The Astaroth Heir

by makoto x chelia

Zenki Astaroth, rival of Diodora, Son of the famous Ajuka, now learns to stand on his own as he builds his peerage. But what stands in the way for this boy and his peerage? It all starts when he first meets a certain cat, a cat that will change his life forever...(OcxHarem)

11. Chapter 11

Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

R01; Zenki's a pretty smart dude, once seeing the abilities, he'll come up with ways to counteract them, some could very well be with his flames, or Reverse which is a good one to use on Issei's Boosting ability. Either way, Zenki's gonna come up with counters to their special abilities, seen when at least Issei and Zenki have their fight.

Wacko12; That would actually be pretty cool for a familiar~ Thanks for the suggestion~

War historian; That would be quite the fun scenario alright~ True, no one does know her heritage, not really.

DocSlendy; Gabriel is quite cute, isn't she when she's like that? I suppose you could say it is like that. He loses all reason and basically attacks whatever is in his sights. Well, I don't think Xenovia is a masochist, but I know what you mean. I think it's more about the 'punishment' than the actual sexual experience, for now.

Harem Master123; I'm glad that you do! He is slowly doing it, it is going to take time for them to get on track, due to everything that happened, but Ajuka's finally doing the right thing. Hehe, she's gonna be teaching Asia many things in the future, wife training and all~ She's a very...interesting girl alright, can't deny that~ I could actually see that happening, and yeah, it is usually the Loli's, though other girls will be doing it as well soon. Cool suggestions!

Hellspam; Thanks! Glad that you do! Jeanne's little masochism going on, there's gonna be more and more in the future~ That, is a funny idea. Gotta hand it to you, I could even see Jeanne declining being able to pray without the pain as well, I think that would be funny. God yeah, what is Kuroka going to teach her? It is going to be very, frightening. I am happy that you did like them, I think they are pretty cool anyway~ How did you know I was thinking something like that? Kuroka and her teasing, there's going to be more of that in the future~ It is going to be fun~ I can see Akeno, Kuroka and Koneko plus Ravel (the last two being semi forced) into cosplaying as that for Zenki. She ain't just saying it, she wants it to happen! Yup, Valerie is going to appear in this chapter! That, would actually be quite funny, wouldn't it? I'd say they are on terms were they can be in the same room, but wouldn't be able to have a true conversion beyond normal ones, deep ones are out of the question for now. And yeah, I have ideas for that~

BlueBlade87; Hehe, you never know~ You're right there, she just does want a friend. He's going to get what's coming to him, but I have some story left for him yet, so he's gonna be sticking around for a little while yet. I can imagine Ajuka being able to do just that, considering what he did in Volume 12 easily. Aah, no worries, I am glad that they were, encouraging to you. Oh really? Inspiration from me? You're going to make me blush with embarrassment~ I will check it out~

gundam 09; Thank you! Here's the next chapter!

Nostagalas; Hehe, then that means I must be good~ Thanks for the high praise~ Aah then please enjoy, I hope that you do~ If I do, I will definitely give you a link to it, one day I do hope to write my own works of fiction, though that probably won't be for years to come yet. But maybe one day.

ShadowUzumaki; Hehe~ I'm glad that it is cool~ Dragong Zenki surely went guns blazing with them. Just shows that you hurt someone he loves, and he goes insane. You know, it could be the start of his hatred of Dragon's, it would only make sense after all, considering Zenki did a lot worse to Diodora than Issei did in canon, and Zenki hasn't even done his total damage to him yet. He'll have help controlling that in the future, it is going to be a cool thing when he does learn to control it. That was a good part to write, smacking Diodora from Ajuka. Aah yeah, Gabriel showed her kindness, and even affections for Zenki, better steer clear of Serafall huh.

Skull Flame; It really was a beating, wasn't it? He showed Diodora and others who's the boss around. He'll be getting some training in that in the future, and does it? It could've been from something like that, who knows hehe~ Yeah, I liked it, and maybe someone will say it in the future~ Hmmm, dark forces indeed, who could it be I wonder? Maybe it is him~ That's apart of a little joke I had, where Ajuka is very intelligent with many things, but people aren't really one of them, thought it would be a sort of a running gag between him and Illuyanka in the future. Aah, Ophis doesn't have many ill intents. Exactly, never forget her talents for that, and she even tamed some Evil Dragon's, albeit mass produced ones, but still, that's an achievement in of itself. It was a good idea, and that sounds as good as anything that I could come up with. Exactly, what I was thinking~ And we might just be~ And thank you!

Animemyworld; I know, but the harem is going to be balanced with time for all of them, and each girl is going to be getting their own 'arc' you could see. Well, there's a difference from forgiveness and hating someone. He might not hate his father for what he did, but he hasn't forgiven him by any means of the word. He's not even really partly forgiven him, he still suffered through a lot, and it isn't just dropped at a hat, he's still got issues, which bonds him with Akeno, even more. Well thank you, and eeh, I just never have, I find it easier to do it this way, been doing it like this for a few years now, so as they say, old habits are hard to break, or something like that.

Blue Eyes Pendulum Dragon; Awakening the sleeping Dragon indeed! I know, God (or Maou I guess) help Asia once Serafall finds out about that. It is going to take some time to fix the their relationship. Irina will be appearing soon, and she's appeared in the past of this story hehe~

RangerElk76; For now, he does, but he isn't going to be coming back again and again. The next major fight Zenki and Diodora has is going to be very telling and very final if you catch my drift.

Guest 1; Hehe, I'm glad that you liked~ Yeah, peerage is becoming more and more complete now. I guess you could say she is, hehe. She's going to have some funny moments with that. I can imagine her asking for it like that as well, maybe even in the middle of a fight or something, that would be funny. Illuyanka is training Asia to be the perfect wife, I have some funny moments for that in the future. Kuroka's gotta tease, and yeah, those two joining the group is gonna be quite interesting. Yup, Valerie is going to be introduced this chapter, fleshed out more next chapter. Yeah, Valerie does care a very great deal about Gasper, and will be very concerned for her that time. That would be a pretty cool idea, sending Valerie with Rias, or just with Issei or something, since Rias doesn't really do anything during that part of the arc, she just stands around and says a few lines that Valerie could easily do. Heh, that would be funny for the Vampire girl to say.

Guest 2; Yup, it happened! Asia and Zenki kissed one another, their first kiss at that! Yeah, she kinda does remind me of Virgo from there as well, maybe have her personality have some of Virgo's, that would be funny to see. Well, she can make any type of holy swords, it's been shown in canon that Kiba can make Dragon Slayer holy demonic swords, so it stands to reason that it can make pretty much anything. That is going to be quite funny~ I have a few scenes where that happens, connecting them together. And you're right as well about that.

Xenovia fan; Hehe, I am glad that you liked it~ It could be him, or someone else entirely, it is going to be a fun mystery to find out who it is. She's pretty much one of those, Zenki's missing someone like that from the harem, unless you count Akeno who does have it in her, but usually her sadism side shows through. Kuroka starting Asia's sex education and even Illuyanka's teaching's, poor girl. They are going to have a big talk about that, as they can understand one another's pains quite a lot. Yup, she's coming very soon indeed!

dragonsayianblue; I'm glad that you liked it. Yeah, the mood improved last chapter, and this chapter as well. They had a little talk, but their relationship isn't fully fixed yet, but one day it will be. Those two and their funny attitudes. I mean, that would be pretty neat for Zenki, having such a responsibility and all. You're right about that, with regards to Kunou and all. It is a pretty good idea, thanks for the suggestion!

Guest 3; Legendary is a pretty great word to use, so thanks for using it with my last chapter! Really? Rias and Issei kissed after just over a month of knowing one another, and in this, Zenki and Asia had known one another for at least 3 or so months, had developed quite the bond together, and the kiss itself was kinda accidental in the end hehe~ Jeanne the masochist, she's gonna be a fun character to have~ Those ideas for nicknames are awesome, I love them! Actually, Kuroka probably is the type to do something like that to arouse and frighten at the same time with Zenki and all.

Guest 4; Thank you!

AndroSid93; Aah thank you! Oh, I am sorry, I honestly thought that I did. Yeah, I'd say that it is quite like that, honestly. Well, I could see it when they have their inevitable fight with one another, if only to throw him off his game. Hmmm, she could be, she'll be revealed what she is when it is revealed in the future~ Hehe, he got a cheek kiss from Gabriel for everything he did and tried to do for Asia. He surely did get a kiss from Asia, unexpected, but both very well appreciated it, after everything they went through. God, what Kuroka and Serafall would do is a scary concept to even think about. He's going to be tortured very much in the future, especially when Zenki and Diodora have their penultimate battle. Well, I guess it could be called a mini arc for now, the real new big arc is probably going to tie in with canon. I know, it is really great, and I am very appreciative to all of the people that follow, fav, and review, it really makes writers feel good when they see their story is doing well, at least for me it does. I don't even know what that really is, honestly.

Neonlight01; Well, you know what they say...well, just don't kill anyone that Zenki loves or he's coming for you with hot and cold flames along with his sharpened teeth. Well, they had been inactive for the most part in his life, they stepped up and did what they needed to do and save their son. You're right, it is about damn time that happened. Usually, Angel's wouldn't do that, but Gabriel knows that Zenki is a lovely guy and can trust him with Asia and Jeanne as well. She knows he'll keep them safe and happy. Ophis, she's surely up to something alright. A lot more than disappointed, Kuroka's plain pissed off that she didn't get his first kiss. She, and others, are gonna bring up things like that in the future. It just goes to show that his peerage really do love him, huh. But that's gonna be a mystery for a little while, isn't it~

Guest 5; You're right about that. After everything he did, he was in for it, sooner or later. I have quite a number of plans for the future. Obviously Zenki isn't going to get fully involved with the Riser stuff, but he's going to be doing something during that arc, so it isn't just the same usual stuff, gonna make it interesting. Well, I think that can be just thought of as she didn't want it, not knowing it was the Boosted Gear, just thinking it is a Twice Critical, but even if she did, doubling power is still a good thing, so she could've gotten it for herself if she wanted it, and like you said, Issei would've pretty much done anything she wanted.

Guest 6; That does sound like a pretty awesome idea, thanks for the suggestion! I like it, especially the betrayal to protect Issei or something, could show that she has indeed grown to love him.

Lightwave; It was a pretty intense chapter, so this is going to be pretty easy going, besides the beginning and end parts. Hehe, never piss of Zenki or suffer the consequences. Hmmm, you never know, it could be Asia that does indeed do something like that in the future. Yup, Gabriel indeed did say that, but she trusts and has love for him now, so she can be sure that Zenki will take care of them and love them, seeing their love for one another. It surely is about time that it happened to Diodora, it couldn't of happened to a worse person.

AlphaOmega; Well, she did mention about going into her Dragon form last chapter, so it is safe to say that she can do something like that. Yeah, he went insane and killed a lot of people but that just shows that Zenki loved Asia so much that he couldn't bare her death anymore and just unleashed his powers and despair in one big Dragon form. She watched them for a long time, and pretty much knows them by heart by now, and she certainly does have feelings for Zenki, and does trust the boy to protect Asia and she wants them to be happy. Ajuka has finally seen the light that doesn't kill lol, and has finally seen that Diodora is quite nasty and does believe his son now. You gotta see that it was their love for Zenki that drove them to do what they did~

Anime PJ; You've got a point there. No matter what happens, he keeps coming back, for the moment. Yeah, Zenki lost it and demolished pretty much everything that was in his way, even biting peoples heads off, and arms as well, what a beast, huh. Well, I am glad that you liked the Asia reincarnation scene, and don't mess with Illuyanka's baby or she'll have to get her vocal claws out hehe XD. Aah, you might be onto something there, maybe Gabriel was her first victim, sort of at least~ It was pretty adorable, wasn't it? It's a high note, for now. In the future...well, you never know what's going to happen. Well, here's the next one!

Cf96; Thanks!

Guest 7; God yeah, only God knows what Kuroka is going to do to the cute and innocent Asia. That would be quite the funny moment between Zenki and Asia from either Kuroka's, or Akeno's influences, it would be something that they'd do together. Jeanne with those things...run away~

Katelynn Snow Fox; Here's the update! Please enjoy!

Guest 8; That sounds like an awesome name for Zenki! I like it! Yeah, I could see him saying that to Issei, even if it is only a confidence boost or something. Hmmm, having Issei fix their relationship huh. Stranger things have happened, so it could be something like that happening.

ShadeAkami; Aah, I am glad you recovered! He surely did, he went batshit crazy and demolished everything, yet at the same time protected Asia. Ooh, it will be brought up again in the future, I've got certain things planned for that later on. I was thinking of a nickname for him, a name that he could be known by, and those suggestions are quite awesome! He surely did get smacked around quite abit, huh! Even Ajuka got in on the action, and has begun to learn his lesson. If he is the heir of the clan, it is kinda implied, but will be revealed later on. Yup, Gabriel came down to see what's going on, even with Zenki and all that! The reason Ajuka was kinda confused was because he couldn't really think straight. Even if he is a Maou, he saw his son in distress, saw his wounds and was a little out of it with the revelations that were going on around him. Sera Voorhees, don't mess with her! She's got the guns out for people, especially people that go towards her Zenki, no one better mess with her. Yeah, damn, it's only five left now. And one is happening next chapter, so that's four left. I am thinking about them quite hard, and slowly coming to some conclusions, how I would have them fall for Zenki and all that. Some I will be continuing, some I will be rewriting, I am shifting through them and seeing what's what. For that series, I would have to read/watch it before I make any decisions. Hehe worries, and thanks!

Guest 9; Ooh yeah, Rias and Zenki will be having a Rating Game in the future, it is going to be quite epic, especially with what I have planned for it.

Yanderelover; Thanks, I am glad that you do! Yeah, maybe in the future, and that sounds like a cool idea, thanks for the suggestion!

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

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My Vampire Queen part one

"Come on Gasper! Let's go!"

"V-Valerieeeeeeeeeee! I-I can't run any fasteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"

In a certain area in a far off country to Japan in a field mixed of ice and snow, the cold ground hurting their feet, ran two people.

One was a small girl with platinum blonde hair and pinkish eyes. Her clothes were torn and looked ragged at the same time. Her skin looked corpse like, but unlike that of a corpse, it seemed to match her cute face.

This girl was Gasper Vladi.

The other girl was a girl that appeared to be older than the first one. She carried the beauty of both humans and what other half she was, a Vampire. She had long blonde hair, and blood red eyes. Unlike the first girl, she had quite the chest, showing an impressive bosom.

This girl was Valerie Tepes.

Together, these girls were running away from an angry mob that was chasing them.

It was clear on their faces that something had happened, and they had no choice but to run, or they would both end up dead. Whatever was going to happen, was a very scary and worrying process at the same time.

They could see that the mob wasn't going to stop.

They were people that called be called, Vampire hunters.

They weren't with the Church, but they were just as scary looking to the two Vampire girls that only could run as fast as they could.

They couldn't stop for even a second. They knew that if they stopped, they'd be killed.

Though the girls were innocent, hadn't done anything wrong, they were being chased, because they were Vampires, or more precisely, half Vampires.

They weren't even full Vampires, and there wasn't a mean bone in their bodies, but they were being chased, and they were getting exhausted.

"Get back here!"

"We'll kill you!"

"Stop running away from us!"

The Vampire hunters were relentless, they wouldn't stop running after them.

They didn't mean harm, but they didn't care.

They wouldn't care about it. All they could see was Vampires, and that was all they needed to know. They weren't going to stop because they might be innocent. To these people, it was more than enough to kill them.

"Valerie! W-What are we going to doooooooooo!?"

The frightened Gasper cried out, not wanting to die, but was becoming tired.

Valerie didn't know what to say as a response.

She was sure death was certain at this point.

She was sure that she was going to die right now. She didn't know why this was happening…no, that was a lie.

She knew why this was happening, and the hatred of the humans of them, she wanted to hate them.

She wanted to hate them for their evil deeds…but she couldn't.

She couldn't hate people. Valerie wasn't like that.

She didn't hate people for anything. She was a gentle girl with a loving heart. But even then, that wasn't going to save her now. She wasn't going to be saved by anyone or anything…she was going to die with her best friend, sister like, Gasper.

Gasper was frightened, and didn't know what to do.

She turned to Valerie for help, and she wasn't sure if she would be able to offer any comfort now.

They had escaped her previous life and now she was in a state where she wouldn't be able to live anymore if they stopped running.

The pair of them could hear the galloping horses behind them. In their heart of hearts, they knew that they wouldn't be able to run away forever. They knew that they wouldn't be able to keep running.

They had nowhere to go. They were tired, exhausted, defeated.

But even then, Valerie wasn't going to allow either of them to give up…

So she made a stand.

A final stand.

She stood, stopped running just before hitting a forest, reality setting into her heart.

Gasper was forced to stop by their shared hands, and stopped as well, her wide eyes going towards Valerie in shock, confusion, hurt, pain and a little dazzlement by the way Valerie was holding herself at this moment in time.

"V-Valerie?"

The puzzled Gasper rasped out, not sure why she was stopping.

Valerie turned her kind eyes towards the younger Vampire girl, giving a small smile.

"Do not worry, you run away now. I shall stall them."

She said bravely, wanting to protect her friend.

Gasper was naturally bewildered by the declaration of her best friend.

"Y-You are going to…f-fight them?"

Valerie, with kind eyes, petted Gasper's head.

"We can't run away, not on our own feet anyway. We've got nowhere to go, but Gasper, you can run away. I shall do my best to stall these people. You cannot fight, I know that. So, allow me to do it for you instead. Please retreat from this place and find a good place to live. If I know you find a good place to live, I will be satisfied."

Valerie cared for her best friend, she didn't want Gasper to die.

That was why, she was willing to face death for her friend, she was willing to fight for the person that she cared about most in the world. It made sense to her, to do a sacrifice like this. She wanted Gasper to have a good life, no matter what happened to her.

Valerie, was a good person, that's all she needed to have about her to make her want to protect Gasper.

Gasper though, didn't stand for it, and grabbed her friends hand, and though she quaked where she stood, she showed defiant eyes towards the people that were coming closer and closer.

"I-If Valerie is going to fight, t-then I will as well!"

She showed her determination, and Valerie was surprised by how brave she was being.

"Gasper…you've suddenly changed your ways. Why, are you standing beside me now?"

Valerie was surprised and shocked wouldn't be an understatement.

Gasper though stepped forward, and tried to be as brave as Valerie was being right now.

"V-Valerie is doing her best…a-and I c-can't leave Valerie behind…I-I will fight with Valerie…"

"Gasper…we're probably going to die. Do you know that?" Gasper nodded, a bemused smile working its way onto Valerie's face, despite the feelings she felt beforehand and was still feeling right now. "Okay Gasper, I understand your feelings…we're going to be fighting together. Even though we might die, let us fight to protect one another. Don't be afraid, I'll be right beside you."

Her strength shone brightly.

Valerie was showing how strong she was being right at this moment in time. Valerie was a very brave woman, and she was going to try her best to do what she needed to do. Even with the face of danger being real in her face, she was going to do it. She wasn't going to run away, because she had nowhere to go.

So, she stood beside her friend, and waited for the incoming death to happen.

As her heart made a resolution, Valerie's body began glowing brightly…

It began to show a golden colour.

The beautiful light shone brightly, and even Valerie didn't know what it was. But right now, she didn't care either. She was going to show her best, do whatever was needed. She wasn't going to back down now…Valerie needed to do her best, for her friend, and for herself.

So the half Vampire stood on her weak, shaky legs, stood as her friend stood beside her. Whatever was going to happen, would happen.

---

Days before…

"Haaaaah!"

"Devastating attack!"

"Not as much as this!"

Zenki put his hands together and launched a powerful wide beam of demonic energy at his best friend Sairaorg. The demonic power was so large that it took over half of the training area that Sairaorg and Zenki inhabit from time to time.

Sairaorg saw the attack coming and put his power into his fist.

"Try this!"

Thrusting that fist forward, he shattered the demonic power apart, but received burns on his hand for it. Sairaorg felt pain enter his hand, but he didn't mind all that much, just clenching his hand tightly and escaped the pain he felt by flicking his wrists forward.

Once seeing the demonic power off, Zenki panted.

"What strength Sai-tan. But, can you handle this? I call it Scatter Shot, see if you can handle these!"

Zenki raised his spirits, and shot out numerous blasts of demonic power. Each of them were filled with the power of a High Class Devil that could even make most people cry out in pain, and certainly, Diodora wouldn't be able to survive this kind of assault.

"You're right, it could be difficult, but I won't be losing now."

Sairaorg didn't bat an eyelid at the attacks, and charged forward.

Each attack that came for him, were broken apart by Zenki's best friends mighty strength. Zenki was sure that each time he sparred with Sairaorg, Sairaorg was becoming stronger and stronger. He was sure that the man was gaining leaps and bounds in enormous power.

Sairaorg smashed through each of the attacks. Though they were filled with a high spec demonic power, Zenki once again had to marvel at the strength his rival and friend was able to achieve with his training alone.

Zenki bent downwards at seeing his demonic power broken apart, a wheezing noise coming from Zenki's nose and throat.

"Seems like your strength hasn't decreased at all since our last training session."

Zenki noted, as Sairaorg panted as well.

"And your demonic energy hasn't depleted either. But that's well to be expected. Even though you came out of the hospital not one week ago, you surely are energetic to get back to training, aren't you?"

Zenki nodded and sat to the ground, rubbing the place where he got stabbed, his thigh, sighing softly.

"I got, stabbed and cut and such by Diodora's peerage, and even the people he hired. Because of my weakness, I wasn't able to do anything about Asia-san dying. Though I am happy that she can live under me now."

Sairaorg could understand the frustrations that Zenki was feeling, as he used to feel the same when he was weak.

"I understand, Zenki." Sairaorg's compassion made Zenki smile, the man himself taking a seat next to him. "But, I heard that you transformed into a Dragon and bit off Diodora's arm."

Sairaorg couldn't help but notice that his own face was turning upwards as he said those words.

It wasn't voluntary that his face went upwards, he just couldn't help himself.

Zenki smirked a little bit at that as well due to the happy feelings he felt when recalling seeing Diodora with an arm less than it was before now.

But it soon fell from his face and that turned downwards, falling into a frown, a deep frown.

"I don't remember it, honestly." He confessed, Sairaorg listening intently. "I only remember Asia-san dying in front of me, then seeing red. Not from her blood, but pure rage. I've never felt that angry before, I don't want to feel that angry again. I lost control, and I supposedly turned into a Dragon. I can't remember it myself though. When I next realized it, I was in my Kaa-chan's arms. That's all I remember. I felt like I blacked out into this void, and I was stuck there. I couldn't see or hear anything, I was surrounded by this emptiness, and truthfully it was kind of scary."

His confession to Sairaorg was sudden, unexpected. But he could trust his best friend, speaking with him so candidly like he was.

"I see…a dark void huh. Well, it was the first time using your Okaa-sama's inherited power, wasn't it?"

"I think so…I mean, if I did anymore, then I don't remember it. But that day was terrible. I can't even think about it…though, I did gain two new peerage members."

Zenki smiled at this fact.

He loved the fact that he did gain two strong peerage members. Asia, and Jeanne were people that he could readily say that he was very fond of them. Especially since it was because of Asia, as he really did like her, but didn't know how to express it very well.

Plus, there unique talents were something he had wanted in a Bishop and Knight. Healer, and Sword User. The pair of them were girls that he readily would say that even if circumstances didn't happen the way that they did, he would've sill have made them into his servants, if he could've convinced them and circumstances allowed themselves to do something like that.

"Aah, yes. A healer, and a sword user, correct?"

Sairaorg remembered, Zenki nodding his head.

"That's right. My adorable Asia-san and my adorable Jeanne-san as well. They are adjusting quite well with what's going on. I mean, Asia-san is quite good because her life changed into a different setting within seconds. She's adjusting quite well."

So said Zenki in a pleased voice for his new Bishop, also a sense of a hint of a crush in his voice that Sairaorg could even notice.

"Oh, is this the girl you have a crush on?"

"Pft!" Zenki did a spit take at the teasing he received from his best friend, shaking his head again and again in denial. "N-No! I don't have a crush on her at all! W-We're peerage members! I-I mean she's my Bishop, that's it! She's my friend and all! N-Nothing else at all!"

Zenki couldn't get it out fast enough. His voice was quick, speedy, and almost like a bullet. Sairaorg barely caught it, but he did catch it.

Sairaorg's lips lifted up, and thought he'd play with Zenki a little bit, surprisingly liking to do that with his best friend.

"Oh, if she was behind you then you wouldn't be that bothered?"

Zenki's face stained a tinge of pink, shaking his head.

"N-No, not at all…"

Sairaorg loved teasing Zenki, so waved his hand behind him, Zenki's eyes furrowing in puzzlement.

"Oh, hello Bishop of Zenki, lovely day we're having."

"Asia-san!?" He screamed in happiness, whizzing his body around to see…nothing was there, his face turning red with annoyance for Sairaorg. "Sai-tan!" He berated and turned to the snickering Sairaorg. "T-That wasn't even funny! I-I could've lost it if she was behind me then!"

Sairaorg continued to laugh for a few moments.

"Hahaha…I'm sorry, it was too good. I don't even know why you're rejecting the idea of loving this girl."

"I-I'm not." He breathed out at the notion he was, and hugged his knees. "I-It's weird, don't you think? Being interested in someone who is like your Bishop and all. I mean, would you date one of your peerage members?"

To his surprise, Sairaorg shrugged his shoulders.

"I cannot be sure. I don't particularly have interests in my peerage like that. But if I did, I wouldn't mind that much."

"R-Really?"

Sairaorg nodded his head.

"Usually, things like that do not concern me. But, I don't see anything wrong with being with someone in your peerage. There are plenty of people who are dating members of their peerages. I can think of a few that come to my mind right now. So if I was you, I wouldn't worry so much about it."

His words of wisdom made Zenki's heart calm down. It was rushing around before, but now it was cool and collected. Thanks to Sairaorg, he was able to feel good than before he was thinking under the stress of what he should be feeling now.

"I-I see…well, I will have to think about it."

He cast his eyes down, an usually shy smile appearing on his face, working its way into his heart as well.

Sairaorg smiled at his friend, glad he was able to cheer up the depressed looking Zenki. Though he wished he could've found out more about the transformation into a Dragon. Sairaorg would admit, the very idea of Zenki transforming into a Dragon was very appeasing to him, and he wished he could do it even more.

---

On a Tuesday morning, Zenki was sat in a deserted area, overlooking a forest. Zenki was dressed in a strange Chinese shirt that had a Dragon design on the front, and some Chinese writing on the back. He was also wearing Chinese inspired pants as well.

Next to him, was Ophis, dressed in a Lolita dress. Around her neck were the headphones that Zenki had made for her. Though she didn't wear them, she'd occasionally run her finger over them gently, showing that she was appreciative of them.

Between them, was a picnic basket, and both of them are eating some food that Zenki had made for the pair of them.

It had been a few months now, since Zenki started meeting with Ophis. In that time, he didn't know what she was, but he knew that she was very powerful. He had witnessed it for himself. He would even say that she was in league with his own Father, but he had never experienced the true power of Ophis, so he was only going off from what he could sense.

Though he hasn't told anyone of Ophis' existence, it was something he liked. Because this was a secret between the two of them. He didn't know of what Ophis did when they weren't together, but she seemed to him to be a very good person. Something about her was honest and pure, she didn't seem to have any negative intensions, besides when mentioning Great Red, so he only did that sparsely, and even then it was only to question why she didn't like the Great Red, and she would always answer "Because, Great Red stole my home." and that was the end of it.

So together with his friend, he was having a picnic with her.

"This, is chocolate chipped."

"Yummy."

Ophis was eating cookies, and Zenki was eating a cheese sandwich, the pair having a silence. It was comfortable for Ophis, but Zenki wasn't the type to keep silent about things that came to do with this.

So, to break the silence, Zenki coughed into his hand.

"So Ophis-san, have you had a good week?"

"No."

She answered blandly, drawing concern from Zenki.

"Ophis-san? Did something happen?"

"The, current life I have, is not one I choose. The people around me, aren't people I like very much."

She confessed as if it was nothing, but Zenki didn't think that was right.

"If you don't like them very much, why do you hang out with them, if I may ask?"

"They, promised to help me get my, home back. For annoyance, I shall endure a little longer. For Great Red's head, I shall endure the people around me."

"I-I see…" Zenki trailed off with a pained smile as he saw Ophis looking a little annoyed, so changed the subject quickly. "H-Hey Ophis-san, do you like the cookies?"

Ophis nodded her head, forgetting Great Red for the moment.

"Yes. I, like them. They, taste good." Ophis said with a stone face. But then, she looked at Zenki and held out her hand. "Would you, like a snake?"

He chuckled awkwardly at her face when she asked that, being reminded of a certain snake like character from an anime that seemed to be interested in little boys, becoming slightly on edge with the Loli girl.

"Erm…n-no thanks. I don't know what it would do to me."

He was apprehensive about it. He didn't want to ingest something that could mess up with his insides. It was something that he couldn't do. It would be terrible if he disappeared because of this snake, and he wasn't even sure what it was made from, and he didn't care to know, the snake being something terrifying.

"It, would make you stronger. It would, make you safe."

So said Ophis while taking a bite of a cookie.

Even that answer wasn't something Zenki wanted to hear.

"E-Even so…erm, why do you keep offering me snakes? Each time we meet, you offer me a snake, is there a reason for that?"

He couldn't figure it out. He wasn't sure if she was messing with him, or if she was doing something else. Whatever the reason, he wanted to find out about it.

Ophis contemplated the answer to herself, wondering why herself. But a few seconds later, she came to a conclusion.

"I, like your company. If, you're weak, you would, disappear by, stronger foes. That's, why I offer, my snake. It can, make you strong. You, can take the snake, into your mouth, and swallow it. Inside of your stomach, it will release its power, and make you stronger. I, do not wish for Zenki to disappear. Zenki, went berserk once, I felt Zenki releasing his power. Zenki, almost disappeared, I wasn't happy."

Ophis expressed as she took a drink of chocolate milk.

Zenki had discovered that Ophis was a girl that liked to drink and eat chocolate, yet she never gained a single pound from what he could tell. He was quite jealous of her actually. She always seemed to be the same, not matter what happened.

"A-Ah, Ophis-san, you care about me? I really am touched by your kindness Ophis-san."

He was touched if he was honest with himself.

He had become quite good friends with her. She was a little strange, but he knew Kuroka and other people, so she wasn't so that bad.

"Yes. Zenki, makes good cookies."

He chuckled awkwardly and wasn't sure how to feel about that.

On one hand, he was glad she liked him around, but if it was only for cookies then it seemed to be a little strange.

"S-So, that's why you like having me around huh."

She nodded as he sweat dropped. But then Ophis turned to him and gave him a shock.

"I, also like Zenki's kindness. He, talks to me. I, don't mind this. Usually, silence is what I aim to achieve, but on Tuesday's, Zenki talks to me, and we have, what is called fun. We, have food together, we also have, conversations that do not, matter. But, I also am able to have someone who, talks to me. I, like this."

Speaking honestly, Zenki felt touched in a good way.

He adopted a small smile on his face, and gave Ophis' head a small pet. Ophis, while not showing it on her face, liked when Zenki's hand petted her head. Most might consider it condescending or just plain rude to do this to her, but Ophis enjoyed when he touched her head with his hand.

"That's very lovely Ophis-san. I am glad you feel like this. I also like your company very much."

"Good." Ophis said with straight eyes, looking at Zenki with them. "How is, Tiamat? Is she, currently doing well?"

Ophis suddenly brought up, Zenki's eyes lowering a little bit, his hair shading his eyes ever so slightly.

"A-Ah, she's doing quite well."

Zenki said while not looking at her, but that didn't bother the Loli a tiny bit.

"I see…the current Dragon Kings are, moving in this era. It will, be interesting, do you not think so?"

Asking the opinion of Zenki, he shrugged his shoulders.

"W-Well, I'm not an expert on Dragons, but yes…any movement from Dragons is interesting. They are, very powerful creatures. I wish I could meet one, one day, besides…you know…and all, s-she's very…"

"Tiamat currently, oversees the Rating Games, of the Devils, correct?"

Ophis suddenly came out with a wide look in her eyes. It was almost as if she was stating a fact towards Zenki, which he already knew as even he was privy to information with Tiamat and all, that was something he could understand.

"That's certainly true. That's what she does. But she also lives…how she likes."

He said with a strained smile, Ophis not picking up on it.

"Tannin is, also moving. Currently, he is, moving dangerously."

"Dangerously?"

Ophis inclined her head.

"I, once heard Tannin tried, to defeat Great Red…Tannin wasn't strong enough. Tannin, also became a Devil."

So said Ophis as she ate another cookie. This time, she shoved the entire thing into her mouth, astonishing Zenki on how she was able to do something like that.

"Aah, yes. Tannin-san is someone I am acquainted with. We aren't besties or anything, but we do…" He paused himself as he saw the look of Ophis. "…is something wrong Ophis-san?"

"What is, besties?"

Asking such a pure question, Zenki released a small chuckle.

"Hehe, it is…best friends. It's, a slang version of it."

Zenki explained as Ophis' face tilted her head to the side very cutely.

"Besties…" She repeated, then pointed at Zenki. "We, are besties."

He had to hold himself back from laughing. The way she said it was so monotone, yet adorable at the same time. He could feel himself breaking under the attempt to hold back the laughing that was coming to his lips at this moment in time, his bottom lip quivering dangerously.

"O-Oh, w-we are, a-are we?"

Ophis nodded, oblivious of the internal struggle Zenki was having.

"Yes, that is why, you should accept my snake."

Ophis offered him again as a snake slithered from her sleeve. It went to Zenki and brushed against his arm. The black snake then slivered up his arm as he cringed, but it didn't do anything other than rub itself against his face.

"C-Could you please stop offering me your snake?"

He muttered while attempting to gently push the snake away from his body, not wanting to be overtaken by the snake, it being frightening to him. He didn't like the snake, he was sure that something strange would happen if he accepted the snake.

"Why?"

It was a very good question from the Loli, so Zenki chuckled awkwardly and explained his reasoning's.

"Y-You see, it sounds…I know you probably don't intend to be like this, but it sounds a little sexual to my ears…damn Kuroka-tan, she makes everything seem sexual to me now…I've been hanging out with her for too long."

"Because, it sounds…sexual? You, won't accept my snake?"

The face Ophis made was just too cute to Zenki. He couldn't explain it, but he was reminded of Koneko when looking at her innocent face, yet it was different to Koneko's face as well, but he couldn't place his finger on why that was.

"W-Well, that's one of the reasons. I-If you're worried about me then…y-you don't have to be. I will become strong, I promise."

That seemed to satisfy Ophis, as she made a accepting face.

"Good…it would be bad, if Zenki disappeared. It would be better, if Great Red disappeared. Yes, Great Red should, disappear and Zenki should, come with me to, the Dimensional Gap. That, would be the best."

So said Ophis in a matter of fact tone.

"Ah…erm, yes, that's for the best, I guess!"

"It is, for the best. Also, Zenki shall, be okay. If, someone tries to harm Zenki, I shall defend him until, he is strong enough to, defend himself. Zenki, became hurt last time, I wasn't happy. Zenki, almost got killed, because he was weak. I, shall become his guardian until he becomes stronger."

Making that declaration, Zenki didn't realize the gravity behind those words, and what kind of promise she just made to him.

"Ophis-san…that's very sweet. But you don't have to defend me, I will be okay. I was only hurt because Diodora targeted someone innocent, and if that didn't happen I wouldn't of been all that hurt to be honest. I am building a strong peerage after all. We're a team, we fight together, and I believe that together, we'll be able to take on many foes…though of course, there's the OP foes out there that I wouldn't be able to deal with…b-but that doesn't matter right now, does it?"

He didn't want to put Ophis in any kind of danger for him. Even knowing she was powerful, he didn't want her to fight his battles for him. He wanted to be strong on his own power, and not have people defend him. He wanted to defend people, and this time he wasn't going to lose someone. This time, after losing Asia because he couldn't defend her, this time he wasn't going to allow her to be hurt by something like Marc or anyone ever again.

But Ophis was adamant about it and stuck out her hand towards him.

"Even then, I shall defend Zenki until, he is strong enough. Zenki disappearing, is bad. Zenki staying, is better. He can, stay beside me, while I protect him. Zenki, is my friend. I shall, use my power to defend him. Then, when Zenki is strong enough, he shall help me, defeat Great Red."

"Y-You seem to have confidence that I will be able to come to a level where this Great Red-san is."

Zenki was stating this, and yet at the same time he was unsure why Ophis thought this about him. He didn't know what the future held. But Ophis spoke as if she already knew what was going to happen. So she was either psychic, or she just had faith in him. Whatever it was, he wasn't going to argue with her really.

"You, shall be strong. It, is already determined, Zenki Astaroth. He is, special. He, has a special, Kaa-san, and Tou-san. He's a, unique existence. I shall, also watch over this child, and see where, he goes in the future."

Being called special was oddly surprisingly comforting for him. Since it came from Ophis, then he could believe it. He heard of it from others before in his life, but they always or usually, had ulterior motives, but he knew Ophis didn't, barring Great Red, but she didn't seem to be even thinking of that. Even then, it was always difficult to discern what they were thinking.

"O-Oh, that's very kind, of you. I, em, I don't know if it is true or not-"

Ophis stopped him as she held out her hand, raising it to his head, and petted it.

"Zenki Astaroth, will be strong. He is, very smart."

Being praised was always a wonderful thing to Zenki. He liked it, and receiving it by someone like Ophis, he was happy about it.

"Aaha, thanks! If you want to meet smart, then you should meet Sona-tan! She's smarter than I am!"

Ophis shook her head as she ran fingers through Zenki's hair.

"I, do not need to know this, Sona. I know, Zenki. We are, besties." Ophis said while furrowing her eyebrows. "Then, when Zenki becomes strong, I shall defeat Great Red with him, and we will live, in the Dimensional Gap together."

Ophis made a declaration, Zenki not exactly thrilled about this.

"You really dislike Great Red-san, don't you?" Ophis nodded stone like. He chuckled lightly, and moved onto another topic that had been in his mind for a while now. "S-So Ophis-san…you know, I don't even know what you are…I mean, I'm a Devil, and you know that, but you…erm, how to say, I don't know if you're human or what…"

"I, am a Dragon. Humanoid shaped Dragon. I am, Ophis."

Ophis spoke in a monotone, Zenki's eyes widening in pure shock.

"Y-You're a Dragon!?"

Naturally, he was shocked. He didn't bother looking up the name Ophis, he didn't see the need to do it. But now, he was being surprised by this information, that Ophis is a Dragon, and he found himself staring at her strangely.

Ophis looked with her grey eyes upon his own eyes, cocking her head to the side.

"That, is correct. I, am Ophis. You, may still call me Ophis."

The newly revealed Dragon girl said as if it wasn't a big deal, and it wasn't really. But to Zenki, he didn't want to disrespect her, so it was a huge deal, and he knew she would probably be able to kill him with a single finger so he was attempting to keep himself in her best books.

"W-Well, that's relieving, thank you Ophis-san! S-So, a Dragon-chan huh, that's awesome Ophis-san! You're a real Dragon huh! Besides a few Dragons I know, I never thought I would meet a real Dragon that wasn't a Devil like Tannin-san, or even Tiamat-san, or the…well, I guess you know who I'm referring too, huh. That's amazing Ophis-san, so what is it like to be a Dragon like you are?"

He fanboyed. Naturally, he was very happy to see a Dragon up this close. But it didn't change anything about the way he viewed her. He still thought that she was a nice person who was quirky yet cute at the same time. Dragon or not didn't bother him.

"Being, a Dragon, is okay. I, don't have any, feelings on the matter. I, am also the same, person you knew two minutes ago."

Zenki couldn't deny her words being true.

"Yes, that's right. You're still the same person Ophis-san." Zenki said with a smile as Ophis budged closer, resting a hand on his leg. He naturally became a little shocked. "Ophis-san…"

"We, are friends. Touching, friends do this. I, read in a book called Karma Sutra."

Zenki's face dropped to the floor at Ophis' innocent expression.

"N-No! Y-You don't need to read that! T-That's something you don't need to…" Ophis stood up, and suddenly, she placed herself on his lap, shocking him even more. "W-What are you doing Ophis-san!?"

"I read, friends sit on, friends laps, when they are, friends."

He chuckled nervously, unsure of what to do, though a strange feeling overtook him, and he felt afraid someone was angry right now…he didn't realize how right he really was.

---

In the Underworld, Koneko had her fist tightened, an angry expression on her face, as Ravel looked on with worry.

"Is there something wrong Koneko-san?"

Koneko shot her eyes to Ravel, causing her to cry. Kuroka not far off, was laughing awkwardly as well. Asia and Jeanne looked between each other, and had troubled looks on their faces, having never witnessed Koneko looking so angry before, and they weren't sure what they were supposed to be doing right now.

With narrowed eyes, Koneko looked at Ravel and Kuroka, even Kuroka not wanting to mess with her little sister right now, never having seen that scary level of intensity on the girls face before.

"…I feel like another Loli has sat, on my personal territory…Zenki-sans lap. Zenki-san…to think that another Loli could steal my territory…Zenki-sans lap is mine…I won't give it up. To think that…some Loli has taken into my territory…I won't believe this anymore. This…cannot be happening."

At that, Ravel and Kuroka backed away, a scary aura erupting from Koneko. Even Kuroka looked frightened right now, and she was never frightened of anything, she was always playful, but right now, she was reduced to a frightened mess, Ravel fairing worse than she was, Asia practically felt like she was going to faint, and Jeanne kept shaking her body, Koneko being the very definition of fear giving.

---

Back where Ophis and Zenki were, Ophis stayed on his lap. He was too afraid to shift her, knowing of some of her strength and that dwarfed his own strength, so he couldn't say anything. Ophis on the other hand seemed to be content with sitting on his lap.

"Zenki, your lap is soft on my butt."

Ophis came out with it as if it was nothing in the world, shifting her body from left to right and other directions as well, but she remained on his lap no matter what. She wouldn't move from his lap, and stayed there.

Zenki's face became a little red and he smiled sheepishly.

"O-Ophis-san…"

He tried to speak, but Ophis turned around on his lap, so he was being straddled by Ophis. His face turned even more red, and he wasn't able to even see straight, his growing nervousness hazing his vision.

"Zenki, answer me something."

"E-Eh…what?"

He wondered back to her as Ophis placed a hand on his cheek. His reddened face became even more so when he felt Ophis stroking his face. He wasn't sure what was going on, but he couldn't say that he didn't enjoy it.

"Would you, be dissatisfied if I disappeared?"

Hearing the honest words of the Dragon, Zenki's mind became muddled.

"A-Are you saying that you are going to leave?"

Ophis shook her head in dismissal.

"No. I, am pleased with, meeting Zenki like this. I, am interested in his growth. He's, got strong DNA, and I, like Zenki. He, is very kind to me. I, was just curious, is the word I believe. Zenki, would you, be opposed to joining my organization?"

"J-Joining it? W-Why would you want me…?"

Zenki didn't understand what Ophis was trying to get at.

She seemed to be jumping from one topic to the other, which was pretty normal for Ophis.

"Zenki, is smart. Smarter, than most of the others. He, will grow in intelligence as his age increases, and he's kind. I, would name you, vice commander, the word is I believe. I, would be pleased, if Zenki accepted that offer."

Ophis' proposal came out of nowhere, and Zenki was shocked. Naturally, he was very shocked that he was just offered this. Even with the importance of this offer being unknown to him, he still found it to be a huge deal.

"V-Vice commander of your organization, huh? W-Well, I don't know…that's a huge deal Ophis-san. C-Can you offer something like that to a child like me? Though I don't understand what your organization is for, or what it even is, to be asked by its leader to be a vice commander is a huge deal."

Ophis' grey eyes looked upon Zenki and he felt like his soul was being stared right into.

"It, is. But, Zenki can, lead very well. He, understands many things. Even, if a child, you're smarter than, most adults. So, it is only natural, for you to, come into my organization. I shall, protect you. Do, not be concerned with other things, I shall make sure, you can come to my side. It, isn't a problem, at all."

Zenki couldn't understand why Ophis was so determined to protect him. He was flattered, and even very sweet for her.

"Ophis-san…why do you want to protect me…? We've only known one another a small amount of time, so I was just wondering…"

Ophis contemplates what she should say as an answer, and stares at the boy for a few seconds.

In those seconds, Zenki wasn't sure what he was supposed to do or say. Ophis was always strange and acted differently to the usual people around. But he couldn't say that he didn't like Ophis and her strange quirks.

After those few seconds, Ophis made up her mind and expressed her desires to Zenki before her.

"I, like Zenki. I, wish for him to stay around. He, is a good boy." Ophis put her hand to his face again and petted lightly. "I, like Zenki's serious face, his face when he is thinking, his face when he is smiling. I, do not like when Zenki cries. Zenki, do not cry again, understood?"

Hearing the seriousness of her words, Zenki inclined his head.

"I promise to not cry anymore."

He promised her, and when Zenki promised, he was going to try his best.

Even Ophis knew of this, so her lips tugged upwards ever so slightly. It wasn't even noticeable by the green haired boy, but Ophis tried her best to do it, seeing Zenki smiling often.

"Good. Stay, smiling."

Ophis said it with a straight and honest voice, Zenki giving a charming smile, then recalled the food, so pulled the basket closer to them and showed it to Ophis.

"So, would you like to have anything else to eat? There's plenty to eat, please don't restrain yourself."

He offered, to keep it normal between the two of them.

Ophis hummed in thought, then nodded her head.

"I, would like some cheese sandwiches."

He allowed a small chuckle to escape his throat, and fetched one out for her, giving it to her who ate it straight away.

"There, please enjoy."

"I, shall enjoy, with my bestie."

Zenki chuckled heartily, and enjoyed the time he had with his friend, Ophis the Dragon. Even if he found her strange, she was quickly becoming one of his friends, and if he knew it would be impossible, he'd have asked Ophis to join his peerage. But he settled for being friends with the Dragon girl. That's all he needed now, and Ophis seemed to want to be his friend as well, that was more than enough for anything else.

---

When Zenki returned home, he was surprised to see Koneko looking at him sternly.

The others in his peerage were sat way away from Koneko, and he wasn't sure why. But she was radiating a scary aura right now. Whatever the aura was for, it was terrifying for him to even stand this close to the girl.

With kind eyes, Zenki addressed Koneko's worried face.

"Koneko-tan? Is there something wrong?"

His kindness was silenced when Koneko turned her sharpened eyes towards Zenki.

"…I felt it Zenki-san."

Koneko said without a warning, the girls flinching at the harshness of Koneko's voice.

Even Zenki was amazed by the fact that he felt a shiver down his spine.

"K-Koneko-tan…? W-What did you feel exactly?"

Zenki's heart raced at the feeling of Koneko's eyes on his form. He could literally feel his heart smashing against his chest and was trying to get free. Something about the young Nekomata's eyes were dark and piercing to him.

Koneko looked Zenki directly in his eyes and moved closer towards him.

Once making it in front of him, her cold eyes looked rightly into his eyes, and took his hand. He gushed at the cute expression on her face, while Koneko looked at his lap. At first, he thought that Koneko was looking at his crotch so he blushed up a storm. But then, she denied that when she patted his thighs with her free hand.

"…Zenki-san, this lap of yours should belong to me. Yet, I felt someone else sit on your lap…I was confused by this…why would you do something like allow another girl to sit on this lap without my permission?"

Zenki felt more fear run down his spine, moving closer towards her and giving her a hug. Koneko's lips rose ever so slightly, knowing that she was getting victory.

"I-I'm sorry Koneko-tan…it w-was my new friend…s-she insisted…I-I am so sorry Koneko-tan…w-would you like me to make it up to you?"

He pleaded, more than offering as well. He wanted to make sure that she was okay, and didn't hate him for the lap he had taken away from her, at least that's how he saw the girl feeling at this moment in time.

"…I would like lap time."

Zenki chuckled awkwardly and sat down on the bed as fast as he could.

Koneko followed slowly, jumping onto his lap and claiming it as her own. Victory was in her eyes while she glanced at each of the other peerage members. Even Kuroka looked to be pissed off right now, because her little sister was getting in front of her like this.

"I-Is this good?"

He was afraid right now. Even he would admit that Koneko frightening him wasn't a good thing.

"…Yes, it is good."

Said Koneko as she snuggled against Zenki's lap.

Zenki put a hand to the back of her head, stroking her hair gently, soothingly, and rubbed the place he knew she enjoyed the most, the back of the right cat ear she had. When his finger brushed over that spot, a "Nyan~" escaped her throat, Zenki's body heating up as fast as lava, the other girls merely watching on in inquisitive to see what the girl was going to do next, becoming a little frightened.

---

"Oh, hello Jeanne-san, how are you?"

Zenki greeted as he noticed Jeanne was in the training area he usually uses when he wants to train himself. He could see Jeanne having a sword in her hand, and a stance that was meager at best, but she was trying her best.

Her brow dripped with sweat, her eyes looking exhausted, displaying her exhaustion at that. Her breathing was quite laboured, panting heavily. The sword in her hand crumbled away in her hand went she felt exhaustion take over her body.

"A-Ah, Zenki-chan. I-I'm good."

He smiled and walked closer, giving Jeanne a pat on the head.

"That's a good girl. I'm glad you're okay…but, what were you doing? Some training perhaps?"

Jeanne nodded and tried to regain her usual peppiness, but she failed, due to being tired.

"G-Gotta admit, I'm trying my best to become a good Knight-chan for ya, Zenki-chan."

Hearing that was a little surprising for Zenki.

"You want to become a good Knight for me?"

He was quite unsure if he had heard right or not. He wanted to believe he did, but he wasn't sure, so he questioned it even more than before.

"Yeah! That's right, I want to try my best! Since Zenki-chan reincarnated me into your Knight…I wanted to try my best for you! I mean, I don't want to be weak or anything Zenki-chan! It is better if we are strong, right!?"

It was quite surprising to hear that from his Knight, so he sat down on the ground and patted the side of him. Jeanne sharpened her eyes in puzzlement.

"It's been a few weeks since you became my Knight, so why don't you come and sit down with me? We've not had much chance to talk have we? Why don't we get to know one another for a little bit?"

Jeanne liked the sound of that, and immediately sat next to him, giving him a bright smile.

"So Zenki-chan, what are we going to be doing now? We're going to be bonding as King and Knight?"

Jeanne teased with a cute looking face.

"Hehe, something like that." He replied with a chuckle, running a finger through his green hair. "I just wanted to know more about you, is all. Since we met under circumstances where we weren't even able to talk to one another, I thought that we'd be able to talk like this. I'll happily listen to any concerns, worries, or even fears you have. Or if you want anything? I'm here to make your life a little easier…sounds weird, I know it is, and I know it sounds weird, but I am here to help you."

Jeanne cocked her curious head to the side, unsure of how to answer.

"Well, I don't really need anything. I'm away from my past, I live in a nice room and I've made good friends with Asia-chan and the others. Ravel-chan is fun to tease, and Kuroka-chan is really funny. Even Koneko-chan has her moments. Even my adorable King is cute and kind, so I don't have any complaints Zenki-chan. Thanks for asking though. It's really kind that you think of helping your peerage like this~"

Jeanne said it with such a cuteness that Zenki was shocked she could be so adorable.

Zenki tossed his head towards her and made a confused face.

"Are you sure? You became a Devil under strange circumstances…was your life really bad before coming under my house? To my peerage, I mean?"

He wanted to know more and more about his Knight. He didn't want to be strangers with her, so he tried his best to get to know his new Knight. Whatever worries she has, he wanted to fix them for her.

Jeanne adopted a cute smile, but that smile was full of depression and darkness as well. Zenki could see that the girls face was trying to smile, but she was failing miserably, cracking under the gaze that Zenki was giving her, and forfeited her smile for a saddened expression.

"My life before was pretty bad, people did weird things with me. I'm not truly sure what they really wanted with me. I don't know if it was my Sacred Gear or something else they wanted…b-but they did hurt me a lot…"

Jeanne confessed at the end, and she looked to be depressed.

Zenki put a hand over the top of her hand, and squeezed it gently, comforting her. Jeanne felt good when his hand touched hers, it made her develop a little blush on her cheeks and she moved closer to his body.

"It's okay Jeanne-san, you don't have to tell me anything difficult. It seems like you've been through an ordeal."

Jeanne nodded as she felt tears prickle at her eyes.

"Yes…erm…they did many things to me…it hurt a lot…t-they poked me with weird devices that shocked me a-and my body hurt a lot…a-and erm…it's weird…I was young when it started…I just wanted to help people…y-you know?"

"O-Of course, helping people is quite amazing. Bu-But they did things to you…"

Zenki showed compassion, his eyes laced with it. He couldn't be more compassionate right now, and Jeanne was very pleased with what treatment she was receiving right now. She couldn't be more happy with the kindness Zenki gave her. She loved it in fact she was very pleased with gaining such a thing.

"T-They were cruel to me. They hit me a lot, and called me horrible names…t-they were even cruel and sa-said they were going to take my life at the end of whatever they were going to do to me…I-I only wanted to help people…I thought that I was doing a service to God and my family as well…but that doesn't even seem to matter now…"

She confessed, tears rolling down her face, Zenki moving to give her a hug. Once his arms went around her, Jeanne felt more relaxed, something about his hug being very good to her.

"It's alright, I'm here now. No one will hurt you like that again, I promise. And your family, can I find them for you? If you know where they last were, I could possibly go and find them for you? My Tou-chan has a lot of different contacts, and I myself have some as well, it would be good if you reunited with your family, you know?"

When Zenki makes a promise, everyone knows he is going to keep it. Even Jeanne, despite not knowing him long, knew that he was going to keep it. She had talked with Asia, and had discovered that Zenki had been taking beatings for her, been giving her new and interesting items, just being there for her.

Jeanne liked that about Zenki, how he cared for his peerage members more than anything else. She could see it with the way that he interacted with Asia and the others, it was evident that Asia and the others felt very cared for by Zenki.

"My family, are probably dead now."

She explained to Zenki who raised his eyebrows.

"Dead? You mean, they could be truly dead?"

He didn't want to believe it, and was saddened for Jeanne.

Jeanne however just showed a bright smile.

"Yes, that's right Zenki-chan. I think they are anyway. I'm not truly sure. The last time I saw them, they were in a pretty bad way. S-So, if they are dead or not, I am not truly sure. I want to believe my Kaa-chan and Tou-chan are alive, but I truly don't know. Or maybe I am kidding myself, and they are dead after all…if that's the case, then I don't know what to do. Grieve? Be relieved that their suffering in this life is over? I can't be sure what I think about it."

As she explained to Zenki, he couldn't help but feel bad for her, and wanted to make her feel better in anyway that he could. He used his hands to rub her back, so she didn't have to feel so lonely, be alone because he was with her now.

Jeanne smiled a little bit, seeing his kind face, and patted Zenki's cheek, and gained a small blush from the pat.

"Zenki-chan is always nice to me…I feel good when Zenki-chan gives me a hug like this…w-when Zenki-chan is the one to give me a hug like this, I feel amazing, you know what I mean?"

Jeanne said it with a kind voice and an equally kind look on her face.

Zenki could understand what she was talking about, and smiled softly towards the female.

"Hehe, when I receive hugs from my peerage members, I feel good as well. I'm glad I can comfort you Jeanne. But that part of your life is over now Jeanne-san. You won't have to worry about being in a situation where it would be a ruin to do."

"W-Well…it…it's over now…but Zenki-chan…erm, you know, if you could keep me being…eem, in pain between us…that would be better…"

Jeanne didn't want others to know much of her past, despite being bubbly and cheery, she was also a person that wanted to leave the past in the past. The only reason she told Zenki something was because he was her King now, and was genuinely concerned for her, and she felt like she could trust him so that was a good thing to her.

"No worries, I won't say anything to anyone. So now, you've been training, with your swords, have you?"

He moved the topic, trying to make sure that she didn't experience bad thoughts. He loved it when Jeanne was happy, not sad and depressed. He found it better when she was smiling, and Jeanne smiling was the best ever.

"Yeah, my Blade Blacksmith, my holy swords. Pretty cool or what?"

He chuckled, and petted her head, releasing her from a hug. She pouted at the loss of contact, so she hugged onto his arm.

"Yeah, it is indeed very cool indeed. Holy swords are awesome, there's no mistake there. You can certainly be quite dangerous to Devils, and you're a Devil yourself. You've got an interesting Sacred Gear there, and you can make any different types of holy swords, so the possibilities are endless and all. But your fighting style is…"

He didn't want to make his words negative, but Jeanne understood, and lowered her head.

"They are quite abysmal, aren't they?"

Jeanne bluntly stated it, knowing that her fighting style wasn't that good.

"Your words." He agreed, but then petted her face. "Don't worry, I have some ideas to turn that around for the future."

"Hmmm?"

Jeanne hummed in a confused manner, Zenki giving her a little smile.

"Well, there's a certain Knight that I know that is well versed in swordsmanship. There's a few favours I'm gonna call in and see if I can have that person train you in the art of swords. I'd do it myself, but I have no clue on how to use a sword properly, it would be bad if I taught you. The best I could do is help you swing it around very unprofessionally, or something like that. Though it might mean hard work."

Zenki warned her with a warm smile, but Jeanne seemed very strong right now, and wanted to do her best, showing her best foot forward or so to speak. This was something Jeanne was determined to do, and showed as much.

"That's alright now Zenki-chan! Leave it to me! I will train my best and I will become the best Knight in the world!"

Jeanne cheered loudly, her eyes brimming with determination.

"Good response Jeanne-san! I know that with your abilities, you'll be able to become a very strong and capable Knight. But do not worry, whatever happens, as long as you do your best, I will be content."

Jeanne smiled widely at the boy beside her, and snuggled against him with her larger assets. Zenki's face turned a little red at the feeling of her boobs pressing against Zenki's arm, sinking his arm into her bust.

"That's so like you Zenki-chan! Always the kindest ever! I'm glad that you became my King! If I was to be a Devil, then the white hearted Devil-chan was the one that I wanted to become! In the future, I am going to be like the bestest Knight in the universe and beat other Knights! Even though I took a single piece, I will show how strong I truly am in the future, okay Zenki-chan!"

Making her declaration, Zenki smiled at his new Knight, proud that she was able to smile, even with the life she had. He didn't know all of it, but what she told him was more than enough for someone to be broken…but Jeanne wasn't going to be broken like that.

"Good determination Jeanne-san! I can't wait for the results! If it is my Knight, then I know everything is going to be okay. We'll make sure that everything is okay."

Zenki declared right back to her, Jeanne nodding her head a single time.

"That's good, also Zenki-chan, when are you going to punish me?"

Zenki's head bent sideways in puzzlement to Jeanne's statement, seeing her face gain a lewd look.

"Punish you? What for?"

"For being a good girl of course~ S-So, punishment is also appreciated~"

Zenki blinked, uncertain of what was happening.

"Jeanne-san...you want me to punish you for being good...h-how do you want me to punish you?"

Jeanne lightly tittered and produced some handcuffs from...Zenki wasn't sure where, and smirked with a red face.

"You could handcuff me and lightly punish my butt with your hand? It would be okay if you smacked my naughty butt for being a good girl~ Isn't it the King's job to punish the naughty girls in the peerage~ If it is Zenki-chan then he can punish me with his hand or..." Jeanne's eyes went towards his crotch, which he covered with his hands as a pink washed over his features. "...Fufufu, Zenki-chan is certainly packing down there. Wanna have some fun Zenki-chan?"

"I-I can't do that!"

He screeched, his body moving slightly away from the girls lewd face, her body twitching wildly for some punishment.

"Mouuuuuuuuuuuu~ Zenki-chan isn't going to punish me? But you said you'd do anything to make me feel good~"

Jeanne complained, wriggling her lower body slightly seductively.

"I-I can't punish you for no reason!"

He roared out, fighting down the redness on his face, Jeanne moving her body closer to Zenki's, and opened her shirt, to reveal her bra covered breasts, lewdness on her face.

"Zenki-chan, please give me a little punishment~ Kuroka-chan says that you rub her breasts when she needs it, so will you lightly smack my butt, or roughly grab my breasts and fondle?"

"S-Stay away from me!"

Zenki attempted to move, but Jeanne used the Knight's speed and pinned him down, her boobs pushing against his chest, lust in her eyes, and the desire for punishment being prevalent in her.

"Zenki-chan, I just assaulted my King~ That deserves a punishment, right?"

"Why do you want punishing so much!?"

He couldn't keep his voice level right now, attempting to think of a way of getting out of it.

Jeanne got off his hips and then sat Zenki up.

"If Zenki-chan doesn't think that he can do something like punish me for pinning him down then..."

SLAP!

"Jeanne-san!" The green Devil roared as Jeanne slapped him across the face, stinging his cheek. "W-Why did you do that!?"

"Zenki-chan! I hit you! I'm a wild beast, now punishment time~!"

Jeanne couldn't contain herself anymore, and within a flash, Jeanne appeared on all fours, her legs and arms shackled to one another with a thick chain, she held a whip in her mouth, her panties being exposed due to the fact that her butt was sticking up in the air, Zenki noticing the roundness of Jeanne's ass, and how alluring it was, his hormones going into overdrive.

Jeanne winked as Zenki and muttered "Punish me Zenki-chan~" in such a cute yet sexy voice that was accompanied by Jeanne's holy girl innocent look to her face as if she's not done or said anything wrong, and Zenki lost it.

"Gah!"

Zenki had a mini nosebleed at Jeanne's words, the girl wriggling her lower body happily.

"Zenki-chan can punish me now~ I've been a bad girl and I need to be punished for my actions~"

She winked, the whip dropping from her mouth as her body shook from affections she wished to feel from Zenki right now, and saw his expressions, finding them adorable how flustered he got.

---

At that moment, Asia appeared on the field through a magic circle Zenki suspected that Ravel had sent her, and she looked like she had some tea in her hands. Zenki panicked and looked at Jeanne...but saw that she was sitting normally now, not showing any masochism in her at all and was no longer chained up nor had a whip either, something the boy found perplexing.

Zenki blinked a number of times, and wiped the blood from his nose so Asia wasn't exposed.

"Zenki-san! Jeanne-san!"

Asia called as she walked over.

"Ara Asia-san. You've made tea?"

Zenki questioned when Asia made it to her destination, the pair of them looking at the former nun with a curious sight.

"A-Ah yes. I have been learning from Illuyanka-san…e-eeh, I mean Okaa-sama to learn how to make good tea."

Zenki chuckled at the girl, shaking his head.

"You don't have to call her that, you know? Even if she asked you, don't you feel weird about it?"

Zenki thought that was the case, but Asia showed that wasn't the case, shaking her head from left to right.

"But since she is Zenki-sans Okaa-sama, calling her Okaa-sama means that I can become even closer to Zenki-san!"

Jeanne's eyes widened a little bit at the words of the former nun, smiling like a child as a realization dawned on her.

"Ooh I see it now. Because of the fact that Asia-chan wants to marry Zenki-chan, she's trying to get in good with the in laws~ That's alright, I can see Asia-chan and Zenki-chan being the perfect couple with one another!"

""Pft! Jeanne-san!""

Zenki and Asia spat out at the same time, spluttering strongly.

Jeanne snickered at the pair and put her hands together.

"Dear Lord, please bless these two as they journey forth into their new found relationship!"

As she prayed, Asia, Zenki and even Jeanne came down with a headache which made Jeanne's body twitch wildly with a darkened blush on her face, like lightning striking their brains.

[Owwwwwwwwwie!]

The three Devils received pain from the pray though Jeanne seemed to enjoy it, Zenki giving Jeanne a glare.

"W-Why do you two keep praying to me!? It hurts, you know!?"

He included Asia, as sometimes she prays for the 'Angel-san' and because that's him, he receives pain as well. Even though he sometimes isn't in the vicinity, he's still affected somehow. He was sure that God was messing with him right now.

"Mehehehe, I'm sorry Zenki-chan~" Zenki smiled weakly at the apology Jeanne gave him, and accepted it. "Ooh Zenki-chan, you are going to ask Asia-chan out on a date, aren't you!? I know she's your servant or whatever now, but you're going to do it, aren't you!? Asia-chan wants to go out on a date with you!"

Zenki smiled a little bit, looking towards Asia who was blushing madly.

"A-Asia-san…y-you wish to g-go out?"

He was very shy about saying it. Because it was Asia, he felt awkward as well. He didn't want to stain her or anything close to it. He wanted to see where there relationship was going to go.

"Z-Zenki-san, to ask something like that…I-I mean, I am your Bishop now so…Z-Zenki-san can ask anything…"

"W-Well…"

Zenki didn't want to use his status as her new Master to his advantage, and essentially ask her out. He wasn't like that, he wouldn't do something like that, but Jeanne found it quite funny to see the pair of them looking like they did.

"Awww, such a cute couple~ Say Zenki-chan, why don't you take Asia-chan with you when you go on that trip with Rias-chan?"

Zenki furrowed his eyebrows in confusion.

"How do you know about that trip?"

Jeanne bonked herself on the head cutely.

"I heard it from the Kuroka-chan network~ She told me as much~"

"I-I see…yeah, I guess we could go, it would make a little sense, wouldn't it?" Jeanne nodded as she cast her eyes towards Asia, Zenki doing to the same and became all shy, something both holy girls found cute. "S-Say Asia-san…w-want to come with me w-when w-we go on t-that trip…?"

Asia cast her eyes downwards due to her crippling shyness coming through, giving a single nod of her head.

"…Y-Yes, that would be good."

At her consent, Zenki became happy and smiled sheepishly, the only smile he was able to muster up.

---

A few days later, Rias, Asia and Zenki happened to be in a certain part of the world that was snowing.

The snow fell down as Rias rode on a horse, the same for Zenki and Asia. Asia was holding onto Zenki's back tightly as he steered the horse, her body covered in a coat, and other things that would protect her from the snow.

Rias and Zenki were in the same boat, but because they were Devils, they were able to stand it easily, keeping level heads as the snow fall danced around their bodies, and their horses as well, having a good time with one another.

"Auuuuuu, this is fun."

Asia sang out while having an expression filled with life.

Zenki was glad that Asia was having fun, and kept making sure that she was holding onto him. Even though it made him blush brightly for her to hold onto him, especially when he could feel her bust pressing against him, he tried to keep himself calm and steady at the same time.

"I-I'm glad that you are having fun, Asia-san."

Zenki responded with a kind smile on his face, and because he had his back to her, she couldn't see the pink on his cheeks, nor could he see hers either, her head resting against his back.

Rias smiled at the girl, seeing how close she seemed with Zenki and was happy for her.

"Seems like that Asia-san there has a huge crush on her King. It seems nice, having love like that from your peerage. Well, I guess that whoever Zenki ends up being engaged too is going to be in for a shock when they notice that Zenki loves his new Bishop as well. What a thing."

Even Rias could notice that there was a mutual attraction between Asia and Zenki.

She wasn't an idiot, and was happy, if not a little jealous at their closeness. Not because she wanted Zenki, but because she wanted to have a relationship like that with someone, but she wasn't sure if she would ever find something like that, especially with her fiancée standing in the way. But she wasn't going to allow that to stop her anytime soon.

While thinking, Rias rode even faster on her horse, but Zenki was able to keep up with her.

"So, Zenki. How is your new Bishop and Knight doing?"

Referring to Asia and Jeanne, Zenki adopted a smile.

"It's been quite wonderful. Asia-san is already doing amazing with her new life, and I've set Jeanne-san up to meet with your Onii-sama's personal Knight."

"Ah, really? When is this happening?"

Rias was curious, as she made the horse hop over a piece of wood, them now entering a woodland area.

"In a few days. Today, Kaa-chan wanted to converse with my peerage bar Asia-san here. I don't know what it is about, but I am sure that it is important."

"I bet it is."

Rias commented with a sly smile on her face as she eyed up the blossoming romance between Asia and Zenki, totally missed on Zenki who was too busy riding through the forest.

"So, where is this place you wanna take us anyway?"

Zenki was curious, and even Asia was. But since she was with Zenki, she was fine with anything. She was fine with staying by Zenki's side, she didn't want to leave his side, that was something that she didn't want at all. She didn't want to leave Zenki's side, she wanted to be with him always now. Even if she had to turn from God, she was content with Zenki.

"Oh, it is this store that sells the best chocolate around. I found out from Onii-sama. Unfortunately, Akeno couldn't attend either, my Knight said that they were busy with training and such, but we're still in a rocky road in our relationship for now. Still wanting to hate me and all, so it is difficult talking with that person. Even then, I don't know what Akeno was doing…she said something about going to your home…but since you aren't there, I haven't a clue on what she is truly doing right now…"

Rias and the other two pondered what could be happening with the peerage members right now…

---

Meanwhile, sat within a certain room, Kuroka, Ravel, Koneko, Akeno, and Jeanne were all sat facing Zenki's Mother, Illuyanka.

The woman herself held herself in a certain fashion, as she looked over all of the girls, nodding her head at each and everyone of them. She could see each of the girls attention on her, and were obeying her by staying silent. Even Kuroka was staying silent, and she liked that.

"Yes, yes. It seems like my son is gaining some good girls…yes, what a bunch."

Illuyanka looks on with a funny expression on her face, Zenki's peerage and Akeno wasn't sure what to even think about this.

"Erm…Illuyanka-sama, what is going on? I-I mean, we were called here when Zenki-sama was departed this morning. What was happening with that anyway? What is going on with Zenki-sama right now anyway?"

The girl couldn't help but wonder, everyone nodding at the Phenex's words.

Illuyanka nodded her head.

"Okay, my lovely ladies. Today, I have called you here, because, I am going to make sure that my child has adorable children." Kuroka nodded with a sly smile, the others remaining in confusion, the woman clicking her fingers at Kuroka. "She's on the ball, isn't she? She's like one of my fav's in my sons adorable harem. She knows what's what, and knows her goals in life, I like that."

Kuroka looked in euphoria right now, seeing the dirty eyes of Illuyanka.

"We're a harem now?"

Akeno's question was met with a sly smile from Illuyanka.

"Don't be silly, of course you are. You've got great hips Akeno-chan, those suckers can bear children easily, while some others like Koneko-chan might not be able to do it so easily." Koneko held her head down, so Illuyanka gave her a warm smile. "Do not worry young Nekomata, you'll be able to meet that expected goal in the future, you'll be able to even have intimate relations with Zenki in the future."

Illuyanka winked at the Nekomata, the girl looking like she is going to be dead soon with the blush that was crawling onto her face.

"…That's really embarrassing."

To counter what Koneko said with shyness, her face was anything but shy. She seemed to be okay with having intimate relations with Zenki, Kuroka noting that as well, and found it to be quite adorable that Koneko was like that, glad that his son had lovely girls around him and not bitches.

"Hehehehe, that's a part of the charm that is me. Of course, since my son isn't here today with that adorable Asia-chan, which we can all agree loves my baby boy very much, so I've decided to give you all, roles within the harem."

So said the Mother of Zenki while giving each of the girls a small look, a look that was a nonsense look that was going to make each of the girls feel complicated within each of their chests at this moment in time.

"R-Roles?"

Ravel's perplexed face made Illuyanka's face grow a bright smile.

"Of course. This is a harem after all dear. Once upon a time, Ajuka was going to be thinking of having some shit like that, and of course, I would've been the leader of it because let's face it, who's gonna mess with me? No one, that's who. But then he became a Maou-sama so he can't do something like that now, haha. Seems like that won't be happening in the future, will it Ajuka~?" The girls merely looked on with confusion besides Kuroka who knew what Illuyanka was talking about, and felt good for the girl. "B-But, back to the main topic, we've got to come up with roles for you girls to play in the harem."

Akeno immediately stuck her hand up energetically, now understanding what the woman was talking about and was very interested.

Illuyanka looked at the girl, nodding her head for the girl to continue.

"Ara ara, if I am right, then you want us to have set roles within the harem of Zenki-kun, correct?"

Illuyanka felt relieved that Akeno was able to come to terms with this quickly, thumbing up the girl as brightly as she could.

"That's correct. Like Kuroka-chan for example, she's going to be the flirty girl in the harem, or just the sex crazed one with the giant breasts. I mean, bleeding hell, those things are big. But Akeno-chan's are larger still, and you girls aren't even done growing yet. My son is blessed with girls with huge boobs." Illuyanka smiled happily, giving the girl a wink. "But yes, this is what we need to discuss. As he grows older, he's going to notice you girls, because let's face it, you all are attractive in one way or another. Like Koneko-chan is rocking the Loli look, Ravel-chan screams Tsundere with a heart of gold, and so forth. So, we've got to make sure you've got to get you a place in the harem, understand me?"

The girls nodded in understanding, all understanding what was going on.

Jeanne raised her eyebrows, and clicked her fingers.

"Zenki-chan's Okaa-sama. Hearing your beautiful words makes me feel happy! It is clear that you love your son! You want to give your son love and happiness!"

Jeanne's hyper attitude was very infectious, even Illuyanka couldn't deny that it was.

"That's exactly it. Devils are beings that have naughty intentions, but my adorable son is like a freaking Angel or something. So innocent and cute, but knowing Akeno-chan and Kuroka-chan, they'll be taking advantage of that innocence, am I right~?" The pair mentioned had sly smiles on their face. "I thought so. That's why, we've got to band together, and become like the best harem for my son! I want my baby boy to be happier than happy! Since he's at odds with that damn Ajuka, and seems to be upset with me with my actions of not being a true Kaa-chan, I've decided to fill his life with love and happiness!"

Illuyanka's face showed how she truly felt.

Once hearing from his peerage how he felt, she felt ashamed that she made her son feel so lonely and she still was annoyed with Ajuka not trusting in their child, Zenki, and was glad of what happened with Diodora.

"I-Illuyanka-sama…e-erm, not that I'm against it, but what if Zenki-sama doesn't want to have a harem?"

Ravel chimed in, thinking that she was doing a good service and by asking the question she was sure that was on everyone's mind right here and now.

Illuyanka gave a wink towards the girl.

"Don't you worry about that. even if it doesn't seem it, some deep down desire, all Devils want to have something like that. I mean, people like that idiot Riser take it a little too far and all that, but there are good people like…hmm, Zenki's friend, Rias-chan's Otou-sama has a harem that is managed by Venelana and all that, so see. Even good Devils want it, Zenki will not be the exception. But unlike some perverted men I can think of, he won't be obsessed with it or anything."

"…You seem to know him very well, and what he wants in relationships."

Even though Koneko knew it was Zenki's Mother, they couldn't help the confusion that worked onto her face.

"Of course I do. I gave birth to him, didn't I? I know what my son likes and dislikes. And he likes all of you. You don't know it, but he's actually quite the cat person, which is where you Nekomata-chan's come into it." Koneko and Kuroka shared a look, and both smiled slightly. "He's also into the holy girl stuff. It might not be extreme like a certain idiot I could mention, but he likes innocent things, like Asia-chan and even Jeanne-chan there."

"Yay!"

Jeanne cheered with a childlike smile on her face.

"And finally, he's also a boy, so girls with big breasts are always welcomed, Akeno-chan." Akeno smiled in triumphant, Ravel tossing her head down. Seeing that, Illuyanka lightened the girl up. "Aah, don't worry Ravel-chan. Zenki loves you as well."

She assured the young Phenex, seeing how down in the dumps she was.

"H-He does?"

Ravel questioned with hope, Illuyanka nodding her head.

"That's right, he really does. He needs you after all Ravel-chan, so don't be worried about things like this, and allow the future to bring whatever it brings, you understand what I mean, by saying something like that?" Ravel inclined her head, feeling better. "Now my lovely ladies, let us discuss this in further detail…"

The girls leaned into the woman as they discussed it in finer detail…

---

Back with Rias and the others, they were continuing to go through the forest.

"Rias-tan, I can't believe we had to take this kind of route, you know?"

Zenki mentioned, the darkness of the woods not being exactly something that he wanted to be with right now. While he wasn't concerned for himself, he was concerned for the others around, namely Asia. He was confident Rias would at least be able to get away if something was to happen, but Asia was the type that didn't fight well. He was concerned for her health, if something was going to happen.

"I'm sorry, I thought that this would be the best way to go about it, you know? I was, under the impression from a certain someone that coming this way would be a good thing…clearly, it seems like something that…aah, never mind. We should enjoy the surrounding's."

Rias said in a matter of fact tone, Asia cuddling Zenki from behind.

"Zenki-sans back is the best…and I like this day, it is nice Zenki-san."

Her words were innocent, but to Zenki, they felt like music in his ears.

"A-Ah, Asia-san, that is…"

At that moment, Zenki caught sight of a certain light that filled the forest.

It was a golden colour, that was emitting from a certain area.

"W-What is that glow?"

Rias was worried, the glow being unusual and bright at the same time.

Asia looked at the glow, and she felt good from seeing the light. She wasn't sure why, but the golden light was a gentle type of light, a soothing type of light that made Asia well up with tears of happiness and joy.

Zenki was worried that the light could be, dangerous, and he didn't like that. So, he coughed into his hand and turned the horse in that direction, narrowing his eyes at the light. He didn't feel like it was a devastating light, but it was a light that was like no other in the world.

Whatever it was, he was sure that the light was something strong, powerful, and his body moved towards the light, showing that he wanted to see what it was, even if it was a dangerous type of light that is.

"Zenki, where are you going?"

Rias called, but he ignored and continued going forward, galloping the horse.

Asia clung to his back, he gave her a reassuring look.

"Don't worry Asia-san, I will protect you this time."

That relieved Asia's heart, but she still felt like something was going to happen.

Rias released a breath and followed after him. Even though she didn't think it would be a good idea, she did it all the same and followed after him, using the horse to catch up to him and strode along with him.

"Seems like you've become brave, Rias-tan."

Zenki noted, the girl twisting her head to the side with a small blush on her cheeks.

"W-Well, I can't have you go alone, can I?"

Rias bit her bottom lip as she said that.

Though her hands quaked, as she didn't have her elder brother or some other adult with her, not even a peerage member, she saw that Zenki didn't wear a worried face, so she emulated him and tried her best as well, knowing that she would have to show the same strength that he did because she was a King as well.

"Suppose not. But if there's something going on, just stay behind me, alright? If it gets heavy and a fight breaks out, I want you to stay behind me, okay?"

He had Rias' interest at heart, and she obeyed, knowing that he was stronger than her.

So she moved her horse behind his and he went forward with Asia clinging to his back.

They moved towards the glowing golden light, and Zenki came across a surprising turn of events.

He saw a girl on the ground, with a golden cup in her hand. It looked quite beautiful, elegant even. The cup looked like a chalice in fact. It was a beautiful design, and for reasons Asia didn't know, she was moved when seeing it.

Next to her, was a girl as well. she didn't look like she was moving at all. She looked to be deceased. Her eyes were wide, hollow. There was no life in her eyes at this moment in time. No, she was gone from this world already.

Pools of blood surrounded the pair of them, and Asia became shocked.

"H-How awful…"

Zenki could feel Asia's worry with his own body, and comfortingly brought her forward, sensing no danger and hugged her, the girl resting her butt on his lap, turning her head away from the situation, so she couldn't see anything.

Asia looked over and went to activate her Sacred Gear to heal them…but Zenki stopped her.

"Asia-san, it isn't going to work now."

Asia's eyes become moist, and peer right into Zenki's calm and collected eyes.

"B-But…"

Asia was a kind soul, and wanted to do anything if there was a slim light at the end of the tunnel. She wanted to try and save them…but Zenki knew better.

"There's no life in them now, Asia-san. They've been dead for a little while now. I wouldn't say more than ten minutes, but it has been more than five, by the way this feels. And there's humans around, in a five minute distance, and I can feel something coming from them."

Asia's eyes began to leak tears, knowing that she wouldn't be able to do anything.

Zenki could understand what she was feeling right now. He knew how kind she was, and how she wanted to help whoever she could and for the fact that she wouldn't be able to do anything like that now, brought her to tears.

"Asia-san, there's no need to cry. There's nothing you could've done, it's okay."

Zenki comforted his Bishop, rubbing her back as he brushed her eyes.

He didn't want her to cry, but understood why she was. Even then, he tried his best to make sure that she didn't cry anymore, rubbing her back more and more, using his fingers to wipe away the tears that escaped her lips.

She felt his hands, and thought they were soothing. She loved how kind and compassionate Zenki was. Even though she tried to be strong, she couldn't be right now, and he wasn't calling her out on it. She wasn't being called weak. She was being comforted by the person that she was supposed to be supporting, yet she was being supported right now.

"Zenki-san…"

Asia rasped out, trying to think straight.

Zenki supported Asia, continuing to rub her back as softly, and soothingly as he could.

"What could've happened here?"

Rias pondered as she got off the horse.

Zenki followed her actions and jumped off the horse as well, Asia in his arms.

Together, they walked forward, towards the pair on the ground.

Upon making it, it was clear that the girls had been through a very disgusting ordeal.

"I don't know what happened…but clearly, something like this shouldn't of happened."

Zenki spat it out hatefully, not ever liking to see a scene like this.

"I know, this is just…this is just…I don't even know what to think of this."

Rias held a grim expression on her face, and she was trying her best to not throw up.

She felt deeply affected by this. Rias was the type to be very troubled by scenes like this. Even though she tries her best to be strong, in this kind of situation, she wasn't strong at all. she felt weak in the knees, and could only pity them.

"Rias-tan…" He called, putting a comforting hand to her back. "I know, this isn't a good thing to see…but don't be worried by this…Rias-tan."

He was trying to comfort her with hollow words.

Of course she was going to be worried.

Even he was troubled by this.

He didn't want to be troubled by this, he wanted to be strong for his Bishop, and his friend Rias as well, but it was a difficult thing to do.

"Zenki-san…who could've done something like this?"

Asia was trying to wrap her head around the situation.

She couldn't do it.

She couldn't wrap her head around the situation.

It was too devastating to even think about.

The pair of them had their clothes ripped, their eyes lifeless. The smaller of the young girl looked have been stabbed, and the other girl looked to have been beaten to death, yet her fingers held the golden cup.

That golden cup was something Zenki was drawn too as well.

He didn't understand why that was, so he moved his hand outwards, and went to grasp the cup with his own hand…

When his hand grasped the cup, nothing happened.

He thought something was going to happen when grabbing it, but nothing happened.

[Who are you…]

He heard a voice, but he didn't know where it came from, so naturally turned to Rias.

"Rias-tan? Did you say something?"

He thought that it was Rias that called him. He didn't hear the words properly, but he did hear a voice. He was almost certain that it came from the direction Rias was in, which happened to be where Gasper was laying on the ground.

Rias gave him a worrying look.

"I didn't say anything, why? Did you hear something?"

He shook his head, and looked around.

His eyes fell on Asia…but she looked as worried as Rias did.

He didn't know why, but he felt strange when holding the cup, but he couldn't put it down at the same time. He was drawn to the cup, he was drawn to the power of the cup and the power was dazzling, mesmerizing and beautiful all wrapped into one. He didn't even realize the fact that the golden cup was glowing and surrounding the girl...

GRAB!

Valerie's hand suddenly raised up and grabbed his arm roughly, which frightened Zenki because he thought she was dead, which she was a minute ago, and naturally, he screamed.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

---

End chapter!

So, Valerie and Gasper have been introduced! And there's been some more bonding with Ophis this chapter! She's even offered him a chance to lead the Khaos Brigade, even though he doesn't know what that is. There was even some more background on Jeanne and some bonding with Jeanne as well as well as Zenki's Mother establishing the harem and its order. But finally, Zenki and Rias have come across Valerie and Gasper, but what's happened with Valerie's hand grabbing Zenki's arm!? Next chapter, Valerie will begin interacting with Zenki and such properly, so look forward to that, and there is a question that will effect, how things are gonna play out in the future.

Should I make Vali a girl?

I know what people are gonna say, but there is a reason why I am asking, several reasons actually, and it effects how Le Fay is going to enter the peerage, and some future story telling as well, for Zenki. She'd be with Zenki, not Issei. Nothing against the guy at all, and people that do like/love that pairing is great for them and nothing against that, but I just personally can't see it working, and wouldn't be able to do it properly, my heart wouldn't be in it and that would only make it come out half assed, and that's something no one should do, ya know? Write something you're not into that is.

So yeah, that's the basic question. I can't say how it would effect the story, because that's spoilers, but it will effect it in a big way. So please vote either yes or no, because majority will win!

Well, that's the end of it, until next time!

Zenki; Asia, Koneko, Kuroka, Jeanne, Valerie, Xenovia, Serafall, Ravel, Irina, Sona, Ophis, Le Fay, Kunou, Akeno, Gabriel.

Issei; Aika, Tsubasa, Kiyome, Isabela, Rossweisse, Gasper (fem), Raynare, Rias.

Zenki's Peerage

Queen; Valerie.

Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.

Bishops; Asia, Ravel.

Knights; Jeanne, Irina.

Pawns; Kuroka (5 pieces) Le Fay (2 pieces) Kunou (1 mutation piece)

Rias Peerage

Queen; Akeno.

Rooks; Aika, Rossweisse.

Bishops; Gasper (two pieces)

Knights; Kiba, Raynare.

Pawns; Issei (8 pieces).