Welcome to the next chapter!

Rikku Kaitani; Glad you liked it. Yeah, its gonna be interesting during the Excalibur arc. Kiryuu surely did. The Old Devils are going to try their best. Thankfully it isn't all of them, just a select few. Ravel's already being set to get closer to him, and the Old Devils are more thinking about controlling Kazuto and Roygun's pretty strong. Asia did yeah. Koneko will be surprised for sure. Serafall does~ We'll be seeing more of Lavinia and Vali pretty soon. Rias and Kazuto are getting closer for sure. Annihilation Maker is good.

problake123; Thanks for the suggestions.

ShadowUzumaki55; Kazuto does for sure. He's gonna do his best to work his way out of the Old Devils influence. We'll discover more about Roygun's agreement pretty soon, and what's going on with her. Glad you liked the moments between them. Asia is yeah~ Suzaku shall be appearing very soon~ We'll have to see with Riser~

Silver crow; Thanks! Yeah, Kazuto definitely would enjoy that~ Yeah, Zekram isn't involved in this, due to his respect for the Old Maou and their descendants, even if he is a purist. With Kazuto helping her, Rias will show her strength. Roygun was yeah. Kazuto's a smart guy, and does what he can to achieve victory. Yup, he's met Vasco Strada. Glad you liked the training with Gasper. Koneko's gonna be claiming his lap soon. Glad you liked the chat with Rias and Akeno. Roygun did yeah~ The Old Devils after Kazuto wont get very far. Glad you liked the time between Rias and Kazuto. Yeah, we'll see them come up soon. We'll see more of his relationships with them soon. The training will be good for them. Yu Long could be yeah. That would be fun for the Dragon Kings. Thanks for the harem suggestions.

Guest 1; Thanks!

Guest 2; Glad you liked the moments between Kazuto and Rias this chapter~

Guest 3; Yeah, if Karasuba was his Sekirei, then it would be quite the situation with Miya involved. Tsukiumi would be fun. Uzume could be yeah. That would be good for Akitsu.

Akeno fan; Yeah, we'll be getting some Suzaku quite soon. Yeah, Kazuto will be there for Rias. The Old Devils will be shocked for sure. He does like Roygun, they will become closer pretty soon.

Guest 4; There's a few stories I've thought about like for Bleach, and Sekirei since its been a while for both, and would be fun to write for either of them again.

Neonlight01; Yeah, he'll help Rias get ready to fight Riser. Koneko will be helping in some way. It was yeah~ Roygun's gonna be quite a fun character for sure~

Guest 5; Yeah, Riser will definitely be shocked~

Guest 6; Here's the chapter, and yeah, its cool we're getting more DxD content like that.

Guest 7; Yeah, that would be a fun story to do. Xenovia could be yeah. Xenovia doing that would be pretty funny. He could take that place yeah, it would be cool. Thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 8; Interesting idea for a Pokemon fic. It'd be cool if he became a champion like that. Cool Pokemon suggestions. Yeah, it could have a transformation. That looks pretty cool to me, thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 9; Yeah, that'd be an interesting story. It could be like that with Mira. Virgo's fun. Yeah, they'd be good ways for him to learn it. Cool magic's. Yeah, it would be cool if he could mix those types of powers. Thanks for the suggestions!

Guest 10; Yeah, its gonna be quite fun between them~

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

Chapter 12

Rias was feeling a sense of calm following the night before, spending the night with Kazuto.

When Kazuto shifted his eyes awake, Rias, the lone occupant of the bed aside from Kazuto, looked into his eyes.

"Good morning." Rias said, her soft lips pressing against his cheek.

He smiles softly, yawning a little. "Morning, ready for today?"

Rias adopts a small kind smile on her face. "Yes, I'd say that I'm ready for this. I was worried before...but I trust in you, Kazuto."

Kazuto's heart felt joy radiating for his Senpai, and adopted a light hearted smile as a response.

"Thanks, because I received word last night about my own joyous unions with Roygun-san, and it'll be whenever you decide to have your Rating Game, a two in one I guess is how they're pitching this. You have yours, and I'll be fighting the Number Two of the Rating Game right after, or before, depending on how they decide to do it, either way its on the same day. The joys I suppose."

Rias didn't want Kazuto to have to go through challenging the Number Two, but she also trusted in him, so she was going to do her best to support him as well.

"Today's going to be interesting, I can hardly wait. You've never met Riser, have you?"

Kazuto lightly chuckled, laying a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Not in person, but from watching videos of his Rating Games, I got a sense of his personality, so how we'll interact, and how he'll feel about me being a Half Human, that's going to be interesting to find out. Though I'm going to be a bit late, possibly, depends how quick it goes. But I'll definitely be there after I go and greet an old friend for Akeno-san, and gotta just take care of a few things before as well, research and all that."

Rias nods in thanks. "Then I'll deal with Riser, and handle it, and when you arrive, we'll continue on. I can't wait to see Akeno's face when she sees who you're going to bring for her though, they haven't seen one another in so long, the clan forbade it, but now with new management, I think this is going to be a good boost for Akeno."

Kazuto lightly smiles. "Yeah, I'm glad that they can be reunited again, after so long."

Kazuto and Rias give one another small smiles, the day was going to be a strange one for sure.

At breakfast, Rias had to leave to prepare for the meeting with Grayfia, Kazuto had already taken care of what he'd need, so he was able to have a nice relaxing breakfast with his grandmother, Asia, and Ravel who showed up suddenly.

"Even more requests?" Kazuto murmured as he looked over the folders. "I might have to do a peerage day soon, see if any good hopefuls turn up for it."

Ravel looked amused. "Yes, it might be the only option at this point, I'm sure that you'd be very desired if you did an open day or something. Perhaps the peerage member hopefuls could be set into different categories, such as Power, Technique, Wizard, and Support."

Kazuto looked intrigued. "The Devils use that for Rating Games, don't they?"

"They do. I think if we could get each person to see where they are and give us a rundown on what they can offer, then it would help us at least sort out who may or may not have the best ideas on their own level of abilities, perhaps a demonstration on a video or something…"

Looking at Ravel who was working so hard, Kazuto had to commend the girl for all of her efforts. In fact, with everything going on, he could see that she was a very skilled person when it came to situations like this.

Asia watched on, as she contemplated her own desires if she should join the group, that's when Augusta, who was watching on, got the former nuns attention.

"Asia-san, what's on your mind?"

"I was just thinking of the offer Kazuto-san made me." Augusta looked confused, so she clarified. "To become a Devil."

Augusta was intrigued. "I see. Well, I'm sure if he offered it you, its because he thought it would be a good place for you. What do you think about it?"

"Kazuto-san said that he's going to be building a family, with his group, and I thought it was very beautiful to hear such a thing."

"But you're thinking of God, aren't you?" Augusta guessed.

Asia nods a single time. "I've been thinking about it since Kazuto-san asked me. I couldn't be in the Church, worshipping God anymore. Though I still pray. But I also really want to be with Kazuto-san's family too, he's made me feel so secure, and happy, every day is a new fun adventure, and he's always supportive of me."

Augusta lightly smiled, leaning closer. "It seems you've got a good bond with one another. I think he asked you, because he really adores you, Asia-san."

Asia's cheeks burn hot red. "Kazuto-san, adores me..."

"I can see in his eyes he thinks you're a very kind and sweet girl, and I feel the same. Though maybe I am bias because I am his grandmother, I genuinely believe Kazuto's a good person, who's always wanting to enrich the lives of those around, because his own when he was younger...well, it wasn't a good time when he was a young boy, so building a family with his peerage...yes, I can see why that would be one of his goals."

Asia thought about what Augusta was saying, and she could understand it very well, and found herself desiring something similar.

Augusta then smiles, pulling back, as she took a bite out of her food.

"If you want my advice, I think you should do what you believe is the best for you, and how you feel. And even if you say no, he'll always adore you, Asia-san."

Asia smiled kindly. "Yes, I understand, Augusta-sama. Thank you."

Augusta smiled in a light hearted manner, knowing this would be a good thing for Asia.

"I'm sure you've already decided in your heart what you wish to do~"

Asia pondered on that, her hand laying over her chest.

Asia adopts a big smile. "Kazuto-san, what are you doing today?"

Kazuto turned to Asia from his conversation with Ravel, and grins.

"I'll be going somewhere after school, so we can go together. I'll be bringing my adorable Rook Koneko-chan with me too, gotta meet an old friend. Want to come?"

"Yes! I'd love too!" Asia beams happily.

Ravel raised her head, as if the name 'Koneko' ignited something within her. "Kazuto-sama, is that invitation extended to others as well?"

"You wanna come? What about your Onii-sama? He's meeting Rias-san today."

"He, He is of course. But, I, I…well, I…" Ravel gained a flush, looking slightly embarrassed.

So Kazuto relieved her worries. "Its alright, you can come with me if you want. I just figured that you'd want to spend it with your Onii-sama."

"We'll be back, wont we Kazuto-sama?"

Kazuto raised an eyebrow. "Know something, Ravel-san?"

Ravel gives a deducting eye. "I believe I have come to understand a few things, and if it is what I think it is you're going to do, then I have to trust in your judgement, since I have seen that you've got good judgement. I also believe what may happen is the best for Onii-sama as well, even if he doesn't see it right now, so I'll trust in you."

Kazuto thanked her for that, while Asia gave intrigued eyes, wondering what was going to happen.

The school day ran on as normal, and as lunch came around, Kazuto went to help Gasper with even more of her training, with Asia following along, and watched from the side, and Kazuto helped Gasper gain some more control over her Sacred Gear.

Minutes fly on by, and Asia kept her small smile growing on her face as she saw Kazuto encourage Gasper as he helped her with her training to control her powers, her Sacred Gear in particular.

"S-Senpai, is B-Buchou going to be fighting R-Riser-san?" Gasper asks with a nervous touch to her voice after ten minutes of training.

Kazuto nods, pausing the training. "Yeah, that's right."

"C-Can I fight too? O-Or am I not allowed?"

Kazuto adopts a small smile, pulling closer to the young Vampire. "You can do, I've spoken with Sirzechs-san, and its been given the okay after seeing your progression."

Gasper's eyes run down to the ground. "Will I be a-able to help, Senpai? I, I want to for Buchou, but...I don't w-wanna mess it up f-for Buchou..."

Seeing the nervousness in her eyes, Kazuto could understand the turmoil it would represent, since while getting used to controlling her powers, it was different in a fight, and along with the natural nervousness she had due to her past, Kazuto understood her pain.

So his hand gently placed itself on the top of her head, giving her a comforting pat. "I think you'd be an amazing help, Gasper-san."

Gasper's eyes flutter. "Really, Senpai?"

"Yeah, not just for your Sacred Gear, but you're strong, Gasper-san. I know it might seem scary, though I've seen your courage already. Remember the time when Rias-san was captured by Walburga? You pushed down your fears, and you came to me, a stranger, believing I'd be able to help, and even afterwards, despite being worried, you did your best to help Rias-san. And even now, just standing out here, I can see its something that's causing you worry, yet you're doing it and working through your fears."

Hearing Kazuto praise her like that, made her happy, and filled her with courage.

"D-Do you think I, I could fight, Senpai? I, I wouldn't hold t-them back?"

"You wouldn't, Gasper-san." Kazuto comforted. "And yes, I think you'd very much be able to fight. Everyone has strengths, and you do too. And I'm going to help you in anyway that I can. Believe in yourself, Gasper-san. I can see it, and I know one day you will too."

Gasper's heart danced in her chest, the clear trust and affection on his face and in his eyes was so good for Gasper, and she had already seen that she was getting better as Kazuto helped her.

She still had her worries, but slowly, as she worked with Kazuto, she was able to fight through her fears and insecurities.

Gasper ended up hugging Kazuto tightly, looking up to him with a timid, yet determined smile. "For B-Buchou, I will d-do my best!"

Kazuto grins. "Yeah~"

"But Senpai...Y-You also ha-have a fiancee, right S-Senpai?" Gasper asks with a sorrow tone, knowing how the Old Devils could be.

"I do, sort of. Its more like, potential fiancee, but she's got conflict in her as well."

"S-So she doesn't want to?"

"I don't think so, but whatever the Old Devils are doing, is causing her to not back down, so I wanna do what I can to not only stop this from happening, but to help her as well."

Gasper's timid smile grows. "I, I'll help you too Senpai! I, I don't know how...but Senpai, you've been so nice to me, s-so I want to help you if I can!"

"Thanks, Gasper-san~ I'm sure you will~" Kazuto kindly pets the back of her head.

As they talked, Asia watched on, seeing the courage building in the young girl, and Gasper looked up at Kazuto with an admiring gaze.

Asia was glad to see Gasper was able to come more out of her shell as she spent time with Kazuto, causing Asia to smile joyfully.

After school that day, Kazuto went with Koneko, and Asia, who wanted to tag along, the same with Ravel, who decided to follow them around, while Koneko looks towards Ravel curiously as they take up a flight of stairs.

"…So, why did you come?" Koneko asks Ravel with sharpened eyebrows.

Ravel looks back towards her curiously. "Because I wished to see what Kazuto-sama was doing in his life."

Koneko and Ravel lock eyes with one another, Asia tilts her head in wonder, as Kazuto cut between them, his hands lightly petting both of their heads, their eyes looking up to see Kazuto's smile radiating right back down towards them both.

"Don't worry, we're all friends here, right~?" Kazuto said with a wide smile.

"…Yes, Senpai."

"Of course, Kazuto-sama."

Koneko nods, as does Ravel.

Asia was impressed to see that Kazuto was able to dispel their worries immediately.

But as they reached the top of the stairs, Asia was surprised to see that they were at a Japanese like shrine. Koneko and Ravel looked apprehensive.

"Don't worry, nothing's gonna happen here, I've got you girls." Kazuto comfortingly spoke.

Asia felt his words soothing immediately, even though she as a human didn't have any aversion to the shrine.

Koneko and Ravel looked back to Kazuto, seeing his encouraging eyes, so they look back with a nod of their heads, going behind Kazuto as he walked forward.

However, the moment they crossed the threshold of the little arch that was close by, they all saw something beginning to show itself, flames beginning to bathe the ground, swirling and storming all the way towards them.

They react, as Kazuto waved out his hand, blasting the flames before they could touch their group.

Kazuto looked on with his lips curling up. "Greetings like this, huh."

Moving faster than the eye could see, Ravel and Koneko were blindsided when they saw a wave of fire shooting for Kazuto, who in turn blocked it with a magical barrier, the flames scattering around.

Ravel's face turned to that of worry. "A-Are we under attack? But I didn't see the enemy."

"I sense, something familiar, yet not at the same time." Koneko's eye twitched, shifting her eyes left and right, wanting to see what was going on.

Kazuto stuck out his hand, and called out "Boosted Gear." with his Sacred Gear appeared on his left arm, the brilliant red shining like a star, as a [Boost!] energy beginning to flood his system completely.

"A shrine isn't the best places for Devils, is it?" A voice echoed out, gaining the girls attention.

"You know me~ I love shrines." Kazuto chuckles, his aura flowing all around him.

A flash of fire brought their vision to the shrine, and saw that there was a being coated in flame, looking like a flaming bird standing on top of the shrine. They couldn't see who it was due to how bright the fire was.

Kazuto steps forward, and adopts a small smile, his hand igniting in a beautiful aura, aiming up for the figure. "So, you came like this, huh?"

"I had to see for myself, and its time for me to use my abilities against you."

Kazuto fired off a strong burst of demonic power.

The mystery person unleashes a pillar of fire, and clashes with Kazuto's power, causing an explosion that set off high into the sky.

Kazuto breathes in, and then places his hand out, summoning masses of ice waves to freeze the enemies body.

The ice creeps up the walls of the shrine, and begins to cause the flames to be smothered in ice, forcing the fire wielder to the sky, leaping off the shrine.

Sailing overhead, the mystery person aims their hand down, multiple pillars of flames came for Kazuto from the sky, looking as if the very sky was on fire.

"You've gotten faster, and I suppose a certain girl showed you some ice moves." The figure compliments.

"Thanks. You too, very strong~ And yeah, an icy girls got some cool ice powers, so its fun using it from time to time, but my things more of this!" Kazuto slams his hand up, and summons a torrent of demonic power, flooding the area with an incredibly powerful aura, causing the ground to begin breaking down, the air vibrating.

The pillars of fire and demonic shots collide, and violently twist together to combat one another, as another [Boost!] erupts from the Boosted Gear.

The flames began being broken down by the demonic power, as Kazuto twirled his hands, and a magic circle appeared, lacing his demonic power, and seconds later, a huge explosion that would wipe out a town easily detonates in the sky, parting the clouds, and flinging the fire user backwards up into the air, the sound of a bird screening in their ears.

Violent shockwaves surround them all, Kazuto uses his magic to create a shield to block all of the shockwaves for the others.

However, Kazuto felt a presence behind him, so he turned in time to see the flame user coming at Kazuto from behind, her form visible to the others, and gasped "Akeno-san!?" at the same time, while Kazuto chuckled.

"Not quite." Kazuto deflects a few punches coming for him from her, and thrusts his the heel of his palm at the woman.

She took it full force, but felt her arms shaking despite using her flames to try and take the shot for her.

"Not lost that crazy strength huh? I'm glad to see it!" The woman kindly spoke.

The others look on curiously, wondering what was going to be happening between them.

But then Kazuto lightly snickers, to the bewilderment of the others. "Hey Suzaku-san, its been forever~"

Suzaku steps closer, and peers into his eyes sweetly. "I had to see how strong you had become, and it seems that you didn't disappoint, that power was something intriguing to see, your spells and demonic power are as deadly as ever Kazuto-kun."

"And your flames, very deadly~" Kazuto mused, looked to the others. "Sorry, this is Suzaku Himejima-san, Akeno-sans cousin."

All three girls looked to Suzaku, seeing how she was a dead ringer for Akeno, to the point they could be twins, it was quite surprising.

"H-Himejima-sama, I didn't know you knew each other, Kazuto-sama."

Kazuto chuckled. "We went through a few things together in the past~ With magicians, and clans, and all sorts of different things."

"Speaking of the past, have you and Vali got together yet? I remember when you were younger, and when you used to sleep next to each other and she'd hold onto you, it was so cute~"

Kazuto gives an amused look. "Vali-chan and I are doing well, thanks for asking~"

Suzaku breezily walks by, her eye catching the three girls with Kazuto. "Who're these girls?"

"My very close friends, this is Ravel-san, and this is Asia-san, and Koneko-chan here is my first peerage member." Kazuto points out, the older girl looks happily between them. "How've you been Suzaku-san~?"

To Asia, it looked like nice dynamic between them, and she could see they had a good deal of respect between them.

Suzaku adopts a small smile on her face. "Very well, clans running pretty well. But, how's Akeno doing?"

"Yeah, she's doing well. She's looking forward to seeing you, though we've got things going on. Have you heard from Lavinia-san?"

"Ooh yes, she contacted me this morning, and asked for my help, so I've doing some research in Japan for you."

"Thanks, Suzaku-san." Kazuto says kindly.

"Well, I'm sure your Ice Princess and Hakuryuukou-chan would be displeased if their Kazu-kun was married off~ Are you prepared for such a fight? I've read up on who it is you're potentially engaged too. She's a very strong woman."

Kazuto bowed his head. "Yeah, I'm preparing myself, and Rias-chan's group for her own worries right now. Old Devils, always getting in the way."

"That'll change soon, I'm sure you'll show them." Suzaku offers a soft smile.

Kazuto snickered. "Yeah, exactly~ They'll be in for a few surprises. Anyway, why don't we go and get some tea~"

"Sounds good to me, please this way." Suzaku bows, and begins walking off.

Kazuto, followed by the others, went to go and meet who Kazuto originally thought he'd be meeting.

But he couldn't deny seeing Suzaku again was really fun.

When the time came, Rias sat within her Occult Research Clubroom, along with the members of her peerage sans Gasper since she was in her own room right now. Kazuto hadn't arrived yet, but she knew that he was busy right now, and would be along very soon.

Yumi and Akeno were sat close by on a couch, waiting for the meeting to begin.

Grayfia, stationed behind Rias, gains their attention with a throat clear. "Riser-sama should be arriving any moment, Rias-sama. Kazuto-sama's presence, is expected?"

"Yes, he sent me a message, and told me that he's on the way. He just has to make one stop, then he'll be here."

Grayfia bows, and they all wait.

The air was tense.

Akeno though could see that Rias looked calmer than she did yesterday, so whatever conversations she had with Kazuto, she knew that he'd have done a good thing for Rias, and gave her the confidence to deal with this.

Soon enough, they were greeted by a flaming magic circle in the centre of the room.

All recognized it as that of the Phenex clan, flames spiraled all around the circle, and flew to the sky, like a twister, almost touching the ceiling, while Rias remained as calm as she could do, her face taking a notable dip when she recognized the man who was appearing.

With his blonde hair, and his piercing blue eyes, he looked like a guy in his 20's.

"My lovely Rias, I came to see you." Riser said, extending his hand towards her to try and take her arm.

But she pulled away. "Riser, I ask you to keep yourself to yourself."

Riser looked amused. "Now then, Rias. Let's go and take a look at the ceremony hall. The date of the ceremony is decided so we need to check it before then."

Riser tried to take her arm once more.

But like before, Rias put distance between them, Grayfia's eyebrows knitting together.

Akeno stood up, and walked over to Riser. "Riser-sama, would you like some tea?"

Though Akeno said it kindly, she really wasn't the biggest fan of Riser, though for Rias as her Queen, she would keep things as amicably as she could do.

"Ah, the tea from you is superb."

"Ara, thank you very much." Akeno was smiling, but her eyes weren't.

Rias goes to the couch, and sits down.

Riser follows, and tries to sit close to her.

But she puts distance between them, something that Riser wasn't happy about.

"I have to ask, where is Ravel? She has been coming to this world for a while now, and she has yet to tell me what's going on."

"She's currently with a friend of mine." Rias revealed, though didn't mention Kazuto by name, as she wondered what Riser actually knew about him.

Riser adopts a small scowl. "A friend? A boy? Has Ravel got a boyfriend?"

Upon hearing the agitation in his voice, Rias went to dispel those thoughts, but Akeno decided to speak up instead.

"Yes, you are correct." Akeno said happily.

Risers face dulled. "W-What? R-Ravel has a b-b-b-b-boyfrieeeeeeeeeeeeend!?"

Hearing Riser yelling with worry, Akeno giggled to herself.

"He is yes. He is a boy, and is her friend. So he is her boyfriend."

Riser put a hand over his heart, trying to calm the storm rampaging inside.

"I see...then Rias, its time to talk about our marriage."

"Riser, I told you before, I will not marry you." Rias spoke as calmly as possible.

Riser's lips took a notable dive. "But Rias, that won't do. I think the situation of your household is quite serious."

Rias shakes her head at the older man before her. "That's none of your concern. If I'm the next heiress for the House of Gremory, then I will choose who will become my husband."

This is a time for Phenex, and Gremory to come together Rias, this is for your household."

Riser shuffled closer to Rias, to the point that she felt a little uncomfortable, so she pushed him back, and created distance between them, something that Riser didn't look thrilled about.

"Yes, I'm aware of these things Riser. And I am willing to do what's necessary for my house. But, what you're doing right now, how you're treating this situation, I do not like at all, and I have made my intentions known."

"You and I were chosen in order to prevent the Pure Bloods from going extinct, and for our clans to come together. Are you trying to crush the household that has been continuing for a very long time? This marriage has the future of the Devils on the line."

Riser capped off his thoughts with that, and Rias calmly breathed through her nose, that's when she felt a presence enter the building.

She adopts a small smile, and she looks towards Riser with a strong expression.

"I'm not going to crush my house. And I am willing to take a husband."

Hearing Rias, Riser makes a big smile.

"Oh, to be expected from Rias! Then let's-"

"But I won't marry you, Riser. I will marry the one I acknowledge. Even the Devils from the old noble house have the right to choose."

Riser wasn't thrilled about the answer.

In fact, his face curls in annoyance.

"…You know, Rias. I'm also a Devil who carries the name of House of Phenex behind me. I can't let that name get tarnished. I didn't even want to come to a small old building like this in the human world. Rather, I don't like the human world that much. The fire and wind of this world is filthy, I can't stand it!" Flames burst around Riser, causing them to spread from him, and onto the ground, Rias narrowing her eyebrows. "I will take you back to the Underworld, even if I have to burn all of your servants."

Risers threat didn't sit well with Grayfia.

Rias herself also didn't take kindly to the threat.

Yumi and Akeno were already in the midst of being ready to fight.

Just then, the door opened, and lightning roared from outside of the window, causing Riser to jump, Akeno giving approving nods, as Kazuto, Koneko, Asia, and Ravel, entered the room.

Along with that, Riser saw that his flames instantly were erased by a shockwave of Kazuto's demonic energies, even all of the flames spewing off of Riser, instantly vanished.

Riser looked at Kazuto's recognizable face, recalling him from previous times on the TV, in interviews, among other things.

"Asmodeus...Sekiryuutei...to think you'd show up..." Riser looked bewildered, as Kazuto casually walked towards them both.

"Sorry I'm late, ran into a bit of overtime. There was a few monsters, and it got wild~"

Riser was stunned to say the least.

His hands began to shake, while he hadn't even noticed Ravel yet.

"That's okay, thank you for coming, Kazuto."

Riser turned his eyes to Rias, looking shell shocked. "A-Are you seriously choosing this Half Breed over me?!"

Rias scowled at the comment, though Kazuto didn't even bat an eye at it, he had been called much worse in his life, so he took comments like that in stride, and simply placed his hand towards Risers form, offering his hand to shake Riser's.

"Good to meet you, Ravel-san's told me all about you~"

"R-Ravel?"

Riser was uncertain.

But then Ravel came out from behind Kazuto, revealing her presence, and his face paled to like a ghosts.

"I'm here Onii-sama, sorry we were late, as Kazuto-sama said, we got involved in fighting these monsters, and it was really fun to see Kazuto-sama breathing fire~"

Riser's jaw hung, his mouth open, noting the closeness Ravel had to Kazuto. "R-Raveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeel! W-What are you doing with that Devil?! I thought…no, it can't be! You haven't become friends with a Half Breed have you?!"

"I was going to be burned in holy flames, but he selflessly put himself between us, and saved me." Ravel cut him off, scowling. "I also wont tolerate those words being thrown around so casually, stop saying such things to the boy that saved me immediately, or I wont be happy with you."

Koneko wasn't the biggest Ravel fan, but she did think at that moment, Ravel looked pretty cool.

Even Riser was surprised to see what Ravel was saying, never believing that she'd ever even say anything like that, much less defend someone that he thought was an inferior being, but now with Ravel's eyes being the most serious that he had seen them before.

"…Alright, I wont call him that. B-But why are you with him anyway?"

"Because Kazuto-sama and I are working together, and well..." Ravel's face turned redder, Riser's eyes flickering in shock. "...we are doing many things together Onii-sama!"

Riser felt faint.

But somehow he managed to stay on his jelly like legs, and kept his eyes upon Kazuto.

Kazuto calmly sits down, between him and Rias, as they both also return to sitting down.

Ravel sat next to her brother, while Koneko and Asia joined Yumi and Akeno on the opposing couch.

Riser stares at Kazuto, his lips quivering, his hands shaking, his eyes flooding with pure rage, and he was trying to not unleash the building feelings he had, especially upon feeling Grayfia's strong aura within the room.

"Riser-san, first of all, nice to meet you."

"If you saved Ravel's life, then I have gratitude to you. Ravel is my important family, and to hear you saved her from being cremated, for keeping her safe, you have my thanks."

Rias was blindsided by that, hearing Riser actually thank Kazuto was something that she didn't expect.

"Its fine, she's becoming a good friend to me." Ravel smiled softly, something Riser noticed. "Though, its been brought to my attention about you, attempting to marry Rias-san. Would I be correct in saying this?"

"Yeah, it was decided by the Devils high up, we're important to the future of the Devils. And I know you already have a potential fiancee..."

"Yes, I do. But, it seems that Rias-san doesn't want to marry you." Kazuto turned to Rias. "Have you talked about it yet?"

"Just about to." Rias turned to Riser. "I don't want to marry you, but you're insistent, so how about we settle this with a Rating Game?"

Risers jaw needed to be picked up off the floor immediately upon hearing that revelation, that Rias was suggesting they have a Rating Game, when he was going to do the same thing.

Kazuto saw Yumi and the others being surprised.

But Kazuto simply gave his calm smile, which ignited strength within Rias's heart.

Riser was caught in the middle of an odd situation, while thankful for saving Ravel, he could see Rias's feelings for Kazuto as plain as day on her face, turning to Grayfia in confusion.

"Grayfia-san, did you hear-"

"Yes, it has been accepted by both sides for the Rating Game. However, it is your choice if it goes ahead."

"B, But I was set up to have Rias as my bride." Riser defends.

"It seems that you're also not backing down?" Grayfia carried on, seeing Riser nod. "Then, the Phenex family, has also been contacted about this, and have decided that it should come to a last resort. A family dispute should be solved between your groups."

"A Rating Game between us, yes I see." Riser said, while looking to Rias.

Rias nods. "I'm formally challenging you to a Rating Game Riser for the right for me to choose who my fiancee is. If I win, then our engagement is off, if you win, then it stays as it is."

Riser couldn't believe what he was hearing right now.

But then, he thought about it, and adopts a grin.

"Heh, so that's it, isn't it? Alright then, only your Queen will be a challenge to my group, and you of course Rias. Even then, I have a full team, you don't, but if this is how you want to end this, its alright with me, we'll put on a show for the families!" Risers cocky grin didn't seem to even bother Kazuto or Rias in the slightest. Riser sucked in some air, his eyes shifting back to Rias.

Kazuto nods slowly, seeing Riser going for it. "Alright then, are you both in agreement?"

Riser nods strongly. "Sure, I'll go along with that. Yes, I'll have a Rating Game with Rias."

Kazuto looks rather happy, turning to Grayfia. "Grayfia-san, I trust you'll handle the details."

"As long as you're all in agreement, then yes." Grayfia confirmed, turning to Riser. "Riser-sama, is that fine?"

Riser nods. "Yeah, I'm fine with you being in charge."

"Understood. Then I'll inform the households."

Grayfia bowed her head, and stepped back.

Riser looks towards Kazuto, trying to work out a few things about him.

Riser smirks strongly. "Then I'll have to only think of a few opponents? That's fine, I have a full peerage, so I shall show you what you're working with right now, alright?"

Riser snaps his fingers, and from that, Kazuto saw a magic circle appear behind them.

All of the remaining servants appeared, Kazuto looked on, noticing that they were girls.

"Aren't my servants, cute?" Riser tried to bait Kazuto into feeling jealous, but Kazuto looked more amused than anything. Riser scowls when Kazuto didn't reply one way or the other. "Well? What do you think? I bet you wish you had a peerage like mine."

Kazuto lifts an eyebrow. "They look like nice girls, but I'm happy with my Koneko-chan~"

Koneko nods her head a single time, Ravel locking eyes with her, sparks dancing between their gazes.

"Oooh they are alright! I treat my girls very well…" As Riser spoke, he watched his girls all look towards Kazuto, and smile delightfully, so he waved back to them. "D-Don't be taken in by his damn good looks!"

The girls grimace, yelling "Riser-sama!" happily to him.

Riser grins, and faces Kazuto with a smug look. "They're lovely girls, while you've got a Loli..."

"I wouldn't say that if I were you..." Kazuto tried to warn.

But Riser didn't take it seriously. "Why? That's what she is, a Loli."

Koneko's harsh eyes land on Riser, who flinches. "…What's wrong with Loli's?"

Koneko's tone was scary for Riser, while Kazuto found it to be very funny, and together with Akeno, tried to control their laughter.

Riser shakes his neck over and over, trying to calm his beating heart. "N-Nothing! I have Loli's in my group! S-See?!"

Koneko looks on harshly, while the air felt cold for the male Phenex.

Riser breathed hard, turning to Rias. "…When are we doing this?"

"I'm asking for ten days of training." Rias said, having discussed this with Kazuto earlier, and they agreed this will be the best choice.

Riser huffs. "Alright then, I'll give you ten days, should be enough time to at least make an effort. I don't want this to be boring."

"It'll be quite the show~" Kazuto spoke in a frivolous tone.

Riser scowled, and stands up, looking down at the sitting Kazuto.

"Its too bad it isn't you, since you've got one peerage member, who is amazing!" Riser added at the end under the intense gaze of the small girl, with Koneko nodding strongly, to the amusement of those in the room. "My girls might become sad that they don't get to have a good time. But, I'll make sure that they're completely satisfied."

"We don't need to hear about your bedroom antics~" Akeno giggled happily upon hearing Kazuto having a good time.

Riser felt dissatisfied that Kazuto wasn't rising to his provocations, and felt his blood boiling.

"Ten days, and I'll be fighting you Rias." Riser turned to Kazuto. "Thanks for saving Ravel, but Rias is going to be my bride. Good luck with the Number Two, you might be the Sekiryuutei, but she's strong, and she wont lose to you."

"I don't intend to do any less than my best." Kazuto replied calmly.

"So, lets see each other in ten days, I'm sure its going to be quite the match." Rias followed up, sitting strong together with Kazuto.

Riser breathes hard, and exhaled.

Risers gaze shifted towards Ravel, her eyes looking on curiously. "We're leaving."

"I actually have a few duties to attend to, I'll be home later."

Riser scowled further.

His eyes shift to Rias, a burning inferno ready to meet his cool gaze.

"Ten days."

"See you then, Riser." Rias replies with a burning gaze.

"Bye Riser-san~ Nice meeting you~" Kazuto waved to him.

Kazuto and the others then watched Riser join his peerage, and leave in a burst of flame.

Once he was gone, the rest of the group looked to Kazuto curiously, surprised to see how calm he was.

"What's wrong?" Kazuto asks upon noticing others looking at him.

"I heard you're facing Roygun-sama, Kazuto-kun." Yumi conveyed her worries. "And Riser is a Phenex, I will fight hard, but can we win?"

Kazuto could understand the concerns that she would naturally have, and found it sweet when she expressed her concern for him too.

"Indeed, the Phenex can have a difficult trait to deal with. But it isn't entirely impossible to defeat either. They're still Devils, so you could defeat it in a few ways. Don't worry, we've thought this through, and as long as everyone gives it their all and with the plans we're working on, I'm confident that you'll be able to achieve victory. And as for Roygun-san...leave her with me, she is indeed strong, I wont deny it, but I have a few plans up my sleeve, one being something I've been working on too, maybe it'll surprise Roygun-san~"

Ravel actually agreed, and nods her head. "Onii-sama is someone I love, but he can be naive."

"…Aren't you on his peerage?" Koneko asks.

Ravel nods. "For the moment."

Koneko sharpens her eyes. "Moment? Are you planning on going somewhere?"

Ravel's eyes swim to Kazuto, who in turn glance right towards her. "I have options, that's all."

"Options?" Koneko wasn't thrilled to hear that.

Ravel nods, her face tinging red. "Nothing's been decided, but its a very strong option, we'll have to wait and see."

Kazuto looks on with a gentle smile, glancing at Rias. "Are you alright with how it went down, Rias-san?"

"Yes, I'd say it was handled very well, now all there is to make sure everything is ready. Ten days, we've got to train hard."

Kazuto nods. "Yeah, time to do our best together, and train hard. I've got the training regime ready, and...well, its gonna be good~"

Akeno grins. "Ara, will we get rewards?"

"Name it, and I'll do my best~"

Akeno's head swims with so many thoughts.

Yumi's face burns hot, thinking about what kind of rewards her, and Kazuto could enjoy together.

Rias was glad to hear it, and couldn't deny the idea of an incentive like that was something even she found to be intriguing.

As they were talking, Kazuto looked to Akeno. "Akeno-san, do you mind if we take a walk together?"

Akeno was surprised, but seeing his tender smile, she agreed. "Of course, I'd be happy too. Ufu, already beginning to devise ways of having that affair~ I wonder what Rias is going to be thinking~? Ufufu, maybe it can be a reward for me~"

Rias looked flustered, as Kazuto looks amused, standing up, and walked to the door.

Akeno followed, and together they went out of the room.

The others looked on, and soon followed, staying steps behind them.

Going down the flight of stairs to the exit of the building together with Kazuto, Akeno wondered what was going on with Kazuto.

"So, what's happening Kazuto-kun? Did you just want to spend alone time with me?"

Kazuto didn't say anything until they made it to the door that would lead them outside.

She looked to Kazuto who gestured to the door. "I'm fulfilling a promise I made to you, open the door."

Akeno's face lights up, her happy eyes shifting to the door, her hand going to the door handle, and tugs it down.

She pushed it open, and begins to step outside.

As she did, her vision caught the sight of someone she thought she'd never see again.

A young woman who didn't look too dissimilar to herself, someone who looked elegant and regal, she was a diamond, and Akeno felt her eyes beginning to well up.

"S-Suzaku!?" Akeno joyfully cried, tears running down her face happily.

"Akeno..."

Suzaku, who tried and failed to hold back happy tears, came closer, and embraced her cousin.

Akeno hugged her tightly while crying, her heart soaring to the sky as she thought about Kazuto and how he had arranged all of this for her, so she could see someone she thought she'd never see again, but here she was.

Kazuto smiled at the scene, watching the pair reuniting, and it felt so good to see Akeno's joyous smile, looking dazzling and beautiful at the same time as being very sweet.

"I'm glad to see you're doing okay." Suzaku gently runs a hand down the young girls back comfortingly.

Akeno looked back at Kazuto, who waved. "I'll give you time alone, enjoy."

Suzaku adopts a soft smile. "Thank you, Kazuto-kun. You don't know what this means to me."

"I'm glad for you both, enjoy your time together." Kazuto leaves the two girls behind, seeing that they needed sometime alone with one another.

Akeno and Suzaku gaze at one another, Suzaku's eyes gave a kindness that Akeno had longed for from a family for so long, and she couldn't take her mind off of Kazuto, who had done a good deal for them to be able to come together again.

As he did, Asia came down with the others, and saw what was going on.

Asia could see the happiness on Akeno's face, and the gratitude in her eyes, causing her to adopt a small smile on her face...

Returning back to his home for the night, Kazuto stretched his arms, and returned to his room, but found that he wasn't alone.

Asia had followed him, her eyes looking at him with a kindness that Kazuto felt himself falling for.

"Is everything alright, Asia-san?" Kazuto asks, going to his bed, and took off his school blazer.

Asia nods a single time, her gaze shifting up and down Kazuto's form.

"Yes, everything's okay Kazuto-san. But, I, I wished to speak with you about a few things. Is that okay?"

"Of course." Kazuto sits down on the bed, petting the side of him, so she followed him and sat down.

Their eyes meet one another's, and Asia felt a radiance work its way through her heart.

"I spoke with Augusta-sama this morning, about what you offered me, to join your group. I wondered if I could still think about God, and worship him, but I already knew the answer, because you've always been supporting me since we met one another."

Kazuto lightly smiles. "I'll always support whatever you wanna do Asia-san. There's many paths for you to take, and whatever it is you wanna do, I'll do my best to help you do as you want."

Asia felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest, and her face flushed with a redness sweeping over her entire body, soon causing her heart to rapidly move in her chest, and look into Kazuto's eyes, feeling his heart and her own soon beating closely together.

"For a long time, I was the Holy Maiden, and yet, I felt alone. But now, my life is different, and I am so pleased that I get to spend everyday doing different things, together with you. And I've thought about your offer to me, Kazuto-san."

As she spoke, her hand found his.

Their fingers interlock in a gentle soothing way that Asia felt her heart feeling heat soothingly running all the way through her, and Kazuto in turn felt her hand being gentle, and kind, exactly how Asia truly was.

"Today, I saw you making Akeno-san happy, bringing her cousin back to her. How you're supporting Gasper-san, and helping her overcome her fears. How you were there for Buchou-san and helping her from her fiancee, and encouraging those around you. And I can see you're even trying hard for Roygun-san, despite how difficult it is for your life. I'm glad Eminence Strada told me the stories about you, because now I get see it for myself. Its why, I want to stay beside you, Kazuto-san."

Kazuto felt his emotions being tugged almost immediately, Asia had this way of being so sweet and genuine that he couldn't deny his heart right now.

Pulling closer, Kazuto adopts a big smile. "You'll always have a place beside me, Asia-san. In whatever it is you want to do."

"Even join your family?" Asia whispered, but her heart meant every single word.

Kazuto gives a joyful smile, his fingers wrapping fully around her own.

"Yes, I'd love if you joined my family, Asia-san."

Kazuto and Asia stare into one another's eyes happily.

Asia was glad that she said what she did, because in the end, it was what brought her the most joy in her life.

A life beside the boy that helped her, and keeps supporting her, so she wished to do the same thing as well.

No matter what, they'd be together always, from now on.

End chapter!

So this chapter had Kazuto meeting up with Suzaku, and Akeno was reunited with her family. Helping Gasper with her courage. Rias and Riser had their meeting, Risers opinion on Kazuto being mixed, though was happy to hear he had protected Ravel before, and now they'll be training hard to fight their respective opponents Riser and Roygun. And finally, Asia's decided to join Kazuto's group, coming to the decision best for her.

Well, until next time, thanks for reading!

Kazuto's peerage.

Queen; Lavinia.

Rooks; Koneko, Free.

Bishops; Asia, Ravel.

Knights; Xenovia, Irina.

Pawns; Roygun, Ingvild, Free.

Kazuto; Rias, Vali (fem), Akeno, Asia, Koneko, Yumi, Ravel, Rossweisse, Xenovia, Irina, Kuroka, Lavinia, Ingvild, Gasper (fem), Roygun,