A/N: Greetings, guys... wiErD here. As promised we'll be moving at the Riser arc.

As of right now, I have a big announcement with you guys... After rereading all the chapters in one go, I noticed a sense of restriction between the girls and Natsu and Issei altogether just because of the poll I made up. Don't get me wrong, it was a good idea but pitting in girls to harems gives them an invisible barrier and that one cannot even talk to the other just because she was selected to the other harem itself.

I know everyone is happy to know that you got your favorite girls on the right harem but I can't help the feeling that they're being locked down to the harem circle of Natsu and Issei. When I tried comparing Asia position in the harem (which was neutral.), I saw her character fleshed out more than the others. This is why even Rias and Akeno could not exactly do the same since they were being on the place of the harems of both two.

In order to solve that, I decided to void the poll from now on. There would be no more harem sides but the harem remains for the two at least. It will be only me who will give the girls the time to expose their feelings and also the decision to place them on what harem I would want them to depending on the flow on the story. So I'm sorry for those who voted on Natsu and Issei's harem polls. However, I'll try to give them some more time to their respective harem sides, seeing that the poll is not a wasted time after all.

There's always a silver lining on everything... (Is that right?) 0_0

Without further ado, let's get it on with the chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own FT and HSDxD. Credit goes to their respective owners/authors.

- Phenex Appears -

Kouh Academy is as lively as ever, as the students roam around during lunch, talking about lifestyles and other normal things that a teenager would actually do. There's little to care about anything than enjoying their time of youthful prosperity.

Basically, it's all about enjoying your life while it lasts. Well, to most of them that is.

Natsu had never really cared about enjoying his life that often, seeing that he finds it boring to do so. I mean, what's the gig about going out in stores with your friends, talking about cheesy stuff and sometimes hanging out with other girls while acting so cool in front of them? He could never understand any of it since he had a pretty rough life every now and then.

Yes. The life of meeting supernatural beings that don't reveal themselves in the eyes of other unsuspecting humans. Ever since, he and Issei were brought to the other side of world, things have gone pretty hard for them to cope up to its everyday activities.

Even after the events back at the Familiar Forest, he still can't get a single rest since he, Issei and Asia have been doing some contract summoning in order to expand their powers, well at least for the last two that is.

He's still human and the benefits he can only get from the devils is a familiar and a symbol that will help him teleport in the same Gremory symbol jump with the others. Without it, he can't come along with them in cases of emergency.

Sighing to himself, Natsu yawned for a bit on his desk before resting his head in peace.

Sleeping is the best pleasure a human can really get in his lifetime. Issei has a different notion of expressing his desired pleasure together with Matsuda and Motohama.

Yup, he don't need to remind himself of that.

Just as he was about to close his eyes again to sleep for the whole break, a soft plushy feeling rested upon his head as he slowly looked up and eventually saw his new partner.

"What are you doing, Happy?" He said nonchalantly.

"Oh, nice to see you here, Natsu." The blue Exceed spoke in glee.

"Rather than greeting me, should you at least warn me when you're coming or not." There was a slight displeased tone written on his voice.

"Even if you say that, you won't let me come outside... I'm tired of staying too long in the house." He whined in response.

"There's no helping it... I didn't make you a familiar but Rassei was taken by Asia as her familiar. You can't visit him every now and then unless Asia permits him to."

"Rassei? Is that the new name for Sprite-kun?"

"Yeah, I'm surprised you didn't hear of it until now."

"Well, I get forgetful sometimes." He noted.

"Anyways, should you be okay hanging around like this? You do know that there are people around... If they see you, they will-"

"Don't worry, I can hide my presence from anyone who comes into contact in me. Right now, everyone will probably think that you're talking to some invisible being." Happy explained.

"I see... All the more reason for me to not talk to you right now."

"Eeeeeh! Come on, Natsu... I'm bored, let's go somewhere other than this place." He whined.

"I can't think of any place to go, Happy... Unless Buchou has something in mind about introducing more tests to us, then I'll be sure to go as well. Hopefully, it would be a fight." He spoke nonchalantly.

"Aye! Go get 'em, Natsu!"

Only a small grin made its way towards the pinkette's lips after seeing his partner's gleeful expression as he flew around with his wings around him while being able to conceal himself from the eyes of unsuspecting humans around them. Life in school have been so lively for him nowadays with Happy entering their lives.

Glancing towards the window beside him, he turned to gaze on the old school building where their club activities were usually held. He can't wait for the school to end.

...

...

...

It was already in the afternoon and the group once again assembled right at the old school building to hold their usual meetings with each other. With Natsu holding onto Happy, Asia holds onto Rassei with a affectionate hug while Issei slightly moped around the corner, seeing himself unable to bring out a familiar on their graduation.

Even Natsu was able to get a partner despite him not being a devil. It's kinda frustrating for him, at least.

Well putting that aside, Kiba and the others were all waiting for Rias to get into their room to discuss their matters once again.

"What'll you think is she going to announce?" Issei leaned over to Natsu in question.

"Dunno... Hopefully, it would be a Stray Devil extermination." Natsu smiled in thought.

"Damn, you really like fighting, aren't you?"

While they were talking, Rias eventually made her appearance on the other side of the door of the old school building and greeted her members.

"Good day to you all... I trust the day has found you all well."

"Yes, of course." Issei immediately answered.

"I see... Then, let us review all the reports about the contracts you three have done in the past couple of days..." She soon went to scrutinize each papers she had beside her desk. It took only a few moments for her to finish as she placed them down on the same place and revealed the results.

"Asia had three contracts on her first job as a devil...Congratulations, not all devils can actually get that much contracts on their first try. Issei got one contract. That's still an improvement. And lastly, Natsu... ... You had none."

Instead of having disappointed looks on the other people's faces, they could only sigh wearily at the outcome. After all, it's expected to be like that since it has been the same result over the past couple of days even after his joining in the Gremory household.

"Ara, ara..." Akeno could only muse in response to his results.

"Aye... That's Natsu for you!" Happy cheered as he was the only one who had the optimistic side.

Turning back to the list of papers beside her, Rias looked at the comments and remarks of the people who were answered by his contract in the past couple of days. So far, they all have complaints against him since his contract always left a burning trail of furniture or other property that made them so angry towards him.

"The reactions of the people you came into contact with were all beyond normal... They wanted compensation for the damage of their property, you know." She reminded.

Even so, Natsu was able to come up with a toothy grin towards his friends before sheepishly apologizing for his poor efforts.

"Ehehehe... ... Sorry."

On the other hand, Asia and Issei could look at the pinkette in surprise just after realizing his current progress.

"Woah... You really did get that on your contracts, Natsu?" Issei asked in confusion.

"Natsu-san... That's not good." Even Asia disapproves of his destructive methods.

Despite their protests, Natsu laughed in response in which everyone soon began to join afterwards.

.

.

While the conversation between the three soon took over their attention, Rias and the others could only sigh in depression. However, the redhead soon replaced her frown with a faint smile as she gazed momentarily at the pinkette in wonder. Despite all the negative comments about his actions on his contracts, he never puts up a depressing attitude.

Rather, he would just laugh it off and apologize soon after. And then it would be followed with laughter and joy with his friends. It is as if she was feeling something unusual inside the pinkette's heart.

It was a strange feeling indeed.

For him to be able to cope up with mistakes and just passed it off with a smile in which everyone would seemed to accept in response, it was a good feeling for some reason.

His smile and his actions pull people towards him and strengthen their bonds over time.

It was her first time witnessing the atmosphere of her household this lively. Ever since having both Natsu and Issei into their lives, things have been quite noisy for some reason. Not in an annoying sense but rather in a different one in which they seemed to like it even more.

Even so, the way he's doing the job is nothing like serious.

Sighing to herself inwardly, Rias could only sport a small smile from her lips before putting away all the papers and looked back at the three with anticipation.

"Well, I guess that sums up all the announcements for our clubs today... Tomorrow, we would probably try something new for you guys to learn more about being a devil, alright?"

"Yes!" They all answered in unison.

"Then, that ends our club meeting for today... Be sure to rest easy and get all your strength for tomorrow. We have a big day ahead of us." She smiled.

Another few minutes has passed and the other club members, including Kiba and Koneko had gone home, leaving only Akeno and Rias back at the room with the former finalizing the paperwork handed down to her before looking back at her President who had been observing from the window where Natsu, Issei and Asia had went off to.

"You seemed pretty well today, Buchou." She spoke first.

"What makes you say that?"

"Hmm, how would I say it... Well, you seemed happier than before at a time when we're still dealing with the recruitment. Is it because of those two?" She quirked a brow in curiosity.

"I guess somewhere between that line." She muttered.

"I see... ... Although, it may be rude for me to say something like this at this time but, isn't it about time we should tell the them about your situation?" She hesitated since this was a very sensitive subject to her alone.

And in just like that, Rias' expression turned almost immediately to worry as she bit her lip for a moment before trying to recompose herself towards the topic.

"Not yet, Akeno... ... I don't want them to worry about something as trivial as this. There's still a lot of time to think about it." She replied with a firm tone.

"That maybe so... But sooner or later, they might eventually find out about it... especially Natsu." Hearing the name of the pinkette, Rias could only tighten her grip on her shoulders for a moment before looking back at the black-haired girl in confusion.

"What makes you say that?"

"Nothing really but he's the kind of person who knows what's going on between his friends, even if they're troubled or not. And I'm pretty sure, he would be the first one to understand the situation if he ever knows about the truth. And it would not be him alone, Issei and Asia are quite the same. And I'm certain that Kiba and Koneko felt the same also..." She paused.

".. I mean, you're their precious president after all. Servants served for one sole purpose right? To fight and protect their king at all costs."

Rias could not find a way to reply at her queen for a moment as her words seemed to impact her greatly despite being on the tight spot. She understands of what Akeno was trying to say and her words towards her friends are also real. She knew them for a long time and they will surely fight to the end for her sake. That also goes for the same as Natsu and the others.

Akeno could see her doubts and could only smile inwardly before standing and decided to face her for a moment.

"I know it's hard for you to do anything but you just cannot let your own troubles bottled only to you... You have me here, Rias. Everyone is here with you. Don't go facing your problems on your own. At least, let us carry that burden together with you. You're not alone in this fight."

There was no other reply for her say about that as she simply smiled in relief before stifling a light chuckle and looked at her best friend with a renewed gaze.

"I guess, I can't deny your advice that easily... Thank you, Akeno."

The black-haired girl could only nod in response before they finally settled themselves again from the room and decided to finish up their last duties before going home.

It only took a few hours as Akeno finally finished her work and bade farewell to Rias before closing the door in front of her and disappeared on sight. The interior has become eerily quiet as she slowly wandered all over the room, taking a deep and careful thought about the moments she experienced alongside with her household, including Natsu.

"Not alone, huh..." She thought out her friend's words back then and could only sport a smile before slowly gazing at the setting sun at the window.

..

..

After a few moments, a mysterious magical circle suddenly appeared near the front door as Rias turned around cautiously before a figure appeared at the center and eventually walked a few paces towards her to reveal her identity.

It only took a few seconds for her to realize the person in front of her and could only stutter in response.

"G-Grayfia-san."

Hyoudou Residence... ...

After being handed out with some assignments from the class, Natsu had to inevitably start off writing his own work from now on since Asia always finds out about his copying schemes from Issei and eventually had to stop in order to respect the girl. Well, she's part of the family and one of his treasured friends together with Rias and the others and judging from her somewhat innocent personality, he just can't go fooling around anymore.

Taking a slow take on reading the page of his book, Natsu tried to drill all those words he had seen in the context as hard as he can but it was useless. He just can't learn to understand them unless he likes it. And all of his subjects were boring. It's a miracle that he actually made it this far in this grade together with his brother.

Sighing inwardly to himself, the pinkette simply closed the book and slumped down on his chair before looking up to the ceiling to recollect his thoughts.

How long has it been ever since his meeting with Rias and the others? He could only wonder at that thought as his mind calmed down for a second and slowly remembered all the times he had been through.

The dreams that he kept having on his sleep, the death battles that he encountered like never before and new friends that he met along the way.

All these things changed him in many ways. With an unknown power inherited to him, he felt many things on how he was different from what he was before during in his past life as a normal student.

Lifting up his right hand before him, Natsu slowly closed it before turning his full attention towards his growing powers.

"Gah... There's too much to think about..." He brushed off the thought and decided to rest for a moment until a faint knock resounded from his door, prompting him to stand up and turned it open, only to see Asia in her nightwear while holding on the scarf that he usually wears all day.

He had to lend it to her for quite some time since she was having trouble dealing with the weather here in Japan. And it seems like she gotten used to it.

"Here, Natsu-san... Thank you for lending it to me. It was really warm." Asia smiled warmly in which he returned with the same manner and took his scarf with him and decided to return back to his studies until-

"U-Umm. Natsu-san?" She called him out again.

"Yes?"

"Do you... ... Do you need some help on your homework?" There was a brief pause between them as his attention was focused on the topic for a moment before looking back at the blonde-haired girl.

"Well, I did a small read on it but it was too hard for me... So yeah, I'm in kind of a need for help." He replied.

"I-I see... Can I help?" She offered.

"Eh? Are you sure?"

"Yes... I don't mind... I just wanted to help you since you provided me a home to stay and a family to live with." She reasoned.

"I didn't do anything much though... It was all Buchou's suggestion that she was able to persuade mom and dad to let you stay from now on. Plus, Issei also helped out as well since he wanted you to be happy."

"Well, you did protect me before..."

"Of course, I would... What kind of a person who would not protect his precious friends?" Despite reminding that statement to all of his friends and family countless times, Asia still blushed in the process as she tried to hide her embarrassment from him in which he hardly even notices before returning back to the subject at hand.

"... So, about the homework."

"Y-Yes... Let's get going!" She hastily agreed as the two simply sat on separate chairs near the desk to do their homework there.

The two of them continued to work on their homework as the night continued to press on. Natsu carefully took a deep thought about all the things she explained in the lesson. Even though she just started out school, she already had enough knowledge to keep up with her education and her quickness to learn new things are extraordinary too.

Natsu felt a bit ashamed of himself since he sucked at these kinds of things and having her to help him to solve a simple question is embarrassing. But Asia took upon herself to lend a hand so it doesn't matter either way.

And for the first time ever, he finally understood all of them.

Another couple of minutes passed and both of them finally finished their homework just in time. Natsu gave a wide stretch of his arms after dealing with that assignment on his own, thanks to Asia by the way. Said girl simply smiled in relief while looking at the tired pinkette beside her as he slowly returned his composure and closed the book to keep it in his bag.

"Finally! That's done!" Natsu groaned.

"Great work, Natsu-san."

"Well, you helped me out so it's great work for both of us." He paused for a moment before changing the topic once more. "Sorry for keeping you up this late."

"It's no problem at all... I'm just happy to help."

"Well, I guess we should hit the beds soon... Remember what Buchou had told us about tomorrow?" After giving her a quick reminder, she panicked- well not in a serious way.

"I forgot! What am I going to do!?" She quivered in worry as her panicked expression simply made him chuckle a bit before placing a hand over to her head to calm her down.

"Relax... It's not that serious though... She just said we needed a bit of rest for tomorrow, right?" He proceeded to give his sincere smile towards her in which somehow calmed her down and immediately returned back to her old self.

"Y-Yes..."

..

..

Minutes later, the two eventually parted ways as Asia stood right infront of the door with Natsu waiting on the other side.

"Well then, I'll see you tomorrow, Asia."

"S-Sure... ... Umm, Natsu-san?"

"Hmm?"

He turned around again for a moment as their eyes met for a second. Despite their brief gazes, Asia could not help but feel flustered all of a sudden since she can't maintain her own composure when conversing with a male for a long time. And seeing his straight and honest expression, she knew that he had nothing to hide on his words.

"T-Thank you."

"For what?"

"I-I.. ummm.. well, it's for-" She became troubled by her choice of words to come up with a reply and Natsu could see her shy yet flustered expression as she was twirling her fingers in a seemingly childish way while burying her face from him by continuously looking down on her feet. He doesn't know what she was trying to say at the moment nor the slightest idea of her sudden change of behavior.

Knowing that she can't answer right away, he only smiled softly before placing another pat over to her head to calm her down again.

"It's okay... You're welcome, Asia."

"..." She finally stopped fidgeting as she felt his warm hand from her head, giving her a cozy feeling from the inside.

"Oh and by the way, can you just call me Natsu from now on? It's kinda weird for me since we already known each other. Hearing something like that makes me look like a stranger to you, right?"

"I-Is that so?"

"Yeah... I mean, you're part of the family now. Plus, I think I'll feel better if you can just call me like that." He revealed.

"I see... T-Then, N-N-Natsu..." She stuttered while trying to voice out his name in which only made him chuckle at the shy response.

"It's not that hard now, right? If you ever have any problems, just ask me, alright? I might be not the best one to solve homework or any of the book-thingies but I'll try somehow." He made a nervous smile, hoping that she won't have to approach him with math problems or anything related to school.

"Yes!" Came with a beaming reply from the blonde girl.

As soon as they were done talking, Asia eventually went back to her own room and not lone before she made one last glance towards the pinkette and smile warmly for the last time and closed the door before her and turned the lights off. Natsu could only think back about their time together earlier but decided to let it slide for now, seeing that she was content and all.

"What a weird girl." He muttered with a contented sigh before closing his own door and turned his attention towards his room.

Casting a glance towards his bed where Happy was peacefully sleeping on the far left side, Natsu gave a light stroke on his head in which somewhat caused the blue Exceed to slightly move a bit from his sleep while also making a silent purr upon his contact.

Afterwards, he turned off the lights and settled on the other side in order to prevent him from waking up the feline beside him. Darkness took over the room as the light of the moon illuminated from the window and into the room itself. Focusing his gaze up to the ceiling, Natsu thought deeply about his dream yet again until his body slowly succumbed into slumber as he drifted to sleep.

The next day...

Things seemed to be as normal as it is since there are no such supernatural interference throughout the day. Routines went on from morning to noon as Natsu usually sits on his desk to rest for the whole lunch break while Issei usually spends his time talking with his two perverted friends which always relates about perverted stuff.

Asia, on the other hand had been the center of attention for the whole girls in their class. All of them were all eager to meet her as she was a very gentle and kind person. That sort of personality serves to be the reason why everyone wanted to become friends with her. Plus, Natsu would be glad to introduce her to some others. After all, she was able to get the chance to make friends for the first time.

Friends and family members aside, there's also a matter of Happy in his hands. Normally, he would've tag him along in school but having to needlessly converse with him out from the blue is somehow very disturbing from the eyes of other onlookers. Happy can conceal his presence almost completely from the normal humans except for him and the other two. He would secretly follow him to school no matter what.

Even so, he didn't mind it at all.

Having Happy to accompany him and give some small gigs is not such a bad idea after all. Probably way better than just going on the rooftop and sleep peacefully.

Of course, he is also looking forward to the club activities for today since Rias had announced something for the three of them to learn. Hopefully it would be another big case of stray devil extermination... Although the chances are very slim at the moment since there were no such report of a stray devil around town.

..

..

They all waited for the day to end as they finally finished their last class and were eventually preparing to pack up to head towards the old school building to attend their club activities. As the students empty the room, Natsu placed his unread English book back on his bag as Happy patiently waited for him to finish right atop on his head.

It only took him a few more seconds to finish but he was able to prepare himself.

"Well then, let's go." Issei suggested as he and Asia waited for him just at the door.

Natsu only gestured a brief nod as they all departed from the room and began their way downstairs. At the same time, they also began their conversation with each other.

"I wonder what kind of things are we doing today..." Natsu pondered.

"Buchou said something about like learning new things... Maybe some training or some sort." Issei answered.

"I-I'm getting nervous." Asia added.

"Yosh, I'm all fired up! Anyways, do you guys saw Akeno-senpai lately?" The other two could only look at him in confusion.

"Now that you said it, she wasn't really around together with Buchou... I wonder what happened." Issei spoke.

"Kiba-san might know something... We can always ask him later when we meet back at the club." Asia suggested. The two boys nodded in agreement before resuming their journey towards the old school building.

"By the way, where's Happy? Usually, he would be sitting on top of your head right now, Natsu." Issei asked upon noticing the lack of a blue Exceed beside them.

"I promised to give him a bucket of fish earlier if he stays at home." He told them.

"I-I see... No wonder why he is not around here?" The brownette could only sweatdrop.

..

..

Another few minutes has passed and the trio finally met Kiba along the way and decided to tag along together since they were all heading towards the building to start their activities there. Natsu and the others seemed to momentarily forgot to ask about Akeno's whereabouts as they simply enjoyed their time talking to each other as fellow servants of the Gremory household... except for Natsu that is.

However, as they neared towards the old school building, Kiba immediately stopped on their tracks as they felt a familiar presence coming from the inside of their building. Natsu and the others were confused at first but also soon felt a strange aura emanating from the inside.

Kiba's eyes narrowed in seriousness as Natsu and Issei did the same as if they were preparing for a battle.

"W-What's wrong, Kiba-san?" Asia could not help but ask since she was the only one who haven't noticed anything strange just now.

"To think that he would be here so soon..." Mumbling some of the words only to himself, the three could only tilt their heads in confusion of what he just said just now. There must be something going on.

"He?" Issei asked.

"Nevermind that... Let's go and find out." Natsu disregarded all their worries and decided to play along as Kiba and Koneko resumed their pace towards the building until they all stopped at the door and opened it before entering inside. They slowly waded upstairs and Natsu could somehow pick up a scent or two that very unfamiliar to him, thus assuming that there's another person inside whom he didn't know much about.

As the group made their way to the second door, they hastily opened it and went inside. For a moment Natsu was relieved to see Akeno inside but averted his gaze away from her and into the center of the room where he saw a tall blonde-haired man dressed in a burgundy blazer with matching pants and black dress shoes. Underneath his blazer was a white dress shirt which was partially buttoned, seemingly having only one or two buttons lay open which slightly exposes his chest as a result.

The style of his hair and the face appearance somehow reminds him of a arrogant rich person. And a hazy feeling soon crept up inside his chest as he felt the fiery aura emanating from the man himself. Quite similar of his fire constitution but different nonetheless.

On the other hand, there was another person inside as Natsu saw her in a seemingly maid outfit with beautiful silver hair tied into a braid. She seemed to be in her twenties, seeing that she carried some sort of the same atmosphere as Rias though with the latter being younger. She was standing right infront of the desk where Buchou and Akeno were standing and their arrival seemed to have interrupted their conversation.

Koneko was already inside and was probably waiting for them as she silently ate her lollipop on the couch before casting a short glance towards the appearing group.

There was a long wave of silence until Natsu raised his hand, hoping to cut off the tense atmosphere between them.

"Aaaah, I think I'll come back later... See ya!" Just as he was about to turn around and run, he was grabbed by the collar as Kiba held him back with a sweatdrop. Issei and Asia were simply looking at the new guests with mystified looks as Rias began to speak of the situation.

"I'm glad you're all here... I was about to discuss this matter with the rest of you all but things have gone quiet in a hurry." She apologized but it was not long before the tall blonde man intervened and walked his way to the center as if he was owning the place.

"Ah, there's no need for any excuses... I'd also like to meet your peerage, Rias." He spoke in a somewhat cool yet arrogant tone and Natsu could somehow pick up a small sound of her tongue clicking in irritation from his reply.

It was then the other female person beside them decided to speak.

"Good day to you all... I'm Grayfia Lucifuge. I serve under House Gremory and am here to discuss some matters concerning about your President. I assume that you were all informed of the situation here." She made a reaffirming look towards Rias but seeing the confused looks on the three newcomers she deduced that they were not informed.

"I was about to but this matter was suddenly brought up so I didn't have the time to-"

"There's no need to pry on such matters like this... Since they were not importantly held involved in this." The man cut her off yet again.

Of course, everyone was just silent about the situation since they don't know about the situation entirely. Seriously, they should just tell it right now rather than arguing at each other.

Grayfia only sighed lightly at the two before turning her attention on others.

"Well then, I suppose you all want to know about our arrival here... This is about the engagement between Rias and Riser."

After her statement, the confused trio were just standing there as if they were trying to process the information just now.

And in just like that, Natsu and the others hung their mouths open in utter shock.

"E-Engagement?! EEEEEHHHHHHHHHH!"

..

..

..

After the whole revelation of the engagement about Rias and the tall man who calls himself Riser, Natsu and the others settled on the side, standing on the opposite side while facing Rias and Riser in one couch in front of them with the latter stroking her hair casually as if they were close.

"It's been a long time since I traveled here in the human world... How I missed your beauty, Rias." He sets his advances on the crimson haired woman but she didn't reply back and kept on sitting as if she isn't affected at all.

A few moments passed and Akeno eventually gave the visitor some tea as a sign of their hospitality.

"Aaaah, Rias' Queen sure has the best serve of tea I've tasted in awhile." Riser complimented in which Akeno accepted it with sincerity.

"The pleasure is all mine." She replied briefly before bowing.

The long silence continued as the group was left standing on one side, observing the two. Issei could feel his blood boiling after seeing him trying to harass Rias discreetly and everyone knew that she was not liking it either. On the other hand, Grayfia took a mindful observation on the group as if her mind was shifted elsewhere and eventually landed towards the pinkette.

"Rias... You do know that a human is not allowed to be shared information about us, right?" Knowing of what she was trying to say, Rias turned her attention toward the silver-haired woman.

"He isn't just some normal human."

"Then I assume that he's a Sacred Gear holder though I don't sense anything inside him." She noted. Riser eventually noticed the oddity on her peerage and could not help but comment.

"Oh right... I noticed him just a moment ago but I never thought you brought a human here, Rias."

"Hey!" Natsu, for some reason felt offended but was held back by Asia.

Grayfia ignored the commotion and shifted her gaze yet again to Issei.

"Then I guess, this is the possessor of the rumored Boosted Gear... The one marked with one of the souls of the Heavenly Dragons." She guessed. Issei never replied and simply made a dubious expression.

"Her peerage aside... Rias, I think it's high time we should continue our own matters... Sirzechs wanted an answer to our relationships right now." Riser returned back to the topic at hand.

"Onii-sama and Otou-sama are rushing way too fast... I told them to let me decide things until I graduate but they were desperate." She scoffed in annoyance.

"It's a natural reaction... Since the line of the pure-blooded devils runs scarce nowadays... That's why they decided to hold our marriage as soon as possible."

Hearing another curious word, Natsu thought out in curiosity.

"Pure-blooded devils?"

"Yes... Aside from us reincarnated devils... There are also pure-blooded devils who were born naturally since the beginning and held the most ancient yet destructive power of the pillars of where they were currently affiliated at. Buchou is a pure-blooded devil, you see." Kiba explained.

"Eeeh?! No wonder why she was powerful." Natsu mused.

"But make no mistake on her powers. There are also pure-blooded devils who holds much stronger power than Buchou... Riser here is also a pure-blooded devil and held the power of the immortal Phoenix." He revealed.

"Phoenix? Then is he-" Asia stuttered.

"Immortal? Yes... Devils live a long time but they die out eventually but devils harnessing the power of the legendary Phoenix are immortal."

"The devil realm sure is scary as fuck." Natsu sweatdropped while also thinking that he was fortunate to be still human until now.

On the other hand, the argument between Rias and Riser continues.

"I already told you that I marry on my own consent!"

"That's not good, Rias... You know that the two houses are expecting our engagement to bear fruit. There is no chance for you to deny something like this." Riser spoke.

"Just to remind you this, Riser; I'm not marrying you-"

"You know, I can't take no for an answer... I'm make sure I'll bring you back to Hell with force... Even if it takes me in destroying your little peerage." And at that moment his eyes glowed in power as if he was showing off his threat towards her seriously. However, Rias never showed signs of weakness and tried to give off the same aura around her as if they were about to throw down at any moment.

The group also prepared themselves after noticing the sudden change of the atmosphere between them.

But before they could even continue, Grayfia intervened.

"Enough! Both of you!" She raised her voice in an authoritative tone which instantly brought down the unsettling atmosphere between them.

She sighed for a moment before continuing.

"Sirzechs-sama knew that this was going to happen and I was sent here if such a thing come to light... And I was ordered to solve the situation without having to leave any ill feelings behind between both sides. I also suggest to refrain any of bring out your powers to such an extent in an inappropriate locations." She stated.

"As expected of the strongest Queen, your voice even brings out the terror of your power." Riser complimented.

True enough, her words both sent Natsu and Issei chilling from their spines. And at that point, they knew that she was not a person worth messing with.

The silver-haired barmaid ignored his words and decided on the topic.

"Since the matter cannot be solved easily... Sirzechs has devised an alternative plan to solve this conflict."

"Onii-sama did?"

"It will be decided on a Rating Game." Hearing that suggestion, Rias could only widen her eyes in disbelief.

"Rating Game? Isn't that the same thing you told me before, Akeno-senpai?" Natsu asked.

"Yes... When two Pure-blooded devils clashed, a Rating Game is held. You know the pieces placed on Issei and the others, right? They all go in accordance.. on their respective pieces like in a chess game. All of us held different pieces and the capabilities we have depends on the type of pieces we were entrusted to such that the King will use them in order to win the Rating Game..." She paused.

"...In this case, Rias-buchou and Riser-sama held the titles of the peerage as the Kings and we're their servants an the pieces used in the Rating Game... Well, except for you that is." She clarified.

As the group finished their explanation, Riser took a brief look on them before looking back at Rias again.

"Is this all of your peerage?"

"And what of it?"

Ignoring her retort, simply made a snap as a magical circle appeared right on the entrance of the door before flames rose above it, almost reaching to the ceiling, causing it to burn in the process as 15 female figures appeared inside the flames until it dissipated and revealed themselves to the group.

They were all beautiful girls with different styles and facial features that might cause any male to drool from happiness. Unfortunately for Natsu, he doesn't feel anything except the uncertainty inside his chest as if he was gearing to fight at anytime soon after seeing their serious faces staring towards them.

"Wha... What a bastard... No- what a man!" Issei had the opposite reaction as he cried almost depressingly towards the sight. Of course, everyone soon caught his attention and could only sweatdrop in response. Different reactions went all over the group even to the other peerage as well as they looked at the brownette in disgust.

Natsu was facepalming, Asia was puffing and Kiba and Koneko simply stated their opinions on Issei's reaction.

"Pervert..." Koneko answered with a displeased frown.

"Why now at all times?" Natsu groaned.

On the other hand, Riser could only look momentarily at him before speaking.

"Hey, Rias... That servant of yours over there is crying because of me?"

"He aims to be a harem king in the future." Rias sighed before holding her head painfully since he was making a scene in front of the others.

"Hmph... Well, I guess I'll have to teach him something about a thing or two." He began with a cold tone before looking back at the girls near the door. "Yubelluna."

Calling out a name from the group, a purple haired woman came out from the small crowd. She was a busty woman wearing a navy blue tunic with gold accents, accompanied by a blue skirt with open sides, revealing her thighs which was adorned with high-stockings together with matching black shoes. She also wears a white overcoat with black and cold accents, matching her clothes. Her hairstyle was wavy and reaches down to her back, rivaling that of Akeno's and Rias'. She also carries staff-life scepter, seemingly to be her weapon.

She made her way towards the Riser and was just near to his face and it was not long before Riser started to kiss her intimately before groping one of her breast which revealed her nipple right towards the group. She never shown any resistance from his actions as if she submitted to him that easily as Riser casts a mocking glance towards Issei.

"This is what it feels like to have one dream, boy."

Of course, everyone never liked such an obscene sight as they all gritted in anger towards the blonde-haired man, especially Issei.

"You bastard! You're a sick bastard! To think that Rias would marry someone like you! I can't accept that! I don't want Buchou to be pitted with a lowlife like you!"

"Watch your mouth... Are really in a position to say something to a devil like me?" Riser mocked.

"Shut up! I don't care what kind of devil you are. I'll never accept you as her fiance!"

"That's enough, Issei-"

"No! I won't stand here and do nothing! As Rias Gremory's pawn, I shall defeat you here myself!" Issei declared and not long before a couple of gasps and surprises went through both sides as Issei jumped in front of the group and readied his Boosted Gear.

"Defeat him? Is he insane?!" One of the girls from the other peerage widen her eyes in disbelief as she saw Issei trying to fight Riser one on one.

"Hmph... Mira..." Calling another girl from the group. A pony-tailed girl jumped out towards the fray with a wooden staff in hand as her weapon and jumped between Issei and Riser to battle the former.

"Out of my way!" As he tried to lash out on her, Issei was simply met with a deadly thrust on his stomach, causing him to fly and landed far away from the other side. The force of the blow got him into a spasm and vomited out saliva in the process before falling down injured.

"Finish him." Riser ordered and Mira was about to attack the down boy once more until a hand stopped her staff from connecting to Issei and could only widen in shock as Natsu instantly stood before them and easily stopped the attack with ease.

"Are you threatening to kill my brother?" He asked in a monotone.

"Out of my way, human! I will defeat you if you don't stand back-"

FWOOSH*

It was until then, Natsu can't take it anymore as flames spewed from this body, blasting a powerful force that sends the girl flying away and gave off an intense heat around them, shocking both sides especially to Riser. Flames surrounded his body, leaving the floor on where he was standing to slowly turn into black. His black onyx eyes turning crimson as his body began to personify that of a monster which only wary people could only see in him.

"If you go on in trying to harm my friends, I'll burn every single one of you." Casting an intimidating look on his face towards Riser, everyone simply shook in panic as Natsu threatened them with his words alone. Grayfia was surprised as well after witnessing the power inside the pinkette but Riser could only smirk in response apart from everyone who took a step back from the pink-haired human.

"Interesting... ... It seems like your peerage is not just all talk... Very well, if you all want as so much to defeat me then, let's all settle that in the Rating Game... I'll give your peerage to train themselves... Hopefully, you won't disappoint me in this, Rias." He declared as he slowly backed away from the impending fight and surrounded him and his peerage in flames before disappearing in sight.

As they left the group, Natsu's flames died down. At the same time, his expression turned calmer and went back at the unconscious Issei before Rias and the others came in to help.

Grayfia was simply stunned at the sudden turn of events. Not only she witnessed something as strange that a human intimidating a high-class devil but also another human who possessed a mysterious power that slightly made her shiver.

Although it was just short, she somehow felt something fiery and destructive from his power. She decided to keep quiet about it for a moment and pretended that it never happen before returning back to the topic.

"It seems like it's decided... Rias, this maybe the only chance you will have against Riser. Use this opportunity and formulate your own strategy on how you could bring him down." She suggested.

"Are you going to tell Onii-sama about him?" She turned over to the pinkette in question.

"Although I hate keeping things a secret to your brother, I think there's a reason why you didn't want him to reveal to us just yet. However-"

"-He'll find out soon enough."

"I don't care..." It was then Natsu spoke for his own before looking back at them with a renewed determination.

"I'll make sure to remind them that they messed with the wrong people. I'm all fired up!" With a mixed tone of anger and determination, Natsu gazed intently at the burnt magic circle where Riser and his peerage had disappeared into.

His fists clenching tightly with flames appearing right on his hair as if it was threatening to burst out anytime soon.

A battle is imminent.

A/N: That's a wrap for this chapter. How was it? Is it good or bad? Leave your thoughts on the reviews.

This chapter actually gave a refreshed feeling since I was able to write every character freely without restrictions. Again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience for posting up polls.

Besides that, thank you for your patience for this chapter. Things have gotten way busier here in mine, specifically my studies. So yeah, life is a bitch sometimes but I can't blame it. No matter... I'll try to update as possible as I can.

That's all for now guys. See you on the next chapter.

- wiErD SpeCtrumz blacking out... ... ...