Ryuko paused as she moved to gather that day's worth of fliers to deliver, having found none there. "Uh...aren't I supposed to deliver fliers now?" she asked curiously.
"I thought I was still doing that, too," Asia added from by her own empty bag.
Rias chuckled softly as she stood up. "Not anymore, you two," she offered warmly. "Flier delivering is normally the job of familiars. The only reason the two of you were still doing it was to help you both get settled...until you were ready to get your own familiar."
"Familiar?" Asia asked curiously.
Smiling, Rias lifted her hand and a chubby bat-like creature popped into existence with a puff of smoke, flapping about her head. "Each of us has a familiar...except for you two," she explained calmly as Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko entered the room. "The familiar bond helps the Devil become stronger, as well as widening their ability to exert their power. The proper match is of absolute importance. They can also deliver messages and gather information."
"Sounds cool," Ryuko observed, glancing at the fluttering bat creature with veiled distaste until it vanished. It was far too cute for her tastes. If she was going to get a familiar, it would need to look as tough as she was. "Where do we get one?"
"Well, you see..." Rias began, only to be interrupted by a knock on the door.
This intrigued Ryuko. They were in the old schoolhouse, and she didn't think anyone except the 'Occult Research Club' came here.
"Come in," Akeno called warmly.
The doors swung open, and a group of girls - and one guy - wearing Academy uniforms stepped in. "Excuse me," greeted the girl in the lead. She had dark hair, pale eyes, was wearing glasses...and immediately set off all of Ryuko's combat instincts. She didn't recognize any of the group, though she felt she should.
"What are you all doing here?" Rias asked curiously.
"We've both acquired more servants," the girl who'd spoken continued, "so we wanted to introduce everyone properly."
Ryuko relaxed somewhat. Apparently, this was another Devil Peerage, and one that was on good terms with Rias-
"Though we needed to wait until no humans were present," the girl continued, eyeing Rias critically. "There seem to be a lot of humans in and out of here, despite your security."
"Those humans are allies, Souna Sitri," Rias explained calmly, "and worthy of the respect such are due."
"Allies?" Souna asked in surprise. "Why would that be? I know that Satsuki-san and her group are...unusual, but-"
"They were directly involved with and responsible for the resolution of the Crimson Night," Rias continued carefully. "And as I've come to understand it, had they not intervened, that event would have triggered Armageddon ahead of schedule."
Assuming the prophecies of the various ends of the world weren't mistranslations of warnings about the Life Fiber threat, Ddraig observed thoughtfully in Ryuko's mind.
Souna raised her eyebrow. "I...see," she observed calmly, though Ryuko could tell she was nervous about what had been stated. However, she quickly rallied and gestured to the young man with them. "This is Genshirou Saji," she introduced. "My Pawn."
Rias nodded. "This is Ryuko Matoi, my Pawn, and liason with...House Kiryuin," she stated, plainly finding that the best way to explain the situation. "And Asia Argento, my Bishop."
Ryuko snorted idly, not really interesting in meeting this new person, or other Devils. "Yeah, whatever," she grunted irritably.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Asia offered happily, extending her hand to shake.
At Asia's greeting, Saji's eyes lit up and he stepped forward. "The pleasure is all mine," he greeted warmly and a trifle awkwardly as he took her extended hand in both of his. "What a beauty to-"
His words were cut off as an angry growl echoed through the entire room, though not seeming to come from anywhere. Ryuko's eyes were locked on the young man with a menacing glare, and a punishing heat seemed focused through that gaze.
"Forgive my Pawn," Rias spoke quickly, gently separating Saji and Asia. "She's rather protective of Asia and can quickly get...territorial."
"With a dragon in her arm, I'm unsurprised," Souna observed calmly.
"Dragon?" Saji gasped in surprise.
"Actually, I'm pretty sure that behavior predated her Gear awakening," Rias observed calmly. "Apologies if she's rude, the only one capable of controlling her is her girlfriend, and she doesn't."
Ryuko snorted in amusement this time. "I'll leave you to catch up, Rias," she allowed warmly. "Let me know when it's time to get my familiar."
"Oh?" Souna asked in surprise. "She's ready for a familiar?"
"Her and Asia," Rias confirmed. "We were planning on going next week with the full moon."
"That's when I was planning for Saji to get his familiar," Souna responded firmly, a bit of steel in her tone.
"Really?" Rias pressed thoughtfully, though her tone also had a bit of steel, more playful than Souna's though. "But the Familiar Master will only take one clan to his forest each full moon..."
"Indeed," Souna confirmed dryly.
Ryuko groaned, rubbing her forehead. "Great, more headaches. At least tell me it will be an entertaining fight?"
"No," Rias stated firmly. "There will be no Rating Game over this. It wouldn't be allowed."
"...you mean I don't get to kick perv-boy's ass?" Ryuko whined playfully.
"Who are you calling-" Once again, Saji's words were cut off by the intensity of Ryuko's glower and the omnipresent growl.
"Maybe we could settle it with sports?" Asia asked hopefully, desperately trying to resolve the situation without conflict. "I've never participated in sports before, and it could be fun."
"What a wonderful idea, Asia-chan!" Rias called out, clapping her hands together. "Since we're in high school, let's be high school about it."
Ryuko sighed, but let it slide. Asia was excited about it, after all...
The attempt to settle the decision via a tennis match between the two Kings and Queens ended...inconclusively, as they had played by traditional tennis rules rather than those used in 'Mario Tennis Aces', so racket destruction ended the game without a conclusion rather than a KO. Instead, the decision was eventually settled via a game of dodgeball. Asia became nervous when demonic magic became involved in the game to alter the way the balls flew.
Ryuko was disappointed. After Honnouji Academy, the game was far too tame...and far too easy. The victory was to Team Gremory.