down and finished my breakfast.

Be good and stay safe. She said.

I stood up and prepared myself to get going.

Your will, my lady.

-RIIING!

"Are you kidding me?! I'm late on my first day?!" I ran through the halls of the school. That's the second alarm that did nothing to help me.

Honestly, I got lost along my way to the school. I thought I was going nowhere when I saw a student that has the same uniform that I had. So, I followed him. Turns out, I was always passing by the wrong street that was why I ended up going around in circles. Maybe, I should have explored this town a little more, says my Athena side.

I dashed through the corridors and looked for my section.

Class 2-B… Class 2-B… Class 2- AHA!

I charged into the front door without fault. What greeted me were awkward looks of my new classmates and a stern gaze of my homeroom teacher. I offered an embarrass smile and said, "Uh… Sorry?"

It came out more as a question rather than a good apology. Apart from that, I said it in English so most of the class didn't understand it. The teacher cleared her throat and said in English as well though it was in an entirely different accent, "I know you're not from here, Mr. Jackson but I would like you to get used to the time here in Japan and not American time."

I nodded and answered back, this time, in Japanese. "Yes, of course. Sorry, sensei. I just…um…got lost. It's also fine to talk to me in Japanese. My diction is not that fluent but I can understand and communicate well enough."

The teacher raised an eyebrow at me. She's probably wondering how I got to know Japanese. Well, it's easier to learn a new language when you have a brain of a child of Athena (or at least, a grandchild of Athena) and when you don't have dyslexia. It helps you learn faster.

The teacher gestured for me and said, "Well, introductions were just done but I think it is right for your classmates to know who you are."

I nodded and went in front and center of the class. I bowed my head and said, "My name is Theseus Luke Jackson. But all of you can call me Theo. It's a pleasure to meet all of you. I hope we can get along."

I was not used to this. This is my first time entering a school, much less introducing myself properly in a class. Are the girls supposed to look at me and whisper my name all the while looking at me as if I'm their next prey? Are guys supposed to glare at me as if I am not allowed to exist? I sighed. This is going to be a long day.

Sensei nodded at me and pointed to an empty seat in front of a brown-haired guy that was glaring at me with a deep killing intent. I looked at the teacher unsurely and back to the boy. I started walking with my head down, one hand in my pocket and one hand holding my stuff.

Once I got seated, the teacher continued with her homeroom. Then subjects with different teachers come and go. After a while, it was break time. I stood up, excitedly. I was so damn hungry, I wanted to dash out of the room except…

"Hey, hey, Theo-san. Is your hair naturally black and blonde?"

"How are your eyes flaming?"

"Are you single?"

"Can I be your girlfriend?"

A whole bunch of girls crowded around me and I couldn't escape. They were all asking bizarre questions that are really not comfortable for me. Well, the "are you single" and "girlfriend" questions are kinda creeping me out. Apart from that, the boys are glaring me from a far and are seem to even holding up a meeting.

A bunch of "Can I be your girlfriend" questions passed, I stood up and gave them an awkward smile that seem to shut them up.

Ooookay then…

"Yes, my hair and eyes and natural. Yes, I'm single and no, I am not looking for a girlfriend right now so… Sorry, girls." I ran a hand through my hair and made my way through the crowd.

After I managed to escape the horde of girls that seem to want to ask more, I dashed out of the room towards the cafeteria. I stopped at a corner near the cafeteria. Those girls are rather…wild. I was used to kids crowding around but not girls. I breathe out a sigh of relief. That was over…for now.

I turned to the corner casually but immediately bumped into a girl. I guess it was usual instincts and reaction that helped me catch the lady. I had an arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her forward with it along with a hand pulling her arm.

I came face to face with a girl with long, crimson hair and blue-green. She's pretty – beautiful, I dare say. She stared at me, probably surprised at the sudden contact. I immediately retracted my arm after I steadied her.

"Uh… Sorry." I offered a shy smile. "Um… Are you okay?"

She smiled at me. "No, it's okay. Sorry and thank you, as well, er…"

"Ah," I put my hand forward, implying for a handshake. "Call me Theo."

She grabbed my hand and shook it, firmly. I was a bit surprised at how tight her grip is but I didn't mind. The thing that I did mind was this odd feeling that was nagging me. There was something about her that I couldn't put my finger on. I looked around.

Why are the people looking at us?!

I released her hand while she bowed her head a bit. "Well, thank you, Theo-kun. Sorry about that again."

"No." I shook my head. "That was entirely my fault…ah…"

"Rias." She introduced herself. "And my friend here is Akeno."

She pointed to yet another pretty lady beside her. She has long, black hair which is tied into a ponytail and bright, violet eyes. She bowed at me with a gentle smile. Now this is a person that you can clearly see in that the Japanese blood flows within her.

"Yeah, so… Sorry. Again." I chuckled a bit. "Nice meeting you both, Rias-san, Akeno-san. But, I really should get going."

I walked past them while bowing my head. A few steps later I felt my body loose its tension. I breathe out a sigh of relief. What was that about? Why was I so tense? She's not an enemy…is she?

I shook my head and tried to forget about it. I'm in Japan. It's not like the monsters are going to follow me here. They're not that desperate for food. Besides, the whole reason I went here is for some peace and quiet. It won't help if I try and find trouble. Let trouble find its way to me. It'll be much harder for it.

I heard tons of noise to where the direction of the cafeteria is. I groaned. Great, this'll be fun. Battle for food. Let the Hunger Games begin.

I went through the crowd and tried to find food that is edible.

After a rather hard and painful battle for food (It's definitely easier to eat back at camp), I went back to my room. Thankfully, I wasn't late. With all the ruckus that I went through in the cafeteria, I thought I already missed my first subject after break. Turns out, our homeroom teacher was the also our English teacher.

Everything went out mostly fine throughout the day. Mostly, meaning: Some did not turn out well – and that was lunch time, my sweet, precious lunch time. Actually, I may consider it as possibly my most embarrassing moment of my life.

So, classes are done for the meantime and again, it was break. Though this time, the girls decided to become a little more…aggressive. A couple of guys (the good-hearted ones, aka the normal ones) said that the girls are like that to two types of guys. First, the girls get aggressively angry to perverted boys like the perverted trio (made up of Hyoudou, Motohama and Matsuda). Second, they go crazy for good-looking guys. Example: Kiba-san.

But, then, they said: I showed up. So, they found a new target to harass. I figured out what they were doing during the first break. Asking questions were fine for me. I mean, I could easily avoid those. Then came the direct confrontations. I couldn't really avoid them. But, they started crowding around me as if trapping me. I was thought well by several people. Mostly, they were girls. So, in my stead, I couldn't really shout at them nor could I hurt them. So, I made use of my last resort.

Run. Run very, very fast.

So, here I was. I was running towards the quad – trying, desperately, to get away from the raging girls. Honestly? I don't understand why I'm doing this. But, really. I'm asking for a simple, quiet life. This isn't exactly quiet. It's not even simple.

I turned went around an old building and climb a set of stairs towards a window. It's like a back of a mansion with multiple window blinds surrounding the house. I tried to open the window but it's lock. I don't have the luxury of time to break the window. And even if I do break them, it would also give them a chance to get in and get me.

I looked around and saw a window open up on the second floor.

Good. I grinned. Now, to find some way to get up… Aha!

A branch was just a bit more than arm's length. It was connected to a tree that is a few paces away from. The tree was a bit high and a bit dangerous to climb. But, hey, I survived our camp's climbing wall tons of times. This tree couldn't be that much.

I made my way up the try as fast as I can. I could vaguely hear the girls' loud chatting. I stepped on the branch that was near the window and started walking on it, carefully. It was a wide for a branch and it was sturdy too. Good. It was making my life easier. I quickly made it to the edge of the branch and prepared to jump into the window.

I breathe out. Okay… one, two… Three!

I jumped and landed on the edge of the window. I grabbed tightly onto the wedge and welcomed myself inside the room. I hastily shut the window.

"Oh… Thank the gods that was over." I threw my head back and breathe a sigh of relief. Closing my eyes, I ran a hand through my hair. "I honestly had no idea what to do about that."

"Akeno."

Eh?

My eyes snapped open as I looked towards the direction of the voice. If I hadn't closed the window, I would've fell down already. It was a girl; a girl that I already saw recently. It was Rias-san. And, she was naked. Right in front of me and my eyes. And I could see everything. In my severe shocked state, I ended up staring at her.

"Wha-?"

A high-pitched scream sliced through my unintentional question. I could feel myself getting hot on the face. I immediately closed my eyes and turned my head to the side while pressing my entire frame against the closed window.

"Rias-san! I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean to-!"

"Don't look!"

"I'm not looking!"

"You saw me, didn't you?!"

"I didn't!"

"Yes, you did! You were looking at me for a whole minute!"

"Wha-?! I was not!"

"Yes, you were! Now, take back what you saw!"

"How can I take back the image of you being naked?!"

"So, you did saw me!"

"W-well, yes I did… But that was entirely unintentional!"

"But, you were staring!"

"I was not staring! I was shocked! I wasn't expecting you to be here while you're not dressed! So, it's not my fault!"

"What?! Who barges in suddenly without even-!"

Suddenly, I heard a door open. Instinctively, I tried to open my eyes to look at who's coming in but Rias-san's commanding voice made me think otherwise.

"Don't open your eyes!"

"…Rias?"

I sealed my eyes shut again while muttering, "Why not wear something already? Do you want to permanently close my eyes or something?"

"What did you say?" Her voice called out sharply.

I clamped my mouth. "Nothing. I said nothing."

I heard a giggle. "Ara, ara. Aren't you getting a little excited, Buchou? Isn't this the boy who helped you a while ago?"

I could feel Rias-san's eyes on me and it was taking a lot of will power to not stare back. I don't like it when people stare down at me (literally and figuratively). She huffed and said, "I'm going to get to that later. Can I have my clothes, please?"

Another giggle was heard. "Ara ara, but, why, Buchou? I think you're having fun with your boy here?"

"Akeno." A strict voice scolded her.

Akeno-san, as Rias-san said a while ago, realeased another faint laugh and said, "Alright, buchou. But, don't let me disturb your moment with him."

I still had my eyes closed but I could feel Rias-san's intense glare. I heard footsteps walking away from me and I was about to open my eyes when I heard Rias-san's voice again saying, "Don't open your eyes until I tell you to."

By this time, I pulled away from the window and casually stood somewhere. I had my head down and my eyes (still!) closed. If I could roll my eyes, I would've done that by now. Instead, I muttered sarcastically, "Yes, ma'm. Wouldn't want to intentionally stare at you again, now, would we?"

If she heard it, she ignored it. I'm thankful for that, honestly. I heard a bunch of metal skidding against another piece of metal. A curtain, maybe. My guess is that she is already changing.

If there's a curtain along all this time, why hadn't she went there and changed?! Or at least hid!

"So… Your name is Theo-kun, right?" A gentle but teasing voice spoke. "Why are you here while Rias is taking a shower?"

Akeno-san. "Yes. Well, actually, that's my nickname. My full name is Theseus Luke Jackson. But, like I said, just call me Theo." I said, nonchalantly. Well, as nonchalantly as possible with my eyes closed and head down but I'm sure she gets the point.

"Wait, did you say shower?"

"Ufufu." She giggled. "And here I thought you knew about the shower. That's why you found your way here in our clubroom."

I grumbled. "That's the thing. I didn't know there was a shower so I jumped right in."

I guess she heard my annoyed grumble as she gave out another giggle. Is it me or does she love teasing people? Anyway, I ignored it and chose to be quiet and wait for Rias-san to come out of the shower.

"So, why exactly are you here, Theo-kun?" Akeno-san's voice cut through the silence after a few moments.

"I would love to explain that to you to clear out any misunderstandings but I don't really like explaining things twice. So, why don't we wait for Rias-san first?" I shrugged.

I don't really understand why I don't like repeating myself but it's probably because of those mortals who marry our legacies or demigod kids that are really young. Explaining the Greek and Roman world to them takes a lot more than one explanation. I guess I got tired of repeating stuff over and over.

"Well," A new voice entered. It was Rias-san. "Explain then, this… misunderstanding. Oh, and you can open your eyes now."

I opened my eyes and was met by the new surroundings. I took a look around at what seems to be like a Victorian style room. My eyebrows rose upward. Hm, nice design. Well, if I judged the building's architecture while I was running (It was practically just a glimpse as I try to get away from my predators), this room fits the buildings theme of European and Victorian style of a building.

Akeno-san started to open the windows again to let some light in. Rias-san, on the other hand, sat on the couch while drinking tea that was already prepared. I didn't expect her to be this calm after our shouting match. She gestured for me to sit at the opposite sofa.

I shrugged and decided to follow. Besides, I want to stay away from that window. Lest those girls see me again. Anyway, I looked at the lady in front of me. If it weren't for the image shouting match that we had a while ago, I would've marveled at the noble aura she was giving off. She was drinking tea with her legs crossed while holding a proper posture. I would have taken her as a Princess any day.

"Don't stare at me like that." She said while she directs her half-closed eyes at me.

"I'm just looking." I rolled my eyes. "Seriously, Rias-san. I'm going to talk to you. Isn't it good manners to look at the person you're going to talk to? Besides, you're totally angry for no reason."

Way to be tact, Jackson. Just like your dad.

She puts her tea down and crosses her arms. She glared at me with full strength. It took everything in me not to groan. Great, she's a lot angrier now. "I'm angry because you saw me without clothing and because you suddenly barge in our without my notice!"

I stayed silent for a while. Okay… I guess she does have a reason to be angry.

"Look… Rias-san, I'm sorry." I said to her sincerely. "I have a clear explanation for this. Just…please, listen?"

Suddenly, Lessons that were drilled by my mom and aunts came back to me and I knew I was disrespecting the girl already. I get that she has every right to be angry. I sighed. Then, I heard her sigh. She looked at me with a raised eyebrow and said, "Alright, I'll listen."

I gave a relieved smile and I told her how the girls were chasing me and that I didn't want to try and hurt them. I told her how I ended up here by climbing a try to reach the branch that was near this room.

"So… Yeah, that's what happened." I smiled at her, awkwardly and rubbed the back of my neck. "So, Rias-san. I'm really, really sorry."

While I was sharing my story, her eyes were focused entirely on me. I didn't exactly back down so I stared right back. After a few moments, she sighed. "You carry trouble everywhere a lot, don't you?"

You have no idea.

I shrugged. "Trouble just follows me. I have no idea why it likes me so much."

"Well then." She stood up and made her way towards to me. She was standing right in front of me so I had to look up to her.

Is it me or do I not have a good feeling about this?

Before I could ask what she was going to do, she swung her hand and slapped me. Her hand making a resounding sound within the clubroom - making me wince. Well, the sound wasn't the only thing that made me wince.

"OWWW!"

Following the sound of the loud slap is my loud shout of pain. I didn't that a girl's hand could be that painful. I've gone through a lot of punches and slaps. Bullies can't be removed from one community no matter what kind it is. Also, my guardians aren't exactly the nicest of the bunch. They hit, punch and slap me (only if I do something wrong…or annoying). They don't do it lightly either.

Rias-san's slap was on par with those hits, if not more. I tried to back away from her as much as possible even if I was seated on the couch. There is no way I'm going to let her hit me again. "What was that for?! I told you the whole truth! And I said I'm sorry!"

"I understand that." She walked back to her seat and started drinking her tea again.

Don't look so peaceful over there when you just murdered my cheek!

"Then why in Hades would you do that?!" I exclaimed at her while frowning.

She raised an eyebrow at me. It was probably because I used Hades' name as a curse but she just brushed it off. "Were you really expecting any girl to just let you go after you see her in the nude? Even if you have a good reason?"

Good point.

"Right." I cocked my head and rubbed my cheek. "But, does it have to be that hard?"

She chuckled and I breathe out in deep relief. I guess she has forgiven me. "Sorry, Theo. Well, as you have a good reason for being here, why don't you stay her for lunch?"

My eyes widen. "What? No, no. I'm already intruding, Rias-san. I think I'll be a bother if I stay here any longer."

"You said you were escaping." She explained. "If you go back there then your escape would go back to nothing. There's still at least 20 minutes in our lunch break. You can eat your lunch here."

I sighed. "Just a while ago you were angry at me and all that. What's with the change of heart?"

She glared at me. "I told you, I was only mad at you because of your sudden appearance and because you saw me in that state. I've forgiven you already. I don't hold grudges."

"Unlike you, it seems…" She muttered a few seconds later.

"Hey!" I exclaimed. "I don't hold grudges!"

"Then, why not accept my offer?" She asked.

Akeno-san's giggle suddenly stopped our approaching argument again. "Ara ara, Buchou. Why not just tell Theo-kun that you only want to spend your time with him?"

"Akeno!"

"Akeno-san!"

We both cry out to her teasing at the same time. We looked at each other and turned to Akeno-san who seems to love teasing us.

I shrugged her off. Even though I feel like I'm blushing. "A-anyway… I haven't bought lunch yet. I don't really have anything to eat."

I say that despite knowing to myself that I can just summon food out of my own free will. But, it's not like they need to see or know about that, now do they?

Akeno-san clapped her hands as if she has found a perfect solution for everything. "Ufufu. Well, why not let Buchou share her bento with you?"

"What?" Again, Rias-san and I questioned Akeno-san at the same time.

"I don't that Rias-san would appreciate that." I sighed. "You know what, it's fine. I don't want to eat anyway."

The actual truth: I am starving.

Hm… Starve or be crowded by girls who can't take a hint…

…Yep, Starve. Definitely, starve.

"Are you sure?" Rias-san and even Akeno-san looked at me, concerned.

"Yeah," I waved it off. "I'm already bothering you two. Thanks for letting me stay."

"Wait… you two are seniors?" I exclaim. "Why didn't you say so? Japan has a thing that you should call your seniors, sempai, right?"

Rias-san or sempai gave me a smirk. "You didn't ask."

"It never came up." I retorted back. Rias-sempai giggled and I glared at her with little conviction.

Akeno-sempai nodded. "Yes. Ufufu, not following the rules, huh, Theo-kun? Such a rebel."

I looked at her. "It's not like I knew you were seniors, Akeno-sempai."

She smiled at me, slyly. "Ara ara, but, calling me by first name, already. You're really daring. Ufufu."

I shrugged while drinking the tea she prepared. "Well, America has this thing too with names. It's better to call your schoolmates with their first names rather than their last names."

The two girls were eating their bento in front of me. Elegantly well, if I say so. I have no idea how two third year high school girls can pull that off but they can. I shook it off as Japanese elegance.

A few minutes of silence passed and Rias-sempai raised one of the most asked questions of the day. "Are your eyes really supposed to be flaming?"

I sighed. "Again with that question… Yes, Rias-sempai. My eyes are flaming. It's been like that since I was born."

Or until Lady Hestia blessed me. But that's beside the point.

"Why do you all ask that anyway?" I took a sip of tea. "I know it's a bit weird but it's not like I could fake it, right?"

Rias-sempai shrugged. "It's just… There's just this feeling as if there is something a lot more behind those flames."

For a minute there, I tensed. Does Rias-sempai know the real me? Does she knows that I'm a legacy? If so, then what is she? I doubt she's a goddess. No goddess will let anyone live after they've been seen naked. I shook it off. I should just ask her first. I'm turning paranoid.

"What made you say that?" I asked her. My hand crept up to my camp necklace while I stuck my other hand in my pocket.

She placed her finished bento on the table and cocked her head. "You just seem to hold so much authority or power. You look like you're always on guard or stiff or something. Your eyes just emphasize that point."

I raised my eyebrows. I looked at Akeno-san and asked, "Really?"

She stared at me for a bit and nodded. "She's right. Apart from that, you just have that aura, Theo-kun. Dominant. Ufufu… Did you know that I like dominating men?"

"Haha. You're a sadist, aren't you?" I glared at Akeno-san. Whatever tension that I felt a while ago was lost for the time being. But, I can't shake that feeling that there is something behind these girls.

I exhaled and finished the tea. That's enough of that. I don't think these girls are anything that is dangerous or frightening. This is just me missing my crazy home. I ran my hand through my hair and stood up. "Well, it's five minutes till lunch is over. I think I'm gonna head out."

"Sure you can handle being out there even though it's only five minutes?" Rias-sempai said with a sly smile.

I raised an eyebrow and grinned at her. "Is that a challenge?"

"Can't take it?"

"I'm tougher than you think I am."

"Says the guy that ran away from the girls."

"Look, I didn't want to hurt them." I gestured at her. "I don't want to hurt any girl."

"Girls are tougher than they look."

"Oh, I know they are, believe me."

"Then why do you think you could hurt them…" She crossed her arms. "…us – so, easily?

"I didn't say it was easy." I looked at her. I sense a major feminist in her. That or she's really independent. "I just mean that if I get into a fight with them, then I would have to fight back. That means one of us would have to get hurt."

"Are you saying we can't beat you?" she asks as she walks towards me.

"Are you turning this into a fight between you and me?" I shook my head and chuckled. "Rias-sempai, you are one competitive person."

Akeno-sempai laughed behind her and nodded her head. "You have no idea."

Rias-sempai glared at her for a bit before turning back to me, pouting. "So, what if I am?"

I laughed. In the first thirty minutes that I have met her, I've had at least three arguments with her already but it was fun. She was interesting. Not like other girls out there. The same can be said to Akeno-sempai.

I turned and faced Rias-sempai. "You know what, sempai? I had fun here."

"Look… I'm sorry about the incident a while ago. I know I already said sorry but I wanted to let you know that my word is the real deal." I smiled at her and put my hand out. "It's not like I don't like our banter a while ago but I'd like to start over. My name's Theo. Theo Jackson. Class 2-B and it is currently my first day here."

She looked at my hand and giggled. "So, you like arguing with me?"

"It's amusing, I'll give you that." I grinned at her. "Now, come on, don't leave me, hanging here, sempai."

She grabbed my hand and shook it. "Rias Gremory. Class 3-D. President of the Occult Research Club. Welcome to Kuoh Academy, Theo-kun."

Why are my instincts screaming at me again?

She has a tight grip around my hand and I suddenly wanted to pull back. I groaned mentally. This is crazy. I'm crazy. Stop it, Jackson. It's just your senior.

She pulled her hand back and smiled. "You know how to make your mistakes, right, Theo-kun."

Somehow that statement hit me. I chuckled half-heartedly. "Not really, sempai. I'm just…trying."

Akeno-sempai decided to join in our conversation. "Ara ara, Theo-kun. No re-introductions for me?"

I shrugged. "I got off to a good start with you. So, no. No re-introductions, Akeno-sempai."

She pouted with a light-hearted expression. "Do you want to see me naked?"

"Wha-?!" I stammered. "NO! Akeno-sempai! I told you, it was an accident!"

She giggled and Rias-sempai joined her. I glared at them. These girls love to tease. I'm really going to show these two, someday. They don't call me the legacy of Athena for nothing.

"That was entirely still your fault, Theo-kun." Rias-sempai said to me with a smirk.

"Are we back to this again?" I threw my hands at them. "Look, the bell is gonna ring any minute now and-"

-RIIIIING!

"Are you kidding me?!" I groaned. "For the love of Olymp - Arghh…"

I ran out of the room and remembered that this was a different building and I had no idea where the exit was. The two seniors followed me while being relax and all that. I looked at them, incredulously. "We're late, sempai. I don't see why you two are still so relaxed."

"We're already late." Rias-sempai shrugged. "What's a few more minutes? Now, come one, Theo-kun. I doubt you have any idea on how to get out of this building."

I gawked at her then looked at Akeno-sempai who was just smiling. I shook my head at them. And they call me a rebel. I sighed and gesture to Rias-sempai to lead the way.

The two Great Onee-samas made their way back to their clubroom once they had finished their afternoon classes. Rias was in deep thought when Akeno shook her away from them.

"What's in your mind, Rias?" Akeno asked her.

"There is something about that boy that I couldn't lay a finger on." Rias said as she put her hand below her chin. "He's hiding something powerful inside him. I know he is."

"Him?" Akeno asked. "Theo-kun?"

"Yes, Theo-kun." Rias answered. "You already said it yourself a while ago. He has this dominating aura surrounding him. As if, there's this hidden power inside him that we can't find."

Akeno would have teased her King that it is probably just her missing Theo-kun but Rias is rarely wrong in these kinds of things. That's how she met her. Because Rias saw something within her. She saw a lot of power and will within her other servants as well.

"Then…" Akeno looked at her. "What do you want to do? Do you want us to observe him?"

Rias stayed silent for a while. "He could be someone special, Akeno. Watch him for me, will you? You and Koneko?"

Akeno smiled as they were about to enter the clubroom. "Okay, Buchou."