A.N.: This started all the way from chapter 0 if you're wondering. This will be what Rias and the others think from when Daisuke joined.

I do not own Highschool DxD

Chapter 15: Throwback Part 1

Many admired Rias Gremory of Kuoh Academy. She's smart, beautiful, voluptuous, diligent, kind, graceful, and whatever other compliments you can hear from her fans. To everyone, she's the epitome of perfection, the number 1 Onee-sama. That's why all boys dream to date her whereas all girls want to be her (in some cases also want to date her). And that's also why she's receiving greetings from literally everyone on her way to school.

Some would think this might be much for her but unbeknownst to most humans, she's actually treated as a princess even more in the Underworld considering she's virtually one. As such, this level of adoration doesn't even phase her.

After that, she would continue her daily routines: answering all of the teacher's questions correctly, organizing all the love letters in her shoe locker, reject all the confessions from the boys, and perform her duties as the president of the Occult Research Club. However, she skipped most of those today as it was a weekend, so she's entering the club room right after passing through the school gate.

"Good morning, Buchou."

"Good mornig, Akeno." The Queen made some tea and gave it to her King, "Thank you. How are you today?"

"Ufufu, fine like always."

It may seem easy-going between the two at first but at a closer look, you could tell that there are signs of nervousness, "Today is the day."

"So it seems. After weeks of finding out what that fallen is plotting, she finally decided to target one of Kuoh Academy's students."

"She hasn't done anything to the other humans, but Koneko found that she specifically waited for Issei Hyoudou at a bridge."

"Do you think she will make her move this time?" Akeno said with thinly veiled anger.

"Perhaps. We just have to wait and see."

Those two were alone. Kiba and Koneko were sent to investigate the other fallen angels that have taken residence and report back to them the day after, immediately if it's an emergency. They would wait and eavesdrop their junior's date to gather more information. Was it an invasion of privacy? Maybe. Was it for the sake of their safety and possibly Issei's as well? Definitely.

Maybe it was just paranoia, but one could never know when an enemy would strike. The flyer was successfully accepted and they listened just as they did with the fallen's other encounters. There was nothing suspicious as the date came to an end. They felt relieved and frustrated at the lack of action from the fallen. They'll probably be like this for a while at this rate.

"Will you die for me?"

The sweet voice suddenly turned one full of malice. Rias and Akeno sprang into action.

"Akeno prepare the jump."

Akeno frowned, "A barrier is preventing a direct transport, we can only reach outside it's perimeter."

"Make it done. We cannot allow one of our students die."

Kuoh was Rias' territory. Despite sharing it with her childhood friend, she was responsible of ensuring it's safety from supernatural threats, especially her schoolmate. They hastily teleported to the park but met a dead end at the barrier.

"Akeno, stand back!" Rias poured out the Power of Destruction from her hand to destroy their obstacle. The barrier cracked but immediately repaired itself.

"Who are you? And how did you get past the barrier?"

They snapped their heads to the communication circle in surprise. Rias couldn't help but exclaimed, "Did a civilian accidentally entered!?"

"Dude, if you want to live then get out of here!"

Both of them heard a boy's voice, about their age. As unlikely as it was, Rias and Akeno were hard pressed to believe it was a human. Humans normally fear of the unknown and from the sounds of it, this one was not only enduring it but actually fighting back! They doubled their efforts to break through the barrier and combined their spells to hit it at once but it keeps regenerating at an incredible rate. Whoever it was constructing this, they really knew what they were doing.

Just as Rias had enough and prepared to unleash all she had, the barrier suddenly thinned.

"Akeno!"

They fired at the barrier at the same time and it finally broke. Freed of the jamming, they quickly teleported to the flyer in Issei's possession in a bright flash of crimson. The first thing they saw was Raynare holding two light spears aimed at the corpses.

"HA!" Rias intercepted before the fallen could disintegrate the bodies. She looked and saw two pools of blood around them, greatly sadden and disappointed at herself for not making it in time. Though she was slightly confused why the unknown boy was wearing pajamas in public. Rias narrowed her eyes at the enemy and noticed small bruises at the stomach and neck.

"That crimson hair. You are the next heiress of the Gremory Household." Raynare floated at a safe distance away. She was considering her options, her mission was now virtually a failure. Her presence means she knows about Raynare's reasons of killing the pervert, the chances of reincarnating him is nearly 100%.

"Good evening, fallen angel. I am afraid I will take these two away from you." Rias emitted magical aura that demanded no negotiations as Akeno stood behind her for back up.

"This is mission of great importance to the fallen angels as a whole. Would you kindly hand over them to me? Or at least just hand me the brown-haired pervert?"

"Kuoh is under my jurisdiction, the three factions agreed not to interfere with each other's affairs without forewarning. Are you sure you wish to risk going against the cease-fire?"

Raynare clicked her tongue. For some reason, the mission they were assigned to was supposed to be a secret given by Kokabiel. She briefly considered fighting before discarding that idea, she was outclassed. Reporting back will be an embarrassment due to her failure but at least she'll be alive.

"Very well. I will take my leave." Raynare flew upwards, but not before glaring at the unknown boy hatefully. It was his fault that she lost focus on the barrier and they got in. Should he be reincarnated as well, she will slowly and painfully torture him the first chance she gets.

Rias released a sigh after the fallen was out of sight. She turned to see Akeno's sad eyes to the civilian, a boy who selflessly tried to protect another but got killed instead. Now two adolescent boys were dead because she wasn't fast enough. If only she had her Knight and Rook with her, maybe their combined efforts could have allowed them to arrive in time.

Akeno was in a turmoil. The sight of the black-haired boy reminded her of how her mother died. She covered her mouth in sadness, tears threatened to spill. They heard about Raynare mentioning Issei's Sacred Gear, Rias would reincarnate him but she was not as sure about the other. "Rias-"

"You do not need to worry Akeno, I intend to reincarnate them both as my servants."

Akeno smiled at her master's warm gaze. The red head went to Issei first, she could feel something faint from him and decided to reincarnate him first. She had to make sure she has enough pieces if his gear caught the fallen angels' attention. Placing a single Pawn piece om him, she was greatly shocked that the piece indicates he requires 8 Pawn values.

One flash of crimson light later, Rias went to the other boy. She doesn't recognize him but the holes in his stomach and neck meant he did his best. A servant who rushes in to defend the weak, fighting against his fears for the sake of another, that is the kind of servant she desired. Rias decided he would be perfect as her second Knight. She placed the piece on him for his reincarnation, only to realize the piece wasn't accepted.

"What?"

"Buchou, what's wrong?"

"The Knight piece is not enough to reincarnate him. It can't be, is he also a Sacred Gear wielder!?"

They both tensed, the piece with the highest Pawn value Rias has left was her Rook piece. If that doesn't work, all hope to save him was lost. Rias bit her inner cheek as she restarted the reincarnation with her Rook piece instead. It assimilated into him but paused halfway, earning collective gasps from the two. After a few more moments, the piece resumed and slowly entered inside him.

Sighing in relief, Rias turned to her Queen, "They may be safe but they still lost a lot of blood, their healing might last for hours. The biggest problem is we don't know where this boy lives."

"May I take him to the club room, there are spare rooms we can use."

"That could work. I will take Issei Hyoudou back to his home. Bring that boy a new pair of uniform, tend to his needs. We will explain to them tomorrow."

Rias went to grab her new Pawn as Akeno did the same with her new Rook. Though she noticed that her Queen was holding a bit more than necessary with a familiar smile, she feels happy for her.

'It seems Akeno has finally taken interest in a boy.'

The explanation went smoothly. Well, not entirely smoothly but still smooth enough for her. She has two new servants who will become very powerful in the future. Daisuke- Hanwei is his real name though, she'll try to remember it -wasn't as phased as she thought, perhaps he's already anticipating what to expect from the world of the supernatural.

Issei Hyoudou, known to be the leader of the Perverted Trio, was what she expected since she has seen his and his friend's antics for a year now. He's a good boy, nice and carefree. She definitely enjoyed his surprised looks but did not expect him to actually hit his head on the ceiling. Her appearance with nothing but a towel on worked to get him to accept her better, even if it was slightly embarrassing. Although the downside was his Twice Critical, she was positive that his Sacred Gear was much more after he consumed all her Pawn pieces. Maybe he has potential for magic, or a hidden power. None of that matters though, she was happy that she has a kind servant.

And that leads to the mysterious amnesiac. He was silent and just listened. He did ask a few good questions but it feels like he doesn't trust them. She can't blame him for that, one of his few memories was getting speared by a fallen angel to death. Actually, she felt lucky that he listened at all. Yuuto was quite stubborn when she first reincarnated him.

Stifling a laugh at that cute memory, Rias was actually ecstatic of her Rook's Sacred Gear. She struck gold at that one. The best part was that he wanted Rias herself to treat him like family, not on the Gremory's honor. For as long as she could remember, many were awed by her status instead of herself, yet Daisuke just shrugged it off. She doesn't know why, but she felt warm whenever she remembered that. That new Rook of hers will surely be interesting.

"Here Buchou." Akeno prepared some fine tea for her as she settled the paperwork for her new servant's entry into her peerage. The rookies were out distributing flyers as the older members have clients to serve. "So what do think of our new kohais?"

"They are quite interesting, the Occult Research Club will be a bit livelier. But..." Rias' mood was dampened.

"But?"

"Last night after my familiar checked up on Gasper, she found out that Daisuke isn't... as happy as we thought."

Akeno grew worried, "Maybe it was too much for him to handle. He woke up with no memories of himself or his family, died, and learned he has become a devil."

"Maybe. I plan on having my familiar to watch over him from afar, perhaps letting him start slow would be good for him."

"Actually..." The Priestess of Thunder smiled uncertainly, "... Daisuke-kun asked me for some magic training earlier today."

"... What?" Rias was surprised by his initiative. She didn't think Daisuke would train so early, especially how sad he was last night.

"He reasoned that the fallen angels might target him again, and invited Issei-kun to join his training tomorrow."

"That's good." As happy as she was to obtain new servants, she was sad as well that most had to experience horribly to do so. She is starting to think she's cursed to find servants with bad pasts. It is actually smart for Daisuke to learn to defend himself better sooner than later, and Akeno who is well versed in magic, would be very helpful. However, there was just one problem, "But why would he ask you?" Rias narrowed her eyes ever so slightly.

Puzzled by her Kings question, Akeno took another moment to figure out before smiling teasingly, "Ara, ara, is that jealousy I hear?"

"Why would I be jealous? As his master, normally Daisuke would come ask me for help."

"Ufufu, I suppose I have made quite an impression on him in bed."

Rias ignored the tiny irritation in her, "If that is the case, maybe you can keep an eye on him. With any luck, he'll open up more and accept us better one by one."

"Don't worry Buchou. A senpai always take good care of her kohai."

One month from now, Rias would horribly regret letting her friend take the lead.

Kiba was a bit curious about the newbies, and he wanted to try befriending them. It was lonely being the only guy in club with Gasper secluding himself and all. Which is why he and Koneko are walking to the training area located behind the old school building on a weekend. Quite admirable for them to train so passionately so soon.

"What do you think of the two? Hyoudou-kun is a little on the weak side but he tries his best, and I think Daisuke-kun has the potential to become a swordsman."

"Issei-senpai is perverted, but a good person. Daisuke-senpai works too hard."

Kiba chuckled, "I guess he does, hopefully he won't overwork himself. Do you think he wants to prove himself useful?"

"Not sure. He sometimes feel like his mind is someplace else."

"Come on, come on!" They could see the two in the distance. Issei was staring hard at his palms for some reason whereas Daisuke was crossing his middle and index fingers in a pose. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" The senior devils were surprised to see two more Daisukes materializing out of thin air. The original curiously poked the other two before giving themselves high-fives. "Yes! Finally!"

"Daisuke, what are you- What the fuck!?" Issei darted his head left and right to the triplets, rubbing his eyes, "Why are there three of you!? Am I sick or something!?"

"Quite an interesting technique Daisuke-kun."

"Oh, Kiba, Koneko. Perfect timing, I finally got my first spell to work. Check it out." Daisuke was smiling brightly as he introduced them to his clones, "I call it the Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."

"Shadow clones? But they don't look black or anything like that." Issei ignored Daisuke's naming sense was to that of a ninja's.

"They appear out of nowhere like emerging from the shadows right? So I call them shadow clones."

"Well that, and we do what the original does like shadows." Clone 1 continued and made Issei yelped.

Clone 2 was curiously poked by the white-haired Rook. Unfortunately, due to Daisuke's first time of using the spell, the clone popped out of existence in a puff of smoke, prompting Koneko to back off.

Daisuke was clutching his head as if he got a headache. The others asked if he's okay but a raised finger told them to give him a moment. Daisuke breathed in deeply, "Sorry about that, guess it's not perfect yet."

"It's fine as long as you are not hurt. Where is Akeno-san? Did she not come to instruct you today?"

"I wish she did." Issei sulked as he pointed at Daisuke, "This guy thinks it would be a good idea we don't bother her too much and work on what we know first. But I got so little magic, it makes me want to cry. Damn it, I wanted to watch that new hentai with Motohama and Matsuda today."

"Pervert." Koneko insulted.

"Come on Issei. Once you build up enough demonic magic, you can try that Dragon Wave in Dra-M Ball you told me the other day. You said it would be pretty awesome."

"Easy for you to say, you can already use a spell." Issei glared in envy at the remaining clone who shrugged his shoulders and dispelled.

"True, but I worked hard to understand the mechanics and had to keep trying to get it to work, not that easy for me either. Besides, it's not working like how I wanted to yet."

Issei groaned and went back to his training. Kiba finally saw that it's a small ball of magic slightly bigger than a grain of rice. He wanted to console Issei but Daisuke spoke up.

"So, what are you two doing here? Training?"

"Buchou usually gathers us here for weekly training, but she is currently busy involving the fallen angels." Kiba saw Daisuke's face harden for a split second before schooling it back to normal. He almost missed it, and assumes he remembered his killer, "So she gave us the week off. We each have individual training usually done at home but decided to come to check on you."

Koneko cutely nodded.

"How about a spar then?" Daisuke suggested, "Repeating the same exercises will only get us so far, some combat experience will really help."

"Us? You want me to spar too?" Issei pointed at himself in incredulity.

"What are you? Scared?" Koneko taunted.

"O-of course not. Let's do it." Issei walked in bravado despite his legs quivering like crazy.

Kiba and Daisuke cleared some space for the two as they got ready. The more experienced devil act as the referee, "Ready. Set. Start!"

Issei position his fists in front of his face for defense but Koneko just charged forward and choke hold him. He went down in 3 seconds.

...

Kiba sensed awkwardness in the air as Daisuke asked, "Why didn't you hold back?"

"I already did."

"Okay, we'll have to up Issei's stats first." Daisuke went to the pond, scooped up some water, and splashed him back to consciousness.

He woke up and refused to go another round, content with just moving his magic around with a miniature thunder cloud above his head. The other two devils squared off, Kiba unsheathed his sword while Daisuke brought out his gloves.

"Using your Sacred Gear. I am at a disadvantage then."

"Oh please, your speed, sword, and experience are more than enough. I'm gonna need all the help I can get if I want to stand a chance."

Kiba smiled amusingly and clashed.

The club room was nice and quiet with just Rias and her mysterious Rook. She spotted him sitting silently on the couch but his legs were bouncing furiously and he doesn't even notice. Rias heard from her Knight that Daisuke's current combat abilities are pretty good, high tier low-class with no spells involved to be exact. Issei was... out of her expectations but he's training with Daisuke, he'll catch up soon.

A laptop was right in front of her. Normally, Rias would be using it to do her homework, but she was accessing her private devil server around Kuoh to investigate a certain boy. The results were as frustrating as it was mysterious. There were absolutely no records of a Chinese boy moving to Kuoh nor anyone that even has Chinese relations. She thought that Daisuke's amnesia might have caused him to remember wrongly, but she hasn't found any faces that resembles his either. It was almost as if he appeared out of thin air.

Rias would need to solicit permission from other devils for information from other countries. However, Kuoh was her and Sona's territory, there shouldn't be anyone much less a human, be able to sneak in undetected. Sona is known to be a stickler for details after all, if anyone would have known, it would be her.

What aggravated her the most was that Daisuke was getting along with everyone in the peerage, all except her. Even Gasper was starting to talk more to him. At first, she thought his grudge against the fallen made him wary of the supernatural, but his friendly attitude towards Issei slowly spread to the others. The only times Daisuke talked to her was when there are important matters. Of course, she was busy submitting complaints to the Grigori about their subordinates, so she hasn't had much time getting to know him.

The only reason she could think of was his perception. Similar to how Yuuto once was, she theorized that maybe Daisuke dislikes her due to reincarnating him into a devil without his permission. He hasn't shown any hostility but he looks restless for a while now, unlike Issei who talks to everyone like normal. Right now, he's in deep thought as his leg continues to bounce.

Maybe it's about time she reaches out to him, "You're worried."

"Just had a bad nightmare, that's all."

No nightmare can make someone cry before they sleep, "Do you want to talk about it, maybe it will help ease your mind."

"It's just a nightmare not reality, I'll get over it sooner or later."

"True, but most people would think their nightmares are real when they see us devils."

"Well, I bet that they'll change their minds once they see your devilishly beautiful look."

A joke, maybe he doesn't dislike her after all. She grin teasingly, "You're not much of a conversationalist, but you do have a way with words."

"It's a gift." He smiled.

For some reason, seeing his smile made Rias happier, "... Know that I'll always lend you an ear, okay?"

"... Thanks."

His smile dropped for a split second, maybe she should try a different topic. Just when Rias wanted to say more, she felt her connection with one of the Evil Piece muddled. Recognizing this sensation, Rias set up a communication spell, "Akeno, everyone. Return back to the club immediately."

"Yes Buchou." The rest of them answered without question. They know their King long enough to know when there's a problem.

"Buchou, what's wrong?"

"I've suddenly lost contact of Issei, the connection through the Evil Piece seems jammed by a barrier I think."

"Teleport me to Issei, maybe I can go and help him."

"What!? No, there's no telling how many enemies are there. We need to wait for everyone to gather up then go."

"All the more reason for me to hurry before Issei gets critically injured. I've been training, Issei and I can team up to buy some time before everyone else arrives. This is our best option. Please Buchou!"

She didn't expect Daisuke to be this assertive, but he does have a point. Would sending one member be for the better or the worse? Then she remembered that Issei was her weakest piece, "But the barrier... just disappeared? Fine but be careful."

Rias hopes she gets her chance to have a crack at her enemies soon.

One satisfying defeat of three fallens later, Rias and Akeno teleported themselves to Yuuto and Koneko's location. Only to find themselves in a middle of a battlefield. One priest got over from his surprise and sneak attacked them from behind. He was launched away into another priest, courtesy of the Knight.

"Are you okay, Buchou, Akeno-san?"

"Yes. Thank you Yuuto."

Rias watched in disdain as their enemies got cocky due to the arrival of two fragile looking girls. Pulsing magic in her hand, she waved it towards the priests, sending them crashing to the walls and knocking them all out at once. "Akeno, teleport them to the confinement room."

"Yes Buchou."

The Queen obeyed her orders and sent them to the special place where they keep their captives. It might be a tight fit with this many enemies but none of the devils cared. They don't need anymore confirmation, the letter was all that she needed to apprehend them.

"Thank you Buchou, Akeno-san."

Rias was relieved that half of her servants is safe and sound but the other half is missing, "Where are Issei and Daisuke?"

"Issei-kun carried the sister to safety but a four-winged fallen escaped us and went after him. And Daisuke-kun is outside confronting another."

The King's eyes sharpen and wasted no time barking orders, "Yuuto, Koneko, go help Issei. Akeno, to Daisuke."

They didn't even respond back to their King like they usually do and rushed to their friends' aid. Rias clicked her tongue in anger. The situation was worse than she predicted, she wanted her newest pieces to gain valuable combat experience but doing it alone was too dangerous. While it was impressive those two worked together and won, Rias wanted at least two of them together at all times.

An altar at the end of the basement caught her attention, a pile of papers on a table next to it detailed some sort of ritual to extract a Sacred Gear. Rias quickly scanned through the contents, not surprised that they would sacrifice one of their underlings for power. Although, she found out that the gear is capable to be extracted again from the new wielder if it hasn't had time to properly adapt yet. She quickly made her way up the stairs, not caring if her unconscious captives kept bumping their heads with each step.

Hiding in the shadows, Rias watched who her servants were fighting was not the leader. Fear washed over her as one of the connections to her servants is rapidly diminishing before she regained her composure as it slowly grew back. Akeno must have reached Daisuke in time.

Sounds of the fight reclaimed her attention, Rias took a deep breath and got ready to help the three if she had to. The fallen angel's augmented power and self-regeneration reminded her of him more than she would like. She spotted Issei protecting the dead sister with his body, the blonde hair girl must mean more to him than she realized. Daisuke's suggestion of adding her into her peerage echoed in her mind which made her debate.

[EXPLOSION]

A bright light surprised her, and the appearance of the Boosted Gear on her Pawn's arm surprised her even more. Rias did a guts pose at their victory before snapping her eyes open and checked her surroundings if they saw her embarrassing self.

"Whoa Daisuke, you look like shit."

"I feel like shit."

Schooling her features, the King coolly walked and assessed them. Issei was badly injured but nothing fatal, Yuuto and Koneko are not in too bad of a shape, but Daisuke was the worst. He has burn marks all over his torso and left arm, blood all over him, an apparent slash on his chest, and on his right hand is a... bite mark? "We will talk about your actions later."

With all the pent up stress she accumulated, Rias enjoyed the despair looks as she figuratively rubbed the response letter from Grigori in their faces. After extracting and giving Twilight Healing to Issei, he went to mourn over Asia's death. This sent a twinge in her heart, she wasn't sure if reincarnating a nun would be a good idea, but...

"You sure you still won't change your mind after seeing this?"

Rias sent her exhausted yet still-energetic-enough-to-sass Rook a pointed look. She was already considering it, no need to keep pushing her. The reincarnation went off without a problem, Rias already generally knew what her new Bishop's like from Issei. All that's left was to take out the trash.

"In that case, I'll get to the point. I brought you back to life as they..." Waving her arms to the physically and emotionally wrecked fallen angels, "... were the ones responsible for your death. Do you wish to enact vengeance on them? I was told to bring their leader back, but the others were never mentioned. You may kill them if you want, especially Raynare."

Killing them off wasn't a problem to anyone. In fact, it would help her blow off some steam for all that they have done to them. To her surprise, Asia's kindness tugged her heartstrings, even Issei and Daisuke let the whole events slide. The three who were killed had every right to exact revenge and yet none of them wanted it. Rias saw the look in Daisuke's eyes, like the other two, there was no hatred. But there was something in his eyes aimed at her: trepidation. If she killed them, this might set back her plans on earning his trust.

With practiced calmness, "In that case, let's go back." Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko seem to begrudge them, but decided to respect the newest three's wishes. Daisuke's eyes soften, maybe that was the right choice.

Rias inwardly sighed, 'Being a good King is not easy.'

Akeno and her King teleported to Lucifer's office with the five fallens in tow, who were now knocked unconscious. She was tempted to electrocute them, but restrain herself to be professional, they will be gone in a few short minutes.

"And that concludes my report, Maou-sama." Rias finalized in front of him.

"Aw Ria-tan, you can call me onii-chan when we're alone."

"It would be disrespectful if I did, Maou-sama." She replied without missing a beat, still a bit bitter about her engagement her brother arranged without her consent.

An imaginative arrow painfully struck his heart, "Ria-tan is so mean... What happened to my cute little princess who wanted to do everything with me..."

The little sister held back a sigh, "She ran away screaming when she found out her older brother secretly recorded her sleeping face every night."

Another arrow struck him. He cleared his throat and became serious, "Jokes aside, you did an excellent job monitoring and adequately handling those fallens in your territory. Azazel said he would resolve this problem, but I'll speak to him once more."

Momentarily joyful from her brother's praise, Rias teleported the numerous priests and priestess who followed the five and allowed Sirzechs to teleport all of them to his own prison room.

"We will take our leave."

"Rias, wait."

Akeno saw the veiled nervousness in the Maou's tone and got a bad feeling about it. By the looks of her friend's face, she feels the same, "Yes, Maou-sama?"

"The elders have decided to move up the engagement date to two weeks from now."

"What!?" Rias forgot about status and formalities as she glared at him, "We agreed that I would have time until I graduate from college! What is the meaning of having it so soon!?"

The Maou didn't even flinch, "The elders view that the reincarnated devils' powers have grown and will overpopulate the Underworld. They wish to prevent the pure blood devils from facing extinction."

"That is nothing more than their selfish desires!"

"I am sorry Rias, but I cannot overrule their decision."

Akeno looked at Rias worryingly as the red head bit her inner cheek, "Understood, Maou-sama." They walked out of the room and slammed the door shut, never noticing the regret and sorrow in the older brother's eyes.

Walking down the long corridor, the numerous maids and butlers didn't even greet the very angry Rias. Akeno wanted to console her friend but she spoke up first, "What happened to Daisuke?"

"Rias?"

"What happened to Daisuke? I felt his life force nearly vanishing."

"His lungs were partially filled with blood, and had light poisoning all over him. It didn't reach his heart thankfully, and Asia-chan would heal him back to normal." Akeno reasoned that Rias was trying to distract herself. She tried explaining as long as possible to help her mind, "He was lying on the ground in the forest. I followed the path of destroyed trees and quickly healed him. It was difficult at first, but Daisuke-kun pulled through. I was surprised he was even conscious."

"I am more surprised you went easy on their leader, I didn't see any scorch marks."

"The leader was already unconscious when I arrived."

Rias paused in her tracks, "What?"

Akeno seized the chance and smiled fondly, "I am saying, Daisuke-kun defeated the fallen angels' leader without help. It was definitely an astonishment, but he grew enough in one week to win his first serious fight."

The King just processed those words and smiled tiredly, "He could at least not make us worry. I still need to have a few words with him."

"Ufufu, I find it attractive if he could bloody his enemies more."

Daisuke gave a two finger salute as he went with Issei to help get him another contract. Not long after, Yuuto teleported to his regular, Mika, leaving the president and vice-president alone in the club room. Akeno looked at the seemingly normal Rias, but years of spending with her best friend allowed her to tell it's fake.

"Why are you not telling them?"

Rias' facade faded as she slumped onto her chair, "It's only been a short time after the incident, they all need time to rest, especially Asia. No need to involve them into anything unnecessary."

"The fate of your future and happiness is anything but unnecessary. Maybe all of us can think of something if we tell them. Daisuke-kun is smart if his unique spells and fights are anything to go by."

"No. This problem is mine to solve, nobody else's. Besides, Daisuke just opened up to us. I don't want to risk ruining his trust so soon."

Akeno's a bit sadden that there wasn't much she could do. She knew her childhood friend is stubborn and backed down, they still have some time anyway. Although, she couldn't help but slip some teasing and smiled, "Ara, ara, do you mean Daisuke opened up to us, or opened up to you?"

The red head narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "What do you mean, Akeno?"

"Ufufu, I can't blame you. After all, there's just something different about him."

"Akeno." Rias repeated with some irritation.

Smiling, "You have been thinking more about him, and slightly happier whenever he talks to you. Maybe you feel something more for him?"

"That's preposterous." Rias denied despite her heartbeat spiking up, "He may have portrayed good qualities, but I have not been interested in any boys. Why start now?"

"Because of his determination, or his kindness? Or maybe his muscles, you have felt them after he saved Issei the second time right?"

Memories of Rias healing him in bed and the way he complimented her hair flooded her mind. Everyone usually compliments her looks or body first, her hair was mostly mentioned after. And Rias does admit, her Rook's muscles are quite tempti-

'No Rias, get your head out of the gutter!'

"Maybe he is a little different. But there is no guarantee my affections for him are more than normal. I can explore more after I void the engagement."

"Ufufu, of course Buchou." Akeno's eyes gleamed competitively, "But remember this, I saw him first. Please don't regret if you have a late start."

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

"So this is the new Rook you told me about. I can see why he caught your interest."

While Daisuke was convincing Sona's newsest Pawn about Rias' own, both Kings overheard their conversation and sees him in a better light. Most would complain the leader of the Perverted Trio was all bad, yet Daisuke is a kind fellow who sees the good in people.

Either that, or he's too trusting of other people.

Rias actually felt happier and a bit enchanted by her Rook's acceptance of other people. She was beginning to see more and more about Daisuke and she kept craving for more. Akeno's words hit home as she had harder time sleeping at night and thought about her own feelings. Though she wasn't entirely sure, all Rias knows that she wants to spend more time with him.

"Yes, he is much more than he appears. Not just his potential, but he shows initiatives and conviction more than the others."

"It's a shame I didn't find him first. His intelligence could prove beneficial for my peerage, Saji might learn from him."

Daisuke went to interact more with the Sitri group, especially Tsubasa Yura the Rook. They chatted about their work repectively and about their Rook status, getting along quite well with her along with the rest.

"Are you thinking of stealing him from me?" Rias asked teasingly and unconsciously letting out a bit of warning.

Sona will keep her childhood's friend behavior in mind, "Of course not, I am well aware of the Gremory's affections for their peerage. My servants will grow stronger in our own way."

"And yet you allowed me to search for familiars first."

"Devils of different households cannot interfere with each other. But I can at least let you go ahead just this once, I heard about your situation."

"It would be strange if you hadn't."

"Do you already have a plan to cancel the engagement."

"I may have an idea." Rias bit her lower lip, "It would only be used as a last resort."

"I see. I suppose not everyone can escape easily like I did, but I wish you good luck."

She smiled softly, "Thank you, Sona."

When Rias asked Zatouji for better than normal familiars, she didn't think her new Pawn and Rook would react that way. Due to all their hard work and victory against the fallens, she wanted to reward them. But Zatouji had misinterpreted her words and suggested something much more than her adorable servants could handle or in Issei's case, accept as reality. Until she spotted something unique.

"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. She was somewhat knowledgeable about Bakus, docile and effective. It would make a good familiar.

The sight was definitely something, the strong fighter with a familiar that could be mistaken as a plush toy on top. It was kind of silly, but her heart skipped a beat. The red head King had to stop herself from taking pictures of her Rook with the Baku on his head. Akeno, however, had no such reservations and was about to grab her phone before a blue cloud enveloped them.

Fire burned the ground as Rias was on her knees, Riser himself standing triumphantly before her, "Did you really think you could escape from me, my dear Rias? You will return to the Underworld and forever be mine."

She glared hatefully at his condescending smirk. Just as she wanted to retaliate, a white horse with a knight in shining armor stood between them, "Halt vile Phenex! You shall come no closer!"

"Daisuke!"

"You dare to come in between us!? I will burn you to ashes!"

Daisuke rushed into the flames with no fear or hesitation whatsoever and cut through Riser, rendering him groaning in pain. Riser fell and became unconscious. Daisuke got off his horse and extended a hand to the awestruck Rias, "Are you alright, my princess?"

His charming smile and gentle eyes could not make her happier, "I am now, thanks to you." She took his hand and stood up, staring into his eyes as he did the same to hers. Rias slowly closed in, lips puckered as her heart beat faster and faster.

Only a mere millimeter away from a kiss...

Rias jolted up from her dream, face flushing and heart beating, "W-why did I...?" Despite waking up, she could still vividly remember what she almost did to Daisuke. She wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and die out of embarrassment.

"Buchou, you okay?"

Turning to the two clones, Rias blushed furiously and turned back. "I-I'm fine. What happened?"

"The Baku released some sleeping gas and knocked everyone out. The original saw something and went to see if it's a threat. We're looking after you guys."

"I see, thank you. You can dispel now, I will watch over them." Rias wasn't sure how long she could maintain her composure. One Daisuke was enough, but seeing two of them at once is bad for her heart right now.

"You sure?"

"Yes, you may go."

"If you say so. The original went that way ten minutes ago just in case you need him."

The moment they're gone, Rias released a breath she didn't even know she was holding. Breathing deeply, she tried getting her heartbeat back to normal and thought about why she had that dream. The only explanation she could think of was because she yearned for it. There was no denying it now, Rias has romantic feelings for her Rook. Touching her lips, she wondered what a kiss would feel like.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard Akeno moaned, "Daisuke-kun, you naughty boy." A vein popped in her forehead, apparently Rias wasn't the only one who had nice dreams about Daisuke.

"It's not fair..." Rias said to herself. She finally found the boy who makes her heart soar, and yet she's trapped in a stupid arranged marriage due to the elders' selfishness. The worst part is she has a strong rival who was already ahead. There's just too many problems to deal with.

Some sort of fluid suddenly dropped on her shoulder as more of it dropped on the girls, stirring them awake in confusion. Rias looked up before they were covered in slime.

"Kyaaah!"

A certain Salamander was crawling out of the woods. She felt proud of herself as she just won another challenge, but now she was tired and found herself at a pond. A pile of fruits were there, looking appetizing to her. Feeling hungry from her fight, she went to grab a bite as a reward for herself. Before she finished even one fruit, two bodies overshadowed her.

"Hm?"

Merkarion: You'll find out more if Daisuke notices the girls' feelings in future chapters. Don't worry, I plan on finishing this story until Season 4 no matter how long it takes, the whole cannon if many people like it.

Guest-Questioner: Thanks for reviewing.

Okay then: Daisuke's gear can power him up instantly. I think it's better since there's no time intervals. That's just my opinion, not sure if you'll find the rest as interesting though...

A.N.: Hey guys! I was planning for it to be a Rias-only POV before making a Kiba-only POV after the Excalibur Arc, but I thought "What the heck! I'll make it everyone's besides Daisuke's." I'll also be making more scenes like these after this, so the next chapter should be the last throwback before continuing after the celebration party. Hope you all like it. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.

Ja Ne