After the recent events, the Knight found itself in a spot it hoped to avoid. To say that it's reputation had skyrocketed would be an understatement. From what it had heard, it got so popular, it now had its own fan club, not that it cared about it. It didn't help that over the course of the next few weeks, it became the archenemy of the perverted trio, thwarting their attempts regularly, it also became known for being a member of the Student Council, great academy scores and physical education scores. Put mildly, the Knight became just as popular as Kiba Yuuto, if not more.
This combined with it's hard working nature, helping those in need, but not letting it be used earned it a spot in the hearts of many. It helped with the Student Council, often dealing with additional stuff during the night, something that Sona and the rest of the council appreciated, not that they would admit to it. They were already overworked and having another person deal without a hitch with all the things that kept popping up was a blessing unlike any other.
"Good Morning, Knight," Momo greeted it, the duo meeting on their way to the school.
"… Morning," It said back.
"You seem to be getting quite popular," Momo said, as they walked together.
"...Maybe," It replied. "...Doesn't matter."
"Is that so? Do you not care about being recognized for dealing with the perverted trio or for your accomplishments thus far?" She asked, her head tilted to the side, while the Knight shook its head.
"...Don't care about recognition," It replied, the girl next to him humming in response.
"You're an odd one, you know that there are dozens of girls in the school that would like to go on a date with you, including some that you meet quite often," She pointed out, hoping the boy would get a hint.
"...Know that. Too many letters to sort through," It replied, while Momo giggled.
It became a well known story on the campus, that once the Knight opened it's footlocker an avalanche of love letters came crashing down. The number of requests to meet, confessions, cellphone numbers was way higher than it expected. So, instead of replying to every single one of them, it wrote a message on the locker, which calmly said that it is not into a relationship at this very moment, but that it appreciated the effort put into all the love letters it received. Though, it did throw all the letters to a garbage bin back home to avoid breaking the hearts of female students.
"Well, weren't you confessed to during breaks as well?" She pointed out.
"...Indeed, awkward," It replied remembering several love confessions, which it politely declined. Well, to the best of its ability that is.
"Perhaps, but, if you found a girlfriend, then most of the girls would give up, I believe," Momo suggested.
"...Perhaps," It replied, not really considering the option.
Romance, love and affection were things it had no experience in. At most, it felt something of an older brother instinct to Hornet, a strictly platonic relationship. With its nature as a vessel, lack of interest in human kind or devil kind for that matter, the odds of it finding a 'girlfriend' were slim to say the least, that didn't stop the females from trying.
"Say, Knight, is there anyone you like?" Momo asked, the two slowly walking towards the Student Council.
"… Don't know," It replied, it's companion blinking at the confession.
"You don't know…? What about your parents? Siblings? Classmates?" She suggested.
"… Can't say. Care for parents? A bit, good people. No siblings, can't answer. Classmates… don't know," It replied.
"I am not sure I understand, do you not feel anything when you spend with people that you like?" She inquired.
"… Feel? … Feel… odd," It began.
It's not like it didn't have emotions, but despite the number of years in this world, it hadn't developed the same kind of emotions the humans did. It was too different from them, it didn't find joy in getting drunk, smoking and such. It didn't crave affection of anykind, it didn't care for love, sex and other things humans lived for. However, spending time with the Student Council, Koneko…? Was it pleasant? It didn't know… but, it didn't mind that and kept it busy, so it was enjoyable in a sense.
"I see…," Momo said, as she tried to figure out what to say.
"… Student Council, Toujou Koneko…," It began, Momo listening intently. "...They are… keeping me busy."
"And that's…?" She asked, confused by the wording.
"… Different, but not unpleasant," It replied.
"Hmm… then, what about me?" She asked, the Knight glancing towards her.
"… Same feelings, spending time together, not unpleasant," It replied, while Momo slightly smiled in response.
"I see, glad to know that," She replied, while the Knight nodded. Well, it didn't mind spending time with them, which was a progress, she supposed.
Suddenly, the Knight stopped, as it noticed the perverted trio being chased by a swimming club it seemed like. They were heading in their direction, but the Knight knew exactly what to do. As soon as they got close, it tripped one of the boys, who fell in response, making others fall as well. That gave the club just enough time to catch up to them.
"Got you!" The girls said, as they restrained them.
"You…! Bloody Handsome!" Issei cursed the Knight, his friends glaring at it.
"It's you, Knight. Thank you for catching them," One of the girls from the club said. "Would like to go for a swim after school with our club?"
"… I have to decline," It replied with a light bow. "… Shall we go?" The Knight asked as it turned towards Momo.
"Let's," She agreed and the two resumed their journey, while the perverted trio was being dragged back to the pool, probably to be drowned, not that anyone would miss them.
"So, Knight, did you get accustomed to the Student Council and the school itself?" Sona asked, as she and the rest of the council gathered inside the room.
"… Yes, I did," The Knight replied.
"I am glad to hear that," Sona said, as she sat in front of a chessboard. "Would you like to play a game of chess with me? We still have got some time left and nothing major coming up."
"… I can't play," It replied.
"I don't mind that, I will teach you," Sona said, while the Knight nodded.
It then sat in front of her, while Sona prepared all the pieces and explained all the rules. Rooks, Knights, pawns, queens, bishops, the way they moved, the way to obtain victory, everything. The rest of the council gathered around them, as they began watching the two play. To say the Knight was demolished would be an understatement.
"Check mate," Sona said, as she won the game with just a few moves. Not even the Radiance defeated it so easily, which actually kind of hurt it's pride. "Not bad for a first try, Knight."
"… Once more," It requested.
"Are you sure about that?" Sona asked, while the Knight nodded. That was surprising, but not unwelcome, perhaps she should go a bit easier on him?
This time it went better, as it actually was able to get some of the Sona's pieces, before being defeated. However, it didn't feel deserved as it could actually see Sona letting it take some of her pieces on purpose. It was something it learned during countless fights it did. It didn't lose because the enemy made a mistake, it lost and died because it made a mistake.
"… Don't hold back," The Knight said, Sona blinking in response.
"What do you mean by that?" She asked.
"… You held back, President. Don't do that," It requested.
"… I see. If that's what you want, then I shall oblige," Sona said, while the Knight nodded, other members shivered at the way Sona put it. They knew quite well how good Sona was at chess.
Before the bell rang Sona demolished it a couple more times, but each time the Knight lost, it learned something new, the experience familiar. However, as much as it wanted to continue playing, it had to go to it's classroom, after bidding farewell to the rest of the council and leaving them alone in the room.
"He is quite stubborn," Tsubaki noticed.
"That's quite an understatement, Tsubaki," Sona said as she packed herself up. "I didn't expect him to be so determined, nor did I expect him to ask me to not hold back."
"Likewise, President," Reya said. "However, did you notice?"
"Notice what?" Tomoe asked.
"The change in his behavior, the intense focus," Momo replied.
"It's like he was a completely different person," Tsubasa said.
"Maybe he just likes competition?" Ruruko suggested.
"Or maybe he is just plain stubborn and stupid?" Saji suggested.
"He definitely doesn't like losing, that's for certain," Sona said as she turned towards her peerage. "Now then, everyone, let us get back to our classes."
In the meantime, the Knight found itself back in it's class, sitting next to Koneko as it always did. "… Good Morning."
"Good Morning," She replied and turned towards it. "… What time do you go home?"
"… Right after the school," It replied.
"… I see," Koneko said and focused on the lesson.
The rest of the day was rather uneventful, same thing happened as before, including eating some sweets together with Koenko, but as the Knight packed itself up, it noticed the girl leaving before it, not that it cared. After that, it changed it's shoes and made it's way to the entrance, the girl standing next to a gate. The Knight intended to go past her, only for the girl to block it's passage, the Knight looking at her with it's eyebrow raised.
"… Would you like to walk together?" She asked, her expression stoic.
"… Why?" It asked.
"… I live in the same direction," She replied.
"… Okay," It replied and the girl nodded.
The two began walking together, neither of the two saying a word. The Knight didn't intend to go home immediately, it wanted to buy a set of chess, so it could practice on it's own. It wanted to defeat Sona, flames of determination burning inside the core of the being. However, if Koneko was coming with it and the fact that Ophis was bound to join them soon, it needed to swing by a grocery shop.
"… I need to buy some groceries on the way home," The Knight said.
"… That's fine, I will wait," She replied.
"… You can come inside, choose something yourself," The Knight said, the girl looking right at it.
"… May I?" She asked, while the Knight nodded. "...Okay."
A few moments later, the Knight found itself in a supermarket, pushing a cart on it's own. It intended to buy something to drink and eat, but Koneko exceeded its expectations, the cart filled to the brim with snacks of every kind, drinks, chocolates, just to name a few. In fact, it was so much, the Knight had to buy multiple bags just to pack itself up. Good thing it had money to burn, courtesy of the money it saved up during the years. Koneko still cost it more than it expected. At least there was a set of chess for sale, which it immediately picked.
The end result was it carrying all the stuff looking like some pack mule with Koneko carrying a fraction of the things she bought. Ophis was bound to come soon as well, although it hoped she wouldn't reveal anything about it to Koneko. It preferred being seen as an ordinary person, something the girl could jeopardize.
Soon enough, the duo found itself in front of the Knight's apartment. "… It's my home."
"… Looks fine," Koneko replied, while the Knight put away the bags and opened the door.
"… I can take it from here," It said, while the girl stared at it.
"… I want to help," The girl said.
"… Okay," The Knight said and let her inside.
As soon as the girl passed through the doorway, she noticed a couple of things. One, the apartment was very bare, looking straight out spartan. Two, there was a scent here she did not recognize, but one that made her shiver. She smelled it before, it was the smell of a dragon, similar to the sacred gear of Issei. Why was a dragon here? Did the Knight know about it? No, he shouldn't. Shaking her head, she focused on the task at hand.
She then proceeded to unpack all the stuff they bought, the Knight putting them in their appropriate places. She did munch upon some of them in the meantime, not that he minded. All that was left was the chess, which he put on the table that he almost never used and began putting the pieces in their spots, Koneko watching it all the time.
"… Do you play chess?" She asked.
"… I was taught today by the President," It replied and turned towards her. "… Would you like to play?"
"… Yes," Koneko said and sat in front of him.
The two began playing, with Koneko actually not being a bad player herself, when compared to it. She was eating all the snacks they bought in the meantime, which the Knight didn't mind, but at this rate it would run out of money sooner rather than later. The little girl in front of it ate more than an adult male twice her size.
"… You eat too much," The Knight said, Koneko pausing with a treat inches before her teeth.
"… I do?" She asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… Sweets at school, daily, now, snacks," It replied.
"… Is that a problem?" Koneko asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… Money, not enough of it," It replied, while the girl looked back at the sweet in her hand, her expression stoic.
"… I apologize," She said and bowed.
"… It's fine, but… only sweets at school I can provide," The Knight said.
"… Okay," She agreed. That was fair, she ate so many sweets of the Knight, it actually made her sort of guilty. "… I will buy snacks myself."
"...Okay," The Knight said and made a move with another of it's chess pieces.
This went on for the next few hours, until the girl decided to go, leaving the Knight behind. It considered closing the door, but shortly after Koneko left, Ophis appeared. The Knight let the girl inside, who began sniffing the air on the inside before turning towards it.
"… Did somebody come here?" She asked.
"… Classmate, Koneko Toujou," It replied.
"… Why?" She asked.
"… Wanted to walk together from school, ended up playing chess with her," The Knight replied and gestured to the table.
"… Does she know that you aren't human?" She asked, while the Knight shook it's head.
"… No, don't intend to admit to that," It replied, before gesturing to the table. "Would you like to play?"
"… Sweets?" She asked, while the Knight nodded and presented her with a bag of sweets just as it always did. "… I would."
If Sona and Koneko were better than it, the girl in front of it was a monster. She didn't even break a sweat as she demolished it. However, unlike both Koneko and Sona, she stayed with it all the time, until the Sun began to raise. The Knight got better, quite a bit too, but not enough to defeat the girl in front of it. On top of that, they made some small talk, as they did previously.
Ophis tried asking about it's past, it's relatives, powers, everything. However, the Knight knew better than to let her know too much. In fact, neither of the two knew too much about each other, despite spending a considerable amount of time together. It was the result of the fact that the Knight refused to share anything about it, which in turn made Ophis keep quiet as well. However, that changed, while they were playing chess.
"...Why do you keep coming back?" The Knight asked.
"… Interesting, you are interesting," Ophis replied, two dull expressions looking at each other. "… Why did you let me inside?"
"… Similar to me," The Knight replied, Ophis blinking at the confession. It wasn't much, but the fact that the Knight thought he was similar to her was quite interesting.
"… Why?" She asked, while the Knight shook it's head.
"… Won't tell," It replied.
"… Why not?" She asked.
"… Can't say," It replied, the girl staring at him.
However, it seemed to be enough for the girl for the time being. She was still curious about it, but she had time, plenty of it in fact. She would keep watching, after all, if there was something the humans were good at is making things happen. Something was bound to happen, sooner or later and she would wait until that happened or the Great Red left her home.
The Knight was walking towards the school, ready for yet another day, this time, not meeting anyone on it's way there. It changed it's shoes in the entrance, before making it's way to the Student Council. To nobody's surprise, Sona was already there, along with Tsubaki.
"… Good Morning," The Knight said.
"Good Morning," Tsubaki greeted it.
"Good Morning, Knight, how are you feeling?" Sona asked.
"… Okay, can we play a game of chess, President?" It asked.
"I don't mind that, we still have got some time, before lessons start," Sona replied, a bit of a smile on her face. Having another chest enthusiast around was something she appreciated. She then put the pieces on the table and the two sat in front of each other. "You can go first, Knight."
"… All right," It said.
Sona watched as the Knight moved one of the pawns, making sure to not expose any of it's pieces. She did the same, the movement similar, Tsubaki watching them. At first, she thought she would win easily, but once she lost her bishop, she frowned. How did the Knight get so good? She only taught him yesterday. Focusing on the game in front of her, she began playing seriously. Rook for Rook, Queen for Queen, the two traded hits like two fighters, neither allowing the other to win.
"We are here, President!" Tomoe greeted, other members of the council following after her.
"… Good Morning," The Knight said, barely sparing them a glance.
"Good Morning, Tomoe, everyone," Sona greeted. "I am afraid you have to wait a moment."
"Oh, you're playing chest, aren't you, President? Can we watch?" Reya asked.
"Of course, but please be quiet," Sona replied and focused on the game once again.
The rest of the council surrounded them, their eyes spread wide open, most of the pieces gone. Move after move, Sona was able to claw her way back, despite repeated attempts of the Knight to bait her, ambush her and so on and so forth. And with one final move on the chessboard, the game was finished. Only a handful of pieces left.
"Checkmate," Sona said, while the Knight looked at her.
"… You won, President," It admitted.
"That was a good match, but I have to ask, why did you hide from me that you knew how to play chess?" Sona asked. There was no way for one to become so good without an extensive practice.
"… I didn't, I practiced yesterday," It replied.
"Did you spend a whole day yesterday playing chess?" Tsubaki asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… Wanted to win, still not good enough," It replied, while Sona sighed.
"You almost did," Sona admitted, still surprised by what transpired.
"...Not enough," It replied and in that moment, the bell rang. "… I believe we should go."
"Seems to be that way, go ahead, Knight, I need to do something quickly," Sona said, the Knight nodded.
"… I will come back during lunch," The Knight said, bowed and left, the rest of the council staying behind. Sona let out a sigh, as she leaned into the chair, glancing at the board in front of her.
"How are you feeling, Sona?" Tsubaki asked.
"… I am fine, but, this is unexpected," She admitted.
"Knight didn't play that well yesterday," Momo said.
"Not, he did not," Tsubasa said. "How did he get so good?"
"According to him, he practiced all day yesterday," Sona said, before shaking her head.
"Even then, that's too fast," Tsubaki said.
"Maybe he cheated?" Ruruko suggested, while Sona shook her head.
"No, he did not," She replied. "Still, that makes me wonder, what can he accomplish if he puts his mind to it?"
"He is just an ordinary human, right?" Saji asked.
"Human, definitely, ordinary? Nothing like that," Sona said. "… Is he really a human?"
"What do you mean, President?" Momo asked.
"He's too fast, too good. Learning how to play chess like a veteran in a day is simply impossible," Sona explained. "... Well, unless he is a prodigy, which wouldn't be surprising."
"Do you think he is hiding something, Sona?" Tsubaki asked.
"… Perhaps, but we couldn't find anything, neither could Rias," She explained.
"Could he have a sacred gear that makes him appear like an ordinary person?" Reya suggested.
"It is a possibility," Tsubaki confirmed. "Should we tell Rias about it?"
"Not yet, unless she has got something to add herself, it's best we keep it a secret," Sona replied. However, before she could decide upon something, somebody knocked on the door. "Come in!"
"Good Morning, Sona," Rias greeted as she walked inside along with Koneko and Akeno, the two greeting the council as well.
"Good Morning, Rias, Akeno, Koneko," Sona greeted. "What brings you here today?"
"Knight," Rias replied and sat on the couch, glancing at the chessboard. "Did you play a match with somebody?"
"Knight," She replied. "Did he do something?"
"Koneko," Rias said.
"… Knight met a dragon or somebody with a draconic sacred gear," Koneko explained.
"Are you certain of that?" Sona asked.
"Yesterday Koneko went to the Knight's home," Rias began, everyone glancing between each other. "And then she sensed a dragon, but we don't know what kind."
"This is… not what I expected," Sona admitted and began massaging her temple.
"Though, he doesn't seem to have any connection to supernatural," Rias said.
"What makes you say that, Miss Gremory?" Tsubaki asked.
"We asked around, but there was nothing. There is a high possibility that a supernatural being simply came in contact with Knight," Akeno explained.
"…He is not an ordinary person," Sona began, everyone turning towards. "Yesterday, I taught him how to play chess. Today, he almost beat me in it, granted I held back a bit, but still."
"… He did what?" Rias asked, not able to believe her own ears. Sona was one of the best players around and Knight almost beat her after a single day of practice? This couldn't be right. "You sure, he was a beginner?"
"I am, I taught him everything, I have seen nothing that would indicate he has played chess before. Granted, he could be lying, but I doubt that's the case," She replied.
"Knight, huh, maybe I can invite him to my peerage after all," Rias muttered, Sona's eyes snapping to her.
"Don't even think about it, Rias," Sona ordered, the girl frowning in response. "You weren't interested in him, because he didn't have a sacred gear, but now, because he came into contact with a dragon and almost beat in chess, you want to claim him? I don't think so."
"He is not your property," Rias pointed out.
"He is not, he is a member of the Student Council first and foremost. I intended to invite him to my peerage after he got used to us, but I am not going to stand idly and do nothing, Rias," Sona said.
"Ara Ara, it seems like we have got a bit of a problem here," Akeno said with a smile.
"Well, why don't we see who claims him first then?" Rias suggested, she was not giving up on a potential peerage member that easily.
"And what do you intend to do? Invite him to your peerage right after school? Ask him to join the Occult Research Club?" Sona asked.
"The latter one, combined with some simple seduction and bribery," Rias admitted, confident that she could sway him given enough time.
"Pfff…," Momo snorted, others turning towards her, making her blush. She cleared her throat and turned towards Rias with a serious expression. "I am afraid it won't work, Miss Gremory."
"Why not, Miss Hanakai?" Rias asked.
"I have talked to him recently about it, he won't fall for your charm, I am certain of it," She explained.
"Hmm… We will see about that, so, Sona, what do you say?" Rias asked.
"Since you gave up on the Knight, it's only fair I invite him to my peerage first, no?" Sona said.
"That's not fair! You know him better than I do!" Rias protested, her arms crossed.
"Indeed, but that's your mistake. You have never invited him to your club, never really talked to him, did you?" Sona pointed out, while Rias scowled. "I let you have Issei, Rias, don't try my patience and do something I would disapprove of."
"… Alright, I accept. You can invite him to your peerage first, but if it doesn't work, I will not hold back," Rias said.
"That's fine with me," Sona agreed, the two glaring at each other. Best friends or not, one did not steal potential peerage members from others.