Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.

A/N: So, uh, this is a quick update, huh? I honestly don't know where it came from. I finished Chapter 8 in record time, no doubt due to a burst of inspiration that quite literally kicked me in the face. I just couldn't stop writing! DX

First, I have to give thanks to Deadly Shinigami, he kind of indirectly helped with me coming up with a Familiar. It's from Monster Girls Encyclopedia. I thought that the particular Familiar I decided on fit Daisuke rather well.

Second, I've been getting quite a few requests for Serafall and Koneko to be a part of the harem. I've thought very deeply on it, meditated even, and decided to just go with it. They're a part of it. Also, neither of them are the girl that's secret.

-Sona, Tsubaki, Akeno, Xenovia, Serafall, Koneko, *Secret*-

When he gets his Peerage, which he eventually will but not until later, I'll make it clear as to who joins the harem and who remains platonic.

Also, the harem has begun...

Third, this will not be the norm. My updates are almost never this fast. Waves of inspiration like this happen once every five blue moons.

Anyway, read/review/enjoy.

The Bloodstained Omamori

Chapter Seven

Time to Make Waves

The light died down and I found that we were now standing in the middle…of a forest right of a horror flick. Large, dark trees decorated the landscape for as long as the eye could see and the sky above us was a dark red, almost like the color blood.

"Why do I feel like I'm in a horror film?" I asked no one in particular. "Cuz if we are, then I'm pretty sure I'll be one the first. The badass that could fight the villain always dies due to some random circumstances…"

Sona regarded me with an arched eyebrow, "Daisuke-san, this is the Familiar Forest. Not some horror film." She lifted her wrist and checked a watch that she seemed to be wearing. "Hmm, he should be here soon…"

I continued to look around the forest, getting a feel for the overall area. As I looked, though, I couldn't help but feel a pull. Deep within my gut and my palm, I felt as though someone was pulling at me, trying to call me. I turned my body and faced that direction, narrowing my eyes as I focused solely in that direction. That's when I realized it, Kusanagi was pulsating, as if begging to be set free.

"Daisuke-kun, are you okay?" Tsubaki asked of me, concern present in her voice.

I nodded plainly. "Yeah…I just feel…something."

"You just arrived and already your search for a Familiar has thrived!" An unfamiliar voice caught my attention. I turned to the source to see an older man in clothes several sizes too small and wearing a hat sideways.

I blinked at his sudden appearance. Releasing a breath, I palmed my face. "This forest is making me lose my mind…" I turned to Sona and asked her, while being loud enough to be heard by everyone. "Please tell me I'm hallucinating. Otherwise, I fear that there may be a grown man wearing a child's clothes."

An amused smile played at her lips when she looked to me. "You're not hallucinating, Daisuke-san. The Familiar Master is the master of this forest. He's here to make your chances of getting a Familiar all the better."

"The little missy's right, I'll make sure you get the Familiar that suits you the most even if it takes all night." He crossed his arms confidently, looking down on all of us.

I groaned, feeling a headache coming. "Please…stop rhyming…"

…Chosen… wielder…

I froze suddenly, a chill racing up my spine. Turning once more, I faced the direction where the moon was present in my field of vision. I narrowed my eyes and focused in that direction, trying to get a feel for the area before charging in recklessly.

"Tomoe, Ruruko, Tsubasa, Daisuke, we're all here to get you your Familiars." Sona began talking, a hand on her hip. "For this work out best, we'll have the four of you tell the Familiar Master what you might want. He'll tell us what would suit you best."

As she spoke, Tomoe began talking first. However, my attention was still being pulled elsewhere.

I know…you're near…

I placed a hand on my head, grimacing at the echo of the mysterious voice.

"Daisuke-kun?" Tsubaki's soft voice caught my attention. She appeared to be concerned.

I waved a hand in the direction I felt the pull. "I keep…hearing a voice, like something's calling me…" I closed my eyes and tried to focus on it.

Find me…

Before I knew what I was doing, I felt my body moving forward, heading into the forest proper.

"Be careful, going out there on your own boy; this forest is full of creatures that could turn you into a chew toy." His rhyming caused me to grimace in a form of mental anguish.

"Please stop rhyming… You're killing me here…" I muttered with a pained chuckle.

While Tomoe and Ruruko went back and forth about 'cute Familiars', I felt more than heard someone approach me. "Daisuke-san, what's wrong?" Sona's voice pulled me from my mild stupor.

"Something is calling me…" I said slowly, not taking my eyes from the direction the pull I felt.

Sona stepped forward, so that she was able to see my face. Her eyes locked onto mine and seemed to focus on me intently. After a moment, she nodded. "Fine, we'll go. However, I'll be going with you. Tsubaki, stay here with the others, understood?"

"Yes Kaichou." She replied instantly.

"Familiar Master, it seems my servant has already found his Familiar, if his instincts are anything to go by. He and I will go forward to meet it." Sona explained clinically.

"Of course, you and he can go on ahead ojou-chan; Mr. Servant, protect your Master in this dangerous forest like a man!"

I felt a growl deep within my throat threaten to tear free. An insatiable desire to spill the man's blood rose up from within me. I squashed it down; it wouldn't be right to kill the man simply because he annoyed me with his incessant rhyming. I released a calming breath and began my trek into the forest. "Stay close to me. I know…where it's calling me from, but I don't know where it is."

Sona nodded, but didn't say anything.

We walked further into the forest; as we walked though, Kusanagi flashed into existence, resting my right hand. I regarded it with confusion, as did Sona.

"Did you…?"

I shook my head. "No." Though I was surprised, I didn't sheathe it or put it away at all. Kusanagi had something to do with my potential Familiar, so I let it stay in my hand.

Nothing impeded our path; no creatures appeared before us, no plants attacked us. Nothing living ever appeared before Sona and I as we navigated our way through this dark, dense forest.

Parting the dense brush with Kusanagi, I continued to open a path for Sona and me as we went further into the forest. "Do you have any idea where we're going, Daisuke-san?"

I frowned lightly, trying to call out to the voice. "No. There really isn't much I can tell you. All I can say that something, or someone, is calling me. I can…feel a pull directing me." Looking down to Kusanagi, I lifted it and held against my back. A sheath formed itself on my back, freeing up my hands to continue pushing my way through.

"Daisuke-san, stop for a moment." Sona said to me, which I complied and looked back to her. "We've already gone pretty far into the forest. Even with your power, there could still be dangers in the forest that would be beyond yo-"

She was quickly interrupted a sudden appearance of a white blur that came flying through the woods and grab me, soaring through the trees and dense forestry. "What the!?" I was shocked, and little pissed, at the sudden abduction of my person. Glancing to my abductor, I noticed an abundance of white. I found myself even more shocked to realize that it was a lamia of all things abducting me, as I noticed the snakelike body and the female torso. I tried to wrestle myself free physically, before deciding to use magic, just in case I wouldn't have to.

"Please stay still. Mistress has requested your presence." The lamia's voice was soft, yet carried itself effortlessly on the wind.

Feeling my brow twitch, I fought my natural desire to break free, letting the woman take me wherever this 'Mistress' wanted to meet me. It doesn't sound like the logical thing to do, but I was curious and quite sure I could take care of myself.

The lamia continued to move at a quick pace, in what I would call an uncomfortable silence. However, I could hear the sound of running water in the distance, along with distant, hushed conversation. With several minutes, the lamia and I broke through the forestry and I was treated to the sight of a large wide open pond, which was covered by a dense fog. Surrounding the large pond were several lamia clad in white makeshift kimono that only covered their upper bodies. Their complexions were all a pleasant white color with little pigment, each with their similar white hair in different styles and forms.

The lamia the took me here deposited me on the ground and quickly made her away to the left side of the grouping around the large pond, in the middle of what I realized to be a good sized swamp. I stood up on slightly shaky legs and looked around warily. Taking in my surroundings, I allowed lightning to dance around my clenched hand. "I'm rather curious. Why was a brought here? I hope you give me a good reason. I'm rather proficient at causing property damage."

"That will be unnecessary, Chosen. I will tell you why you were brought here." That voice from earlier sounded within my mind again, causing me to place a hand to my head. I frowned and turned my head to face the pond proper. Within a few moments, I watched as the fog parted from the center of the pond, revealing a figure moving forward across the surface. I narrowed my eyes and focused on the figure, trying to see who it was.

She had the appearance of a beautiful young woman with long pale blue hair falling to her lower back. She wore a dark blue kimono top, concealing her generous bust, with detached sleeves, showing off her shoulders; wrapped around her neck was a red ribbon. Yellow-golden, pleasantly narrowed, eyes watched with me with unhidden interest. A dark green cloak hung from her dark red obi, covering a portion of her lower body. Her lower body and lower arms, though, were an entirely different story. Her lower body was like of a dragon, covered in dark green scales with a lighter shade on her under belly. Her arms were similar, but in the form of claws, crossed under her chest. Atop her head were a pair light brown horns. Where her ears were meant to be, there were what appeared to be smaller versions of wings, which had scales branching out under her eyes.

All in all, this woman was breathtakingly beautiful and quite dangerous. I cautiously lifted my right hand and felt Kusanagi vanish from my back and right into it.

Seeing my action, the woman smiled proudly. "Careful and cautious; not a bad combination, Chosen. I'm glad to see the heir to the Shinto storm god's will isn't easily swayed by a warm welcome."

I snorted lightly, "No offense, but I don't call being abducted by a lamia a 'warm welcome'. Though, I am curious. What do you mean by 'heir to the Shinto storm god's will'?"

She cocked her head to the side, perplexed. Her tail flicked to the side, almost lazily. "Do you not know who the original wielder of your Kusanagi was?"

"Oh, I know. Susanoo found this sword, or rather its original form, in the carcass of Yamata no Orochi. However, I still don't know what you mean by 'Chosen' or 'heir'." I lifted Kusanagi and allowed lightning to dance across the blade, in warning.

Her smiled fell lightly, "I see that you have not been told of your destiny. When happened when you were chosen by Kusanagi?"

"I was ten years old and in Kyoto during a mission. During the time, I was forced into wielding Excalibur Mimic, as it was discovered I was a natural Holy Sword wielder. I completed my mission and went to meet with the leader of the Yokai. During my stay, it reacted…rather violently when I passed it. Ever since then, I've been using Kusanagi and have been nothing but proud to use such a powerful and legendary weapon." I explained to her clinically, staying on guard. I'm not Issei, I will not be distracted by the exceptional beauty that surrounded me.

The woman nodded her head. After a moment of silence and her studying me, she finally spoke. "What is your name, Chosen?"

"Daisuke Shizuka. May I know the name of my beautiful interrogator?" I replied easily, though there was slight stirring amongst the lamia around the pond; no doubt in response to my question.

"Melusine." She gave me her answer smoothly, not in the least affected by my compliment. Her eyes traveled from me, to the lamia around the pond. "Am I right in assuming that you came to this forest in search of a Familiar?"

I arched an eyebrow at her. "Yes. Why else would a young Devil such as I come here. Of course, had I known such a beautiful woman such as you were here, I may have come here before changing." Once again, there was a stirring amongst the lamia; they clearly did not like my familiar speech with what I'm sure is their leader.

Melusine laughed softly into her hand. "Such a smooth talker. How many hearts have you stolen with those words of yours?"

I allowed a smirk to come over my face. "Strangely enough, you're not the first person to ask that." My smirk fell and I decided to cut to the chase. "While this talk is…illuminating, I have to ask: why bring me, specifically? It can't be just because you wanted to see little old me."

Melusine nodded, appreciative of my wariness. "Of course, that is not the only reason, as charming you are, Daisuke-san. I brought you here to make a proposition." She made her way towards me, coming to a stop only a foot in front of me. I didn't move at all, instead preparing the magic in my hand. She lifted a scaled hand and gently placed it against my cheek. "I ask that you to make me your Familiar."

Feeling my eyebrow arch at her, I let my sword arm relax ever so lightly, but still ready to strike. "I'm sorry? Could you say that again?"

She smiled softly. "I asked if I could be your Familiar. I have been in this forest, with only my maidens, and I find myself…wanting more. However, my home, this swamp, is protected by a barrier from the past that prevents all but the personally escorted from entering. That's why I had one of my most trusted maidens venture out and bring here."

Melusine looked to me, her eyes meeting my own. I replied slowly, "Your…'maiden' brought me here? You mean the lamia, right?"

She had the decency to flush lightly, "Yes, they call themselves my 'shrine maidens', more specifically." Seeing my arched eyebrow, she continued, "I am a ryu. A type of dragon with control over the weather. In older times, my ancestors were worshipped as water gods, due to their ability to call down rain for the harvest. Due to that, my kind gains a following of white lamia to take care of our…followers who make offerings."

I gave her a somewhat shocked look. "You…can control weather?" She nodded, to which I laughed lightly. "That's funny, so can I. My preference is lightning, but I'm proficient is all aspects of weather; thanks, especially, to my Sacred Gear."

Melusine smiled softly, appreciation present in her eyes. "It's good to see I have a kindred spirit in you, Daisuke-san." She then pulled her hand from my face, allowing the tips of her clawed finger to gently slide off my cheek. It felt oddly comforting. "Will you accept me as your Familiar, Daisuke-san?"

I smiled lightly, lifting Kusanagi and resting it on my shoulders. "Who am I say no? Especially when it's someone who uses the same magic as me." I grinned and continued, "So, yeah, you have yourself a deal, Melusine-san."

"Good." She smiled softly. "But, no honorific, please."

"Only if you do the same for me." I smirked to her.

Melusine began to move away from me slowly, "Of course. Though, even if you did accept my proposal, that does not mean I just become your Familiar. You still have to prove yourself."

I released a breath, tapping my side with my left hand. "I had a feeling. Will it just be you and me, or are your maidens testing me too?" I asked her with a confident smirk.

The ryu shook her head. "It will just be you and I. They will erect a barrier to contain our power." She lifted her hand. "It will be a test of only magical might. I trust you're confident in your skills for this to go well for you?"

I lifted my left hand and allowed lightning to come to life in my palm. "I forgot to mention that I'm a practicing Magician too. I'm no stranger to the concept of magical combat."

"Good." Melusine smiled approvingly. "Now…begin." A beam of ice shot from her outstretched hand, aiming directly towards me.

I replied with a swing of Kusanagi, blocking and destroying the blast before it would reach me. Gathering lightning into the steel, I swung it towards and released a wave of lightning.

Melusine simply lifted a hand, catching the wave effortlessly. It fluctuated in her grip, lightly dancing along her arm and scorching her sleeve. Then it quickly dispersed and she followed up with lifting her hands. Lightning shot down from the sky and into her open hands and gathered into a pulsating sphere. She grasped it, her claws taking the crackling energy as though it were a solid object, and brought it down to point it towards me. A large blast, the size of basketball, shot forward at a frighteningly fast pace.

I quickly lifted my hand and created a large seal to block it. The orb crashed into my seal with surprising force, beginning to push me back. My body slid across the ground as I held my seal strong and hefted my sword to prepare my own counterattack. Unfortunately, I was surprised to see a whip of water flying around my seal and aiming to remove an arm. I lifted my sword to block it, but found that whip wrapped around the blade, quickly yanking the sword from my hand. Grimacing, I released a burst of magic, causing the sword to disappear.

Throwing my hand to the side, I disrupted the orb and crouched. My wings erupted from my back and I jumped, taking to the sky an in an instant. For a moment, I reveled in the flight. The wind brushing passed my face as I ascended, however I was quickly brought back to the moment to avoid another blast of lightning. Swerving to the side, I threw out my hands to call forth my counterattack. Wind gathered in my right hand and water in the left. Bringing them together, I allowed the two energies to merge before flooding it with power from my Sacred Gear.

Releasing the spell, I sent out the compressed orb towards the ryu. "Tumultuous Hurricane." The orb flew towards her; when it was within two feet of her, it expanded in an instant. However, before the damage could be done, the two elements were torn from each other with the waves of her hands. Looking up to me, her eyes widened to see my next attack. A spear formed from pure lightning was hovering beside me, magic gathering into the partially physical weapon. "Particle Spear." It began to vibrant violently as I pushed more power into it.

When I began to feel a familiar aura flood into the weapon, I threw it forward. As I watched it go, I thought about the particular aura. Its presence brought to mind a searing pain that I remember feeling in my body; a poison that damn near killed me at one point. Holy Energy? Did I…do that?

I was pulled from my musings when I saw her catch the spear and throw it into the air, where it exploded. Before I could begin another spell, Melusine shot from her spot on the surface of the pond to soar up to me. She can fly!? I swerved to the side, evading a blade of wind.

We circled one another, sending blasts of magic towards one another, countering and blocking the attacks we used against each other. My hands moved as quickly as I could make them, my body straining to keep up with the obviously more magically experienced ryu. Regardless of being outmatched, I found myself having fun with this test of sorts.

Finally, after a short close range battle of spells, we broke away from one another. Lightning danced along my palm as I prepared another spell, my breathing becoming heavier.

"What do you say we finish this with one spell?" Melusine, on the other hand, wasn't as bad as I was, though she looked a bit winded.

I felt a chuckle come from me in response "I think I can keep going, but okay."

She smiled, lifting a hand. "If you can properly defend against this spell, I'll know without a doubt that you'll be a worthy husband." Magic began to gather in her palm, bringing in lightning, water and wind into a single source for a spell.

I froze at her words, too shocked at her words to put up a proper defense. "'Husband'?!" It wasn't until her spell fired that I was pulled from the stupor; throwing both of my hands forward, I brought up the strongest defensive I could muster. The moment the tri-elemental spell struck my seal, I was nearly bowled over by the sudden force of the spell. Gritting my teeth, I pushed more magic into the defense and held strong. I could feel the raw power and force behind the attack. Melusine was indeed my better when it came to magical strength.

It felt like hours, but the spell died down soon enough and I lowered my seal, releasing a small breath. I looked forward to see Melusine smiling proudly. "It seems you have quite the natural skill with magic."

I laughed lightly, "It helps that my mother was a Magician, and a rather skilled one at that…"

"Was?" She said softly, her expression sobering. Seeing my expression, she towards me and pulled me into a tentative embrace. "I'm sorry for bring up something difficult…"

I shook my head, "No, it's alright. I've learned to accept it." I cleared my throat and she flew a bit away from me. "Does this mean I pass?"

The ryu smiled widely. "With flying colors." With that, we descended and returned to her pond. I took my place at the edge of the pond and watched as she stood in front of me. "You know the ritual, yes?"

I nodded, "Yep. Sona told all of us before coming here." I paused and smiled wryly. "You know, my Master as a Devil. The girl you had your maiden abduct me in front of." Melusine at least had the shame to smile sheepishly. I released a breath and pushed a bit of magic out, creating a seal underneath the two of us. Releasing a calming breath, I pushed magic into my words, furthering powering the ritual. "In the name of Daisuke Shizuka, I order you. You shall become my Familiar and respond to my contract." The circle shook once as the magic began to work, but it felt like there was something missing, a key ingredient.

"I'm stronger than your average Familiar, so you'll need something with a little extra power behind it." Melusine supplied and I looked to her.

"Like wha-" I was quickly cut off by her pressing her lips against mine. I froze at the contact, but couldn't help but marvel at…how soft her lips were. I was also surprised as feeling her tongue intrude into my mouth, deepening the kiss.

The magic within the circle pulsated once, then rose upwards, covering the two of us. When it dispersed, I felt the magic take hold and connecting the two of us. It wasn't until a few second passed until she broke away from me, leaving an easily missed trail of saliva linking our mouths. I blinked once, twice, opened then closed my mouth, unable to find the right words.

Melusine smiled softly, dragging a claw softly along her lower lip. "The ritual is complete, Daisuke."

I nodded lightly, "Yeah, I gathered that much." My voice was a bit hoarse.

"Would you like me to take you back to your group? I'm sure they'd love to meet your new Familiar." She supplied as she crossed her arms, emphasizing her bust.

"I'm sure a lot of people would." I whispered softly, but shook my head. "Yeah, I'm starting to feel my earlier spell slinging… The Familiar contract was the straw that broke the camel's back…"

"Then shall carry you." She wrapped her arms around me and quickly took flight. We flew in silence for a moment as I searched the forest below us, my enhanced sight allowing me to see farther than I thought I could. After a few moments of searching, I managed to locate Sona and the rest of the Peerage.

"Down there. They should be looking for me…" Melusine descended quickly, reaching the ground at a remarkably fast, but safe, pace. When we landed, she released me with a hint of reluctance and I said, "Hey, Sona, long time no see. How's the Familiar hunt going?"

Everyone turned at the sound of my voice, shocked and glad to see me. Sona opened her mouth to say something, but was quickly interrupted by, surprisingly, Tsubaki barreling forward and crashing into me with a tight hug. The Queen squeezed tightly, as if worried I'd disappear again, but froze and quickly stepped away from me, her face flushed heavily.

Melusine leaned down and said, "Hmm, it seems my new Master has already caught someone's eye…" There was a smile playing at her lips.

Sona stepped forward, looking towards Melusine. "Am I right in assuming you were the reason my servant was abducted right in front of me?" Her tone sounded frustrated, if a bit relieved.

"Yes. I apologize, but I was unable to leave my area without seeing if he really the person meant to be my Master." Melusine explained easily, leaning her upper body against my back and wrapping her arms around my neck loosely.

"Everyone, meet Melusine." I then took the time to point out everyone, personally showing her who was who. Of course, at the end of the introductions, I wasn't in the least surprised to see the Familiar Master gaping in shock at Melusine and I.

"Th-that… Sh-she is a r-ryu!" His shock was quite amusing and I was thankful to not hear his rhymes. "I haven't ever seen one, yet she shows herself to a new guy like you!"

Dammit.

Instead of letting me answer, Melusine spoke instead. "That is more the doing of the ones who follow me. They do not like it when people encroach on the land near me, so they create a barrier that cannot be passed unless one of us are with them. As for why I chose Daisuke, his power called to me."

"His power?" Sona asked softly, digging for answers.

"The fact that Kusanagi chose me to wield it along with the powers of my Sacred Gear. They're basically as the powers a ryu like Melusine can use. The power of a storm." I explained for her.

Tomoe stepped forward, "You can use powers similar to Dai-chan! And you're his Familiar!"

"Why yes." Melusine answered, amused by the Knight's exuberance.

I frowned and scratched my head. "Though, the sword has yet to show it's true power. It's always right in front of me, yet I can never utilize it."

"What do you mean?" Ruruko chose this time to ask.

I called up and held Kusanagi in front of me, holding the blade by the hilt and placing my palm on the flat of the blade. "Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, formerly called Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, was found in the carcass of Yamata no Orochi, the legendary eight headed dragon that the Shinto storm god, Susanoo, killed in order to save Lady Kushinada. As he beheaded the beast, eight times clearly, he found this sword in the fourth tail as he began to sever the tails." I paused and firmly grasped the hilt of the sword, dragging my fingers along the side. "He wielded this sword for a time, and it became attuned to his power over the storm. However, the sword was passed into the hands of Amaterasu by him in order to apologize for a slight he made against her. Over the years, it was granted to the Imperial Court of Japan, as they were rumored to be descendants of the Shinto Sun goddess. It was then passed onto Yamato Takeru, whose skill with the sword allowed him to put out a fire by using the wind itself to cut a fire from its fuel."

As if to demonstrate, I casually swung my sword to side, sending a wave of air to the side. The wind passed harmlessly by a tree; several branches fell from the top of the tree, cleanly cut from where they were connected to the tree.

"That skill caused the sword to be renamed to Grass Cutter, or Kusanagi." I sent a wave of energy along my arm and towards the sword, causing it to vanish in particles of light. I sighed and looked at my hand. "Its power was sealed between the time Amaterasu was given the sword and it was given to Yamato."

"What do you mean?" It was Sona who asked, also seemingly drawn into my explanation.

"Kusanagi's in the shape of a katana. The idea of the make of a katana wasn't even thought of when Susanoo slew Yamata no Orochi, but it is now. The sword changed, became weaker as time went by; it was originally a god's weapon. A channel through which divine power was utilized. Kusanagi changed with the times, becoming a lesser version of itself." I clenched my hand, looking to it with narrowed eyes. "There's more to my Holy Sword than just a weapon that can channel lightning, wind and ice. Somewhere within the sealed, Holy steel rests the power once utilized a god. Ame-no-Murakumo, the Gathering Clouds of Heaven, is the true form of the sword. I know it's there; I just don't know how to reawaken it, to call upon the Holy storm."

With that, we continued to search for Familiars for the rest of the Peerage, if they didn't already have it.

Melusine moved away from me, looking as though she were about to take off. "I must take my leave at the moment. There are a few things I must take care of before I can begin my duties as your new Familiar, Daisuke. I shall you late tomorrow at the earliest." She gave me a short wave before taking to the sky, obviously heading back to her pond.

"The Holy Storm is closer than you think."

We reappeared in the living room, several of the girls yawning softly into their hands. I simply stood in the center of the group, my arms crossed and blinking sleepily while holding back a yawn. Sona stepped away from the group.

"Everyone managed to get a Familiar. I'm proud of all of you. Rest well everyone, you deserved it." With that, Tomoe gave a tired whoop and quickly scrambled up the stairs.

Seeing that, Sona sighed and gave me a tired glare, though it was offset by a small smile. "I don't know how, but I'm sure you influence her."

That caused everyone else to laugh lightly and head upstairs. Tsubaki and I were the last ones in the living room. We waited for a moment, just long enough to hear the doors of everyone's rooms closing.

That just left Tsubaki and myself in the living room. I looked to her with a small smile. "We've had a busy day today, haven't we?"

She smiled softly herself, "Yeah." Tsubaki then gave me a somewhat cryptic look, her cheeks darkening in blush ever so lightly. "You know…Murayama-san asked me something after her game…" She let her statement hang, expecting me already know.

"Oh?" I simply arched an eyebrow at her. I had idea of what she was getting at, but one can never be too sure.

Her cheeks darkened a bit more, but she continued regardless. "Murayama-san…asked if I was…d-dating you…" She stuttered lightly, clearly nervous.

"You said…?" I started, feeling my own face flush lightly but smiling softly regardless.

Tsubaki gave me a shaky gaze. "I-I said…no." She said softly, but crossed her arms, unconsciously emphasizing her generous bust.

"I see." I said simply, sliding my hands into my pockets nonchalantly. Thankfully, my naturally confident attitude was effective enough to conceal my racing heart.

Her face still flushed, she bit her lip. "She th-then asked s-something else…"

Honestly, I found her stutter to be a bit cute. The sight of the normally stoic fukukaichou of the Student Council stuttering as she spoke was a rather endearing sight to behold. "What?" I kept my replies monosyllabic, not pressuring her in the slightest. If she wanted to take her time, then I was willing to wait. Even if I felt exhausted after everything that's happened today.

"She…asked if I…" Tsubaki paused again, looking away from me shyly. After a moment of silence, she quickly looked to me, meeting my eyes with her own. "I…wanted to d-date you…"

"I see…" I paused and didn't break eye contact. I was silent for a moment before I spoke again. "You don't need to tell me if you don't want to, you know." I said softly.

She shook her head and looked me in the eye again. "No…I-I want to tell you my answer…" Tsubaki hesitated for a moment before striding up to me. Her eyes were determined when she opened her mouth to speak. "Daisuke-kun, would you b-"

"Tsubaki-chan, would you like to be my girlfriend?" I asked her softly, gently cutting her off. She paused, her eyes widening and her face flushing even more. "What kind of a guy would I be if I made the girl ask me out? Especially if I liked her too." I smiled widely at her.

That caused her to look down in embarrassment, her face flushing even more. After a moment of silence, she looked up to me and said, "Yes. I would love to be your girlfriend, Daisuke-kun." She smiled softly, her face a healthy shade of red.

I grinned and said, "Just wait till we reach Kuoh. Oh, the rumors will be flying! I'll have to try harder not to shut down the place with a snow storm."

Tsubaki smiled lightly, "Please don't. Besides, I'll be with you."

"Okay, so it's on you to stop me." I said to her with a playful tone. She laughed lightly at that. Checking the clock, I saw the time and groaned softly. "Well, I think it's time for me to go to bed… I don't know about you, but I'm dead on my feet right now."

The Queen smiled at my words and nodded in assent.

The two of us ascended the stairs and went to our respective rooms. I walked into my room and shut the door behind me, changing tiredly out of my uniform. Clad in my sleepwear, I basically collapsed onto the bed and sighed heavily, glad to be finally falling asleep.

Unfortunately, my descent into dreamland was interrupted by the bright light of a teleportation circle appearing on the floor in my room. Sitting up tiredly, I gave the seal a tired glare and watched as it rose up, revealing the person who appeared here.

"Rias-san? I think you appeared in the wrong room. Sona's is three doors down."

She shook her head, "I'm not here to see Sona; I'm here for you."

I gave her a tired look. "My hours are from eight a.m. to three p.m. Any time before or after and you'll have to set an appointment. Otherwise, I'm not available. Please leave a message after I fall asleep. Thank you." I then promptly fell to the side, closing my eyes as my head impacted the pillow.

"Daisuke-san, please! I need you to take my virginity!" She beseeched me, her tone desperate.

That pushed all sense of joking out of me as I quickly sat up, giving the girl in front of me a confused look. "I'm sorry? Did you say what I think you said?"

"Yes. I need you to take my virginity and quickly." Rias then began to undress, unbuttoning her top.

I blinked once, twice, a third time and began to push myself away from her. "Okay, okay, no matter you have, it just can't be fixed by having me pop your cherry!" I said in a strained whisper, trying not wake everyone in the house.

Rias smiled lightly at my words, but shook her head. "No, this is the only way. I have to do this." She pulled her skirt off, standing before me in a pair of black lacy bra and panties. She was a beautiful sight, if I had to be honest.

"Does it have to be me? I mean, what about Issei? He is smitten with you after all." And I just got a girlfriend, so I'd rather not ruin that relationship by cheating within the first fifteen minutes of it starting!

She approached me, her chest shaking lightly with the movement. "Issei's not strong enough, even if his heart is in the right place…" Rias muttered but shook her head. Placing her hands on my shoulders, she pushed me onto bed. "But what's wrong with me? Am I not good enough for you?" Her voice shook lightly, her eyes swimming.

I was cursing my hormones at that moment. While my brain was telling me to keep passive and unaffected, my second head was demanding that I take action. Fortunately, years of training in the magical arts gave me superb self-control. Which was currently fading, unfortunately. "It's not a matter of good enough, or not good enough, Rias-san. It's a matter of self-respect. You shouldn't be throwing yourself at a guy you just met two weeks ago!" I berated her, hoping it would make her come to her senses.

That was not the case, as she continued to push. "That doesn't matter! In those two weeks, I've seen that you're strong, kind-hearted and humble. Akeno only says good things when she speaks of you! You're the only obvious choice." She then sat on my crotch, straddling me. "I just ask that you be gentle; it is my first time, after all."

I held back the groan as I felt her soft form press against me. Releasing a calming breath, I gave her a warning glare. "Rias-san, don't do this. You can find someone else for whatever you've got planned. I'm not in a position to indulge your selfish whims."

Rias flinched at my uncharacteristically cold tone. "Please, Daisuke-san, I'll do anything you ask, just do this for me!"

I sat up and grasped her arms, gently but firmly pushing her off of me. "All I ask is that you take yourself seriously. Don't treat yourself any less that what you deserve." I gave her a stern glare.

Rias blanched at my words, looking down in what appeared to be shame. "I-I'm sorry, but this is the on-" She was interrupted by a second seal appearing in my room. "Oh, well I guess it's too late…" Rias regarded me with an apologetic smile.

"Rias-ojou-sama, I thought I told you-" A sophisticated, feminine voice came from the seal as it rose from the ground. When the light died down, I saw a beautiful woman with long silver hair tied into a pair of braids, and also flowing loosely behind her, and dressed in a French maid uniform. She regarded Rias and me with her silver eyes impassively.

Releasing Rias, I regarded the newcomer and said, "You're here for her, right?"

She nodded once.

I looked to Rias and said, "Put your clothes on; I'll meet you in the clubroom tomorrow, where you can explain why you threw yourself at me." I then turned to the newcomer and said, "I am sorry, but I must apologize for not being able to accommodate a guest. It's late, I'm exhausted and I've dealt with one too many curve balls today."

The woman looked to Rias and frowned, "Rias-ojou-sama, you are the next head of the Gremory house. You must hold yourself to a higher standard."

It felt as though as if that were a stab at me, but I let it slide. I'm too damn tired to start a fight over a silly indirect insult.

Of course, that was when my door was opened, revealing Sona standing in the doorway, dressed in a blue bathrobe. "Ah, hello, Rias, Grayfia. Mind if I ask what the problem is?"

I released a groan and grabbed my pillow and blanket. "Screw it, I'm sleeping on the couch. At least there, I can actually get some sleep." I grumbled as I strode passed Sona, who regarded me with amusement.

"Daisuke-san, that won't be necessary." Sona then looked to Rias and Grayfia. "Do you mind we take this elsewhere? I'd like to have Daisuke-san well rested tomorrow."

Grayfia nodded and bowed towards me, "Shizuka-san, I am sincerely sorry for my mistress's actions."

I waved her off with a tired groan. "The only thing I want is an explanation. Tomorrow! Now let me sleep! What did I do to deserve this punishment?!" I wailed comically as I fell onto my bed, haphazardly pulling my blanket onto my body.

The last thing I heard for falling into the pleasant realm of dreams, was Sona's voice. "Of all the people to choose, you choose my Servant to try and get out of your engagement?"

Engagement? I'm definitely getting answers.

I strode towards the Occult Research clubroom, with a determined frown. Reaching the door, I didn't so much as knocked, forgoing decorum in the face of getting the answers I damn sure I deserved. Opening it, I stepped inside, "I'm ready for that explanation, Rais-sa-"

I was quickly cut off by the sight of a new individual in the room, sitting right next to Rias. He had medium length blonde hair that fell annoyingly perfect, a handsome face that made me want to punch it. A confident, smug look was plastered on his face he sat there. He was dressed in a pair of black stylish pants and a red button up shirt, which was open to show off his chest.

I regarded the new guy for a moment and looked to Rias. "Rias-san, who's the host club wannabe?"

That garnered a snort from Issei, a surprised squeak from Asia, a giggle from Akeno, a small smile from Koneko, a begrudging smile from Kiba and an unrepentant, but ladylike, grin from Rias.

However, the guy who looked like he was kicked out of the nearest host club regarded me with a look of contempt. "Who do you think you are?"

I snorted at him, "I'm the guy who wants you to get the hell away from Rias-san. She clearly doesn't want you touching her. She looks like she's seconds away from blowing chunks."

Once again, Issei laughed softly.

Rias smiled thankfully at me, though looked away from me when I gave her an inquisitive glare.

The blonde sneered at me as he stood and approached me. We both stood at equal height, though he tried to appear he was towering over me. "I don't care what you think, you low class Devil. My dear Rias is my fiancée, I am allowed to do whatever I want with her."

I looked at him like he had a second head. "Host-Club-Dropout, you clearly have a twisted sense of the definition for that word, fiancée. Are you sure you weren't dropped on your head as child?"

That brought a look of anger onto his face. "My name is Riser Phenex of the Phenex Family, you peon."

I felt my eyes open widely in surprise. "'Peon'?! Oh, that's a complicated word, Mr. Host-Club. I guess you're not as dumb as I thought you were." I paused and eyed him suspiciously. "Or was it on your calendar? It's not nice to trick people, you know."

He clenched his fist tightly, glaring at me hatefully. I could feel, more than see, the flames that appeared on his clenched fist. "You have no clue who you're antagonizing, do you?"

I regarded him with a wide grin. "Yeah, I do!" I crossed my arms and said, "I'm antagonizing the guy who's tormenting my friend. Now could you do us all a favor and leave? You know and never come back." I stepped to the side and pointed to the door.

Riser regarded me murderously, "Give me one reason why I shouldn't destroy you."

I cocked my head to the side, feigning deep thought. Gasping lightly, I pounded my fist into an open hand. "I have the perfect reason!" Leaning forward, I allowed lightning to flicker threateningly around my body. "Because you can't, Yakitori-kun."

Sona had forewarned me about Riser before I began making my way down to the clubroom, saying that he was descended from the legendary Phoenix and had regeneration bordering on immortality. She had also told me not to antagonize him. I think I did rather well in that regard.

Riser's face flushed a dangerous red as regarded me angrily. I saw him lift his hand, the flames in said limb flickering dangerously.

"Riser-sama, Shizuka-san, I would prefer it if the two of you do not fight." Grayfia's voice caught our attention, pulling us out of a possible fight.

I vanished from in front of Riser and appeared next to Akeno, my hands innocuously clasped in front of me. "I'm perfectly innocent, Grayfia-san. I would never fight in such a calm and serene place." I smiled unassumingly, hiding the uncontrollable laughter I wanted to release.

Though he still looked pissed beyond belief, Riser released a breath and smiled towards Grayfia. "If the Ultimate Queen asks me to not fight, then how can I disagree?"

The maid regarded me with a look that said 'I can see past your bullshit', then looked back to Riser. "If everyone has calmed down, we can get back to business."

Rias looked to me thankfully and then to Grayfia. "I've said it countless time, Grayfia. I will not marry Riser!"

"Ojou-sama, it was something your father and Lord Phoenix agreed upon."

Rias crossed her arms stubbornly. "I don't care if it's what they decided. I refuse to marry him." She gave Riser a dark glare, to which he simply gave her a cocky smile.

That caused Grayfia to release a semi-frustrated sigh. "It seems I have no choice." That led to Rias giving her a perplexed look, her blue eyes twinkling with a silent question. "Sirzechs-sama said to give you a chance to get out of the engagement, should you still be against it."

"Nii-sama?"

"Yes. In the event you're still against the wedding, you'd be permitted to play a Rating Game against Riser-sama." That caused the redhead's eyes to widen. "Should you win, you'd be able to go on without the wedding, no more pushing from either family. However, if you were to lose, then the wedding would continue regardless." Grayfia explained professionally.

Rias was silent for a moment, looking to the group of us, her eyes going from each person. Then the heiress turned to Riser, glaring darkly at him. "I'm not going to marry you Riser. I'll play you in the Rating Game."

That caused Riser to laugh cockily. "You? Challenge me in a Rating Game? Ha!" He lifted his hand and snapped his fingers. "Let me show you what a real Peerage looks like, my dear Rias." A large red seal appeared in the club room, fire flickering from the seal. Within moments, exactly fifteen young woman rose out of the seal, each clad in a…fetishistic uniform.

I blinked once, twice, then released a pained sigh. "This guy has a girl for almost every fetish known to man…" I looked around Akeno to see Issei ogling the girls perversely. Reaching around Akeno, I slapped Issei in the back of the head. He flinched at the hit and gave me a betrayed look. "Control yourself. This isn't the time to be perverted. A smartass, yes; a pervert, no." I whispered to him softly.

That caused Issei to give me an incredulous look, a small smile gracing his features.

Riser chuckled darkly, "Do you see the difference between us, Rias. I have the full fifteen while you only have six."

That caused me pause, silently counting the members of Rias's Peerage. Realizing he included me, I stepped forward, "Oi, I'm no-"

"Yes, but they're all more than strong enough to defeat you and your Peerage, Riser." Rias declared confidently, giving me an apologetic look.

I narrowed my eyes, already resolving to get the answers I want. Stepping back, I crossed my arms and simply waited.

"You want to challenge me, Rias, so I'll show you how powerful I am. The best way I can do that is crush you like the Rating Game virgin that you are." He then gestured flippantly at Rias's Peerage and me. "The only one amongst your group that has even a hope of challenging my Peerage is your Queen, the Thunder Priestess." He then sneered towards me, "Though I wouldn't mind destroying the smartass personally."

I snorted at him, shaking my head. "Phenex or not, you can't beat me, Yakitori-kun. I'm well above your pay grade." I smirked at his angered expression and walked away from Rias's Peerage, casually taking the spot next to Rias. "Truthfully, I don't have to do a thing. Issei could kick your ass in my place." I gave the second year student a confident smirk.

Issei's eyes widened at the compliment, smiling lightly. "Senpai…"

Riser frowned severely. "You're looking down on me. I'll teach you your place by crushing your kouhai." He gestured towards Issei. "Mira, break him."

A young girl dressed in a white haori and a white obi, along with a red happi above them stepped forward. Her blue hair was tied in four short ponytails. She carried a long wooden staff topped on either ends with white knobs. "Yes, Riser-sama." She lunged forward, aiming to strike Issei.

The boy quickly called up his Sacred Gear.

However, she never reached him. Her staff was stopped cold when I reached forward and caught it by the shaft. She tried to move or pull it free, but she founded that I was too strong. I also noticed her eyes widening in fear when she saw the part of the staff I was holding freezing over, ice traveling over the shaft of the spear.

"You're welcome to attack me at any time you want, but the moment you attack one of my friends, I take it personal." With a flex of my hand, I broke Mira's staff and reared back my hand. "Nothing person, but I need to make you an example." Her brown eyes widened in fear as I crashed my hand into her stomach. She coughed painfully and leaned forward, I narrowed my eyes and sent a painful blast of lightning into her body. She cried out once and was knocked unconscious. Lifting her, I strode over to one of the others in Riser's Peerage. "She'll be out for a few hours." I then placed her in the arms of one of the girls, not bothering to see who she was.

Riser regarded me with an angry glare. "I'm getting tired of your arrogance. No matter strong you think you are, you can't stand before an immortal Phoenix."

I paused and released a tired sigh. "You know, I'm going to apologize beforehand. If I break anything, or anyone, just know that I apologized in advance."

That brought a confused look to Rias and Grayfia, along with the rest of the occupants of the room.

Of course, their confusion was answered when I vanished from my spot and slammed Riser against the wall of the clubroom, my hand wrapped tightly around his throat. His Peerage cried out and tried to interfere, but I lifted my hand and entombed them in a cage of ice.

"Daisuke-san!"

"Shizuka-san!"

Rias and Grayfia cried in surprise, while Rias's Peerage were struck silent by my sudden action.

I narrowed my eyes at Riser, allowing my Sacred Gear to be released gradually. The temperature of the room dropped significantly. "I'm normally a very patient person; however, that patience has reached its limit." A dark grin spread on Riser's face as I felt the heat from his flames. Regarding his flaming hand with a tired glare, I used my free hand and caused his own to freeze over with a small wave. "You call yourself immortal, so I assume you think yourself unstoppable. Am I correct in assuming that?"

"I am a Phoenix, there is nothing that can ki-" I cut him off with a sudden clench of the hand and roll of my eyes.

"You are an idiot. Nothing is truly immortal. Anything can die, it's just a matter of how many times you hit it. Your body may heal indefinitely, but your mind will not." I gave him a dark glare, focusing the chill from my gear onto him specifically. "You are not an absolute, not an unstoppable constant presence in this reality."

Giving him one more glare, I released him and took a step back. Riser dropped to the ground with a dull thud. I looked down at him with obvious contempt. "There are only three absolutes in reality. Three things that will last forever, no matter what we do, as Devils, Fallen Angels, Angels and all other species that roam this planet. Sadly for you, the mighty Phoenix is not one of them." I casually lifted a hand and dispelled the icy cage around Riser's Peerage, shocking everyone.

"What are those absolutes then?" Riser demanded of me.

I smirked at him. "Time, Fate and Weather. Time always moves forward, regardless of our desires. Fate always dictates what occurs in the future, though it can be influenced with the right catalyst. Weather is the unstoppable juggernaut that plows through all obstacles, cleansing the world with its apathetic abandon. Against the three of these absolutes, you are woefully inadequate. Pitiful in comparison to the mighty unstoppable forces of nature."

Riser stood, meeting my eyes in defiance. "What, pray tell, does this have to do with you? What gives you the confidence to stand against a Phoenix?"

I focused solely on him and allowed my self-control to slip ever so slightly. A dark grin appeared on my face as we locked eyes. "I have no control over Time or Fate, as it should be. However, Weather, on the other hand, is an entirely different story. Within my soul rests a power with limitless potential, enough so that I could possibly kill God." That caused his eyes to widen with a hint of fear. "I carry a Top Tier, the 2nd Longinus, Zenith Tempest. Compared to the power I have, thanks to that, your powers as a member of the Phenex family are irrelevant. The power of an eternal storm is at my fingertips."

I softened my features and looked toward Rias and the others. Then I faced Riser, "I don't care about any agreement your and Rias-san's fathers had. You don't force yourself on one of my friends. Since Rias-san accepted the challenge of the Rating Game, I'll shape them into warriors capable of bringing down the mighty Phoenix."

I took a reluctant step back, lifting my empty hands in a show of peace. "As much as my sense of personal honor is begging me to destroy you as an affront to the male gender, I won't. Every fiber of my being is begging me to call down lightning, freeze the air itself and overpower the Phoenix with its own wind, all because you're causing troubles for my friend. However, I won't do anything to you, because it's not my fight. Plus, it would cause too many problems for my Master. Hell, I probably already have, but my annoyingly persistent pride pushed me to make a point. All so I could finally say, 'Fuck it, it's time to make waves'."

I stopped speaking, smirking softly at the frozen Phenex house member. His gaze regarded me with emotion I was familiar with: fear, trepidation, and hesitance. He didn't speak for the longest time, looking from me to his Peerage, who hadn't moved after I released them from their frozen prison. No one in the room spoke for the longest time. I had to resist the urge to pull out Kusanagi and try to cut the tension; I'm sure that would just cause Riser to soil himself.

"You're not in Rias's Peerage?" Riser asked softly.

I regarded him with an arched eyebrow, but shook my head once.

His confidence rose significantly as he turned towards Rias and Grayfia. "I'll give you ten days, my dear Rias. Do try to do something productive during then, even if it won't do anything." He turned, regarding me hesitantly, and walked over to his Peerage. "We're leaving." With a wave of his hand, he conjured his teleportation seal, sending everyone away.

With them gone, everyone visibly relaxed.

Except for me, as I happened to have the eyes of a very angry maid focused on me. I paused and released a breath. Turning to face Grayfia fully, I bowed deeply. "I am sincerely sorry for causing a scene. I know I acted out of turn…several times, but I felt an impact was necessary." I stood up straight, scratching the back of my head sheepishly.

The Gremory maid didn't react at first, but soon sighed softly. "Sona-sama was not lying when she said you were difficult to control. You are indeed like the storm you carry."

I had to fight the smile that wanted to make itself known.

"Regardless, you have indeed made waves with your threat on Riser's person. You're certain to have made enemies of the Phenex house." Grayfia explained clinically.

"But he'll have the support of the Gremory family." Rias said stubbornly. "Plus, I heard from Sona that Serafall has taken a liking to Daisuke-san."

"Powerful allies and enemies." Grayfia regarded me with an enigmatic gaze as she studied me closely. In that moment, I saw a hint of recognition, but it was quickly banished. "You're time as a Devil will be an eventful one, Shizuka-san; of that, I am sure." She turned to Rias, "Rias-ojou-sama, I'll pass the news that you've accepted the Rating Game to Sirzechs-sama and your father. Good luck in your training." With that, the maid teleported from the clubroom.

"Ara ara, Daisuke-kun, I didn't know you were such a bully, pushing Riser around like that. It was most…illuminating about who you really are." Akeno giggled into her hand, an appreciative look in her eyes.

Issei ran up to me, giving me an appreciative punch in the arm. "Nice one, Daisuke-senpai, sticking it to that jackass! I can't wait to show everyone how strong I've gotten."

Koneko at her chocolate, a small, almost unnoticeable smile on her face. "Senpai is a troublemaker."

"Indeed, Koneko." Rias agreed with a smile. She looked to me, flinching lightly at my piercing gaze.

"I guess that explains last night, right?" I asked rhetorically and cleared my throat. "Is there anymore tea, my throat is rather parched."

"I'll get you some, Daisuke-kun." Akeno said as she went towards the small kitchen. When she returned, she carried a tray with several cups filled with tea. "Here you go everyone."

"Thanks, Akeno-chan." I picked one up and took a small sip. "Very good."

"Ufufu, thank you."

I finished my drink slowly, savoring it. Placing the empty cup on the tray, I crossed my arms and regarded Rias. "Am I right in assuming you want me to train you for this?"

Rias smiled lightly, not sheepish in the least. "You did say you would."

"I did; yeah, I sure did." I rubbed my face softly, fighting off a potential migraine. "You'll have to help me convince the boss lady. Plus, I kind of need to tell her that I, uh, personally declared war on Riser Phenex. This won't be easy."

"You are right about that, Daisuke-san."

I felt my back go ramrod straight at the sound of that cold voice. I looked to some of the people in front of me, seeing the looks on their faces.

Issei paled lightly, flinching for me.

Akeno was giving me a look that honestly scared me, that instantly brought whips and leather to mind.

Rias looked sheepish, as though she already knew that my personal grim reaper was standing behind me before me.

"Oh, when did you get here, Kaichou?" I said shakily as I turned to face Sona, seeing her impassively glaring at me. Tsubaki was at her side, her face stoic, so no begging for help from her.

"About the time I felt you release your Sacred Gear."

Dammit! I should've been more careful!

"What's this I hear about you…declaring war?" Sona sounded oddly…murderous in tone.

I sighed in defeat, "So, it starts with an annoying fried chicken…"