"Gray! Wake up! You're going to be late!"

I grumbled, rising up from my spot on the floor as I rubbed my eyes. I woke up alone today, something I wasn't sure if I was happy about or not, and headed into the bathroom. All of them were ok from what I understood, Koneko having tracked me down after I made it home. She told me that everyone was ok, and that the nun had been resurrected as a Demon Servant, Rias's Bishop.

"That is why you're still alive, because a Devil took interest in you."

I resisted the urge to bite down, my toothbrush would most definitely shatter, and picking plastic fragments out of my gums sounds like a horrible thing to happen first thing in the morning. I slipped my uniform on and headed out, thanking my mother as I headed out, leaving my breakfast untouched. I knew I would hear about it later…but I just wasn't hungry.

"Goliath can feast on his own magic to sustain himself. It isn't recommended that you do so for long, but it's possible to remain healthy for several days without intake."

…um…thanks.

Ajax had become much more…chatty, since yesterday's run in with the local Fallen. Maybe he was being caring, or tip toeing around soft subjects…or maybe trying to be comforting. Either way, it was new in itself, so I can't really speak as to his results. I reached the gate, and snorted, remembering the amount of times I broke the damn thing, and had it fixed. I circulated power beneath my clothing, and I grew slightly, stepping over it as if it was a simple obstacle. I continued on my way without delay, my eyes finding the morning shadows as they had for many mornings now.

Back to this whole Alone thing…I really should have known.

I shook it off, refusing to fall into a slump at the inevitable, and headed on my way. I was confident that they would find a way to pull me aside after school to meet the latest "acquisition" to Rias's peerage, and as a pseudo member myself, there wasn't really an excuse to delay that.

It was bound to be awkward though.

'Hi, I'm Gray, I was born to kill your God!'

I snorted, yeah, we'll get along great.

I moved around the corner, and headed to the stoplight. My eyes on the concrete as I thought about my decision yesterday…why am I like this.

Am I this easy?

Hook, line, sinker. I need to suck it up.

I looked up, and a pulse ran through my fingers as my heart rate jolted slightly. At the light, Rias was standing there alone, bag in hand. She was facing the walk, looking on in vague recognition as she had yet to even press the button.

I walked up to her, "Rias, you know you have to push the button to get across, right?"

She remained completely lost, not giving me the slightest bit of recognition. I sighed, my hand glowing green faintly, and I poked her in the side. She let out a startled yelp, turning in embarrassment and shock to see me standing there, looking unimpressed.

"Welcome back to the land of the awake, Ms. DayDreamer." I said calmly, before pressing the button next to me, and waiting, "you could have gone way earlier if you just pushed the button."

"I…I did."

…

Jesus how long as she been standing here?

"What's happened then? I doubt you'd stand at this light for more than ten minutes waiting for me if I was going to see you later."

She regained herself as she looked at me worriedly, "You didn't come back last night, Koneko only told me that you made it home…not looking well."

I rolled my eyes, "Probably because I didn't give her treats or something, she always seems to have them on hand."

"Please don't joke about this."

I fell silent, looking forward as if she was just another stranger, we remained that way for a time, her expectant stare inflicting not even the slightest damage to my nonchalance.

"He's coming, isn't he?" I asked suddenly, and she sighed somberly, "Yes…yes he is."

I nodded, the light turning green, and we headed across, "I still don't really know how we can beat him." She confessed, clearly puzzled and frustrated. This must have been what she was wrestling with at the light.

"If he can't die, and heals every injury, how we can possibly take him down…" she muttered, and I frowned.

"Do we necessarily have to win?" I asked curiously, and her head shot up, "Absolutely."

"No no no." I said, waving my hand, "As in, can we arrange the winning conditions differently. As in the only way he could insist upon this marriage is by victory, and if he fails that, he must leave this alone?"

She blinked, "It's possible, but as I am the one actively trying to change it, we could end up with a draw being a rematch for the same issue. I have no intention of fighting him off for the rest of my life."

I nodded, if it was just rescheduled, that would postpone my decision.

"Is there any way to win without his…well, retirement?"

"If he surrenders." She said, frowning, "even if all the Pieces were removed from the bored, Kings would fight until there is a victor. We model it like chess, but in terms of Rating games that hardly holds true past basic principles."

"Then we have to force him to surrender." I said with a nod, "How do we do that?"

"Pain, Bargain, or Time." She said immediately, swinging her bag behind her as she placed her feet in specific places as she walked, "He may be immortal, but pain is still pain. Its graphic, and circumstantial, but it's a way. We could bargain for his resignation, but it would have to hold more value than my engagement…which isnt something we have. The third is Time. If we simply hold the game hostage long enough, he might have to return to his duties. It's a long shot, definitely the least likely of the three, but it's a way. A battle of attrition."

I nodded in thought as she spoke. Her points did make sense, and her concerns were definitely valid. I can sustain myself on Goliaths power, but Rias can't. I could last a year and it wouldn't matter if she didn't make it through the day.

"In terms of might, he has a full Peerage." She said grimly, "While we have six, he has sixteen including himself."

"In terms of regeneration, I might be able to keep up with him." I said distantly, causing her head to whip as I rubbed my upper lip, "I can't regenerate a lost head, but I can reconnect limbs and such. Burns might take me a little longer depending on the damage, but it wouldn't be able to slow me down. Can we bring equipment?" I asked curiously, and she shrugged.

"In terms of weaponry, it should be allowed. Many of his pawns carry a weapon of some kind."

Huh, wonder if I could get away with bringing more than one.

"Then I guess all we can do is train. When do you plan on getting Issei up to shape?"

"Tomorrow morning. The weekend is a good place to start, no school to get in the way, and all the motivation he needs."

I don't even want to know what "motivation" she has in mind. I don't want to be there when it happens either…it's just embarrassing to watch.

"Right then, I'll be at the beach if you need me." I said with a shrug. She looked at me curiously, "Why the beach?"

"I wondered that too for a time." I said with a nod, "Ajax commented on how it looked similar to his old home, the coast and all. Though his actual reason is just because it's perfect for my needs. The waves cancel out noise, the fog hides me, the craters I leave in the sand are washed away by the ocean, and it's fairly private."

I got back on track, "Anyway, your plan for Riser is just to leave him for last yes?"

"While normally the aim of the game is to remove the king, he can't be, so we must eliminate all of his allies before forcing his forfeiture."

"So I am a Sword, or a Shield?"

"Hmm?"

"I can either protect you to the best of my ability, or you can send me to take them out before they get to you. I can't teleport." I said with a sigh. In terms of demonic abilities, I had as much as a normal human being.

Which was absolutely none.

"That…will depend on the battlefield."

I blinked. I guess I kinda expected it to be a large chess board, but that would be kinda stupid wouldn't it? I accepted that, acknowledging there couldn't really be a set plan unless we knew what was happening. Considering how we were already at a disadvantage, it really was down to the field.

"Does Riser's healing wear him down?"

"Not that I have seen."

"What a cocky prick." I said with a grunt. I get you should flaunt what your proud of, but ego just makes you ugly.

She tittered with a small giggle at my overall character assessment, and I just ignored it. This battle was going to be, by far, the most painful thing I'll have ever done.

"I can admit that being burned alive is excruciating."

Thanks…really.

I blinked as I recognized the front gates to our school, and I looked around, making sure nobody saw me with Rias. She pouted at seeing my somewhat panicked expression, and hugged my arm, keeping me close and kept walking, "Nobody is here, we are early…just do this for me."

I felt her tone shift to a darker one, and I felt my resolve crumble…it was early. I walked through with her, the first time I had…ever I think. We walked past the fountain in relative silence, her head leaned against my arm, "Promise me something?"

"That depends, you're not going to make me do this every day are you?" I said with a small bit of humor, and she ignored it, making me a little cautious.

"If we lose…"

Oh dear.

"We won't." I said firmly, pulling her in for a tight one armed hug, her expression hid beneath her hair, "Let me promise you something."

I got down on one knee, looking her straight in the eye, and determined, "I will make sure, that even if my piece is broken, even if I make an enemy of the entire supernatural world…even if I have to personally go down there and destroy Hell before Heaven…you will be free of this."

I looked her dead in the eye, "I promise. I will make Riser fear the idea of ever touching you again."

She stood still, meeting my eyes with such emotion I had never seen before in her. She always seemed…higher, in control, impermeable.

She looked like a normal girl.

She nodded, a small blush on her features, and she turned away, heading off into the school, "Right, we won't lose. We will win, and soon after I will officially bring you into my peerage."

I laughed, "One step at a time."

She nodded with a smile, still not looking at me, and ran off, surprising me again as I had never seen her run on campus.

I felt my good mood die, and I turned away, heading towards my assigned destination. My smile fell, and my eyes descended into shadow as I rounded the corner.

"One step at a time…I'm sorry Rias."

XX

Lunch rolled around fairly quickly, though I haven't really been paying attention. The day flies by when your mind is elsewhere. I knocked this time, staring at the darkened wood of the Council doors. I heard the sudden scattering of papers, and a rushed sentence.

"Just a moment!"

An eyebrow rose slightly, that was Sona…right? I've never heard her so flustered before. I walked to the side, leaning against the wall, and tried to take up as little of the hallway as possible. Students were starting to leave their classrooms, and I didn't feel like getting squeezed by. Its fine if its two or three, but being a choke point for the whole hallway is not my idea of fun.

After a few moments, I knocked again, "Sona, its getting packed out here."

"I…Come in."

I frowned, opening the door and quickly closing it behind me. I looked around, and found that…we had a guest.

And from what I could tell, an unwanted one.

Sona and Tsubaki were standing behind the desk, clearly unhappy of their apparent vistor treating it like a chair. He was pale, creepily so, with dark green hair and noble clothing. His eyes appeared closed, but it might have just been his face.

I try not to judge.

"I'll be in the kitchen." I said, bidding myself an excuse.

"Wait a moment." The mystery guy said, "You are a member of Rias Gremory's Peerage yes?"

Sona tensed, and I frowned, "You're not this Riser Phenex I've heard so much about, right?"

He visibly recoiled, laughing in surprise, "Ha! Hardly, I like to believe I am less…pungent."

Sona and Tsubaki clearly didn't think so.

"Oh, well, never mind then. What about Rias?"

He raised an eyebrow, "Oh, you refer to her by name? Gremory's really do treat their subordinates like family…disgusting."

I turned to fully face him, "I address her as such because saying "Lady Gremory" is honestly stuffy and excessive. I know who she is, just as she knows who I am. I don't feel like stoking another's ego just to get popped later down the line."

I tilted my head as I continued, "Something that has yet to happen to you I see. You got a name Squinty?"

He smiled, though I could tell it was not genuine, "Astaroth, A High-Class Devil. One of the 72 Pillars."

"Oh, a Stuck up." I said with a nod of recognition, Sona was growing paler and paler the more the conversation carried on, "Well, are you going to tell me what you stopped me for, or are we just going to keep hating each other more?"

He kissed his teeth and walked forward, standing in front of me…a solid two feet shorter, maybe more.

"Don't let your ego match your size."

"I'd ask you to take your own advice, but your ego clearly dwarfs your…small size." I said blankly, and he just smiled wider. I sighed, "You going to spit it out or what?"

He sighed, "It's my understanding that the Gremory Heiress has taken in a new peerage member. Asia Argento, a Nun, correct?"

I frowned, "And that is your business why?"

"I owe her a debt." He said, "I wish to see her, and thank her."

"Well, I confess I don't know much about her, but being a freshly reincarnated, try sending her a letter and doing all the precursory things before meeting with her. More Devils around will only increase the difficulty for her…change in roles."

Sona looked at me in surprise, and I stepped past Astaroth, bowing to Sona slightly, "Sorry for interrupting your conversation, I'll be going to the kitchen now."

I wandered off, ignoring the stare I felt on my back. I wasn't going to humor whoever that was. he was clearly had his "noble" stick shoved pretty far up his ass. I like to avoid those people, as I will inevitably be drawn to one of three outcomes.

None of them are very pretty.

I casually emptied the refrigerator, pulling out my prepped stuff from this morning as I still planning on making chili. Sona and Rias would be in for a treat. I haven't let anyone but my mother sample this dish.

Which is the same for all my creations because I don't have friends, but it sounds better in my head.

"Well he is quite the…servant." Astaroth's muffled voice permeated the room, "I hope he learns his place in the greater scheme of things. Another High Class Devil other than myself might end up teaching him a lesson or two."

I'd like to see you try Stuck-Up.

"He is a new addition as well to Gremory's peerage." Sona said quietly, knowing I could hear, "He will be informed about proper conduct."

Just try and do that. I'll flat out ignore you. I am not a kiss ass, never was, never will. You want to be a prick I'll be one right back. People could say that's childish, but I guess you could say I don't give a damn. What do I have to lose?

I tuned them out, knowing the current state no longer had anything to do with me. He didn't know I was Goliath, and that was about all I cared about.

I wasn't really sure of how fast time was moving past me. I knew I was working…and that was it. The heat running its intangible tongues up my arms and neck, tracing my cheeks and licking at the edges of my eyes as the warm oranges flickered along the walls. I lost myself in the moment, letting it take me away to a faraway place.

The was a large pop, and I jolted slightly, shaking it off almost immediately as I thought the food bubbled. I blinked in confusion when the food clearly wasn't actually the culprit, and looked over the floors to see if I dropped anything. I turned around fully, and came face to face with Rias, holding a burst paper bag.

"You could have just tapped me you know." I said with a sigh, and she shook her head, "Three attempts to no avail."

I shrugged, "Well, what's up?"

"I will be attending Issei's next contract. He hasn't been able to successfully make one, and I'm hoping to assist him."

"Well, that's your call, your peerage after all." I said with a nod, scooting off to the side to gain space and lean on the counter, stirring the meal lazily, "That hardly has anything to do with me though."

She was silent for a time, watching my food swirl from my ladle, before letting out a slow breath and leaning on the wall opposite of me. "I suppose I had a few things on my mind."

"Why come to me?"

"You seem…available."

"If that's a jab at me not having friends, you can leave."

"No!" she said, catching my sarcastic smirk just as she did so, and huffed, "You're so difficult some times."

"I'm not forcing you." I said with a quiet laugh, "do I need to ask you what's on your mind or are you going to run?"

She paused again, before she walked forward. She stood up straight and directly in front of me.

"I need you to take me on your training sessions."

…

"Umm…why?"

"So I can get stronger."

"You think that physical exercise and muscle memory drills are going to fix that?"

"Anything will be of use."

"Ajax is from a time were women weren't warriors." I said slowly, "His teachings are more for men, on a physiological level."

"It isn't impossible. I taught many of my comrade's wives basic combat to assure their safety. It wasn't uncommon for cowards to flee from battle, and plunder the towns while the men were away."

"Nevermind." I muttered

"And even if he is unable, you yourself will prove an adequate sparring partner." She said confidently, hands on hips.

"…what were you hoping to learn?" I asked slowly, wondering what exactly she wanted. If she was hoping for some sort of physical boon, she wasn't going to be able to cultivate one in the allotted time before the Rating Game.

"Whatever I can." She said with a firm nod, "I will not sit idly."

I stared at her for a solid few seconds, judging her overall attitude towards this. She was aware that she would be at a significant disadvantage right? Being a close-quarters combatant, if I breach her defenses she might as well be a newborn.

"You want to test yourself against me?"

"Yes."

"You know that I am already stronger than you."

"Perhaps in power, but that alone doesn't guarantee victory."

"You want to win then? Are you hoping that establishing some sort of dominance will better ensure the Evil Piece that connects us?"

"That would be a pleasant bonus, but I can't put all my chips on you just yet."

I nodded slowly, "Well, if your set on improvement, Ajax has a few things he can show you. If you're set on the sparring though, you will end up on the more battered side. You up for it?"

"Experience is the best teacher." She said, smiling much more brightly after hearing my agreement to her proposal.

"Only if learned from." I said with a casual stare, "Hope Akeno is prepared to heal you every night. The first few nights will be the hardest."

I felt her arms encircle my stomach and squeeze me lightly, "I'll be in your care."

"Well, you'll be in Akeno's, but yes. I'll be in yours as well."

She squeezed me a little tighter for a second, "It amazes me that you struggle with finding friends. You're such a charming and warm person."

Pretty sure that is sarcasm.

I'll admit, that was a really nice thing to hear…though I'm not entirely sure how she worked that out. I know I was saying all this lightly, but I wasn't kidding.

"When do you plan on starting then? Today you'll be with Issei no?"

She released me with a light trace of her fingers, "Yes, though I'd imagine that shouldn't be an issue. How long do you train?"

"Mm, depends." I said with a frown, "Whenever I feel like stopping I guess?"

My phone rang, and I checked the display to see it was my five minute warning. Looks like I need to head to my next class. I showed it to Rias.

"Time to go, I'm sure you'll be able to find me tomorrow." I rolled up my cooking supplies and various materials.

"Not today? I can make time for it."

"Issei needs help no? It's best to be prepared for that.

Rias still had yet to let go.

"Was there something else you needed?"

"…Thank you Gray."

I blinked before just nodded slowly, "I made a promise Rias, I do intend to keep it. Relax, everything will be fine. You can even show Koneko some of the moves Ajax will show you as well. Her defenses will really make those shine."

"And Akeno?"

"From what Issei tells me, she is definitely rather terrifying in terms of magic combat, but it wouldn't hurt I suppose."

She giggled, and released me, smiling much more confidently, "Couldn't hurt could it?"

"Yes, yes it could, and will." I said with a reflected smile, my joke bringing us both mild amusement. She left soon after, waving good bye and exiting the space. Sona was still working at her desk, though I could tell she was rapidly losing motivation.

"I'll be off." I said casually, putting the Chili back in fridge. I have never tried this before, but it was worth a shot.

"Do your best." I said with a thumbs up at her as she looked at me in surprise, and I exited quickly, technically running late to my next class. The school day was almost over, but the day itself was hardly close to done.

XXX

So…this was Asia Argento?

I knew she was timid from her general description and plausible trauma…but really?

This shivering little girl?

Asia was practically cowering behind Issei like a newborn. They were having what was probably considered a moment before I walked in.

Safe to say I ruined that.

"Ah! Gray, I don't believe you have met Asia-chan yet have you?"

I looked at that shivering mess that was the newest member, and back at my apparent "King". "And you were wondering earlier about why I couldn't make friends."

She remained unaffected by my retort, and turned to Asia with a smile, "Asia-chan, I know he looks big and scary, but he's a really nice and reliable guy! He actually joined around the same time Issei did. He was there when he went to rescue you as well."

Her shivering lessened somewhat, and her large green eyes gazed at me in obvious timidness, "R-really?"

"Yeah Asia!" Issei spoke up, turning and facing her, "He took on the rest of the fallen when we went inside! We probably all would have died if he didn't take the main threats away!"

Her obvious trust in Issei won out, and she fully came into view, though obviously still considerably nervous.

"I…I'm Asia Argento! Thank you for saving me!" she said hurriedly, bowing quickly and standing up just as fast.

Oh my god is she crying!

I know I'm not a pretty boy like Kiba but could you please not cry just looking at me!

"You're welcome." I said neutrally, "I'm Gray Fortis…nice to meet you." I tacked on the end. I really didn't think so…I would not be able to even coexist in this room if this girl could not calm down in my presence.

Is this what dealing with a rodent is like? small, timid, fragile, cute, and primarily harmless?

What the hell did I just imagine.

I walked past her, not missing her flinch and clamp her eyes shut as I passed, and sat on the floor. I pressed my back against Rias's desk at the front, and leaned my head back on it as I had every time I came in here. Rias obviously wanted me on the couch, but frankly I didn't feel like crushing them under my weight to prove a point.

"How did Issei's contract go?"

"I got my first contract!" I heard him shout with glee, and I smiled, "Good stuff. Keep 'em coming Dragon Emperor."

He grinned at that for some reason, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment, and I leaned back, looking at Rias upside down, "So, how did it actually go?"

"Oi!" Issei let out indignantly, and Rias laughed, "It went rather well. We played matchmaker with a young college couple. We even took a photo."

I took the photo she pushed up to the edge of the desk, and my mental assumption was instantly shattered as I saw two armored individuals in each other's arms. An old Japanese armor set with an oldman's face had blond ringlet curls popping out, and the literal knight in shining armor wore a polished metal set of medieval armor…and an arrow sticking out of his helmet.

"…they look made for each other." I said slowly, and Rias tittered, "Yes, indeed."

I slid the photo back over, and stared at the assembled group of devils, who had moved to their seats on the couches. Asia was clearly infringing on Issei's personal space, not that he seemed to mind, but her constant glances at me were growing more tiresome by the second…like when a house pet keeps nagging you for food when they don't eat their meal for another hour.

Cute, then old, then irritating.

"So what then?" I asked, looking back up at Rias, "Far as I know the only thing you needed from me was meeting our newest member. I've met her, is there anything else?"

"Hmmm." Rias hummed thoughtfully, "I suppose I wanted to discuss bringing everyone to your training sessions. I know we agreed to myself, it would be beneficial if everyone attended. Is that ok?"

I frowned, looking back at everyone. It might be good for Akeno incase her defenses are breached, it could prove useful for Kiba as well as Issei. Asia…I doubted she could at all.

"I don't see a problem with that. Asia's a Healer, correct?"

"Yeah! She can heal injuries in a couple of seconds!" Issei boasted proudly, and she shrunk in on herself as I examined her.

"Then she should attend as well. Injuries halt progress, and while I heal passively, the rest of you do not." I said logically, looking up at the ceiling, "I have no problems with more attending, though it will slow your own progress Rias, is that acceptable?"

"We all need to fight." She said distantly, and I nodded with a sigh, "Well, training starts after school. If you have family or other obligations, cancel them if you want to attend. Don't be late on the first day, time is of the essence."

I heard everyone's affirmation, though Issei looked somewhat confused on what kind of battle we were preparing for, and I nodded. Rias turned to Issei, "Issei-kun, please consider this as additional, and not a replacement for your training with me on weekends. We need you up to snuff."

He winced, and I saw a small beacon of hope disappear as she sank into his seat, "Hai…"

Asia patted his shoulder with a smile, and I closed my eyes. Their conversation carried on, but I didn't really care at that point, my part was done…I was just present now.

"The white-haired girl will prove a good sparring partner."

'I'll be sparing with all of them'

"You will gain experience, but in terms of personal growth, she will offer the most."

I couldn't help but agree with that. If I left Rias's Peerage, it would be best to use this opportunity for myself as well as them…consider it a going away present.

Wait, "if"?

I decided…didn't I?

I heard the sudden pattering of multiple footsteps, and I slowly stood up. Was it Riser?

Rias noticed my change in posture, and stood up herself, "Something wrong?" the clubroom grew quiet as I stared at the door like a predator on the prowl, before it opened, and in came the small group of devils.

Souna Shitori, and the rest of the student council.

I visibly relaxed, retaking my spot on the floor and giving a small icebreaker. "I didn't leave the burner on did I?"

She shook her head with a smile, "No, you have taken good care of my kitchen." I nodded in thanks to her acknowledgement, and I continued, "So, what's up?"

"Umm, Issei, who are these people?" Asia asked curiously, her calmed state somewhat irking me as she was completely unbothered by sudden appearance of a large group of demons.

"That's Souna Shitori-senpai, the Student Council President, and on her left is the vice-president, Shinra Tsubaki-senpai…actually, these are all the student council members!"

He knew all the members?...actually, he probably should. Considering he has been on the receiving end of multiple complaints, it's no strange reality to consider he has met all of them.

He's probably been in there almost as much as me.

"What brings all of you here?" Rias asked, stepping forward with us at her backs. I stood up, easily dwarfing everyone, and standing behind Rias, next to Akeno on her right instead of her left. The guy to Souna's right was clearly surprised at seeing me there, and suddenly a lot less cocky.

I thought we left on pleasant terms last time, did Souna hit him to hard?

"Just a greeting, since both of us have some new servants." Souna replied smoothly, and I quirked an eyebrow. Clearly she already knew…there was obviously another reason.

"Servants? Don't tell me…" Issei tapered off, arriving at the conclusion he should have a while ago.

Akeno caught this and enlightened him, "Her real name is Sona Sitri. She's the heiress apparent of the upper-class Sitri Family."

"There are other demons in this school?!" Issei said practically flabbergasted, and I tried to not just let out a long, dry, sigh.

"Rias-senpai, you didn't tell him about us?" Saji said in surprise, though I could see his ego coming back with a vengeance as he continued, "It's strange that he wouldn't notice fellow demons though." He said smugly. I frowned at this, but Sona intervened, "Saji, the two families do not meddle in each other's affairs, it's not a surprise to see him unaware."

"You're the new guy who recently joined the student council as the secretary." Issei said vaguely, and I blinked. Secretary? I thought he was just a grunt.

"Your class 2-C's…something." Issei said with a nervous smile, and Sona finished it for him without missing a beat.

"Saji Genshirou, my pawn." She said with a nod, and Rias extended her hand to present Issei, "This is my Pawn, Issei Hyoudou."

She gestured to Asia, who was staring at the opposing group in mystified attention, "This is my Bishop, Asia Argento."

She rose her hand above her head and pointed at me, "And this is my-"

"Oh, you're a pawn too?" Issei said, walking a step forward as if to get a better look. "And we are in the same grade!" he said almost happily.

Saji promptly popped his bubble with a condescending sigh. What the heck blew up his ego so much? "I must say that being the same piece as one of the Perverted Trio seriously hurts my pride."

I blinked before looking off to the side and raising a hand to my face…I had forgotten that Issei had that tittle…it's so stupidly hilarious.

Issei took offense, which made it funnier, "What did you say, Bastard?!"

"Oh, you want to fight? I just became a demon, but I'm a pawn that was worth four pieces!" He said proudly, clearly relishing in that fact.

Sona intervened, again, "Saji, don't."

"Ha? Why?" Sajai said in confusion, holding up for fingers as if to emphasize the point.

"While it's true four pieces is rare, Issei himself was worth eight pieces." She said simply, and Saji's hand fell slack as that fact hit him. "Eight? Isn't that all of them!?" he exclaimed in surprise.

"I can't believe it. A lame guy like that was worth eight pieces? How in the wor-"

"Shut it dammit!" Issei growled in anger, and I sighed, unable to hold it back.

"Apologies for that, Hyoudou-kun, Argento-san, Gray." She said with a small nod. "Try to get along with him, if you can, he is also new to being a demon."

"Am I clear Saji?" she asked simply, and he affirmed it, albeit slowly as he was still rather caught off guard, "Yes, ma'am."

"Pleased to meet you." he said, as he held his hand out, and Asia took it with a both hands in shake.

I don't even care anymore. So much for being a nun. I am the only human here, and somehow she is afraid of me.

"Pleased to meet you too!" Asia said enthusiastically, and Saji quickly reignited as he grasped her hand, leaning in as the greeting became more personal, "To be with a cutie like you, the pleasure is all mine!"

Issei quickly intervened, and I averted my eyes to avoid the rather silly pissing contest these two guys were having.

"You must be having a hard time" Rias said with an amused smile, and Sona simply agreed, adjusting her glasses, "Same goes for you."

I got up and walked forward as the two had yet to stop, and I loomed over them as my shadow blocked out their light from the sun.

"We get it, your both pretty, can we move on now?" I said dryly, and they released each other from their hand-crushing contest.

"Heh! Well, I was promised a familiar upon my debut. Have fun passing out papers flyer boy." Saji shot as he walked back to Sona.

"Don't make fun of me! Bucho told me to get a familiar just now!"

Familiars?

"You're planning to go see him as well?" Sona asked innocently, and I didn't buy it for a second. She clearly knew.

"Yes, I had some time next week in mind, though." She said.

"But he's only available once a month." She said with a hand on her chin.

So this is why she really came here.

"Then how about we decide it with a fair game?"

"A game?" she asked in surprise, and Rias replied, "The winner gains the right to commission him."

"Are you talking about a Rating Game?" she asked seriously, and I didn't see a problem.

I'm confident I'd flatten them all anyway.

"Don't let that Ego get too big."

'It isn't Ego, its confidence.'

"That's what they all say, and then they fall in love with their own reflection."

'you mean Narcissus?'

"While he is the perfect example, you hardly match him in appearance."

Jackass.

"Oh, no." Rias said with a casual wave, "We'd never even get granted permission for that."

"Right." Sona agreed, "You can't afford to harm yourself either."

Rias immediately tensed, and I turned sharply to the Student Council.

That wasn't funny.

"That's irrelevant." She said strongly. She gathered herself in a moment's notice, "Oh, I know! Let's settle it through sports, like the normal high school students we are."

I blinked…but they clearly aren't…none of us are. In fact, I think I'm the only one that can claim that and not be laughed out of the room.