"Talking"

'Thinking'

("Oblethe Talking")

('Oblethe Thinking')

Chapter 12 - A Rivalry Forms! - A Victory For The Gremory Peerage

The tension was starting to fill the area. All eyes were on Cassius and Issei. As Cassius stared Issei down, Issei made an attempt to stand his ground albeit with drops of sweat trickling down. He was still in a state of fatigue from his injuries and fighting Raynare and the exorcists. Cassius looked at the fledgling devil like he is and already had a good idea of how ahead of Issei he was when it came to their Sacred Gears. Cassius still needed more information on Issei's Sacred Gears before he makes any moves. True he is a part of the peerage still, but he still is wary of others.

He can't trust anyone at this moment. Even though he thought he would have something to call friends and a 'family' as they like to boast about, he feels trapped. He's back at square one essentially.

Cassius eyes drifted to the defeated Raynare as she look on at the group. He had a look of disgust as everyone else could see Cassius's reaction. Some worry, some befuddled. His eyes drifted back to Issei as he looked really nervous.

"Get a better handling on it. You are coming on the cusp of something great, Issei."

"You think so? I mean I still don't get it myself."

"I feel the same honestly." Cassius playfully punched Issei in the shoulder. He was sure to be light with it not to knock him down. Issei struggled to stay standing enough as is. "You and I, although from different backgrounds and different lives, are destined for something I believe. I was wrong to write you off as a dumbass pervert. You were going through your own struggles as have I." he steps back giving a deep bow.

"I deeply apologize for that." he said softly and humbly.

"Woah woah! Cassius! You don't need to do that man!" Issei was being frantic and panicking for he was taken aback by what he was saying. "It's cool man no worries!" he stated with a nervous chuckle.

Cassius joined with a chuckle of his own.

Rias smiled at what she was seeing. She then turned her attention to Raynare as their eyes met and Raynare was deep in frustrations.

"You must be Raynare yes?" Rias said smugly with a small smile as she stood tall over Raynare. "I am Rias Gremory, the next head of the house of Gremory. Such a pleasure to meet you."

"Wait! Gremory?! You're kidding me?" Raynare shouted absolutely exasperated over it.

Rias chuckled still keeping that same smile. She was essentially in checkmate. There were no problems all that was left is to finish her off. She dropped three feathers from fallen angel wings as they danced around downward in front of Raynare's eyes.

"Time for you to join your friends. I dealt with them earlier with little to no problem."

"She killed them?" Issei pondering over the statement.

"Rias' fuse long but when pushed she'll definitely live up to her title as Empress Of Annihilation."

"Seems like an over the top title." Cassius deadpanned, his eyes locked onto Raynare's. His facial expression was one of anger.

"Damn. Really awesome that I'ma part of this badass group here." Issei said with a small smile.

"Why would the heir of Gremory do such a thing?!" Raynare asked in frustration and panic.

"Well after Dohnaseek attacked Issei, I discovered multiple fallen angels that were going to attack this town. Normally I wouldn't bother but they kept going after my team."

She turned to look at Issei's Sacred Gear. "Well well. Seems Cassius' friend was right about your Sacred Gear."

"Yeah I don't know what happened. It freaked out on me and changed." Issei said as he looked down at his Sacred Gear.

"It's the Red Dragon. The way it works that it doubles your power every 10 seconds. The drawback is that it takes a while for the power to build up due to it's tremendous strength. If Raynare didn't let her guard down she would've defeated you."

"Issei."

The group minus Cassius had a look a shock at Raynare's sudden transformation. Her straps and leather now a fluffy overskirt and a scrunchie on her left wrist. Cassius looked on in pure disgust as he grunted.

"Issei please. I'm sorry I was very mean to you but I had to fulfill my duty as a fallen angel."

"Yuuma..." Issei sighed as he looked on. He clearly was upset as Kiba and Akeno were about to deal with it but were stopped by Rias putting her hand in front of them. Cassius stepped forward next to Issei putting a hand on his shoulder.

Issei took a step forward.

"You wouldn't let them hurt me would you?" Yuuma said with tears in her eyes. A wonderful display of deception.

"Shut up. I don't buy it. Rias please." he said somberly as he turned around looking down to the ground hiding the tears. "I can't do this."

Raynare's facade fades away as she sees the heiress reading a ball of energy.

"Begone." she said simply but is stopped.

"Cassius?" she questions as he looks at the fallen angel with anger in his eyes.

"Oh. I see." Rias understood just from his face alone.

- meanwhile-

Lucille slowly comes to in a small bed as she is naked underneath. She quickly gathers the covers and hides herself. Her head pops out as her pink hair usually tied up is lavish and flowing behind her.

The room was dimly lit and quite lavish. She had no idea where she is but it wasn't an ordinary room and for sure it wasn't her own place she had.

"Where in the world am I?" she said to herself and she looked around to see if she could find any of her belongings. No luck. It was nowhere to be seen. She did see a pair of sweatpants and a pink hoodie. Conveniently complimenting her hair. She couldn't help but chuckle at that small detail as she got up and slipped them on.

"Alright. I should probably find my stuff and find a way back to Cassius and the group. I'm sure he must be worried."

She remembered before she passed out she saw weird clouds covering up as she heard Cassius cry out in pain.

'I do hope he's alright.' she thought to herself as she reached for the door.

"Ah. Excellent! You're awake!" a voice chirped from the darkness as the room grew light. What was dim now burns bright and everything can be seen clearly. Across the room Lucille sees a woman donning a black and gold outfit. She wears a black vest with gold linings and a black undershirt. Black baggy pants, also with gold linings. Golden colored slip on shoes like what Cassius normally wears. She has green eyes and tan skin as well as luscious black hair. "It's good to see you again, Lucille." she greeted with a softness in her voice.

Lucille looked around the room very confused. She looked back to the woman with a puzzled look on her face. "I'm sorry but I don't think we met."

"Oh? But we have. We would play together with Cassius when we were young! Do you not remember?"

Lucille pondered it. She remembers playing with Cassius when he was young but in her recollection, she could not remember this woman being there.

"I'm truly sorry, but I don't remember. It's strange...I remember there being someone but...it's just a blur."

The woman had a worried look on her face as she stepped forward. "Anyway I'm here to bring you somewhere. We can worry about the details later, Lucille." she said leaving a soft smile to calm Lucille. She did indeed felt a little relaxed about this woman. Her demeanor and smile seem familiar but she couldn't pick up on any hints.

"Ah right. Where are we going?"

"There are some people who would like to speak with you. They pretty much run the place here." she said as she opened the door letting Lucille out first.

"Who might they be?"

"Well outside they call them The Masters...but..."

-back at the church-

Cassius looked down at Raynare. They both stared frozen for a moment before Cassius huffed. His golden hues piercing through.

"Where is Lucille?" he said calmly. It was obvious there was anger in his voice though.

"Lu-Lucille? How should I know?!" Raynare panicked as Cassius took a step back. The group looking onward.

Cassius then thrusted a left knee into Raynare's face. She flew back hands held to her face in pain. His gauntlets appeared once more. Sending Raynare into shock.

"Where is Lucille?" he asks again his tone of voice grows angry.

"I-I-I-"

Cassius lunges clawing her face once. Wails of anguish and pain echoed the empty place as the peerage looks on.

As Cassius readies for another attack, she flinches and hides in fear. "Wait please!"

He stops.

"I think maybe that cult has her. Yeah that must be it. If you take me with you I can tell you where you need to go. Please. I'll do anything just let me go."

He stands there as he clenches his fists. He sighed as his fists open as he takes a deep breath. He turns and walk away.

"May I?" Rias asks Cassius.

"Do as you wish..." he said quietly as she stepped forward and readied her ball of energy once more. She launches it and Raynare explodes. Fallen angel feathers begin scattering and descending down to the ground. Issei looks onward as he hid his face again. Cassius put his hand on his shoulders.

"So this is what you went through before we met. I never knew."

"Cassius.." Issei said softly.

"I thought I was the only one who was hunted for what I had. It seemed that every matter of being wanted what I had and would go to great lengths to acquire it. Now I see that I wasn't the only one who went through this travesty. I have much more respect for you, Issei Hyoudou." he said as he walks away towards the silent Asia.

"Thanks, Cassius." Issei said as he wiped his face before returning to his trademark silly grin. He turns to see the Twilight Healing slowly falling into Rias Gremory's hands. She gently held them as she turns to the two. "Let's return these to where they belong."

The group gathers around as Issei slipped the rings back onto Asia's hands.

"Everyone. You all came to help me. I gave it everything I had but...she's gone. "

Rias interjects. "Issei... no one is placing blame. You are still getting used to this new world after all. Asia wouldn't blame you for that."

"But still..." Issei was riddled with tears as he tried to hold back his whimpers.

Rias reaches into her pocket as she pulls out a chess piece. A bishop.

"This won't make much sense to you but have you seen one of these before?"

Issei turns to see the piece. "Yeah that's a chess piece right?"

A flash of red arrives as Akeno steps out towards Rias. "Yep. That is a bishop."

Rias continues. "The bishop's role is to help protect and heal the other members of the household. I think it's the perfect time to have a clergyman."

"Wha?" Issei was confused. Cassius looked on hiding his expression with a false face.

"She's about to be reborn as one of us."

'So it seems each of them were facing circumstances where they never had a choice to begin with. I don't know how to feel about this.' he thought in his mind.

('It's true it's strange. But in the end they have another chance of life. Who wouldn't want to take that opportunity?') Oblethe spoke entering into the conversation.

'I guess I can't disagree with that...still...they don't really have a choice in the matter. I did. Given the circumstances and if they did something with Lucille, I'll find whatever way I can to get out of here...'

Rias stood over Asia holding out her hands as she began the ritual.

"In the name of Rias Gremory I call to Asia Argento. Hear my command. Return thy soul to the human world and be reborn as my healer and clergyman!" she finishes as the bishop piece turns red and sinks into Asia's body.

Cassius begins slinking outside of the church as he finds a spot where he could not be seen.

"Oblethe."

("Yes, my child. Something troubling you?")

"Remember when Rias did that ritual for me and everything? You felt something strange as I did didn't you?"

("Indeed. We found out something when we took part of that.")

"Yes." he said as his devil wings sprung forth. He had four wings. "I'm already a devil. This entire time I thought I was just human. But these wings I found them long before I did that. I feel like everytime I find answers to questions a lot more take it's place. Now Lucille has disappeared."

("If what the fallen angel says it's true ...")

"Indeed. I'm going have to return back home. Maybe then I'll have all the answers."

("It'll be dangerous. Especially with that man roaming about still hunting you.")

"He is probably using her as a trap. Despicable." he spouted with venomous intent.

("Calm down, my child.") Oblethe retorted sternly.

"Sorry."

"Cassius?"

He turned readying himself. The gauntlets appearing before him as he turned to see Rias and Akeno. The gauntlets disappear as his hand retreat to his pockets.

"Is everything ok?" Akeno asked with worry.

"Strange. Usually you aren't one to worry."

"Is it about Lucille?"

Cassius turned to them again. He sighed as he looked up to the sky.

"It doesn't seem right. Something is up. If I never passed out from that earlier fight...she would be standing here today."

"We'll find her. I promise." Rias said as the two went in for a hug as this took Cassius aback. He was very surprised but the warmth of the two he couldn't help but smirk a bit.

"I appreciate it."

"Let's head back. We all deserve a little rest." Akeno said giggling.

"And back to normal it seems." Cassius said chuckling as the three returned inside the church to regroup with the others.

Within the bushes a figure stood up from the leaves as it was Ciel who was sneaking about as he turned and walked back into the shadows of the forest.

"If that girl is back she's probably with the Masters. I need to find her and get her. That way I can finally kill that brat. How dare he get chosen by the dragon instead of me. He will pay."

He disappeared into the night as Rias and her peerage also began returning to the clubhouse.

- the next day -

"What is up is your favorite devil servant?" Issei said silly as he opened the door to the club room.

Rias took a sip of her cup as she turned to Issei with a smile. "Oh hey! I'm surprised you're here. Are you feeling alright?"

"Hell yeah. Thanks to Asia I feel better than ever!" he said happily as he sat down across from her.

"That's wonderful to hear! She's proving to be very useful." she said with glee.

"So question if that's alright. If we're based on chess pieces that means all the positions are represented?" he asks to which Rias nods.

"So if I'm a pawn...don't that mean there's seven more?"

"Normally yes. But you and Cassius are the only pawns I need. See I used my pawn pieces and split four between the both of you."

"Wait shit seriously?!" Issei was surprised although his attention was averted as he saw an awakening Cassius from behind Rias.

"What's with the racket. I'm trying to sleep here." he said tiredly. Mumbling to himself and rubbing his eyes.

"Wait you were sleeping on the floor?!" Issei again surprised.

"Yeah. Why does that matter."

"You know I'ma not question it." he said as Rias couldn't help but giggle.

"It was a gamble with you, Issei. But I felt that I made the right decision when I wanted to make you my servant."

"The Boosted Gear. The strongest level of The Red Dragon Emperor." he said as he looked into Rias' eyes. He sat there in awe as he blushed a little.

" The Crimson Haired Princess of Ruin and The Wielder of The Red Dragon Emperor. We couldn't be a more perfect team you and I." she said as she planted a kiss on Issei's forehead. Issei sat silently as he blushed.

"Just a little spell to strengthen your stamina." she explained as Issei had a silly grin on his face as he was excited and smiling stupidly.

"Ah shit! Sweet! Always wanted porn star stamina!"

Cassius looked on tiredly as he shrugged his shoulders. His sleepy eyes saw another entering the room. "Oh hey it's the priest from before."

Issei turned hearing that to see Asia. He was nervous as he looked around frantically before calming down.

"Um. W-What's going on?" Asia said nervously as she was emotional. Blush filled her cheeks and small tears welled up.

"Well we were just talking and-" Issei started explaining but Cassius intervenes.

"Oh Rias kissed her to give Issei porn star stamina. Whatever that means." Cassius mumbled loudly as Issei looked at him and immediately tried to refute it.

"No that's not what it was at all and you know it!" Issei said angrily.

"But you literally just said it man!" he said less mumbly and more clearly.

"Talking is always how it starts." Asia said as he fidgeted in place and she clasped her hands together. "I know she is prettier than me and- I shouldn't say these things I'm not jealous just nervous and insecure!" she said quickly and rambling before she goes into a prayer. She presses her hands on her hand as she kneels down quick and in pain.

"Oh why does it feel like knives were into my head!"

"Well It's not the best idea for a devil to pray." Rias chuckled.

"So about that outfit." Issei said pointing out that Asia had the outfit of Kuoh Academy.

"Oh yeah. She'll be starting soon in school. She'll be joining your class. My father is part of the school board so getting her in isn't a problem."

"Damn. Rias has connections everywhere." Cassius mumbled tiredly before yawning again. "I need more sleep."

The rest joined up and Akeno had a cake. "Oh perfect you're all here! Lets celebrate and welcome our club's newest member. Everyone cheered as Cassius rubbed his eyes once more standing on his feet wildly.

As the group enjoy themselves a bird is seen on a branch peering into the clubhouse seeing Rias and her peerage enjoying cake. We seen a blond man with a cup of wine surrounded by females. He chuckled as he mocked the scene. "Well isn't that so sweet. Gag me. Soon we shall meet again Rias my dear. hm?" he saw through the bird that Cassius looked at the bird and stared straight at it. The man was taken aback by it. "That gaze irritates me."

"Weird bird...it's not from here, my friend." he said quietly as he snuck a small beam of energy taking out the bird and in turn taking away the view from the man. This frustrated the man. "Insolent worm. Seems Rias has picked out interesting pieces. I'll have to keep an eye on that piece of trash." he said as he calms himself chuckling.

Cassius turned as he went to go enjoy cake with the others as the bird disappeared and the end of the branch was burned to a crisp.

The next chapter of Cassius, Issei, and the rest of The Gremory Peerage, would soon begin.

Hey everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the first part of the story. I'm going to take a break and work on other stuff as well as plan the next part of this story! More OCs shall be introduced and more Cassius lore and backstory woooooooo! Anyway take care everyone! Enjoy yourselves! Stay safe!