PA: Yeah, it isn't a trick. I finished chapter 1 and just wanted to keep writing so I did. I present you chapter 2, some have asked if Naruto has memories of his old world and hopefully this chapter answers that question. I don't have much to say here apart from: Thank you for the warm welcome back. It really means a lot.

Now without further ado

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Highschool DxD but the internet is a wonderful place.

The next month was filled with a mixture of pain from having the clan's full, unedited, history drilled into Naruto and facing the full torrent of his father's emotion filled training. He had a fair idea now why his family was so excited. His great grandfather, Ruxarian, was the first Azure Phenex, also the first Phenex, but that was ancient history. It was said that he did not need to shed his tears to heal but rather the spreading of his wings would remove harm that had been inflicted. The journals said it was controllable…the journals didn't say how to. The journals that his father used held actually had very little in them to help with unlocking these abilities; they mostly just contained the abilities and what they were able to do. They were all very impressive, but now he was stuck with learning how to use them, or get them to work even. The only thing that seemed to be innate was his resistance to light based weapons and holy artifacts.

It was not an immunity as even after holding a silver crucifix for a time it would start to burn, or even reading the bible would start to give him a serious headache after a dozen or so pages, but it wasn't immediate which was pretty neat. The journals also stated that this feature was somewhat hereditary as the earlier Phenex clan members still held a slight level of resistance to Holy powers. He wasn't super heavy into politics like his younger siblings but even he knew that he was in danger. He had a plan though the only problem was that it relied on Seekvaira saying yes and she was not exactly willing to talk to him in private at the moment. Yes when they were summoned by their clans it was a different story, but just the two of them meeting up outside of that? Not a chance. That was not the only relationship that was strained by all of this.

Naruto was named heir apparent and Ruval heir presumptive as was Riser. They seemed to handle it okay, but there was some tension there that Naruto wasn't sure how to handle. Then there was all this surge of activity had him spending even less time with Ravel because just about any free moment he had was devoted to keeping Hanekawa in check or trying to get a hold of Seekvaira. He wanted to run away, he was not proud of the thought but everyone kept placing these new expectations on him. Everyone was telling him what he would do, the things he would bring to their race, to their faction to their family…he just wanted to spend time with his own. He wanted to do silly bickering matches with Seeks again, he wanted to flop onto her bed and pointlessly moan about the work he was giving himself while she offered half an ear and even less in words of comfort.

It was suffocating.

He paused and looked around; a portion wanted to curse himself. He was standing atop the lake where Ruval had taught him to fly. The damn prick had steamed it so he'd boil a little each time he fell. Now though, without trying, he stood atop the surface. It was an odd feeling, so familiar and yet so distant. He let go of the feeling and felt the water rush past him as he sunk. He closed his eyes and listened as his heart started to slow before stretching himself out and floating to the top on his back.

"It's a heavy weight, isn't it?"

Naruto nodded and opened his eyes to see Ruval standing next to him looking down. "Do you want it back?"

"Not a chance. Hell, you've got it worse than I ever did."

"Gee, thanks."

Ruval let out a small laugh as he took a seat on the water. "I feel sorry for you; sounds like everyone has your life made up for you." Naruto gave a small grunt. "Still having those dreams of that you that isn't you?"

"Just another wonderful part of being the Azure apparently."

A gentle silence blew between the two brothers. Both of them just taking in the sky above, this fake sky that was meant to help them relax. "Do you want to, ya'know, talk about them?"

Naruto spared a glance at Ruval, he was still looking up at the stars above, still maintaining a relaxed position but he asked a question that no one had yet. He looked to be almost indifferent to everything going on around them—like none of it concerned him. "Not much to talk about; I'm an orphan in some kind of village, looks partly military and the school reflects that. They're trying to teach us to be ninja, but I keep failing."

Ruval let out a small laugh, "Not even able to catch a break in your dreams eh?"

Naruto though shook his head. "No one expects anything of me, and I kind of like it. There I want to be a protector and here I want to run away from it…It doesn't make any sense."

"You want to run away?"

"Ah…I shouldn't have told you that."

The quiet came back and this time Naruto felt like it was strangling him. He wanted to know what Ruval would say. What would his brother do? Would he dissuade him? Would he tell their mother? Would he tie him up to stop him from leaving?

"Why don't you?" Ruval finally questioned.

Naruto eyed him again. Whatever he was expecting that wasn't it.

"I mean, I did. I spent a couple of years running away from it all. Sirzechs did too. I think a lot of heirs do. I mean Sirzechs started a full on civil war during his stint."

"Mum would be furious."

"She'll be angry no matter what you do."

"True."

"I'd wait until after the ball if possible."

Naruto rose a brow. "Why then?"

Ruval gave a small shrug. "I mean, if you want to make mum have wasted all her time on something, go for it. But good luck trying to run from that."

"Fair point," Naruto hummed for a little bit before letting out a groan, "What about Seekvaira?"

"Should be up to her? I mean, I would offer to whisk her away on a romantic run away from responsibilities…but give her a choice. She's a smart girl, much too good for you."

"Thanks ya bastard."

Ruval stood up and a quick burst of flames rolled over him destroying any water before he started to walk away. "Oh yeah, before I forget. Hanekawa is tearing the castle apart looking for you. Mum's livid."

Naruto lost his balance and fell under the water causing a laughing Ruval to vanish in the distance as he righted himself. He climbed onto the top of the water and rolled his shoulders and called his wings out. He spent a moment watching them sway back and forth in the water's reflection. He took a breath in and flew straight to the castle. He caught sight of a white blur running through the gardens with a cadre of maids. He landed in the gardens and watched the blur rush towards him. He held his arms out and felt her lithe frame jump into them as she stretched and let out a long purr. "Where'd ya go nya-haha?"

"I just needed to cool off for a bit, did you behave?"

"Of course!"

The maids caught up, some of them panting as they bowed towards him. "Thank you milord. Miss Hanekawa was rather distraught when she couldn't find you."

"I looked everywhere!"

"She did indeed," one of them deadpanned.

He gave a small nod before lightly bowing his head. "I'm sorry, and thank you for looking after her for me."

"I-it's our pleasure milord," they chorused. Naruto saw a few of them blushing; he was well aware that the serving staff knew of what he was. Some had become much more friendly with him over the past month. He was pretty grateful to Hanekawa in that regard, she at least kept them out of his room while he was asleep.

He turned his attention back to the bundle of energy in his arms. "So, ready for some training?" her smile stretching and becoming more feral was the only answer he needed.

Seekvaira was resting her head on her desk watching her phone slowly vibrate its way towards the edge. It was Naruto calling again. She was still unsure if she would answer or not. She figured if it started to fall she would, if it didn't she wouldn't. She watched it teeter on the edge before it stopped ringing and she let out the breath she'd been holding. Was she still mad? Yes, most definitely, but she was not blind. Because of the contract between their families she was well in the know of what was happening, well at least what her father deemed she needed to hear and Naruto was under a lot of pressure. He'd been named heir apparent, along with the news of him being the Azure slowly starting to spread along the gossip mill. Her father had already informed her that she'd need to take a more 'definitive' position beside him. She knew that, even if only a minor boon for a devil to be resistant to light-based weapons and energies would have every creature in the underworld with a slit between their legs lining up to try and bed him.

It also helped that he was good looking, kind, stupid as hell, but kind. He was moronic, downright dense…but she wanted him to just flop onto her bed and scream about the injustice of books again…and she didn't want to see his face anymore. It didn't help that every time she worked up the courage to see him she thought of that cat. Not to mention the rumours she was hearing. Apparently the thing was damn near feral when Naruto wasn't around. Lashing out at everyone and everything until it found him again and strong enough to get Lady Phenex to step in a few times. But when she was touching Naruto, her Naruto, the damned cat was as tame as could be. Not to mention that Rias was still bemoaning her engagement to Riser, it had been a month and she was still whining about it. Sometimes Seekvaira couldn't believe how childish that girl was…though maybe that's why she was so damned cute.

It had been so bad that she hadn't built any models in nearly a week. She was just feeling so listless. Her phone started to ring again and she huffed but reached for it. It wasn't Naruto, it was—

"Hello Lady Serafall?"

"Hello Seekvaira. All Young Devils and their peerages are to report to Lilith Town Hall for an emergency gathering…This message will repeat…"

Seekvaira hung up and dusted herself off before giving a small groan. Everyone she was trying to avoid would be there. She poked her head out of the room and told one of the maids to inform her father. She watched the young girl run, properly of course, down the hall before withdrawing, letting out a yawn and getting dressed. A handful of minutes later she appeared in the town hall with a long dress covering her frame. She had allowed her father to place pieces of armour in it, but only in such a way that they did not restrict her movements. She had to admit that he had done a good job. Seekvaira adjusted her glasses, she was not late, but she was by no stretch the first to arrive. Off in the corner she could see Naruto and that damned cat. She had half a mind to march up to him and wipe that stupid smile he had—he wasn't smiling. She paused. He was always smiling. Even if it was nervous or an awkward situation she had never seen him not smile. Now that she took the time, yes he was properly dressed, as her future husband should be, but he looked terrible. Apparently he and Riser had been briefed on the situation, they were talking about formations for chasing someone.

Seekvaira was about to head towards them when Sona and Rias grabbed her arms and dragged her away to another corner. They started to question why everyone was called and introduced their queens to her but she couldn't take her eyes from him. Was he tired? Was he eating enough? She didn't know the answer to either of those, she felt like she should, and looking at him made her worry. She knew that Lady Phenex would be doing her best, as she always did of course, to tend to her children; so this was an oddity. She had been practising magic, some uh, perhaps unorthodox method of magic with her father. So with a little bit of focus she started to drown out the other noise in the room, trying to reach the Phenex brothers to listen in on their conversation. It took a little bit and she felt a minor resistance but not enough to stop her.

"- no answer again?" Riser questioned, his hands in his pockets and a lazy expression on his face. Naruto gave a small shake of his head. "I'm not sure what to tell you."

"It's fine, she's probably still just mad at me." Naruto sagged a little and sat on the floor resting his head on his knees. She was finding it very difficult to be mad at him right now, she was worried.

Riser gave a small shrug. "You'll patch things up, just get her something nice again and say your sorry?"

"Between the training with Father, Ruval and the lessons with Mother I'm surprised I have enough time to sleep. You saw how they were after I snuck out. They've upped the security around my room. There is always someone watching now."

"I don't envy you. But you are their golden egg at the moment…what?"

Naruto looked around the room. "We have eavesdroppers, one moment." She watched him trace some symbol in the air and quickly cut her connection. She watched a number of people around the room flinch and rub at their ears more than a little thankful she cut it early enough to stop whatever the hell he did. It seemed like her time listening in was over though as Riser's peerage circled around the brothers with Hanekawa keeping a close watch of the room, and of her. Seekvaira gave a smile only to have the cat hiss back. Yep, she hated that damned thing.

"Seeks? Hello Seeks?" Seekvaira snapped her attention back to Rias who was waving a hand in her face. "You there?"

"Uh, yes sorry I was a little distracted."

Rias and Sona shared a glance before shrugging. "Anyway, how is your peerage coming along?"

She gave a small wince. "Next question?"

Sona adjusted her glasses before speaking, "I am curious as to how your relationship with Naruto Phenex is going?"

Inwardly she groaned. Given what she knew of Sirzechs and Serafall it was likely that these two knew what was happening in the Phenex clan. "I would rather not talk about that in public. It seems that there are people listening in on other conversations in here." Seeks motioned to some of the other devils that were rubbing their ears and a few having burnt hair as well.

"A shame. Rias has been, rather inadequate in providing information on the Phenex clan. I figured because you had a better relationship with your husband to be that you might be able to tell us what is happening. They have been unusually withdrawn this past month. Something that my sister has made vocal notes about. I was hoping to be able to get one up on her."

Dammit, why was everyone being so pitiful today? She tapped her chin a few times in pretend thought. She could give them something, just a tiny little thing to satisfy them. "Lord and Lady Phenex invited me to a ball. I think they are still settling on a date, but it could be in preparation for that?" None of it was a lie, but it was far from all she knew. Still that seemed to be enough as she watched the glitter that appeared in both of their eyes. Yes, every girl liked to dress up and feel like a princess from time to time, she would even admit to being rather excited about it, at least before tonight. She had wanted to take Naruto's breath away, to steal his gaze from that harlot of a cat and focus on her for an entire night. Now though…she didn't know. She didn't know if she would be able to enjoy herself if he continued to look like that. She didn't know if she wanted these things to go ahead and she didn't know why they were all standing around here waiting. Before she got the chance to perhaps voice some of her frustrations to her friends there was a cough from the front of the room as Serafall appeared.

"In a moment each of you should receive a packet of information regarding your assignment tonight. This assignment is both a test and a matter of security, so we would like for each of you to do your absolute best in resolving the issue at hand." The packets appeared and Seekvaira quickly opened it up and started reading through. "Um, yes. Naruto Phenex is it? Do you have a question?" Seeks looked over to him. He looked much more composed, an almost serious air around him.

"Do we have permission to investigate the sight of battle?" What sight of battle? Seekvaira quickly flicked through the packet further. There was a brief mention of it but no where near the start. Something wasn't adding up. The brothers knew a lot more than they were letting on.

"You have all been given permission to investigate locations mentioned in the packet at your own discretion. Any further locations will need to be cleared by a higher authority or the Amy Clan."

Seekvaira was still reading while trying to pay attention to what was happening. It seemed like a Yokai had killed their master. Oh this was not good. Not good at all. After the Nekoshou incident relations have been really strained this could send things into a very, very bad spiral.

"Are we permitted to leave now, if we have gathered all that we can from the packet?"

"Of course."

With that the Phenex brothers and their servants left. Wait, was the cat a servant? She used Naruto's circle, maybe? She tugged on Sona and Rias' arms. "We have to leave now. The Phenex brothers know something." They gave her a curious look but agreed. They formed a circle around each other and gathered their servants close before teleporting to the Amy storehouse, which seemed to be the sight of battle that was mentioned.

There was that familiar lurch in their stomachs as they surroundings almost flashed to something different. Seekvaira looked and saw a blue light already fading far in the distance. She made to take a step forward only to hear the sound of a weapon slowly being drawn.

"I'd advise against that Karlamine, if Seekvaira doesn't put you in the ground Naruto just might," came the voice of Riser just off to the side, followed by the sound of a blade being sheathed once again.

The peerage of Riser walked out into the open with him standing slightly behind them. "Are you here to impede us, Riser?" Seekvaira spoke evenly and clearly. Both of them were aware that should would one day be a higher member in the Phenex clan than him, but the others, they might have guesses but they didn't need for her to spoil any surprise that may come.

"No, not you three. Anyone else maybe. But you girls were the quickest. Honestly, just relax for a bit, Naruto and Hanekawa have it covered…doubt you could catch them anyhow."

Seeks saw that the girls behind her didn't seem too impressed with his words. She wasn't either honestly. "I can find Naruto."

Riser let out a small scoff. "You can't even find the time to answer his calls."

She stepped forward and grabbed the front of his shirt roughly. Brief attention paid to the girls readying to fight behind her and his peerage ready to defend. She leaned in close enough to whisper. "Is there something you want to say?"

She saw him go to roughly grab her hands but stop at the last moment. "There are a lot of things I want to say. Now I don't know what has your no doubt expensive panties in a knot, but, for some stupid reason you seem to be able to fix issues with my brother…and he has a lot right now."

She relaxed her grip a little and he pulled his shirt away, fixing it and smoothing it out before roughly coughing into his hand. "If you want to chase them, best of luck, 'cause I stayed behind to not slow them down." He stood aside and opened the path for them. Seekvaira looked back to Rias and Sona; she wasn't sure if they would follow her or not and she wasn't sure if she wanted them too or not. Taking a breath in she shot out in the direction she saw Naruto heading.

Hanekawa had been able to pick up the scent of a female Nekoshou the moment they landed. With a quick nod to Naruto she took off at her fastest along the ground. She could feel him watching from above as she jumped over tree roots and dived through bushes. She felt the clothes she was wearing catching on something but she kept pushing forward. He wouldn't be too happy that they got destroyed again, so she needed to make sure she caught this person because when he was happy she got to sleep in her clothes pile and play in his room. He had lots of cool things in there, lots of books too, but she wasn't allowed to play with those.

Then there was that Seek-whatever her name was. She was making her mate sad; Hanekawa didn't like how he felt when he was sad. He should be happy, he has her after all. Maybe she'd give him cuddles tonight, she always felt better after pats and scratches, oh and fish. Maybe she'd get him fish. Wait, what was she doing? Oh, Nekoshou.

Oh, she's slow. He would be happy that we're catching up. He should be happy. Hanekawa will catch her for him.

Kuroka let out a shaky breath as she steadied herself against a nearby tree. That prick from Amy got what he deserved, but she knew there would be backlash. She dropped Shirone off somewhere safe and ran as hard as her senjutsu powered legs would take her. But now she was running short of breath. She stretched her senses out and felt something coming. She wasn't sure what is was, but it was a raging storm of emotions, it was fast. It was gaining on her. She started to run again and felt her muscles burn she couldn't keep it up for long, but if she could pass into no-man's land she might get a reprieve. No, it wasn't possible. Whatever was on her tail had picked up its pace. Kuroka broke into a clearing and tried to set up a trap but it was too late, she could feel it.

She looked up and saw a pair of glowing golden eyes piercing through the shadows of the trees. A Nekomata? But as he crept forward on all fours, a teen, maybe her age in lingerie and nothing else she felt something was wrong. There were no tails. Every fibre in her body screamed for her to run and she took a step back, the creature took one forward. It was watching her, it was waiting. She turned, sprinting, maybe she could break away. There was a strong thud before nothing, she couldn't hear another impact. Then she felt it. The creature was on her back. She made to rip it off only for lightning to surge through her body. Her strength? It was sucking her Senjutsu away.

She felt herself growing weaker and weaker as a blue glow appeared overhead. It faded like the pain surging through her. Only the pain kicked back up as this creature's claws sunk into her flesh and she felt it bite down on the back of her neck. She was done for. They caught her so quickly. They'd kill her. They'd kill Shirone. No Shirone was safe. She had to be safe. "Kuroka Toujou." It was a male voice, not coming from her neck. The one that landed must be the one speaking. "You've put me in a very difficult position."

"Sorry? Do I know you? Ah, hey!" The bit on her neck tightened and she winced.

"You don't. But I am trying to repair the relationship between Yokai and Devils after the Nekoshou incident…This doesn't help."

She knew it didn't, but she couldn't just do nothing. "I-Just kill me."

There was a pause, why were they making her wait? Was it torment her? If so that was cruel. She braced and continued to brace but it never came. She felt the piercing clamps on her slowly release along with the teeth in her neck. "She tastes yucky." Normally Kuroka would refute that, but right now she was just confused. She slowly sat up and looked at the slender girl who was stretching out. "Nya-haha, you lost. I'm the better cat!" She had a very proud look on her face.

It was the blond that was still watching her that was currently giving her the chills though. He looked gaunt, young but gaunt. His eyes thinking, she'd seen the look before and it wasn't always good. "Hanekawa, what did she feel?" He spoke, while calm there was a tension in his voice. He guessed the cat-like thing was Hanekawa as she perked up at her name.

"Fear, lots of fear, but she wanted to protect something too." Could this thing read her mind? "Yep yep. Now she is confused and aroused." She was not! Okay, maybe a little, tiny, miniscule amount!

"I think that's enough, Hanekawa."

The cat tilted its head to the side and gave a wide smile. "Okay!"

One thing Kuroka was taking away from this situation was that whatever that thing was…it wasn't natural. She can feel it, but at the same time she feels like she can't. She had sensed a lot of things through senjutsu and that creature was almost like it was senjutsu. Energy given form. She swapped her gaze back to the male, whatever he was, despite how he looked he felt full of life, full of warmth. In another situation she might find herself melting from the proximity but she was too tense. Ready to try and fight if need be. He looked to Hanekawa and she nodded. "Lots, maybe ten or fifteen."

He let out a groan and then Kuroka felt it. Fallen Angels were approaching them. The man beside her was like a light in the dark. How hadn't she noticed him before? She watched Hanekawa move closer towards him and it explained everything. She blocked his presence entirely.

"I'll be quick. If you can use senjutsu like your file says you might be able to sense them already. My name is Naruto Phenex, I mean you no harm despite the current situation. You're free to go even, but we could use your help. I won't fault you for running, and I would even strongly encourage it if other devils appear. But like I said, I want to rebuild relations with the Yokai and this situation feels wrong."

There was an air of sincerity about him and Kuroka nodded, she understood what he meant. He'd try to help but if other devils showed up he would do what had to be done. She wanted to run. She really wanted to run. She blinked as she felt her energy coming back and her wounds closing up. There was faint little blue motes drifting from Naruto and landing on her skin.

"Sorry, I'm not very good at it," he said with an uneasy smile. To her though, it washed away her fear. He was risking himself to help her? He had no reason to. She stood up and channelled her energy again, he had given her a lot of it back. She quickly started to mix it with senjutsu whether she ran or fought it would be helpful. Just as she finished she felt the fallen arrive. They were really outnumbered. She could take two, maybe three, but with this many she didn't know if she'd even get that. One stepped forward, she guessed it was their leader? They had black hair that was slicked back and a pair of sharp glasses resting on their nose.

"That sense of dress, the pompous face, hair and that attitude. Well ladies and gentlemen, I think we found ourselves a Phenex on a midnight stroll with some cat-girls. Look, one is next to naked and the other is covered in dirt. I know you devils are meant to indulge in sin, but please, do try to keep some semblance of cleanliness about you."

She watched as Naruto took a step forward drawing attention to himself. "Oh look, another Fallen Angel that thinks he is special because daddy kicked him out of their little club. Now, I know you guys aren't the smartest bunch, that's why you fell right? But you are aware that you're in devil territory which breaks the terms of the ceasefire."

Really did he have to goad them? Couldn't he have been nicer about it? There was a chance that they could have gotten out of this without fighting right? When she saw the spears of light charge up all around them she knew that chance was over…she really wished she had ran while she had the chance.

"Wow a devil with a sharp tongue, how unique. It's fine though, I mean once you're gone we were never here. I don't see a problem here," There was a pause as the leader looked around. "Eh, do it."

And the spears flew towards them. She braced herself, closed her eyes and tried to put up a defence but they were fast. She was dead, they were dead. This sucked. She wouldn't see Shirone again. But it never came, there was no burning. It was warm, yes, but there was no pain. She creaked an eye open to see a dome of blue flames around them. She looked to the blond, his hand pointed at the ground where a faint trail lay. "Hanekawa, you have my permission to kill them if you must, all but him." Naruto pointed his hand up at the glasses wearing fallen before giving them both a thumbs up.

Kuroka watched her get low to the ground as her smile became feral. The fear was back, it was so, so back and much worse than before. The dome dropped and she vanished in a white blur. Naruto spread his wings out and she was in awe of their brilliant colour. He turned to face her and smiled. "Remember what I said, and good luck," he said before flying up into the air. The fallen tried to swarm the two, but she was not forgotten as a handful came after her. They were weaker; she was grateful. She dodged the one that lunged at her with a spear and tried to swat his back with a ball of Youjutsu but another got in her way. She managed to get out of the way but her clothes got further torn. Much longer and she'd look like Hanekawa.

Without wasting another moment she jumped to the side and landed a kick on her third assailant watching him double over. She twisted or rather went to but they grabbed her leg and held it close to their stomach. Her eyes went wide as came back. She made a few seals with her hands before bringing them up to her mouth and spewed out a cloud of purple mist. They tried to back away but the one holding her leg wasn't fast enough. It sounded like he got a good breath or two by the coughing. Okay she was doing good. Damn this was getting her blood pumping. The mist dissipated and the two remaining ones closed the distance. It seemed they weren't going to come one at a time anymore. She hated it when villains started to learn. was still doing their thing, but the one behind them was throwing out smaller spears of light to stop her from forming hand signs.

She jumped back and back again using her hands to direct her and bat away the spears that got a little too close. They freaking hurt! There were at least minor burns on the backs of her hands after the third one. On her firth jump she found a tree and widened her eyes. Lungy seemed happy as he sped forward with a sharp thrust. She twirled around the tree and heard his spear impale it. She pushed off the ground and slammed her fist into the tree as hard as she could getting the crack she was looking for as it fell towards the fallen. Kuroka didn't check to see if she hit with the tree and instead rushed Throw McDoushebag at the back. His spear turned into a sword and he moved to meet her. She quickly formed an orb of Youjutsu that turned into a rod of earth.

It was heavy but she swung it as the sword dude did and watched it shatter, she'd planned on that and thrust the now jagged edge forward into his chest. He started to gargle up blood and she wanted to vomit. She'd seen enough of it tonight. She didn't want to see anymore. She took a step back and her arms were quickly grabbed. She widened her eyes in shock. "Got you now bitch. Dom, don't miss this time!"

Kuroka looked over and saw the man that was coughing earlier slowly move towards her as he summoned a sword of light. Man, she really should have run. Why did she stay behind? Was it that damned smile? No, she refused. She locked eyes with Melty face as he inched closer. It felt like it wouldn't end. She struggled in the grasp of Lungy but he wouldn't budge. Then she saw it, almost like blurred pictures. There was a flash of white before a spray of red as Melty's head was ripped off. She couldn't hold it and barfed, right over Lungy's shoes. Then she heard a crack and the grip loosened on her. She looked back and saw Melty's face embedded in Lungy's head. She barfed again. She looked up to Hanekawa who tilted her head at her. There was blood all over her hands and her feet, but it didn't appear to be her own. She looked around the field and it was littered with scenes of destruction. Then she felt it, there were more devils coming.

She took a breath and steadied herself as she stood. "T-tell your master I won't forget what his aid here."

Hanekawa gave a stern nod before smiling. "I am best cat though, nya-hahaha!" Before she took back off into the fight.

Kuroka didn't have the time to argue with her. She just watched that monster go back to doing its job and feeling the other devils approach she beat a hasty retreat.

Naruto would admit that restoring Kuroka took more out of him than he thought it would. He really needed to practise with that but there was nothing he could do now. Hanekawa…she was strong, he would have to trust her to be okay; the same with Kuroka. It looked like he drew the short straw here. There were only three, but each had two sets of wings. They weren't the regular small fry he had run into before. Riser was pretty far away, he would need to stall for a bit. Would Riser even feel the fighting happening here? His Queen might, but he admittedly hadn't spent much time with her. He might have to change that after tonight, if they live through it. Well only one thing to do. He rose himself up to float at the same height as the fallen that had chosen him.

With a small breath he stuffed his hands into his pockets took a step forward and let out a laugh. He saw them tense as he continued to laugh his flames stirring to life and flicking out like ripples in the water. They dodged and he watched it splash against some nearby trees. He'd really been hoping to maybe catch one of them, but it have been an odd enough display in his energy for anyone to want to investigate if they were looking. "You plan on laughing us to death little Phenex?"

Naruto withdrew his hands from his pockets and looked them over. "You would honestly be surprised at how often that works, maybe I should have waited until you tried to rush me, you guys are faster than the others." He bounced lightly on his feet before doing a quick spin in the air. He tried to aim, well more like avoid certain areas as he sprayed out tiny orbs of blue fire that shot through the air like bullets. He wasn't sure if he hit anyone, but he had avoided Kuroka and Hanekawa. Nope, judging by the burnt body Hanekawa is holding up he hit one. He didn't give those around him a moment to think as he shot forward at glasses with a blue flame coating his fist. Glasses summoned a sword of light and moved to stab the hand. Naruto saw his eyes go wide as the blade bounced before his fist connected and cleaved out a portion of his stomach. The other two quickly moved to pounce forcing him away before he could get a second hit. Shit, he needed glasses alive. No, just one of them. So long as he kept one of them alive it was fine.

Each of them took a slice at him and he narrowly dodged between the two blades before throwing a kick out at one. They blocked it with their arm and he saw them flinch from the impact. The other wasn't giving him much room though and quickly made to stab again. Naruto reached around and grabbed the wrist before flipping over him and kicking him towards his friend. He reached behind him and summoned a ball of fire, he quickly made it smaller to try and keep one around, and threw it at the pair watching it explode and send them of into the trees. Now he had the choice, he could go for glasses, or he could go for the two to confirm what happened. He knew what he needed to do and quickly gave chase.

He covered his fists in fire before he dropped to the ground; dodging two spears of light that were thrown his way. He jumped forward and met a sword of light mid-swing with his fist while another tried to pin him from behind. He pooled his energy to his back and let it explode like a more violent way of drawing out his wings. It launched him forward against the fallen in front pushing his bunch deeper into the sword while the one behind was caught in a surge of blue flames. He punched, blocked, kicked let out a flame burst and countered. It repeated, again and again. He was starting to get tired, they had to be, but he needed to be faster—he needed to be stronger. He wasn't allowed to lose, not anymore. The stalemate of continuous back and forth continued for what felt like hours and he couldn't tell how much time passed but then it changed.

There was an explosive light based energy from where he had left glasses. He couldn't feel Hanekawa and was that Seekvaira? She was scared and then, nothing. Something inside of him stirred; a hot boiling surge of fire as time slowed. He took in the position of the two fallen with him and took a small step to the side drawing them closer together before rearing his fist back and launching it forward with a roar.

Seekvaira could feel that something was wrong. The air had this nasty sting to it as she approached. There were signs of destruction everywhere in the small clearing. It was littered with bodies. She quickly scanned it before finding a sign of movement and her heart fell to her stomach. There was a fallen angel with six wings standing over Hanekawa as he pulled a spear of light from her chest. He looked like he hadn't come out of it for free but Seeks couldn't move. Yes she hated the cat, at least she thought she did, but this, this felt so wrong. She watched Hanekawa try to claw him but he shook her off before delivering a sharp kick to her head.

There was a crack.

She stopped moving.

Seekvaira felt her blood go cold. No, just no. It didn't make sense. Why were the fallen here? Where was Naruto? She looked back and a part of her was thankful Rias and Sona weren't there while another part dreaded it. She was alone. The man looked up to her and she could feel her heart jump to her throat. "Another little devil huh?" He twirled the spear in his hand. "You're just like fucking cockroaches," he said and flung it.

Seeks quickly rebooted and got control of herself as it approached. She waved her hand and turned back time on it watching as it started to retrace its steps. She could attempt to blow up his own spear next to him. With the idea set she continued her spell at the last moment taking in the body at his feet. She aborted. It blew up early. She clenched her fist tight and bit her lip. Seekvaira knew she had shown her hand too early, she should have made sure it would be a kill. It would have but, but she couldn't do that.

"She's quite dead," he said as he kicked her body a few more times. It got no reaction from Hanekawa but Seeks could feel her fists shaking. She knew the reason she hated Hanekawa, it was her freedom. She didn't need to pretend to be something she wasn't, she didn't need to maintain an appearance. She could just do what she wanted without worrying about how it made other look. Yes, she might have hated how clingy she was with Naruto, but she didn't want this. "A shame, truly. In a year or two she would have made a nice toy." She hardened her eyes and looked at the Fallen. "Oh now that is quite the glare there. With a face like that, I can't wait to see what you're packing under that dress."

Seekvaira knew she had to get this man away from her body. That meant getting dirty. She kicked off the ground and flew towards him, quickly changing time on a spear that was coming near and causing it to overshoot her by a large margin. She channelled demonic energy to her hands and lashed out. He stepped back and she pushed forward trying to keep her strikes fast. She couldn't give him a chance to push her back. She needed him to stay on the defence. He summoned a sword of light and she changed its time; snuffing it out of existence. In his shock she threw her hands forward and hit him with a blast of demonic energy before pivoting on her feet. Her wings shot out and she flew to Hanekawa grabbing the girl and moving her out of the way. Her opponent would have none of that and was on her heels. "Trying to run? That's not going to work!"

Her vision went red and she stopped. Everything hurt. She reached for the spear in her gut and reversed its time causing it to fly back to towards the man before exploding. Seekvaira dropped to the ground and found a tree to store Hanekawa inside of. That should have brought her some time. She needed some time. Why wasn't anyone coming? Rias and Sona should have caught up. Riser should have felt something was off. She reached for the tear Naruto had given her only to find broken glass. She took a breath and ran the current scenario through her head. The chance of her getting out alive was much higher if she didn't try to take anyone. Maybe not much higher, but it was higher. But could she leave a possibly injured or dead Naruto here along with Hanekawa? What would her family think? What would the Phenex think? What would she think?

It wasn't an option and she cursed her emotions for that. How did she fight this man? He was faster and it would appear stronger than her. He was tired, that much was clear along with his injuries, but her state wasn't much better. She'd been altering time too much and didn't know how many more she had in her. Two or three to be safe, four if she was lucky, as for her offensive capabilities, well they were actually rather low compared to Rias and Sona. She would admit that through grit teeth. So that left trying to make him blow himself up, or trying to land a killing blow with her demonic energy infused fists or blasts. She could try to use the trees to narrow his paths of attack, but that would put her in close proximity to her. It was risky, it increased her chance of death but it would also increase her chance of actually winning here.

Seekvaira knew she was no expert when it came to fighting. No, it might be better to say that more often than not she went out of her way to avoid it. It was because she knew it wasn't her strong suit. Thinking is where she was better, even better than Sona if she could brag a little, but that didn't feel right at the moment. No one would be around to hear her gloat right now. But she had a plan. Her eyes scanned the ground and she found what she needed a rock the size of her fist. With a small nod she tried to find where the fallen was. He had to be near by now. That blast wasn't enough to put him down, she could feel it wasn't.

He wasn't too far, just standing still. Waiting. Seekvaira gripped the rock a little tighter and started making her way through the trees to meet him. When it cleared somewhat she could see him picking dirt from his nails with a spear of light. "Oh, are you ready to play now?"

She took a breath in and nodded. "I'm ready to blow you to pieces."

"Big talk. That Phenex boy was the same, haven't seen him in a while now."

He was lying. She told herself that again and again as she ran through her plan. With a nod she ran forward. He twirled his spear and she threw the rock. His expression changed a little as he moved his head to the side. Just what she'd hoped. With her magic still covering it just thrust it forward in time turning it to dust. She saw him flail and try to remove it from the air, but she wouldn't let him. Flooding her leg with demonic energy she kicked him pushing him back a little and causing him to spit and cough. Without giving him a chance to recover she reverted the dust back into a rock and grabbed it again sharpening it with her energy before stabbing it into his gut. With a smile she turned it to dust again and watched some spurt out of the wound. Feeling the high she kicked him again before punching him in the face and pleading with herself. She just needed one more. Just one more. She grabbed where she figured the dust to be with her power and turned it back to stone. She watched him stiffen for a moment as a feeling of hopelessness came over her. It wasn't enough. She couldn't revert it completely. He was hurt, definitely hurt.

But still standing.

She watched him limp forward as she tried to move her hands, but they wouldn't budge they were stiff as hell and she could see the overuse of her power kicking in as her fingers started to blacken. Just a little more. She got a twitch. A little more, a little more. She could feel it, just out of her reach. There was still some dust left, she could still fuse it around his organs. She could still turn this around. But it was out of reach. She laughed, though it came out like something between a choked sob and a cough. All those times he'd invited her out to train and she'd rejected it. Those times where he wanted to go on a walk with her. This entire past month. Her family, her friends. She had a lot of regrets. Too many to name fully.

Seekvaira could see the fallen clearly now. He had blood running down the sides of his mouth and a large hole in his stomach. "You filthy whore!" He spat at her feet before raising his hand up and backhanding her. It lifted her off her feet and sent her crashing into the dirt. It surprised her how little it hurt. She'd let everyone down. Her body refused to move and the dirt felt so comfortable. It scared her, what happened when a devil died? With that thought in mind she passed out, but not before hearing the faint screech of a bird. She thought it odd, they didn't have many birds down here.

Naruto wasn't sure what happened. Something had changed but he didn't know what. He was faster, he was stronger, but he didn't know how. He chased the flames that erupted from his punch as he continued to roar. He used his talons to carve up the fallen inside of the fire before he broke ahead and continued. He flew as fast as he could to where he felt her last. He burst through the trees hearing as the fire roared behind him; he came upon the sight of that glasses wearing fallen from earlier. He had more wings now, but that didn't matter. What mattered was his hand on Seekvaira's throat. He sent some energy towards her and felt her heart steady, it was still weak but he didn't know how much he could spare. He flew forward and glasses threw her to the side. Naruto sent her more to keep her stable as he gave chase. Glasses flew into the sky and Naruto would not let him pull away. He opened his mouth and let out another roar watching a blast of blue-white flames shoot out like a lazer. He fired twice more before the fallen turned and charged a massive spear of light and threw it at him.

Naruto pulled his wings in and spun feeling the spear hit them, but it didn't break through. The two forces spun against one another, neither willing to give up. Neither budging an inch. No. He wasn't allowed to lose. He let out another screech and broke through. He could feel this anger inside boiling over. It felt like it was eating him away. Then he saw the fallen and everything but him vanished. He flew faster than ever and zeroed on him. The man tried to defend against Naruto's talons but the Phenex was relentless; he cut and stabbed and pecked and let out balls of fire as they flew higher and higher before he ripped one of those pesky arms away. Naruto sunk his talons into the man's shoulders and flew higher, and higher still. There was another, watching, he could feel them. They would hurt Seekvaira, they would hurt Hanekawa. He got level with the other scraggly looking older man. Before opening his mouth wide. The other one tried to block, the one in his talons couldn't as he let out his loudest screech and felt them consumed. His anger slowly started to simmer, all that remained was the one arm in his talon.

He looked down, his giant wings keeping him in the air as the forest below was lit a brilliant azure. With slow flaps he started to descend taking notice of Riser growing closer; a lot of people were getting closer. His family was here. He let out another screech and the fires stopped. Naruto looked, trying to find them. It took a moment but he heard a cough and quickly chased after it. Seeks had her weight rested against a tree as she was trying to grab something. He dropped behind her and watched her stiffen. He didn't want her to be afraid. She slowly turned and widened her eyes at him; with that the last of his anger faded and he felt his body twist and crack until he was standing roughly a head taller than her. He felt like shit, he could probably sleep for a week after this. "I'm glad your okay Seeks."

He saw her fidget before nodding. "Thanks to you. I, I couldn't protect her." He looked past and saw the limp arm she was holding. Naruto could feel that anger building again and he quickly tried to temper it. It was strong, but he needed to think.

"Raven, go get some tears, quickly!" Came the voice of his father. Naruto barely paid him mind until his rough hand landed on his shoulder. "You need to put yourself out my boy."

Naruto raised his arm, he hated noticed he was burning. It didn't hurt and he couldn't feel it draining him. He took a deep breath in and slowly watched it die down. Hanekawa didn't deserve this. He looked to Seekvaira, his voice dry and crackly as he spoke, "Is it okay for me to make her my Knight?"

She gave him a look and they locked eyes for a moment. "If you think I'm still angry about that, well I am but no it's fine."

He shook his head. "No, I decided that I want you to be my Queen, they are normally the first piece…" He looked to Hanekawa.

"No, that's fine. This is more pressing, I… I'll leave you to it. Lord Phenex, don't worry I won't speak about what happened here. And Naruto, when you're ready to talk I'm ready to listen now. But I think I need a nap." She might have tried to laugh, but it sounded like a cough. Naruto noticed her moving away but not too far, he just, he needed to know she was fine at the moment. Riser dropped down behind him and he heard his father move to intercept.

Naruto meanwhile traced a symbol in the air and called forth his evil pieces. He opened the case and slowly took out a Knight, they were a bright orange in colour with a tiny blue flame in their centre. He hadn't noticed the flame until recently, he hadn't looked at his pieces in years, not until Hanekawa. He didn't think he'd ever have one, or a need for one even.

He took a breath to steady himself as he closed the case and sent it back to where it came from. Naruto channelled some of his energy into the knight watching it glow faintly before he pulled Hanekawa out of the tree and rested her on her back. Her wounds were bad, worse than Seekvaira's. He righted her neck and healed the patches that were missing before resting his knight on her chest. He took another deep breath in. He had to find the words. "I, Naruto Phenex, beseech you, Hanekawa Tsubasa, cast off the shackles of death and run free once more as my Knight. Together we can strive for a better tomorrow." He waited, time seemed to creep by agonisingly slow. Then, as he was about to try a different piece he watched the knight slowly lift up before floating down into her chest; a moment later her chest rose as she took her first breath.

Naruto rolled back and landed on his ass he took the minute or so he needed just to catch his breath before slowly standing up and looking over in Seeks' direction. He could see her later, he needed to cl- his thoughts were cut off as his father placed a hand on his shoulder. "Go see her. You'll be distracted otherwise," his voice was soft, almost comforting. "We'll take Hanekawa home and put her in a place to rest. Also take these, you two could use a pick me up." He placed two vials into Naruto's hand before slowly closing it. Naruto turned around and saw that his family, minus Ravel, were all there. Ruval and Riser both had their peerages out. The two brothers had an angry look on their faces as they barked out orders before looking back at him and giving faint smiles. He could see his mother talking to other Devil Clan leaders and the Maou. The next few days were going to be hell. He gave his father a small nod and smiled at his brothers before heading over to Seekvaira.

He slowed as he saw Lord and Lady Agares floating over her like the dotting parents they were while she tried to assure them she was fine. Lord Agares noticed him first and gave a faint smile. "My dear, it might be best if we leave the young ones alone for a little while. I am sure they have a lot to talk about." The Lady of the house looked like she wanted to protest, but after looking between her daughter and future son in law she relented leaving the two teens alone.

Naruto managed to pull himself over to the tree she was sitting against and slowly let himself slide down to sit next to her. "For you," he offered her one of the vial while he downed the other himself. He no longer felt dead tired, just tired. He watched her wince and slowly rub hers into her stomach. "So."

"So?"

"That was a hell of a first date."

She turned and looked at him with those pink eyes of hers. "Excuse me?"

"Well, it's just that it was the first outing we've really had that wasn't organised by our clans."

She was quiet and Naruto could see her thinking. "I refuse."

"You refuse?"

"Yes. I refuse to accept that you believe this to be our first date. You will have to do much better before I allow you to consider it a date."

"Yes Ma'am!" He gave her a false salute before they both started to laugh and instantly regretted it as they grabbed their ribs or stomach. "I can try to get that for you if you want?"

She winced but slowly pulled her hands away from her stomach. He noticed that there was a nasty burn mark still sitting there. If it hadn't been healed by the tears it must have been pretty severe. That she was still fighting with such a wound was impressive. He smiled a little as he channelled his energy into her stomach watching as the skin slowly started to return back to normal. If he was honest, it was the first time he had really paid attention to her body, yes he knew she was attractive. He could have been blind and known with how often people told him. But her skin was flawless, not a single blemish on it and the curves she held drew your eyes to explore every inch of her. He felt her hands rest on his and he looked up, she was staring at his face. "Your eyes, did you know they glow when you use your power?"

"No, I didn't, tonight is the most I've used it if I am to tell the truth. I'm pretty horrible at it."

She drew one of her hands away and traced where her wound had been. "I'd say that you are at least adequate." A comfortable silence rolled over the two. She gripped his hands a little tighter. "How did the ritual go?"

"She took to the piece. Father said that they would take care of any extra healing. Everything else is on her now…I let you guys down. You shouldn't have had to fight, and Hanekawa shouldn't have had to die. I need to be better."

He could feel her fingers exploring his hands as she dragged him down and rested his head in her lap. "I do also." He looked up at her and she looked down. "Don't. I should have been faster, I should have been able to save Hanekawa, I shouldn't have needed you to save me. I have been lax. So, Naruto Phenex I need you to promise me that next time you want to train that will you not except no lest I have prior arrangements. I don't want you to let me talk you out of it no matter how lazy or tired I might feel that day. Okay?"

"I was actually thinking of increasing how often I trained. But sure, I'll be by every morning at seven."

"T-that's a little intense, can't we do eight?"

"I'm sorry, but I was told no matter how lazy you feel," he gave her a wide smile, "Starting next week. I think we both deserve a few days of sleep."

Seekvaira slowly ran her fingers through his hair. He had to admit it was relaxing, but he had missed talking to her. The playful barbs, her jokes but most of all those cute expressions she made when she was embarrassed. "I'm impressed," her voice was soft, he looked at her and she looked up, "Your flames did not burn a single leaf." He blinked, she was right. The trees were all still full. He could have sworn it was a sea of flames.

"I guess I was lucky?"

"Maybe. Maybe not? Oh, also, I'm still not happy about the Hanekawa situation, but only because you didn't ask me first. So long as she learns to mind her tongue."

He gave a small chuckle. "Mother has been trying to give her lessons on etiquette. She says it is worse than trying to teach me."

"I can only imagine." He liked seeing her smile. It made something in him feel at ease.

"You never did answer my question though."

She tilted her head to the side. "Oh?"

"Will you become my Queen?"

"Naruto…I want to, believe me I do, but what would you do if we need to face each other in a rating game?"

He shrugged, honestly he hadn't thought of that. "I guess I'd say no or forfeit. I'm not that interested in competing in them anyway."

"I don't think your mother would be happy with that."

"I don't think I will have to partake. I mean, what would the Underworld think if I lost?"

She paused. Perhaps she hadn't thought of that. "That's fair enough. It would look bad. Fine, you've convinced me. I will give you the great honour of being your queen."

"Really?"

"Really. But not tonight. For now you need to rest. I feel like you are going to be rather busy in the coming days after your stunt tonight."

Naruto rose a brow as he took her hand. "Stunt?" She looked down at him for a moment, a puzzled expression on her face before pointing up. He followed her finger and saw blue flames burning in the night sky. "I didn't mean to do that."

"I know, but you will have to explain it anyway. So sleep. Don't worry, I won't run this time." With that she leaned down and placed a kiss on his forehead. His eyes grew heavier and heavier until he couldn't open them anymore getting the best night sleep he has had in the past month.

Azazel ripped the clothes from his body and tossed them to the ground watching as the blue flames continued to burn. Did he make a mistake in allowing that group to leave? Yes. Did he know that some many heirs and heiresses would be frolicking about? Hell no. He didn't want to start anything and this was a sure-fire way to do so. He was about to jump in and save the Agares girl before the bird showed up. He was thankful as hell, because he didn't want to have to explain his presence there, but he also remembered seeing that bird before. It was a long, long time ago, during the Great War. It was a pain to deal with then and tonight reminded him why.

He was thankful that whoever it was was still so young otherwise he might have suffered more than burnt clothes, but that also ruled out a fair few members of the Phenex clan. It mostly left just the newest generation, the three young siblings. He would have to pay much more attention to this batch of devils, three new Phenex, a new Gremory, a new Sitri, a new Agares and a new Bael just to name a few. Actually, if he was remembering right, the Phenex brothers were already engaged to the Gremory girl and the Agares girl. Oh, a smile slowly crept across his face. Could it have been the middle brother so ferociously defending his would be wife? That would be romantic. He'd have to try and pry when he gave his apologies to the families involved.

This decade was looking to be a lot more enjoyable than the previous few.

PA: I had originally planned to end the chapter with Seekvaira passing out, but I thought that it wouldn't go over all to well considering what happens just before that as well. Also I am glad that people are enjoying Brother Riser, like yeah he is a scumbag in the source material but I wanted to play with something here. Hopefully that clears up in the coming chapters (3 is already open and has words in it btw.). But seriously, how much would you have hated me for ending it with Seeks passing out?

See you next time Space Cowboy.