6 – Beyond the Past, Familiars

DISCLAIMER

The following is a fan-based story of Fiction

Highschool DxD, New, BorN, Hero and other products related to the DxD series are all owned by Ichiei Ishibumi, Miyama-Zero, Fujimi Shobo and TNK

Please support the official release

NOTE! This Story is recommended for those over the age of 18+ as this story involves actions such as violence, blood, nudity, etc.

NOTE! Any Original Characters (OC's) added into the story were all created by me and are owned by me

Enjoy!


"Not gonna lie, Rias did well with this house."

After the attack on the Abandoned Church, Asia wished to have become a Devil under Rias. She stated it was so she could be closer to Issei, but Rias double checked to make sure it was truly what she wanted. Now, Asia is a Bishop under Rias. Rias also had to explain things to Raynare and how she was technically a rouge now, but she would be protected under Rias and Takeda both. She wasn't too bothered by this thankfully.

Things between Raynare and Takeda were pretty normal. For them, it wasn't about some kind of relationship, but a bond that seemed to have grown between the two. At the current point in time, Takeda almost felt like he had already known Raynare in some way, yet he couldn't figure out why.

Rias was able to get her father to renovate Takeda a new home, with plenty of rooms, bathrooms, and even his own training grounds underneath the house. Of course, he did ask for the training grounds personally, but he was happy to have it.

Currently, Takeda was in the training grounds, dressed in a pair of shorts, a black tank top, along with bandages wrapped around his fists and feet. He and Erebus decided he would continue training, not only in close quarters combat in the real world, but also in magic with Erebus within his mindscape. Apparently, Erebus also wanted him to learn more about weaponry and how to use them, so such training would be done as well.

He performed a simple punch combo, ending it with a kick to the side of the hung up punching bag. He gave a huff, as he picked up his towel, wiping away the sweat. Just as he thought he was alone, he heard a soft meow. His eyes widened, as she turned to the entrance of the training grounds. Stood at the doorway was Kuro. Takeda could easily tell it was her, from her distinctive golden hazel eyes.

The cat walked closer, but something was off. In his first training session with Erebus, he had learned how to sense those of the supernatural world. And now, he could see the faintest of aura's around the cat.

He still bent down and rubbed his hand through her soft fur, earning soft purs in response.

"So, wanna tell me why you hid your true self from me?" He asked quietly. The cat tilted it's head, but Takeda kept his gaze hardened. Soon enough, the cat gave off a faint glow, forcing Takeda to shield his eyes. When the glow was gone, replaced with what Takeda could only describe as one of the most attractive woman he'd ever seen. She is a beautiful young woman with a voluptuous figure, long black hair with split bangs, and hazel-gold eyes with cat-like pupils. Her attire consists of a black kimono, a yellow obi, a set of golden beads, and an ornately detailed headband. The kimono features a red interior and it is open at her shoulders, giving view to her large breasts. Though what Takeda was interested in the most were the cat ears atop her head, and the two cat tails swinging behind her.

"I suppose hiding away isn't worth it anymore, nya~?" She asked, as Takeda got to a vertical position. "Well, the name you gave me was pretty close."

"The name I gave you?"

"Kuro, it was really close, nya~" She spoke, placing a hand on Takeda's cheek. "My name is Kuroka, a nekoshou, it's a pleasure to officially meet you, Keda-kun~"

The two moved back up to the living room. Kuroka made herself comfortable, as Takeda got them both a cup of water. He sat on the same couch, though a bit ways away as he handed her the cup.

"So, seeing as you're obviously no normal cat, what made you stay around me?" Takeda asked, as Kuroka took a sip of her cup. "You obviously only needed time to heal, but you could have left after that. So what kept you around?"

"Because I was asked to." Kuroka stated, confusing Takeda. "Your biological mother, she asked me to find you and to watch over you in her place. She knew that if she tried to herself, others would come after you. Since I owed her my life, I decided I'd help her any way I could. If took some time to find you, but I'm glad I did."

"So, if you know where my actual mother is, where is she?"

"To be honest, I don't know. She thought it best her location not to be known even by those close to her. Those who would go after you would go after her as well. To be completely honest, she didn't specify who it was that would be chasing her and yourself." Takeda didn't know how to feel about it.

"Another thing..."

"What is it, nya~?"

"When I first found, you had been injured. Why was that?" Takeda asked.

"Well in order to explain that, I'll have to tell you a bit of my history." Kuroka said, setting down her cup. "In terms of losing parents, I know how it feels. Truly I do. My father had left even before I was born, and my mother died when giving birth to my little sister. For a few years, my sister and I had to move around a lot after that, and as the older sibling, it was my job to protect her. Eventually, we were found by a Devil. He gave me a deal, that he'd give myself and my little sister shelter, as long as I joined his peerage. Seeing as my little sister would have protection, I instantly took it, and yet it turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life."

Kuroka took a pause, taking in a heavy breathe of air.

"As soon as I was made into a bishop apart of his household, he began experiments on my body. From what I remember, he was trying to learn of the youkai's high affinity with senjutsu and touki. It continued for a few years at best, until I learned he planned to do the same experiments to my little sister. I was okay with it happening to me, as long as it meant my little sister would be safe, but the moment I heard what he planned, I snapped. I killed him yes, but the story they came up with in the Underworld were nothing but lies."

"What do you mean?"

"They made up the story that I got drunk on power from senjutsu. When in truth, for us born as youkai, it's impossible for us to lose control on senjutsu's power. True, it can happen to those not born with the blood of a youkai, but for us born as one, it's impossible. I was forced to flee, as I was claimed a stray. That's what's wrong with the Devils evil piece system. It always works in favor of the King of the Household. It's like they don't care for those under their service at all. I couldn't stay and take my sister with me, even when they planned on executing her out of fear born from a lie. While on the run, I stumbled into Fallen Angel territory. I was sure I was going to die, but it was your mother who found me and stopped the other Fallen from attacking me. She took me under her care until I was fully healed."

Kuroka finally looked Takeda in the eyes.

"When I got to Kuoh, I had been attacked. Luckily, I was able to take them down and flee the scene, and then I ran into you. The rest is as you know it. You probably even know my little sister, considering you're in the same household as her." Takeda thought about it, and remembered Koneko. Being Japanese, he knew that her name itself meant kitten, so putting two and two together, it didn't take him long to understand who Kuroka was referring to. "Her name is Shirone, but I suppose she didn't want to have something that would remind her of me."

Takeda took in every word she spoke, and felt himself a bit angered at the Devil race. From her words, to which Takeda could tell she spoke nothing but the truth. Being lied to so many times before, Takeda practically taught himself to notice the signs of one lying, and Kuroka showed none of them. They hadn't bothered looking into the situation at all, simply put her off as another Stray without looking into it. What if this was the case for lots of other Devil Households? Where people were abused or used for the Kings gain and no one would look at it weirdly since they were a Devil.

"Tell me, Kuroka..." The nekoshou looked him in the eyes, seeing he held a serious gaze in his eyes. "Would there be any way for your innocence to be proven?" Kuroka's eyes widened at his question. She placed a finger to her cheek, a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Well...if you were allowed to search my old masters territory and his main house, perhaps you could find something that would prove something to the Devil Kings. Though, how you'd get permission, I'm not quite sure." Kuroka stated. "Even then, why would you help me? You have no reason to, so why bother and waste your time?" Kuroka asked. Takeda gave a small smile, as he looked at her in the eyes.

"Well, you may not think it, but when you were still a basic cat to me, you did help me feel some joy in my heart, so you did help me in some way." Takeda clenched his left fist. "Besides, even if there isn't a reason to help, who says I shouldn't? I've just heard about how you were wronged, and you expect me not to want to help you?" Takeda asked, which truly did shock Kuroka. Though her expression turned from shock...to joy.


"Alright class, settle down. Now then, we'll be having two new transfer students joining us today. So please, do well to show them some respect. Alright, you can come in now." The Sensei spoke, before the door opened. The male students felled their hearts rising when they saw the two young woman that walked through the door. "Go ahead and introduce yourselves."

"Hello everyone, my name is Asia Argento, it's a pleasure to meet you all."

"Woah! Pretty blonde at 12 o'clock!"

"Such an innocent look!"

"Moving to this town was quite difficult, but I'm currently staying with Issei-san."

[Bastard!]

All heads turned to Issei, who simply hid himself away.

"My name is Yuuma Amano, it's nice to meet you all. As long as you guys keep your distance away from me, I'm sure we'll get along just fine."

"Yuuma-san, are you single?" One of the males asked.

"Yes, but I'm not looking for a relationship right now." Since Raynare did hold a bit more of a mature appearance compared to Takeda and other 2nd year students, she had to take the appearance of 'Yuuma Amano' as a means to attend class.

The situation for Ingvild Leviathan had been fixed, at least for the mean time. She had been sent back to the Underworld after Asia used her Sacred Gear to heal her of her illness. At the current time, she was put under the protection of one of the other Maou's, the one known as Serafall Leviathan. As for Raynare, she would become a member of the Occult Research Club.

School came to an end rather quickly, as everyone gathered in the ORC clubroom.

"I truly do hope the past occurances with other Fallen Angels will make things akward between us while I'm here. I'll be in your care from now on." Raynare stated, bowing in front of everyone. For a long time, Rias held Fallen Angels in the view as enemies. That's what was taught in the school within the Underworld. But now, she was around three Fallen Angels. Sure, two were only half-breeds of the race, but still half-breeds, no matter what.

Rias was able to get to know Raynare better during lunch, and to be honest, she found herself enjoying time around the Fallen.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, Raynare." Rias stated with a smile, which Raynare returned, taking a seat next to Issei.


A week and a half passed since Raynare and Asia joined the Occult Research Club. Ever since, Takeda had finally done some contracts. They weren't too difficult. Most had been women asking for assistance in housework. Either cleaning or cooking for them if they had a busy day at work. As stated, they weren't difficult, and Takeda had no trouble getting the contracts.

When it came to Takeda, he had continued his training. Every night he'd enter his own mindscape and train with Erebus, along with physical training down in the training grounds under his house. Takeda couldn't help but remember what Erebus told him the previous night.

[The power of mine you currently wield is just a small fraction of what you can truly do, brat. Have you never wondered why the wielder of my Sacred Gear is called the Bringer of Night AND Day? You bring the power of the night currently, but in time, the Holy Dragon will come and bring the Day...]

Currently, he was sat in the ORC Clubroom with the others, as Issei and Asia were preparing to head out, so Asia could get some more fliers handed out. Even if it had only been a week and a half, Asia was already doing quite well when it came to contracts, seeing as she's obtained two so far.

"Buchou, we'll be heading out now." Issei said, but Rias stood from her seat.

"Hold on you two, I'm glad to say that for all three of you, your flier days are over." She said, gaining Takeda's attention.

"What do you mean?" The raven haired asked.

"I think it's about time you three finally get your own familiars. Of course, it's only been a week and a half since Asia became a Devil, but she's proven herself capable already. With familiars, they'll be able to hand out fliers for you. Not only that, but some familiars can help in combat." Rias explained, as a small cartoonish bat appeared next to her. "I'm sure you two have met before, Ise."

"Really?" A poof of smoke appeared, revealing the bat to have changed into a woman with brown hair and eyes, her hair styled in the shape of bat wings. "Woah, flier girl is your familiar?"

"Here's mine." Akeno spoke up, as a small green oni appeared at her side.

"This is Shiro..." Koneko spoke up, as she held a small white cat in her palm. Takeda couldn't help but look at it in a different way. Considering the things he knows between Koneko and Kuroka, and now seeing everything about her. The hair clip, and now her familiar itself, along with even her name.

"Here's mine." They watched as a white feathered eagle appeared on Kiba's shoulder. Suddenly, a knock was heard on the other side of the door into the clubroom. All heads turned, as some in the group could sense who was behind the door, as Akeno called out.

"Come in."

The doors opened, as in walked in another group. At the head was a young woman, her black hair styled in a bobcut. Her eyes are purple in color, as she wears a pair of pink trimmed glasses.

"Ah, Sona. What a surprise, what can I do for you?" Rias asked.

"Ise-san, who are they?" Asia asked in confusion.

"The one in the middle's Souna Shitori. President of the Student Council, but what are they doing here?"

"I just thought that since we both have aquired new piece's, they'd need to introduce themselves to one another." Sona said, shocking the Pawn and Bishop.

"Wait, how do they know about that?" Issei asked, making the one male in Sona's group sigh.

"They're Devils..." Takeda simply muttered with a shake of his head. Since training on sensing aura's, it wasn't too difficult for him to see the demonic energy around each of them.

"Ooh, Rias. If you didn't tell him about us, he must not mean too much to you. Such a pity."

"It's considered bad to mingle with the affairs of other families. Refrain yourself from speaking on matters you don't know the full details of." Sona said to the male, making him stiffen with a nod.

"Wait, aren't you the guy who just joined the Student Council. From class 2C right?" Issei asked.

"Saji Genshirou, my Pawn." Sona introduced the male, as Rias gestured to Issei, Asia and Takeda.

"My Pawn, Issei Hyoudou. My Bishop, Asia Argento, and the special piece, Takeda Nakamura." Sona heard of Rias using the special cased piece on a new member, and now seeing who it was for and hearing of what he did at the abandoned church, she could see why he would need such a piece.

"Woah, so you're a Pawn too!? I guess that makes us the same." Issei said with a big grin, but Saji only scoffed.

"It puts damage on my pride to be in the same league as one of the Perverted Trio." Saji stated with a smirk.

"What'd you say!?" Issei grew an angry glare.

"You wanna go? I took up 4 Pawn Piece's if you were wondering." Saji said, holding a victorious smirk.

"Perv Boy took all 8 Pawn Pieces. Best to get your facts straight before making a fool of yourself." Takeda stated, making Saji turn to him.

"Wha- No way some loser like him took up all 8 piece's. And what about you, mute? What is this special piece thing anyway?"

"Bragging will get you no where. The special piece is referred to as the Boosting Piece, granting 5 times the persons original strength and speed, and could be considered on the level of a Knight or Rook piece, possibly even a Mutation of each piece if I'm not mistaken. Not to mention that Takeda here defeated a 6 winged Fallen Angel on his own." Sona stated, making Saji's eyes widen.

"It's nice to meet you." Asia walked forward with a gentle smile and her hand out. Saji grew a huge smile and instantly took her hand in his own.

"Did you fall from Heaven, cause you look like an absolute Angel." Saji said with the dumbest grin on his face. Issei seemed to grow jealous, as he stomped over and took Saji's hand away from Asia, gripping it tightly.

"It's real nice to meet you, Saji. And I swear if you touch Asia again, I'll snap ya in two like a toothpick!" Issei said with a smile.

"Keeping the sweet Angel Asia Argento to yourself, such a brute." Saji countered with his own smile. Takeda sighed at the sight, walking closer and chopping Issei on the back of his head.

"Would you stop. You're embarrassing not only yourself, but the rest of the group." He spoke, as Issei rubbed his head.

"W-Why you gotta hit so hard?" Issei asked, only to get a blank stare from Takeda. The raven haired simply turned to Saji with a hand out.

"Nakamura Takeda."

"Y-Yeah, nice to meet you." Saji felt himself stutter. It was something about the look in Takeda's eyes that unnerved him. He began to feel a bit of pain in his hand.

"I hold a strong dislike for arrogance. Reminds me too much of her, drop it will ya?" Akeno knew who he was talking about. The very Fallen Angel that brought him so much pain.

"O-Of course, no arrogance here, hehehehe!" Saji finally felt him let go of his hand, as Takeda moved back over to the couch, sitting next to Raynare, who made sure to keep quiet during this all. Rias did tell her that she already talked with Sona about her staying in Kuoh, so she wouldn't have anything to worry about if they were to meet.

"Rias, I couldn't help but notice you have your familiars out. Is that your plan? To get them familiars?" Sona asked.

"Yes, I was planning on doing so in a few days during the full moon." Rias stated.

"Well that's too bad. I was planning on getting Saji his familiar."

"Hmm..." Rias placed a hand to her chin. "...I suppose we could settle this with some friendly competition."

"Oh? I trust you aren't talking about a Rating Game." Sona asked, but Rias waved her hand.

"Of course not. Besides, we'd never get permission to hold such an event." Rias stated, as Sona grew a smirk.

"No, we would not. You wouldn't want attention on you in your current situation either ways." Rias closed her eyes, yet her face had hardened a bit.

"Don't go there." She spoke in a low, yet threatening voice which made Sona's eyes widen. Takeda and Issei both looked at Rias in concern, but her face morphed back into it's usual joyful expression. "I know. We could settle this with some good old highschool sports." Rias suggested.

The original plan was for a two vs. two game of tennis, but that...didn't go so well. They had agreed to no magic, but that went straight out the door. By the end, no one could be called a winner, as all the rackets had been destroyed.

Eventually, both parties came to terms that a game of dodgeball would be played instead. Thus, night came and the Occult Research Club were already at the gym, getting some practice and stretching in.

Akeno was helping Asia stretch, as Koneko did the same for Issei, as Rias, Kiba and Takeda were throwing the ball back and forth.

"So, ah, how we doing this?" Issei asked.

"Simple. Pick up the ball, and throw it right in their faces!" Rias exclaimed, throwing the ball towards Takeda, who was able to catch it. When it came to Takeda, everyone could tell his reflexes were very high and well trained.

"Sounds simple enough." Takeda said, throwing the ball towards Kiba. Soon enough, the three standing heard Issei scream in pain. Takeda looked over and saw Koneko pushing Issei down much farther than he could.

He looked towards Kiba, as both simply shrugged, already sure it was because of his usual antics.

"I hope you all are ready." All heads turned to see the Student Council walking in.

Eventually, the only ones left were Takeda and Rias for their team, while Sona and Saji were left for theirs. Takeda could swear he still felt the mental pain of seeing Issei being hit right in his jewels. Neither member of the ORC had a ball, but their opponents sure as hell did. The entire game, Takeda had not been using his magic. Seeing the enemy team doing so the whole game however, he wasn't going to hold back now.

"Saji, aim for Takeda, I'll take Rias."

"Got it! Here comes the pain!" Saji threw the ball at Takeda, as Sona did the same towards Rias. Sona's was infused with magic. Takeda watched both come near, before his Sacred Gear manifested.

[Shadow!]

The void substance fell off his arms, as he slammed both of his hands against the gym floor. A pair of shadow hands came out from the ground, and grabbed both balls. Takeda slowly lifted his head to see the shocked looks on both Saji and Sona's faces.

For the first time, anyone looking at Takeda saw a small smirk appear on his face.

"Game...over." The pair of shadow hands threw the balls each. Yes, they did dodge, which made them think the game was back in their ball park, but when they looked back at Takeda, he was still smirking.

They turned and saw the balls still floating, along with many shadow made clones of the dodgeballs. Before they could move, the onslaught of dodgeballs came forward, almost all hitting both Saji and Sona.

"Game!" The one non player from Sona's peerage called, as to make the game fair in numbers. The other ORC members walked forward, Kiba the first to place his hand on Takeda's shoulder.

"Nice work out there, man." Takeda gave him an appreciative nod.

"Such power, Takeda-kun. Where'd you learn it?" Akeno asked, standing behind Takeda.

"Well, I've been training with my Sacred Gear every night."

"You don't get tired...?" Koneko asked, making Takeda hold back a small laugh.

"It's not like that. I train with the Dragon herself in my mindscape while I sleep. It's the quickest way to get better with the Sacred Gear. To be honest, the abilities I have now are only the tip of the iceberg, at least that's what Erebus says." Takeda explained.

"Why are you pushing it this hard though?' Rias asked. Takeda turned to her, seeing the concerned look on her face. Takeda could only scratch the back of his head, as he already knew the answer to that question.

"Well, I need to train in order to get better with the Sacred Gear in general. Besides, the damage I recieve isn't too bad. And...if I want to protect those around me, then I need to be stronger. There's nothing more to it than that."

Akeno, who was still standing behind Takeda, grew a small smile at his proclamation. The fact he could push on having still only lost his parents just two weeks ago, it made herself feel proud of him.

Rias also gave him a warm smile.

"Continue to grow, Keda. I expect great things from you." She said, as Takeda could feel himself growing a small blush.

"Y-Yeah..."

"Ufufufu, isn't this a sight you don't usually see. The stoic Takeda sporting a blush and stuttering~" Akeno couldn't help but tease, as Takeda turned her way with a deadpan expression.

"Alright everyone, let's go get some familiars."

The group found themselves in a red skied forest, the tree's holding no leaves at all. The air around them itself felt ominous.

"Interesting look..." Takeda muttered to himself. He found himself wandering away from the rest of the group, with Rias' permission of course. In the familiar forest, there was a boundary you shouldn't pass. Outside of the barrier lives more of the harmful and dangerous creatures within the forest.

Even if he wasn't supposed to go past the boundary, he wanted a nice companion he could have at his side. Someone who could have his back in a fight.

He sent his hands into the ground, eyes closed. He was using his newest ability, Shadow Sense. Within a certain radius, Takeda could sense the energy of other beings as long as that area had a shadow around it. And seeing the amount of tree's there were, there were bound to be plenty of shadows.

And he was right. The amount of energies he felt nearly flooded his mind, but he pin pointed one that was stronger than the rest. He kept that energy remembered and away from the rest, and followed where he felt it. Luckily for him, the energy was right at the edge of the boundary.

Soon, he found himself right where he sensed the energy, but he saw nothing. He looked around, before hearing hissing coming from his right. His eyes widened at the sight of the creature. It was at least 30 feet long in length. A mouth full of teeth, two of the front ones being longer than the rest, a long slithering forked tongue sliding out slowly. Its eyes were slit and held a dangerous look within them, as the beast also held a symbol on its forehead.

[I'd try not to get hit by this creature at all, brat.]

"You know this snake?"

[Only met him once. Ophion, he's known for his poison. His scales are poison, his fangs hold poison in them, even his blood itself is poison. There's a reason they call him the Doku no ikari.] (Doku no ikari=Poison Wrath)

Takeda took in the information, as he saw that a single fang alone was twice the size of his head, it's own head 5 times the size of his. The green colored poison was oozing from the fangs themselves, ready to bring him enormous amounts of pain.

Without warning, the snake jumped at him, it's rows of teeth ready to sink into his skin. He allowed his wings to sprout, as he took to the air.

The beast lunged upward, holding the ability to launch at incredible heights. The snake was 30 feet long.

'Erebus, would we be able to create something to shield against the poison?' Takeda asked of the Dragon Goddess.

[The best you can do is cover your form with the shadows. Depending on how much power you put into them will determine how strong they are against the poison.]

'Then we'll go with that...'

"Shadow Creation..." He muttered, as the shadows in the area came to him, building up around his entire body. His eyes seemed to glow under the darkness surrounding him.

As the Snake spit out poison towards him, he saw the shadows behind the beast. He concentrated at the spot, before feeling himself being pulled towards the spot, finding himself behind the beast.

With as much power as he could, he summoned the hellfire, blasting it towards the beast. Though it didn't fully hit, it still made contact with a piece of the snakes scales. The creature let out a yelp of pain as it fell to the floor, unable to keep balance.

Takeda allowed the shadow armor to fall off of his body, as he came to the ground. His devil and fallen wings retracted into his back as his feet touched the floor.

The creature tried to slither away, but the flames seemed to also hinder it's movement. It truly showed how dangerous the hellfire of Erebus could be.

Takeda walked up to the snake, as its head turned towards him.

"Those flames...is that you, old friend?" The snake asked. Takeda's right eye changed to his Sacred Gear, as Erebus' voice spoke out.

[Who else would wield such powerful flames, snake?]

The snake let out what could be considered a chuckle, as its scales began to glow. Before Takeda's eyes, its scales began to shed, revealing a new clean layer untouched by Erebus hellfire.

The snake raised itself back up, its head coiling around Takeda as it seemed to sniff him.

"You smell of a Devil, boy. That would mean you are here for a familiar, I assume?"

"That's correct. Out of the safe area creatures in this forest, yours stood out as the strongest." Takeda answered, as the snakes head raised back up.

"Trust me, I'm definitely not the strongest beast in this forest. As you said, I'm only the strongest within the safe area, and that's because I'm no where near agressive as the other beasts in this forest."

"If that's the case, then why did you attack me?" Takeda asked with a raised eyebrow.

"To test you. I wanted to know what you were capable of, not that I thought I would meet an old friend again." The snake stared Takeda dead in the eyes. "Tell me boy, what is your name?"

"Takeda. Nakamura Takeda."

"Then, Nakamura Takeda. I'd say your search for a familiar can come to an end, for I, Ophion, shall become your familiar."

Takeda walked in silence with Ophion on his shoulder, now shrunk down in a miniature form, and before long, Takeda heard the screams of the others. He was concerned, and also wondering what caused them to scream like that.

He came upon the scene that made him blush quite a bit. There were the girls of the group, with green slime covering them and tearing away at their clothing. Kiba had gotten some of it stuck on his eyes as well, as he swung widely, as well as the Familiar Master Zatoji, though he did have a nosebleed.

Issei was looking at the scene with a lewd expression, arguing with Rias about the slime becoming his familiar. Takeda sighed, as he skillfully sent hellfire at the slime, killing it off.

"Black flames..." Rias muttered, before taking notice of Takeda walking closer. As he got closer, he chopped Issei across the neck, forcing him to the ground.

"I swear...your perversions will be the death of you..." He muttered. "It may not be much, but it helps." Shadows danced around his arms, as they morphed into clothing. He handed them out, before he heard a cry.

He turned and saw the slime was still on Asia. He moved over, but Issei got to her first and hugged onto her.

"Move. Now, Issei." Rias ordered, but Issei refused. The others watched as he was shocked, as was the slime, which instantly killed it. The others saw a small blue sprite Dragon fly down and into Asia's arms.

"Well it would seem Asia found her familiar." Takeda stated, as he made her a top to cover herself with. Rias then took notice of the snake on Takeda's shoulder.

"Keda, where did you find it?" Rias asked.

"Well, it was near the edge of the boundary, as it was the strongest energy I could feel within the boundary. You told me not to go outside of it, so I didn't, but I still wanted something strong. He attacked, I defended, and this is what happened from that." Takeda explained.

Issei tried to get close.

"Something like this gave you a fight."

"Not exactly." Takeda said, making Issei confused.

"What do you mean- aaaah!" Issei ran and hid behind Rias when Ophion returned to his original size and look. He stared down at the young man, releasing a hissing chuckle.

"You have some interesting friends, Nakamura Takeda."

"That's what I fought." Takeda said, finding Issei's expression amusing.


Everyone was slowly leaving for the day, as another party was held for Takeda and Asia finding their own familiars. Though, Takeda's pact making was different than a normal pact formation. One of Ophion's teeth would be placed in Takeda's wrist, creating a sigil of a snake on Takeda's wrist. In order to summon Ophion, he would simply need to place some of his magical energy into the sigil and the Poison Wrath would appear.

Apparently, Ophion's control in his own poison was so grand, that he could control it to harm or not harm others. Thus, he allowed Takeda to intake his poison to create the pact.

After sending Ophion back to the familiar forest, Takeda had decided to help Rias clean up the clubroom, since a bit of a mess was made from the party. The mess was already almost cleaned away, as Takeda let out a heavy breathe of air.

"Keda." Rias called out to him. He turned to her, seeing a proud smile on her face. "I'm glad you're opening up a bit more. Even if it's just a little bit, it's still something. I don't want you thinking you can't come to any of us with your problems. You're a member of this family, and no matter what, I'll do what I can to help you in your times of need."

Takeda smiled slightly at the words she spoke.

"Thank you. I truly do appreciate it." Rias nodded.

"You've been doing well as a Devil with contracts, and now you've gained a strong ally in Ophion, The Poison Wrath. I couldn't be more proud."

"Well...I'm glad to hear that." Takeda returned her smile with one of his own, yet not as big.

"You're free to go for the night. I can handle the rest." Rias stated.

"Are you sure? I can stay for longer if needed."

"No, no, it's alright. Go ahead and get some rest. You've earned it." Slowly, Takeda nodded, before heading for the door. "Have a good night, Takeda."

"Goodnight, President." With a final nod, Takeda left, leaving Rias in the room by herself. From another door, Akeno entered the room.

"He's growing, slowly but surely." Akeno stated, a small smile on her face. her eyes on the door Takeda had just walked out of. Rias nodded in agreement to her statement. With only being a devil now for three weeks, Takeda had adjusted pretty quickly, and showed incredible progress and potential. She could see him becoming a High-Class Devil rather quickly if he wanted to.

"You're not wrong on that. I'll be focusing on Issei's training myself, can I leave Takeda's training to you." Seeing Akeno's confused look, Rias continued. "I know he already trains with the Elder Dragon, but there are things she might not be able to teach him. When you checked him, you said he held a an affinity for lightning correct?"

"That's right. A very high affinity. Though, at the same time, I could feel he would be able to use water and wind magic just as easily if he wanted." Akeno stated.

"I see. Either way, I can trust that range of training to you?" Rias asked again, recieving a nod from her Queen.

"I'd be more than happy to. Just leave him to me. Ufufufu~"


Stay safe...

Stay Healthy...

Have a good one!