Chapter 17: Prequel to the Game

One Day before the Rating Game

Anos was currently in the student council room with Sona since he told her that he would inform him why he came to the human world.

He informed her that he came under the request of Lord Lucifer because he received a report that the fallen were acting suspiciously in Rias territory and when he was watching Rias he found her fighting three fallen and cast an illusion that made it seem like she killed one of them.

So that when he told Sona that Mittelt was a fallen but the evil piece was acting completely suppressing her Fallen Angel side.

"So the Fallen, Mittelt, can she be trusted," "yes I trust," Sona leans forward on her chair while putting her hands on her desk, "are you sure she could be trying to manipulate you."

Sona just messages her forehead and just decides to move on to another topic, "so Anos did Mittelt tell you what she and compatriots were actually doing here? Rias told me that they were trying to steal Asia's sacred gear but I doubt they came all the way here just to take her sacred gear."

"I have a few ideas but nothing confirmed but things are happening behind the scenes that I can't voice openly at the moment but I suggest you train your peerage for a fight ."

Sona's eyes narrow, "do you think there is a fight coming," "Most likely," "have you told Rias any of this I'm pretty sure she could benefit from this information as well?"

Anos leans forward and takes a sip of the tea that Tsubaki gave him, "she has a lot on her plate at the moment." "Yea your right she needs to focus on the battle ahead of her well if you have the time will you humor me in a game of chess?"

Anos smirks and looks at the chessboard sitting on a round table in the corner of the room with two chairs on the respective side.

"Sure I can spare three or four hours," Sona and Anos then stand from the desk and walk to the chessboard, "so do you want to go first this time or me," "ladies first Sona."

Sona then nods and looks down at her chest board and starts off by moving her queen's pawn two spaces by moving his king pawn two spaces as well, "what is you're play, are you trying to copy me?"

Anos just shrugs and Sona ends up taking the first piece of the match, Anos then moves the bishop next to the three spaces to the right.

Now Sona had her full attention on the game she felt something was off Anos would have let her take one of his pieces so soon he must be trying to set up a trap like usual.

Sona then sat in silence for another twenty minutes to try and come up with different ways that Anos could possibly trap her. She then moves her knight piece on the queenside to the left accepting that it is too soon to figure out what his trap could be.

Anos then moves his queen knight piece one piece in range to get taken by Sona's own pawn, "you're deliberately sacrificing your pieces?" Sona then takes Anos's pawn then Anos does something making her look at him in confusion, he moves his knight piece on the kingside right in front of it.

Sona was about to take his knight piece but pauses halfway to take a better look at the chessboard because she was getting a bad feeling. Then her eyes narrow realizing the trap she almost fell for, "do you really think I would fall that," Anos smirks and winks at her, "well who knows you almost did."

"No I was expecting a trap so I was being cautious if I would have taken your knight and by doing that I expect you would have taken my bishops pawn on my king's sides which would have forced me to react so I don't lose one of my king leaving my queen from attack by your queen.

So then you would have taken my queen putting me in checkmate, so Anos do I have that correct." Anos smirk widens further revealing his white teeth, "well I guess I should think of a different strategy to win," "yes you should," Sona then moves her king's rook's pawn two paces then leans back in her chair, "your move."

Two Hours Later

"Well thank you again Anos for another game but it seems I am still too far behind to win," the was clear with the only remaining pieces being both Anos and Sona's king pieces.

"Don't beat yourself up, in all honesty, a few times you made me think a little harder," Sona pushes her glasses up and stands, "when you say things like that it makes me eager for our next match," Sona then extends her hand for Anos to shake and Anos takes it.

"So where will you go now back to the underworld," but before Anos could open the doors to the student council rooms opened, "president you and Lord Anos have been going at it for a while why not go get something to eat."

"Tsubaki what are you doing I told you to knock before you enter and how hard were you listening to time that correctly," Tsubaki bows, "I only just arrived right now and I could tell you and Lord Anos were still talking but when I put my ear to the door I heard your question and figured you both could be hungry at your long game."

"I'm not particularly hungry but I wouldn't mind getting something to eat, what about you Sona," "I…uhhh…sure why not I could get some food."

"I haven't been in Japan for too long so I don't know any good restaurants what about you," "I don't know either I don't go out I am usually too busy with student council affairs to know."

Tsubaki then claps her hands grabbing doth devil's attention, "I know a place and luckily I have made reservations but they won't be ready until later tonight."

Sona's eyes narrow, "why do I feel like you planned this," "well the reservations were meant for me and you but I figured you and Lord Anos could use them."

Anos then laughs making Sona raise an eyebrow, "Sona you have some really manipulative servants," "yes it appears so," "but if she went this far to get you to get out of the office I don't mind getting food."

Sona blushes and nods, "well if you're okay with it I don't mind, what is the name of the restaurant," "it is Kanawa in Nagoya and the reservation is set for 5:30 so you have two hours to get ready."

Sona sighs, "okay well that's plenty of time since I am going to be wearing this anyways," "I don't think so president and Lord Anos we will meet you there in two hours."

Anos nods as Tsubaki drags Sona out of the room, "hey Tsubaki what do you think you are doing the clothes I am wearing are just fine, and stop tugging me so hard." Anos then teleports away the reappears in front of the Gremory mansion on the mountain.

Transition to the Gremory Mansion

Anos walk through the doors to see Asia studying the book he gave her while Kiba was sitting on the couch across from her sharpening one of his swords even though he didn't have to since he could create a new sword if the one he had got dull.

Mittelt was sitting next to Asia helping her look over the information in the book with a soft smile on both of their faces.

Anos walks past them and up the stairs into his room the see Rin staring absentmindedly in front of her then blinks and looks toward Anos, "you returned from your meeting with the devil," "yes I have," Anos then walks to his closet to look over the clothes he has in there, "what are you doing?"

"I am looking for clothes I have an outing with Sona in two hours and I figured I could change my look for the night." "What is an outing," "it is when two people go out for a good time," "do you mean a date," Anos turns to Ophis with a raised eyebrow, "date?"

Now it was Ophis's turn to look at Anos in confusion, "do they not have dates in your world," "yes but I didn't think this was a date because I didn't ask her out."

The doors to Anos room then fall off it's hinges to reveal Rias, Mittelt, Akeno, and Koneko lying on top of it, "Rias you were leaving too hard on the door," "no I wasn't Koneko I blame Akeno she was on the side where the door where it first started to fall."

"No I don't it was my fault personally I think it was the trash next to Koneko," "why the fuck are you calling trash half-blood I'll kick your ass."

Suddenly a cough interrupts all the girls arguing as they turn their attention to Anos staring down at them, "hello ladies may I ask why you decided to break my room again?"

All the girls look to Rias as she sighs since she is the king, "well you see said she noticed you arrive from inside her room but when she walked past your room she heard you say something about going on a date then she got Mittelt and me then I got Akeno."

Anos raises his eyebrow at the speed they all congregated at his door since literally just said he going to an outing, "it's an outing, not a date…I didn't ask her out."

"Brother you are really smart but if you think that Sona doesn't think this a date then you are stupid." "Why would she think this is a date when I didn't ask her out," Rias stands and pats some dirt off her skirt, "Anos why wouldn't she, you guys are going to a restaurant alone."

Anos nods as a communication circle appears next to his ear, "what are you doing," "calling Sona to see if she thinks this is a date or not."

Rias lunges at Anos to try and throw off his concentration of calling Sona, "what are you doing don't call her and ask her that what if she thinks this is a date and by asking her you make it seem like you didn't think it was."

"And how would that be a bad thing if I am just seeking clarification," "you just shouldn't you wouldn't; know because you aren't a girl."

Anos looks to the three girls who watched in silence and they all nod in agreement, "well either way it's fine I was planning on wearing something else besides this anyway."

Rias looks into the closet with narrowed eyes, "and what would that be I won't you show up to a date with one of my closest friends looking crazy?"

Anos shuts the closet door and extends his hand toward the bed as it glows violet revealing a suit completely violet suit with a white undershirt, "well is this appropriate or should I choose something different."

Rias walks to the bed along with the others following behind to get a closer look as well, "wow it's so pretty," says Akeno while lifting up the sleeve.

"Yea your right and did you choose violet to match Sona's eyes," "yes so did I pass your test," Rias rolls her eyes, "you know you passed just to make sure you treat her right Sona may act cold sometimes but deep down she is just like another girl."

"Fine now get out I need to change," Rias nods and walks out the room with Akeno humming to herself while Mittelt and Koneko were glaring at him which didn't go unseen by Anos with him raising an eyebrow as they left the room.

"See I told you this was a date," Anos says nothing as he just walks into the shower to get changed. Meanwhile downstairs in the living room, the girls were plotting to spy on Anos while he was on his date with Sona.

"Koneko you are going to have to be our eyes and ears since you are the best at concealing your presence," Rias the hands Koneko a walkie talkie, "here use this to spy on them and relay every detail that you see."

"Umm…Rias why are you guys going this far to spy on Lord Anos while he is on a date," says Asia as she looks at the girls and then back to the walkie-talkie, "because this is the first date that Anos has ever been on."

Rias then snaps her fingers as a communication circle forms next to her ear, "hello mother I have important news, Anos is going on a date," then immediately after saying that Venelana appears in the living room with two commutation circles on both sides of her ear.

"Why would I be lying about this Zeoticus and Lady Phenex hurry you have less than two hours." Venelana hangs up the communication circle and turns her attention to everyone in the living room looking at her like she shouldn't be there, "mother what are you doing?"

"Rias if you think for a second that your father or I would miss our baby boy's first date then you are mistaken." "Fine but a second ago you said Lady Phenex why did you call her," "simple, because u figured Ravel would want to take notes on what a date with Anos would look like."

Koneko then scoffs, "looks like fried chicken is going to be here looks like I need to be on my toes," but this was said under her breath so no one heard her except for Mittelt since she standing the closest to her.

"Well Rias I am a little surprised to hear he is going on a date but I have no idea who it could be," then realization forms on Venelana's face as the only other person it could be is Sona.

"Well it looks like I have another call to make," Rias then rolls her eyes, "mother please stop you from going overboard," Venelana then growls making Rias shut up, "this is my son's first date if you didn't expect me to do this then you shouldn't have."

The communication circle next to Venelana's earrings a few times then the receptionist picks up, "hello this is Lady Gremory could you tell Lady Leviathan we have a code red…don't worry she knows what it means."

Five minutes later a blue magic circle appear in the living room, it was Sona along with five cameramen, "I have brought the cameramen now when and where is this date?"

"The date is in less than two hours and as for the location Rias where is it," Rias currently had a tic mark the size of Mount Everest on her forehead on the verge of bursting.

"Mother what are you doing why do you keep inviting all these people…" Rias then turns the Serafall and bows, "no offense Lady Leviathan." "It's fine but where is this happening I need my cameramen to get there early so they can set up."

"Let me call Tsubaki to find out because I doubt Sona will tell me," says Rias as a communication circle forms next to her ear.

"Hey, Tsubaki where is the restaurant Anos and Sona are going to…really that place is hard to get into how did you manage…I see well that's lucky….okay bye and don't tell Sona I called."

When Rias ends the call everyone in the room was staring at her in anticipation, "it is Kanawa in Nagoya," Serafall then snaps her fingers as the five cameramen teleport to Nagoya to find the restaurant, "jeez this is going to be hectic."

Transition Kanawa

Anos was walking down the street towards the restaurant but he could tell there were multiple people watching him from almost every direction. There were five behind him, four on a building to his left, and three in front of him, if they were hostile he would have done something about them long ago.

So for now he would act like they weren't there until they decided to cause problems for Sona or him, Anos reaches the restaurant and looks inside to see if Sona had arrived yet but she didn't.

To Anos's left, he saw a black limo pull up next to Kanawa, the doors open to reveal Sona in a crimson red sheath column sleeveless spaghetti straps sweep brush dress.

Her hair was a lot longer probably due to extensions and her eyes were the same color as Anos due to contacts, "hello Anos sorry for being late did you wait long."

"It's fine I just got here…I like your dress and especially your eyes they look like mine," Sona blushes slightly, "thanks Tsubaki insisted that I match you but it looks like you tried to match me."

Anos smirks as the color of his clothes change to match Sona's, "well now you are…now shall we enter." Anos opens the door for Sona and both of them walk to check in with their reservation, "did you see that Anos changed to the color of his dress to match Sona's that is so cute."

"Yes cute but he better not try anything with my sister or he is gonna get it," says Serafall as she was biting her fingernails off.

"I can't see from this angle we should get closer," "I don't think that's the right idea my lady if we get any close they may feel that we are watching them," replies Akeno as she tries to hide her chuckle.

"I don't understand why I am here when you guys literally have a rating game between my brother peerage tomorrow," Koneko scoffs as she looks at Ravel staring intensely through the binoculars that she brought, "you can leave fried chicken," "excuse me I believe I ordered you numerous times not to call me fried chicken."

Koneko smirks, "I don't listen to fried chicken I eat it," Koneko then opens her mouth and bites toward Ravel making her jump.

"Watch cat I will roast you alive," Ravel then forms a fireball in her hand as Koneko cocks her fist back, "wait guys I don't think we should be fighting," says Asia as she puts her hands up between Koneko and Ravel.

"It's fine Asia this is just a dual between rivals," Mittelt then interjects after hearing Koneko says, "wait why can she be your rival when I can't."

Koneko just rolls her eyes while lowering her fist, "you could never be my rival you aren't even a threat unlike that little bird over there," Ravel scoffs, "who are you calling little we are the exact same size, well maybe not the same since I'm more developed."

"Not if I pop those little balloons here and now," Ravel then hugs her chest defensively, "you wouldn't dare touch a high-class devil like me." Koneko then slowly makes her way toward Ravel as she gets up and back away slowly, "keep those disgusting fingers away from."

Koneko then smirks maliciously as she looks a Ravel's chest, "or what do you really think you can stop me," Ravel then runs in the opposite direction dropping the binoculars with Koneko chasing right behind.

"Umm…Mittelt do you think we should stop them," Mittelt just sighs and shrugs, "I don't know but we are supposed to be watching Anos and Sona."

"Zeoticus I can't believe you almost missed our son's first date," Zeoticus glances at Venelana with a nervous smile, "well in my defense I didn't believe it when you first called me."

Venelana's eyes narrow then look back to the monitor that was recording what was inside the restaurant, "well I guess this you wouldn't joke about something like this."

"Oh come now Lady Gremory when you first called me and my husband we both believed that this was a joke as well," says Lady Sitri as she playfully taps Venelana's back.

"Yes I was partially surprised as well even though Anos says constantly that he has no desire to marry but it is pretty obvious that he has romantic feelings for a few people," says Lady Phenex as she watches the two sit at a table inside the restaurant.

Venelana and Zeoticus silently glance at each other and then back to the restaurant which didn't go unseen by Lord Sitri, "what was that Lord and Lady Gremory is there something that you guys aren't telling us."

"It's nothing Anos is just a special guy," says Zeoticus trying to ease his suspicion, "well that much is obvious."

Transition to inside Kanawa

Anos and Sona walk to a table in the back and sit down while looking at what to eat, "so Sona about your last name you couldn't come up with something better," Anos picks up the menu and a takes a few minutes to look at what to eat, "what do you mean."

"Sitri…Shitori they very similar are they not." "Well I wanted to keep it short and sweet, plus my sister is too dense enough to recognize the difference," Anos chuckles feeling a similar aura rising then after a few seconds it died down.

"Anos do you really think that your sister has a chance of winning tomorrow's rating game, she is up against Riser his healing capabilities make him completely immortal."

Anos smirks with a raised eyebrow, "immortal, you think just because he can heal his body that makes him immortal," "basically yes, it may not be true immortally but it basically is."

"No one is truly immortal not even the gods themselves but to answer your question it solely depends on their determination to win. I have trained them as much as I could in a week so what they do from there is up to them."

Sona's eyes narrowed slightly, "to me it sounds like you don't care if Rias wins or not," "I'm realistic if Rias and her peerage were strong enough to completely beat Riser's peerage, I would say so but they don't. And that's the undeniable truth on the matter."

While Sona and Anos were talking the waitress walked up to take their order, "good-evening my name is Sakura and I will be you sever for tonight are there any drinks I can get you started with."

Anos being a gentle-men allowed Sona to go first and she just ordered water with Anos ordering the same, "okay I will get those right away but are you guys ready to order, or do you need more time."

Both looked at the menu and nodded to each other, "yes we are both ready….I will have this one and what about you Sona," "I will have the seafood special for today."

They then handed the waitress the menus and she bowed slightly, "thank you and I will get those waters for you." After that Sona and Anos resumed their conversation, "so what do you think your sister's biggest advantage is," "it would have to be her chemistry with her peerage."

"I see but enough about my sister what about yours, especially your pawn." Sona rolls her eyes and pinches the bridge of her nose, "he is a handful at times but he has a deep respect for me probably even romantic feelings."

Anos smirks, "I figured as much but I commend him for his loyalty to you." Sona nods and continues, "well I should thank you for awakening his sacred gear even though the way you went about it was a little much don't you think?"

Anos just shrugged, "I don't know about that but I guess I did go a little far by blowing up that mountain," Sona just rolled her eyes at Anos lackluster apology.

Their date or outing went on for another two hours with them being watched by the cameras inside the restaurant that was placed there by Serafall's cameramen.

The duo walked out with Anos glancing all around noticing that the individuals that were here earlier were infarct still here, "it seems your car hasn't arrived yet."

Sona looked at her phone texting the limo driver, "I don't know I called him but it appears he still isn't here yet." "Here let me take you home where do you live," Sona looked up from her phone with a raised eyebrow, "it's fine I can teleport I just need a few minutes to create the circle."

Anos sighed Sona and Rias were quite similar they never liked asking for help and only liked relying on their own abilities, "it is fine I got it, and plus it will be faster."

Before Sona could protest a Gremory magic circle appeared below the both of them and in a flash of red, they were gone and reappeared on top of the school building.

Sona blinked rapidly and looked at her surroundings and sighed in exasperation, "geez Anos you have let me give some warning first before you teleported us."

Anos smirked at Sona making her blush slightly, "your ride wasn't there and you needed a lift," Sona looks at her surrounding more, "well this isn't where I live," Sona then points to some apartments in the distance, "I live close to over there."

Anos then places his hand on her shoulder and waits until she is ready for them to teleport, "yes let's go." Then in a flash of red, they were gone and reappear on top of a few more buildings before finally reaching Sona's apartment, "thank you Anos I appreciate you taking me home."

"It's no problem at all. Will you be attending the rating game tomorrow," "partially for the live broadcast I am in charge of it so I will be watching but I will be distracted making sure everything runs smoothly."

"I see well I must be off I have things that I need to do before the game as well," Sona nods and walks inside with Anos teleporting back to the underworld.

Transition back to the restaurant

"Thank you, Lord and Lady Sitri for taking the time out of your busy schedules to come and have a little fun," Venelana and Zeoticus bow slightly in respect with Lord and Lady Sitri doing the same, "yes it was exciting to see our little Sona finally have a date with Anos."

Both high-class devils teleport away leaving Lady Phenex alone with the two heads of Gremory, "well this was a good way to lighten the mood until tomorrow."

Lady Phenex then leans to the right slightly to watch Ravel talk to Koneko then turns her attention back to the Gremory's. Zeoticus then speaks up saying, "yes I agree but I trust that my daughter and her peerage won't allow this little event to distract them from their goal of winning tomorrow."

A playful smirk forms on Lady Phenex's face and calls for Ravel so they can leave but before she leaves she winks at the devils and say's, "well if it counts for anything I am hoping your daughter comes on top."

Zeoticus raises an eyebrow in confusion while Venelana adopts a similar smirk on her face that goes unnoticed by Zeoticus as he turns his attention to his daughter and her peerage, "well Rias this was exciting but we must be going we have things that we need to do before the rating game."

Both Gremory's leave with only Rias and peerage remaining since Serafall left earlier to go figure out where Anos and Sona went.

Transition to the Next Day

Scene Open in the Phenex Estate 9:30 AM- 14 Hours Before the game

Riser was sitting in a room along with Ravel going over a few of the plans she had thought up. Previously Riser had told Ravel to come up with three plans and depending on what she came up he would use all three or none of them at all.

Riser had read all three plans and to be honest, they were good really good, the first was devised on blitzing the peerage and completely overwhelming them in the process. The next one was to lure them into a trap surround them and tire them out with light attacks and defeat them slowly and effectively.

The last basically a hit-and-run strategy, so after Riser finished reading each plan even though all the plans were about four pages long. Riser puts down the last paper to look at Ravel who was staring at him in anticipation, "these are good Ravel I'm impressed. I am particularly proud of the first one," a wide smile forms on Ravel's face, "I think for the game we will be using the blitz strategy to get this game over with quick and easy. But depending on how the game goes we will have to tweak it."

Ravel nods in acceptance, "thanks I worked really hard on these, I'm glad you like them," Ravel then stands and says goodbye to her elder brother since there were other things that she needed to do.

After leaving Riser's eyes narrow, he puts the plans on his desk and forms a communication circle next to his ear, "do you have the items I wanted you to retrieve…good when you are done come to my chambers."

Riser hangs up the communication circle and almost ten minutes later his down opens to reveal his queen Yubelluna and two of his pawns Ni and Li. Both pawns had burn marks on their hand and all over their arms, "so how did it do," Ni and Li drop to a knee as Yubelluna speaks for the group.

"We went to the building in question and found what you requested," Yubelluna then pulls ten summoning papers out of her pocket and then hands them to Riser who had a cocky smirk on his face, Ni and Li glance at each other in disapproval which is noticed by Riser.

"If you two have something to say then say it," both girls flinch after feelings his gaze but again Yubelluna speaks in their defense. "Lord Riser that believe that what we just did could be against the rules," Riser's glare falters and is replaced with a face of understanding.

"Ni…Li," after hearing their names the girls raise their heads toward their king, "tell me where in the rule book that it says that was we are doing is against the rules." Both girls shrug while Riser continues as a smirk forms on his face, "the answer is no but after what we do it just might be."

Then someone knocks on Riser's door and he hides the teleportation slips in one of his desk drawers, "come in," the door opens as surprise forms on everyone's face, Riser abruptly stands and rounds his desk dropping to a knee along with everyone else, "Lord Bael how can I be of service?"

"Rise Riser there is something I want to say before the rating game," Riser nods and Lord Bael continues, "don't forget our deal Riser and I won't accept anything less than excellence and if you don't perform to my liking we may have to look for different options if you catch my meaning." Riser stiffens as his thoughts drift toward his sister, "yes Lord Bael I completely understand."

Transition to the Gremory Estate in the Mountains 10:30 AM- 13 Hours Before the game

Issei walks up after hearing Ddraig's roaring voice inside his head, "partner how are you feeling," Issei sings up from his pillow with his entire bed drenched in sweat. Issei rubs his head feeling a massive head as if he had been drinking the night before, "yea I'll be alright, I just need a minute."

Issei rolls out of bed a stumbles a bit, "take it easy what we did last night will have lasting effects for a while but they should subside in a few hours." Issei's vision blurs as he feels lightheaded even more, "hey Ddraig is there anything that I can do to subside the symptoms."

Issei drops to a knee as Ddraig thinks of a plan to help his partner, but a knock comes on the door grabbing Ddraig's and Issei's attention as Asia comes in. "Hey Issei time to get up…" but Asia trails off after seeing Issei on one knee barely keeping his eyes open with his skin being white as snow.

"Oh my goodness Issei are you alright you look terrible," Issei groans and puts on a half-hearted smile, "yea I'm fine just feeling a little under the weather." In an attempt to heal Issei she extends her hands but Ddraig's voice roars in his head saying, "partner if you let her heal you it could upset what we did," Issei mentally curses the dragon but sighs knowing that he has to tuff it out for Rias.

Issei puts up his hand to stop Asia and struggles to his feet, "it's fine Asia I just need to lay down for a bit," Asia nods and helps Issei to his feet, "are you sure you are okay." "Yea I just need to lay down," Ddraig then speaks softly in Issei's head, "Partner have her bring you a glass of hot water."

Even though Ddraig's voice was a lot softer it didn't mean he was speaking any louder than before still making his head slightly hurt, "hey Asia, could you bring me a glass of water, and could you please keep this a secret between the both of us for the time being?"

Asia nods and walks out of the room but glances back to look at Issei's shallow breathing then finally walks out of the room to get him a glass of hot water. But unknown to Asia if she would continue to look back for a few more seconds she would have seen Issei's teeth sharpen along with his nails then quickly turn back to normal.

Around the same time, Kiba and Koneko were in the forest, after the sparring session Kiba had asked Koneko to help him with a secret project since she was an expert on a certain matter after given a thorough example and numerous walk throughs he was finally able to do it but could only manage one.

Transition to the Gremory Estate in the Underworld 10:30 AM- 13 Hours Before the Game

Anos was in his room having a one-sided argument with Mittelt who was upset that she was being forced to go to the rating game and was also being forced to change out her Gothic Lolita outfit into a maid outfit that resembled the one Ophis discussed as Rin was wearing.

Although Anos couldn't care less about what she wore or if she came to the game or not but since Anos is a member of the Gremory family he and his peerage and servants are required to come.

"Why should I give two shits about what is required, I am not wearing a maids uniform," Anos sighs this conversation was going nowhere but he had an idea on getting Mittelt to cooperate.

"Well how about this you beat me in a fight you don't have to go," Anos smirks and Mittelt deadpans then turns on her heel, "Mittelt where are you going?" Mittelt raises her right hand and flicks Anos's offer with her middle finger, "why the fuck would I fight someone who can go toe to toe with a Dragon God."

Anos sighed in exasperation knowing that if someone was close by they would have been surprised to hear that. Anos then turns his attention to Rin who had been standing in silence this entire time just watching him like normal, "so what are you going to do," "I don't care for this rating game so I will go check up on my group for the time being but if I do decide to return I will let you know."

In a flash of purple Rin disappears and leaves making Anos shake his head in disappointment, "those two must be trying to blow my identity wide open." Anos then walks down the stairs into the dining hall to eat breakfast with his parents, he walks through the door and sits down with his parents who have already started eating.

Zeoticus is the first to notice Anos presence, "good morning Anos how are you today," Anos sits on the opposite side of his father and mother. Maids then put a plate in front of him and start to put food on it, "it was fine but did you guys have fun last night," Zeoticus and Venelana chuckled to themselves.

Anos then starts to eat his food as Venelana says, "we should be asking you the same thing after your little date." Anos's eyebrow raised slightly but dropped to its normal position, "I see you have been listening to Rias but like I told her it was just an outing, not a date I never asked her out."

Zeoticus sighs Anos really did have an old soul since he was over two thousand years old almost as old as himself, "Anos you sound like an old man."

Anos just shrugs and his mother finishes the food in her mouth to join the conversation, "did Sona enjoy the date," Anos glances toward his mother and decides to stop trying to tell people the difference between the two.

"It appeared so from what I could see but I never asked her so I do not know for sure," both parents raise an eyebrow with Venelana saying, "wait did you not ask her?" Anos finishes shaking her food and puts down his fork, "no I did not."

Transition to the Student Council Office 3:30 PM- 8 Hours Before the Game

Sona was sitting in her office with Tsubaki standing behind her while Rias sat in the front of her desk drinking a glass of tea with her legs crossed with a teasing smirk on her face.

Rias takes a sip of her tea a little louder to get a reaction out of Sona and to her delight it works, "okay Rias what do you want it has been what ten minutes now and you haven't said anything except sip your tea unnecessarily loud," Sona puts her papers down to give Rias her full attention.

Rias puts the glass down and shrugs with a teasing smirk, "don't mind me I was just curious about how your date went that's all." Sona's eyes narrow then says in an annoyed tone, "why are you asking you were there Anos told me, and plus it wasn't a date he didn't ask me out. I would say it was more like an outing if anything."

Rias deadpans at the fact that both of them said this was an outing, "you two are way two similar did he even ask if you had a nice time?" Sona raises an eyebrow in confusion, "why would he do that," then her eyes widen in nervousness, "wait did he say he didn't like the date?"

Tsubaki and Akeno smirk noticing that Sona said date while Rias full-blown starts laughing in amusement at her friend, "no he didn't say anything but I'm glad you actually thought it was a date. But just for clarification, he didn't ask?"

"No, I have faith that if I was having a bad time Anos would have noticed it beforehand, Anos is a lot of things but he isn't dense" Rias slaps her forehead. Serafall rolls her eyes and continues talking, "but shouldn't you be more concerned about your rating game tonight?"

Rias nods while becoming more serious, "yes I gave my peerage time to themselves to relax and meet back at the old school building 3 hours prior to the game to go over the plan one more, time to answer any last-minute questions."

Sona sighs if she was in the same predicament she would have done the same for her peerage, "fine but you could have relaxed anywhere else besides distracting me." Rias adopts a playful pout on her face making Rias roll her eyes even heavier in annoyance, "I don't mind you killing time here just don't cause too much of a distraction."

Rias smiles while pushing Sona's papers off her desk making her look at her like she is crazy, "calm down I can't just sit here while you just try and hold back the information about the date."

A massive vein forms on both sides of Sona's head she then tries to message them both to ease a massive headache forming, "you're not going to leave me alone are you?" Sona then glances at Akeno she had arrived with Ria and hadn't much attention to her but she noticed that she had a burnt mark on her elbow, "hey Akeno are you hurt it looks like you have a burn mark on your elbow?"

Akeno's eyes fall towards her elbow and see the mark and she nervously chuckles while rubbing it, "oh it's fine just some light training," Sona raises an eyebrow then Rias says while rolling her eyes. "It's no use ever since the spar she has been doing something in the forest that keeps blowing up her elbows and she won't let anyone see or know what she is doing. I told her to stop but as you can see she hasn't but she told me it wasn't anything that will hinder her ability to fight so I let it slide."

Sona raises an eyebrow, "well I guess it is fine as long as it doesn't hinder her performance."

Transition to the Hideout of the Khaos Brigade 5:30 PM- 6 Hours Before the Game

After leaving Anos at the Gremory Estate Ophis had been sitting in a meeting between her and three decedents of the former devil kings, while in the meeting she had a strong desire to leave and observe Anos.

But she had to play the role of being the leader of the Khaos Brigade even though had given up on being the leader of the organization and would be more than happy with leaving them to their own devices.

In all honesty, she had no idea what the meeting was about and she really didn't care but did act like she was listening anytime she was asked a question or was addressed.

While in the meeting she couldn't do anything but use her good memory to remise about all the things she saw in Anos memories starting at the beginning of his life when he was born from his mother's dead body to becoming an orphan, killing legions of gods, and even becoming so powerful that he didn't need to kill someone in order to make anyone do what he desired.

It was weird, the only thing she ever thought about was her silence but now for some reason unknown to her, she couldn't stop thinking of him. Ophis is then brought out of her thoughts as Katerea taps her shoulder repeatedly, "hello earth to Ophis we need more than a simple nod of your head."

Ophis blinks slowly then looks up to Katerea who nervously smiles and walks back to her seat, she then turns her attention to Shalba who was tapping his finger on the table patiently awaiting her response, "what do you want this time Shalba?"

Shalba's eye twitches but stops himself from lashing out at Ophis who obviously wasn't listening, "we asked we are considering capturing the second son of the Gremory Clan in order to get information out of him on two monsters for Super Devils."

Ophis shows no emotion but for some reason, she was thoroughly amused thinking that they could capture a being that almost rivaled herself but she felt something when he said he would capture him.

It made her want to do the thing that Anos would say in his memories a lot erase him from existence source and all or in this case soul and all. But she didn't act upon this small desire and instead cocked her head in confusion to attempt to play ignorant as to why he would want Anos.

"Who is Anos and why do you want him. If it is necessary for me to regain my silence I can just kidnap him now," Shalba sighs because if Ophis was listening then he would know why.

"Because in the underworld he is regarded as the strongest magical youth and somehow has gained the favor of those fake devil kings, so if anyone knows their weaknesses he would know and plus he is the brother of Sirzechs so we could use him as a hostage too. And to answer your question the plan is still under consideration at the moment."

Transition to the Old School Building 10:30 PM- 1 Hour Before the Game

Anos was walking toward the venue for the game along with Mittelt who had an annoyed look in her eyes since she had to change clothes for an event she didn't even want to go to.

Anos was wearing his normal outfit which continued to annoy Mittelt even more since he didn't have to change her clothes even though she did. "This is absolutely bull shit I can't believe I have to wear this getup," Anos raises an eyebrow figuring that it was no different from the clothes she was always wearing.

"Well I see no difference since they are both frilly," Mittelt stops walking as her hair covers her eyes, "what do you mean you don't see a difference? Look at this crap my other clothes have more personality than this maid uniform."

Anos continues walking and chuckles, "well that's true I do find your other clothes a lot." Mittelt rolls her eyes and follows behind Anos as he walks up a flight of stairs to the venue, Anos arrives at the venue and walks inside the two double doors to see his mother, father, brother, his sister in law along with Lord and Lady Phenex sitting and socializing talking about the game.

Anos walks in gathering everyone's attention as everyone waves with Sirzech walking up to greet his brother personally, "hello Anos how are you doing?"

Anos smirks at his brother extending his hand for him to take it, "I am doing fine how about yourself," "I am doing just good." Both brothers then walk to their seats with Anos winking at Grayfia making her narrow her eyes in suspicion, then the reopens to reveal a middle-aged man with black hair and violet eyes.

Everyone in the room's eyes widens in surprise except for Lady Phenex since she secretly knew he would be arriving and Anos since he could care less for the leader of the devil council.

The man that just walked into the room was Zekram Bael the first head of the Bael Clan, "good evening everyone," Zekram then looked to Sirzechs with a condescending smirk then addressed him, "and good evening to you Lord Lucifer."

Sirzech's eyes narrow at Zekram's tone when he said his name, Lord and Lady Gremory along with Lord and Lady Phenex stand in respect and bow toward the most important person in the underworld next to the Devil Kings.

"Please be seated no need to be so formal this isn't a form rating game," Zekram walks toward Anos but stops after noticing Mittelt's gaze on him and his smirk disappears, "what is a low-class devil-like yourself doing looking at me instead of kneeling."

Mittelt nervously glanced toward Anos out the corner of her eye and nodded slightly for her to kneel which was noticed by Zekram. After kneeling Zekram then continued his march toward Anos as all eyes were on him, "hello grandson how are you doing?"

Anos eyes narrow for hundreds of reasons but the most important one was the fact that he even talked to him since this was the first time in seventeen years.

"Why the sudden interest in my life and why are you here this has nothing to do with the Bael clan," Zekram smirk widens a little, "I mean you are my grandson is it so wrong for me to care about your life and to the contrary, this does have to do with my clan well my clans powers."

Sirzech then steps in front of Anos to assert his dominance over Zekram but he just looked directly into his eyes without a care in the world.

Sirzechs then extended his hand toward Zekram without his heart-warming smile, "welcome Lord Bael we are happy you took the time to come out," even though Sirzech's said this inwardly he was cursing the Leader of the Devil Clan.

Zekram then takes Sirzechs hand with an enjoying all the tension in the room he created with his presence, he then turns his head to the monitors noticing that the game was thirty minutes from starting.

"Well it looks like it is almost time to start shall we take our seats," Anos and Sirzechs sit next to each other with Zekram taking the seat next to him, "Anos you wouldn't mind if I sit here right," even though he said this it wasn't a question more like a statement.

Mittelt was still kneeling but then heard Anos's voice in her head, "go stand next to the podium with Grayfia as she acts as the proxy for the game." Mittelt stands and silently walks toward Grayfia and stands silently next to her making her raise an eyebrow toward Anos then he speaks in her mind, "could you watch her until the rating game is over."

"Yes," "I think you forgot to say, Lord," but Grayfia didn't respond making Anos mentally chuckle, "would you get out of my head I am busy."

Zekram then leans towards Anos's ear while still looking at the screens for the rating game, "I heard that you trained Rias and her peerage is there anything spectacular I should look out for," Anos shrugs, "who knows we will just have to see."

Zekram chuckles to Anos very slight annoyance, "come on give me something I heard you have been personally training her rook…the half-cat half-devil girl. I've heard her name before but for the death of me I can't remember it."

Anos mentally sighs but the blank expression on his face doesn't betray his emotions, "her name is Koneko a Nekoshou," Zekram snapped his fingers finally remembering her name.

"Ahhh…yes that is that half-blood name but I assume she is strong amongst low-class devils since she was trained by you, correct," Anos really didn't want to be in this conversation and was watching the time.

He had ten more minutes until the game was ready, "Zekram reframe from any more questions it is almost time for the game." Zekram's carefree smile leaves and is replaced with a carefree attitude as he looked toward Sirzechs.

Who was looking at him out the corner of his eye, "we have ten minutes before the game I don't casually talk will be a problem." Sirzechs eyes narrow along with Zekram's but Grayfia coughs cutting the tension like it was butter, "yes Lord Bael we have ten minutes but I planned on informing everyone of the rules for the game that both families came up with."

Zekram's smirk came back and he leaned back in his chair, "understood Grayfia," Sirzech sighed and calmed down himself, and Grayfia went on to explain in detail the rules of the game to the devils present in the viewing room along with speaking into a mike to tell both Rias and Riser's peerage at the same time.

After Grayfia's detailed explanation of the rules Grayfia did a countdown until the game, "the game will now commence in 5…4…3…2…1 begin."

End Chapter

I didn't have much for this chapter that's why it's a lot shorter than the rest.