Hey everyone and get ready for this chapter. This will be the first chapter of the New Year, so I made it long. This chapter will have a lot of content in it as it will feature both the introduction of Gasper and his backstory. As well as Akeno's backstory and Shirou doing his thing in lifting both of their broken spirits. It will also include him meeting Michael and receiving Ascalon. There will also be a lot of dialogue and a few things I added for this story. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit fan-based parody, Highschool DxD, Highschool DxD New, Highschool DxD Born, Highschool DxD EX and Highschool DxD Hero are all owned by Funimation, Fushimi Shobo, TNK, Passione, and Ichiei Ishibumi. Please support the official release.

"Shirou" Regular speech.

"Shirou" Thoughts.

DRAGON SHOT Attack names.

(Shirou) Words said previously.

"SHIROU!" Shouting speech.

[Ddraig] Dragon talking.

Looking Back And Moving Forward

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

An outrageously high scream emitted from inside. Rias wasn't even surprised, rather while sighing, entered alongside Akeno.

"Good day to you. It's nice to see you all energetic." She said to whoever made the scream.

"W-W-Whyyyyyyyy?"

The exchange happening inside was heard. Judging from the voice, it could have been a Middle School kid but… It was either a girl or was it a young boy. It was hard to say for sure right now. Though it was easy to say that the person was extremely confused.

"Ara, Ara, the seal got removed, you know? You are able to go out now. Now, let's all go out together?"

Akeno informed the person inside with a gentle tone as if to comfort them. However.

"Noooooooooooooooooo! This place is gooooooooooood! I don't want to go outside! I don't want to meet peopleeeeeee!"

Shirou groaned. "I can already tell I'm not going to like this."

"Yeah but, on some levels, I can kinda understand." Mika shrugged.

Asia tilted her head confused. Xenovia also let out a questioning look. Only Kiba and Koneko understood the circumstances. In fact, Kiba was smiling bitterly and Koneko was letting out a sigh.

Deciding to see for themselves, the rest of the club walked in the room as well. Walking in just a bit, they took a look around.

The curtains were tightly shut close. Dim. The room was decorated in an unexpectedly cute manner, it looked like a girl's room. Stuffed dolls were present as well. It seemed normal enough except for the coffin. There was a single coffin present in one corner that seemed to be used in funerals abroad.

Rias and Akeno were in the interior. Meaning the Bishop was present past them.

Approaching further, the one present there was a bishoujo with noble looks with hair styled in a short bob-cut with several small fringes over the forehead, Platinum blonde hair and pink-violet eyes which looked like those of a doll, pale-white skin and her ears were pointed at the edges. Sitting down on the floor, with a pose that looked as if wanting to escape from Rias and Akeno. She was shaking a lot.

She was also dressed in Kuoh Academy's girl's uniform.

"That's the Bishop?" Shirou asked, raising a brow.

"A girl, blonde, and not to mention a foreigner." Mika listed. "Like Asia."

After saying that, Rias turned her head sideways.

"Appearance-wise, this child looks like a girl but without a doubt, he is a boy."

.

.

.

An awkward silence filled the air after hearing something neither of them expected. Needing more information Shirou asked.

"Then what's with the drag?"

"He has a hobby of dressing in female clothes." Akeno said that calmly.

"Of course he does." Shirou responded drily, almost like he expected as much. "Just what we've come to expect from this freak-show of a Peerage."

"Now hold on a second." Mika stepped back and placed her hands together like a camera. First looking at Rias. "An Exhibitionist." Then Akeno. "A Sadist." Then Asia. "Moe." Then Koneko. "Jail-bait plus Furry." Then Xenovia. "Guilty Pleasure." Then Kiba. "Yaoi." She then gestured to herself. "Incest." And finally the new Bishop. "And now a Trap. Now, all we need is a Teacher, and we'll have every fetish you could ever want."

Koneko gave her a cold stare.

"…Talking about vulgar words is prohibited."

"Aw, is someone upset about being called jail-bait." Mika patronized her.

"Enough." Shirou broke them apart. "Let's get back to the main topic. You."

"Eeeeeeeeeeek! I am sorry, I am sorryyyyyyyyyyy!"

The platinum-haired girl's clothed guy let out a shriek due to his voice.

"You should be." Shirou told him, clearly disgusted by his appearance. "Why are you dressed in drag?"

"B-B-B-Because, girl's clothes are super cute."

"Do I look like someone who cares about what's cute?"

The scowl on Shirou's face clearly said no. Though that only scared the kid more.

"B-B-B-By the way, who is this person?"

The girl's clothed boy asked Rias. Rias said it while pointing to Shirou, Mika, Asia and Xenovia.

"These are new servants who came while you were here. The Pawn; Shirou Tsukiharu, The Knight; Xenovia, The Rook; Mika Tsukiharu, and like you, the Bishop; Asia Argento."

Asia and Xenovia greeted him and Mika just waved because they were introduced but, girl's clothed boy only fearfully said.

"Eeeeek, the members increased by a lot!"

"Please, can we go out? Okay? It's all right for you not to be sealed any more, you know?"

Rias said it gently but—

"Noooooooo! For me the outside world is impossibleeeeeeee! I am scared! I am scared of the outside! In any case, even if I go outside it would only cause trouble for otherssssss!"

Hearing his constant shrieking and whining made Shirou lose whatever little patience he had left.

"God Shut the Hell up. Why are you such a whiny little bitch?"

"It is started to grate on my nerves."

Xenovia agreed with Shirou's statement. Though Asia stepped forward.

"Now, now, be nice. Let's try to be a bit more understanding of Bishop-san."

Asia tried walking up to him. It was at that moment where she got to close him.

"Eeeeeek!"

FLASH!

Along with the cross-dressing boy's scream, the scenery in front of everyone became white—

Suddenly as though he teleported in an instant, the boy who should have been in the coffin wasn't there then. Looking at it, he was shaking in one corner of the room. Which made no sense to anyone who was just meeting him.

"This is strange. Something in this moment…..."

"…..It is that certain something happened."

"…But I.….. I can't even begin to guess what."

Asia, Xenovia, and Mika were surprised by the mysterious phenomenon, though Shirou stayed silent, the rest of the members were only letting out sighs. Kiba and the others, of course, knew about it.

"Don't get angry! Don't get angry! Please don't hit meeeeeeeee!"

As usual, the girl's clothed boy was just shouting. What did this guy do.

Noticing their confusing doubt, Akeno explained.

"That child possesses a Sacred Gear that, when he's excited, the time of everything in his field of vision can be stopped for a fixed interval of time."

"Time stoppage? Guess that's why everyone said he was dangerous. Especially when the user himself is as harmless as a baby butterfly."

Shirou noted while Akeno continued.

"Because he can't control his Sacred Gear, by the orders of the Archduke and the Devil King—Sirzechs-sama, he was sealed."

Rias hugged girl's clothed boy from behind and said to them.

"This boy is Gasper Vladi. He's my Bishop. For the time being, he's Kuoh Academy's First-Year. Also, before being reincarnated he was half Human, half Vampire."

"A Vampire?"

"A Bloodsucker?"

"A mosquito?"

Mika and Xenovia exclaimed, surprised for different reasons. Though after Shirou called him a mosquito everyone just silently stared at him. Which made him scowl at all of them.

"Oh get off it, you know it's true."

After getting Gasper to come out of his room, the club all went back to the clubroom. Rias sat behind her desk and Akeno stood beside her, while Gasper stood before the group. Shirou, Asia, and Mika sat on one couch while Kiba and Xenovia sat on the other. Koneko sat on Shirou's lap.

"Forbidden Balor View?"

Rias nodded to Asia's question.

"Yes. That's the name of the Sacred Gear Gasper possesses. It's very powerful."

"To stop time, that power's as old as time itself, no pun intended." Mika brought up. "Still, I had a feeling we'd run into someone with that power eventually. It always shows up in the supernatural."

"Maybe, but it doesn't hold a candle to my Boosted Gear."

Upon his words, Rias responds.

"Yes, you do have a better handle on your powers. And there lies the problem with Gasper's power, the fact is that he's not able to handle it. Because of that, Gasper had been sealed till now. Unconsciously activating his Sacred Gear was seen as a problem."

"But wait, I thought Devils could only reincarnate someone if the Devil in question is strong enough to control that person's power. Or compensate by using multiple pieces, like how you used all your Pawn pieces on me." Shirou reminded her. "If this fruit is so strong, how'd you reincarnate him with just one piece?"

"That's because I used a Mutation piece." Rias answered.

"Mutation… Piece?"

Kiba answered Shirou's question.

"It's different from the usual Evil piece, bodies that clearly require more than one piece to be reincarnated can be reincarnated with a single piece, it's a piece that can make such a phenomenon occur."

"The Chief possessed that piece."

Is what Akeno said. Kiba continues further.

"Usually, for High-Class Devils, 1 in 10 Devils possesses a single piece. It's an irregularity born when the Evil piece system was created, it's kind of like a bug but it seems like it was kept for fun. Gasper-kun is the one who used that piece."

"So you were lucky and hit the jackpot. Thus you got Gasper."

Shirou summarized, Rias nodded meaning she agreed before continuing.

"The problem is Gasper's ability."

"What do you mean?"

"He possesses a rare ability and it seems his Sacred Gear's power increases when he's unconscious. Maybe because of that, every day his power is increasing. From the previous conversation we can say, in the future, there's a possibility he may attain Balance Breaker."

Shirou raised a brow. "Balance Breaker? He can already stop time, what would a Balance Breaker be like?"

Maybe because she understood from the expression on Shirou's face, Rias also put her hand on her forehead with a troubled face.

"Yes. It's a critical situation. However, because my evaluation was accepted, it seems I was judged that I may be able to control Gasper now by the people that evaluated me. Maybe because Shirou and Yuuto attained Balance Breaker."

"But sadly for you, they awakened their Balance Breakers on their own without you being a factor, so those evaluations were made because those people had the wrong idea and thought you were more involved than you actually were." Mika summarized while pretending to be sympathetic. "Oh, poor Princess Rias having to live up to everyone's expectations but not knowing how."

Rias frowned at her. "I feel bad enough without your mockery."

"The main problem here is the mosquito kid."

FLASH!

Suddenly he was gone again and there was a muffling sound in the corner of the room. They looked to see a trembling cardboard box that Gasper was clearly hiding inside. "I don't like it when you guys talk about me like I'm not here. Why can't you just ignore that I'm alive like usual?"

"I wish we could ignore you."

Shirou told him, while Rias explained.

"Judging by magical ability, maybe after Mika, Shirou and then Akeno, he would be next. Even though I say half Vampire, he's from a Pure-Blooded Vampire family with a good lineage and has a powerful Sacred Gear because of his Human half. He's well endowed with the abilities of Vampires, and he excels in Human magic wielded by wizards as well. If not so, then he probably wouldn't have been made a Bishop with just one Evil piece."

"And I'm guessing since he's half Human, he can survive in the sun."

"Actually, it's for a different reason, he possess the blood of a special Vampire known as Day-walker which can move in the day, so there's no problem. However, he may dislike it."

However, Gasper cried out.

"I hate daylighttt! It's better if the sun disappeareeeeeed!"

"He's right though, the sun should disappear." Mika chimed in.

"Don't encourage him!" Shirou scolded her, before looking towards Gasper. "And anyway, why you hiding in a box, you know we can still see you right?"

"No! I am fine inside this cardboard box! The air and light of the outside are a natural enemy to meeeee! Please let me remain a boy who lives in a cardboard boooooox!"

Hearing Gasper's cry, Shirou just became fed up at this point.

"And let me guess, he doesn't drink blood either."

Rias responded to his question. A little fed up herself by now.

"Since he's a half Vampire, he doesn't thirst for blood as often. If you supply the blood for him once every 10 days, there's no problem. Though, it seems he originally didn't like drinking blood."

"I hate blooooood! I hate fish tooooooo! I hate liver as welllllll!"

"Okay, how can there possibly be a Vampire that hates blood!?" Mika snapped. "That's literally the thing that makes you a Vampire!"

"…A good-for-nothing vampire." Koneko spews out those words without mercy.

"Uwaaaaaaah! Koneko-chan is a meanieeee!"

"He's got a powerful Sacred Gear, a strong bloodline, and is free from most of the weaknesses other Vampires have." Shirou listed. "On paper, he'd be a gem among his peers but in reality, all that stuff is useless because the holder is just some crybaby wimp."

"A Vampire that can't even drink blood is a joke." Mika added.

"Uwaaaaaaah! You're all meanieeees!"

Through Gasper's moaning, Rias got up from her seat.

"For the time being, till I come back, Shirou, Asia, Mika, Koneko, Xenovia, I'll leave Gasper's training to you. Akeno and I will be going to the meeting place for the top of the Three Factions. And Yuuto, it seems Onii-sama wants to hear in detail about your Balance Breaker so you should accompany us."

"Yes, Chief." Kiba stood up when his name was called.

"Sure, why not? Just dump the kid on us." Shirou sarcastically replied, irked.

"Gasper-kun, you should start getting used to the outside, you know?"

Akeno speaks across the cardboard box.

"Akeno Onee-samaaaaaaa! Please don't say stuff like thaaaaaaaat"

"Ara, Ara, that's troubling. Everyone, we'll leave it to you."

"Yeah. Then, shall I thoroughly discipline him? A weak man is no good. And also I wanted to face off with a Vampire since childhood. Leave his treatment to me." With that Xenovia pulled on to the rope attached to Gasper's Cardboard box.

"Eeeeeeeeek! N-N-N-No way, I don't want to fight against the user of the Holy Sword Durrandaaaaal! I-I'll be destroyeeeeed!"

"Don't scream, Gasper. If you like, shall I prepare a cross and Holy water, and also attack you with garlic?"

"Eeeeeeeeeek! Garlic, noooooooooo!"

"…This can only end horribly." Koneko noted.

Shirou stroked the top of her head like he would a cat.

"I second that motion."

"Nya."

Koneko purred, enjoying the treatment Shirou was giving her.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"Hey, start running!" Xenovia exclaimed as they were outside and she was chasing Gasper—Who was crying—Around while carrying Durandal in a small open space behind the building. As they were approaching the evening. The others were just standing in the sidelines watching the whole fiasco. "If you're a Day-walker then you should be able to run in the day."

"Eeeeeeek! Don't chase me while swinging the Durandaaaaaaal!"

"Okay, who's the idiot who thought it was a good idea to let Xenovia take the lead." Shirou questioned.

"The idiot was Xenovia herself." Mika informed him.

"Even though it was an honor to have met the Bishop-san just like me, we haven't even properly seen each other's faces…..." Asia seemed regretful. She's also a bit tearful.

At home last night she kept saying it a lot 'I want to meet the other Bishop-san', she was anticipating her meeting. Even though it's their long-awaited encounter, since he's a max level Human-hater and a complete shut-in, it can't be helped.

After she was done with him, Xenovia stopped chasing Gasper. Gasper sat down against a tree in a feminine position, looking like he was going to cry again. "I don't understand why you have to be so mean to me?" He whimpered.

"A healthy mind lives in a healthy body." Xenovia told him as she stood in front of Gasper. Still having Durandal out. "Trust me, you won't think I'm so mean when you're stronger." She then smirked, feeling proud of herself.

"Trial by fire." Mika commented. "She's trying to force the results."

"Yeah, but sadly that'll never work when training a lady-boy." Shirou added, unimpressed.

"I can't do this anymore!" Gasper sobbed. "What you say doesn't matter if my legs won't work!"

Koneko reached into her pocket and pulled something out as she approached him. "…Gya-kun." Gasper looked up at her only to see what she pulled out was some garlic. "If you eat garlic, you'll become healthy."

Gasper quickly freaked out and ran away from her. "Nooooooo! Koneko-chan is bullying meeeeeee!" He screamed

Now Koneko was chasing him in the same manner Xenovia was a moment ago. And the others were still just watching.

"Wait, was she just carrying that garlic around this whole time?" Shirou questioned, finding it odd. "Does that mean she was planning to do this from the start."

"Looks like Koneko enjoys messing with others, namely Gasper." Mika figured.

"Man, you guys know how to make a racket."

The three of them looked to the side the see the Pawn of the Sitri Peerage, Takeru Saito appeared at the scene.

"Saito-san?" Asia addressed him. "Why are you here?"

Saito shrugged tiredly. "Sona said we had to make the school look good for the leaders of the Three Faction who are coming for the Summit. And so she wanted me to do some gardening around the flower bed. Obviously, I'd never do that so I ditched."

"While that certainly sounds like something you'd do, that doesn't explain why you're here." Shirou reminded him.

"I just wanted to find something interesting to do, then I heard Rias finally unsealed her big bad Bishop. So I wanted to see it for myself."

"Well, take a look."

When Koneko was finally done chasing Gasper, he was on the ground again, crying. When Saito saw him, any expectation he had were replaced by disappointment.

"You gotta be kidding me, the Bishop's a little girl?"

"So it would appear, but sadly the family jewels have not been stolen."

After Shirou corrected him, Saito just looked more irked.

"Of course, what else could you expect from the Gremory freak-show Peerage?"

Asia whispered to Mika. "Isn't that very similar to what Shirou-san said earlier?"

Mika grinned and nodded. "It's a guy thing, they're just close like that."

Suddenly there was some ruffling sounds coming from the forest behind them and quiet footsteps could be heard. "Heh. The servants of Maou's' family's Devils are playing over here." Turning in the direction of the voice, everyone saw an evil-looking male wearing a yukata who went by the name of Azazel. "Yo, Red Dragon Emperor. It's been some time since that night." Azazel greeted him, with a pleasant smirk.

"Hey big guy, long time." Shirou gave him the same expression. "Or do you prefer Azazel?"

Xenovia had her Sword ready to strike. Maybe because she sensed the atmosphere, Koneko raised her fists and brought out her Cat-ears and tail. Asia hid behind Shirou, though Shirou and Mika didn't really seem concerned. Saito, while surprised, brought out the face of a deformed lizard on his right hand. It's Saito's Sacred Gear, Delete Field. However, Saito mainly summoned his Gear out of a precaution rather than an urgency like the rest.

"Hey Tsukiharu, is this guy really Azazel?"

"That's him alright. I couldn't possibly mistake that hair-style."

Azazel laughed at that remark. "Really? That's how you remember me?"

Maybe because of Shirou's lack of seriousness in his response, Saito understood the situation and kept a casual position.

Azazel smiles bitterly at the postures of the others who still wanted to fight. Let alone thirst for blood, he didn't even let out the presence of him trying to fight a battle.

"I don't feel like fighting. Hey, thaw your postures, Low-Class Devil." He advised them. "You should somehow know that even with the bunch gathered here, you wouldn't win against me, right? Though the Welsh Dragon might be able to scratch me on a good day, even I don't plan on bullying Low-Class Devils."

"Don't tempt me to try it." Shirou joked, before turning to the others. "Put it down, you guys." He told them like he was commanding them. "It didn't work on Kokabiel and it won't work here, besides the Summit in a few days is all about making peace, so pretty soon he won't be our enemy anymore. If you guys just rush in and attack, all negotiations will go up in flames."

Hearing his reasoning and sound logic, Xenovia and Koneko lowered their fists and Sword while getting out of a fighting position.

"Very impressive, he easily defused the tense atmosphere and kept a cool and rational head while doing it." Azazel thought, summarizing Shirou's actions. "Plus, it seems they acknowledge both his authority and responded to his words as if he was their King. Not bad for a young, reincarnated Devil."

"Moving back to you." Shirou turned back to Azazel. "What brings you here? This isn't the kind of place you can just wander in to without making a scene. So why'd you come?"

"Well, since I was taking a stroll, I came to visit the Devils place. Is the Holy-Demonic Sword wielder present? I came to see him."

Azazel answered his question. Though Shirou informed him with a shrug.

"Yeah, you're too late. Sirzechs also took an interest in that Sword and so he called him over. He left with Rias a few minutes ago, so you just missed him."

"….Seriously. I see, so the Holy-Demonic Sword user isn't present. This is boring."

While scratching his head, Azazel approaches. There's no hostility at all.

Azazel points to a certain tree.

"The Vampire hiding over there."

Gasper, hiding in the tree shade panicked. While approaching Gasper, the Fallen Angel Governor General says.

"You're the possessor of the Forbidden Balor View, right? If you can't use it properly, then it will become a thing that causes harm to others. As a Support-type Sacred Gear, if you can supplement the deficient aspects, it should be fine but….. Now that I mention it, the research of Sacred Gears by Devils didn't progress much. If you invoke it via the 5 senses, if the Sacred Gear's owner's capacity is insufficient then, it will move naturally, and it will be extremely dangerous."

As if peering into Gasper's face—More like, Azazel is peering into both his eyes. Gasper himself was trembling as the top head of the Fallen Angels approached him. However, no strange or evil malice from Azazel could be felt. His expression looks like he's full of interest. Maybe because the others also sensed it, they didn't know how to respond.

Azazel turns around towards the rest and points to Saito.

"Is that Delete Field? If you're practising, try using it. Aim it to this Vampire, if he invokes it while you're Deactivating the Sacred Gear's power for a limited amount of time, it would probably run less wildly."

On Azazel's explanation, Saito shows a complex expression as well.

".…..Wait, my Sacred Gear can make someone's power stay Deactivated for a limited amount of time, including Sacred Gears? I thought it just suppresses the power of an opponent while they're within range, one at a time….."

Hearing that, Azazel had an amazed expression.

"Seriously, it's because of this that recently the Sacred Gear owners don't try to know the power of their Sacred Gears well enough. The Delete Field holds the power of one of the Legendary Five Dragon Kings, The Prison Dragon, Vritra. Well, this was found out thanks to recent research. That thing can be aimed at any object or person, and can either create a Field where no special abilities or attacks can be activated or lock on to one person and for a time-limit, depending on your strength, can keep their powers turned off. If it's a short time, it's possible to use it on more than one person, and connect it to some other person or object."

"Hmm, then…. If I were to aim my power at Tsukiharu, I could not only Delete his Boosted power but stop him from powering up more?"

Saito became quiet and whispered to himself. More like, about Saito's Sacred Gear, if Azazel's explanation is true then Saito had a lot to think about.

"The Five Great Dragon Kings?" Shirou thought, looking down at his arm. "Ddraig, is it true, one of those five is inside his Sacred Gear?"

[It's as Azazel said, Vritra is certainly sealed within a Sacred Gear like myself. But unlike me, he has no conscious and is unable to speak with his host, it's because his spirit along with his body was spilt until four pieces. Unless all four are gathered, he'll remain dormant.]

"You know a lot about the Five Great Dragon Kings. Before today I only know of one; Tiamat. What about the rest?"

[Originally, in the past there were six Dragon Kings. In addition to Vritra, there's the one you already know of "Chaos Karma Dragon" Tiamat, the "Mischievous Dragon" Yu-Long, the "Sleeping Dragon" Midgardsormr, the "Gigantis Dragon" Fafnir and "Blaze Meteor Dragon" Tannin. Though I say that, Vritra was eliminated long ago. Those are all of them, but now in the present that six was changed into five Dragon Kings.]

"Why, is one of them dead or something?"

[No, they're definitely alive. You'll understand when you meet them.]

Meanwhile, Azazel turned back to Gasper.

"In improving the Sacred Gear, the fastest way would be to drink the blood of the host of the Red Dragon. If you let a Vampire drink blood, then they'll gain power. Well, do the rest yourselves."

Shirou then clapped sarcastically.

"And that ladies and gentlemen was another brilliant lecture on Sacred Gears by the one and only Sacred Gear fanatic himself; Azazel."

Azazel smiled apologetically and raised his hand. "Sorry, I tend to ramble on sometimes when I get excited about Sacred Gears."

"It happens to the best of us." Mika consoled him.

"Thank you." Azazel addressed her. "I believe this is the first time we've spoken, Mika Tsukiharu."

Mika nodded. "I'm already up to speed on everything thanks to Big Bro, so I'll just say it. Thanks for the save back then."

"No needs for thanks, I was just repaying a debt." Azazel brushed off. "Moreover. Sorry for Vali, Our White Dragon Emperor, for coming into contact with you on his own accord. I am sure you would have been surprised, right? He's an unusual guy, but he doesn't think of settling the rivalry between Red and White immediately."

"No needs for apologies, I had fun fighting him." Shirou brushed off.

Azazel chuckled a bit at that. "Heh, you two are a little alike."

The three of them just seemed to be chatting it up like old acquaintances, which given there positions made it strange and made everyone else there feel awkward. Though before long Shirou had a serious expression.

"Listen, there's something I want to ask you that's been on my mind for a while."

Azazel became serious as well once he heard his tone.

"Well, I don't mind answering any question you still might have. What is it?"

"Not right now though." Shirou told him. "I'll ask you later and at that time, I want you to answer truthfully."

Azazel was quite for a second and then spoke. "Fine then, I'll tell you anything you want to know at that time." Azazel then turned around to walk away. "Until then, I'll be taking my leave." And just like that, he was gone as quickly as he came.

"So he's the Governor-General of the Fallen Angels." Xenovia muttered, still holding her massive Sword. "I do not understand him."

"To be fair, you just met him." Shirou reminded her. "As for me, I think I'll be going too. I've had enough of this." He started to leave

"Wait, what about Gasper-san?" Asia called after him.

"You guys take care of it." Shirou waved her off.

As he walked off, Mika followed after him.

"Guess I should go to." Saito decided, also leaving. "I'm gonna go do some training. There some new ideas I have about my Sacred Gear."

And with that, all those who left were gone. Leaving behind the Durandal-wielding Knight, the loli Rook and the two blonde Bishops.

"That was scary." Gasper whined, quietly.

"And just how long do you plan to sit there?" Xenovia berated him, standing in front of Gasper again, raising Durandal. "Were getting back to training, now run or else!"

"Eeeeeeek! Don't chase meeeeee!" Gasper shrieked, crying once again.

The night of the next day was approaching as the sun was setting. After Shirou and Mika left, the rest tried to help Gasper control his powers better. But apparently after failing so many times, the Vampire First-Year locked himself back in his room and crying could be heard on the other side of the door. Rias and Shirou were standing in front of the door.

"Gasper, please come out. It's my fault for pushing you into going with the others." Rias was apologizing in front of the door of Gasper's room. "I thought that if you worked with them, it may be for your benefit as well….."

{Fueeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!}

The only response she got was more crying.

"Let's head back to the club room." Shirou suggested, putting a hand behind his head. "Right now talking will only make it worse."

Rias looked reluctant but accepted. "I suppose there's no choice for now."

All the members of the Peerage were now in the club room and Shirou was just leaning by the wall.

"Man, that kid is too much." Shirou complained. "I swear he's even worse now than before."

"Sorry." Asia lowered her head, regretful. "We wanted to help, but he only became more afraid."

"It's not your faults." Rias assured them. "In fact, I'm happy that you all tried so hard for his well being."

"Why didn't you try to help yesterday?" Kiba asked Shirou.

"The problem isn't trying to help, it's knowing how to help." Shirou told him. "If you don't know what's wrong and just say or do things you assume will make someone feel better, you could risk making it worse. And I know nothing about that kid."

"That's true, I suppose I should tell you why Gasper is like this." Rias got up from her seat and began. "The truth is, Gasper's Father is from a noble family of Vampires but since his Mother was a Human mistress, he wasn't Pure-Blooded. I heard Vampires hate those who are non-Pure-Bloods even more than Devils, the Vampires who scorn those who are non-Pure-Bloods, even if it's their sibling, their treatment is discriminating." She explained, sympathetic. "Gasper was bullied by his siblings since childhood, even when he went to the Human World, he was treated as a monster, he had no place he could call home."

"That's the natural outcome." Shirou told her, wistfully looking up. "Every society in the world has a standard, a status quo that everyone must fit into to. That's how people function properly and are able to fit in with one another, even with strangers. But the sad flip-side to that fact is there'll always be some people who can't fit into that status quo or to go even deeper, they want to but don't know how." He explained. "Sacred Gears have always been something ordinary people can't understand. And when you can't understand something, instinctively your first response is to fear it, reject it, or even hate it. And not just Gasper, there have been plenty of others who were victimized by this sort of thing, through no fault of there own."

Shirou's words struck deep into the hearts of everyone present, in some way or another they all have seen examples of what he meant and if not then they experienced it. So they knew how it felt, how painful and frustrating it was and how terrible it must have been for Gasper.

"Yes, you're right." Rias agreed, also upset. "The sad fact is, he possesses the unique abilities of Vampires and the ability as a Human that holds a special Sacred Gear, since he was born with both of them, even if he didn't want to, as he grows older, I hear his powers will also become greater. Even if he wants to become friends, sometimes by some chance his Sacred Gear gets activated, it will stop the other person."

"And that in turn, breeds fear in both parties involved." Shirou finished her sentence

"Hey, Shirou. How would you feel if you could stop time?"

He was asked that by Rias.

"I can only think of how useful it would be, specifically for killing."

He answered honestly. Rias continued.

"The people who were stopped by Gasper must have thought that as well. If suspicion gets born once inside the heart, then companionship became impossible, and they must have started to fear Gasper. Gasper experienced that time and time again. It's the unhappiness that is tasted by those who obtain Sacred Gears. It seems the Sacred Gears are a gift from God but… But while indeed they are powerful weapons, corresponding to that, it has the power to make the user unhappy as well. He was chased out of his house as well. In any world, Gasper wasn't able to live, he was troubled by the roadside. At that time he was targeted by Vampire hunters and lost his life once. That's when I found him and brought him into my Peerage."

"But in all that time, he just shut himself off from the world and could only function in his comfort zone."

Rias let out a sigh. "What a quandary….. For making this child to once again shut himself in….. I am a failure as a King."

"Not quite." Shirou argued. "This isn't the kind of thing where one person is to blame. It's just the world we live in that created this problem and no one can be expected to know how to fix it on their own."

"Maybe but….." Rias then turned to him. "What if you tried to talk to him?"

Shirou blinked. "Me?"

"Shirou. you've always been able to understand the feelings of those around you and help them confront or even overcome the things that weight on their hearts." Rias looked at him with faith and hope. "You were able to do so much for Yuuto, Koneko, Asia, and even me. If anyone person can help do something, I'm sure it's you."

"She's right, Shirou-kun." Kiba encouraged him. "I don't doubt you could do more for him than any of us."

"…Sempai… You can do it." Koneko smiled at him.

"I also think Shirou-san can do something." Asia agreed with them. "You're someone who can always find a way to save another person, even Gasper."

"You've never failed before." Akeno chimed in.

Mika gave him a thumbs up. "It wouldn't hurt to try, if you can't do it no one can."

Shirou just sighed. "Jeez, everyone's piling their expectations on me. It's not easy being a Superstar."

Rias came up to him and smiled while placing her hand on his. "I wouldn't be asking this of you if I didn't believe you could do it. I believe there'll be meaning in you going to see him."

"You're one high maintenance King, you know that?" Shirou told her, before thinking about it. "I've gotta tell you, for everyone else, I mainly just found cracks in their psyche and helped fix them. But for Gasper, it'll be like completely breaking it down and blinding a new one from scratch."

"So you can't do it?" Rias asked, a little upset.

Shirou shook his head. "I never said that. But it's going to be a challenge." He corrected her, then Shirou walked off to the door and left to the room go back to Gasper's room.

Shirou was now standing in front of the door to the formerly sealed room that Gasper was hiding inside of. Since there was no sounds coming from the other side of the door, he could guess that Gasper stopped crying at some point and so he knocked on the door in a Shirou-like manner, meaning he kicked it.

BANG!

{Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!}

"Good, you're awake."

Shirou lazily addressed Gasper after hearing his girly shriek.

{Why did kick the door like that?!}

Gasper cried out on the other side of the door, sounding afraid.

"You don't have to lose it again, I'm not here to make you come out of your room."

{…..…Y-You're not?}

Gasper hesitated, a bit more calm now.

"No, if I was, I'd of just broken the doors down." Shirou sat down on the floor, his back leaning against the door. "I've dealt with a shut-in before so I know forcing you out will just make it worse. For now, let's just talk."

{…..…Okay.}

Gasper reluctantly accepted.

"Tell me something, why is it that you're so afraid of everything?"

Gasper grew more upset when thinking of that and the tears started to come back.

{I-I….. can't help it. B-Because I stop everyone in time, I scare them. I make them dislike me, even I dislike it. I don't want to stop my f-friends and c-comrades…. Any more of having to look at the face of my cherished ones' stopped….. I-I don't want that….… I-I can't look at others without being afraid of them.}

"So it was a fear that was born from being feared and before long, those thoughts became distorted until before you knew it, fear became your default emotion."

{…..Yes.}

"Kid, let me tell you a story. You heard yesterday that I'm the Red Dragon Emperor, meaning you know I was also born with a strong and dangerous power. Though, truth is there's more to it than that. Turns out the descendant of some old historic hero, Shirōu Amakusa Tokisada." Shirou explained to him. "If that wasn't enough, his lingering spirit still lives inside my body, so if I'm not careful, I'll lose my sense of self and he'll take over my body. I've already lost control a few times in the past. And in the last battle we had, for a short amount of time, he did take over my body."

{That sounds terrifying.}

"That's not the worst of it." Shirou told him, serious. "By being his descendants, those in my family were born with great talent and power but in return, we had enemies everywhere, I know it's not the same as being hated by everyone—Even your own family members, but like you, I've suffered because of my birth. I was captured, tortured along with my Sister, and both my parents were killed. It was Hell for me." He clenched his fist thinking back on it.

{….….….}

Gasper didn't respond. He didn't know what he could say or what anyone could say to all that, so he just remained silent.

"I didn't let those experiences break me though, I couldn't. There were reasons why I had to stay alive, so I swore that I would live as long as I had those reasons, no matter what I had to do." Shirou looked up at the ceiling. "Before I was old enough to even be in Middle School, I had already killed people. After that, every memory I have of my past involves me fighting someone. Even after I became a Devil, I was still constantly fighting one enemy after another. You could say fighting is my life."

{B-But aren't you afraid?}

"Of course not, I love this power." Shirou smiled, truly meaning those words. "In fact, I could never understand why others could be afraid of their power."

{Why? M-Maybe, you may lose something important, you know? Why do you—Senpai, want to live such a straight forward life so much.….….?}

Gasper waited for a response and Shirou lowered his head a bit before answering.

Play OST - Gintama - Tetsu wo Tataki Nagaratemee no Tamashii wo Tatakiagero

"Straight forward huh? Let me ask you this; what do you think happens in this world to those that don't have power? Without power, you can't decide anything in this world, neither how you live nor how you die. Even if I might lose something important to me because of this power, if I didn't have if, I know I'd lose something important. In fact, I would have lost so much so many times in the past in if I didn't have these powers of mine, and that includes my life. Don't you think that's much more terrifying?"

Those words completely silenced Gasper. Though Shirou wasn't done.

"Life can be a bitch at times and no one knows if it'll ever get better, but I learned something growing up. Until the day you die, life will always keep challenging you, the only absolutes are you can't turn back and you can't change what's already been done. So you have four choices; give up, run away, blame someone else, or accept the challenge. And I made my choice, so now whatever challenges come my way, I'll face it and charge at a break-neck pace right towards it. That's what made me into the man I am today."

GIIII!

With a dull sound, the door opened up a bit.

"….…But, how were you able to make such a choice, even though you were just a kid back then?"

Gasper's profile appeared from behind the door and he looked like he was earnestly holding back his tears.

"My Dad once told me something, something I'll never forget. In life, every man must one day leave his cradle, that's a part of growing up. But the most sinful thing a man can do after leaving his cradle is immediately search for a new one. I may have been forced but my cradle was gone and you can't survive out there on your own if your a kid, so I grew up and became a man. It was sooner than I wanted, but it was something I needed to do. So there was only one choice for me to make, and I don't regret it at all."

"You're amazing, Senpai. I could never do something like that.….." Gasper looked down, feeling sorry for himself. "All I could do was run away, I can't ever be a man like you."

"Maybe not like me, but that doesn't mean you can't do it at all. There are a lot of people who believe they can't change from their current-self. But honestly, anyone can, all you need to do is find the willingness to take the first step. After that, everything will come more naturally."

"B-But I can't….… I, I will just cause trouble…. I am a hikikomori, I am intensely shy….. I can't properly use my Sacred Gear….."

"All you ever say is me, me, me." Shirou reprimanded him. "Taking the first step is something you need to do in order to change, but the first step is always going to the hardest, that's a fact of life. But why does everyone assume that you're required to do this by yourself?"

Gasper was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"People needs others to survive, that's their nature. And nature's smarter than people think. It's like when you're walking through the woods at night by yourself, it's dark and scary, you're afraid, you can't stop shaking and you don't know if you can make it out by yourself. But if you're with a friend and they walk through the dark with you, it's not as scary anymore." Shirou gave an example. "That's how much of a difference there is in having someone beside you during hard times. There's nothing wrong with asking someone for help at times."

".….…Then do you think I can change as well? Will I be able to stop being afraid?"

Gasper asked while tears were forming in his eyes as if he was holding back his tears. Though they weren't tears of sadness.

"Kid. You can take the first step, and if you ever feel as though the fear is too much, and you don't think you can go on, then take my hand and hold it tight. I'll help you find your way back until you can walk on your own."

Shirou's words were earnest and filled with raw emotion, he sounded quiet but Gasper could see it in his eyes that Shirou was speaking his true thoughts. When he heard his answer, the tears in his eyes started to fall and Gasper came out of his cardboard box while going up to Shirou and then he cried his eyes out while burying his face in Shirou's shirt. And Shirou just gently rested his hand atop the Vampire boy's head.

"Fueeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"That's right. Let it all out."

Gasper's cries filled the hallways for a long while, all of his emotions were being let out and he just kept going on. Shirou didn't speak or say a word, he just waited for Gasper to get it all out of him, just like Asia and Koneko, he knew this was long overdue and it was good for him to get it out of his system before anything else. After a long while, Gasper had calmed down a bit and his sobbing was now just mild sniffing.

Music Off

"Feel better now?" Shirou asked him, with care.

"Yes, I'm okay now." Gasper responded, leaned his head out of Shirou's chest.

"That's good, seriously though kid. Any more crying and you might've got dehydration." Shirou joked.

"Hey, Senpai." Gasper looked up at him. "I want to try to….… To take the first step like you said."

"And how will you go about doing that?" Shirou questioned.

"Well….… For now, I want to get better at controling my Sacred Gear." Gasper responded.

"Well, to do that, you'll either have to get over your shyness or drink some blood." Shirou gave him the ultimatum. "How do you feel about the blood idea?"

Gasper shook his head horizontally.

"…I am scared. Of drinking blood directly from living beings. I am even scared of my own power….. If anything more happens than this then….. I will….. I will….."

"Well then, the only option is to fix your personality." Shirou decided. "We'll start with this; from now on, I want you to dress in boy's clothes."

"Aaaaahhhhh!?" Gasper cried out, clearly not liking that idea. "But why should I?!"

"If you want to fix your personality and became a man, you need to start from the beginning. And right now, you're the girliest man I've ever seen." Shirou told him, unmerciful. "Which reminds me, why did you start dressing like a girl in the first place?"

"Ah… Um. Well…" Gasper looked down, seemingly nervous about how to answer. "Before I had a friend who made me wear clothes like these when we played together, and after a while, I got used to it. Now it's what I like to wear."

Shirou sighed, incredulously at what he heard. "Well, I'm your new friend and I say stop doing that and dress like a guy again."

"But, I like wearing clothes that are cute." Gasper spoke out, hoping to change his mind.

"Didn't I already tell you, the first step is always going to be hard. That means doing things regardless of whether or not you'd prefer to." Shirou told him, not budging on this. "Besides, you got used to wearing girl's clothes after a while, so you can do the same with the opposite if you give it some time."

Gasper still looked upset, but soon hung his head in defeat. "Okay, I'll do it."

"Great, that's where we'll start. We'll get Rias to bring you a male student uniform in the morning." Shirou decided.

"Um, but even if I do, I'll still have trouble facing other people." Gasper brought up, still nervous. "I don't want to be but, I always get really afraid when talking to others face-to-face, that's why I need my cardboard box."

Shirou thought about what Gasper had just told him. "….So then, you'll have an easier time if you didn't have to look at other people face-to-face?"

Gasper nodded his head.

"In that case, I think I have an idea."

The next day, Shirou was heading to a certain place.

It was after school and he was called by Akeno. More like, Rias said that once she also finishes her work, she'll come later. By work, she most likely went to another meeting with Sirzechs before the Peace Summit began. As some rain clouds gathered overhead in the sky, Shirou walked towards where he was supposed to meet Akeno. After walking through the city he stopped and stood in front of the location he was going to. The base of a flight of stairs that led to a shrine.

The shrine was a traditional Japanese shrine up near the mountains. It was old and abandon, much like the old Church, but has a long history in this town. The stairs were really steep and went on for miles, they were so high up you couldn't see the top from the bottom of the stairs.

"Yep, no way I'm walking up there."

PA!

At that moment, Shirou brought out his bat-like Devil wings and flew upwards. Intending on flying to the top of the stairs in favor of walking all the way to the top. This is something Shirou would do, after all. It wasn't long before he had reached the top.

"Hello, Shirou-kun." Shirou looked to see Akeno at the top of the stairway, standing there to greet him with a smile. Shirou lowered himself to the ground and put away his wings. Now standing in front of the beautiful young woman, clad in her shrine-Priestess uniform. "Thank you for coming."

Shirou shrugged. "Not like I had a reason not to."

Akeno giggled at his blunt response. "Please forgive me." She said with a smile. "I apologize for the sudden invitation."

"You're forgiven, but…." Shirou stopped and looked around a bit. "Is Rias coming?"

"Right now, she had some last-minute work with Sirzechs-sama that needed to be done." Akeno informed him. "She'll be here right after that's over."

"Well then, shouldn't you be with her?" Shirou raised a brow. "After all, you went with her every other time she met with Sirzechs."

Akeno shook her head. "True, but this time I couldn't because I had another job with a certain someone."

Akeno led him through the red archway gate and into the shrine grounds. As Shirou walked through as well, Akeno stopped beside him so they could take a moment to admire the scenery. Looking around Shirou could see it was actually a splendid looking shrine that had hardly any broken or damaged parts anywhere. Despite being abandoned, it looked almost brand new.

"I guess I should mention, this is actually where I live." Akeno brought up. "It remained unoccupied for a while after the last generation's Priest passed away, then thanks to the Chief who managed to get a hold of this place, it became my home."

"That makes sense, only Rias would fix up an old broken down shrine if her Queen was living there." Shirou figured. "That also explains why Devils can walk around shrines without suffering damage.…. I mean you know, since you're not Sirzechs."

Akeno blinked. "Oh, and why is Sirzechs-sama a factor?"

"Because when he first showed up in town, he kept checking out all the local sights like some tourist." Shirou explained, thinking back to the Devil King's child-like excitement on exploring the town. "He also visited the local shrine, different from this one. But because of his planet-sized amount of Demonic-power, it didn't faze him at all."

Akeno giggled at that. "Ara, Ara, I suppose that's what we should expect from a Maou."

"I don't think he's a good standard to judge the term Maou." Shirou argued, before considering something. "Then again, the only other one I've met isn't exactly a good example either."

"Regardless, let's go inside." Akeno suggested. "The one we're supposed to meet will be arriving soon."

"That reminds me, who is this someone I came here to meet anyway?" Shirou asked.

"Is he the Red Dragon Emperor?"

An unfamiliar voice was heard but without a source, which got Shirou's attention. Suddenly in the sky above them, a bright golden light shone, lighting up the sky and ground surrounding them. It was like an eight-pointed star had appeared and was descending to meet them. Inside the light, Shirou could actually make out a person in the center. He has the appearance of a handsome-looking young man with long blond hair that went down to his shoulders, not golden blonde like Asia but rather a clear and gentle blonde and greenish-blue eyes like a shallow ocean. Like Azazel, he has twelve wings growing from his back, and unlike other Angels whose wings are white, his wings are colored a dazzling golden. They were as gold as the light that surrounded his body and were as beautiful as treasures from a jewellery box while glowing as bright as a star that lights up the night. He wears a red robe with a gold cross on the front of his white alb. He has golden shoulder plates with a white sash, and a golden halo set above his head.

Shirou didn't know what to think, since he was a Devil, his body rejected anything Holy, like with Excalibur. But this time was different, when faced with this man it wasn't that he didn't feel dread, his Devil instincts were making him feel the danger. But his mind was different, it was like he was mesmerized by what he was seeing, as if right now at this moment, he was gazing into the face of the Highest echelon that anything Holy could ever reach, not unlike a God.

The Young man landed in front of them as the light surrounding him died down and had a gentle expression on his face as he greeted them with a smile.

"Nice to meet you, Red Dragon Emperor, Shirou Tsukiharu-kun. I am Michael. I am the Head of the Arch-Angels and current leader of Heaven. I see, this aura's quality, it's surely Ddraig. This brings back memories."

Hearing the Angel address him, Shirou composed himself and greeted back.

"Yeah, nice to meet you too; Michael of Charity."

Akeno seemed a little surprised by what Shirou had said, but Michael looked nostalgic.

"The Seven Heavenly Virtues. It's been quite a while since I've been called by that name, but please, you don't need to call me that."

"Whatever you say, Michael of Sunday."

Now Michael seemed amused and chuckled a bit.

"No, what I mean is you don't have to address me by any title or formality. Please, I insist you simply refer to me as Michael."

Shirou seemed more relaxed now. "Well, that's a relief. I was worried you'd be one of those 'I am greater than thou' types and would be really big on ceremony grands. One wrong word and negotiations would fall apart."

Michael didn't seem the least bit offended by Shirou's new attitude, rather he still looked happy.

"Please don't be concerned about that, despite what others might think, we Angels are actually a very humble race." Michael assured him. "Besides, the truth is I have been looking forward to meeting you for quite some time now."

"Me?" Shirou replied, confused. "Why?"

"Because I wanted to meet the son of Mikoto and Hideki."

Michael answered, his smiling changing from a gentle one to a caring one, and once again with nostalgia. Shirou's eyes went wide, though only briefly.

"You knew my parents?" He asked, simply for confirmation.

"There are times when Officials or Warriors of the Church whose actions, feats, or accomplishments granted them the privilege of meeting High-Ranking Angels like myself. And so I had the pleasure of being acquainted with your parents." Michael explained. "You are the spiting-imagine of your Father, though you have your Mother's Silver hair."

Shirou was quiet for a moment, but then took a deep breath and replied, still calm. "Yeah, I inherited a lot from them."

With Akeno leading, Shirou and Michael headed to the main temple of the shrine.

Arriving inside, the large main shrine temple that had a number of huge pillars around the porch. The three of them went inside a tradition wooden room, there was a wide space there but no furniture at all, except for a large shrine at the end of the room. Michael was standing while Shirou was sitting comfortably across from him a few steps away. In between them, Akeno was sitting traditionally with her back against the shrine. They all remained in silence, with Shirou waiting to hear why he was called here.

CHILLS!

All of a sudden, Shirou felt an unknown surge of power, and it made his skin crawl. The aura wasn't something he was familiar with, all he knew was that it was dangerous, he felt his danger signals going crazy. Though oddly enough it wasn't his Devil instincts this time, rather it was his Dragon instincts.

"Truth is, I thought of awarding you this."

Michael started. Then a large mass of light appeared in front of Shirou and Michael.

SHINE!

Shirou watched in curiosity, waiting to see what was going to appear this time, after a second the light faded and he could see it. In the light's place was a Sword that was floating and oozing a Holy-aura. Its appearance was similar to a European Vorpal-Sword with a guard that resembled four golden Dragon claws facing upwards. A grey hilt. A red diamond design imprinted on it, surrounded by four blue lines that curved slightly and a golden pommel in the shape of a cone-like arrow. The blade was also notched three times on both sides near the bottom and fuller, which reached slightly above the notches had a golden edge in the shape of a large pearl and the rest was colored purple.

One look and Shirou immediately knew two things, this was a Holy Sword on the same calibre as Dyrnwyn and that it was the source of the danger he was feeling.

"This is George's—if I say Saint George then would it be better introduced? It's the Dragon Slayer's Holy Sword, Ascalon, that he possessed." Michael presented.

"Ascalon?" Shirou repeated, surprised. "From the story Saint George and the Dragon in which a British Knight named George who over 300 years old used a Holy Sword to tame and slay an Evil Dragon that demanded Human sacrifices?"

"The very same." Michael confirmed, mildly surprised and pleased that he knew the story. "You certainly know a great deal about history and weapons."

Shirou shrugged. "They interest me. But I didn't know it was a literal Dragon Slayer Sword, or that those are a thing."

[It's a famous Dragon Slayer. Well, you should also study a bit more. A group of people who made slaying Dragons their job and created the concept of Dragon Slayers. Also, the term can be used for the weapon they used. Like how Light-based weapons were specially designed the kill Devils, special weapons with specific aura's were made to kill Dragons. Ascalon happens to be the Strongest of those weapons.]

Ddraig explained to Shirou telepathically. Shirou decided to respond.

"….So this world has assassins specialising in Dragon hunting, huh? Do they also target Dragon-type Sacred Gear user?"

[There are some from time to time, but they're usually motivated by a desire for glory or a ridiculous sense of Justice. As the Red Dragon Emperor, you'll already run into people like that, Dragon Slayer or otherwise.]

"You have a good point there. But how do they get Dragon Slaying weapons anyways."

[There are certain Magicians or Blacksmiths who can forge them. But an easier method is to use an ordinary weapon and use it to kill a few Dragons, this way the weapon will naturally become a Dragon Slaying weapon.]

"Interesting.…."

Shirou considered the possibilities on what Ddraig had just told him, like if doing the same thing to beings other than Dragon would naturally create weapons made for slaying them. Questions for later, right now he turned his attention back to Michael.

"Since I highly doubt you brought me here just to show off Ascalon, I'm guessing there's a reason you want me to see this Sword."

"As a special courtesy, since I am giving this, even you a Devil who has the power of the Dragon can handle it."

Now Shirou was surprised, his eyes went wide. "Wait…. You're giving me this Sword?" He asked, like an employee who was just told they're getting a promotion.

"That's correct. But before you can possess it, do you think you can assimilate it into the Boosted Gear?" Michael requested.

Shirou blinked. "I can do that?"

[It depends on you. The Sacred Gear answers on your feelings. If you wish for it, it should be possible.]

"Oh right, the whole 'The power responds to your feelings' thing." Shirou remembered, before saying out loud. "But why give it to me? I mean, don't get me wrong. I want it and I'm grateful. But I don't get why. This is a one of a kind Legendary Holy Sword that can't ever be replaced, and you're just giving it away?"

Michael answers while smiling. "This time's meeting, I think there's a huge opportunity to cooperate between the Three Great Powers. I hear you already know it so I am saying this but, we lost our creator—God, during the last War. Our enemies also lost the old Satans in battle. The leaders of the Fallen Angels are reticent. Azazel also has his official stand of not wanting to create Wars. This is a chance. A chance in order to get rid of the useless battles. If small scale battles continue like this intermittently, then the Three Great Powers will be destroyed. Even if that isn't the case, some from the side other powers may invade. That Sword is a present from me to the Devil Kings side. Of course, I also sent presents to the Fallen Angel side. I got the rumored Holy Demonic Swords from the Devil side as well, our side is very grateful as well."

Huh, I guess that's a mature way to look at it." Shirou accepted his answer. "Still though, you're a lot more accepting of the idea of making peace with Devils and Fallen Angels than I expected you'd be."

"Do I surprise you?" Michael asked, now a little amused. "I'll be the first to admit that I share some of the blame when it comes to the conflicts between the Three Great Powers. But everything I do, I do for the betterment of my Faction and my brethren. To that end, I will gladly lay down arms and make peace with even my greatest enemies, considering they are will to do the same."

Shirou processed his words, trying to determine if he was being sincere or not. When he could tell he was, Shirou smiled. "I believe you."

Michael smiled back. "I'm grateful for your trust."

Then Shirou thought. "Still though. The part about other powers may invade is concerning. Ddraig, what are the odds some other Faction will collide with the Trinity Factions should they make peace?"

[Ordinarily, they don't walk over from their territory. Since an implicit anti-War agreement was present. However, we don't know if the others will move when they find out that the Primordial God of the Holy scriptures has died. This talk is also about making sure that the Three Great Powers don't utter the non-existence of the Primordial God of the Holy scriptures outside.]

"So they want to make sure their big secret stays a secret. And to that end, they'll make peace as sooner as possible."

[It makes sense. The God of the Holy scriptures was the most powerful existence in all the world. Simply knowing he was around was enough to ward off any other power from involving themselves with the Three Great Powers, only the Devils and Fallen Angels dared to challenge him because that was the nature of their existence. If the Primordial God was revealed to no longer be around, other powers might feel emboldened by that fact and try to start conflict against the Three Factions.]

"I already know the secret is a necessary one, Ddraig. Not just for Humans but for every race. Without it, there would have been an endless amount of problems within the Factions, much less other Factions."

Michael continued. "We heard that the one who opposed us, the Welsh Dragon had become a Devil. As a greeting and alongside that as a present, we're giving you this Sword. From now on you'll probably be targeted by Dragon-Class opponents and the Vanishing Dragon. I thought that for the rumored 'The most talented host in history ', it may become a supporting weapon. Considering you can already masterfully wield the Holy Sword Dyrnwyn, I believed it was the perfect gift for you."

" 'The most talented host in history', is that seriously what people are calling me now?" Shirou thought before saying out loud. "But from what you've told me, even though you had to give a gift to the Devils side, it didn't have to be anything specific." Shirou pointed out. "Yet you chose to give a gift that only benefited me personally. Why is that?"

"Two reasons. One; Only once have the Three Great Powers held hands together. That's during the time they defeated the Red and White Dragons. Since it was the two Dragons who trespassed into our battlefield and threw the battlefield into disarray." Michael said in remembrance of that time.

Shirou looked down at his hand. "He's talking about you."

[…Who can say.]

"You seriously think you can play dumb at this point." Shirou lazily asked him, before turning his attention back to Michael.

"Wishing that we hold hands together like that time, I am placing my hopes in you in the Red Dragon Emperor. It's typical Japanese right?" The Arch-Angel reasoned. "And reason two—"

Shirou interrupted. "And as always in the nature of these things, number two is the kicker."

"This one is actually more simple, I told you, I'm placing my hopes in you. Honestly rather than placing my hopes on you as the Red Dragon Emperor, it's because you are the son of Mikoto and Hideki Tsukiharu." Michael told him truthfully, still smiling. "I always believed in them and so I wanted to believe in their son. That's why I wanted to give you Ascalon as proof of that."

"But unlike my parents, you don't know me since we just met, not to mention you're the first Angel I've ever met." Shirou pointed out. "Yet you're putting your hopes on uniting the Three Factions onto me, you really think I'm someone who can or would do that?" He asked as if he was testing Michael to see what his answer would be.

Michael's expression didn't change and he simply answered without hesitation. "True, we've never been acquainted before today. However, I still believe I won't regret placing my trust in you. Besides, it wouldn't be placing your hopes on something if it was already guaranteed, would it?"

Shirou seemed bewildered by his answer at first, then let out a small laugh.

"Haha. I gotta admit, I didn't expect that answer." Shirou then looked up at the Sword. "Alright, let's get down to business. How's this work, do I just take the Sword or what?"

Akeno who had remained silent this whole time and almost seemed forgotten answered his question this time.

"There were final adjustments done on that Sword in this shrine. Maou-sama, Azazel-sama, and Michael-sama's camps' ceremonies have been performed so even if a Devil houses the power of the Dragon, he can touch it."

Shirou nodded, now ready to claim the Sword. He reached out and took the Holy Sword floating in mid-air in his hand. While holding it, no negative effects happened. He felt the Holy aura but no damage was flowing into him. Meaning they had succeeded in adjusting the Sword so Shirou could hold it.

[Partner, focus your consciousness on the Boosted Gear. I'll follow up after that. Try making the Sword in your hand combine with the surge of the Sacred Gear. All you need to do is match the wavelength of the Sword with your own.]

Following his instructions, Shirou closed his eyes and invoked his Sacred Gear, which made the red gauntlet appear. With great focus, he started combining the surge of the Boosted Gear with a surge of the Holy Sword in his hand. He could feel it in an instant, the Holy aura was flowing into the Sacred Gear. It passed through the Sacred Gear and the sensation of a bad surge flows into his body, like if poison was slowly filling inside of your body, but….. Slowly it becomes familiar, and a sensation as if it is being taken in by Ddraig's power attacks him.

SHHHHHHIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!

While assimilating Ascalon into the Boosted Gear, the light that surrounded the Sword before was shining again and as the process went on, the glowing light shined brighter and brighter and brighter. Until the whole room lit up to the point where it was hard to see through it all.

Once the light faded, the assimilation was complete. The Holy Sword and Sacred Gear had combined and now took on a new form. Shirou gasped when he saw that now the gauntlet of the Boosted Gear had the blade of Ascalon growing out of the front portion of his left hand.

[The integration was a success.]

Ddraig confirmed it, though Shirou inspected the new form, looking a little put-off.

"A long-bladed gauntlet." Shirou carefully looked over it. "Hmm, not my preferred choice of weapon, but it'll have to do."

After confirming it Michael clapped his hands.

"I have done what I set out to do. And with that, it's time. I shall now take my leave."

Before he could however, Shirou addressed him.

"Hey, listen Michael. There's something I want to ask you about. So after the conference, mind if we talk?"

"If it's after the conference, then I don't mind at all. I'll definitely hear what it is you would like to talk about. Don't worry."

FA!

SHINE!

After saying that, Michael's wings opened up and his whole body was once again wrapped by light. Afterwards, he was soon covered in a flash of a light that resembled an eight-pointed star again, though this time only for a moment. When the light faded the Chief of the Angels had disappeared from this place.

"Here's some tea." Akeno said, placing a hot cup of tea in front of him.

"I prefer coffee." Shirou commented, though he still took the cup.

The sun had begun to set and the two Devil teens were in the shrine house after Michael left. After being led inside, Shirou was now with Akeno in a Japanese-styled room and was being served by Akeno in a room that looked like it was made for tea ceremony. Though disregarding that, Shirou just took the cup and drunk the whole tea in a single gulp. Afterwards, he put the cup down and turned to Akeno.

"I've had better."

"Well, that hurts my feelings, considering I've studied in tea ceremony since I was a child." Akeno informed him, though she didn't sound upset. "Although, you're actually the first person I've served tea to in this shrine."

"That reminds me, I've been meaning to ask you Akeno." Shirou brought up. "Kiba, Asia, Xenovia, and Gasper are all European, but you're Japanese aren't you?"

"Ara, what makes you say that?" Akeno asked, smiling as she placed a hand over her mouth.

"Oh don't play dumb. At first, I thought Priestess of Thunder was just a name they gave you because you dressed like a Priestess for fun. But now, I see you live in a Japanese shrine house and you just said you studied tea ceremony, a traditional Japanese custom. Not to mention, back at the Underworld when everyone dressed formally for the after-party, you were wearing traditional Japanese clothes." Shirou listed. "All signs point to you being from a Japanese family, one that's big on traditions if I might add."

Akeno giggled. "Ufufufu… I'm flattered that you pay so much attention to my life." She joked. "You're correct, I'm from a traditional clan known at the Himejima Clan. My Mother was a Priestess."

"And your Father is a Fallen Angel." Shirou added.

Akeno paused, now looking down, upset and dejected.

Play OST - Hajime No Ippo - So Far

"..….Yes."

"Don't worry, I have no intention of prying. I just brought it up because that's what Kokabiel said."

"Oh come on now, aren't you curious?" Akeno asked, with a self-loathing smile. "You can't tell me you aren't interested to know how a Human Priestess had a child with a Fallen Angel leader."

"While I'm sure it'd make for an interesting story, it's none of my business." Shirou reasoned, unconcerned. "So I won't ask."

Akeno then placed her hand over his, looking shaken up. "….I want to tell you." She told him, not looking at him. "Right now, I feel as though I want to tell someone so I can stop thinking about it."

Shirou could tell this was a sore subject for her, though he knew it would be bad if these feelings were kept bottled up. "In that case, go ahead. I'm all ears."

"As you know, I am the half-breed daughter of the Fallen Angel leader Barakiel and a Human." Akeno began, still sound depressed. "My Mother was a daughter of a certain shrine of this country. I heard that on a certain day, my Mother saved Barakiel who had collapsed from injuries and from the fate of that day I was born."

PA!

Akeno stood up and started to remove her top, letting it fall just enough to expose her back. Then expanding from her back were wings different from the usual two wings of a Devils. The one on the right was the usual wing was of a Devil. But the other one n the left was the black-feathery wing of a Fallen Angel.

"They're dirty wings…..The wing of a Devil and the wing of a Fallen Angel, I possess both of them." As if despising the black feathers of Fallen Angels, she grabbed them with her hand. "While hating these feathers, I met Rias and became a Devil. but what was born was the feathers of a Fallen Angel and Devil, a more disgusting creature who possessed both. Fufufu, this may suit me who has dirtied blood flowing in her veins."

Shirou stayed silent, taking all this in. He didn't know what to say or what to think. But never did he imagine that Akeno would hate herself to this extent, she carries an even greater hatred and self-derision for her lineage then Koneko or Gasper.

Akeno turned around to face him, holding up her dress to barely cover up her breasts. ".….How do you feel after hearing that, Shirou-kun? The truth is I've wanted to tell you for a while. But you hate Fallen Angels, right? They hurt you and Asia-chan once and tried to destroy this city once, there's no way you can hold good thoughts about them—"

"I having trouble understanding what you're saying." Shirou interrupted her, completely nonchalant. "First think back as hard as you can, and then tell me; When did I ever say I hated Fallen Angels?"

Music Off

Now Akeno just seemed perplexed. "What?"

Play OST - Fairy Tail - Mirajane

"I think you've misunderstood something. It's true that my past experiences with Fallen Angels have been piss-poor terrible so far, but that's only counting five Fallen Angels in total." Shirou pointed out. "You honestly think I would condemn an entire race based on the actions of a few? That'd be like saying 'A Chinese man hurt me, a Japanese man, so I hate all people from China'. That's not only discrimination but completely unfair, that's the reasoning of a punk-ass racist who doesn't understand a damn thing." He reasoned. "Besides, what happened to me had nothing to do with you, so what possible reason would I have to hate you?"

Akeno seemed surprised at first by his unresponsive reaction, though she remained objective.

"That's not the case, I have the blood of a Fallen Angel in me, you know? Can you forgive me? Although I reincarnated into a Devil, the fact that I have the blood of a Fallen Angel in me doesn't change.…. I may have approached you wanting to get hated, you know….?" She then stopped and looked away and smiled sadly. "No, that's definitely the case. I am the worst kind of woman…"

Hearing her words Shirou just let out a tired sigh. "I swear, you're just like Koneko."

Those words slightly confused Akeno, while Shirou stood up and walked over to her.

"You both act as though what you were born as determines the person you are. But tell; is there anyone in this world that has a say in how they're born?" Shirou then looked at her softly. "I can tell you hate your Fallen Angel side, like how Koneko hates her Nekomata side. But listen, it's ridiculous to believe that your very being is decided based solely on your blood, do you think being a Fallen Angel automatically means you're evil? I don't."

Now Akeno's eyes went wide, as if she could no longer comprehend what he was saying, or maybe she didn't know how.

"Just by listening to you in this single conversation, I can tell you've been through a lot. Some of it happy, some of it sad. But you've withered through it all to be able to be here today." He gave her a deep look of understanding. "I've never thought differently of any of the others when he learned all their origins and I won't start here, we all met in this world by chance and wherever we came from doesn't matter anymore, we're together now. So don't think this changes anything, I didn't think any less of you because of your lineage. At the end of the day, you're still Akeno Himejima and as far as I'm concerned that's all that matters."

At those words, everything he said seemed to all just hit Akeno all at once. Without being prepared for it all she simply stood there, frozen like a statue.

The only motion that was made were the tears that began to stream down her eyes. However, Akeno floats out a smile and wipes her tears.

"…..You said some killing words.… After hearing that…. Won't I really really get serious…"

Music Off

Before he could ask what she meant, Akeno suddenly came towards him and lunged at him. Because of that, Shirou was pushed back and fell on the floor with Akeno on top of him. His arms were spread out on the floor, basically doing nothing. While Akeno was clinging to him as she brought her hands up to the sides of his head and pulled him closer.

Akeno then whispers in his ear, while having a faint blush. "I have decided. I don't mind being your fourth."

Shirou blinked, needing more information. "Okay… My fourth what?"

"…..In the order of positions on those who love you. Mika-chan has the first position and Asia-chan has the second. Not only that, Rias already took the third position…. The first, second and third position can't be shaken I guess…"

"Why is my Sister included in that list and why did you make her first?" Shirou asked, with half-lidded eyes. "What does everyone think I'm going to do my Sister?"

"Hey, Shirou-kun." Akeno ignored him and spoke while clinging to him. "I heard from your Sister that you're going to build a Harem."

"Oh, of course, she told you." Shirou rolled his eyes. "So what of it?"

"Do you think there'll be room for me? I want to be one of your girls. Don't you think it's a good position?" She asked, pressing her breasts against his chest. "One of yours? Just the thought of it gets me hot. Like having an affair."

"You're a real piece of work, aren't you?" Shirou asked rhetorically, before smirking. "Truth is, I don't care about annoying stuff like positions or order. I just do it 'cause I want it, and because it feels good. So if you want to be mine so badly, then fine, I'll take all of you."

"You'll take all of me?" Akeno exclaimed looking aroused, while she gasped with joy. "That sounds so hot, I like when you talk dirty. It turns me on."

"Well then, you're gonna love this."

CHU!

Shirou immediately pulled her in and kissed her, with their lips locked and shoved against each other, he wrapped his arms around her neck, pressing her large breasts his chest again. After a few moments, she pulled out and stared at him with eyes clearly full of lust. "You still feel hot?"

"If I were any hotter, my blood would be on fire." Akeno responded, seductively leaning in closer. "But we can't just stop after a kiss, can we? I need more of you. I know; you want me to be in control don't you?"

At that moment, with one swift movement, Shirou spun their positions around until she was the one lying on her back against the tatami matted floor and he was kneeling above her. Looking like a predator that pridefully conquered a lesser predator.

"Let me tell you something about me." He started, while using his hands to pull down the top of her Priestess uniform, until it was all the way down to her hips and her entire torso was exposed. "No matter the relationship or the person. I am always the one on top." Shirou told her, in a dominating tone.

Despite the change in positions, Akeno's violet eyes didn't reflect any hesitation, fear or discomfort. In fact, if the raggedness of her breathing and the flushed expression on her face was any indication, she actually enjoyed the change.

"Then please have your way with me. I wonder what it would feel like to have my body devored by a hot, younger guy." The Gremory Queen moaned seductively, as she made no move to object his advance. "I bet we could learn a lot from each other."

"I'll bet we could." Shirou leaned in closer. "For starters, you're about to learn why I'm called the Red Dragon of Domination."

"I can't wait." Akeno breathed out, sexually.

"Which one of you would like to explain what's going on?"

.

.

.

"Ah Fuck, really?" Shirou groaned.

Feeling all the emotion from the situation completely deflate after hearing that voice, Shirou lazily sat up and turned around to look at the sliding door to the room. And there she was, standing by the door was Rias Gremory, standing gracefully, looking unamused and glaring daggers at both of him.

"Ara, Ara. Looks like we've been caught." Akeno noted, now amused.

"She really has the worst timing." Shirou grumbled, disappointed. "All that time she could've shown up and she chooses now? I swear it's like she timed it or something."

"Answer me, Shirou?" She said in a dangerous tone as she looked at her Pawn and her Queen, the latter of whom also sat up with her Boobs hanging out.

"Answer you?" Shirou repeated, sounded bored. "And what exactly was the question?"

"What are you doing and what is going on?" Rias clarified, narrowing her eyes.

"What's it look like, I'm dominating." Shirou stood up and walked up to her, displeased. "And what's going on is, I've been cocked blocked. And I don't appreciate it."

"Why were you about to do something like that with Akeno?" Rias demanded an explanation. "Especially when you knew I was coming."

Shirou zoned in on that last part and decided to ask. "Are you jealous?"

With that, Rias' stone-cold glare melted into a red-hot blush. "Ah, no of course not!"

"Your face says it all." Shirou informed her. "You're upset because I was about to blow my load over Akeno and not you."

"That's not it!" Rias protested embarrassed, before trying to change the subject. "Anyways, what happened with the Sword?"

"Got it right here." He lifted his left hand.

"And the Angel?"

"Was running late so he had to leave."

"Then that means your business here is concluded." Rias pointed out. "So you have no reason to stay."

Shirou shrugged, indifferent. "True, and I'm not in the mood anymore. So, I might as well go, besides I want to do some training with my new weapon."

Shirou walked through the door and began to leave, Rias followed after him.

Akeno giggled before returning to her usual self. "Ufufufu, he's more than enough for both of us. You don't have to be so jealous."

"I'm not jealous!" Rias insisted, turning around to shout at her.

Shirou patted her on the shoulder and told her knowingly. "Yes, you are."

TAP!

TAP!

The Devil Princess and Dragon Emperor were walking descending down the shrine's stone stairs. While walking Rias remained silent, still upset, though Shirou remained indifferent. The whole time Rias was walking beside him, she kept thinking about how to express the way she was feeling into words but, didn't know how.

Until suddenly, Rias just stopped walking.

Shirou after taking a few steps noticed Rias halted and stopped to look back at her. "What's wrong?"

Without looking up, she kept her head down and spoke quietly. "…..Hey Shirou, Akeno is….…. Akeno."

Shirou blinked, confused and not following her. "Uhh….. Yeah, she certainly is?"

"Akeno is Vice-Chief. However, she is 'Akeno'…..… And I am—?"

"Rias."

Shirou finished her sentence, which made her look up at him surprised.

"Rias is the Chief. However, she is 'Rias'." He continued, before asking. "And why are we talking like this?"

Rias smiled and shook her head. "Forgive me, I was just feeling a little down and became needlessly concerned."

"You mean about your jealousy?" Shirou asked.

"I'm not…." She stopped and just sighed in defeat. "Fine, I'm jealous."

"Yeah, I noticed." Shirou told her, sarcastically.

Rias slowly walked closer to him and looked up. "I don't want you all to myself or anything like that. At least I never thought that was the case…. But lately, you've been getting closer to the others to the point where, it's not just Mika and Asia, but now Xenovia, Koneko, and even Akeno as well." She let out a sigh. "I just worry that I might fall behind the others."

"You're surprising timider than you let on." Shirou joked, before going up to her. "Maybe this will fix that."

CHU!

Before she could react, Shirou leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. She was surprised at first, but the closed her eyes and enjoyed it as she placed her hands on his shoulders and passionately kissed back. While Shirou wrapped his arms tenderly around her back and waist.

When they were done they both slowly pulled back and Rias looked much more relaxed and less downcast compared to before.

"Was that just to shut me up?" She asked, half-joking.

"Not all of it." Shirou told her, half-serious. "You're putting to much pressure on yourself. You may not know it, but I take these things seriously. We've been through a lot, and have something that no one else is a part of. That's not the kind of thing you can just forget or ignore." He reminded her, turning around. "There's no need to worry about stuff like 'falling behind' or anything because that's not even a factor."

Rias' expression was now more refreshed as if the concerns or stress she was feeling was now gone, she even shrugged her shoulders. Like a weight she was carrying was lifted and she could now relax. "I'm sorry, it seems I was worrying unnecessarily." She then looked straight at him and smiled. "And thank you."

"No needs for thanks, I'm just glad you're more relaxed." Shirou said, reaching into his pocket. "I was worried I'd of had to show you this."

In Shirou's hand was a pair of black-laced lingerie panties. But Rias gasped when she saw them, not because Shirou had something like that but because she recognized that pair. They happened to be the ones she is or rather was currently wearing. And when pulling down the hem of her skirt, the feeling of fabric against her skin was enough to tell her that she was bare underneath.

"How did you get those?" Rias cried out, blushing and embarrassed. "I was wearing them just a second ago?"

"I grabbed them while my arms were around your back." Shirou replied, nonchalant. "I mainly did it to see if I could, though apparently it was too fast for you to notice."

"Give it back!" She demanded, her face gone red.

"Hmm, Nah, I don't think I will." Shirou decided, putting them back in his pocket. "I kind of like this side of you, you're more entertaining. Besides, why's an exhibitionist like you getting so worked up just from losing a single undergarment?"

"There are lines!" Rias shouted, losing her composer. "No one would feel good if someone suddenly took their panties in a public place!"

"I guess that's fair." Shirou shrugged.

"Then give them back." Rias demanded.

"No way." Shirou taunted.

FA!

And to add insult to injury, he summoned his wings and flew upwards, flying away with his stolen goods. Not letting him get away, Rias brought out her wings and flew as well, desperately chasing after him. Shirou couldn't hide his amusement.

"Ha, now just hope no one happens to look up!" Shirou joked, with a laugh.

"Mmm, come on now!" Rias cried out, trying to catch him while small tears of embarrassment formed around her eyes.

And so they flew along through the sky. Being a Pawn who stole his master's undergarments and said master was chasing him to reclaim them. And in that time, all responsibilities or concerns were forgotten and they simply acted like a teenage boy and girl.

In the big city, high up on top of a skyscraper that was being constructed, there was Azazel. Sitting on a girder as he looked out at the city lights that brightened up the night. Standing next to him and leaning his back against another, vertical girder was Vali.

"Azazel, do I have to attend tomorrow's conference as well?" Vali inquired.

"Of course, Vali." Azazel confirmed. "Since you're the White Dragon Emperor."

".….Hey, Azazel. Are Wars not going to occur any more?" Vali tiredly asked.

"You just seek battle." Azazel scuffled. "You sure got attached to an ideal Dragon. You're the type that won't live long."

"That's fine." Vali admitted, uncaring. "I don't have any interest in living long. Just, I feel regret being born in this age. A world without God. I wanted to try defeating God."

"That's really like the Vanishing Dragon. And, after defeating all the strong guys, what will you do?"

".….I'll die. I don't have any interest in such a boring world."

Vali looked out at the city lights that brightened the dark of the night. But in his eyes there reflected no emotion, all that was there was an emptiness that was created by a complete feeling of boredom and no motivation what so ever.

The next day, early in the morning at Kuoh Academy. After arriving back at the Old School Building, Shirou, Asia and Gasper were doing Time-Stopping training in the forest surrounding the Old School Building. And for extra help, Ren was called and was joining them in training Gasper. Though he was mainly there to stop Gasper in case he tried to run away.

Though something worth mentioning is right now Gasper's appearance was different. His face, hair and body were exactly the same however, his attire was different. Right now Gasper was dressed in the Kuoh Academy male uniform. Just as Shirou instructed him, Gasper was dressed in the clothes of his actual gender, though it still wasn't hard to mistake him for a girl, it was a step in the right direction.

Despite that, his personality still needed work. When he first saw and was introduced to Ren, he shrieked.

(Eeeeek, another new face!)

Hours had passed into training, Gasper was concentrating with all his might. His eyes were glowing purple as he stared at a volleyball frozen in mid-air. He was finally able to focus his powers on one object and stop it in time.

Shirou stared carefully to see how long he could keep it up. Ren and Asia were standing at the side with a metal basket of volleyballs. Floating over the blonde Bishop's shoulder was her small Dragon familiar, Byakurai.

Gasper stopped and fell to his knees, releasing the ball and letting it fall to the ground. Shirou looked disappointed.

Ren sighed. "Well, he finally stopped one, but it was only for about ten seconds."

"Still, that's an improvement compared to before." Asia reasoned, trying to be positive.

"Guuuuu….. Shirou-Senpai… I-I am tireeeeed." Gasper moaned while rubbing his eyes.

"Don't you dare start whining!" Shirou exclaimed, angrily. "You've only managed to stop one out of 20! That's nowhere near good enough to be useful. We'll keep going until you can use your power willingly."

Gasper nodded and got back up, on shaky legs.

"Shirou-san, here are the balls."

Asia walked over from the metal basket and brought over more volleyballs. It was a training where he threw the ball to Gasper and he stopped it in mid-air. He was now able to succeed once out of 20 times. Compared to the beginning where he couldn't do it at all, it was a bit of progress. But nothing to brag about yet.

Just as Shirou was about to reach for the next volleyball, he suddenly feet some discomfort in my arm. And then noticed his arm was unable to move. Asia gasped when they saw a purple aura his arm. Somehow, it seemed Gasper accidentally stopped time around Shirou's arm.

"E, Eek, S-Sorryyyyyy!" Gasper shrieked, releasing Shirou's arm.

He then leaned on the ground on his knees and curled up, while grabbing his head.

"Stop apologizing!" Shirou shouted, before letting out a frustrated sigh. "Stopping things in time is the point of this training. The trick is to aim it at a specific target and keep it up. It doesn't matter whether the target is a ball or my arm as long as it works." He explained to him. "Now let's take it from the top."

However, Gasper said with a complicated like expression.".…S-Since I am incomplete both as a Human who has a Sacred Gear, and as a Vampire as well, I only cause trouble to everyone…. I-I have to control my power more….. W-What a halfway incomplete existence I am….." He sobbed.

"You know kid, you're a piece of work. How do you expect to get better at controling your power if you can't stop saying you suck?" Shirou told him, without bothering to console him. "Training is a long and grueling process that no one gets right on the first time. If you lose your nerve from the beginning then you won't be able to accomplish a thing."

Gasper stopped sobbing but still didn't feel ready to get up.

Then Ren spoke up.

"Listen, Gasper, the training might seem hard, but Shirou's putting in a lot of effort as well to make it easier for you."

Gasper looked up at him perplexed. "What do you mean?"

"Ren, don't say anything unnecessary." Shirou warned him.

"I think he should know." Ren reasoned, turning back to Gasper. "At first glance, he's just throwing a ball in the air and telling you to stop it. But haven't you noticed Shirou always takes a few seconds to aim the ball before throwing?" He revealed to him. "That's because he's making sure that every time he throws it, the ball is always in the exact same position in mid-air for you to stop it. That way, you only need to focus on one point, rather arbitrarily focusing on a different position each time."

Now Gasper gasped in surprise. He was completely taken aback by this new information. If what Ren said was true that meant that Shirou was going through a lot of effort to make the training easier for Gasper.

He then turned to Shirou, with that expression. "….Senpai?"

"Why are you so surprised? Just because I'm going to train you hard doesn't mean I'm going to train you stupid." Shirou told him, in a serious tone. "Things are only going to get harder from hereon, how do you intend on getting stronger if you can't even finish your first training session on easy mode?"

Hearing that, Gasper wiped his tears and stood up.

"Shirou-Senpai, I-I'll do my best.…!"

"That's better." Shirou reached into his bag and threw something at Gasper. "Though to really help you get more into it, put on your mask." Shirou instructed him.

"Understood!" The thing Gasper got from Shirou was a mask. "Th-Then, I'll wear this mask and do a power-up!"

It was a very bizarre mask. It was a plastic white mask that completely covered the face. The face of the mask had a single eye hole that was positioned at the right eye, letting him see through it. The majority of the rest being taken up by red lines. A red circle in the dead center of the mask, overlapped by a smaller circle and lines extruding from them both. The single eye hole was outlined in red, with a circle just beneath it. One final circle was on the chin area and extended a line that looped around the central circle and stopping just short of its origin.

After Gasper said he had trouble seeing others face-to-face, Shirou decided to have him wear a mask so they could lessen that problem. So far Gasper has taken a great liking to that mask, or anything that would cover his face.

"Do your best! Gasper-kun!" Asia cheered him on, with a sweet smile.

"Y-yesssss! Thank you very much, Asia-Senpaiiiiii!" Gasper exclaimed, more encouraged.

"Don't baby him, Asia!" Shirou snapped at her, narrowing his eyes at Gasper. "We've still got a lot more hard training ahead of us. We'll make a man out of you yet."

"Understood. Thank you very much!" Gasper responded, still grateful.

A few more hours passed and Shirou kept training Gasper until the sun came up. And by then, Gasper passed out from exhaustion.

The day had passed and now night fell. The sky over the town darkened and Shirou had just entered his bedroom while closing the door behind him. About a few minutes ago he had just called it a day on training, after training Gasper at the crack of dawn, he spent the rest of his time training himself and his ability at wielding Ascalon. After spending the day on that, he was now understandably tired and crashed out on his bed.

The Peace Summit where all the Faction leaders would gather was the next day and he had a lot on his mind regarding that. Thus he had trouble sleeping, all he could do was lay there, staring at the ceiling with so many thoughts going through his head.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

The sound of someone knocking on his door interrupted his thoughts.

"It's open!"

Shirou looked up to see the door open and the person who walked in was Rias, dressed in her pink, see-through nightgown. He could only guess she was going to request they sleep together, then again considering, Rias never sleeps unless she was Naked first, the fact that she was wearing her nightgown most likely meant she wanted to talk first.

However, she wasn't alone. Rias smiled and stepped aside to let the other person in. Shirou sat up to see, his second guest tonight was Akeno. With her hair down from its usual ponytail, while wearing a short white bathrobe that went down to only her thighs.

"Two scantily dressed women in my room?" Shirou noted stoic, noticing how they were dressed. "But it's not my birthday."

Akeno giggled and closed the door behind her, while Rias began to explain. "After the last meeting, I wanted to come and see you, but our meeting ran late. So I was hoping you wouldn't mind my requesting if Akeno could stay over for tonight? I don't think it's too much of a hassle."

"Fine by me." Shirou replied, unconcerned. "If it's just one person then there's plenty of room."

"Thank you. Also, another reason I brought Akeno with me was because she wanted to take this moment to apologize to you."

"Apologize for what?"

"Obviously, I'm very sorry for surprising you today and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." Akeno answered, with a bow.

Shirou raised a brow. "I'm still confused, what exactly is this about?"

"I heard." Rias said, with a pleased look. "I heard about what Akeno told you and your reply was to her."

"She's talking about how you told me you didn't think any differently of me even after finding out my lineage." Akeno clarified, also looking pleasant. "Even though my emotions were high and I got a little carried away at the end, I explained to her what happened before then."

"Okay, I get that." Shirou then turned to Rias. "But that doesn't explain why you're so happy."

They both walked over to his bed and gently sat down, both sitting at each of his sides. Akeno at his right and Rias at his left.

"Because, I was happy to hear your kindness and I was reminded about just why I love you, Shirou." Rias wrapped her arms around his left arm.

"I don't consider it kindness, it's just my nature." Shirou brushed off.

"Regardless, your words meant a lot to me and so, after talking it over with Rias we've come to a decision." Akeno grabbed his other arm. "I meant what I said before, I'm yours from now on." She told him, smiling while having a look of longing in her eyes. "Is that all right with you?"

"I don't mind that honestly." Shirou told her, acknowledging her feelings, "But you know you can't take that back right?"

Akeno pulled him closer to her than Rias. "I'll take whatever you can give."

Rias then got upset with Akeno "You know what, Akeno? We may be best friends, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't act with a little bit of restraint."

"Like you're one to talk." Shirou thought towards Rias.

The King and Queen Duo of two big breasted Devil ladies got closer and sandwiched Shirou between their huge racks. "Yes well, restraint is forbidden in a serious battle." Akeno told her with her expression being the same pleasant smile and closed eyes. "How could the King say something so cowardly?"

"I can't afford to lose after hearing you say that now, can I?" Rias had a confident and proud smile. She grabbed Shirou by the head and shoved his face in between her the valley of her ample breasts.

Akeno grabbed Shirou and did the same thing herself, smothering him with her slightly larger breasts. Akeno giggled and said. "Ufufufu, is that how you're playing?"

At that point, Shirou grabbed both of them by the shoulders and pulled them away from him, letting him take a breather. Afterwards, he looked at both of them, slightly vexed. "Would you cut that out?!" He shouted, not pleased. "I enjoy as much foreplay as the next guy. But my head being passed back and forth is where I draw the line."

Unfortunately, though his problems weren't over as in that moment, Asia opened his door and saw what was going on. Wearing her green nightgown and squeezing her stuff bunny to her chest. Asia looked like she was about to cry. "No fair, you two! No fair!"

"Hey, ever heard of knocking!?" Shirou barked at her.

Morning broke the following day and Shirou slowly opened his eyes, waking up and feeling groggy.

Though, as his mind started to clear and his sense slowly came to him, the Silver-haired youth could tell something didn't feel right. In a second, his vision was completely clear and he could see to his surprise, Akeno was on his right side, holding him close with her right arm. He then turned to his left to see, Asia was on his left side and had his arm around her shoulder, while she snuggled close to him. Then when he sat up he saw that Rias was there, sleeping on his legs and lower half, while her ass was facing him.

And the punchline to all of this was; all three of them were Stark Naked.

Like that wasn't obvious at this point.

Shirou quietly freed himself from each of their grasps and got off the bed. He then went over to his window and opened the curtains to let the early morning sun rays fill the room. Once the room was lighter, he looked back at his bed and took a good look at the three Naked maidens sleeping blissfully on his bedspread.

"Hmm, not a bad sight to wake up to." Shirou admitted to himself.

"I agree."

Shirou turned towards his bedroom door to see his little Sister, Mika walk inside his room. It should be worth mentioning that she was also staring at his bed and the ones on top of it.

"Hey, Mika." Shirou greeted her, nonchalant. "Surprised your awake this early in the morning."

"Well, Brodoroki, today is a very important day after all." Mika reasoned. "All the Bats, Crows, and Pigeons are going to gather around the school to discuss the fate of the world and so on. And of course, we'll have to attend." She talked as though the whole thing was a chore.

"I agree it's a pain, but I have reasons why I have to go." Shirou reminded her. "Besides, it's not like we could ditch even if we wanted to."

Mika shrugged and let out a sigh. "I know."

"That reminds me, about the thing I asked you about yesterday." Shirou brought up.

"You mean about the thing Michael told you about?" Mika asked for confirmation. "The thing about how its possible other Factions might attack once it's found out that God's dead?"

Shirou nodded, now serious. "You're the smartest person I know when it comes to thinking ahead. So I want you to tell me, how likely is it that the Summit might be attacked?"

Mika was silent for a moment, trying to find the words to explain the answer to him. After a bit, she finally answered. "I've been thinking it over since yesterday. But unfortunately, in every scenario I think of, they all end with a conflict starting up in the Summit."

Shirou looked down, but not to surprised. "So it's impossible for this to end peacefully."

"Sad to say, but the fact is that in many societies when the one on top carries both the most influence and power, their presence is the main reason no one starts a conflict out of fear, you could say their very existence secures peace. And there's no one higher than God, literally." Mika explained. "There's no telling how many people stayed quietly simply because he was around. And if they find out he is gone, not only those people but new people who weren't around before might feel emboldened to try and make their mark, for no other reason then the fact that they can."

"But the main problem with that is; not everyone knows that God is dead yet." Shirou pointed out. "So if someone were to attack, they would have to know that beforehand."

"Not necessarily." Mika argued. "Since everyone at the Summit will know, it is possible that someone might leak that information to another party, and that will give them in the incentive to stage an attack."

"So, you think there might be a traitor?" Shirou asked before he thought about it. "Now that I think about it, they've been at war for eons. It would be wishing thinking to just believe that every single person there would just forgive and forget all that and accept peace. It could just be a random grunt or someone high up on the food chain, but chances are someone will be against this, besides the leaders themselves."

"And even if there were no traitors, that still won't change the fact that someone might stage an attack." Mika added. "This Summit will be the first and possibly only time the leaders of all Three Factions will be in the same room, they all must have plenty of enemies or just people out there who hate peace. I'm sure none of them will be able to resist the opportunity. So regardless of the motive, the outcome always stays the same."

"Even so, it might be better for us to keep this to ourselves." Shirou suggested. "Despite all these deductions, in the end, we have no proof and all these thoughts will be seen as us just telling everyone to distrust each other. That in-of-itself could hurt rather than help the peace negotiations."

"So, you think we should just do nothing?" Mika asked, doubtful.

"No, I say we should keep our guards up." Shirou corrected her. "If we're right and something does happen, we'll be ready to fight back, and on the slim chance that we're wrong, we'll just let things play out and leave it at that."

"Sounds like the only thing we can do, but still.…." Mika clasped his hand and looked up at Shirou with a loving expression. "No matter who might invade, I'm not worried. As long as your there with me, I have complete faith that things will work out."

Shirou looked down at her and gave her the same expression. "Yeah, and no matter what might end up happening, I have no doubt you'll be on top of the situation. You always are."

The two of them just stayed together for the moment enjoying each others company and having complete faith in each other. It was a testament to their bond. No matter how much time may pass or who they may fight along the way. For both of them, their first and foremost would always be each other.

The moment ended when Mika let go of his hand, took her Phone out of her pocket and turned towards the bed with a mischievous look.

"What are you doing?" Shirou asked, having a pretty good idea.

"Obviously, I'm snapping a picture of this." Mika answered, with a grin. "All three of them are completely Naked and together on a bed, I can't possibly miss this opportunity to permanently capture this image."

"I still have no idea why they're undressed. I mean they were wearing nightclothes before going to sleep." Shirou noted, find it odd. "Did they strip while asleep or something, can people do that?"

"Apparently they can." Mika reasoned.

SNAP!

As she took a picture of Rias, Akeno, and Asia who were still fast asleep in their undressed state, Shirou just decided to leave the room at this point.

"I'm going to make breakfast." He said as he walked out the door.

The time was late at night. High above, a protective barrier similar to the one the Student Council created during the fight against Kokabiel completely enveloped the school grounds. This barrier was much stronger and more stable as it was crafted by the powers of the Three Factions leaders.

Inside the barrier, the school campus was filled to the brim with Angels, Fallen Angels, and Devils all surrounding the outside of the building. The Angel troupes were in the sky above the Main School building, the Devil troupes were surrounding the courtyard and the Fallen Angel troupes were hovering over the forest area. All sides were ready to fight immediately in the event negotiations fell apart. Naturally, the air was very tense.

It was finally time for the conference of the Three Great Powers.

Inside the Occult Research Club meeting room, all the members of the Gremory Peerage had gathered and were ready to go to the conference room. All of them were in their Student uniforms, expect the Tsukiharu siblings who were both wearing the respective outfits that they wear when going to an important battle. The same ones they wore during the Kokabiel fight.

Rias who was sitting behind her desk stood up and addressed everyone. "Well. Time to go everyone." They all nodded back at her, ready to go. Rias then turned to Gasper's box as he was in it. Sitting on the couch next to the box was Koneko, to keep him company. "And Gasper, behave yourself while we're gone."

"Yes, ma'am." Gasper said from within the box.

"I don't mean to scold, but if you activate your powers, it'll stall negotiations." Rias informed him gently. "And we don't want that, I hope you understand."

The top of the box opened and as Gasper popped his head up. "Yes, ma'am."

Shirou who was just on his Phone put it away and walked over to Gasper. "Even though you dress like a guy now, you still need to work on your attitude." He apprised Gasper. "It won't matter how much you can control your power if you can't get out of your box."

"R-right." Gasper responded, both nervous but grateful and a little determined. "I'll work on it."

"Ara, Ara, you really are acting like a Senpai to him lately." Akeno noticed, smiling. "I'm a little surprised."

"…I'm more surprised you got him to lose the skirt." Koneko commented.

"Speaking of which." Kiba stepped forward. "Why are you two dressed for battle?" He asked, referring to Shirou and Mika.

"It's so we'll be prepared in case fighting breaks out." Shirou answers, not technically lying.

"Shirou, the Summit tonight is meant for negotiating peace." Rias reminded him.

"There are literally armies outside waiting for the order to attack." Mika reminded her. "So this school could become a battlefield at any minute. Our concerns are justified."

Rias wanted to say something more, but couldn't deny the truth in her words so she said nothing.

"Frankly, I'm surprised you guys are going dressed like that." Shirou pointed to them. "This is going to be a historical moment that could change the world and go down in history. And yet, you're all going dressed in your Student uniforms."

"Well, there isn't any set dress code, and we don't really have anything else we could wear that would be fitting for an important gathering." Kiba reasoned. "So this is our default."

"I only have this and my battle uniform from when I was a warrior from the Church." Xenovia added. "I figured this was the better choice."

"Whatever." Shirou relented, no longer caring. "It just feels like you're always going to be wearing those stupid uniforms at this rate."

"Alright, enough messing around." Rias spoke up, now come out from behind her desk and walking up to the door. "We're leaving. Let's go."

The Crimson-haired Devil mistress then walked out the door with her Queen beside her and the rest followed suit. They walked down the hallway, out of the building and made their way through the forest to head to the Main School building and the conference room.

The day of fate has finally come.

And that's the chapter. First, regarding Shirou's moment with Gasper, I figured it was a better interpretation of how things would go between them. Gasper is someone who needed someone who could connect to him on a more personal level rather than someone who would just coddle him. Shirou gives him something to aspire to and to motivation to better himself while helping find his own self-worth, which I think he needs rather than just everyone letting him be a boy in a box. Plus, I gave him a mask instead of a paper-bag because I thought it would be a better idea and more original.

And for those of you who might not like the fact that I had him lose the cross-dressing trope, my response is. And this is no offence to those of you who like traps, but I just don't like them. In fact, I hate them, I can't stand them and I will not continuously write them in my story. Besides, for those of you who read High School DxD EX, you know that in the future, Gasper becomes strong and brave, and dresses like a guy. So it works out.

When it comes to his meeting and interaction with Michael. I wanted it to be a chance for Shirou to be able to decide for himself what kind of person he was. And from him to see the difference between those who lead the Church and those who lead the Angels, they might be connected but they are completely different. I wanted Shirou to get a chance to see that. Plus, among all the leaders of the Three Factions, Michael and the Angels are the only ones who act, normal compared to the Fallen Angels and Devils. He doesn't have a weird side or quirk and is in my opinion, just generally a decent guy. The purpose of their meeting besides giving Shirou the Sword was to show that.

As for the moment with Akeno, I wanted her to have a real moment when she revealed her lineage. A moment with someone who actually made her see herself as someone more than just her blood and was able to actually put their thoughts into words. Not just struggling to say 'I hate Fallen Angels but I like you, 'cause you're you'. Also, I had Shirou say he doesn't hate Fallen Angels because, well you heard his reasoning. How is it fair to judge all Fallen Angels simply based on Raynare's group and Kokabiel. It's not, so he doesn't hate them.

Also, in case you were wondering; Yes Shirou and Akeno would have had sex if Rias didn't show up at that time, they're both perfectly willing to so there would have been no problem. Speaking of Rias, that moment she had with Shirou in the following scene was something I made because I thought she deserved a moment with him since it's been a while. And I thought it was fun.

Finally, the conversation between Shirou and Mika on the day of the Summit. I believe it makes sense, given there personalities it would be odd from them to just believe every single person would be okay with holding hands and making peace after such a long War, just because their leaders say so. And since Shirou acknowledges Mika's strategic ability more than anyone else's, he asked her to think of how the Summit might turn out based on what they know. So they'll be expecting it to be attacked (Which it will be) and be prepared for I fight, but the others won't know because they knew telling them wouldn't help at all, so they kept it to themselves. Which is something to two of them would decide, they typically keep secrets from everyone besides each other.

Next chapter, the Peace conference will finally begin and we'll be reaching the climax for this Arc. The fights and conclusion will be a huge scale so it could take a while, but I'll put my all into making it great. So prepare yourselves.

Anyways thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed, if you want more leave a review, if you like the story then click the follow/favorite, and as always have an awesome day.