~ 7 ~

Morning. 4:00. I shoot up from the bed expecting another surprise like last time. No one is there. Phew! When Raynare moved in, we talked about boundaries, privacy in the house. She didn't complain, in fact she understood. The flirty banter kept up. Nothing wrong with having that around.

She's most likely still asleep, so now's a good time to get a work out on. Changing into basketball shorts, staying topless as I lock the door for where I would consider my personal studies with the punching bag in a corner. Wrapping up my hands with bandages, I wail into the bag for fifteen minutes. Performing Push-ups til I drop for five minutes. Sit-ups following the same routine afterwards. Finishing up with five minutes of Pull-ups. Thirty minutes into the morning and feeling pretty good about myself now, running sounds good to end off. I dry off with a towel, throwing on a black tank top with running shoes, and walk for the door.

Ding dong~

Who's visiting on this hour?

I open to see Rias standing in a track suit. "Morning Takeo." she greets cheerfully. "Heading out?" looking over my attire.

"Morning to you too, Rias." I close the doors behind and lock the door. "Yeah, I going out for a run. Want to tag along? You've dressed for the occasion." we walk out of the gates.

"Sure, I was coming here hoping to get to talk to you while doing some training." the both of us begin stretching. A minute later we break in to a sprint, we've kept pace with each other.

"Something having to do with what happened in the chamber?" at some point this conversation will have to happen. She looks at me silently, then nods. "Noctis. You could say he's a manifestation of my abilities and a sort of little brother figure to me."

"Anything that has to do with your past?"

"Nothing from my past, but something to do with what I am. Nothing dark or complicated, I can assure you."

"But something you can't talk to others about?" I stay silent. She's aware of what I would say and drops the subject in exchange for something lighter. "How often do you train?"

"Five days of the week. The hours depend on if I have time for whole days worth or a couple at best. With school, I would have to do early mornings like this, and do an evening if I get lucky. Thinking of putting me through the wringer?"

"You did promise to be the strongest Pawn."

"Yeah right, you just want to see me sweat."

"Oh, I have other ways to make you sweat~." Wait, what...?

SLAM!

...ow...did that just happened?

I slipped and fell flat on my face. I look up to see Rias check her handiwork. She stick out her tongue playfully while running in place. I get up and continue the run while she smirks. We finish up and head back home. The house comes into view with Asia standing in front of the house by some boxes.

"Good morning Takeo-san! Rias-buchou!" Asia walks towards us. "Hauu!" She trips over. I'm not the only one suffering from being a klutz today. I help her back up. "T-Thank you."

"No problem. I don't remember ordering stuff. So these must be yours?" she nods before I turn to Rias, arching an eyebrow. "Your doing?" she doesn't say anything. Like I need to get an answer verbally. Eyes can tell a story more than a painting. I pick up a box and carry it into the house. Repeating this process until everything is inside. By the time I got to the last box, Raynare woke up to see everyone inside.

"Yawn~! Morning Takeo-kun. Oh, Rias and Asia. Morning. What's with the boxes?" she greets and asks curiously.

"Asia will be living with us Raynare. I guess when I signed up to keep watch over you all I'll have to do it literally everyday." I answer after placing the boxes inside one of the unused room. She brightens up at the idea of having Asia as a new roommate.

"Really? That's wonderful~!" they must be rather close already, or she's wanting to know her better. Either way, it brings a smile to my face.

"Thank you Raynare-san, Takeo-san. I'll be in your care from now on." Asia bows her head.

"Of course. Raynare, be a dear and help Asia get situated. I need to get rid of this smell. Rias, your more than welcome to breakfast, there's a second bathroom around if you want to clean up yourself."

"I think I'll take you up on the offer." she heads to the downstairs while I head upstairs for the other one.

I strip off the clothes after locking the doors behind. The shower head kicks in, and muscles tense when the cold water hits skin. Now it changes into hot, and I begin to relax. Washing away the odor, and massaging my scalp with shampoo. Three minutes later, I finish drying myself with a towel and wrap it around my waist.

Thankfully, my room right by so I can walk like this without worrying too much now I'm in a house with two girls. Though that can change quickly.

Click.

Like how I enter my room and Asia is looking around in it. She notices the door open and see me...in all my...slightly damp...built glory. Thank Maou for the towel, otherwise Asia would've fainted from all the blood rushing into her head as she turns away stuttering.

"T-Takeo-san! I-I didn't k-know this was y-your room!"

"I wouldn't blame you. You've only been in my house once, and I didn't show you around at the time." acting casual as much as possible, pulling a uniform out to wear. After putting on a pair of pants I turn to Asia who is fidgeting, not sure what to do. To think she used to be a Sister of a church now turned Devil. I finish buttoning my shirt and throw on my jacket. "Find anything interesting?"

"O-Oh?...Oh! I was just looking around."

"Well, I'm about to cook up breakfast, so come on." I pick up my school bag and headed out with Asia in tow. The three girls are talking with each other in the dining area while I cook. I hand their plates, eating while Asia and Raynare are talking about what to expect in school. While that's going on I notice Rias looking slightly distant. After finishing, Rias teleports off, leaving the three of us to walk to school.

Deja-vu kicks in again.

"Hey! Check out the two babes. One's a blonde and the black haired girl looks smoking hot!" "Why are they walking next to Takeo? Think they know him?" "Lucky bastard if he does."

"Isn't he already with Rias? What would she say?" "Who wouldn't want to be with him though?"

"Why is this happening to him?! The man's a menace!" why you ask? Fuck if I know, complaining isn't going to help the case.

We enter our classroom together given we're in the same class now. Asia and Raynare stand in front of class with Ryu in the podium. Everyone looks intently at the two; the guys voicing their approval and I look out the window blankly.

"H-Hello everyone. My name is Asia Argento. I hope we get along." Asia bows her head. All the guys let out a holler at the cute display.

"A maiden~!" a guy shouts. Not completely wrong, but off target.

"My name is Amano Yuuma~!" Raynare cheerfully greets. The rowdiness gets even louder than before.

"Thank you for the introduction Asia, Yuuma. Everyone, treat them well. There's a couple of seats not too far away by Takeo, you can take those." Damn it Ryu. May as well tell everyone they live with me. Given how I have to watch over Asia, and how I act around Raynare, that adds fuel to the fire.

After class ends, the girls swarm Asia while the guys do the same with Raynare. They're asking questions, stuff about their interests, the kind of guys they like mainly pop up, some of the guys try to hit on Raynare. She plays along, though she feels uncomfortable from the excessive attention. When I turn my gaze at her, I swore seeing her mouth 'Help me...". She looks at me, as if pleading to help her. Believe me I would, problem is how far I would take it. I was fine with Asia since she's around the girls, but seeing the males surrounding Raynare is bringing out the worst of me.

Ryu would joke about those with Dragon's blood being possessive, impulsive, and prone to flares of emotion. Guess it's kicking in since I'm part Dragon myself; explains the eyes. Since I have two Sacred Gears; both being Ddraig and Albion no less. Having the powerhouses that have been conflicting against each other since the Great War is no easy task to handle. The training with my mentors at another point helped. As a result, my eyes changed to the azure and verdant I have now to subtly vent the constant emission of power as suppose to have Divine Dividing on all the time to emit the excess amount. They don't have the actual slits a dragon's eye would have, just the same color as Ddraig's and Albion's when I see them in either human or dragon form.

"You wouldn't happen to know Mugetsu-san and Yuuma-san? You've been walking with them this morning right?" and the linger question has been struck. Window or the door? Which will get me out faster? I look at Raynare and nod my head at Asia. She notices the question as well and moves in.

"O-Oh. I do actually know Takeo-san. In fact we-" before she could finish, Raynare gives her a hug from behind.

"Asia-chan~! We have to get going now~." she takes Asia out of class. Phew! Too close. I slump in the chair in relief, which doesn't go unnoticed by the Duo. Crap...

"Something you're hiding from the class? Renegade?" Motohama spoke accusingly.

"I don't need to answer that question." I get up to leave.

"So you are hiding something?!" the other idiot spoke.

My eye twitched irritably, unconsciously venting out Hannya behind me as I walk out the door. The two stopped in their tracks. Asia and Raynare were waiting outside the door for me, and they followed by my side as we head out.

We reach the club building, putting up with stares from passerby. Had to pull myself back from punching out someone for looking at Asia with a lewd look. Another time when we heard wolf whistles towards Raynare. By the time we enter the room I was liable to bite someone's head off. None of the girls notice thankfully. Wouldn't want them to think of me as an overprotective guardian. I close the door behind us, stepped to a wall and slammed my fist in anger out once. I can get the rest out when I go home.

"Why the show of predatory anger?" Rias asking curiously.

"Let's just say I'm insulted to have the same y-chromosome as the men we passed by." I sit on the couch in a huff. Akeno hands me a cup of tea. I down the beverage in a gulp, not caring it was scalding hot as it courses in my throat.

"Ara ara~. You must be really angry then to drink hot tea in a gulp. Are you alright?" Akeno asks.

"I felt worse." finally calming myself down. I pinch the bridge of my nose irritated, though not at the question. "So, Buchou what's on the menu for this evening?" I ask while smiling. Doing some work can keep my mind busy and away from past events.

"You'll be accompanying Asia on her duties as a Devil. Afterwards, I have something planned for the two of you."

"Sure thing. Let's go Asia." I head out taking half the stacks of summoning slips, while Asia takes the other half.

~ Time Skip: Night ~

"We're back!" Asia and I announce entering the club area. Everyone looks up from their work.

"Good work you two. How did it go?" Rias greets.

"About to be expected. Simple work and nothing to spook us." I answer while noticing the room has more people than before.

There's a lot more girls now, except for that one dude standing by who I would think is the student council president; Sona Shitori. Haven't met her personally, just heard her name around and passed her by at some point. In her third year like Rias and Akeno, rather popular among the girls of the school if not more than the two. For someone with a chilling atmosphere, she pulls it off well enough to have admirers, even if it makes it hard for them to get close. Terrifyingly beautiful that.

"Good evening, Sona-Kaichou. Everyone from the Student Council, greetings to you as well." They return the greeting.

"Takeo, Asia. The reason their here is so we can formally introduce you to the others as their also Devils." Rias spoke. "Sona's real family name is Sitri. Like myself, she's a High-Class Devil and next heir to her house. As part of the Student Council, she's in charge of the territory; particularly the school, during the day. While I take charge during the night."

Wait, she's the other Devil in the school Raynare mentioned? A High-Class like Rias no less. So that leaves the others in the Student Council as her peerage.

"It's a little surprising not mentioning us to Mugetsu-san. Given that were Devils as well." the guy next to Sona spoke. She replies back curtly.

"It can't be helped Saji, considering we don't normally interact with each other. Now was a good time to introduce you to her members as you recently became one as well. Now, introduce yourself to them."

The guy walks and stands in front of Asia and I. "The name's Saji Genshirou. Second year, and I'm Kaichou's Pawn." stating proudly.

"Takeo Mugetsu. Second year and Buchou's Pawn as well." I raise my hand up for a shake, and he takes it. While we're shaking, Asia introduced herself cheerfully.

"I'm Asia Argento. Second year and Bishop. I hope we can get along~!" as soon as she smiled, Saji let go of my hand as if I contracted the plague. Then he takes her hand that wasn't even offered and gives a more than necessary reaction.

"O-Of course! If it's Asia-chan, then I hope we can get along too!"...did...did he just...oh that son bitch! I had to put up with that type of behavior during school, I don't need this shit now!

With the hand the bastard left in the open, I place it on his shoulder. Smiling with eyes closed. Thank you Miya Asama for teaching me this trick.

"Saji. I hope so to~. It would be a shame if something happened if you do anything funny with Asia." I say sickeningly sweet while Hannya looms over.

Rias was indifferent. Akeno shivered not from fear; but excitement? She was blushing while putting a hand on her cheek, lightly licking her pinky. Kiba and Koneko were slightly tense, they were probably expecting something else as they let out a sigh of relief. Everyone except Sona and her Vice-President; Tsubaki, were trembling. Saji had the best reaction as he paled for a moment, then tried to act tough.

"W-What, y-you think that can s-scare me? I'll tell you this; I may have just became a Devil, but I'm a Pawn that took four pieces! Let's see you top that!" oh you sad, sad, little man. I don't boast, but I'll take comfort in tearing your world down. I look at Rias for a bit. She shrugs while I smirk.

"Saji, that's enough. We're not here to start a rivalry with someone on a whim. Besides, it's your fault for making such a response to begin with. You should know that Mugetsu-kun is protective of Argento-san given past events." Sona spoke.

"K-Kaichou!" Saji turns to her.

"Asides from that. Don't boast when you don't even know your opponent's potential and consider this a lesson for you, Saji. The man in front of you consumed eight Pawn Pieces." she states while drinking tea calmly. She's not mention the fact that it's Mutation Pieces. Probably too much shock for him. That's kind of her.

"What?! Eight pawn pieces?! This guy?!" Saji points at me while I open eight of my fingers jokingly.

"I apologize for his rude behavior you two. He's not usually like this, so I hope you can forgive him." Sona asks, giving a smile.

"It's fine. It's nice of you to take it easy on him. If you do tell him about the other thing though, think you can get someone to record it?" I reply while waving a hand side to side. Saji looked confused at what I referred to, pissed at the request and how frank I was with Sona. Yet she didn't seemed bothered.

"No promises though I'll keep it in mind." Saji balked at that. "I would have assumed you'd want to be the one to break it to him."

"I'm making a small exception to a rule I made to myself." besides, I want to be able to keep replaying his reaction forever and ever... ...Oops, let that slip out.

[Ddraig]: "Sometimes you scare me, partner."

'Can you blame me? I can't help myself.'

[Ddraig]: "Is that the part Dragon, Noctis, or the sadist speaking?"

[Noctis]: "Maybe a little of both..."

'I think it is both. Need to get that checked out at some point.'

[Noctis]: "Please do brother, sometimes its hard to distinguish them apart."

"That aside, it's a pleasure to meet fellow Devils in the school. Sona-Kaichou, everyone, I'll be in your care." I bow respectfully, and Asia follows suit. Everyone else give their greetings, both Rias and Sona looking happily in their own way.

"Now then, on to the surprise I mentioned earlier." wait this wasn't the surprise? "In a few days, the two of you are heading to the Forest of Familiars."

"-? Rias, you're going as well? I was hoping to do the same for Saji here, as he just got done with his duties."

"Well that's a predicament. The Familiar Master only accepts one peerage at a time." Rias goes silent for a moment, considering how to solve this. "So how do you want to settle it? A game of Tennis sounds good?"

"Sounds reasonable. We couldn't settle this with a Rating Game anyway. Tomorrow sounds great to have the match. With that taken care of, Thank you for having us Rias. Mugetsu-san, Argento-san, it was a pleasure meeting you."

"Pleasure is all our, Sona-Kaichou. Even you too Saji."

"Ha! Just you wait! Kaichou's going to wipe the floor with your master!" keep talking, pride comes before the fall.

~ Time Skip: Tomorrow After school ~

That Tennis match they talked about? Yeah, when word got around Rias, Akeno, Sona, and Tsubaki are having that match after class, the school went wild. Which lead to the massive gathering cheering for their respective idols. The match was heated, both of them equal in skill. At one point, Sona used magic to curve the serve for a point. Everyone was oblivious to it, saying it was a magic ball; how little do they know. It stopped being a normal match, as balls went flying with magic power in them. Now it came to this.

I hold the two rackets Rias and Akeno used with disbelief. Both of them are damaged beyond repair, the netting torn, and bent out of shape. No surprise four people of equal caliber in a tennis match would end in a draw. But for it to be explosive and leave such battle wear on the rackets is saying something. Now Rias and Sona are talking about an alternative match. Minutes later the doors open, I set the two rackets to the side when Rias walked in.

"Tomorrow after school like last time. We'll be doing a team match of Dodge ball." if it's like last time, I'm expecting more powers to get thrown around. "Everyone, let's give it our best!" Everyone left for home, resting for the event.

I was in the bed, restless. Staring at the ceiling for a few minutes later, I think I'll try to do something that would get me to sleep while doing something productive. Wouldn't hurt to make something for the team. I get up and out the room, heading for Asia's room. Knock. Knock. She opens the door.

"Hello, Takeo-san. Something you need?"

"Yeah, I couldn't sleep. So I was wondering if you have a sewing kit on you?" she looks at me confusingly, then nods before rummaging through her desk for a box she gives me. "Thanks Asia, I'll be sure to give this back to you in the morning." after saying good night, I head back into the room to start this project.

~ Time Skip: Tomorrow Evening ~

Unlike last time, there's no one from school to watch if things take a turn down Super Smash Bros. during the match. We're in the gym before the Student Council, stretching out and warming up by throwing a ball around. Everyone is wearing their school PE uniform for the occasion.

"It's been a while since I played Dodge ball. I hope I haven't lost my touch." I lay on the ground stretching to reach my feet. Koneko behind to push me further. I look at Asia who's having a hard time while voicing her struggle with moans, Akeno helping her out.

"If you do well enough, I'll have a reward in stores for you~." Rias spoke. Hmm, I wonder...wait! Erase all thoughts! Erase all thoughts! Erase all thoughts!

"Koneko, can you push a little further?" she responds and press downward. It's not working. "...Harder." she presses until I start focusing on the pain. I let out a relieved groan. "...Thanks, Koneko."

"...M?" Koneko asks. Where did this come from?

"Only if Akeno gets to be my S." I reply back...! "Koneko, press harder!" she press again. A louder groan came through. Maybe I am turning into one. God I hope not.

"Ufu~ I wouldn't mind the idea at all." ...oh sweet mother of Maou. She heard that and she's considering it?!

[Noctis]: "Would it be bad though?"

'Well since it's her...no, wait!'

[Noctis]: "Almost had you there..." stifling a chuckle to himself.

We finish warming up when the doors open to let the Student Council in.

"Evening, Sona. Ready to determine the winner of this battle?" Rias confidently announces.

"Same goes for you. I hope you're prepared, Rias." Sona smiles.

Each group huddles together to form a strategy. Now's a good time to pass those around.

"Takeo? Something wrong?" Rias asks.

"Hmm? Right, I couldn't sleep last night so I thought I would make something for the group." answering while pulling out the headbands from my pockets.

Seven headbands with 'Occult Research Club' along with a symbol of the Gremory house symbol stitched on. Home economics was a first for me, so I didn't know if it turned out well. I like to think so as I pass them around for everyone who looked amazed at the gesture.

"My, your quite skillful. It's well made, even the symbol is stitched accurately."

"It's not much, but I thought it would help with morale."

"...Unexpectedly good." Koneko approves as well.

"Alright everyone, let's give it our best!" Rias cheers.

"Yes, Buchou!" everyone roars.

One of the student council members chose to sit it out to referee, leaving the teams with Raynare playing as well. Everyone gets into position, ready for the match to begin. The whistle blows!

The ball goes flying across the gym, straight for Koneko. There was a lot of power that went into that, and it was too fast for her to react. So the ball took her out, not before curving up to tear a bit of her gym clothes. "Out!" the referee shouted. I look at Koneko, though not saying anything.

"...It's alright." she says before stepping out. The ball goes back to Sona's team.

Tsubaki throws the ball...wait did she just enhanced the throw with magic?! It's flying towards Rias now! She catches it, the after shock slightly ripped part of her track suit. No surprise there.

"Honestly. Who do you think I am?!" Rias shouts before throwing it back at another member. In mid-flight, her eyes glow. Not again! The ball passes through a red magic circle, now the ball has the Power of Destruction behind it?! The member tries to catch it, but failed as it tears through her clothes ablaze!

Geez! It's only been a few minutes and were already unloading demonic powers!? The rest of the match didn't get better as everyone's going all out, powers flying everywhere! Did the window just break?! Someone's not going to enjoy explaining this!

"Dodge-ball is scary!" Asia looks panic, who wouldn't? This isn't how Dodge-ball is played.

"It stopped being a simple match the first shot of magic was fired..." I sweat dropped. I should have expected something like this to happen.

We're nearing the end of the match; our team lagging with Rias, Akeno, and I. Sona, Saji, and two others taking a slight lead. The other two members flank both my sides. Arming their ball with power and fired as I smirk while stationary. I raise both hands.

THUD!

The sleeves of my jacket rip to shreds from the force. That stunt sent the both of them out with surprise looks when Rias and Akeno knocked them out of the game.

Saji pounced from my blind spot. "You're going down!" he throws the ball. I throw one against his, canceling the shot. "What?!" the other went straight for his face. "Guoagh!" boom goes the dynamite. He's knocked out with a red face from the impact. Must have overdid it as he didn't get back up...oops. One of the girls had to drag him out by his leg.

"You're outnumbered and time is about to end. Care to back down?" I ask.

"I suppose you've won this round, Rias. You got quite the Pawn there. As promised you'll be taking this night. Had this been a Rating Game, things would've ended differently." Sona resigning the round.

"I'll say, I thought they had him there. Sometimes I forget how he takes on things. Though if we did go at a Game, I wouldn't be too sure about that. He has ways of surprising people."

"True enough. Everyone, good work out there. Well be heading out now." she talks to the members of her group. "Another time then, Rias." those parting words, she leaves.

"Another time, Sona. Great work everyone, you did great! Takeo, you especially." Rias bids farewell before turning to us.

"Think it was good enough for that reward?" I jokingly ask while scratching the back of my head. She considers this for a moment, and nods. Wait really?!

"I'll let it be a surprise for you." darn...best things present themselves I reckon.

"Ara ara, you were quite the showstopper, Takeo-kun." Akeno compliments.

"I'll say, that was ballsy of you to pull off." Raynare unintentionally threw a pun with the amazement.

"...Awesome." Koneko adds.

"Great job, Takeo-san!" Asia congratulating me.

"Excellent work, Takeo-kun." Kiba pitching in as well.

"Alright then, we'll be resting up before taking off before we go into the Forest tomorrow night. So enjoy the night!" we give a final cheer, then depart for home.

~Author's Notes~

It's past this point where I take creative liberties with canon if I haven't already with prior events; and I mean a lot. If you hold the LN true to your heart like how the Church Trio loves the Bible, you might be tearing your head out. I ask that you read with an open mind about other possibilities that can happen in this writing where the LN didn't go.

As far as things go with characters probably being OOC. Well these chapters were made way early on, and I came back to them often for fine-tuning until uploading. So there's going to be some oversight on my part, not to mention this is an OC that takes a bit from both Issei and Vali. The other characters' interactions with him are bound to be different in some form as he isn't either but both in a sense, tied with his personality.

I'm also saying this now because I don't need to hear from anyone that I'm breaking canon to a degree or more because of what's about to happen later on and new additions to Takeo's eventual harem. I'm the one writing this so I only need one person telling me that. Especially considering how I'm handling the interaction and progression of his relation with Rias. You'll know what I mean when we reach the first Rating Game.

That out of the way; seven days til I take a hiatus of writing. So I'll be uploading chapters till we reach the end of Season one in the anime. Take care you devilish angels and lovely devils~!