"Good afternoon, Knight, Koneko," Asia greeted with a smile as she stood at the gate of the school.
"… Good afternoon," It replied, Koneko next to it.
"Good afternoon," Koneko greeted.
"… Is there something wrong, Asia?" The Knight asked.
"Well… we haven't seen each other for quite a while, don't you think… and I was hoping we could hang out together?" She asked timidly.
"… Koneko?" The Knight asked.
"I don't mind," She replied, while Asia beamed in response.
"Thank you! Now, what should we do together?" She asked.
"… An idea," The Knight said, while Koneko glanced towards it. "What do you think about introducing Asia to you know who, Koneko?"
"But why, Knight?" She asked.
"… Asia is a good girl, she can help us and maybe learn something herself," It replied.
"That's true… Okay," Koneko said and turned towards the girl. "Asia, can you keep a secret?"
"Of course! I swear on all that is holy!" She said, while Koneko winced.
"… See?" It asked, while Koneko nodded.
"Okay, Asia, please follow us," Koneko said.
"Coming," She said and began walking along the Knight and Koneko. "So, who are we meeting today, Koneko?"
"My sister…," Koneko said, while Asia blinked.
"I didn't know you had a sister," Asia admitted.
"… Her sister is a stray devil, falsely accused, just like Koneko," The Knight said.
"Oh… umm… I am sorry to hear that, Koneko," The girl said.
"It's okay, Asia," Koneko said. "It's better now."
"I see… I am glad to hear that, Koneko," The girl said with a smile, making Koneko smile as well, if just a tiny bit.
"… Shall we meet Kuroka then?" The Knight asked, while the two girls nodded.
A few moments, the trio arrived at the Knight's apartment, which it swiftly unlocked, before letting the girls inside. "Welcome home… nya?"
Kuroka stopped immediately upon seeing Asia, her eyes narrowed, the girl stiffening in the process. "Umm… Good afternoon?"
"Who is it, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"It's Asia, she is a friend, sister, not a devil either," Koneko replied.
"… Former nun, excommunicated, a friend," The Knight added.
"Is that so, nya?" Kuroka asked and walked up closer, as she began sniffing around her, Asia yelping in response.
"… Don't try anything, Kuroka," The Knight warned.
"I wouldn't do that, nya!" She protested and smiled at the girl. "I am Kuroka, it's nice to meet you, Asia, nya."
"Umm… It's nice to meet you too, Miss Kuroka," Asia said, smiled and bowed slightly.
"Nyahaha, another girl to add to your harem, nya?" Kuroka asked, Asia blushed, while Knight shook its head.
"… No, a friend, said it before," It replied, while Asia let out a sigh, Koneko watching as the girl glanced at the Knight, her cheeks red.
"If you say so, nya. So, what are you doing here, Asia, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"Well… I was invited here by Knight and Koneko?" She replied.
"That's it, nya?" Kuroka asked, while she glanced at the Knight.
"… Asia could use some practice," The Knight said.
"Practice…?" The girl asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… How well can you use your sacred gear?" It asked.
"Umm… I can heal others by touching them?" She replied.
"… What about distance healing? Or other abilities?" It asked.
"I don't have any of those," She replied.
"Well, we can't teach her senjutsu, nya," Kuroka added.
"… Why not?" The Knight asked.
"It would take years of practice and affinity to it," Koneko replied.
"… Is there anything humans can learn on their own, that doesn't rely on sacred gears?" It asked.
"Well, there is magic of course, nya," Kuroka replied. "Although, that takes competent teacher or a devil with books, nya."
"Umm… there holy swords as well," Asia aided.
"… Do you see yourself using one?" It asked, while the girl shook her head violently.
"Of course not!" She exclaimed, while Kuroka sighed.
"See, nya? Not many options, nya," Kuroka said. "The only thing left is balance breaker, nya."
"… Balance breaker? What is that?" The Knight asked.
"Well… you know about sacred gears, don't you, nya?" She asked, while the Knight nodded. "All sacred gears have got an ultimate state of activation called Balance Breaker, nya."
"… What does it do?" The Knight asked.
"It dramatically boosts the power of the sacred gear," Koneko replied.
"… Is there a way to achieve it?" It asked.
"Nothing short of high emotions combined with a change in the heart or spirit of the wielder, nya," Kuroka replied.
"… Sounds hard," The Knight said, really glad it's powers weren't tied to emotions.
"It is," Koneko said.
"Umm… Is that balance breaker connected to what I possess?" Asia asked.
"It is, nya," Kuroka said.
"I see…," Asia muttered, as she tried to wrap her head around the concept.
"… Anyone want tea?" The Knight asked, while the trio of girls raised their hands. "I will get it done. Make yourself comfortable, everyone."
"Come, Asia," Koneko said and led the girl to the couch.
"Okay, Koneko," Asia said, Kuroka followed slowly after them.
"So, what happens now, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… I had an idea for both you and Asia," The Knight said as he put three teas on the table.
"What kind of idea?" Koneko asked.
"… Kuroka, do you intend to teach Shirone?" It asked.
"I want to, the sooner the better, nya," She replied.
"Shirone?" Asia, while the group glanced at the girl.
"It's my true name, but please call me Koneko and don't tell others, Asia," Koneko said.
"Of course, Koneko," The girl said with a smile, Koneko smiling herself.
"… Then, perhaps I have got an idea," The Knight began.
"What kind of idea?" Koneko asked.
"… I want to become your sparring partner, this way Shirone can learn how to practice and if anyone gets hurt, Asia can heal us, which will help as well," The Knight replied. "… Of course, I expect that it stays a secret between us all, understood?"
"I got you, nya, I am fine with that, nya," Kuroka said.
"Likewise," Koneko said.
"Me too," Asia added.
"… Sounds like a plan, let's do it," The Knight said and stood up.
"Oh, I got a spot, nya!" Kuroka said with a grin.
"Where is Koneko?" Rias asked, noticing that Nekomata wasn't in her room.
"Wasn't she at school? Perhaps she went somewhere?" Kiba suggested
"But where could she have gone?" Rias asked.
"Ara, ara, maybe she went to sleep in Knight's house?" Akeno suggested.
"That bastard…," Issei cursed under his breath.
"Why would she go there?" Rias asked.
"I believe that Koneko has been spending a lot of time with Knight, including after school," Kiba added.
"Don't tell me that the Knight swooned Koneke?!" Rias asked, looking horrified, both Kiba and Akeno chuckling in response.
"I don't think that you have to worry about that, President," Kiba said. "I don't think he even went on a date, President."
"Really… But still, did Koneko sleep with Knight?" Rias asked.
"Ara ara, our Knight seems to be quite popular, I wonder if Koneko is still a virgin," Akeno asked, Rias looking horrified.
"No! I wanted to claim her virginity as well!" Issei complained, while Rias sighed, Akeno giggled, while Kiba just shook his head.
"We are heading there, immediately," Rias ordered, she was not going to let Knight abuse Koneko. It only took a moment, before the group arrived at the door of Knight's apartment. Rias was the first to knock on the door, violently. "Knight, I know you are there!"
She heard some murmur, only for the Knight and Konoko to appear in the doorframe. "… Is there something wrong, Rias?"
"Why is Koneko sleeping at your house?" Rias demanded.
"… Personal reasons," It replied, while the girl.
"That's true, President," Koneko confirmed.
"Ara, ara, we hope we didn't interrupt you by any chance," Akeno said with a smile.
"… You kind of did," It said, Rias looking horrified, while Akeno was smiling.
"Don't tell me you were about to… have sex?" Rias asked, while Koneko blushed and shook her head furiously.
"… No, we weren't, we were going for a walk, before you barged in," It replied.
"Then, why are you sleeping in Knight's house, Koneko?" Rias asked.
"Personal reasons," The girl replied.
"What reasons?" Rias asked, her eyes narrowed.
"Personal," Koneko replied. "President, do you not trust me?"
"It's not that, I am worried about you!" Ria protested.
"Worried? If you are worried, then why did you bring Issei here?" She asked, while Rias blinked.
"What do you mean, Koneko?" Rias asked.
"Between Knight and Issei, I would rather stay here, I don't have to be worried about being peeked on or be anywhere this leech," She replied.
"Hey!" Issei protested. "I wouldn't have done that!"
"… You would, you did to other clubs… It's surprising you're still alive after all that," The Knight said.
"What do you mean, handsome?" Issei demanded.
"… I mean, I remember the swimming club dragging you and your friends back to the swimming pool to get you drowned, surprised you survived," It replied, while Issei shivered.
"… I hate you so much," Issei admitted, while glaring daggers at it.
"… Don't care about that," It replied and turned to Rias. "Is that all, Rias?"
"Of course not, I demand that Koneko comes back to my house," Rias said.
"I don't want to," Koneko protested. "Are you going to make Issei stay at your house as well, President?"
"I can stay in the same house as two great ladies of Kuoh? How do I do that?" Issei asked, while Koneko gave him a deadpan.
"Do you see what I mean?" Koneko asked, while Rias frowned.
"I can understand your point, Koneko, but are you sure of that?" Rias asked.
"I am, President," Koneko said, while Rias looked like she swallowed a lemon.
"… I see," Rias muttered. "Issei, I am afraid, for the time being, you will have to stay at your own house."
"But…," He began, only to drop his head in response. "I understand, President."
"I hope so. Now, is that enough, Koneko?" Rias asked.
"Maybe, I will think about, but for now, let us go, President," Koneko demanded.
"We could go with you?" Rias suggested.
"… I don't want that," The Knight said.
"Ara, ara, do you not want our company?" Akeno asked. "Would you rather go with Koneko and Asia, who I can sense in your house?"
"… I would, please leave," It replied, the group of four devils looking between each other.
"Knight… if you do anything to Koneko, I will make you pay for it," Rias warned.
"… Don't intend to," It replied.
"I hope so," She replied, before sighing. "Fine, go ahead, do your secret stuff, I don't care."
And with that, Rias huffed, turned around and left. Kiba smiled weakly and followed after her, Akeno giggled, while Issei glared at Knight, before following Rias and others. The Knight watched them leave, before it went back inside it's house and locked the door.
"What a stubborn kid, nya," Kuroka said, glad it was over.
"Rias was quite worried, wasn't she?" Asia asked.
"… Bothersome," The Knight replied.
"It's… infuriating," Koneko said, while others looked at her.
"What do you mean, Koneko?" Asia asked.
"Rias… She didn't care about our past, she cared about us, definitely, but… She didn't investigate Kuroka, she never tried to… help me," Koneko replied.
"… Help you with your past?" The Knight asked, while the girl nodded.
"In fact… we didn't even train that much," Koneko added. "All we did was hunt stray devils once in a while and live like ordinary teenagers, me, Kiba and Akeno."
"… She didn't practice with you or help you get over your past?" The Knight asked, while the girl nodded. "Why not?"
"I don't know," Koneko said and clenched her fists. "But… it doesn't matter. I want to become stronger, not for Rias, but for myself and those I care about."
"Unya… My sister is growing up, nya!" Kuroka shed a tear as she embraced her sister. Koneko sighed in response, but didn't try to wiggle free, Asia smiled, while the Knight could feel it's lips curling slightly upward.
"… Shall we begin the practice?" The Knight asked, while the trio nodded.
"Let's," Koneko agreed.
The Knight found itself in a remote location, away from prying eyes, where Kuroka, Asia and Koneko were already waiting for it. Asia stood at the backlines as she watched the events unfold. Over the past few weeks Koneko went through a senjutsu training, taught to her by her sister, Kuroka and the results were… explosive.
The Knight dashed back, just as Koneko landed where it just stood, creating a massive crater with her fist. It was back in it's vessel form, Kuroka standing behind and guiding her younger sister. She was covered in an aura of ki, while the Knight was doing it's best to avoid getting hit, something it knew quite well. However, Shirone was learning based on what it did, making it harder than it expected.
When it tried to jump above her, she jumped as well, even summoning a big flaming wheel and launching it in it's direction. This forced the Knight to use both wings and dash to avoid being hit by her combo of attacks. In fact, the girl became so skilled that she was now sporting a pair of cat ears and two tails, which significantly boosted her combat prowess. Just a few weeks ago, the Knight was able to keep up easily, but now, the girl was turning into a serious fighter. It didn't help that it couldn't parry her fists, which had enough power to send shock waves through the air.
"You almost had him, Shirone, nya!" Kuroka cheered as she watched her sister trying her hardest to hurt the Knight, who was slowly starting to regret volunteering to become their sparring partner. "Now sweep under his legs!"
The Knight stepped back, avoiding the attack, only for the girl to kick the ground, which in turn launched it in the air. She followed it up, by summoning several wheels and launching them one by one in order to hit it. However, the Knight found an opening, as he could use his sword to pogo off the wheels, giving it a few more seconds of precious air time and allowing him to dodge all the projectiles, before it landed on the ground. She used some of her aura blasts to hit it while it was falling, but it was able to avoid them as well.
"So close, nya!" Kuroka exclaimed, while Koneko was panting, visibly exhausted from the practice. "Alright, Shirone, that's enough, nya."
"Okay," Koneko replied and took a deep breath, one of her tails disappearing. "How was I?"
"… Very good," It replied honestly.
"You were amazing, Koneko!" Asia exclaimed as she walked up to the girl. "You weren't hurt, were you?"
"I wasn't, Asia," Koneko replied.
"You were great Shirone, I am pretty sure that Knight almost got hit a few times, weren't you?" Kuroka asked.
"… Indeed, you have become quite strong, haven't you, Shirone?" It asked, while the girl nodded.
"Still not strong enough to beat you though," Koneko said, while the Knight shrugged.
"… Perhaps, but you are definitely better than many opponents I have faced before," It replied.
"Don't suppose you will tell us, who they were, nya?" Kuroka asked, while the Knight shook it's head. "Thought so, nya."
"… Asia, your turn, Koneko, punch me," The Knight ordered, while the girl nodded and punched it straight in the chest, making it skid on the floor, the Void leaking once again. Asia winced, no matter how many times she saw it, it still didn't make her comfortable. "… Go ahead, Asia."
"Already on it," Asia said, as she made her sacred gear appear.
There were two issues with her sacred gear. First issue was the fact that she could only heal, while being close to the one she healed. The second one? Well, she could heal anyone, which was not ideal. So, over the past few weeks, they have been trying to get Asia's sacred gear to evolve. It didn't go that far, but they discovered something a little bit different as bow and arrow of green translucent light appeared in her hands. She aimed at the Knight and let go, the arrow hitting it, before it's shell was healed in front of everyone.
"… Well done, Asia," The Knight said, while the girl beamed at it.
"Thank you!" She said with a hint of blush, happy to be complimented.
"That reminds me… Isn't the party coming soon?" Koneko asked.
"What party, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"… Riser Phenex and Rias Gremory, the marriage was canceled, but the party is happening this week," The Knight replied.
"Lucky you, nya," Kuroka said. "I wish I could come, nya, but I can't with all the devils around, nya."
"… Unfortunately," The Knight said.
"Oh well, maybe that's good, nya," She admitted.
"What do you mean, Kuroka?" Koneko asked.
"I have to go back, nya. Need to describe what I found, nya. But, don't worry, I will keep most of it a secret, nya," She replied. "Besides… I still want your babies, nya."
"… Not happening," The Knight said.
Over the past month, Kuroka tried to get into it's pants, more than once. Most often, when Koneko was at school or with Rias. She never succeeded or was able to see it naked or even shirtless. That didn't stop her from trying, if there was one thing the girl was good at, it was sheer stubbornness, something it could respect itself. The only downside was that it often had to turn down Momo and Sona, as it got busy, the girls were not happy with it. At least Rias left them alone, but she tried to spy on them with a familiar, which Koneko detected and didn't try anything since then.
"Sister," Koneko warned.
"I know, I know, but at least go with Koneko on a date, nya!" She complained, while the girl blushed.
"Not fair, I want to go on a date with Knight as well!" Asia protested and blushed as soon as she realized what she said.
"… A date?" It asked.
"Nyahaha, I want a date as well!" Kuroka added, the Knight blinking at the exclamation.
"… You are going back, though," It pointed out, while Kuroka gasped.
"Unya… that sucks," She exclaimed. "… Can I get a date after I come back, nya?"
"… Maybe," It replied, it wasn't sure what to do just yet after all. "Would you like to go on a date, Asia, Kuroka, Shirone?"
"Yes," Koneko replied.
"Me too," Asia added.
"Likewise, nya," Kuroka added.
"… I see," The Knight muttered.
Well, that was a problem, at least for the Knight. It had never been on a date before, it knew that people went on them, but that was about it. From what it remembered, only couples went on dates or those who had feelings for another, not that it cared about that. Although, from what it gathered, it made people happy, when they went on dates, so it could do that.
"… An idea, after the party, I will go on a date with everyone, one by one, is that alright with you?" It asked, while the girls looked between each other.
"I am fine with that," Koneko said.
"Me too," Asia added.
"Same here, nya," Kuroka said.
"… Alright, great job, Asia, Koneko, Kuroka, let's head back home," It said, while the group slowly made their way back.
The rest of the month of the month was fairly uneventful as nothing of importance happened. Kuroka left, which led to Koneko leaving back to Rias' home. At least Rias was happy, as Shirone told it, that Rias was happy to see her rook back. Although that didn't stop her from asking what happened, not that Koneko told her, it was a secret of her, Knight, Asia and Kuroka. However, the party was upon them and one thing it needed was a better outfit, good thing it still had plenty of clothes from back home, not that it used them. A simple black tuxedo, nothing special about it. Making sure it was ready, the Knight went outside and slowly made its way to the school. That's where Sona and others were getting ready for it, after all, they were going to travel by magic.
With that in mind, the Knight entered the Student Council, where both peerages were already waiting. And… it actually blinked it's eyes at the sight. Everyone inside was dressed in a spectacular way, breathtaking even. Long dresses that accented slim figures of the girls, tuxedos, just all kinds of stuff. Asia was dressed in a simple green dress, Koneko in a white, Sona in purple and Momo in white, others with similar accents.
"Good afternoon, Knight," Sona greeted it.
"… Good afternoon, President," It said back.
"What do you think, Knight?" Asia asked, while blushing.
"… About what?" It inquired, it's head tilted to the side.
"Well… about the dress," She said with a blush.
"… It looks good on you," It said honestly.
It didn't know anything about human fashion, but it looked good on her, at least it seemed that way. However, that seemed to be enough for the girl, as she gave it a radiant smile, which it had to try really hard to not comment upon, the girl was too cute for her own good. However, other girls did not appreciate her asking that, as Sona, Momo and Koneko turned towards it.
"What about me, Knight?" Momo asked.
"… Likewise," It said.
"And me?" Koneko asked.
"… Same," It said.
"I am pretty sure I know the answer, but what do you think, Knight?" Sona asked.
"… Same, the dresses suit you all, everyone here looks great to me," It said plainly, making Sona sigh.
"I really wish you could be more subtle than that," Sona admitted, before shaking her head. "Regardless, let us go to the party, is everyone ready?"
"Seems like it," Rias said, the two peerages nodding in response.
"Well then, let us proceed," Sona said, before two magic circles appeared beneath their feet and just like that the group vanished.
A moment later, they found themselves in front of a massive mansion, which dwarfed any building the Knight had seen thus far, except for the school itself. Outside, it could see armoured guards, who seemed to be wearing sets of full plate armour, which covered their faces and bodies. Upon their arrival in front of it, Sona presented their invitations and the guards lowered their weapons, thus letting them inside.
"Let's go," Sona said, while the group went inside.
The inside of the building was very sophisticated, red decorations, massive windows, an orchestra playing for the guests. Hundreds of devils could be seen inside, the Knight blinking at the sheer amount of them. As they were looking around, a certain duo approached, Raven and Riser Phenex dressed in formal clothing approached them.
"Welcome, everyone to this humble party," Ravel said and bowed. "We hope, it's to your liking?"
"I believe you don't need to be worried, Miss Ravel," Sona said with a bow of her own. "It's a pleasure to be here."
"The pleasure is ours, Miss Sitri," Riser said with a bow of his own. "Now, please, come inside, make yourself comfortable."
"Very well," Sona said, while Riser and Ravel began greeting them one by one, until only Knight was left. Asia and others went to get their seats.
"So, Mr Knight, what do you think of our party?" Ravel asked, as the duo of siblings walked up to it.
"… It's fancy," It settled upon.
"I am glad to hear it," Ravel said and turned towards Riser. "Brother, is there something you would like to say?"
"So, Knight, I would like to thank you for making me reconsider the marriage," Riser began. "I hope that you will enjoy the party."
With that, the man extended his hand towards the Knight, who looked at it, before returning the handshake. "… Don't thank me, I didn't do anything, just pointed out the obvious."
"Please don't sell yourself short, Mr Knight," Ravel said. "You have spared both of our families a lot of trouble, we are grateful for that."
"… If you say so," It replied, not sure what the big deal was anyway. It was just a marriage wasn't it?"
"And who do we have here?" Sirzechs asked, as he walked up to them, Zekram Bael on his right, the two siblings bowing at their sight. "I didn't expect to see you here, Knight."
"… Same here," The Knight said and glanced towards Zekram. "… Who is that?"
"I am Zekram Bael," The devil introduced himself. "And you must be the famous Arthur Knight, aren't you?"
"… Yes, how do you know?" The Knight asked.
"Sirzechs here told me about you a little bit," The devil said.
"… I see," The Knight replied. "Can I help you somehow?"
"No, I just wanted to make your acquaintances," He replied. "Now, we shall be taking our leave, I am afraid. There are a couple nobles here that we need to talk to, don't we, Sirzechs?"
"That we do. Miss Ravel, Mister Riser, please introduce the Knight to Sairaorg Bael, if you could," Sirzechs said.
"We shall do so, Lord Lucifer," Ravel said.
"Thank you, now then, enjoy your time here," Sirzechs said and the two devils left.
"Okay, I have to know, how do you know Lord Lucifer?" Riser asked.
"… I met him before," It said back.
"You met Lord Lucifer in person, why is that?" Ravel asked.
"… Can't tell," It replied, after all it was a secret about reverting the Evil Pieces.
"Is that so…?" Ravel asked, before shaking her head. "Regardless, please come with us, Mr Knight, we would like to talk with you for a bit."
"… Okay," The Knight said and followed the two siblings.
"Say, how much do you know about Lord Lucifer?" Riser asked.
"… Not much, strong fighter," It replied.
"Strong fighter…? Ah, I see, you must have seen him spar with somebody, correct?" Riser asked, while the Knight shook its head.
"… No, I sparred with him, managed to get a hit in, didn't die," It said, the duo looking at him like he just grew a second head.
"You… sparred with Lord Lucifer?" Ravel asked. "Why is that?"
"… It was a request of his," It replied.
"That's… impressive," Riser admitted. "How strong are you, Knight?"
"… Strong enough," It settled on, Riser deciding to leave it be.
"So, Mr Knight, may I ask, what are vessels? I have not been able to find anything about your kind," Ravel admitted.
"… It's a secret," It said, while Ravel sighed.
"Very well, I shall leave it be, I hope I didn't cause any discomfort?" She asked, while the Knight shook it's head.
"...It's fine," It replied, while Ravel nodded.
"Now then, Lord Lucifer ordered us to introduce you to Sairaorg Bael, let us do that," Ravel said and began leading them through the crowd. "And here we are."
"Oh, Miss Ravel, Mister Riser, what brings you to me today?" Sairaorg asked. The devil in question was a handsome young man with black hair and violet eyes. He was very tall and had muscular build.
"Good afternoon, Mister Sairaorg, Lord Lucifer wanted to introduce you to Mr Knight," Ravel explained, while the man looked at the vessel.
"I see. I am Sairaorg Bael, pleased to make your acquaintance," The man said and extended his hand towards the Knight.
"… Arthur Knight," The Knight replied and returned the handshake, noticing that the man seemed quite powerful, definitely more powerful than Rias.
"So, from what clan are you, Knight?" The man asked.
"… No clan, not a devil, a vessel," It replied, with the same dull expression.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to insult you," The man replied.
"… None taken," It replied, while Sairog smiled.
"So, Miss Ravel, is Mr Knight here a friend of yours?" He asked, while the girl shook her head with a small smile.
"I am afraid not, we met recently, but that's all there is to it," She replied.
"I see," He replied and turned towards the Knight. "So, Mr Knight, are you a warrior by any chance?"
"… A bit," It replied, while Sairaorg smiled.
"Is that so? A martial artist perhaps, judging by your lean silhouette?" The man asked.
"… Not exactly, sword user," It replied.
"I prefer my fists, but swords are good too," Sairaorg admitted. "Forgive my curiosity, but you seem pretty strong, is that correct?"
"… More or less, I sparred with Sirzechs Lucifer," It replied, while Sairaorg eyes' spread wide open, a grin on his face.
"That's one hell of an accomplishment, in fact, would you be interested in a friendly fight?" Sairaorg asked.
"… Why is that?" The Knight inquired.
"I like fighting strong opponents and those who worked hard to become strong," The devil admitted.
"… Are you one of those by any chance?" It asked, while Sairaorg laughed.
"I sure am, what about you, Mr Knight?" Sairaorg asked.
"… I think so too, didn't become strong overnight, practiced a lot, got hurt in the process," It replied.
"I like you already, so, what do you say?" Sairaorg asked. Well, who was he to turn down a good fight? He actually was craving it a bit, not enough of strong opponents around.
"… I agree, but not now, later," It replied.
"Great, there is an arena prepared just in case, see you later then. Mr Riser, Miss Ravel, thank you for introducing me," Sairaorg said.
"It was our pleasure, Mister Sairaorg," Ravel said with a bow. "I will make sure the arena is vacant for your spar."
"Thank you, Miss Ravel. You're doing great work, keep it up," The devil said. "I will see you two later. Take care, everyone."
And with that Sairaorg left, while Riser turned to Ravel. "Ravel, I am going to our guests and see if they need anything, please show the Knight around."
"I will, now them, shall we go, Mr Knight?" She asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… Let's," It agreed and followed the girl.
"How do you enjoy the party thus far, Mr Knight?" Ravel asked as she held a cup with a wine in her hands, the Knight declining it's own.
"… Not good at partying, but it seems fun," It replied.
"I am glad to hear that," Ravel said with a slight smile. "Do you have any siblings by any chance?"
"… I do," It replied and glanced towards her. "Why do you ask?"
"I am just curious, Mr Knight," She replied honestly.
"… You care about your brother, don't you?" It asked, while Ravel blinked at the statement.
"I do, yes, is there something wrong with it, Mr Knight?" She asked, while the Knight shook it's head.
"… Call me Knight, it's easier this way," It requested.
"But it is impolite!" She protested, only for the Knight to give her signature blank look. "Very well… Mis… Knight."
"… Thank you," It said. "I… have got a sister."
"A sister, is she similar to you by any chance?" She asked, while the Knight shook it's head.
"No, different, way different, tried to kill me twice," It said, Ravel's eyes spread wide open.
"That's… I am sorry to hear that," She said with a bow, while the Knight blinked at her.
"… Why are you sorry?" It asked, confused by the wording.
"I mean… your sister must not be on speaking terms with you, is that correct?" She asked.
"… We are, she is a friend, a rival and an ally. She saved my life, I care about her, just as you seem to care about your brother," It said, while Ravel blinked before smiling.
"I am glad to hear, Knight," She said and a few moments later, they arrived at the table, where Asia, Koneko and others were waiting.
"… I am back," The Knight said.
"It took you awhile," Koneko pointed out, while the boy shrugged.
"… I was busy," It replied honestly.
"Indeed, I have been showing Knight around the party, which unfortunately took some time," Ravel added.
"Well, you're back, that's all matters," Asia said with a smile.
"Really, Knight? Are you soliciting another helpless damsel?" Sona pointed out, while Ravel flushed in response.
"Miss Sitri, it's nothing like that, I assure you," Ravel said.
"Is that so?" Momo asked, before glancing towards the Knight. "In that case, thank you for your effort, Miss Ravel."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Hanakai," The girl said with a bow.
And just as the Knight was ready to sit down, the music changed and the parquet was quickly converted as pairs of devils began dancing to the music, most of them in pairs. That seemed to cause a jolt among the group, as all at the table stood up to dance themselves. The first one to walk up to it was Koneko.
"Can we dance together?" Koneko asked, while the Knight blinked in response.
"… I don't know how," It replied.
"You do not know how to dance, Knight?" Ravel asked, while the Knight nodded. "As one of the hosts of the party, I believe that should be rectified, would you like me to teach you?"
"I can teach you as well," Koneko said, while glaring daggers at Ravel, who frowned in response.
"… I think you should dance with somebody else, that won't step on your toes," It said, while Koneko frowned.
"I don't mind that," She replied.
"… I do, don't want to hurt you by accident," The Knight replied, Koneko frowning.
"Oh, I am sorry, I didn't know that you were together," Ravel, while Koneko blushed and stepped back.
"We aren't," Koneko said.
"That's true, they aren't," Asia added.
"In that case, is my proposal fine with you, Miss Toujou, Knight?" Ravel asked, while Koneko frowned.
"… Only one dance," Koneko settled on. Maybe if Knight stepped on her toes, she would leave him be?
"That's all I am asking for, please follow me, Knight," Ravel said and led him onto the dance floor. "Now, please give me your left hand."
"… Like this?" It asked, not sure what to do.
Ravel then grasped it, before frowning as she felt the Knight barely holding it. "Your grip must be firm, Knight."
"...Okay," The Knight said and squeezed the girl's hand a bit tighter, which was very soft compared to the hard shells of the bugs it fought.
"That's the correct way to hold a hand. Now, please place your hand on my wrist and follow my lead," Ravel ordered, while the Knight nodded. He was quite a bit taller than the girl, which made it a bit awkward, but it did his best.
The results were… not the best. The Knight could feel it's legs stepping on Ravel's toes, as it tried to wrap it's head around the concept of rhythm and music. However, after the first dance was over, Ravel looked a bit hurt, but she put on a brave face, which only frustrated the Knight in turn. It didn't like that, it was just like the first time it fought… Grimm? That's it!
"Well… I believe that our dance is over," Ravel said and was ready to leave, but the Knight refused to let go. "Knight?"
"… One more dance, follow me," It ordered, while the girl blinked in response.
This time it was ready, it remembered the song, the rhythm, the pace of the fight. It would make it work, hopefully. First, a bow, which the girl returned, before he did as she taught it. Now was the music part, it was different than during its fight with Grimm, but it remembered it perfectly. Jump above the fire bats, dash and hit.
It's leg stepped forward, next to Ravel, as it made a simple rotation, the two splitting apart for a moment before coming closer, Ravel blinking at the odd dance that didn't seem to fit the music they were dancing to, but the Knight was too focused on the memories. Grimm's spike attack. Then stand still for a moment. A dive attack, jump over it, hit Grimm from above.
The Knight's legs followed an odd rhythm, Ravel following its movement, trying her best to keep up and not getting stepped on this time. Next was Dash Uppercut, the Knight increasing the distance between them, as it made another rotation. It remembered avoiding blast of flames from above. Now that the damage was dealt, it was time for the Pufferfish.
Tiny fireballs headed it's way, the Knight jumping, waiting and double jumping, Ravel looked a bit better, a smile on her face. However, this odd dance brought attention to other devils who began watching intently, not that the Knight cared about it, as it continued through the phases. Dash, dodge, hit, move away. Those playing the orchestra found themselves watching, before the music changed, becoming oddly similar to the fight with the Grimm.
That was enough, the Knight began dancing with Ravel across the dance floor, a wild dance, looking more like a fight, the two constantly coming close and then splitting away. Koneko, Asia, Momo, Sona and others could only stare at what had to be one of the oddest dances they have seen, and yet somehow the most vivid that day. Just as the song finished, the Knight dealt a finishing blow, as it titled the girl on her legs, making her yelp, the two close together, Ravel kept off the floor, only by the Knight's firm grip on her, it could hear devils cheering at them, but it wasn't sure why.
It blinked it's eyes, looked around, looked at the Ravel, whose face was just inches away from it and who was also quite red for some reason, before helping her out. "… Was it better?"
"It was, Knight," She admitted and took a deep breath, before bowing. "Thank you for this dance, but I am afraid I need to take a moment."
"… Very well, Miss Ravel," It said and bowed as well, before making his way to the table.
"Woah, when did you learn how to dance?" Saji asked.
"… I didn't, did I dance?" It asked, it seemed so, but it couldn't exactly remember how it did it.
"You did, you did dance really well in fact," Sona admitted. "What was that dance anyway?"
"… I am not sure, I don't know how I danced to be honest," It replied.
"How do you… You know what, don't answer that, regardless, I would like to request the same dance as well, if I may," Sona said.
"Me too!" Asia added.
"Same here," Momo added.
"I want to dance with you too," Koneko said, the four girls looking at it with expectations.
"… I don't mind," It replied. "… One by one? One dance? Sona first, then Asia, then Momo, then Koneko?"
"That seems fair to me," Sona said, while the other girls nodded. "… Shall we?"
"… Let's," The Knight agreed and gently grasped the girl's hand before leading her to a dance floor.
Just like before, the music changed into that similar to the Grimm Troupe. The dance restarted, as the Knight proceeded to repeat the moves it did with Ravel, stuck in reliving memories. Just as before, it finished off with Sona close to it's face, just as red as Ravel, which it swiftly corrected. Sona, gathered her bearings and this time it was Momo's turn, the song getting a bit same to an extent. As it finished the dance with the girl, who looked quite happy, if a bit red, it noticed that it was too easy. It needed something even more fierce than that, Nightmare King Grimm.
"So, it's my turn now, isn't it?" Asia asked, while the Knight nodded.
"… I am going to dance a bit differently," It said, while Asia blinked. "… Follow me."
The music in it's mind changed, becoming much more sinister and rapid, akin to the nightmare it was forced to endure to defeat Grimm. Fire Bats, jump between them, shadow dash through one, land a hit. It's moves were repeated on the dance floor, Asia yelping from the sudden change in pace, but the Knight was far from over.
Dive dash, jump above, hit, dash away from the flames, making Asia spin in the process. Dash uppercut, dash away, get a hit in, avoid the fire balls. It changed direction, the girl trying her best to avoid, having her toes stepped on despite the rapid pace. Cloak spikes, faster, wait, avoid. Flame pillar, walk slowly, jump, hit, wait, shadow dash through the flames, hit again.
Asia was getting a bit dizzy, but she refused to give up, her cheeks red, her breathing hard. The devils around them were watching, as the Knight made another rotation, the music changing to fit the pace of it. Now, was the time for the Pufferfish. Jump, land, double jump, don't get hit, another stage. The Knight kept on going as some of the devils tried to reproduce the effect, but not going nearly as well. The Knight continued this crazy dance, until the final hit was made, Asia ending in a similar pose as Ravel. She was red as a tomato, the Knight looking at her for a moment, before it helped her out, devils once again cheering at the display.
"… Are you okay, Asia?" It asked, while the girl nodded.
"I'm fine… Thank you for the dance," She said with a bow.
"… You're welcome," It said, before leading the girl back to the table and walking up to Koneko. "Shall we?"
"Let's," Koneko agreed and gulped.
The girl was not ready for the dance, just like Asia wasn't, but she kept her pace, doing her best to keep with the Knight. As they danced, she let herself relax, the dance vivid, but also very passionate. As she danced like this, she couldn't help but notice the warm feeling of Knight's hands and as the dance finished, she found herself in the same position as other girls, Knight's face, inches away from her. She was hot, as she noticed the boy so close to her, her attention on his face, the lips, the eyes, making her dizzy. However, before she could act, the Knight helped her out and set her straight.
"… Are you alright, Koneko?" It asked, while the girl nodded.
"Thank you… for the dance," She said and bowed, before slowly making her way to the table.
The dance floor erupted as the devils of all kinds clapped and cheered for it, the Knight looking confused at the display. From the corner, Ravel, Sona and others were watching. Sona was smiling, same with Ravel, Rias was staring with her jaw on the floor, Akeno had a dangerous look in her eyes, one that was reminiscent of a succubus. Issei looked like he wanted to cry, while Saji seemed to be taking notes to repeat the dance himself one day and it could have sworn some of the devils were taking photos or recording movies. And all this time, the Knight could only think one thing, what the hell did it do?
DON'T LEAVE ME NOW MY MUSE! == Continues writing furiously, before collapsing.