Before I begin.

Chapter 100... Like seriously. I mean, technically, it's 101, since we had an interlude episode in there. But 100 chapters...

Kinda nuts when you think about it, I mean... When I first starting this project, (right after I took the vote on 'where does Kodori end up next') I took what I knew of DxD, and thought 'what would happen with her there?' Some of it was pretty obvious to me. I mean, they're a fun loving bunch, who get into a lot of trouble. Sometimes it's because they aren't serious enough, other times because they just don't know what to do.

Then we toss in a (double) dimensionally displaced dungeon delver, who takes quiet exception to just about every silly trope in DxD and fixes it. She brought discipline and wisdom with her, and the DxD cast seem a bit better off for it. (Or dead... you know, head splody.) Add in a near infinite supply of cookies, and yeah, that's the story so far.

Now, I probably won't go the distance with the DxD books. I'm sure I could. But that would keep poor Kodori away from her family for ... two years? (might be more, I'd have to check.) I could write it, but I'd start to feel sorry for Kodori to the point of making me just as miserable as her. I'm sure she (and I) would get to the point of just punching heads off until they just kicked her out of DxD just to stop the sudden epidemic terminally (terminated?) short people.

Thank you for staying on for so long, and I hope you continue to do so as the path continues.

Anyhow, let us continue. :)


Chapter 100(!)

We headed back to the log cabin, and I realized something, "We're missing someone."

"Huh? Oh, Ladora. He probably went to hunt something for dinner." Sairaorg shrugged, "He might not be back yet."

"What sort of game do you have around here?" I asked, "Hm, you know I've never tried to cook any animals from the underworld."

"What ever we can find." Sairaorg replied, "Pickings can be a little slim, but Ladora's got a few advantages when it comes to travel."

I was about to reply with 'well, all devils have wings right?' but my ears caught the distant flap of heavy wings. "Oh right... He's half dragon."

We made it to the cabin just in time for a... boar/cat/thing to slam into the ground in the clearing just outside. Long lanky body like a hunting cat, tusks, snout and course fur like a boar, it would have fit right in back home in the dungeon. We all looked up to spot a big brown scaled dragon, maybe half the size of Tannin, as its body shrunk wavered, then became a tall wiry man with green short green hair. Dressed in a simple set of shin guards, bracers and shoulder armour, he looked a bit like a gladiator.

"I was hoping to surprise you all with dinner, but you've left the field early." He said, his voice rough, like someone used to yelling, but not loud.

"Well as you can see, we have a guest." Sairaorg gave my shoulder a pat, "Great catch though!" He looked at the beast and nudged it with a boot, "Who's turn is it to cook anyhow?"

Everyone looked around at everyone else, but since I was going to volunteer anyhow, "If you give me a little time, I'll see what I can do." I raised a hand.

"M'lord? Would that be wise?" Coriana asked just as Sairaorg was about to give me a thumbs up, "You did hear about the incident with Riser Phoenix."

"Sure, but since she isn't leaving a bottle of unmarked shampoo around for us to drink, I think we'll be okay." He laughed, "Besides, have you also heard she's a great cook? Rias has been bragging about her for weeks now."

"Really?" I sighed, "I'll have to talk to her about that..."

No other complaints followed, so I started giving orders.


Sairaorg's endorsement was all they needed to show me some trust, and the promise of good food got me their undivided attention when it came to what needed to be done. Still, with this being my first time trying to cook a... boar/cat/thing... I was going to need a little outside assistance...


Fox2: You awake?

HealingSmile: Oh! Sensei. Did you need something? You're not hurt are you? Not in trouble?

Fox2: A different kind of trouble. Do you have one of those jars of honey left?

HealingSmile: A few. I was told to use them for special occasions, so I've only opened one so far.

Fox2: Give it to MikoChu, and tell her to go to my apartment and find the jar marked 'bear'.

Fox2: Oh, and tell her not to panic if the room is still messy.

HealingSmile: Ok.

While I worked with Buruka to skin the beast, Gandoma to put the thing on a giant spit, and Liban to get a steady fire going under the car length monster, my phone buzzed again.

MikoChu: My my... Sir Skitters is oddly just as cute.

Fox2: I know, surprised me too. Can you open my safe and get a blank card as well?

Mikochu: Certainly. How shall I get this to you though?

In reply, I sent her a small picture. It was similar to the one Lord Phoenix used to teleport the puzzle box to me, but it had been changed to the Gremory style. It only accepted small packages, but this would do nicely.

MikoChu: Oh clever! Did Shyguy help you with this?

Fox2: Be sure to give him a headpat for me. Setting my phone down.

A moment later, a small magic circle projected itself out of my phone's screen, and with a little poof of pink smoke, three objects appeared in the air above it, then fell to the ground around it.

Fox2: Thank you. Your game is going to be tomorrow, so get a good night's sleep.

MikoChu: Ara, but how will I sleep well without someone to cuddle?

I sighed, shook my head, then replied...

Fox2: Yes you can use my bed. And you can ask Delly for a nice dream too.

Best Miko I never knew I wanted, but occasionally needed a little extra to keep happy.

I closed my phone, stuck it back in my pocket, and picked up the three items. The card went into another pocket for later, the spice jar went to Kuisha, and the honey stayed with me. "Fill that cauldron about half full with water, add four small spoons of that to it, and see if Misteeta has had any luck with vegetables."

She took a delicate sniff of the jar's contents, "Oh my, this is strong."

"It will help the meat taste less... wild." I replied, "Ladora? Can you work with Buruka and strip the bark off the wood we haven't burned yet? Sairaorg? If you can stop Regulus from drooling near the still cooking food, can you set up a smaller fire pit and tripod? And Gandoma? Actually, you're doing just fine. Keep turning that."

"Oh boy! I think I know what she's got in mind. Keep at it everyone." Sairaorg grinned, picking up Regulus like some kinda cat by the back of his collar, "Gonna lose your eyebrows if you stay that close to the fire."

"Aww... but it's starting to smell so good..."


Lacking a lot of the more basic tools I used, I was still able to make a decent meal out of what they could all forage from the nearby forest. In the end, it was honey glazed roasted boar/cat/thing. Stew with weird looking vegetables. And what wasn't going to be eaten today, was getting smoked in a hastily made wooden box and the fragrant bark from the wood.

During the meal, I was sure to watch all of them. How they interacted, with each other, Sairaorg, and even me. All of them, while vastly different from each other, worked like a single minded machine. They all seemed to have a role to fill at the simple long table inside the cabin. They conducted themselves not like 'nobility' but like 'family'.

It honestly felt like the first dinner the Hestia/Takemikazuchi alliance had inside the Hearthstone manor. A bunch of well meaning misfits, who were in essence a bunch of orphans. Yet, we were more of a family than some actual families.

But, it was all built by Sairaorg. I didn't need to know the exact reason for each of them coming to live here, but I could tell just by the banter, manners, and even the way they each spoke, that all of them were here because Sairaorg had extended his hand. I could see it on the battlefield, through the playbacks of the rating games, and I could see it here at the dinner table, and during meal prep. They were proud of the place he'd made for them, and proud of their place in it.

All of this and more was tucked away in my mind, as I watched them all enjoy the meal.


"Wow, I'm stuffed." Sairaorg sighed happily, plunking himself down on the ground next to the stump I was sitting on. "Didn't think you were one for watching a fire moodily."

"Leaving the cleanup to the others then? What ever happened to leading from the front?" I teased. "Regulus? You shouldn't sneak up on my tails."

I almost didn't hear the boy as he came up from behind me, "But... they look so..." There was a pause, followed by a quiet swish of air and a near miss at a hand grabbing at a tail, "No fair, stay still!"

"Leadership has its privileges." He laughed, "It was my turn to gather the dishes. I'll be washing them... Tuesday?"

"Monday." Regulus corrected, "Aha!" Two little hands wrapped around the end of one of my tails. This of course prompted the others to apply 'corrective measures' promptly wrapping him up and hanging him upside down, like they would with Lilly (before I would tickle her.) "Oh, um... Maybe I didn't think this through?"

Sairaorg laughed, reaching behind me and giving the bundle a push to make it sway back and forth a little, "Told you to mind your manners."

"But... Fluffy! And still smells nice." My tails turned him right side up and put him down again, "Oh, thank you." Regulus sat down on one of Sairaorg's knees, the king giving him a headpat, "What's in the fire? Smells like iron."

"It's the start of why I followed Sairaorg home." I replied. I motioned to a little bulge in the embers in the middle of the fire, "See that? It's not quite hot enough yet, but when it is, I'm going to pull that metal card out, and make it into something for his mom."

"Oh! I hadn't thought about that. One of those memory stones right?" Sairaorg asked, "Been hearing about those from Rias too."

"That's right. Honestly, it might not help her wake up. But I know they work when you're in a coma." I rubbed one of my wrists, then stopped when I realized I was doing it.

"Do you think she'd be proud of me?" He asked quietly.

"If you were my son, I'd be proud of you." I replied without hesitation, "You might want to read a book or two on how to really cook wild game, but honestly? You've done a lot with what you have. It reflects well on you."

He chuckled, "I'm not finished yet. I still have a long way to go before I reach the goal. And I don't plan on stopping until I do."

"Good." Seriously, he was reminding me more and more of Bell. Just... much taller, and maybe a little more of a musclehead. "Should be about ready... Oh, don't worry, it won't hurt me."

They were about to ask, but I'd already reached into the heart of the fire and pulled out the Ko-steel card, its once solid surface now more like taffy.


I wasn't sure why, but in the end I had moulded the blank tarot into a lion's head. It wasn't roaring, but instead had the poise of a hunter, eyes open wide, ears forward, face leaning down to allow it a wider view. While I lacked anything to colour it with, I used a bit of clay and a wire brush (supplied by Buruka the horse master) to make the proud mane of hair behind the lion's face look a little lighter. Not my best work, but it was literally the thought that counted. After it had cooled, I was given a sharpening stone from Liban to smooth out the bottom, and Kuisha gave me a bit of pumice stone to crush into fine sand for the surface.

We returned to the hospital long after visiting hours, but the staff didn't seem to mind at all as Sairaorg escorted me back to his mother's room.

"I know this isn't enough, mom." He said quietly as he put the little medallion under her hand, "But, I hope you'll be proud of me." We waited for a moment, but nothing about her changed. Still, he didn't seem angry or disappointed. "Thanks for trying." He said, "Going to ask me to join your efforts to get home I suppose?"

"For this? No." I shook my head, "I just wanted to try helping." We left the room, quietly closing the door behind us, "You have enough work ahead of you as it is." I'd also have felt bad, since it didn't seem to work at all.

He walked me to the roof where I'd arrived and extended his hand, "Well, I'll help anyhow." He grinned, "Maybe ask for another signature later."

We shook, though his grip this time was more competitive, a contest of strength. Instead of trying to beat him in a contest, I applied the 'Secret Handshake', turning my wrist slightly, then tilting down. He was caught by surprise, and his knees bent, bringing his face to eye level with me, "If that's what you want, we can do it under rating game rules." I said with a smile, putting my free hand on his shoulder so he wouldn't actually fall to his knee, "Get some sleep. Rias's bunch are going to be ready for you."

Instead of trying to stand, he grinned and gripped my hand even harder. It was like my hand was under a hydraulic press from all directions, but with my hand on his shoulder, he couldn't move me, "I just might take you up on that, Demon Fox." We both let go, "Gonna have to work on my grip some more first."

We both started to shake out our hands, "Your grip is just fine. See you tomorrow."


I'd been a little worried that I couldn't get back to the ORC on my own. I'd never made the jump from underworld to 'the mortal realm' solo before. But, with my 'passport' card in my pocket, and a bit of magic power, I seemed to have no trouble. I'd have to thank Rias.

This also meant I wasn't excused from visiting Riser's Flock more, since now I knew I could get there on my own. Oh no, how terrible.

Back in my room, noting that the web had been cleaned up, I shed my coat quietly. Akeno was laying in my bed, curled around the three eggs with nothing but a thin blanket over her. She wasn't alone though. Sir Skitters was huddled up in as small a bundle as he could be behind her knees, like some kind of large cat, while Delly was curled up on the pillow above her head, the faint sparkle of magic in the air above her. Not wanting to get into bed smelling like honey roasted boar/cat/thing, or have crag hands (especially before setting up the little milk pump) I had a shower and got cleaned up first. When I did make it to bed, I just flopped on the other side of the eggs, facing Akeno, so I wouldn't disturb them.


"SO!" A vaguely familiar looking rust red skinned, bubblegum pink haired devil asked, thrusting a microphone towards my face with the kind of bubbly enthusiasm that gets people stabbed before a morning tea, "Demon Fox! What are your thoughts about the upcoming match between Lady Rias and Lord Sairaorg?"

After the somewhat late night, mild food coma, short sleep, and the most wonderful early morning ear petting, I was still very tired at the press conference they were having between the two peerages. Being a (so much for low profile) person of note and part of Rias's peerage (Trusted advisor status), I was there as well, and now, I had a bubbly, over excited, hard to hate 'Versara' (said her name tag) asking me a question. None of the other media people (a dozen in all) seemed to mind she had broken form to bounce up to me and ask the first question of the day. (Maybe because unlike her, they feared the decaffeinated Fox).

Best Miko ever had provided me with tea however, and the microphone had JUST missed knocking it over as I picked it up. After a sip, the entire gallery waiting for my answer, I replied, "It will be a contest of wills. Both teams are ready, both teams work well together, both teams have absolute trust in their Kings."

"WOW! Even though you're the personal trainer for Rias's peerage, you're saying that?"

"Predictions are for the betting pools." I said with a smile, "I will say however, it will be an exciting match."

As soon as her back was turned, hiding me from most of the media crews, I downed my entire cup of tea, listening to her declare to the other reporters, "You heard it here folks! Get ready for an exiting match!"

As soon as I put my cup down, a small magic circle appeared under it, and the stone cup refilled itself with tea. Oh yes, best Miko ever.

"Lady Rias? Even though Lord Sairaorg is a childhood friend, how do you plan on fighting 'The Strongest Rookie King'?"

"Like I do all my fights, rating game or otherwise. With everything I have." Rias smiled coldly, "We've never had a contest like this, and I plan on showing him that strength isn't everything."

Some applause, furious note scribbling, flashing cameras.

"Lord Sairaorg!" Another asked, "What's your take on the match? You've been named The Strongest Youth, but how will you deal with Lady Rias's diverse setup?"

"Like I deal with everything. At full power!" He stood, striking a pose, "I have no fear of the unknown! I will face it, and I will overcome it!"

More applause, note scribbling and camera flashes.

Sairaorg sat down, and I could see the two kings giving each other sideways glances and smiles, both confident in their chances of winning.


We had a little time to kill before the match itself, so we were given leave to explore a little. One of the many things that happened while I was still waking up properly, was the delivery of 'battle uniforms' for the game. Sure, they all had the bits of equipment I'd made them, but since I still hadn't made them proper 'dungeon worthy' armour, they all still favoured their school uniforms.

Thanks to our connection to the Phoenix house, Ravel, and the flock of girls in Riser's peerage, they were still wearing them, but(!) thanks to a little input from me, the cloth they were made out of was much tougher. Similar and maybe a bit better than the 'battle cloth' common in Orario, their clothes were much more resistant to common hazards during combat. It wouldn't stop much, but 'collateral damage' from rock chips, stray splashes of acid, residual magic blasts and the like, would be far less harmful. Xenovia was rather happy with her new black one piece, since it was in the style she usually wore, but 'made her feel invincible'.

And since yes, this was a formal event, I was back in a new battle kimono. I hardly even remember dressing it it honestly, but again, I had the best Miko ever.

"So, since we have a bit of time before the match, why don't we take a tour?" Rias suggested, "Now that we're all awake." She smiled at me.

"I don't know why I'm still so tired." I said, "Maybe it was the trip back."

"Did you use the portal all on your own Sensei?" Rias asked.

"Yes. Though I didn't get in until well after midnight. Your cousin knows how to party. He might seem like a meathead, but he's a lot like you when it comes to his friends and peerage." I tucked my arms into my sleeves, 'wise master' style, and looked around, "Where exactly are we anyhow?"

We had teleported from the ORC directly to... where ever this was. Aside from the thinner air suggesting a high elevation, I couldn't figure much else out about the palace we were in. The construction was like a mix of Greek (with all the nice marble pillars and such) and maybe Arabic (with sturdy simple curves though still favouring flat stonework). Oddly, it made me think of the bridge of the Enterprise from Star Trek the next Generation, with its mix of flats/curves. No flashing panels though.

"Welcome Rias Gremory." A voice that just tickled my memory said. A little deeper, but just as stern as Sona, it belonged to Seekvaira, the aqua-blond pink eyed King of the last of the four teams. "And to answer you, Demon Fox, this is my home, the Sky Palace of the Agares Family."

"Kodori is fine." I nodded my head to her, "Sky palace?" I asked Akeno quietly when I noticed Rias and Seekvaira about to make a conversation.

"Yes, the Agares territory is almost entirely in the sky." She replied quietly, "It holds the smallest, yet most popular of Rating Game arenas."

I nodded and tuned back into the conversation between the two Kings, "-tour of the grounds." Seekvaira finished, "I'm sure our city has something to entertain you while the final setup for your match is done."

Rias was right, when she had said Seekvaira was actually quite kind. "We'll gladly accept." Rias replied. Will you be ready for your match tomorrow though?"

"In exchange for having an extra day of preparation, Sona Sitri has given up home advantage, so both matches will be held here, today and tomorrow."

I couldn't help but smile. If 'home advantage' mattered less to anyone, I'd be surprised.


The 'main island' of the Agares territory wasn't very big. Now, big grain of salt disclaimer: It was still a floating island! And the 'territory' wasn't just one island either. Massive chains and thick ropes spanned wide distances to connect to other smaller islands, making it look like the clouds beneath us were an ocean. The Palace of Agares was on its own island, and as we stood on the outer castle wall, looking over the edge down at the city below, I could see why the unique style of the buildings looked the way they did. With the sweeping curves and spaced flat surfaces, it would stand up much better to high winds than say, a square structure. And while yes, perfectly round towers and walls would be even better, it would look boring. Flat surfaces were much easier to inscribe protective wards on too. Another example of 'old war' architecture.

"Unless you are willing to risk the occasional high wind or have a suitably strong flying familiar, we generally ride gondola to get from island to island." Seekvaira explained as a large sturdy looking sphere shaped gondola approached the station near by. "This one will take us to the city centre. From there, so long as you don't take too long, you can make it to the Colosseum without issue."

"Hey..." Issei spoke up, squinting off into the distance, "Are they... mining on that rock over there?" He pointed off into the distance at a floating rock that was only just visible, almost sunken entirely into the clouds below.

I followed his finger and looked as well, and yes, it did look like there was some simple mining equipment on the top of the rock. A pulley and rope mine shaft maybe. "Yes. Our islands are the only place you can find the crystal used for the Evil Pieces. The colour varies, but they are the only thing the Beelzebub, Lord Ajuka, could use to make them."

"Sensei, don't drool." Akeno mumbled at me.

I had to check if I was drooling (I wasn't), but I suddenly wanted some of that crystal. Akeno giggled at me, "Meany." One of my tails swished at her, "But... I really am curious."

"We do not mine it carelessly, as it is also part of why our land floats." Agares replied, "And the purity needed is quite rare."

I took out my phone and typed in a little reminder.

"Sensei, you're on vacation." Rias sighed, "What are you going to do when you no longer have a phone for taking notes?"

"I'll use paper. I'll call Ajuka Sensei later. A second call will justify the speed dial entry."

Most of them went a little slack jawed, likely because of my casual mention of one of the four Satans.

"Ahem. Shall we board?" Seekvaira asked.


The city itself was quite diverse. Much cleaner than the Old Capital of Lucifaad, the buildings were almost all styled low to the ground, with that rounded style. There wasn't as much as a breeze as you'd expect from being above the clouds, and the temperature, while a little cooler, was still quite tolerable. All shapes and sizes of Devil walked the streets, but there was a certain... high class nature to them. All well dressed, all clean... no beggars, no 'warning signs' about patrolled areas...

Prices were still more or less in line with the Lucifaad though, and I picked up a little something for Delly, who was still at home dealing with spider silk. That, and keeping Shinkage company, since he said he'd rather stay home today.

I was guessing someone told him where the game was. I really did have to give him wings or something...


The Colosseum was probably the biggest building, next to the palace, on all the floating islands. About the size of a football stadium, it was a massive glass domed structure with all kinds of pretty lights shimmering over its surface. It looked to be at least twice the size of the space I'd fought Riser in, and far more 'modern' in style. With the upcoming game, there were all kinds of spotlights, flashing billboards and even the occasional firework display as we all got closer.

When we got to the entrance, we were met by Azazel. Looking just as smug as always, he greeted us with a lazy salute, "We were starting to wonder. Enjoy the city?"

Rias shrugged, but everyone else (yes me too) smiled and nodded. Most of the hour walk from the station was filled with us looking around in wonderment. "My family is proud of what we have built here." Seekvaira said with a smile, "Now if you'll excuse me, my peerage and I have to make ready for tomorrow."

"Good luck." Rias said.

"You as well." Came the reply before she vanished into a blue magic circle.

"Follow me, and we'll get you squared away." Azazel waved us towards the building, through a door further along the wall, and away from the growing line of spectators who were slowly filing into the stadium.


As we walked through the smooth stone corridors, the tingle of heavy magic slowly filling the air as protective magics were put in place for the match, I looked to Azazel, "This place is far too small for this." Above us, I could hear, and feel, the crowd's excitement building as well.

"This is going to be the most watched event out of all the rating games so far. We've got something special planned." Azazel nodded, "However, you'll have to wait, since I can't tell you until it's time."

"Oh, that's different then." I nodded.

We arrived at a big double door, its heavy wood surface painted a bright red that made it stand out vividly against the smooth grey stone walls, "Here's your waiting room." Azazel said, "You guys ready for this?"

As one, almost like I'd drilled it into them, they gave their equipment one last look, going through each piece, testing it with the faintest of mana. "We've all trained very hard, and learned so much since we started." Issei said, "I feel confident! I won't lose to anyone!"

I found myself feeling a little shocked. But not in a bad way at all. This was the first time I could think of, that Issei was confident from the very start of an encounter. He might 'talk the talk' but this was the first time I could think of, that he looked so sure of himself. That he didn't have to work himself up to giving himself a pep talk.

The others seemed to pick up on it, their faces growing more sure of themselves, "We have picked up many new skills since the last rating game. I'm sure we will surprise them." Kiba said with a smile.

"Keep your heads clear, don't panic, and trust yourselves. You've earned the power you have, you've learned the power you have. Now it's time to prove it to everyone else." I said, looking each of them in the eyes, "Also, we missed pasta night. So look forward to that."

"You heard her." Rias took over, opening the door and giving me a brief look into what seemed to be a simple conference room with several magic TV screens and nice comfortable chairs, "We will not lose!"

Her pep talk continued, but Azazel gave my shoulder a tap, "Come on, you get to sit with me and a couple other special guests."

"I'd be just as happy going back to bed." I sighed, "But, they are my students."

"Yeah yeah, you lost any right to complain about keeping a low profile the instant you pulled Riser apart." We walked further along the corridor, going through a much smaller single person door, down a short hallway, then another door. Now in a stair well, we ascended three flights of steps, and came to a door marked 'Announcer's booth'.

"Really?"

"Yup. I'd say you owe me for the best seats in the house, but I'll settle with you letting me come to pasta night." He opened the door, stepped inside and waved me in.

It wasn't 'the royal seats' where Sirzechs had been sitting at my match with Riser, but it was close. Wide glass windows a long desk and comfortable chairs were the main features of the room. On the desk were several microphones, some camera equipment and a refreshment cart near the door were some other notable things. But already sitting down were two people I didn't know. Both stood as we entered.

"Mr. Azazel." A man with naturally silver hair, jade green eyes and dressed in a nice black with gold trim shirt and pants, greeted, "We've been warming up the crowd for the game. We're expecting quite the show."

"Sensei." Azazel said to me, "Meet Rudiger Rosen...kreutz?" The man nodded, "While they," He made an 'over there' motion through the window, "Don't know it yet, he'll be the arbiter for the match. As well, he is rank 7 in the rating games."

While I knew he had 'noticed' me already, he looked at me directly and pretended to be surprised, "The Demon Fox! A pleasure to meet you." He extended a hand, and we shook, his grip solid but not confrontational, "I trust Lady Rias and her peerage are in the waiting room?"

"If you mean the room with the bright red door, yes. And please, Kodori is fine." I considered, and I could see on his face that he knew I was considering, just how strong he was, to be ranked 7th. His outwardly polite nature and natural charisma wasn't quite enough to hide the intelligence behind his eyes.

"Excellent! I'm excited to see what sort of show they will put on. They're going to be my future opponents after all. Hardly expect them to just stop after this series of rookie games." He smiled easily.

Behind him, waiting patiently for his turn, was a quiet looking man with grey hair and grey almost white eyes. Dressed in a high collared red and gold shirt, matching pants and black leather belt, he seemed much... quieter than Rudiger.

And stronger. MUCH stronger. With my old, and newly refined ability to feel magic power, he was easily one of the most powerful people I'd met so far.

"And this is Diehauser Belial. Ranked first in the rating games." Azazel introduced him, "You'll be commenting tonight as well right?"

He had the voice of a teacher, attention grabbing without being annoying, "That's right. I've helped young Sairaorg in the past, just as you've helped Young Rias's peerage." He nodded to Azazel, then looked to me, his eyes squinting slightly, "You've made quite a stir since your arrival. Ever consider becoming a devil? You'd make for an interesting rival I think."

"I'd rather not complicate my life any further." I shook my head then offered my hand, "But, I'm sure Rias and her peerage will be aiming at your spot as soon as they can."

We shook, his grip also respectful, "The Breast Dragon Emperor would be an interesting fight I'm sure." His words were dismissive, but his voice was not, "Let's see who comes out on top today though."

From the far end of the room a person sized portal opened up, admitting another sort of familiar looking devil. Deep blue skin, thin build, bald with a solo mini 'oni horn' on his forehead, he looked at all of us, and in a voice I knew as the other announcer at my match with Riser, he said, "You're all here! Great! The teams are ready to enter the field, so lets get you all introduced!"

"I don't suppose I can just... wave from the box here?" I asked.

He looked at me a second time, took a half step back, "Whoa! The Demon Fox!"

"damnit..."

"Well if you really want to, I won't stop you! But you have fans too!" Engilvice said, his radio voice warming up.

"Come on Sensei!" Azazel teased.

"I'll pass. I will however, warm up that tea cart over there for when you get back." I offered.

"Hm, good tea or a chance to embarrass you..."

"I could give you a black eye before you go out there?" I flexed my fingers, popping my knuckles.

"Fine fine. Go work your magic, Mr. Vice." Azazel sighed.


I moved the tea cart closer to the table so I could look out onto the field. If you were at ground level (I wasn't, but if you were) it would look a lot like your standard Olympic field. A long track around the outer edge, some marked spots for various other sports in the middle, that kind of thing. But of course, this was the underworld, where 'normal' met 'magical'. In roughly the middle of the field, about twenty metres above it, (putting it just slightly below where the observation booth we were in was) was a small round platform. Looking almost like someone had taken the top off a castle tower, the circular platform had a hip high crenellation around it. With a little 'vumm' of noise, Engilvice, Azazel, Diehauser and Rudiger stepped out onto the platform, the crowd cheering wildly.

Before the cheers died down enough for any of them to speak, a small set of little TV windows appeared along the back edge of the desk, showing me the insides of the waiting rooms, as well as two other rooms that were empty. At about the same time, the doors to the rooms opened, admitting a uniformed devil. Something was said, and both teams got up out of their chairs and left their rooms.

"TOOOOOOOOOOOOOONIGHT! We have an exciting match lined up for you!" Engilvice started, his voice ripping through the noise of the crowd, "To start our action packed weekend, we have two of the Rookie Kings facing off against one another!"

Looking down over the field, and comparing it to the monitors, I could see Rias's and Sairaorg's peerages filing into the other rooms, "Coming in from the BLUE GATE! We have Young Lord Sairaorg!" The second rooms looked like a mix of baseball dugout and observation room. With all the camera angles from inside, it was probably to keep them in view of the public, and judges while they waited.

More cheering.

"Undefeated so far, he and his peerage have absolutely dominated the Rookie Rating Games so far! With his team of virtual unknowns, they have overcome all challenges so far at 100 PERCENT POWER!"

Still more cheering.

"ANNNNNNNNNND coming in from the RED GATE!" Rias and her peerage filed into the new room, the camera passing over each of them in turn, "Lady Rias enters the STAAAAAAAGE!"

Even more cheering, as well as a few cries of 'Breast Dragon Emperor'. ... Poor Issei.

"While they took a hard loss against Lady Sona, they fought through a full on terrorist attack! Competely wiping out Diodora and his peerage for a total victory in their second match!"

He waited again while until the cheers died down.

"Tonight! We have three-"

"Four. The Fox is just being camera shy." Azazel interrupted.

I skipped adding sugar to his tea.

"Special guests tonight!" Engilvice soldiered on, "Governor for the Fallen Angels, as well as part time mentor for Rias's peerage, and all around wise-guy! Azazel!"

"Wise-ass you mean..." I mumbled, (my tails not swatting me for it.)

"He has helped with many of the new, as well as old, innovations for Rating Games! Helping to improve and light up the Underworld with top class entertainment!" He pointed his Mic at the crowd to soak up the roar. "As well! Ranking number SEVEN in the rating games overall! Rudiger Rosenkreutz!"

Rudiger stepped up to the edge of the platform and waved to the crowd, pulling a microphone out of his shirt sleeve, "Thank you!" He smiled, "Tonight, I've been honoured with the Arbiter's position, to assure both teams play fair by the rules we've set!" More cheers, though he also added, "With how they've conducted themselves so far, I doubt it will be a problem, but, I had nothing else to do with my evening, so here I am!"

A few more cheers, some laughter, and Engilvice picked up again, "And while I'm sure he needs NO introduction! On the commentator's bench with Azazel and myself, RANNNNNNNNKING FIRST in the RATING GAMES, your CHAMPION! Diehauser Belial!"

Something caught my eye, as the crowd went wild for the number one in the rating games. In Rias's waiting room, Issei was looking intently at one of the monitors. It was the sort of look I gave people when I was about to make them shorter. I knew he was giving that same look to Diehauser now... The spot he was ultimately aiming for, the number one spot, now had a face.

"In honour of them doing so well for themselves, rookie or not, we are putting them under FULL rating game SPECIAL RULES!" Engilvice pointed his Mic at Azazel, "Take it away!"

"While this is the grandest arena in the underworld..." More cheers, "It's a little small for an all out battle between these two teams! Especially for these two teams!" Azazel let a little showmanship out for the occasion, snatching the mic from the blue skinned announcer, "So we have decided on a DICE GAME!"

The reaction from the crowd was mixed. There were no 'boos' or anything, but there was a little puzzlement mixed in with a near roof shattering roar of cheering.

"I'll explain for those who might not know, be it from our rookie teams or new fans of the Rating Games!" He continued once the cheering died off a little, "All the pieces are given a value in 'Pawns'. Knights and Bishops are three, Rooks are five, and the Queen is nine."

He closed his free hand into a fist, then opened it again, a pair of massive holographic dice appearing under the floating platform.

"Each king will roll a six sided die." The dice spun around for a moment, then landed with a three and a five, "And each king will send out a value of pieces equal to or lesser than the roll of the dice." A bunch of different combinations appeared under the dice. Eight pawns, a knight bishop and two pawns, a rook and a bishop... "After the dice are rolled, the kings will have five minutes to discuss who will be sent out."

The dice shrunk down a little, "Now! The kings are special!" Under each of the dice, a portrait of Rias and Sairaorg popped up, "After much discussion, the judges have rated the two kings." With a dramatic drum roll, the number '12' appeared under Sairaorg, and '9' under Rias. "The kings may only take the field when their number is rolled!"

More cheers from the crowd. With Sairaorg coming up at a twelve, he would stand alone, while Rias might take the field with someone else if she decided to duel with him.

"Of course, as the game wears on, and pieces are removed, we might not have a combination that allows both teams a piece on the field. We will simply re-roll at that point." He grinned, "Lastly, even with all the problems we've been having, each team will still be given one vial of Phoenix Tears!"

The holographic field under them cleared, then showed a very fancy box. Made of nice green stone and laced with gold trim. A pair of hands that looked very familiar opened the box, revealing a pair of fancy yet sturdy glass bottles laying in a nice purple velvet.

Okay, fine, a nice box did help with presentation...

Down in the two rooms, I could see both teams nodding approval as well. This basically meant a second chance for one of them, or (I suspected) a much needed bit of income off the field if they didn't use it.

"Now that everything is explained..." Azazel continued, looking down over the edge of the floating platform, "I think I'll hand this back to you."

Engilvice took the microphone back, "Our two kings are ready, and approaching centre stage!" He roared, the crowd joining in. I watched looked at one of the monitors, spotting a little platform with... Oh, it was Ravel holding the box. Explained that. "Each king takes a vial, annnnnnnnnnd one of the dice!"

Ravel stepped back, placing the nice box on a small stand, while the two Kings looked up/down at each other, and rolled the red/blue cubes onto the box lid. The crowd went silent as the dice rattled over the top of the box, and slowly came to a halt.

"Lady Rias rolls a 4, and Lord Sairaorg rolls a 5! The total is NINE! A BIG START TO A BIG GAME!" Engilvice roared, the crowd shaking the stadium in response.


NOTES!

YES FOLKS! We start the game in the next chapter. You see, I'm following the books, and yes, this 'Dice game' is what happens. However, being the overseer for the story, I'm using my own dice. In the book? It starts on a three. So who knows how this will go now? :)

Ko-fi, Daeore, if you wish to toss a coin to your writer. :)