Chapter 7: Gotta Catch Em All

Wings.

As magic of angels and devils are opposite yet similar, wings also work on the same principle. Magic coursing through the members of the three factions are systemically linked to the central nervous system, from the brain to the spinal cord, and travel to the periphery nervous system. This is the reason why angels need formulas and devils need imagination to cast spells as both require the brain to execute.

Magic is generated from the cerebral cortex and travel through nerve cells. This ensures that spells are formed as soon as possible. The concentration is the highest at both brain and spinal cord where the wings are located. Though the wings of the three factions are solid and tangible in appearance, they resemble much closer to spiritual beings, allowing them to appear and disappear anytime the wielder chooses.

The number of wings vary between each individuals. The stronger the quality, and the larger the amount of magic, the higher the number of wings. As mentioned above, the conditions to gain more wings by angels and devils are opposite yet similar. In case of angels, they steadily grow more wings by gaining large amounts magic and physically strong bodies. The maximum known number of wings is 12, which are achieved only by the Seraphs.

Devils however, only show 2 wings until they suddenly sprout the other 8 wings at once. In contrast to angel wings, devil wings only respond to large growth when devils reach a certain level. Devils cannot bypass this rule with external source of power as the wings respond only to base power level. Most upper-tier ultimate-class devils have achieved this feat. However, they hardly need to exhibit all 10 wings as they have grown accustomed to using one pair only. The only exception seen are the original Four Great Satans and their descendants, their wings grow in a way similar to the angels.

While 10 wings are the usual limit, there is a hidden 6th pair when a devil has far surpassed his limits and evolved into what is known as a Super Devil, which is capable of rivaling with some of the more powerful gods. Only two out of the four current Four Great Satans, Lord Sirzechs Lucifer and Lord Ajuka Beelzebub have become Super Devils. However, not much is known about Super Devils as-

*knock**knock*

I turned my head away from the devil physiology book and devil-to-english dictionary and saw Sona along with the rest of her peerage entering the club room.

"Please excuse us."

"S-she's-" Issei looked surprised. Oh yeah, he doesn't know about her being a devil yet.

"Good day Rias."

"Good day Sona." Rias then turned her head towards us three rookies while Akeno prepared some tea, " Issei, Hanwei, and Asia, I would like you to properly meet Sona Sitri. I thought our introduction with each other's new servants is long overdue." Odd, Rias calling me by my chinese name, is something important going to happen?

"Servants!? T-then Souna-kaichou is a..." Issei baffled out.

Sona stepped forward, "It is nice to meet you. My name is Sona Sitri, heiress of the Sitri household. You may know me as Souna Shitori, the Student Council president. However that is merely an alias as a human."

"There are other devils in Kuoh Academy!?"

"I'll admit. I didn't think there would be another important high-class devil besides Buchou so close to us." That was my honest opinion when first saw it. I checked out her peerage and recognized Genshirou Saji and Tsubaki Shinra because of their Sacred Gears. Don't know the rest of them, sorry other members.

"How strange for them to not notice us. Rias-senpai, did you not tell them?" Saji asked.

"Saji, usually devils of different households do not interfere with each other's affairs. It would not be strange for them to be unaware of us." Sona explained. "Hyoudou-kun, Hanwei-kun, and Asia-san, this is our first meeting. I hope you can get along with us, especially with Genshirou Saji as he is also a newly reincarnated devil." Huh, Sona addresses me by my chinese name too? Then again, she was always the stoic and serious type so that's not much of a surprise. Maybe both Kings are trying to be formal in each other's presence?

The three of us went and introduced ourselves to the Student Council members whereas Saji did the same with the Occult Research members. Let's see, Sona Sitri the King, Tsubaki Shinra the Queen, Tsubasa Yura the fellow Rook, Tomoe Meguri the Knight, Momo Hanakai and Reya Kusaka the Bishops, Ruruko Nimura the Pawn and lastly...

I walked up to him and offer the same handshake as I did with everyone else, "Hi, I'm Tan Han Wei, but you can call me Daisuke, Rias Gremory's Rook. Nice to meet you."

Saji slowly shook my hand, "Likewise, though you should feel honored. After all, I am worth four Pawn pieces." He had his head proudly held up high.

"Ah, so you're a Pawn and a second year just like me, cool. I'm Issei Hyoudou, nice to meet a fellow Pawn." Issei went to stretch his hand but Saji had a condescending look.

"Oh me? The same as the leader of the Perverted Trio? It hurts my pride to know that someone like you has the same status as me."

I frown in bewilderment and irritation. Weird, was Saji always like that?

"What was that!?"

"Is the pervert thinking so much about debauchery that you can't understand what I said."

"Bastard! You want a fight!?"

"Don't get cocky. I may be new but I took up four Pawns, I won't loose to you."

I can almost see the sparks between their eyes, thought those don't happen in real life? "Saji, we are here to introduce ourselves, not to cause a scene. Behave yourself." Sona admonished with a stern glare.

Saji froze for a moment before nodding, "Yes, Kaichou."

"Furthermore, Hyoudou-kun took up eight Pawn pieces. Do not casually flaunt your status if you do not know the opponent's."

"W-what? Eight!? But that's all of them." Saji become shell shocked of the revelation.

"Hah! Take that!"

"Issei, that goes the same for you. Do not pick a fight so childishly." Rias admonished with a light glare.

Now Issei froze this time and nodded, "Yes. I'm sorry, Buchou."

Shaking my head, I went up to Saji, "Hey, I know Issei can be extreme with his desires, but he's actually a really nice guy."

Saji looked at me like I grew a second head, "Hyoudou? Him? You have seen his actions in school right? Almost half of my paperwork is about the girls complaining about him and the other two perverts."

I gave a strained smile at that one, "Yeah, can't argue with that one. But, you know our Bishop?" I turned my head to Asia who was talking to the other girls for emphasis, "When she came to Kuoh, she didn't have any place to go or any friends. That all changed when Issei became her first friend and protected her from danger with all his might."

Saji didn't look convinced but he's not dismissing it either, "He even tries his best not to perv on her because she's so kind and innocent, I would even say that he sees her like a sister. What I'm trying to say is everyone has different sides. I only just met you but you must be more than just a member of the Student Council right? Just like how Issei is more than just a pervert. Give him a chance, I'm sure he'll surprise you."

Saji snorted, "I'll believe it when I see it."

After a while, Sona and her peerage left and went back to do their business. The reason why they didn't stay long was because of an important activity Rias told us about yesterday.

"Now, you three will be getting your familiars." Knew it! Well, we're skipping the competition, but I still knew it.

"So, that means we don't have any more flier duties right?" Issei asked excitedly. He's been wondering when he'll get his ever since we first started doing grunt work.

"That's right. Familiars are considered as a basic requirement for devils. After getting your familiars, they can distribute the fliers or do any other odd jobs for you. Like this little one." Rias held out her hand and some sort of bat appeared on her palm. "This is my familiar. Issei, you have already met her once."

"I-I have?"

The bat flew forward and smoke suddenly covered her. After it dissipated, she showed her human form which looks exactly like in the anime.

"Ah, you're the one from before." Issei pointed at the bat-girl.

"That's right. Some familiars may adopt human appearances to blend into human society. Not all of them can appear perfectly human, some may have animalistic traits such as her bat wings." Rias' familiar turned around and twitched her wings to show that they're real. "That is not a problem however, as people will just think of it as an occult fashion statement."

"Hello." The bat-girl greeted with her head slightly tilted before changing back and returned to Rias' side.

"Do you let your familiars stay with you or is there a special home for them?" I asked.

"You may bring your familiar back with you, but most stay where they grow up in as the environment there suits them better."

"Everyone here already has a familiar." Akeno informed and I saw multiple small human-like familiars around her feet.

"All except you three." Kiba said with a bird resting on his shoulder.

"This is Shiro." A white cat was on Koneko's head.

"It is so cute." Asia squealed a little and went to pat Shiro's head. Must... resist... urge... to squeal at cute kitten!

"So, how are we going to get our familiars?" I tried distracting myself.

"They live in a place called the Familiar Forest. We will be traveling via teleportation." Rias stood up and went to the teleportation circle. All of us noticed the gesture and went by her side.

One teleportation later, we reached our destination. So this is the underworld, the full moon on the red and purple sky instead of the usual blue can attest to that. The forest itself does feel different, like something permeating in the air, but I don't think it's dangerous since my instincts aren't acting up. Wonder how many species are living here?

"Kinda creepy, don't you think?" Issei commented.

"Welcome to the Familiar Forest." Rias gestured out. Come to think of it, we're standing on an magic circle with stairs in front of us. Must be the usual entrance devils use to come here. "Now, we only have until the end of the night of the full moon to find familiars for you, which is about 10 hours."

"10 hours? Is that really enough time to search through this whole forest to find three compatible familiars? I mean, this place is huge and I doubt familiars will just walk right up to us."

"Normally no. Devils can come anytime to look for a familiar, especially specific ones. However, I scheduled an appointment with the familiar master so he can help us to find them faster. He usually helps on the nights of a full moon as most creatures will show themselves on those days." Rias explained to me.

"He is also the one who helped us find our familiars." Kiba added.

"Okay, so where is he?" Issei asked.

"Hm, he should be here around-"

"Gotta catch em all!" A voice interrupted Rias and we saw someone on a tree branch. "I am the familiar master, Zatouji. I can catch any familiar you want."

He jumped off and landed right in front of us and I instantly deadpanned. That's right, Zatouji is basically a parody of Ash Ketchum, or Satoshi in japanese, from Pokemon. He's got the backpack and wearing a cap backwards. All that's missing is to give him a different looking pikachu and he'll fit the bill.

"Ah! How are you, Zatouji-san? I greatly appreciate your help." Rias greeted.

"I am fine. Thank you, Gremory-san. So, these are your new servants you told me about?"

"Yes." Rias then turned to us, "Issei, Daisuke, and Asia. This is the familiar master, Zatouji-san. He will be guiding you to catch your familiars, so please treat him with respect."

"What do we have here? Two dull faced boys and a beautiful blonde." Zatouji's eyes lingered on Asia a bit longer before resuming, "What will it be? A power-type, speed-type or maybe a poison-type?"

"I'm a close-range fighter, so maybe a familiar that can give me long-range backup." I recalled my fight against Raynare.

"Oh, sounds like you know your stuff. How about this." He pulled a book out of his bag and showed me a picture of a blue western dragon, "This my boy, is one of the Dragon Kings, the Chaos Karma Dragon, Tiamat. She's also the only female Dragon Kings and yet incredibly powerful. A long-range backup is what you want right? Then you should go big and take this one for yourself."

I can feel my eye twitch, "I'm pretty sure any dragon with the title of 'Dragon King' is way out of my league. I'm looking for a familiar I can bond with, not become its chew toy. Got anything else?"

Zatouji sighed in disappointment and muttered "Worth a shot." He flipped some pages and showed us a huge creature with... nine heads!? "Then how about a hydra?"

Issei went a bit pale seeing that thing, "Daisuke, y-you're not seriously going to get that. Are you?"

"Uh-um, Hanwei-san, it looks very big."

I took a closer look at the book and saw some big red words in devil language, which I recognize one of them means 'danger'. Not to mention that there are skulls and crossbones symbols like the ones I saw in a chemistry lab, "By any chance hydras have deadly poison?" I asked in an almost wary tone.

"Sharp eye. Yes, hydras have poison that every devils fear, considered to be one of the most evil pets. They even have an immortal bodies which complements devils' near immortal lifespan. How about it?" Zatouji showed me an excited smile.

I didn't even bother being polite, "I'll pass."

"Come on! Don't you have something less scary? Or better yet, a familiar that looks like a cute girl?" Issei's lecherous face is showing.

"Cute!?" Zatouji looks almost insulted, "You can't just get a familiar that it's cute. A familiar must complement your abilities to cover your weaknesses and improve your strengths."

"Um, I would like a cute one as well, please." Asia said.

Zatouji's frown immediately turned upside down, "A cute familiar for the cute lady? Not a problem!"

"Thank you very much."

"This guy..." Issei grumbled in annoyance and I really can't blame him for that.

I turned my head and gave Rias an unimpressed look, "You sure you got the right person?"

"Yes. Don't worry." Then why did you quickly turn your head away and not looking me in the eye!?

I took a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of my nose, 'Not even ten minutes and I'm already getting a headache. Great, just great...'

We walked for a while, not sure for how long as all we saw were just trees, trees, and more trees. Seeing something sparkling up ahead, we reached a lake with crystal blue water. It's actually quite a sight since I don't get to see a lake like this in urban areas.

"Everyone, crouch down and stay quiet." The familiar master whispered to us.

Hiding in the foliage, Issei got a confused look, "Why are we hiding?"

"Because this the lake where the water spirits, Undines live. They show themselves around this time to those they fancy. They are known to be maidens with pure hearts and beautiful bodies. If you're lucky, you might get one for yourself."

'Wait a second, I know this scene very well.' A small grin started to appear on my face.

"Water spirits? Beautiful bodies!? If I remember correctly, they're like..." Issei's lecherous grin returned, but this time with some drool and a weird giggle.

I can see Koneko's disgusted look aimed at the pervert, as if she's saying 'are you for real!?'. I gave her a pat on the shoulder, "This is Issei we're talking about, you should have expected that." Could have sworn that there was a pleading look in her eyes, but she just said nothing.

"Buchou!" Issei whispered loudly, "I can do whatever I want with my own familiar right!?"

Rias merely answered, "Yes. As your familiar, they will help you with anything you want." Don't know if she's doing this on purpose, but I'm not complaining.

At the mention of 'anything', Issei's eyes bulge out comically and faced the familiar master, "Show me the Undines." I had to bite my lower lip to keep my composure.

"Hang on, they should be out soon."

Right at those words, bubbles formed at the center of the lake. We waited in anticipation and soon popped out just what you can imagined. Long blonde hair with the appearance of a body builder, muscles large and compact that can only be attained with years of training. Just as the Undine saw Issei, she gave a wink in his direction.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THISSSSSSSSSSS!"

"PFFHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" I had to support myself by leaning on a tree, otherwise I would have fell on the ground and continued to laugh my ass off. I don't care if this is mean, it's been a long time since I had a good laugh and I'm gonna savor this moment for as long as I can.

"This is an Undine." Zatouji went on a lecture, "Water type spirits that lives in pure waters. They have tremendous power to secure they're on territory. Power is a must for spirits or else they need to leave and find another territory. Water spirits specialized in powerful punches, so they will be useful. This Undine seems like a rare one, I recommend that you catch her." I can barely hear him going on with my laughing fit.

After finally regaining my ability to breath and wiping away my tears, I saw everyone gave Issei a variety of looks, but none of them were as satisfied and smug as our white haired Rook. The victim in question just had his arms grabbing the sides of his head. "Now you know not to take everything at face value. Live and learn, right Issei?"

...

"Issei?"

I expected him to tell me to shut up the moment I started laughing or even call Zatouji a big fat liar but he hasn't responded for a while now. Kiba and I went to take a look and saw that his eyes were completely rolled up. I waved my hand up and down and even snapped my fingers in front of his face a few times. Letting out my index finger near his nostrils, there's still movement of air which means he's still breathing.

"Ara, ara, it seems Issei-kun has fainted while standing." Akeno stated with some giggling.

"Fainting from seeing an Undine? This boy sure is strange." Zatouji turned his head back to the body builder.

"Issei-san, are you okay?"

"Perhaps the shock is too much for Issei-kun."

"... He had it coming."

"I got an idea." All eyes turned to me, "Asia, rest Issei's head on your lap."

Asia just blushed at my answer, "A-are you sure?"

I nodded.

She sat on a log and I moved Issei so that he'll get a lap pillow from Asia, "Now, pat his head or do something to comfort him while gently whisper for him to wake up. This should work." She continued to blush harder but hesitantly did what I said.

Rias come to me with a question, "How certain are you this would work?"

"Eeehh, 50-50 chance. Either he'll wake up or get a real pleasant dream and sleep better. Either way, he'll thank me later for this."

About 10 seconds later, Issei stirred and slowly opened his brown eyes and met Asia's green ones, "Ah, an angel." Then he went back to sleep. Too bad, because he would've saw Asia's entire head turning as red as Rias' hair at this point. I had to cover my mouth to stop myself from laughing because Asia looks ready to explode if she gets any more embarrassed.

"Issei, wake up! You're not dreaming, you're really getting a lap pillow from Asia."

The Pawn instantly opened his eyes and stared at Asia for a few moments before getting up and bowed, "AH! Asia, I'm so sorry. It was so nice I felt comfortable. Not wait, I mean it wasn't on purpose."

Asia fidgeted with a happy smile, "It is fine, Issei-san. I-if you want, I c-can do it a-aga-"

"Oh, another one appeared!" I turned back and saw that Zatouji was right, another Undine with light blue hair and similar physique appeared and she's glaring at the first one. "Looks like they are preparing to fight for the territory. Amazing, we get to see two spirits with much experience competing with each other. You are lucky boy, you can keep the victor as your familiar."

Those two roared and punched each other like no tomorrow. For water spirits, I thought they would be using water to fight instead of a straight up fist fight. I checked on Issei and...

"I'm sorry, Zatouji-san. Let's move on to another place. At this rate, there will be no progress. Yuuto, please carry Issei so we can leave." Rias sighed and order us to leave, but not before I gave my own input.

"PFFHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"It was not funny."

"You're right, it was hilarious. Besides, you got a lap pillow you always wanted so stop grumbling."

After getting out of that war zone, Rias decided to wake Issei the fast way by having Akeno splashing him with water. We had to bring him up to speed because he almost didn't want to admit about the Undines' looks.

"I think your overreacting, I mean didn't you say that one of your client, Mil-tan was it, also have similar appearance?"

"Yeah, but I was expecting a beautiful woman, not some monster cross dressing as a girl. I thought they would be elegant and graceful, instead I saw... that." Issei shivered.

"You'll get over it." I shrugged casually.

"Muuu."

"Did you say something, Issei?"

"Huh? I thought that was you?"

"That wasn't me. Kiba?"

"I did not say anything."

"Issei-san, Hanwei-san, behind you." Asia pointed at something behind us.

"Muuuu."

We looked behind and saw some sort of white creature with a body of a mini-panda and a trunk of an elephant. It's about the size of Asia's plush toy and floating right in front of me. "Zatouji-san, you might want to take a look at this fella."

I heard footsteps from behind, "What do mea..." Zatouji paused at the sight of the elephant-panda creature, "Hoho, a Baku! They don't usually come out like this."

"What's a Baku?" I asked.

"Creatures that devours dreams and nightmares. They live in densely populated areas to finds dreams to eat. They're quite the rare species and only show themselves like this when they can smell delicious dreams. This one looks like a juvenile, I recommend that you catch it."

My mind flashed to a certain pink pokemon that resembles this Baku but shook it off. "If it's dreams we're talking about, then this guy must have found my dream to become the Harem King. But it's not a cute girl, then again it is a rare. Hmmm, what to choose?" Issei scratched the back of his head in thought.

"Muuu."

The Baku suddenly came closer with it's blue eyes fixed onto me. I sidestepped to the left and it was still looking at me. Sidestepping to the right, it still did the same, "Me?"

The Baku nodded it's head almost as if he understood me. Well, I have been getting dreams, but nothing big or glamorous, barely even remember what they were about whenever I'm going to wake up. Maybe this little guy has a preference for my dreams?

"Daisuke, it may not be what you wanted, but perhaps you can give it a chance. Not many devils have the opportunity of having a creature coming instead." Rias suggested.

"Ara, ara, it certainly is a cute one."

"You might find some potential having it as a familiar." Kiba said.

A creature that eats dreams? Huh, I guess the little guy can help me sleep better or even find enemies that can't be detected through normal means. I stretched out my hand to him and he used his trunk to take a sniff. Okay, it is kinda cute, "What do you say little guy? Want to become my familiar?"

The Baku didn't say anything, he just floated up and landed on my head. Issei laughed, "You do look good with that Baku on you, Daisuke."

"You look cute, Hanwei-san."

"... Not bad."

Before I could reply, my head suddenly feels lighter and clearer, really relaxing. Must be the Baku sucking out my dreams. Wait a second, I'm not asleep so how can it eat my dreams, but it does feel nice.

"The Bakus doesn't necessarily eats the kind of dreams when you're asleep. Some are able to eat daydreams or even dreams you had from your previous nights. This is my first time witnessing a Baku eating so up close, those glowing bubbles must represent your dreams. Fascinating." The familiar master informed.

Oh, so that's how this little guy is doing it. It was a few seconds later he stopped. 'Whao, it feels like my brain was cleaned until it sparkled. No unwanted thoughts, no worries about the future. Never felt this refreshed before.'

"Thanks a lot, it felt great." I thanked the Baku.

"Muuuu."

A cloud of blue smoke suddenly engulfed us, coughing and surprising yelps were heard. Are we under attack!? I used my arms to try to blow the smoke away and yelled, "Guys! Are you okay!?"

Soon enough, the smoke cleared away but no enemies were in sight. "I forgot to mention, sometimes Bakus release sleeping gas if they... *yawn*... overeat..." I saw the Zatouji covering his mouth when he yawned and slowly placed his hands at the back of his head and went to sleep. Everyone else did the same, some sprawled onto the ground in a lazy manner, everyone except me. Guess it doesn't work on the person whose dreams they eat.

The perpetrator floated back in front of me and bowed like he's showing gratefulness before silently going deeper into the forest...

So much for getting a Baku... Too bad, I really wanted him to keep eating my dreams. Now if only he didn't put everyone else to sleep in the process.

Looking at my sleeping comrades, I sighed and made two clones and positioned them so they can sleep comfortably. I had to resist the girls' nice perfume and separate them into two groups, male and female. After I was done, without any training on elemental magic, I tried to summon whatever little amount of water I can and splashed it on Issei, but...

"Hehe... Oppai..." I could hear Issei mumbling in his sleep with his wet face, that sleeping gas must be strong stuff. Looking closer at their faces, I noticed that whatever they're dreaming must be pleasant. There doesn't seem to be any other creatures nearby, so I guess we're safe for now. However, what am I gonna do to pass the time?

"You wanna play 'I spy'?" Clone 1 suggested.

Clone 2 and I deadpanned at him, "Did you really just suggest that? Apart from us, there's nothing but trees here."

He crossed his arms, "Well you got a better idea?"

"You're me. If you got nothing you can think of, then what can I come up with?"

"I was just trying to be helpful."

"Might as well just talk about anything to ourselves. At least it's better than nothing." Clone 2 sighed.

"You do know that talking to oneself indicates the start of madness right?"

"Technically, there are 3 of us."

"You get what I meant."

My clones and I sighed and dropped our heads in depression at the same time. "At least it can't get any worse."

"Did you just jinx it on purpose just so fate would magically give us something to do!?" I asked incredulously.

"Oh, come on. Stuff like superstition doesn't exist."

"Just like how the world of an anime doesn't exist." Clone 1 retorted.

"... Fuck."

We went into high alert and waited with bated breath. I don't know if tempting fate is really a thing here, but I'm not taking any chances. Sight, sound, smell, presence. We took everything we could think of into consideration, one of us is even checking the sky and ground. After about 20 seconds, nothing happened and we finally decided to relax.

"This is stressful." Clone 2 complained.

"Quit complaining. I don't want to use up the boost that Baku gave us in less than half an hour." I grumbled.

"Wait a second, doesn't our iphone have games?"

...

Three simultaneous facepalms echoed into the forest.

Bringing out my iphone, I started loading up a game before another clone complained, "Hey, what about us? Our Kage Bunshin no Jutsu doesn't work on items like phones."

"Just go ahead and dispel yourselves. I can handle watching over them."

Suddenly, a bright flash of red was seen in the distance. The three of us exchange glances in uncertainty, "I think fate came to greet us."

"Should we check that out?" It's not a problem if it doesn't concern us, but if it is, then trying to fight whatever caused that while protecting my friends at the same time would be too much to handle.

I pocketed my iphone and groaned loudly, "You two stay here and watch over them. I'll go and check it out."

My clones nodded and I sprinted towards the direction where I last saw that light. Before long, I saw a clearing with three creatures and hid behind one of the trees. Two of them look like greenish humanoids with turtle shells on their backs and the last one looks like a big reddish pink lizard. The lizard weakly breathed fire at the humanoids who easily dodged them. In return, they spat out globs of water at the lizard, the impact forced it to hit a tree. Despite the damage it took, it still tried to stand up. From the looks of things, those two are ganging up on the lizard like bullies.

So it's just natural prey and predator relationship, nothing threatening to me or the others. Some kind of growls were heard as they kept pointing fingers at their downed opponent, 'I've seen enough.'

Activating speed burst, I rushed and stood between them. Don't know about the lizard behind me, but the bullies definitely look surprised for a moment until they scowled. "Who are you?" So they can talk, huh.

"My name is Daisuke. I saw a bit of what happened, 2 on 1 isn't very fair, especially when your opponent is already down."

"This doesn't concern you, stranger."

"Move, or you will take the next hit for that amphibian."

Amphibian? I thought all lizards were reptiles. "What did the amphibian do anyway?" I asked.

"She trespassed into our territory and ate some of our food!"

I took a hasty glance at the amphibian and saw that she had a sad look and had her head down, "I think she's sorry about that. Maybe you can let her go just this once?" I smiled hopefully, maybe I can talk them out of this.

"If you wish to protect the amphibian, then you will suffer as well!"

As if things will go that smoothly!

I quickly activated Tenkugan (Sky Eye) and Buso (Armament) on my arms and blocked the water they spat at us. They tried charging at me with their claws brandished. Ducking under one claw and knocking the other away with my fist, I kicked bully 1 towards bully 2. Closing the distance, I punched the former and elbowed the later. They went tumbling before getting up and glared at me.

"Listen, I don't want to fight you. And I'm sure you have better things to do than fighting me. I apologize on her behalf, so can't we just go back on with our daily lives?" I raised my hand in a surrender gesture.

Their glare didn't let up for a while, I thought the fight will resume until they spoke, "If the amphibian trespasses again, we will not be merciful the second time." Slowly, they walked back probably to their territory, but not without giving me one last glare.

Sighing in relief, I turned back to the one who gave me so much trouble, "You gonna tell me your story or what?"

"Sorry, Daisuke-sama" Her feminine voice sounded out, "You defended me without even knowing who I am. There was a small pile of food near their pond, I was hungry and did not think much of it and ate some of the Kappas' food."

So those were Kappas. If she really didn't mean it, then I guess there's no helping it, "Just be more careful next time. And did you just call me sama?"

"Yes. You saved me and I am eternally grateful. If I may ask, what brings you here Daisuke-sama."

"Okay two things. One, don't call me that, my real name is Tan Han Wei, Daisuke's just my nickname."

"Yes, Hanwei-sama."

Groaning, "That's not what I meant. That whole sama suffix, stop it. It makes me feel weird."

"But, you are my savior. It would be impudent of me to not address you with respect." She tilted her head.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose again. Baku, please come back to me! "Whatever. Now, where was I? Oh yeah! Two, I'm a devil who was just reincarnated recently and I'm looking for a familiar."

She had a look of interest. Lowering her head, she whispered out, "I would gladly become your familiar if I am acceptable."

I gave her a soft look, "Look, just because you're grateful to me, that doesn't you should become my familiar for that sole reason. I want to have a familiar as my partner and equal to fight together."

Shaking her head, "N-no, it is not just because I am grateful. When I saw your confidence during your brief scuffle, I knew you are a brave and kind person. I wish to have someone like you as my master. I also wish to become stronger."

I'm still not so sure about this, looking directly into her eyes, "My future fights will be much more dangerous than this, I won't call you out on all of them, but are you prepared?"

"Yes." She answered immediately.

Smiling, she has resolve at least, "Alright. Well I guess proper introductions are in order. Once again, my name is Tan Han Wei, a low-class devil, and Rook of Rias Gremory of the Gremory Household."

A sudden poof of smoke enveloped the amphibian and what appeared was a beautiful girl around my age with pink slitted eyes and long straight telemagenta hair tied into a half ponytail that reached to her mid back and shoulder-length framing strands. She has an innocent face like Asia's but also some beauty like Rias'. Standing at a height just slightly shorter than mine, with smooth fair skin tone and breasts almost as large as Rias'. Other than her eyes, she looks perfectly human.

"This is my true form, I am a fire spirit, Salamander who wields the element of fire. I pledge my loyalty as a familiar to you and you only, Hanwei-sama." She bowed which caused her breasts to jiggle.

I looked up to stop myself from staring. It's the world of dxd, of course she would be a naked beautiful, busty girl, "Do you have a name?"

"No, I do not."

"Then, I'll give you one." Putting a hand on my chin in a thinking pose, "Fire, hmmm. How about Miho, it means beautiful fire."

"Miho, Miho." She tested her new name a few times and smiled in happiness, "A lovely name. I will gratefully accept it, thank you."

Feels like a long day, but I finally got my familiar, "Alright, let's go back to my friends. Hopefully by now, they would be awa-"

"Kyaaah!"

My eyes widen, that was Rias and the others! "Miho, turn back and climb onto me! I'm gonna run back there!"

She was startled at first, but immediately turned into her salamander form and hang onto my right shoulder, "Hold on tight." Reactivating speed burst, I ran at full speed to go and help them. Arriving, I saw something that made me want to faceplant.

"I will name you Slime-taro. I will feed you, pet you, and use you all the time." Issei hugged the slime.

"... You're the worst." Koneko insulted with most of her clothes dissolved.

"What the actual fuck is going on here!?" Everyone turned to me, "I was gone for only a short time! What happened to the clones I stationed!?"

"When we woke up, I told them they may -hyaah!-" Rias moaned, "dispell."

I wanted to go and help, but Miho beat me to the punch. She breathe out fire that burned most of the slime without hurting the girls. Turning to my familiar with a raised eyebrow, she answered with disdain, "I hate slimes." Right, she's a girl too.

"Nooooooo, Slime-taro! Don't leave me, we could do so much together."

All the girls except Asia were free. Kiba who had his hands glued together by the slime was also free. Akeno summoned new clothes for them to wear, if she's able to store items in her own personal dimensional space, then I am so gonna ask her to teach me that!

Rias came to me with a grateful smile, "Thank you, Daisuke. I was a bit afraid that you would get into trouble."

"I did get into a little disagreement, but it was worth it." I turned around to show them the fire spirit, "This is Miho, my new familiar. She's a Salamander."

"Did someone say Salamander!?" Zatouji got into our personal space with his eyes fixed on Miho while rubbing his hands gleefully, "Like the Undines, Salamanders are spirits. They can produce and manipulate fire. Some of them live near warmer areas like a volcano, but some like this one have adapted to live near sources of water. This one is still young, I highly recommend you catch her. Raise her well, and you'll get a powerful long-range partner."

I smiled at that and patted her, "Thank you, Zatouji-san."

"Issei-senpai, move." I saw Koneko with her fists clenched and gave a death glare to the remaining slime on Asia.

"No, Slime-taro was just doing what he was born to do. He is my important comrade and I will protect him. I will make him my familiar!"

Blue lightning suddenly appeared and zapped the slime and Issei whereas Asia remained unhurt. The little sprite dragon finally showed himself and landed in the Bishop's arms.

"Young lady, that is a sprite dragon. An upper-tier dragon that shoots powerful blue lightning. They become uncontrollable as an adult, this is your chance to catch it." Zatouji explained in joy.

"In the name of Tan Han Wei, I order you to become my familiar and respond to my contract." The blue magic circle shrunk and enveloped Miho for a moment before dissipating. Focusing with my eyes closed, I could also feel the link between us, which means the contract is a success.

I stretch out my arm to let her climb on my shoulder again. I thought Salamanders would have some sort of mucus on their bodies, but turns out she feels dry, smooth and soft to touch "Welcome to the team, Miho."

"I will do my best for you, Hanwei-sama."

Time was almost up and we need to head back soon. Rias looks a little disappointed though, "We couldn't find familiars for all of you, but two out of three is not bad I suppose."

"Damn it, I'll catch up to you guys soon." Issei proclaimed in determination. Huh, I never did find out what familiar he'll get, wonder what it'll be.

"As long as it can act as a proper familiar, I guess it's fine." I commented.

We were walking back to the magic circle while I told them how I met Miho, "And when I heard you guys scream, I thought you were in danger and rushed back to help. Though, I didn't expect you were under that kind of danger."

"Ara, ara, how noble of you Daisuke-kun."

"Sorry for making you worried about us." Kiba apologized.

"Nah, it's okay. I could say the same when I went off on my own."

Well, today was certainly an adventure, crazy but fun. I probably should have seen the slime coming though. Better stop with all the worst case scenario thinking or I'll go nuts.

Reaching my apartment with Miho, I decided to bring her back with me for a while to get to know each other more. I grabbed out an extra futon for her to sleep on and gave out a yawn, everyone except me got a nap and now it's my turn to drop on my bed.

"Goodnight, Miho."

"Pleasant dreams, Hanwei-sama."

sonic: Thanks

A.N.: Wow, this became longer than I expected. I wanted to give my own idea on why most devils only have 2 wings. I don't think it's exact, but it's the closest thing I can think of, so I'll use it in my fanfic. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne