What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter in Fate DxD. Last chapter was a little rushed, I will admit. It's difficult coming up with a good explanation. I blame it on my Asperger Syndrome.

Many of you have had misgivings on the abrupt explanation I gave about why Gilgamesh tried to take over Ren's body. Truthfully, the reason he tried to do it is because he wanted a vessel to rule the world again. As for why Ren didn't use EMIYA is because he gets used too much. There are tons of crossovers in which Shirou Emiya or Archer EMIYA are chosen and all that. I wanted to do something new. There's nothing bad about him, I'm just tired of seeing him being mainly used in most of these kinds of fanfics. Also, I wanted to have Rias and her Peerage win, really I did. However, I wanted Ren to learn that he wasn't invincible and that he was still vulnerable at certain times even if he doesn't realize it.

So while many of you didn't like it, some of you did like it. That's fine by me. It just means I have to be better.

Now for the disclaimer: I do not own, except my OC, the Fate series, Highschool DxD, or any material related. All rights go to their respective owners.

Now let's get this party started… BEGIN!

Fate/DxD

Chapter 7: Riser Arc: Crashing a Wedding

(Begin Ougon no Kagayaki by Number 201)

(Instruments) The camera opens to a nighttime view of Kuoh, panning as a stream of white light hops across the rooftops. The light stops to reveal Savior, who notices a scarlet red light pass by him then follows after it. The screen cuts to a scene at the Academy to reveal Rias unleashing her Orb of Destruction at a shadowy smirking figure only for it to cast aside the attack then disperse a shockwave at the Gremory princess, who was saved by the untimely arrival of Issei with the Boosted Gear on his right arm. Cuts back to the nighttime scene where the white and scarlet lights clash with each other then land on the side of a building, revealing them to be Savior while his opponent was Avenger. Both Heroic Spirits lunged at one another, Savior with his sword raised while Avenger smirked, producing a set of deadly black claws

(Mune no oku fukaku hisomu kono kizu wa) Cuts to Ren's face, eyes opened, as the camera pans out to reveal him standing on the rooftop of Kuoh Academy, overlooking the town with the sun beginning to rise

(Iyasareru koto wa nai) A brief image of black and white feathers enshrouds the screen before flying away to reveal Savior resting against a tree, sword by his side, as he opens his palm to allow one of the white feathers to land in his hand

(Daraka boku tachi wa kono mi sutesatte) Cuts to Rias in the Occult Research Club room, sitting at her desk, with her Peerage by her side

(Tsuyokunarou to chikatta) Cuts to a shadowy cloaked figure, watching the town from atop of a tall structure, a wicked grin appearing underneath the hood

(Dare mo ga negai) Cuts to reveal Saber lounging on a rather expensive chair, her jagged red sword by her side with Caster leaning on top with her tail swishing about behind her

(Inochi butsuke au) Cuts to Lancer upon a stone bridge, twirling her crimson spear, releasing a breath of cold air from her lungs while Berserker appears from beneath the bridge, his blood red visor glowing in the darkness

(Mayoi wa iranai) Cuts to Rider and Assassin standing on the metal beams of a steel bridge, the lights of Kuoh cascading all around them

(Tatakau to kimeta kara) Cuts to Ruler and Archer back-to-back as the sun shines down upon the two before cutting to brief images of Rias, Issei, Savior, and Ren

(Furikazu ougon no kagayaki) The camera cuts to Ren in his Saber Install blade-locking a black version of Saber, both roaring as they break the lock and slash at each other with their swords, sending sparks flying

(Tozasareta yoru wo hiraku yaiba) Cuts to Rider unleashing a blood red magic circle, Archer firing an arrow from her bow, and Lancer using her Noble Phantasm against an Alter version of Cu Chulainn

(Kotae nado naito shitte ite mo) Cuts to Kokabiel grinning maliciously while an army of Fallen Angels appears behind him, wielding spears of light

(Risou no hate wo motome tsuzukeru) Ren looks back to see three young girls appear in a flash. Two of them revealed to be Illya and Miyu while the other was Kuro. All three wave at him to which he sighs with a sweatdrop

(Ano hi miageta hoshi wa ima mo) Cuts to a pale hand outstretching towards a golden light

(Yakitsuite kieru koto wa nai yo) Cuts to Savior bringing his sword up to bear while twelve glowing white wings appear on his back

(Tatta hitotsu no tashikana mono) The Heroic Spirit raises his weapon, the blade surrounded by holy energy, then slashes down, evoking a massive pillar of light that climbs to the darkened skies

(Hajimari no jibun oikaketeiku) Cuts back to Ren looking up at the starlit night sky, in a field of flowers as his Command Seals glow then fade away

(Instruments) The camera pans away from Ren for a few seconds, dark grey clouds enshrouding him from view as the title materializes in front of the screen

(End of Opening)

Grail Faction HQ

Ren awoke with a start, gasping loudly as his eyes frantically scanned the room. He felt warm, like his whole body had been wrapped up in a thick blanket. "Where am I?!" He demanded as sweat dripped down his forehead. He clutched his chest, no longer sensing the Class Card in his body anymore.

"Goshujin-sama!" Before he knew it, a pair of big melons pressed against his face, filling his view with creamy smooth flesh.

From the proportions alone, along with the fuzzy tails brushing against his bare back, Ren figured out who these melons belonged to. "Kuroka?" He inquired while his voice is muffled from the flesh near his mouth. "Can someone tell me what happened?"

"The Rating Game ended." That voice's owner was Lancer.

"Who won…?" He asked cautiously.

"...Riser Phenex," That was Savior.

"Fuck…" Ren cursed. "Guess I'm gonna be a man-slave for the rest of my life…"

"Actually, no." This garnered confusion from the Sorcerer. "Rias made a deal with Phenex and he agreed to the terms."

"What did she do…" He hoped he was not wrong.

"She agreed to marry him if you were not brought into being a slave," That was Lancer. "We managed to collect you before those other Devils showed."

"Where's Gremory and the others?" Ren asked, stretching his aching shoulders.

"Issei is possibly at his home along with Asia. As for Rias and her Peerage… they are still at the Underworld due to the marriage that will start tomorrow."

The Sorcerer looks down at his hands. "Leave me."

"Goshujin-sama?"

"I need to be alone… now." He pressed on.

His Servants obeyed and left the room before Kuroka did the same, leaving him by his lonesome.

Once they had left, Ren was silent for a few seconds then slammed his fists onto his thighs. "Dammit!" He yelled. He failed. This was not supposed to happen. After everything he's done, he should've been able to defeat that bastard fried chicken. "Dammit! Dammit! Dammit!" He continued to scream.

The boy wanted to lash out. Destroy something in his bare hands. Scream until his throat was sore. But that would all be in vain. Getting mad about it won't help anyone. In fact, Ren should use this defeat as a lesson. He had grown too confident in using the abilities of his Class Cards, his Servants, and the Heaven's Feel. He should've known that at some point, the spirits within his soul were still sentient.

"I should've gone with EMIYA…" He berated himself. The Class Card that held Gilgamesh's spirit was a risk he took. But now, Rias was going to be forced to marry Riser who they all hated.

Removing the blankets from his form, Ren weakly stepped off his bed and marched over to his cellphone. He checked his contacts then quickly called Issei.

"Come on… answer you idiot."

He heard the call going before the sound of Issei's voice was heard. "Sanada-senpai? You're awake!"

"Of course I am, you fool!" He shouted. "What are you doing right now?"

"I… I am at home…" issei's voice held a tinge of concern and also anger. "I should have done something… if I had gotten better, Buchou wouldn't be marrying that yakitori bastard."

"Calm down, Hyoudou." Ren stated. "This isn't over. Not by a long shot."

"Huh?"

"We need some way to get to that wedding." The Sorcerer suggested.

"Um… I was given the wedding invitation…"

"You still have it?"

"Yeah, why-ohhhhh." Seems Issei caught on with what Ren had in mind.

"Ever seen the movie: Wedding Crashers?" The red-eyed boy smirked dangerously.

"Hehehe," Issei chuckled like a madman. "Oh yeah."

"Find yourself a tux, Hyoudou. We're going in style."

Later…

Procuring a tuxedo was rather tedious but not impossible. However, having to order a custom made one would be taxing and take too long.

So Ren decided to just go in his school uniform as a makeshift tux. Besides, once Issei arrived, they'd use the invitation and crash the party.

"Master, are you sure about this?" Savior asked a bit uneasy about going back to the Underworld.

"It's totally fine. I've learned from my mistake." The boy answered. "I won't be caught off guard again."

"Be careful, Goshujin-sama," Kuroka cautioned.

"Kuroka, I'm gonna be fine." Ren assured the nekoshou. "Besides, I'll be taking a little insurance."

Hearing a knock on his door, he knew the pervert arrived just in time. Approaching the door, he unlocks the knob and opens it, seeing Issei with a tuxedo as well but in his hand was the wedding invitation.

"You ready for this, Hyoudou?"

"Been ready, Sanada-senpai!" The Pawn pumped a fist with a wide grin.

"Then let's crash the wedding." Upon those words, Issei opened the invitation that was also revealed as a magic circle, no doubt as a method of transportation to those who are invited. The seal itself glowed, transporting the two to the Underworld, right into the location where the wedding will be taking place.

Gremory-Phenex Wedding…

Once the circle spat the two boys out, they were greeted with the sight of many Devils dressed in fine dresses, silken tuxedos, and other kinds of outfits that displayed either their skin or their nobility.

Ren glanced at Issei. "By the way, how did you get an invitation?"

"Grayfia-san gave it to me."

"Of course she did…" The Sorcerer sweatdrops. "Let's see if we can find the bride and groom."

"Right," The brunette agreed before the two explore the wedding as its ceremony was going to begin very soon.

As Ren scoured the party, keeping his face away from prying eyes to a bear minimum, his eyes landed on a familiar figure with long black hair tied in a ribbon. "Akeno-san?" He inquired.

"Sanada-san?" The Queen was surprised to see the Sorcerer. "What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like? I have a way to break the marriage and show that yakitori punk who he's dealing with." His eyes wandered over Akeno's outfit, a black cut dress with the left side open to reveal her smooth legs, black heels, purple arm gloves, and red lipstick. "You look nice." He admitted.

"Why thank you," She giggled. "So, what do you plan on doing?"

"Me and Issei are about to crash the wedding."

She gave the boy a dry look. "That's it?"

"I'm still coming up with a better plan." He retorted. "I mean, I have an idea but it might not work out so well."

"Like before?" Ren winced at the memory of the agonizing pain when he used the Class Card of Gilgamesh.

"This will be different, Akeno-san. Trust me on this." He assured her.

She gave him a look of scrutiny. "Well, if you're so sure. I'll inform the others about this. I just hope you know what you're doing."

"In all honesty, so do I." Ren admitted, not as confident as before. "If you excuse me, I am gonna find Issei."

"Of course."

Leaving the beautiful Devil, the Sorcerer passed by other nobles that left him with a raw taste in his mouth. His eyes finally locked on to the Pawn, who was ogling the various women dressed in scantily-clad clothing. "Issei…" He growled under his breath while forcing himself to calm down at the shameless pervert's gawking. He march over to him and slapped the back of his head.

"Geh!"

"Stop your perverted nonsense and focus on the mission." He scolded.

Issei wanted to speak but the glare from Ren stopped him from doing so.

"Now, once the chicken and Gremory are present, we'll have to do something that could very well be drastic." Ren explained.

"What do you have in mind?" Issei asked. He honestly didn't give a damn. What he wanted was to break the marriage so his Buchou won't be with the fried yakitori.

"Well, since Rias proclaimed me as her lover to Riser, and I've no doubt that her brother has been informed as well, then maybe I can use this chance to challenge Riser for Gremory's hand." Ren explained. "Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Yeah and- wait, what?" He remembered that little incident. It made him jealous too!

"Relax, you don't have to worry about me taking your woman." The Master assured the Pawn. "Besides, I don't think she likes me all that much."

This gave the pervert relief. And now, they took notice of the bride Rias Gremory wearing a lovely wedding dress befit of such a beauty. A veil over her delicate face. She walked arm-in-arm with an older gentleman with the same crimson hair as her, but he looked gruff and more aristocratic. No doubt, this man was Rias's father. And like any parent, he had a proud smile on his face, absolutely happy that his child was getting married.

Ren looked straight into the girl's eyes from behind the veil. Though she hid it well with a charming smile, she was crying inside. The boy had never been a people person, but he could tell enough from one's body language that Rias was using every bit of her mental control not to start sobbing in public at how unfair her life had turned out to be.

A brief pain drew his attention. Oh, it would seem that he was digging his fingernails into his palms, deep enough to nearly draw blood. He hadn't felt this angry since… ever.

It was a rare moment for him to experience.

Then the anger grew when his crimson orbs landed on the sight of a smirking Riser Phenex, who stood upon the altar, dressed in a fine silk suit and his hands behind his back. What he wouldn't give just to wipe the bastard's smug face all over the floor. Just to make himself feel better.

"Issei, be ready." He held back the growing anger within him. This was the opportunity they waited for.

The Devil priest appeared on the altar, looking between Riser and Rias then opened a black book that could be the Hell-version of the Bible. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union between these two young nobles..."

Ren drowned out the nonsense that the man spat. Everyone was so focused on the ceremony that they never noticed him sneak away with Issei in tow.

"Alright, this is it. Once we go through with this plan, there's no turning back." The Sorcerer explained. "If I get killed, it'll be up to you to fight for Rias's freedom. Do you understand, Hyoudou?"

"Hai." They both felt determined, confident the plan will work.

"...if anyone amongst the audience would object to this marriage then please voice it-" The priest nearly finished until Ren and Issei kicked the doors open, revealing themselves.

"We object!" They exclaim quite loudly, drawing the attention of all the Devils in the room, including Riser and Rias.

"Issei? Sanada-san?" Rias' eyes were filled with surprise.

Riser snarled at the two interlopers. "What are you two lowly maggots doing at my wedding?!" He demanded.

Taking his brunt of the plan, Ren stepped forward. "I'm here to challenge you…" He announced with a dramatic swing of his left arm. "For the hand of Rias Gremory!"

"What!?"

"You heard me, you yakitori bastard! Either fight me for the lady's hand or you can stand there like a coward!" He knew the status quo for Devils. When nobles cower, it is a sign of weakness, being lower than those of their power. "So what's it gonna be? Are you a man or are you a chicken?"

Riser glanced at the other Devils. They were judging him of his decision. He would not lose his pride to a mere child. "I accept your challenge, human."

"Good! I've been looking forward to a rematch." Ren smirked, popping his knuckles eagerly.

Getting the message, the other Devils begin whispering to one another. The words like a scandalous affair, a Devil marrying a human, etc.

"Now this seems to be an interesting turn of events," The older redhead observed. "I approve of this fight. Now let's make more room for the two, shall we?"

Riser and Ren found themselves in a large circular makeshift arena with the nobles spectating the fight. Rias, Issei, and the rest of the Gremory Peerage watched with equal concern and eagerness.

"You think you can win this time, lowly human?" Riser mocked. "Last I recall, you were on the ground, writhing in agony."

"This time will be different. I won't be using my magic or my other abilities." Ren remarked with a cold glare. "I'll simply beat you with my own two fists."

This declaration caused all of the Devils, save Rias and her Peerage, to laugh. Even Riser was laughing at this. "With your own hands? You certainly wish for a quick death, don't you?"

"Are you still spouting your cock-gobbler off?" The Sorcerer remarked, opening the collar of his jacket. "I'm seriously disappointed that a so-called 'noble' would be talking during a fight."

Riser scowled before great flames emerged from behind the man, shaping themselves into wings before the force of the wings pushed him towards his target.

From his earlier experience with his Class Cards, Ren had developed a sort of instinct that greatly warned him when to avoid being killed. Those instincts were screaming directly into his brain, forcing the boy to quickly dodge Riser's mad charge.

Avoiding the next attack from Riser, Ren delivered a fist into Riser's smug face. He savored the feeling of cracking the man's nose with his own bare knuckles. This must be what a Berserker feels like when they brutalize their enemies.

The Phenex clutched his nose, reeling back from the hit. His blood boiled in anger at this farce. A mere human dare punch him?! That he will not forgive! "How dare you!"

He brought up his hand, marveling at the drip of blood on his knuckles. Riser's blood. "So you can bleed." Ren smirked. "Good." He licked the red liquid off like a feline. "This will make it all the more enjoyable."

A dark scowl spreads across Riser's face before he unleashed a fireball towards the cursed human. Ren however acted quick and narrowly dodged the attack then kept his focus on the Devil. His disrespect towards Rias, along with his brutal beating of Issei reminded him of how much that he hated the man's guts.

An eye for an eye. He will deliver punishment towards the Devil in the same degree. "I'm gonna make sure you bleed for what you've done to Hyoudou."

The amount of hatred towards Riser was equivalent to a Berserker spouting their mad roars. His hands balled into fists, the knuckles almost a white color and ready. Using his momentum, he launched himself towards his opponent with his arms intended to strike the enemy. The blonde swerved to the right, avoiding the incoming attack. With the opportunity, Riser slams his own fist against Ren's face.

A resounding crack echoed. No doubt the punch broke Ren's cheekbone. There was a tinge of copper in his mouth. The Sorcerer spat out a bit of red, revealed to be his own blood.

"Is that all you got?" Ren spat.

"You wish." Riser snarked, throwing another fireball at the Sorcerer.

Intending to follow the plan, the crimson-eye teen evaded and a grin splits his face at the opening he saw. Right where he needed it to happen. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial of liquid then uncapped it. With a quick throw, he released a flood of liquid on the flames… dousing them without any sort of problem and striking the man's face.

He watched the Phenex scream in pain, clutching his face while attempting to heal himself.

"Hurts doesn't it? You see, I realized the one simple thing about Devils…" He watched the jerk trying to tend to the wounds. "Holy objects inflicts pain to your kin."

"What!?" Riser exclaimed in surprise. The partygoers even seemed nervous that the boy possessed holy objects. "Where did you get those?!"

"Let's just say that I have a mutual friend who wanted to cause some mischief." Ren's eyes glance at Issei for a brief second.

Flashback

"Hyoudou, your nun friend still pray to the Almighty?" Ren asked, looking at the Pawn as he rummaged through his pockets.

"She does, even though she gets headaches often from doing that. Why?"

"I need a few things from her in order for my plan to work." The Sorcerer replied.

"Uh okay?" He was confused at first. What would Ren want from Asia? It's not like…

"Oohhhh," The pervert realized.

Present

"Haha! Yeah! Get that yakitori, Sanada-senpai!" Issei cheered.

Ren smirked, producing another vial of holy water. "Shall we dance?"

While the Sorcerer could barely see the Phenex's face due to his hands, he could see the anger on his visible eye between the fingers, filled with vexation towards him.

Ren throws the holy water at Riser while rushing towards him. "Feel the burn!" She grumbles.

Despite the pain from the holy water, Riser managed to evade but Ren wasn't going to allow it. Clenching the other object in his hand tightly, he thrust his arm at his opponent's chest. The man screams in agony, looking down at the sight of a crucifix that burned his skin with holy fire.

"This cross is doused in holy water, so it burns just as well." The boy smirks at the grimace on the Devil's face, enjoying his opponent's suffering.

First his face and now his chest was enduring the extreme pain he was receiving. It was unpleasant and improperly healing.

"Still think you can beat me, chicken?" Ren taunted.

"Just why would a lowly human like you want to get involved in this!?" Riser demanded angrily. "You don't even understand what is at stake."

"Of course I know what I am doing, asshole." Ren frowned. "I'm doing this because I've still got to finish what I started."

"What?" Riser blinked in confusion.

"I've still got to secure Gremory-san's right to live her own life." The Sorcerer reared his fist back then threw it forward, punching the Devil directly across the jaw. "She makes her own choices, not by some crappy rules or arrangements some of you abide." It felt like an insult to the other Devils who listened to his speech.

"Insolent little brat…" Riser snarled, raising his energy levels to their limit as flames shrouded his form until he looked like a literal man on fire.

Ren knew this is the last stand and he would need to go all out if he were to win against the punk.

"Hyoudou, I need a power boost!" He shouted towards the Pawn.

"Hai!" Raising his arm, he focused on the Sacred Gear's power.

[Boost]

[Boost]

[Boost]

"Here it comes, Sanada-senpai!" Issei immediately focuses on transferring the gathered energy to Ren.

[Transfer]

A crimson aura surrounds Ren. He could feel his strength being amplified three times over. The boy felt like he could take on Berserker without so much as a crutch for help.

"What?! You can't do that!" Riser exclaimed.

"Hey, I said I would fight for Rias's hand, but I never said I would fight fair." Ren stuck his tongue out playfully at the Devil.

"You disgraceful human!" The man lunged towards him like a fireball, his eyes enraged and ready to end the life of the worm!

The crimson-eyed boy took a firm grasp of the crucifix in his right hand then reared back his fist. "It ends here, Riser Phenex!" He declared, bracing himself for the aftershock. With a quick step, he rushed to meet the Devil head-on.

Both let out their battle cries as they came to deliver their final blows. Neither backing down as the Devil and human unleashed their rage and killing intent through their actions. The audience would be gripping their armrests if they were sitting on chairs.

SMACK! CRACK!

Came the resounding echo of bone impacting against flesh and muscle. Even the collision was powerful between the two. They watched with anticipation for the victor. Was it the human or Riser Phenex that would emerge victorious?

Once the dust had settled, all eyes were on the lone figure that stood over the body of another. A mop of black hair and crimson eyes were all that were greeted as the victor raised his arm over his head and said, "I win."

Every single Devil were in utter disbelief. A mere human had defeated a Devil like Riser?! It was not just surprising but downright shocking to witness.

"And as per the terms, Riser Phenex no longer has claim over Rias Gremory." Ren Sanada announced. "Are there any objections?"

Not a single voice rose against him.

"Good, now if you'll excuse me…" He started to wobble. "I'm going to sleep now." The moment the words left his mouth, Ren had already collapsed on his back, unconscious.

Later…

Slowly opening his eyes, Ren felt the numbing pain from the fight returning. "Oh, my aching… everything…" He groaned in pain. Slowly albeit carefully, the Sorcerer sits up on a bed he found himself on. "Where am I… again?" He grumbled.

Last thing he recalled was… oh right, he won against that yakitori Devil.

He looked around the interior of his makeshift medical cot. The walls were lush with red paint, the drapings by the window were a red-violet and looked to be smooth as silk, pictures hung on the walls detailing famous movie stars, boy bands, and even anime characters.

Ren suddenly came to the realization that he was in a teenage girl's room. "Oh shit…" He cursed.

He didn't even know how he arrived in a girl's room. Not wanting others to make false assumptions, he attempts to move himself off the bed.

"You shouldn't do that." Came the voice of a young man.

The boy directed his gaze at the entrance, finding himself looking into a… male-version of Rias? While it is true that he possessed the long crimson red hair and the bluish-green eyes, there was something different about this man. He radiated an aura that felt similar to Savior's.

"Who are you?" Ren inquired.

"Pardon me, allow me to introduce myself. I am Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Four Maous."

Sirzechs Lucifer? "So you're Gremory-san's older brother?" He asked.

"Correct."

"So… what happened? After the fight, I mean." The Sorcerer asked curiously.

"Well, after you were unconscious, Riser's Peerage had taken him to a medical facility to patch him up. My sister, bless her soul, brought you here to our family's mansion to rest while she tended to your wounds." The man gave Ren a grin. "You gave her quite a scare. I've never seen my darling little sister so frantic about someone's health before."

"I see… at least everything I had to do is taken care of." The boy sighed, shuffling the blankets and sheets off of him to reveal the bandages and medical grazes on his upper body.

"I take it you are departing?"

"I did what I was supposed to do. The only thing was to help Rias. She has her own decisions to make." He responded.

"Maybe you should speak to Rias and her Peerage first. They have been waiting for you to wake up." Sirzechs advised.

the boy considered the Maoh's advice. Reluctantly, he agreed. "Alright, where are they?"

"They're outside. They've been listening to our conversation the entire time." Casually, Sirzechs opened the door, allowing the Gremory Peerage to fall face first into a pile.

"Ooh… my back…" Issei groaned when Asia landed on the Pawn's spine with her butt.

"And I thought Issei would be the only one to eavesdrop on a conversation," The crimson-eyed teen deadpanned.

"Sorry, sorry, I…" Rias's cheeks flushed red. "I was just curious about what my Onii-sama wanted with you."

"Only to let me know what happened and you guys eavesdropping."

"How are you feeling now, Sanada-senpai?" Issei asked.

"Like I fought Berserker three times over without rest, blindfolded, and with both hands tied behind my back." Ren replied.

"So… you're okay?" Asia was the one who spoke.

"Yes. Thanks to you guys." Ren grinned at each of them. His focus locked onto Rias. "I hope I didn't ruin your special day all too much, Gremory-san."

"Not at all. If anything, thank you for everything, Sanada-san," The Gremory heiress bowed in gratitude. "I am happy you and Issei did everything to break the marriage."

"Please, I only did it so I could acquire your family's Power of Destruction." The boy nonchalantly snarked, going back to his usual attitude.

"Eh?" Rias blinked.

"While I did help break the marriage, I also wanted to learn about the Power of Destruction in return." Ren explained. "I am a magus after all. Did you think I would be doing this for free?"

"Ara, ara?" Akeno smirked slyly. "Sanada-kun is such a naughty boy."

"Well, I never was taught manners growing up." The Sorcerer shrugged. "So! Can you tell me more about the Power of Destruction?"

"It's inherit only to those of the Gremory clan, sorry," Rias sticks her tongue out at the boy.

"Damn…" Ren furiously rubs the back of his head. "And I did all that for nothing."

"Asides from saving me, doesn't that count?" She pouts.

"You're still a snob, little princess in my eyes." Ren remarked dryly.

"What do you plan to do now, Sanada-senpai?" The brunette asked with a puzzled look.

"Since I won't be able to learn the Power of Destruction, I'll just go home." He looked around then realized something. "Where are my clothes?"

"We had to clean your clothes since they were covered in burns from the fight," Rias answered.

"Then who took them off to dress my wounds?" He inquired.

"That would be me," Akeno said with a sly smile.

…

…

…

…

"I feel violated…" Ren admitted with a pale face. "I wish to go now."

He did not like the way the masochist/sadist was looking at him the moment she answered his question.

"Before that, there is something I must discuss with you, young man." Sirzechs interjected.

The Sorcerer sighed in almost slight annoyance. "What is it you want to talk about?" He asked, looking at the Maou.

The current Lucifer sent a glance to his darling little sister. "Rias, you and your Peerage need to leave. This is only meant for us."

"Of course, Onii-sama," She obeyed before she and her Peerage left the room, allowing Sirzechs to focus his attention on Ren.

"Now, what I wanted to talk to you about is that you've made quite a lot of trouble for the Underworld these last few weeks." Sirzechs reminded the boy.

"So I've been told." Ren shrugged. How could he ever forget those days?

"And to add, your unique companions who spectated the Rating Game."

"My Servants, you mean?"

The Maoh nodded. "You're quite a dangerous wild card, Ren Sanada. Normally, after hearing the chaos you've caused the Underworld, the threats you've made to mine and Serafall's sisters, and the slaughter of a Devil from a noble family, I should execute you in the name of justice."

"But…" Ren started with a raised brow. He sensed there was something else Sirzechs wanted to say.

"But, despite your apparent distrust of Devils, you saved my little sister from a most disastrous fate. And for that, I thank you." The Maoh gave the Sorcerer… a bow? One of the Four Maous actually bowed to a human? Now that was a surprise.

"Er… you're welcome?" He responded, albeit surprised.

"Now, is there any reward that you desire for this great deed?" Sirzechs asked with a grin. "Money, fame, women," His eyes took on a sly glint. "The hand of my sister?"

"Nothing." Ren replied.

"...Nothing?"

"I want nothing."

"But why?" The Devil inquired in confusion.

"I've gotten by on my own by not accepting rewards from others for all my life." Ren replied. "Accepting any of those gifts would've made life easier, but living life how I wanted was a reward in and of itself."

"You are quite a unique person, Ren Sanada."

"That's just who I am," He shrugged.

"My wife tells me that you've gone through hard times before all of this." Sirzechs stated.

Ren froze at the mention. "What did you say?"

"My wife, Grayfia, she tells me that despite your attitude, there is a sadness in your eyes that even I can see." The Maoh continued.

His fingers twitch at Sirzechs's response. "Why do you care?"

"Should I not?" He questioned. "I mean, isn't it strange that your parents haven't talked to you about what you've been doing?"

"I wouldn't know, I never met them." The Sorcerer remarks.

"So you are an orphan?" The Maou assumed.

"In a sense," It wasn't a lie at all. "I've gone through a lot of foster families though each one of them were abusive and a bunch of assholes." Ren replied. "In fact, I ran away from my last foster family when I was ten and lived on my own since."

Sirzechs calculated how long and soon realized Ren took care of himself for seven years. He didn't expect that coming. "I see…"

"So you can see why I helped Rias, even though I don't have any particular love for Devils in general." Ren replied. "I did what I did merely because I hated being bound by rules and arrangements that don't allow one to choose how they want to live."

"Do you still consider Rias and her Peerage as friends?"

Ren thought about it. Did he consider them to be friends? "I… don't know. Hyoudou, I suppose we are friends even if he does infuriate the hell out of me. Yuuto is much too nice for his own good so I guess he counts. Koneko doesn't bother me as much and she's silent so she's good. Akeno creeps me the hell out but she's good at heart. Rias is another matter altogether…"

"In other words, you are confused whether or not you see them as your friends?"

"I suppose so." Ren replied. "I never relied on anybody, just on my own strength. Though I guess since I came here, I've been relying on those that I would usually not care about. So, in a way, I am confused."

"Well, I think you should put your trust towards them. It is a start, but I am sure you will truly consider them as friends soon."

The boy shrugged. "Maybe, I mean, it's not like I had much friends to begin with."

"Perhaps," Sirzechs chuckled. "Now, I believe you want to go?"

"Yes and also… can I have my clothes back?"

ORC Room

Returning from the Underworld, via magic portal, Ren stepped out clad in his school uniform once again. "Glad I'm out of there. That place disturbed the heck out of me." He comments. "Now I can finally head home."

He was glad everything was done. From breaking the marriage to beating the hell out of Riser. The last part actually made him feel a bit better about himself.

Stepping out from the portal behind him was Rias Gremory, equally relieved that the matter with Riser had been settled. Soon after, her Peerage followed. "You make it sound as if you were the one getting married."

"Please, the man isn't my type." Ren jokes. "Plus, I ain't looking to get hitched just yet."

"Oh? So you haven't found a girl you like?" Rias teased.

"Kinda hard to find one when I'm dealing with various nutjobs either getting in my way or trying to kill me." The boy replied dryly.

"Fair enough."

He had a sly grin of his own. "Though I hear from my Servants that you have a little crush on someone?" Ren sent a knowing glance at Issei.

The heiress's cheeks flushed red. "T-They told you!?"

"Can't keep secrets from me." He stuck his tongue out at the girl.

"You really are no fun, Sanada-san."

"Like I said before, it's who I am. Besides, anything you say to my Servants all goes to me." Ren gestures with his head.

The moment he did that, Rias came to a realization. "A psychiatric link!?" She exclaimed.

"Bingo."

"No fair!" The redhead pouts. "You get to talk to your servants whenever you wish even when you're far away."

"Trust me, it's not as fun as you think." The Sorcerer admitted.

"D-Did you listen to what happened there?" Issei asked with a giddy grin.

"Finish that thought and I will end you." Ren warned, cracking his knuckles in emphasis.

The brunette squeaks in fear while Koneko sends a glare at the Pawn.

"Pervert."

Said pervert cries tears of despair. "Why is everyone picking on me?" He whined.

Grail Faction HQ

Once the Sorcerer returned to his home, he was immediately pounced upon by his new Servant, "Oof! Kuroka!" He exclaimed, groaning as his wounds started to act up again. "Get off of me."

"Nya, but I wanted to greet my Goshujin-sama!" The black-haired nekoshou nuzzled against the boy's neck, making extra sure to press her impressive bosom against his chest.

"Somebody get her off me!" Ren exclaimed, not liking his personal space being violated.

Without even any strain, Lancer picked up Kuroka by her collar, eliciting a cute 'nya?' from the nekoshou. "Refrain from doing that, Kuroka."

Said woman pouts at the purple/black-garbed Servant. "You're no fun." She folds her arms under her breasts.

With a sigh, Ren stood up. "How are our guests feeling?"

Rider stepped out. "Their conditions are improving. However, it seems they are quite terrified of you." Then she shrugged. "Or maybe it is Savior that they fear."

"Considering he was the one to deliver the punishment? Probably."

Saber intervened. "Oh, by the way, Praetor. Someone came by to chat."

"Huh? Who?" The boy blinked in confusion.

"He wouldn't say. Only that he would speak to you once you came home." The red-garbed blonde shrugged. "Though, he wouldn't stop ogling at some of us. Naturally, I applaud his sense of tastes!"

Ren rolled his eyes at the boisterous girl's attitude. "Where's this dude at?"

"He awaits you in the living room." Archer stated with her arms folded across her chest. She gestured for her Master to follow her, which he does reluctantly.

Once he entered the living room, Ren's instincts immediately flared in warning as his crimson eyes narrowed at the figure sitting on the penthouse-issued couch.

Lounging, as if he were visiting an old friend, is a tall man appearing to be in his twenties with an average build, black hair, golden bangs and black goatee. His outfit consisted of a violet red high-collared trench coat with the chest area opened to reveal his pecs, dark grey straps wrapped around the sleeves and waist of his coat, dark grey trousers, and brown shoes with more dark straps wrapped around the ends of his pants.

"Who are you?" Ren demanded.

The man glanced back at the boy with a friendly grin then offered him a wave. "Yo, welcome back. Hope you don't mind, I made myself comfortable while you were away."

"Don't make me ask again," The Sorcerer growled, tempted to punch the newcomer in the face.

The man sighs. "Well, you're a ray of sunshine, aren't you? Very well, if you really want to know, I'm the boss of the four Fallen Angels you have here." He stood up from his seat on the couch, ignoring the wary looks he received from the Servants in the room.

From his back came six pairs of wings. All of them jet-black and feathered… like a Fallen Angel!

Ren braced himself for battle, but stopped when the man quickly defused the situation. "Wait! I come in peace!"

"Why should I trust you?" The boy hissed.

"Because I'm a friend of Sirzechs!" The Fallen replied, but only received an even deadlier glare. "And I'm here to make amends for what my subordinates did to you and your friends!"

Ren slowly calmed down. "Answer me: Who are you?"

"Me? I'm the Governor General of the Grigori and the Fallen Angels." He gave the boy a small bow and a grin. "My name is Azazel."

A/N: That's it for the chapter.

This officially ends the Riser Arc, thank god. Honestly, I hate this fucking arc. Y'know, before this, I considered just skipping it all together and get straight to the Excalibur Arc, but I just decided to do it.

Some of ya'll didn't like last chapter while others… well, I'm honestly surprised, but many actually still read it and favorited even complimenting on the battle.

And to some of you haters of the Issei/Rias pairing, I understand your plight. I hate the pairing as well so I decided to do a little something special in future chapters.

I also briefly considered summoning another favored Servant beloved by many (and became the secret crush of many fans) so look forward to that moment when it arrives.

Please review and comment on this chapter. If there are any problems then inform me in the reviews or PM it. However, please refrain from using flames or rude criticisms, I sometimes have a bad reaction to those.

Peace out, everyone!