Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
OechsnerC; Thanks! Yeah, I'd say she's quite the tease. A Rating Game huh...yeah, there could be.
Clarent excalibur; She is quite awesome huh~?
Skull Flame; Haha, he surely is, he's not taking any chances this time. He tried, but failed, Isane didn't want any of that. They're both rather amusing huh~?
Anime PJ; Zenki and Rias' relationship has progressed to a good point huh~? Haha, Zenki isn't playing around, he just cuts to the thick of things, and slays the beast. Thanks very much!
HolyKnightX; Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! Haha, it seems that Isane can be inspired a number of ways~ That would be pretty funny to see that~ Ravel does understand that yeah. She knows that he needs to learn and hopes that Zenki can deal with it. Yeah, I tend to like building it up rather than it just happening instantly. Yeah, either of them would make some good ones~
TehStorm; Thanks! Yeah, Rias got some more screen time, and will receive a good bit more in the coming chapters. I could see him using Fenrir, it would be rather interesting to see. We will be seeing Riser and Zenki having a...fight haha. And yeah, more Isane is always fun~
ShadowUzumaki55; They have yeah, after speaking about it, they've decided to get married. He is helping motivate her alright~ Haha, he surely did yeah~ Ravel acknowledged that Riser needs to learn a bit of humility. That's Isane for you~
lord web of life of destiny; There surely are yeah~ Riser might have a trick or two up his sleeve. Yeah, what would have come from that haha. We will be getting full ones later on.
deltanz; Thanks! Yeah, Zenki will propose to her in the near future.
Silver crow; Yeah, maybe he will make them. Glad you enjoyed the scene~ That's how Isane is for you~ That's how the lazy dragon is, but as Zenki said, he's got some options. That's why Zenki said 'part time' like how Fafnir was within Azazel's. Le Fay is quite the excitable person huh~? He might meet them soon~ Yeah, that's sort of the joke. Basically, that's what he's made. Yeah, even they don't get it, but it will become apparent soon why. Vampire Oc, looking good. You never know if they have met or not. He could get along with them rather well. Maybe Vali does have that yeah.
Dxl; Yeah maybe it could reject her and be given to someone like that.
Guest 1; I haven't really seen Food Wars, so I'll have to get back to you on that.
Crimson green flame; Every girl in the harem will get a proposal at some point.
L; I have heard of that before, I might check it out, thanks for letting me know.
Andrew123456; It will be something like a Rating Game. That's how Xenovia is after all.
Guest 2; I've seen a few seinen, but I'd have to look up to remember which ones are classed as that and aren't classed as that.
Lld; Yeah, that would be pretty cool to see! Thanks for the suggestion!
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Announcement!
Having decided to get married, albeit wait for Zenki to propose to Asia first, Zenki wondered how he was going to tell his peerage about this. He knew that it could upset some, but he also knew that he couldn't lie to them either.
He needed to tell them as soon as he could, so once morning came about, he called his peerage to the living room, and looked on between them. However, Vali noticed that a certain blonde haired magician wasn't around.
"Where's that Le Fay girl? She's always here writing down your exploits."
Zenki showed a small smile.
"Le Fay-sans gone to meet some contact of hers to see if there's been any leads on her Onii-sama, while I'm waiting for some information from the Norse. But don't worry, she's not in any danger, I've sent some strong guards to be with her, one being Tiamat-san. So I'm sure that she's going to be alright."
That seemed to relieve the worries of them since they had been wondering about Le Fay.
Ravel saw that Kuroka was looking towards her, so she looked towards her fully.
"Is something wrong Kuroka-sama?"
"Nope~ I was just wondering if you got, any mail lately?"
She sang out, though Ravel frowned.
"Oh, you mean of Zekram by chance?"
Kuroka tried to hide her smirk, but she was failing to do so.
"Well, I suppose so~ So, did you~?"
"I did actually. And I've agreed to go on a date with him."
Kuroka and several others did a spit take.
"Y-You did?! Honestly Ravel?!"
Ravel this time hid her smile as she continued.
"When it's right, it's right. I couldn't hold back anymore, so I decided to take him up on the offer. He apparently is so into my breasts that he's going to buy me anything, so I've asked for a city, and he's agreed to buy Tokyo for me."
"T-Tokyo?! That old guy is gonna buy you Tokyo?!"
Ravel didn't reveal anything other than a flattering smile.
"Geez Ravel-chan, I didn't know you were into Zekram Bael."
Zenki curiously said, wondering where Ravel was going with this.
"W-Well, I just...Zekram is a nice man after all."
"...Ravel-san and Zekram Bael...this is really all of a sudden, I didn't expect that to happen..."
Yumi muttered, while Vali smirked "Knew it." drawing Ravel's attention.
"W-What do you mean you knew it?" Vali just kept up her smirk, as she continued on. "A-Anyway, Kuroka-sama... I know it was you." Kuroka wore a sheepish smile. "Did you think I'd really want to date that man?!"
"Nyaaaa~ How am I meant to know~?"
"It's alright, because I've sent him a love letter from you~"
"You what!?"
Ravel snickered as Kuroka raged on.
"Well, it isn't my fault, I thought that's what you wanted. You seemed to be speaking about him lately, so I made that connection for you. He's picking you up Friday to take you to the Undine's Kuroka-sama fanclub."
"N-No! Nyaaa! Please don't let me go there! They'll do stuff to me, and I might end up crying about it nyaaa! Please don't let it happen again! I can't handle this anymore! This is really weird!"
Some of the peerage snickered, seeing that Ravel was having a joke with Kuroka and hadn't really sent a letter.
Kuroka huffed, folding her arms.
Once that was out of the way, Zenki cleared his throat, and began the conversation.
"So...yes, the reason I called you all here is because...recently, within the Underworld, they've been asking more and more about Rias and myself, in the regards to our relationship." Seeing the faces of his peerage beginning to fall, he chortled awkwardly. "Yes, so Rias and I discussed it, and we've...agreed to get married."
As soon as he said it, Kuroka fell down to the floor, and began looking on sombrely.
"Damn...so Zenki-chan and Rias are getting married..."
"Kuroka-san, it's..."
"Z-Zenki-sama and Rias-sama are going to be married after all..."
Ravel looked down at the ground as if she's in deep thought while Zenki breathed slowly.
"Ravel-chan, don't worry..."
"...Zenki-senpai is getting married to her..."
Koneko gave a disheartened expression on her face.
"Koneko-chan, don't look so sad-"
"Z-Zenki-kun, even though you're going to be with...you're still our King so..."
Yumi murmured, trying to speak about things going on right now, but it was difficult for her.
"Yumi-chan..."
"...Zenki, we're still going to be together. I wont let that damn red head get in my way."
Vali said it with a serious face, while Asia looked around.
She hadn't said anything, something Zenki had noticed.
Zenki could see that it seemed difficult for all of his peerage members to speak about.
"Look, everyone. Rias and I are...we are getting married. But that doesn't mean anything about my adorable peerage members, I love all of you guys~ That's never gonna change~" His eyes went towards Asia who hadn't said anything. "Asia-chan, this decision...you see guys, Rias and I have agreed to marry, but I haven't...how to say this...we're going to be proposing properly in private, while saying to the Underworld that I will be getting married to her definitely."
"S-So, this is to appease the Underworld, yes?"
Ravel wondered, Zenki nodded with a small laugh.
"Exactly. I…I do want to marry Rias, but there's..." His eyes drifted to Asia, and smiled even more. "...something's I want to do before proposing to Rias properly. But I decided to tell you so you aren't blind sided by the news...plus I have a feeling that Riser might also become involved once finding out the news."
"Riser? What's he going to do anyway?"
Vali said it with a strong expression on her face.
Zenki shrugged.
"I don't know yet, I just have a feeling that something is going to happen with him. Especially since he's been spending time with Bedeze...either way, don't worry about what you guys hear...I'm sure the news will spread like wildfire in the Underworld. But you can be rest assured, even if I am getting married, my relationship to you guys wouldn't ever change, because I love all of you~"
Hearing that did cause their hearts to feel better than before.
Though they weren't exactly thrilled about Zenki marrying Rias, or marrying anyone not them in general, they also understood that they had to make a move due to the Underworld, and decided to go with their feelings.
"She's not having sex with you first, is she nyaaaa?" Kuroka asked, with everyone turning towards her questioningly. "What? Inquiring minds want to know. Besides, you're all thinking it as well so don't look at me as if I'm the weird one suddenly."
"Well, I haven't spoken to Rias about sex just yet. Though as she'll be my wife, eventually we'll be-"
"Not before me nyaaaa!"
Kuroka growled, with Ravel showing a strong smile.
"Naturally, I will also be sleeping with Zenki-sama before her."
"...Get in line, loli power all the way."
Koneko strengthened her hand and said it strongly.
"N-No way, I will also be sleeping with Zenki-kun!"
Yumi announced with a flushing face.
Vali smirked at all of them, folding her arms.
"You can all try and sleep with him first, but you'll have to get pass me." They all paled while Vali continued her smirk. "That's what I thought. I don't really care about red head, as long as I have my Zenki, that's all I care about. That, and destroying my opponents."
Zenki smiled at his peerage, seeing that after the explanation, they seemed pretty alright with it.
Though he could see that Asia was still being silent about it, so he quietly led her off into a different room so he could speak to her about it privately.
Getting into a nearby room, Zenki sat Asia down, and overlaid a hand on top of her own.
"Asia-chan, about what's happening with Rias right now..."
"Zenki-san, I've noticed you're calling her 'Rias' instead of 'Rias-chan'. I was surprised."
Zenki was surprised that she'd even bother asking about something like that.
"Yeah, I suppose that I am. You know Asia-chan, this situation is...difficult for a number of reasons. One, I just didn't think I'd be marrying at my age, I thought I'd be a bit older than this. But, I also feel...right about it as well. Marriage, I do want to marry someone I love and cherish. But there are many people that I love and cherish. I suppose Isane-san will say that it is something a Harem King would want. I've never really thought about it like that before, but it's something that's been sticking in my mind lately, about making the people I love and cherish really happy."
"Zenki-san, I know that...I love Zenki-san for that...but I was so surprised...I erm..."
Zenki leaned in close, and gently brushed lips with the young blonde haired woman.
"Asia-chan, Rias gave me a condition."
"Condition?"
"Yes...that condition is that I had to propose to someone else first."
"S-Serafall-san?"
Zenki gave her a curious look.
He wondered why she thought of Serafall first, but chose to let that go for the moment.
"No, not her. Someone else."
"Then who is it Zenki-kun?"
He wanted it to be a surprise for when he did propose to her, and also as romantic as he could make it, so he didn't reveal it, but he also wished to relieve her worries, so he gave her a supportive smile.
"You might be surprised Asia-chan. But just remember, I'll always love and care about you, no matter what else ever happens. You're very important to me, as are the rest of my peerage. Rias said it clearly, so the person I'm going to propose to is...going to be surprised I'm sure."
"Zenki-san...I'm really happy. I do feel a little bit sad that Rias-san is going to be calling herself your official fiancée...but, I also understand that Zenki-san loves us all, and eventually...we'll also marry Zenki-san. I can wait until then, because I already live with Zenki-san and will be with him forever and ever."
Zenki nodded a single time, placing his lips on top of her own.
Sinking into the kiss, Asia's arms wrapped around Zenki's neck, pulling him close.
Zenki gently embraced the young blonde haired woman, giving her a comforting pet on the back of her head.
Asia though she did feel conflicting emotions, she also knew that she was happy that Zenki wasn't going to change how he thought about anything. Even if he was getting married to Rias, it didn't mean that he still didn't love them all.
When ending their kiss, Asia's head collapses into the chest of the young man.
"Zenki-san...no matter what, I'll always be with Zenki-san."
Zenki gave a light hearted smile, gently stroking the back of her head.
"I know Asia-chan, I'll always be here for you as well. Now, shall we go and have a fun day? Since we haven't got much to do, and Isane-san is taking a day off from training, it seems that I'm pretty free~"
"Y-Yes! That sounds to be the best Zenki-san!"
Zenki lightly smiled at the young woman, taking her hand, and began leading her out of the area.
After a day of fun with the peerage to take their minds off worrying times, going back to the drawing board on his Artificial Longinus, Zenki crossed out Midgardsormr's name out on the potential list. Though as he thought about it, Zenki could see that the Dragon King would be less likely to do it than any of the other Dragon King's out there.
His eyes drifted to Ingvild who was sound asleep.
"Seems like I'm going to be getting married Ingvild-san."
He muttered, not really expecting an answer.
He then turned back to the other kinds of creatures he could obtain and incorporate them into the Sacred Gear, while also working on the Sacred Gear itself. Making the basis for it, making sure that it could withstand the incredible power of the creature that will be sealed into it, at least part time.
While he was doing it, he saw the door slowly opening, so he paused, and turned towards it, revealing it to be Akeno who was wearing a sexy thong that left nothing to the imagination. She also had her chest showing, every inch of her large breasts were fully on display for his eyes to witness.
"Akeno-san, I suppose that you've heard about..."
"Yes, Zenki-kun." Akeno confirmed it while looking slightly down. "It seems that you and Rias are going to be getting married."
"Yeah, but Akeno-san..."
"It just means that I can begin having an affair with my cute Zenki-kun after all."
Zenki blinked as Akeno got in close, sitting down on his lap, hugging around his neck.
"Akeno-san…haha, yes, it seems so~"
Deciding to play along, Zenki allowed his arms to wrap around the beautiful woman perched on his lap.
"By the way Zenki-kun, I don't mind if you marry Rias...but marry the rest of us okay? I know it's a selfish thing to ask...but we also want to marry Zenki-kun."
Seeing the worried expression on her face, Zenki gently brushed a lock of her long hair behind her ear, allowing his mouth to overlap with her own. Akeno widened her eyes for a few moments, before accepting the kiss fully, and allowed her to sink deeper into the loving feelings she received from the kiss.
With a small movement of her hands, Zenki gently took them into his own, holding them sweetly to his chest. Akeno smiled into the kiss, knowing that this was his not so subtle way of answering her question, with a very good answer in her opinion.
When breaking apart, Akeno stared lovingly into his eyes as he did with her.
"Akeno-san, I will do, I will marry you all one day."
"Fufu, hearing that is good enough for me Zenki-kun. Though it seems that you're coming around to the idea of a harem now huh? I remember a time when you couldn't fathom such a thing."
Zenki showed an uneven smile.
"It's Isane-sans fault, she's...her perverted ways, I couldn't keep that girl back even if I tried. Besides, I have feelings for all of you. It's weird, I don't quite get how I do, but I feel loving feelings for each of you."
Akeno giggled sweetly, allowing her soft lips to press against his own for a brief moment, before pulling away.
"Now that you've said that...who gets to have...fun times with you first?"
Zenki couldn't help but admit Akeno had a cute face when she said that.
It almost looked like an innocent girl asking a crush about their first kiss.
But this was a completely different first than a kiss.
"Well, I guess it would be..."
"Asia-chan, is that right?"
"Ehehehe..."
Zenki didn't know how to answer that.
It seemed that though, Akeno was pretty alright with it.
"No, I don't mind if it is Asia-chan. Since she met you before me. Maybe you weren't aware Zenki-kun, but we pretty much have all decided that Asia-chan gets these things first. She's kind of shy so taking initiative is going to be difficult for her. So you're going to have to lead her into...doing these kind of activities."
"I see...then Akeno-san, I promise to make you all happy. No matter how long it takes, I'll do my best."
Akeno's smile couldn't be contained, ending up with a large one on her face.
She felt happy.
Even though he was getting married to Rias, it gave her happiness to know that they'd also get married one day.
Since they all had been with Zenki for a good few years now, naturally their relationship had progressed, and now marriage seemed rather than just something to speak about for the future, that future was closer than they had thought.
But, everyone of Zenki's peerage, and the girls on Rias' peerage, seemed to be rather happy about that after all.
The next day, Zenki watched as Isane continued becoming stronger. Using the Boosted Gear for a longer time, being able to summon more demonic power, and being able to use the stored up power of the Boosted Gear.
All in all, he was rather amazed that she had come so far so quick.
It was fantastic to see.
This time, Zenki was teaching Isane about hand to hand techniques. While Zenki acknowledged that Sairaorg was better at hand to hand, he had also learned a bit from Sairaorg in hand to hand, enough to pass it on towards Isane.
"That's right Isane-san, use the power you have, and attack at any opportunity you have."
Isane got in close, raising her leg, and swung it for Zenki, who blocked with his arm.
But while he was, she pivoted backwards, taking a stance with her fist, and thrusted it towards Zenki's upper body. But as it came in close, she suddenly switched to her other hand, and attempted an upper cut towards the young man's body, forcing Zenki to move his neck backwards to avoid the impact.
However, she then used that momentum of the attack to use the fist she used first to embed it into the torso of Zenki.
Or rather she was going to, when he managed to catch her hand, and hold it up, giving off a radiant smile towards the brown haired girl.
"Impressive Isane-san, that's the right way to do it. Always keep your opponents guessing. If they're guessing on what you're trying to do, they could be open to an attack by what you intend to do. It can be as simple as simply switching hands, or it can be complex techniques. In a hand to hand fight though, as a friend of mine has stated before, you just have to go in and fight as hard as you can. Tricks can be very useful when you need to get one up on your opponent, but if all else fails, just go for it, do your best and power through. Sometimes, that's all you can do."
"Power through with power huh...yeah, I could do that. To be honest, I find it difficult to pull of techniques. Things like switching hands is fine, but doing complex techniques isn't for someone like me Zenki-kun."
Zenki could get what she was talking about.
It made sense for someone like him.
"Don't worry Isane-san. Find a style that works for you. For me personally, I like mixing power and techniques, for someone like Rias, she's more of an overwhelming destruction type, and either way is fine. It's what you feel more comfortable with. Each method can have flaws. As trying to overwhelm with power, can lead to reversal techniques being used. Like Sona-chan's Queen, she could be devastating to power types. And as for my style, if someone has more overwhelming power, then techniques aren't going to work. So that's why I like having power to back up my techniques, and why Rias also likes being able to use her Power of Destruction to defeat an enemies techniques. Working around a weakness can turn that into a potential strength for you."
Isane tightened her hand, and then slowly exhaled, a sheen of sweat spreading across her face.
"R-Right, I get it! Yeah, maybe I'm more of a Buchou type. Destroying my enemy with raw power. Haha, maybe a technique user might be scary for me, but I'd try and work around that somehow...yeah, that would be good for someone like me."
It seemed that Isane did understand what Zenki was saying.
Zenki couldn't help but be impressed with how far she had come since the beginning.
"That's good. Isane-san, you've definitely improved since the first time we begun this, and it hasn't been all that long. I'm sure that pretty soon, you'll be able to hold your own against a good number of people. Certainly right now, I'd wager that the Fallen Angels that attacked you, you'd be able to overcome them with the level of ability you're showing now."
"T-Truly Zenki-kun?!"
Isane didn't seem to quite believe it.
But Zenki confirmed it with a nod of his head.
"Truly, I'm confident that you could win if you went against them as the current you. And as you train, you'll definitely become quite powerful~"
"I'm glad~ Now that I can grow in power~"
Zenki smiled at the enthusiasm that she was showing.
But then he saw that his phone was flashing. Quickly going onto it, he saw some details about what was happening.
"Oh, it seems that a Stray Devil has appeared..." Zenki hummed when seeing Isane looking on curiously. "Isane-san, do you want to see how strong you've come? I've just got some information about a Stray Devil, and I believe from reading this, you should be able to take it on. So, how about it Isane-san?"
"I-If you think I can..."
"Yes, I think you can, and if not, then I'll be there to protect you. But I think this will be good. Having an actual battle can help you improve in ways that training can't. Of course we always hold ourselves back to a degree when training, but in a real fight, you don't have that luxury."
Isane thrust her hand to the sky.
"Yes! Leave it to me!"
Zenki smiled at her strong words, and then turned around.
"Then lets get going."
With that, Zenki and Isane began pulling away to the area with the Stray Devil.
Once getting there, Zenki felt the being inside of a warehouse, so he snapped his fingers, and summoned a barrier around it, so he couldn't escape. Isane still was amazed by how he was able to do something like that.
"Damn Zenki-kun, being able to summon a barrier like that..."
"Hehe, it's nothing really. I'm sure in time you'll be able to do the same thing. So Isane-san, go to it."
"E-Eh? But aren't you going to tell me about the opponent?"
Zenki to her surprise, shook his head.
"Nope, I'm going to let you go in there, and do your thing Isane-san. Enemies that appear out of nowhere, you'll have to figure out their abilities. If I simply told you, then you'd not learn about how to adjust to a new enemies fighting style. We can't always know who we'll be fighting, so try and figure out the enemies attack patterns."
Isane could understand what Zenki was thinking, so she stuck out her hand.
"Boosted Gear, lets do this!"
Summoning the Boosted Gear, Isane strode forward in preparations to the fight ahead of her. Zenki followed closely behind, waiting to see what Isane was going to do, and how she was going to react to the enemy.
Entering the warehouse, Isane's eyes went left and right, trying to see where the Devil was.
"Zenki-kun, I can't see him..."
"Keep looking Isane-san, he's here somewhere."
Isane nodded, and continued looking around.
But the more that she looked, it didn't seem like she was coming any closer to finding him.
Getting slightly frustration, she turned to Zenki for some answers, but he held up his finger.
"When your eyes fail you, try and search with other senses."
"Other senses?"
"Yes, your ears. Hear him. There also could be smell him, but in a location such as this, that wont help you unless you have enhanced senses like Koneko-chan and Kuroka-san. He will make a mistake Isane-san, he's using this darkened area to sneak around us. Hear for him, I know you can do it."
Isane slowly nodded, closing her eyes, and clutched her hand over her heart.
At first, she could only hear the smallest of noises, like a droplet of water hitting the ground from a hole in the roof. The wind that was pushing against the windows, the leaves rustling from outside, but she couldn't hear any enemy.
Zenki folded his arms, waiting for the young woman to do her best.
Zenki knew where the enemy was, but he couldn't point it out, he had to let Isane learn how to defend herself, how to search for the enemy, and how to come up with a plan to take down the enemy.
Isane could feel her frustrations growing all the more.
She couldn't find him.
Despite doing her best, she still couldn't…
But then she heard it.
The very tiniest sound of a foot step.
Her eyes shot open, and she summoned a ball of demonic power. It wasn't that big, but Zenki smiled as she thrusted it towards the area the opponent was, forcing the man to jump down from the shadows, landing on the ground, and wielded a sword in his hand, and a dark aura around his body.
"So, you found me you bitch?"
"Hey, no need to be a jerk asshat!"
Zenki smiled lightly at the sight of the young woman.
The Stray Devil merely took his katana, and pointed it at Isane.
Isane looked slightly apprehensive, but then she heard "Get him Isane-san!" which inspired her to do her best, and allowed the jewel within the Sacred Gear to shine brightly, along with the first [Boost!] going through her.
"Then lets do this!"
"Isane-san, Rias also said you can promote to Queen since you're in enemies territory, along with me having this seal from Rias that allows me to promote you as if I'm your King."
Zenki explained, showing said seal.
She smirked, and allowed her hand to go outwards.
"Got it! Then, I'm gonna have the power of the Queen!"
Along with the power of the Queen, Isane charged forward as the Stray did the same thing. The Stray got before Isane with a fast speed, and came down with his katana, but Isane reacted to it, raising her Boosted Gear, blocking off the sword and sparks went off between their blades.
Pushing the man backwards, Isane tightened her hand, and went for a forward punch.
But it was stopped by the katana wielding Devil, slashing at Isane's gauntlet, and cutting it slightly. Isane winced at the sight, while jumping backwards as the Devil placed his hand outwards, creating a magical circle.
"W-What..."
Zenki witnessed the Devil shooting off a ball of fire from the magical circle. Isane's eyebrows twitched as she dodged out of the way of the first one, but the second one came in hard and fast.
Panic began to enter her…
But then she stopped.
She knew panicking wasn't going to help her out, so she took a stance with her Boosted Gear.
[Boost!]
Ten seconds had passed and she received a further boost, but she murmured "Not enough yet." and put her hand outwards, tightening her fist, and sent it towards the fireball, smashing through the flames with a good amount of Rook boosted power from the Queen transformation.
Zenki slowly nodded.
"That's good Isane-san, but remember where the enemy is."
He thought to himself, seeing Isane praising herself happily for it, but lost sight of the target for a few moments.
In those moments, the Devil managed to use his speed, to get to the right hand side of Isane, tightening his grip on his katana, and came down towards Isane's body. Zenki went to move to defend her, but she reacted before that, turning to parry the sword strike with her Boosted Gear, forcing the katana wielding Devil backwards.
Lowering his hand, Zenki watched as Isane brought up her leg, swinging it outwards, and hit the right hand side of the Devils arm, the impact alone was enough to force the Devils body backwards a good few centimeters.
Using that chance, Isane tightened her hand and yelled "Have this!" as she slammed her entire fist into his face. Her increased strength of the Rook part of the Queen power, along with building up her body, slammed the Devil backwards, and down to the ground with an incredible banging noise.
[Boost!]
Along with another bit of power coming to her, Isane went to go and attack the Devil who let out a rage infused growl "Don't fuck with me!" and unleashed a wave of demonic power.
Zenki went to defend her, but surprisingly, Isane yelled "I'm alright Zenki-kun!" and merely took on the wave of power with her arms cross before her.
Though she was able to stay on her feet, Zenki did notice that she had some damage on her arms, and her shirt had been blown off a bit. Even then, she stood tall, and took another fighting stance once more.
Zenki watched on as Isane panted a little bit.
"Isane-san, remember everything I've taught you. From the way this guy fights, to his method of attacking. Remember what you are also."
"Remember what I am..."
Isane didn't quite get it, as the Devil got to his feet, spinning his katana around once more and aimed it forward. He then lunged forward with incredible, for Isane, speed, getting to her front, and swung out his sword several times.
Isane used her Sacred Gear block the blade several times but the cuts on her gauntlet were getting deeper.
"Come on Devil girl! Show me your power! You're weak!"
Isane didn't know what to do.
The Devil was fast, his sword was able to cut deeply into the gauntlet, and some cuts appeared on her arms.
[Boost!]
Along with another boost of power, Isane managed to pull backwards, but the Devil stayed on her, and got in a small distance from her, the tip of his sword glowed, with demonic power coating said blade strongly.
He then swung it down towards her once more, with the blade coated in power leaving a deep gash in her Boosted Gear, with the after shock of that sent her flying backwards, across the arena, while Zenki bit his lower lip, but knew that he couldn't help her right now.
This was something she'd have to do all on her own.
Isane's body hit the floor, while the Devil turned on Zenki.
"Come on then you bastaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-"
He was cut off when Zenki slapped him with a back hand, the air pressure of the swing was enough to send him flying backwards, smashing through the wall, and bounced off the barrier Zenki set up beforehand, flinging him back into the warehouse, where his face ate the ground.
The Devil groaned at the feeling while Isane pulled herself off the ground.
Seeing Isane losing some faith, he cheered her on.
"You can do it Isane-san, I'm sure that you've got this. Alright? Go forward. Remember as I said, examine the enemy, get every detail you can. You've got all you need from what you've seen Isane-san. Just believe in your own ability to outsmart your opponent."
"B-But Zenki-kun, I'm not..."
"Not, what? Smart?" Isane sighed as she began nodding, but Zenki shook his head. "Don't doubt yourself Isane-san, you can handle this guy. Just believe in your ability to think and how to exploit the enemies weaknesses. Trust me, he does have a weakness in his fighting style. Just observe him."
Isane nodded, and looked strongly towards the enemy Devil.
The Devil looked towards Zenki with fear in his eyes, wondering what Zenki was going to do to him.
But Zenki merely snapped his fingers, creating a chair, sitting down on it, and looked on curiously as the young woman began moving forward once more, as another [Boost!] came through, and gave her another power growth.
But even then, she didn't think it would be enough for this Devil.
The Devil turned towards her, and gripped his katana tightly, allowing the aura of a Devil to surround the blade. Coating it in a thick aura, she swung down the blade, releasing crescent shaped waves of demonic power towards Isane.
Isane went to block…
But surprisingly, she found that the waves coming for her were slower than she had thought they were, and managed to side step the first one, the second one came for her chest area, so she skidded down onto the ground, only to kick off, and jump high to avoid the third one which came in low.
Leaping over the third one, Isane recalled what Zenki said.
Examine the enemy.
Everything they did gave away what they were.
She focused in on the way he moved his feet. Swift, precise. She also saw his skill with a blade. There weren't many errors, so he had clearly polished his sword stance. But she also could see a major flaw as well.
She also could see that he preferred to fight at a distance, allowing his sword to only be near the top half of the blade, rather than the full blade itself.
"I-I get it! I understand it now Zenki-kun!"
Zenki smiled softly, as the Devil raised a questioning eyebrow.
"What? Get what?"
"You, your fighting style is quite like a Knight's style. I don't know if you're an actual Knight, but your skills with a blade, your ability to move fast. Even the way you fight, it isn't direct at all, so I know how to handle you now!"
The Devil didn't believe her, merely charging forward towards her.
But she saw that coming, so the instance the blade came close, she focused in on the top half of the blade, and grabbed it with all of her might, concentrating on the strength of the Rook to help her out, crushing the blade under her Boosted Gear fist, with the blade being broken in half.
"W-What?!"
"You fight at a distance, I understand it now! You wont approach an opponent fully, and always have your body as far as you can from the opponent, leaving you open to have your sword broken! And with those legs of yours, it's time to take them out!"
The Devil gasped, attempting to pull backwards, when Isane allowed demonic power to circulate in her hand.
[Boost!]
"Along with that, it's time for me to release the stored up power! Boosted Gear, explode for me!"
[Explosion!]
Using the saved up boosts, her power increased, along with the aspects of her body.
With the power swirling in her hand, the Devil expected her to shoot it at him, so he began taking steps backwards, while throwing away his current katana towards Zenki, but he merely brushed it aside with a wave of his hand.
However, rather than shoot it off, Isane merely allowed it to explode near her, creating what seemed to be a smoke screen.
Zenki couldn't hide his smile as she used the smoke screen to sneak around.
It was so thick that the Devil couldn't see at all.
But Zenki knew that Isane was using what she learned before, and used her hearing to check out where the Devil was.
"Y-You bitch! You can't get me! I'll slay you!"
He yelled, summoning another katana and slashing through the smoke.
But he didn't get anything at all.
Becoming more panicked, he swung left, and right, in front of him, and behind.
But still, nothing was happening.
All that he did was move the smoke around him.
"C-Come out right now!"
While becoming frantic, he suddenly heard a loud noise that sounded like metal hitting the floor.
The Devil smirked, summoning flames in his hands.
"Your mistake!"
The Devil shot off multiple flaming spheres towards the location he thought she was in.
But, while he was doing that, he suddenly felt sharp pains to the back of his legs, so painful that he couldn't keep his stance, and he was forced to flip forward onto his front, while feeling a pressure getting on top of him, pinning him down to the ground all together.
Zenki, hearing the groans of the Devil, swiftly removed the smoke with some demonic power, revealing Isane pinning down the Devil. His arms, his legs which were bleeding profusely thanks to Isane's attack, along with the man's back pinned by her knee, the other knee on his right arm, with her hand pinning his left arm, and her other hand holding him down by the back of his neck.
Zenki began clapping, seeing how well Isane had improved and managed to take down the enemy.
"Very good Isane-san, that's quite impressive. Using your knowledge on what limited powers you had. Using a similar method of how you exploded the water to explode your demonic power. Using your hearing to get his precise location. Drawing him into revealing the way he was facing by luring him with some noise. And finally, taking him down in the most effective way, by taking out the legs he's so proud of, breaking his sword as well was a nice touch. Recognizing all of these things, shows me that you truly have learned quite a bit Isane-san. All in all, you've done fantastic work Isane-san, I'm so proud of you~"
Isane smiled as the Boosted Gear reset itself, returning her power to normal.
She let out small pants, as Zenki bent down towards the Stray Devil.
"It seems that you've lost now. Sorry about that, but Isane-san is the one who managed to beat you."
"Y-You bastard!"
"Geez, it seems that a number of people wish to call me a bastard lately." Zenki helped Isane off the Stray, and aimed his hand down. "Any last words?"
"Screw you!"
With that, Zenki allowed his green demonic power to wash over the Devil, slaying him out of existence all together.
Once he was gone, he turned to Isane who smiled wickedly.
"...Alright, what's with the smile?"
"It's just, I managed to accomplish this task~ If we're going by how I got rewarded for the other accomplishments...w-wouldn't this warrant a reward as well…? M-Maybe some gentle..." Her eyes went towards his hips, to his crotch, a lewd smile spreading on her face. "...touching of private areas..."
"Isane-san, you truly are a weird girl. Though maybe not there right now, but perhaps a reward for this achievement could happen-"
No sooner than those words 'reward for this achievement' left his lips, she got in close, cutting him off, and her hand laid itself on Zenki's inner thigh, slowly riding up.
Zenki's face turned slightly red as he sighed, taking her hand and pulled it towards his body.
"Not quite yet, but how about a promise to touch me there someday soon?"
"YEEEEEEEEEEAH! THAT'S A PROMISE, RIGHT?! I CAN DO ANYTHING WITH IT, RIGHT!? RUN MY HANDS UP IT, STROKE IT AND EVERYTHING!?"
"Fufu, seems like you do quite like perverted situations. Alright Isane-san, it's a promise."
"YES! I CAN'T WAIT! T-Though I wish that I had some sort of reward right now..."
Seeing her slightly falling face, Zenki moved closer, and brushed her cheek with his lips, causing a massive blush to appear on her face.
"Is that a good reward?"
"Yes! T-The best reward! Next time, on the lips too!"
"Hehe, you never know Isane-san~"
Isane did a big cheer as he lightly chortled at her attitude.
He didn't know something so simple could be so effective with her.
But whatever it was that was going to help her, then he was alright with it.
A few days after, Zenki and Rias had called a meeting in the Underworld to explain about their decision. As Rias had said, they'd keep the fact that Zenki was going to propose to her privately a secret.
But for this, they'd tell the Underworld that they had made a decision.
Looking smart, and ready, Zenki walked out towards a certain meeting area with Rias beside him. Rias glanced at the green haired Devil, and merely smiled to herself.
"I guess this is going to be an interesting meeting."
"I'm sure that it is yes."
Zenki agreed, entering a large room. They could see a number of Devils sat around, giving them judging looks. The Old Devils of course were as stuffy as always. He also saw his Father sat there, with Sirzechs who was...crying for some reason, that Zenki wasn't aware of, though Rias understood immediately.
"Onii-sama, please don't embarrass me now..."
"Sob...I know that Ria-tan is a grown woman now, but to think that she's really going to be married now...I feel complicated..."
Zenki gave him questioning looks while Zekram coughed into his hand.
"So, Houses of Gremory and Astaroth. Are the rumours about your engagement confirmed? You have been putting off explaining the current relationship between the two of you, which also causes problems for the Underworld due to how there are a number of-"
"Yes, we realize our hesitation has caused problems for other houses that wished to enter either my, or Zenki's house." Rias began feeling Zenki's hand entering her own, giving her all the more confidence to do this. "That's why we called a meeting here, today. To explain that we have discussed our marriage and we have decided that we want to get married."
Sirzechs burst into tears, yet also had a wide smile on his face which was rather confusing for most around.
Rias looked extremely embarrassed while Ajuka just shook his head at Sirzechs' antics.
Grayfia appeared behind him, and lightly tapped his head, a few sniffles could be heard from Sirzechs.
Zekram raised his head at Rias' declaration.
"And young Zenki, is this also something you wish to do?"
Zenki didn't even have to hesitate, nodding a few times.
"Yes, I also wish to marry Rias. We've thought about this long and hard, and...we just know it's right. I love Rias Gremory, and I want her to become my wife."
Rias' face turned slightly red at his words.
Hearing the words 'I love' and her in the same sentence was a beautiful thing for Rias. It just assured her that no matter what happened, they would be together now.
Ajuka didn't visually show it on his face, but he was rather pleased that it seemed Zenki and Rias had come to this decision on their own. It might have been pushed forward due to the antics of the Underworld, but they seemed genuine in their words.
Zekram clapped his hands together a single time.
"Then it is agreed. Rias Gremory and Zenki Astaroth will be wed."
The Old Devils all looked to be in agreement with it and gave their consent to the marriage going forward, while Sirzechs raised his hand.
"R-Ria-tan, though I'm pleased you're happy...t-the wedding is happening, when…? I need to mentally prepare to give my Ria-tan away to Zenki-kun...b-because if it is just sprung up on me on the day before, I don't know if I could take it...I need to prepare Ria-tan, please tell me..."
Rias didn't look impressed with what was being said right now.
She looked on with hard eyes.
"Geez Onii-sama...t-the wedding, we haven't discussed a date, but it wont be that far off into the future. We have a number of things to plan after all. The wedding, the reception, among other things."
Sirzechs seemed satisfied enough with that.
"Aah yes, that's right Ria-tan! That does all need to be sorted out! And as Onii-sama of the bride, I'd like to offer my services to make sure that Zenki-kun is really the best person to marry my Ria-tan! T-Though I don't think anyone could match up to my standards...Zenki-kun does come pretty close to them so I'd be alright with it…"
Grayfia shook her head a number of times towards Sirzechs while Ajuka stood up.
"Then, I'll be the first to give my congratulations to the happy couple. Naturally, with this agreement in place, Astaroth and Gremory shall combine together. Not just in house name, but also in many other aspects."
"Thanks, Tou-chan."
Zenki said it with a growing smile on his face.
Zekram seemed to be happy enough so he simply put his hands together.
"Then, you may leave. We will have a number of things to discuss now that you're preparing to get married. Though they can be saved until later on."
Zenki and Rias bowed their heads, and left the room.
Once outside of the building all together, Zenki turned to Rias questioningly.
"So, how long do you think it is going to be before the Underworld finds out?"
"Eeh...I'd say an hour."
Zenki chortled.
"Wouldn't surprise me. Anyway, now that we've done it, I suppose we should head back to the human world...though there are a few things I also wish to do while I'm here..."
"I actually have something's I need to take care of before we go back. Meet me back at the Gremory castle after you've finished then we'll head back together."
"Sure, I don't mind doing that. And Rias..."
"Yes?"
Zenki showed a slightly mischievous expression on his face.
"Did you see the look on Zekram's face when we said we'd be getting married?"
"Haha, I know. That smile...geez, it was one of the creepiest things I've ever had the misfortune of seeing."
The pair let out small laughs, before Zenki waved his hand.
"See you later Rias~"
"Yes, see you later."
Rias and Zenki went in different directions to do what they needed to do for the day before turning back home.
Meanwhile, Riser was in the middle of his normal day. Doing his duties for the Phenex family, when he came across his Queen watching television. Showing a grin on his face, he walked down to have a conversation with her…
But then he saw the thing that she was watching.
It was a news report, and it was about Zenki and Rias.
Their faces being shown, with the words 'Marriage of Astaroth and Gremory confirmed' written on the bottom, with the news reporter going over the details of it. His face contorted into an angry look, flames began to dance around him, as if responding to his wild emotions.
"Riser-sama...please don't be upset..."
Yubelluna tried to comfort him.
But Riser didn't seem to be pleased at all.
In fact, he was rather angry about this.
"I-It can't be real, can it Yubelluna? They're going to actually be wed...I-I thought that it wouldn't happen like this...but, they really are going to be married, it just seems so crazy to me, that this is happening..."
"But it is Riser-sama. Perhaps now, you'll be able to get over this...and if it is about love, then we can provide that for Riser-sama, you don't have to worry about this..."
"Yubelluna, I understand you wish to comfort me. But while I do cherish you and the others...this is something I have...Rias was...and then there's Ravel...damn that Zenki! I'll have to do something about this!"
"But, what can you do?"
Yubelluna didn't want anything bad to happen.
Riser seemed to be determined though about what he wanted.
Since it was Rias, it seemed that he wouldn't give up on her.
Riser then turned towards the door, and began walking away.
"Riser-sama, where are you going?"
"I can't believe this is true. They've put it off for so long, and now they've suddenly decided to get married? I can't accept this, there's something fishy going on here, and I intend to fight out what's going on."
Yubelluna tried to stop him, but Riser swiftly left the area, leaving behind the purple haired Queen who wasn't sure what to think, how to feel, and what she should do next in the regards of her King being the way that he was.
As that was going down, Zenki arrived back at the Astaroth Castle, and went to the sitting room, seeing his Father already having arrived. Intrigue came over Ajuka as Zenki pulled into the room, sitting down opposite of him.
"I heard from Tiamat recently, that you asked her to find the Dragon King's."
Zenki nodded, and began explaining more deeply.
"I did yeah, I've come to a stage in my research into Artificial Longinus' that I could be close to being able to give it some test runs. But for it to progress, having the ability of a strong creature would be best. I already tried Midgardsormr but it seems the lazy Dragon didn't want to become involved with me personally."
Ajuka let out a small laugh.
"I can see that happening, it is about right that Midgardsormr probably wouldn't want to be tied down like that. Though there are other creatures. But apart from that, it's amazing at your age, you're being close to replicating the success of God from the Bible with Sacred Gear's and Longinus. I'm proud."
Zenki, hearing that from his Father, caused him to lightly smile.
"Thanks...you know, when I met Azazel-san those years ago, I hadn't anticipated that I'd end up like this, being able to actually be so close to mimicking and maybe even one day in the future, expanding the technology of Sacred Gears, and perhaps invent something of my own. I want to also make something that could rival, maybe even surpass the current Evil Pieces. That would be an amazing experience for someone like me."
"Haha, keep going Zenki. I'm sure you'll make something that can surpass the current Evil Pieces one day. But for this day, it is a good idea to gain a Dragon King. Failing on that, there are a number of other creatures that could work just as well."
"Yes, I'd like to keep my options open."
Zenki smiled out, but Ajuka suddenly developed a serious face.
"So, I got your message about some suspicious activity. After reviewing it, I tend to agree. But without evidence..."
"Yes, that's why I believe that my marriage to Rias is also going to...lets just say that I talked with Rias about it, and she also is on the same opinion about me regarding a certain few people in the Underworld. If we can make that link...then maybe we could begin putting dents into this enemy. If my theory pays off of course."
"...I've been developing a technique to do with what you've been explaining to me. If we work together, I'm sure that we could pull this off quite fantastically. It also could be something that person would want to do with us."
Zenki slowly nodded.
"Thanks Tou-chan. I don't like suspecting our own kind...but, from the way that certain things have been happening, I can't help but think that this is what we've been thinking about, how the enemy could have known about certain things. Along with how we've found out the enemy wishes to form a group consisting of many factions."
"Yes...then we should work together, and make plans for what could happen."
"Right. Anyway, any news in the Underworld as of late?"
"Not that I can think of...besides, one thing that I'm sure you wouldn't want to discuss."
Zenki frowned, knowing what it could be.
"Could that be a certain thing named Diodora?"
The man's eyebrows raised upwards, indicating that Zenki was right.
"Exactly, Diodora has been causing...I wouldn't say trouble, but strife for the prison he's in. Acting out, thrashing around, injuring himself. It seems that he has either lost his mind a little bit from the isolation he's been in...or it is some kind of act. Knowing Diodora, I wouldn't put it past him to try and do things like this. He's also been asking after you, he keeps insisting that you have a meeting with him."
"When hell freezes over, then I'll go and see him."
Zenki let out a small chortle when he said it.
He truly wasn't looking forward to ever seeing Diodora again.
All of the things he did, Zenki didn't believe that Diodora deserved anyone's attention ever again and could rot in his cell.
But he also knew that Diodora was someone that could be used in the future if the enemy ever attempts something. That's the thoughts of Ajuka at least, and as for Zenki...he'd be perfectly happy to not be near him again.
Seeing Zenki's expression, Ajuka tried to inject some, fun into the conversation.
The best he could anyway.
"Then, I'll get Serafall to use her powers to freeze the Underworld, would that suffice?"
Zenki was surprised that Ajuka attempted some kind of joke.
"Hahaha...funny Tou-chan." He laughed out, but then his brows narrowed. "But, seeing him after all this time…? I'd have to mentally prepare myself. Though his peerage members, former I should say, are getting over what he did to them, it took years for them to have any kind of normalcy, and what they've explained about what he did to them...it makes me wonder why I can't go in and shoot holes into his body."
"If circumstances were different, then I could see that happening. Either way, perhaps when you're ready, then you could go and see Diodora? It's a long shot, but perhaps we could gain some knowledge that we currently don't have."
"Long shot is right. All he probably wants to do is interfere and know what's going on in the outside world. That's all he ever would want. He hates that we've moved on, and he's not the centre of our worlds anymore."
Ajuka couldn't deny that Zenki was probably right in what he was saying.
"Either way, it seems that you're going to be marrying Rias-san. Are you happy with this decision?"
"Yes...it feels right Tou-chan. Maybe it's difficult to explain about it...but, I do like the idea of being married. At first, I wasn't sure...but, now that I've spoken to Rias, and the others, and yeah...it just feels right. Like I'm sure you and Kaa-chan felt."
"Well, she told me that it would be great to be married, several time, and I also agreed so I decided to marry her. Our wedding day was...rather interesting. She ended up going to fight powerful enemies after declaring "Lets fight for our honeymoon!" so...yeah, we went from the wedding reception to fighting powerful Dragons and other creatures. If anything, your Kaa-chan was quite the adventurer, and always liked new challenges."
Zenki smiled, as Ajuka began opening up a bit more about Zenki's Mother.
It was rare for Ajuka to do that, but Zenki was glad that Ajuka was sharing more about his Mother. Zenki didn't have many memories of his Mother, but the ones he did have he cherished, and to hear more about her, it was the best kind of feeling.
Zenki arrived back at the Gremory estate, where he saw Millicas rushing towards him. Just before the red haired child got in close, Zenki bent down, and opened his arms, so Millicas jumped into said arms, Zenki placing an arm under him to support him as he lifted Millicas up.
"Onii-chan, is it true?!"
"Aah, so you've heard then?"
"Yes, yes! You're marrying Onee-sama, aren't you?"
Zenki chortled at the child's curiosity and also happiness that he seemed to be displaying.
"That's right, Millicas, Rias and I are going to be getting married."
Millicas' face turned brighter, like a thousand suns.
"Onii-chan marries Onee-sama, then that means we'll also be related!"
"Haha, I'm sure that it does mean that yeah~ How about that?"
Millicas hugged Zenki tightly.
"I'm glad...then Onee-sama will be happy, and Zenki-nii-sama is going to with us always~"
"Heeeeh, saying it so cutely like that. I'd be with you guys regardless. Since you're one of my favourite Gremory's ever~"
Zenki sang out, wanting to make Millicas feel happy, and it seemed to have succeeded by the way that Millicas' face curled upwards.
"Yes, and Onii-chan is my favourite Astaroth ever~"
"Ooh, though Tou-chan doesn't go by the name anymore, don't let him know that you said that, okay?" Millicas zipped up his mouth childlike. "Good boy. Now is Rias here? We should be getting back to the human world soon."
"Awww...Onii-chan, you're going back so soon? But you just came back..."
He pouted like a cute child would, so Zenki lightly poked his forehead.
"I know, I've got many things to do. I wish I could stay longer. Next time, I promise that I'll spend an entire day with you."
"That would be best Onii-chan. If you're looking for Nee-sama, then she came inside a few minutes ago."
"Then we should go and see her, right Millicas?"
Millicas nodded, so Zenki carried Millicas off into the castle.
However, as they got inside, Zenki heard raised voices, so he placed Millicas down.
"Millicas, go and play, okay? I'll meet up with you soon."
"Onii-chan, who is that arguing with Nee-sama?"
"...I know who it is, you go and play okay? I promise, I'll be there soon."
Millicas looked troubled, but did as Zenki asked, and walked off while Zenki went towards the living room. As he did, the words became more clear.
"Riser, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I'm not leaving Zenki to marry you."
"But Rias, you're being selfish."
Zenki definitely knew who this was now.
There was no mistaken, so he continued going forward while letting out a small sigh.
"Being selfish?" Rias scoffed. "I'm sorry, but how am I being selfish exactly?"
"We both know that this is just a ploy. You don't really intend to marry Zenki."
"You can't read my mind Riser. Because if you could, then you'd know that's not the case at all. Riser, accept that I do love Zenki, and I fully intend to marry him. Now please leave here at once."
Riser's eyes became devastated when she said that.
It seemed like something he hadn't predicted.
He didn't think Rias was going to fall in love with Zenki.
"But Rias-"
As he was going to convince her, Zenki got within earshot, and knew Rias was becoming distressed, so he spoke up to defend her, and also make sure that Riser got the message loud and clear.
"Riser, she asked you to leave. Please respect her wishes."
Riser's eyes shot for the doorway as Zenki got there.
The eyes he had looked like he was burning holes into Zenki's form.
"Tch, I know what you're up to. Did you convince Rias that you loved her? Because I'm surprised someone like you could love..."
"Riser, do not speak like that to my future husband." Rias defended while Zenki merely looked on, not being bothered at all. "I don't know what you intended to do here Riser, if it was to convince me to leave Zenki, or to do something else entirely. But it isn't going to work. Zenki and I are in love, we will be getting married, so please respect our decision."
Riser turned towards Zenki, and showed rather than an angry look, he seemed to be disheartened, an expression that Zenki didn't expect Riser to have.
"...So, you've made a decision then...I can refute that, you know?"
"Riser, stop being like this. It isn't doing any good. Not you, not your family, you're worrying Ravel-chan you know? She told me that she's worried about you."
Zenki tried to get through to him, but Riser shook his head.
"Ravel doesn't have anything to do with this. Leave Ravel out of this."
"I want to leave Ravel-chan out of this, but you've brought her into this. She wants this needless fighting to stop, and I tend to agree with her."
Riser continued to shake his head time and time again.
Zenki just watched on as he pulled closer. He attempted to grab his shirt to show some kind of intimidation tactic, but Zenki wasn't all that bothered, and kept up his stare, and showed that he wouldn't back down so easily.
"Don't you worry Zenki, I'll make sure that Rias and I end up together. Even if I have to fight you."
"Why would I fight you though? Rias and I have already agreed to be married. I'm not going to fight you over her. I'm sure Rias wouldn't want that either."
"He's right Riser, this is only going to end in one way, and we all know which way it is."
Rias tried to be as kind as she could, as did Zenki, but Riser huffed, and turned his neck.
"Just you wait Zenki, I'll show you the results of my training."
With that, Riser stormed off, with Zenki wrapping an arm around Rias who did the same back.
Neither spoke for a few moments, before Zenki turned to Rias.
"I'm sorry Rias, it seems that he's become more...how to say it..."
"Douche like?"
Zenki couldn't help but feel the corner of his mouth curling upwards.
"Heh...yes, I suppose so."
Zenki replied, as Rias put on a complex expression.
"Zenki, it's a real possibility that he might try some underhanded method. Not to say that he'd do anything illegal, but he might still try and challenge you like he intended to do. If he does, I wonder how Ravel would respond…?"
Rias murmured out at the end, but Zenki reassured her kindly.
"Ravel-chan's explained to me that she wishes to also make sure that Riser...as she said, learns a lesson in humility. I don't want to humiliate Riser, I just want him to understand that he can't keep harassing us like this. Also make him see that this isn't the end, there are other people out there that love him. His peerage for one. But he just seems so damn...obsessed for some reason."
"I know what you mean, it does seem as if he's suddenly gotten this boost in his ego, believing that he and I were supposed to be together. Like someone is feeding his ego and making him believe he can do anything. Riser was kind of a...how Ise would put it, a douche before, but now he seems to have took that to a number of levels up from this."
Zenki didn't want Rias to worry, so he tried to reassure her as best as he could.
"Either way, don't worry about him. If he challenges me, I'll make sure that Riser learns a lesson. For both yours, and Ravel-chan's sakes."
Rias let out a small laugh.
"I know that you will, Zenki."
Rias leaned closer, and locked lips with the green haired Devil. Rias allowed her tongue to enter Zenki's mouth, who responded by allowing his arms to wrap around her form, holding her close to his body, and showed a kind expression on his face, something that she reciprocated.
But as they were, Millicas came into the room, and made a cute grossed out face.
"Ewwww, Nee-sama and Nii-chan are kissing..."
Zenki and Rias let out small laughs, turning to Millicas, with grins on their faces.
"Millicas, did you come back when I said to wait somewhere else?"
"O-Onii-chan, I..."
"It's alright, Zenki. We'll just have to tickle him as punishment~"
Millicas gained a mixture of happiness, and also slight worry as Zenki chuckled happily.
"We can do that. Come here Millicas, time to be tickled~"
"N-Nii-chan! Nee-sama! I-I-" Before he could continue, Zenki and Rias got before him, and began tickling him, with the young boy being unable to stop laughing uncontrollably. "Hahahahahaha! N-Nii-chan! Nee-sama! S-Stoooooop~!"
""Can't sorry~""
Rias and Zenki sang out together, continuing to tickle the young boy, while Sirzechs watched on from a distance. Grayfia also stood beside him, seeing the man tearing up.
"Sirzechs-sama, when are you going to get over your protective feelings for Rias-sama? Zenki-sama wouldn't allow anything to happen to Rias-sama. In fact, I am sure that they will make one another very happy."
"Y-Yes I know that. But..."
"But…?"
Sirzechs hung his head down.
"...I think Millicas likes Rias and Zenki-kun more than us."
Grayfia rolled her eyes, glancing back to Zenki and the others, seeing that they were having a good time. She then allowed the corner of her lips lift up ever so slightly, glad that it seemed to have worked out in the end.
Riser stormed back to his home, and showed his anger exploding on his face. Every step he took, ignited in flames. The ground scorched with the intense flames that he was showcasing, so much so that his Queen was becoming worried about what was happening.
"Riser-sama, are you-"
"I'm fine!" He snapped, only to see Yubelluna's face turn downwards, so he breathed out. "I'm sorry Yubelluna, I didn't mean to snap at you. This whole situation has gotten me in such an angry mind set that I can't think about anything other than taking down that damn Zenki..."
Yubelluna moved closer, placing a hand on his back.
"It's alright Riser-sama, you haven't done anything wrong. Just forget about them, there are other people out there. You still need a Bishop piece to be filled, so perhaps concentrate your efforts on there."
"Aah yes, if I could get a Bishop that could help me beat Zenki then..."
Yubelluna huffed, pushing out her cheeks and shoved Riser backwards to his confusion.
"H-Honestly! S-Saying things like that, I meant for the group itself. Your obsession with Zenki-sama is going too far! Just stop it right now Riser-sama! O-Or I'll seriously be cross with you! We're all worried about you and all you can think about is them and their happiness and how you want to ruin it! Why can't you think about something else for a change!?"
Yubelluna stormed off, leaving Riser visibly stunned.
He honestly was taken aback by what was going on.
Yubelluna hadn't ever done that before, so seeing it now…
He was shocked.
Sitting down at a table, he placed a hand on his forehead, thinking about what Yubelluna had said.
Had he gone to far?
Was his thoughts turning to obsession?
Maybe Yubelluna was right.
Maybe this was getting out of hand.
Maybe he could…
His thoughts cut off when Bedeze entered the room. His confident look turned to worry when seeing Riser's uncertain face.
"Riser, is something on your mind?"
"Bedeze-sama...do you think I've gone too far?"
Bedeze's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"Gone too far with what?"
"With Rias, and with Zenki...I do feel anger about it...but, is it because Ravel is in his group? Ravel said something about it...and maybe she's right. I've always disliked my Imouto with anyone, maybe it's because it's Zenki Astaroth himself...no, if it was anyone, I'd still not be pleased...I don't know what to think. Maybe-"
"I've heard that they've agreed to marry Riser."
Riser did feel a bit of anger stirring in him when Bedeze mentioned that.
"...Yes, it seems that it isn't a lie either..."
"But we have to stop it Riser."
"Bedeze-sama, but why would we need too…?"
"Isn't it obvious? Diodora Astaroth, his family. He is someone that could be causing a lot of problems, Zenki could be the same. You never know. He's influential in the Underworld, he's a scary existence. As we go forward, I'm becoming less in doubt that he'd end up taking over his Otou-sama as a Maou one day. With his old blood of the Beelzebub family being known about, how do we know that he's not connected to the Old Maou Faction? They have been causing problems as of late, and if he's an inside man..."
Riser furrowed his eyebrows.
Even he wasn't sure if Bedeze was making sense.
While he didn't like Zenki in particular, he couldn't see him doing something so outlandish like that.
"Bedeze-sama, I don't think that he'd end up doing something like that..."
"But we don't know currently, Riser. That's why, I am investigating that boy. But it has to be a secret. If you could help me out with that Riser, then you could become more popular. If he's up to no good, and we put a stop to it..."
"Being famous...huh."
Stroking Riser's ego seemed to be working, as Riser was thinking and contemplating what Bedeze was saying.
"Exactly. We'd be the famous Hero's that saved the Underworld from the Beelzebub's attack. I have had suspicions for a while now, but lately it seems that certain things have been happening around that boy. Longinus' have been gathering. A coincidence? Or, is he attempting to use his connections, to Fallen Angels no less, to gather intelligence, and gain their power. I heard a while ago he intends to build a Sacred Gear that could be capable of rivaling the current Longinus'."
"Then...lets bring our concerns to Ajuka-sama. Surely he would..."
"I would, but that man's already been through enough. Would he believe his own son would do these things? After losing his wife, his relative caused trouble for those innocent holy girls. If he found out his own son was also involved with these horrible people. That's why, we can get two birds with one stone. Riser, challenge him to a Rating Game."
"A Rating Game...but what would that accomplish?"
Bedeze hid his smirk, and merely smiled.
"Because if you do, I can search for anything connecting him to the Old Maou Faction unhindered. He's always around, or one of his peerage members. But surely, if they were away watching the Rating Game, then I could find evidence that points him in the direction of those old fools."
"P-Perhaps you have a point...but, I still don't know. While I do believe I've gotten stronger, Ravel did bring up a good point. I might not be strong enough to face him and win."
"Don't worry about that, you just do that, and I can promise you, you'd gain fame. Rias Gremory, she'd be in debt to you, she'd want to be with the man that saved her from making a mistake in marrying someone like Zenki Astaroth. So, what do you say Riser? Do you want to become a Hero? Women love Hero's, isn't that a saying in the human world?"
Riser stroked his chin in thought.
While it seemed a little odd...he had to wonder about it.
Even if there was a small chance.
That, along with his own insecurities kept popping up in his mind time and time again.
"...Do you truly think he's up to something?"
"Don't you? And if you don't...what if something happens with your Imouto?"
"Ravel..."
"Right, look at his peerage as well. Hakuryuukou, Phenex, Twilight Healing, Sword Birth, and two Nekoshou's that have incredible power. He has been gathering a strong peerage, and if something happens to Ravel..."
"N-No, I wont let anything happen to Ravel! I-If I can help Bedeze-sama, then...I don't want anything to happen to Ravel. Not...I just can't let anything happen to her, she's someone that I love dearly..."
Seeing this as his chance, Bedeze placed a hand on Riser's back.
"Work with me, and together, we can protect Ravel, and make sure that he's stopped. If he's doing anything of course. And if he's not, then we can walk away with the knowledge that your Imouto is in the right hands. I'll even help you find a fiancée all your own if you wish~"
He joked with Riser, earning a smile in response.
"Right, lets do this, Bedeze-sama. Though I have doubts that Zenki would...even he seems to not be capable of it...he could be a really good actor, and if that's the case, and he isn't stopped, and something happens to Ravel...then I couldn't forgive myself."
Bedeze nodded, saying "You're doing the right thing." as he turned from Riser, showcasing a truly disgusting smirk on his face.
Riser couldn't see it.
But it was fully on display.
Whatever Bedeze had planned, it seemed that he had manipulated Riser into doing his bidding.
End chapter!
So, Bedeze's showing his true colours. Whatever his plans are, do involved Zenki in someway and it seems that he's really gunning for them to have a Rating Game, but why that is, I can't reveal much about it now, but we'll be seeing it fully soon. Apart from that, Zenki told the girls about his marriage to Rias, and they took it...rather well, after explaining about what it truly meant. He even made the promise to Akeno to marry them all. Isane and Zenki spent more time together, with Zenki helping her progress in fighting, and using her powers in different ways. Rias and Zenki told the Underworld about their marriage which they're all for, Millicas seems to be all for it as well, since he'll be gaining a new big brother of sorts.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Zenki's Peerage.
Queen; Vali.
Bishops; Asia, Ingvild (mutation).
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Knights; Arthur, Yumi.
Pawns; Ravel (2 pieces), Kuroka (3 pieces), Le Fay (2 pieces), Elmenhilde (1 piece).
Zenki; Asia, Koneko, Ravel, Kuroka, Vali (fem), Serafall, Kunou, Le Fay, Xenovia, Yumi, Rias, Isane, Akeno, Irina, Rossweisse, Ingvild, Ophis, Elmenhilde.
