Welcome to the next chapter!

Shu Ouma GC; Thanks for the votes!

Rider126; Thanks for voting!

ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! He surely did yeah. Yeah, the battle between Sairaorg and Zante would be pretty awesome! His mother was yeah. Glad you liked the fight between them. They've found the location of Ingvild!

Silver crow; Thanks, glad you liked it. Yeah, he's beginning to build his peerage. It surely was yeah. We'll learn even more about his mother and her side of the family as the story goes on. Zante will meet her very soon. Irina was yeah. His mother could be apart of that clan, we'll see soon enough~ Yeah, they could watch that.

Guest 1; Yeah, he got his Evil Pieces!

Darkwubs; I'm glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, we got some insight, and we'll be getting even more as the story goes on. Yeah, Koneko and Kuroka did their best to support him. Ravel and Zante thought it would be the best time to go ahead. And yeah, brothers came together. We'll be seeing Ingvild pretty soon. It is yeah, tension could be difficult.

Guest 2; It would be intriguing.

Skull Flame; It surely is~

Guest 3; Thanks!

Guest 4; Here's some more!

Guest 5; Thanks for the suggestions!

MorganSinn; Thank you very much! I'm glad you're enjoying it so far~!

Akeno fan; Yup, the peerages begun! Glad you enjoyed the fight! He is yeah~ Zante and Ravel are officially engaged!

Guest 6; Thanks for the peerage and harem suggestions!

Nacker15; Thanks for the votes!

Guest 7; Could be yeah.

Guest 8; Thanks for the harem and peerage suggestions!

Its time to start the chapter!

Chapter 8

Zante didn't know why this happened, when he closed his eyes.

Right now, he was sure he was asleep, and the space he entered, looked to be very beautiful.

The area was scattered with lots of different colored bubbles, and rainbows, and water. So very beautiful water that flowed all around.

It was a dream.

He had been in this dream before, where she would appear.

The girl that never said her name, but always would sing, putting on a concert just for him.

Then she finally appeared, riding on a giant water. Sparkling water danced all around her, the girls long wavy hair shimmered as she twirled around a single time. Her beauty was very obvious, and her voice was so gentle, and beautiful.

"Nobody knows who I really am~ I've always felt, so empty alone~ But whenever you come along~ I feel comforted, and I feel strong~"

Zante smiled softly as she skated through the water.

Their eyes interlock, he tried to speak, but no words ever came out.

He didn't know why, he couldn't speak or sing.

But he could hear her, and she would always notice him.

She sails down the giant wave, her hand reached out, and cupped Zante's own hand.

Pulling him to his feet, she peered deep into his eyes, a soft gentle beautiful smile adorning her face. "Its time to wake up~"

When she said that, his world changed.

His eyes opened wide, shooting up off the pillows, sitting up and he saw he was back in his bedroom.

"That dream again..." He muttered, as if his mind was far off in a distant land.

He looked out of the window, seeing that it was just an ordinary day.

Zante's head fell back and he let out a small breath, getting his mind around how he kept seeing the girl, and wondered how he was going to meet her…

Strolling through a certain country in Europe, there was a blonde haired young girl, who was working together with an envoy.

They were hunting down a Vampire that had caused her faction problems, and now knowing they were exiled from the opposing faction, this girl was tasked to take him down with those around her.

The girl was called Elmenhilde, and she held a confident look on her face.

"Geez, how much longer is this going to take? Shouldn't they have sent someone else to do a remedial task such as this?" The girl sighed, and looked bored.

She sat in the horse drawn carriage, simply enjoying the landscapes, while sighing that she had to do tasks like this.

However, the horse suddenly stopped, Elmenhilde became confused.

So she looked out of the window, and saw that it was Xenovia and Irina stood in the way.

"Humans…Exorcists." Elmenhilde looked bitter as if she had swallowed a bug. She got out the carriage, and walks forward. "Humans, this is a business of the Carmilla Faction to deal with, if you don't want to get yourselves killed, I suggest leaving."

Xenovia raised her head, then she turned to Irina. "Can I attack these ones? They directly threatened us."

"Hmmm, but remember when we confronted Zante-sama and it didn't work out great~? Maybe we should think."

Xenovia's cheeks turned slightly red in embarrassment. "I, I don't care what that Devil does! I was just threatened, and we are to exterminate a Vampire, so hence, these would have to be the enemies wouldn't they?"

"Yes, but remember, maybe they're not the enemies. We should approach this from all angles, Xenovia. Zante-sama would say the same thing, you know?" Irina posed.

"Why do you, a supposed woman of the church, care what a Devil says?" Xenovia countered.

Irina grew flustered. "B-Because he was right though. About the Devil child, and the Mermaids, they were trying to save your life Xenovia. Maybe this isn't as it seems to be?"

Xenovia didn't say anything, merely brandishing her blade, aiming it right towards Elmenhilde. She felt the holy power beginning to leak off the blade, and Elmenhilde in turn could feel her body shaking in the mere presence of it.

"I-If you point that thing at me, I'll have my bodyguards deal with you accordingly." Elmenhilde threatened.

"You are our enemies, you killed our people didn't you?" But, Xenovia showed a willingness to fight, as one of the Vampires with Elmenhilde summoned darkness. Xenovia looked to Irina for confirmation, but she didn't know, if they were just defending themselves, or if this was something else entirely.

"We didn't kill any Exorcists, but we wont die to any either!" The Vampire was hasty, and attacked Xenovia, who growls, and twirls her sword, swinging it down and unleashed an earth shattering wave of holy power, and it collided with the devastating darkness the Vampire unleashed.

"No..." Elmenhilde watched on, and grits her teeth, as she didn't want to deal with any Exorcists like this…

Time had passed, since he received his Evil Pieces, Zante now had grown more.

He however couldn't help but think of that girl that needed help, the Leviathan clan weren't being cooperative.

Because they didn't want to wage any kind of war, since Zante didn't know them personally either so he couldn't say they were dangerous or they were actually harming this girl, they kept thinking of ideas, and how they could approach this while finding out information.

"So, how's the search for peerage members, Onii-chan~?" Zante greeted his elder brother Sairaorg, noticing him training.

Sairaorg pauses his training, and turns to Zante with a gleam in his eye. "I might've made a good move recently, and am preparing for our eventual challenging battle."

Zante gives a solid nod of his head. "I see, I await the challenge."

Sairaorg gives an enthused smile. "Wonderful, I'm glad to hear that. Incidentally, how does it go with the Leviathan's? Have they answered any of your calls?"

Zante shakes his head. "No, but we're working on it. Its difficult, since we really don't know if they are the bad or good guys. So, we're working on ways to appeal to them, or gain knowledge on what's truly going on, working on several fronts~"

Sairaorg gives a strong smile. "And how goes Magdaran?"

"Good, actually. He's listening to father less, and he's taken his studies into botany seriously. I've heard he's signed up for several classes related to that field in his school in the Underworld."

Sairaorg was happy to hear that. "I'm glad that he doesn't have to be tied down by father anymore. And you Zante? Has father been bothering you?"

"Well, no more than usual. The usual clan duties and the likes, nothing I can't handle. Especially now that I've got my Ravel-chan right beside me, I'd say she's a God send, but I'd doubt that God would send her to me~"

Sairaorg laughed together with Zante. "I see, and your Queen…seems like you've gained a very notable power in your group. A Longinus, and a Lucifer at that, you're the talk of the Underworld currently. I know that Lord Zekram is very thrilled that you managed to acquire her in your group."

Zante nods. "Yeah, he is quite the obsessed guy with the Old Maou's and all that. So Vali-chan is definitely a very fitting person in his eyes. But I don't care about that, she was the most logical choice. Powerful, smart, and we have feelings that are similar when it comes to certain authoritative figures in our lives~"

Sairaorg nods slowly, and tightens his hand. "Your peerage is growing strong, but so is mine. I recently acquired a Knight, and a Rook. Both have high potential. I wont reveal everything, as when we fight, I'd like for a few surprises on my peerages end."

Zante chuckled deeply. "Good, I'd not want to know everything either. I'd like to see how our powers come together one day. And also, hows it going with your Queen anyway?"

Sairaorg tilts his head. "My Queen?"

Zante hides his small playful look. "She's quite fond of you~"

Sairaorg gives a hearty laugh. "We have a good relationship, she's a valuable asset to my peerage, and a very good comrade. And you're quite fond of your Queen, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I really like her."

Sairaorg was pleased when hearing Zante admit that so freely. "I see, I hope it works out for you."

Zante smiles passionately. "Thanks, hope it works out for you too~"

Sairaorg looks amused, and spends a little time with his brother, catching up, and having a playful banter between them.

Meanwhile, looking down at the sleeping girl who kept calling out "Zante…" in small intervals, a doctor was having trouble working out what was going on.

For over a hundred years, she hadn't said a single thing, she hadn't even indicated she was active beyond scans revealing she was still alive.

Because they had been tasked with her care, they kept wondering, and wondering, if she was to wake up, could Zante Bael be the key to that success?

"Doctor, her vitals peaked again, when she mumbled that boy Zante-sama's name. It keeps happening more frequently, and there's activity within her brain, she's more than dreaming doctor. Something is happening with this girl, that boy…could he be the reason? And how does he even know about her in the first place?" A nurse told the doctor.

Said doctor looked on perplexed. "But they've never met, have they? She's been here this entire time and if a Bael would've come here, then we would've known about it, surely…"

"What should we do, doctor?" The nurse asked, looking to the young girl sleeping away.

She was like a statue, endlessly sleeping and neither knew what to do.

The doctor placed a finger to his chin. "We've run out of options. That boy, might be the key to this girl waking up, but we have to be wise about this, and see if he is legitimately a decent Devil, or if he is after Ingvild's power, if it is the latter, we have to protect her."

While they weren't keen on trying to speak with the Devils, the fact that this girl was showing reactions to Zante and even speaking his name, they had to admit it made them curious, and what it could mean, wondering about their connection, deciding that they had to do something they'd rather not do…

Later on, Zante was lazing around his room thinking of an idea, together with Vali who had taken great comfort in simply laying her head on his right thigh, Kuroka did the left thigh, and Shirone, who also went by Koneko at times ever since Zante said the name, was laying her head on his arm, a bit annoyed that his lap was taken up by the other two.

That's when the door opened, revealing a tired looking Ravel. "Z-Zante-sama, urgent news!"

"You're in love with Sairaorg-sama and you're going to marry him?!" Kuroka said dramatically, and jokingly.

Shirone stifled a laugh, while Ravel crossed her eyes at Kuroka. "No, this is about the Leviathan clan. I'm not in love with Sairaorg-sama." Kuroka gives a cheery smile. "Anyway, Zante-sama, they've finally answered."

Vali sat up instantly. "They've agreed?"

"But they've been saying that if we stepped near their territory, they'd try and fight us, even with the limited resources they had. They were very adamant about all of this, so what's changed? Did they say Ravel-chan?" Zante wondered.

Ravel shakes her head. "No, they haven't said why they've changed their mind, but they have. We need to respond to them, right Zante-sama?"

"We do, but we also have to be cautious as well. While I'm thrilled of course that they've decided to respond to me, I am unsure of why they'd suddenly decide that now would be the best time to respond after we've tried for a while, you know? It makes me wonder."

Ravel had similar feelings. "So, how shall I word the response, Zante-sama?"

Zante got into a thinking pose. "First, lets contact Azazel-san and Serafall-sama. Serafall-sama is very good at dealing with these types of issues, it is her job after all, and Azazel-san, is also very good at diplomacy. But, whatever happens, we have to make sure that this isn't some sort of trick or deception."

Vali folds her arms. "I think there's a sense of urgency here coming from Leviathan."

Zante agreed. "It does feel like that, doesn't it Vali-chan?"

Kuroka pursed her lips. "But what could they want from you Zante-chan? Funds for something maybe? I mean, the Bael's are known to be rich, and its pretty much an open secret that they're quite powerful when it comes to politics and such in the Underworld."

Zante hums as a response as Ravel begins to think as well.

Shirone then tilts her head. "Maybe…they need help with that girl."

Zante looks to Shirone. "It could be, but now huh...something must've changed their mindset."

"…I hope its good news. But I am also dubious that this is friendly."

Zante didn't want to think that, but he did have some doubts that this was anything other than a trap, so they'd be cautious.

Ravel purses her lips. "I'll contact Azazel-sama and Serafall-sama right away Zante-sama. Once they're in the loop, we should be able to go in with a clear head, and begin forming a response. I do hope that this isn't them using this girl as a bargaining chip, or they're planning to unleash some kind of weapon against us either."

Zante could follow the logic of why Ravel would think like that.

Regardless, they had a duty to do, and began making sure that everything was prepared.

Soon enough, Zante was surprised, when Serafall and Azazel had input their thoughts, they sent a letter back to Leviathan, and they surprisingly were willing to meet.

The next day in fact.

Zante had to admit he was cautious that now they had agreed, but he was glad things were beginning to move forward.

The day of the meeting had come, Zante had arrived together with Serafall Leviathan, and Azazel even decided to attend. His peerage also came along with them. They met with the Leviathan clan that represented the faction. Zante didn't know if they were descendants of the clan, or simply those loyal to the clan, he guessed the latter based on a few different things he could see.

He could feel the tension in the air, Zante watched Serafall and Azazel go forward, and offer their greetings to the members of the Leviathan faction.

They could see that they didn't have a particular like towards Serafall, probably due to being the Maou Leviathan now, and how they were a staunch believer of the Leviathan Faction.

Yet, they seemed different at the same time, and Zante was gonna do his best to figure out what truly was going on.

"Thank you for accepting our request."

"Yup, thanks for meeting~"

Finally, after Azazel and Serafall greeted the Devils, they got into conversation about why Zante wished to contact her.

Recognition passed through the doctors eyes, looking down towards Zante in surprise. "…So, you've been seeing Ingvild?"

Zante blinked at the name. "So her names Ingvild-san? Yes, I've been seeing and hearing her. Its very strange, because I haven't ever met her, I believe. I was wondering about her, and what was happening with her."

The doctor pursed his lips. "An incident happened months ago, suddenly without explanation, Ingvild finally did something, after many years of being asleep."

"Years?" Vali queried.

The doctor nods, not knowing who Vali was related too. "Yes, she's been sleeping for, around 100 years now."

Kuroka whistled. "Damn, she's sleeping beauty to a high degree nyaaa."

Ravel placed a finger to her chin. "You said she did something? What did she do?"

"She began moving." The doctor continued after a short breath. "For around a hundred years, she has been inflicted with the sleeping disease."

"Sleeping disease, Sairaorg's mother has the same thing…" Zante murmured, recalling how sad Sairaorg was about his mother.

"She hasn't moved, or done anything for all that time. But suddenly, out of the blue, a smile began to appear on her face, and she let out a breath that called out "Zan…" but at the time, we didn't know at the time what Zan meant, then she eventually said your name."

"Maybe that's when you first heard her Zan-chan~" Serafall posed her thoughts.

"But it still makes me wonder, why she connected with me. I'm not even a Leviathan, so I shouldn't have any connection with her. Others have handled the statue that I have held, even before me. Serafall-sama held it, and yet she heard nothing."

The doctor hummed in thought. "Truthfully, we have run out of ideas on how to help Ingvild. There's simply nothing we can do. But, she is a very powerful individual, if she was carelessly approached by the wrong being, then her power could cause problems."

Azazel this time took over speaking. "In what way is she powerful exactly? Do you mean her Sea Serpent of the End ability is abnormal among the Leviathan's?"

"We cannot disclose that information." The doctor said in a rush.

Zante hummed. "If it was what Azazel-san said, then they'd have just confirmed that, right? There would be no need for such a secret…Vali-chan was affected that day when I sung, like Albion was getting weaker…she must have some connection with Dragons…"

Azazel thought that would be the case. "I see, I understand, we're still classed as your enemies, so you'd not readily share information. But if you're not intending to share, may I ask why you even would meet us in the first place?"

"Because we wished to meet Zante Bael, and see why he has a connection with Ingvild." The doctor answered Azazel's doubt.

Zante pulls forward. "Who is she exactly? Ingvild…is she a Pure Devil? Or, is she a Half Devil?"

Vali raised an eyebrow. "You think she's a Half Devil, and half human, don't you?"

"It would explain how she's able to affect a Dragon. Maybe she has a Sacred Gear that can affect Dragons or something…she might've transferred it through me or the statue. Maybe her singing has something to do with it."

Azazel clicked his fingers. "That's a good theory young Zante-kun. Now that I think about it, there are Sacred Gears in this world that can do all sorts of miracles. One being able to weaken a Dragon, isn't out of the realms of impossibilities. I wish I could meet her even more now~"

Zante could see the enthusiasm in his eyes, and found it to be strangely endearing.

The doctor coughed into his hand. "Either way, we cannot simply allow you to meet her so casually. We have to come to a decision first, she was placed with trust in our care. We cannot be certain you're not trying to use her for your advantage."

Zante could see that being quite a believable reason why they were keeping back the young girl from them.

"Then, what can we do to give you reassurance that we merely wish to make sure she's safe? And if we can help her wake up?" Zante asked directly.

Serafall secretly smiled, she always liked to see his more diplomatic side, and showing his intelligence at the same time. He wasn't going to bow down to the opposing side, but he wasn't going to go full aggression either, finding a very well balance between the two of them.

"You are determined to help someone you've never met. Why?"

When the doctor asked, Zante answered with a soft smile. "Because, she called out to me. She sung beautifully, just for me. She could have chosen anyone else in the world, but she must've seen something in me, that she believes can help her. So, I intend to help her, if I can do so."

The doctor hummed, and quietly walked off with a few colleagues, discussing what they could do.

Serafall edges closer to Zante, so they all could speak quietly. "Nicely handled Zan-chan."

"Thank you, I hope they say yes, but it could happen where they say no, so I've also had Kuroka-san and Shirone-san read them with their Senjutsu during the talks."

Serafall wanted to whistle, she thought that would be a good idea.

Azazel on the other hand showed his excitement openly. "Not a bad idea, what did you girls make of it?"

Kuroka and Shirone looked to one another, before Shirone started. "…I was tasked with watching over the doctor who spoke to us, and I can't detect malice within him, more as if he's nervous and unsure."

Zante thought that made sense, as Kuroka continued. "I got similar things from the others nyaa. If they're trying to betray us, then I can't feel it at all. We aren't being surrounded by anything, nor do I detect any hidden transportation spells either."

Azazel pulls back, folding his arms. "I wonder if they'll allow us through. Now that this could be a Sacred Gear wielder, and they mentioned she has Sleeping Disease. If its been a 100 years, then they've clearly run out of ideas on how to help this Ingvild."

"So, they might accept our help." Zante surmised, Azazel nods. "But at a cost, you're thinking that, aren't you Azazel-san?"

Azazel nods, while Serafall twirls her staff. "Its okay, they can't resist Zan-chan and his cute appeal~ If they want our help, then they'll want Zan-chan who is also quite a popular boy, you know~?"

Azazel gives amused eyes. "I actually agree."

Vali looked flabbergasted. "You think they can't resist Zante?"

"I think they can't resist the idea of not only a Maou, but the leader of the Fallen Angels and the heir to the Bael clan and even Lucifer clan with you Vali, it would be rather interesting to them. Together, we have many connections, they'd be foolish not to take advantage of that, and they are aware we'd be aware of this, so they'll be testing us to see how we really are."

Zante agreed.

Soon saw the doctors come back. "We have been discussing, and we want to make a deal. If you're as genuine as we hope you are, then we'd like an artefact of the Original Leviathan. We cannot get to all of them, as they're in the territories we dare not to cross, even areas in the Underworld that many don't tend to go towards. And there's also some ingredients for medicines that we would like to acquire."

Zante looked to Serafall, who nods, so he pulls out the Leviathan Statue, and shows it towards the doctor.

His eyes widen, as Zante shows a small smile. "Would this suffice?"

The doctor gave astonished eyes and nods his head a single time. "Yes, that would do tremendously. Now, for the medicines…" Zante watched as they took out a piece of paper, and tossed it towards them.

Zante caught it, and looked through them all.

He could see that all of them weren't that hard to come by in the Underworld, save for one where he was sure it was a human world only, so he went through it swiftly, and then nods his head to the doctor.

"We can get these. If we agree to get these, and return them to you, will you let us see Ingvild-san?"

"…Yes, we agree."

Zante secretly glanced to Shirone and Kuroka, who both subtly nod, showing that he meant his words.

Zante was relieved to hear that, so he turns back to the doctors, and inclines. "Then, please give me a few days. This last ingredient is in the human world, but they grow in secluded areas, and might be difficult to come by."

"Then we're in agreement. When you receive the ingredients, then please contact us and we can arrange another meeting."

Zante agreed, and with that, the meeting officially ended.

Thankfully, they were able to set up an official agreement between the two of them.

Since they weren't even in the Leviathan territory right now, Zante was sure that if they made a move to go, then they'd move Ingvild and make sure they'd not get to her.

But thanks to Kuroka and Shirone, they could feel that there was no malice in the doctors, and they simply wished for help, but couldn't directly say it.

Twenty hours later, Elmenhilde didn't think it would go like this, that she would end up being chased by Exorcists.

If it was Xenovia and Irina, she didn't think it would be that bad, but then others appeared, so she had no choice but to run as fast as she could do.

"No, no, no…where do I go…?" Elmenhilde tried to find a place to hide, now that she was being hunted.

She ran into an empty town, tall and small buildings surrounded her, feeling worried she was going to be attacked, she hid within one of the buildings, taking in a few deep breaths, as she felt her body shake ever so slightly.

She looked at her leg, recalling she had been cut by a blade of light.

Neither Xenovia or Irina had managed to get her, but she did receive an attack, and she felt her body being in pain.

As she thought about it, she heard the sound of what appeared to be footsteps, so she looked outside, and saw a lone Irina wandering around by herself, looking left and right as if she was alone.

"Gee Xenovia, why did you run off…" When Irina spoke, she heard a noise.

So did Elmenhilde.

They looked, and saw a human walking towards Irina.

Elmenhilde felt there was something off about this, and watched as the human moved to Irina.

"Hey there, I'm sorry to suddenly come here…" Irina watched carefully, noticing the human swaying side to side.

Their eyes looked up, and they appeared vacant, Irina gasped when seeing the human show their teeth, readying to bite Irina.

"Aaah!" Irina pulls back, as the being tried to bite her.

When lunging for her again, Irina swung her foot out, connecting with the man's upper body and sent the young man flying across the ground.

"Please stop fighting immediately!" Irina yelled out.

But Elmenhilde knew they'd not reply.

She knew this being, wasn't human anymore, and was really a being called Undead, akin to a zombie, a human that failed to become a Vampire when bitten by one.

Irina pulled out her sword, when she heard another noise behind her, and saw more zombie like beings making their way out to her.

"W-What's going on?" Irina gave worried eyes.

She pulled back, as the zombies all began to converge on her. Irina counted over 50 zombies coming right for her, so she repelled the zombies, finding it hard to look at the zombies, as she could only see a human face that made her sad that they became these beings.

Irina parried them with her sword, repelling the zombie, as more converged on her, so Irina took off running.

Elmenhilde realized she was coming right for her, so she tried to lock the door, but Irina burst in first, and closed the door.

"No! Get out!" Elmenhilde yelled.

Irina gasped, turning to Elmenhilde. "D-Did you do this!?"

"No, I didn't do this!" Elmenhilde saw the door being banged on. "Block the door! Before they come in!"

Irina grimaced, and did just that, pushing heavy objects in the way, while Elmenhilde grimaced, wondering what was to become of this…

Meanwhile, Zante was sitting in his room, and was writing some stuff for his duties as he had begun gathering what the Leviathan's requested, and had his peerage look for the last item they needed, and he himself would be doing the same once he finished with the clan duties he had.

In the middle of his duties, his door opened, revealing Zekram stood there.

Zante raised an eyebrow as the man walked inside, his hands behind his back. "Zante-kun, there you are. How is your Queen?"

"Settled in rather well and is currently doing something, thank you for asking." Zante retorted.

Zekram pulls closer, and gives a strong smile. "You know Zante-kun, I have been watching your efforts, and I am pleased. The future of Bael is safe within your hands. While I regret to hear your Onii-sama, seems to be adamant about becoming the heir."

"And you don't want that, because he doesn't have the Power of Destruction."

Zekram nods. "We need leaders in Bael, and you are a leader. Charismatic, friendly, approachable, strong, willing to make tough decisions swiftly, intelligent. I am pleased you meet these requirements and more. Its why I've come, because Sairaorg is wishing to challenge you in the near future, have you heard of this?"

Zante had indeed, and nods. "Yes, he spoke to me not long ago, and that's what he said. If you're asking me to crush his hopes, then I cannot do that. He is my Onii-sama, regardless of if he inherited any powers or not, I love him, and give him the same respect he gives me."

Zekram chortled. "Yes, I thought you'd say that. I'm not here to tell you what you should do regarding the future of those that stand before you. I'm here to offer advice, whether you take it or not, is up to you. I must admit, I am pinning Bael's future on you, Zante-kun. You are what we need. Sairaorg, I cannot agree with being the clan heir. While I'm not as vocal about it as your father is, I am also proud of our heritage, and the Power of Destruction which we wield."

Zante takes in a deep breath. "I understand your concerns, but we cannot only be held by tradition. If people don't take chances, how are we to change?"

Zekram tilts his head thoughtfully. "Hmm, its words like these that make me eager to see how you'd run Bael in the future."

Zante listened to Zekram for a while.

Some words, were things Zante had heard before, but it was clear that Zekram was trying to push Zante to be the clan head in the near future, while Zante knew, when it was time, he would do his best to make changes.

Meanwhile, within the human world, Kuroka and Vali were at a little distance away, and were searching a mountain nearby, Kuroka was skipping around Vali, who in turn kept looking towards her, as she meowed in cute ways.

"Have you really kissed Zante-chan?" Kuroka asks with a wink.

Vali nods without pause. "I have."

"Damn, and I thought I'd be more forward. Alright, gotta make my move soon~ How did you do it nyaaa~?"

"We just did it, time was right, at first it surprised us both, but we soon came to accept that's the direction our relationship is taking, that's all."

Kuroka wagged her tails at Vali, who twitched an eyebrow. "You didn't flirt with him?"

"I don't flirt, I just do what I wish." Vali responded with a sigh.

Kuroka grinned like a Cheshire cat, and stuck out her tongue happily. "I can't wait to be with Zante-chan. I mean, we're gonna be having the cutest kittens in the future~"

Vali blinked rapidly. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"I'm going to be heading to Zante-chan someday and we are gonna be having little kittens nyaaa. Since my people aren't in the best condition right now, we need young feisty blood nyaaa~ And Zante-chan is very feisty if you get what I mean~ And gifted too~"

Vali raised an eyebrow. "Yes, he's very gifted."

Kuroka thrust her face to Vali. "You've seen him naked?!"

"What are you yelling about? I was talking about fighting ability. What were you talking about?" Vali, oblivious to sexual stuff for the most part, didn't catch on to what Kuroka was saying.

"You know, the…area that needs tender loving care~ A special area, that one day, is gonna be used a good deal, I imagine. I've counted like…hmm, lets see, Akeno-chan, Shirone, myself, Ravel-chan, you, Serafall-sama probably, Sona-chan maybe too, and some others…huh, he's gonna be a busy boy~"

"Come again?"

"Ooh, you want Zante-chan to do that too~?" Kuroka's innuendo flew over Vali's head.

"You're confusing to me."

"I get that a lot~"

"I'm not surprised." Vali replied, pushing ahead.

Kuroka grins, but then raises her own eyebrows curiously. "Was that a compliment nyaaa?"

Vali didn't answer her, and merely pushed forward.

Kuroka caught up, but then her face dropped. "Shit Vali-chan, Exorcist…ooh crap, its her."

Vali got into a battle stance, looking around the barren land they were in. "What direction?"

"Left, maybe a mile or so. But, I'm pretty sure I've come across this one before."

Vali narrowed her brows. "You have? Strong?"

"Erm…she had a Holy Sword named Excalibur Destruction."

Vali's eyes looked to have a small gleam to them. "The Holy Sword Excalibur, now that's going to be a good challenge."

Kuroka giggled nervously, and chased after Vali as fast as she could go.

Vali flew there first, and got before Xenovia, who grimaced when seeing the Devil girl. "Are you responsible for the disappearance of my partner?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. But I've heard you have Excalibur Destruction."

Xenovia brandished her blade. "I do, yes. And you're a Devil…"

"I am. My name is Vali, and I am apart of Zante Bael's peerage. Make your intentions known right now, if you're a friend or foe. For Zante's sake, I always make sure to ask before I go into a fight unless the answer is obvious. So, are you my enemy?"

Xenovia widened her eyes. "You're apart of his group? How do we keep meeting up with one another?"

"I do not know why that is, but I am sensing more to your words."

"Yes, I wish to understand him, and also, fight him as well."

Vali crosses her arms. "If you're attempting to fight and endanger my King, then you're my enemy. Think wisely before answering."

Xenovia felt a cold shiver down her spine.

Unlike Zante who was more happy and open, Vali was to the point and ready to throw down if given the chance.

Vali raised an eyebrow, as Kuroka got close. "V-Vali-chan! Wait! She might be an Exorcist, and hates squirrels for some reason, but I don't think we should fight her!"

Vali looked back to Kuroka. "I asked if she's the enemy."

Kuroka blew out a happy breath. "That's good~ Zante-chan would be happy we did that~"

Xenovia folds her arms. "Have you come to kill me and Irina? If so, I shall end your King once and for all."

"I don't know who Irina is, but do not threaten our King." Vali said with a piercing gaze.

Tensions sparked, and flew between their eyes.

Vali flexed her hands, ready to brawl with Xenovia.

At the same time, Xenovia held her sword out, ready to end the Devils if they tried anything.

In the midst of eye locking, Kuroka felt something coming from a distance, and furrowed her eyebrows. "This is odd…"

Vali glanced at her. "What is it?"

"Well, I just sensed that Irina girl, and she's with another supernatural being. Hmm, I think ones a Vampire, but there's many others…like a towns worth of people, that should feel human, but they aren't."

Vali became confused. "If they should feel human but aren't, what are they?"

"That's the thing, I don't know nyaaa. They feel human and Vampire, but neither of them fully."

"Half Breed?" Vali guessed, while Xenovia's eyes wavered, worrying about Irina.

"Different to that nyaaa." Kuroka expressed.

Vali furrows her eyebrows. "This battle will have to wait, lets go and check on that. I'm sure that Zante will be heading that way as well. If your Imouto sensed this too, they're closer to it than we are, and probably are already on their way."

Kuroka nods. "Good idea-"

"Wait." Xenovia spoke up, gaining their attention. "Is…Is Irina, in danger?"

Kuroka looked to Vali, deferring to her as the leader of the two right now.

Vali nods her head at Kuroka, so she turned to Xenovia. "Yes, she is."

"Then, I suggest we set aside our differences, and go to help Irina…unless you're the enemy."

"We aren't." Vali replied, a little disheartened she wouldn't get to fight an Excalibur. "Come with us, but we're watching you."

"And I'm watching you."

An uneasy alliance formed between them, and they took off to go and find Irina and make sure she's safe.

After finishing his business, Zante went to the human world, and joined Shirone and Ravel to search for the ingredient that they needed. Kuroka was with Vali, Zante could only wonder what was going on between them right now, as they had vastly different personalities.

He could see Ravel and Shirone having a stare off, as both linked their hands with his own.

"So, how's it going girls?" Zante asked.

But he got a glance back, before they turned right back to one another, sparks going off between their eyes.

"…Not that well, Zante-san."

"As she said, we have searched a good area, but we haven't come across anything yet."

Zante slowly nods, noticing the tension in the air between the two of them, and decided to comment on it. "So, are you two…alright?"

Shirone and Ravel stare at one another, while Zante himself grimaced. "…Zante-san, who does your lap belong too?"

When Shirone asked, Ravel scowls. "I am his fiancee."

"I am his kitten." Shirone countered.

Ravel and Shirone looked ready to have a battle of words.

Zante hums. "This is about my lap?"

"…Its a position of power." Shirone clarified. "One who sits on your lap, is the one closest to your body and heart. And Ravel-san said that she is your fiancee, so naturally she would have first picking if she chose to sat on your lap."

Zante looked bemused to Ravel, who in turn blushed up a storm. "T-That isn't exactly how I said it, you know?!"

"…I paraphrased, but it was essentially what you said." Shirone murmurs, turning to Zante with a look that was too cute, and out of this world. "…Zante-san, can I sit on your lap when we return to the Underworld? That place, is an area I have thought would be the best for me to sit on."

Zante coughed, while Ravel was steaming. "Is that so?"

Shirone nods at Ravel. "…Yes, I wish to be close to Zante-san at all times, and your lap...is very precious to me."

Zante thought she was rather cute, and he didn't mind if she wanted that position, even if she had just made it up. "You can sit there whenever you want to Koneko-chan~"

Shirone shows a peace sign of victory to Ravel.

Ravel herself was flabbergasted by what was going on. "T-Then if you're g-gaining that position then, I am…I am head….erm, I am head…I am head of management and manage the schedule!"

Zante chuckled. "Yup, you sure are Ravel-chan, couldn't do it without you~"

Ravel blushed brightly, while Shirone narrowed her brows, and began to act cutely.

"…Zante-san, I am glad, to be your Rook." Shirone said, wiggling her tail, and twitching her ears, showing a picture of cuteness.

Zante gave a small smile right back to Shirone. "I'm glad you're my Rook too Koneko-chan~"

Shirone shot a look to Ravel who looked flabbergasted.

But then Ravel turned to her King. "Zante-sama, I shall do my best to assist you!"

"Ooh, you're super eager Ravel-chan~"

Ravel nods, taking a look to Shirone who narrowed her brows right back. "Because, I wish to show my support as much as I can do."

"And you do it so wonderfully~" Zante expressed joyfully.

Then, Zante saw Shirone's eyes begin to turn towards the left.

Zante followed, he couldn't see anything there, but by how Shirone was narrowing her eyes, he could tell that something was happening. "Koneko-chan, you've sensed something? An enemy maybe?"

He knew it wasn't Kuroka or Vali, since they were in the opposite direction.

Shirone nods her head. "…I can sense a Vampire, in that direction. And…I believe its that girl as well. The one who doesn't believe she's a Self Proclaimed Exorcist."

Zante was astonished to hear that. "No kidding? Geez, we keep running into each other, maybe its a sign~"

"A sign for what?" Ravel asked.

Zante shrugged. "No idea, but it is a fun coincidence, isn't it?" Ravel agreed, as Zante pulled closer. "So you said she's with a Vampire, Shirone-san?"

"Yes…but something else as well." Shirone murmured, trying to work it out. "…I'm sorry Zante-san, I'm not Onee-sama, so I can't tell exactly what the other things are. But, I can tell that there's something going on over there. Should we investigate?"

Zante nods his head a single time. "We might as well. An Exorcist and a Vampire together, means they're probably fighting. But if there's other unidentified beings there, we should make haste and see what's happening."

Ravel agreed with a head bob. "Lets go Zante-sama. I shall contact Kuroka-sama and Vali-sama along the way. Though if Shirone-san sensed it, I am sure that Kuroka-sama did as well."

Zante nods, and together, they take off to see what's truly going on…

Meanwhile, Irina and Elmenhilde had somehow for the time being held back the Undead, Elmenhilde panicked, and looked at the door with a worried look on her face, while Irina wiped her brow.

"Come on Xenovia, where are you…?" Irina murmured, folding her arms underneath her bust.

Elmenhilde looked to Irina with worry. "Are you going to kill me?"

"Erm, unless you attack me, no~ I just have to remember what would Zante-sama do~!"

Elmenhilde blinked at the name. "Zante…as in Zante Bael? The Prince of Destruction?"

"Ooh, you've heard of him too~?" Irina grins.

Elmenhilde grimaces. "I have yes, and it is surprising you think of what he'd do if you were in a troubling situation. Considering you're a member of the church and he is a Devil."

"Well, its a funny story. Because, while being a Devil, I must confess I've researched him, and found his words quite encouraging, and can work for all humans, Devils and what not~ Though, I'm not a worshipper of Devils or anything, I do follow the Lord~ I just think his way of thinking is insightful~"

Elmenhilde sweat dropped at that. "Right…I see." A bang came to the door, igniting fear into Elmenhilde. "No…w-we have to do something or they're gonna get in! Can't you do something to them!?"

"Like what?" Irina inquired.

"I, I don't know…maybe send a prayer their way?" Elmenhilde posed.

Irina tilts her head. "But, I don't know if that would do anything, and wouldn't that hurt you too?"

Elmenhilde sweat dropped. "…Okay, don't say a prayer. But come up with something, aren't you an Exorcist?"

"Well, sort of. Exorcist in training I suppose would be better to call me." The doors hinges began to come off, igniting fear in them both. "Argh!" Irina twirled her sword, aiming it at the door. "W-We have to fight! You have to fight too! Okay?! Even if there's many...quite a good few, we can do this together!"

Irina spoke to Elmenhilde, but she didn't reply.

Instead, she held back, and points to the door. "T-This isn't what I was supposed to do."

"But, you're here now, its time to fight!" Irina encouraged.

Elmenhilde inhaled deeply, and folds her arms. "W-We will have to fight. But I must confess, I've never actually been in a fight before. I was merely supposed to be someone that confirms the death of a rogue Vampire that messed with our faction! The others were supposed to be fighting!"

Elmenhilde and Irina prepared to fight.

But they could see so many beings there, they were sure they'd be attacked, and killed.

Irina thought of the training she had, and even she wasn't sure if she could take so many, and she didn't know if Elmenhilde was back up, or she'd take off as soon as she possibly could do when she had the chance.

Elmenhilde's heart pounds against her chest, and she felt her body shaking.

Even if the Undead, and she knew that she was strong, she also didn't know if Irina would try and attack her as well.

Neither trusted one another, and so had to watch their backs as well as watching the enemies come.

Then the time came, with a loud crash, the doors were busted open and many Undead came for them.

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah" Both Irina and Elmenhilde yelled out, both worried about what was going to happen…

But then, a large wave of Power of Destruction energy came ripping right through the enemies, disintegrating one after the other, and cleared the path for Irina and Elmenhilde.

Irina blinked, and then fell to her knees, relief on her face. "Ooh thank the Lord~"

"Well, not sure the Lord had a hand in this. Unless he's become friends with the Devils." Elmenhilde sweat dropped.

Then, Zante lands on the ground, right at the door, and turns inside to see Irina, who locked eyes with him, and her face curls upwards happily. Even though he was a Devil, she couldn't help but feel as if this was what she truly wanted right now, someone to help.

"Hey, seems like we keep meeting one another~" Zante greeted Irina.

Irina in turn stood up tall, and brushed her face, moving closer to Zante.

"Zan-Zante-sama! You came!" Irina greeted back, and enthusiastically moved to his right hand side.

"Yeah, glad that you're okay Irina-san, nice seeng you again."

"You too~" Irina offers a bright smile, as Shirone and Ravel move within view.

Shirone's eyes move between Ravel and Elmenhilde.

She developed a small smile, then turned to Ravel. "Twins?"

Ravel spluttered "Twins?!" while Elmenhilde nearly fell over.

Shirone moved to Zante's side, who in turn held the young girls hand tightly.

His eyes drift to Elmenhilde, who in turn shakes.

"Hello there, what's your name? My names Zante Bael, don't worry, you're not in any danger from us." Zante asked and spoke sweetly at the same time to ease tensions within the room, as Irina pulls closer to Zante, surprising Elmenhilde an Exorcist would want to be near a Devil.

Elmenhilde didn't know what was going to happen now, if she was in danger or not.

Zante himself was curious about what was happening, resolving to get to the bottom of this.

End chapter!

So this chapter had the introduction of Elmenhilde, who was confronted by some Exorcists, including Xenovia and Irina who are on a mission. Zante and his group get closer to Ingvild, which in turn brought them into the situation when they're attacked by the Undead! But he's a reunion with the Exorcist girls, and now he's met Elmenhilde!

Also, there's been a good few people talking about Issei or Isane, for or against one or the other. So, I'm gonna put it to a vote, and see what everyone thinks as for me personally, either would work quite well. Growing into friends for Issei, and lovers for Isane.

Well, until next time, thanks for reading!

Zante's Peerage.

Queen; Vali.

Bishops; Kuroka, Ingvild (mutation).

Rooks; Koneko, Free.

Knights; Xenovia, Irina.

Pawns; Ravel (x2), Le Fay (x1), Elmenhilde (x1), Rest Free.

Zante; Ravel, Serafall, Kuroka, Koneko, Akeno, Vali (fem), Ingvild, Xenovia, Le Fay, Elmenhilde, Irina, Sona,