Chapter 4: End of Season 1

(Bael Castle, Bael Territory, Underworld, Earth, DxD Universe)

I laid on my bed an idle expression on my face as I casually threw a Demonic Energy Ball against my ceiling. I'd refused Kuroka until I was able to speak to Ravel regarding her and my relationship. I told her it'd have to wait until well after the Ris-Riser crap. The ball bounced back into my hand and I continued to bounce it. Suffice to say she was giving me the cold shoulder, or claw in the shoulder as the case may be for Kuroka to me. I had had a long night, after Kuroka and me had the conversation, I returned to the Forge...and got assaulted. In short I was Firing up my Forge and somehow it blew up, then while staggered and groggy, I got run through with a Holy sword. Then to add insult to injury Got cut up facially. I'll never forget those eyes...Freed Selzan's eyes.

I'd gotten Burns, Cuts, stab wounds, if it wasn't for my Highly Honed Constitution and Extreme Physical Endurance I'd have died. Suffice to say, My father, indeed the Entire Great King Faction was beyond pissed off, even the usually calm Zekram was calling for a retaliation on either Freed or the Church. Freed was a high priority target before, but now? Oh he was Public Enemy Number One for Devils now. He had a Kill on sight order.

The Phenex Clan had offered me Phenex Tears, but Holy Sword's were notorious for leaving a lasting scar against Devils who survived their sharpened edges, and in any event, I had chosen to keep the Face scars as a reminder of my mistake. On another note, when word got out that Freed had been part of the group of Fallen Angels who did the Ferryman's Waltz with Rias Gremory's Peerage, father was quick to heap blame on Rias, and frankly Lord Zeoticus had to agree with the sentiment that in being unable to kill or capture Freed, Rias was indirectly responsible for my injuries.

I was mostly upset for my Forge more than my face, it wasn't exactly easy getting the Materials that I required for them, had to cut a deal with Yu-Long and Tiamat for the specialty Goods. I halted my bouncing when the door was opened. Standing there was Magdaran. Sweeet little Magdaran, he reminded me so much of my beloved little brother Benji, from my first life. ''Bwig Bwother?'' Asks Magdaran.

''I'm here Mags, come in.'' I say.

Magdaran approaches my bed and uses his Devils Wings to fly up onto my bed.

''Wrare rue alrit?'' Asks Magdaran.

''I'll live, but tell me about you Mags, how's your flower garden?'' I ask him.

Despite my attempt to change the subject, Magdaran frowns.

''Dwon't change vhe subjict.'' Says Magdaran, before burying himself in my chest, I wince in slightly pained discomfort, but pull him closer nonetheless. ''I wras so wrorried, I thought rue were dylying. I was wrorried I was next.'' Says Magdaran.

''Mags, even in death I'd still protect you, in fact, once my Forge has been rebuilt, the first true Sword that I create will be yours. It will be a powerful sword, one that Rivals Gram in its raw power, but it will not be so flashy and grandiose, no, no it shall be regal, and it will channel your own Power of Destruction and mine, so that should I pass, even in death, my strength is yours.'' I say ruffling his hair.

''Cwan I stay with you fora bit?'' Asks Magdaran.

''Of course little brother, but only until I fall asleep, don't forget your studies, and don't you dare neglect your garden, I'll never forgive you if you do.'' I tell him, as he smiles.

I awoke to find Magdaran Gone, smiling at the drawing he'd put on my bedside table, picture of me crudely standing over a headless exorcist. Smiling I folded it into my breast pocket, before Sliding out of bed, I headed towards the mirror. I looked at my form, bandages required cleaning and replacement. I pulled away my bandages, feeling my newest scars, before calling forth a fresh roll. I use Puppet Magic to replace the bandages, I tried to dress myself, but found myself struggling. I'd need help.

As if on cue the door was knocked upon and opened. Revealing Ravel with a tray of hot tea and cakes and biscuits. ''Your up, excellent. That's a relief, can I interest you in some Tea and biscuits?'' Asks Ravel.

''Only if you made it, my Phenex Wing said your Cookies, Cakes and Tea are a gift from the Heavens.'' I say. Ravel smiles at my compliment and blushes slightly, before sporting a confused look.

''Phenex Wing?'' Asks Ravel.

''Oh right, Phenex Wing is my Phenex Territory Branch for my Spy and Information network. I have people in all the active Pillar Territories and most of the inactive ones. They're usually named after the Clan, Territory, or the Region/City. They get better funding from me, but only if the intel proves legit. Tell me, what is it that all Pillar Clan's active possess but none seem to really notice? Servants. Not Peerage Servants, I'm talking about house staff; Maids, Butlers, Cooks, and everything in between. I pay them for the good hearing.'' I say.

''That's actually rather ingenious.'' Ravel notes.

''Yes, but..,do you mind helping me dress? Cursed Holy Sword leaves worse injuries than the scars.'' I ask.

Ravel flushes pink slightly, but nods. She helps me don my clothes, and hands me Gram.

''Ravel dear? Remind me to Create a Sheath or scabbard for this damn blade.'' I say, trusting Ravel's keen mind. I walk over to my desk and unlock the middle left draw. I pull out an intricate full face mask. The mask was Asgardian Steel, it was lined with cushioning fashioned from the Hide of the Dragon King Fafnir when he'd been killed the first time. The Masks markings were a mixture of ancient Runes, Runes of Babylonian, Shinto, Fairy, Yokai, Hindu, Norse, Devil, Angel, Fallen Angel, and Dragon Origins which invoked Cosmic Protection and much more.

''Nice mask.'' Says Ravel.

''Twas a gift, from an old friend for services well rendered.'' I say, not bothering to mention the God it previously belonged to.

''How long until the Rating Game?'' I ask Ravel, as I place the Mask onto my face.

''It's happening in an Hour.'' Says Ravel.

''Then, do me the honor of being my date to the Rating Game...I'd like to have a reason to attend, or rather someone who would compel me to attend.'' I say, looking at Ravel.

(Gremory-Phenex Rating Game VIP Box)

I walked using Gram as a cane, Ravel held my arm as we entered the VIP Box, Mother, Father, and Magdaran followed behind us.As we entered the Box My Peerage was guarding us, except for Regulus of course. Any who, my Peerage lead the way and guarded our way while they were doing it too. Lavinia and Georg stood besides Myself and Ravel Respectively, while Leonardo and Jeanne stood beside Magdaran, and Arthur and Le Fay stood beside my Mother and Father. Leading in front was Kuroka and Kuisha, while Valerie and Siegfried took up the rear. Actually, Le Fay was technically on her broomstick, but you get the general idea and the picture. Lord Zekram was already present, his own personal escorts being Diehauser Belial and Roygun Belphegor.

''Lord Bael, I'm glad you could make it, Lord Zekram worried that with the Incident happening to Young Prince Araxian, you'd not attend.'' Says Sirzechs.

Before my father can get to reply, I beat him to it with a snort.

''Please, As If I'd allow such a trivial thing to prevent my father or mother such an entertainment! The very notion is outrageous at best, and sickening at worst. And in any event, we owe it to our Bael Bloodline to size up those who took our Power of Destruction with them, let's us know if we should be concerned if not outright worried.'' I retort, and don't need to turn to know my father is doing a Joker Smile, but without the creeper and raper aspects.

I lead Ravel to our seats and motion my Peerage to take their positions.

''Are you not too injured Prince Araxian?'' Asks A concerned Grayfia Lucifuge.

''Not as much as I could've been, Outrage aside I'm more enraged that my forge was sabotaged so well that I didn't even realise! I paid a price for the materials, I'll need to pay more than I'd like to to get it back now. I just want the Kill Order changed to a Capture one, I want to take his head myself.'' I say, before Planting Gram into the Floor. ''Until then I'm just about ready to Debut in the Rating Games, speaking of which, I think you of all people will be shocked when you eventually learn of mine and my Peerages True power Lady Lucifuge. Oh, Sirzechs, I have to warn you, Lucifer's in-law yet lives.'' I say, not specifying who aside from a glance at Grayfia as I mention in-law.

The Silverette Maid Milf stiffens at the mention, but makes no other movements, at least until she departs to referee the match.

The Clock wax almost set to start, and I'd began to chat with Roygun, I gave her the means to reach me should The King out her. A rather simple message easily understood. I moved on to speak with Diehauser, privately.

''I know about Cleria. Most of it, that romance while truthful is not the true reason, I don't know what it is that is the true reason, just that it's related to the Rating Games. But I can't look too deeply, I can eventually arrange a meeting with the daughter of one of the Exorcists who killed her lover, but I can't give you an exact date. I'll contact you when I can.'' I told him, and before he could respond at all the match started. I returned to my seat beside Ravel, resting a Hand on Gram.

I hadn't really bothered with Rias-vs-Riser in the First life, but I found it only marginally entertaining, it was about halfway through when Sirzechs spoke up.

''Any observations Prince Araxian?'' He asks.

''Rias won't win, but she's certainly exceeded my estimations. Personally I am disappointed, and mildly insulted by your words father.'' I say putting father on the spot. '"You once spoke often of how much better Sirzechs and Rias were than I at Power of Destruction, yet Rias skill is abysmal at best. She doesn't have a remote idea of what she needs to do to bring out the Power of Destruction's true strength. On top of that she's tactically speaking: A Moron.'' I say. Sirzechs eye twitches, as does Lord and Lady Gremory.

''Explain?!'' Says Aunt Venelana.

''For starters, Let's start with the Daughter of Baraqiel, if she weren't so hateful to her Old man and his power she could have easily retired Yubellena and moat of Riser's Peerage in one blast of Holy Thunder and Lightning. Thereby saving time and Peerage members for the critical finish. I don't know why I didn't relieve her of the Vice-Governorship sooner if this her best showing.'' I say.

''Why would you relieve her of a position she deserves?'' Asks Zeoticus.

''Because she cost me a scouted future servant and blatantly ignored and disregarded my explicit directives. If she hadn't cost me such a Valuable servant I'd not have had to dismiss her.'' I say. ''Granted she didn't know the former, but this was not the first time the latter had occurred, it was her third strike if you will.'' I say, turning my attention to Belphegor. ''Say Belphegor, I got a question, will you be my tenth opponent? I plan to fight Ten Rating Games and win them consecutively, I want you for my tenth opponent.'' I say.

''Get to nine and we'll see.'' She says with a teasing smirk.

''Nine? Here I thought I ranked number one out Seventy Two.'' I say jokingly.

(Time-Skip: Aftermath of the Rating Game)

Riser forced Rias to submit, and I frankly felt as choreographed as it was was grossly unfair. So I cornered Sirzechs.

''If I know you, your going to give the Red Empress a ticket, I offer an alternative. I'll fight Riser, in exchange for something in return, undisclosed and unknown, can be called in at any time no matter what. Consider this my fee any time you call upon for helping Rias.'' I say.

''Your offering to put your own betrothal at risk?'' Asks Sirzechs.

''No, I'm making sure we both get what we want, I want you to call upon me for Rias champion. My Open Price is to be you repaying me for my Forge, privately it's what I said. We have to play it up good.'' I say.

''I'll set it up. Thank you.'' Says Sirzechs.

(Bael Castle)

I stood in my room, looking upon my ruined face. I traced each scar with a single finger, vividly remembering every cut. It would be an experience I'd never be able to forget, but I'd do my best to put it behind me. A soft knock was heard by me as I waved it open with Magic.

''Araxian, it's time to go, the engagement party is minutes away from starting.'' Says Ravel.

''I know, I'll be carrying Gram, you ought to carry your Rapier.'' I say.

''Is everything alright?'' Asks Ravel as she enters my room.

''I did not expect things to happen as they did, but I will make the best of it. If there's one good thing that came from this attack, it's that you never turned your back on me Ravel. I half-expected you to do so, and frankly I wouldn't nor could I have have blamed you if you had.'' I say, turning to face Ravel as my mask is placed back in the draw it came from. Ravel marches forward and uses her Hellfire Wings to reach me eye level.

Ravel slaps me hard.

''I'm insulted you'd even think like that.'' Says Ravel.

''Then let me apologize appropriately.'' I say grabbing her face and kissing her.

Ravel is surprised and frozen, but she quickly melts into it. Ironic phrasing I know. I pull back to smirk at her before I reply. ''Your a good kisser My sweet little Phenex.'' I say and Ravel flushes not pink but pure crimson. I honestly can't resist a light chuckle before walking out with Gram.

(Phenex Castle, Phenex Territory, Underworld, Earth)

Ravel and I arrived at the Phenex Clan Castle, We stood behind the doors that lead into the Grand Ballroom.

''You ready Ravel? After this every one will know that your my bride, we'll have little privacy beyond our own estates, are you certain that you want that?'' I ask.

''As much as you do.'' Says Ravel.

''Then my Great Queen of Phenex and Bael, let us show the Devil Race the Future Great King and Queen of the Bael Family.'' I say, as Ravel takes my arm.

I nod to the servants and they open the doors as Ravel and I enter.

''Introducing Prince Araxian Bael, Heir to the Bael Clan of the Great King and his betrothed Ravel Phenex, Heiress to the Phenex Clan of the Marquis.'' The herald declares and every eye turns towards us.

''That's him! The Devil who survived being run through and carved up by a Holy Sword on par with Excalibur!''

''I heard he forges his own Demonic Swords with his Power of Destruction!''

''If he's marrying the birdy does that mean he's about to succeed the Great King?'''

Ravel and I ignored the comments for the most part, but I take offense to the last one and glare at said Devil for calling Ravel ''Birdy''.

''Only I get to call her ''Birdy'' Glasya-Labolas.'' I warn Zephyrdor with a Dark Aura enveloping me and by extension Ravel. Zephyrdor looks positively chastised, as he is hit upside his head by the Lady Glasya-Labolas, before being dragged away by the ear as she shouts obscenities and chastisement at him.

Ravel and I continued towards Sirzechs and Grayfia. ''Is it set up?'' I ask.

''Everything has been prepared.'' Says Sirzechs, who smiles at me appreciatively.

''Good, I'll make Sure that Lavinia lets the Club knows.'' I say.

Ravel looks at me both curiously and suspiciously.

''All in good time Ravel, all in good time.'' I say to her, before I nod to Lavinia who responds in kind before she walks towards the Gremory Group.

I make my way towards the Bar where I help myself to some Fire Whiskey, a Phenex Clan Specialty being Devils of Phenex Fire.

As Riser appears, Sirzechs proposes an impromptu match between Riser and someone so as ro remove any doubts of Riser's performance and provide an entertainment worthy of the Marriage. A match of two Champions, one for Rias and One for the Phenex Clan.

''Rias in exchange for offering a boon to the winner, you yourself must have a price paid.'' Says Sirzechs.

''If my champion wins, then I want my prize to be the end of this entire affair. No Gremory-Phenex marriage, consequences be damned.'' Says Rias.

''Very well, Is there any one brave enough-''

''I'll do it!'' I shout, cutting Sirzechs off. ''I'll be the Gremory Clan's Champion.'' I say.

''Are you sure? This could strain relations with your own future wife.'' Says Sirzechs.

''Rias has Bael Blood in her veins, same as you and I Sirzechs. If even her own Gremory Kin are unwilling or unable to fight for her, then the task falls to me. Gremory she might be, but Bael Blood is Bael Blood, if I as the next Great King don't act, then I risk Rias bringing shame to her Bael Bloodline. Something that I cannot nor will I ever allow. Besides I did choose Riser for my debut opponent after deciding Zephyrdor Glasya-Labolas was an unworthy foe, and if nothing else this will serve as a Rating Game Appetizer. I just want one thing made clear, if I fo this Sirzechs, that's if I win not only will you pay for the rebuilding of my Weapons Forge, it's that you change the Kill on Sight order for Freed Selzan to a Capture Order. I'll take his head myself!'' I declare.

''Very well then, I accept your reasons and your terms.'' Says Sirzechs, before focusing on the crowd. ''Phenex vs Bael, Hellfire vs Destruction, Riser vs Araxian, I think you all can agree that we've got a more than suitable entertainment.'' Says Sirzechs.

''Your entertainment can Hang Sirzechs, I'm doing this so no one will dare come after my Family, but it's more for Ravel's sake. I will not allow her a weak husband!'' I say walking away.

(Phenex Rating Game Arena, Phenex Castle, Phenex Territory, Underworld, Earth)

Riser and I stood at opposing ends of the Field of Battle. I had an ace in the hole and one up my sleeve, I made a deal with the proverbial Devil. Riser activates his Hellfire Wings and waits on my move.

''Chaos Karma Gear!'' I say as a Blue Boosted Gear Gauntlet appears on my right arm. ''Chaos Dragon: Balance Breaker!'' I shout as I'm enveloped in a Blue Scale Mail. ''Like it? Cut a deal with the Dragon King Tiamat, in exchange for her becoming a part of my Power I paid her back in full what Ddraig cost her. While not a True Sacred Gear, it's better than those Fakes that Azazel Makes! With her becoming a part or my Power, there are essentially Four Great Dragon King's.'' I say.

''You are a Dragon now?'' Asks Riser.

''Nope, This Gauntlet is the only Part of me that's a Dragon, it channels Tiamat's Power, as part of the pact we made I can wield her as such. Wanted something special for when we fought. Now then, let us get right to it! Chaos Gear: Extend Blade!'' I say as I extend Gram from the Gauntlet as Isane would Ascalon.

I charge towards Riser and bring Gram in a falling avalanche motion. Riser raises his arms in defence, but I use Teleportation Magic to appear behind him and hit his back.

''What sword is that? I felt it shave years off my Lifespan.'' Says Riser.

''Gram, the Demonic Emperor Sword! Blade Recede!" I explain before sheathing it. ''Lightning Cyclone!'' I shout calling a Lightning Tornado down from the Sky as it hurtles towards Riser. ''Chaos Karma Dragon Emperor! Subspecies Balance Breaker: Lightning Cyclone of the Frozen Abyss!'' I shout as the Field is enveloped in a Hellish Ice-Lightning Cyclone. Riser has little choice beyond using his Hellfire to maintain his wings and body heat to manageable levels.

(In The Stands)

(Ravel's POV)

Ravel stood there awestruck at the power her betrothed displayed. He was combining Lightning, Wind, and Ice Magic! She had been infatuated with him at first sight, but the injuries he'd suffered had only improved his good looks in her opinion. What had been a crush was beginning to blossom into something greater. The fact that he'd gone out of his way to make her his bride was no mere fertilizer or icing on the cake. She was one of the few who saw the true Araxian Bael, not the facade he showed often, the kind Young Devil who had a Goal to effectively Balance Breaker the Devil Class Ranking System.

Ravel knew of the preexisting relationship he had with Kuroka the Black Cat and Lavinia Reni of the Ice Princess, and was acutely aware that Kuisha Abaddon, Jeanne, and Le Fay had romantic feelings for him as well. But what she didn't was that she would now have much greater competition...

(Back to Araxian vs Riser)

Riser was on the ropes, he had seriously underestimated how committed Araxian would become in battle, his focus was razor sharp, his strength overwhelming, his skill prodigious. Riser tried to fight the growing lump in his throat, the terror welling up inside his gut, but. as his movement's became more and more erratic, more desperate he finally broke. His hands were shaking from pure terror as Araxian rained haymaker after haymaker on him. Raisee spat up sizable blob of blood before he felt his arm locked behind his back held a breath from being dislocated. ''I forfeit!'' Riser whimpers loudly, before breathing in relief as his arm is released.

''Due to the forfeiture of Riser Phenex the marriage between himself and Rias Gremory is null and void.'' Declares Grayfia.

I eye Riser with Pity before casting a healing spell on him. After that I walk away...