Timeskip events

Ryoto Akanishi started off a brand new life in the familiar Kuoh Town. Enrolling at the highly esteemed Kuoh Academy, Ryoto has managed to be excepted by other students very warmly and managed to find a first good friend in Furumai Yājū. They would hang out all the time and help each other at studying. To his surprise, Furumai is actually a very knowledgeable student despite his overly eccentric demeanor. Even Ryoto's parents and also Daimonji would welcome him warmly.

To everyone's surprise, even the infamous perv duo of Matsuda and Motohama have turned to Ryoto for support and a chance to better themselves. Which is still unfortunately a work in progress. Some of his female classmates, Murayama, Katase and even Kiryuu would also spend a lot of time with him, mainly during lunches and even at kendo club practicing. To everyone's surprise, Ryoto has instead proven himself quite well in archery.

Even Sōna, after being elected as a new student council president, would remain a very trusted friend and would occasionally challenge him to a game of chess. Even if Ryoto still hasn't won a single game against her, she recognized him as a likable and approachable guy. He's even been given an offer from Sōna to become a member of the student council upon entering his second year. However, Ryoto had to decline, much to suprise of everyone at the academy, saying that he hasn't done nearly enough to be given such prestigious offer so soon. Despite that, Ryoto and Sōna are still on extremely good terms. And Sōna just kept appearing more and more familiar to Ryoto. And ever since Daimonji has been given permission to enter school, he became Kuoh Academy's reliable "watch-dog" and mascot.

Thanks to everyone's support, Ryoto managed to pass the remainder of his first year, now entering a second year with a renewed self-confidence. However, a brand new twist in Ryoto's life is slowly approaching... and the destiny prepared for him years ago shall be unleashed.

Red. The same color running down my hand. Just like her hair. The most briliant color of red I've ever seen. Dark beautiful crimson red.

"Not today. I will not let you die."

[Late April 2018]

(Ryoto POV)

Do I have anything more important to do? Nah. Lying in a grass under the warm spring sun is enough to set my mind at ease. Plus, with Daimonji resting on my stomach as a nice bonus. And all there is to listen are other fellow students loithering around courtyard and going about their own activities. I'm now a second-year student, so maybe I should start preparing for whatever I find interesting for the future.

???: "Figures. Your brain itself can somehow turn into a cloud, right?"

I look behind and standing behind me is my good pal, Furumai. Ever since coming here, he's been a massive support and I couldn't thank him enough.

Ryoto: *chuckling* "The hell are you talkin' about?"

Furumai: *sitting down* "You know. Just letting your mind float into the wind... listening even to the faint leaf rustling, the works."

Ryoto: "Kind of. But not like an extrasensory. I'm not a psychic, dude."

Furumai: *chuckles* "You'd be suprised what humans are capable of."

Ryoto: "I'll let myself be suprised someday." 'I can already do something... but better off if I don't have to...'

Weird. Sometimes I can't exactly grasp how can Furumai talk about so much randomness. But still, he's great to talk about anything and never judging.

As we talk about our business, we hear couple of girls squeeling. It even wakes Daimonji up from his nap. We turn around on what's up and to no one's surprise - Kuoh's resident Prince Charming, Yuuto Kiba, is walking along. He's about our age, with flowing light blond hair, greyish blue eyes and a beauty mark on his left cheek. And of course, he's addressed by three girls.

Girl1: *blushing* "Kiba, wait up. What're you doing right now?"

Girl2: *excited* "Yeah. Would you like to come sing some karaoke with us?"

Yuuto: "Thanks. But I've got a meeting with my club."

Girl3: *disappointed* "Aww, that sucks..."

Yuuto: *smiling* "I really wish I could go, though. It's very cool if you ladies do invite me."

Seems it made the girls a bit happier, that he would like to go. I can just chuckle to myself on how has no girl conquered him yet. And unexpectedly, Furumai desides to speak up.

Furumai: "Yo, Yuuto! If you want, I can help pull on some strings to let you go."

Yuuto: "Perhaps. But please, don't trouble yourself for my sake, Furumai."

Furumai: "We're unofficial clubmates, no? There's always a sollution, bro."

Good rhyme there, Furumai... With that, Yuuto walks away. And the girls even wave after me and Furumai with warm smiles... still not comfortable with immediate attention myself. And someone else was present during the whole ordeal.

Motohama: *annoyed* "Yuuto Kiba. Class 2-C. Basically every girl in this school wants to sex him up."

Matsuda: *angry* "And every guy wants to mess him up. So not fair! That tool gets all the glory!"

Motohama: *tearing up* "He sucks so much less than we do..."

Ryoto: *blank* 'And they're still not over their own flaws... Oh well, that's what I'm here for.'

Furumai: "No offense, but I'm quite astonished with your patience with those clowns."

Ryoto: "It's my own philosophy, that everyone has good inside them, no matter how minor."

I hope I'm not being too nice. A lot of girls are still wrapping their heads around on how am I able to withstand these two, and even Kiryuu. Let's just say, it's because I know that deep inside, they're completely harmless.

Matsuda: *looking at watch* "Oh shit! I'm gonna be late!"

Motohama: "Gonna be late for what?"

We see that Matsuda gives a pretty convincing monkey face, which mind you, even makes Daimonji cringe. And both immediately speed away.

Ryoto: 'Monkey face. That can't end well...' "They aren't doing what I think they're doing, right?"

Furumai: *snickering* "Ooohoho, yes they are. This'll be fun. Unless you already were about to do something. If so, good luck."

I could just roll my eyes at Furumai's half-assed encouragement. Both me and Daimonji end up following them. And low and behold - they're peeping into the kendo club change room... Daimonji takes over and facepalms himself for both of us.

Matsuda: "Murayama's jugs! They're freaking huge!"

Motohama: "36, 22, 34!"

Matsuda: "And Katase's legs are crazy sexy!"

Motohama: "34, 22, 36!"

Matsuda: "I found this the other day. I called it "The Tithole"."

Motohama: "Good job, Matsuda..."

They both continue to blabber while looking through the wall opening... while swaying their butts around uncomfortably. Me and Daimonji can only look on with blank faces.

Ryoto: '*sigh* What am I supposed to do with these two? They said they want my help to change, but...'

Eventually, they were getting a bit too loud, which ended up alerting the girls.

Murayama: *inside* "*gasp* What was that?"

Matsuda: *scared* "Dude, RUN!"

Matsuda and Motohama realised they were busted and tried to make a run for it. Both just blindly ran into me and fell back to the ground, while I only flinched a bit and Daimonji grabbed tighter onto my shoulder. While I still retained my blank stare.

Ryoto: *blank* "Really?..."

Before they could say anything, they looked on in horror, so I turned around. Behind me stood girls from kendo club, fully clothed and wielding their shinai. They did not look pleased, especially Murayama and Katase.

Murayama: *peeved* "Well, well. What a surprise."

Katase: *angry* "Don't you pervs have anything better to do!?"

Both guys crouched, ready for a beatdown. But before girls could strike them down, I get in between and stop them.

Ryoto: "Ok, that's enough of a hormone rage! I know this is an unpleasant situation, but nothing super serious. Let ME get everything straight again. Alright?"

Girls can see that I'm serious and decide to let me handle the two. Before Matsuda and Motohama could start thanking me, Daimonji stops them by a light growl. Then, I grab onto their ears and shuffle them away mildly painfully.

Ryoto: "*sigh* Just cooperate and you'll be let go lightly."

Matsuda/Motohama: *hopeful* "Will the punishment be light?"

Ryoto: *blank* "No."

And now they were getting a bit more scared. Gotta say, it's kind of funny to dick around with them like this. Even girls look amused on what's probably going to happen... or...

[Near Old School Building]

Matsuda/Motohama: *ecstatic* "There's no punishment!?"

Ryoto: "Consider it a warning shot for that stunt. Also, I don't resort to violence unless absolutely necessary." 'Thank Lord I insisted so much on my early combat training...'

Matsuda: "We owe ya big time, dude."

Ryoto: "Damn straight, you do. And don't you forget about it. But seriously. You guys came to me wanting to change. So what was all that about?"

Motohama: "Um, I guess... sometimes temptation is a bit too strong?"

Ryoto: *shrugging* "Hm, I won't deny that. But still, if you want to stay alive, try actually implementing what I've taught you so far. Even if it's not much, you'll be able to figure out the rest, guaranteed."

As we continue to sit next to the old school building, I suddenly feel a familiar and powerful aura. It's been a while since I felt it ever since coming to this academy. Even Daimonji feels something and looks up towards the building. I follow his gaze and in the building's window, I see standing - the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Long flowing crimson red hair, fair porcelaine skin and shining cerulean blue eyes. I can't help but blush while she stares back. After the other two look what's up, she walks away.

Matsuda: "...Did you just see that honey? Her sugar's got to be sweet."

Ryoto: *blushing* "Never seen her around the campus before. But wow..."

Motohama: "Her name's Rias Gremory."

Ryoto: *flinching* 'Wait, Gremory?'

Motohama: "36, 24, 36. She's the president of the Occult Research Club. Word around the school is that she's from northern Europe."

I think I get the Occult Research Club that Furumai always talks about. But... that name... Gremory... I swear I've heard it somewhere before. And that powerful aura I felt... it can't be a coincidence... and I don't know if I imagined it or not, but my amulet kind of shined in red.

(Rias POV)

This was the first time I could get a good look on our transfer student, Ryoto Akanishi. Honestly, I did not expect him to look like that. He looked so familiar, especially those brilliant silver eyes. I swear I've seen them years ago. In the meantime, I turn to Akeno and Issei for confirmation.

Rias: "That was him, correct Akeno?"

Akeno: "Yes. That was Ryoto Akanishi, from Class 2-B. He seems interesting. Doesn't he, president? And his red panda is extra adorable."

Issei: "He seems full of potential. I can feel it."

Rias: "Yes, it would appear. Guess you're magic reacted at the right time, Issei." *moves chess piece* "Oh. Checkmate. Your trap was very easy to see through."

Akeno: *disappointed* "Ohh... Sorry. I did my best to make it harder on you."

Issei: "There's always next time. But next is my turn."

Rias: "Thanks. I look forward to it."

Afterwords, I decided to take a refreshing shower. It's always best after a productive day. As I take off my clothes, I can hear Akeno giggling and I know why. Even now, Issei can't get enough of seeing my body.

Rias: "Would you mind please, Issei?"

Issei: "*sigh* Yeah. Excuse me, president."

After Issei left, I could fully strip down and get into shower. With the warm water washing my body, I couldn't help but reminisce on who Ryoto could be.

Rias: 'He looks just like him. Perhaps, I could invite him over and see for myself...'

[Late Afternoon]

(Ryoto POV)

School is finally out and I can head home. But something that happened today just won't leave my mind... I stop on a bridge to sort my thoughts a bit.

Ryoto: 'Rias Gremory... I swear I've met someone named Gremory before. But my memory is so foggy. Could it have happened at my old home?' *irritated* "Ah geez, this back and forth is driving me ballistic! Just what's going on anymore!?"

Daimonji tried to calm me down a bit, but there's still so much for me to think about. But I promised myself I won't dwell on what happened to my old home. I'm done. I just want a normal life.

???: "Something weighting you down, Ryo?"

Suddently, Furumai and Kiryuu walk up to me, wondering if something troubles me.

Ryoto: "Are you two going somewhere?"

Kiryuu: "Yup. Yājū's treating me to some yakisoba in down district."

Furumai: *sighing* "We made a bet on a tennis match and I lost. No complains though. So, back on topic - what's up with you?"

Ryoto: "I think I finally came face to face with ORC's president."

Furumai: "You met president Rias?"

Kiryuu: *slyly* "Oh ho~, someone must be a bit star struck from our resident princess, right?"

Ryoto: "It's not like that. Mostly anyway. But I have a strange feeling I've met her somewhere before..."

This got both of their attention, but Furumai seems a bit uncomfortable all of a sudden.

Furumai: "W-Well, don't worry about it. I'm sure it will be made clear someday. I can also speak to her when I can. Just rest up on it a bit, 'kay pal?"

Weird behavior from him. But I decide to take his word for it and go home. Daimonji decides to lift my spirit up a bit by a little race back home. Can't disappoint my partner.

(Furumai POV)

That was close. I could feel a malicious presence directed towards Ryoto. Can't let that happen, especially when he's so mentally vurnerable.

Kiryuu: "So... up for the best yakisoba in town?"

Furumai: "Let's see if you can handle it extra spicy."

Kiryuu: *grinning* "I'm game."

Furumai: 'Please stay safe, Ryo. I have a horrible hunch something is after you...'

[Next Day]

(3rd POV)

Ryoto is standing in front of his shoe locker with a very quiet expression. He's already been standing long enough for Daimonji to get bored and go explore somewhere else at school. He still can't get over the feeling when he saw Rias. He'll need to somehow confront her to make sure he's not just being delusional.

Matsuda: "Hello! Earth to Ryo!"

Motohama: "How long are you planning to stand like that, staring into the void?"

Ryoto: "Oh, just remenescing a bit."

Kiryuu: "Is it something juicy?"

Ryoto: "Don't get your hopes up."

He eventually opens his locker and finds an envelope in there. Suspicious.

Ryoto: *uneasy* "Um, guys? What is this?"

All three look over my shoulder and after few seconds, all of them gasp. Matsuda and Motohama in more jealous tone.

Matsuda: *shocked* "No. Please God!"

Motohama: *shocked* "What!?"

Kiryuu: *smirking* "Congratulations, Ryoto. You've officially received - a love letter."

At the words of "love letter", everyone around froze in place and another wave of whispering ensued. However, Ryoto remained absolutely still with an awestruck look. He slowly turns around, this time looking fearful.

Ryoto: *trembling* "Um, guys? What am I supposed to do in this situation?"

Matsuda: "Are you shitting around, dude!?"

Kiryuu: "Just hold on to it and read it later. Surely it will tell you where to meet her~."

So he held on to it and of course, the word about Kuoh's resident awkward mediator bean receiving a love letter spread like wildfire. Eventually during lunch break, Ryoto decided to sit down in courtyard and read the letter, with Matsuda, Motohama, Kiryuu, Murayama, Katase and Daimonji next to him.

Dear Ryoto,

ever since you came to Kuoh Academy, I couldn't take my eyes off you. You were like a walking ray of sunshine, that made me feel all giddy, like a little girl pining after a fluffy teddybear. Even if I couldn't muster up a courage to approach you, I've heard so much good about you over the months. So, I decided to at least let you know how I feel about you. I'll be waiting in the park in front of a water fountain at sunset to hear your answer. I sincerely hope you'll except me.

Love,

Yuuma Amano.

Motohama: "Hmm... Oh yes, Yuuma Amano, Class 2-A. 36, 24, 35. A very fine young lady and a real wallflower when it comes to talking with boys."

Katase: "I've seen her as a part of track team. But she's a bit fragile and not very good at sport."

Matsuda: *shocked* "Dude! You got asked out by the most delicate flower at this school!"

Ryoto: '...Well shit. I have absolutely zero experience with dating.' "Um, guys? I... don't think I'll be able to pull it off."

Murayama: "What do you mean? Just go and talk to her."

Ryoto: "No, not that... it's just, I... don't have any experience with dating and... I don't think I'm prepared to except someone's feelings so suddenly."

Katase: "So you're thinking about finding right words to reject her, but not so it would break her heart."

Motohama: "Hmm... alright. Then just explain why it can't work just yet, but that it might someday in the future. Kind of like when you turned down becoming member of the student council, you know."

Ryoto: "Guess so..." *stands up* "Ok. I'll give it a shot, but no guarantees this time. See ya tomorrow."

With that, both Ryoto and Daimonji left, leaving others trying to piece together what just happened.

Matsuda: "Dude. You just gave a legit relationship advice back there."

Kiryuu: "Second suprise of the day, it seems."

Motohama: *smirking* "Heh. Feels good."

Katase and Murayama are just left speechless on how out-of-character the perv duo is being.

Murayama: "Wow. Ryoto really does have effect on those two."

Katase: *shrugging* "Baby steps, girlfriend. Baby steps."

Meanwhile, on the way towards the old school building, the whole ordeal has been seen by Furumai, as a short silver-haired girl eating a popsicle walked near him. Furumai couldn't help but feel very unnerved by what happened.

Silver-haired girl: "Is something the matter?"

Furumai: *frowning* "Don't know. I just have a horribly nagging feeling in the back of my head. Again."

(3rd POV)

Ryoto left immediately after school ended and made his way back home. Daimonji decided to instead stay behind for unknown reason, but Ryoto didn't question him too much. Soon, after getting ready to meet up with Yuuma, he made a slow and slightly cautious walk across the city.

Ryoto: 'Phew. I have no idea what to expect. I've never been given such a confession from a girl before.'

???: "Here. Take a flyer."

Suddenly, a shop girl in a strange spiky red and white dress handed Ryoto a flyer. She just smiled back and walked away. The pamphlet itself had an inscription saying about wishing - and a picture of a magic circle that also looked oddly familiar.

Ryoto: 'Well I'll be damned. "We'll grant you any wish" it says. If only it would be that simple. And that circle also looks familiar. Is something wrong with me?'

In the meantime, he kept the strange flyer for safe keeping, just in case. As Ryoto made his way through the city, the uneasy feeling kept getting stronger. He started to feel a very tense aura that made his entire spine freeze.

Once he finally arrived to the city park, he could see a girl sitting on the fountain's edge. That must be Yuuma. Ryoto didn't expect her to be such a beautiful girl, with flowing raven black hair and purple eyes. Even at dusk, he could see her eyes shimmer. It made Ryoto question if such a girl deserved to be rejected. Once Yuuma noticed him, she just waved with a shy smile.

Ryoto: 'Okay, pull yourself together, Ryo...' "Um, hi. Are you... Yuuma Amano?"

Yuuma: *flustered* "Y-yes. I'm... Yuuma of Class 2-A. I-I'm sorry if this is a s-strange way to meet..."

Ryoto: "It's alright. So... about your letter, I've thought about it and..."

Yuuma: *excited* "So... w-will you be able to except me?"

Ryoto just stayed quiet and didn't make a single eye-contact with Yuuma. Just giving her back the letter she left in his shoe locker. She could see he was thinking about not excepting her feelings.

Yuuma: *downcast* "...I guess not..."

Ryoto: "I'm really sorry if it's disappointing. It's just... it feels a bit sudden to have a girl so interested in me. I guess I'm just not prepared yet."

Yuuma: "I see... then, I don't want to sound clingy, but... would there still be a chance in the future? If... you don't find anyone."

Ryoto: 'Wow, she's really understanding... and it makes me feel even worse.' "Well, if so... then yes. I guess we could try some other time in the future."

It seems like that was just what Yuuma needed to hear. After taking the letter back, she gives Ryoto a very heartwarming smile that would light up anyone's bad day. Then, she strolls closer to Ryoto, probably to tell him something very private.

Yuuma: "So, at least in honor of our first meeting, can I ask for a favor?"

Ryoto: "Favor? Um, sure. Go ahead."

...And that's when everything started to fall straight to hell.

Yuuma: *darkly* "...Would you die for me?"

Ryoto: *startled* "Huh? Wait, what? Uhh, could you say that again? I-I think I misheard."

Yuuma just got closer to Ryoto's ear. Now Ryoto could feel that same freezing aura front and center. It can mean only one thing - Danger!

Yuuma: "I want you to die for me."

Now Ryoto is more scared than ever. Suddenly, it felt like a barrier has been summoned around the entire park. And Yuuma started changing aswell, her innocent face turning into a vile glare and her outfit changed from Kuoh school uniform into a shamelessly revealing dominatrix suit with armor on shoulders and legs. But the most damning feature on her were a pair of wings, with feathers blacker than night sky. Like the wings of a crow.

[Meanwhile]

As Furumai split from Yuuto, the latter heading to Occult Research Club, he made his way near the shoe lockers. However, he caught the glimps of something on the floor - close to Ryoto's locker.

Feeling perplexed, he moves closer and picks it up. It's a deep black father that seems to shine a bit in the sunlight.

Furumai: *thinking* "Hold on... doesn't this look like a- *gasp*!"

Furumai immediately thinks of the worst possible idea. And his suspicions are proven when-

???: "grraaaawwrr!"

[At The Park]

Ryoto: *scared* 'No way... is this the energy I felt all this time!? ...Those wings... NO! She's one of them! Why are they here!? But that would also mean...'

Yuuma: "I have to admit, it was quite a challenge to get to you. I guess getting you alone with that love letter was kind of boring, but I can't complain if it gets the job done. So, no hard feelings. But..."

At that, Yuuma summoned a spear made out of a bright red light.

Yuuma: "It's time to die!"

Ryoto's instincts immediately kicked in and right after Yuuma threw the spear, Ryoto jumped back, missing the spear hit only by a hair. Unbeknownst to him, something starts glowing on his chest. But it was short lived, because he was instantly impaled by a second, smaller light spear, right through his gut. With blood gushing out of his wound, Ryoto kneeled down in pain. He could only weakly look at Yuuma giving him a bit of a sorrowful look.

Ryoto: *weakly* "I... s-shoud've known... there was something strange about you-" *coughing blood* "...You're... a fallen angel..."

Yuuma: *surprised* "Oh, so you already know about us. Guess I don't have to explain anything to you then. I'm sorry, but I had no choice but to dispose of you. If you want to blame someone, why not blame him. He gave you the Sacred Gear."

Ryoto: "W-What?" *falling down* 'What the hell is she talking about?... I... weren't supposed to wield a Sacred Gear...'

Yuuma: "Oh. And thanks for giving me such heartfelt answer. I'll be sure to remember you in good spirits. Ta-ta, sweetie."

With that, Yuuma flew away with some of her black feathers falling down. Once the barrier was lifted, Ryoto could be seen lying in front of the fountain, bleeding to death at sunset.

Ryoto: 'That bitch... she played me in for a fool. Why didn't I make any affort to see this through better? I promised myself I won't die like this. What am I supposed to do now?' *lifting hand* 'Red. The same color running down my hand. Just like her hair. The most briliant color of red I've ever seen. Dark beautiful crimson red. Wait... why am I suddenly thinking about her? I'm about to die.' *coughing blood* 'And I never got an answer if we met or not. I can't... I can't die yet. I'm the only one left. I have to live. I have to... carry on our name... help... Rias.'

[ORC Clubroom]

Rias was busy preparing everything for tonight before everyone else arrived. But her train of thought was interrupted when she felt a surge of magic. And a magic circle appeared under her.

Rias: *perplexed* "Is someone calling for me?"

[At The Park]

Immediately at that, something flew out of Ryoto's pocket, summoning a glowing red glyph. Out of the red light came a familiar crimson-haired girl. Once she turned to Ryoto, she had an incredibly shocked look in her eyes. She kneels down to him to check if he's still concious and in the process, gets much better look at him. He truly is someone she knows.

Ryoto: *weakly* "Rias... you... came..."

Rias: "Yes. You have summoned me, haven't you? Since death is upon you, I will gladly take you in."

At that, Rias stands back up and suddenly lets out her own pair of wings. These however, were sharp and leathery, like the wings of a bat. Ryoto realised he was right. And he knew exactly what they were - the wings of a devil. As Ryoto was slowly passing out, he swore he heard faint sound of footsteps from the other direction.

Rias: *smiling softly* "From this moment forward, you will live your life for my sake. I've been meaning for us to catch up. Old friend."

High School DxD NEO

[Next Day]

(Ryoto POV)

I wake up with a sudden jolt. As if something just pinched me. I look around and... I'm back in my room. What happened that I can't recall anything- wait... I remember... dying! Yes, I was impaled by a spear of light... after Yuuma Amano turned into a fallen angel. And then... Rias showed up right near me.

Ryoto: "Wait... did Rias bring me back from the dead? ...I need to piece everything together."

[At School]

Ryoto: "So, you guys don't remember anything about Yuuma?"

Matsuda: "Nah dude, name's not ringing any bells."

Motohama: "I'll say it again. You never received a love letter and there's no one at school named Yuuma Amano. Besides, love letters aren't really in fashion anymore."

So it's true. Yuuma made her presence only to hunt me down. And now, she erased everything relating to her at Kuoh. I hope I'm not falling into an even bigger trap.

Kiryuu: "Maybe hanging around these two so much is making you go cra-cra."

Matsuda/Motohama: *peeved* "Shut up!"

Ryoto: "Not funny, Kiryuu."

Before any more blatant insults could be thrown around, I felt a presence from the higher floor. It was Rias. And her look gave off a kind of warm vibe. The others also looked up and almost didn't move a muscle.

Matsuda: *whispeing* "Big boobies, 12 o'clock..."

Motohama: *surprised* "Rias...?"

She just made an elegant descent on the stairs, with other students nearby admiring her to no end. Once she passed us, I could see her glance me a tiny smile and just continued down.

Ryoto: 'I feel both mesmerized... and a bit scared.'

Matsuda: *grinning* "Filing that image away for later~."

Motohama: "There's just something about her. She's like a naughty redheaded princess, you know?"

Kiryuu: "Wouldn't that be the juiciest gossip~."

Ryoto: "...Don't know. Anyway, catch ya guys later. Need to think about some stuff."

Kiryuu: *smirking* "Naughty stuff, you mean~? Want me to lend an ear~?"

Ryoto: *stonefaced* "Keep dreamin', ya dirty weasel."

Rias too gives off a very strong aura. Can't believe I'm meeting a devil after so long. And worse, I haven't seen Daimonji since yesterday after leaving to meet Yuuma. I hope fallen angels didn't get to him, aswell.

I needed a little distraction to calm down. Thankfully, Katase and Murayama asked me to help them sort out the kendo club storage room. But, I just found out something else.

Ryoto: "Katase, watch out for that sign."

Katase: "Huh? What sign. It's too dark in here."

Murayama: "Hold on, I'll get the light switch."

That was very strange. It was completely dark in the storage room, but somehow, I could still see ahead of me. Has my encounter with a fallen angel sharpen my senses?

[2 Hours Later]

I've been wandering around town for a while now and it's already dusk. Somehow I felt unusually sleepy during the day. But now, I'm feeling wide awake. I got lost in thought, while being mesmerized by my new vision when there's very little light.

Ryoto: 'It's happening again. I know there's very little light, but I can still sense it with so much intesity. Just what happened to me?'

And if that wasn't enough, I could hear mother talking with her daugher... over a 100 meters away across the street.

Ryoto: *panicking* "What in the fresh hell is happening? My senses are going nuts. They've never been this sharp."

I have no idea what to do. I return to the park where Yuuma lured me out, hoping to find some answers. But still nothing.

Ryoto: "This is so much pressure. And I know yesterday's event wasn't a dream. I remember every single word she said."

Just then, the same barrier is put around the park and I hear someone approaching from behind. It's some kind of man in a grey trenchcoat and wearing a black fedora. The chilling presence is even more intense than yesterday. He must also be a fallen angel.

Fallen angel: "Well, this really is unfortunate. Me running into you that is. Out of all the people to wonder around here at this late hour."

Ryoto: *trembling* 'Holy shit... this guy's presence is so insane...' "Who are you? And what do you want from me?"

Fallen angel: "I ask questions around here, boy. If you must know, the name's Dohnaseek. As for what I want. Well... you're about to find out."

I could see his cold blue eyes glaring right at me and it made me back up on instinct. But to my surprise, I ended up jumping over the entire fountain. With no time to think, I make a run for it. Unfortunately, it made this Dohnaseek guy even more angry.

Dohnaseek: "Looking for a way out?"

I tried to get as far away as possible. But he just flies over me, with those same black-feathered wings. I can't get away from this guy.

Dohnaseek: *angry* "Such cowardice... I can't abide lower class beings."

Ryoto: 'What is he going to do to me!?'

I can't take any chances with a fallen angel, so I try to muster up as much courage as I can and get into a fighting stance. Whatever he dishes out, I'll do my best to repel back.

Dohnaseek: *thinking* "So let's see... it appears as though your friends and master are nowhere to be found... you show no signs of disappearing, nor any magic circles being deployed. Therefore, I'll assume you're nothing but a stray, is that correct?"

Stray? What does he mean by that? Can't really think about that right now. He too summoned a light spear, this time blue. I prepare to try and deflect some of it back.

Dohnaseek: "And that would mean, killing you wouldn't be a problem!"

As he chuckes the spear at me, thanks to my hightened senses, I could react fast enough. I step to the side and deflect the spear with my right arm. Bad idea. After coming into contact with it, I feel as if I touched a heated iron. My entire right arm is burning and in intense pain.

Dohnaseek: *surprised* "What the? I've never seen such a tough specimen. No matter. This'll just make it more interesting!"

He keeps summoning more light spears. Even while holding my aching arm, I was able to dodge two. Then the third spear grazed my left leg, causing another burning sensation. It slows me down enough for Dohnaseek to haul one more spear, piercing me through my back.

Ryoto: *struggling* "Ow!... this blows, big time. Even back then, this pain wasn't as horrible as right now... Aaauurrgghhh!"

Dohnaseek: "Hurts, doesn't it? Light is a deadly poison to your kind. It burns you from within. I thought i'd finish you off right away, but it seems you're quite resilient. More than I would expect, honestly. Don't worry though. I'll put you out of your misery shortly."

And then he summons one more spear. I don't have any strength to move. I try to prepare my left arm for one more deflect-

Ryoto: *struggling* 'I promised I won't die just yet... and I intend to do so. I won't let even you to take me down!'

-until, some kind of black fiery attack reaches us and destroys the light spear. Dohnaseek stumbles back, really mad on being interrupted.

Dohnaseek: *angry* "What did you just do, you little shit!?" *turns* "And what the hell is that?"

A red light is glowing next to us. It's the same red glyph as yesterday. Rias arrived just in time. With... wait. Is that... Daimonji on her shoulder!?

Rias: "Keep your hands off of him."

Ryoto: *fainting* 'Daimonji... you contacted them.'

(Rias POV)

I hope I'm not too late. After Ryoto passed out from pressure and pain, the fallen angel prepared to stab me with another light spear.

Fallen angel: "I'll teach you not to meddle where you don't belong!"

But before he could finish, the spear was destroyed by Koneko drop kicking at him and Issei hitting at him with a red slashing attack from his hand. Both stood straight next to me at attention. Nothing can ever get past their brute strength. The fallen angel just catches back the spear and charges ahead.

Fallen angel: "I'm done with you!"

And yet again, he was interrupted, this time by a lightning spell conjured by Akeno, who just steps forward with a vile smile and her right hand crackling with electricity. Now that he's at the ground, Daimonji cautiosly runs over to unconcious Ryoto and tries his best to intimidate fallen angel into leaving. With fallen angel's attack interrupted over and over again, he tries to think of something else.

???: "Don't even think about it, asswipe..."

Even to my surprise, Furumai steps in behind the fallen angel, with his own Sacred Gear shining on his forehead. With the looming image of a griffon behind him ready to attack, the fallen angel still doesn't let up on giving up. However, after taking a closer look at me, he slows down.

Fallen angel: "That hair... huh. You're from the house of Gremory."

Rias: "My name is Rias Gremory. And who are you? Other than a fallen angel."

Fallen angel: *dusting fedora* "Heh. Well, well. Who knew? This town is currently under the control of the next head of the great Gremory family. So he's a part of your household, I take it?"

Rias: "If you bring any harm to him, you will receive no mercy from me."

Fallen angel: "I apologize for the misunderstanding. Though it's unwise to let your servants run loose like this. The next time he's out for a stroll, he might run into someone less cordial then myself."

I hate to admit it, especially coming from an enemy fallen angel. But I waited too long to get Ryoto familiar with the situation at hand. I won't let it happen again.

Rias: "I appreciate the friendly advice. Bare in mind, if anything like this happens again, I'll make you regret the day you crossed paths with the house of Gremory, my friend."

Fallen angel: "No offense to your noble household, but you should bare in mind that the same thing could be said to you." *flies off* "My name is Dohnaseek. I pray that you and I never again cross path."

After Dohnaseek left and the barrier around park disappeared, I walked over to Ryoto's injured body. I can see on Daimonji the look of intense concern and I can't help but feel same. I look at Furumai and he just leaves with a look of regret. I promised him I will return Ryoto save and sound. And I intend to keep my promise.

Akeno: "That was a close call. I can't believe he actually ran into a fallen one."

Koneko: "If we don't do something, he'll die."

Rias: "That won't happen. He'll live. I'll see to that myself."

Issei: "Guess the time's about right for him to know everything, right?"

Rias: "Correct. Tomorrow, we start anew with our new member." 'You handled yourself splendidly back there. You're still so full of drive and determination. I can't wait to speak to you again.'

[Next Day]

(Ryoto POV)

Uuuuggghh... another morning when I feel like death. That Dohnaseek asshole really thrashed me around. And yet again, Rias arrived to my rescue. That's it. No more beating around the bush. I have to meet her today. I sit up from my bed, but...

Ryoto: "What the? Where are my clothes? This isn't even funny."

And to make matters even weirder, something moves around next to me in bed. It's probably Daimonji. I have several questions about what was he doing all yesterday. But after I move a blanket away... my nose nearly explodes with blood. Right next to me is Rias - in her birthday suit! I freak out a bit and fall off my bed. The ruckus is enough to wake Rias.

Ryoto: *flustered* 'Oh, heck! What is this!? This...! Is...! ...awesome...'

Rias: *yawning* "...Ryoto. Hey."

Ryoto: *blushing* "Woah, woah, woah... h-how did you get in here!? Scratch that... why are you both naked AND in my bed!?"

Rias: *smiling* "Good morning."

Ryoto: "Hey, don't just dodge a question! Have I been insomniac so much that I'm hallucinating!?"

Rias: *giggling* "No, this is real. And so is everything else you've experienced, as a matter of fact."

She has absolutely no shame speaking to me while sitting on my bed, buck naked. I do my best not to stare at her parts.

Rias: "My name is Rias Gremory. And I'm a devil, as you probably already know."

Ryoto: 'The same Rias from before... I can't believe it...'

Rias: *smiling* "Not only that, I'm your master, too. You're mine now. Nice to see you after so long, Ryoto Akanishi."

[END]

""Opening theme: Trip Innocent of D""

Okay, here is the first proper chapter of the story. I hope Ryoto comes off as a likeable enough character. And yes, Furumai Yājū is also an original character.

Also yes, Ryoto and Rias are acquainted from childhood.

A lot of people either love or hate Rias. I personally like Rias, because she isn't perfect - a stubborn, yet cuddly big sister-type character.

I'm fully aware I'm pretty much making this story a carbon-copy of the anime (mostly), but for good reason:

1. As a means of respect towards the original series;

2. A sort of revisiting for existing fans of DxD, but alternate universe.

I believe it's fine if story isn't original in premise. It's story execution that counts. And I'll try to make it interesting: new story arcs, different tone, new editions to the cast and deeper world building. I hope you're prepared, because this story will have some interesting twists and turns.