Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!

Yuu-Alter; Thanks!

OechsnerC; Thanks! Yeah, anything's possible~ Yasaka might be~ Thanks very much! Glad you're enjoying it so far~

Isao Gin; Thanks! Yeah, their meeting would be cool huh~? I'll do my best~ I will be, not sure when yet.

blazes207; Hehe, yeah she is in the peerage~ It is true, Haruki's Queen will be beside him always. Thanks for the suggestions!

Morregen; Yeah, if he caused a fight and they couldn't find any evidence to back up his claim, he'd get her in a bit of trouble. Ooh yeah, Haruki and his Princess will be doing a number of good attacks together. Haruki will be gaining his Evil Pieces not long after the canon time starts, due to having been Serafall's Devil for years at that point, doing a lot of stuff.

darkjason78; Thanks for the votes!

Clarent excalibur; Thanks very much! I could see Akeno saying something like that~ Thanks for the votes!

NoaRien; Thanks very much! Glad you're enjoying it so far~

HolyKnightX; Thanks very much! He is yeah, he's someone that likes doing things rather than just waiting for things to happen, and he wants to make some kind of difference in the world. He will meet Tobio eventually. Glad you liked their encounters~ Thanks for the vote! Yeah, they do have a similar background.

Mercurius Darkness; Yeah, he's got Absolute Demise~

ShadowUzumaki55; Yeah, they have a good chance to relax now that they aren't constantly having to worry about being killed. Hehe, Absolute Demise will have some fun quirky sides to her. They will have a relationship quite like that yeah~ Yeah, the rivalry of cat and bird has begun~ They're going to do their best in finding out what's going on. Thanks for the vote!

MDM11; Yeah, they could be~ Thanks for the votes! Those could be good for Rias' peerage. Yeah, he could learn things like that~

Silver crow; Thanks. Glad you liked it. Serafall will use her authority. Yeah, in a future story. There's been a magic Rook like Rossweisse so a magic Knight why not. Kuroka is. I'm sure when he's older, Serafall will be doing. Even as a Devil, he still would have Fallen Angel in him like Akeno will, he'd have a number of things he could do as he grows through the ranks, and he isn't just aiming to help Fallen Angels, though he'd still care about Fallen Angels despite how he feels about his Father. Yup, quite ironic huh. It seems they have matching fighting instincts. He might not be strong enough, but he'd still want to train hard. Yeah, the siblings spent time together. It isn't something they'd want to spread around to other factions, the higher up Devils and Himejima know, and in time, others will eventually learn of that fact. They are the fire and ice Longinus', and those elements are usually portrayed as opposites in most media, even if in the actual canon story they aren't, still fun to play around with in one way or another. One day I'm sure there will be a picture of Absolute Demise. Yup, he's met the Neko girls. Koneko and Ravel surely have started a rivalry there. When he's older, I'm sure he'll do more than tickle. Kuroka and Haruki are yeah, Naberius though holds something on Kuroka that makes her hesitate even a little bit. Serafall will use her influence. Yeah, she could use an ice attack like that. They'll be the best of partners. Suzaku would probably do it anyway since she is going to be the head. Maybe with Tsubaki. Haruki's relationship with Baraqiel is complex. She can use the nails to do serious damage to beings like Devils and Vampires, even if she can't fully mind control them or anything, she'd still pack a punch, and her nails have been said to cancel out attacks she hits with them so she's got ways to fight other than against Sacred Gear wielders. He could gain the ability to use in the future. Thanks for the votes. Lavinia will be around in some capacity. We'll see what happens with Riser when that comes. Perhaps, she wouldn't be in this story. Haruki's got lightning covered. If not Haruki, maybe in another story, an oc could have one of those Sacred Gears.

DxDL; Thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 1; He could find Luna quite endearing.

Guest 2; That would be pretty cool, could lead to some interesting stuff going on. Representing reality, that would be pretty fun to explore. He could do yeah~ Thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 3; Thanks very much! Thanks for the suggestions! I do plan on doing that yeah.

Skull Flame; Yeah, Vali and Haruki are going to build a relationship between them. She's going to have her fun moments. Naberius is yeah~

Xenozip; He has a few sets of wings. He did have his Longinus also helping him out there.

kurenai lui; He's met Sairaorg before, he's met the Maou's and a number of people before, that line was to show that he has a friendship with Sairaorg. Thanks for the votes! Vali will join before Rizevims death, the reasons why, we'll see when the time comes for him to gain his peerage. I'm sure he'd like to have something like that as a disciplinary committee or something similar to that. She would yeah.

Guest 4; Yeah, that would be a good idea for a story. Yeah, he could have something like that, thanks for the story ideas!

Guest 5; They could meet there, it would make sense for them to meet there.

Guest 6; Kuroka is in his peerage~

Valtryek-sama; Thanks! Yeah, Vali and Haruki have some interest in the other due to their circumstances, relating to one another through their half breed status, along with Longinus among other things. That's if Vali does anything to break away from the other factions with Haruki around. He'd have that regardless if he does or doesn't save Kuroka. We'll see what happens with Serafall and that. Yeah, he wouldn't really feel cold due to Absolute Demise. Yeah, maybe it could like that~ Thanks for the votes. When I do another story, I'll probably do a poll for it, that will be on the poll.

Unzueta; Tsubaki would be cool, thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 7; Yeah, if I did a story like that, it would be rather fun. That sounds like a cool idea, thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 8; I'm sure Sirus would be angry about that yeah. It probably would show his birth name yeah.

Guest 9; He could merge with it for regular Balance Brealer~ Thanks for the vote!

haibara-san; Thanks! Glad you liked their interactions~ Yeah, it seems Vali and Haruki have a bond growing between them. Lets see how they handle the situation. Yeah, their interactions are going to be fun to write. I'm sure Haruki would make sure they can fight. Serafall will see how Haruki handles this situation. She'd warn him of the duties beforehand yeah. He does, he's used it with Suou, and will with other opponents in the future. That arc, is going to be fun to play around with. Kokabiel's going to be fun to fight with Haruki. Thanks for the votes. He'll be popular eventually yeah for all of the work he does. Haha, Serafall will most certainly have him in her show~ He could trains some of Sona's group yeah. He could learn how to play chess. I'm sure Haruki would do that~

Guest 10; There will be, Sona's one that will and some others will eventually.

Guest 11; Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed Absolute Demise's awakening. Lint could be cool. Lavinia and Haruki will have some kind of relationship. He could fight Juggernaut Drive Isane.

LightningSlayer; Thank you very much!

Andrew123456; We will do.

Guest 12; Yeah, Rensuke could do something like that. Would make him different to some other people. That could be an interesting plot point. That could be a cool final battle. Thanks for the suggestions.

Drake-san; It isn't just Fallen Angels Haruki's wanting to help but by being a Devil, he could be a bridge between Devils and Fallen Angels, he has the unique perceptive of seeing life from a Fallen Angels, humans, and in the future, Devils view points, and can bring something unique to the Devils Faction and give new ideas on how to make relations between factions easier, better, along with other goals being a Devil would bring to Haruki. I never said Serafall's not powerful, she's said to be the strongest female Devil, above the likes of Roygun and even Grayfia so she's clearly very strong, I was saying that I might do that in the future to bring a new power to Serafall and show the bond between her and Haruki, a union of sorts, it doesn't diminish her already great power. Those stories, Kenji's is on a break, Rensuke's most likely will be rewritten. Glad you like how Vali's portrayed and I can understand why people don't like Bakugo, everyone's got characters they like and don't like from any series they like. His peerage will join of their own accord. Some will be rewritten, ideas of some will be brought into different types of stories. Thanks for the vote. Lavinia might be his contract magician.

Guest 13; He'd need the doll if he's not in Balance Breaker to use such levels of ice, he could cast ice magic but it would be inferior to Absolute Demise. I don't know what kind of weapon Haruki would wield, it would depend on the situation. Yeah, he and his Princess share a strong bond. Thanks for the vote.

Guest 14; By the time of Kokabiel, he'd be able to freeze Kuoh without a problem even not in Balance Breaker so yeah he could do that.

Nameless; That would be pretty cool, thanks for the votes.

just a guy; I don't know yet, there's plenty of stories where Isane and a Oc King could work. It probably wouldn't be half breed warrior. He could just have both last names of his parents to honour both of them.

Guest 15; Yeah, Isane would be intrigued more than anything. We'll have to wait and see what happens there. Thanks for the vote. Vali will become his Queen in time. She doesn't have to go to school or anything to be in his peerage. I'm sure Haruki would appear in both shows at some point. Maybe he could. Fire and ice are usually shown to be clashing elements, maybe not in the canon of DxD, though it has been shown somewhat in Slash/Dog that their elements are clashing and even the wielders have things against the other to a degree.

Guest 16; Yeah he might have a technique like that. Yeah he might have his own kind of combat outfit. Akeno's developement is happening as the story goes. We'll have to wait and see what happens with Kuroka. Haruki will be a High Class Devil in time. I'm sure Serafall would tell Saji those things if he isn't made aware. Either Serafall or Akeno, or maybe even shared. His love for Akeno is quite deep, if he does see her like that right now or will see her like that eventually, we'll see in the near future.

Guest 17; We'll soon see what their relationship is like, Haruki will become a High Class Devil, when he does we'll see as the story goes.

Akeno fan; Thanks! She's going to be the Knight. Yeah, I still am.

Well, with those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter.


Investigations underway!

After leaving the estate of Naberius, Haruki went to meet with Serafall right away while Ravel went to go and discreetly gather some information about Naberius and the neko girls, at least as much as she could without raising suspicions.

He began explaining his concerns about what was going on there, and why he didn't feel right, though he didn't have any evidence about Naberius...he just knew something wasn't right about him, how he treated the Nekoshou girls, he knew something had to be off about that.

As he explained what he felt, Serafall stroked her chin in thought.

But then Serafall slammed her hands down onto the table.

"Injustice!"

Haruki blinked as Serafall exhaled loudly.

"Ravel-chan told me that it can be a common occurrence among certain Devils that they treat those of lower class like that."

"Unfortunately, she's right Haru-chan."

"It shouldn't be like that though."

Serafall nodded slowly.

"It shouldn't be. As angry as it makes me, you get certain Devils that mistreat others, and unfortunately, that isn't a really a crime here, looked down upon yes...but not technically a crime unless it goes too far."

Haruki furrowed his brows.

"...What's too far? When they're dead?"

Serafall gave a sad expression.

"It's a flawed system Haru-chan, I don't like it either, and stop it when I know of it, like this for instance. But going back to the Neko girls...Because they aren't natives to our part of the Underworld, and they've been taken in by Naberius...I can at least speak to them, and go from there. If they say nothing...then we'll have to think of other things."

Haruki tightened his hand, feeling his anger growing.

He could understand Serafall's own frustrations as well.

"...It seems that there's many things that need to change within the Underworld Serafall-san, and there's many that would be opposed to change...but I can see it on your face...you truly are trying your hardest to give people better lives, and that is really wonderful to someone like me."

Despite how angered he was by how lower class got treated as nothing, and higher class got to do basically what they want for the most part to those people, he appreciated Serafall's honesty, and he also understood her frustrations, on how stubborn others could be, and she was trying to change that.

"Thanks Haru-chan, I try my hardest with my position as Maou, and as you said...there's many against the changes we Maou's wish to make, it's hard, but we are trying." Haruki smiled at her, and she smiled back. "Anyway, I'll go over myself, and use my authority to search his home for...anything that shouldn't be there. I'll also speak with the other Maou's and see if I can legally take those girls from Naberius. It might take me a few days, but with my status as a Maou being more than Naberius', I should be able to do it relatively quickly. I'm sure Naberius might try and fight me with his connections depending on how much he feels about those girls and his reasons for taking them in, he wont get very far though."

Haruki grinned when hearing that.

But he also was aware of a few things that might happen.

"...To be honest, I'm not sure they'd say anything anyway. The way Kuroka-san acted...she seemed to not want us involved...and Shirone-san, she might follow her Onee-sama in that regard. And if Naberius is smart...then he'd not keep incriminating stuff within his house...still, just getting them away would at least be better than leaving them there."

Serafall pursed her lips.

She thought about what was being said, and then came to an understanding conclusion.

"I'm not surprised you're this passionate Haru-chan. You can probably identify with such things due to your own circumstance. This Kuroka-san, is like you...don't you think? The one that would go to great lengths to protect their sibling. Not saying that Shirone-chan and Akeno-chan wouldn't, but the situations you both were placed in makes sense why you'd be able to identify with her."

Haruki couldn't help but agree with what she said.

There were some similarities between the two of them.

"Yes, you're right. I want to make sure she isn't separated from her sibling like I was from mine. That was...a terrible time in my life. Not knowing if Akeno-nee-sama was safe...if she was dead. I know Naberius is an asshole, that's enough for me to help them out. No one should have to live being threatened or attacked...I remember when I was by Suou and others...I don't want anyone to have to go through that if I can help it."

Serafall smiled at the sight.

Seeing how Haruki was trying his best, also made her want to try her best.

Even though she had to be careful in how she handled it, she was going to try her hardest to help Haruki with this.

"Take the lead Haru-chan!"

"Shouldn't I be taking after your lead? Since you are the Maou and all~?"

He lightly teased.

But what she said next surprised him a little bit.

"I want to see what you can do Haru-chan, so I can see what kind of future you have."

"See my future?"

He wondered what she was going to say.

"Times are changing Haru-chan, I want to see how you'd change different peoples circumstances. Use this as a training exercise. Of course this is serious, but if you're serious about your future goals Haru-chan, then we'll have to see how you utilize what you've got on offer. Use both your power, and your mind."

"I see...so this is a challenge? Can't deny that challenges excite me. Then, you can search the house and speak to the girls...Ravel-chan is trying to search for any records of the Neko girls...also, can you see what trips he's gone on? To different parts of the Underworld and such?"

"It shouldn't be difficult~ But why do you want them?"

"Because, I have a feeling about this...I keep wondering why he took those girls in, in the first place...either way, I've got something's to do, see you later Serafall-san."

Haruki turned and walked away.

Serafall watched him leave, then she smiled "I know you've got this Haru-chan." believing that this will help Haruki in both his present goals, and his future ones.


The next day, Haruki went towards the forest that he knew Vali would be in.

Haruki then noticed Vali walking closer, and when she saw the expression on his face was something other than smiling, it was surprising to her.

"What's wrong with your face?"

"Geez, that's rather rude Vali-chan~"

Haruki playfully said, though Vali huffed.

"Then I wont ask." Vali said that, though she stared at Haruki who gave her a curious look back. "...Alright, I'm curious."

"It's just...there's something going on within the Underworld, involving some girls..."

Vali folded her arms.

"I see..." Vali looked over Haruki's face, before smirking. "Is there any strong opponents involved?"

"Potentially. Depends on what we find."

Vali continued to smirk.

"Then perhaps I'll lend a hand."

Haruki blinked his surprise.

"Seriously?"

"Why not? Not got anything else to do, and it could help me figure more of you out."

Haruki cocked his head.

"Am I some kind of mystery to you?"

"Perhaps, haven't figured that out yet."

Haruki wondered what else she was thinking about it.

But he was glad all the same.

"Then...if you're interested, perhaps you could help me..."

Haruki began and explained to Vali.

She listened, becoming more curious by the moment.

Eventually, she agreed to help out, which made Haruki rather happy.

Whatever Vali's reasons, he was glad to have some more assistance.


Later on, Haruki casually went to the Naberius household. He politely got inside of the estate without problem, and was brought towards the two neko's. Shirone looked pleasantly surprised, while Kuroka just looked surprised to see him again.

"I'm shocked nyaa. You came back. I thought that was just some kind of tactic to try and scare Naberius?"

"Partly, and believe me, seeing his face filled with fear was quite fun for someone like me~" Haruki admitted with Kuroka showing surprise. "But if I say I'm doing something, then I'll do it." Haruki bent down towards Shirone, and smiled gently. "How's your tail Shirone-san?"

"...It's better, thank you."

Haruki gently petted her head, while Kuroka tried to work out Haruki's angle.

"So, why are you here?"

"To check to see if you're okay, Kuroka-san. Yesterday, I was worried about you."

His words surprised Kuroka.

Someone...was worried about her?

"Well...you don't have to worry about that!"

Haruki gave her a curious look, before bending down towards Shirone.

"So Shirone-chan, want some chocolate?"

Her ears perked when he said that.

"...Chocolate?"

"That's right. Want some~?"

Shirone saw him pulling out what seemed to be a few chocolate bars.

Her stomach rumbled, and she then looked into Haruki's eyes.

Seeing that he had a kindness radiating from him, she didn't see anything that would frighten her, she recalled how he had helped her, and stopped Naberius from harming her, all in all, she was glad to see Haruki wasn't a bad guy.

She took the chocolate while Kuroka looked on.

Her eyes scanned the young boy.

She tried to find out exactly what it was about Haruki that she couldn't understand.

The way that he held himself.

How he spoke kindly.

It wasn't something that she thought that she could trust at all.

"Alright, why are you here really?"

Kuroka demanded, folding her arms in annoyance.

Haruki glanced towards her, before offering a warm smile.

"I'm here to make sure you're okay."

"But why? It isn't like you have to care."

"Do people need reasons to care?" Haruki countered. "Besides, if you wanted a reason, it was because of the behaviour of Naberius yesterday. I didn't like how he treated either you, or Shirone-chan here."

"We can handle it ourselves."

Kuroka spoke dismissively, while Shirone looked between them.

"I never said that you couldn't, Kuroka-san. I'm just someone that was concerned, that's all."

Kuroka huffed, and turned away.

"Well, that's your decision nyaaa. Anyway, I need to do something over here."

Kuroka walked a little distance, while Haruki stared at her.

He tried to figure her out, but was finding it rather difficult to do so.

He then felt a hand tugging on his own, so he looked down to see Shirone staring up at him.

"Something wrong Shirone-chan?"

"No...but, I still...wanted to thank you...for stopping our Master..."

"You don't have to thank me. It's only natural to help others, isn't it?"

Shirone slowly nods.

"...Perhaps, but..."

"But?"

Shirone shook her head when seeing Kuroka looking towards.

"...It's nothing."

Haruki knew, from that reaction, there was something definitely going on, more than he could see.

Perhaps they were frightened to say.

Perhaps they couldn't feel like they'd be able to trust in the Devils or him, something he understood.

Perhaps it was because Naberius had something over them.

"Then if you're finished, please go nyaaa."

Kuroka said as a finality, then she turned and walked a little distance away from them.

Haruki could tell that she was closed off, and didn't trust others.

Haruki's eyes went towards Shirone, and though she said nothing, her eyes displayed worry.

Haruki gently petted Shirone's head.

"Don't worry Koneko-chan, you'll be fine~"

"Ko...neko-chan?"

"Aah right. From where I live, you'd be described like that."

"Ko...ne...ko. Koneko...I like it."

Haruki smiled, but could see Kuroka staring intensely at him.

"Then, it seems that your Onee-sama over there wishes for me to go, so I best get going."

Haruki went to turn, when he felt Shirone's hand on his own once more.

Her eyes went towards his own, Haruki could see the small worry within her.

But something more.

Something that he didn't like.

She looked afraid.

Haruki bent down towards her once more, and offered a small smile.

"Don't worry Shirone-chan, I'll make sure you're safe."

Kuroka, who had superior hearing, wasn't sure why he would say that.

Shirone though tilted her head.

"...Why would you..."

"Because, I don't want you to be in danger, that's why." Haruki pulled out a piece of paper, and gave it towards Shirone. "Here, if you ever feel like you need me. Call me, alright?"

"...Call you?"

"Yes, if you can. I'll come running. No matter what it is."

With those words, Haruki stood up, and walked away.


Kuroka watched on, seeing Haruki's body moving away, then saw that Shirone was looking towards her.

"...Onee-sama, you were too cold."

"Shirone, we can't have others involved in our business. They wouldn't be able to understand, he wouldn't be able to help us anyway nyaaa. We can't trust anyone other than ourselves nyaa. Don't worry, I'll make sure you're okay."

Shirone looked back to the place that Haruki had gone.

"...Still, I felt as if he was kind Onee-sama. ...He wanted to help us..."

Kuroka didn't say anything.

She merely looked at the place that Haruki left.

She couldn't understand his mind, and what he was thinking at that moment.

What he actually wanted.

She couldn't fathom that someone would want to help her.

Without wanting anything.

It just wasn't something that ever came up as a possibility.


As Haruki had split up from the neko's, he happened to come across Naberius walking closer. His disgruntled eyes shot for the young boy. Haruki remained stoic faced as he saw the young man giving him a sneer.

"Sending the Maou after me? Really? She didn't find anything."

"That implies there is something to find."

Haruki shot back.

Naberius scowled while Haruki stared on curiously.

"A Fallen Angel can't do anything to me. You can try and take them, but it wont end well for you."

His tone sounded threatening.

But Haruki wasn't going to be intimidated by this Devil.

"If you weren't worried about me, why are you threatening me? Your hands are trembling around now. Could it be that you're worried I might uncover something about you?" Naberius gave Haruki a dark glare. "Going through all this trouble for those girls, what is your game Naberius?"

"That's my business."

"Is it because they're rare?"

Naberius smirked.

"Rare things, I do quite like them. I don't like common things."

Naberius directed at Haruki when he said 'common' so Haruki pointed to himself in a fake shocked expression.

"Common? Me?"

Haruki gave a cheery voice, Naberius chortled lightly.

"You can play all you want. Maybe when you were out there on your own, you did minor things. But you're in the land of Devils now. You wont be able to defeat me in terms of status."

"Well, I'm going to change that, Naberius."

Haruki walked passed him, as Naberius showed an annoyed face.

"You wont be able to do anything to me. So don't even bother trying either, do you understand me little Fallen Angel? You can't win against me."

Haruki chortled, and smiled dangerously.

"We'll see, wont we Naberius?"

Haruki waved, and ran off.

Naberius thought that maybe he could make Haruki feel intimidated.

But in the end, Naberius was the one who was left feeling intimidated.


The next day, he met up at the Phenex residence together with Ravel, who was casually sitting close by.

"Here Haruki-sama, I've prepared tea."

Haruki watched as she brought out some tea.

His eyes danced between the tea, and her face.

"This looks nice, did one of your maids make it?"

Ravel blushed lightly, shaking her neck.

"No...I made it."

She confessed, Haruki gave a light hearted smile as he took a sip.

"It's very well made. Delicious~ It tastes like green tea."

"Aah, so I did get it right then? I have been studying different types of teas that are made within Japan."

"Fufu, how come you were studying different types of tea from Japan Ravel-chan?"

Ravel blushed, not wanting to admit to the reason why she did.

"A-Ah, there wasn't any special reason really. I just had a few things that I needed to learn that's all. You never know, I might come up to a challenge one day where I might need to make green tea for...reasons."

Haruki chortled.

She was a bad liar.

But, it seemed she already was embarrassed so he wouldn't tease her.

"Well whatever the reason, it's great tea regardless." Haruki's words caused her to smile lightly. "So, did you find anything out about the neko girls?"

"Ah...yes, I actually did find some records on their meeting. However, their history is...it isn't something that I could find out about at all. However, I did find out that Kuroka-san had requested assistance."

"Assistance for what exactly?"

"Apparently, from what I could find, she wanted a place to live. Naberius accepted the request, and he took them in. Some had also requested to take her in, if she became a Devil under them, but she refused so they turned away from her. Others just didn't bother."

"So, she was seeking help...and she was going to be refused due to turning down being a Devil? Naberius took her in though..."

"Yes. Before it reached the ears of people such as Serafall-sama, or the other Maou's, Naberius somehow managed to get them. I guess it could be due to some connection the Old Devils and his clan might have. I suppose you could say it's a lucky break for him."

"Not so lucky for the Nekomata girls. From what you told me, they didn't have anywhere else to go, and were seeking a place to call home. Naberius brought her in sure, but he treats her like dirt...and the same for Shirone-chan."

"Indeed...now it makes me wonder why he is treating them like this? Why did he take them in?"

"I'm not sure why yet Ravel-chan, but I intend to find out more. Either way, great work Ravel-chan!"

Ravel smiled brightly.

"T-Thank you, I'll keep trying to research as much as I can. How has it gone on the Naberius side?"

"I've tried to dig up some information on him, so far there hasn't been anything concrete. But, I do know that he has had a few meetings in recent times with some...less than great people. When I was chased by Himejima, I managed to gather evidence against them, and I believe with Serafall-sans help, things will go easier than that."

"Yes, I'm sure it will. I'll keep researching and see if he's ever brought any other people in like those girls before."

"That's a good idea. I'm going to try and approach Kuroka-san and Shirone-chan...I think that Shirone-chan wants to tell me something...but Kuroka-san is stopping her for whatever reason it is. Still, maybe we could find something..."

As they were talking, Riser happened to be walking past them.

His eyes shot for Haruki, and saw how Ravel was looking towards him.

Brotherly instincts took over, and he yelled "RAVEL!" running for the young boy.

His flames erupted as Haruki chortled slightly sadistically.

"Fufu, what's going on Riser-kun? Still trying to attack me?"

"Damn straight! I wont allow Ravel to be-"

He was stopped before he could finish.

Ice suddenly began growing across his skin, his flames were frozen solid.

He gasped, looking to the right to see the ice doll had manifested, giving Riser a menacing stare.

"S-She froze my flames!"

Riser yelled, Haruki shrugged.

"She's got a mind of her own, she felt danger to my body so she stopped you."

Riser scowled, and tried to move to Haruki.

But the ice doll got in the way, her hands extended out.

"Move it ice doll!"

Riser ordered.

But the ice doll didn't move.

"Ice doll!"

He roared, Haruki chortled.

"Maybe you shouldn't snap at her."

"Why not?!"

The ice doll placed her hands together, the temperature around Riser dropped significantly, and ice immediately appeared. Riser's body began freezing. The lower body, then the upper body.

Riser panicked, and tried to summon his flames.

But they didn't work at all.

He was frozen with his head remaining out of the ice.

"That's why."

Riser went pale as he felt the cold spreading further and further on his body.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! SHE FROZE ME! SHE ACTUALLY FROZE ME THAT NUTTY ICE QUEEN! WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH HER?! IS SHE OUT OF HER DAMN MIND OR SOMETHING?!"

Haruki could see that his ice doll didn't appreciate what Riser said, and caused the temperature around Riser to drop even more.

"That's my Princess you're talking about. She was being a good girl and protecting me from you, naughty Devil-kun~"

Riser looked at the ice doll, and saw her glaring at Riser.

Riser felt fear running through him.

Not only Haruki, but Absolute Demise was going to be dangerous to him.

Riser shuddered as the ice doll casually placed a hand on his face, staring into his eyes with all of her eyes.

"...W-Why is she doing that?"

"Ooh, it seems that my Princess is quite happy right now. I guess that means she wishes to play for a little while. Would it be alright with you Riser if she did play for a bit?"

"N-Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! I don't want to deal with her anymore! Please tell her to leave me alone!"

"You'd have to apologize to her, Riser."

Riser shed a few tears as the ice doll lightly stroked Riser's face.

Ravel wasn't sure what was going on, but it seemed to her at least the ice doll was showing that she wasn't happy with Riser.

"Ooh my Maou-sama! Ice doll! Please calm down! I'm sorry! You don't have to worry, I wont do anything to your Master again! You have my word! Now, will you unfreeze me!?" The ice doll just stared at him, then shook her head. "WHY!? Please! I'm begging you!"

"She is one bad girl, huh~?" Haruki lightly tapped the ice doll. "Come on now, let him go. For me~"

The ice doll snapped her fingers, dispelling the ice around Riser who dropped to the ground.

He panted, his eyes going for Haruki's own, but then saw the ice doll step in the way.

She placed her hand out before Riser, and stopped him from glaring.

Fear built within Riser.

He was terrified right now of what she was seeing.

"Ooh Maou-sama..."

He took to his feet, and ran away from Absolute Demise.

Haruki gave bemused eyes as Ravel attempted to move closer to Haruki.

But the ice doll stuck out her hand without looking, keeping them separate.

"B-But..."

Ravel tried to speak, the ice doll didn't have any of it.

Haruki chortled at the sight.

"Aah, my girl seems to be the naughty type~ Wanting me all to herself~"

Ravel looked on, seeing the ice doll merely bowing her head, while staring towards the Phenex herself, who held conflicting emotions about what was going on.


Later on that day, he met up with Serafall, who began explaining what was going on with her side of the investigation. Even Serafall hadn't turned up much, but there was something that did surprise him.

"It seems you were right Haru-chan, there wasn't anything at the house that could be called incriminating. The most I found was just information on different types of species, like Devils, Youkai's, European Monsters, things like that. I did say though that if any marks appear on those girls, then I'd have to glitter at him."

Haruki chortled.

"Well, that at least makes me smile...wait, did you say species?"

Serafall nodded.

"Yes, he's collected information about them...it isn't uncommon for people to do that...still a bit odd though."

"I'll say..." Haruki shook his head. "So, all of the trips he took..."

"All seemed to check out normal. Nothing abnormal happened...although there was one thing that I could find."

"Hmmmm?"

Haruki hummed, waiting for her to come up with some information.

"Yes, the places he visited, they were off the grid. Places you'd go if you wanted to be in relative isolation. Though there were settlements around, they were mostly out of the way. However, the thing that I found out was that some of these places were attacked days or weeks later. The people that were there, some had been killed, and some had mysteriously vanished."

"...He could have been scouting out the area while pretending to be on a normal vacation, and later sent other people there."

Serafall narrowed her brows.

"Scouting them out for servants?"

"Servants. Peerage members. Other reasons. Who knows. It does seem a bit suspicious on why these areas were attacked. Coincidence, perhaps. However...it could be something much more than that."

"...Then I'll keep looking into it Haru-chan. See what and who actually attacked. I heard there were some survivors, so I'll check them out, then I'll let you know what's going on, okay Haru-chan?"

Haruki gave a thankful nod of his head.

"Yes, that would be best. Also, did you hear about bringing the Neko's away from him?"

"Aah yes! Well, Naberius is like trying to block me like I thought he would, but within the next few days, we'll have the Neko's with us~ He might know a few people higher up that owe him some favours, but with me being a Maou, and having the backing of other Maou's...I should have them taken in by me pretty soon~"

"That's great news, thanks Serafall-san~"

"No problem my adorable Haru-chan~ But you know, when I was speaking to Kuroka-chan...her demeanour told me that she didn't have trust in me, or anyone really..."

"Yeah...she probably doesn't believe she can trust Devils, or anyone else. Still, makes me all the more determined to help them out, and how Naberius spoke to me...he's definitely hiding something."

"Well I'm sure you'll find out what it is Haru-chan...aaaah! I can't contain it anymore, I need to cuddle you!"

Serafall giggled, and brought Haruki close to her bust, pushing it against his face.

His cheeks turned slightly red as she lightly patted the back of his head gently.


Sometime later, Haruki met up with Vali once more, and listened to what she had to say regarding the information that she had been gathering.

"I've been watching this forest, and there has been some unusual activity with various creatures around here. I even saw that Neko girl come here at one point. Not seen Naberius out here yet though."

Haruki closed his eyes briefly, taking in the information, before nodding to himself.

"Neko...black hair or white?"

"Black."

Vali said, not surprising Haruki.

"I knew there was a reason why he sent Shirone-san here. That flower, I looked it up, it isn't really that useful beyond normal flowers. It just seemed odd that he'd send her here...and now Kuroka-sans been coming here."

"I attempted to follow her, but her Senjutsu ability stopped me from getting to close, along with some barriers she made to stop me in my tracks, and by the time I caught up...lets say she has a knack for disappearing quickly and hiding her presence from me. I don't think she realized I was following, but she still hid herself as a precaution most likely. I've looked all over, but I haven't found anything out of the ordinary...not anything that could be described as a base or something like that. If there's one here, it's hidden somewhere."

Haruki hummed as he folded his arms.

"I see...even then, I still think something is out here, so lets keep a low profile, if there's a number of people here, and they're caught...Naberius might move and it would become annoying for us to find his base, and saying base...I feel as if he would have one due to Kuroka-san coming out here, and using Senjutsu to hide her presence. Why do that if there's nothing to hide?"

"It's probably wise to limit the people here, Naberius will slip if he believes he's got a safe hiding place eventually."

"Plus I'll pile on the pressure with him without giving away anything like knowing this location or being suspicious of it, which will make him all the more likely to slip." Haruki added, Vali thought that it was a rather good idea. "Either way, thanks very much Vali-chan! This helps quite a bit."

Vali huffed, acting rather cool and collected.

"It's fine, don't mention it. So, Naberius, I'll keep my eye out for him here, and try to follow that cat if I see her again."

"I really appreciate it, Vali-chan. I do believe he'll come here eventually...maybe he already has and Kuroka-sans hiding him...but eventually he'll slip, or we'll get lucky."

Vali shrugged her shoulders.

"It doesn't make a difference to me, it might lead to an interesting challenge for me."

Haruki chortled, and pulled closer.

"Don't worry Vali-chan, if this doesn't bring an interesting challenge, I'll definitely find you one for all of the help~"

Vali looked towards him, seeing that he was giving a smile.

"Yes...I'm sure that you would."

"At least we're on the right tracks...aah, makes me feel like when I did this with Suou...only difference is that I've got help this time..."

Vali raised an eyebrow.

"Is that so? You've done things like this before?"

"Yeah, got incriminating evidence on Suou. Since it was more for survival than anything that time, I was able to find out a good deal about him and Himejima in general. I guess those skills are paying off here huh~?"

Vali looked towards him, feeling more intrigued than before.

"Yes...I guess that it does."

Haruki smiled towards Vali, who continued to stare back.

Deep inside of her, she was becoming more curious about the half Fallen Angel, not only for his power, but for determination also.


As that was going on, Naberius was becoming nervous.

He didn't want Haruki to poke his nose into his business, he needed to get rid of him, some way.

He even had Serafall helping him, and he knew that eventually, with her connections, his own connections wouldn't be able to save him.

He knew that Haruki was becoming closer and closer to finding out the truth. He just knew that it would only be a matter of time. He needed to make sure that whatever information that Haruki had, would stay with him, and make sure that he would die as a result.

Naberius wasn't sure how he was going to do it, he knew he didn't have a chance with his own power currently.

He saw it when they had a brief scuffle.

He moved faster than he did.

He just didn't have the raw destructive power to do what was necessary.

"No...there is something that I can do...that bastard wont see the light of day again. It's a small sacrifice...but, I could potentially...yes, I should be able to do it...with this creature. Then when he's gone...and Serafall-sama is distracted with that hopefully...I'll begin the experiments with Shirone and Kuroka's powers, and move so I wont be found...until then, moving now would make me be discovered..."

Inhaling and exhaling slowly, Naberius prepared something special for Haruki.

Something that he was sure that would end Haruki.

Looking through a glass test tube, he saw a disgusting looking creature.

It held demonic power in it, but it felt different to a Devil also.

There was something that made it...more than a Devil, but less than a Devil at the same time.

Different powers. But the mind of the creature wasn't ordinary. As if it had been erased all together.

"If that boy thinks he can get the better of me...then he can think again. Poking his head into things that don't concern him...he's going to be killed, I wont let him survive. Now my pet...it's time to go and destroy that meddling Fallen Angel...lets start with his Onee-sama...yeah, that will crush his spirits..."

Naberius didn't voice his thoughts.

Instead, he was ready to unleash something that he believed would end Haruki's existence.


Back within the Sitri garden, Rias, Akeno and Sona were casually drinking some tea together.

"How have you been Akeno-san? Within the Underworld I mean."

Sona asked, Akeno smiled gently.

"It's been rather pleasant. With my Otouto, and with Rias' assistance, I've become accustomed to what has been going on. Though it seems that Haruki's rather busy, I wonder what he's doing….? Either way, I'm sure he's okay..."

Rias showed a soft smile.

"Yes, he's usually doing something. I wouldn't worry about that."

Sona inclined her neck.

"Even though he is busy, it seems that he also is much happier with you around. I've noticed that before."

Akeno gave a thankful smile on her face.

As they were talking to one another, they heard the sound of a rumble.

They didn't pay any heed to it for a few moments.

But then the rumbling sound came closer and closer.

Rias' eyes looked towards the end of the garden, chuckling awkwardly.

"Sona, that wouldn't happen to be your Onee-sama, would it?"

Sona gave a dull expression.

"If only…"

"But, what was that noise…?"

Akeno murmured, trying to work out exactly what could be coming for them.

She just couldn't.

Sona didn't like this situation.

In fact, she was worried that this was happening.

"Maybe we should go back inside..."

No sooner as she said that...something ermerged.

At the end of the garden, a creature showed its presence as Sona noticed a barrier went up. It was quite tall, having a grotesque face, and it's body was large, yet it was deceptively fast as it launched an attack on the pair as soon as it appeared, with a wave of its hand.

Sona barely had time to use her water magic to form a shield of water, blocking the intense attack. But it smashed against her water, and flung her backwards, Rias' eyes widening in pure shock, as she saw the beast running closer.

"Sona!" Rias exclaimed, then placed her hands towards the beast. "I don't know what you are, but I wont let you get any further!"

Rias, gathering her famed Power of Destruction, fired off a good sized bullet towards the creature. It travelled towards its body, and slammed into its right hand side, blowing a good piece of it off…

But then she saw it was regenerating.

She didn't even see any blood, which was astonishing to her.

"N-No…"

Akeno grimaced, then she placed her hands out.

Briefly, her hands lit up with Holy Lightning.

She subconsciously had summoned the power in response to the Devil threat.

But it seemed as if she couldn't use it, and her hands lowered, something that Rias noted.

"It can even regenerate..."

Sona, grimacing from the attack, saw it regenerating also, so she cupped her hands together, gathering water around her form, and then launched off a spike of it towards the monsters face to stop it in its tracks.

The creature stuck its hand out to the side, and summoned what seemed to be a sword, blocking off Sona's attack, so she turned to Akeno.

"Akeno-san, don't you have the same Holy Lightning ability that Haruki-san has?"

Akeno nods.

"Yes...but...that power..."

Akeno didn't want to use it.

She didn't want to be reminded of her Father again.

Something Haruki didn't share, as he used Holy Lightning without having to worry about his heritage or Father, it was something she admired.

Seeing that Akeno was shutting off herself, Sona looked towards Rias instead.

"Rias, use your Power of Destruction on that sword, then I'll fire off my water. Hopefully it will be stopped."

Sona said, and glanced back at the house.

Seeing the barrier, she concluded that this area was sealed off so they'd not be noticed.

So she turned her attention back towards the creature, which was right before them, so Rias shot off her Power of Destruction, and clashed with the sword, the destructive nature of Rias' power allowed a good sized hole to appear within the sword.

So, Sona used this chance to shoot off a spike towards the creatures face…

But then she saw that some more creatures were splitting off from it.

They looked a bit worried as the small creatures came towards them.

Sona narrowed her eyes, and gathered more water around her. Forming the water into small needles, she fired them off towards the incoming swarm of opponents, while Rias gathered her Power of Destruction once more, and fired it off at the beast.

It swung its sword downwards, but Rias' power broke through the sword while Sona used her water and pierced a number of the small creatures that looked akin to bugs, but they kept coming.

"What is that power?"

Even Sona couldn't tell what was going on.

Rias grimaced, she then turned her hands towards the creature, and went to fire off another attack…

When the creature stomped its foot on the ground, creating a shockwave from the impact, knocking the three girls on the ground.

Then the creature stuck its hand into the air, and formed a weapon made out of fire, aiming it for Rias, Akeno and Sona, swinging its arm down within a moment.

"Akeno-san! Your Holy Lightning! Use it!"

Akeno's face just remained in shock.

She just...couldn't do it.

She wanted to be strong willed like Haruki.

She wanted to unleash her power…

But she just couldn't in the end.

Sona looked worried, as she gathered a shield of water to held defend against it, but she wasn't sure if it would defend…


However, the moment that the weapon came in, Haruki flashed between them, Holy Lightning gathered around his hands, as he caught the weapon. Despite the size of it, he held it within his hands without trouble, a smile on his face. Sona even noticed that all of the small creatures had been frozen solid, then a single shot of lightning rained down, destroying them within moments.

"Haruki-san..."

"I saw the barrier going up, then it seemingly cut this location off. I rushed over as quick as I could. My ice doll froze the barrier, and I forced my way inside~" He chuckled out to Sona, then faced the Devil. "Ara, it seems that I've come across a naughty Devil-kun that's trying to harm these lovely ladies. Doing such things like that, is completely unforgivable. I shall have to begin punishing you until you don't exist anymore~"

The creature summoned more fire around it, and shot it towards Haruki in strong bursts.

Haruki looked on and merely said "Princess~" Sona then noticed the ice doll behind him covered in an eerie mist.

Without pause, she stuck out her hand and froze the flames from coming near him, Haruki then shot forward his Holy Lightning.

Crushing through the frozen flames, the Holy Lightning blasted a decent sized hole within the body of the Devil.

But even with Holy Lightning causing it to howl, he still began to regenerate.

"What the hell…?"

Haruki didn't know what was going on.

But then he saw that the small creatures the others dealt with

Haruki nodded as he spread his Holy Lightning through the weapon, destroying it with a single blast of his lightning as the ice doll waved her hands forward, and caused spires of ice to erupt out of the ground, piercing through the creatures bodies and killing them with a single burst of the ice.

"Though you might be able to regenerate, you'll have a limit somewhere, and my Holy Lightning can even shock things like you! Lets see your threshold, shall we?!"

Haruki then dashed forward, as the creature created flaming spears in the air. Shooting them towards Haruki, he dodged each and every one of them besides the last one that came near him, so the ice doll created a shield to block it off.

"Ara, it seems there's a bit of a challenge here, Vali-chan will be mad she missed this~"

Haruki got in close, as the Devil brought up its foot and tried to slam it down onto him.

His eyes shot upwards, as his Holy Lightning danced around his form.

"...That power is strong..."

Rias murmured, Sona mentally agreed.

Haruki gathered more and more Holy Lightning around his form, ready to shoot it off at a moments notice.

Holy Lightning shot up like a giant bolt of lightning from the ground, and ripped right through the foot of the Devil.

But Haruki was surprised that despite it receiving holy damage, it was able to regenerate, albeit slower due to the holy power of Haruki's lightning.

As the foot nearly regenerated fully, the ice doll swung her arms downwards, unleashing a number of ice spears within the air.

The ice spears penetrated the leg of the Devil, giving Haruki time to unleash his Holy Lightning, destroying the leg completely with blood shooting out of it.

"Ara ara, my ice Princess is rather upset that the Devil tried to harm me~"

Ice scattered across the area along with spires of ice thanks to the ice doll. Haruki then shot his Holy Lightning towards the spires. Allowing his power to run across the tip of the ice spires, the Devils natural instincts were to retreat.

But they couldn't due to the ice freezing the ground around him, freezing his remaining foot to the ground.

The Devils mouth opened, and flames began to appear.

However, before it could unleash its flames, the ice spires mixed with Holy Lightning pierced the creature.

Penetrating him from the left, the right, from the front and behind.

All of them going through the torso and chest area.

The large ice spires pierced all the way through the body of the Devil, the Holy Lightning transmitted to the Devils body and released inside, causing the Devil to howl.

"Ara, seeing my Otouto like this stirs feelings deep within me~"

Akeno watched her brothers excitement, how he was fighting off the Devil, and couldn't hold back a small blush that was filling her cheeks. She couldn't deny that he was showing a cool side. But also, the fact that he used Holy Lightning, was something that never escaped her attention.

The Devil creature, because it was distracted by the new power flowing through it, lost concentration with the flames erupting out of its mouth, so Haruki sent his Holy Lightning inside of its mouth, and exploded in a whirlwind of fire and Holy Lightning, causing immense damage.

"Ufufufu, looking at your damaged face makes me feel rather excited~ Picking on these girls, that's not very nice. I'll have to rain down judgement upon you~"

Haruki stuck his hand upwards, gathering an intense Holy Lightning.

Stronger than the one he had gathered before.

Allowing it to circulate the area around his palm, the lightning formed a cloud above Haruki's head, which sparkled with lightning also.

"Ice Princess, freeze him solid for me. Make sure that he can't escape."

Seeing that he was regenerating from the spires of ice, and his Holy Lightning from before, Haruki decided to use more and more power, but he had to make sure that the Devil wasn't able to move as he unleashed his power.

The ice doll did as asked, thrusting her hands down, immense ice grew on the ground, and wrapped around the Devil. The Devil tried to use his immense strength to break out of it, but because of the Holy Lightning, it didn't have the power necessary to escape the ice as the holy power still within the Devil weakened it, encasing it in enough ice so it couldn't escape.

"Thank you Princess~"

Rias glanced at the ice doll, and she thought she saw the ice doll winking at Haruki who winked right back to the ice doll.

"Did that ice girl just wink?"

Sona glanced at the doll, who turned towards her with cold eyes.

Shivering, Sona turned away from her once more.

Haruki then shot his lightning up into the cloud, with a loud booming sound occurring.

"Now be gone, with the heavenly strike."

Haruki thrusted his finger downwards, and unleashed a massive wave of Holy Lightning from above.

Sona could see the power of it, if a Devil of their level got it by it...no, if a High Class Devil got hit by it, then they'd be erased out of existence. She could feel it deep within her, seeing his numerous pair of black wings, she could see that he did have a good deal of power which made sense to her.

Even the creature, despite its regenerative abilities, was overcome by the lightning.

But it still put up resistance.

"Fufu, seems tough...but you'll soon fall~"

Haruki waved his hand down, and unleashed another powerful bolt of Holy Lightning.

The white and yellow lightning surrounded the creature, and it let out a large howl, Sona noticed Haruki was having a smile on his face, as Akeno also had a blush on her face.

"Fufu, seeing this makes me feel hot inside~ Maybe I'll also have to punish that boy~ Maybe he could punish me like that~"

Rias glances towards Akeno, seeing that she was running her fingers up and down her red cheeks, then towards Haruki who had destroyed a decent size of the enemy that was before her.

Rias chuckles out "Glad I'm not his enemy~" as she watched him unleash more and more heavy attacks onto the Devil, until it was erased out of existence all together, defeating the regeneration speed of the creature.

Haruki panted, flying back down to the others.

"Damn, that was tougher than I had thought. It had some cool regeneration power, makes it all the more exciting~ That was a good fight~"

Sona and Rias cock their heads slowly towards him, as he smiles back.

Akeno however just stared on, seeing how Haruki handled the beast, she couldn't contain her excitement, and embraced the boy, who embraced her back.

"Something wrong Onee-sama?"

"No, I'm just glad you came...I'm sorry that I didn't...I couldn't...use that..."

Haruki understood what she was going to say, and gently patted the back of her head.

"Don't worry, you're okay now Onee-sama. That's the important thing, I'll always come and protect you from any dangers."

"Fufu, then I'll have to do the same~"

Akeno giggled sweetly, while Haruki continued to hug her.

Rias and Sona looked on curiously.

Rias gave an appreciative smile, glad that Haruki came, and wad enamoured by his strength, his wit in battle, and how he can switch between sadistic to enemies, to totally sweet to allies, it was a unique quality that she hadn't seen before, but it made her happy all the same.


Sometime later, Serafall came running in, and hugged Sona for dear life, while Haruki looked on. Rias had gone home after her family came to pick her up. They thanked Haruki for protecting Rias, while he just smiled and merely said "Don't worry, it's alright~" and then Akeno also followed Rias back to explain what they had saw while Serafall dealt with the situation here.

"Sona-chan! I was so worried about you!"

"O-Onee-sama, I'm fine..."

Serafall rubbed her cheek against Sona's while she looked on awkwardly.

"My adorable Sona-chan was in danger when I wasn't around! Haru-chan!"

"Yes?"

"You saved Sona-chan who's very important to me! Thank you!"

Sona sighed, while Haruki held back a smile.

"Ara Serafall-san, you don't have to thank me. But while your desire to protect your Imouto is so cute, you have to let Sona-chan also breathe a little bit."

"But, I need to make sure she's safe and cuddles help with that!"

"She also needs some space. Sona-chan handled herself rather well during the incident then. She's smart, acted quickly, and worked together with those around her to help her fight, coordinating them effectively."

Sona felt like crying tears of joy, someone was finally telling Serafall how she felt deep inside.

Serafall's bottom lip trembled.

"B-But..."

Haruki opened his arms.

"You can cuddle me if you like~?"

Serafall jumped at Haruki and hugged him around his waist.

"Aah, Haru-chan's got a nice body to cuddle~"

"Hehe, you're cute Serafall-san~"

Sona felt like thanking him many times over.

"Haru-chan, you'll keep Sona-chan safe forever, right?"

"Right, but remember she also needs some space."

"Uuuu...but, if I have the urge to cuddle...can I cuddle Haru-chan?"

"Haha, of course~"

"Then I'll cuddle Sona-chan only sometimes!"

Sona had to accept that as a compromise.

But still, to see someone shutting down Serafall so quickly, and making her happy all in one, she definitely was glad that it was someone like Haruki. She liked his sense of fun, his intellect she saw when they talked and how he fought also, and seeing how he'd stand up to anything he thought wasn't right, but wasn't stupid to try and launch an attack on everyone that he didn't like unless they were going to attack others like in the case with Shirone, knowing the limits and bounds of society, and chose to fight it in different ways.

"Still, I want to know what that Devil creature was doing here..."

Serafall murmured, Haruki shrugged.

"It seems to have been a Stray Devil. The reason why others didn't come out to investigate was due to it placing some barrier around here. I happened to come by and see the barrier. Though I will say it's regenerative abilities was rather intriguing, how it managed to even try to attack after I shocked it with Holy Lightning, very weird indeed. Plus it seemed to have...auras of different creatures also..."

"Still, you protected my Sona-chan! Haru-chan, you've becoming my favourite person in the entire world!"

Haruki gave a small laugh, and bowed his body, while Sona furrowed her brows.

Haruki on the other hand had to admit that it was...odd.

Something wasn't right about this.

A Stray Devil getting this close to a Maou's home undetected was nearly unheard of.

He wondered if Naberius had anything to do with this.

He also remembered the fact Naberius had interests in different species.

"He couldn't be doing that...could he? Using different species...to make something stronger... And if Naberius is behind this...that little bastard targeted my Onee-sama and my new Devils friends...he must be desperate...but he made a mistake. Attacking someone I care for wont end well for them, whoeveer it is."

Haruki thought as he felt Serafall continue to hug him, while Sona made her exit.

Now more than ever, Haruki was determined to settle things with Naberius once and for all.


A small time later, Kuroka was furious.

She stormed through the halls of the mansion where she lived with Shirone.

She made no effort to hide her anger through her footsteps, so she was heard by Shirone.

The young girl opened the door, to see Kuroka storming off.

Becoming worried, she followed her sister the best she could.

Kuroka got towards a certain room, and practically barged in.

"I thought no one was to be hurt nyaaa!"

Kuroka said to Naberius when she saw him sat there with a smug look on his face.

"Casualties?"

"None."

Naberius' face dropped considerably.

"W-What?!"

"Not denying it was you?"

"But it should have been easy! For a child of his age, that Devil creature should have killed him!"

Kuroka scoffed.

"Guess you didn't plan for the Fallen Angel boy to be stronger than you predicted."

Naberius tightened his hand.

"Next time he wont be so lucky..."

"Next time?! Why don't you just leave others alone?"

"Because that boy is getting closer! I know that he is! I've read up about him, he was able to evade detection by his own clan who should be aware of most of his abilities...and he has the Maou Serafall on his side, they're going to take you away if I don't think of something...if I don't stop them..."

"Good, then we'll be away from you."

Naberius shot a look to her.

"If you are, then you'll have your life stolen away. I'll make sure of it."

To Kuroka, it sounded like a threat.

She felt her body itching to kill him.

"If we're with the Maou's..."

"If you are...it's all your damn Imouto's fault! If she didn't come across that bastard Fallen Angel in the first place then none of this would be happening! That little bitch-"

Kuroka slapped him across the face with enough force to send him flying to the ground.

She didn't regret it for even a moment.

Naberius placed a hand to his face, stunned that she actually had done that.

"What do you think you're doing!?"

"Don't say such things about my Imouto! I still want to know why you had her go to that forest in the first place. That was the area we go...where you make me take you... I checked out that flower, it held no significance to you! So, what's going on with that nyaaa?!"

"That's not your concern."

Kuroka stormed over, her fist filled with power.

She held it towards Naberius who panicked as Shirone came to the door, peering through the crack to see what was going on.

"Ever think of touching her, and I'll end you Naberius."

Naberius felt cold from her threat.

He could feel the waves of power coming from her.

She could end him if she so desired.

"Y-You end me, your life is over...so is that stray cats! You need me! You have nothing! I am of noble blood, you're nothing here! The Devils will turn on you, and kill you! Think Kuroka. Anything happens to me, they'll not believe a word you say. Here, you're nothing. No one is going to care if you die here. But, I will take care of you, if you keep doing as I want. Even if the Maou's take you in...then what? What will happen to you? Will you be taken care of? Will they care about strays such as yourself? You think that Fallen Angel boy is going to take care of you?"

Kuroka could feel her blood boiling.

She hated him right now.

She wanted to end his entire existence.

But she didn't want to be away from Shirone either.

She didn't believe she had many options left.

She...honestly wasn't sure about the Maou's, she didn't know them, and so far...from what she had seen from others, the majority were people she couldn't trust. Even thinking about Haruki...she wondered if she could trust him, she had to live a life where she didn't have many people to rely on, so finding someone genuine...someone she believed was genuine...was difficult for her.

"...Leave Shirone alone, and I'll do anything."

Naberius smirked while Shirone looked on worried for her elder sister.

"Get that boy off my case, Kuroka."

Kuroka scowled.

"How am I supposed to do that?"

"Be creative. Just make sure he's gone from my life, understood?"

Kuroka begrudgingly nodded.

Shirone, hearing what was going on, retreated.

She felt helpless to help her sister….

But maybe there was someone that could help her.

She looked towards her tail, the person that fixed it for her.

She...wanted to meet that person again.

She hoped that maybe, just maybe…

Haruki could help her.


End chapter!

So the investigations underway! With Serafall using her Maou connections, Ravel doing her part, and even Vali getting involved in helping out, and Haruki also doing his thing to gain information about Naberius, it will only be a matter of time before he's stopped. Serafall even is using this opportunity to see how Haruki handles this kind of situation and to also see his potential for her peerage. Then Naberius tried to have Haruki erased, and sent out a strong regenerating Devil, for the most part, and sent it towards Rias, Sona and Akeno, though Haruki combined with his Absolute Demise to overpower, and kill it out of existence, to the shock of Naberius who didn't believe Haruki could beat it.

At the end, it seems Shirone is going to be reaching out for Haruki's help, feeling as if she could trust him after what he had done for her, and how kind he had been to her, while Naberius wants Kuroka to get rid of Haruki, by any means necessary, so we'll see what happens with that next time!

Now for the peerage!

Thanks for those who voted. Meredith is in, as is Le Fay. With that, he's got a magical Knight with a holy Longinus, and Le Fay who's a rather skilled magician with all sorts of tricks up her sleeve. Elmenhilde has also joined and can support with her Vampire abilities and such, I've got some combinations with Elmenhilde and some others in the peerage.

After thinking about the best piece for Kuroka, I decided that Pawn would be best. Due to Haruki being a lot stronger than Naberius, he'd have the ability to make Kuroka his servant with less pieces than Naberius did, either three or four pieces, I'll decide by next chapter about that.

There's still the Rook, and two or three, depending on how many Kuroka takes, Pawns left to decide! So suggestions are always welcome, I've got some ideas for the last peerage members.

Haruki's peerage

Queen; Vali.

Rooks; Koneko, Undecided.

Bishops; Ravel, Le Fay.

Knights; Xenovia, Meredith.

Pawns; Elmenhilde (two pieces), Kuroka (three/four pieces), Last two/three Undecided.

Haruki; Serafall, Sona, Ravel, Koneko, Kuroka, Gabriel, Akeno, Vali (fem), Isane, Xenovia, Rias, Irina, Asia, Rossweisse, Le Fay, Meredith, Elmenhilde,

Well, until next time, thanks for reading!