A/N: Sup, guys... wiErD here and I got a special chapter for you before we get to the Riser Arc. LOL
Sorry for lying but this one is needed if some of you wanted 'him' to appear in the story.
Disclaimer: I never own FT and HSDxD. All goes to their respective authors/writers for these awesome stories.
- Having a Partner, Becoming a Parent -
It was any other normal day at Kuoh Academy. Students wander around the campus as the bell rang in the start of the lunch break, others attend to their club activities and you know the rest.
Situated over the rooftop was Natsu, taking his break to sleep fr the entire day. Life had returned back to their original course and he needed a small break from all the training he had been carrying out in the last few days.
That's right. He's under training with his club President Rias Gremory in order to sharpen their powers along with Issei. Ever since unlocking their powers during the fight with the fallen angels, they needed to work on their endurance if they're going against more powerful foes on their own. It's not like they're weak or anything, it's just them having not much experience to real life battles such as this one, especially when it involves devils who can obliterate a normal human being in just flick of a finger.
And Natsu knew all to well that he's still in fact, a human.
Placing a small book above his face, he decided to set aside his thoughts and focused on sleeping for the whole day. The weather is nice and the sun was bathing him perfectly in warm light, not to mention the great gentle winds that brush passed his form as time goes by.
This is the perfect spot.
..
..
After a few minutes passed, a shadow figure loomed over his face as he slowly put away the book, only to be surprised to see a person right before him.
"Akeno-senpai?!"
"Ara, ara... ... It's too early to be sleeping at a time like this, Natsu-kun." The black-haired senior smiled warmly towards him as she stood before him patiently.
"What are you doing here?"
"It's lunch break... Am I not allowed to wander off here?"
"N-No... Not at all... But there are other places worth wandering off to other than this part of the school. Plus, its quite rare that the vice president of our club to wander off just like that." He said with a complicated expression.
"Or maybe it's just you never see me that often... I'm still a student after all." She noted as a matter of fact.
"So what did you come here for?"
"Nothing... Just curious to see what my kouhai is doing at this time of day... And by the looks of it, you seemed pretty tired." Her tone soon followed with a worried expression.
"Well, Buchou had been pretty hard on us lately... Training and sorts..." He snorted.
"It's for your own sake, you know... Plus, Buchou saw great potential between the two of you and she believes you two will be a significant part in the future. Even I as well felt like that too." She smiled.
"What makes you say that?" A slight glance towards sky followed as Akeno tried to ponder for a moment before looking back to him once more.
"I just feel it... Something about you makes me curious..." Her tone suddenly changed into a seductive one as she leaned closer to him, with her breast touching his arms in the process. He had to admit, it kinda somehow feels good to be touched by them but anyways-
He thinks that they were getting sidetracked here.
"Ummm. Akeno-senpai? We're in school, you know..." He reminded.
"Ara, ara... It's not like we're being seen right now..."
"That too... But come on, get hold of yourself... You're a senpai, remember? I don't want anyone giving bad impressions to you just because of a misunderstanding." His worries caught her attention as she stopped midway and looked at him in surprise.
Is that what he was worried about? Wait, no matter how she looks at him, he seemed really clueless when it comes to girls. But that unusual caring side of his is somehow the one doing the charm out of him. Nevertheless, he was different from all the boys in the school who would fawn over the hot girls when they saw one.
Despite being brothers, he's the opposite side of Issei but both similarly have great passion in caring for their friends but for her, Natsu was bit more better in having that quality.
Slowly retreating back to her original position she sat beside him before changing another topic.
"So... how do you feel about getting along with the others?"
Natsu took a few seconds to ponder about her question before slowly staring at the sky in wonder.
"They're nice... I mean, everyone is unusually nice despite the fact that all of you are devils... When I first met you all, I kinda pictured all of you to be somewhat related to evil things like a devil would actually do but it seems like that doesn't matter anymore." He trailed off in thought but not before long he decided to ask her about something. "Anyways, how's Asia doing? I hear she's also been handing out fliers like Issei during the night."
"She's doing fine... In fact, she was happy about being part of the club and reincarnated as a devil... To be honest, I find quite strange for a nun to join to the devil's side." She pondered in thought.
"Well, she was exiled from the Church... She had no one to turn into. I think it's best for her to stay here with us."
"I think so... ..."
After a few minutes of conversing with each other, the bell finally rang and the students from below had begun returning to their rooms. Akeno also stood up from her seat beside Natsu before reaching out a hand to him in which he accepted as he stood up before walking alongside with hers and made their way downstairs.
"By the way, come by to the club later. Buchou has some announcements to be handed out to us after class. It's your job as a member to attend, alright?" She reminded in a cute way.
"Sure..."
As they made downstairs, a couple of bystanders eventually noticed them as they walked through the hallway and Natsu could somehow hear all their mutters and chatters from the sidelines despite being far away. He slightly scoffed in annoyance, knowing most of them to be insulting. It's probably because he was walking with Akeno-senpai who was popular amongst the students in the school.
After meeting at a turn, they both parted ways as the black-haired girl went to the other direction while him on the other hand, continued along the other direction and made back to the class just in time.
It was not long until his three unlikely perverted friends came rushing to him with angered expression on their faces.
"NATSU, YOU BASTARD!" Matsuda, Motohama and even Issei all shouted at him.
"What?" He answered nonchalantly.
"You fucking asshole! Walking around with Himejima-sama at broad daylight... You got some nerves, don't you?!"
"What's wrong? We're friends, right?" As if they already knew that piece of information, except Issei.
"!"
"F-Friends?! SINCE WHEN!?~"
"A couple of days ago... ... At the clinic." He answered honestly, unknowingly causing them to misunderstand the situation.
"C-C-C-Clinic?! Wha- What kind of development did you have with her?!" They were already steaming on their faces. You couldn't know if they're angry or just demanding information.
"Well, we kinda met by accident then we talked before she-" He stopped for a moment before immediately remembering the time when she kissed him by the cheek. For some reason, he find it hard to tell them about it since he feels like he shouldn't share it with them, not to these types of guys at least. Unfortunately, his sudden loss for words got the three thinking of an assumption and it was not long until Matsuda and Motohama were crying their manly tears with each other and Issei cursing his brother from his seat.
"Fuuuuuuck yooooouuuu, Naaatttssssuuu~"
.
.
And the day continued.
At the Occult Research Club... ... (Afternoon.)
School ended and Natsu went into the old building as ordered since he was informed of the announcement by Akeno. After making his way inside, he was greeted by several familiar people like Kiba and Koneko who were playing chess while waiting. So far, they're the only ones who arrived at the club.
"Good afternoon, Natsu-kun." Kiba greeted.
"Yo! Where is everyone?" He turned to look for their two senpais but it seems like they haven't arrived yet.
"They'll be coming here soon... ... You're not with Issei and Asia today?"
"I took a nap at the rooftop... They're probably getting themselves to know each other."
"I see... Take a seat... I think the club will start a little bit later." Natsu nodded at his request and simply sat at the couch facing the two contenders as he began to look closely at the game they were playing. Remembering about what Rias had told them about having servants that also had a meaning behind choosing several pieces to resurrect them, it's his first time thinking carefully about it since he never really cared about knowing it.
He's human and had nothing to do about the evil pieces. From what he can recall back then, Kiba was supposed to be a knight. Well, it surely fits his character and attitude. Koneko would be the rook which involves inhuman strength and defense and he probably mistook her for a vulnerable girl that time but it seems like that's not the case. Akeno is their queen who stands out most of the rest of the pieces power qualities. He had known of his brother's piece and he's yet to know Asia's piece as well since she recently joined in the peerage after the fight with the fallen angels.
Well, he can all ask about that when they're all here.
.
.
It didn't take long for them to wait for the others as Issei and Asia eventually came inside with the latter delighted to see Natsu upon their arrival. At the same time, Rias and Akeno came to the other side of the room before greeting their fellow club members and settled around the desk.
"I'm glad you're all here... I have some announcements that I wish to share with all of you... First is our welcoming party for our new member, Asia. I knew this is sort of a bit late since Akeno and I had to fix some things regarding about the incident back at the church but we still didn't forget about this so... everyone let's get along together with her..."
A couple of smiles and claps went among the rest of the members as Asia could only shook her head in embarrassment.
"T-Thank you everyone for helping me...!" She repeatedly bowed in sheer shyness which only made the others to smile at her innocent behavior.
"We're glad to have you, Asia-chan." Akeno smiled.
"Yes." Koneko spoke.
"Let's do our best, Asia!" Issei spoke in glee.
And the rest of the conversation went with Asia's celebration of joining the peerage and becoming a devil. Although it's a bit of a stretch for her, she was glad to be able to meet them. Her life has been lively and happy ever since transferring here in Kuoh Academy and lived in the Hyoudou Residence.
"Also, there is another announcement which only concerns the three of you." Rias pointed over to the new members of the club in anticipation.
"Us?" Natsu, Issei and Asia pointed each other in confusion.
"Yes... In the past couple of days, all three of you had been distributing fliers, right?"
"Yes."
"This is the last day for your distribution of fliers."
"Eh? You mean, we're graduating from handing fliers?"
"Of course... Answering the contracts is the main priority of a devil but handing out fliers is only for the familiar's job."
"Familiar?" All three heads glanced at each other in confusion about the new topic.
"That's right... Before that happens, all three of you must have your own familiar."
It was then Natsu raised his hand in question. All eyes eventually turned towards him before he spoke.
"Is it really okay for me? I mean, I'm a human... I don't have any powers to bind a pet or something."
"That's alright... The moment when I placed a Gremory symbol on your hand, little things like forming a contract to people and demon pets are accessible to a normal human, as you are the first ever human to become part of the Gremory clan without being resurrected as a devil." Rias explained but not before long she walked towards the pinkette and lightly pinched his cheek in the process.
"... and might I add, please refrain from burning the symbol again? What if a more dangerous situation arises and we can't help you on the way? Don't you think the gravity of the situation once that happens?"
"Y-Yes! Buchou! I understand..."
The pinching soon ended as Natsu touched his sore cheek gingerly before slowly glancing away with a grumpy look. Akeno simply went beside him with a warm smile.
"Buchou is just worrying about your safety, Natsu-kun... Please understand it for now, alright?"
"I can take care of myself... ..." He snorted in annoyance but cannot make any overt moves against her since she's his senpai and he probably also knew what she meant by that.
Although, he hated to admit but Akeno seemed to have more experience in battles more than he is when it comes to fighting supernatural beings. The last fight was just his luck since he was able to unleash a portion of his power to defeat that annoying fallen angel.
However, as soon as his mind tried to remember back about the events that transpired a few days ago, he also recalled Raynare in the midst of his memories. It's been almost a week since that happened and there has been no attack or whatsoever from any of the factions as of now.
A slight frown found its way into his lips as he gazed towards the window in worry about the missing fallen angel. He doesn't know where she is and he probably assumed that she had no one to turn back into now that she's been betrayed by her supposed comrades and tried to kill her at the very end. Luckily, he was able to intervene and managed to save her just in time but he can't be sure of her safety without knowing her whereabouts.
Akeno soon manages to notice his complicated expression as his energy seemed down than usual.
"Is something wrong?" She asked worriedly.
"It's nothing... Just... ... thinking of something."
But before she could even ask about it, a sudden knock on the door was soon heard as all heads of the people inside turned towards it until Rias answered to it by calling out from afar. The doors leading through the room soon opened and Issei and Natsu simply widened their eyes in surprise after easily recognizing the people coming inside, much to their dismay.
"Please excuse us." The girl leading the group greeting with a formal matter and it was not long until Natsu and Issei were stuttering on their knees after seeing the person right in front of them.
"You are-" Before they could even continue, Asia scooted behind the two as if being cautious all of a sudden.
"Um, who is she?"
"She's the student council president, Shitori Sona-senpai. Next to her is the vice president, Shinra Tsubaki-senpai but it seems like they brought all the members of the student council... I wonder what's wrong." Issei said in confusion.
It was then Rias had begun to speak for the newcomers.
"What brings all of you here?"
A moment of silence ensued for a second until Sona looked towards the crimson-haired girl with anticipation.
"Just a greeting, since both of us have some new servants. I think it would be wise that we should have them know each other better."
"Servants? Don't tell me..." Issei widened his eyes in surprise.
"Her real name is Sona Sitri. She's the heiress apparent of the upper-class Sitri family." Akeno explained.
"There are other devils in this school?" Natsu turned towards the black-haired female in curiosity who simply nodded in response before looking back to the group before them.
.
.
It was then a boy beside Sona whom Natsu didn't know began to speak after hearing their conversation and their obliviousness of the other devils' presence in the school.
"Rias-senpai, you didn't tell him about us? It concerns me of the fact that they don't know their fellow demons." He speaks arrogantly in response to them in which Natsu felt the need to clenched his fist and punch him straight ahead just to keep his steam from blowing over.
However, it was not long until Sona cut him off and tried to explain to him in a composed manner.
"Saji, the two families do not meddle in each other's affairs and that we decided to turn a blind eye with each other for the time being so it's natural for them to not recognize us." The boy named, Saji simply recomposed himself after being lightly scolded by her until Issei finally begins to recognize the boy beside them.
"You're the guy who recently joined the student council as the secretary, right? You must be from Class 2C-"
"Saji Genshirou, my pawn." Sona answered.
"Hyoudou Issei, pawn. This is my bishop, Asia Argento." Rias introduced the two before them and it was not long before Sona turned over to the pinkette in anticipation.
"I've heard that you have a human comrade amongst your ranks who's well aware of the existence of devils and other beings... Is he the one?"
"Yes... Unfortunately, his powers are yet to be identified and seemed to be unlikely that of a Sacred Gear."
"Have you told Maou-sama of this incident?" She inquired.
"Not yet I suppose and I also want to keep this a secret between us since it will stir a lot of attention to him and it would be bad for us if that happens." Rias explained.
"I think so... but I want to ask of why you haven't made him into a devil. Wouldn't be more convenient if he were to use the power of the Evil Pieces?"
"I already told you before... he rejected the piece and by the looks of it, he seemed to worth more than just a couple of pieces. He might even be at Issei's level when it comes to the value. And since I used up all my pawns to Issei, I can't make another servant to compensate for that. Plus, Natsu doesn't fit well with either bishop, knight or rook for that matter.." She shrugged her shoulders after the explanation.
It was then Saji turned to speak.
"W-Wait... This guy got all eight pawns in his sleeve?" He looked over to the brownette in disbelief.
"Yes... After all, he's the possessor of one of the thirteen Longinus, Boosted Gear. I've heard that it's quite a formidable weapon but from the looks of it, he still learning." Sona assumed.
"Yes... Unfortunately, we can't say for sure for Natsu as well... His power remains a mystery but we did have some speculations of how his powers work or its relation."
"And that is?"
"Dragon..." A collective forms of surprise went to the other group as Sona easily composed herself before analyzing of what Rias had said earlier before looking back at the pinkette in curiosity.
"So that makes sense... No wonder why it requires a lot of pieces to resurrect him... The only problem is how he was able to reject them willingly."
"It's not in his own will... Rather, his body automatically rejects it."
"Strange... Well, I guess only time will tell of the reason behind that." She shook her head in content. Natsu scooted beside Akeno in hopes of whispering something.
"Do you really think we can trust them of my secret?" He asked worriedly, feeling a cold aura surrounding the student council president.
"Don't worry... Buchou and Sona have been childhood friends since then and trusted each other completely but there are times where they regarded themselves as rivals but all in all, they're on good terms." Akeno reassured, much to Natsu relief.
.
.
"Anyways, leaving that aside, I hope we can get along with each other in the future, servants of the Gremory household." She gestured Saji towards the newest members of the Occult Research Club as he reached out a hand shake towards Asia with a uncertain look.
"Nice to meet you." He spoke.
"It's nice to meet you too, Saji-san." Asia accepted the handshake and it was not long before his expression turned soft towards Asia as he openly welcomed her greeting with glee. It also didn't take long for Issei to intervene and shook hands with him though he seemed to be pissed just after seeing him near Asia but both of them kept their cool as they discreetly glared at each other, much to the two masters' dismay towards their servants before shaking their heads with a sigh.
.
.
"You really must have it hard too?" Rias smiled in relief.
"Same goes to you too, Rias." Sona sighed in content before turning her attention back to her. "By the way, I also came here about the matter of having my servants get their familiar. You don't happen to have the same objective as mine now, do you?"
"What a coincidence... I also happen to promote Issei and the others in getting their familiars."
"But you do know that the familiar master comes around once a month, right?" Sona inquired.
"Yes."
"And that makes us?"
A light chuckle came from the redhead as she looked towards Sona with an anticipated smirk.
"I knew you were going to say that... Since it's come down to this, why don't we settle this in a duel for the right to commission the pet master this month." As soon as she said that, Sona narrowed her eyes in a serious way.
"Are you talking about a Rating Game?"
"Not really, we're not even given the permission to hold one though."
"True, especially that you have that one problem regarding to your family-"
"That doesn't have to do anything with this." Rias suddenly cut her off with a firm tone but Sona was never fazed by the provocation and decided to back down a bit from that topic. Unknown to her, Akeno noticed her sudden distaste of the topic almost being brought up to them since she knew what Sona was talking about and it's not yet even revealed to the rest of the members of their club although she preferred that it should be this way in order to prevent them from worrying.
After a few seconds, Rias soon recomposed herself and faced the student council president with determination.
"How about this, let's settle the right by having a team battle of dodgeball. Are you okay with that?"
At first Sona tried pondering for a moment before slowly lifting her head to face her once again.
"Since it had come to this, there's no reason for me to turn down the offer, especially when it comes to my rival." Her eyes turned serious all of a sudden that immediately sent chills all over Natsu and Issei's spines just by looking directly at her expression. At the same time, Rias clapped her hands in agreement.
"Then it's decided. We'll settle the battle by tomorrow night!"
Hyoudou Residence (Nighttime.) (Few hours later.)
"You seemed quite fired up tonight..." Issei spoke nonchalantly as he sat on his seat before gazing towards the pinkette who had been sneaking inside his room to get a copy of his homework as usual though in addition of a very bright expression he was giving.
"Of course, there's going to be a battle tomorrow... I can't wait to beat that Saji-bastard's ass."
"Well, I'll leave it to you then and please, if you're just gonna come here and copy my homework... Just knock on the door instead of coming to my window... Are you a burglar or something?" He sighed in depression of his brother's action.
"I can't do that, you know... Especially with Asia around." Natsu bluntly spoke. It took a few minutes for him to actually realize the real reason of hiding the fact that he was copying someone's homework. Ever since Asia stayed in their residence, Natsu could not make any little schemes like copying and pranking on the neighborhood. If Asia happens to find out about it, she'll scold him like a real big sister in the family and Natsu could not argue with such an innocent person like her.
It was more like she was an invulnerable person to tease or trick since she always put up that sincere smile whenever she meets anyone.
"Anyways, how's your head? It's not hurting often now is it?" After being asked by that, Natsu stopped writing and simply went unmoving for a moment as his mind thought back of his recent headaches that still seemed to occur even after the fight with the fallen angels.
"It does in some occasions. Other than that, I'm feeling okay." He forced a bitter smile, hoping for him to not worry about himself.
The dreams had became more clear to him and the image of the creature that kept appearing in his dreams was in fact a dragon itself. Although, it still tends to ignore him when he asks around inside his dreams, the dragon would continue to utter mysterious chants and words that made no sense to him at all. It was cryptic and full of strange mysteries that made it hard for him to analyze.
Nevertheless, he hoped that it would stop in the next few days. He had a feeling that something big was about to happen again soon.
.
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"Leaving that aside, what are you doing actually?" Natsu changed the topic as he turned to look over to the desk where Issei was working at, only to find several pieces of white blank cloth and knitting tools.
"Ah, I'm just wondering if I could make some headbands for the club... You know, to boost our morale for the battle tomorrow." He sheepishly replied.
"I see... ... You're really working hard."
"Well, that's one of the things you said to me when we're kids... To be considerate of your friends and also never giving up till the end, right?" As he said that, Natsu could only sport a small grin towards his brother before patting his shoulder in content.
"Now, you're becoming more mature."
"Yeah! It's one step closer to being a harem king!"
"I would've praised you if you didn't mention your goal. Issei." Natsu sighed once more, seeing that he hasn't changed at all despite learning everything from him. Well whatever, he was glad that Issei is becoming more responsible for his friends, at least.
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.
"Hey, Natsu..." It was then Issei begun to speak.
"Yeah?"
"We're going to win this! For Buchou!"
"Yeah."
The two brothers smiled at each other and resumed their work for the night and it didn't take long before Asia came in as well to hang out with them. And the rest of the night was spent on Issei's room with the three happily conversing with each other like a real family.
The next day... (Kuoh Academy Gym.) Nighttime.
It was already the fated day. The battle for the right of commissioning the pet master this month is about to begin. Rias together with the rest of the Occult Research Club members waited patiently for their opponents as they went on for a quick warm-up exercise inside. All of them have their own separate practice sessions while some helped out the other to stretch their arms and legs for a better warm-up.
Rias and Kiba were practicing catching ball, Akeno was busy helping out Asia to stretch out her legs since she was not suited for any strong sport games like this however, she had no choice but to participate for the sake of getting their familiar this month. Natsu, Issei and Koneko were simply jogging around the gym to work on their legs.
"So we're battling those student council guys, huh?" Natsu trailed off in thought.
"Natsu-senpai?" Koneko turned over to him in confusion.
"I-It's nothing... I'm just wondering if there's going to be any use of magic."
"There is." She bluntly spoke.
"I wonder what would happen if both sides tried to use magic against their opponents." Issei asked.
"Widespread destruction." Koneko spoke with a blank look.
"Great..." Both two boys drawled lazily. But before they could even continue, Issei soon grabbed something on his pocket before presenting them to the two. Koneko simply blinked her eyes in confusion of the headbands presented to her.
"What is this?"
"It's a headband for our club... Issei kinda made them last night in order to boost our morale for the night so... ... might as well take it, Koneko." Natsu offered. At first, the white haired girl stood for a moment before smiling in relief as she took one of the headbands and looked towards the brownette with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Issei-senpai."
"No problem... I'm going to distribute this with the others... Wait for me!" He sprinted towards the others and presented the headbands to them. Natsu and Koneko simply stood there smiling in content at the sight.
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"Ne, Natsu-senpai." It was then Koneko started to speak.
"Hmm?"
"Issei-senpai is unusual kind."
"Is that so? I think he's been like that ever since... ... It's just his perverted nature gets in the way of his kindness."
"You're right." She trailed off in thought.
"But you know, he's still the kind of person who would fight for his friends when the situation calls for it." He grinned.
"Are you also the same, Natsu-senpai?" She turned over to her pink-haired senior in curiosity.
"Of course, even if they turned out to be devil, angel or even fallen angel for that matter, I'll save them no matter what." He declared which only surprised the girl for a moment before reverting back to her usual stoic expression before lightly smiling.
"I guess so..."
..
..
..
Another few minutes has passed and the long awaited opponent has finally arrived on the scene with Sona together with her peerage. Both sides glared at each other in determination before finally starting their lineups of the game. Unfortunately, Rias got the short draw and went on the first team to be on the center of carnage as they all position themselves in the middle while being surrounded by their opponents as they're the ones throwing the ball first.
"START!"
After the whistle, one of the girls simply used their enhanced strengths to throw the ball towards them. Natsu barely dodged the ball aimed straight to his face before glaring back to the girl who threw the ball.
"Hey! Are you going to kill me?! I'm a human here!"
"Natsu, stay focused." Rias reminded before motioning back as the ball returned to other side in which Tsubaki got a hold of it before glowing herself in magical power.
"Take this! Sitri-style demonic throw!" A symbol appeared right behind her as she threw her ball towards Rias in blinding speed as the redhead simply smiled in determination before positioning herself to catch the ball head-on.
The impact soon followed as Rias was slightly pushed but not long before having part of her clothes torn due to the intense force of the throw.
"As expected of my rival... To think that you would be able to catch Tsubaki's full throw head-on." Sona praised.
"Who do you think I am!" Rias started to throw the ball back to them but not long before she used her magic as well that simply turned the ball into a red beam of fire in which one of the girls tried to catch but was unable due to the powerful force drawn into it. As a result, she flew back but not before long her clothes started to burn as well.
Natsu and Issei simply gawked at the scene as they're beginning to see the entire game turning into some kind of battlefield. Magic circles and deadly balls were thrown from both sides that could either break a bone or two. And they were sure to see one of them got sent away from the gym, breaking its glass in the process.
"This is really getting out of hand!" Issei screamed in panic.
"I don't really get what game are they trying to put at but if it means war, I'll just have to fight as well." Picking up a ball beside him, Natsu coated it in flames before locking it towards Saji who was unaware of the situation.
"Here I go, Fire Dragon's Flaming Ball Attack!"
"Gaaaah-"
As fast as the eye could see, a screaming agony of pain resounded through the gym as the ball smashed towards Saji's back and merely sent him flying away towards the glass and eventually flew away out of the gym before crashing outside.
"YEAH!" Natsu and Issei pumped fists together in triumph.
And the battle continues.
..
..
..
In the end, the fight was left unsettled as both groups have suffered casualties from the deadly game. Everyone is recovering from the game after taking too much hits of the balls that was sent to them, causing some of their bones to crack as a result. Of course, Natsu and Issei were also the ones who were caught up in the fight. The only remaining ones unharmed is Rias, Akeno, and Asia together with Sona and Tsubaki who miraculously survived the onslaught of the dodgeball fight.
"I guess, we lose then?" Sona tried counting the number of people standing before them.
"We didn't even know what we're trying to accomplish... Who wins against who?" Rias sighed.
"Nevertheless, I think you earned the right this time, Rias... But if it was a Rating Game, I'll definitely not lose."
"I could say the same to you... I won't let my childhood friend get the best of me."
Both of the them smiled at each other and before long the two student council members lightly bowed their heads before them before Sona turned over to the recovering pinkette with anticipation before looking back to the three.
"Well, then excuse us. We'll take our leave from here."
And with that, the two girls simply went on to pick up their comrades and Asia, Natsu and Issei were quite surprised to see that they're able to carry all of their members unto their shoulders that easily.
Some devil girls they are.
Oh well, the contest was finally over and the winner was declared to the Occult Research Club for reasons unknown. The group eventually celebrated their victory back at the old school building as they all prepared a toast with each other. All of them had changed back to their school uniform and began to celebrate throughout the night.
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.
"Cheers!" Voices of the members resounded through the silent room as the group lightly tapped their glasses towards each other before drinking. Issei and Natsu formed around with the others and shared their talks and conversations as they awaited their time for a familiar contract that will happen any time soon.
"Congratulations... everyone. The Occult Research Club has successfully defeated the student council! And we all owe it to everyone for doing their best!" Rias declared with a warm smile.
"I don't even know what we're doing back then... All we did is to throw as much power we can to knock them out cold, right?" Natsu sweatdropped.
"Let's leave all the small details... Regardless of what happened, we won." She spoke with a proud expression. The others went along with the flow and Natsu could only sigh before smiling in content.
"Plus, we were more fired up since you made these headbands for us... It shows how much we're quite serious in getting that victory against them." Natsu perked up.
"Yes." The others agreed as well as they all smiled at the brownette who could only make a sheepishly reply towards them.
"Anyway, we cannot stay lazy for that long. We're still in the middle of a task. It's time for the three of you to get your familiars." It was then Rias began to speak once more.
"E-Eh? Right now?" Issei spoke doubtfully.
"Yes... The familiar master only appears on nights during a full moon. That's why he always comes around once a month. This is the right time to talk to him in getting your desired familiars."
"I see."
After a few moments, Akeno soon summoned a magic circle near the door entrance as she stood at the center before looking back to the others with a smile.
"Let's go everyone..."
"Yes!"
Natsu still couldn't get used on the jumps the group always do when performing a task. He can't really explain it but for some reason, he slightly feels lightheaded and dizzy upon doing one. He wasn't always like that before he got his powers during their encounter with the fallen angels.
It's like he feels a sudden wave of nausea whenever he tried doing one magic jump from the circle.
With the group walking towards an unknown forest, he simply tagged along with them, hoping to find this so-called Familiar Master that everyone's been referring to. The place seemed dark with a full red moon shining above them, showing off a red landscape of a desolate forest that could not see any life from afar.
Although it was the place where the previous devils get their familiars or pets, the place is seemingly teeming with a deathly presence where life is absent within it. Not a single soul can be seen from all around.
"Are you sure that we got the right place to jump into?" Natsu couldn't help but ask.
"Yes... This is it. Although it may seemed unlikely, this is where we all picked up our pets." Kiba explained.
"But I don't see anything or anyone moving around... It's like a dead forest." Issei added and not before long Rias decided to intervene.
"Well, we must find the Familiar Master first... He knows all kinds of pets and can pinpoint their location or home."
"Do we need to fight him?" Akeno giggled upon the pinkette's answer until the crimson-haired princess looked towards him in reassurance.
"No... He will guide us in taking the right pet to bind with... Devils and familiars needed to be bonded like real friends and partners. They can even assist you in times of need."
"Ah, I see... ... I can't wait."
"However, we can't proceed on finding a pet without the familiar master... Before the moon changes, we need to meet him right away."
"Speaking of which, there he is." Natsu pointed over to the branch above them as all eyes turned towards it before recognizing a lanky man wearing a white t-shirt, accompanied by a yellow backpack that is held upon his shoulders. He also wears a pair of brown shorts with a blue cloth wrapped around his waist. A hat is seen worn on his head in an opposite manner. The others could only stare at him for a few seconds before speaking.
"Ummm. Are you the familiar master?" Issei asked.
"I'm surprised to see that someone was able to notice me at an early time... That's the best record yet." He spoke in a lively tone.
"Riiiigggghhhttt." Natsu drawled.
"Hoh, a human?! Well, well. It's my first time seeing a human going out here in the familiar's forest." He landed down from the tree and into the ground before looking towards the pinkette in curiosity.
"He's a special member... But he's under the protection of my clan so there's no harm in bringing him along."
"It's not that I'm suspecting somebody... It's just that it's quite a new development on my part. To see a human being here- Oh, I haven't introduced myself, have I?" The man laughed for a moment before recomposing himself and faced the entire group. "I'm Familiar Master, Zatouji... What a lovely full moon tonight. A perfect night for hunting familiars, isn't it?"
"Haaa." Natsu sweatdropped.
"With me by your side, you can get any pet you want!"
"Hoh, so are there any cute familiars? Female humanoid ones?!"
"Give me a familiar that'll fetch me a lot of food!
Both Natsu and Issei shouted their desired qualities for their familiars but Zatouji could only put up a disapproving wave at their choices.
"Your choices are nothing but shallow. A familiar should be strong and brave. A familiar that can help you during your battles and take advantage of the situations." He advised.
.
.
"Umm. I also would like a cute familiar." It was then Asia asked for her choice of quality for her familiar.
"Alright, dear!" Zatouji suddenly changed his expression upon talking to her which only made the other two pissed.
"HEY!"
"Anyways, we can all talk more about them along the way so we should keep moving. The night isn't gonna stay forever and a lot of familiars maybe returning to their homes soon before the next phasing." The others nodded in which they soon began their journey along the path with the familiar master leading them in the front. Rias and the others simply followed from behind as the three walked together on the middle.
While talking about familiars, Natsu remembered something that he wanted to ask as he slowed his pace and went beside Akeno who slightly tilted her head in confusion.
"Umm, can I ask something, Akeno-senpai?"
"Sure.. What is it?"
"Back at the discussion with those student council people... Sona-senpai mentioned something about a Rating Game... Do you know what that is?"
"Ara, ara... ... You catch up sooner than Buchou expected. I think that will be the next step in learning about the devils' culture... It's more of a recent activity. Basically, it's a game decided upon two pure-blooded devils as they use their pieces to fight for them to ensure victory."
"Pieces?"
"Do you remember the evil pieces that we taught for you?"
"You mean those little chess-like pieces used in reviving my brother or reincarnating humans into devils?"
"That's right! In a Rating Game, it's somewhat similar to chess and the King will have to use his pieces or servants to fight for him."
"Like a duel or something?" He asked.
"More than a duel... It involves teamwork, skill, tactic, power and quick thinking in every aspect of the game itself. Right now, Buchou still has a spare rook and knight on her hands which makes her pieces still incomplete."
"Can I join somehow?" He asked with an expectant look.
"I can't say for sure about that. Rating Games only specializes with pure-blooded devils with their chosen pieces. If there's going to be an additional member to join, it'll have to go through the system in permitting you to join."
"I see... So it needs a permission from the organizers, huh?"
"Pretty much like it. But why do you ask?"
"Curious."
As they were about to continue their conversation, Zatouji finally stopped in his tracks as the group followed as well until all of them looked at him in confusion.
"What's up? Why are we stopping?" Issei looked at the familiar master in confusion.
"Look over there." He pointed over to a tall branch infront of them. Everyone followed his direction until they widened their eyes in surprise after seeing a creature gazing over to the distance. It was a blue creature, resembling that of a dragon with small wings rested on its back. It's head was shaped like a triangular fashion with a pointed snout and a pair of eyes that can see through distances as far as a human can see.
"Is that-"
"That's right... It's a Sprite Dragon. It's a very rare species that come out during the hunt."
"It's so cute!" Asia spoke in delight.
"Now is the best chance to catch it... Once it matures, it'll be hard to tame and will become just like other violent dragons."
"Well, Issei certainly has some dragon powers in him... It'll be a perfect familiar for him, right?" Akeno noted. It was not long until he nodded at her words before looking back at the rare familiar with determination.
"Alright! Sprite Dragon! By my right as your master, you shall become my- Gwwuoo!"
He stopped momentarily as he suddenly saw green slimes hailing down towards them without warning as they cling unto the girl's body which caused them to be left by surprise. The boys were simply shocked as they were also reigned down only to their eyes, causing them to obscure their visions.
"Wha- What the hell is this!?" Natsu shouted in surprise.
"Slime?!"
"Iyaaaan~" A moaning sound soon caught both Natsu and Issei's attention as they all turned in complete shock at Rias who is also covered in slime although the places they were clinging into was rather in some inappropriate areas.
"B-Buchou?!"
Not only that, another moan was heard as Akeno was also in the same state as their President. Koneko is pretty much the same with the same expression despite having herself in such an embarrassing situation. No one sure knows when the slime appeared but it looks pretty hostile to them though not in a bad way as it slowly melts all the girls' clothes much to their dismay and embarrassment.
As it continued, the clothes eventually melted, leaving only the girls with nothing but partially melted panties. Although he didn't notice it but a small streak of blood came out from Natsu's nose after seeing a woman's boobs for the first time though he couldn't tell himself to be aroused or not. His obliviousness is just stronger than his natural instinct to be attracted to the opposite sex.
"No!" Asia shrieked.
"Ara, ara... How indecent!~"
Natsu couldn't tell if Akeno was really distressed or not, seeing her getting into the flow with the others. Seriously, he couldn't tell either way. Turning back to the familiar master, Natsu pointed out his curiosity on the mysterious slime.
"So, is this also a familiar?"
"It's a creature who loves to eat clothing, especially that of a female." He bluntly replied.
"WHAT KIND OF FAMILIAR WOULD EXIST AS USELESS AS THAT?!"
"There are just some things that are out in the ordinary, my boy..." Zatouji shook his head in deep thought, unaware of the situation unfolding before his companions. Natsu sighed yet again before looking back to Issei.
"So Issei, what are you going to d-" Natsu stopped for a moment as he took a step back after seeing his brother's widened smile. It's the same smile he would always wear when something perverted comes around.
"Wha... What a beautiful turn of events! Buchou! I'm claiming this one as my pet!"
"T-That's not advisable! A pet can make his master submit to him if it becomes to hard to control!" Rias managed to speak.
"This is the best familiar that I've encountered so far! We're destined with each other, Buchou!"
.
.
"Natsu... ... Burn the slime."
"Eh?" Issei stopped for a moment before looking back at the pinkette.
"Sure thing!" Clasping himself in flames, Natsu instantaneously coated everyone in the sea of fire as the slime clinging unto them were incinerated in an instant as Natsu bursts a surge of fire energy from his body before slowly dissipating and eventually called off the flames, leaving only burned patches of slimes in the vicinity, much to Issei's shock.
"NOOOOOOO! Slime-taro! You can't die yet! You're my hope!" He cried out in horror, holding the burnt slime in his hands while tearing up in a comical way.
"I've never seen such a devil would want something so useless." Zatouji sighed.
"Forgive me of my brother's perverted nature... ... He's just a little too honest with his desires." Natsu apologized.
"I feel sorry for Natsu-senpai." Koneko added.
.
.
"You bastard! Why did you kill Slime-taro?!" It was then Issei stood up in irritation towards Natsu with an intense glare.
"Buchou said so..."
"He was my fated partner! I won't get any second chance for this! Slime-taro was a unique familiar and you had to just kill it!"
"What's with the name? Come on, there are other plenty of familiars out there which probably better than a slime. Get over it!" Natsu retorted.
"He was the best!" Issei snorted.
"No, he's not!" Natsu sneered.
"Idiot!"
"Pervert!"
"Virgin!"
"I don't even know what do you mean by that?!"
Issei and Natsu were already butting their heads together as if they were about to trade blows any second now. It's the first time everyone from the club to see both brothers bicker at one another over a useless matter. Asia was also beginning to worry since the two were getting serious about their fight now.
"I always hated your guts." Issei retorted.
"Well, I'm tired of having a brother with perverted thoughts! A shame!" Natsu snickered.
"Please calm down the two of you..." Asia tried to dissuade the growing argument between them but the two seemed won't able to budge this time.
.
.
"Hihi~" While in the middle of an argument, Natsu and Issei eventually stopped bickering as they heard a light chuckle coming from behind the trees as they all turned towards a broken trunk and not before long they noticed some sort of a cat's tail waving behind it.
"A tail?" Natsu spoke.
"Hiiiieee-" The voice soon turned into distress as he spoke and not before long he tried to walk his way behind it and eventually saw widened his eyes in surprise after seeing the creature hiding behind the dead trunk.
It was a blue cat, seemingly walking on two legs, much like a humanoid being but still a feline. He was covered in blue furs with a white belly on the center. He also seemed to be wearing a green backpack tied up on his back as if he was some sort of traveler.
He was still chuckling from behind, unaware that Natsu already found him.
"Are you the one laughing behind us?"
"Aaaaaaah!" After saying that, the cat could only scream in shock and surprise as he began to unfurl his wings and flew away form the pinkette who could only jawdrop at the presence of his wings.
"W-Wings? You have wings?!"
Everyone soon noticed the flying cat and Zatouji could only narrow his eyes in suspicion about the mysterious creature flying above them. It was not long until the Sprite Dragon came hovering above them together with the flying cat with a very alarming look.
"Well, this is quite unexpected... To think that we'd stumble unto the two rarest species of familiars in this part of the forest."
"Huh?"
"That flying one is called an Exceed. They're beings who lived on a floating island called Extalia. However, Extalia only comes orbiting around this part of the forest once in ever 50 years."
"What's an Exceed? Is that what they used to call me?" It was then the mysterious cat spoke and it didn't take long for everyone to widened their eyes in surprise after hearing it speaking.
"It spoke?!"
"What? Is it really weird for cats to speak? It's not like we're all dumb." It huffed in irritation.
"It's not like that... It's just pretty new to us. To see a cat with wings and can speak like a human."
"Well, that's my specialty!" He spoke proudly.
On the other hand, Issei turned to whisper again towards the familiar master in curiosity.
"So what do they actually do around here?"
"Most of them lived peacefully on Extalia. They cared nothing about the other creatures living on the earth. The only reason for such an Exceed to drop by here is probably they got separated and eventually got lost here before Extalia orbits out of the forest."
"So in other words-"
"He's a lost Exceed."
.
.
"Hey, don't pity on me! I can take care of myself! Plus, I still have Sprite-kun here with me!" The Exceed said with a firm tone as the Sprite Dragon circled beside him in defense.
"I see... So you two are going on a journey together?" Natsu guessed.
"Yes!"
"Then why don't you tag along with us?
"What?"
"I'm Natsu Dragneel... These are my friends! We're looking for familiars in this part of the forest so they can help us along the way... Are you two by any chance interested?" Everyone could only look at the pinkette in disbelief, seeing that he's actually urging them to join them instead of capturing them the usual way in getting a familiar. Even Zatouji was surprised as well but made no overt moves between him and the two familiars.
At first, the Exceed and the Sprite Dragon turned to look at each other for a moment as if they were talking about it since the latter seemed to be making some weird noises. A few minutes of talking about the request, the two eventually nodded in response before looking back at the pinkette with anticipation.
"Sprite-kun says so... I guess I can't deny anything from him now." A collective of smiles appeared on the group as they were able to convinced the two familiars to join their side.
"That's great! Anyways, which one are you going to pick, Issei?" It was then Natsu turned towards the brownette.
"Of course, it's obvious that I'll choose Sprite Dragon... Now, as your devil master, I shall make you my- Guuuhhaaaaa-" A zapping attack cut off the brownette from finishing his statement as the Sprite Dragon opened its snout before letting out a blue lightning attack on him before landing safely towards Asia's shoulders. Rias and the others could only look in surprise at the development before smiling.
"I guess, the Sprite Dragon chose Asia."
"Ara, ara... Good work, Asia-chan!"
On the other hand, Asia could only smile in delight at the dragon before cuddling him closer to her as if it was a stuffed toy.
"Cute~"
"He is only violent in defense which means, he must've thought that the boy was attacking blondie." Zatouji explained.
"Well, I guess that sums up Asia's chosen familiar now is it?"
After a few moments, everyone now turned to Natsu and the Exceed who were watching from behind.
"I guess, you should go about making him your familiar, Natsu-kun." Akeno smiled.
"You mean with him?" Natsu pointed over to the Exceed for clarification. Everyone nodded in response except for Issei who was still knocked out. The pinkette took a few seconds to think carefully about it before looking back at the cat who was being uncertain about what they're talking earlier.
"What's a familiar?"
"It's sorta a ritual to bind someone to do the other's bidding."
"Are you going to make me a familiar?" He said in fear.
..
..
"Actually, I thought of a better way." He smiled before crouching down to him and patted his head in reassurance. "Today, you'll be my partner."
"Partner?"
"You're not going to bind him?!" Everyone said in disbelief towards the pinkette.
"Of course not... Didn't you hear me earlier? We're all taking a journey together. How can I enjoy it when I can't have him tagging along freely without restraints?" Rias and the others simply widened their eyes in surprise at his words as they all stopped speaking for a moment and took a more careful thinking about what he said to them.
"The first time I saw a human here and then this one too, huh? Boy, you sure have a lot of surprises in one night. To think that I'd see the day that someone will tag a familiar along without binding him. He might escape from here, you know." Zatouji warned.
"Well, it's his choice of doing so... Everyone has a choice to make. Plus, I believe he would never run away from us. After all, he's a lost Exceed. What better way to adopt him, right?"
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.
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"WWWWHHHHHHAAAAAATTTTTTT?!" Everyone felt the need to rephrase of what he said. Adopting a familiar? Now that's something new. Everyone except Zatouji were already having lifeless expressions as they looked at the pinkette in disbelief.
"Hahaha! You're an interesting kid, I give you that! It's decided then, he'll become your famili- erm... partner that is." Zatouji laughed.
"Oh by the way, I didn't get your name." Natsu then turned over to the Exceed in question.
"I don't have a name." He smiled despite his answer.
"I see... ... Will Happy be okay?"
"Happy?"
"You were always smiling despite being abandoned. Even keeping an optimistic look despite knowing that you're lost. That's why I thought of that to name you." The Exceed could only look at him in wonder until a small smile crept its way on his lips as he happily accepted the name before flying towards him for an embrace.
"Happy! I like the sound of that!"
"Nice to meet you, Happy!"
A/N: And stop! That's the wrap for this chapter and then we're on to the Riser Arc.
Oh some reminders. It's clarification about the poll votes for Natsu harem. I only said about the girls who will surely join in his harem no closing it entirely. I only chose three because I gave you guys three choices but that's not gonna end him from getting any suggestion for suitable girls for him. As of now, the only sure to join is Akeno, Rossweisse, Kuroka and possibly Raynare. The latter will have to come around in the later chapters. It's not that far though.
Also, for the chapter, I'd like the idea of tagging Happy along and tweaking Extalia's history in the Familiar World and I'd rather have the idea of keeping him free from any contracts and become Natsu's all time partner on his journeys in this story so that's about that.
I guess, there's nothing to say anymore other than thanking you all guys for reading this chapter and also for supporting this story. Kudos to everyone giving me your opinions. It was a heartfelt appreciation coming from me. It gives me motivation! :)
The story is far from over so there will be a lot of revelations and twist coming up in the rest of the chapter. Who knows? Even Tiamat might give an appearance sooner than you all expected, hehe... And that's coming from me, hue hue (Spoilers. LOL)
Anyways, I'll see you again on the next chapter. It's Riser beating time!
- wiErD SpeCtrumz blacking out... ... ...
