Welcome to the next chapter!

Darkwubs; Yeah, it seems that he is. People are beginning to notice him. Zephyrdor is yeah. Yup, they've got their own base, and yeah, Serafall definitely pays visits~ Thanks for the vote. Raynare is for sure. Yeah, he's gonna be getting his Evil Pieces this chapter.

HolyKnightX; Thanks, glad that you liked it. Diodora has done yeah. Thanks for the votes.

ShadowUzumaki55; They are yeah, everyone is able to see him for who he is. Diodora will get what's coming to him. Zekram is yeah. Akeno seems to be for sure. Thanks for the vote.

Silver crow; Yeah, she has been. Thanks for the votes. Azazel is. Diodora will get whats coming to him in time. He does have his home now yeah. Serafall is quite like that. Zekram somewhat does yeah. Vali and Naota will have a battle between them. Maybe Rias could be yeah. Raynare's group shall have some fun moments. Yeah, they'd be cool gears to give them.

Guest 1; Thanks for voting.

Guest 2; Thank you for the vote.

Guest 3; Thanks very much!

Guest 4; Thanks for voting.

Akeno fan; Thanks for the vote. Azazel has done yeah. Gabriel and Naota will meet pretty soon. Zephyrdor is yeah.

Son of Lupa and Hestia; Thanks for voting. Yeah, that would be pretty cool.

Guest 5; Thanks for the votes.

Godofwar01; Yeah, I've seen the movie. That would be a cool magic.

Valtryek-sama; Thanks for the vote.

makotoxvalerie; Thanks for the votes.

kurenai lui; Thank you for voting.

Guest 6; Thanks for the votes, and harem suggestions.

Guest 7; From what I've seen, Danmachi is a fun series. Yeah, I could do once I'm fully caught up with the series. There are a good number of cool females in the series with interesting personalities, its hard to pick which ones.

Guest 8; Thanks for voting!

With the reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!

Chapter 7

Months flew by since the events of what happened with the neko girls, and during that time, Naota's popularity was skyrocketing as he did more and more deeds that the Underworld became more privy too, along with that Naota had become the age of 13 years.

Today though, Naota was about to receive his Evil Pieces.

It was a journey for him, he had faced adversity, and now, he was going to be joining the others that would naturally receive Evil Pieces, and get his own.

Now, he was going to be gaining his peerage, and he already had one in mind.

"Nao-chan~" Serafall's voice echoed through the hallways with the door Naota's current location being slightly ajar. "Hey, Nao-chan. Are you around here?" Serafall peaked into the room Naota was in, and saw he was stood at a mirror, looking into it without uttering a single word. "Aah, there you are!"

Serafall showed an excited expression.

She went into the room fully, and walked over to Naota.

Serafall tapped Naota on the shoulder, so his eyes swiftly went towards her.

"Ah, Serafall-sama. Sorry, I guess I was in my own world~"

Naota chuckled, Serafall on the other hand saw Naota looked a bit distracted by something, so she pressed further.

"Something going on Nao-chan? You're looking a little spaced out."

"Eeh, its nothing really. I'm just thinking about the day, that's all. Also how it will go with Vali-san joining my group."

Serafall thought deep down she could see that he was preoccupied with something, so she decided to speak with him directly.

"Nao-chan, you did it, you know? Your hard work, effort, you showed the Underworld that you deserve what's rightfully yours. I know at one point they denied you your Evil Pieces, but you've shown time and again that you're not to be dismissed, that you're impressive and strong in many different ways."

Naota appreciated her words and allowed his hand to meet with her own.

"I remember when I was young, I was told that I'd never amount to anything. That I'd be forgotten, and be nothing. That I wasn't wanted. Its strange to me, people are beginning to want me around now, they look to me when they need someone to protect them…I never thought that would happen to me. I never really cared either way what people thought about me, but its...nice to see I can inspire people."

When he spoke his quiet truth, Serafall adopted a soft gentle look to her eyes, her gaze meeting with his own, as she bent down towards Naota, and pressed her soft lips against his equally soft cheek, causing his usually pale face to begin to glow with a tinge of redness.

"You're right Nao-chan~ Now its time to go out there, and enjoy your time."

Naota adopted a wider smile on his face, the energy Serafall had always made him feel good inside.

Soon enough, the ceremony began. Naota entered the room with all of the guests had lined up.

He himself didn't take care of that, Ravel had insisted that she did it.

In fact, over the time together, Ravel had become something of his manager, she said she liked doing the role, and they kept it going and going, and now with Naota proving to be more marketable, and popular, going through every request, while also doing them would've proven too difficult, so Ravel said that she'd lend her assistance, and he couldn't now imagine a time without her.

Along with Ravel, and her family (even Riser reluctantly), the others that had attended were Vali, Kuroka, Shirone, Rias, Akeno, Sona and a boy named Sairaorg. Coupled with him, Naota saw various Devils he didn't really know that well, or at all, but Ravel had organized it, so he assumed she had thought of all of the guests that would be best to attend.

Though Azazel couldn't go, since he was a Fallen Angel.

Naota had made sure that Diodora didn't attend, he didn't want to see his face.

Walking along, Naota passed by many people, all lined up to see him, and cheered for him.

Making it to the stage that had been prepared, Naota began going through the steps to receive his Evil Pieces.

All he could keep thinking was "This is real...heh, this is really real. I'm going to become a King." while the ceremony continued on.

Eventually, a large stone came down from the ceiling, Naota knew it was the stone that was used to register the King, so he followed through with the ritual, placing his hand on the stone and left his handprint on it.

A faint glow came from the stone that shined over those in the room.

When it died down, Naota had been registered as the King, and then received a nicely decorated box.

Naota could tell Serafall had made it, as written on the side had the words "Nao-chan's Magical Boy Evil Pieces~!" along with an image of Naota on the base of the box doing the peace sign.

Naota found it amusingly sweet she did that.

He accepted the Evil Pieces, and held the box in his hands, clutching it tightly, with the ceremony soon ending.

Once it finished, Naota began receiving congratulations from those around him. People came up, and shook his hands.

"Nyaaaaaaaaaaaaa~" Kuroka sang as she came dancing up towards Naota. "Damn, Phenex-chan really did a number on this party. I'm loving the food, and I just met a cute girl that said she'd love to cuddle you~"

Naota gave amused eyes to the young girl.

"I'm glad that you're enjoying it Kuroka-san."

"Definitely, way better than anything I had before. Though Shirone and Phenex-chan seem to be having a glare off." Naota glanced, and saw Shirone and Ravel standing close by, staring hard at one another. "By the way, Mr. King, what are you going to be doing now?"

"Doing with my Evil Pieces you mean?"

Kuroka nods, taking a mini sausage from close by, and began eating it.

"Yeah, you've got to have some people you wanna ask, right?"

As she said it, Kuroka swayed side to side, her eyes wider than usual, and her expression being that of a sweet cute girl.

"I do actually." Naota beamed, his eyes moving towards Vali for a brief moment, then turned back to Kuroka. "A few people actually."

Kuroka playfully ran her fingers through her hair.

"Well, I was thinking about Shirone, you've been a good sensei to her, and its about time that Shirone makes some decisions for herself, and her future. And I of course also wish to make some decisions about my own future."

Naota could hear that she seemed to be rather excitable.

"Its good to think ahead."

"It is~ I've said that I wish to have cute children right?" Naota did recall that, nodding as an indication for her to continue. "And it seems to me that you're on the lookout for some cute talented girls~"

Naota could see where she was going with it, and beamed towards her.

"You wanna join my group?"

Kuroka coyly turned her head to the right hand side, acting as if she was being rather passive about it.

"Well, depends if Shirone wants to you know? I wanna be with Shirone, and I'm sure that she'd wish to be apart of your group. She even likes being called Koneko, you know? Giving her that nickname, she seems to have taken it as a good sign of love and affection nyaaa."

Naota gave a soft gaze to his eyes, he could see that compared to their previous life, Kuroka and Shirone now were able to express themselves, to be able to be happy, and live the lives that they wish to lead.

"I'm glad that she feels good and secure now. If you really wanna join me, I'd love to have you in my group."

Kuroka places a hand to her chest, feeling a warmth that she first recalled when he had saved her, and her younger sister, she now was able to experience happiness and was thinking of where she was going to be heading into the future.

"Well then nyaaa. I'll speak with Shirone, and see what's going on~"

Kuroka then happily skipped away, leaving behind a bemused Naota.

Naota then continued greeting and meeting with other people.

He came across Akeno, who giggled and gave a slight suggestive look to Rias.

"Ara Rias-sama, is it alright if I decide to go to Naota-kun's group? Because he's so delectably cute, I thought it would be best if I transferred over."

Rias began coughing as a result of her words, Naota chuckled as a response.

"Fufu, well if it is you, Akeno-san, then I'll take you away from Rias-sama~ Yeah, I'd love to have you on my group~"

Rias looked dumbfounded, but then smiled strongly.

"Congratulations, Naota-kun. This really is well deserved, for your hard work and effort, paying off."

Naota lightly rubbed the back of his head.

"Thanks Rias-sama, though I was serious, I am totally taking Akeno-san off your hands."

Akeno nods strongly, clutching onto Naota, while Rias looked on with widening eyes.

"Yeah, I can't have this cute boy roam around Rias-sama fufu. I have to be there to give comfort every night, and day~"

Rias tilts her head side to side, while Naota and Akeno lightly giggle with one another.

As they did, Sona came into view, soon enough approaching with a kind face.

"Naota-kun, I'll have to extend my congratulations to you for achieving this goal. I know it couldn't have been easy."

Naota showed a compassionate smile.

"Thank you, Sona-sama. Its been a few trials, but eventually, I managed to push it through."

Naota lightly laughed, Sona showed a curling of her lips.

"Indeed. Now you're going to be beginning your goals Naota-kun, and I can't wait to see what that entails. I'm sure that if it is you, it is going to be a very intriguing time."

Naota gave a strong smile on his face, nodding in agreement.

After that, Naota continued walking through the area, speaking with various people, until he came towards Sairaorg.

The young man showed a strong smile, approaching swiftly.

"So, you've finally got your Evil Pieces."

Naota rubbed the back of his head with a laugh.

"Yeah, seems so Sairaorg-san. I'm glad that you could make it."

Sairaorg beamed away, tightening his fist.

"Of course, this is a milestone of my one day opponent. I had to see the moment when we as Kings would first begin to build our groups, and one day face off against one another."

Naota lightly chuckled.

"Yeah, I've got some people in mind. What about you?"

"Hmm, I also do have one or two in mind, I have already gained a Queen, and a Knight, and I have a meeting to discuss a Bishop soon. You?"

"I've got the perfect girl for the Queen in mind, I also wish to ask about Ravel-san. I think us being together would balance out quite a bit about us."

Sairaorg stroked his chin.

"Yes, Ravel has begun growing more under you than I saw before. You bring out her greatest qualities, she does very well working with others, and going for different goals. If it is the Phenex, then I can see them being receptive to the idea of you being her King. Though Riser..."

Naota snickered.

"Yeah, Riser I could see saying no, but I have got a good budding relationship with her parents. I'll have to meet with them at their next convenience. But when I do build my group, you and me, are gonna have the best battle."

Sairaorg gained the brightest grin that he could muster, he truly did like that idea.

"Hahaha! Facing True Longinus, that is going to be the ultimate challenge for a Devil such as myself! I shall have to prepare immediately for it!"

"And I'll have to prepare for you, your strength and speed keep growing. So, got any surprises?"

Naota playfully said, Sairaorg gave a strong smirk in return.

"You shall see in time, my friend."

"I can't wait, Sairaorg-san."

The pair nod at one another, and soon split off, both determined to become stronger for the future.

Soon enough, Naota had managed to speak to most people in the room, with Ravel and Shirone being some of the last, as he saw they were in...heated conversation.

"I don't think about sitting on his lap."

Ravel began, Shirone sharpened her eyes.

"…I think you do, you hesitated when I asked, and your eyes tell me that you've thought about it before."

Ravel narrowed her brows.

"E-Even if that's the case...i-is it bad to do so?"

"...I believe that I am getting accustomed to the idea of sitting on his lap, and that space is my territory."

"No, you can't hog such things!"

"...I can."

An intense stare off went between them.

It was very clear that this was going to be a troubling situation to be sure.

So Naota approached them, and got between them.

"Hey girls, enjoying…" Naota saw Ravel and Shirone look towards him blankly, causing him to chuckle awkwardly. "...the party?" Naota paused, seeing the girls glance at one another, before turning back to Naota. "Anyway, seems like a good turn out."

"Aah yes, it seems so."

Ravel said between glares with Shirone.

"Thanks Ravel-san, it seems that you've gone through all of the stops to make this day grand."

Ravel felt her face slightly heating up, Shirone narrowed her brows, and then pushed herself closer to Naota.

When she looked up at him being rather cute, Naota resisted the urge to gush.

"Fufufu, Shirone-san, you're acting quite cute~"

"...Yes, Naota-san. Because...I like being close with Naota-san."

Naota placed a hand over his heart and gave a joyful smile, while Ravel coughed into her hand.

"An-Anyway Naota-sama, I think it would be best if…" Shirone challengingly looked at Ravel who did the same thing right back. "...we discuss peerage options at some point. If you don't mind that is…"

Naota waved his hand.

"Yes, peerage members. I already have my eye on one, and it seems that another might wish to become apart of mine as well, depending on what a third person might say." Naota glanced at Kuroka who got her fill at the buffet table, then to Shirone who kept staring up at him cutely. "Regardless, I've got some options. Though I do need to have a few talks about who else could become apart of the peerage. I'd need someone rather smart, someone with good organizational skills..."

As he said it, his mind drifted to Ravel, and he thought about her potentially joining the peerage.

As Naota and Ravel were conversing with one another with Shirone standing close by, another topic came up.

"Naota-sama, I don't know if you've heard, but there have been rumours about your fiancee."

"Fiancee huh." Naota mused, as Ravel nods. "Well, I'm sure that it is Serafall-sama, right?"

"Actually, no. It isn't Serafall-sama that have said it could happen. Its coming from the Old Devils."

Naota coughed, while Shirone lifted an eyebrow.

"Are you okay Naota-san?"

"Haha, yeah. I'm fine. I'm just surprised, the Old Devils always said that my tainted DNA shouldn't ever be allowed to be near any Pure Blooded Devils, now they're back-peddling, huh."

"Isn't that great Naota-sama? I mean, not the forced engagement part which I don't like. But the fact that they're acknowledging your presence in the Underworld."

Naota wondered about that.

It didn't seem to be entirely the reason, after everything he had experienced.

"Either way, has anyone said who this fiancee could be?"

Ravel went to speak, when suddenly Serafall popped up beside Naota, scaring both Shirone and Ravel as they hadn't expected it, Naota on the other hand did expect it, and began to chuckle ever so slightly.

"Magical Girl Levia-tan has arrived!" Serafall cheered. "Nao-chan! Have you heard the great news?! Finally, everyone is on the same page as me! Well, nearly anyway~ Hehe, they'll soon be on the same page as you marry Sona-chan~"

"Marrying, Sona-sama? Well, she already is my fiancee~"

Naota joked, Serafall though took it seriously.

"Exactly, so when the Old Devils ask you who is best to be your fiancee, say Sona-chan~ And then I'll marry Nao-chan later on as well~" Naota gave Serafall a strange look. "Regardless, Nao-chan you're on the same page as me right? Sona-chan and you should become husband and wife~"

"Well, is Sona-sama okay with that? For real I mean."

Serafall stroked her chin.

"You think she'd refuse you Nao-chan?"

"All I'm saying is that we should make sure that she'd be okay with it. Besides, right now, we're pretty young, so I think it would be best to wait for a little while anyway. It doesn't really have to be rushed, does it?"

"Ooh that's true~ But, aren't you shocked by the news Nao-chan?"

"Ravel-san told me just before you arrived."

Serafall let out a "Huh, I see." as she twitched her neck side to side.

"Well, I'm also thinking about what the Old Devils are thinking, but it doesn't matter to me~ Lets have fun Nao-chan and get you the best fiancee~"

Naota gave bemused eyes to the young woman, while he thought about what the Old Devils were thinking about.

However, just then, Serafall's phone began to ring.

[Angel of Darkness~ Angel of Darkness~]

Naota raised a brow, as Serafall gained a dark look to her eyes, even Shirone looked stunned to see the bubbly Maou suddenly look so sullen and depressed.

"Ooh its her…"

Naota crossed his arms, and looked at the saddened Serafall.

"Serafall-sama, be nice. She is an Angel."

Serafall gave a cute pout.

"B-But, its Gabriel and she's...she's Gabriel and she worries me about what she wishes to do…"

"Then, should I answer it?"

"No!" Serafall let out so fast it almost gave Ravel and Shirone mental whiplash. "I-I mean, its Gabriel, I don't want her to corrupt your pureness~"

"Hehe, my pureness~"

Naota lightly snickered, finding her words funny, Serafall smacked her lips together, sadly looking to the phone, and decided to answer it.

When she did, a voice came through the phone that sounded really sweet.

[Serafall-san~ I'm glad to catch you~]

"You wanna catch me?!" Serafall said accusingly, Naota face palmed. "Oh, r-right, yeah. That way...o-okay, yes, I'm here Gabriel."

[I'm glad! Actually, I have been hearing some good rumours about our friend Naota-san recently. It seems that Naota-san was able to stop many naughty conspirators working together to attack those of the church, correct?]

Serafall squinted her eyes.

"Yeah...he did."

[Ooh, I feel happy that you and he can have conversations. I wish we could speak more often, but I'm glad we could meet once~ Is it okay if we meet up again soon? I'd love to congratulate Naota-san on gaining his Evil Pieces.]

Serafall grimaced, Naota raised an eyebrow at what was going on with Serafall.

Serafall shifted through thoughts she had, thinking of anything that could help her.

"W-Well, he is...allergic to Angels!"

Naota nearly face palmed when he heard her declare that.

[Ooh no, he's allergic to Angels? Then that means we wont be able to meet again, I wouldn't want Naota-san to suffer…]

Serafall begins to smile strongly, only to see Naota giving disappointing eyes, so she bows her head.

"...I meant, Angel food cake...he is allergic to that…"

[Ooh my, then I wont prepare any if Naota-san and I could meet again.]

Serafall gives a big dramatic releasing breath.

But then an idea runs through her head, and she grins strongly.

"Y-Yeah, we can meet Gabriel! Its totally fine! Nao-chan is so excited to see you!"

Naota raised a brow, as Gabriel let out a cute sound.

[Really? That's amazing~ Please let me know when he's available and of course you Serafall-san.]

Serafall shuddered, while Naota wondered what was going through her head now.

"Of course my wonderful friend~ Well, I've got to go, ciao~"

[Ciao~]

Naota raised an eyebrow as she hung up the phone.

"Serafall-sama, what have you got planned?"

Serafall simply smiled, and didn't reveal anything.

Whatever it was she was thinking, Naota could see Serafall seemed to be happy.

And after that, the party soon wrapped up, Naota could see that during it all, Vali seemed to have a concentrating expression on her face, she was thinking deeply about something and he himself also felt the same, knowing that he'd have to approach her very soon about his peerage choices.

When Naota managed to return home the next day after doing a few duties, he saw Kuroka and Shirone looking to be having a certain conversation.

He was going to leave them alone, when Kuroka noticed him via her Senjutsu, and waved him over.

"Good timing Naota-kun! It seems that Shirone and I managed to come to some decisions."

Naota blinked, as he walked over.

Perching down near Shirone, with Kuroka on the other side, he glanced between the girls.

"Is that so? What decisions have you made?"

Shirone immediately moved closer, and began to sit on his lap.

"...Naota-san, you have gained your Evil Pieces now, and are looking for peerage members, correct?"

"That I am. Kuroka-san mentioned about wishing to speak to you about it."

Shirone nods, and peers up at him with big doe eyes, looking cuter by the moment in Naota's estimations.

"...Yes, she did speak to me about it, and I wished to say that I...I wish to be able to stay beside you, Naota-san. Who, gave me a home, and also saved Onee-sama. Though Onee-sama is a trickster, and doesn't say it often, I know she also...she also adores you Naota-san."

Kuroka scratches her cheek, slightly embarrassed that Shirone said it.

But, the important part was that neither refuted it either.

So he reached his hands up, petting both of the girls heads, and sent shivers through their bodies.

"Well, I adore you both as well. You're both very important to me."

Naota's words caused Kuroka to shiver in delight.

"Naota-kun, I only have like one stipulation for joining your peerage…"

"Onee-sama, don't say its babies."

Shirone scolded, Kuroka bellow laughs.

"Nyahaha! I don't always just think about that!"

Kuroka roared louder.

Naota found it amusing.

Kuroka adopted a sweet face as she continued.

"Actually, I was going to say. The stipulation for me joining you is that…" Kuroka took his hand and placed it to her chest, he could feel her heart beat deep inside of her chest. "...always adore and care for us, okay?"

Hearing her earnest words, Naota understood perfectly what was going on deep inside of her.

"Ooh...Kuroka-san, you don't have to worry about that. Everyone that joins my peerage are gonna be loved by me for life. That's a promise."

Kuroka was reduced to tears.

Shirone on the other hand took Naota's free hand, and placed it to the side of her face.

He cupped her chin, and used his index finger to slowly stroke her face, seeing that she enjoyed it a good deal if the purrs were anything to go by.

"What is it Shirone-san?"

"...Onee-sama, brings a lot to a group. I, am training and trying to gain strength as well. Will you, keep teaching me? And help me...become strong, and I'll use that strength...to achieve, your and my, dreams."

Saying it with a good deal of passion in her voice, Naota could see the unyielding determination settled in her eyes.

"I see, that's a good way to think about it Shirone-san. Yes, lets attain our dreams for the future. Together."

Shirone didn't need anymore than that.

She felt rather complete.

Before, she had to worry about losing her beloved elder sister, and had lost her parents.

But now, she felt like this would be the best choice for her.

For she knew Naota had a big heart, and that by joining him, endless possibilities would be opened.

Naota placed his arms around both Kuroka, and Shirone, causing the pair to blush lightly.

"Haha, looks like my peerage already has two cute members~ First, gotta go and fight Vali-san, I promised when I got my Evil Pieces, she'd be the first one I turn if I win. So is it okay to wait for...maybe half a day? I'm fighting Vali-san later on."

"Nyaaa, that's fine~ Vali-chan needs to have a good fight after all~"

"...Yes, I'm okay with that, Naota-san."

Naota smiles cheerfully towards the young girls, as his mind went to Vali.

Soon, he knew the battle would commence, and he couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.

Now was the time that Naota was going to face Vali.

The pair had grown stronger during the time they had been together.

Naota and Vali stood within a deserted wasteland.

There wasn't many things around that could get in the way of their fight.

Even those observing the fight decided to stay in the background, over a mile away with barriers surrounding the pair of them. Because this was a place they'd be able to go all out, Naota and Vali didn't want to hold back in their abilities, and answer everything they had inside of them against one another.

Standing face to face at several feet away, Naota and Vali stared at one another.

"Looking at us now Vali-san, I've decided that I wish to go all out with you. So please answer me with your own desires, and strengths."

Naota didn't waste anytime, and showed his strongest weapon. His True Longinus that shimmers in the light dancing down onto the blade. Along with that, the holy aura right now was aimed at Vali.

Usually, Naota would suppress the aura so it didn't damage those he was friends with, but since Vali would be his opponent, Naota knew that this was the time to show the true might of his mighty spear where the name Longinus was given to all Sacred Gears in that class.

"This aura, it feels so oppressive that I can feel the desire to turn away. The holy aura bounces all around this area, and is making me feel weak in the knees. I see, so this is the presence of the holy spear Longinus. It lives up to its namesake for the sense that its power alone without Naota using it against me, is causing me to feel as if it is going to end my existence. So, this is what it feels like to be the enemy of Naota and his spear."

Vali was impressed.

She was glad as well that Naota wasn't going to be dancing around fighting at full force, he was going to be respectful and show his true power right away, because she wouldn't accept anything different, and it was a reason she truly did respect Naota as a fighter, and also liked him as a person as well.

"I see, so you're going to be showing me your unruly power. I understand, I'll show you my own power!"

Vali flared her aura, and revealed her own Sacred Gear wings.

The feathers of blue like wings shined beautifully. The aura of silver surrounded Vali, and she immediately directed her power towards Naota, showing that she wouldn't be backing down for even a moment, and would stand against his spear, something that Naota had only seen a handful of times, but not to the extent Vali was showing.

Flexing her aura, Vali aimed a finger towards Naota.

"Come at me Naota. Show me the power you have inside. If you want to have my power in your group, show me your tenacity, and strength."

Naota nods, and aims his spread right back at Vali.

"Alright then, I'm ready now!"

Naota pumped for his fight, gathered bright white lights around the tip of his spear.

The holiness of the aura increased to larger levels. Vali could feel her skin beginning to become painful due to the light shining on her, and yet the holy light hadn't been shot at her yet, so she knew she'd have to avoid a direct blast.

Then Naota released a torrent of holy light.

Vali shot off into the sky, as she saw the light obliterate the place she previously had stood upon.

The ground was broken in several places, creating a large hole in the earth.

She didn't have time to think, as Naota spun his spear, gathering momentum, as he fired off blast after blast of light to try and catch her.

"Hah!"

Vali tried to combat the light that came at her first, using her demonic energy to deal damage to the light. Though when they met once more, the demonic power was snuffed out by the light, only managing to take down one shot of light.

So using her incredible speed, she shot through the sky as fast as she could possibly go.

Naota could see that she'd have to keep dodging and she was trying to gain ground, coming closer and closer with each dodge. Though one light wave brushed against her right hand side for less than a second, and immediately the damage became apparent.

Blood leaked from Vali's fingertips as the light briefly touched that, and along with that, Naota heard [Divide!] coming from Vali's Sacred Gear, showing that she had done that intentionally, possibly due to knowing she'd not be able to fully dodge it, so used it to fuel her power.

It didn't come without its downsides however, as it was still light that she touched and it transmitted through her being, she could feel her insides shaking from her fingers. Her arm felt a little numb, fortunately Vali was stronger than the average Devil, and therefore had a limited ability to offset the light, it didn't fix the problem however, and knew she'd have to be careful.

"Thanks for the power."

Vali erupted her hands with two demonic spheres. She channeled the power that she gained from Naota through them. She was surprised to feel the power Naota had released and how she stole half of it, fueling her this much.

Firing them off, she clashed violently with two of Naota's shots of light, all cancelling one another out, generating a giant shockwave that reached the ground, and broke the surrounding area, denting the ground to a strong degree.

Vali was elated as she could feel deep within herself that Naota wasn't firing half assed, and was going strong.

"Good, show me more!"

Vali went to move to Naota, when she realized he had vanished.

Her eyes shifted left and right, trying to find him.

She couldn't even feel his presence, nor his spear.

Then she felt a shift of air beside her, so she looked to see Naota swinging his spear for her upper body.

"Heh! Good!"

Vali propelled herself backwards, using her energy to assist in her speedy movements, barely avoiding the direct contact with the spear, but then saw that in the wake of his swing, Naota released a wave of holy power that came for Vali.

Thrusting her hands outwards, she shielded herself with layers of demonic circles, tanking the wave, albeit with a good number of barriers failing her.

She let out a small breath, when Naota didn't give her a chance to stop, as he thrust his spear outwards, and allowed it to elongate like a train coming to its destination, Vali saw her barriers breaking from direct contact with the spear.

The spear came flying by Vali's face, she barely dodged it, then saw Naota bring the spear back, and like a true spear wielder, Naota thrust his spear at Vali even from a distance, and with the spear being as long as it was, it showcased his mastery over such weaponry.

Vali knew she'd not be able to fight for long like this, so she gathered incredible waves of demonic power, focusing them into a single point in her hand, the sphere of silver showed itself to the world.

"Naota's good, he's not leaving any openings. But I'll make an opening myself. I've been watching you Naota, I know how you fight. Even knowing however...It really is a difficult fight to be sure. One strike from that spear could be my undoing, I have to land a hit first and take your power directly."

When the spear came at her right hand side, she avoids, and shoots the sphere which curved in the air, and came at Naota rapidly.

"Heh! Not bad Vali-san!"

Naota retracted his spear, and just in time, he used the spear like a shield, blocking the blast since he didn't have the time to cut it down, Vali using this chance to get above Naota, and swung her foot right down on top of him.

Naota blocked once more with the spear, Vali's foot pushed as hard as she could before reluctantly having to move as Naota increased the holy power, Vali didn't want to have her foot be damaged by the holy power.

"Cool, she's even attacking like that. If she touches me directly, then her Longinus would activate, and she'd could halve my power, which wouldn't be the best. Even then, if I can get in a good hit on her...I guess it really is who can touch who first in this fight."

As he thought it, Naota began moving his spear with such finesse that he even spun the spear around his back while using his free hand to release shots of demonic power to combat Vali's own attacks that she sent as a bombardment.

Knowing that he could deal with her onslaught, Vali took a chance and cupped her hands together. She channeled her incredible demonic power, and using that, she was able to release a violent flashing blast of energy that cut through the atmosphere, to go right for Naota.

Naota returned his spear to his front, and prepared himself to cut the sphere Vali sent for him, when Vali surprisingly shot power at her own attack, causing it to detonate right in front of Naota, a giant shockwave tried to catch Naota up in it, but he used his spear to block the incoming wave from reaching him.

Though due to that, Vali managed to get up close and personal, tightening her fist, and sent a flurry of them at Naota.

"So quick, and nimble. Naota. If I am to best you, I've got to make daring moves!"

"Hehe, indeed. You're definitely a great opponent Vali-san!"

Naota parried her fist strikes, which in of themselves were coated with demonic power. Naota mused that she did that so even when he increased the holy aura in the places she strikes the spear, she'd not directly be touching the holy power, which he thought was rather smart, showing her tactical nature.

So Naota answered it with his own, and stabbed the spear up into the sky.

"It seems that we'll have to go full force, lets end this Vali-san!"

As he did, light began to form all around it, increasing by the moment, as he used his demonic power to generate a large shockwave, repelling Vali back a good deal.

Then Naota aimed his spear towards Vali, and a torrent of light came shooting out. Naota had put in a good deal of power through the spear and in turn rippled through the air so fast even Vali was blind sided by it.

"Shit!"

Vali didn't have time to dodge, so she formed several barriers.

The barriers didn't hold, and broke one after another, so she used the chance the barriers gave her, the precious seconds, shooting high into the sky, only to see Naota standing there in the air right before her, and swung his heavy spear right for the young girl, Vali raised her arm to block the attack the best that she could do, and to also steal the power Naota had.

[Divide!]

Though she did receive power from the spear, the blade of the spear embedded itself into Vali's arm, the light was entering her system, and she could feel it weakening her by the moment, she also managed to use her demonic power to injure his arm to the point that it bled.

She saw Naota in sight so close, trying to push against her, so she tried to grab his body to use steal his power directly once more.

"Hah!"

Naota pushed her away with a wave of holy power repelling her being, she flipped through the air three times, coming to a full stop.

She placed a hand to her damaged arm, grimacing.

"Damn, his holy power is so strong, that spear truly is worth its name of Longinus. One cut, and I feel my body weakening, my vision blurring and my body becoming less dependent, I feel sick to my stomach. If I don't finish this quick, then I'll be weakened until I can't fight anymore...even now, I can feel it taking over me, I have to end this now, or I'll be the one who's finished..."

Naota saw the expression Vali wore, one of tired, and pain.

Yet, she still was going, which made him rather happy.

"Good, she's really going to be the best Queen for me. Her determination to fight, and to continue even when the odds aren't going her way. Hehe, she is going to be amazing for sure~ I can't wait for us to come together, one day I'd definitely love to fight with our awakened Balance Breakers Vali-san, until then lets give it our all right here, and now."

Delighted with her performance, he felt his hand shaking, recalling when she had landed a hit.

"So Naota...you still have the will to fight…!"

"Yeah, come at me!"

Vali was inspired by his strength answering her own, so she gathered a large amount of demonic power between her fingers, and soon filled her hands in a mass of silvery demonic energy.

Thanks to her Sacred Gear aiding her, she was able to increase her power a good deal.

Vali could feel the holy energy still taking effect on her.

She felt breaths escaping her mouth, and sweat dripped off of her forehead.

"This is it...I have to end it now..."

Vali coated her hand in the demonic power she had gathered, knowing this will be the final blow.

So she shot off towards Naota, who in turn gathered his own energies to the tip of his spear, propelling himself through the sky.

Eyes locking with one another, Naota and Vali both gave strong smiles.

""Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!""

When their respective attacks connected, Naota and Vali felt the most joy being able to fight one another, and their energies created a mass of silver and white flowing all around them from their respective powers.

Vali felt her hand bleeding and trembling, Naota also could see that she had managed to wound him directly, which he felt the most joyous at as it showed the incredible fighter than Vali truly was.

Then an explosion rang out between the two of them.

Naota and Vali both were shot down into the ground a good distance away from one another.

The others watched on with baited breath, waiting to see who it was that won the fight.

The suspense killed most of them, they couldn't see through the cloud of smoke emerging from the point of impacts from their collisions with the earth.

Soon enough, a flash of light disperses the smoke, and standing with a bleeding forehead, and a deep bleeding gash in his side, was Naota.

Vali in turn laid on the ground, bleeding from various wounds that Naota had created.

"Ooooooooooooooooooh!" Serafall exclaimed for the first time. "Nao-chan! You're the winner! You've won Nao-chan! Yay!"

Naota looked relieved, as he felt his legs shake.

He was very impressed with Vali's tenacity, it showed that she really put her all into it and caused him damage.

Now all that was left, was to fully ask her to join the group.

Sometime had passed since then, and Naota sat in the infirmary. Having been patched up after his fight, he waited for Vali to awaken, after she herself had her own wounds patched up.

While waiting, Naota went through some replies to peerage requests on his phone, shifting through the ones that Ravel had sent him, who she thought would be good candidates.

However, he couldn't get through them all, as Vali stirred awake.

Her eyes peeled open, taking in the surroundings. The white ceiling filled her vision first, then she heard the heart monitor, so she turned her eyes back to the right hand side of the bed, seeing Naota sat there, staring at her with a strong kind gaze.

"Naota...looks like you won the fight."

"It was a good fight though, Vali-san. You're strong, even tanking that light I sent into you, I didn't hold back and you still fought through it. I'm amazed."

Naota replied truthfully, leaning closer to the silver haired girl.

Naota then saw Vali sit up on the bed, her eyes not leaving his form.

"A deals a deal, I'm going to be joining your peerage from this day onwards. We both clashed at our peak of power, and the winner was decided. But, it doesn't mean I'm going to give up trying to best you either."

Naota lightly chuckled.

"I thought you might say that. I'm glad that you're going to keep challenging me, I would love to have a battle with our Balance Breakers." Naota revealed his determined smile. "Anyway, Vali-san. I'm glad you're going to be joining my group, lets do our best from here on together. As my Queen, I'm going to fulfil your dreams."

Vali never doubted him when he said it.

Even when they first met, she got a good read on his character, and now seeing it playing out before her, it gave her shivers of excitement.

She moved her legs from the bed, and dangled them off the side of the bed. She reached out, and took Naota's hand, pulling him to his feet.

Her eyes transfixed on his own, he raised his fingers to her face, and lightly stroked some hair that fell down from her bangs to the right hand side.

"There are two things I wish to confirm with you before we do this."

"Aah, yes. What is it?"

"First, my family. When the time comes, I'd like for me to deal with them personally."

"Yeah, I understand."

"Good, and the second is…" Naota felt her hand snake its way across his torso, and to his lower back, dragging his body closer to her own, his face beginning to tinge a cute pink colour as he saw Vali showing a determined eyes. "...I wish to do this before I turn into your Queen."

Naota was shocked when Vali leaned closer, and caught his lips with her own.

The softness of her lips sent electricity through his being.

Vali also felt excitement filling her, she never thought she'd have liked kissing him this much.

Naota then felt her hand grab his butt, surprising him even further at her rather forward ways.

Though he didn't mind, seeing that Vali looked happy to do such things, even if she was trying to desperately keep the stoic facade up.

Pulling away mutually after half a minutes passed, Naota and Vali stare at one another, no words needing to be expressed, as Naota pulled Vali closer, her head resting on his chest, as his fingers softly moved through her silver locks.

"I...I see, so you wanted to kiss huh...that was my first, you know?"

Naota confessed, Vali turned her neck to the left, hiding her face from his view.

He didn't know for sure, but he was sure that she had at least a little redness on her face.

"...I see, so that's how it is. Yes...it was my first too."

Understanding the significance of that, she gave her first kiss to him, Naota fully adored the young girl.

"...S-So, welcome to the group Vali-san...no, Vali-chan. Can I call you that from now on?"

"Yeah, its fine. Though I'll start calling you Nao from now on." Naota didn't mind that, in fact he loved it. "Actually, there is one thing that I wish to ask before I join. Nao, tell me something about your past."

Naota raised an eyebrow.

"What about it?"

"When you came to the Underworld, how was it, really?"

"To be honest, when I first came to the Underworld...I was treated like some disease, that if people got near me, then they'd be infected by me. But, I also met Serafall-sama around that time, who took a chance on me, and decided to open her heart to me. Without her, I'd be living in isolation and she did her best to help me from being victimized by the Underworld. I wasn't accepted in the Underworld, even my own family...I had been alone for a long time, that's what you wanted to know about, right?"

Vali was astonished to hear his words.

To the point that she nearly let out her inner thoughts.

But, she kept them at bay for the time being, and pushed on through with her own thoughts.

"Yes, that's right, I did want to know about it. That's why you want to build a group?"

"Yeah. I've always wanted to have a group. A group that treat each other so close that they're practically family. Families aren't just those by blood, they can be found families, and so far, haven't we already done some of that? You and me, Kuroka-san, Shirone-san, Akeno-san and even Serafall-sama, Sona-sama, Rias-sama and Ravel-sama are people that I'd consider greatly to be apart of my found family. And it keeps growing more and more. Along with that, I want a strong group to fight many different challenges out there, and see what we can handle, and where we can go together as a group."

"Found family...I suppose you're right. Don't say to anyone that I ever said this, but I...I like the idea of family. I never got to experience it either. Apart from my Mother, who was kind to me."

Naota could hear her passion in her voice when speaking about her Mother.

He could tell the bond between them was already very deep.

"I'm glad that you had a family like that, even only your Mother being there for you must've been really wonderful Vali-chan."

"Yeah...she really is wonderful."

Naota took Vali's hands, and held them close to him.

Vali looked up at his face, and felt a small redness beginning to fill her cheeks.

She was surprised that she was blushing like this, but she didn't mind it at all.

"So, ready to join my family, Vali-chan?"

"Heh...so, the Queen."

"Yup, the Queen of course, there's no better to suit that role for me than you Vali-chan."

Vali liked the sound of that.

"Well, it would be a good role for me. Using that power, coupled with my own and my Sacred Gear, I'll show you the strength that I have." Vali placed her hand on Naota's lower back, dragging him closer to her body, and then placed her lips softly against his own for a brief but memorable kiss. "Hmm, I didn't think about it before much, but I find this activity to be rather enjoyable. Do you?"

Naota lightly laughed, showing an enjoyable smile on his face.

"Yeah, its very nice to show love between two people like this Vali-chan. So on top of being my Queen, you're also, my girlfriend too?"

"Hmph, I suppose that would be the best way to go about it. Considering that I've decided to stay beside you for my life, and it comes with perks." Naota saw her eyes drift towards his hip area. "My boyfriend, Nao."

"Yeah, how does it sound?"

"I like it."

Naota shows a cheesy but affectionate grin.

"Me too, Vali-chan."

Leaning closer towards her, Naota and Vali once more allowed their affection for one another to be shown through their lips. A spark of electricity jolted through them as they deepened their kiss, neither wanting it to stop anytime soon.

End chapter!

So this chapter had Naota receive his Evil Pieces! Along with that, he has begun building his group, with Shirone and Kuroka both showing how they willingly want to be apart of his group. The Underworld's views on Naota are changing to the point they also wish for him to have a fiancee. Sairaorg and Naota showed their determination to one another. Vali and Naota had their fight, showing their strengths to one another. And learning a bit more about Naota's past through his conversation with Vali. So now, Naota has three peerage members, with Ravel soon joining~

So, now comes to Issei/Isane debate, after counting up the votes, it seems to be quite clear that Isane is the winner! Thanks to everyone that voted! Those that voted for Issei, sorry about that.

Now onto the Knight. This was more split than I had expected. It was quite the split between Arthur, Irina and Yumi with good points on each of them such as Arthur joining for Le Fay, Irina for the her and Xenovia combo, and Yumi with mostly Demon Swords to contrast the holy weapons Naota plus others in the group has and of course her past related to holy items, so I'll leave that for another chapter, but thanks to everyone that's voted so far!

Also, harem and peerage suggestions still welcome!

Well, until next time, thanks for reading!

Naota's peerage

Queen; Vali.

Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.

Bishops; Kuroka, Ingvild (mutation).

Knights; Lint, Free.

Pawns; Ravel (x2), Elmenhilde (x1), Le Fay (x1), Valerie (piece number undetermined), Rest Free.

Naota; Serafall, Sona, Vali (fem), Kuroka, Koneko, Ravel, Akeno, Xenovia, Le Fay, Ingvild, Lint, Elmenhilde, Valerie, Isane, Rias, Asia, Irina, Rossweisse,