Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Guest 1; You've got a point there~ And thanks for the vote! Sona will be protective over him regardless of being in the harem or not.

Seth Vlad Tepes; Thanks for the votes! Yeah, that would be interesting, wouldn't it?

DocSlendy; Thanks! And thanks for the vote~

Ryner510; Yup, even Odin seems to know something about him. But to what extent, it will be revealed in time. Yup, it is good that he isn't mean to Sakai, he gets enough of that from people that shouldn't be like that. That is a lol isn't it? It's Rossweisse is quite the unique and interesting girl. And thank you for the votes, and the detail behind it too! It makes it easier for me!

ShadeAkami; Indeed, let's do this~ First of all, thank you! I don't think it really has ever been said, beyond it being a magical girls show. It could be just like Sailor Moon or something like that. Aah, it is one of my fav songs too, so that's why I thought of them using it! Serafall, and Grayfia are always naturally cute, in their own ways, anyway. You never know. Forshadowing? Or just Sakai lying to get into bed with Grayfia. If it is for his wifey for lifey then...anything is possible. The girls will all have a scene like that, and also a lemon scene too, but not for a little while just yet. Ooh yeah, there will be plenty of Akeno and Sakai moments to come, as well as Grayfia and Sakai moments. There is a reason as to why she was introduced, giving some background that they know one another from the age of around 12 years old, so it would be more likely that she'd join the peerage. They have met Akeno yes, it has been well over two years in universe from the last chapter, so yeah, they do know one another. Bova appears in this chapter~ And Ravel will be appearing again soon too. Aah, cool votes! Thanks for voting! And thank you!

Blinkdisel; Aah, thanks for the vote!

Nivek Beldo; Hehe, those two are just naturally cute together, aren't they? Yeah, Grayfia didn't have to cringe all the way through this time. She was able to see the normalcy of it all, whatever normalcy you can see through something like that. Exactly, Grayfia is someone that knows Sakai pretty well, and knows what he is feeling mostly with a single glance. Hehe, that would be funny if she did actually go onto the show. Hehe, Sakai knows how to get Grayfia into bed~ And yeah, seems like Grayfia can see the boy is growing, attracting women, and feels worried, even if only slightly. But, unlike that, Sakai will reassure her that he still loves her. Yeah, he does seem to be getting quite a few punches and kicks by the Underworld, huh. Yup, she's with Rias now, how and why will be explained later on. Yup, they have quite good chemistry with one another. Millicas does in fact exist yes. In what capacity, I haven't decided yet. Eeh, just a younger sibling of Rias'. Koneko has come into the picture, and is being her usual distant self. But, she'll be soon growing closer to Sakai. Hehe, he loves cute kitty before him~ Yeah, Odin came in, and attempted to teach Sakai some naughty stuff. Good thing Grayfia was there to disarm that. Yeah, that's a good question, if a God knows him by sight alone. I suppose you could say she'd be like that, she'll no doubt have a good head on her shoulders. Yup, you're right, he is quite like that, he is a genius, but doesn't really use his brain unless he has too. And he's got such energy, and even got Rossweisse dancing, I suppose that's an achievement to him, huh~? Exactly, a feel good chapter with some new characters being introduced. Cool, thanks for voting! You're right with Serafall, she pretty much is one of the reasons Sakai has what he already does have in his life. There will be some romantic moments before that, but not full blown sexual stuff until he's around canon starting. And thanks! I'm gonna try!

hellspam; Aah, thanks! Glad that you liked! Hehe, Koneko was a given, since she was quite emotionless at the beginning, and Rossweisse...well, she's quite money hungry, even in canon. Ooh, Koneko is going to become adorable soon, there's no worries about that, she is going to be adorable. Aah, thanks for voting!

Harem Master123; Hi! Thank you! Hehe, it is quite fun when certain people begin to get jealous, and whatnot. Odin teaching him things...well, watch out, he might've become perverted, highly, good thing Grayfia was there to put a stop to it before anything went out of hand. Aah, thanks for voting!

The Headless chicken; Cool, thanks for the vote!

sundown923; Thank you! Yeah, there's a reason why Rossweisse appeared now, and for eventual induction into the peerage. Aaah, thank you for the votes! For Issei, at times, he is a hit and miss person with me. He can be a good character, but sometimes with the stuff that he does...yeah, either way, that's how it is~ Here's the next chapter!

Tohka123; Well, thank you very much! Hehe, those two just have natural chemistry, don't they? Grayfia always has to witness something between the two of them, doesn't she? Poor Grayfia. Aah, I am glad that you liked it! You're right about at least Sona and Serafall being his emotional support, since they don't view him as a monster. And thanks, I am glad that you liked them!

Naroku; Thanks! Yeah, those three are some of my fav characters too. Cool! Thanks for voting! Yup, Ravel's back where she belongs, hehe. Yeah, they are gonna be bonding this chapter. Cool suggestions! Katase and Murayama are their names lol.

Guest 2; Well, he isn't adopted, he has control over water and ice, famous from the Sitri. Cool votes!

King dragon; Cool! Thanks for voting!

Guest 3; Hehe, they are quite adorable together, aren't they? Grayfia is realizing quite quickly that Sakai is essentially starting to become a man, and is gaining female attention from others too, but Sakai won't allow Grayfia to feel lonely. Yes, it was supposed to be, that's how Sakai is as a child. As he grows, more of the Sona qualities will begin shining through, somewhat grounding him, but not totally. Hehe, dancing Serafall, and Sakai~ Aren't they just adorable~? It makes you wonder what she actually does with Sakai behind closed doors. Exactly, she isn't going to be really in a talking mood right off the bat, though in this sometime has passed now, and she'll become slightly more talkative now. Hehe, her cuteness is gonna start shining through very soon~ Walburga is quite distant, isn't she? They'll be friends alright, and have something of a good friendship. You're right there, Rossweisse doesn't get the screentime she more than deserves, but that's gonna change in this story. Yup, Ravel is back now, and she's here to stay! Rossweisse can pretty much be a Queen, she's got skills in all departments. The one I'd argue against the most is Knight, but the other two, yeah she'd be a pretty good Pawn or Queen. Akeno's gonna be using all of the pieces to her advantage, her Bishop, Knight, and Rook traits too. It was always baffling to me that Queen's usually focused on one or two aspects of the piece when they have all three. I know that it probably is just their preferred style, but it just didn't make sense to me personally, so Akeno is gonna be using more than just the Bishop side. Cool thanks for the votes! Yeah, I agree with what you said. And thank you! I am gonna keep trying my best!

Guest 4; Thank you! Glad that you liked them! Yeah, there's gonna be some good Koneko and Sakai moments in this chapter, and I've got some good Rossweisse x Sakai ones planned for when she's fully inducted to the peerage. Aah, cool! Thanks for voting! And yeah, you're right there.

magicstorm1; Thanks for voting!

nipunkhan823; If I can think of good ways for her to use it, then yes she will have one. And cool! Thank you for the vote!

RangerElk76; Well, I am full of surprises~ There are gonna be more as the story goes on too~

Blade of Takeda; Thank you! Cool pairing's! And fantastic votes too!

Anime PJ; Yup, it is always a good thing to have to break up seriousness and all that good stuff. Hehe, Rossweisse is here, and she'll be making more prominence than before with canon. Yeah, they haven't been around all that long yet, but Koneko is gonna get some major development this chapter. And Walburga will have her time to shine in the future. Cool, thanks for voting! Yah, you're right there. Rias and Issei usually is the thing, and Sona and Serafall, well they've already expressed interest in Sakai huh. And no judgment~

Blue Eyes Pendulum Dragon; Thanks, glad that you like it! Yes, I am.

Skull Flame; Rossweisse has landed! And she's as weird as she always is. Hmmm, she very well just might have~ It is pretty cute isn't it? Unlike the teens in this, she's an older woman who's jealous, so it is cuter to see such a side to her. You're right there, it pretty much is quite like that. He does indeed have one. Well, it might be going to someone who's gonna become important to Sakai. Eeh, I dunno yet, kill them? Leave them alive? I dunno yet. And thanks!

Koneko; Cool!

eiyuutan; Thanks! Cool harem suggestions! And yeah, I've read about her too, she seems interesting~

Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it is time to start the chapter!


My Queen, and a Knight part one

"So, you're going to be getting your Evil Pieces, soon, then?"

The now 13 year old Akeno asked the 12 year old Sakai, who nodded his head. His body twitched as he laid on the couch, his head in Akeno's lap. He snuggled against the lap, and had an excited look on his face.

Since hitting 13, Sakai noticed that her boobs had been growing bigger and bigger. She was more developed than Rias was at this age, and she was even bigger than some adults that Sakai knew, and she was still growing, it truly was surprising to his eyes that she had such a sizable gift on her chest.

"That's right, I've turned 12 now, and at this age, I am allowed to have my Evil Pieces. Isn't that a cool thing? Yes, that's right, I am going to be able to get my pieces soon enough. And then, I will be able to start my peerage~ Kukuku, I wonder what's going to be my peerage in the future~? I just can't wait to see what my peerage is going to be like, there's so many things that I can't even seem to get my head around it. It is going to be something alright, it really is going to be cool. I can't wait to see my future peerage in action, I just know that it is going to be the best thing ever."

Sakai couldn't be more happier than this right now.

He was going to start his own peerage, he was going to have his own peerage, and that meant he would be able to start his own family, too. It was a family where he'd have the say, and where he would have the people that would, be kind and caring. He knew his peerage was going to be good, he sensed it within himself, he knew it was going to happen, and when he did gain his peerage, he knew they were going to be great.

"I see…then, have you got anyone in mind for your peerage?"

Akeno had a gaze that was more telling than it really was.

She was looking for anything that would tell her that she'd know what was going on, she wanted to know who Sakai had in his thoughts now. Since she had been with him for around 3 years now they really were quite close.

"Hmmmm, there's a few people I've been considering."

He revealed, as his head rubbed against her thighs.

"Like who?"

Her quizzing nature caught Sakai by surprise.

"Well, Bova-chan is one. I have been considering Bova-chan, and he's pretty awesome too. He's been dropping mega hints that he wants to join my peerage, or become my familiar. Since I'm going to be retrieving my pieces soon, I have to consider who's going to become apart of my peerage. Like Rias-chan, she's already made Walburga-chan her peerage member too."

"Ara, I did hear that. It seems like she didn't waste time, and made Walburga-san her servant right away. Though it seemed like Walburga-san also had her own reasons to become a Devil, she's really someone who is becoming more different lately, hasn't she?"

Sakai's head bobbed along on her lap, and snuggled against her lap.

"Walburga-chan has her reasons, and I respect that. Walburga-chan doesn't want to become anything other than Rias-chan's servant, and wants to stand beside her, and stay there forever, that's what I see it as anyway. Whatever Rias-chan said and did for her, really must've been something amazing. From last year till now, it has seemed like she's plucked herself up more, and has become quite the interesting type of person, I don't even know what she's going to be able to do in the future. She's a good magician…hmmm, I think I need a magic user in my peerage too…an attack type, and a support type, I think that would be good."

Sakai's mind went into a frenzy as he thought about his future peerage.

He thought about what his Knight's would be, his Rook's, his Pawns, and his Bishop's too. It really was quite surprising what Sakai was thinking about right now, since he always seemed to be the type that didn't think so strongly, and complex, but he was full of surprises, after all.

Akeno watched dutifully, and wonderingly, too.

"Rias seems to be quite the lucky girl, doesn't she? She's already got quite the good magician on her side, and she was able to turn this person into her servant with one piece. It seems that Rias has a talent too for scouting out servants. But also, Sakai-kun. Is there anyone else you have in mind for your peerage?"

"Hmmm, that's a good question. I don't really have anyone else in mind right now, I think~"

That news made Akeno tilt her head downwards.

"I-I see…so, no one else…huh."

"Well, I don't really know anyone else that would want to join my peerage, I haven't even been able to find something that would allow me to continue onwards. All for now, is Bova-chan. And if Bova-chan wishes to become my familiar, then I don't know who's going to become my peerage member, I haven't found anyone that would want to join my peerage."

"That's not true, there's going to be people that wish to join your peerage."

"Like who?"

At that, Akeno kept her mouth closed, and didn't say anything else.

Sakai looked up at her from her lap, confusion in his eyes.

"Akeno-chan, is there something you want to ask me?"

Akeno snapped out of the thoughts she had, and merely adopted a cheery look to her face.

"What? Ooh, no, not really. I was just thinking about something strongly, and if I think about that, then I know that I will have to be able to get the results that I want, you know? I think that if I think like that, then I will be able to get what I want in my life, you know what I mean?"

"Erm, I don't really know much of what you're talking about Akeno-chan. I don't understand, is there something going on with that? I mean…my peerage is the topic of interest lately…you know, my Otou-chan wants me to add someone to my peerage, but I don't want too."

"Oh? Who's that?"

Akeno asked with interest, sensing the shift in tone that he was using, and it wasn't a pleasant shift in tone either. It was, a tone shift like no other, it truly was quite the scary tone shift that he was using right now.

"Someone who'd keep me from doing what I want."

His answer wasn't full of his usual peppiness, and it left Akeno wondering just what his Father speaks to him about most of the time. Akeno's hand went over Sakai's face, and it seemed to send relaxing feelings to the young man.

"But, it is your peerage, isn't it?"

Akeno knew for a fact that someone couldn't force someone else to reincarnate someone of their choosing. It was up to the King who they reincarnated, once getting their pieces, and another person couldn't force them to add someone to their peerage either. Even if they could, Akeno would consider that wrong.

"Yes, that's right. It is my peerage, but Tou-chan thinks that I have to do whatever he says. But I'm not adding anyone I don't want to have in my peerage, I want to have only the best in my peerage, and that doesn't mean someone Tou-chan has picked out. I know he's gonna try and make me add someone that I don't want in my peerage, but he's going to end up doing something like that, and make me add someone that I don't want to add to my peerage."

"Well, it sounds like your Tou-sama is interfering with your life again."

Akeno didn't like that his Father did that. To her, it seemed unnecessary. Out of most of the Devil children she had come across, despite his childlike nature, Sakai was actually a pretty together young guy, and knew what he needed to do.

"He always does when he wants to control me." He revealed sadly, tossing on her lap. "He…just doesn't understand, that this is my peerage. I'm usually not selfish, but this time, this is what I want, I want this to happen, I want to have my peerage be my peerage, and that's it. I don't want anything else having someone else on my peerage that I didn't choose, or didn't ask me directly, and I gave my consent."

Sakai's explanation made Akeno think deeply on what she was going to do, and say now.

She knew what she wanted to say, but she didn't know how she was going to go about it, it seemed difficult to her mind right now, to go on about something that she wanted, she didn't even know how she was going to approach the subject.

"I see…so, if someone wanted to be on your peerage…take, me for instance, all we'd have to do is ask, and you'd be okay with that?"

"Fufu, yes~ If someone asked me, and I was okay with it, I'd definitely do something like become happy and have that person stand beside me. First of all, I need to think about this, and who is going to become a personal member of my peerage. Too bad I can't reincarnate Grayfia-chan, that would be cool. I'd have Grayfia-chan stand beside me, and have her with me as I go off into this wide world, and do things with Grayfia-chan and be ecchi with Grayfia-chan and sometimes also have naughty fun with Grayfia-chan, while we get married, and not think of anything other than the love that we naturally have for one another. So yup, in conclusion, she's gonna become my wifey for lifey, and we're gonna settle down, have a few kids, and then I don't know~"

Akeno had to admire his simplistic (that she knew of) dream of just marrying Grayfia, and having children with her. It was quite normal compared to what she thought Sakai's dreams would be, she had no idea it would be like this.

"Hehe, your love for Grayfia-sama has really raised higher hasn't it?"

"Yup! Grayfia-chan is someone that I love greatly! Once Grayfia-chan and I manage to come together, that would be really great! Don't you think so Akeno-chan?! We'll have such a loving relationship with one another!?"

"Y-Yes, that's right."

Akeno's answer came as a slight stutter.

Soon afterwards, Grayfia herself actually appeared, and was holding what appeared to be a letter in her hands. The envelop was decorated quite nicely, and it had Sakai's name on it, so it was for the Sitri boy himself.

"I'm sorry to disturb you Sakai-sama, but this letter just came for you."

"Oooh~ A letter for me, is it~?"

"That's right, it seems to have come from the Norse side."

Sakai watched as Grayfia walked closer. She briefly looked at Akeno, then went to the laying down Sakai, holding the letter for him to read. He took it, and opened the letter, and read it to himself, while Akeno and Grayfia looked intently on.

"Ara, who is it from Sakai-kun?"

Akeno already had a guess, she just wished that her guess wasn't right, she wished that it wouldn't be right. Unfortunately, life doesn't always go her way, and she ended up feeling regret on what she would be able to see.

"It's from Rossweisse-chan." He revealed, not seeing Akeno's eyes darken. "It seems like since the last time we met, she's been sending me a few letters per week. Honestly. I get the feeling that she doesn't have many friends, and we got along quite well. according to this, she's close to finishing high school already! Geez, she's really smart!"

"…I could finish high school too if I wanted…"

Akeno's words practically spewed venom for Rossweisse, and how she remembered the connection she and Sakai had with one another, and didn't like it…no, she didn't mind it, but she'd rather have the closer relationship with him than Rossweisse.

"Hmmm? Something wrong Akeno-chan?"

She did her best to smile, but she was finding it difficult.

"N-No, nothing at all. So, what else did the girl say?"

"Erm, not much really. It just seems like she's going on about difficult magic's systems she's learning about. Ooh, she said that the next time she comes to the Underworld, that we should meet up. Isn't that great Akeno-chan?"

Grayfia watched as Akeno's eyes twitched, and saw jealousy within her eyes. Putting two and two together wasn't difficult, and she came to the natural conclusion that was quite easy to do, actually. She knew what was going on, and she found it adorable that Akeno would show such reactions.

"Ara, it does seem good for her."

Akeno's gritting teeth were very easy to see. Even Sakai could see it from his position on her lap.

"Akeno-chan, something wrong? Maybe Rossweisse-chan was bad to you when I wasn't looking?"

His concern for Akeno was touching, and it did make her heart beat a little bit.

"N-No, nothing. She didn't do anything."

Akeno's words dripped her deceit, and even Sakai was able to make out that there was something off about this girl, that he didn't even know about.

"Akeno-chan? Is there something that you'd like to discuss with me exactly?"

"W-Why would you presume something like that?" She had to lie, or she'd lose her sanity at this point. "There's nothing I wish to converse with Sakai-kun about. I'm just glad that he has a friend."

"Correction, we have a friend~ She's your friend too~"

Akeno's smile was slowly disappearing, and being replaced with a pout. But she manged to keep a fake smile on her lips. It looked quite adorable to Sakai that she'd be making such a face, and had to wonder why she was doing that.

"Y-Yes, I suppose that she is my friend."

"That sounded forced, Akeno-sama."

Akeno shot a daring glare towards Grayfia, Sakai's face being petted by Akeno herself.

"It isn't like that at all, don't be such a weird girl, all of a sudden. Grayfia-sama, you're really becoming quite outspoken since Sakai-kun and I have become better acquainted with one another. Haven't you?"

Grayfia didn't say anything else, Sakai dancing the paper in his fingers.

"You know, I am shocked that Rossweisse-chan would want to converse with a Devil like me." Sakai confessed, reading the letter again. "We didn't spend much time together, but she did seem like she didn't have much time for fun back where she lives."

"Maybe she just focuses her time on studies…and she did become upset when Odin-sama mentioned that she didn't have a boyfriend before. It seemed quite depressing to someone like me for her to do that. I mean, why would having a boyfriend or not in her case, make her life be determined? Is it because she's a Valkyrie?"

Akeno mused about it, but she wasn't able to think about it correctly, and still didn't know why Rossweisse acted like she did, and how she was upset about her love life was going on. It didn't make sense to Akeno.

"I dunno Akeno-chan~ Who knows what's going on inside of her mind right now~ Maybe that's how they do things, it must seem weird to people like us~ I can't even think about it straight, it just seems a little weird to me too~"

"Indeed, it does seem weird to me too~"

The pair shared a laugh as Grayfia quietly looked on.


"Hey…erm, I'm sorry for the sudden arrival, of mine. I didn't mean to come here so quickly, and didn't mean to have such a face on my own right now."

Rias apologized as she had the small girl behind her. The Nekomata merely looked at Sakai blankly, at the doorway. Akeno was inside of the living room, so Sakai was the only one who managed to catch up to Rias here. The girl behind Rias, still didn't have a name, or she did, and she didn't reveal it just yet. Rias knew her name, Sakai was sure that she did, but for whatever reason, she never told Sakai what her name was.

"Ooh, it's no problem. Is there something going on? I thought that you had that trip today?"

He recalled that Rias was going on a trip, and he wasn't expecting to see her for a few days now.

"I do, and I will be going soon."

"Oohh~ Come to say goodbye~?"

His voice was like velvet, and it made Rias' face lift up slightly.

"Something like that. But also, I have something else to discuss too. If that's alright?"

He was intrigued that she wanted to discuss something with him, and put a hand under his chin, thinking thoughtfully.

"Sure, what is it!?"

His voice raised excitedly with news that something else could come for him, and then he saw Rias pointing to the girl behind her, and pushed her forward. Sakai's eyes went towards her, and tilted his head curiously.

"This girl, you see. There was a choice, and while she could've come with me, she decided that she didn't want too. But, you see, my family is also going to be busy to watch over her. While she doesn't need it, per say, I would prefer to not leave her alone right now. So I asked "Where would you like to stay for a few days?" and she answered, that she'd like to stay with you. So, that's why I came here."

Rias' explanation left Sakai bewildered, considering he thought that she disliked him. But here she was, asking him, and actually wanting to stay beside him. It just came as a surprise to him, because of who she was, and what she thought (at least what he thought she thought of him) about him personally.

Sakai blinked in surprise.

"Me? She wants to stay with me?"

He couldn't be more surprised right now, it was something that he didn't even think about. The girl, wanting to actually stay with him, when she usually just doesn't show such things about herself, and how she basically ignored Sakai most of the time.

"I gave her the choice and she said "The hyperactive Sitri would be fine." so, that's how it is. I hope it isn't going to be an inconvenience to you? She apparently wishes to stay here with you, so I thought that I would ask."

Sakai thought about it for a few moments, all the while looking towards the young Nekomata.

As he thought, his eyes and her eyes met, and she couldn't stop looking at him, as if she was trying to figure something out. Sakai's eyes focused in on the girls eyes, and he then bent down to her side, and gained a cheery smile.

"So, you wished to stay with me, did you?"

"…I don't like the cold." She explained dryly. "…Rias-sama is going to…a cold place…and that means that…I would be cold…I was also given the chance…so, I decided to spend time with the male Sitri…it was better than…going other places…it was the better alternative."

"Kuku, I see. So, I'm the best of a bad situation then~?"

"…Yes."

Sakai didn't feel offended by that, like Rias thought she would if she was told that. In fact, Sakai looked fine with it, and put a hand to the girls head, and petted delicately, and almost in a true caring manner.

"Well~ I can't take in someone that I don't know the name of~"

"…My name is…Shirone."

She almost felt bitter about saying that, like she was spitting it out dangerously. She almost sounded like she hated that name, and felt like she was going to die from just saying the name, it almost made Sakai feel sad that she didn't like her name.

"Shirone-chan, that's a cute name. I really like it~ I really like your name~"

"…I don't."

Her answer made Sakai tilt his head to the left, and that also made him feel a little complicated too.

"Uuuu, that's not good~" Sakai's face went back to Rias. "It's alright with me Rias-chan~ If she wants to stay here, I don't have a problem with her staying here. It seems like she's a good girl, and talks more than she did when I first met her. Don't worry, she'll be in complete safety here, and she'll be safe without having to worry about anything like being attacked, and such~"

"A-Are you sure it is okay? I mean, I've just come here, and asked you something like this when you must be-"

"Rias-chan, don't worry~" His voice was soothing, and felt like velvet. "You can leave this adorable Neko girl here, she'll be looked after, so you don't have to worry about anything else, like her being alone. Is Walburga-chan going with you?"

Rias inclined her head, and gave an explanation.

"It's our bonding session, is all. We're actually going to a remote place in Europe. I've heard at this time of year, there's this frozen lake that has such a lovely look to it. And Walburga also said that there's this tree that looks like stars with snow on it. I became interested, and thought that it would be cool, if we go and see it. So, that's why I am going with her now."

"I see, then please don't worry, your servant-"

"She hasn't become my servant, Sakai."

Rias told him straight, surprising Sakai.

"Oh? I thought that you were intending too…"

"I was, but I haven't done anything yet. Walburga is my servant yes, but she isn't my servant yet, Shirone I mean. She said that she has complex thoughts about it, and doesn't know what to do about it. Of course, there is a percent chance that she might…go somewhere else."

"Somewhere else?"

Rias didn't continue that line of conversations, and just smiled.

"Either way, I think this is the time. This is a good chance, why don't you two get better acquainted? I think that would be a good idea."

"Sure~ See ya later~"

Rias nodded, and said her goodbyes.

Once she had left, Sakai darted his eyes towards Shirone's form.

"So, Shirone-chan, you really wanted to come here did you?"

"…I don't dislike you."

That's all she said, and Sakai accepted that with a warm smile on his face.

"That's great! I am glad that you think like that! And I am glad that you're happy too!"

"…I wouldn't go that far."

At that moment, Shirone's stomach began rumbling.

Her face tinged pink as she looked down at the ground shyly.

"Uuuu, could it be that you're hungry? Does Rias-chan not feed you or something?"

"…It isn't like that, I just…I didn't feel like eating this morning…but now I'm hungry…I can wait until-"

"Nope~ If my guest is hungry, then I'm gonna have to feed you~"

"…Your servants will make food at this time?"

Shirone spoke with doubt, since it was past breakfast, but not lunch either. She didn't understand servants that well, and she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to ask for something either, she wasn't sure.

"Nah~ I won't bother them with such a task~ I'll do it myself~"

"…You're going to make me food?"

Sakai inclined his head, patting the top of her head.

"I don't see why not. You're a guest of mine now, and no guest of mine is ever going to be lonely, I won't allow it to happen. So, please don't be so worried, you're going to be alright here now. I won't be able to have anything happen to you."

"…I don't understand why you'd do something like this for me."

She really didn't understand. A High Class, going out of their way to make someone who didn't even really speak, some food. Even Rias didn't do that, she usually asked one of her servants. She could see a difference between Rias and Sakai right now, and she wasn't sure which she liked better.

"Didn't I say it before? Because you're my guest, that's why~ Don't worry, I won't allow anything to happen to you, I am going to keep you safe, and sound. You're going to be able to have some food now~ So, please come with me~"

Shirone merely followed after Sakai, the boy hopping along. She had to wonder why he had such energy in his steps, and why he always seemed to be happy. That was, something that even she had to wonder about.


"How is it~? Do you like it~?"

After Sakai had made the food for Shirone, he watched carefully with what was going on before him right now. Akeno was busy with doing something else, Sakai believed that she was getting ready for the day properly, and having a lesson with Grayfia, something that Sakai knew that would be good for Akeno, since Akeno was able to learn more, and he also thought Akeno liked spending time with Grayfia.

Shirone looks at the delicious looking food before her.

She could see bacon, eggs, sausages, fresh tomato's all while being drizzles in sweet and sour sauce, and also a glass of milk before her. To the side, was a slice of a delicious looking chocolate cake too. And they weren't small portions either, which Shirone was actually pleased about, since she had a big appetite right now.

She couldn't believe a Devil was able to make something when she thought that he was a High Class Devil boy. She thought that he wouldn't be used to cooking, and while she didn't know the taste of the food before her, the aroma alone was more than enough to get her hooked on the food.

"…You really had all the time to make this? Aren't I taking time out of your day?"

Asking with a perplexed face, Sakai merely shook his head.

"I've not got many things to do today, and all I really need to do is go into town, and do something's, is all. Besides that, I am pretty free, and have all of the time in the world. And secretly, I actually love cooking. I do it as a pastime with my Onee-chan, eeh, Sona-nee, so you don't get confused."

He knew that sometimes people would get confused if he just said 'Onee-chan' so he always had to be mindful of that. Sometimes it was hard to speak about his elder sisters, since they both were his elder sisters. He'd have to think of something else that would make him feel good.

"…And this is all for me? It is too much…"

"Oh? Did I make too much? I can never get the portions right…but I eat a lot anyway so this is normal for me…but maybe it is too much for someone like you? Maybe, it is…I'm sorry, it seems like I've made a mess of things, haven't I?"

Shirone immediately shook her head.

"…I didn't mean too much as in quantity. I meant, too much for someone like me."

"For someone like you? Why? What's wrong with you?"

Shirone had never been asked that before in her life. What was wrong with you? She had never been asked that. It was strange on how she was going to answer.

"…What's wrong with me?"

It was like a dream for Shirone to say it, and it made her thoughts entwine between herself, and her other thoughts.

"Ara, I didn't mean it in a bad way, please don't be so worried about something like that. I was just thinking about something strongly, is all. You know, with the fact that you seemed to not believe what I was saying. You don't have to worry about something like this. You know, Rias-chan was telling me a little about you, and she told me that you're pretty quiet at home too. At the Gremory household. Is there something that you would like to talk about with me? Since I'm not Rias-chan, maybe you could talk with me? I wouldn't say anything that you don't want me to say either."

It was a strange concept that someone would ask her that. Rias had done it before too, but she didn't say anything during that time. This time, it seemed…different. She didn't understand why exactly, but something about Sakai's demeanour just screamed that he was going to be keeping her safe, and sound.

"…There's nothing."

Ultimately Shirone didn't think she would be able to say anything.

"Are you sure? You can talk with-"

"It's fine, I don't want too."

She stopped him, and just looked down at the food.

He could clearly see that she had problems with talking about herself, so he didn't push her, and just sat in silence (which was EXTREMELY hard for someone like Sakai to do), awaiting the time that she would do something, anything that would give him an indication that she was okay.

However, Shirone merely looked at her food, and took the fork with interest, placing it in the food, and cut some of the sausage's off with the knife she had in her other hand. She was very aware that Sakai was eyeing her like a hawk, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

"Sooooooooooooo~?"

His voice definitely betrayed the excitement that he was feeling right now.

"…It tastes good."

Sakai's face immediately lifted, and he rushed to her side.

"Yay! I'm glad that you enjoyed something like thaaaaaaat! I'm so happy!"

Shirone expected him to do this at one point, but she didn't ready herself for it, and that was Sakai's arms going around her body, hugging her tightly. His face brushed up against her own, and his hand rubbed against her left fury ear.

"Nyaaa~"

She felt embarrassed when she released a cute sounding moan, but to Sakai…it was amazing.

"Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute! That's the cutest thing ever! I love cuteness, and that's cuter than cute! I am so excited to see that you've got such a cute side too! I am so excited right now! Thank you for being so cute!"

"I-I erm…"

Shirone didn't have a response.

She didn't even know what to say.

She was so vexed about what was happening with her now.

His face felt smooth, soft. But his eyes felt like they were inviting.

"Awww, you're so cute! I couldn't be without you now! I think that I might have to take you from Rias-chan and keep you forever! Just think of what I can do in the future! We'll be able to have warn saucers of milk! We'd be able to have a fun bath together! We'd even have to have fun with one another! I think this would be the best!"

"I don't really…"

"Don't worry Shirone-chan! I will look after you! I know that I will be able to keep you safe! I know that I will be able to do something like that! So, please don't worry about anything now! I know that I will be able to keep you safe and sound!"

Shirone felt complicated, and she wasn't really sure on how she was going to respond. She truly wasn't sure how she was going to take Sakai himself, since he was quite the clingy person, and knew that would be the best thing ever.


Sakai, Akeno, and Shirone ended up going into the city since Sakai needed something. Sakai was walking a fair distance away from both Shirone and Akeno, while nearby Grayfia was watching ever so dutifully.

"Monster…"

"Dirty creature dares shows his face…"

"But he has that damn maid…we can't do anything…"

"Even then, it is disgusting…"

"Keep it away from us…"

All around people were pointing, and making dirt comments towards Sakai. at first, Shirone thought that they were towards Akeno and herself, since they weren't Devils.

But when seeing that their fingers were directed towards Sakai himself, it didn't make sense to her, why they were doing that when he was a Devil too. As far as she was aware, he hadn't done anything significant, he was only walking. But the levels of hate that was directed towards him really was quite telling on how strong the hate could be.

Because she couldn't make it out in her head, she turned her eyes towards Akeno for answers.

"…I don't understand, why he walks over there, when he should be near us, right?"

Shirone brought it up with Akeno, who looked down to the ground.

"It's because he doesn't want to make us feel uncomfortable, is the reason."

"…Uncomfortable…because of the others…saying mean words."

Even Shirone could see the reason why they were staying away from him, though she wasn't exactly sure of the reasons themselves, she knew that it had to do with something that they were talking about, but she didn't know what.

"Sakai-kun is treated badly by others, he's called lots of vile names every day by quite a number of people. And sometimes, people attempt to attack Sakai-kun too. Actually, it happens more when Grayfia-sama isn't around, but it could happen now too. They don't even seem to care that Grayfia-sama is there sometimes, and they attempt an attack on his person."

Shirone registered what Akeno said, and recalled a time where she was called names too.

"…Why?"

Akeno bit her bottom lip, even questioning herself at this point on the answers that she always sought after, but never actually got.

"I, can't answer that for you. Not because I don't want to, but because I don't know. They just seem to like calling him a monster, and other things like that. I've attempted to ask why, but Sakai-kun doesn't even know, or doesn't want to tell me, and if it is the latter, then I don't know why that is."

Shirone contemplated the reason why this was happening. But even then she couldn't come to a definitive answer.

However, it wasn't long before someone foolish brought out a large sword, and shouted "VILE MONSTER!" and went to slash him down. Shirone was surprised, more so that they attacked him in public, but Akeno didn't even bat an eyelid, and lowered her eyes sadly.

"H-He's getting attacked!"

Shirone was on high alert, but Akeno just shook her head as Grayfia came between them, and made a demonic barrier. She blocked the sword easily, and shot demonic power, breaking his stance easily, and caused him to fall to his knees, where Grayfia apprehended him.

Shirone blinked…

"What just happened?"

That single thought lingered in her mind.

She looked at Sakai who was just smiling, despite more people yelling at him, and calling him names. It didn't make sense to her, why they were doing that to him. and then she recalled her own past, when she was on a time where she could've been killed by her elder sister.

Because she couldn't come to an answer on her own, she looked towards Akeno for answers.

"…I don't understand, why is he smiling?"

Akeno put a hand to her cheek, contemplating on how she was going to respond.

"…Honestly, it is hard to think about. Sakai-kun smiles, because if he cried, it would show that they are getting to him, and he doesn't want that. He doesn't want his heart to be crushed by those people. Sakai-kun also smiles, because he doesn't want to worry Grayfia-sama, or anyone else. Despite being nearly killed then, he still smiles because he doesn't want others to get hurt, or happy, by his sad expressions. That's, something Sakai-kun is firmly against, upsetting others that is."

Hearing that answer didn't exactly tell her what she wanted to know.

It still didn't make sense why he was being attacked by the Devils that he was one. His own kind, turning on him. She couldn't, and wasn't able to, understand it. It just seemed weird to her, that she wasn't able to understand it.

"…His own kind really don't like him…?"

"Putting it into simple terms, half of the Devils population wouldn't care if Sakai-kun died, and actually would rejoice about his death."

Those words resonated with Shirone.

She couldn't believe how they could speak so frankly about death like it wasn't anything serious. It was serious, it was deadly serious. Sakai was going through something very terrible right now, she was going through something that she didn't think she'd be able to recover from.

As she was thinking about it, Sakai walked closer towards her, and Akeno, and grinned.

"So, what are you two talking about?"

"Ara, just some girls gossip, is all~"

Her voice was quite beautiful, it made Sakai think that she really was a very cute girl indeed.

Shirone didn't say anything, but had to wonder, why.

Why he was able to smile, even in the face of his own death. From what she could gather, this wasn't the first time that Sakai had suffered due to someone attacking him, but he keeps smiling. That along, didn't make sense to her…how could he keep smiling?


"Bova-chan, to think that you've come now, to my home, to have our epic showdown?"

The brave looking Sakai looked very serious towards the equally serious Bova, while standing in the Sitri courtyard. The water of the fountain trickled behind Sakai's body as he took control over it with his demonic powers.

Sakai witnessed that Bova had taken a large step, and broke the ground that was before him. His mouth danced with fire, and his power radiated around him, it was quite the scary, yet exciting looking thing that he had.

"Yes, that's right. I've come for our epic, of this week, showdown!"

Since Sakai turned 10 years old, Bova had upped the notch of the fighting, which was already quite noteworthy.

Sakai crossed his arms over his body, and looked daringly towards Bova.

"Well, I can't say that I am surprised. To think that Bova-chan really wants to fight against me. I suppose that it wouldn't be so bad, would it? I think that if we have a fight Bova-chan, we're going to have to make it good."

"Yes! Sakai-sama! But also, I want it to be something else too!"

Sakai put a hand under his chin, and stroked it thoughtfully.

"You want something else too?"

Bova nodded, and showed his toothy grin.

"Yes! I want my future decided too! That's why, if I win the fight, I definitely want to become someone important to Sakai-sama!"

"Well, you already-"

"But!" Bova continued, cutting Sakai off from speaking further. "If I win, I want to choose if I become apart of your peerage, or familiar, or your retainer all of the same! Either way, it means that I want to always follow after Sakai-sama! So, please honour that request!"

Sakai blinked in confusion.

He thought about what Bova said, and how he was presenting himself.

He was direct, he couldn't deny that. And he liked that. He liked the directness of the young Dragon boy.

"Well, to say that I am surprised would be an understatement. I thought that Bova-chan was still in the middle of consideration when it came to things like my peerage and familiar and things like that. It is true that in the future I am going to need subordinates, and not just with the Evil Pieces either, and if it is Bova-chan then I will have a strong person by my side…"

"I was also thinking about girls, too."

Sakai's face turned upwards into a delightful yet also playful smile.

"Girls? Bova-chan, you're ecchi~ I didn't know that you wanted a girlfriend. Is that girl Dragon-chan you're after finally recognize you as a potential partner~?"

"N-No! Not for me!" He rasped, shaking his Dragon head from left to right. "I meant, for Sakai-sama!"

Sakai wasn't really sure where Bova was coming from, since at his age, Sakai didn't really think about girls, or anything like that in general.

"Bova-chan, are you worried that once I start liking girls, you're going to be forgotten about? You're one of my best friends Bova-chan, I can't ask for anything else."

"No…I just thought that since Sakai-sama is also a Devil, he'd also want to have a harem of cute females, and if it is your peerage, I thought that you might want to have a harem with your peerage too."

Bova understood the reality of what most guys would want when they were older than Sakai was now. He also understood that because of the type of personality that Sakai has, he'd also gain some female attention, and he didn't want to ruin that for the boy, he wanted to be useful to Sakai.

Sakai though didn't even really thinking about such things, he was too young to even care if he had such things, and a small part of him didn't believe that he'd ever have someone that would care about him in such a manner.

"Hehehe~ Silly Bova-chan~ I don't really care about such things~"

"Not now."

Bova spoke with words of wisdom, Sakai tilting his head in wonder.

"Not now? Does that mean that I will mind in the future? Does that mean that I will want something like that in the future?"

"Most male Devils have harems of different types of women, and even female Devils can have harems too of males. Because it is Sakai-sama who is naturally kind, and charming, you'll also attract a few females too. So, I was worried that if I took up space in Sakai-sama's peerage then…"

"Bova-chan, don't worry about such things. You'd never just take up space. It is all down to Bova-chan's preference. If it is my familiar Bova-chan wishes to be, or whatever Bova-chan wants to be. I just want Bova-chan to be someone that cares about me and I care about him. I just want us to be happy, with whatever happens~ Either one is fine with me, I definitely will become happy if it is my Bova-chan, who is one of my best friends ever."

The black haired boy spoke from his heart, showing it on his face that he truly meant every word that dripped from his lips.

Bova became emotional, and his eyes watered.

"N-No way Sakai-sama! Y-You have to stop being so kind to me or I won't be able to fight against you! But I don't know what to think now! If I can become your peerage member, your familiar, and something else, I don't know what to do! I am worried Sakai-sama! my head can't wrap around the thoughts that are entering my mind right now!"

Bova was overcome with so many options.

He didn't even know where his life would be able to turn too now. He didn't know if he should become Sakai's peerage member, his familiar, or his retainer. It was too confusing for the young Dragon. Sakai was okay with any or none of them. He just wanted Bova to be happy, no matter what else happened.

Seeing that his best friend was struggling to come to an answer, Sakai did away with any pretences, and got right to the point.

"Then, how about something I bet too, Bova-chan. If I win, then Bova-chan will become whatever I want Bova-chan to become. How about that Bova-chan? If you're undeceive, I will decide too~ Wouldn't that be good~? Either if you win or I win, it will be decided what you become, wouldn't it? And if that isn't satisfying, you don't have to become anything to me. I don't mind if this is Bova-chan's life pass. It is up to Bova-chan on what he becomes, and what happens with him in the future."

"N-No! that simply can't happen! I have to become something to Sakai-sama! I have to serve Sakai-sama, to repay the lifelong debt that can't ever be repaid!"

Bova's mouth spewed the words out, and his body was rapidly twitching.

"Geez Bova-chan, you don't have to worry about such things. It was only-"

"A massive deal!" Bova raised his voice and manly tears escaped his eyes. "It is a massive deal! I can't think of anything else that wouldn't be this serious! It is very serious! If I can't ever repay such a debt, I would seriously die! Please consider doing that for me too, okay!? Please allow me to become stronger and stronger by the second and live beside Sakai-sama always, even if it means just being a familiar, retainer, or peerage member! Any would be an honour! So, I accept the request, and will do as you say, Sakai-sama! please let's see who's better at fighting with the bets we made!"

Sakai could literally feel the desperation that rolled off Bova's words, and his tone. While he couldn't say that it was the usual Bova, he could also understand wanting to be accepted, and wanting to be loved, and feel like he had a place beside him, and that's something Sakai could get on board with.

"Yes, if it is Bova-chan, then I will fight to the best that I can. Since Bova-chan is also becoming stronger than usual, and is also growing in an interesting way, I want Bova-chan to fight me, and see who is currently better. Also, if it is Bova-chan, he already is my 'fang' anyway."

Referring as that to him, Bova's imaginations of their relationship had been completely blown, and in a good way too.

"Sakai-sama…"

Bova's eyes watered with the accepting love that Sakai was offering, without holding anything back.

"Silly Bova-chan, he's always going to be beside me, no matter what happens in the future~ Bova-chan is one of my friends after all~ And if you're a friend of mine, it means a friend for life, and that life is, very vast, and wide~ But for now, are you going to fight me or not?"

"Y-Yes! I will fight you without restraint!"

Immediately, Bova's mouth opened, and he lunged forward while shooting forth a very powerful ball of condensed flames.

"Good start Bova-chan! You're improved!"

Sakai watched the flames, and placed his hand out, creating a barrier of water around himself, blocking the flames, but caused it to erupt into steam too. The steam covered the area around Sakai, and he couldn't see well, but he could tell where Bova was with his eyes seeing the shadows of him hitting the floor near him.

"Sakai-sama! Please accept these balls of fire again and again!"

Bova spread his wings that expanded quite far for someone of Bova's size, and took to the sky.

Sakai watched as Bova made complicated movements, and shot off large orbs of flames towards Sakai's body, all of them raining down on Sakai like they were meteorites, something Bova's Father was famous for.

Sakai didn't even think as he spread his Devil wings, and flew out of the way of the large fireballs. His speed was increased thanks to using his water like a hydro pump, gathering water at his feet, and flinging his body backwards.

"It's pretty good, Bova-chan's fire that is~ I'm glad that Bova-chan is acting more serious to me~"

While avoiding his blasts of fire, Sakai gathered water in his hand in the shape of a small bird. With Sakai's hand, he fired off the water bird, and it soared through the skies, flying right through the middle of the descending orbs of fire from the Dragon.

"N-No way!"

Seeing that he was coming with his water, Bova stopped firing orbs of flames, and opened his mouth wider. From the back of his throat, Bova's mouth danced with flames, more powerful than he had been using before.

Directing his head downwards, Bova unleashed a sea of flames. The sea of flames easily evaporated the water bird easily, and continued going for Sakai's body. Sakai gasped, but didn't stop as he put his hands outwards, and gathered water from all of the area that he was in, and made a large water dome around his body.

The sea of flames washed over the dome of water, and had a struggle. The wave of fire was furious, it was stronger than Sakai had anticipated. He expected Bova to not go this far, but this time, it seemed Bova was putting his all into it. And since he was doing that, Sakai did the same thing, and increased the ability that he had, and allowed water globs to be released from the dome of water around him, clinging to the flames.

"N-No! It can't be!"

Bova was overcome with embarrassment and shock when Sakai's globs of water froze, and in that freezing, it even froze the flames of a Dragon, something that is said to be hard to do. Bova could only marvel at the boys power of freezing.

"I've also been training Bova-chan! You can't underestimate me either!"

Sakai froze all of the fire released by Bova, and clapped his hands together. With the clap, magic circles appeared just above his hands. From the circles, they gave off a glow, and thanks to that glowing, it spread all over the frozen flames, and smashed apart the ice, making it dance all around Sakai, and in the sky too.

"Y-You've been really training. To manage all of that ice already? It is very amazing to think that you'd be able to do something like that Sakai-sama."

"Yup, that's right Bova-chan! I have been fighting my best ever! Don't worry though, I am doing my best to show you how serious I take this too! Since I will be receiving my Evil Pieces in the next year or so, I shall definitely have to consider my servants strongly! So, avoid this then, if you can!"

Moving his hands in complicated manners, Sakai manipulated the large chunks of ice, and fired them off like bullets. Bova naturally was shocked, but flew directly towards the large chunks of ice, and tightened his fist.

"Hah! I won't lose!"

Thrusting his strong fist forward, Bova broke apart some of the ice chunks that came for him, and fired off large balls of flames towards some others, melting the ice on the spot, not even allowing it to become water, Bova's flames being so hot that they turned the ice into nothing but steam.

"Well, that's mighty impressive Bova-chan, but it doesn't mean a thing if you can't hit them!"

Continuing to move his hands, Sakai turned the chunks of ice from that, to more pointy objects. Since Bova wanted his best, he wasn't going to slow down this time, and pull punches, he was going to show how strong he was, and attack with the mentality that he was going to beat back the opponent.

"D-Damn it!"

Bova wasn't expecting the sharp spires of ice, and couldn't punch then due to the sharpness of the ice. He didn't have a choice but to fly backwards and spit out globs of fire to counteract the ice that came for him.

Sakai didn't stop though, and waved his hands left and right, the ice being directly controlled due to Sakai's power. His control was good, even Bova had to admit that, and he could see why there would be something like Sakai in his peerage.

"Damn you Sakai-sama! That's really bad! You can't do something like that!"

Bova sweated at the potentially dangerous stabbing's he could receive, so he powered up his Dragon flames. He witnessed the ice spires crossing the distance, and launched towards him. While using his wings, he avoided the ice spires in the sky, and made the fire dance in his mouth, charging up the powers that he could.

"…."

Sakai was shocked when he saw the ice melt from Bova's flames. He was sure to add an extra defensive measure to the ice, but it didn't work. The ice melted before his very eyes, when Bova unleashed his powerful attack, but it also made Bova feel a hit to his stamina.

"Hah…see that Sakai-sama…I've improved myself…"

Bova panted, but he still had a stand against Sakai, his wings suspending him in the air.

Sakai titled his head in the same way he always did, and put his thumb up towards Bova.

"You've done well Bova-chan! I haven't seen such impressive feats like that from you before! I was sure that I wouldn't have my ice melted this time! But, you've done very well indeed! So, that is really great Bova-chan!"

"Yes! Also, I'm going to come to you with my strength!"

Sakai opened his arms wide, and invited Bova towards him.

"Then, come along Bova-chan. Let's see the Dragon strength."

Sakai concentrated his demonic power as he took to the sky. Embers of the flames Bova had released still lit up the sky before him, he flew upwards at breakneck speeds, aided by his power of water to propel himself.

"D-Damn you!"

Bova was caught by surprise when Sakai appeared before him. With a fist full of water, he hardened it to ice, he nailed his fist into Bova's face before Bova could even react.

Bova's eyes widened when he felt the punch, and by the power of the ice, it smashed against his face, and made him flow through the sky. The ice around Sakai's fist shattered too, releasing all of the power against Bova.

But from Bova's face, there was no injuries. Not really. Sakai didn't hold much back, and even then Bova's tough body allowed him to receive such a punch when he usually wouldn't be able to receive. Sakai had to praise Bova mentally for his durability being great.

Bova flapped his Dragon wings, and steadied himself in the air, and took a breath.

"We're going super serious this time Bova-chan! We can't hold back!"

Sakai made his stance in the air without wasting time, putting his hands outwards, and shot off powerful streams of water. The water was cool. It wasn't freezing, but it wasn't meant to be either. It was meant to attack with blunt force trauma.

Bova takes a very heavy breath through his nose, and complains.

"Sakai-sama! You can't do something like that!"

He makes a complaint, but Sakai didn't make a complicated face, and only showed his willingness to fight.

"Why?" Sakai counters, the water flying at Bova, who made a stance. "Aren't we supposed to be fighting seriously? We can't have something like that happen, can we? Bova-chan has good strength, better than me, but my skills are better. That's why I know that we'll be able to do everything that we need to do."

Bova twirled his body in the air, and flew forward. His body managed to avoid Sakai's attacks. Sakai was surprised that he avoided his attacks like that he did. And Bova's hands tightened, as he flew to Sakai's place.

"Try this Sakai-sama!"

Sakai's eyes widened when his face came into near contact with his friends face. Bova's fist went flying at Sakai's face, but Sakai put his hands outwards and made a barrier just before his fist could touch him. However, Bova's fist managed to break through Sakai's barrier, and headed for Sakai's face.

"No!"

Sakai managed to dodge the fist, but didn't realize that was a feint as his stomach turned when Bova smashed his other fist into his body. Sakai coughed up bile, and was sent downwards towards the ground in a flying mess.

His attack was strong. Sakai couldn't believe that it was that strong. Even though he activated a defensive technique on his body before the impact, it didn't escape Sakai feeling the pain. Sakai could only continue praising Bova's strength to be able to break through such a technique that he used.

"Here I come!"

Bova didn't stop and flew for the descending Sakai. The Sitri male coughed a little more, then regained his stance in the air, and turned his power onto Bova, his hands outwards, and gathered water from everywhere, making a large serpent around his body.

"Try this, one of my strongest techniques! Slither on my water snake!"

Twisting his hands, Sakai forced the snake to confront Bova directly. Bova stopped in the fire, firing some daring blasts of flames towards the snake. The snake opened up his mouth, and did something unexpected, swallowing the orbs of fire.

Though it did, all that happened was the snakes stomach bloated for a few seconds, before returning to normal, and opened its mouth. From the mouth, fangs of ice appeared, and headed for Bova's body.

"N-No! it can't be happening!"

Bova fired more and more blasts of water directedly at the water snake, but nothing good happened. It either tanked the attacks, or swallowed the attacks, and squashed their chances of being anything other than, that, nothing.

"Capture!"

With that single word alone, Sakai's water snake increased its speed, and Bova was caught. The snake wrapped around his body, restraining him from even moving at the slightest. Bova struggled with the snake, but Sakai kept on the pressure, tightening the restraining process of the snakes watery body.

"Sakai-sama! T-This is strong! I can't get free!"

"Yes, that's meant to happen."

Sakai clicked his fingers, and the ice began freezing.

Slowly, the snakes watery body began freezing Bova's body up. Sakai's eyes showed that he wasn't cocky. While he was pleased, he'd never underestimate an opponent, he'd never do something like that.

"No! It can't happen like this! If I can't even get out of this, then I can't stand beside Sakai-sama's form ever! I need to be strong to stand beside Sakai-sama! He's important to me! Sakai-sama is the one that I owe a life debt too! I can't even stop until I've become strong enough to stand by Sakai-sama always!"

Sakai was moved by Bova's words, and saw the determination in his eyes. The water that came out of his eyes made Sakai tear up too, how Bova truly was taking this fight.

And he was surprised even more when Sakai witnessed the aura around Bova become stronger. His strength was raising upwards, and becoming stronger than it was before.

Despite the freezing of the snake, Bova still wasn't giving up and Sakai could see some cracks in his ice snake. He was going to fix them, but Bova shouted "I WON'T GIVE UP NOWWWWWW!" and with his Dragon strength, Sakai witnessed Bova's resolve, which resulted in the ice falling down to the ground, and broke apart from his body, releasing Bova.

"Bova-chan is super serious, huh…" Sakai mused to himself aloud, then put his hand outwards. "Jet powered water can even cut through steel if used properly!" Swinging his hand upwards, curved blades of water sprang forward. "Be cut apart with the water slicer!"

Sakai didn't stop his attack, and fired off curved blades towards Bova. He flew forward, and shot off multiple flames towards Sakai's body, but the water blades managed to cut through the flames of Bova, and continued for his body.

"Haaaaaaaaaaaah!"

Bova's fist clenched, and he flew upwards. The blades flew under him, and with a timed strike, he punched the blades in the centre, dispelling them from the very presence, knocking them for nothing at all, and broke them apart.

"Bova-chan's good, but he won't escape this!"

Using his water magic, he made several whips of water, and flung them towards him. Bova's body moved around the whips of water, until he couldn't dodge one. Deciding to become serious, he moved his hand forward, and grabbed the whip, crushing it between his fingers.

"Sakai-sama, let's have a fight with our fists!"

"Erm…sure! I can do that too!"

Sakai clapped his hands together, and made ice encase his fists. Bova inched closer, and then flew towards Sakai.

Sakai's fist went for Bova first, who received the punch to his body and bent his body backwards, the ice creating a wave that damaged Bova's body even more than a single punch would do, and while fighting hand to hand wasn't Sakai's speciality, he still managed to add his own spin on the fighting with his hands.

But he didn't stop, and came up with a punch towards Sakai's body, sending him flying through the air. Bova didn't stop, and continued going forward, firing blasts of flames towards Sakai's body. Gritting his teeth, Sakai placed several demonic circles of protection before him, and blocked each of the attacks.

"Come on Bova-chan! Let's do it!"

"Yes, Sakai-sama!"

And then, Sakai and Bova continued their fight.

As a result of the fight, both Bova, and Sakai were panting hard. Their bodies were in pain, but they smiled, like true friends would when fighting against one another. But their friendship never stopped, and despite their fists hitting one another, and their attacks too, and even if they were bleeding, it was a sign that they were having a fight to determine the future, and also their future relationship, how they would be able to do something.

They ended up on the ground, having their fists tightened.

"Why don't you try this…"

"You too…Sakai-sama!"

Both Sakai and Bova rushed forward with their hands tightened. Sakai managed to gather ice around his fist, and Bova just had his Dragon strength. Their friendship carried their fists forward, and their determination came forward when Sakai's fist and Bova's fist embedded in the others faces, blowing their bodies away instantly, but rather than take it fully, Sakai managed to use his demonic power to cushion the attack, to increase his durability.

Bova's body skidded across the ground and hit a nearby water fountain, and he panted on the ground.

Sakai's body skidded across the ground too, and smashed some of the pavement up. He stopped, and panted on the ground.

"B-Bova-chan…"

Sakai panted, Bova did the same.

"Sakai-sama…you're strong…"

After that, Bova fell down to the ground, and couldn't move anymore, he was done now.

Sakai struggled to his feet, and walked over to Bova's body. His feet carried him the best that he could, and he managed to end up going towards Bova's body, appearing before him, and bent his body downwards, petting Bova's head.

"W-Well done Bova-chan, you've done very well now. You've done very well."

"Sakai-sama…you won in our fight. Because…you're the person who I will serve…Sakai-sama…you can decide my future…as part of our bet."

Sakai smiled, and sat down on the ground.

"Well, I'll have to think about it Bova-chan. And I'm glad that Bova-chan and I had a good fight, it truly was something that I loved more than anything else, so thanks for the fight Bova-chan, you're really someone I care about greatly~"

Bova's eyes watered as Sakai continued petting his head, a true sign of friendship between the two of them.


After the fight, Sakai sat down in his room, with Shirone sitting nearby. Akeno wasn't there, she was getting some food, Shirone already having eaten her own food, and now that she was alright, she didn't have anything to do, other than sit in the room with Sakai.

She saw his condition, and didn't understand why…why he would do something like that. the way his body looked right now, he looked sore, and even bruised. All because of a fight that he had, with a Dragon, for something like finding a place in the world.

"…Why did you, fight for something like, that?"

"Eeh, what do you mean~?"

"Fighting…the Dragon-san. It was…I don't understand."

Sakai tilted his head curiously.

"Because of Bova-chan's insecurities, he wanted to have a fight with me. Bova-chan's quite the emotional guy, he's really unique in the respect that he's got power, but no place."

"…No place?"

Sakai nodded, and explained.

"Because it is something Bova-chan struggles with. He wishes to be apart of my life, because…things went down in the past, and I ended up doing something important to Bova-chan. He thinks he has this debt to me, but he doesn't. He doesn't owe me anything, but he thinks he does, and because of that, Bova-chan wishes to overcome the duties that have been set before him, and the peoples views on him. People see Bova-chan as a delinquent, and he wishes to overcome that…well, thinking about it now, he probably shouldn't want to join my team…yeah, I think Bova-chan might become even more alienated if he decided to join my peerage, it just seems like he is…I guess it doesn't matter now."

Shirone stared at Sakai with an uneven expression on her face.

"…You and this Bova-san have a good relationship."

"Aye, we really do~ We've got a very good relationship with one another, we're good together. We know how to fight together, we're pretty much 'brothers' without being blood related. We're that close. We have been for a number of years now, and there's not many other people I trust on the same level as I do for Bova-chan."

"…I see…it must be good…having a relationship like that."

Sakai sensed something behind Shirone's words, tilting his head.

"Shirone-chan, you're…erm, how to say it. You know, there's nothing wrong with being here."

"…I don't understand."

Sakai cleared his throat, and rectified her confusion.

"Shirone-chan is a Neko that is basically in anyone's hands now. It must be scary, going from pillar to post. Your life is different, and difficult. I can't imagine being just passed along to anyone else that doesn't want me either. I can't even begin to imagine the life you have now."

"…My life is…"

Even Shirone couldn't finish that sentence.

She didn't know what her life was going to be like now. What he said, was what her life was now. She did keep getting passed along to whoever was convenient, and didn't have the place to decide anything on her own merit.

"Life is what you make it, Shirone-chan. Making your life is what you need to do, just do whatever it is that you want to do. Don't make things difficult, life is already difficult. Akeno-chan knows that too. Life is very difficult, and doesn't know how to make things easy sometimes. But like Akeno-chan, I know that Shirone-chan can make anything okay, if she tries hard enough."

"…Sakai-sama, people call you 'monster' among other things, why is that?"

She knew she was going to bring it up eventually, she didn't think she'd do it like this, but she ended up doing it, and made her question appear before him. Sakai looked down at his lap, and held a troubled expression.

"…I couldn't even tell you. Since the day I was born, people have turned away from me, or they've attempted to kill me. I'm sure you saw it when we went to the city, people do that every time I leave the house. In the human world it is different because no one really knows me there. But Devils here really turn on me a lot, and does things that even I don't know what to think about."

"…Even Sakai-sama suffers."

She didn't think she'd ever hear herself say that since meeting Sakai.

He never looks like he is suffering, but from his words, it did sound like he could be suffering too. And from what she had witnessed herself, she did see that he was suffering, and that made her heart hurt, that she had to see someone suffering too. But it also made a reason for her to connect with Sakai too, being someone that suffers.

"Everyone suffers." Shirone contemplated his meaning. "Everyone in the world suffers, whether it is big or small. I suffer, Akeno-chan suffers, and Shirone-chan suffers too. Even Walburga-chan suffers too. Rias-chan also suffers. While her's are smaller suffering's than, say yours, it still is just how this world works. Suffering, is what the world is."

"…Suffering is…bad."

"It is." Sakai agreed, but then rasped his fingers on her head. "But also, suffering can also bring you renewed hope too. My suffering's, shape who I am. I might be weird, or some people call, insane, but I think that would be cool, too. I like being who I am~"

As they were talking, Serafall comes bouncing into the room, and she has a wide smile on her face.

"Sakai-chan! There's something that I want to discuss with you too!"

"Onee-chan?"

Serafall didn't even seem fazed by his state, his wounds or anything, having already witnessed the fight between Sakai and Bova, beforehand. She claps her hands together, and points towards Sakai with an excited face.

"Sakai-chan, there's something I want to discuss with you! It is super important!"

Her face was drenched in sweat, indicating that she had been running for a while now.

"Sera-nee? What's going on~?"

"Sakai-chan! Someone needs your help! No, I said that you'd be able to help someone I know! And if you do, you'll also gain popularity too! I thought about this long and hard, and no jokes about long and hard Sakai-chan~" His face fell into a pout as Serafall winked. "I need you to do me a favour, and help Roygun-chan!"

"Roygun…as in Roygun Belphegor-sama!?"

Serafall just widened her smile, and winked adorably towards him.


"…So, Rias-sama has gained a new peerage member?"

Shirone asks as she, and Sakai walk towards the room that Rias had told him about.

It has been a few days since Rias left, almost a week. In that time, Shirone felt slightly more comfortable with going with Sakai. she didn't feel like she was in a bind. Sakai was…enjoyable, he made it enjoyable for her. Even if she didn't express it, she did enjoy herself, and was always looked after by the male Sitri.

Sakai had gotten a message just that morning that told him that Rias had gotten a new servant. Sakai naturally became pleased, and rushed right out of the door.

He took Shirone with him, because he believed that she was going to become Rias' peerage member eventually, so she'd naturally want to see her fellow peerage member, and he wanted to take Akeno, but Grayfia took charge, and took Akeno off his hands before he could say anything.

He didn't really know what Grayfia was teaching Akeno now. They seemed to be having lots of lessons lately, and it seemed like it was complicated, he wasn't sure how he was supposed to feel about this.

"Yes, she contacted me this morning, and said that during her travels, she had come across someone that she made into her Knight~ Isn't that lovely~? I think that would be really cute too~ I wonder who she made into her Knight-chan~?"

"…It is something to be desired."

Shirone agreed, as Sakai felt it…

He felt his excitement building.

He could feel it deep within his chest.

The excitement of the unknown, the wondering of what was going to be seen next. Who he was going to meet. If it was a boy or girl it didn't matter. But thinking about it now, it really was something that he wanted.

"…Are you okay?"

Shirone noticed it, his shaking.

It was very noticeable, his shaking. His vibrating body, he could feel himself slowly slipping away, and becoming more excited by the moment.

"I'm grand! I'm fine like sunshine! Don't worry about me! But! But! Can you imagine who it is going to be~!? I can't wait to see! And I think this is exciting alone! Onee-chan usually doesn't allow me to see her peerage members when she first gets them, she doesn't want me to see them! But Rias-chan said that this time, it would be good If I saw this person too! I don't know if it is a boy or a girl, but I don't mind! I want to see who this is!"

Shirone had to admire his energy at least. If nothing else, no one could say that he didn't have energy to spare, that was something to be admired. He was a bundle of energy that made him feel like he was going to collapse over the wall.

Shirone and Sakai continued moving forward, until they made it to the room.

"Rias-chan~! We're here~!"

[Sakai! you can come in right away! Please come inside! I want to see you right now!]

Sakai blinked at the rushed tone she was using. She didn't usually want to see him so hastily, but he figured that she just wanted to have some fun, and if that was the case, then he was alright with that, he didn't have anything negative to say about it.

"Okay~ We're coming inside~"

Sakai didn't stop and walked inside along with Shirone.

As he walked in, he was in for a shock.

He saw that Walburga was giggling to herself quite sadistically, and was looking at something.

Turning their eyes towards the thing Walburga was looking at, he saw that Rias was being held at…scissor point. Behind her, holding the scissors was a blonde haired girl that was around 12 to 13 years old. She looked to be quite the beauty and Sakai couldn't deny that she was attractive. The mole under her eye only made her more cute than he thought would be possible to ever see in his life.

"Wow, so you're having…a scissor fight?"

"…Sakai, please…she went ballistic because I told her she's a Devil, and she's trying to kill me…"

"D-Don't call me a Devil!" The blonde erupted, pressing the scissors against her neck, making Rias shed a tear. "You had no right to turn me into anything! You're a Devil, maybe I didn't want to become a Devil! You're ruined that right for me!"

Rias winced at the tone, and winced when the girl pushed the scissors against her neck again. Any tighter, and she'd break skin, and Rias certainly didn't want that. She, didn't want to die this night, she didn't want anything of the sort.

"O-Okay, I'm sorry…shit please don't kill me…" Rias shed some more tears, as Walburga laughed sadistically at Rias' crying. Sakai merely looked on with a surprised face, Shirone doing the same thing. "Please help me Sakai…I'll do anything you want me to do…Walburga has betrayed me…"

"I've not betrayed you." Walburga insisted as she twirled her hair in her fingers. "I just don't know what you'd want me to do at this point, I don't know what I can do at this point."

"Magic…"

Rias didn't dare gulp, or she would've had her throat slashed. She could feel the cold steel against her neck, and her death was very certain. Even she would die if she had her throat slashed, and right now, she felt like she was going to die. Even for the presumed new Devil to kidnap her like this, Sakai had a hard time keeping back the chuckles.

"I suppose but I wouldn't know what to do. Would you want me to hurt her or something? I don't know what you want from me."

"I-I just want saving…please save me…someone…"

"Akeno-chan would love seeing this." Sakai mentioned to Rias' despair. "Uuuuh, I'm sorry, didn't mean to make you feel bad about yourself. But like, how did this cutie pie kidnap you exactly? Did you just happen to be jumped or something?"

"I-I can't remember…everything happened…and I became scared…and I was worried I was going to die…I just wanted to live…please don't let me die…I don't want to die, Sakai…please come and save me…I'll do anything…"

"Can I keep Shirone-chan~?"

"W-What?"

Shirone was perplexed by his words, but to her surprise, Rias just bobs as much as she could.

"Yes, that's okay. Please just help me."

She was trying to control her tears, but it was very difficult. She found it very difficult to do something like that. As for Shirone, she was still confused as to why Sakai wanted to keep her, since it didn't make much sense.

Hearing that, Sakai announced "Awesome sauce!" and inched closer towards the blonde and Rias.

"Hehehe, it seems like you've gone through the Devil turning, huh~?"

"Ooh Maou! Don't antagonize her!"

Rias cried as she felt the girl pull her closer for leverage. Walburga snickered slightly, and sat down. Shirone watched as the girl took some shrimp from a nearby bowl, and threw them into the air, catching them with her mouth, and swallowing it without a worry in the world.

Sakai shook his head, and put his hands behind his back. From behind him, Shirone could see that water was gathering there, but she didn't make any facial features that showed that she was doing anything like witnessing someone gathering power.

"Hey there blonde haired girl! Is there a reason why you've kidnapped Rias-chan there?"

"D-Don't try and reason with me! I know you're a Devil too! I want to know what's going on too!"

"Yes, it does seem like that, but taking someone hostage isn't a good idea. Doing that, will only end badly for you. Her Onii-sama is the Maou-sama, Lucifer, you know?" The girl didn't have any idea, and her mind opened with new questions. "I just thought that maybe, you could have something else too~ Why don't you put down the scissors now, and we can have a nice, friendly chat with one another."

"F-Friendly chat!? Do you think I'm insane!?"

"Nope~ Unless you are…y-you aren't insane, right?"

Just to make sure, he examined her with his eyes, the girls annoyed eyes turned even more pissed off.

"I am not insane! But I'm a Devil…she turned me into a Devil without permission. She didn't even ask for my thoughts on the matter."

"But you're alive. And Rias-chan is a very good Master. She'll let you do as you wish, you know that right?"

"No, I don't know that at all. How can I know that? She comes in here, tells me that she's a Devil, and then tells me that I am her servant!? How do you expect me to respond!? She tells me that I had to serve her no matter what!"

Sakai turned his disappointed eyes towards Rias.

"Rias-chan…"

"I didn't say it like that!" She defended, feeling her chances of survival rising. "I only said that she was under my care now as a Devil, and that she was my servant! Before I could explain what that meant, she flipped, and tried to kill me. She used her Knight speed well, and captured my body before I could even react. Though that means I've picked a good servant for my Knight huh?"

"Don't say it like I'm not here!"

The girl roared, Rias cursing under her breath, and just stayed silent, because she didn't want to have her throat slashed by the girl behind her. Walburga laughed to herself even louder at the sight before her, Rias contemplating what kind of peerage she really had in regards to this now. Shirone didn't know what she was supposed to do. Help? Fight too? Or stay back and allow Sakai to handle it? Many thoughts ran around in her mind, and she didn't even know which one she was supposed to be settling on now.

"Hmmm, I know that it must be scary. Coming to a new place-"

"How would you know anything?" She spat out, Rias looking at Sakai with fear. "You're a Devil, on the same level as this thing here." Rias felt offended that she was called a 'thing' while Walburga giggled sweetly. "I don't even want to know what's going on with you now, because I am getting out of here, one way or another. I won't settle for anything other than getting out of here now. So, please just let me go, before I have to do something that this bitch here is going to never forget."

"Ooh, could you not call me a bit…" The girl tightened her grip on Rias' body. "…n-never mind."

Sakai felt sympathy for Rias. Not only was Walburga being quite mean, even her Knight was calling her names. He just wished that he didn't have to go through something like that when he gained his own peerage.

"Alright then, I don't know what it is like to come to a new place. You have me there. But, is this really going to solve anything?" The girl didn't answer. "It isn't." He spoke softly, catching her attention instantly. "There's nothing wrong with fearing the unknown. Heck, we all fear the unknown. Everyone's future is always uncertain. We don't know what's going to happen tomorrow, and I know that thinking about it strongly like this is going to be quite the dangerous thing to think about. Your life, has been turned upside down. You're a Devil now, from being a human, I presume, beforehand. It must be scary, becoming a Devil when I heard that, you were dying when it happened?"

"I…I was dying…"

She recalled that fact, and almost succumbed to depression. But she didn't allow Rias to go.

"Yeah, dying is never good. I can say that, from personal experience. And you wouldn't want to cause others to suffer like that, right? If Rias-chan died, I'd become upset. Your grey eyes are telling me that you're a good person. So, why don't you stop this now? Allow her to be let go, and stop this now. Don't you think that would be better?"

The girl thought about it.

While it did make sense, there was something else entirely wrong with it.

She didn't feel safe.

While Rias, and the others hadn't made aggressive movements, she just couldn't accept what was before her.

"N-No! I can't accept that! Devils are evil! I was told that since I was young! They are evil!"

Sakai's face twisted at the words, as did Rias. The stigma of being referred to as evil when being a Devil naturally wasn't a comfortable topic in their heads. Shirone and Walburga also looked down at the thought of what she said, while the girl just looked on with confused eyes.

"If we're evil, I suppose we'll have to prove that we aren't." Sakai made the water behind him disappear, and he held up his hands. "Let Rias-chan go, and you can do whatever you want with me. I don't mind if you attempt to stab me."

The news shocked all those present in the room. Rias for one, Shirone also. Walburga had to admit that Sakai had balls for even suggesting that. While, finally, the blonde just stared at him like he had two heads.

"Y-You can't be serious."

She couldn't believe his words. She thought he was insane, talking nonsense. It wasn't even making sense to her right now, it just made her feel complicated about the whole situation, it truly was a worrying thing about it all.

"I am, now please allow Rias-chan to go. That's my only thought right now. Allow her to go, and you can attack me if you want. I don't mind. I won't even resist. So, please come at me and I won't do anything other than accept whatever you want to do to me."

"Sakai you're mental!"

Rias exclaimed with a shocked voice, Sakai merely nodding his head, and stood with wide arms. The girl looked between Sakai and Rias, and ultimately, she decided that it would be 'better' if she attacked a male Devil over a female Devil, especially considering Rias has a Maou for a sibling, not realizing that Sakai had the same thing.

So, the blonde let Rias go, to which she immediately rushed to Sakai, but he used his water to restrain her, and his arms stayed open, inviting her to do, whatever she wanted to do to him, he didn't show resistance.

"You may proceed now."

The girl held her scissors tightly in her hand, though shaking came from her extended hand.

"I-I will do it, you know!? D-Don't think you're the exception!"

She warned him, but Sakai didn't show any willingness to back down.

"I know. I said that I would, and you allowed Rias-chan to go. So, I can keep to my word. Please, go right ahead."

"Y-You must have a death wish!"

She argued, Sakai shrugging his shoulders with Shirone looking on with a worried expression on her face. Even Walburga looked nervous, even if it was only slightly nervous, she still looked unnerved about everything that was going on before her.

"That's a good guess. Maybe I do, maybe I don't. I honestly don't know at this point anymore. But I keep my word, and if you wish to attack me, then I don't mind you doing that. You can do anything you'd like to do with me."

The girl…didn't know what to do.

She was confused, she was even worried about what was going on before her.

Hearing that, didn't make sense to her.

Someone actually saying that they can be attacked, and nothing would come of it. It just didn't make sense to her at all, it was like she was watching something incredible, and insane at the same time. She didn't even know what she was supposed to do at this point.

"Y-You aren't lying to me right now? You're being really serious?"

"Do I seem to be joking?"

Sakai's voice was full of kindness, and she didn't see any deception within his voice, like he was really going to see this through to the end, and that itself was baffling, it really did make her question what he was thinking about, and what he was really like.

"F-Fine! Then I won't stop!"

Because of the confused feelings and thoughts inside of her head, she couldn't think straight, and ended up releasing a roar, charging forward with the intent to kill someone that was before her. The blade she had in her hand, her scissors, shook within her hands, and she used them to stab forward, attempting to stab Sakai right through the face.

"S-Stop!"

In a rare moment of emotional breakthrough, and because of what she had witnessed with Sakai for the past few days, she couldn't allow him to be attacked, and ended up stepping in the way, and that person was, Shirone herself.

"Shirone-chan!"

Sakai couldn't allow her to be stabbed, so he took her hand, and pushed her behind him, just as the scissors were going to penetrate Sakai's face…but they didn't.

At the last second, the girl couldn't do it.

She couldn't stab Sakai.

She witnessed him putting someone else's life above his own. Seeing that, made her feel complicated. She couldn't even think right, right now. His eyes didn't display hostility, they didn't even display anger. They were just the same as they always were, and they seemed to be, so love filled, and kind too. They seemed, really accepting, and loving, and trusting. If anything, she wished she had seen these eyes first when she woke up. They just seemed to be so inviting that not even a threat would frighten him, and he wouldn't take it to heart.

The girl dropped the scissors to the ground, and ran out of the room with wet eyes.

As she left, Sakai petted Shirone's head as she looked up towards him.

"…You pushed me behind you…"

"Yet, you jumped in front of me. Why would you do something like that?"

"…Because, I…don't like…people being attacked…for no reason…I didn't like…seeing Sakai-sama being attacked…and not just then…Sakai-sama is just…he shouldn't of been attacked…he didn't deserve that…Sakai-sama didn't deserve that."

Sakai giggled sweetly, and bent his body so she and he were in sights of one another. His eyes radiated kindness, and good intentions. His hand went to the top of her head, and he rubbed it gently, comfortingly.

"Please don't jump in front of attacks for me again, I would become upset if you got hurt. And besides, I knew she was going to stop."

"But, how?"

At the wondering question of Rias, Sakai explained.

"Her eyes."

"Her…eyes?"

Rias didn't understand, but Sakai just bobbed his head along.

"That's right, her eyes told me that she wasn't going to attack me. In the end, I knew she wasn't going to attack me, I could just tell she was going to stop. Maybe call it something like a weird sensation, but I feel like she could've attacked me, but I sensed that she was going to stop. She's just confused and scared. It's natural, she's only just become a Devil, she would naturally be frightened of anything that came her way, she would be frightened. But there was no reason for her to stop what she was doing, she knew that she needed to stop, even if she didn't think it right. That's how I think of it anyway, just seeing it really was quite, distressing and whatnot. I know she was going to stop. But, it is gonna take time for her to come around to, new and different things, she's going to be okay though, I know that she is. With time, and explaining, I think she'll come around, eventually."

"Well, I'm just glad you saved me. thank you, Sakai."

Rias bent towards him, and kissed his cheek. His face turned smiley, then patted her head.

"Silly Rias-chan~ Kissing my cheek like that~ What would my wifey for lifey think about that exactly~? It would be bad if she found out, wouldn't it~?"

Rias then thought about Grayfia, and she paled.

If she found out…God, and Maou knows what is going to happen now.


End chapter!

So, Sakai and Koneko/Shirone have been bonding! They both can know what it is like to be an outcast, yet also put on the chopping block by Devils alike. Yumi's been introduced...and almost killed Rias. But, she'll get better, I know that she will~ The time for Sakai to receive his Evil Pieces is soon coming upon us. And Akeno is dropping...very big hints that she wants to be beside him. Even Bova and Sakai had a fight too, showing their skills to one another.

Now, onto the votes. Damn, it seemed an overwhelming amount want such things huh. Well, that's okay with me too, so Sona, Serafall, and Rias are gonna be with Sakai himself!

With nothing else to say, until next chapter!

Sakai's; Akeno, Grayfia, Rossweisse, Asia, Xenovia, Le Fay, Lint, Lilith, Vali (fem) Yumi, Koneko, Ravel, Rias, Sona, Serafall.

Issei's; Tsubasa, Kiyome, Seekvaira, Walburga, Valerie, Aika, Mittelt, Irina, Elmenhilde.

Sakai's Peerage

Queen; Akeno.

Rooks; Rossweisse, Koneko.

Bishops; Asia, Le Fay.

Knights; Xenovia, Lint.

Pawns; Lilith (seven) Ravel (one mutated)

Rias peerage

Queen; Walburga.

Rooks; Elmenhilde, Aika.

Bishops; Gasper (mutation) Mittelt.

Knights; Yumi, Irina.

Pawns; Issei (8 pieces).