Chapter 2: Vampires, Kittens, Devils, Babies, and Sephiroth Graal

(Northern Mongolia, Dusk)

Me, My Peerage and Seekvaira Agares were in Northern Mongolia, hunting Kuroka, or rather waiting for her. I'd sent feelers out, saying a summit was happening to determine whether Koneko should be abducted and experimented on, but that a Devil Group was pushing hard for Kuroka to be pardoned and was seeking to kill the elders who were going to the summit.

''Nya? Didn't expect Araxian Bael and Seekvaira Agares to be here, you the hunters or hunting the hunters? Or just on a date?'' Came a sultry and teasing voice.

''As fun and desirable as a date with Seekvaira is, I'm here for you Lady Kuroka. I apologize for the rumors about your sister but I had to draw you out. I have an offer for you, but only face to face.'' I say, enjoying the blush on Sekvaira's Cheeks and the Glare that Le Fay sends her.

Kuroka appears on a nearby Rock, and I can't resist a look at her rather large bust, I quickly resume my lack of staring though.

''What sort of offer?'' Asks Kuroka.

''How would you like to see Shirone again? You should know I gave her the documents that proves your trial was not as fair as it should have been and can bring it back to trial with you winning. All I ask in return for the Documents that prove you killed in defense of your family, is two things: Your aid in rescuing Valerie Tepes, something that will earn a great deal of goodwill from Shirone's master since Miss Valerie is a childhood friend of Rias Gremory's Sealed Bishop, and that you join my Peerage as my Pawn.'' I say.

''That's a tempting offer, but you are aware I'm a Bishop correct?'' Asks Kuroka.

''Yes, but I just need to call in a favor with Ajuka Beelzebub and he'll easily switch the Pieces of of Bishop and Pawn. Do I have your agreement?'' I ask tossing her a Pawn Piece.

''If there's even a Chance to see Shirone again, then yes.'' She says.

''Good, makes our job a whole lot easier, Fargras here we come.

(Outside Fargras Fortress, Romania)

The group and I were outside Fargras Fortress.

''Alright, since Seekvaira didn't rendezvous as planned we've no recon intel on hand, Georg, Use Dimension Lost to create a Replica of Castle and Remove everybody except for Valerie, those awake near her, and Marius Tepes.'' I say.

''Got it.'' Says Georg.

''We'll split into two Separate teams, Kuroka will take Le Fay and Georg to rescue Valerie, while Arthur, Lavinia, and Seekvaira go after Marius. Myself and Regulus will secure our exit here. Remember Kuroka hasn't officially been cleared or joined us so she's the only one permitted to use Demonic Power. I do not want Clan Powers used either, especially more than basic Demonic Power.'' I say, turning to Kuroka.

I walk towards her and hand her a Ring.

''This Ring is a last resort, if you encounter Super Devil trouble use it and Regulus and I will come for your group. I had Gasper write a letter so Hold it in front of Her to prove our words true.'' I say, leaning into whisper. ''Get by without my help, and I will declare Nekoshou and Nekomata a Protected and endagered species, who knows I may involve Kyoto for good measure. Maybe then I can prove worthy of helping you revive the Nekoshou, eh nya?'' I say in a whisper.

(Post-mission)

(Bael Castle Dungeons)

Marius was in chains, he was being worked over by Great King Faction men, they were quite inventive in the torture, The blindfolded him, then began bloodletting before him. All the while a small few rays of sun were beamed around the room. Myself, Sirzechs, Ajuka, and Zekram left the Dungeons and went to my personal Study.

''You ready?'' I say to Kuroka.

''Yes.'' Says Kuroka.

''You acknowledge the deal Sirzechs?'' I ask.

''I do, you have your Privacy, but I am impressed by your efficiency, How would you like to make this a regular arrangement?'' Asks Sirzechs.

''I had the same thought, but I want the deal extended to that. I already have people in mind for the job.'' I say.

''Agreed, Ajuka begin.'' Says Sirzechs as Ajuka begins first the ritual to Trade Kuroka's pieces for a Pawn Piece over the original Bishop, then transfers her to me.

''Considering the circumstances, I believe that I shall entrust this now superfluous Piece to you, you are the Anomaly of the Board, and have Three Bishops.'' Says Ajuka.

''I've a better Idea, why not turn it into a Booster Piece, I know for a fact that you created a King Piece of a Similar Nature. But instead of the broadened in Power Amplification, why not turn it into a Literal Anomaly Piece? For intents and Purposes say it's a Queen Piece, but the Power Boost is instead singled out for a Certain trait. For Rooks a power Boost Ratio of a Times Ten to Times twenty increase, for Knights a Times Ten to Times Twenty Five Ratio, and Bishops a Times Ten to Times Thirty Five Ratio. The Evil Piece determines the boost based upon a) How strong the Reincarnated is. b) What their strongest field is or attribute?. And so on and so on.'' I suggest.

''That could work.'' Says Ajuka thoughtfully.

''What's more the Piece ought to resemble the Piece the Boost applies to best, but to differentiate it make it ebony black.'' I add.

''Give me some time to make the adjustments.'' Says Ajuka. ''I'll also be looking into the merits of the Piece later.'' Says Ajuka.

''If I might make suggestion? Make additional pieces, and give them to Diehauser Belial, Rudiger Rosenkrutz, Seekvaira Agares, Ruval Phenex, and Roygun Belphegor.'' I say, and Ajuka nods before departing.

''Well then I guess I best go see Valerie.'' I say.

(Valerie's Room)

I knocked and entered Valerie's Room, and found her eating a small meal. I sit next to her and pull out a photograph. ''Gasper wanted me to give you this.'' I say handing her the photo. ''Valerie, how'd you like to go to Gasper's school on a regular basis, join the Club he's part of, and become part of his extended family?'' I ask placing a Pair of Pawns on the bedside table, to test my theory. ''Those are my two Evil Pawn Pieces, both Mutation Pieces, if I recall Gasper is a Mutation Piece himself.'' I say.

''I'll bring you to Gasper day after tomorrow, I'd prefer he came here but that is not for me to decide. Let me tell you a Story Valerie, Once there was a boy, his life was hard yet something happy, he was bullied, yet given his sheer intimidating size that seemed unlikely. This boy was scarred because of the actions of others. He lived his life bleak until he died. Looking back it was shameful, he was so intelligent, humorous, and gentle, but the cruelty he endured from day one at school made him paranoid by nature and socially useless. He loved a woman so deeply, yet her sister was his primary tormentor. One day said sister tried to make peace, but the boy was too paranoid to acknowledge it, the grudge for her never left until he died, it was one of his great regrets. But God gave him a second chance, a new life at a universe of his choosing. he chose to begin again, not repeat the mistakes of the past.'' I say, a distant look in my eyes,

''It was you...Your the boy.'' Says Valerie.

''Yeah, hard to believe your just an Anime Character back home.'' I say.

''Is there something I can do to help?'' Asks Valerie.

''No, I'm never going back home, even if I could, I wouldn't, even if I got see my Darling Naya again. You know, Seekvaira Agares actually reminds me a lot of her. The blonde hair and general nature is the biggest reminder.'' I say.'' I say. ''You know, a couple months from now, we'll be meeting with the church, we could probably get you a piece of the original Holy Grail to help heal your spirit.'' I say. There's a knock on the door and I see mother. ''Valerie , allow me to introduce you to my mother, Misla Bael.'' I say with a knowing wink.

''Greetings your highness, I myself am from the Vapula Clan, my brother I believe is a good friend of your father's.'' Says Misla before turning to me. ''Araxian, may we speak Privately?'' Mother asks me.

''Of course mother, Valerie I'll check in on you later.'' I say.

Once outside Valerie's room, I turn to mother.

''Araxian, your going to become a Big Brother.'' Says Misla.

''I see, if the child doesn't have the Power of Destruction, I'll be sending Father to the Dimensional Gap. He'd likely abandon you mother, and I will die before that happens.'' I say, kissing her checks.

''I've prepared your bags.'' Says Misla.

''Pardon?'' I ask confused.

''Lord Zekram decided to have you attend Kuoh Academy, your father expects little from it, but bowed to Zekram's wishes. Also, Lord Beelzebub sent you this Piece.'' Says mother, handing me my Booster Evil Piece.

''Thanks, mother, I guess I ought to go check on my Peerage.'' I say.

''You mean the Le Fay girl?'' Asks Misla. ''Don't think that I haven't noticed the looks between you two, or the look Lavinia gives you.'' Says Misla.

''Mother, its not been so much as one month since I recruited them, I doubt jealousy is Material at this point.'' I say fighting the blush on my face.

''Keep telling yourself that.'' Misla states.

The announcement had been made, Mother was pregnant with the Second Bael Child. My own standing within the Great King Faction had grown, I had multiple Longinus Users in my Peerage. Never mind that I'd Reincarnated a Longinus in and of itself! They wanted to make me an Ultimate-Class Devil then and ther, but I convinced them to let me complete at least Ten consecutive Rating Games successfully first and foremost. I made a point of asking face Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas first and foremost, with Diadora Astaroth following him, and Bedeze Abaddon after that. I did however request that I decide when the Game's took place.

I knew that contrary to Human's, whose pregnancies lasted nine months, Devil's who got pregnant would only need six or seven months to be ready to birth. I had a plan in mind to execute, I was still uncertain whether or not I should kill Issei, Extract Ddraig, or just Seal Issei. the problem I had was the Fallen Angel's knew how to Extract Sacred Gears, so I called upon Lord Zekram.

''I've located the Boosted Gear, but I find the fact that the User is a allegedly huge waste of existence and space. I've heard the Fallen Angels can extract Sacred Gears, I need that Device. I hope to Reincarnate the Boosted Gear as my servant.'' I say, handing Issei's unfinished dossier.

''Good grief.'' Says Zekram as he coughs up his drink.

''Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if boobs were how he reached Balance Breaker. If I am going to be attending Kuoh Academy, then I don't need this creature, just his Sacred Gear.'' I say.

''I'll reach out.'' Says Zekram.

''My thanks, all that's left is the decision at hand.'' I say.

''That being?'' Asks Zekram.

''I've a theory. Regulus would've required Seven Regular Pawn Pieces to Reincarnate, it was sheer luck that all my Pieces happened to be Mutation Pieces of unusually high strength. The standard multiplier of Mutation Pieces is double the Pawn Value of the Piece or Piece's used. Yet when I got mine Ajuka stated that My Pawns were varying to the degree of how high the multiplier is worth due to my unusually higher power. For an example I had Two Pawns worth Four each, Three Pawns worth Three each, and Three Pawns worth two each. Regulus took up two Pawns worth two, and another worth three. That equals Seven, no?'' I say.

''Yes, why?'' Asks Zekram.

''Because Regulus is the Seventh Strongest Longinus! I left Two Pawns beside Valerie, one worth four the other worth Two. that makes Six, If I was able to use an additional Three Pawn multiplier it would likely have proven the point. But consider this!? The True Longinus is the Strongest, then Zenith Tempest and the Annihilation Maker and Dimension Lost. Immediately after that is Boosted Gear. What if the Longinus require the Number of Mutation Pieces that correspond to their Numerical listing in the Thirteen Longinus!'' I say. ''But even with saying that, what if the number is also influenced based upon the Sacred Gear or Longinus used by the Reincarnated! Independent Avatar Gears have a lot of power, if Healing-Type Gears are considered weaker in terms of Power perhaps the number of Pieces also changes. Hence why the two were left next to Valerie.'' I say.

''Interesting theory, let me know the results.'' Says Zekram as he departs.

I sigh, knowing that I will have to wait until Raynare shows up in order to acquire Ddraig but that Rias will have to be given something that can't be done later. I'll have to come up with something...

(Personal Study of Araxian Bael)

I sat at my personal desk in my personal study, I was on my Laptop, scrolling through the Shortlist I'd compiled for potential recruitment. I had narrowed it down considerably. I always seemed to fall into a trend, Longinus users or same old characters. I heard a knock on my door and Lavinia entered immediately after.

''Has it happened?'' I ask. ''Yes, Valerie is now a member of the Bael Family. But there's another matter, I researched the Hyoudou boy, only thing is there is no such boy, it's a girl.'' Lavinia says, much to my surprise.

''That can't be ri...nevver mind.'' I say seeing the photo of a female Issei. ''I've a different assignment for you now Lavinia, I want you to find for me, the following people; Leonardo, Xenovia Quarta, Asia Argento, Heracles, Siegfried, Lint Selzan, Irina Shidou, Jeanne, Kuisha Abaddon, and everyone else on this list. You'll find their appearance and known details included. I want a full background, skill set, and psychological profile prepared. Same for this...Isane Hyoudou.'' I say, both disappointed and relieved.

''Yes, Araxian.'' Says Lavinia departing. She stops at the door however. ''Araxian? You find me beautiful yes?'' Lavinia asks, and it gives me pause.

''Yes, I do.'' I say honestly.

''So why the enchanting behavior towards Le Fay and not me?'' Asks Lavinia.

''Because I do not want a fling, but something serious. I don't deny your beautiful and would love quite frankly to bed you, but I'm not so shallow as to act like that towards a woman who deserves respect and dignity.'' I say, remembering some of my first life's less than finest moments. ''That's not to say that I am attempting to make You jealous, but hhe heart wants what the heart wants as humans say.'' I say Walking up to Lavinia and planting a light kiss on her soft lips. ''I like it slow and steady whenever possible Lavi.'' I say as I leave the study myself, since I have to take Valerie to see Gasper, and Kuroka to see Koneko.

Speaking of Kuroka, she'd been trying to jump my bones since we got back from Romania, but I told her Shirone first, me later. I'd be joining the recently coed Kuoh Academy as a Second Year. Most of the next school year won't be especially entertaining beyond the Kyoto Trip. Which I can hopefully use to my extreme advantage. Or maybe I could get into Sona's panties? Tsubaki's too while I'm at it. On that subject I'd enroll Lavinia as a Third Year, with Georg joining her, Valerie would be whatever year Gasper was. Regulus wouldn't be able to attend unfortunately, and my Peerage were under strict orders not to speak of their Longinus or the other Peerage Members Longinus, especially Regulus, Georg, and Valerie.

In the gap until the start of Canon, I knew I had to strengthen my position, and I had a couple ways to do so. Firstly there was the Rating Games, but I didn't plan for that to be a factor right now. Instead I would look to a creative and ingenious way. See of the 72 Pillars, only 32 were actually legally active, and of the 40 that were legally dead, maybe only 20 were actually extinct. Take Lilitifa Vepar, she was alive and a member of the 16th Pillar, but because of the Anti-Satan Faction and Old Satan Faction war, it left her house in economic ruin, The Bael Family sat at number 1, if I were to give Lilitifa Vepar the funding and backing to revive the Vepar Clan, as a Vassal House to the Bael Clan, it would strengthen the Bael Family, and help resurrect a legally extinct Pillar family. I hoped to employ this method with the Abaddon and Belphegor Clan's when the King Piece Reveal happens, sinxe as two Extra Demon Clan's it'd help them regain their status, and would give the Bael Family a source of greater strength, influence, and standing.

(Kuoh Academy, Kuoh Town)

It was time, the enrollment at Kuoh Academy, it was my first day. First thing I planned to do was sign up for the Boys Football Team, and launch my own Club, still had to determine the actual club name, directive, and so on...