Going to school the next day was perhaps one of the more difficult things I have ever done. Waking up was the second most difficult, obviously.

Marjoram helped me out though and practically forced me out of bed. I also discovered the novelty of having two maids living in the house - the food I was made was very high quality. Much higher than the ingredients I knew we had in the house should have allowed but apparently they already went shopping? They've been here less than 24 hours, how efficient can they be?

Apparently my home is so much smaller than the Phenex manor is that, though they are reduced in number of maids, their efficiency is so high its not that difficult for them at all. I had to have a brief discussion with them about taking more time off when they had nothing to do and you know what they did? They scoffed at me. My own maids (technically) practically laughed me out of the house!

Here I am, trying to be nice and look where it gets me. Well, I suppose it could be worse. Once I made it to school things went about how I expected them to - interminably boring yet again. Though this time before my class could even finish I got sent a message by Rias via Kiba-Mail. The same girl from the Student Council with the white hair also showed up at the same time making for a funny scene where both were asking for me to go with them to visit their leaders.

We visited Sona first since she was more on the way than Rias was. Pushing open the door I was greeted by, as usual, most of the entire student council. "Yo, Sona, whats up?"

Sona looked askance at me once again for, as usual since learning of their devilish origins, totally disregarding Japanese honorifics unless I had to. "Well Aion, I spoke to Rias about what happened over the weekend this morning. First, congratulations on your... engagement. Second, if Ravel wants to attend the school we could fit her in at any point in time so just let me know - she could drop by whenever and as long as she visits me first we can make it work. I just wanted to let you know - I won't keep you any longer."

Ahh Sona, another amazing woman in my life. "Thank you very much Sona, great minds must think alike because I was going to ask about that. She didn't confirm last night when I asked if she wanted to attend, but based on your proactiveness I assume you know she is living with me as of yesterday?"

I got a nod in response. "Yes, and it is good to see you being proactive yourself. I'll see you tomorrow for the tutoring session with Asia?"

My smile grew slightly. "Asia can't wait to see you again, see you then!" Asia was kind of like a radiant moss - no matter how much you didn't want her too, she grew on you. But that was only for people who were stubborn, most people just loved Asia straightaway. I could hardly blame them, after all she's my little sister, isn't she?

I said my goodbyes and left with Kiba. We reached the ORC room and this time I actually got to meet everyone in Rias's peerage. Or rather, I would have, but the moment we arrived Rias gave them all the boot. She had a bit of a manic gleam in her eye that made me more than a touch nervous. "Everyone out! Aion and I have something private to discuss, I'll let you all back in in a moment."

Presumably Rias told them about both her dis-engagement and probably my own new engagement, so they would most likely assume that is what we are discussing. If that is the case though, why is that brown haired boy giving me a death glare? Did I wrong him somehow? I've barely spoken to my fellow classmates and I certainly don't remember seeing him. Oh well, he's probably not important.

Once everyone was gone, I plopped myself down on the suddenly free couch and made myself comfortable. "What's going on Rias?"

Before she answered she got up from behind her desk and made her way to the same couch I was sitting on. My discomfort was slowly rising as she leaned in towards me, eyes still shining with some strange passionate light. Suddenly, her hands gripped me, tight as a steel vice. "Aion. I need to know - When Riser attacked you did you use a Dark Magician, like the kind from Yugioh to subdue him?"

Well this is awkward. Looks like the jig is up... "Ah, yes I did. I'd prefer if, uh, you didn't spread that too far you know, because right now nobody knows what it is I'm summoning, hehe." I laughed nervously.

"Oh. My. God. I've always loved Yugioh! Especially the manga-verse where everything is so dark and gritty! American censorship is insane but luckily here in Japan I can get the unaltered versions. Oh my gosh, tell me... is that the only thing you can summon? Because if not..." The resulting squeal was very high pitched and very fangirly.

"Ah, yes, yes I can. I can summon more but I usually have out one pair of both Dark Magician and Dark Magician girl as my defenders because of their ability to negate magic and basically dissolve their foes." If I thought Rias' eyes were bad before, they positively were shining now like miniature spotlights.

"You have Dark Magician Girl too? Oh my oh my I can barely contain myself! Please, can I please meet them? It would make me so happy, pretty please!" She gave me the best puppy dog eyes I have ever seen. Turns out Rias is a nerd - which I can get behind, I was a nerd too back in my original life. Nowadays I don't really have a whole lot of time for that. I spend any free time with my family members - and now my betrothed. How the tables turn.

"I suppose I can hardly say no, can I?" At my mental command both my Dark Magician's appeared behind me, dispelling their invisibility. The resulting OH MY GOD that was screeched from Rias's lips resulted in the rest of her peerage, who was trying as hard as they could to wait around the door appearing nonchalant it seems, burst in at the first sign of trouble. Instead of trouble they found Rias sitting next to me, my hands locked in hers (I couldn't have removed them if I wanted to) and her eyes drinking in the sight of, to the rest of world, probably looked like two cosplayers.

Once again, I felt the gaze of the brown haired boy nearly double in intensity, eyes locked onto Rias hands, which were - oh. I see. Nothing I can do about it at the moment, sorry champ. If it helps I'm uncomfortable too you know?

"Ah, before I forget again, you guys go by Mahad and Mana, right? Thats who you were in your 'past life' as it were? I kept meaning to ask since you two are always with me it felt a little rude to continue calling you by your title or whatever..." I got a nod and a smile from both of them, which I had to crane my neck to see, locked down as I was by the redhead in front of me.

"Rias, uh, could you let go of my hands? They're starting to hurt a bit..." My hands were immediately released and the girl in question darted up from the couch, appearing in front of the magic duo.

"Oh my gosh, I can't believe you're real! What kind of magic can you guys do? Where do you come from? What else can Aion create? Do you think you could dress me up with you and we can take pictures together? You're outfits are PERFECT!" Her stream of questions was never-ending and quite rapidfire. The stance of both the magicians practically screamed discomfort at the situation they found themselves in.

"Rias, I'm sure they would love to answer your questions, but maybe later. Right now isn't a great time and if I understand their origins correctly (I looked it up last night) Mahad here is very serious, and while Mana might be a little more carefree she's on the clock right now as it were. They both take my protection... VERY seriously. Maybe we can arrange a time for you to meet them when I am otherwise covered?" Because I really want to escape from here and putting off the problem always works, right?

The light in her eyes dimmed slightly, going from spotlights to just bonfires. "I suppose... If we have too... But promise I can talk to them later! And meet some of the others you have!"

I smiled, it was hard not to in the face of her childish delight. "Of course. I am a man of my word. Sona has already had the chance to meet Typhon, my little dragonling as I call him. I'll give you a hint - he's big and he's blue."

Watching the gears turn in Rias's head was fairly amusing, but watching them click together was even better, her face lighting up as she realized what I was hinting at. "No, there's no way! You're serious?" I nodded my head, grinning widely now.

"Holy shit! I'll have to come visit later... Damn Sona, seeing such a legendary beast and not even knowing what she's looking at! Ugh. Some people just don't appreciate what they have." I couldn't help but laugh, the girl seemed slightly more... carefree, now that her engagement issue was dealt with.

I stood to leave, but before I could Rias approached me again and grasped my hands again. "Listen, I know it technically isn't my fault for what happened, but I am sorry for getting you involved in my engagement issues and... putting you in a position to have that happen."

Well I could hardly blame the girl now could I? It wasn't her fault as she said, that was ALL me. "Don't worry Rias, that was 100% me and my idiotic thinking. Or lack of foresight, whatever you want to see it as. I really should have known something like that was a possibility but I did everything wrong. I think it turned out though - my engagement has certainly been happier than anything involving Riser is!"

That got me a laugh, before it died down too quickly. "I hope you know by accepting Riser's challenge as he left means he'll likely try and rope you into fighting him in some rating game? Though you aren't part of devil society, you are now by proxy and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he goes around his parents wishes and challenges you."

The smile on my face could have been described in several ways - malevolent, a little intense, cruel and capricious, to name a few - and I leaned into reassure her. "Oh, I'm looking forward to him trying very much, don't you worry about that."

Rias gave a relieved sigh. "I thought so, but I was still worried... Oh well. These two alone would probably be enough to beat Riser, if I know anything about them, but I'll trust you on that front." That's probably good - Riser is small fry compared to Typhon alone I'm pretty confident. Let alone my... other friends.

"Your concern makes me happy but I assure you I will be fine. Now I'd best be off to see the future wife. Let me know if anything comes up. You've got my number!" With that I turned to leave, Mahad and Mana following behind me closely. As we neared Rias's peerage, who were all bundled in the entranceway the pair actually got in front of my and started bodily pushing people out of the way.

It seemed a little rude but the action seemed to kickstart their brains and they all moved out of the way. We left the school with no issues after that and returned home.

With an odd sense of deja vu I went to open the door, but before my hand could reach the handle the door opened of its own accord. Standing before me was none other than the lovely purple haired woman I called my mom, Nyx. It was in that moment, I knew I was in big, big trouble. "Tell me young man, does it bring you pleasure to give me grey hairs? I've been watching you in various iterations for thousands of years and somehow you stress me out more now than ever before!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Welcome back, mom. Sorry about the mess, I didn't plan on it winding up this way certainly... but its not bad. At least, it could have been much worse. What if the spell didn't change the Phenex member I was engaged to, huh? I would have just had to end Riser at that point and accepted the consequences."

Nyx couldn't contain her own smile, brilliant purple lips widening as the mirth in her eye's showed through. "I suppose that is true. Well, we've been talking but come in, come in. Anything exciting happen at school today?"

I found myself chuckling again. "Rias is apparently some kind of nerd who know's all about Yugioh and recognized my Dark Magician Mahad the night it all went down. So she had a mini freak out after school over the pair of Magicians I had shadowing me. Otherwise I got approval from Sona to tell Ravel she's free to go to school any time she wishes if she wants to."

Nyx brushed some errant hairs that fell into my face away. "My boy, I know I acted cross earlier but I am quite proud of you. Though Ravel told me of the great guilt you felt at getting her roped into this situation." I nodded, that was true, though I felt better about the situation now.

"I did, I felt very bad about the whole thing, but we spoke to her father the day after and he hinted that he had been waiting for Ravel to find someone she liked so he could get a marriage contract for her born of love or something close to that, rather than the political ploys that were trying to be forced upon her. I felt much better after that... but I don't think the guilt will ever quite completely go away for a while yet." Its still quite fresh, after all, no matter how well things are going right now.

"Of course son, of course. That shows your good heart still shining through, I'm not surprised in the slightest. Now come, let us have a snack with the others." With that we travelled to the dining room where Ravel, Asia, and Marjoram waited. I'm surrounded by a lot of women, aren't I?

We talked for a while, Ravel was acclimatizing very well with the rest of the household. I mean, that's hardly unexpected though, is it? Asia is a little sunbeam of pure happiness, Marjoram is a kindly mother-figure, and Nyx is Nyx. Ok, getting used to Nyx is a little harder than the rest but Ravel seems to be doing well.

Nyx is probably unique amongst the usual primordial forces in that due to her origin hiding her presence, or erasing it completely, is no big deal. Hence, she's not exerting undue pressure on Ravel. I felt her presence on time leak through during our encounter with Azazel and I promise it would be immediately obvious if she wasn't masking it. You don't just miss that kind of thing...

Once our little group broke up, Ravel came up to me and asked if I could show her around the local area. The only thing in the local area besides more suburbs was the main shopping street, so I agreed. It was currently Spring, so after I did a quick change out of my uniform we departed. She was wearing a lovely sundress today that hung to her knees and unavoidably accentuated her figure. I don't think most clothes planners didn't quite plan on someone as short as Ravel being as stacked as she was.

Disregarding that, she was absolutely stunning. Her blond hair was done in the usual twin tails and drill combo and she wore a pair of brilliant orange crystal earrings that seemed to glow with an inner light. She wore a sort of shoe that seemed to be mostly comprised of leather straps, vaguely reminding me of the old roman gladiator's kind.

With her soft features accentuated in the sun she seemed ethereal - like a vision of beauty impossible to attain other than in this very moment. We had left the house to start our walk, with me leading the way. I had turned around as Ravel shut the door, and must of have been staring because as she walked up to me she elbowed me gently in the side, entire face blushing furiously.

"Like what you see?" I could see how hard it was for her to say that, so I don't plan on teasing her too hard. I gave her a wide honest smile.

"I saw a moment of such beauty I didn't want to look away so as to burn it into my mind forever; That very vision is now walking beside me, my very own betrothed. What a lucky man I am indeed." I'm pretty sure her blush stretched all the way into her hair and around the back of her head if possible, the girl was positively glowing.

"To tell you the truth, I've never noticed other girls like I've noticed you. Maybe its because we're engaged already and I know we have a relationship in a way already, maybe its because I've never cared until now, but you are truly breathtaking Ravel. I mean it when I talk about how lucky I am."

Ravel couldn't look at me for a moment, choosing to watch the other sidewalk as we walked next to each other. For a few moments, there was silence, until I felt something tickle my fingers. I looked down and saw her hand brushing mine, fingers open in an invitation. "We need to continue practicing our physical contact to establish our relationship you know? It would be remiss of me not to reward you for making me so happy either..."

The last part was said as barely more than a whisper, but I heard it none the less. The smile on my face almost hurt, as hard as I was grinning. The youngest Phenex was definitely raised to be a princess, but I think she'll turn out just fine.

I reached back slightly and grasped her hand in mine, once again feeling the gentle heat coming from our contact. She let out a sleep 'eep' as our hands connected. "You ok, Ravel?"

The poor blushing girl nodded her head vigorously. "I feel I must apologize, Aion... As it becomes clear our marriage might work out better than I hoped, I only find myself growing more nervous instead of less. Having never been in a relationship before I'm worried I'll do something to mess it up and ruin the delicate thing we're building here."

I could hear the genuine worry hiding behind her blushing exterior and wavering voice. "Look here, Ravel, I can't pretend to be an expert on relationships. I can say that when it comes to people, what we're building isn't going to be frail. Odd as our situation might be, I'd like to think though its a rush job, we're laying the foundation for a strong and enduring relationship that will stand the test of time and not falter in the slightest."

I got a squeeze of her hand, letting me know she was listening. "Also I can tell that... this can be a little hard for you. I don't want you to push yourself Ravel. I said it but it bears repeating - nothing needs to be forced here. We can let this develop as it will, with time and our own efforts, whatever we want them to be. While I agree initiating some physical contact will help us get used to each other and help develop our relationship quicker there is no point if it hurts the emotional or mental part. So do what you're comfortable with and we'll go from there, ya?"

The young blond had turned to look at me by this point, meeting my gaze. I could practically see the fiery passion burning in those cerulean orbs, and she seemed determined to say something in response. "I will never be able to properly tell you how much I appreciate what you're doing, Aion. Maybe it seems simple to you, but the honorable and kind man you are gives me the confidence to do what I need to do. I'm sure you've noticed but I'm... not great at taking compliments or just being near my significant other as it turns out."

She let out a sigh before continuing. "I wish it were otherwise, but I need to force myself to do this. How will I possibly get comfortable with it otherwise? So just let me keep on doing what I have been and I'm sure I'll get more confident with time..." Ravel stopped us via our linked hands as she ceased walking. I turned towards her in confusion.

Before I could ask what was going on, she reached her hand up to cup my face. "I mean it sincerely, Aion, I count my lucky stars so far that I've been engaged to you. Maybe its too early to tell, but I think things are going to work out. Given time I agree with you. Let us build our relationship into an indomitable castle that will never fall to enemies, time, or anything else." The smile she gave me then was not one of her small ones, filled with hidden meanings and unknowable emotions - no, this one was large and filled with love and care and hope for the future.

I returned her smile with one of my own. "Look at us, looking like a proper couple. I've got your back Ravel, if you'll get mine. It'll be my distinct honor to be married to you someday and call you my wife, once we're ready."

When Ravel broke our gaze with misty eyes and a slight sniffle I was a little worried. "You ok, Ravel?" I didn't think I'd said anything upsetting but you never know.

"No, no. Everything is fine, its more than fine, really." She turned her watery eyes towards me. "I'm just a little overwhelmed with emotion right now. Its a massive bundle of happy, nervous, excited, scared, tense, relaxed and everything in between."

I gave her a small smile, understanding where she was coming from. "Well, maybe we should save the tour of our shopping street for later. Want to head home for now?"

Ravel nodded, and we turned around and headed for the house. As we did, Ravel initiated the contact this time, and our fingers gently linked together. The rest of the short trip was made in comfortable silence. Once we got home we ate a lovely dinner made by Nyx and headed upstairs for bed. Ravel invited me into her room before I reached my bedroom and we shared another wonderful hug. It lasted for several minutes, and when we finally parted and said goodnight I could feel the warmth of her wrapped around me, gently seeping into my heart and warming my soul.

Damn, is this what falling for someone feels like? I wouldn't dare call it love yet, something so profound wouldn't have developed yet, but the stepping stones to reach that point all have to start somewhere. Currently I feel like that very first step is about to be taken by my heart, hopefully to be joined by hers when she is comfortable.

Fucking crazy life getting me into an engagement with a beautiful girl that I now like. Do I say thank you or is this just a kindness because it plans on continuing to screw with me? I may never know, but my sleep went undisturbed that night.

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We managed to go a couple of weeks without bullshittery dumping all over my life. I appreciated that, at least. During that time I was able to... ease Ravel into the conversation that Ophis was my daughter. Many of the average devils wouldn't know who such a being was, but for a highborn devil from one the pillars such as herself, she did indeed know who Ophis was.

Perhaps it helped cement the fact that I was the incarnated soul of a apparently not just conceptual primordial being, especially when Ophis actually showed up one day, looking for her now-traditional head rubs and scratches. It was in that moment with the legendary Ouroboros Dragon sitting between my legs with me laughing as she had the barest hint of a pout on her face because I stopped rubbing her head for a moment that really must have cemented to her the truth of my situation. She would occasionally look at me after that and I would hear mutterings of 'I still can't believe it' or some such before she would walk away shaking her head.

It cracked me up, honestly. When Ophis visited we discussed me coming to visit her and seeing her group, she said that would be fine soon but she wasn't going to be there for a bit so she would let me know next time she was.

Ravel and I grew appropriately closer as time passed. Nothing much had changed with out relationship as of yet, but I could feel it in the air. She blushed less when we had our nightly hugs, hand holding and the occasional hug we shared at random during the day. Those small smiles of hers that I only ever saw adorn her face when she looked at me became more frequent, like I was privy to something no one else was.

Truly, Ravel was a radiant girl. She was prim and proper most of the time, but at the single hint of physical intimacy or a compliment directed at her she turned crimson which as I said was improving, but still it was one of the cutest things I've seen in a long time. She usually dressed in her traditional garb from home, a combination purple and white dress with some red and orange artwork run through the bottom. She wore a bow wrapped around her neck, black leggings and purple shoes to match the rest.

Thanks to the bow, I was able to make her blush by far the hardest that I had seen to date. It was the during the night and we were sharing our daily ritual of hugging before bed, which had slowly increased in time by our unspoken consensus to just not let go. When we finally separated I looked down at her and commented about how the bow as truly fitting, because she was the gift I was given each and every single day I got to see her again.

Though cheesy, it was undoubtedly a super effective strike against Ravel's weakness - compliments. The stuttering mess she devolved into was racing neck and neck for cutest thing I'd ever seen, tied with the moment from the walk we shared. Eventually she pulled herself, though it took some time. After taking a moment to center herself, eyes clothed and several deep breaths later, a steely resolve entered her eyes and she gestured me over to where she was sitting on her bed. I approached her, but she grabbed my hands and tugged me downwards.

I complied and dropped to my knees in front of her, assuming that was what she wanted. Our eyes were level with each other now and as always I couldn't help but admire the deep blue before me, the depths of her emotion storming behind her calm exterior. Both of her hands were placed on my cheeks, and she tilted my head to one said before she laid a chaste but lingering kiss on my cheek.

Momentarily stunned, I just start there for a few seconds before my brain came back online. "Thank you, Aion. I will treasure this moment for a long, long time. Maybe it was over the top, but I loved to hear it regardless."

Though other moments definitely were vying for cutest moments of my life, this one held the top spot for moments I realized I was falling for Ravel. The tender look in her eyes, her chest moving from her being slightly out of breath, my position right in front of her and at an even level. It really cemented two things in my mind - That holy shit calling Ravel beautiful is a terrible understatement, and that if I was free-falling into her before I was now in control and instead of slowing down my mind entered the equivalent of a more aerodynamic position so it could fall faster.

Her long blonde hair was undone, cascading in a waterfall of golden threads around her head and her gleaming blue eyes glowed with tremulous emotion, barely restrained. A light sheen of sweat made her face glimmer in the light of her bedroom, the darker shades of blue and occasional black of her bedspread only serving to highlight the brilliant radiance of the angel before me.

"Ravel... I don't think I have proper words to describe what I'm feeling right now, but I'd like to say I am currently an incredibly happy man that I am engaged to you. I hope you are even half as happy as I am right now." The girl in question simply gave me that small, loaded smile.

The youngest Phenex's face, while tinged with red, was not the usual bright shade it received during times like this, showing how serious she was. "You have no idea, Aion. I suppose its hard to describe but... I am happy. Happier than happy. Far better than I thought I would be if you had asked me several weeks ago."

Well, I suppose I can't ask for more than that. Not that I would, anyway. Ravel's a great girl. It's hardly all been flowers and delight, but Ravel is a very mature girl. She can usually identify when she's being stubborn and will try to talk her way through whatever it is she's stuck on, and asks for our reasoning to better help her understand both positions or ideas.

I'm hardly perfect, either. I rarely find the need to get angry, but my family is near immediate trigger to incite my rage. This has developed to include Ravel as well, but... slightly more so. She started attending school with me as a second year like I thought, and being the beautiful young woman she is, received some attention from some of the boys. This... didn't go over so well with me. Ravel was the perfect Lady about everything however, politely telling everyone she was engaged and quite smitten with her spouse, though the engagement was sudden.

That pacified me very quickly, my brain quickly shifting gears from murder and blood to hearts and sickeningly sweet thoughts of Ravel. Perhaps she is getting to know me better than I suspected - like I feel I'm getting to know her. I've also heard the rumors, since we hang out all the time outside of classes that I am the mystery spouse or she's unfaithful. I don't particularly care since I am the actual betrothed and the other rumors are just based in their ignorance that we don't dare to correct. Luckily there aren't that may other males attending Kuoh Academy, so they quickly got the picture.

But finally, just after a couple weeks my lovely and normal (relatively) life was brought to ruin yet again. My Kiba-Mail arrived on the dot right as classes ended. He passed along his message to meet the folks at the ORC room as quick as I could. "Well you're gonna have to wait till I retrieve my betrothed, then I will join you."

Kiba-Mail... Thats not his name, damnit, KIBA concurred and left to return to Rias. I hunted down Ravel as she was leaving her second year classroom which wasn't too far from my own and saw her standing amidst a gaggle of fellow female students. When she saw me waiting, she lit up and ran over to me and gave me a hug, which honestly surprised me. We hadn't been big on any sorts of PDA, especially in the school, but Ravel seemed very happy to see me so I won't complain.

"Hey Ravel, Rias wants us to meet for some kind of important thing, sooner the better I guess. Want to head over?" She nodded in acquiescence, waving goodbye to her female friends.

"She tell you what its about?"

"Nope, Kiba-Mail - err I mean Kiba just said to come quick." She laughed at my slip-up, but we made quick time as we walked across the grounds. I made sure to shorten my step, because my quick steps were probably half again as long as her own, and I figured she wouldn't want to show up to completely out of breath. Ravel wouldn't complain about the speed to me either - her pride wouldn't allow it. So I made sure we arrived in decent time without overworking my poor short betrothed.

Entering the ORC room, we were greeted by the sight of Rias' peerage sitting or standing on/around one couch, while two girls sitting opposite them. They were covered in large cloaks that covered most of their bodies, leaving just one's cropped blue hair and the others light brown twin tails sticking out. I decided to focus on the one person I really knew.

"Hey Rias. What can I do for you?" Rias latched onto my presence like a drowning woman would a life preserver.

"Hey Aion! I was just discussing with these two ladies they're uh, current mission. You see they're trying to hunt down some holy swords that went missing from the Church but they wanted to... 'let us know' they were going to be operating in the area. They don't have a place to stay and as the third great power that happens to be neutral I wanted to ask if they could maybe stay with you?"

What. Why are you doing this to me Rias? I thought we were cool! The betrayal! Ahh, this must be punishment because I never let her see Typhon or invited her over. Must be it. And wait - "Did you call me the 'third great power' of Kuoh? The hell does that mean?"

Rias awkwardly laughed. "You mean you don't know? After Nyx uh, visited the Satan's and told them what she was doing and your own ah, accomplishments, they've accepted your presence especially since you've been helpful... but you can't deny your own power. Nyx alone is enough to warrant calling you your own faction in terms of power. Then you ah, got engaged and are now tied into the Phenex family."

I suppose she's right... Damn. I hate it when people are right about things I don't like. "Well, I guess I can't really argue any of that... Heh, well I suppose I don't mind. You two, as long as you mind your manners and aren't rude to my family you are welcome to stay with me. I've got a couple rooms to spare for you, if you want'em."

The one with the brown twin-tails, gave me a bubbly smile and began nodding her head, but before she could speak the blue haired on cut her off. "Are you a devil?"

I pointed at myself in question. "Me? Oh, certainly not. I'm human as they come. My mom, Nyx, adoptive, is uh, not a devil or a human but you really don't want to piss her off. She'd make God himself quake in his boots if he risked her ire." I mouthed an apology as I saw the collective wince from most of the room.

Blue-hair seemed to catch the same wince from the youngest Phenex standing behind me. "Psh. God would smite your mother into oblivion with ease. And might that... person behind you be who your engaged to."

Maybe she could tell because Ravel stood slightly closer to me than was necessary for friends, or the glances she liked to shoot me from time to time. Either way, I had the feeling I wouldn't like where this conversation was going. Also she insulted Nyx indirectly, but I can't really blame her - she doesn't know that God would get is ass reamed by mom in a fight.

"Yes, this beautiful young lady behind me is my betrothed, Ravel. What is it to you?" Rias seemed to sense the rising hostility as I sensed the incoming insult from a mile away. She tried her best to stop the imminent eruption, but came in slightly too late.

"You allowed yourself to be tied with such holy bonds to a devil? I am insulted to hear such a sacred tradition being sullied by the sight before me. I refuse to live in their house of sin for such a thing could never be approved in the eyes of God!" Ah, there it is.

The room was collectively peaceful for a second as the white-hot fury began to race through my veins. I had to tamp down on it with all of my willpower - causing a scene here would help no one. Tempting though it might be, slapping around people who didn't like devil's wasn't going to win me too many awards. I gently cleared my throat and affected the image of someone who wasn't seething with rage at the moment.

"Before we go any further let me say one thing - you insult Ravel or my mother, I will boot your collective asses out of Kuoh and handle this issue myself so as not to be near you for any longer than I have to. I'm sure that is not what the folks who sent you would want so, you either pull yourself together and be rational, or leave. A simple choice, really." Might as well abuse my apparent new position as someone of import.

Irena, who's name I would learn at a later time, was nodding agreeably. She seemed like she was happy with the arrangement and wasn't too put off about the whole devil thing. Business first, I can appreciate that. Xenovia, who I would also learn the name of later, seemed... slightly less than happy with the arrangement. "You think you could push us out of town? I'd like to see you try. We are holy sword wielders - what could you do to stop us?"

The grin I gave them should have given them some warning that being given an open-ended challenge was a poor decision. Irena, the smart one I decided, seemed to get the situation was probably going in my favor right now and had a restraining arm on Xenovia. "We'd be happy to stay with you, we'll offer you no trouble. My partner here is a little hot headed, but greatly appreciates the offer of hospitality and won't be out of line."

She also sent Xenovia a glare that if we were in a video game, would have been an instant kill. "Well, this isn't my decision alone. If you can leash your dog, Ravel will have to hold the final say. She is, after all, the one most impacted by your mutt." I'm not below being petty just because I can. Being an asshole can feel real good sometimes.

Shocked out of the reverie she had fallen into, Ravel nodded. "It would be quite rude of me to turn away those in their time of need... So long as you are not rude to the members of our household, you may stay. I also side with Aion in this matter - if you cannot work with the greater powers in the area you are working in then don't work at all, leave it to us. So make your decision. Stay with us and be polite or leave."

Xenovia, after being jabbed quite harshly in the side and given another death glare, haltingly offered a semi-passable apology. "I apologize... it is rude to our hosts to offer such harsh words. Thank you for granting us places to stay." Though she seemed incensed at my own insults, she was heeding Irena's direction on this. Smart girl.

Most of the blazing fury had left my veins by this point, and I patted myself on the back for not exploding into some sort of violent rage. The closest people to me are buttons you just don't press with me. Especially now that I have... scary allies.

"If that is all, Ravel and I will depart for now. Rias, please call me and I will come to pick up these two." Ravel and I turned to depart. Once we were far enough away I let out a loud sigh that I had been holding back.

"Though we only spoke for a few minutes, I didn't muck it up too badly, did I Ravel? I said some... unkind things, but I've also never spoken to anyone but Devil's and my family regarding supernatural things so..." She gave me a kind smile and offered her thoughts.

"Usually when dealing with inter-faction relations everyone has to tread with incredibly light steps, and even those who don't are rarely put in their place because of the fear of breaking the peace - so to have the opportunity to shut down the vitriol that I would have otherwise had to just take with a smile on my face? Yes, I was quite pleased." Her own smile broke through.

Like I said, this was the only important thing. The opinions of the others could buzz off. Think me crazy or aggro, but as long as they don't mess with me and mine I'm fine with that.

"Well the vague impression I got of Irena at least was kind. Xenovia seems too deep in her belief to see the shades of grey that make up this life. I suppose they'll be staying with us so we should prepare the others..." Ravel nodded in agreement. She also held out her hand, which I clasped in my own and felt reassurance pour into me from the connection. We certainly didn't share a mental connection like my summons and I did, but I felt connected with her in many ways none the less.

We made our way home and discussed the new guests that would be arriving that night with Nyx and Asia. Marjoram was chill, I didn't expect her to be impacted since she was 'human' as far as everyone else was concerned. Technically I think she is, but she is also a manifestation of my soul making a card into reality so... Who knows.

They were all relatively agreeable, though Nyx had a dangerous glint in her eye. Hopefully so long as no one threatened us she wouldn't go as far as she did with Azazel. That was an experience I'd rather not go through again...

Rias reached out to me and informed me the duo of 'exorcists' was ready to be picked up. I shouted out to the rest of the house I was going. Ravel elected to stay behind, not feeling the need to duplicate steps for no reason. Its hardly like I didn't have protection - with the amount of not so proverbial monsters hiding in my shadow, few barring Nyx and the strongest creatures could be safer.

Irena greeted me warmly, the girl seemed quite bubbly, but Xenovia remained withdrawn and distant. That was fine with me so long as she didn't cause any trouble.

The walk back from the school was the same as the walk there, peaceful and quiet. The pair settled into their rooms with little issue, and remained there until dinner time. Once again, Xenovia remained silent but Irena joined in and asked a few questions, getting to know the group she was staying with. The glances Xenovia shot at each of the members of my family was more considering than hostile, as though she hardly believed we functioned exactly like a normal family was expected to.

Well, she did call our house a den of sin or something like that, so maybe she expected more... debauchery? I'm not sure. Either way I'm happy to prove her wrong.

The following days prove to be both boring in many ways and exciting in a few. Rias's peerage meets up regularly at my front door with the exorcists and venture into the city. Apparently there was some scuffle with Kiba due to his past, but Rias was able to resolve it peacefully. I could still see the tension thrumming through his shoulders when I spied him occasionally, but I suppose that was to be expected.

She wouldn't tell me the whole story, but Rias said everyone he knew from his childhood was gone thanks to a project involving the Holy Swords. I would be a tad worked up in his shoes as well.

Rias made a little extra time one of the days to see Typhon and was suitably impressed if the girlish squeal of delight was anything to go by. I swear if people keep praising that dragon his ego is going to be larger than he is...

Well, I think he deserves all the praise he can get but, as his figurative father in an odd way it makes sense. Speaking of children, Ophis hasn't come back with a time to visit her 'group' but I'm expecting her soon. From what she said last time it shouldn't be any more than a week or two. Apparently she had Ouroborosy dragon stuff to take care of and wasn't going to be there for a while.

Everything was fine and dandy until that Friday.

I took a deep breath in, filling my lungs with the lovely breeze and scents of spring. Cherry blossoms drifted through the breeze, fluttering on the invisible breeze, trailing patterns I couldn't hope to understand. The calm before the storm is something I appreciated, since every time I arrive home there is usually a cacophony of activity and sound until Rias and her group arrive to pick up the exorcists.

What I wasn't expecting was the sudden mental connection to be forged, the knocking more akin to a resounding bang with each strike being a thunderous boom, indicating its extreme urgency. I swiftly accepted, mood plummeting. None of my summons would do this unless it was something... bad.

With the link established I was unprepared for the sudden wave of despair and abject failure that was sent through the link.

Summoner... I have failed to uphold my sworn duty. Please forgive me, but you must help Asia!

Barring the content of the message, I realized it was Marjoram. My summons have a tendency to revert back to calling me by whatever name they decide to honor me by, usually summoner, when they are in distress or serious. I figured she was probably feeling both in this moment.

What happened Marjoram? I'm sure you did everything you could, just tell me what I need to do.

Rather than waiting for a response I focused for a couple seconds and disappeared in a cybernetic swirl of lights as I teleported home. I appeared in the foyer, near Typhons cave entrance. To my surprise and extreme worry, I found Marjoram lying on the floor, bleeding profusely from a stomach wound that she clutched tightly with one hand. The house was a wreck, with bodies of humans I didn't recognize sprawled in painful positions all over the room, the stillness of their bodies telling me they weren't among the living anymore.

Two simultaneous feelings flooded my body at once - The fury of a man who's loved ones have been harmed and the icy chill of fear of not knowing where Asia was. Bile rose in my throat as my brain raced through worst case scenarios and possibilities of who did this. My blood sang out to me to eradicate someone - anyone who dared step foot into my home with intentions against my family.

I quickly tamped down on the rushing sensation of emotion coursing through my body - my training came back to me at once. Focus on the mission. The mission, in this case, was clear. Make sure my family that was still here was ok. Find the missing family members. Then proceed to exact a thorough extermination of those who would dare threaten me and mine.

Begin the first part of the mission. "Marjoram! Are you ok? Where is everyone else?" The pained look on her face told could have been from her stomach wound, but I suspected it was more to do with the missing young blond she mentioned earlier.

"Aion you must go quickly - I'll be fine. You can desummon me and I'll survive. Someone was watching the house and made a move on Asia as soon as Nyx was out of the house with Ravel shopping. These are all the people I was able to stop... but they swarmed me and I... I..." Seeing her lost for words I hushed her.

"This isn't your fault Marjoram, we couldn't have predicted this." I should have. "Rest now, I will take care of everything."

It really is all my own damn fault. I kept Mana and Mahad with me usually, but the Dark Magician I kept watching the house was out investigating with Rias and the group - Well, he was invisibly following them. Just in case.

With Nyx at home I though everything would be fine, and Marjoram herself is no pushover. Looking around simply assured me of that fact. Rather than going for brutality this time, whatever plants she commanded went for efficiency. I could see puncture wounds and some vines were still present, coiled through their bodies seeking vital organs to deal crippling blows. Blood stained much of my foyer and living room, but that wasn't important right now. Emotions began to reach a crescendo within me, but I angrily pushed it back down. Not right now.

Begin phase two of the mission. Time to make use of some of those new cards we got.

Mahad and Mana didn't need instructions from me, they were by my side in a way recognizable as nothing but protective. Hell, he was the one who helped me pick out these cards in case I ever needed to track someone down.

"[Seal, Strategist Fur Hire]." First, the commander of my little army. A wizened looking old man with cat-like features and a massive white beard appeared before me.

"[Recon, Scout Fur Hire]." Second, ground forces to give us a visual of the city. Several tiny human shaped people with dog features and a massive bushy tail arrived with their large scouting glasses in hand.

"[Sagitta, Maverick Fur Hire]." Third, forces to serve as both aerial combatants and scouts. Multiple massive hawk-like women appeared, large sniper rifles tucked under their arms.

"[Beat, Bladesman Fur Hire]." Lastly, ground forces capable of fighting in hand to hand and close quarters. Creatures with several jackrabbit-esque features appeared, standing about a foot under me in height. The sword held in their hands indicated proficiency.

Once again Marjoram's words proved true. They all turned to me at once and inclined their heads. "Give us your commands Summoner, unleash our bestial wrath at your targets. Any who dare oppose you will be hunted and brought to heel!" The strategist was speaking for the group. Just as I intended.

"My thanks to all of you. We must act quickly. Asia, my little sister, has been taken. I don't know where, I'm not even sure what the culprit looks like. I hope you are as good at tracking as I think you are, because the only info I have for you is what she looks like and maybe something to give you her scent." I really, really hoped they were good at what I think they are.

Seal the Strategist indicated Beat, the swordsman type, and Recon, the small dog-like ones forward. "Give them the scent. We will begin the hunt at once."

I appreciated his forwardness. I quickly ran upstairs, mentally apologizing as I grabbed a dirty tee shirt from Asia's hamper. When I returned downstairs I gave it to the two groups who could make use of it, and in turns they smelled deeply of the item. Seal quickly forged a mental connection to me.

"When you find whoever did this... I don't care how many of their kind you have to kill, leave the man who took Asia for me. I want to know as soon as you find out where they're located." The strategist bowed deeply.

"Of course, Summoner. This man thinks himself a predator, but he shall quickly find himself the prey... Begin the hunt at once!" At his exclamation all the Fur Hires scattered out the front door. Marjoram was desummoned to relieve her pain.

A small quake, causing me to stumble slightly, and a roar even the sound suppressing magic couldn't contain told me Typhon was aware of what was going on and quite furious. Internally I was both pleased at his feelings and that he didn't come bursting through the earth itself. Typhon was so big now he was more like a... blunt instrument. Killing a single human and not harming Asia would be difficult for a Dragon of his size.

I allowed Typhon to desummon himself, in case he was needed. Another Dark Magician Girl materialized. "I need you to find Nyx and Ravel at once and tell them what happened, and that I am leaving. I have some of my people working on finding her, and we will have Asia back in no time I'm sure."

Those words, while partially for my own assurance, was also born of my confidence in my summons. Everything I've ever seen created by my soul has always been basically what I hoped it would be. The Fur Hire Archetype looks like their from Monster Hunter to be honest, but they have multiple animal types that would be better at tracking and finding humans so I had to hope it would be one of their skills.

They might look strange but most could probably pass by other humans using speed or agility to remain out of sight, and for Sagitta the large bird, I suspect she will remain high enough in the sky to not be recognized.

Either way I didn't really care - even if I knew for a fact someone would spot them it wouldn't have prevented me from releasing them. Asia will be found, one way or another. Then the final part of the mission will commence... With extreme prejudice.

The mental connection I had with Seal opened temporarily. Beat has located the scent. Recon is arriving at his location. This hunt won't last much longer, Summoner. Be ready.

The feral grin that adorned my face was fit for a slaughter. I had only a minute more to wait before I got another message. There is an abandoned warehouse on the waterfront, I don't think there are any civilians nearby either. A perfect place to unleash your wrath, Summoner.

The grin fell off my face. It was time to get serious. I looked to Mahad and Mana. "Could you illusion a really large creature for us to ride? I was thinking of [Subterror Behemoth Voltelluric]."

They look at each other once before nodding. "It is doable." Good, very good.

"Ok, I'm going to summon him in front of the house. Let's do this guys." I received another pair of nods. Part three of the mission is growing ever closer, and I couldn't be more excited for it.

Asia must come first though, until she is safe I cannot focus on anything else. My heartbeat quickened again, blood rushing through my veins, bringing me to high alert.

Mahad, Mana and I stepped into the front yard. They cast some kind of spell and a wavy distortion appeared in between the other houses and ours. "Good work. Come on out, Voltelluric! Show us your might."

A strong tingle coalesced in my core and began condensing and flowing out of my fingers. With a brilliant crack and flash, The massive winged snake-like creature known as Voltelluric materialized before us, gently floating off the ground. His blue scales gleamed in the afternoon sun, sending dizzying reflections of light across the pavement. The massive beast keened in distress.

"You're worried too, huh buddy? Well, let's go rescue Asia so we can all stop worrying." While I was confident in my summons abilities and my own, the thrill and nerves that came from executing such an important task still burned within me.

We clambered up one of the leviathan's wings, reaching his back and making ourselves comfortable. The magician pair quickly recast their magic, the distortions disappearing from around us. I couldn't see anything different with Voltelluric, but they assured me nobody would see him and I believed them.

Flying on Voltelluric's back was a very unique experience; Air flew past my face as we traveled quickly, the city quickly melting before me at the clip he went at. There was absolutely no vibrations or flaps or anything to indicate he was exerting himself, however. His wings did gently sway in the breeze, but they were obviously not the reason he was floating. They would have had to work quite a bit harder if that was the case.

The only thing I could think it was like would have been riding a magic carpet. We just glided through the air.

Kuoh is decent sized, but isn't anywhere near the size of Tokyo or some other major cities. Consequently, our journey lasted less than a couple minutes. Seal had come with us, to better coordinate the other Fur Hires. "They won't know the others are nearby, Summoner. We still have the element of surprise, and if you allow one of your magicians to go in with Beat we can get Asia out without a fuss."

I appreciate my summons all the time, in this moment especially. "Sounds good to me. Mahad, you know what to do."

The look we shared conveyed far more than simple words would allow. My faith in both Mahad and my summons was absolute - they would not, could not fail me.

"Get her out of there as quick as possible."

Mahad gave me a small smile. "She'll be back before you know it."

He dropped off the side of Voltelluric, landing near one of the hidden Beat Fur Hires. They vanished from my sight and I was left to wait, and wonder.

General Note: Sorry for the delay on this one, it was mostly done like 3 days ago but I wasn't happy with some of it so I reworked a bit of it. I just decided to power through and put it out, so we'll just go from here...

Anyway, I also put out a second story: Harbinger. It will be released in 5000ish word segments and it gives me a chance to write something slightly different, it shouldn't interfere with my attempt at doing weekly releases for this. Its a different concept still in DxD but using a character from League of Legends called Aatrox. His story is an interesting one lore wise, but you don't need to know anything about him to read it.

Once again, no Beta and I'm on a tight schedule so please forgive grammar and spelling errors.

Responses:

kurokitsune028: I was reading the greek lore for Aion and it actually turns out his symbol has a Ouroboros wrapping around him so... ya. Conceptually it worked out too, so. Glad you thought it was interesting!

DiamondCutterTM: I never really watched the Yugioh Anime, so I'm pretty much sticking to the cards and certain archetypes.

Shonisto: No, technically he could within the rules of the story, but I'm having a hard enough giving his Yugioh Creatures the spotlight, not including if I gave him even like 3 or 4 Pokemon cards suddenly its even more work to make them seem... real. Still, I'm trying to give everyone their time to shine! Its the Subterror's turn right now... and Fur Hire Technically. Also, I do indeed hope to use Magician of Black Chaos.

28th00: More headpats incoming probably. Thanks for the words, also sorry no big Sona reaction. Nyx got to have her mom moment though, lol. Crimson Weeb Princess indeed.

Guest: Apparently Blue-Eye's White dragons are female and Red-Eyes are males. Welp, its too late to go back now.

wolfsrun: Understandable, this is my first 'real' story and I believe that dialogue and character interaction is the area most needing improvement. Hopefully it gets better in time.

Vodos: Exodia certainly isn't needed for Riser. But I can think of uh, a certain event where he would be beneficial. We'll find out!

Guest: Dialogue is the weakest part of my writing so far indeed.

nirmtheworm14: I threw Rias on there but that was just in general, probably doesn't need to be there. Serafall, yes, very much so. There hasn't been a big enough reason to get her properly involved yet beyond maybe a few meetings I simply didn't have happen yet.