[Hey guys! So I just want to say this:I know that you want to see the Devil Bringer, Trigger, Yamato, and Dante. Just know that they are coming. One in particular is very soon to come. With that in mind, let's get to the reviews!

S0ularbiter97- I just want to be clear that Nero has not gained the Devil Trigger. The red eyes, and echoing voice are the result of his anger being incredibly high and his demonic energy is leaking out, causing these things to happen. And since you've already asked, yes he will get the Yamato if he does go into Devil Trigger since he can't DT without it.

jcd1295- We'll just have to see how this turns out.

Sheploo- Like I said, the Devil Bringer/ Trigger and the Yamato will come.

KingSora3- Glad you're enjoying it!

Robinsonc387- Happy you're hyped!

With that done, let's get on to chapter 9!

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Everything belongs to Ichiei Ishibumi and Capcom.

Chapter 9: I Train For the Rating Game and Create Some Special Moves.

After Nero calmed down, he sat on one of the couches and had Asia heal his hand.

"Ten days. I believe that is a sufficient amount of time to train." Grayfia said.

"Are you sure?" Rias asked.

"Given your inexperience with Rating Games and Lord Riser's prowess, I deemed it best to assign you and your peerage a handicap."

"As much as I want to deny it, you're right. More time to train would be good for all of us. Thank you. I accept the offer." She then looks over to Nero. "I hope you'll be ready Nero. With this training, you should become stronger than ever." The next day, Nero packed a bag full of clothes, necessities, his coat, the Blue Rose, and the Red Queen. He then then went to go meet up with the others. Soon after, they went through a teleportation circle and ended up at the bottom of a mountain.

"So why are we in the mountains?" He asked.

"At the top of the mountain, there's a mansion that my family owns. That's where we'll be training for these next ten days." Rias answered. For about two hours, the six of them climbed the mountain. Rias, Akeno, and Asia stopped ahead at a stream of water with Nero catching up, panting slightly.

"Almost there Nero. Only a few more feet."

"Should I go help him President?" Asia asked.

"He'll be fine Asia." As Nero was walking, Kiba walked past him.

"Watch your right." He said. Koneko then walked by him with a massive bag.

"Out of the way." She said.

"What the hell?" Nero thought. "Oh no. You guys aren't beating me that easily!" He then proceeded to run up the mountain, past all the others.

"He really wants to get stronger." Rias thought. "We should get going." The rest of them then made their way up the mountain. When they got to the top, they saw Nero standing, panting slightly.

"What's up guys? What took you?" He said jokingly.

"Great job Nero." Rias said.

"So this is the mansion your family owns?"

"Yes it is. For the next ten days, we will be doing intense training in preparations for our Rating Game against Riser. Now, I want you guys to head inside and get changed." Everyone then headed inside with Nero and Kiba dressing in one room and the girls in another.

"Hey, remember when you said you hate Fallen Angels way back when? I've been meaning to ask for a while why you feel that way." Nero said.

"Honestly, it shouldn't matter right now. What we should be focused on is training for the Rating Game."

"Yeah. You're right. Let's do this." They proceeded to get dressed for training and met up with everyone else outside.

"We're going to continue with your sword training." Rias said.

"Always a good idea." Nero said. Him and Kiba then proceeded to train for the next few hours. After Nero finished that, he and Asia went with Akeno for training.

"Now, it's time for you two to learn how to control both your aura and magic." She said. She then walked over to Nero. "Just think of your energy flowing out through you and into the world."

"I think I did it!" Asia sai. In her hands was a small ball of green light.

"Well done! As the President said, you have a natural talent for magic."

"No kidding. Great job." Nero said. He then went back to making his magic physical. After a short time, a light blue ball of light appears in his hands.

"Nicely done Nero. Now I will show you guys how to control the elements with your magic." She then brought out a bottle of water and then made all the water inside of it freeze.

"Whoa! Now that is awesome."

"After you guys get better, you'll be able to control all elements, such as fire, water, and lightning. Now give it a try."

"Alright." For the next twenty minutes, Nero tried to make elemental magic but couldn't. During this time, Asia had managed to make some ice freeze.

"Damn it! Why can't I do this?" Nero said.

"Don't get upset Nero. Not everyone can do it on their first attempt." Akeno said.

"I 's just… when Riser was pissing me off, you all saw that I made a magic circle appear and the Red Queen came out of it. How can I do that but not this?"

"Well, not all Devils can use all methods of magic. Perhaps you can only summon objects through magic circles."

"Maybe. If so, I need to be able to do that without feeling like I'm about to murder everyone in the room."

"Would you like to get started on it?"

"Yeah."

"Now concentrate on one area on the floor." Nero did as instructed. "Focus all your magic energy into the spot you're focused on." Soon after she said this, a light blue magic circle appeared on the floor. "Now envision what it is that you want to bring to you." The Blue Rose then appeared out of the magic circle.

"Nicely done. Now that you understand how to summon, you should be able to do it again." Nero then doubled over and put his hands on his knees panting and the magic circle and the Blue Rose disappeared.

"Thanks for teaching this to me Akeno. Thanks a lot."

"Of course. It is my job to train you. Now take a break and head over to Koneko for more training."

"Alright." After ten minutes, he went outside to meet up with Koneko. "Yo what's up?"

"It's time for you to learn how to fight with your hands. You're not going to always have your sword so this is going to help." She said.

"No problem. Now let's do this." For the next two hours, Nero fought against Koneko and was losing.

"This was what I was talking about." Koneko said.

"No kidding. I am bad without my sword." Nero said.

"A little tip of advice, aim for the center of the body and make sure you're precise."

"Got it." He then charged at Koneko again and she started to be winning the fight again. "After this, you need to go inside and meet the President."

"Okay." When he finished his training with Koneko, he went inside and met up with Rias and Asia.

"Now, time for you guys to learn how to apply magic to ordinary tasks. For today, you guys are going to use your magic to cook dinner for everyone." Rias said.

"Seriously?" Nero asked.

"Yes seriously. Now good luck you two." With that, Rias left the room.

"Alright, let's get started Asia."

"Okay." Asia said then put her hand over the pot of water that was on the stove and it started to boil.

"Man, I wish I could do more than just being able to summon. Maybe if I…" He then picked up a potato and started to put magic into it. Shortly after, it exploded. "Whoa!"

"What happened?!" Asia asked.

"Sorry Asia. Just tried something out. Let's just keep going."

"Alright."

"So I can build up magic into something. I'll have to keep that in mind." He and Asia then finished making the food. Everyone sat down at a large table and ate.

"So, how was it? Did you learn anything?" Rias asked.

"Yeah. I learned that I still have to improve on some things."

"It's good to know that. Just remember not to overwork yourself."

"Of course." Rias then stood up.

"Well, I thank both of you for dinner, it was excellent. Now I believe it's time to go to the baths."' Everyone then went to the baths and got out a while after. Nero was laying in his bed, thinking.

"What could I do with building magic into something?" He then got up and headed outside with the Blue Rose. "If I could charge magic into the Rose, it could make it even more powerful." He then concentrated on the Blue Rose and nothing happened. "Huh. I would've expected something to happen. What about if I…" He then raised the Blue Rose and fired it and it shot more powerfully than before, causing him to be pushed back by the power of it. "Holy shit, that packs a punch! I like this." He then continued to train in building the magic into the Blue Rose for a few hours. He had been able to have it charged in just a few seconds. He then went back into his room. Shortly after, he went to his bags and took out his coat and a needle and thread. He then continued to sew for the rest of the night.

"So why is it exactly that it's a good idea for you and Riser's marriage to happen?" Nero asked.

"Good question. The reason goes back long ago. Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels were a long and brutal war. By the end of it, no side won nor lost. Most of the battles ended with many Devils dead or missing. Because of the Devil's low birth rate, we have a nearly eternal life span. Most of the Devils were made of high-class clans known as the Seventy Two Pillars. The war destroyed all but three of them. My clan, the Gremorys, Sona's, the Sitris, and Riser's, the Phenexes. We are the only ones left of seventy two. It was after that, that was when the Devils started to reincarnate humans as Devils. The idea of a peaceful interaction was originally thought up by one of the most powerful Devils, Sparda. He was known as the Dark Knight and was nearly as powerful as the original four Satans. He helped the current Satan Beelzebub on the idea of using humans for the Evil Pieces. Unfortunately, he was killed around fifty years ago. The Evil Pieces allowed high-class to compete against each other using their newly reincarnated servants. These days, the Rating Games still play a role in the Devil's society. One's record in the games can completely affect their status in life. Well, that was a mouthful." Rias said and then sighed.

"No kidding." "I still don't agree with it though."

"You guys look tired. How about we take a break and have some tea?" Akeno then stood up and went to make the tea with Asia following behind her.

"Nero, I heard gunshots last night. What were you doing out there?" Rias asked.

"I was practicing a new move. I haven't perfected it yet but you'll see it later."

"Also, Asia I would like to know more about your life as a sister."

"Oh okay. Well, I performed a lot of exorcisms so I could talk about that. There are two things that you need to perform them. The first and most important is holy water. Since you're a Devil, you need to make sure you never touch it." Asia said.

"Why? Will we melt?" Nero asked.

"It'l cause you a lot of pain."

"Well I know that. It's pretty obvious."

"That also goes for you not just us. Don't forget that you're a Devil now." Rias said.

"Yeah you're right. Since there's no point in telling you guys how to make it so I'll move on. The next thing you need is the Bible. I used to always read it, especially when I was little. It was my favorite but every time I read it now, I get a horrible headache and I can't finish reading."

"That's because you're a Devil."

"You're one of us Asia." Kiba said.

"You should probably write it down so you don't forget it." Koneko said.

"That's not a good idea." Akeno said after a small laugh.

"I just want to read one verse! It was my absolute favorite." Asia said and then opened the book. "Here it is." She then yelled out in pain and gripped her head with one hand. "I didn't even start yet!" She then yelled out in pain again. "Why won't you let me read this?!" She then tried again and it resulted in the same outcome.

"Man if this was anywhere else, I would swear she's just doing a comedy act. Though I feel bad. She can't read what was basically her way of life."A week later during the night, Nero had woken up in the middle of the night and went to the kitchen for a glass of water. As he was heading back to his room, he saw Rias walking down the stairs in a nightgown and wearing glasses.

"Nero?" She asked.

"Oh hey Pres. It's pretty late. Why are you still up?"

"This is great timing. I needed to speak with you about some things." She said before leading Nero outside to a small outing where she told him the strategy for fighting Riser.

"So that's it huh?"

"It is but unfortunately it's not very good. According to what this manual says, we still have a lot left to prepare for."

"But it's got to work. I mean, you've been working in this nonstop. You barely have gotten any sleep this week."

"It doesn't matter. After all, we can't control what our enemy will do. And you do realize we're going up against Phenex? And I assure that the name is completely appropriate. He is a Devil that is among the remains of the Seventy Two Pillars so we have a big fight on our hands. The ability his family has is the same as the creature they're named after, immortality."

"Wait, that's allowed in the Games? More importantly, how the hell is that even possible?"

"I'm not sure but it just is. He's indestructible. He regenerates instantly after he sustains an injury. Riser's win lose ratio is eight to two. But those two loses were out of respect for the families he respects, so he lost on purpose. Ever the Rating Game was put into effect, the Phenex clan has always won in their matches. They've always had the highest wins. I honestly can't say I'm surprised. I mean, how can you lose if you're immortal?"

"Sorry. It's because of me that he wants fight you. I probably should've kept my fat mouth shut."

"Don't apologize. Because of you I can show my entire clan that I'm my own person. They set this match up because they anticipate that I'll lose. Now I can prove them wrong. In chess, this would be known as a swindle, a trap technique."

"Regardless, I just glad you aren't going along with this bullshit marriage. I really hate that guy."

"The marriage was to the heiress of the Gremory clan." Rias said as she took her glasses off and stood up. " Because of my title as heiress, people don't recognize me as Rias. The Gremory Clan will always be put before me. I've learned to get used to it and I've had to make personal decisions accordingly." She walked over to a pillar and leaned on it. "Don't get me wrong, I will always take pride in my title, but when it comes to marriage, I want to be with someone who loves me as Rias, not because my status can improve their life. They might as well just marry the clan. I know history may be against me and the odds I have are weak and my idea of love may just be a dream but I want to keep it."

"Well all that crap doesn't matter to me, I like you because you're Rias and who you are, not just the heiress of the Gremory clan. It doesn't define you, it's nothing more than an empty title and anyone who says they know you because of it, doesn't. I mean you're really amazing. All I said to you that night was true. And look at all that you've done for me. I really hope that one day I'll be able to repay you for it. And I want you to know that I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we win this Rating Game." After he said that, Rias' cheeks turned a dark shade of red.

"Thank you Nero. Now that I have the chance, why did you use my name that night?"

"Well I knew that it would be the only way for you to stop what you were doing and listen to what I have to say." She laughed after he said this.

"And you were right. I wasn't expecting you to use my name. Anyway, like you said, if we're going to fight, we're going to win."

"I know you're known as the Crimson Ruin Princess. There's no way that some bird is going to be able to beat us."

"That's not true. I may be powerful but I can't heal like he can. My power lies in my team and working together. Which means that I can't fight alone. When I fight, the Gremory peerage fights with me and when I lose they do as well. Winning is the only option that we have."

"Damn straight. It was nice to be able to talk with you. I'll see you tomorrow morning." He then started to walk away.

"Good night Nero."

"Good night Rias." After he said this, a smile appeared on her face. She went back inside shortly after. The next morning, everyone had gathered outside.

"I need you to use your Boosted Gear Nero."

"No problem but why now?"

"You'll see. Would you mind facing off against him Kiba?"

"Not a problem. I'm not going to go easy on you." Kiba said.

"It wouldn't be you if you did." Nero said and then summoned the Boosted Gear.

[BOOST!]

"Good now do it again." Rias said.

[BOOST!]

"I know you can do better."

[BOOST!]

"Now keep it going." Nero then continued to boost until he had reached twelve boosts. "Stop. Now do you see how far you've come. You haven't been able to boost that many times before."

"No shit. Well let's keep going." On the next boost, glowing, golden symbols appeared on the Boosted Gear and a large aura appeared around Nero.

[EXPLOSION!]

"What's he doing?" Asia asked.

"Learning a new technique it would seem. This should allow him to gather all the energy in his body and release it all in one attack. Kiba, time to step in!"

"Right!" Kiba said. He charged and jumped into the air and took a strike at Nero, but Nero blocked it with the Boosted Gear.

"Now Nero unleash it all on Kiba now." Rias said. Nero raised his gauntleted hand and a small red ball of light appeared in his palm.

"Seriously?! With all the power I've gained, this is it?!"

"Don't doubt yourself Nero!"

"Fuck it!" He then punched the ball of light and a massive beam of energy then launched towards Kiba. He moved out of the way of the beam and it continued on till it hit the mountain, destroying a large portion of it. "Holy shit! That was awesome!"

"No kidding. You nearly destroyed the mountain." Koneko said.

"I can't believe Nero was able to do that." Asia said.

"Honestly I'm surprised I did that much. I didn't mean to go overboard." Nero said.

"I can't believe he's still standing. I was sure he would have collapsed or at least been tired from doing that." "So what do you think Kiba? He's improved hasn't he?" Rias said.

"I'll say. From when he started to how he is now, it's unbelievable to think he's the same person." As he said this, the wooden sword Kiba was holding snapped in two.

"Nero you have become our ace in the hole. You power is what will decide the outcome of this Rating Game. Just remember to trust in us and in yourself."

"Well there's no way in hell that I will never not trust in you guys or myself. So I know I can handle this." Everyone but Rias then went over to him. Rias just looked at him.

"He can do this. He really can." Nero then looked over at her and flashed her a smile, causing her cheeks to flush red.

"No matter what, I'm going to win. For her."

And that concludes this chapter. I don't really have a lot to say so leave a review and I'll see all you guys in the next chapter.

Chapter 10: The Rating Game Begins!