Highschool DxD: The Prime Evil

by TalonAlpha3

"And the Evil that was once vanquished shall rise anew. Wrapped in the guise of man shall he walk amongst the innocent. And Terror shall consume they that dwell upon the Earth." Aidan Kain was just living a normal school life as a human with nightmares before being sucked into the Devil world as a pawn of Rias Gremory. What further adventures await for this Kuoh Academy student?

34. Chapter 34: Mothers and Sisters

I do not own Highschool DxD nor do I own Diablo. All rights respectively go to Ichiei Ishibumi, the series' creator, and Blizzard Entertainment, the company who made Diablo.

---

OP: Metamorphose feat. Ishida Yoko – Over the Testament (Shinmai Maou no Testament BURST OP)

(As the music begins, a flash of white light occurs as the camera moves upwards to depict a mural showing the entire universe like a tree, first starting with the Burning Hells and their masters, the Seven Evils, as they light up in red. Aidan appears first in a blue background with a bare chest before it cuts back to the mural moving upwards to the middle showing Sanctuary/Earth and all the other realms surrounding it, including the Underworld which light up in green. Then Rias appears in a red background, a bit further back than Aidan yet also naked before it reverts back to the upper portion of the mural, showing the High Heavens and their leaders, the Angiris Council, illuminated in a white glow. Akeno is the last show further back than Aidan and Rias, also naked and with a yellow background. The last image shows the entire mural illuminated in its respective colors.)

Over the Testament (The title of the show is revealed as Highschool DxD: The Prime Evil)

sabireta kono sekai ni habikoru (Aidan is standing on top of Tristram Cathedral, looking out to the sunset over the horizon before he turns briefly to his right to face away from the camera)
gizen to jiko gisei sore ga bigaku ka? (Rias is shown in front of the ORC Clubhouse before she turns around fully and then begins to walk forward)
honne o kakushita koduku na PIERO (The camera cuts to Akeno in her miko outfit at her shrine, her eyes closed before she opens them in a serious expression)
kyou mo kimi wa Poker face (Asia is shown in a church praying before she turns around to the light. The next image shows Kiba leaning his back against a wall, head down and eyes closed, with the spirits of his dead comrades surrounding him in comfort)

kamen hazushite saa kocchi ni kite (The Gremory rune is shown before the background turns black. Rias appears amidst the flames of the Burning Hells soon afterwards with the rune still present)
arinomama no kimi shiritaikara (Aidan's left arm, from his Sacred Gear that was holding Silentium, is corrupted as he activates his Balance Breaker, making him scream into the air as the shadow of Diablo appears above and behind him)

kagayaki ni tsutsumare yasashii kaze ga fuku (Rossweisse fires a powerful blast of lightning from on high at a group of flying Demons. Xenovia was on the ground as she slams Durandal to the ground, creating a massive quake that topples the incoming Demons in front of her)
sonna sekai o misetakute chikai o koeta (Kiba charges across the rooftops with Sword of Betrayer in hand. The camera follows him where he was charging towards the towering Belial, Lord of Lies. He jumps up to dodge a blast from the Demon Lord before spinning in the air and cutting off one of Belial's horns)

arata ni kizamareru kibou e no ayumi o (Koneko is seen next running across the rooftops as the camera follows her, charging at Azmodan, the Lord of Sin. She lands roughly on one roof before jumping upwards, dodging Azmodan's attack before she runs across the Demon's left arm and delivers a swift kick to his head)
tsugi no PEEJI ni kakishirushi (Rias fires a powerful blast from her Power of Destruction, only to be caught in a blast herself by Azmodan, sending her flying away)

ugokidashita jikan wa New age (Rias is caught by Aidan who smiles at her to which she returns. Then the two lean in for a romantic kiss as they are enveloped in a red power, their clothes also dissipating in the process)

(Aidan is shown in his Balance Breaker, Primal Terror Vengeance, starting at the back as the camera steadily turns around to show him until the last shot shows his left demonic eye. Between each frame, quick-time images appear; the first one being Venalana Gremory, Lilith, and the angel Aurelia in her mortal guise but with her back facing the camera, the second Sirzechs and Grayfia, the third being the Student Council led by Sona Sitri, the fourth being Loki and Diodora Astaroth back to back, and finally the last one showing Sinestra as the Angiris Apostle with the Angiris Council members looking over her, including Tyrael as the Archangel of Justice and Malthael as the Archangel of Wisdom)

(The final image shows Aidan looking to his right at Sinestra in the air, ready to take part in the Eternal Conflict)

---

Aidan had never stepped foot in the Gremory Estate before so to say he was surprised at how massive it was would somewhat be an understatement. The giant beautiful mansion was a quadrangle with a courtyard in the middle. Outside at the entrance was a fountain with a circular flower bed surrounding it, with many gardens in the surrounding areas.

And it was not just Aidan who was surprised. Asia, Xenovia, and the Phenex maids were also shocked, amazed at the scope and scale of the place.

"Whoa, this place is enormous!" exclaimed the blue-haired Knight.

"This is where your family lives?" asked Asia with wide eyes.

"That's right," Rias nodded with a smile.

Aidan soon asked his fellow maids, "Did the Phenex family have something similar to this?"

"Sort of," Yubelluna responded, shaking her head. "But imagine it with a lot more fire."

The front door of the mansion opens to reveal Grayfia, bowing her head and keeping it low before she straightens her back and says, "Welcome home, my lady. We've been awaiting your return. You may follow me inside."

Grayfia leads everyone inside the house before the doors close in on them. As they follow the maid, Aidan looks around at everything displayed out. Amazed by all of the luxurious decorations that could only come from a family of remarkably high status. Not even the nobles of Westmarch or Lut Gholein could be compared to this. If anything, it made the two human cities look like fleas in comparison to this wonderful home.

Walking down the hallway, all of the butlers were lined up on one side and the maids on the other, all of them bowing to Rias.

"Aidan, I-I'm really nervous," said Asia, staying close to Aidan.

"To be honest, so am I," Aidan concurred, looking around at the formality presented to them. "Stay close to me, Asia."

Out of nowhere, a small child was running towards them from down the hall. He was a cute-looking young boy with short hair in the signature crimson red color and blue-green eyes.

"Onee-sama! Onee-sama! You're finally home!" The boy shouted, jumping and hugging the heiress of the household.

Rias smiles as she hugs the boy back. "Milicas! I've missed you so much! My, you've gotten bigger since last time I saw you."

A curious Aidan looked at Milicas with intrigue. "Is this your little brother, Rias?"

"Not exactly," Rias smiles. "This is Milicas Gremory, Onii-sama and Grayfia's son."

Asia looked out from behind Aidan and looked surprised at Milicas. "So that would make him your nephew."

"Precisely," Rias confirmed. "Now, Milicas, be a good boy and introduce yourself."

"Okay!" Milicas backs away from Rias and stands in front of the group. He holds his hands in front of him and smiles pleasantly before bowing. "My name is Milicas Gremory. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Asia chuckles a little. "He's so cute."

"Devilish looks and good manners, talk about prince charming," Xenovia said with a smile over Aidan's shoulder.

Milicas then spots Aidan and asks, "Excuse me. Are you Aidan Kain?"

Aidan nods and smiles humbly. "That I am. Her Pawn and her boyfriend to be specific. A pleasure to meet you, Milicas."

Milicas gasped before becoming excited with stars in his eyes. "You're really him?! Does that mean you and Onee-sama are getting married?!"

Aidan and Rias blink twice before their faces turn multiple shades of red and both turn away out of embarrassment.

"HUH?!" Rias shouted.

"AHEM!" Aidan brings a fist to his mouth to clear his throat, trying to hide his red face.

Clearly the two of them may be a couple now, but marriage was not what was on their minds at the moment. Even if they are keeping secretive of the fact that Rias is pregnant with child.

Before the conversation can continue, Grayfia caught their attention by standing next to a set of opened blue doors.

"Excuse me, everyone, won't you please come in?" She asked.

With their blushes no longer visible to see, Aidan and Rias follow with everyone else behind them. The latter group were giggling at how cute their reaction was.

Milicas was the first to run into the room and announce with excitement, "Grandmother, Grandmother! Onee-sama and her friends are finally here!"

"My, my, such poor behavior," said a woman's voice from within the room. When they walked into the room, Aidan was shocked to see who it was.

Standing in the room and petting Milicas' head as he hugged her was a strikingly beautiful woman who had short brown hair and violent eyes. Despite appearing in her mid-twenties, she looked much older, wearing a white dress that did not leave much to the imagination of her hourglass figure.

To Aidan, he could not help but be mesmerized, which caught Rias' eye.

"Aidan!" She snapped him out of his state with a tone of annoyance. "Finding a carpet that matched the drapes was grueling. Please try not to drool on it while staring at my mother."

Aidan reconvenes himself. "M-My apologies, Rias. I got distracted."

Rias sighed while her mother giggles. "I like him. So gentleman-like."

Akeno steps forward after letting out a giggle of her own. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Venalana. It has been a long time," She said as she bows with Kiba, Koneko, Gasper, and the Phenex maids doing the same. Xenovia, Asia, and Aidan follow their example and bow as well.

"You sound so different, Akeno," said Venalana before nodding her head at them. "I'm so delighted to meet all your new friends. I am Venalana Gremory, mother of Rias Gremory."

After they raise their heads, Venalana spots an intriguing figure next to Rias.

"Excuse me, darling, but are you Aidan Kain? Deckard Kain's nephew?" asked Venelana as she lets go of her grandson and approaches him.

Aidan nods and bows slightly. "Yes. I am. But how did you know?"

Venalana giggles as she stops in front of him and Rias. "I take it upon myself to look into my daughter's suitors, especially when she gets herself a boyfriend. Oh, how a mother worries, you know."

Aidan blushes a bit and turns his head to the left to clear his throat when she mentioned their romantic relationship.

"My husband was never good at choosing suitors fit for Rias," Venalana said, giving Rias a look of mischief. "He should have picked the boy Rias likes as her fiancé to start with."

"Mother! Stop!" Rias shouted with an embarrassing face. Venalana can only giggle at her remark.

Aidan was a bit surprised. He thought of Venalana to be more strict and perhaps disapprove of him after what he did but it turns out that she is rather gentle, a calming personality that eased his heart a bit. Perhaps there was more to her than one would think.

"But that isn't the only reason," Venelana revealed, making Aidan look back in confusion. Out of nowhere, he felt Venalana's hands grasp his face gently as she stares into his blue eyes, catching him out of nowhere as he felt himself freeze in place. But what surprised Aidan was her expression.

Her expression was a mix of joy and sorrow, like she saw something she had not seen for such a long time. She stared long and hard into Aidan, like she was looking deep into his soul.

With a small gasp of delight beyond measure, she said, "So it's true." She brings her head closer to look deeper. "You… you have your mother's eyes."

That made Aidan gasp with his blue eyes widening in shock. Venelana was the second person to have ever said that to him, the first being Grayfia back when the maid first saw Aidan.

"You… knew my mother?" He asked hesitantly.

Venalana gives a small smile, a small tear forming in her right eye. "My darling, your mother was my handmaiden. She was like a dear sister to me."

To Aidan, this revealed that his mother, Aurelia, was not just some mere servant of the Gremory Family, but also Venalana's personal servant. A handmaiden or rather a lady-in-waiting considering the noble nature of the Gremory Family. No son could ever think of that, especially if Aurelia served a powerful woman such as Venalana from a powerful family.

"A-HEM!" Rias clears her throat to get her mother and boyfriend's attention, clearly disliking the close atmosphere while also blushing with a red face. "Mother, I love you dearly, but I would appreciate if you keep your hands off my boyfriend! You're way too close!"

Venelana giggles and lets go of Aidan's face. "My apologies. I believe we should all sit down for dinner. Rias, dear, would you show everyone the way?"

Rias was silent for a moment, before sighing. "Okay."

As the group walked to dinner, Venalana kept her eye on Aidan, a mixture of feelings erupting within her heart.

'So this is what you left behind, isn't it Aurelia?'

---

"Welcome, everyone, to the Gremory Estate," Zeoticus Gremory, Rias' father, greeted the group from his position at the head of the huge oblong table. "While you are all here, please think of this place as your home away from home."

The dining room where everyone was in had an extravagant chandelier on the ceiling, and the chairs of the table were covered in expensive looking ornaments. After guiding her daughter and her peerage to the dining room, Venalana had the maids of the house serve an extravagant meal. Aidan watches as their meals, which looked like Michelin star course meals, were being served on awfully expensive plates.

Everyone sat at the table while the Phenex maids stood with Grayfia and the other maids of the household. Surprisingly enough, Deckard Kain was not present, as he had to attend to some business with Sirzechs and the other Satans. Regrettable as it was not to see his adopted nephew again, Deckard instead sent a letter for Aidan to read once he acquires it.

Aidan always knew that when it comes to food, one eats first with their eyes open. But knowing he was living in a household of great nobility, he had to eat his gracefully. Following Rias, Akeno, and Kiba's example, and even Milicas', he eats his food with care. However, Xenovia and Asia were having trouble but try their best as possible. But for the nephalem and the two former members of the Church, this fanciness made them somewhat uncomfortable.

As for Gasper, well, let's just say he was the same as usual when it came to big things, especially large crowds.

"I can't eat in a room with all these people," Gasper whispered to himself nervously. "I can't taste what I am putting in my mouth!"

But Aidan's eyes were drawn to Koneko who wasn't eating her food. It was clear that something was bothering her, yet every time her eyes met with Aidan's, she looked away.

"By the way, Somnus, I've been meaning to ask you something," Zeoticus called out to Aidan.

"Yes, sir?" He asked, turning his attention over to him even though a small part of him felt surprised when he called him by his real name. Grayfia must have told him or he had figured out somehow due to his natural worry as a parent to look into, as his wife calls it, his daughter's suitors.

"Tell me, how are you doing these days?" He asked with a friendly smile.

Aidan was caught off-guard with that question. Recently, he had not been feeling well due to his dreams and recent nightmares, especially the ones concerning Lilith. But for the sake of the comfortable atmosphere everyone was in, he decides to keep those thoughts hidden for a time. It hurt for him to lie in front of his girlfriend's father, but it was for their sakes.

"Fine," He said as he takes a sip of his drink. "No more nightmares and bad dreams if that is what you mean. Thank you so much for the new home by the way."

"I'm happy that you are enjoying it, but the castle I proposed would've been much better," He then revealed.

Aidan almost spat out his drink yet retained it in. However, he had to give a few coughs due to the sudden reveal.

"A castle?" He asked in shock. "In the middle of a suburban neighborhood?"

"Father, I've explained this to you already!" Rias spoke up. "You cannot force our culture onto others."

"And I respect that," Zeoticus countered. "But still, he could really use those fifty maids I proposed as well."

"Wha-?" Aidan was once again shocked. "Fifty maids?!" Even the Phenex maids were incredibly surprised of that number. All except Grayfia who had maintained her composure.

"He already has a trio of maids and they are all he needs," Rias said with a frown. "Besides, having that many young women around would undoubtedly have distracted Aidan from his real priorities."

"And so does my daughter put her down on me yet again," Zeoticus said in a joking manner. "One more thing, Somnus."

"Yes sir?" asked Aidan.

"No matter what you may think, you are a part of this family just like how your mother was. And even though Deckard Kain has been your father figure all your life, I will say this again, as I am dead serious: I want you to think of me as the same."

Aidan was a bit nervous upon hearing that. Even though he had seen and heard his biological demonic father in visions, he never once met him. And Uncle Deckard was, as Zeoticus said, a father figure of his life since he was a small baby. So to hear Zeoticus wanting to be called a father by Aidan made him somewhat uncomfortable. Either he really meant it, or he was trying to reconnect himself back to a time when Aurelia was still living amongst the Gremory Family.

Rias looked more annoyed, biting her tongue so as to not shout.

"Darling, your actions are not only premature, but not right," Venalana scolds her husband. "There is an order to these things that must be followed, no matter whom we are addressing to."

Zeoticus sighs with a deep breath in admitted defeat, seeing as how his wife is the dominant one in their relationship. If he was going to get what he wanted, he would have to be more cautious and let time be the deciding factor.

Venalana then turned herself to Aidan and met her eyes with his. For a brief moment, it felt as if she saw Aurelia again before it reverts back to her son.

"Aidan Kain," She called out. "No… Somnus. Is it okay if I call you that?"

Aidan was once again surprised, seeing that Venalana knows of his true name. Aidan wasn't sure he should be called out that publicly with everyone around but at this point, it was hard to refuse a humble and generous request from the female head of the Gremory Family.

"Uh, y-yes of course," He stammered briefly. "I do not mind either one."

"Will you be staying with us for a while?" asked Venalana.

"Wherever Rias goes, I go," He said. "Why do you ask, if I may?"

Venalana gives a reassuring smile. "That is perfect. Since you are to acquire nobility behavior while living amongst us, I want you to be studying manners here a little while."

"What?"

*BAM*

The sound of Rias' hands slamming on the table startled everyone, even her boyfriend. She stood up from her seat in the process.

"Father! Mother! I've been listening quietly until now, but what kind of thing are you trying to advance while leaving me out of it!?" Rias shouted with a huge blush on her face.

"Silence, Rias!" Her mother suddenly commanded with narrow eyes. The once noble and gentle persona she had was now filled with displeasure. "You already canceled your engagement with Riser Phenex, remember? The fact that we just permitted it, even with the circumstances involved, should be thought of as special treatment. How much effort do you think your father and Sirzechs had put in order to take care of things with the other High-Class Devils? Not to mention to those who still want to see Somnus dead? Did you know that your father told one noble that his selfish daughter canceled her engagement using the nephalem? You may be the younger sister of the Satan Lucifer, but there is still a limit."

For once, Aidan was surprised by her words. It seemed as if the Satans and the other nobles have convinced the rest of the populace that Rias' engagement to Riser was canceled based off a nephalem, a being of legend in Devil Mythology, used to interrupt it. The fact of Diablo involved must have been kept as a real hush hush so as to not sow terror among the civilians. Aidan's actions were noble if not foolish, especially if he released Diablo in the process. But were they justifiable? Probably not.

While he knew what he did was the right call by breaking the engagement, he wasn't so sure if releasing Diablo was necessary, even if he was being manipulated or controlled in the process due to the Sacred Gear he possesses.

Rias' anger grew as she tries to speak out. "Onii-sama has nothing to do with—"

"You mean Sirzechs is unrelated to what you do?" Venalana interrupted her, not even letting her try to defend herself until she was finished. That is when Venalana uses a bit of her magic to procure a projection into the air. "You mean he wasn't involved in this?"

Venalana showed the Terror Unleashed incident to everyone, specifically at the part where Sirzechs fought Diablo, only to be overpowered and stabbed in the process. Diablo's words then echoed from the projection as Sirzechs struggles.

"Take one last look at your shining Underworld, Sirzechs. For soon, nothing of it shall remain but my laughter."

The sight of it drove everyone to quiver, even Rias who felt her whole body shake. The fact of seeing her brother stabbed and nearly killed by the same Demon he hunted centuries ago shook her to the core, not to mention of how it was by Aidan's hand who was possessed by Diablo. While everyone looked afraid, including Gasper and Xenovia who either weren't there or had yet to be a part of Rias' Peerage respectively, Aidan hid his face in shame, knowing that as Diablo's unwilling host, he was the one to cause this incident.

Venalana dispels the projection, knowing they even in the few seconds of seeing it, everyone present had seen enough.

"Officially, Rias, it is true your brother is unrelated in what you do," Venalana said. "However, everyone sees you as the Satan Lucifer's younger sister, not to mention as a master to a nephalem who is your Pawn and boyfriend. Right now, with the Three Factions aligned, your position is known even by the lower classes of the other powers. You are also well known to the Burning Hells and to the High Heavens due to your conflicting interactions with them. Not to mention the other nephalem whom you have encountered. You cannot behave selfishly as you have in the past. And above all else, everyone will pay attention to you from now on because of the kind of power you now possess. You have been placed in a very difficult position, Rias, and I know how much you fear losing everything due to recent events. But there will be no second instance of that kind of selfishness. Do not carry any spoiled thoughts lest you once again lose the people you cherish, especially your beloved nephalem. Understood?"

Venalana's words struck Rias hard, making the Crimson-Haired Ruined Princess embarrassed as she could not respond or retort back at her. Not just out of respect but rather of the fact that she was right. By her own will, she forcefully sits back down in her chair, ashamed of her actions.

Venalana lets out a single sigh before turning to the rest of the group with a smile, forcing back her usual expression.

"I apologize," She said. "I've shown you all something ugly of mine that I do not usually share. Getting back to the topic, you will go through special training during your stay here, Somnus. As I said before, I want you to experience the life of upper society and nobility even if only a little."

"I understand," Aidan nodded. "But if I may ask, why am I the only one doing it?"

Venalana's expression soon turned serious. "Given that you are in a romantic and intimate relationship with my daughter, the next head of the family, you are her last bit of selfishness, so as a parent, we bear the responsibility right until the end. But that is only half the truth."

"Half?" He asked.

Venalana's expression then turned to one of melancholy. "I made a promise to your mother long ago before she disappeared that I would carry on her work. I did not know what she had meant at the time, but with you here, now I know. And so, I want to fulfill that which your mother always wanted: a chance for her son to experience what she experienced."

Aidan turned his head to look at Rias who looked away with a red embarrassing face. If Venalana will put him through such training, then he best be prepared, especially given of his position and reputation.

---

Aidan sighed as he lies on his gigantic bed in the Gremory Estate. A lot of things had happened since he had arrived here, but never had he thought Rias would throw a temper tantrum in front of her parents. He usually saw his girlfriend as calm and collected, but never this embarrassed. He couldn't blame her of course due to her upbringing but he had to wonder why she was against the suggestions her parents had for him.

Then came Koneko. Once more did Aidan see that she was so out of character. Not only from her fighting, but also of how she barely ate anything at dinner. Perhaps confronting her at the right moment will happen but for now, he will have to wait and be patient.

Sleep begins to take in on Aidan. But just as his eyes close and all he saw was complete darkness, his mind soon flashed over back to his nightmares. It was just a brief image, but right up front, he saw her again.

Lilith. And from Lilith, a small smile was formed, along with a titter of evil.

It was enough for Aidan to open his eyes and sit up, seeing Lilith in his dreams again before he clutches his head in his right hand.

"What is happening to me?" He asked himself before he heard some knocking on his door.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

"It's open," He called out.

The door opens slightly to reveal Xenovia and Asia, both girls in their sleeping attire.

"Hey," Xenovia said.

"We're not bothering you are we, Aidan?" Asia asked, looking a little nervous.

"No, of course not," He denied, pushing the image of Lilith in the back of his mind. "What's wrong?"

However, the next thing he knew was both former church girls had crawled into bed with him. Xenovia was on his right and Asia on his left.

"Uh, girls… what are you doing?" He asked.

Asia curls up next to him. "I can't sleep in such a big room all by myself!"

Xenovia turned her head to look at Aidan. "Life was simple in the Church. Having this much luxury though makes us uncomfortable. You understand, right?"

"Hence why you would wish to sleep with me," Aidan deduced correctly. "I'll admit these beds are a bit too big for one person like me."

Xenovia nods in agreement. "Will this be a problem? The bed is huge, and we would even touch each other while we're sleeping."

This turn of events was unusual for Aidan. Granted, while he was used to having multiple females sleep with him, this time it takes the form of Asia, who is in his harem, and Xenovia, who has yet to be a part of his harem.

But then a question of worry came to his head. "Wait, where's Gasper? How is he handling this?"

"Oh don't worry, he's perfectly fine. We checked up on him before coming here," Asia said with a smile. "He's in his box."

"Oh. Good to hear. As long as he is comfortable, that is all that matters."

"Like your current sleeping arrangement, which I would've thought you would have liked. Besides, tomorrow will be a busy day for us, so get some rest," Xenovia said before closing her eyes.

"Good night," Asia said, also going to sleep.

Aidan sighs before he gets some shut eye. However, that proved itself to be somewhat difficult, especially when Xenovia moved around in her sleep a lot. Once she was rolled on her side with her back facing the nephalem, Aidan turned to her and asked one question.

"You can't sleep, Xen?" Aidan asked, giving Xenovia a cute nickname.

Xenovia was a little startled, even producing a faint blush, before she rolls to the other side to look at him. "…Yeah. I suppose I'm just not used to sleeping beside a man. Even in a nonsexual way… I'm still nervous."

She didn't want to admit it, but her red embarrassing face was a hidden fact that Aidan was making her feel this way.

"Yeah, I get that," Aidan said. "It took a little while for me to get to use to Rias sleeping with me even before we started dating. But not to worry. It is only natural and will take time to get used to."

After staring at him for a moment, Xenovia pulls up one of her shoulder straps that felt off.

"Y-Yeah… perfectly natural," She said. She then looked over at Aidan's chest to see Asia clinging onto his left arm. Blushing a little, she looks at the nephalem Pawn. "I-Is it okay if… I can snuggle with you?"

Aidan could only smile calmly and nod, "Of course."

Xenovia moves in closer to him and closes her eyes, allowing Aidan to follow suite. But that is when Aidan felt some weight on him for some odd reason that felt off. Opening one eye, he looks to see that Xenovia had her legs around his neck, giving him a peck of her panties inside of her really short pants and with one of her large breasts out of her purple top.

Not how he imagined being between her, but at least she wasn't choking him to death.

---

"In other words, for High-class Devils, high society is the world which they all strive to be in…" Aidan's tutor continued on and on as he and Milicas listen to her. After arriving at Rias' family estate, Aidan was to take lecture classes about High-class Devils, the upper echelons of society and nobility. The Gremory Family appointed a Devil tutor to Aidan and Uncle Deckard sometimes came in from time to time to teach.

Thanks to his Uncle's warnings about the language, Aidan was able to read and decipher the alphabet although tracing and writing was a bit of a struggle.

"Young master, do you know the Devil alphabet?" The tutor asked, drawing Aidan's attention to her.

"Yes," Aidan responds. "But I have trouble writing it since I do not have much experience in it."

"Very well," The tutor smiles, pulling out a large pile of books from under the table.

*THUD*

And places them right down onto the table in front of Aidan, surprising him. "These are practice books for which to help you trace out the alphabet and form sentences. You must be prepared to learn all there is to know about the Gremory Family."

"I see," Aidan acknowledged nervously. "Uh, please continue."

The tutor turns her back from him. "Now then, let us speak about the history of the Gremory Family next."

While Aidan certainly loved to learn about history like his Uncle, he was not interested to learn about the nobility. If anything, the noble Devils are like the ones in Westmarch, caring only for their own wealth and needs instead of the future for all. The Gremory Family was an exception at least. Then again, as Rias' boyfriend and servant, he needed to know the family history along with the nobility structure, even if he is not one of them.

The door opens and Venalana enters, greeting them with her beauty. "Somnus, Milicas. How goes your education?" She asks, walking between Aidan and the tutor with a gentle smile.

"Grandmother!" Milicas exclaimed happily.

Venalana looks down at Aidan's writing, yet smiles as she sees the struggle of writing it. Still, as her best friend's son, she knows he is trying his best.

"It's just as your Uncle Deckard said," Venalana said. "You're a hard worker, no matter what it is. While there are rooms for improvement on your writing, I can grasp the attitude of trying to memorize each step."

Aidan can only smile to that statement. Sheepishly.

---

After Aidan had finished with his studies, he, Rias, and the rest of the Peerage came out to the front of the mansion to meet up with Azazel.

"Alright! Looks like everyone is here, so let's cut to the chase," He said with a grin. "I've got a twenty day human world time training regiment that is going to whip you all up into shape."

"Training for twenty days huh?" asked Aidan. Everyone was wearing the Kuoh Academy gym uniform.

"That's right, and you're up first, Aidan," Azazel said before he looks up to the sky. Curious, Aidan and the others looked up and saw a giant shadow descending down to them.

To his surprise, it was Tannin, who lands on the ground behind the Fallen Angel and shakes the land.

"Tannin?" asked Aidan. "What's he doing here?"

"He's agreed to be your personal trainer for the next couple weeks," Azazel said. But Aidan looked confused as he looks at the enormous dragon with his arms crossed.

"A dragon training a nephalem?" He asked. "Can it really be done?"

"This isn't my first time training with a nephalem," Tannin confessed. "And by that, I meant sparring with Alrik and Li-Ming. Those two didn't hold anything back. So I am expecting the same from you."

"Your primary concern here is to pull out your Balance Breaker without overdoing it," Azazel informed Aidan with a smile. "And if you survive from the influence of the Demons inside the darn thing, that's a bonus!"

Aidan sighs, for he knows one thing is certain. This training will be hell.

He was suddenly grabbed by the back of his shirt by Tannin, who lifted him up into the air and holds tight.

"Woah, hey! Woah!" He was surprised at the sudden action and being lifted high.

"Somnus, do your best!" Rias cheered and gave him a thumbs up. Being the person that didn't allow compromises when it came to training. What many did not know is that despite his great power, when it came to be training by Rias, her sweet and caring self-turned into a dominatrix and cruelly training him.

And admittedly for Aidan, he found it somewhat scary. Especially in the bed when she takes control.

Tannin looks over to Rias before he points to some far away mountains. "Can you lend me the mountain there? We're going to hold our training session there."

"Sure," Rias nods. "Please teach him well."

"Leave it to me." Tannin soon takes off with Aidan in his hand.

"Wait, Riiiaaaaassss!" He cried before his voice was no longer audible. His girlfriend simply waved at him goodbye with a smile on her face.

---

AT RIAS' LOCATION

For Rias and the others, they will be on their own personal training to get them ready for the upcoming conflict.

The redhead was alone in a giant library reading the many books she accumulated, including some of Deckard Kain's. By Azazel's reckoning, a good King such as her needs to have the mental acuity, guile, and judgment to push her way past any challenge that laid before her. Her role as the King is to think on her own two feet and draw out her team's potential. By studying old Rating Games and learning their strategies, she can use them as future references for when the next Rating Game comes.

And while Rias would indeed require more basic combat training, along with swordsmanship with her sabre Heres Ultio, she needs to hit the books first.

Rias intends to accomplish this by any means possible. Not just for herself, but also for Somnus, her beloved nephalem. With the inevitable return of the Demons and the fact that they are growing stronger, she needed to be able to fight alongside him and be there when he needs her most. She almost lost him on several occasions in the past; to Diablo, to Sinestra, to Riser, to Imperius, even to himself. And she does not intend to ever let go of him again.

'I will become better for you, my love. And I will never let go again.'

AT AKENO'S LOCATION…

Akeno sat upon a mountain top in her miko outfit yet her expression when she was looking frontwards was met with surprise.

"You're here, Azazel?" asked a surprised Akeno.

"Normally, I would be doing my work," Azazel said. "But since you are in desperate need of training, I decided to step in."

"You want to train me…?" Akeno found that hard to believe.

"Call it a favor that I owe to your father. He was my right hand man during the war and is still considered one of my best friends. I owe him a lot during our hunt for the three Prime Evils, having saved my ass more than once. And considering his current state, I felt the need to take over his role for his sake and yours. Especially given the fact that you still deny your Fallen Angel lineage and the power that Mephisto tried to exploit for his own."

Akeno never wanted to rely on that power, mainly out of hatred for her father before she learned the truth. But now she learned that truth, she was still unwilling to use it as she was afraid to become like Rias when enraged, becoming the very thing she sought to fight against. Azazel told her not to deny her heritage if she didn't want to be a hindrance when they finally face the Demonic Legions of the Burning Hells. She couldn't win without using all of her power yet the dark shadow of Mephisto still looms over her like a large tree. Sometimes, she feels as if even in death, the Lord of Hatred watches over her with glee, ready to pull her strings once again.

To Akeno, she felt as if she could feel his claws behind her, along with the dark and terrible voice full of malice and hate.

"How is he?" She asked fearfully.

Azazel sighs. "Same as usual. But from what I have heard, his surgeries on his body are completed. So physically he should be alright in terms of injuries. And he is getting some transplants for his failing organs, along with some more surgery to reinforce and stabilize the bone structure of his wings."

In short, Baraqiel was healing. It was going at a really slow pace but with most of the major work over for now, it should be easier to monitor his condition and figure out the next steps in the days to come.

"I am more concerned for his mental state though should he ever wake up," Azazel soon said. "Years of being Mephisto's prisoner, especially when you are located in the heart of Hell, has a way of damaging the mind permanently."

Akeno's heart sunk once again. While her father's recovery is slowly going along on a physical scale, as Azazel said, his mental mind if not his spirit may be shattered. She didn't feel any hate for her father anymore, but she couldn't exactly feel love for him either.

A small part of her was still trying to process the fact that the Lord of Hatred was the one behind the trauma of her childhood. She could still hear his words at times of how he orchestrated everything, his offer of joining him, and the reasoning behind it all.

"But let's speak about it later," Azazel said, returning to his usual self. "Right now, we've got so many long days ahead for training. And given of what I know of you thus far, I know what the problem is for you."

"What is it?" She asked.

Azazel answered simply with one word. "Fear."

Akeno did not understand but Azazel expected her confused expression, so he explains further in a serious tone.

"Since you have been revealed the truth of your childhood, a small knot of fear is buried in you, like a gnarled root. You're afraid of the fact that because Mephisto manipulated you throughout your childhood, that also means he nurtured you. By giving in to your former hate for your father in his failure, you believe you would eventually become a Demon. This training that I created and will oversee personally should help you overcome it."

Akeno, understanding if not perhaps trusting Azazel given of his connection to her father, then made her decision with resolve in her eyes.

"Very well. I will be in your care, then," She accepted with a serious tone. If she was going to help her Aidan, and perhaps avenge her parents in the process, then she will need all the help the Governor can give him.

AT KIBA'S LOCATION…

Kiba stood in a lake a foot deep with his Holy-Devil Sword out. His training was to maintain his Balance Breaker for a full day. If he could get used to it, he will be able to maintain it for a battle that could last for hours. Afterwards, he will be able to become sufficiently stronger by doing basic training as he was taught.

All he had to do now was wait for his teacher to arrive and help him further increase his swordsmanship. And it didn't take long for Kiba to wait as he could sense the presence of another person behind him, not to mention that his Sword of Betrayer glowed a bit in that said person's presence due to an echo of Justice's power flowing through it.

To Kiba's surprise as he turns around, it was Tyrael. The mortal angel had heeded his summons for training Kiba, making the Knight smile.

"Thank you for agreeing to train me, Tyrael," He said gratefully.

"The honor is all mine, friend," Tyrael said before he brandishes El'druin. "Shall we begin?"

AT XENOVIA'S LOCATION…

"Holy Sword: Durandal!" Xenovia summons the massive blue sword in a flash of light, grabbing it as the blade stabs into the ground before holding it out in front of her. Despite the sheer weight and size, she grunts as she keeps her arms from shaking as the weapon trembles in her hands, seeing as how she does not have full control over it yet.

The training Azazel designed for Xenovia was focused on control of the weapon. Since Durandal is semi-sentient, it is picky on its wielder and even obtaining the weapon is a matter of sheer will. But she also needed to be able to use another Holy Sword, and according to Azazel, a slightly special sword.

"HAAAH!"

*SHING*

Xenovia gives a war cry as she cuts down a tree, slicing it into two straight down the middle. As the two halves fall to the ground. Xenovia pants yet is determined to be stronger, to prove herself to be another great girl in Aidan's harem.

Given of Durandal's nature, she will figure out how to wield this weapon in time.

AT GASPER'S LOCATION…

In the street of a town somewhere within the Gremory Territory, Gasper laid in hiding out of fear of the people that walked outside. Some of them bore curious looks and wondered why he was hiding.

According to Azazel's training, Gasper needed to get a grip and overcome his fear. And unfortunately for the vampire Bishop, the only way for him to do this was to go out in public where a lot of people are.

Gasper was in his box, afraid to come out.

"I… I don't think I can do this…" He whimpered. He popped his lid slightly to look outside, only to shrink back in out of fear. With such fear of socializing with others, this training was going to be exceedingly difficult for him.

And he has to do all this alone.

AT KONEKO'S LOCATION…

In a workout gym, Koneko was wearing her gym clothing and her pair of fighting gloves, punching a punching bag hard and fast as if she were the next Rocky Balboa or Muhammad Ali.

According to Azazel, she had nothing to be criticized for, as she possesses the elementary traits of offense and defense as a Rook. Physical abilities seem to be her strong point, but there were others in the Peerage that were much stronger than her in terms of offensive maneuvers.

She knew this and it frustrated her.

Her training was to have her improve her basics and to potentially tap into her true power, like when Akeno had to stop playing cat and mouse with her identity, especially when she learned the truth of her lineage.

Koneko delivers a hard kick to the punching bag, breaking it off of its hanging rail and sending the it to the wall. In the process, a hole was made as sand leaks out. Koneko pants for a moment in exhaustion before looking at her right hand.

"…Damn," She said, before setting up another punching bag. She had plenty leftovers to use.

But just as she throws another punch, a voice calls out to her. A voice of a wise mentor.

"Koneko," The voice made Koneko turn to see her master. The Monk of Ivgorod. Kharazim.

"Master!" Koneko was surprised as she bows out of respect. "What brings you here?"

"Training, for you mainly," Kharazim said as he walked with his monk garments. Then he gets into a fighting stance. "Come. Full spar. No holding back."

Koneko complies almost immediately as she charges in.

AT ASIA'S LOCATION…

Asia sat in a large cave kneeling on both knees in a prayer position as her Twilight Healing rings glowed green before they turned blue. An'Naresh also formed around her arms, their angelic runes glowing blue. If any bystander could see this, it would be as if they saw some sort of Marian apparition.

Azazel was expecting that her Sacred Gear would get stronger, especially if it was bonded with An'Naresh. While it may seem that Asia's power seemed close to being perfect, the trouble was that she had to go out on the battlefield to do her duty. Not only that, but even with An'Naresh, she was no warrior like Auriel and has to be possessed either by the Archangel of Hope or by her own power if she were to defend herself. With proper training from Auriel if the archangel is ever available to communicate from on high, she would control her power and be both a fighter and a healer.

The true value of Twilight Healing came in expanding its area of affect. The theory was that she might even heal multiple people within range at the same time. And An'Naresh will greatly enhance that.

'I will do my best. For you, Aidan.'

AT AIDAN'S LOCATION…

*BOOOOM*

Aidan barely dodges Tannin's attack as so many trees were flying around him, followed by boulder chunks flying past his head. Tannin's attack left a large crater in the middle of it all and if Aidan were in it, he would've been incinerated into ashes.

Aidan skids his feet on the ground to stabilize himself before he brandishes Silentium in his hand and turns around to face Tannin, panting.

"Good. You were able to avoid it this time," Tannin praises Aidan.

On Aidan's left hand was a ring that Rias gave him prior to the training to keep his arm from transforming since he was going to be away from Akeno who would normally suck out the power. It also kept the Sacred Gear's corruption at bay so as to not give in to the temptation to release the imprisoned Demon Lords within.

"Now that warm up is over, let's turn up the heat," Tannin suggests.

With no time to fight back or argue, Aidan instead warps away and makes a run for it, trying not to give in to being scared by his dragonic trainer.

Three days in and Aidan was already beginning to look the worse for wear. While slowly getting to the point of exhaustion from the intensity of the training, it helped build up his stamina and endurance. Being chased around day and night by a dragon made his body and mind go numb with pain. As for countering against Tannin, it turns out that Tannin has the slight advantage over him, but this was placed with the limiters Aidan has. Without some way to keep Tannin from moving, he was constantly going to get targeted and chased every time.

As for meals around the forest, Aidan was considered lucky as he studied the natural environment of the Underworld with Uncle Deckard whenever they traveled there in secret. Knowing of the plants and animals safe to eat, along with survival tips of how to make a fire, Aidan felt really happy.

Some parts of the mountain range were blown off from the intense training, whether it was from Tannin's fire or from Aidan's Armiger that exploded with bursting power. The two were basically trading blows and decimating entire areas but nobody from far away seemed to care.

All that running and jumping had at least become considerable training for Aidan, having not gotten hit yet by Tannin's fire. Once the training during the morning ended, the real challenge was muscle memory, which always ends with Aidan wracking in muscle pain.

But it was with this pain that Aidan perseveres and maintains his will against the influence of his Sacred Gear. It also helped trained his mind and willpower so as to not easily give in and use small amounts of the Demons' power without losing control. His real focus was using only his inherent nephalem gifts.

Aidan jumps off a low cliff just before it was destroyed. He lands on the ground and barrel rolls before standing back up. He turns around to see Tannin right above him.

"There you are," The dragon called out. "You know, Alrik and Li-Ming never ran away from me. So why don't you just come out and fight me?"

"Bring it on then!" Aidan complies as he prepares himself and activates his Armiger, ready to charge into Tannin.

"Hey, nephalem!" A familiar voice of Azazel calls out, making Aidan turn to him. "How's it going?"

---

LATER…

Aidan felt delighted to be eating real food made by Rias. Eating a couple of rice balls that were handmade with care and love by Rias helped calm his mind form all that grueling training.

"Akeno also packed a lunch for you," Azazel informed him. "She made it while causing a show of sparks with Rias."

Aidan was wise not to ask just what was going on in the kitchen the two girls were at, already imagining the chaos that followed in making his lunches.

"You're looking good after just a few days of training," Azazel compliments.

"So it would seem." Aidan swallows his food. "I'm more impressed that I am still alive from being attacked by a dragon."

"And I am even more impressed that you're still able to continue," Tannin said while resting on a rock face, looking at the nephalem with eyes halfway opened. "Then again, as a nephalem, it is to be expected. You may have achieved your Balance Breaker early on but what you lack most is control. Through its activation, you subconsciously allow the Prime Evils to slowly take hold of your mind. The only way you can be Lady Rias' strongest Pawn and protect the world from the Demons is to be stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. Do you know how many Devils would want to be your girlfriend's servant right now?"

"Far too many," Aidan responds half-sarcastically as he leans back on a rock. It was no joke that Rias' popularity has gone upwards in recent days. Just briefly appearing in the city station brought many cheers for her. It was like the paparazzi were literally following her wherever she went just because she was somewhat a celebrity.

Still, for Aidan and Rias, the two were lucky, if not destined, to have one another. They both loved and yearned for one another. For the former, he would do and give anything to protect and save her, even if it means marrying her. And the latter would do the same.

But of course, the Burning Hells wait for no one.

"You've also been including basic physical and sword training, right?" Azazel asked staring at him. "Then, it's fine. If you don't do this much, your body won't be able to keep up when you fully maintain your Balance Breaker. While you are strong and powerful, like Tannin said you lack control. If you want to defeat the Demons, and even your rival Sinestra, you have no choice but to raise yourself up through physical strength."

Aidan nods in agreement, understanding what Azazel was trying to tell him. With the power of the White Dragon, Sinestra is now more powerful than her half-brother. In terms of magic and power, even with the Prime Evils at his command, he could not win. That is because Sinestra is blessed with a tiny fragment of the Angiris Council's power, each bestowed by all five members.

"Speaking of Sinestra, has there been any word from her?" asked Aidan.

Azazel, bearing a serious mood, shakes his head. "No, unfortunately. I have not seen nor heard a word from her since she was forced to return to the High Heavens. Although from what I know in regard to punishment, the Elder Angels do not take treachery so lightly."

That was troubling for Aidan. If Sinestra was indeed going to be punished, then it is likely that she may lose some part of her humanity and become what the Elder Angels are: strict, discipline, and zealous to the concept of order and light. As the Angiris Council's champion, it seemed as if she is becoming less and less nephalem and more Elder Angel by the day.

Wherever she is now though, well, let's just hope her next interaction with Aidan is nothing apocalyptic.

"I've been analyzing a little bit more on your Sacred Gear, and what I have found is quite…disturbing," Azazel spoke up.

"Asides from the fact that it was created by Diablo?" asked Aidan.

"That and more," Azazel said. "Your Sacred Gear acts almost like the Boosted Gear."

This shocked Aidan a lot, but then he recalls Ddraig's story about his near death encounter with Diablo and how his wound allowed the Lord of Terror to siphon some of his power.

Even Tannin was shocked as he perks up. "What? How is that possible?"

"From what I have heard from Issei, Diablo not only managed to wound Ddraig but also tap some of his powers. I suspect that Diablo had done that not just to become more powerful but also to create a Sacred Gear with the Red Dragon Emperor's power as its foundation. It would seem to make the most sense by that theory."

"You think… there is something more to it than just a simple copy?" asked Aidan.

Azazel nods, "If it behaves similarly to the Boosted Gear, it's possible it includes all of its aspects, including some form of Juggernaut Drive."

"Jugger-what now?" asked Aidan as he takes another bite.

"The Balance Breaker is the ultimate and final form of Sacred Gears. However, there are several effects inside them that have been magically sealed within. A peculiar restraint is applied on those who wield the power of the Red or White Dragon Emperor. Both the Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing are examples of that."

"Because they contain the souls of dragons," Aidan correctly guesses. "And from those souls comes their power."

"Correct," Azazel nods. "Though in your case, yours comes from the souls of two Prime Evils embedded in you. And with Sinestra having obtained Vali's power, I suspect she would modify it in some way unknown to us that would allow her to draw power from the Angiris Council members. Thankfully, like the Red and White Dragons, it is restrained, taking out power while in that state and making sure that the host can use it. In the case of either of them, forcing that restraint to temporarily release and unleashing that sealed power is the Juggernaut Drive. It temporarily gives one power rivaling that of God, but with such power comes a price that must be paid. It greatly shaves off one's lifespan and loses their sense of reasoning."

Aidan looks at Azazel seriously. "A double-edged sword…"

"Yeah, and the user can lose control violently. Everything in the vicinity will be nothing but ashes, the user's body included. It's impossible to master that power in combat. Vali can handle it for several minutes by consuming an enormous amount of power. Naturally, it's not my place to say this as one who uses an artificial Sacred Gear in its Burst state, but the way to use a power that throws away one's future like that is essentially different from the way to use the Sacred Gear's power. It's an accursed method of fighting that just uses the power of people that are transformed into the dead. Never try to copy it."

Aidan saw the somber look in Azazel's eyes. Something that he didn't think he would see. From what he had learned from his Uncle about Azazel, he had looked after Vali when he was a small child. He must be keeping tabs on him to see how his condition is, given of the betrayal by his sister whom Azazel had also known. To him, the two were practically his adopted children but he would never take it that far.

"So with the White Dragon Emperor's abilities, the Angiris Apostle can go into a form like Juggernaut Drive? That is a problem," Tannin said with a serious look. "Our nephalem here would be killed if he didn't become desperate to the point the Prime Evils will simply take hold over him. The way that the Twin Heavenly Dragons awakened that power before certainly lets them surpass one or the other. In some sense, it's first come, first serve."

Aidan's mind flashes back to when he thrusted Mephisto's soulstone into his Sacred Gear, essentially fusing it with Diablo's that was already embedded in it. While had indeed been granted a significant amount of power, it also came with dangers of strengthening Diablo. He knew this power was a price he would pay, but he never thought it would be one where his life actually mattered to those he cared for.

In the end, what does it matter? Aidan has a mission: to protect Sanctuary from the foreign powers that would threaten it, including the Burning Hells. As a nephalem, it was his duty to ensure it would be carried out. And if it meant enduring Tannin's harsh training, then he has no regrets.

"Aidan, let's change the topic," Azazel called out to him in a formal tone.

"Agreed," Aidan settled. "How are the others?"

Azazel places his hands behind his head. "They're doing fine, but Koneko's the problem."

Aidan figured that might be the case. "What's wrong with her?"

The Fallen Angel sighs. "Simply put, there is nothing that can be done about it. She's impatient – rather, she feels doubt in her power," He said. "She overdid her training that I gave her and collapsed this morning."

Without shocking Aidan and making him jump at his feet, the nephalem asks in a worried tone, "Is she okay?"

"She's resting. Asia took a break from her training to treat her injuries. And her master, the Ivgorod monk Kharazim, arrived to look after her. She can't do anything about physical strength. Overworking, in particular, hurts one's physical strength and has adverse effects. But because of the time left until the meeting and the Rating Game, it's becoming dangerous."

Aidan sighs in frustration, wishing he could talk to her like they always did on the rooftop of the Academy.

"Now then, we should get moving, Aidan," Azazel said, standing up. "I was told to take you back just this once to the Gremory Estate. Tannin, he'll be heading back or a little while and return tomorrow morning."

"I'm heading back?" asked Aidan. "Who is calling for me?"

"Rias' mother, apparently."

---

Aidan and Venalana's face were just inches from one another, their lips so close it looked as if they were about to kiss. They panted a little, almost erotically as they could feel each other's hot breath. Venalana's breasts touched Aidan's chest, making the nephalem blush a little but he also seemed to have his right hand under Venalana's left thigh, holding it up as her waist leans into his.

In his mind, Aidan could understand that for all of her feminine beauty, Venalana was quite lovely, in more ways than one. He just hopes his instincts won't kick in and make Rias super mad.

"Again, dear," She said, catching her breath.

Aidan nods as the two spin and start the waltz dance again. Venalana compliments him as they go, embroiling themselves into the music played on the record player.

"Yes, turn there and – Very good. Great sharpness," She said.

After returning to the annex and being led by Venalana to her private room, she began her dancing lessons with Aidan. Oddly enough though, she was impressed as Aidan had never done ballroom dancing before. It almost felt as if it became natural for him.

Their waltz dance ends as Venalana leans backwards with Aidan following suite, his face near her neck as his breath tickles the Gremory Lady, causing her to let out a moan of pleasure. The record player ends its music as the needle lifts itself up.

"Excellent work," Venalana praised as she looks up. "Shall we take a short break?"

Nodding, Aidan releases his partner and walks over to a chair, sitting down to catch his breath. Ever since his training with Tannin, it was difficult to keep up.

"Not that I do not appreciate it, Lady Venalana, but why are you teaching me to dance?" He asked.

Venalana sat down on the other chair across from him. "It can't be helped that you are a commoner who has yet to experience the life of the nobility. But even so, it will be even more troubling if you did not acquire etiquette beyond a certain level. And since you are my daughter's beloved boyfriend, you'll have to make an appearance with her in high society eventually. You will have to remember customary practices even a little during your stay here in the Underworld."

"Nobility, huh?" Aidan pondered. "And what does Uncle think about all of this?"

"Deckard feels that you must learn considering your position. I know you feel as if you must continue his work with his scrolls and books, and while that is admirable, that cannot be your only thing to do in life. Like I said, you are Rias' boyfriend and once the two of you marry, you will have to make appearances more and more often. You are the source of gossip now and then to all."

Aidan deadpanned. "What do you mean by the two of us will marry?"

Venalana shifts her gaze to the side and covered her mouth with her hand nobly. "Oops, that wasn't supposed to be said. That kind of thinking is still talk of what may happen."

Aidan sighs as he leans a little. He then wondered just how his girlfriend was doing. Only for that to switch over to Koneko's condition, whom Rias seemed very distressed on.

"How is Koneko?" asked Aidan. "Is she okay?"

"She's alright for now. It's just a small case of ordinary overworking, so she should recover slowly if she rests her body for a few days," Venalana responded. Staring off into space as her mind thinks back to the past. "That little kitten is doing her best to face her own existence and power right now. But it is a difficult problem for her to overcome, and she won't be able to move forward if she doesn't find the answer herself."

"Her existence and power?" asked Aidan with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean?"

Venalana was silent for a moment. She was a bit surprised that Rias did not tell her boyfriend the truth, but then again, Koneko was such a quiet girl and it's only been a few months since Aidan was in the Peerage. And with all the chaos that has happened in their lives, there wasn't much time to bond with the others.

"Somnus," Venalana calls out. "What do you know of the Nekomata?"

"Very little, I'm afraid," Aidan confessed. "Uncle Deckard didn't have much to write on them, except for the fact that they are a Youkai species who take the form of cat spirits and that they are currently a dying race."

Venalana nods. "Long ago, there were two Nekomata sisters who were always together. They were orphaned and homeless, but they had each other. As long as they were together, they had someone to depend on. Eventually, the two sisters were picked up by a Devil. In time, the eldest became their servant and finally had a chance at a good life. But by turning into a Devil, her hidden power began to overflow. She lost control and killed her master, vanishing without a trace. She became a dangerous rogue that decimated an entire pursuit force. Fearing that the young sister would follow in her footsteps, the rest of the Devils were about to dispose of her before another catastrophe could occur. However, my son Sirzechs intervened and was given dominance over her, bringing the lonely cat girl to Rias, and assigning her as my daughter's servant. Rias was determined to fill the girl's life with happiness and laughter and gave her a new name."

Aidan was stunned, having lost the ability to speak after learning of Koneko's terrible backstory. It was no wonder she acted so different than usual as of late. Either it's another anniversary of her past or her past is catching up with her. So many questions ran in his mind and for once he could find no answer to any of them.

But a small part of Aidan felt that there was more to this story than what has been told. What it was he did not know. A long-shot question then rang in his head: were the Demons involved?

Aidan's attention was soon grabbed to see a picture to his left sitting on a shelf nearby. A picture of Venalana standing with someone else to her left. Both women were beautiful enough to make Aidan come over and look at the picture, even picking it up and looking at the woman to Venalana's left.

She had fairly long, straight flaxen hair, dark-colored eyes, and a very fair complexion. Her bangs were also the same length as the front of her hair. Despite having lightly colored hair, her eyebrows were noticeably darker than the rest of her hair. The front of her hair was cut shorter and rests just at collar bone length. She also now has a cleft in her chin.

Her attire was fairly simple. She wore a black turtleneck dress with intricate gold patterns decorating the front torso half of the dress and also the ends of the dress. She also draped a red shawl over her arms. She also wore black opera gloves. There were also slits in her dress, revealing some of her décolletage, midriff, and her left leg. She also wears a pair of simple black stilettos and a black leather belt.

Her makeup on closer inspection was kept simple in all of her alliterations. She wore rouge lipstick, trace amounts of eyeliner, and kept her nails painted red.

Venalana noticed Aidan staring intently at the picture as she came over to his side.

"Is this…" Aidan was about to ask.

"Yes," She nodded in confirmation. "That is your mother, back when she was my handmaiden."

Aidan brought the fingers of his right hand over her portrait. "She is so…beautiful."

Venalana gives a sad smile. "Yes. Even in disguise as a servant, everyone found her to be gorgeous. Some nobles called her the most beautiful Devil in the Underworld, even though she was not one of them."

Aidan gazes intently into the portrait. "How close were you two?"

Venalana has him sit down and draws his attention over to him. "Closer than you think. Your mother was a dear friend to me, so close we were that we were like sisters. We shared secrets, gossip, even plans. And wherever I went whether to a meeting, to a party, or even just a walk, Aurelia always accompanied me. When I first met her, she had revealed to me her true nature of who she was, and she also taught me about the truth that everyone has tried to hide away. The truth about how the world was created and of the Eternal Conflict, along with the role she played in both."

Aidan listens in as Venalana recalls those good days of her and Aurelia together. To her eyes, she could see apparitions of herself working at her desk with Aurelia by her side, offering tea. She even walked amongst Venalana whenever they attended any noble gatherings, or even in the hallways of the Gremory Estate. Many Devil nobles, both young and old, were attracted to her presence. Rumors suggest that some fell in love with her at first sight yet none were granted the privilege to be with her considering her station as Venalana's personal handmaiden.

Of course, there were days when the two would just sit down for some tea and chat amongst themselves or with other ladies from other noble families, with them unaware of Aurelia's true nature. There were even days when Aurelia was entrusted of watching over Venalana's grandson, Milicas, although Milicas himself frankly doesn't remember much of him. The two laughed and shared such happy moments together, with other people like Sirzechs, Grayfia, or Zeoticus present on separate occassions.

"Whenever I felt stressed or indecisive on something, your mother always provided me the wisdom and guidance to make the right choices. I did not always depend on her opinion, but I knew that whatever she told me, I knew it would be the right call."

Aidan felt astounded, hearing all of this from one of the two heads of the Gremory Family. The fact that he is in the presence of the one whom his mother faithfully served and who regarded one another as sisters left something of a mark in his heart. It was no wonder why everyone within the Gremory Family treated him with such care and compassion, not because of what he is or what he did to save Rias from her forced engagement, but because he is the son of a servant whom they all knew.

But as Aidan looks back at the picture, he bore a somber expression for a question he wanted to ask.

"Do I… really look like her?" asked Aidan.

Venalana tilts her head a bit in confusion. "What do you mean, my dear?"

"When we first met, you said I had her eyes," Aidan explains as he looks at the picture. "But looking at her, even knowing she is an Elder Angel… do I really bear resemblance to her?"

It was a question that had somewhat perplexed Venalana. There was no mistaking Grayfia's account nor hers that Aidan was Aurelia's son, and a nephalem at that. But it was not in her nature to simply state outright that he did look like her. She saw the doubt in his eyes.

"You seem unsettled about it," Venalana said.

But that response made Aidan confused this time. "Huh?"

"Your tone is serious whenever you speak about your mother," She explained. "As if you do not believe it."

A small part of Aidan's mind didn't deny that. Even after knowing he is nephalem, it was still a bit hard to imagine that his parents are an Elder Angel and a Demon. And that currently both were missing.

"I guess so," He said with melancholy as he puts the picture back where it belonged. "But even after knowing all that… I just want to know if she is still alive. And that if she really recognizes me as her son, despite all that I have done."

His mind flashes back briefly to the Terror Unleashed incident; how he released Diablo and made him possess his body, how he nearly killed everyone that day, including Rias and Sirzechs. Venalana, out of compassion and care and sensing his mind wander back into the past, brings Aidan into a hug.

"Huh?" Aidan was surprised, but even more so when his face turned red as he found himself gently pressed into the bosom of Venalana. "L-Lady Venalana?"

No words were needed as Venalana holds Aidan tight, gently pressing him into her body. She gently strokes his hair with her right hand, as if she was comforting a child. Aidan never had a mother figure in his life, yet even though Venalana knew his mother was Aurelia, she wasn't there to fulfill her proper role. To Venalana, Aidan was like another child to her, but one that needed extra special attention considering what he has happened to him.

Admittedly, when she first learned of Aidan, she thought of him nothing more than a mere servant to her daughter. But later after learning who he was and whom he was the son of, her initial cold view of him turned immediately into concern, seeing of how the son of her best friend had been manipulated and mutilated by dark forces. She resolved not to make that mistake again, for her sake and for the legacy of her Elder Angel honored sister.

Aidan felt relaxed, soaking in the alluring smell of Venalana. And she smelled good.

"You want to protect my daughter out of your love for her," She said. "I accept that wholeheartedly. But you know that such a task is a difficult one."

"Y-Yeah…" Aidan said. "It's hard, you know. Right now though, it seems impossible with my power, knowing that at any time, I could revert back to what I was before."

Venalana smiles with care, "You're taking too much on yourself, Somnus. Listen. If you draw a line you absolutely refuse to surrender to, then that's the only thing you need to protect, no matter what."

"A line I absolutely refuse to surrender…" Aidan repeats a phrase of her advice.

"Somnus, you should give some more thought to what it is you truly want to protect. Otherwise, if you are not committed to the path, you fall quicker than you expect."

Wise words from a lady of the Gremory Family. Aidan took them into solace, pondering on them even as Venalana gives a chaste gentle kiss on his head which he didn't catch up on. He sinks deeper into Venalana's gentle hug, as fatigue nearly takes over him.

---

"Rias."

"Somnus!" Rias exclaims happily, running up to her boyfriend and hugging him. Aidan hugs back, taking in the full brunt of Rias' charge. Since completing his dance lessons with Venalana, he moved to the main residence and was welcomed by Rias. Oddly enough, he was given a room in the mansion where his mother slept in.

Rias hugs her nephalem tightly before pulling away with a bit of a cringe.

"You stink," She said bluntly. "You really need to shower."

"Sorry about that," Aidan apologizes sheepishly. "But you know what they say when it comes to a man's sweat compared to his deodorant."

Rias giggles at the flirtatious comment. "At least you still smell the same…" She nuzzles herself into her nephalem's chest before looking up at him with moist eyes. "…I was so lonely without you, you know. I haven't been able to sleep without you and me in the same bed… Some pitiful master I am… No longer able to imagine a life without you."

"Then that makes two of us," Aidan said, lifting her chin up to look at him before the two smile and give a tender loving kiss.

He then pulls away to speak to Rias about something serious.

"Your mother…" He began. "She told me about Koneko's past. How is she?"

Rias' expression became complicated upon hearing his somber expression.

"Follow me," She ushered.

She took him to Koneko's bedroom and opened the door. Upon entering, Aidan found Koneko lying down on her bed.

But what was somewhat surprising for Aidan was the fact that Koneko had cat ears sprouted from her head. Granted, Aidan knew she was a cat-like person but never expected her to be one of the dying Nekomata. But the reason for why they sprouted was the fact that Koneko used so much energy that she lost her strength and couldn't hide them anymore, which is why he's never seen them before.

Aidan walks over to the side of her bed and examined Koneko's condition. There were no signs of any serious injuries, but that was likely thanks to Asia's Braid of Yearning.

"Koneko?" Aidan called out gently with a smile. "How are you feeling?"

Koneko muttered with half-opened eyes, "…What're you doing here?"

She asked her question in a sullen tone, far more than the extent up until now.

Aidan's smile was gone as he decides to switch tactics and come clean with the reason for his visit.

"Venalana Gremory told me of your past, Koneko," Aidan said. "I'm sorry. But you cannot keep overworking yourself like this. Push yourself and you will do more harm than good, just like I did."

"…I want to…" Koneko mutters very quietly, so quietly Aidan was not able to hear it.

"What?"

Koneko then looked up, staring straight at Aidan while trying to hold back her tears. She then said in a clear, yet sad voice, "I want to become strong. It's hard watching how strong Kiba, Xenovia, and Akeno have become. Even you, Aidan-senpai. You've been able to make progress. Meanwhile, I feel like I'm left further and further behind. Gasper's even got more powerful lately, and I don't have Asia power to heal people. So… what's left for me?"

Rias then walked over and sat down on the side of the bed, trying to comfort her Rook.

"You will improve just like everyone else will, Koneko," She encourages her. "I have faith in that."

But Koneko shook her head in denial. "Unless things continue like this, I'll just be obsolete. How can a Rook be the weakest one out of all of us? I'm so…pathetic. I could never forgive myself if I held you back."

That's when tears started to fall from her eyes.

"I don't want to use my Nekomata powers to catch up," She confessed. "I'm so afraid to be like her. I wouldn't! I refuse to let that happen again."

Rias silently hugs the cat-girl in comfort, with Aidan joining in as well. The Rook couldn't hold back anymore as she sobs in Rias' bosom. She was afraid of the dangerous power that could just kill their master. Despite wanting to become stronger, conflict erupted within her.

It's a lesson Aidan knows of all too well.

Each person has an internal conflict, and with the right training regime, they can overcome it. They all had walls to overcome. For Koneko, this wall was going to be a difficult one for her to pull through. At some point, she will have to use her Nekomata powers and accept for what she is. And she must be ready for it.

---

Twenty days have passed, and the training camp was finally over. Aidan returns back to the Gremory Estate, where his three personal maids awaited.

"Welcome home, Master!" Karlamine, Xuelan, and Yubelluna all bow. Once they stood up, they saw what became of their master.

With a torn up shirt thanks to Tannin's gruel training, Aidan developed a physique that was both strong and attractive. An array of well-developed muscles had been built, making him more robust as his three maids grew red in the face.

"Wow, you've become really strong, Master," Xuelan said with an impressed expression as she and her fellow maids stare at the muscles on his chest, abdominal region, and arms.

It could have just been Aidan's imagination, but he swore that their faces looked like they were hungry for him as they approach and caress him.

"Twenty days of training in the mountains sure does something, doesn't it?" Aidan asked sheepishly with a nervous smile.

"I'll say," Yubelluna said as she walks over with a sway of her hips. Once she gets up close to her master, she presses her large breasts onto Aidan's bare pectorals, holding his cheeks in her hands as she stares lustfully in Aidan's eyes. "I don't think I can no longer resist you~"

"What's going on here?" A voice was soon heard by the doorway to reveal Rias, making the three back off of Aidan as he turns to Rias, gasping in surprise. "Somnus! You're back!"

Rias soon jumps and embraces her nephalem boyfriend, making him twirl around as he holds her close. He laughs a bit as he twirls her like they were swing dancing before the two go for a passionate kiss. Twenty days certainly has an effect on being separated from each other. The urging feeling of lust and love coursing through them like raging rivers.

After setting Rias down onto her feet and letting go of their intimate kiss, she feels his thick chest. "Look at how much stronger you've gotten in just twenty days. I'm very proud of you," She praised.

"Yeah, it's all well and good that he's got more endurance," A voice suddenly spoke.

The girls gasp when they hear Azazel and turned to see him sitting on the edge of the balcony's rail, smirking with his arms and legs crossed.

"When did you-?" asked the maids.

"How did you-?" Rias was flabbergasted.

"Why are you here, Ahz?" Aidan asked in annoyance when the girls couldn't finish their sentences due to the shock of Azazel showing up out of the blue.

"Oh, I was just making sure that everyone else got here safely," Azazel nonchalantly answered.

Just then, the door to the room that led out to the balcony opens up as the other members of the ORC walked over to where Aidan and the girls are. Kiba still retained his handsome look despite his tattered and almost destroyed jersey. Xenovia had bandages wrapped around her body, having been injured in her training. Asia was in her nun outfit, with An'Naresh now having become permanently attached to it as if it was a part of her clothing. Gasper and Koneko retained their clean look.

"Aidan!" Asia exclaimed as she runs over and jumps into his arms, making the nephalem catch her with ease.

Aidan smiles and gently rub the back of her head. "Asia. It is good to see you again."

Kiba then asked, "Looks like you've had it rough considering how tattered up your shirt is."

Having realized that she was hugging Aidan's near naked and scarred chest, Asia lets go with a panicking expression.

"I could say the same for you, Kiba," Aidan concurred, noticing his torn jersey.

A giggle alerted Aidan to the presence of someone behind him. "I am not complaining," said Akeno as she wraps her arms around his neck, pushing her breasts against his back and rubbing her cheek with his hand. "It makes me feel… hot under the collar."

A dangerous aura was then felt as Aidan turns his face to see Rias expressing a dark and jealous look.

"Akeno, what do you think you are doing?" She demanded as some of the others back away from her nervously.

An unfazed Akeno merely replies innocently, "Oh, I'm sorry, Rias. I forgot you were here."

Azazel, sensing that another fight will be broken out between two sexy girls over a nephalem, walks towards the doorway.

"Well, I'll leave the rest to you to kill each other. I've got a reception to get ready for. I'll send someone if you are late," He said with a wave of his hand.

Rias sighs and shakes her head to have the aura disappear. "There's going to be a lot of different clans there."

After seeing him close the door behind him, Asia asks, "Are we really invited to a fancy reception?"

"More like enlisted," Rias explained as Akeno releases Aidan and steps away. "My brother has assigned us as guards for the VIP's because things tend to get messy when high-ranking Devils meet up."

"That's politics for you," Yubelluna sighs while rubbing her head. "Take it from the three of us."

"Everyone will be watching us," Kiba said. "So we have to be on our best behavior."

"First training for twenty days and now a party…" Aidan said while sighing and slumping his shoulders in exhaustion. "Sometimes I wish I were back with Uncle Deckard traveling the world."

---

AT THE BALLROOM…

When everyone arrived at the ballroom later that evening where the reception was taking place, many people were seen standing around in fancy clothing speaking to one another while drinking wine. Everyone from the Peerage except for Rias and Akeno were at the back wearing their summer uniforms form Kuoh Academy.

As for Aidan, he was given a black tuxedo suit designed by the finest tailors of the Gremory Family, apparently on the unanimous decision of Zeoticus and Venalana. Despite being on guard duty, the heads of the Gremory Family felt that, as their daughter's possibly future husband, he should represent himself not just as servant but also as her boyfriend. Aidan, as ever, was initially afraid that if he showed himself in public, he would not only be humiliated but perhaps challenged to a fight by the nobles. But both Zeoticus and Venalana have convinced him otherwise, for not only would it bring possible embarrassment to the family but also of the fact that there are some nobles who, despite knowing the truth, believe Aidan was not at fault. Plus if any of them wanted Aidan dead on sight, they are going to get another thing coming to them i.e. Aidan will be well-guarded.

He couldn't really speak out on that. He trusted their words yet kept his watch for any sign of trouble.

"So this is how Devil nobles like to party, huh?" asked Aidan as he looks around.

"I've never seen this many Satan-Class Devils. At least not in one place anyway," said Kiba offhandedly as they stood in the middle of the room.

"It's pretty incredible when you think about it," Xenovia commented.

"It's been a while for us," said Karlamine. The Phenex Maids were brought with the Peerage as they were seen by Rias as an extension of her servants, given of their role in serving Aidan.

Rias was in front of her servants wearing a stunning red dress that matched her crimson hair that was done up in a ponytail. Combined with the fact that her boyfriend wore a black tuxedo, it really complimented the both of them together.

"Just be careful not to offend anyone tonight," She said, before looking directly at her boyfriend. "And no sneaking out in the middle of the night, Aidan."

"R-Right…" Aidan answered with a bit of trepidation, knowing that the last time they were at a party, Riser's to be exact, well, Aidan left for good reason.

Aidan then turned his head over to Akeno, who wore a black kimono like the one she wore at the engagement party that day.

"Akeno, good to see you," greeted Aidan.

"Oh, hi Aidan. Are you having a good time?" She asked with a smile.

"You could say that," Aidan responds with a smile. "I was never one for parties considering my traveling childhood with Uncle Deckard."

"That's understandable," Akeno said as she turns her full body towards him. "But I am more interested in how your training went. Were you successful in what you had to do?"

"More or less," Aidan answered.

"It is good to see you again, Rias," said a familiar voice. Looking in the direction where it came from, Aidan spotted Sona, Issei, Saji, and Tsubaki walking towards them.

"Same to you, Sona. Welcome," Rias greeted her long time friend for a polite smile. "How was your training camp?"

"It was alright," Sona smiled back. She then turned towards Aidan; whom Sona has not interacted with for a long time since his return from exile. Truth be told for her, Aidan was one of the boys Sona liked and admitted holding something of a crush for him that everyone, save for Saji and Issei, knew about.

"I wished that our next meeting was a little better than this, but I was wondering if you'd be interested in another game of chess," She offered.

Aidan gave a gentle smile that would make any girl's heart skip a beat. "I would like that, Sona."

Sona blushes slightly as she turns away. Then, her two Pawns meet up with Rias'.

"Hey there, Aidan," said Issei. "You're looking great in that tux."

"Thanks. But if we had time, I'd get this adjusted," Aidan said, feeling how heavy the tux is. "It's a little tight across the chest."

"So you're ready for the Rating Game, Kain?" asked Saji with a confident grin.

But Aidan looked at him in confusion. "Rating Game?"

Sona snapped out of her daydreaming and looked to Rias with a serious glance. "You haven't told him?"

"I was going to after the reception," Rias said, feeling jealous of how Aidan was attracting more girls than she expected. "It's been decided by my brother that the six esteemed families heirs would compete in Rating Games to improve our abilities before our debuts."

"And it was decided that our two peerages would fight against each other," Sona revealed.

Aidan's eyes widened a bit. "Well, I'll be damned."

"There you are, Sona," Serafall exclaimed with a wave as she runs towards them.

Sona's eyes widened. "Oh great, my sister's here."

Aidan then thought to himself, 'Oh… the disappointing beauty. Wish Li-Ming were here.'

"It's been a long time, Lady Serafall," Rias greeted the Satan Leviathan with a smile.

"Oh, hey there Rias. I see you brought Aidan and everyone!" Serafall said with a wave.

Issei then asked Aidan, "So are you and Sona's older sister friends or something?"

"That's right," said Serafall, having heard the Red Dragon Emperor's question. "He's a really nice guy and a surprisingly dreamy guy, and it makes me so mad knowing that he's already taken!"

Aidan however did not seem so comfortable of the fact that Serafall wants in. Whether she is serious about it or not is unknown.

'Now I really wish Li-Ming were back here to help this one out.'

Down back in the Burning Hells, Li-Ming sneezes, as if someone were spreading bad rumors behind her back.

"You know, I was thinking of something and I think I have come to a solution," Serafall said before she looks at Aidan with pleading puppy eyes. "Will you let me join your harem, Aidan? Pleeeaassee~?"

Before Aidan can answer, Rias and Sona snapped. "Never!"

The Sitri heiress was just as embarrassed as the couple. The redhead also ticked off that a Satan would try to force herself in. Behind them, the Phenex Maids and Asia had steam coming out of their ears with blushes on their faces. Akeno giggled in amusement.

'Dammit, Li-Ming. Can you come back as soon as possible? I need help here!'

Back in Hell, Li-Ming sneezes again. Now she really wondered if someone was spreading bad rumors about her.

---

LATER…

"My goodness, my sister really has no appreciation for tact," Sona said with an exaggerated sigh. After dealing with a whiny Serafall before she attended to the other guests, everyone was given a sigh of relief that she was finally out of the picture.

The thought of Serafall with him in his harem would be something of a nightmare for Aidan. If a Satan was involved in his harem, he'd feared it would only make him a bigger target of envy, especially due to Serafall's beautiful and sexy appearance. Plus, it would throw the whole nobility in turmoil.

Gasper soon asked him, "Are you really in a relationship with multiple girls even though you're dating Rias? Just like a hero!" He exclaimed with wonder, looking up to Aidan like he was a shining example of what a hero was.

"More like she's appointed herself as the main girl," Akeno teased. "Luckily for me, I am the mistress of his affairs. Ufufufu~"

"I see, so that means that you had her permission to have sex with Aidan and then joined his harem," Xenovia said nonchalantly if not curious.

Saji and Issei grumbled with envy.

"Stupid Aidan, getting all the girls," Saji said.

"Why haven't I gotten at least one girl while he has two of the best beauties from school?!" Issei wondered in irritation.

Rias and Aidan looked away from one another, embarrassed as Aidan brings a fist up to his mouth to clear his throat.

"A-hem! Can we please change the subject, guys?" asked the flustered nephalem.

Sona agrees as she sighs in respite, "We're almost to the waiting room now. Let's hope we wont be there for too long."

"A bunch of young, hormonal Devils stuffed in one room together?" Rias frowned, fearing what they were going to encounter in the waiting room. "We'll be luck if we get out alive."

"True to that, Rias," Sona nodded.

*BOOM*

Suddenly, the doors of the waiting room were blown open by a large explosion. Aidan stands in front of Rias to protect her before rushing in to investigate. When he enters the room as the dust clouds clear, he sees the source of the explosion: two Devils that were ready to kill one another.

One was a beautiful young woman in her late teens, with long green-tint blonde hair and pink eyes. She wears glasses, has speckles, and has a cold, sharp gaze. At the Young Devils Gathering, she wore a blue robe that exposed very little skin. She wore clothes that are very fitting for female nobles that have a flashy design to them, with accessories that has the Agares seal on them which give off a posh vibe. Instead of a dress, she wears a miniskirt and high boots which are matched by her posh clothing.

The other Devil was a young man with lots of black magic-like tattoos on his face and upper body. He had blue hair that stood on its end with matching eyes. He also had pointed ears.

"If you have a death wish, then I'm happy to fill it for you, Zephrydor!" The young woman said. While certainly beautiful, Aidan noted that she gave off a sense of coldness rather than calmness and had a stricter aura compared to Sona which is scary.

"Filing is my job. Like I said before if you want virgin-pumping, I'd volunteer," said Zephrydor.

*SHIING*

Not wanting more damage to occur to the party, Aidan conjures his Armiger, a set of phantom blades surrounding the two Devils who were surprised to see him emerge.

"What's going on here?" Sona asked as the others came running through the clearing smoke.

"Apparently these two were going to cause a major fight with one another," Aidan said as he holds his hand up to keep the Armiger in place.

"Seriously? What's their deal?" asked Xenovia.

"We're gonna rumble," sighed Saji.

Rias sighed in annoyance as she stepped besides Aidan. "Right on cue."

"At least we've come to expect this sort of thing over the years," said an unfamiliar voice, whom Aidan gazes his eyes on to.

Standing a few feet from them with a slight smile was a handsome young man with black hair and violet eyes. He was very tall and has a muscular build due to the extreme training he has done. His height was over 190 cm and his body weight roughly 135 kg.

"Hello, Sairaorg," Rias greeted with a smile.

Sairaorg gave them a wave and said, "I'll give a warmer welcome later." He then approached the two fighting heirs to step in between them, still surrounded by Aidan's Armiger. "That's enough, you two! Do not dishonor the Agares family by humoring them, princess. We all know that he's the Glasya-Labolas problem child."

"Screw you, jackass. Shit talk like that gives you muff blunt!" snapped Zephrydor.

"I know it's strict but that was your only warning," Sairaorg was unmoved as she cracks his knuckles, scowling at the two.

The Agares heiress was smart enough to back down and stay quiet. However, Zephrydor wasn't. "Go ahead. I'm not afraid of you, Bael Trash!"

"Aidan, go ahead and drop your swords," Rias asked of him, which Aidan did. As soon as the Armiger dissipated, Zephrydor attempts to attack Sairaorg but…

*BASH*

Sairaorg simply punches the Devil, one so powerful it sent him flying to the wall behind him.

*BOOM*

The force of the impact made Asia stumble and nearly fall over. However, she was caught by someone.

"Don't worry, I got you," said a gentle-looking, handsome young man with dark green hair. He wore expensive clothes and his eyes were closed.

"Th-Thank you," Asia said.

"That was nuts," Saji said as he and Issei looked at Zephrydor's unconscious body in shock.

"That was insane!" Issei was stunned.

"No surprise from the next Bael family head. But no shock though. He is my cousin, after all," Rias said with a small smirk, watching the scene.

Sairaorg then turned his head to see Aidan, before noticing the hidden scar on his forehead from where the soulstone plunged. He then smirked, instantly recognizing who this was.

"I was kinda hoping that I'd get the chance to meet you in person," He said, stopping a few feet in front of Aidan. Aidan kept his cool yet adhered to side of caution. "So, you're the nephalem, huh? And my cousin's lover?"

"You're well informed," Aidan complimented. "Am I really so well known to the Underworld for who I am?"

"More than you think," Sairaorg said. "Crashing the Phenex party has become common knowledge to us."

The Agares heiress looked at Aidan with a raised eyebrow. "So that's him?" She asked Rias as Sona stepped aside. "Your boyfriend?"

"Yes, Seekvaira," Rias said with a proud smile, observing her nephalem speaking to her cousin. "He is the nephalem I spoke to you about."

"I see that training with Tannin has made you even stronger," Sairaorg told Aidan. "I must admit that I'm impressed considering the fact that your race was once seen as myth and legend to the Devils. But here is a friendly piece of advice. If you want to protect the world, then it takes guts to be number one."

Sairaorg then turns and walks away, leaving Aidan standing there for a moment, watching him with a slight frown.

Afterwards, the group split up to enjoy the party in their own way. The Phenex Maids were seen when they had spotted the other members of Riser' Peerage, but without the man in question with them. Both groups of women were extremely hesitant tot speak with one another, considering recent events and parting of the three. However, Yubelluna decides to push such thoughts away and approach her former comrades, with the other two following behind her.

As Aidan watches, he was all alone seeing the girls speaking with one another and laughing. It warmed his heart to see his maids speaking to their former compatriots, even if the damage to their master left him in a near catatonic state.

But as Aidan continues to watch, he suddenly felt his head begin to feel a sharp pain.

"Ah…! Ggh!" He clutches his head in his right hand before he hears a very loud ringing noise through him, like a high note. It was loud and irritating, and it hurt a lot. He had been getting these a lot lately, ever since he woke up.

Sweat pours down his face as he shuts his eyes. He does his best to remain isolated from everyone so that nobody would take notice. Luckily, the guests seem to be chatting among themselves too busy to notice Aidan in pain.

Aidan opens his eyes briefly just to hear the voices of the guests be silenced by the loud ringing noise in his head.

And once again, he saw her. It could just be his imagination considering there were a lot of people in the crowd, but he could not be mistaken for it. That dark dress that covered her, exposing only her frontal area along with her small cleavage. Her demonic horns and demonic wings sprouting out for all to see. But more importantly, heterochromia eyes of grey and blue where according to Christian mythology, they are a characteristic for the Devil himself and considered one of the signs of a witch.

But this was no witch.

"Lilith...?" Aidan mutters, seeing her once again.

The Daughter of Hatred spotted him, as if she caught his eyes with hers. And once again did she give that dark smirk to him, as if she sees him clearly.

"Umm… Hey, Lord Aidan, it's been a while," spoke a familiar voice that made Aidan snap out of his vision-like state. Blinking his eyes for a bit, he could see the image of Lilith no longer present in the crowd, as if she vanished. Whatever that was, perhaps it was best to leave the uncertain future be and attend to reality at the moment.

He turns around to see the surprising sight of Ravel Phenex. No longer wearing pink, Ravel's outfit consisted of a light purple dress with dark purple accents and a blue bow from the front. At the back, there were three feather-like extensions mimicking a bird's tail, protruding from the dress.

"Riser Phenex's little sister," Aidan said without emotion. It was neither a pleasurable response nor a cold one.

Ravel fumed and stomped her foot. "That's Ravel Phenex to you, mister," She pouts cutely, before looking away with a blush. "This is why I hate speaking with inferior Devils."

'Correction: I am a nephalem. Does she not know that?'

"Still have an attitude, I see," Aidan said with a roll of the eyes. He then asks without concern, "What is Riser's condition? Last I heard he had a hole in his stomach."

That was when Ravel's expression turned somber. "His wounds have healed, but we've locked him in his room to prevent him from going out."

"Meaning?" asked Aidan.

"He's been depressed since the fight and I dread to think of what has become of him. Often, I hear him screaming in his room and throwing stuff around. He won't even eat. It's heartbreaking to see but I guess maybe he shouldn't have acted like he was hot stuff to begin with or whatever. But you know what they say about one who falls so far when consumed with pride."

"Considering the fact that you are his little sister and Bishop, I am surprised you are being quite hard on him," Aidan spoke with slight amusement.

"When he lost, I was removed from serving my brother, much like your…" Ravel looked at where the three Phenex Maids were chatting with their old friends and having a laugh, looking at their outfits. "…maids, I was placed in my mom's house. Since she never enters the games, I can do whatever I want since I am a free Bishop now," Ravel said with a relieved tone. "And yet, to send those three after you and having them discarded via a monster in the mountains."

'Ravel probably doesn't know that Diablo, in possession of me, was the one that killed her. Uncle Deckard must have sealed or adjusted her memories to keep the truth hidden from her.'

Aidan was surprised that servants can actually have an option to be on their own. "Well, I am happy to let you know that those three are enjoying their current lives," He said with a smile. "They are happy and content being my maids and I made sure they were treated fairly and equally."

"As I would expect from a member from the Gremory household," She said before coughing in her fist and reached into her pocket. "Anyway, I would like to offer you this as thanks for taking care of them and as a token of friendship."

The object she was handing to him was a long black capsule looking object. Aidan recognized what this was.

"A Phenex Tear?" He asked. "You are willing to give one away?"

Ravel turned to him with a pouted face with her fists on her hips. "D-Don't get the wrong idea! This is normally a gift for a high-ranking Devil. You, who thinks he's a nephalem, are an inferior Devil at best. You should graciously accept the offer."

"With an attitude like that, you should be grateful that I won't break this thing just to spite you and your family," Aidan retorted with a slight cold tone. He sighs as he puts the capsule in his pocket. "I believe we should start over. I'd rather just be called Aidan, just like everyone else here does."

Ravel coughs in her hand again to clear her throat. "Very well, then I will give you the honor of being called Lord Aidan from now on. Sounds good?"

"Fair enough."

"Now that's out of the way, let me make you an offer you can't refuse. How about the next time we meet, I give you a mouthful of my tea?" She offered.

Aidan blinks in confusion, wondering what she meant exactly.

"Umm…what I meant was…" Ravel turned away from him again, looking even more embarrassed and pushing her index fingers together. "Lately, I've been making my own cakes and they go great with tea. Maybe next time you can try them. I mean not now! I have to greet the other guests! Bye!" She finished quickly and rushes away from him.

Aidan sighs and shrugs his shoulders a bit. Like Xenovia, she was a confusing one. Yet oddly enough, he detected no hint of a crush for him which he didn't mind. She most likely respected him but that did not necessarily translate to liking him. It seemed like she was asking for his help regarding someone she liked. The question was who.

As for Aidan, he felt no attraction to her. While she looked cute with a nice body, he already found that in Asia. Perhaps she holds nothing but respect for him just as he does for her given of her role as a daughter of the Phenex Family.

Even though truthfully, he was the one that killed her when he was possessed by Diablo, only for her to be resurrected by his uncle.

What a strange world indeed.

As Aidan resumes his guard duty, he suddenly hears footsteps. They were fast, almost like that of a cougar. Aidan looks to see Koneko running out of the room, looking alert and in a hurry.

"Koneko?" Aidan gives chase after the young girl, his instincts telling him that something was wrong.

Koneko runs into one of the elevators. The door closes just in time for Aidan to catch a glimpse of where she was heading to.

"Damn!" Aidan curses silently before running up to the elevator next to him. Even though Aidan didn't know what floor Koneko was going down to, he had no choice but to pursue. He steps into the elevator and presses the down button to the first floor, thinking she went there.

However, before the doors close, Rias ran straight into the elevator, surprising the nephalem as he catches her into his arms.

"Rias, what are you doing here?" asked Aidan.

"I saw you freak out and run out of the party," Rias looked in concern. "What's going on?"

"Koneko," Aidan answered. "She bolted out of the room all of a sudden, so I went after her. But for her to be distressed enough to leave in a hurry… Something's wrong, Rias."

"We can look for her together and leave the others here," She suggested. "I don't want to make a scene if we don't have to."

When the two stepped out of the elevator, Aidan kneels down and traces the floor, looking for any tracks Koneko might have left. And luckily for him, he was able to find them, especially if her magic was leaking out a bit.

"We must hurry!" Aidan said, as he and his girlfriend make a run for it, hoping to reach Koneko in time.

---

Koneko was running as fast as she could, following the scent she had picked up from the party. Normally, she would tell Rias and the others that someone dangerous was here, but this was different. This presence was not normal, but it was not the smell of Demons that she is so acquainted with.

She stops in front of a large tree after entering into an opening. That is when the voice of the person she never wanted to see ever again spoke.

"Well, it's certainly been a hot minute," Kuroka spoke.

"Totally called it," Koneko said, glaring up at the black haired catgirl in question.

"Hello, Shirone," Kuroka nonchalantly greeted. "It's been a while."

"…Hello again, Onee-sama," Koneko greeted her sister.

---

Chapter 34 in which our nephalem gets to meet more members of the Gremory Family, including Milicas and Venalana. Not much to say about the former but the latter is something to reckon with. Not only is she the close and best friend of Aidan's mother but the way she puts Rias in her place will make you not want to cross her. Mothers, especially those whom are one's girlfriend, can be scary.

I think some people may ask if Venalana knows magic but considering how she hails form the Bael Clan and inherits the Power of Destruction from said clan which was passed onto her children, I'd like to think she does know a bit of magic.

I am willing to bet some people will ask if I will pair Aidan with Venalana, especially with the dance lesson segment, and the short answer is NO! I do not go that far with stories like that. Maybe in some off-shoot seprate hentai fanfic but not in this story! Never!

Azazel's training, where do we go from here? Perhaps the most significant is Akeno's. Normally her father Baraqiel would be the one training her but considering his state, Azazel would have to step in. While I can safely presume that Akeno doesn't trust Azazel due to his mischief, he does display care for the daughter of his best friend, wanting to help her in any way he can. And we also get to learn why Koneko has been reckless as of late: she just wants to be stronger but like Akeno, she is afraid to tap into her natural power.

I will keep mentioning Lilith throughout season 3 as I want her role for Aidan to be very significant, along with adding the mystery of who she is and if she really is back.

Now we end it with an encounter of a nekomata that everyone loves. Cats, and especially those that take the form of beautiful girls, may be cute but they can also be mischievous and sneaky.

Like, favorite, follow, and review at your leisure! If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.