AN: So the good news is that I'm not dead. The bad news is that I still don't have a consistent schedule, so updates will continue to be sporadic. In other good news, I have a lot better idea of where I'm going with this, so I probably have enough ideas for 4+ more chapters before we even deal with Riser. Sorry again for the delays :/

'thoughts'

'thoughts as part of a conversation'

"Disembodied voices talking"

"Talking"

[Rank designation]

Technique Name

*/-\**/-\*

The week after Rias and Alaveize's disappearance was utter chaos for the Satans and the Gremory clan. Once Ajuka returned to the laboratory to find it empty of Alaveize, he started to investigate. He almost instantly found the scene of Akeno's 'exam'. Even in spite of his devil nature, he was unsettled by the residue of whatever magic was used to execute this well… execution.

Upon closer examination of the the crispy fried Himejimas were wearing, he discovered the family crest on their clothing, and that their physical injuries came in the form of an electricity-based attack. He immediately connected the dots and reached out to Zeoticus with this conundrum. When Zeoticus went to find Akeno in her bedroom, he also found a short note from Rias on Akeno's nightstand.

Dear Mother and Father,

Alaveize has agreed to allow me to be his first wielder, and his new student. I have departed and will not return for some time. Under normal circumstances, I would be happy to train my power at home, but due to certain mistakes, I cannot do that. At this point, the earliest I would return is when I am confident that I have enough power to kill Riser Phenex should this farce not end before I return. You should have known that the position you have put me in would drive me to something like this.

Be well,

Rias

After waking up Akeno, they let her prepare for the day before questioning her at the breakfast table. They found that she only remembers up until she finished her 'exam' when she received the diamond sphere that was in her pocket and had no idea how she got back to the Gremory Estate, much less where Rias was.

After Zeoticus and Ajuka had finished with their questions concerning Rias, Zeoticus left the table, clearly quite agitated. Ajuka, on the other hand, was quite interested in what had actually happened in that dungeon. "Akeno-chan, I know it may be hard for you to talk about," He remembers when he was young in the War and he made his first kill. He was not insensitive to her plight, but as a Devil, remorse was something you had to confront on your own. "But can you at least tell me what kind of Magic you used?"

She shook her head, "I'm afraid I cannot let anyone know of it until I can properly defend myself. Some devils would go to any length to acquire it." She respected Lord Beelzebub, but he was widely considered to be recklessly curious and without concern for his specimens.

Ajuka respected that wisdom, but he simply needed to know more about the strange lightning magic. The burns on those victims did not denote a voltage high enough to deal the damage they suffered. There were additional effects that he needed to know about. He patted her gently on the shoulder, "That's wise to worry about such a thing, but despite my reputation as a mad scientist, I only want to help you here. In exchange for permission to study the diamond sphere, and whatever lightning Magic you used, I will train you personally in their usage."

"That seems rather unfair to you, Lord Beelzebub. What's the catch?" Akeno was naturally suspicious of such a deal, but it sure was tempting… Rias was being trained by Alaveize. If she didn't find a tutor at a high level, she would fall too far behind to be of any use to her [King].

"No catch, I just have never seen any Magic like it and I want to know about it. Plus, I have a feeling you'll be strong in the future. Getting credit as your tutor is surely enough as a bonus." Ajuka admitted, someone jokingly. His eyes steeled, "And as a Maou, it is in part my responsibility to develop the military assets of our faction."

"Well then," Akeno's eyes hardened, and she reached her hand across the table, "You have a deal, Lord Beelzebub."

He grasped her hand with a smile, and shook firmly, "Please, Akeno-chan, while we work together, please call be Ajuka. In private, of course." He winks.

With Rias no longer in the devil world, and no potential leads into her location in the overworld, the only things Zeoticus could do are to send out teams to track Rias down or to accept that his precious heir and only daughter would be out by herself in the world for years. 'The worst part is that Venelana will have to be told about everything that's going on when she gets back from her medical conference in Switzerland…' Zeoticus thought to himself as he paced his luxurious office.

"What's eating at you Zeo?" Ajuka asked, having just entered the room. "You know the options, and its not that hard. With possession of Alaveize, you know that any attempt to reclaim her will end in disaster at best."

"Yes, of course, it's just Venelana won't be happy at all when she gets back. I'm also somewhat bothered by the speed at which this developed. There's no way that Rias has a real plan for what to do in the overworld."

It was at this moment that Sirzechs teleported in with Serafall and Falbium, "Oh good, everyone's already here. Alright, so Rias is in the overworld with Alaveize. Our job now is to figure out how to handle this in devil society and beyond. Our top priorities are Rias's safety in these dealings and not causing an incident. In that order. Serafall, as the Maou of Foreign Affairs, you will lead our efforts and set our direction in that arena. Falbium will take charge of dealing with the devil council. I would, but they would suspect favoritism. Ajuka, Dad, and I are on support detail so feel free to use our expertise."

Ajuka rolled his eyes, exasperated, but capitulated to Serafall dragging him away anyway.

*/-\* 3/17/12: Karpathos, Greece */-\*

'Really? You want to run away and stay in a 5-star hotel in the middle of the Aegean Sea?' Alaveize was slightly irritated. After 5 days of camping in the woods in Canada, the spoiled devil decided to go to Greece. Greece!

'Mou' Rias thought back 'Don't be so grumpy. I'm not just here for vacation. There are plenty of out of the way spots to train. Plus, maybe I'll attract some [peerage] members if they sense me.' She unlocked the penthouse suite, then began to set up wards around the luxurious place. 'Besides, this is a property owned by the Gremory Clan. I can stay here for free and focus completely on training instead of wasting energy on the basics of living.' Rias finished with her wards and pulled her suitcase out of the interdimensional storage space that Alaveize had helped her set up and started unpacking. It wasn't very large, so it wasn't too much a leech on her power. In fact, her suitcase was enough to fill it to capacity right now.

'Very well, this is clearly not some frivolous change of scenery, and if you're able to save time on tasks of living I'll be able to push you even harder!' Alaveize was actually pretty excited about helping develop techniques with the Power of Destruction. He'd looted Sirzechs's memory for his techniques and thought there was quite a bit of room for improvement in his mind.

Rias was also excited to do anything but training with her isolation spell. In their 5 days in Canadian wilderness, she had reached a level that would allow her to withstand most attacks for long enough that Alaveize could 'planeshift' -as he had called it- for her to escape. Unfortunately, she still hadn't learned a single new spell since there was such a focus on the isolation spell. In her mind she was completely ready for new spells. 'Oh good. I've been waiting for you to step it up from practicing a single spell'

*/-\* Two weeks later 3/31/2012 */-\*

"You've finally gotten it! Now we can move beyond this technique onto something more interesting" Alaveize was always tempting her ahead with promises of juicier and juicier techniques, and it always reignited her desire to keep working hard. As usual during training, he was floating independently in front of her.

In her dreams at night, Alaveize had been showing her memories of his life- including some truly epic battles by her standards. She knew some amount of how strong Alaveize and the beings he faced down were. And just as when she was training, there was always the promise of a more devastating and magnificent duel. Though, she had a hard time imagining anything to surpass his battle on Jund against an entire roost of dragons.

"There is NO WAY you can consider the Withering Field to be 'the basics' you sadistic asshole!" Rias griped. Her eyes had taken on the appearance of being nothing but the Power of Destruction, and all around her, reality seemed to be melting. Everything from trees to rocks to grass to small woodland animals to large woodland animals to the insects was dissolving in the face of the oppressive aura of Rias's Power of Destruction. Of course, the things nearer to her turned to nothing faster, and the speed slowed until the end of her range. Her current range was just 50 yards in all directions of her, but that would improve with time and power. The entire two weeks she'd spent on this technique was worth it though. By her estimations, a normal human could survive for 10 seconds at the most and would be nothing but dust in the wind by 30 seconds. Like her range, the speed of dissolution would also increase with skill and power.

"Well it would be if SOMEONE had done enough control training. It's not my fault that you needed to get up to speed on the most basic skill in a mage's arsenal."

"Hey! I'll have you know that I did all of the training that-"

"Was assigned to you, yes I know. And it wasn't enough. At least you're up to snuff now and will continue to improve as I teach you more and more advanced techniques. Withering Field is a simple application of your power, even considering the control needed to actually make it work. Next, we will begin on Null Lash. It will require considerably more delicate control to work, so I hope you're ready."

"C'mon Alaveize, you know that will take me forever. Can't we do a different one first? One that's a bit more similar to the stuff if know already?" Rias whined. She knew that once they started a technique, Alaveize wouldn't allow her to move on until she had a sufficient (according to Alaveize, of course) mastery of the technique. If this would take her another two weeks, that would be a total disaster! A whole month on two moves!"

"No, this order has purpose. I'm ramping up your control until you can safely take the form of your Power of Destruction." She can hear the malevolent grin in his words, even with no face. "Once you reach that level, I can teach you some real magic. Your fleshy body simply doesn't have the capacity for the level of magic I want to teach you."

"You would teach my brother's technique?" 'No other wielder has ever achieved such a level…'

"Bah, I have seen his version. It is sloppy and unrefined. He cannot even control the effects of his aura in that state. I have a much higher standard for my pupils. You will learn my way."

'To think that even Sirzechs's Aura of Destruction falls short of Alaveize's expectations. Truly his title of 'Tyrant' is earned' "I look forward to it!" Rias said, with a smile on her face. 'Whatever hardship I face under Alaveize will be worth it. He really isn't bluffing about me surpassing my brother.' "Let's get stated on Null Lash!"

'Heh, she really is excited about this. It would be remiss of me to deny her.' "Very well then. As you know, the form of your Power of Destruction is largely governed by your intent, so making a lasting form is quite difficult considering how mercurial its possessors are. For many of my techniques, a razor focus and unwavering determination are necessary. This is just the first among many that will tax your mental resources to cast in addition to your magic. In exchange for such a requirement, these techniques are powerful and difficult to disrupt. Before throwing you into the deep end of this technique, I'll start you with a training exercise…"

*/-\* Heaven, 3/31/2012 */-\*

"To think that someone like Lucifer's sister is out and about in the human world alone at just 14… If anything happens to her the results could be a disaster for everyone involved." Michael frowned, "If only we had more information than Serafall gave us…" He ran his slender delicate hands through his long blonde hair- the leader of the Heaven faction was obviously troubled by the implications of such a young devil being alone in the overworld. Family troubles? Legal troubles? Secret assignment? The possibilities were varied, but each had their troubles.

Uriel snorted, "Serafall is always evading her responsibilities, as expected of a devil queen, but this time is seemed like that's all she could tell us as opposed to just giving us the bare minimum for her job."

Gabriel smiled serenely, "They either don't know where Rias is, or they don't want to give us the information about even what country she's in." She pouted, "I'm not sure which would be more worrying."

Both male angels frowned, not having considered that Rias could be hidden from even the family Super Devil and his Super Devil friends. Uriel huffed, "Well if she ran away from home and no one caught her, she might be worth talking to."

Michael sat with his eyes closed, in thought. After a moment, he opened his green eyes, "Perhaps. Spread the word that if any of Heaven's operatives encounter Lucifer's sister, they are to invite her to meet with me."

Uriel nodded, "It will be done." He teleported away from the 6th level of heaven without another word.

Michael slumped in the golden throne he occupied, "Maybe she can help us establish a peace with the underworld. That's what Father would have wanted us to see in this opportunity."

Gabriel smiled all the way to her sea blue eyes "I'm sure that Father's Will works in ways even we Seraphim cannot anticipate, but I have a good feeling about this news."

Michael sighed, "It's at times like these that I envy your optimism and can only pray that you are correct."

*/-\* Kyoto 3/31/2012 */-\*

Yasaka, the nine tailed fox, and leader of the Youkai Faction moaned into the face-rest of the massage table under the careful ministrations by the skilled hands of the healer her household had on retainer. "What is troubling you today, Yasaka-sama?" The masseur spoke in a soft, deep voice with an Etheopian accent. He had built strong trust with the faction leader in the 3 years he had been living on Yasaka's estate and acted as something of a confidant.

Yasaka took her time thinking about whether to say anything at all. Once her massage was over, she decided to. "Koyah-san, its not really trouble for the faction, but one of the Maou's sisters is unsupervised in the overworld for as long as three years. I'm given to believe that she's going to be something of a free agent so I'm deliberating whether to send people looking for her to request a meeting."

"Hmm. So they really don't know where she is huh." At this point the pair had started walking toward the dining room for dinner. As usual, the African Starling Youkai would have his meal with the Faction Leader and her family and close friends, and it was one of his favorite parts of every day.

"I suspected as much, but how do you know for certain?" Yasaka didn't really pay attention to Devil customs that don't affect her directly, so she was unaware of anything strange.

"Normally, Devils don't go to the overworld so quickly, and they definitely don't go alone. Especially not the sister of a Maou." At this point, they walked into the sunlit dining room, and the evening sun made Koyah's feathers glisten in all colors of the rainbow- completely iridescent, dazzling the others in the room, as per usual. "I would like any new information regarding this situation. I'm sure that I can convince her to meet with you at the very least."

Yasaka hugged his arm between her boobs, "Thank you Koyah-san, for volunteering to do this for me. The Youkai faction really appreciates your efforts." She knew he was a powerful healer and his ability to use senjutsu was both rare and prized. Plus he was adorable and shy, which made him fun to tease.

Koyah blushed bright red at the implication, "No worries, I'm always happy to assist you- I mean the faction! - in any way you need." 'Thankfully my feathers conceal my blush, I might die of embarrassment if Yasaka was able to see how I am now'

The kitsune in question giggled, "I'm sure you are," She gave him a saucy wink, "But now it is time for dinner." She clapped twice, and servants started emerging from the kitchens with plates of delicious food. "Please enjoy, everyone."

*/-\* Las Vegas, 3/31/2012 */-\*

Jalai sat comfortably at his desk in the casino while his information dealer told him about some young Devil bitch who went out on her own and one of his thralls serviced him from under the desk. Yeah, Rias was the sister of Sirzechs Lucifer, but she was on her own. He wanted her for himself, if only just to be able to strong-arm Sirzechs. That guys really got under his skin, so getting his sister would be incredible revenge. "And the latest reports place her somewhere in Europe."

The thrall under his desk swallowed his load, then Jalai spoke, "Thank you. You can collect your chips from Rufus on your way out. Do come back with any new information regarding her location."

The dealer scurried away as fast as possible to the door, eager to be away from his client. The pay was incredible since he took it in casino chips, but the half-vampire half-incubus always terrified him. Jalai was known to be ruthless, cruel, and powerful, so it was his policy to steer clear of the man whenever possible.

'Now', Jalai thought, 'I need a plan that will cause Rias to be mine without strictly forcing her. She needs to think she wants it….'

*/-\* Grigori HQ, 3/31/2012 */-\*

As Azazel gave his lieutenants news of Rias's journey to the overworld, he noticed Kokabiel's excitement and Baraqiel's worry and filed those away to discuss with them individually. "Are there any questions about this news?"

Shemhazai sighed, "Are you sure that you want to go with 'no engagement' as our plan? She could be a valuable ally to have if we can convince her to work with us. Perhaps she left the underworld as a result of being fed up with Devils?"

"I'm sure. The risk is far too great. If we fail, and she reports our recruitment attempt, that could lead to a seriously strained relationship with the devil faction for the foreseeable future." Azazel explained, "Good thought though. You are all dismissed. Baraqiel, stay behind. I have something private to discuss with you."

Not even a minute later, the rest had gone, and it was just Azazel and Baraqiel in the room. "You look worried, Bar. What's going on?"

"It's… my daughter, sir. She is a part of Rias's [Peerage]. I'm worried about what has happened to her with Rias gone. Is there anything we can do?" Baraqiel sighed, "I understand if there isn't, but…"

Azazel looked contemplative for a moment, "No, no… This is good. I'm going to assign you to find Rias and set up backchannels for me to meet with her. As far as anyone is concerned, you are not acting on behalf of the Grigori, but as a father concerned for his daughter. This also means that you will have to work without access to the resources of the Grigori for the duration of the mission. Can I count on you?"

"Of course sir, you can count on me. With your permission I will take tonight to pack and head out first thing in the morning."

"Good man. You will contact me once negotiations are complete. Make sure that you keep the interests of the Grigori in mind when negotiating, and good luck." Azazel turned and walked to the antechamber that led to his personal laboratory.

/*-*\ 1/14/2013, Crete- The Labyrinth \*-*/

"Well done Rias. I hadn't expected you to reach this level of mastery so soon. Now that you've figured out the basics and strengthened your Power of destruction to an acceptable level you can begin learning an Armor technique. It is the next step in reaching the necessary control for a proper Aura of Destruction." As always, the voice of Alaveize was her constant companion, even with the Tyrant Scepter stored in her pocket dimension.

"Well that's just great. Is this one actually useful?" Rias had taken to speaking to Alaveize out loud when she was alone even though there was no need to. In fact, she doubted she'd be sane if she hadn't started talking out loud since she has yet to be contacted by anyone from any supernatural faction. "Because if it's anything like Suppression Veil I don't want it!"

"Hey, I'll have you know that Suppression Veil is extremely useful and has many important applications against high level opponents."

"Oh, really. And what use, pray tell is such a minor effect against someone like my brother? It wouldn't help me in the least against him!"

"Of course it is of no use now, but when you begin to reach his power level, information about what your foe is doing can be a matter of life and death. Suppression Veil not only prevents others from analyzing your spells, but from monitoring your magic flow. This cuts off a lot of the information needed to anticipate exactly what is going to happen. Your brother doesn't always have the perfect counter because he's a genius. He has it because he knows what's happening before everyone else. This isn't even mentioning the applications against someone like Ajuka." Alaveize continued to drone on about the technique as Rias walked back through the Labyrinth, following the gouges in the walls made by a finger coated in the Power of Destruction.

"Fine, I guess we'll come back to this in another hundred years when I get to Sirzechs's level." Rias retorted. There was only so much snark a girl could put up with before she got similarly snippy after all. "And you keep saying basics. How are these techniques not advanced?"

"They are basics because they are basic in complexity. Once you finish learning the Armor technique, I can teach you more complex techniques. The first one I teach you will have five component spells, so you can look forward to that."

Rias rounded another corner and came to a large staircase which she began to climb. "Oh good. Now, answer me- Will. The. Armor. Be. Useful?"

"More than you can imagine my dear. It is similar to the Claw technique you learned so you could learn to sharpen your Power. This time, you will be completely coated in the Power of Destruction, but you must sharpen the exterior and have it be in constant motion. It will function similarly to an Aura of Destruction, just weaker and more focus intensive to maintain."

Rias breathed a sigh of relief. Her efforts would be rewarded with tangible and powerful results. And if the last 9 months had taught her anything, such an intense technique would elevate her overall skill as well. "Ok," She ducked as she reached the top of the staircase and pulsed her magic to detect any other people. Finding nothing, she walked into the quarry that held the maze, gaze pulled to the sky. "Let's get to it then."

" So eager… Do you want me to demonstrate?"

"If you wouldn't mind, yes please." Rias replied. Not a moment later, she blinked- and when her eyes opened, instead of her normal blue eyes, they had an arcane glow that denoted possession.

'Now pay attention to the way your energy flows, and how I regulate it. And pay attention to the way that I use the technique for more hints.' Alaveize thought directly to Rias, who was currently taking the backseat in her own body.

'I don't think I'll ever get used to being possessed, but for such an in-depth learning experience, I'll endure.' 'You got it! Now show me what you got!'

AN: Well that's a wrap guys. I'll see you next time. As you can see, I've got a lot of threads to pick up later, so enjoy trying to guess where I'm going with each of them.