Wow this has been a very popular week for my fiction to say the least. I'm glad that so many people are enjoying my work. In the past week my story stats have grown incredibly in fact I would go as so far to say that it's been one of my best weeks yet.

Current stats.

Views: 11,026 +1925

Reviews: 44 +6

Followers: 70 +11

Favourites: 57 +10

Yep one of the best weeks yet I think, I'm glad that so many people liked my OC based chapter there will be a few more in the future so I hope they get the same response. So let's go to the reviews.

DarkySunRise: I'm sorry you didn't believe the first draft wasn't more emotional from Kenta, I hope the additional content I added later was more appealing and explained everything a bit more.

Ryujomaru15: well here you go, enjoy.

Noname: thanks for pointing that out I made the changes and fixed that mistake thx

carwash36: thanks and I most certainly will.

Youngdrgn: my pleasure.

Duked: I'm glad you like the story so far, sorry but that decision stands, I even put her to a poll to decide on it, more people wanted her to go to Kenta, and so Grayfia will be with Kenta, although even though I've written to chapter 20 they've yet to meet again.

Ok that's all reviews back to the story.

Isseis' POV

"Hee-hee…"

I'm inhaling a lot of air while carrying a crazy number of bags.

"Yahoo!"

[Yahoo!]

I can hear someone's echo. Damn it, it must be a mountain hiker. They sure are having fun.

Right now, I'm in the mountains. We were brought here by Buchou, the day after the meeting with that dam roast chicken.

The weather is so good that the sky is clear. The surrounding is filled with trees, and you can hear the cries of the birds. In terms of viewing the mountain, it's incredible.

But the problem is this slope. Every step I take drains my stamina away. And a lot of my sweat falls onto the ground.

"Hurry, Ise. Quick."

Buchou, who is way ahead of me, urges me. Beside Buchou is Asia. She is looking at me with a worried expression.

"…I will help as well."

"It's okay, since Ise won't be able to get stronger if he can't do this much."

I can hear the two talking. Thank you Asia. And Buchou, you are cruel like always.

…More importantly, carrying this much luggage is impossible. Buchou, they are too heavy…

Then I hear it again only closer.

"Yahoo!"

I turn to see a blur coming up the mountain like a bat out of hell, is that Kenta?

'How the hell is he carrying all that, on his back is a bag that looks to be a whole gyms worth of weights. And he's carrying them with one arm.'

"You guys left early" he yelled as he caught up with us

"Well it's your fault for not being there earlier" Buchou says as he catches up with us.

"You really are a slave driver"

"Call me that again and I'll show you how tough I can be"

Those two never stop fighting. I have a huge piece of luggage on my back. I also have other bags on my shoulders. They are my bags and Buchou's bags. I also have Akeno-san's bag as well.

Apparently this is also part of the training. I think I'm going to die before I reach the destination. What's inside this luggage?

"Buchou, I gathered some herbs. Let's use it for the meal tonight."

Yumi says that while walking pass me with a cool expression. She's also carrying a huge piece of luggage on her back. I lost my words when I saw her walk up the mountains without any difficulty.

"Oh come on"

"No you come on Issei don't want to get left behind do ya"

Kenta grins as he jogs on ahead, carrying his massive bag with one arm.

"…See you later."

Then Koneko-Chan who is carrying more luggage than me walks past me! Guha! Superhuman girl show her talent! Damn, I can't lose to them!

"Uoryaaaaaa!"

I then went up the mountain at full throttle! Haahaaha! Shit I'm going to die! I'm seriously going to die!

While repeating something like this over and over again, we reach the mansion.

This mansion made from wood belongs to the House of Gremory.

Usually it is hidden by blending in with the scenery from humans by using demonic-powers, but it has appeared since we will be using it. I can smell the scent of wood after getting inside.

I went to the living room to put the bags away, and slept on the floor after drinking a glass of water. The girls went upstairs to get changed into a clothing where they can move easier.

Kenta's POV

I drop my bag with a thud. 'This should be an interesting little experience'

I then look at the signet ring on my hand, with a smile, 'I can't believe I have family'

{You feeling all warm inside}

'I haven't felt like this in a long time, it's still sinking in'

{Well don't let it distract you from your training}

'oh please, I could take on Raisers whole peerage by myself, and still have enough juice left to run one hundred laps of the academy, training isn't necessary for me' I then turn to look at Issei panting on the floor 'though some people could use a little work'

{You got that right}

"Hey Issei you alright?"

"Fine…..just…a…little winded….ow"

[You're pathetic partner]

"Hey I just hiked up a mountain with at least half a ton on my back cut me some slack"

{So what partner hear just jogged up the same mountain with at least double or triple that}

["You're kidding!"]

{"Nope"}

I replied with Ehecatl in unison while tapping the bag letting Issei hear the weights rattle inside

"How the hell did you lift all that?"

"Simple I work out a lot, and I used my rook promotion before I set off"

"But Buchou didn't say..."

"She didn't say we couldn't ether, Ok I'm going to get changed see you on the training pitch in five minutes, don't be late"

By the time I finished getting changed, everyone has already gathered in the living room. Rias who is wearing a red jersey smiles and says it after she sees me and Issei come down the stairs.

"Now then let's start our training outside right away."

'Goodie let's get started'

Day 1: Lesson 1: Sword training: Issei's POV

"Yo, ha."

"Orya! Oryaaa!"

Kenta, Yumi and I are currently in a three way sword fight, I'm moving as fast as I can just to keep up with them both and this is only a warm up.

Yumi evades my attack smoothly. No matter how much force I apply to my swings, it doesn't seem like it will hit her.

BASH!

Yumi hit away my bokuto again.

"That's not it. Don't just look at the opponent's sword movements but also widen your line of vision so you can pay see both the opponent and the surroundings."

*whack*

Yumi holds her head after Kenta lightly brings his bokuto down on it from behind

"What was that about seeing both your opponent and the surroundings? You're hardly one to judge."

"SMARTASS!"

Yumi lunges at Kenta with her bokuto, and he easily intercepts only to block or dodged a flurry more swings from the female knight.

'I thought this was meant to be a three way fight'

[Looks like those two have other plans]

"Your power and speed are good Yumi, but you have one major flaw"

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

'Boy she sure is pissed'

"One flaw"

"And what is that"

Yumi swings for him again only for him to disappear with his speed and reappears behind her with his bokuto touching the base of her spine

"Your defence, it's lacking, one think I notice about the knight piece, its speed and physical attributes are impressive, but its defence is where its lacking, I'd suggest armour, but that would slow you down and then all your left with is a sitting target. All you can do is boost your speed so you are the fastest, then you can dodge any attack, and defend yourself"

'Wow I knew Kenta was a good strategist but even I didn't notice that, he really is a genius'

Lesson 2: Demonic-power training: Issei's POV

"That's not it. You gather the demonic-power by drifting the aura that covers your whole body. You have to concentrate and feel the wave of demonic-power."

I can't even gather demonic-power into my hand at all, even if Akeno-san who is wearing a black jersey is the one teaching thoroughly.

Gunnnn... Concentrate! I need to concentrate hard! I have to gather the demonic-power in my hand while imagining of creating something!

"I did it!"

Asia who is wearing a white jersey has gathered a mass of demonic-power in her hands. A light green coloured demonic-power. So Asia's demonic-power is green. It's beautiful.

"Ara ara. So Asia-Chan has talent in using demonic-powers after all."

"Nicely done Asia"

Kenta says walking into the room

"Well if it isn't my number one student, would you mind showing Issei how easily you can summon demonic energy"

"No bother"

He raised his hand and a small ball of demonic energy forms about the size of a football, and then it begins to get bigger and bigger it's now the size of a car.

"I can also do this."

He closes his eyes and the massive amount of energy compresses until it's a minuscule ball, he then aims is palm at a bottle of water, and the ball extends a spike, it shoots through the bottle and pierces it, in a flash the ball returns to normal, and water starts pouring out of it

"Ara Ara, just what I'd expect from Kenta-kun, your mastery over demonic energy is so spectacular and your reserves are always impressive"

"Well I'm no [bishop] like Asia, I'm sure with a little training she will become a marvellous [bishop]"

Asia's cheeks got red after Kenta compliments her.

Ngh... I on other hand is the complete opposite. Even the letter "D" for demonic-power hasn't appeared. I somehow made a really small sphere of demonic-power, but it's not big like Asia's one that has the size of a softball, instead it has a size of a rice...Well, if Asia can get stronger then that's fine.

I-I have the ultimate Sacred Gear anyway! Hahaha!

"Now let's change those demonic-power into fire, water and lightning. You can make this by imagining it, however, it will be easier for beginners to actually move fire and water using their demonic-power."

Akeno-san sends her demonic-power into the water inside the water bottle.

SPIKE!

The water that received the demonic-power formed into the shape of a spike and ripped the water bottle from the inside.

"Wow, that's amazing."

"That's nothing compared to what you can do if you actually try" Kenta grins

"Asia-Chan, I want you to copy what I just did next. Ise-kun, I want you to continue to on concentrating your demonic-powers. The source of demonic-power is imagination. Anyway it's important to materialise what your imagined."

"This may not turn out so good" Kenta face palms

Hmm. imagining huh. To materialise what you imagine in your head...

"It may be easier to materialise what you are good at and what you always imagine more quickly."

That's what you say, Akeno-san. It's not like I—

"Oh crap" Kenta says in a sigh

Hmm? I see, something I'm good at and something I always think about huh. Ah, then does that mean "that" wild ideas of mine is also possible?

"Akeno-san, do you have a minute?"

If I can make something I always think about into reality...Then I may become invincible! Wow, that's awesome! Even I think this idea of mine is great! After Akeno-san goes blank, she smiles at me while saying,

"Ufufu that sure is something you would come up with Ise-kun".

Oh! So this may be possible then?

*WHACK**WHACK**WHACK**WHACK**WHACK*

Kenta drops about five solid whacks to my head, I'm going to have brain damage at this rate.

"I swear. You're told you can do anything with demonic powers and that is the move you come up with, you really are a disgrace to all men, PERVERT!"

Kenta walks off shaking his head, boy my ideas really pissed him off.

Akeno went back to the mansion. She brings something and put it in front of me.

-She brought loads of onions, carrots, and potatoes.

They are the ingredients for curry.

"Now then, Ise-kun. During our stay here, I want you to strip all of these off with your demonic-power."

Ah, I get it. I understand what Akeno-san is trying to say and what she wants me to do.

Looks like it's a road ahead will be full with bumps.

Lesson 3: Sparing with Koneko and Kenta. Isseis' POV

"Nugagaaaaaa."

BANG!

Gufu! Today I succeeded in getting pushed into a big tree for the tenth time. No, that's not it.

I got blown away by Koneko-Chan's punch once again! Ku! I'm frustrated!

"...Weak."

"That's for sure" Kenta agrees

A loli girl who is wearing a yellow jersey gives her harsh words to me, and Kenta joins in.

Shit, I'm so shocked! I'm not glad Kenta stepped in with that other girl of Raisers back in the club room, I would have been beaten badly if she was anything like Koneko-Chan. Don't judge, how hard a fist can punch by its size. Even now she's holding back quite a lot, but it still hurts if I'm hit by her.

"...You have to aim at the centre of the body when you give a blow where you hit with accuracy and also by thrusting your blow deep into the opponent's body."

Even if she says that, it will be hard for a newbie like me to even land my hit on the opponent.

Koneko-Chan starts to swirl her arm around then pointed her fist at me.

"...Now then, we'll have another round."

Looks like I'll be killed.

She throws another punch but, Kenta intercepts.

"Mind if I cut in"

"Wow so fast"

"I wasn't that fast Issei"

Kenta had practically blurred in front of me, he really is fast.

"Koneko, your problem as a rook is the exact opposite of Yumis, you power and defence are out matched, but your speed is where you are lacking, what good is incredible strength if your opponent is too fast for you to land a hit"

Koneko-Chan just stays still looking at Kenta with an emotionless face.

"How about we work on that together"

"…..Senpai fast"

"Yes and with my help you will be faster too"

Lesson 4: With Buchou!

"Hey, Ise! Keep on going!"

"Oosu!"

I'm currently climbing up a very steep mountain. I have a rock on my back. It's tied to my body with rope. On top of that, Buchou is sitting on the rock.

I'm repeating a procedure where I climb down the mountain path, and then up the mountain path. The mountain path with no walking path is really exhausting.

By the time my legs got numb after I did dozens of laps, Buchou finally forgives me by saying, "Okay, we are done with this".

I look back to see Kenta coming up behind, with triple the load I have, 'shit he wasn't joking by saying he can do triple'

"Next is muscle training? We will go with push ups."

"Y-Yes..."

She's an Oni. An Oni-Buchou!

I lack the basic ability so much, so I have way more training than the other club members. Also for a [Pawn] who has to run around the battlefield the most, increasing your strength and stamina is an absolute requirement.

"Guwaa!"

Buchou put a rock on my back without mercy when I was in the posture for doing a push up. Demonic-power truly is useful because you can lift a rock up in the air with ease. If only she used that to carry the luggage...

SIT.

"Unn..."

Then Buchou sits on top of the rock. Even a slight force impact my body...

"Now then, the three-hundred reps of push ups. Let's start."

"Osu!"

I would have already died hundred times if I wasn't a Devil.

Kenta drops with the rocks still on his back without saying a word, he's doing push up also, but the look on his face, it's so concentrated.

His eyes are focused on something, I follow his gaze, his hand that ring. I look at it more closely, a crest of sorts, what has happened to get him so pumped.

Lesson 5: Issei and Kenta one on one, Kentas POV

Issei and I were now out in the middle of the woods where no one would get caught up in our lesson, and no one can nag at me for being too rough on him.

I turned to him to see a very worried look on his face, "what's up Issei?"

"Um this isn't going to be like our kendo lessons is it?"

'Oh he's worried I'm just going to wail on him for a few hours and leave him within an inch of his life, he-he-he'

{Well you can't blame him you left him with enough bruises every time he had one of your "lessons", you really are a sadist}

'no pain no gain', "that's up to you, we'll be mostly working on your dodging I'm going to be firing low power demonic bullets at you, just keep dodging, ill lower the power down so it will only feel like a bee sting or smaller"

"Oh this is going to suck"

"Better get moving then"

"Wait, before we start there's something I want to ask you now that were alone"

"What is it?"

"Earlier during Buchous training, you looked down, like something was weighing on your mind and has got you worried and is making you work harder, you were staring at that ring of yours the whole time, I've scene it on you quite a lot, is it important"

"It's my family crest, Issei, I came across it the other day at home, and I haven't taken it off sense, it's just a reminder of them"

"I get it"

"thanks, Issei, I don't know if I've ever said it, but you've been like a brother to me ever since your parents took me in and cared for me, until I could look after myself and even then you still cared for me, even though I was such a lost cause you never gave up hope for me, you're a true friend"

"Don't mention it, that's what friends do, they help each other"

"Yes and now it's my turn to help you are you ready"

I raised my hands and a large magic circle expanded and I grinned, Isseis eyes widened as he turned on his heels and started running, as I opened fire.

"OWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!"

Dinner time Isseis POV

"Uoooo! It's delicioooous! It's really delicious!"

We are having our dinner after finishing a day of training.

We have an extravagance of food on the table. The herbs that Yumi collected earlier was used for spices.

The meat dish. Apparently it's the boar Buchou hunted. It's my first time eating boar meat, however it tastes good because it doesn't have any strange tastes to it!

The fish dish. It seems like Buchou was also the one that caught these fish. The simply cooked fish with salts sprinkled on them taste good as well!

There are also different types of food on the table.

"Ara Ara. We still have more food left so eat as much as you want."

The one who refills my rice is Akeno-san. Rather, these foods are handmade by Akeno-san!

Kaaaa! It's good! It's really good!

Everyone's digging into the food. We are all seriously tired from the training after all and that's why I can fill my stomach with lots of food.

Most of the things inside the luggage were equipment used for cooking. It was worth carrying all that luggage desperately from that hard mountain path if I got to eat delicious food like this!

I probably shouldn't say it out loud about how Koneko-Chan is eating a lot of food quickly.

I looked over to see Kenta hasn't touched his food, he's just staring at the ring on his finger with a complicated look in his eye. He's starting to worry me. Suddenly he stands up grabbing a bread roll and leaves. We all look curious as to what was bothering him. But Buchous question snapped me back

"Now, Ise. From today's training what have you found out?"

Kentas POV bedroom

I lay on my bed mulling my thoughts over in my mind, ever since that session with Rias, I've been thinking more and more about, how we're so similar, her the next head of the Gremory clan and me now the next head of the clan of Maki, that less than fourth eight hours ago I never knew existed.

I really should stop giving her such a hard time about everything.

'I've got so many questions that I'm looking answered'

{Why not go and ask them then?}

'…'

{Partner, being distracted isn't going to work for you, you need to have a clear mind}

'I know, Ehecatl I know'

{Why not lighten the load, I'm sure the Gremory girl can answer a few questions about what I means to be an heir to a clan}

'I haven't told any of them yet, about any of this'

{Are you going to?}

'I'm not sure how they would react, or if I'm even aloud to tell them. Can I?'

{Looks like a question for your grandfather}

'I'll add it to the ever growing list'

{Clear you mind, go and ask your grandfather, he said he was there to answer any questions}

'Yea, I need to clear my head', I turned my head "Akiko, I'm heading to speak with my grandfather, remain here until I return, I won't be long"

"Very well Kenta-Sama, I await your return" I heard her voice from the shadows.

I then stood up as my crest appeared below my feet and I was teleported to the village.

Village grand hall, side room

I appeared out of my circle as I looked around to see my grandfather sitting smoking a cigar in front of the fire

"Gramps"

He turned with smile on his face

"Ah Kenta my boy what's brought you back, I thought you were training"

"I was, but I couldn't focus. Too many questions floating in my head, now that I've had time to think" I said as I sat down

He smiled as he poured two drinks and handed me a glass

"Then ask away, ill answer all your questions"

"I talked to my brother a while back"

"Yes I'm aware. Through one of his puppets"

"He said some things that have had me wondering"

"Your mother"

"Yes he called her and father traitors, what….what did he mean"

He took in a deep drag of his cigar and exhaled, as his smile faded.

"So that's how it is…..the first thing you need to understand Kenta is that our clan is divided on a certain matter, the matter of marriage outside of the clan"

I sipped my drink as I listened

"You see many believe, that the Sharingan must remain pure, and that marriage within the clan is the only possible way, and that those that marry outside of the village and clan, are spitting on the clans pride, and that they could possible weaken the clan"

"What do you mean weaken the clan?"

"Impurities in the Sharingan"

"Impurities?"

"Some believe, that Sharingan wielders can only be born if both parents possess the Sharingan, although that is not the case, people argue that children born from unions outside of the village are not part of the village until their Sharingan has matured"

"So that's why I was left out"

"Yes, all those who marry outside of the village, live outside, until their children reach the age of eighteen or their Sharingan awakens, that is one of the laws I and the council passed to keep the peace"

"But why did he call them traitors"

"There are some among the group that believe that marriage outside of the clan is an abomination, and that those that participate have brought shame to the clan, there was almost a revolt before you were born when I passed the decree that promoted marriage outside of the clan, to increase our numbers further. Your father of course was thrilled, your uncle not so much"

"Uncle!?"

"yes your fathers younger sibling, he was on a similar mind-set that marriage within the clan was a way to keep the clan strong, but when your father and mother met, he changed his mind fast seeing how happy they were, I don't know how your brother took on that dangerous mind-set but it does not excuse his actions, that law in the clan is absolute, a life for a life"

'And I will be the one to take it'

We sat there in silence for a few seconds, then I spoke again.

"I assume I'm aloud to mention the clan to my friends"

"Yes most higher up devils, angles and fallen angles will know of us already, as all three sides have tried to recruit our Sharingan to their side"

"Just checking, but I think I'll keep it to myself until after the rating game, I don't want to distract anyone from the game"

"Wise decision, I'm sure when the heir to Gremory learns of your new found position things will get interesting"

"She's got her eye on my best friend, I don't think it will work"

"Things can always change my boy, now you'd best be getting back before someone misses you"

I downed the last of the drink and stood up, with a grin, "thanks gramps, the talk helped"

"Any time my boy any time"

I disappeared into my crest and re appeared inside my bedroom again

I lay down on my bed and closed my eyes, 'tomorrow should be interesting'

The next morning Kenta's POV

We gathered at the living room, apparently for a lesson about Devils' knowledge.

Therefore they were teaching us some weird names that we had to remember. Photographic memory comes in handy, but looking at Issei I can tell it's not sinking in.

Now it's time for the rapped fire questions to answer, from Yumi to see if we've remembered anything.

"Our greatest enemy. The Angels led by God. What is the name given to the highest rank Angels? Also the ones among them?"

"Ummm, it's "Seraphim", right? The members are...Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and...hmm, Uriel?"

"Correct."

'Nicely remembered Issei, guess you're not a dumb ass after all"

"Next is our "Maou"-Sama. What are the names of the "Yondai Maou-Sama"?"

"Sure! Piece of Cake! I'm planning to meet them when I get a peerage! So I remembered all their names perfectly! Lucifer-Sama, Beelzebub-Sama, and Asmodeus-Sama! And lastly the female Maou-Sama that I look up to, Leviathan-Sama!"

"Correct."

"I'm definitely going to meet Leviathan-Sama!"

'I heard from Rias. That the person standing at the top of the female Devils is the Maou Leviathan-Sama. I'd like to meet her someday, I'd like to see what kind of woman the strongest female devil is. I also heard that she is a very beautiful Maou-Sama! Well that would have to be true also'

"Then next, I will ask you to say the names of the leaders of the Fallen Angels that you hate the most, Ise-kun."

"The main group of the Fallen Angel is called "Grigori". The name of the Governor is "Azazel" and the name of the Vice-governor is "Shemhaza". I know completely up to here. And the name of the leaders are... Armaros...Barakiel...Tamiel... Ah, and, hmmm, huh? Bene-something and C-C-Cociane...?"

"Benemue, Kokabiel and Shariel." I corrected

"Correct Kenta, You have to remember them properly. This is also the basics. It's the same as remembering the names of the prime minister and the vice-prime minister of Japan as well as the leaders of the surrounding countries."

'That is also very true, especially for me, if I do anything foolish now it would reflect badly on my clan an could cause major problems in the future, I can't do anything rash, I'm going to be head someday, so for now I learn all I can about all sides, I would have to anyway seeing as I'm a devil and this is basic knowledge for me. Perhaps my clan has books on the matter I'll take a trip there tonight and brows the library to learn all I can and then read them in my head, maybe I'll learn something about my clan as well'

Then next, Asia starts her lesson.

"Cough. Then now, I, Asia Argento will explain about the basics of the exorcists."

"U-Umm. From the place I used to belong to, there were two types of exorcists."

"Two types?" Issei asks

Asia nods at his question.

"The first type are the ones that appears in films and novels. The father reads a section of the book, then he uses the holy water to get rid of the Devil from the person's body. They exorcists on the "surface". So the exorcist on the "behind" are the ones that is a threat to us."

Rias speaks up continues from where Asia left off.

"Ise, you also have met him before, but the greatest threat to Devils' are exorcists who received the divine protection from a God or the Fallen Angels. We have been fighting against them for a very long time behind the scene. They come to destroy us with the power of light received from the Angels, and with their physical bodies that they trained to the uttermost limits."

'Then I remembered the crazy priest freed, if I see that insane face again I'm going to melt it off'

While I was thinking about it, Asia takes out loads of stuff from her bag.

Rias picks up a small bottle with water inside it with her fingers and is holding it as if she is touching something disgusting.

"Now I will talk about the traits of holy water and the Bible. First of all, the holy water. It will be very terrible if a Devil touches it."

"That's true, so you can't touch it as well, Asia. Your skin will get harmed."

"Sob, that's right... I can't touch the holy water any more..."

Asia gets shocked after hearing Rias's comment. 'Well, she is a Devil after all.'

"I will tell you how to make one afterwards. I don't know if it will be useful but there are a couple of ways to make them."

'Some of that would come in handy against Raiser, but to bad it's banned in [rating games]'

"Next is the Bible. I have been reading it every day since I was a child. But I'm in trouble now because it gives me a pain in the head even if I only read a sentence of it."

"You are a Devil."

"You are a Devil after all."

"...A Devil."

"Devil..."

"Ufufu, Devil's receive intense damage."

"Sob, I can't read the Bible anymore!"

Asia starts to have teary eyes after everyone points it out to her.

'I heard from Rias before. We Devils suffer greatly if someone reads out the Bible to us. I haven't experienced it yet, but I may suffer because of boredom if someone read it out to me. Wait, so that means Asia has been reading the Bible. If she continues she might die one day!'

"However, this is my favourite phrase... Oh God. Please forgive a sinful person like myself who can't read the Bible-au!"

She received damage again by praying to God.

'She'll learn eventually, though not for a while it would seem'

Like this, after we finished our morning study session we went onto our evening training.

Later in training Kenta's POV

it's been about a week so far and my nights just keep getting worse, it was the middle of the night and I was out for a breath of fresh air, my worries are starting to keep me up, life is going to be a lot more hectic from now on, I had sat down on the wall of the patio. Hip flask in hand enjoying the midnight air, letting it and the sake clear my head.

"Oh you're up"

I turned to see Rias in her nightgown, with her note book and wearing...glasses.

"Evening Rias, I didn't know you wore glasses"

She came walking over, and sat down against the pillar opposite me

"Oh, this? It's just for looks. I can think more clearly while having my glasses on. Fufufu, this is the proof that I have been in the human's world for so long." she chuckles

I grin back taking another mouthful of sake looking at her note book…Was she making a plan by herself at night?

She closes the notebook with different strategies written on it.

"Do you have to drink" she says staring at my flask

"Who are you, my babysitter, this is barely a night cap" I say while downing the last of the flash

"I'm sorry, I've just not seen you like this before, you've been distracted all week and you won't talk to me about what's troubling you, is it the game, are you..."

I chuckle hearing her like that, "it's not the game, I'm more than confident that I can handle Raiser even with his healing powers, its other matters which concern me"

"You know about Raisers healing powers. How?"

"A guess, someone with the name of a legendary creature is bound to have a connection to it, especially if that person is a devil and a friend may have mentioned it to me"

"Who?"

"The same person who I promised I wouldn't beat the crap out of that KFC when I first laid eyes on him and the same one who I promised to help you out of this farce of a marriage"

"Who?"

"Calm down Rias you'll find out when the time comes"

She pouts and goes back to her note book, but looks up at me

"You said there were other matters which concern you, care to share"

I sigh. 'Sorry Rias can't tell you just yet', "just worrying about your sanity is all"

"Beg pardon"

"Rias...you asked Issei to take your virginity...of all people you pick a pervert like him...I'm scared you may have a few screws loose"

She faceflawnts, "I'll admit it wasn't one of my better decisions"

"No shit, to tell you the truth I'm surprized you didn't ask me"

"Y-y-you w-w-why would I ask y-y-you"

"oh come on you think I haven't seen you blushing every time I've got my shirt off, or even all this week, when we're training, you're ordering Issei, but your eyes are always on me, undressing me with them were you"

She faceflawnts again,

"Not that I mind being eye candy for my king, but I would appreciate you being a little more subtle about it"

Her head drops, "to tell you the truth, I had considered asking you first"

'You what!' "Then why not?"

"Mainly because of the fact that both Akeno and Koneko share you, I would never have been able to get a word in, finding time to get you alone was impossible, also I didn't want to hurt Akenos and Konekos feeling should they have already claimed you"

"I'm still a virgin Rias, nothing's happened yet"

"Oh thank Maou"

"Jeez, you make it sound like it's a good thing...so I take it you were so desperate that night you had no other choice but to go to Issei. If you don't mind me asking, why are you so against this marriage anyway, don't get me wrong I want to kick that KFC's arse myself, he's a complete ass, but what's your reason"

Rias sighs at my question.

"…I'm a "Gremory"."

"Huh? W-Well, you certainly are…"

"No. I didn't re-introduce myself. I'm a Devil from the House of Gremory, and that name will follow me to wherever I go."

'Oh, I think I get it. You're in the same boat as me in a way, or is it I'm in the same boat as you.', "Do you hate it?"

"I feel proud of it. However, this is also something that is a burden to me. Everyone looks at me as Rias from the Gremory. I can't have them look at me simply as Rias. That's why I'm enjoying my life in the human world. They don't know about the Gremory the Devil. Everyone looks at me as who I am. I really like that feeling. I never felt something like this in the Devils' society, and I never will now on as well. The only time I can enjoy my life as myself is when I'm in the human world."

She has a distant look. She also has very sad eyes.

'I feel for ya Rias, I never felt anything to my name until just recently. I was myself; and my purpose to become stronger to protect my friends and end by brother, but now I'm Kenta Maki, next heir to the Maki clan, I'm not just representing myself anymore I'm representing my clan, if I can really call myself that, I've only know about it for a week, but I can tell we are kindred spirits in that sense, I've visited the village a few times in the past week in short bursts, but I'm still not used to everyone bowing and calling me Ouji-Sama, my gramps tells me I should just accept it as its tradition being that I'm the next heir, but I don't think I ever will, but I've only had this title for a week you've spent your life while carrying the name of Gremory on your back. That will be the same for me from now on, I'd better get used to it'

"I want to be with someone who will love me as Rias without the fact that I'm a Gremory. That's my small dream I have… Unfortunately, Raiser only looks at me as Rias from the Gremory. And he loves me as Rias from the Gremory. That's why I hate it. But still, the pride of being a Gremory is very important. My feelings may be complicated, but I want to cherish this small dream I have."

'So she wants to be loved as "Rias" and not as "Rias Gremory" from the opposite sex… That's what you call a maiden's feelings huh. Can't say I blame her, I just hope I don't get saddled with an engagement like this in future now that I'm in the same slot as her, I'll fight it just as hard as her it I do'

"Well you're still just plain old Rias to me."

I just said what I thought. But she stares at me in wonder.

"I don't know anything about Gremory or about the Devils' world, but to me Rias is Rias… and the rest can go shove their engagement where the sun don't shine!"

she smiles at my words and I lean back against the post again looking up at the moon, I then look back at her the moonlight is reflecting off her green eyes in a way that is absolute mesmerizing and I can't help but stair a little, 'thank you photographic memory'

"Well I'm kind of grateful you didn't ask me"

"Hm why am I not good enough for you"

"No it's the exact opposite, you're too good if you had asked me I may have just done it"

After I said that her cheeks went red blushing

"If you blush any deeper your goanna be all crimson, why are you blushing anyway you embarrassed at someone complementing you?"

I ask her with a dubious voice, but Buchou shakes her head where she says, "I-It's nothing!" while panicking.

I just give a little laugh at her expense

"Well at any rate it's getting late, good night Rias"

As I got up to walk away she stopped me

"Kenta, why did you just spend all this time listening to me, it not really your problem, so why?"

"You're my king Rias so anything that upsets you upsets me, and besides I know a guy to has found himself in more or less the same situation as you with everyone not seeing him as him but as a title, so I'm going to give you the same advice I gave him...make them see the you under the name, show them that your more than just a name or some title, show they you're not just Rias of the house of Gremory, show them the Rias I know"

Upon hearing my words she blushed even deeper, and yep she blushed so deep her whole face was crimson, I turned and walked away. 'Photographic memory quick save, saving that to the cutest moments ever folder….. And saved thank you Rias, not just for that but helping me realize that I can be more than just that name'

I returned to my room and sat down on my bed. Then I looked to the shadows.

"I suppose you heard all that"

"I was trying not to listen, but I did"

"What did you think?

"Good advice"

"I meant how it relates to me, being who I am"

"...It's not my place"

"I asked your opinion, it's only polite to give an answer"

"You're noting like I expected"

"How so?"

"Most people who are entitled are normally stuck up a pompous like that Raiser who you embarrassed, but you and the Gremory girl are different, you show compassion to your allies and don't treat anyone like your better than them, those are traits of good leaders"

"Glad to see I've earned your approval, tomorrow I'm going to be training mentally with Ehecatl in preparation for this game. So get some sleep, ill need you to watch over me while I'm training, I'm counting on you"

"It would be my pleasure Kenta-Sama"

And done.

Dam that was a long chapter, plenty of emotions and a lot of character development in this one, I think it's one of the best I've written so far. I know most don't like the way that I keep swapping POVs but I find it helps to make the story work, it helps to focus on one perspective at a time.

Some more facts about the inner realities of Kentas clan were revealed along with, some more subtle character development between Kenta and everyone else

Harem listings

Issei: Asia, Irina, Rosswisse, Aika Kiryuu, Kiyome Abe, Bennia, Ruruko Nimura, Gasper (fem), Yasaka

Kenta: Rias, Koneko, Akeno, Kuroka, Sona, Serafall, Gabriel, Xenovia, Yumi (fem Kiba), Ravel, Tsubaki shinra, Mira, Grayfia, Akiko, Leone, Ultear, Erza, Meredy, Juvia

Peerage

Queen: Akiko

Bishops: Kuroka, Ultear

Knights: Akame, Erza

Rooks: Leone, Shira

Pawns: Mira (1 pawn), Meredy (3 pawns), Juvia (3 pawns), 1 open (possibly filled more research on character in needed before a decision is made)

Ok and that is that, next chapter will be the rating game chapter and it's a very long one, I pulled a lot into it so I hope you will enjoy it, if I get enough high praise and responses for this this chapter I may just decide to post it later today or as late as tomorrow, but that's a BIG MAYBE. Response would have to be huge for me to post early, while I'm excited for the chapter and I want to, I also want to keep plenty of breathing room for my posts. So for now anyway

Peace out ('-') ('-') ^(' - ')^ ('-') ('-') ('-') ^(' - ')^