A Dragon's Tale

by Blackshadow999

All have heard the story of the Great War between the Biblical Factions. However, what you all have been told is wrong, there was far more to it what happened. This is the truth from a side that is often dismissed.

6. A Deal Struck

Chapter 6: A Deal Struck

A week went by after Chris returned from visiting his aunt which had been a wonderful change in many ways. Plus, his kids had fun around her, and Tiamat had very much enjoyed spending time with Chris's family like she always did. It was nice to have caught up with her Chris would admit as he didn't see her as much as he wanted to. The other "good" thing that came out of the trip was Asia got a familiar and got to meet more of Chris's team. The meeting with Tiamat had been shaky at first but after the introductions, the two had gotten along quite well.

However, now Chris had to return to going to school regularly with his "vacation" done and be there during the day. It was a reminder that he disliked the idea of school since he had been through it multiple times and each time was more irritating than the last. He more tolerated school as it just took up time that could be spent better, but it did allow him to attract less attention to himself which was ideal. It was a major lesson he'd learned, the less attention that came to you, the fewer problems one tended to be forced to deal with. Chris's past was a testament to "bad" attention that had haunted him and those that gathered around him. His reputation as the "Shadow Dragon" brought nothing but trouble and pain put simply. Granted, Chris had earned an amount of the crap he received from what he did, but more than half the time that was not the case.

Back to the present, being at school did give one opportunity that Chris would have more difficulty getting otherwise. That opportunity was to hopefully get to Ddraig which had to be through none other than Issei Hyoudou. From observation, the kid Issei still hadn't made enough progress to wake Ddraig up from what Chris could tell. He'd been denied closer inspection in the form of Gremory not leaving Issei alone, there was always another nearby him. But then, Chris hadn't made much of an effort to get the kid on his own either so he couldn't blame Gremory completely.

Yet, his observations did make a rather clear point that didn't bode well for Issei Hyoudou in the end. His lack of progress with the Boosted Gear was only a detriment and that "handicap" would only get worse the longer progress wasn't made. With Hyoudou the current Red Dragon Emperor, it was merely a matter of time before he would be caught up in the battle with the White Dragon Emperor/Emperess. The fight between the two always happened when the two existed at the same time, it wasn't a question of if. And if history held as it had been, the two clashed as early as the hosts' late teens and rarely later than their early thirties. If nothing changed from the previous clashes, then Hyoudou would end out dying as Ddraig was on a losing streak for the last five centuries or so. And that said losing streak wasn't fully because Ddraig's hosts were incompetent though some of them had certainly been. It was also due to Albion's host using "dishonorable" and sometimes "dirty" tactics to win.

As Issei was now, the kid wouldn't stand a chance in a real fight let alone a serious life-threatening one. There was no doubt in Chris's mind that Hyoudou would be seriously whipped and then killed in the first fight if the White One didn't feel generous or want to torture him. And with the last host that Albion had, torture was a real possibility though Albion himself wasn't the fondest of the idea. The kid just was blissfully unaware of the danger ahead of him and so wasn't preparing for it as he could. Worse still, his king Gremory wasn't helping the kid in that area either, seeming to spoil him instead. All that "spoiling" would get Hyoudou was an early death which he would have no say in. Gremory's peerage wouldn't be able to change the point other than joining the kid in getting killed.

Yet, Chris knew that Asia wouldn't want Issei to get killed, even when Chris rarely interfered with Ddraig's and Albion's hosts going at each other. However, the kid had some time before the clash was likely to happen, so Chris could tell the kid to train. Gremory and Hyoudou would unlikely listen to the advice even were Chris to explain the reasons that the kid needed to do the work. Nevertheless, Chris wouldn't let it be said he didn't try to be nice from time to time with those outside of his circle of friends and family. With that in mind, Chris was on his way to the Occult Research room to give her the needed hint to start whipping the kid into shape. Along his way, however, he sensed a different presence than normal, which caused him a slight pause. It meant most likely Rias had a visitor of some sort, not that it mattered to Chris, it was more a minor annoyance and inconvenience than anything else currently.

He would get in do the business he was there to get done and then leave and move on to other things he'd rather be doing. Chris knocked on the door to be polite but got no answer in response, not even someone saying not to come in. As he was taking the time to come here and talk without being summoned by the devils, he didn't see a reason to leave right then. Instead, Chris just "phased through" the wall to the other side of the door, using shadows around the hall to pass through. It was a handy capability to have in Chris's opinion, being able to use shadows to get where he wanted to go. The skill was one reason of many that earned his title of "Shadow Dragon".

Once inside the club room, Chris was silent taking in the scene he had come into as it wasn't what he expected to find. Rias was at her desk with an unhappy look on her face which in itself wasn't unusual, but this frown went beyond irritation that he caused. Akeno was standing behind Rias with a mixed expression that was or worry and tension. In fact, all of Rias's peerage was on edge by what Chris saw and it was because of the others there. Asia specifically appeared scared about the whole situation whatever it was about. And Chris didn't like Asia was afraid as she was family, that was reason enough for him to step into something. On the other side of the room, there was a second group made up of fifteen girls and one guy. The guy had fair looks but the feel coming from him made Chris irritated and disgusted straight away. He appeared to be in his early twenties and had short blonde hair and dark blue eyes. The outfit the guy was wearing was a burgundy blazer with gold embroidery with black dress pants and shoes. Beneath the blazer was a white dress shirt which was buttoned up to the second button from the collar so that the shirt was open to an extent. The outfit was what Chris expect of a lecherous playboy as the type was referred to as in modern days. And Chris got along with other as well as perverts which was not at all.

Chris assumed this guy was the heir of the Phenex clan the devils had which was one of their remaining seventy-two pillars. The guy's name was supposed to be Riser if Chris recalled Simon mentioning right, and honestly, the devil fit the description given to him. The guy was a classic devil, arrogant, idiotic, and full of himself like much of the devils Chris had come across were. Meeting the guy in person only reinforced the point in both non-nice and disgusting ways that Chris wouldn't get along with him. The girls behind the blonde Chris guessed were members of his peerage and like their master, showed how disgusting he was. It was one of the standing reasons Chris kept contact with devils in general as low as possible, their superiority complexes and "fetishes" that most of them seemed to possess were irritating.

There was also one other devil in the room that wasn't on either side of this standoff, which Chris knew as it was Grayfia. He assumed she was present as some sort of mediator between the two since they showed signs of contention directed at one another. And since none noticed his presence, Chris summoned a chair that formed from the blackness around him that went unnoticed before he sat down without making a sound. He thought it better to observe what was going on for a bit and since none had noticed him, it's not like they would mind knowingly. Chris saw no reason to interfere until he knew more about what was going on.

The argument between the redhead and the blonde continued as Chris watched and he could only shake his head. The way the two were conducting themselves was horrible to put it mildly, yet Chris expected that but at the same time, it was sad and embarrassing too. To tell the truth, Chris knew his twins who were a decade or younger than the two had better conversational manners and skills than the devils were showing which was saying something. Heck, he knew for a fact that Grayfia's son was better behaved than the two devils before him which were just as sad. It made Chris wonder if devil aristocracy naturally taught their young to be spoiled brats or if that just developed on its own.

It really was coming down to who would attack the other first by what Chris saw as civility was plummeting fast. That fact made Chris more feel sorry for Grayfia as she was essentially a babysitter in this or what was akin to one with having to manage the two as they threw their tantrums. And Chris knew that she had far better things she could be doing with her time than this and he could name a few things off the top of his head. Yet here she was playing the babysitter being called the peacemaker instead with two spoiled devils that didn't act their proper age.

Grayfia herself had grown tired of this situation not too long after it had begun, and it was just going downhill. She knew that this talk wouldn't work out well for either side of this arranged marriage agreement. The family heads seemed to either not understand or not care about the conflict between the two. They should have known from the previous interactions between Rias and Riser the two wouldn't agree upon anything. However, the head of Phenex wouldn't listen to reason nor admit the bad behavior. The young Phenex was too arrogant to back down and wouldn't take no for something he wanted. And then Lady Rias was against the arranged marriage from the moment she had been told about it. Sirzechs couldn't step in though he wanted to as this was an arrangement between the Phenex clan and the Gremory clan. There was no political problem officially, so Grayfia's king couldn't interfere without consequences coming along with doing so and serious ones at that.

She had let the argument go on for a time without pitching in as that wouldn't do anything to deescalate or settle things. The only option there was left to finish the standoff was the unofficial rating game that had been proposed by the family heads. And so, Grayfia was letting the two blow off some steam before getting into that idea since it was likely to be messy. However, as she waited for Lord Riser and Lady Rias to calm down somewhat, she glanced around the room from time to time to make sure the others here wouldn't be hurt by this argument. After several minutes, there came an oddity that got Grayfia to pause. In a chair by the door was none other than Chris Maxwell watching the display silently.

Grayfia hadn't registered his presence entering the room, but that was normal with him as he could hide his aura from any he chose. But that he was here at all was puzzling to Grayfia since Chris didn't usually stick his nose into others' business if he didn't have a reason to. The Shadow Dragon had over the years become more stories and myth as Chris had not gotten involved in events. He could still be the monster his reputation claimed he was should the need in his view come up. Yet, it was normally more him protecting those important to him that had the reputation he'd earned going as he had killed others to do that.

She certainly hoped Lady Rias hadn't done something to frustrate, irritate, or cross a line with Chris in some way. If she had, then not even Sirzechs would be able to do much for her if she had as Chris could overpower her king in a "fair" fight. Even with Grayfia fighting with him, they wouldn't be able to win against the dragon in a straightforward battle. His power and capabilities were extremely difficult to argue with or counter effectively and there were some that there was no way to defend against or deflect. Chris had proven his power by going against the biblical factions when there had been an attempt to seal him which had failed.

"I told you, Riser, I will not marry you, so back off and leave me alone," Rias snapped in a raised voice.

Attention was drawn back to the ongoing argument at Rias's near shout, yet Riser merely chuckled, "My dear Rias, you have no choice in this matter. If you refuse, then you would bring dishonor to your family, and they nor you can afford that. There are so few pure-blooded devils left, we need to preserve what there still is. So, accept that you will be Riser's and cease this pointless argument."

Grayfia knew that she would need to step in at this point before things got worse than they already were, or others would get hurt. The other possibility was Chris could intercede and it would be messier than should Grayfia do so. With that in mind, she took a step forward, "I must ask you both cease your actions right now," Grayfia stated. All in the room turned to face Grayfia as she continued, "Or I will make this argument stop."

Rias's peerage backed up and moved to be behind her, though Rias herself said nothing in reply to Grayfia. Should Grayfia step in, there was nothing Rias or her peerage could do to prevent that, the woman was too strong. The same would be true should Riser consider trying something, so Rias calmed down a bit. Riser and his peerage did much the same as Rias, yet Riser didn't stay silent, "If the strongest Queen says to, then Riser will do so."

The behavior of the young Phenex was as usual not helpful to the current situation, more a detriment. And Grayfia knew Riser could tick off Chris and then all in the room would pay the price for the mistake. Thankfully, that was unlikely as Chris's tolerance was far better than it used to be due to Aria's efforts. But his presence was still somewhat worrisome as he could intercede, and none would be able to do anything about it. So, Grayfia sighed before she spoke again, "This situation was expected to come up, thus both clan heads have agreed on an alternative solution in the form of a rating game."

Chris shook his head a bit with the "so-called" solution that Grayfia was saying the clans involved had come up with. The idea of the devil's "rating games" was in essence a competition they had come up with at some point in the past to "determine" who was strongest. The rating games were stupid in Chris's view as they were not a true means to test and show strength. It was simply a way to strut egos and preen pride more than anything else regardless of what devils claimed. He'd not watched one of those games in centuries as they were of no interest. It wasn't true battle, it was a mockery of the point and that was a form of an insult and Chris knew he wasn't the only one that thought so.

The devil's rating games lacked honor, drive, and purpose, there was little to no real risk in them for permanent injury. If there was no risk in a battle, then it was more an act and a drama than a true test of strength. Dramas were wastes of time and had no point in Chris's view, and devils liked them more than the other biblical factions. The issue was devils believe their dramas were real and not acts which only came back to haunt them. Still, Chris kept quiet and said nothing to draw attention to himself, keeping Grayfia the only one that knew he was here in the room.

At the same time, Rias sighed in frustration at the standing situation she was unwillingly involved in. She'd been doing all she could think of to get out of the arrangement with Riser the moment she was told about it. Riser was beyond arrogant, and she certainly didn't get along with him in any way, shape, or form and that would never change. True, a rating game did give her a chance to get out of marrying Riser, which she would take. But she didn't like her chances of winning as slim as they were yet better than nothing. And if her odds weren't harsh enough, she suspected Riser cheated in the rating games that he had been in. There was no proof that Rias could find or present that would confirm her suspicions, but she still believed Riser didn't win fairly most of the time. "How much will my father and brother insist on interfering with my life," Rias questioned.

"Does that mean you will not accept the rating game," Riser posed, "Riser understands, you have no chance against Riser and Riser's peerage."

Rias didn't appreciate having things rubbed in her face, whether true or untrue. With Maxwell, she didn't have much of a choice but to accept such, but the dragon didn't tend to rub things in her face most of the time. She wouldn't take anything of the sort from Riser, "I will defeat you, Riser, I accept the rating game!"

This scene was both ironic and sad if Chris were to make his opinion known and he could effectively argue the validity of said view. The two teenaged devils were getting more foolish by the second and it was going towards a clash fast. It was more ironic that a "game" was to be the solution to the problem that honestly the two had never had a say in. And while Chris could sympathize with those that were pulled into things they didn't agree to, it was up to them to put forth the effort to change it or accept the point. Dragons never made "family agreements" as casually as others did, they didn't make logical sense really.

However, should this Phenex get his way and "own" Rias Gremory, devil mentality would then state that the girl's peerage then also "belongs" to her husband. Ownership with devils in essence meant that said guy could do whatever he pleased to those peerage members. It was seen as a "right" and "privilege" in devil marriages that all resources were controlled by the male of the pair. Within that definition, Asia would be a victim of Phenex at some point, merely a matter of time before the devil did something wrong to her. Chris wouldn't allow Asia to be put into a position where she could be possibly harmed or violated. Whether that meant he took her from Gremory or did something to another devil didn't matter in the end.

Thus, Chris felt that he had stayed silent long enough about this display playing out before him. Plus, the Phenex devil referring to himself in the third person was beyond irritating to Chris. Those that thought themselves so important that they need to be talked about and referred to at every opportunity were idiots and fools. And most of all, Chris had better things to do with his time than stick around and watch the crap in front of him. He was here to do a good deed and be nice for Asia's sake by assisting Issei in his fate. "Honestly, I would say both of you are acting like childish brats," Chris remarked calmly, "and I would doubt that I'm the only one that thinks that."

Chris's voice made some jump, and all looked over to see him sitting in a chair completely relaxed. Rias was shocked to see Chris here, there had been no hint as to him entering the room or that he would drop by today. Nor was she aware of anything standing with him right now that would have her in trouble. The current situation was bad enough without having a dragon added to the mix to make it worse. Plus, Riser could tick off Maxwell and make all in the room pay the price for his stupidity. Riser's behavior was annoying on its own, she didn't want to have to pay a price for it today.

Riser, on the other hand, had been so busy in explaining to Rias what he was right that he had paid attention to little else. Rias's resistance to the marriage to him was annoying as it was pointless in the end. She would be his "wife" and really his prize and woman to do with what he saw fit. He hadn't been denied in his life by anyone, there was absolutely no reason for that to change now. True, Lord Lucifer's queen was here to keep things civil so Riser couldn't do anything he wanted here and now. But he was patient, he would taste and enjoy Rias and every girl in her peerage soon enough.

That a rating game was to be the solution to the "disagreement" between Rias and him worked out just fine. Riser had only lost a select few times in the rating games he had participated in up till now. And two of those games he had been "asked" to lose on purpose as part of deals with other pillars that benefited the Phenex Clan. The other two losses had been to Diehauser Belial who was the current top rank and the other was Sairaorg Bael. The defeat from Diehauser was not unexpected, the devil was one of the best tacticians the devil faction had. Along with that, Diehauser's hand-to-hand combat skills were legendary combined with his "worthless" skill made him nearly untouchable. In the case of Sairaorg, Riser had been caught off-guard and had used that moment of confusion to best him. Besides those two, Riser was confident that he could best most others and could easily beat Rias.

And yet now, there was this "stranger" in the room that had no business to be here or interfere with this. Who they were had no bearing on this, they had no power and so no authority or need of notice. Then this nobody had dared to call Riser a "childish brat" when the guy was nothing more than a powerless fool. Riser would make this guy eat his words soon enough, "Who are you and what are you doing here," Riser demanded.

Chris didn't answer immediately, he'd found that pausing and making arrogant fools wait irked them most of the time. Teasing and messing with arrogant and egotistical individuals had always been an amusing pastime for Chris. Granted, doing so had brought on some of the issues that Chris dealt with but that didn't stop him from doing such things. So, he simply stretched and dug a finger into an ear which wound up Riser as Chris kind of hoped it would. Chris planned on drawing out this chat and embarrass the devil as much as he felt like to make this visit interesting. Yet before things could escalate, Grayfia spoke. "I apologize for this display Maxwell-san," she stated, "They have been taught manners I assure you even if they don't always use them."

Rias felt irritation at Grayfia speaking so familiarly to Maxwell as it just once again said she knew him in a way Rias didn't. Then Grayfia was essentially saying that Riser and Rias herself were showing bad manners. Rias wouldn't disagree that Riser was being rude, but Rias was showing civility to him where he wasn't doing the same. Then, Grayfia was giving excuses to the dragon to seemingly say "don't judge them harshly", which didn't make complete sense. Grayfia should be justifying anything to the dragon as Maxwell had no business in this.

Chris knew the upcoming generation of devils like the previous ones was spoiled and selfish. That they had manners but didn't show them spoke volumes about their conduct and it wasn't a compliment. However, Chris had grown to expect such, "good" and "selfless" devils were the exception, not the norm. Devils had proven that to Chris well beyond a shadow of a doubt, which made the actions of Zechs and his fellow leaders seem snubbed but devils. So, Chris waved a hand dismissively, "Yeah, I've come to expect an absence of manners from the majority of upcoming devils, they tend to be a bunch of spoiled brats in some form or another," Chris paused for a moment then continued, "Some are more noticeable in the point than others, unfortunately. It isn't your fault they are being childish Grayfia, I more feel sorry that you have to spend the time and be their babysitter essentially when you could be doing other things."

While Grayfia appreciated Chris was sympathetic to her job in this situation, she hoped that Chris would be tolerant of any outbursts. And even if he had a serious point about the young generation of devils being selfish, it was something that wasn't mentioned by most as a courtesy. Meanwhile, Rias held her tongue at Chris's reply, knowing that he was showing the lack of respect he did. It was annoying as it had been since the second day of knowing the dragon, it was as a personality quirk. While Rias could respect somewhat being upfront and blunt, it could be done in a rude way without seeming rude to onlookers. That was what Maxwell did as far as Rias was concerned, though she didn't know why. Yet, Rias assumed that what she was seeing was the dragon's way to be blunt or wind another up. The dragon had proven he didn't waste time on "frivolous nonsense" or what he saw as such, he did things for a reason.

Riser, on the other hand, wouldn't stay silent at the "remarks" of this nobody. They had insulted Riser and that didn't go unanswered or unpunished. Granted, it seemed like Lucifer's queen somehow knew this guy, but that didn't matter in the end. "How dare you speak of Riser in that way," he snarled.

Chris's face remained calm even with this devil snapping at him and that only incensed Riser. It was amusing to Chris that this idiot was spouting hot air when he could do little to nothing to Chris himself and hadn't the faintest clue about it. This Riser was, in reality, a kid compared to Chris like most when it came to chronological age. And the kid was much like a chick clucking angrily at a lion towering over it and even that didn't say the actual comparison well. True, Chris's seals made it so his power wasn't on display for all to see, but that was by design. During the days that Chris hadn't cared who felt his aura, it had attracted fools of all types that wanted to fight or control him. Over time, Chris had learned that if he didn't let others feel his aura, less bothered him on a regular basis. This Phenex devil before him is a good example of why Chris didn't like others bothering him, their pointless drivel was annoying. "You're only proving my point you know. You are acting like a spoiled brat with snapping at others like you are."

Then Chris had an idea that would do quite nicely as it would give him the chance to both teach this brat a lesson and get the Phenex tears Cole requested. All that he would need to do would be goad this guy enough to get him to agree to a fight. Most that knew Chris wouldn't fight him knowing they would lose, so few challenged Chris these days. Yet, with the ego that Riser Phenex had, Chris didn't see getting him to agree to fight him being an issue. Getting another to do what you wanted was an art that Chris had learned over the years of his life. Chris's gaze shifted over to Grayfia, "So Grayfia, let me see if I understand the situation correctly. These two," he said pointing at Rias and Riser, "Are in an arranged marriage I assume made by their families at some point and there's disagreement with the terms as they stand."

The way Chris put the current situation was saying it mildly as there was so much more to it. Originally, it had been the previous pillar heads of both Phenex and Gremory that had struck the contract. As it was written, it would have been Sirzechs and Phenex's daughter Ravel that would have been involved. However, then Sirzechs had taken the position of Lucifer which in turn got him out of the contract and moved to Rias being the Gremory concerned. By that point, Ruval the eldest of the current Phenex generation abstained from the contract more involved in the rating games. That then put Riser on the Phenex side of the contract and Rias on the Gremory side, which brought things to where they were. So, Grayfia nodded, "That is correct," she acknowledged.

The scene Chris had watched had told him enough to know Gremory didn't like her "potential partner". And with what he'd heard about Riser, Chris honestly didn't blame the girl for her dissatisfaction or dislike. But Chris was stating the standing to setup him taking Rias's place and getting Phenex tears when he won. "And so, as it appears debating won't be of any help and compromise is pretty much never going to happen, an alternative was offered to say who gets their way," Chris posed. "That alternative is the devil's competition, your rating game and the winner gets their way and that is the end of it."

Grayfia nodded again, wondering what Chris was up to asking what he was as she couldn't make sense of what he wanted. He would have an end goal, it was the way he was after all, but Grayfia couldn't say what he was after. Chris shrugged in response to Grayfia, "Sounds like a waste if you ask me, but to each their own I suppose. I mean," Chris started pointing at Riser, "I would imagine by the way he's been acting, fair play isn't something he does unless strictly forced to. With that in mind, I would expect him to cheat as much as he can get away with, whether through bribes, blackmail, or what have you, no difference in the end really, cheating is cheating no matter the form."

Riser's peerage began to be noisy with retorts of how Chris was wrong about Riser after what Chris had said. Riser won because of his skill not due to cheating as this guy was implying. His immortality was his unique skill that the Phenex clan had and could use as they saw fit. Nonetheless, Chris ignored the outcry from those shackled to the chicken as they were saying nothing but nonsense. Instead, he kept going, "And I wouldn't doubt Miss Gremory would give him a run even with him cheating, but the girl has little experience in combat and the like even in the devil rating games. Lucky as she could be the odds are not in her favor and so the likelihood of her winning is slim to none. Still, quite boring in the end no matter the result, however, that's what you get when you pit a cheater against an inexperienced fighter. It's not shocking to those that know an amount about a battle, you and I know that much Grayfia."

Both Rias and Riser were becoming angry with Chris going on as he was but for different reasons. Rias could see that Maxwell was doing this for a reason, and she assumed it was to goad Riser into fighting either him or Grayfia. However, other than that, she couldn't figure out what the dragon got out of goading Riser. She did, on the other hand, agree that Riser would "bend the rules" or cheat really and did that in previous rating games though she had no solid proof of her suspicions. Yet, Rias decided to keep her opinion to herself along with keeping her feelings in check and listened to see where this would go.

Unlike Rias, Riser had more than enough of this stranger and their ridiculous talk, so he made his voice heard. "A nobody like you has nothing to do with this," Riser snarled. "And Riser doesn't cheat, he is superior to all his opponents!"

Chris gained a thoughtful expression internally amused that the fool was taking the bait just as Chris knew he would, "Is that so," he asked in a light tone. Chris had Riser right where he wanted him to be and all that was left was to prod him just a bit more. "Well, if you are as strong as you claim, then Gremory here wouldn't be a real measure of your skills, now would she?"

Riser laughed in response to the question, "Of course she isn't, Riser is untouchable and undefeatable," he returned. The question was ridiculous as the answer was obvious, none could stand against Riser.

"Really," Chris said with a small smile coming to him, "then how about having an actual challenge?"

Grayfia wasn't sure she heard correctly and was in shock if she had heard right, even when she didn't let it show on her face at what was being suggested. It sounded like Chris was extending a challenge to Riser Phenex for a fight in the form of a rating game. If that was true, then Chris would wipe the floor with him and his peerage by himself at a bare minimum. The concern with any fighting Chris was he could ignore rules and safety measures and kill someone if he felt inclined to, and Grayfia knew that as fact. So, the real question was would Riser survive since most didn't go against the most feared dragon history knew and live to tell the tale. Riser stared at Chris for a moment, "Riser does not follow what you suggest," he said.

"Well," Chris started, "Instead of Gremory being your opponent, I would be the one you would go against. I would provide a real fight for you to prove your skills and capabilities, let you show off your power, instead of you just boasting about things. The prize for victory stays the same for you, should you beat me, Gremory is your bride without further argument. Also, you could prove you are an amazing fighter and none would be able to truthfully argue the point. However, should I win, then I get a prize of my choosing along with Gremory being released from the engagement. A perfectly reasonable proposition, fair to both sides, a valuable reward to the winner and no serious consequence to the defeated."

Riser scoffed at this boy that dared challenge him, he was a fool to even consider fighting Riser. This boy clearly knew nothing about Riser, he would lose like those who had challenged Riser before. And if it would get Rias to accept she would be his faster, he was willing to teach this idiot a lesson. "Riser accepts this challenge of yours," he replied, "You can even bring others even when it won't help your chances against Riser."

Grayfia wasn't looking forward to the explanation she would be giving for this turn of events, not one bit. Yet she knew that her king and husband would be over the moon in less than a second the moment she told him Chris would be fighting Riser as a substitute for Rias. It was akin to a guaranteed victory for Rias, not that Grayfia would tell Riser what he had just gotten himself into. She knew that Riser would be taught a serious lesson by Chris and she wasn't against that being done. Plus, he was making a deal with a dragon even if unknowingly, and that was a serious thing to do even if most didn't see it that way in present times. "Very well," Grayfia said, "If both of you agree to this, then Mr. Maxwell will stand in for Lady Rias. The match will take place two days from now in the evening here at the school at the hour of nine."

Grayfia vanished into a magic circle after that to tell the families about the change in the rating game. Just after Grayfia left, Riser looked at Chris and then scoffed, "Riser will make you regret your words," he said before he and his peerage vanished.

Once it was only Rias, her peerage, and Maxwell in the room she rounded on the guy that only seemed to complicate her life lately. His stubbornness had gone beyond frustrating within a week of interacting with the dragon. Yet, she'd had to begrudgingly accept there was little she could do to change the dragon's "stonewalling". However, in this instance, his interference was not acceptable to her in any way. Rias's future was now in Maxwell's hands and she didn't trust him with the idea at all. And while she had been silent with Grayfia in the room, now that none were watching, she would give the dragon a piece of her mind. "What do you think you're doing," she demanded.

Chris's gaze flicked over to the redhead at her outburst and was left to wonder as he was with her often enough. He'd just gotten her out of a situation that she had close to no chance of changing or arguing against. True, Gremory likely didn't know that Chris would whip Riser in ways the kid had unlikely ever experienced, but that wasn't the point. Frankly, the she-devil should be expressing gratitude that he was going to take the time and put forth the effort to educate Phenex. And what was even more unnormal for Chris, he wasn't asking for anything from her in exchange for the task he would perform. When he helped others that weren't in dire straits like Asia, he would usually require something in return.

Nevertheless, Chris wasn't all that surprised with Gremory's reaction, annoying as it was. Devils in general were prideful to the point of being arrogant and selfish to be beyond spoiled. Thus, good qualities such as gratitude and humility were extremely rare by what Chris had seen over the years. The saving grace the devil faction had was those like Zechs, the other current leaders, and a few other select devils. "You're being a brat again Gremory," Chris remarked, "And you were being so nice and quiet during the exchange. Here I thought you might have learned the benefit of keeping your mouth shut and listening, but alas, you still insist on being noisy."

Rias had been demanding an explanation for Maxwell stepping in and doing what he had. And yet, all he had given as an answer was that she was a brat and was noisy. The dragon's behavior was so irritating that she didn't have words to express her frustration. In fact, Rias could only let out a cry of frustration and threw up her hands, "Why must you be so difficult," she screeched. The small smile that Maxwell showed only wound-up Rias more as if it was some sort of insult. Chris on the other hand had to admit that messing with Gremory was a tad amusing. Her reactions were different than what he normally got from devils in general when he gave them the time. At least, she wasn't giving up and moving on as the devils did for those that annoyed them and those they couldn't bully or force to do what they want. Rias glared at him angrily, "Why won't you ever give a straight answer, and stop smiling like that," she snapped.

This was really becoming entertaining for Chris as the redhead was giving such amusing reactions. It was rare for Chris to find amusement in interactions with any from other factions that weren't friends or family. That was even more true with any from the Biblical Factions, with a select few exceptions like Zechs. The other reason that Chris didn't find amusement with those from the three factions was he avoided its members. To Gremory's glare, he responded by chuckling, "have you been told that you can be funny when you're mad?"

That question broke something in Rias and she was at a loss for words to respond to the dragon. She couldn't come up with words to say to him to get across her fury so instead, she screeched. While she was fuming, Asia came over to Chris hoping to get him to be nice to Rias and not make her mood worse. She didn't think Chris was trying to be mean or anything like that, he wasn't like that at heart. But he did sometimes get under another skin by some glimpses that Asia had seen. "Nii-san, please don't make Rias angrier," she pled.

Chris stared at Asia simply wondering how this girl kept her innocence over her life with those she had to be around. Her good heart was a rarer thing in modern times, and the girl had no idea how unique she was. And while Chris would usually heed Asia's wish the best he could as the girl wouldn't ask for anything problematic, this didn't just involve her. So Chris couldn't help but exhale heavily, "What sets Gremory off is her decision Asia," Chris replied. "If anything, she should be thanking me on bended knee for what I'm doing as she is benefiting and I'm not asking for something in exchange when I have every right to. I assure you her older brother will be thanking me in some way, likely later tonight were I to guess."

Rias was more than irritated at Maxwell's comment on what "sets her off" as it was an insult in her view. And then, Maxwell hadn't helped her in any way that she'd seen since meeting him other than Asia. So, his claim as to doing something likely about Riser Rias would disagree with, and she was gritting her teeth, "And why is that Christopher Maxwell," she demanded.

Chris didn't know whether to be shocked at how ignorant the redhead was showing herself to be or pity her. The girl didn't understand that the "agreement" that he'd made with Phenex was an absolute benefit to her. And yet, Chris hadn't intended it to be when he had struck the deal, he had his own reasons for whipping the young devil. Phenex tears were what Chris was after, plain and simple, that Gremory was getting out of her issue was a mere side-effect to him. It was a bonus that Chris got to make Zechs's day but doing him a favor in the process since Zechs had done some good things for him. But it was that the she-devil got angry when another assisted them with a problem, they had which they couldn't solve themselves that annoyed Chris the most right now.

Then there was still the fact the redhead and her peerage really didn't know who Chris was. They may know he was a dragon since he told them that fact weeks ago and that hadn't given them the hint to give him space. From what Chris could see, none of them had figured out he was the most feared dragon the biblical factions knew of. He assumed that Zechs had made no specific mention of Chris being the Shadow Dragon to his sister. Not that Chris didn't understand Zechs's actions, most became terrified finding out he was the Shadow Dragon. And he didn't want Asia at least to be scared of him so, Chris merely shrugged to Rias. "Because simply put, I've pretty much gotten you out of the engagement you are in."

The mention of getting out of her engagement with Riser implied that Maxwell believed he would win against him. And it wasn't that Rias thought that Riser would win against Maxwell, not with the dragon's power. She was pretty sure that Maxwell would beat Riser unless there was serious cheating and even then, it was more likely the dragon would win. But that still meant that she had no say in what was going to happen and Rias wasn't comfortable with that. But Maxwell kept going, "And then, Zechs happens to be a friend of mine so I'm doing him a favor in whipping Phenex off the books as he probably can't."

Rias's anger vanished, and her eyes went wide at hearing that the dragon was friends with her brother. Also, that Maxwell seemed to know that Rias's brother was restricted from doing some things due to internal politics. And yet, Zechs had said nothing to the effect of having a relationship with the dragon, only that he somehow knew him. Grayfia had been much the same as her brother saying only that they "knew" Maxwell. However, Maxwell talked to Grayfia and about Zechs as far more than an acquaintance. And what circumstances would have her brother even encountered a dragon, let alone Maxwell specifically? The resident dragon had made it clear that he wasn't one to interact with others from different factions unless he had a reason to. "But if he is your friend, Maxwell," she questioned irritably, "then why didn't he say that?"

Chris didn't doubt that the redhead had been drilling her brother and Grayfia for information about him. He knew that Zechs wouldn't give his spoiled little sister facts about him, too much of a chance she would panic and do something stupid. Zechs knew all too well that prodding or crossing a dragon came with serious inescapable consequences. The she-devil was so spoiled it was hard to decide whether to feel pity or frustration. To what extent the "spoiled brattiness" went, Chris couldn't accurately say yet, and nor did he want to find out. And Chris wasn't a stranger to ignorant and/or spoiled fools, he encountered them from time to time. Sadly, the fools were more common than there once were. "I would imagine he didn't tell you because he doesn't want you to get involved with me," Chris said simply.

He paused as what Zechs did was his business and Chris tended to stay out of it. As a leader of a faction, Zechs like other leaders didn't get the recognition they really deserved. The work they did to keep things from blowing up or an outright war starting was not small and Chris had seen a portion of those efforts. Yet, they tended to receive little but complaints and foolish retorts from those that either didn't agree or hated them. No dragon would take the type of crap that Zechs did, they would simply intimidate those that harped them or simply kill them. Chris continued, "Sirzechs really is a nice guy, the majority of devils don't understand how good their leaders are and take them for granted at best and attempt abuse at worst honestly."

What the dragon said didn't make sense to Rias, whether that came from facts missing or other reasons wasn't the point right now. The compliment to her brother's leadership along with the other Satans was nice as Rias agreed, they did a wonderful job. However, his remark about Zechs not telling her about the dragon was so that she didn't get involved with him still didn't make sense. It implied that Zechs knew more about Maxwell than he said which she assumed but couldn't get any more out of him. She still couldn't figure out what was so "dangerous" to know about the dragon. Granted, those shadows he could summon were odd and she didn't know much about them. Yet Maxwell hadn't done real harm to any of them, "What do you mean not get involved," Rias asked not understanding what he meant.

Chris exhaled and all signs of expression disappeared from him before he looked back at the she-devil. Her ignorance was becoming more than annoying and was frankly surprising him as he hadn't seen such for a while. Ignorance was nature's defense against the negative things life brought for the young, and Chris was of the opinion that such was a good thing to a point. However, Gremory wasn't in the "young" category any longer, so her ignorance was more naive and that was detrimental. And things were coming to the point that Chris would have to explain some things for her to get the girl to back off. "You really are clueless," Chris began, "I suppose that's a perk of the pampered life where everything is given to you on something like a gold platter along with the blissful ignorance you seem to have." He took a breath, "You seem to think you're smart and have most things figured out," Chris shook his head, "but you more naïve than your behavior suggests."

Chris didn't want to give too much detail to this girl, she was already too nosy for her own good. It was more shocking that the girl hadn't gotten herself into trouble before now with her nosiness. The fact of the matter was she would not get near his family, he wouldn't allow that even for Zechs as much as he may like the devil. Gremory's attempts to manipulate him were proof enough that she would do the same to his family. So, it was time to do what Chris had been avoiding for Zechs's sake, drawing the line with Gremory. He would make sure she wouldn't mistake where it was AND not cross it for her safety along with those in her peerage. "Take me for example, you know little to nothing about me honestly," he remarked, "Heck, you don't even have a single clue about my history." Chris waved a hand dismissively, "I could have been telling you lies when you ask questions, and you wouldn't know the difference at all. But make no mistake," Chris continued before pausing. All in the room were confused and curious about what Maxwell was talking about but said nothing. "I'm not here to make friends Gremory, I tolerate you and your lot more than anything else. So, for your benefit, I will attempt to explain to you being 'involved' with me isn't what the majority would call a safe idea."

His gold eyes seemed to be drilling into them as he gazed at the devils, but they couldn't look away. "Do you really think I possess what I do because it was given to me probably like you have experienced for your life Gremory," Chris posed. The spoiled girl was so clueless that most had to work for what they had in life, to be given something was rare. It was one point that Chris found irritating with those of "high society", the way they saw the world was normally a lie. "Well, contrary to your bias view, most of us have worked for what we get in life, and I am no exception in that. I've done lots of things that don't get mentioned nicely if at all whether you believe that or not." Chris stopped for a moment, considering what to say if anything about why he was willing to do a favor for Zechs. The friendship between Chris and Zechs was no business of his younger sister. From what Chris gathered, the girl had gone to her brother already and had either not liked the answer he gave or decided to ignore the advice he likely gave. However, Chris would at least, say that Zechs was a friend and so in his good graces. "As for your brother Zechs, he is my friend and that's all the detail you will get. That man earned my trust unlike you and that took him years of work on his part which he willingly admits."

Chris stopped for a moment and gaze straight at Rias who froze under his stare as most did. Rias couldn't move at all, and she didn't understand why she was frozen as she was under the gaze of Maxwell. She still couldn't explain why it happened, the fear made little sense from just a gaze. Sure, Rias had heard about "draconic intimidation" that stories implied and what it was supposed to do to those under it. But the tales never mentioned how it not only froze you on the spot but also caused cold fear to course through you. Yes, dragons were definitely seen as apex predators, one of if not the oldest species to be such. But it was almost instinctual to be afraid of dragons, and Maxwell certainly fit the idea of the dragon stories talked about.

Chris saw that his aura which went into his gaze whether he wanted it to or not had effects on most if not all. And yet, he didn't regret pinning Gremory as her nosiness had been grating and it would stop soon, or she would face consequences. Chris would try to educate the devils and if they didn't get the blatant hint, he would attempt one more time with Zechs. The Satan would either take action or let Chris do what he saw fit, and it would not be nice for Gremory. After a moment, Chris kept going, "Let me educate you on how genuine trust works, not your false honor and expectation. Trust, the genuine kind, not what you devils claim it is, would be something that is developed by not just keeping your word consistently, but also showing that you care about the other party's needs and wants." He paused and pointed a finger at Rias making sure he had her attention, "Those like you who think of themselves first and others second do not propagate real trust." Chris stopped and folded his arms before he continued, "Genuine trust isn't given for free missy, and it's time you get that fact to sink into your ignorantly thick skull." He shrugged, "Frankly, I haven't the faintest idea where devils got the idea that you can trust another's word without proof." Chris shook his head, "You devils are far more likely to stab another in the back in some way-"

"We do not stab others in the back," Rias interrupted irritably. She felt she was being treated as a child by the dragon and she would not have that. "And you are not to lecture me on what trust is, I am not a child."

Chris sighed, "I would disagree with everything you just said Gremory, and I unlike you have proof to support my position." As Rias glared at him Chris rolled his eyes, "Fine I'll address your "concerns" in the order you gave them. About the backstabbing, I lost count of how many times I've seen the results of a devil in some way betraying another devil or as I put it stabbing another in the back. I stop counting those long ago and stopped watching too as the scenes of such are disgusting if you ask me. As for you, it is clear you need a lesson on what trust is as you don't show any sign you understand what it is. And your honor and expectation that those around you are trustworthy aren't trust, it is foolish ignorance."

Akeno moved forward, "You're wrong," she exclaimed, "We would trust Rias with our lives as she would us with hers, you dumb dragon! You haven't taken the time to get to know Rias at all, so you have no right to judge her."

Chris's gaze slowly shifted to Akeno, which silenced her as his eyes seemed to glow slightly. It had been some time since any had dared to refer to him as "dumb", centuries since it had been done to his face. He would admit the girl was either courageous or extremely stupid, perhaps a bit of both, Chris couldn't say which at the moment. "You've got some," he paused thinking about what word to use, "Guts I think you would say these days Himejima. Most wouldn't openly refer to a dragon as dumb or hurl any other kind of insult in our direction. Even other dragons would call me dumb without expecting me making their lives horrible in response."

He turned back to Rias, "However, I'll let it slide for the time being since there are other things to get to." Chris took a breath, "Back to addressing your claims, you certainly act like a child, so I figure treating you as one will either fit or get you to improve. With trust, it is not to be an expectation that you receive such from those you don't know. All of you from the biblical factions don't seem to understand that such expectations are ridiculous, even if in different ways. One earns trust through showing with word and action, displaying that one is deserving of it." Chris stopped and thought of something, "Tell me Gremory, how many devils do you know that think themselves above any law or rule?"

Rias was taken aback by the question and it made her think about what the answer was to it. She could name a few devils that as Maxwell put it, "thought themselves above laws/rules" and they were not ones she got along with. But overall, Rias thought that more devils would do what was best for the faction than stick to themselves. Nonetheless, Rias's silence was more than enough of an answer for Chris, "My point exactly, manipulation is something you devils do not only use as a fallback to get what you want but also do naturally without thought. Manipulation does not breed or help earn trust, it destroys it faster than all but betrayal and more horrible forms of selfishness. You take advantage of others, deny that as you like, but it is what you do with your flirting and "nice act"."

He looked away from the redhead and the moment he did, she was gulping down large breaths of air as her ability to move returned. She couldn't deny truthfully that Maxwell had called her out on her manipulation attempts. Rias had tried to manipulate the dragon, she had failed so far and she had pretty much given up on the idea by this point. Yet Maxwell kept going, "Allow me to set the record straight before moving on," he stated. "You have already been stupid a few times by trying to manipulate me and even attempt to use those who are family to me as an attempt to have authority over me, that's a mistake. Those who threaten those close to me don't do so for long, I make sure of that personally without exception. It's why taking from a dragon is akin to a death wish, we tend to do that when someone takes what's ours."

With the warning and lesson taken care of, Chris decided to move on to the real reason that he'd come here for. "Back to the present, you should be thanking me for being willing to take the time to whip that blonde idiot," Chris said in an edged tone. "Since truth be told, you have little chance of winning against him, whether you want to admit that or not." Rias flinched at being told straight out that she would lose against Riser. She knew it was true that her chances against Riser would be low, really slim to none honestly. But being told that by another in the manner that Maxwell had, it still hurt. "And the idiot has no chance of winning in a fight against me," the dragon continued. "Frankly, I'm wasting time and effort which will go into dealing with him simply put, you can take that as you like."

Rias was inclined to believe that Chris was serious when he said Riser wouldn't win against him. The dragon's confidence had yet to be wrong, and as much as Rias didn't like the point, she believed him when he said things. But that didn't explain what he got out of this all, thankful as Rias was that he was getting her out of it. Maxwell had shown he didn't do actions without a reason even if it was known to him alone, so his intervention didn't make sense. Still, Rias realized that she didn't even know why the dragon came here in the first place. "What reason have you come here for," she asked.

Chris was somewhat surprised that it had taken the she-devil so long to ask the question she should have put forth first. Hopefully, she would actually listen to the advice that he had for her this time, unlike the last few times. So, he shrugged, "I came to give a suggestion to be nice and make an attempt to extend advice which you clearly need." Chris pointed at Issei, "Said advice is to whip Hyoudou into shape both physically and with the power that he now has access to and do so as quickly as possible." Chris looked back at Gremory, "You need to stop procrastinating the job which is your responsibility as the kid's king, and take it seriously for a number of reasons."

Rias blinked at the statement as it didn't make logical sense to her at all and the information stated didn't help. What would Chris care about what happened to Issei, he hadn't shown any more interest than any other devil including Issei nor the rest of her peerage. Asia really was the only exception and he saw her as family according to her, so that was reason enough to him apparently. Then what did he know that she didn't? "And why do you say that," she questioned.

Chris exhaled heavily, "He needs the training to make it in the non-human world that you thrust him into," he replied. "That is unless you have no intention to let him live long, which is quite a waste really." Rias gawked at the dragon at the suggestion that she would let Issei die without a second thought. But the guy continued, "However, you don't seem the type to do that kind of thing, so that is even more motivation to get the kid in shape. If things go unchanged, Hyoudou's life will end soon enough, in less than two decades at best were I to guess."

"What do you mean that Issei will die in less than two decades," Rias demanded.

Chris just shook his head as this just displayed to him that Rias knew little about history that the biblical factions should know. The tale that was Albion's and Ddraig's fight was well-established by most factions even if the biblical factions' interference had put it on the path it was on which was rarely if ever mentioned. And because of the unneeded intercession, the "contest" between the two dragons hadn't been settled with Ddraig and Albion being sealed in sacred gears. Thus, the fight/competition still played out through their hosts off and on when both had hosts at the same time. It was truly sad as Then what did he know that she didn't? "And why do you say that," she questioned. Albion and Ddraig actually cared about the other, they were brothers after all. However, something about the "gear" God made had the hosts desire to fight the other dragon's host.

Those that were their hosts had fought each other and ended out one killing the other, the results historically didn't favor Ddraig at all lately. The Welsh Dragon had been on a losing streak for a time now, close to a millennium in fact. It had been Ddraig's last host Markus who had almost broken that streak. Honestly, Ddraig had better luck with a decent host than Albion had. The Vanishing Dragon had hosts that tended to be either complete jerks in some way or outright sociopaths. But it left the question as to what the redhead knew about what Hyoudou was unknowingly involved in. "What do you even know about the Heavenly Dragons Gremory," Chris inquired tiredly.

Rias was forced to pause at the question but took a moment to think about what Maxwell had just asked. The "official" heavenly dragons both the Welsh and the Vanishing began fighting for some unknown reason towards the end of the Great War. That had forced the Biblical Factions to work together to put a stop to it as it was putting them all at risk. There had supposedly been attempts to reason with the dragons and get them to stop their fight. That attempt had failed and then the fight to contain the dragons had started. The battle against the dragon had been horrible, for a third dragon had joined the Welsh and Vanishing dragons in their fight. But in the end, both heavenly dragons had been sealed by God into sacred gear.

Then there were also the stories of the unofficial "Third Heavenly Dragon" the Shadow Dragon. The only reason that the Shadow Dragon wasn't considered a Heavenly Dragon was none wanted to admit how powerful they were. It was one of the reasons why that dragon was seen as the most dangerous of the three. Nonetheless, there was little more than stories and rumors which Rias had heard about the third dragon. And the stories of the Shadow Dragon portrayed them as a cold merciless monster to put it mildly and so, they were feared by many even today. The monster supposedly popped up every once and a while but there hadn't been anything major in the last few centuries. However, other than those points, Rias couldn't say she knew much else about the three dragons that were supposed to hold the titles of "Heavenly Dragon".

There were rumors that the wielders of the Divine Divide and the Boosted Gear would fight one another sometimes since then. Yet, those rumors couldn't really be proven or disproven as there was scant evidence or records about many of the previous wielders of the two sacred gears. Yet, if Maxwell implied that such did happen, then Issei could be involved in a fight against the wielder of the Divine Divide. Issei wasn't much of a fighter by what Rias had seen yet, and he really could use training. But she didn't want to be mean to Issei and cracking down on him didn't seem right either. And so, she told Chris those facts as she knew them, not understanding how any of it related to Issei.

It was unpleasant to hear how little Gremory knew of Albion and Ddraig as he took it as the general knowledge most from the biblical factions. Although it wasn't surprising that the three factions blamed dragons instead of taking responsibility for their interference, it still was irritating. Albion and Ddraig were some of his first 'friends' as they acknowledged the strengths of one another and considered each other equals. They were equals and there weren't many of those in the dragon race for Chris. So, to hear the stories others had come up with about them were unpleasant as well as demeaning. "You have a lot to learn Missy," Chris remarked dryly. "I won't get into the reason the fight started for apparently, it would be too complicated for you to comprehend. However, the fight between Ddraig and Albion never ended, it continues through their hosts from that time. And for your information, Ddraig has been losing lately which ends out with his host getting killed."

Rias's eyes widened as the realization sunk in of what Maxwell was implying. It translated into Issei being in a fight that he would likely die in should nothing change. She hadn't known how lucky she had been having Issei in her peerage that she did now. But with that in mind, Rias didn't want to potentially lose him in the near future. Issei, on the other hand, didn't like what Maxwell was saying nor did he exactly believe him. He knew nothing about this "Ddraig" that Maxwell mentioned and it had nothing to do with Issei himself. So he decided to speak first, "What do you mean I'm going to fight someone else, I haven't done anything yet," he asked, "No one has a reason to kill me."

Chris's shoulders slumped at the kid's ignorance as he really didn't have a clue what he was a part of just because he was Ddraig's host. Then the last comment was a debate in itself taking into account the kid's proclivity toward lecherous activities. Then Chris got an idea that could help in this better than a vocal explanation, which involved Ddraig. So instead of speaking, he got up and moved over to Issei to move things along. He took the kid's left arm put his hand above it and began feeding energy to it which got the Boosted Gear to appear over Issei's arm. The green gem began to glow and got brighter the longer Chris had his hand above it. After a minute, Chris let go having sense Ddraig's presence meaning he was awake and aware thanks to being given energy.

There were a few things immediately clear to Chris with Ddraig being awake which he had expected. The Welsh Dragon wasn't pleased with his current circumstances and his aura made that unmistakable. Dragons could tell strong emotion that another dragon had from their aura, it was almost intuitive for the race. And Chris couldn't fault Ddraig for being unhappy and really furious about being around devils. With the experience that Ddraig had with Marcus, Chris wouldn't argue that his old friend rightfully had things against devils much as Chris did himself. However, Chris waited for Ddraig to express his displeasure with his own voice, and he didn't have to wait long.

Ddraig was finally completely awake, and it was about time in his opinion. His current host was lacking in power by what the Welsh dragon had been able to tell. Yet, he'd only been able to see fragments of what his current host was doing as it took energy Ddraig didn't have consistently. The fragments had made Ddraig quite appalled with the kid since he was a horrible lecherous idiot. And now if his senses were correct, Ddraig was surrounded by devils, and he wasn't pleased with such things. Marcus had shown Ddraig that devils tended to be monsters that dressed up as "proper nobles". So, Ddraig wouldn't stay silent, [Why am I surrounded by devils?! If someone doesn't answer me, then I will begin destroying this place before I burn it to ashes until I find answers myself!]

Issei jumped as the red gauntlet had just spoken since it had only announced "boost" before now. He still didn't know much about his "sacred gear" that was now the red gauntlet and so the voice coming from it as any person was confusing. And Issei found quite a bit of the "non-human" world odd and confusing, yet his gauntlet talking was a new weird. The voice which had just spoken like any person would sound more than just angry, "What the" Issei exclaimed, my sacred gear just spoke more than one word."

Hearing Ddraig's voice after the years that had passed since Marcus had been the Red Dragon Emperor was heartening. And while Chris was tempted to let his friend scare Gremory and her peerage a bit, it wouldn't help move things forward. Hyoudou needed to be whipped into shape and Ddraig would echo that to Gremory Chris had no doubt. Hopefully, two dragons iterating what would be best would get the she-devil to listen to reason. "You should calm down Ddraig, you're scaring everyone else spit-less, which is amusing I admit," Chris remarked.

Although Ddraig was trapped in the Boosted Gear as he had been since the "Lord of Heaven" had sealed him in it, the voice that had spoken was familiar. The voice brought back memories of days long passed, times before his soul was sealed in the cursed object "God" had created. The days that Ddraig had been free and would spend time around his brother Albion when they were not forced to fight each other through their hosts. There was only one dragon who Ddraig knew who was still free that would call him by name. Only one dragon that had fought alongside both Albion and him when God had demanded they be contained and sealed. Ddraig pause after Chris spoke then asked the question, [Is that you Shadus?]

Chris couldn't express how good it was to speak with one of his oldest friends again. If only Albion was here, then it would be like Chris's younger days after he began traveling on his own. His mother Ophis hadn't been keen on letting him go out on his own, but his father had convinced her to let him go. Meeting Ddraig and Albion had been a turning point for Chris as after the battle they had with one another showed they were equals. "Indeed, it is Ddraig though I still go by Christopher Maxwell these days as you should recall," Chris replied. "Still, it is good to hear your voice again after the years that have gone by."

Ddraig wasn't in disagreement with Chris, his last host Marcus had been close to Shadus, and it had felt almost like the old days. The explorations that he, Shadus, and Albion had made before the incidents with the biblical factions had been the best days they'd had. Ddraig's last host had taught him many things and had been the best he'd had thus far. [The feeling is mutual, I would hope your family is doing well.]

Chris smiled at the comment as it was a nice reminder of how Marcus had been a part of Chris's family. Like many of his friends, Marcus had been quite close, honestly, he'd become more than close which was rather rare. The start between Marcus and Chris had been rough but the friendship that had gone to the point they were brothers in all but blood had been a treasure for Chris. And for that reason among others, Chris kept in touch with Marcus's wife and children even after Marcus had been killed. "They are, thanks for inquiring Ddraig," Chris returned, "Also, Sarah and the kids are doing good too, they moved to America more than a decade ago. They sound like they're moving forward, though they are among those of us that miss Marcus a great deal."

Ddraig felt pain at hearing about his last host's family missing him for he had like the woman that Markus had married. Ddraig had learned so many things from Marcus and regretted that he didn't get the time and opportunity to learn more. However, Marcus wanted people to live their lives the best they could even if or when as had been the case he passed on. [He would have wanted them to live their lives even after he was gone. But I'm glad they are doing okay, they were a good bunch.] Ddraig paused, his thoughts returning to the point that he was surrounded by devils. Through Marcus, Ddraig had witnessed just how horrible some devils chose to be and it had been sickening. Granted, Ddraig knew not all were like that, but that didn't change the fact what the specific devil scum had been doing was just wrong. Those devils had proven there were monsters among them who kept themselves hidden from the rest. [So then, Shadus, can you tell me why I am surrounded by devils? You know I wouldn't be pleased in any way, not after what the devil scum we found did to Sarah and the others.]

Chris sighed in complete understanding why Ddraig disliked devils and he didn't disagree with the majority of the reasons. The group or clan as it had been by the name of Zagan had been in beyond a dirty type of business. They had been doing horrible experiments where most would call torture and thought nothing wrong with it. The Zagan Clan merely hid their work from their peers and had been doing a rather efficient job even today since other devils still didn't know what they did. Chris had been disgusted himself by what Marcus had discovered and had instantly agreed to help him "take care of" the devils. The job had been messy but, in the end, Marcus and those helping had done the world at large including the devil faction a favor of ridding them of the monsters.

Nonetheless, back to Ddraig's original question of why he was in the presence of devils when he didn't want to be. Apparently, the Welsh Dragon wasn't aware yet that his current host was a reincarnated devil. It made Chris wonder how much Ddraig had seen or knew of Hyoudou as he was. It wasn't a new thing for Dragons in general to have their own opinions about "certain types" of individuals. While Chris didn't like perverts both Ddraig and Albion was at least tolerant of them even if they were disgusted by them to varying degrees. "Well, Ddraig, I understand your displeasure, but your current host is a reincarnated devil," he began. Ddraig hadn't been aware his current host had been snatched up by a devil. Others had tried before to capture his hosts or manipulate them into doing what they wanted.

Chris continued, "And in all honesty, he's a weak pansy right now and that's putting it nicely." Ddraig didn't disagree with Shadus's assessment of the kid he was stuck with this time around. The boy hadn't awakened him, it had been Shadus, and the kid was in his late adolescent years if he wasn't mistaken. Ddraig didn't think it would take all that many more years for Albion's host to find the kid, demand a fight, and force the issue if needed. Yet, Shadus kept going, "Albion and his host I wouldn't doubt will whip him good as he is currently." Chris looked at Issei who was glaring at him, "However, I think there may be time to get him into shape before he is required to fight."

The familiar way that Maxwell was speaking with the Welsh Dragon was unusual to Rias. Not just anyone had encountered let alone interacted with one of the two heavenly dragons like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Granted, Maxwell was a dragon himself, so there was the chance he could have crossed paths with one of them. However, it was still hard to believe that the resident dragon was an acquaintance of one of the most powerful dragons historically. So, Rias couldn't help herself but ask the question, "How do you even know a Heavenly Dragon Chris."

Chris wasn't going to tell the girl the truth, it would do more than scare her and while shaking the she-devil was tempting, he knew Zechs wouldn't want him to do that. It was a consistent thing for him, people becoming terrified of him when they learned he was the Shadow Dragon. There were few that didn't want to get away from him after learning the truth, but those were mostly friends and family. It was why Chris was planning to let Asia know the truth slowly so she would understand properly and she would not fear him. So, Chris shrugged, "I've met a number of Ddraig's hosts from time to time, and I was more than just good friends with Ddraig's last host. I have also encountered several of the Vanishing Dragon Albion's hosts before now. And to answer your unasked question, there is a story to why Ddraig isn't fond of devils which has to do with his previous host," Chris said. The fact that Maxwell had met both the Heavenly Dragons left several questions unanswered. And then his implied point that the Welsh Dragon had past experience with devils via his hosts also left an amount unsaid. Yet, before any could ask, Maxwell, exhaled and kept going, "The name won't mean a thing to you Hyoudou, but the redhead will probably have heard it." The dragon paused glanced at Rias and kept going, "the name is Zagan."

Rias was shocked to hear that clan name for it was a pillar name that belonged to one that recently went extinct. The reason she remembered the name was the odd circumstances that surrounded the clan's extinction. One day the clan had been fine going about their business as they had always done. The next day someone went to interact with them, they were all found dead, appearing to have been ripped apart. No party had claimed responsibility for the event and there had been no evidence to point to who was responsible. It was a mystery that had fallen to being an "unsolved" one that would unlikely ever have an answer to. Yet by what Chris said, he may have a clue as to what happened to the clan when investigations had found nothing. "Then do you know who it was that killed them all," questioned Rias, "Nothing was ever found that could help discover that."

Chris figured that the redhead would be clueless to the point of why the Zagan was gone, let alone why they deserved a worse end than they received. Her views of her fellow devils blinded her to the truth that most of them were disgusting in what they did when not watched. With that in mind, he nodded, "Sure, I know who wiped them out, not that you needed to know," he replied a tad coldly. Thoughts of what Chris had witnessed which were the work of the very devil clan he mentioned angered him. Those devils had been among the worst that he had the displeasure of encountering. They had been unseen monsters that dressed up as upstanding individuals for other devils to see. Marcus had done a serious service to the world when he slaughtered the majority of the clan. The stragglers had been handled by Chris and his team even though the devil faction had no idea about any of it. "And the more important reason as to why they were taken out," Chris paused, "Well, that devil clan deserved the end they got if you ask me."

Rias didn't understand what Chris was implying since the Zagan clan was known for their honor and integrity. They stood up for the common devil, especially the non-pure blooded one, and had done much for them. The clan had given those devils that had nowhere to go places to live and work that could sustain them. "What are you talking about," Rias asked, "The Zagan clan was one of honor and integrity. They cared about the common devil-"

Chris shook his head covering his mouth at the disgusting lie that Rias Gremory had unknowingly said. The Zagan showed to Chris and others with him that the devils cared only for themselves, their "work", and their "research", nothing else mattered to them. The lengths the Zagan went was merely more proof of the point, they didn't let the horror show so their work could continue without interruption or interference. Gremory was justifying the image the monsters wanted their peers to see. The "care" Zagan showed for common devils was in truth, the effort to keep test subjects coming their way. Yes, the Zagan saw nothing wrong with doing experiments on devils along with other species. "What crap that is, but then devils are all about appearances with one another, so you spout what the Zagan want you to advertise," he remarked with disgust.

Ddraig couldn't agree more with what Shadus said with what the devils of the Zagan clan would do to others. The fiends were researching ways to amplify power, theirs most of the time, usually with risky ways at that. Since they didn't want to risk themselves, they used others to find out what their methods would do and that was just one of the ideas they researched. So, it was disgusting to hear the redhead's reference to the Zagan. [Just hearing honor and integrity used in the same sentence that includes Zagan is beyond sickening.]

Chris gazed at Rias fully planning to educate her in her mistake, "Let me tell you Gremory, you couldn't be more wrong about the Zagan clan. They did things that others don't know about that few if any would ever condone." Chris paused for a moment, "They were doing experimentation on others, humans, youkai, even devils, you name it, and said experiments were forms of torture being done. Lots of dirty secrets with the Zagan pillar that the devil faction never knew as the clan went to great lengths to hide their dirty work. The one that killed them all did the world a favor and is remembered as a hero by many because of that."

Rias didn't know what to think about what Maxwell said, it was so different than anything she had considered. The point that the Zagan had "done" things that were horrible according to Maxwell wouldn't leave her mind. It went against all that she knew of the Zagan clan and the image that devils in general accepted. The reputation that the Zagan clan had was they were the champions of the commoners of the Devil Faction. Their efforts were hard to argue, they made sure the non-pillar devils were looked after, including the extra clans that weren't any of the pillars. With that in mind, Rias wanted to renounce what the dragon was saying but the fact he hadn't been wrong before now was hard to refute.

Chris didn't see a reason to go into detail about the horrible devils, it wasn't worth the discussion that could ensue. He had better things to do with his time than to educate Gremory in the incorrectness of her views. So, Chris continued, "But back to the point of my visit here, I highly recommend you have Issei seriously trained as soon as possible." Hyoudou needed help, there was a little better or nicer way to state the point really that would be helpful. "So, stop pampering him, or else I guarantee to bar a miracle coming into play if not multiple of those, the kid will be dead and gone soon enough. And you'll be left with nothing but regret about having done nothing for Hyoudou, and that's wasteful."

Issei was irked that Chris was looking down on him so much and thought he would die as he was right now. He may not be a muscular guy, but he could take care of himself when he needed, get away from attacking girls had been good practice. So, he wasn't as "weak" as Maxwell was claiming, "You think I'll go down that easily," he challenged. No matter what came his way, Issei would overcome and fulfill his dream, it was what he lived for. "Whatever comes at me, I'll fight and win against it so I can become a harem king!"

A hand smacked Chris's forehead in response to Issei's statement and the conviction it was said in. The dream that the kid had declared was the wish of ignorant fools and none other than degenerates. Hyoudou hadn't a clue what a harem involved, nor what a "king" of one required of an individual. Harems weren't as stories portrayed them, yes, it involved one male having intercourse with many females, but that was only one part. Chris had seen far too often that "harems" failed either due to the foolishness of the male or the females' jealousy. Only a few races seemed to have learned the idiocy of harems, so many still didn't understand the fallacy. And there was a difference between a harem and having multiple wives/concubines which came down to how all participants were viewed.

Then, while Chris knew the kid was a pervert and a serious one at that, he didn't think the kid was as stupid as he was showing himself to be. True, as one would expect from most perverts, Hyoudou always had lechery and sex on his mind, and unfortunately, it was the kid's main driving force. The kid was akin to a horny dog hunting for his next target and thinking of nothing else, which Chris figured out after some observation. However, his "dream" went beyond that kind of thing and Chris felt that the kid hadn't a clue what he said he wanted. And if that was the boy's personality, then Hyoudou was more doomed than Chris had suspected before now. "Horn dogs" like Issei didn't last long and truthfully, it was better their seed was removed from the gene pool in his opinion.

The kid's behavior only led to the sadder point in Chris's mind, Ddraig was stuck with Hyoudou this time around. That wasn't to say that Ddraig hadn't had some "less than decent" hosts over the two millennia, for he'd had some horrible ones just as Albion had. Chris could think of two of Ddraig's hosts that he was glad were killed and removed from the world due to their behavior. One had been a guy more a playboy pervert than Phenex could ever hope to be, had been a rich guy too as he recalled. Then there had been the corrupt "antipope" Paschal III that Chris hadn't liked at all, but there was much more of a story to that. "Ddraig, words can't say how I feel for you with how your host is this time around. It is truly a downturn from many of your previous hosts and even several of Albion's and especially Marcus," Chris said shaking his head, "He isn't much better than that Czar you had a while back, just potentially redeemable unlike that idiot was."

Ddraig knew exactly who Chris was referring to when he said "that Czar". The man had been an absolutely disgusting man with seemingly an insatiable sex drive which he heeded more often than not. The guy had been one of the top embarrassing and horrible hosts that the Welsh Dragon had in his memory. He hadn't been the "worst" host, Ddraig didn't bring up that individual around Shadus if he didn't have to. Ddraig's worst host had been one of the few that had hurt Shadus personally. The vengeance that had followed what that Antipope did from Shadus had been frightening and had worried Ddraig that his friend could have lost his mind permanently back at the time. Yet, Shadus had a point about the kid that Ddraig was stuck with, the boy was definitely a downturn from previous hosts. [Unfortunately, you are more right than you know Shadus.]

Issei hadn't liked Maxwell dissing him and had expressed that in a "nice" way in his view without not snapping at him. The guy had insulted him and had been joined by this "Ddraig" and had essentially said he was a worthless person. While Issei would admit that he was a pervert and chased after girls with the intent to get laid, he still had other qualities. And what would Maxwell know about him or his perfectly reasonable interests? Sure the guy had kids, so had to have had sex with a girl, and Issei cursed that heavily. However, Maxwell and this Ddraig had no right to judge him or what he did. Nor should they compare Issei to another, like whoever this "Marcus" was. "And who is this Markus you keep referring to anyways," Issei demanded angrily, "I doubt he was that much better than me. And you claim he is, prove it-"

Rias wanted the conversation to be done and move on from this, Issei wasn't helping in that desire. Maxwell could say what he wanted, but that was it, he didn't run her peerage and she wouldn't let him. The dragon was a separate party, and while Rias would love to have him working with her and helping take care of things, she would leave him alone somewhat. Her argument with the dragon had gone nowhere and it was still going in that direction, so it was best to stop. "Issei, it doesn't matter," Rias chided, "There are other things to discuss."

For one of the few times in recent history, Chris actually agreed with the she-devil that there were other things to discuss. However, Chris didn't want to just wave off the insult Hyoudou had made unknowingly on his friend. "Marcus Lune was Ddraig's host before you Hyoudou and the best that Ddraig has had to date," he began. "And he was the one who got the closest to breaking the losing streak Ddraig's been in. If not for a certain bi**h, then he would have won against Albion and would still be around which would leave you as an ordinary pervert. Yet, we would be having an entirely different conversation were that the case, now wouldn't we?" Chris paused, "But as Gremory said, there are other things to talk about rather than your poor life choices."

Issei would have snapped at the bit about his "poor life choices" as Maxwell was totally wrong. Nonetheless, Rias stopped Issei before he could say anything in his defense, "You said that you recommend Issei be trained, what would such entail," Rias asked.

Chris blinked at the question as it was unexpected from the devil, she should know the general answer to that. Training was doing things to strengthen a person both physically and in whatever other ways needed. What means was effective was up to the person, but it still required effort put forth by the said person. "You're telling me," Chris started, "That you don't understand what training the kid," he pointed at Issei, "means putting forth the effort to strengthen himself through exercise both for physical and magical power?"

Rias didn't reply to the dragon as there was nothing she could say that couldn't likely be turned back on herself. She had intended to teach Issei about magic and even have other members of her peerage help him get stronger. However, she was going to let him come to accept he was a devil and get used to that idea first. Nevertheless, if what Maxwell said was true, Issie wouldn't have the time to get used to being a devil before his life would be in danger. Yet as Rias was lost in her thoughts, Akeno had an "interesting" idea for this subject, "Why don't you train Issei Maxwell-kun," she suggested.

Chris froze for a moment considering the question as he'd not really thought about the possibility of doing the job of training himself. Sure, he could give the kid some pointers on how he would best get stronger, but in doing so he could just easily end out killing him in the process. Hyoudou didn't have the endurance he would need for Chris to teach him much if anything, that was clear. And yet, it could be used as an excuse to get time away from school which Chris certainly wasn't against. Plus, talking with Ddraig would be nice which would be a bonus even if it required dealing with the pervert. It would require Chris to have an eye constantly kept on the kid as his perverted tendencies would be kept in check.

Chris was under no illusion or even benefit of the doubt with Hyoudou, he was trouble waiting to happen. And with him being a horn dog, it was more an expectation that the boy would be entranced by Aria were he to see her. Heck, Chris wouldn't trust Hyoudou around Aura as she was just beginning to show signs of maturing into a woman. Should Hyoudou touch his life-mate or his daughter, it wouldn't be just Chris that would make him regret it, his mother Ophis would as well. Ophis knew more ways to make another miserable, she just didn't see a reason to employ such methods the majority of the time. But should Issei do something so stupid, there was nothing that could save him from the vengeance he would face. Yet, the idea of using Hyoudou to get out of school was too tempting to refuse outright. And so, a plan began forming in Chris's mind that could be of interest to him. "I suppose I could, but on one condition," he remarked.

Rias sighed not liking the tone in Maxwell's voice, it implied the condition wouldn't be one she liked. But with how strong he was being a dragon and everything, an offer to train even one of her peerage was hard to say no to. And with her ambitions that would have her in the rating games, being the champion, she needed any help she could get. The current champion Diehauser was no weakling, he was one of the best fighters devils had. So, it was a small price to pay to do whatever it was Maxwell wanted and get Issei expert training. "And that condition is," Rias asked tiredly.

One would think that Chris was planning to torture the redhead by her response. And in earlier days, he might have seriously considered doing so, but he wasn't inclined to do that in modern days. However, as the girl had made his days at school extra boring and unpleasant, he wanted to squirm a bit. With that in mind, Chris didn't answer immediately letting the silent air hang about, but then he smiled. He would have her cover for him being away from school rather than doing that himself with the academy administration and the student council. "You get to give a reason why I will be away from school while I whip Hyoudou into shape to the student council and the academy administration," he returned.

Rias thought about the offer as it would be work on her end, but the exchange was quite a good thing. However, Rias didn't want to explain things to Sona or the school administration about Maxwell being absent. Also, that would make talking to the dragon more difficult than it already was which was irritating. Rias hadn't been able to effectively have Asia help her get to Maxwell to learn more about him. She had to once again admit the dragon was frustratingly amazing at keeping others at a distance from him and his "family". Rias was starting to see what dragons as a race were so aloof and difficult to manipulate. They kept control over those that interacted with them in one way or another and it was hard to flip that. But after some thought, Rias's head fell accepting the proposal, "Fine, you have a deal."

Chris was glad the she-devil finally seemed to get the hint that he was giving good advice to her. It did show that perhaps Gremory did have a modicum of potential of being a decent person in the end. That didn't mean that Chris would be giving her an opportunity any time soon, the girl was too nosy to extend that yet. But at least, she was caring enough to give a chance Hyoudou to have an opportunity to live. So, he clapped his hands together, "Great, I'll start the day after I take care of that chicken," Chris remarked.

After that, Chris left the room in a moderately better mood than when he had gone into it. Not only had he gotten a chance to talk to his old friend Ddraig, but he had set up something that could be entertaining and kind of fun. Whipping arrogant individuals gave Chris a kick of satisfaction that was somewhat hard to say no to. And it had been some time since the last one that had provided an opportunity to do the idea. The reward would make it worth the time and effort spent since it would help Aria. Chris would do anything literally to help his life-mate, no matter how horrible it may be seen by others. That was how much Aria meant to him, he didn't want to lose her, and he would fight with everything he had to prevent such a thing.

Frankly, Chris would've been surprised for anyone to challenge him or accept one from him, if not for one particular fact. The stories about the Shadow Dragon were still told, but the younger generations hadn't been giving the tales much attention. That was due to Chris not getting himself involved in public stuff and keeping an extremely low profile. Not to say Chris's reputation as the Shadow Dragon was waved off completely, the fear it carried still caused noticeable pause and hesitation. It wasn't said in the open often, but Chris knew the fear he caused was still felt but others, especially from those in the biblical factions.

Even among dragons, Chris's power was respected or at least acknowledged and not challenged often if at all anymore. The seven who were classified as "Evil Dragons" also took care to not draw his attention as they knew there would be consequences. One of their numbers had challenged Chris once and had paid the price of his choice which had been Grendel. The encounter had been close to a thousand years ago, Grendel had tracked Chris down and demanded to fight him. While Chris had heard back then Grendel was a "battle freak" and just couldn't get enough of it, he hadn't thought the dragon would be so stupid as to challenge one who was clearly more powerful by obvious margins. Most dragons had enough logic combined with a survival instinct to prevent unnecessary fighting among one another, but there were of course some that ignored logical sense.

Grendel had proven to Chris that even in the Dragon race, there were just some that seemed born with "crippling issues". In his case, his personality was his problem, it stabbed him in the back more often than not. Grendel was to an extent, what humans would call psychotic with his mind, not all working at the same pace or direction. He was more destructive than other dragons, a disaster when it came to anything to do with "reason" and those were the simple things. Then like any dragon, Grendel had a personal interest and his wasn't odd per se, it was more the "addict-like" magnitude in which he heeded it that was disturbing. Grendel was into what was referred to in modern times as "S&M" and he had both sides of that in him. He loved torture equally giving and receiving the idea, he had shown he couldn't get enough of the point. And the line between the two didn't seem to exist with Grendel, or if it did, he hadn't a clue where that ever-moving line was.

Chris had attempted to layout to Grendel how stupid an idea fighting him was at the time, and he had been much less inclined to be nice back then. Of course, Grendel hadn't listened to the advice Chris had given him, the idiot had been too focused on wanting a fight. In the end, Chris had whipped the dumb dragon and had discovered just how disturbing Grendel's interest was. Grendel had appeared to enjoy being whipped, liked the pain he received, and signaled he wanted more by his behavior. Where the devil that was Gremory's queen had similar interests as Grendel, it was nowhere to the same degree. After the "lesson" Chris had given to Grendel, he had sealed him in a unique crystal to hopefully think about what he did or at least not trouble Chris himself while he recovered from the near-death state Chris had left him in. Grendel stood as an example to the other evil dragons to mind their own business and not bother him.

So, the ego-inflated devil Riser was being stupid which was expected with accepting the challenge Chris extended. It was a tad amusing that the young devil was so blind and his head so swollen that he thought he had a chance. Plus, Chris would be helping Zechs from blaming himself and complaining that his "adorable" sister was trapped in a horrible situation. Chris had no interest in listening to Zech going through a "sister rant" where he went on about how much he "loved" his sister. So, the hope was by bailing out Gremory, Zechs would not rant about her as much and focus on his job. Heck, Zechs would probably do a favor or two for Chris should he get Gremory out of her predicament.

The offer that Riser foolishly gave Chris for a "handicap" was damning to the devil, akin to asking an opponent to make them suffer more. Chris certainly didn't need help to whip another like Phenex, he was no super-devil, and it would take multiple to beat him. He knew of Phenex's regeneration ability, yet that wouldn't stop Chris, merely delaying the inevitable outcome momentarily. However, being able to bring others did present an opportunity to do other things to make the battle more interesting. Chris already had a couple of ideas of who he could have helped humiliate the young Phenex devil.

There were obvious ways to embarrass Riser, and each idea had merit in Chris's mind so were tempting. But there were also more subtle means which Chris could use, and they were more interesting as such would have a more lasting impression. With it having been as long as it had been since Chris had humbled another, he would use the opportunity to make an example for others to see. And Chris was leaning toward asking Phina to come with him on this jaunt for a few reasons. Not only would it be hysterical as well as ironic for a Phoenix to beat a Phenex devil, but it would also give her a chance to get some payback on devils which species had hunted her kind. There were others that Chris could choose to join him against Riser, and he would think about if he would have others join him other than Phina. The planning could be done in the evening after his kids were in their beds.

Chris wasted no time after leaving Gremory's group and headed straight home from the school grounds. He arrived home a short time later and was greeted by his kids which he appreciated and felt the stress fade from himself. Chris was giving his twins some attention when another spoke up, "What lively children you still have Chris."

Chris looked up and the speaker and smiled at the man who was his friend. The man's name was Finius Cole or Doctor Cole by some as he was a practicing doctor and healer. He had a height of six feet and a somewhat lean figure overall which came from him keeping fit. Finius had shoulder-length hair which he had tied up in a ponytail that went down his back. His eyes were hazel and were normally behind half-rimmed glasses that he wore. He had facial hair as well in the form of a goatee which and his sideburns were the same gray his hair was. Finius was dressed in a kimono which was white with a green robe over it tied together with a gold sash. "Finius," Chris greeted, "How was your flight here from India?"

Finius chuckled, "Oh uneventful as flights tend to be, going around India was fun though, helped a lot of people there."

Then Finius gave Chris a look to say he needed to talk to him in private, to which Chris nodded. "Phina, why don't you take the kids outside to play as it's a sunny day," Chris suggested.

Phina looked at Chris and Dr. Cole for a moment, then she nodded and began guiding the kids outside. After they left the room Chris faced Finius again, "So, since you have likely had the time to examine Aria already, do I want to know the status of her condition, or should I just assume it's still getting worse?"

The two headed for the family room and sat down before Finius replied, "Unfortunately, your wife's health is still waning. My efforts have slowed it down the best I'm able with what I can access and work with currently." Finius paused, "Should you be able to procure those undiluted Phenex tears I have requested, I think I would be able to do more to perhaps improve her condition somewhat. Curing her condition remains something I can't do yet, but I believe I'm on a path that could do so give some more time and research."

Chris frowned at the reply but said nothing to what Finius stated about Aria's condition as he couldn't think of what to say. Chris was doing all he could to help his life-mate and all he'd managed to do was slow the failing of her health thus far. Chris had tried many things to help Aria since he wanted her to be in his life for long into the future. And it wasn't just for him and his heart, it was the wish for his children he had as well. With that in mind, to be able to do little to nothing but watch as Aria's life got weaker was sheer torture to Chris. He believed and hoped that Cole and others would find a way to reverse her condition given enough time, but time was not their ally.