So, someone had commented (and turned off PM's so I couldn't reply directly... you know who you are) About Gaspard's name. In the Manga, it's Gaspard. I actually double, triple and looked for different places where his name is used. Yup, Gaspard.

Sometimes I wish source material would just... I dunno... get the memo? But whatever. It's not a big deal. :) Rock on, and enjoy.

Also, new profile picture, just in case you were wondering what the Mask looked like... I'm NOT an artist, but with a little searching, and MS paint...

Chapter 36

"Come in come in." She waved us through the door, "Asia-chan, Rias-chan, Issei! Your friends are here!"

"Ah, more of your friends? I'd never have believed it, when our hopelessly perverted son said he'd made friends at school." This time, a man spoke. Coming around the corner from what was probably the kitchen he was what I imagined a 'faceless white collar worker' to look like. Cheap suit that was neatly pressed, white shirt and brown tie. His face was clean shaven though his brown hair was a little messy. "My, you're quite tall." He said to me, "Don't tell me..."

"No." I said, "I'm the volunteer adult advisor to the ORC." I gave him a short bow, "These are his fellow members, Koneko, Akeno, and Kiba." I introduced them, the three of them waving/making mumbles of greeting in turn.

"Sensei, don't loom." I heard Rias say from just past the kitchen, "We still have a little time before we have to leave for school, so shall we gather in the living room?"

The four of us shuffled to the side as Mr. Hyoudou was fussed over by his wife, who dutifully flattened out his raving bed head and gave him a peck on the cheek good buy. Once done, she waved us inside, "I'll bring some tea."

Taking off our shoes we stepped onto the nice plain wood floors. Issei's home was certainly comfortable looking, and whoever the architect was, they'd planned properly. Nice roomy kitchen, good sized dining room, stairs to a second floor that took up as little space as possible while still leaving enough space to get something like a bed up it. The 'living room' was dominated by a large glass sliding door that let in exactly enough morning light to banish all the shadows without need for lamps.

"Not my fault I'm taller than most of Japan." I said as we caught up with Rias, "Asia, good morning."

We sat around a large and low coffee table. Perfect size and height to be converted into a kotatsu in winter. I made sure to sit nearest to the backyard door, mostly so I'd be furthest from someone stepping on my tails, but also to soak up some sunlight. Yes, even I thought I occasionally had a half dozen cats stuck to my rear.

Issei's mom returned a few minutes after we'd all sat down with what looked like a half dozen binders, with a platter of teacups resting on top. "Since all your friends are here, I thought you might like to look through some photo albums of when he was little!"

Just hearing her say that, brought flashbacks of when I was younger, and my mom did the same thing. And between the moment of me sighing while facepalming, and removing my hand from my face, the teacups were resting, forgotten, in front of everyone, and everyone but me was holding a photo album.

Total time? Maybe two seconds? I would have to give Mrs. Hyoudou a Number One Mom shirt, for clearly I lacked this superpower.

"Well that escalated quickly." I mumbled, watching Issei panic at having his past exposed to all his friends. Rias and Asia were looking through one together, Akeno and Koneko each had one of their own, and even Kiba was playing along, flipping through it while casually dodging Issei's attempts to take it from him. Instead of joining them, I sipped my tea, "This is quite good." I mumbled.

"Why thank you." Mrs. Hyoudou said from beside me. "They all look like they are having such fun."

Leaving the fact I hadn't even seen her move, her supernatural ability to ignore her son's suffering cries as all his friends went over his family photos was astounding. "They are a good bunch. Issei has done well with them." I looked over to her.

"I'm glad to hear it. I was so surprised when he introduced little Asia... And Miss Gremory... I was afraid he was going to grow up into a lonely skirt chaser like his grandfather..." She seemed to notice my shirt for the first time, "Oh my, but you look so young, unless that's your mother's shirt?"

"Not at all." I said, "I have quite the family back home."

"Oh? How old? Son? Daughter?"

Once again, I was bested by this unassuming home maker. I certainly didn't want to tell her the truth, but I was almost certain she'd know if I were lying. Thankfully, I had a way out.

"Ahem." I said, freezing the room of students, "As your adult advisor, I must remind you that final bell is very soon." This froze everyone in mid-antic, and got me a half dozen 'yes Sensei's'. Looking back to Issei's mom, "See? Good bunch."

They all dutifully put the photo albums in a neat stack on the corner of the table, and bowed to Issei's mom.

Almost everyone seemed to be in high spirits as we walked towards the school. Issei was pouting about everyone seeing many embarrassing pictures from when he was between 4 and 10. The girls were trying to cheer him up by heaping adoration on his younger self, Koneko contented herself to nibble a cookie and smile ever so slightly, and Kiba...

Wasn't smiling. He was walking with his head tilted down slightly, walking with a little more distance than he usually had when with the others. His usual plastic smile was gone, replaced with a frown that looked almost angry.

Since I couldn't return to my room, or go to the shop, I was somewhat at odds for what to do with myself while the ORC went to class. When I asked Rias, she looked like she had forgotten all about it as well, and gave me only a single idea.

Since it would have to happen eventually, I shrugged my shoulders and took it...

"Why are you in my room." Mumbled the big cardboard box that sat next to a very nice coffin.

"Just like you, I'm hiding from the world for a little while." I replied.

Now that I was awake enough to notice more about the room I was in, I found it was much like mine. The light bulbs were dimmer, the kitchen looked untouched, and there was even less furniture, but it was basically a copy of my room. In the middle was a comfortable looking cushion, a low table, and a laptop. Along one wall was a very nice coffin, or at least, a long wooden box in the shape of a coffin, a cardboard box that was somehow looking grumpy, and a smaller door that probably led to the bathroom/laundry room.

"But if you're here I can't work! Or do my classwork!"

"Why not? I'm not stopping you. I'm just sitting in the corner here reading some fan mail... Or at least... trying to." I sighed, "I can't read a lot of this."

I was indeed sitting in the farthest corner of the room, sorting the stack of fan letters into two three piles. First was 'can't read', second was 'can read' and third was 'can read, but it's hate mail'. I only had one of those so far. Out of the dozens of letters, I had maybe three in a language I could even recognize, while all but the forth hate letter (not from Riser's peerage) were in various forms of brain scrambling text that I couldn't even begin to identify.

"But you're so scary..." Replied the box, though just barely loud enough for me to hear.

"Only when I'm really motivated." I replied, the box 'eep'ing', "But yes... I'm sure your first impression of me was a little lop-sided."

The box started shivering again. I sighed.

"Since Rias hasn't mentioned you to us before now, and since you didn't know about Issei and Asia, that you know nothing else about me..."

I'm not sure how, but I got the impression that Gaspard was nodding inside the box.

Standing up, I moved myself and my fan mail over to just out of arms reach of his box. Sitting down again, I said, "Would you like to enter a contract with me?" I felt myself smile a little, feeling a little bit guilty that I was about to push one of the big 'buttons' I had found all Devil's had. He didn't reply, so I continued, "Since I'm going to be here for at least another six hours, I'll trade you a story, if you help me read these letters."

"A story? Not a scary one I hope..."

"I'll skip those parts." I offered.

"And... I thought you were a devil as well?"

"No. In this world, I'd be a Kitsune, a demon fox. I don't have the Devil's gift for language."

"Rias might get mad if I refused a contract..."

"I doubt it. She strikes me as the type to do everything she can for her friends. No, she'd be more 'disappointed' than mad." For the first time since I started talking, I added inflection to my voice and made 'disappointed' sound 'ominous'.

It worked, thankfully, and the poor boy shivered a little in his box, "Okay... umm..." With a little wobble, the box shifted a little, the flaps opened just enough for him to stick his hand out of the corner. As gently as I could, I shook his hand and let go as soon as I felt him try and let go. "I accept."

"Suppose I'll start just after I left this world the first time... Oh, do you like cookies?"

It took until about lunch time for Gaspard to finally get excited enough about my story (right around the War Game with Apollo) to pop his head out of his box, and call Hyakinthos 'A big meanyface'. After that blushing almost as red as Bell did and vanishing back into the box, it only took another ten minutes or so (the castle siege) for him to peek out of the box again and stay that way while I continued.

This made getting to know him a little better far easier, as I could finally watch his facial expressions and body language. Oh, and offer him another cookie. About an hour later, I got a text from Rias, letting me know she had just teleported lunch just outside the door, and hoped we were getting along. I could almost feel the relief from my phone when I texted her a thumbs up emote.

While we both nibbled on sandwiches (vegetable, egg, mayo, but no meat, or tomatoes), he helped me go through my fan mail, sorting it further. Since we were on 'lunch break' from my story, he only read the first two lines. My 'death threat' pile got another letter, and just about everything else went into the new pile 'I'd like to meet you to discuss...'

Far far more attention than I wanted... Almost as bad as when Bell and I hit level two in a month... Breaking the record for fastest level up, by about eleven months.

After lunch, I set the letters aside again, and got back to my story. It only took another hour or so for him to start idly patting one of my tails when it went over to rest on the edge of his box, then another half hour for him to somehow move the box closer to me so he could hug the fluffy appendage. He didn't seem to notice he was doing it either, and I wasn't about to tell him, since he might suddenly think he was being rude, or I might get angry, or something...

He was like a very shy cat.

But that's okay, I knew how to deal with shy animals.

There was a knock on Gaspard's door, and Rias entered a half second later, "Good to see you two getting along." She said with a smile.

We were sitting in front of Gaspard's laptop, the boy sitting in my lap while his fingers flew over the keyboard. I had been holding up letters, while he translated it for me. Afterwards, he would email it to me so I could read it properly. Shut in or not, he was very much running at superhuman speeds on the keyboard, 160 WPM at least, while translating on the fly. He was also so focused, that he didn't even twitch when Rias walked in.

Looking over Rias's head, I winked at her but said nothing to interrupt the boy in his work.

"Well, when you're done, please come up to the ORC."

"But... do I have to?" About ten minutes after Rias had left, he snapped out of his typing trance, realized I was basically hugging him and vanished back into his box. After that, I'd told him we had to go to the meeting room, and he was back to his usual self.

"Since I'm only work for Rias, I can't say you have to. But, since I work for Rias, I should bring you if I can." I collected the letters and wrapped them back up with the string they had been in when Rias handed them to me. "I don't mind carrying you there. And I won't be mean like Koneko." Still getting no response, I added, "And, I'll sit next to your box so she can't be mean to you."

"okay... I'll go."

The only thing I noticed, on my way up to the ORC room, was the faint smell of 'industrial cleaner'. I suppose it smelled the same where ever you were in the world, but it still surprised me a little. Other than that, the floors and walls looked just a little cleaner than they had when I'd left last night.

Carrying Gaspard's box, I used a tail to turn the handle to the ORC room and entered.

"Ah! Sensei, and Gaspard-chan!" Issei greeted.

I set Gaspard's box on the floor near the door and knelt next to it. "Afternoon." I greeted, "I take it everything is back in place?"

"Yes." Rias nodded, "And Akeno has already brought your other boxes back and left them just inside your room."

"Thank you." I nodded, Akeno giving me a smile from her usual spot behind Rias.

"So, I have a bit of news." Rias picked up flawlessly, "The school inter club athletic meet is coming up next week." Her smile took on a hint of aggressiveness, "And losing is not an option. We will be training after school in all the events they have planned."

"We'll be facing the other clubs... That means competing against the Student Council?" Issei asked.

"That's right." Rias nodded, "So I expect your best, all of you." She then looked to me, "And if I could get your help?"

I considered, then shook my head, "No, this is a school matter. Besides, with how much you've all progressed with the training for the rating game, I wouldn't be surprised if you won without issue."

She looked a little disappointed, but nodded when I acknowledged their skills. "Just so long as you don't offer to train them." She teased.

"I won't offer." I said, feeling my phone hum in my pocket. Taking it out and reading the brief message, I added, "But I would accept things in trade..."

"Handing in your resignation already, Sensei?" Akeno teased.

"Hardly. I'm just accepting an introduction to formal magic, in trade for sparring with some of Sona's peerage again." I read another text, then typed in something, "Besides, I can't actually play a lot of sports. I can't throw a ball at someone, or use a bat or racquet to make contact with one."

Rias nodded, "Well, you've worked hard for us recently, I won't stop you from stretching your legs to learn new things."

"My Boss is kind." I replied, "Oh, I'll have some... official matters to talk about later, if you could text me when you're done for the day?" I waved my bundle of fan letters for emphasis.

Teacher: I'd like to trade a formal magic lesson, in exchange for training my peerage again.

Fox: For the upcoming sport meet?

Teacher: Not especially. My peerage is already well versed in the events being held.

Fox: Good. I don't want to get involved in any more politics than I already am.

Teacher: Fallout from your match?

Fox: Yes. Where, when?

Teacher: Gym, after last bell.

I spent a little time in my room, which actually didn't smell like industrial cleaner. Instead, it was a mild lavender. Opening my freezer, I saw that my offering of ice cream had been taken in exchange. Stuck to the clay container was a yellow stick-em with 'tastes a little burnt' written on it. I found a pen and wrote 'sorry, I'll make more' on it.

Stupid Riser.

While I used my little pump to relieve a some pressure, I went back to examining the puzzle box.

"Sona, good evening." I greeted, "Doing well?"

As promised, she, and her entire peerage, were at the door of the gym, waiting for my arrival. "Good evening, Kodori-sensei." She returned, "And yes, the day finds me well." She looked back at her peerage, "We were hoping for another of your exercises in 'dungeon survival', if it wouldn't be too much to ask?"

"Hm. Well I have nothing planned..." I said, scratching my chin in thought, "Were you aiming at a certain result? A particular kind of training?"

Sona thought that one over for a moment, then shook her head, "No. But it was clear to us that after the Rating game with Riser, we are in danger of falling behind Rias-san's peerage in skill."

I nodded, "Well, they did train to near, or total exhaustion for nine days. I'll give you all," This I said while looking over Sona's shoulder at her peerage, "exactly one thing to get really good at. Just like I did with them. And an exercise plan, like I have with Issei."

"Uh oh. I know that look." Maki said.

"You got out of it for ten days by helping me in the shop." I said with a smile.

While Rias's peerage had a lot of raw talent, Sona's peerage had more diversity. For example, her two bishops were quite handy with a modest range of support spells and basic offensive ones. By the standards of Orario, they'd be in high demand simply because they could both cast barrier and binding magic. However, they were physically weak. Devil power aside, they were about as strong as a normal adult male. So to Momo and Raya, I gave them a workout plan and suggestions for various things to add to their diet. I also told Sona to glare at them if they complained, or skipped leg day.

Tomoe, Sona's knight, was good with her blade. She'd be a solid fighting forward in any dungeon party back home. Speed aside though, she reminded me a lot of the Takemikazuchi Familia when I started working with them. Skilled, but a little inflexible. So, aside from telling her to spar with Tsubaki every morning for at least a half hour every day, I suggested she find a backup weapon. Bow, daggers, whip, something other than her katana that had a little more reach. I also added in an upper body workout.

Tsubaki, Sona's queen, had the power of all the pieces already, so about the only thing I could really suggest was to get better with her weapon, and add a backup just like Tomoe. She did complain about that... But after disarming her after a single attack, then keeping up with her when she tried to evade, she admitted a shorter weapon might not be a bad idea.

To Tsubasa, Sona's rook, I told her to get a wooden dummy. She had skill, she had power, but she didn't have speed. I promised to help her get started, since Wing Chun was something Takemikazuchi had taught me.

I was about to suggest something to Saji, but he stopped me and asked to get in on Tsubasa's training. Not seeing the harm, and getting a nod from Sona, I shrugged and told them to get a second one, and I'd get a third for myself.

Ruruko, Sona's single piece pawn was interested in that as well, since while not very strong as a pawn, was at least trained more than Saji.

Then there was Sona...

Since this was supposed to be a training session, all of her peerage had squared off in pairs and did some sparring. The two Bishops were throwing and blocking small magical blasts at each other. Tsubasa and Saji were sparring bare handed. Tsubaki and Tomoe were using their weapons against each other. Finally I came to Sona and Maki.

"You know." I started, "I have a really good idea for you." I said to her, "Well... Maybe... Hold on."

I flipped open my phone, and did a quick Google search for one of my favourite anime/not anime. Avatar. Unlike some of my favourite anime, it did in fact exist, and I couldn't help but grin like an idiot.

"Wow... You really have a scary smile sometimes sister." Maki mumbled, "I mean..."

"What is so amusing, Sensei?" Sona asked.

"As silly as it seems, there's a show I want you to watch. Only one episode really, but honestly it's an amazing series. I just had to make sure it still existed." I copy and pasted a link, and sent it to her via text.

She took her phone out and looked at it, then frowned, "Really Sensei?"

Maki looked over Sona's shoulder, "Oh hey, I know that one." She grinned, her ears twitching, "Ooo, that's a dark episode though..."

Sona however, had gone a little pale. "You want me to become a... magical girl?"

Maki and I both looked at her, "What? No, not at all." I started, "It's more a martial arts meets elemental magic kind of show."

Sona's face kind of went lifeless. It was hard to tell if it was relief or anger, or what... but something had touched a nerve for sure. "Don't worry sister." Maki said, "I know where to get all the episodes, I'll start her at episode one, and if she doesn't like it, we'll just skip to that one."

"Must I?" Sona asked, actually looking like she wanted to do anything else but watch it, but not outright turning my suggestion down.

"You wanted my advice, that's my advice." I said, "If you don't like it, fine, you lose about an hour of your life. But I'd be disappointed if you didn't get at least one good idea from it, considering your magic and element."

"Very well." She pocketed her phone.

"Now for you." I looked to Maki, "You're going to join in with the Bishop's workout and meal plan. And!" I pointed at her as she was about to complain, "You're going to join Saji and Tsubasa for hand to hand training."

"Aww..." She pouted.

"Just because you're my little sister, doesn't mean I'm not going to push you as hard as everyone else." I reached out and gave her ears a pat.

"Maybe I can learn gun-fu?" She said, leaning into my ear pat, "Little closer to the scalp please..."

"Come in." I said, not looking up from the puzzle box. It was really starting to frustrate me, and I was happy for the distraction.

"Good evening Sensei." Rias said as she entered, "Still trying to open your prize?"

"As far as I can tell, it has no hinges, key, or lid." I was tracing the golden fire motif along the bottom of the box with a fingertip, but wasn't finding anything so far.

"Well, I'm sure you'll find the treasure inside." She smiled, "You had something to talk about?"

"Yes." I set the box aside, and turned on the little computer, "Just let this boot up. Much easier with a bigger screen."

"What you and Gaspard were working on?"

"Yes. Oh, make sure to give him a pat on the head. He did his very first in person contract today, trading a story for translating my 'fan mail'." I sat down on the floor by my bed, facing the TV and putting the keyboard in my lap.

"I'm impressed you got him to open up so quickly, considering he was so scared of you." She sat next to me while I used the mouse to open up my email.

"That was part of the story I told him. Gave him my story, and told him about my friends back home. I also bribed him with cookies, and told him you'd be disappointed if he didn't at least try to make a contract with me."

"You'll fit right in with devil politics." She laughed quietly.

"I was hoping to never have to... But..." I motioned to the screen, "I now have seven offers of various levels of pay/compensation to leave you. Three offers of marrying an eligible bachelor. A dozen or so 'thank you for kicking Riser's ass', ow!" My golden tail of course bopped me for swearing, "And two 'letters of challenge'. Worded more like death threats really, but I'll choose to call them otherwise."

She was reading out loud one the letter I had on screen, "would do me the honour of meeting, so that I may extend a formal offer of employment..." She sighed, "My you certainly have gotten popular."

"Now, to make it clear." I started, a couple of my tails wrapping around Rias's far hip and giving her a hug while my hands were on the keyboard, "I don't plan on leaving your service without a really good reason. Personal issues aside, you're still my best bet, and honestly, I like your peerage, and your family didn't even threaten me over what happened."

She gave my tails a pat, then hugged them between her breasts just like Hestia used to while she slept. "I'm glad you still think so." She let my tails go and shoo'ed them away.

"So, as retainer to the Gremory house, what should I do with these?" I asked.

"A few things come to mind. May I?" She took the mouse from my hand, and started to select messages, "I suggest you send a 'thank you for your thank you'. Just to be polite, and tell them you are at least paying attention." She highlighted the 'fan mail' I'd gotten for kicking Riser around.

"I'll admit, I do like comments on my work."

"These." She highlighted the 'offers of employment', "I'd suggest handling with care. Considering your own performance, and the enchanted equipment you made, you've probably gotten quite a few raised eyebrows from those who see you as a way to boost their own status."

"So something like 'I'm busy, but maybe some time in the future.' Kind of thing?"

"That or a flat refusal."

"Politely."

"Of course." She smiled, "Though, we know only a mutation piece would work on you, it might not stop one of them from trying, if they were to capture you. So if you do accept any of them..."

"As retainer of the Gremory house, I don't suppose I could ask my boss to look into these names? Maybe give me an idea on how the rest of devil society sees them so I can get a guess on if I want to deal with them at all."

"We do try and take care of all our employee's needs." She nodded, "May I forward these to Grayfia-san?"

"Sure."

A few clicks later, she highlighted the last two, "These... They aren't from Riser's peerage, though I suppose they wouldn't want to threaten you at all, considering."

"Reminds me, I have to summon one of them to pick up their shampoo and soap."

She laughed, "I want to try some too, since it seems so popular." She tapped her chin with a fingertip, "These... I'd be extra careful with. I won't stop you from accepting, or calling them out, or refusing. But just remember, an evil piece doesn't need consent from a corpse."

"Worst case I suppose." I nodded, "If I get bored in the next few days, I'll make sure to bring a trusted second, just in case it's an ambush."

She nodded, "Was that all, Sensei?"

"Oh, actually, is there any way to expand the workout room? It's good for what I'm doing now, but there's a little more equipment I'd like to add..."

"I'll see what I can do." She smiled, "But I won't tell you how I do it."

"Excellent. Thank you."

May 17 2016

Wake, stretch, milk, bake, breakfast, store cookies for later, make sure last night's alchemy projects didn't turn into foam or charcoal... A good morning, I mean, aside from not being back home...

Checking my phone, I had exactly one message.

Boss: Room is all set up. And schedules have been altered for you to supervise both peerages around the usual time. Have fun in the shop.

I smiled as I picked up the puzzle box and headed to the workout room. The door was still the same as it was, but as soon as I opened it...

It was empty? The room had been cleared out, and only a single bit of paper had been left on the kitchen counter. "Needed more space, made a new room in Gaspard's hallway." Under that was a quick sketch of Rias's face with a little doodle of a 'V' sign.

Putting the note in my pocket, I headed to the basement, and went through the 'this isn't here' enchantment to the half-vampire's hallway. Yup, a new double door had been put into the wall about half way down. Opening that...

It was like someone had put in a small gymnasium. About as large as a basketball court, it had weight machines, treadmills, punching bags, a double set of hand weights that ranged from two, to one hundred kilograms... I was in awe of just how fast they had installed a room like this. Most of the walls were mirrored, and the ventilation looked to be properly installed too. And yes, there was a pair of doors with the traditional 'male' and 'female' stick figures on them. This would more than do for the two peerages, with plenty of space to boot.

I still wasn't going to ask how she'd managed this between bed time and sunrise. Nope.

The growl of a monster/motor was just barely audible over my power hammer as Cime and his 'truck' pulled into the driveway in front of my shop. I finished hammering out the flat bar of Ko-steel alloy and turned off the air compressor, the pneumatic hammer 'HUFF Huff huff uff'ing to a stop.

I put the plate of steel onto a rack to cool, and went outside to greet him.

"Looking good." I said to the truck, "And good morning Friend Cime."

"And to you." He tipped his hat.

"Snort."

"I know what brings you by, but I only ordered one..." I looked at the six identical boxes in the back of the pickup truck.

"Well, I've got special instructions to allow you to sign for them." He nodded, offering me a clipboard, "From one Sona Sitri."

"Ah, well, no problem then." I signed and helped him unload the tall boxes. They weren't that big, but they were deceptively heavy. "Lets hope they can hold up to a rook getting a little too eager..."

He chuckled, standing up the last box, "Annnnd." He said with a flair, opening the passenger side of the truck and handing me another box, this one about the size of a loaf of bread. "For the adjustments on the sword, and the wonderful firearm you made me."

"Very nice." I said, accepting the heavy box, feeling the latent tingle of magic buzzing inside. Excited, I put it on the nearest workbench and pulled the box open, revealing another block of electrum. "Oh this will do nicely."

"Ah, it feels good to see someone open a gift." Cime laughed, "But, old business done." He dusted off his hands, "How are you dealing with your new popularity?"

"I'm sort of resigned to it I think? I mean... After that kind of show..."

"Such a glorious show. I knew you were powerful, and seen your talent in the work you do in this little shop, but I had no idea..." He laughed, "And that display at the end! Oh I felt my heart beat like it meant it."

"Thankfully, Riser's parents were understanding." I replied.

"I'm curious, what did you ask them for? I was honestly a little surprised you didn't just pull Riser's heart out or something... but well... That's old business."

"A question, a few dozen phoenix feathers, two vials of tears, for them to officially join in the search for clues on why I arrived here, and a favourable nod in my direction if I need political backing at some point." I replied, putting my hand on the puzzle box, "However, since I did kind of beat their son within an inch of his life, and ruined him for any further political pairings... His father put my prizes in this box here."

"Ruined him?" He asked, leaning down and looking at the box, "You know, this is a very fancy box. You could learn a thing or two from it, when it comes to presentation."

"You're a funny guy." I snorted, "And yes. His peerage, everyone but his sister at least, asked me for a little... marital aid... so to speak. Riser is going to be far too busy dealing with that to get married off to anyone else."

"No kidding?"

"Snort!"

"Oh, you're right. All the kidding. Haha!" Cime laughed, "Oh you have such a wicked sense of humour."

"So does Riser's dad. This is such a weird puzzle box. I've poked, prodded, tapped, and traced every line and detail of it... But can't even find a seam in it. Says his three sons had no idea how to open it either."

"Hm... Not magical at all... Stone that's native to Hell..."

"No no, don't help. I'm taking this personally." I shoo'ed him away from the box.

"Fine fine." He relented and backed up, his face under the cap grinning, "Well, if you need any advice, or anything delivered, you know who to ask." He bowed.

"Indeed I do. And now that you've delivered this..." I gave the block of electrum a pat, "I can work on my armour... My metal coming in tomorrow?"

"Should be. You're making a lot of the suppliers I deal with very curious you know. Almost like you know the lost recipe for Damascus."

"That's because I do?" I replied, "Other world, remember? Some of these 'lost to history' things are much less... lost. I also glanced over some of Vulcan's notes, while I learned the language of Babel... What?"

"You know... I'm just going to put some ice on my head when I get home." He sighed, "I believe Mittelt now, about you knowing Greek Fire."

"I can also make hair grow cream, if you're interested." I waggled an eyebrow at him.

"I'll pass. I rather like the hat."

"Phubububububu." Replied the truck.

"Quiet you, or I'll shave your mane and give it to her." Cime pointed at the truck.

"No... I don't need any more of her hair. It looks much better on her anyhow." I gave the side of the truck a pat.

"Oh? What did you make from it?" Cime asked.

So, I went to my safe, with the 'dangerous goods' in it, taking out the black and blood red Kitsune helmet. Without comment, I offered it to him.

"Oh... This is very impressive. I can feel the layers of enchantment and lines of power you've worked into it... What do you think?" He held it up to one of the truck's headlights.

Instead of replying, the headlights blinked on and off a couple times, then the entire truck bounced once on its front tires. Like it was pawing at the ground.

"I agree." Cime replied, looking it over again, then again inside, "Oh... And you've moulded it to your face... But... Metal eyes?"

"Part of the enchantments. It will be part of the new suit of armour." I hooked a thumb at the half dozen hammered plates of steel I had cooling. "It's going to be a long process... But I'm getting the plates made now before I start cutting them out into shapes and forming."

"I look forward to seeing it done." He grinned.

The rest of the day was spent hammering out plates of steel, poking at the puzzle box, and looking up more ideas on armour designs. I wanted total coverage, but also needed it to be something I could repair, replace, or reproduce, back in Orario. I probably had the skill to make something that would out do modern day military gear, but things like 'kevlar' didn't exist back home...

I actually had everyone in the underground gym that evening. Even Gaspard, though he was in the corner out of the way, in his big box. This was actually not what I had planned, but nothing I hadn't done before. After getting 'the peerage' part of the group working on some warm ups, (including Gaspard, whom I gave two 'easy mode' grip trainers) Sona, Rias and Akeno took me aside for a chat.

"Since we are rivals, I don't suppose you could keep the two groups from... sharing too much?" Rias asked.

"Really? You go through all this trouble... or rather, someone, goes through all this trouble to install all this amazing stuff in this impossible room, and you want me to limit just how useful it can be?" I folded my arms, and gave her my very best raised eyebrow.

"I share Rias-san's reserve in this." Sona added.

"I will give them all direction for 'self improvement'." I said, "But, I will not tell them to limit their interactions." I grumbled, "If Issei and Tsubasa want to spar, I won't stop them. If Kiba and Tomoe want to throw down, I'll let them." I held up a hand, "However, if anyone starts to break out the magic, I'll put my foot down. I don't want the building to collapse on us or something because someone set off a fireball or something."

Akeno giggled behind her hand while the two Kings grumbled at my refusal to budge. "Sensei is very serious about her training."

"I leave the magic instruction to you two Kings. But basic training, skill and form? That's me." I squinted at them, "When was the last time you did any cardio, anyhow?"

Sona smiled as Rias pouted. "Even I am getting involved in the exercises." She said.

"Well, if my rival is, I will as well." Rias replied before they started to stare each other down. I promptly gave them both Karate Chops of Justice.

"No magic in the gym. Go get changed, I'll check up on everyone then get you started." I gave them both another tap on the head to get them to stop glaring at each other, and both Rias and Akeno went to the woman's locker room.

"Humph. I will out-jog her any day of the week." Sona said.

"Rivalry is good. But leave conflict outside the enclosed underground training room." I said firmly. "So. What did you think?"

She mumbled something.

"Hm?" I leaned down, my closest ear rotating towards her.

She blushed, and repeated herself.

"You liked it, and want me to teach you Tai-Chi?"

"yes."

"And that Avatar is not in any way a 'magical girl' show?"

"that too."

"Excellent." I grinned, "Go get changed."

After getting the rookies, or rather, the less 'combat oriented' ones on the treadmills, I got the bare hand fighters set up on the dummies. For anyone not familiar, it's really just a sturdy wooden post a little less than two metres tall, with various bits of wood sticking out of it. To the uninitiated, it looks like some kind of coat rack. But it was meant to mimic a person with their arms out defensively in various positions. The goal was to use your own hands and feet to move around the pegs to mimic blocking and striking.

Ruruko was actually familiar with the dummy. While everyone else could only guess at how to use it properly. So I conscripted her help to get Saji, Tsubasa, Tsubaki, Sona, Issei and Maki started.

Tomoe and Tsubaki were content to spar against one another, without resorting to their evil piece power.

Koneko was using fifty kilogram free weights, looking just as bored as ever, but at least keeping her form.

Then there was Kiba...

Kiba was absently using one of the weight machines, his expression practically blank as he worked on his shoulders. He didn't even have that plastic smile in place. Lost in thought and not even sweating.

"Ahem." I cleared my throat to get his attention.

"Hm? Oh, Sensei." He set the weight down and took his arms off the bars. "Something wrong?"

"Good question." I replied, "I don't think I've ever seen you distracted like this."

"It's no..." He put his smile back on, "That won't fool you I suppose."

"Nope."

"It's personal." He said.

"This is a place of training and discipline. Can you leave your problem at the door?" I tried not to sound harsh, but I couldn't help using a little of my serious voice.

He looked up at me, thought for a moment, then stood, "Not today, no."

He started to turn away, but I put a hand on his shoulder. "Go cool off. If you want I'll spar with you later."

"I'll consider it." He replied, waiting until I took my had away before he walked off towards the change room.

As he left, I turned and looked towards Rias, who had just stepped off the treadmill. She was looking back at me with a look of resignation.

"Come in." I said to my door, "Working on something."

"Sensei." Rias greeted as she entered, "You wanted to talk?"

Wordlessly, I pushed a little paper lunch bag in her direction with a tail. I was currently adding single drops of blue liquid to what was bubbling in one of my alchemy sets and didn't want to miss count.

"Oh you made some soap. Lavender too." I heard the paper bag crumple, then the rustle of fabric, "I take it that wasn't all?"

"No. But..." I added the last drop from my little eyedropper, and squinted at the liquid in the larger beaker as it slowly bubbled itself into a pink colour, "Hm... Okay, suppose that's the best I'm getting." I turned to her, "So, about your knight."

"Not hard to tell he's been distracted." She sighed, leaning against the counter, "I'm sure it's just temporary."

"Hope so." I looked at the pink liquid as it settled in the last beaker at the end of my glassworks, "Well, last test for the night..." I very deliberately poked my thumb with my canine tooth, just enough to draw blood. I took a cotton swab, dabbed it in the pink liquid then rubbed it over the little cut on my thumb.

Aside from a little tingle, nothing happened. Well, aside from the Q-tip soaking up the drop of blood.

"No good?" Rias asked.

"Nope." I sighed, "Going to need to try something else."

"I'm sure you'll get it... Did you want a band-aid?"

"I've healed fractures overnight." I shrugged, "I'll be fine."

Then someone else knocked on my door. "Oh? Another guest?"

"That would be Sona." I said, "Come in."

"I'll take my leave then." Rias said, "Sona-san." She greeted her rival as the door opened.

"Rias-san." Sona returned.

The door closed, and I couldn't help but comment, "You know, one day, the two of you are going to give each other a hug. And some sort of cosmic imbalance will correct itself."

I was of course, given a raised eyebrow, but Sona greeted me with a polite bow anyhow, "Sensei." She had an old leather handbag with her, and unslung it from her shoulder to place on my counter. "Are you ready for a lesson?"

"If you give me a moment or two to clean up my glass here."

'Formal' magic, hurt my head. I mean, sure, I knew, and understood that magic existed. But it had always been 'alive'. People called spirits. Used the 'life force' around them. Or like me, used their natural will and inner power to accomplish something.

But this... This was like applying 'math' to magic. By applying a certain pattern, and powering it with a little of your own willpower, you got a result. Sort of.

Kind of...

Maybe?

"I can see you are having a little difficulty." Sona gave the back of my head a pat as I put my head down on the desk in frustration. "It is somewhat similar to how Devils use their own circles."

"I can see the resemblance, and even used something kind of similar for my element cubes. But this... It's so close to science..."

"Technically, it is." She said, "The only catch, is to get it to work, it needs a touch of actual power."

"Yeah, I get that part... Bleh, okay, maybe trying this before bed was a mistake."

"I am sure you will overcome this, with a little study." Sona assured me.

"Can you use this stuff?" I lifted my head and tried to puzzle out the simple formula on the faded page in front of me.

"Not especially, no. As well, being a devil, I can achieve the same result with my own innate power, with less time and effort." She smiled, "So long as I can imagine my own power doing so. We are very much 'imagination' driven with our magic."

"Hm, and since my own power is... a lot more rigid on its direct usage..." I sighed and looked away from the book, "Can I borrow this book? Go over it a little on my own?"

"May I have a private lesson?"

"Let me clear some floor space."

NOTES!

So... many... words...

More on the way, old faces, new faces, new problems, and different ways of doing things.