Wow! I've churned out the last couple of chapters fast! Anyway, this chapter will finally reveal a couple of OCs I've been building up for a while now. I hope you all enjoy!

(Play "You have power… like mine" – Fire Emblem Awakening)

At a waterfall in the Dragon Mountain, Luke and a mysterious green-haired woman continued staring at each other.

What is this feeling? Not only can't I take my eyes off of this woman, but there's something… familiar about her… I'm sure I've never met her before. I would definitely remember if I came across someone… so beautiful.

Before Luke could start processing what was happening, the woman walked out of the water and right up to him without bothering to cover herself up in the slightest.

"I'm-I'm sorry." Luke finally mustered the strength to turn his head away from her. "I heard something over here and I didn't realize there was another person skinny dipping."

Luke was expecting the woman to either hit him or start causing an outburst, but she instead took his hand and stared at it. Normally, Luke would feel incredibly nervous about a wet, naked woman being so close to him, but the air around this woman was so calming and her expression so tranquil that he didn't even feel the slightest embarrassed.

"You're… human as well?"

The woman's voice was just as serene and beautiful as her appearance.

"'As well'? So, you're human?"

"I also sense that you are a Devil… and a dragon… and… something else…"

"If you're human, what are you doing here at the Dragon Mountain? This place is incredibly dangerous."

"This is my home."

"You… actually live here?" Luke then realized something. "Ah! N-never mind that. If you live here, then you must know how I can get back up that mountain. I'm supposed to be training up there, but an accident caused me to fall down."

The woman tilted her head in confusion as she looked at the mountain Luke was pointing at. "Can you not fly?"

"I only became a Devil recently and things have been so chaotic that I haven't had the chance to learn."

"The only ways up that mountain are by climbing or flying."

In hindsight, it makes sense there aren't any manmade paths around here and dragons would just use one of those two methods.

"If you would like, I could fly you up there."

"Huh? But… aren't you human?"

"I am human on my mother's side. On my father's side, I am a dragon."

(End Song)

Suddenly, dragon wings appeared from the woman's back and Luke's eyes widened in shock. Her wings were eye-catching with their brilliant emerald scales beautifully reflecting the light around her.

She's a human and a dragon?!

The woman got behind Luke and picked him up by his underarms, which incidentally caused him to feel her breasts pressing against his back. Based on their size and volume, this woman's bust was easily on par with Rias or Akeno.

"Are you ready?" She asked.

I'm going to be flying at Mach speed again, aren't I?

With a few beats of her wings, the woman slowly lifted herself and Luke off of the ground and started flying up the mountain cliff. It was a comfortable enough speed that they were making good progress, but it wasn't the harrowing experience Luke had with Karlel just a few hours ago. Once they reached the top of the mountain, the woman gently set Luke on the ground.

"Thank you, um? We haven't even introduced ourselves." Luke realized. "My name is Luke."

"I am Jade (Age 19). How long will you be staying here in the mountains, Luke?"

"I'll only be here for a few days, though the guy with me has it worse at twenty. I really should go back now. Thanks again, Jade."

Luke turned around and ran off to find Tannin and Issei while Jade had her gaze fixated on him until he was completely out of sight.

A dragon-human hybrid… Opheria spoke to Luke's mind.

"You were awfully quiet back there, Opheria. I thought you would say something when Jade showed her dragon wings."

I'm sorry. I was trying to understand why that woman feels so familiar to me.

"So, you felt it, too, huh? Have you met her before?"

No, but her wings remind me of…

"Your brother?"

… Yes. I have a theory about her connection to Eupherio, but I can't say for certain until we see her again.

BOOOOM!

Luke heard an explosion coming from nearby and headed in its direction. Tannin was still chasing Issei around the mountain as the young man kept trying to avoid his destructive fire breath.

"WAAAAAAAAAHAHAAAAAAAA!" Issei screamed for dear life.

Just as Tannin was about to blast more flames at Issei, he felt a sharp pain in his back. He reached behind him and pulled Falchion from his back.

"And here I thought you ran off, Sapphire Dragon Emperor." Tannin turned around saw Luke with his arm outstretched as if he had just thrown something.

"Sorry, the blast from your flames sent me down the mountain a little and I had to find my way back up." Luke retorted.

A few hours later, Luke and Issei were taking a break from their training session.

"Dig in! I made plenty!"

Pyra had done some hunting during her training and thought the boys could use a nice meal.

"Thanks, Pyra." Luke said.

"It might not be as good as anything I can make in the kitchen, but I still tried to add some herbs for flavor."

"Don't be so modest. This is pretty good." Issei happily ate the freshly cooked game.

"Mythra would have liked to cook, too, but she'd prefer using an actual kitchen."

Mythra cooks, too? Luke thought. "Since you and Mythra share a body, I'm guessing she's just as good as you."

"Uh, yeah…" Pyra gave an awkward smile as a bead of sweat trickled from her head.

I… don't like the sound of that.

"Opheria, how much do you know about what happened to your brother Eupherio after your defeat?" Tannin inquired.

I know very little. Opheria spoke after she made Luke's Falchion appear. I only know that he perished over one thousand years ago and his soul was never sealed inside a Sacred Gear.

"In that case, there is someone I would like you to meet." Tannin turned his attention to something nearby. "Ah, here they are now."

Luke, Pyra, and Issei looked in the same direction as Tannin and Luke saw a familiar face approaching him, although this time she was wearing a red dress-like rag over her body.

"Oh, we meet again, Luke."

Luke was in shock that Jade was the person Tannin wanted Opheria to meet. Issei also had his jaw drop to the ground upon seeing her and admiring her long legs and cleavage.

"Oh? You've already met?" Tannin asked.

"It was after I was knocked down the mountain." Luke explained while trying to hide the fact that he saw her skinny dipping.

"Then you already know who she is."

"Jade is half-human, half-dragon, right? Or something else?"

"After his battle with Opheria, Eupherio found a human wife. Jade is his daughter and the current Emerald Dragon Emperor."

Luke and Pyra were completely stupefied and had no idea how to react.

Jade… is the Emerald Dragon Emperor?

"So, how does that work?" Issei spoke up. "It's hard to imagine a huge dragon knocking up a human without tearing her in half."

Both Luke and Pyra smacked themselves in the face at Issei's stupid question.

I guess that makes me your aunt. Opheria spoke up again.

"Yes, it does…" Jade closed her eyes with a sad tone in her voice.

"How did you end up here in the Underworld?" Luke asked.

"Ten years ago, I found Jade frozen in ice and took her in." Tannin answered. "She must have been in slumber for over one thousand years, but she is only a couple of years older than the Red Dragon Emperor here."

When Luke looked at Jade again, he noticed that there was a notable sorrow in her eyes.

At night somewhere in Southeastern Europe was an ancient-looking city with barely anyone on the streets. While the city itself was made of stone, electrical wires ran throughout it, providing electricity to the various buildings and streetlights. Robed, priest and priestess-like figures walked through the city as a large group toward a large, church-like structure at the city's center as Vali was hiding in an alley and watching them.

They must be heading over to pray to that new god. The White Dragon Emperor thought.

Vali stealthily trailed the priests and priestesses all the way to the 'church' and watched them enter.

Strange… I should be feeling chills being near holy grounds. If that's the case, it should be easy enough to just sneak in.

He scouted out for any other entrances he could take into the 'church', but almost all of them were locked.

Damn, looks like I'll have to play the waiting game.

"I could help you get inside."

Vali was caught off guard by the sudden voice behind him.

How did… I didn't even sense him!

Vali slowly turned around and saw that there was someone standing behind him. It was a handsome man who appeared to only be slightly older than Vali with long scarlet hair wearing a black royal suit. However, the most distinguishing features of this man were his eyes as they were a mix of blue, purple, pink and orange.

"There is no need to be alarmed." The man told Vali with a calm smile. "I don't believe I've ever seen you before. I would certainly remember someone with your hair color. May I ask what brings you to this city?"

There's something off about this guy. I can't sense any aura from him. And his eyes… they are just like Luke Sigmund's father.

"Are you curious about the god Roman? That's the only reason we see any visitors around these parts. If you would like, I could introduce you to him personally. You won't have to go through the unnecessary effort of sneaking around."

Feeling as if he was being toyed with, Vali simply leered at the man.

"Please, follow me."

The man turned around and started heading toward the structure at the city's center. Left with very little options, Vali decided to follow the man since it was the most interesting. The man opened the doors leading to the inside of the stone structure and walked inside with Vali right behind him, though he was at the ready in case of any ambushes.

(Play "Those Chosen By the Planet" – Final Fantasy VII Remake)

As they reached the main hall which didn't look too different from that of a regular church except there weren't any crosses, the many rows of priests and priestesses were shocked when they saw them and immediately dropped to the floor and bowed. Up on the podium was a large chair with two people standing at each side of it. One of them was a scrawny middle-aged man in black magicians' robes and the other was a stern-looking woman in her mid-twenties with long blonde hair that reached past her waist and wearing a conservative black military uniform. Both of them kneeled as they saw the scarlet-haired man enter the room.

"Lord Roman, pardon my rudeness, but why is that young man with you?" The woman asked with genuine concern in her voice.

What did she just call him?! Vali stopped in his tracks.

"At ease, Aleksandra." The scarlet-haired man laughed off as he continued walking. "He is just curious about me." He then took a seat in the large chair. "Yes, I am the one the people here refer to as a god. My name is Roman (Age ?). Tell me, what is it you are here for, White Dragon Emperor?"

Roman rested his chin on the back of his hand as he looked directly at Vali. It was at that moment Vali felt a drastic change in the aura Roman was giving off.

Where did all this aura come from?!

I did not think this man could produce an aura this overpowering. Albion mentally spoke to Vali.

It's like he's trying to conquer my will!

"I'm impressed you're resisting so well." Roman said. "Very few in this world have been able to do so."

"What… are you?"

"Very well… I will tell you."

(End Song)

In the Underworld, Luke and Issei were forced to sleep on the cold hard ground with nothing but leaves to use as beds.

"I wonder if everyone else has to rough it out like we are." Issei grumbled. "If they're sleeping in actual beds, I'm going to be so fucking pissed."

Pyra was sleeping elsewhere in the mountains, although unlike the two boys she had a tent and sleeping bag. In the middle of the night, Luke realized that he couldn't fall asleep no matter how tired or sleepy he was.

Dammit…

Luke sat up and looked at the currently sleeping Issei, who was making a groping motion with his hand.

He's probably having a fun dream right now…

He tried his best to not wake up Issei and decided to go for a late night walk around the area.

"How are you doing, Opheria?" Luke asked the dragon within him. "You just found out that your brother had a daughter, after all."

I didn't expect to see her in the Underworld, but it did cross my mind while I was sleeping. When you have very little but your thoughts to keep you occupied for thousands of years, your mind wanders and considers many possibilities.

"I meant… how are you feeling? You told me that a battle between Jade and I is inevitable, but I never sensed even the smallest hostility from her."

You still believe that you can change fate?

"I…"

Luke stopped as he saw something by the cliff nearby. He got closer and saw Jade sitting near the cliff's edge and staring at the Underworld's moon. Sensing him approaching, Jade turned around and looked at him.

"Luke? What brings you here?" Jade inquired. "You're going to need your rest."

"I couldn't fall asleep. Do you mind if I sit next to you?"

Jade scooted to her right and Luke sat down next to her.

"I've never gone camping, so sleeping outside is completely new to me." Luke said. "A pile of leaves doesn't feel anywhere near soft as a bed."

"I can show you where you can find some leaves that are perfect for sleeping on." Jade offered.

"Thank you very much." Luke chuckled before his expression became more concerning. "Why did you look so sad earlier?"

"Oh… You saw that…" Jade looked off of the cliff with a solemn expression.

"… Are you worried that Opheria hates you for what your father did?"

Jade nodded. "My mother passed away when I was very young and my father four years after that. Opheria is the only family I have left. I don't want there to be bad blood between us."

"She doesn't seem to be harboring any grudges, but she does think we will fight one day because of destiny."

"I haven't known you for long, Luke… but… I can sense an aura of kindness around you."

Luke caught a tear trickling down Jade's cheek.

"I… I don't want to hurt you or Opheria…"

"I don't want to fight you, either, Jade."

Jade turned to Luke and looked straight at his face.

"Even before I understood you, I didn't want there to be caught in a cyclical rivalry that would never end. I know all too well the pain of losing the people you love and share blood with. When I was 5, I lost both of my parents. The only blood family I have left is my brother. We're both all that's left of them, just like you and Opheria are all you have left of Eupherio. And… you also seem like a kind person. Whenever I look at you, I feel so relaxed, like nothing else around me matters. Oh crap!" Luke quickly covered his mouth and his cheeks became pink. "That almost sounds like a love confession! We haven't even known each other for a full day yet!"

Jade blankly stared at Luke before her lips curled into a smile. "Ahahahaha! Don't worry, I know what you meant."

"What I'm getting at is, I don't want us to fight because of some perceived destiny."

Jade suddenly noticed a flicker of resolve in Luke's eyes as he stood up.

"We are dragons! We live our lives however we please! And what would please me is a future where we don't have to fight!"

Luke's words caused Jade to continue staring at Luke until there was a wholesome smile on her face.

"That future would please me as well." Jade stood up and held out her hand.

Luke looked at her arm for several seconds before he grabbed it with his own and they shook on it to affirm their resolve to live out their own destinies as they saw fit.

"I should probably be trying to go back to sleep now." Luke said after he let go Jade's arm. "I hope I see you tomorrow, Jade."

"Weren't we going to find those leaves for you to sleep on?" Jade questioned.

"Oh, right…" Luke nervously chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "I was so into our talk that I forgot."

You have a point. Jade and I are all we have left of my brother. As much as we disagreed and argued, he was still the closest thing I had to a family. He may be gone, but his legacy still lives on. Thank you… Luke.

Luke could feel Opheria's gratitude and he couldn't help but smile.

It was the fifth day of training in the mountains, the final day for Luke and during their lunch break, Karlel and Azazel dropped by with meals prepared by Rias and Akeno for Luke and Asia and Misaki for Issei. As soon as they arrived, they greeted Jade as if they were familiar with each other and they revealed that they knew she was the current Emerald Dragon Emperor for some time now.

"Wow! Thish ish sho good!" Issei sobbed as he chowed down on the food made for him by Asia and Misaki.

"After all that training, President's and Akeno's food tastes even better than usual, and that's really saying something!" Luke said after swallowing his.

"You should have seen the sparks between the two of them." Karlel commented on Rias and Akeno.

"Since neither of you are dead, I'm guessing the training's going well?" Azazel asked.

"We've nearly died several times already!" Issei shouted at him. "And what the hell is this about sending me up here without at least a sleeping bag?!"

"I thought it would train you mentally." Azazel looked away from Issei.

"You're such a fucking liar…" Karlel side-eyed her father before looking back at the boys. "So, neither of you has unlocked Balance Breaker yet?"

Luke set his food back into Akeno's bento box with a look of regret. "No… I do feel physically and mentally stronger, but I'm not sure how much father I have to go. Issei will probably unlock his Balance Breaker before me."

"Don't look so down." Karlel assured him. "I'm sure you'll unlock it someday."

"I'm positive I will… The uncertainty is when."

"You've been keeping up on your basic training, right?"

"Of course."

"Good. That way your body will be in good condition for when you do achieve Balance Breaker."

"Unlike Issei, you can at least improve your other specs like demonic power." Azazel said. "He's going to need to rely on pure strength if he hopes to catch up to Vali one day."

"Um, when I fought him, Vali looked like he was about to do something big." Issei brought up. "What was he going to do?"

"Ah, you mean Juggernaut Drive?" Azazel asked.

"Is that another evolution of a Sacred Gear, one that goes even beyond Balance Breaker?" Luke inquired.

"No, Balance Breaker is a Sacred Gear's ultimate form." Karlel explained. "However, there are some Sacred Gears with powerful entities sealed within them that have their own unique restraints. Boosted Gear, Art Creation, Divine Dividing and World Ender are examples of such."

"Even though those entities are sealed, the user can tap into their full abilities if they know how to use them." Azazel continued. "In your cases, unleashing the sealed powers of the Dragon Emperors is to unleash Juggernaut Drive. You will have strength comparable to a god, but there's a huge catch. It will greatly reduce your lifespan and you'll lose all sense of reason."

"So, you're saying we'd go berserk?" Issei asked.

"Yes." Azazel confirmed. "You would end up destroying everything around you, including yourself. Controlling that much power is impossible. If I had to guess, based on Albion's reluctance to use it, Vali can only handle it for a few minutes at best. It's not like when I make my Artificial Sacred Gears go into burst states. Getting more out of a Sacred Gear by sacrificing your life force is just wrong. You might have much longer lifespans as Devils, but that time you sacrificed could be put to better use doing anything else. Juggernaut Drive is an accursed technique that can only be used by those who are good as dead. Take my advice and never use such a thing." There was a hint of sorrow in Azazel's eyes as he said that.

"Hmm, so the current White Dragon Emperor can handle his Juggernaut Drive? That's a problem. If you don't catch up to him quick, Red Dragon Boy, he'll kill you. In the past, the first of the Red and White Heavenly Dragons to awaken their Juggernaut Drive has always been the victor."

"On a different topic… Luke…"

Luke was surprised that Azazel was addressing to him directly this time. "Huh?"

"What do you think about Akeno?" Azazel asked.

"Do you… do you mean as a woman?" Luke blushed.

"Of course I meant as a woman."

"Wh-where did this come from?"

"I'll tell you if you answer my question."

President is the only one for me… but whenever I think about Akeno, I get the same feeling in my chest. But I can't tell them that or they'll blurt it out in front of President and she'll get mad. I should answer in a way that's simple. "I think… Akeno would make for a wonderful girlfriend."

"I knew you had feelings for Akeno, Naughty Boy." Karlel grinned.

This is exactly why I didn't want to tell anyone!

"I see." Azazel nodded at Luke's response. "You know, part of my job is to watch over her for a friend of mine."

"You mean her father, Baraqiel, right?" Luke guessed.

"Baraqiel is more like an old war buddy like Shemhazai. We got into all sorts of trouble back in the day. But while I was off having fun, everyone got married and started families."

Karlel was quiet when her father said that.

"Oh, uh, sorry, Karlel." Azazel realized he chose his words poorly.

"Hey, we both know you never were the type to settle down."

"I might not have intended on having you, but I don't regret that you were born."

"… I know."

It sounds like Karlel and Azazel have some lingering issues, but at least understand each other.

"Anyway, what I'm getting at is that I'm concerned about Akeno." Azazel resumed his train of thought. "Although, both her and Baraqiel would say I'm sticking my nose into other people's business. I think I can leave Akeno to you, Sapphire Dragon Emperor."

"I'll… do my best, Mr. Azazel."

"You're a bit on the passive side, but you're a good kid." Karlel added. "What's more, you don't hold any resentment for her blood. I think of Akeno as a little sister, but I can rest easy knowing you're looking out for her, Luke. Just don't let her wrap you around her finger or there'll be hell to pay."

What does she mean by that?!

"But where do I even begin with Koneko?" Karlel wondered aloud.

"What's going on with Koneko?" Luke asked.

"She's questioning her abilities and pushing herself too hard with her training. This morning, she collapsed and had to be rushed to the Gremory home."

"Is Koneko okay?!" Luke shot up from his seat.

"She'll be fine after she gets some rest. Anyway, Luke, Pyra, we should get going." Karlel stood up and brushed her jeans. "I was asked to bring you to the main Gremory residence for a bit. Sorry, Tannin, but I'll be taking him back early today."

"Very well." Tannin said. "I wish you the best of luck in the rest of your training, Sapphire Dragon Emperor."

"Thank you for training me, Tannin." Luke lightly bowed his head in gratitude. "And thank you for introducing me to Jade. We wouldn't have been able to talk things out if you hadn't done so."

Jade smiled when Luke brought her up.

"Karlel, who was it that ordered Luke to return?" Pyra asked. "Was it Rias?"

"Her mother." Karlel answered.

Huh? What does President's mother want with me?

"Yes, turn there. No, that's no good. Don't be so forceful. Let's take this from the top again."

Venelana was teaching Luke ballroom dancing in a building near the Gremory estate. Luke felt nervous being around such a beautiful and mature woman who looked so similar to Rias, not helped by the occasions where her breasts would touch him and he had to repeatedly remind himself that she was happily married to Zeoticus.

"Let's take a short break." Venelana suggested.

Luke took a seat and tried to recompose himself. "I'm sorry for being a little clumsy. You might've heard that I easily get flustered around beautiful women."

"I'm flattered that you think I'm beautiful. And Rias told me all about you, Luke Sigmund. She's quite fond of you. Her father and I expect you to accompany her to soirees in the future. That is why we are teaching you our customs as much as possible during your stay here."

"Why would be accompanying President to soirees? Wouldn't it make more sense for Akeno or Yuuto to attend those? They're her Queen and Knight, after all."

"Oops, it appears I've said too much. It's far too soon to discuss that. Putting that aside, you will need to stop calling her 'President'. That's fine at school, but you should address your master by her name. Not to mention that Rias-Oh, I almost let something slip again."

"President is just so natural to me, though… Is 'Lady Gremory' acceptable? That's what I called her at dinner the other night."

"Yes, 'Master' would work as well. However, that won't be necessary in private."

"But… wouldn't that be rude?"

"Honestly, if you can't figure it out, you're hopeless." She sighed. "Hmm, I suppose it would be awkward for both of you if you started calling her something different. I'll allow you to refer to Rias as 'President' for this trip only, but you will need to address her properly in the future."

I wish I could, but… "By the way, I heard Koneko was staying here after she overworked herself. How is she doing?"

"She'll be fine after she rests for a couple of days."

"She's been acting strange even before we came to the Underworld."

"That girl must be struggling with her powers… who she is. That is something she needs to find on her own."

"What do you mean by 'her powers' and 'who she is'?"

"You haven't been in Rias's peerage for long, so I should have expected that you wouldn't know. Allow me to fill you in."

Venelana took a seat across from Luke.

"This is the story of two Nekomata sisters. You know what a Nekomata is, correct?"

"I haven't seen a real one, but in fiction they are cat-women with two tails."

"That is right. They are cat youkai with The sisters were inseparable. They played, ate, and slept together. Without their parents or a home, they depended on each other for survival. One day, a Devil took in the sisters and the older sibling was made into a member of their peerage while the younger sibling was permitted to live alongside them."

"It sounds like they had a happy ending."

"… No. The older sister's powers grew to the point that she was attaining previously unseen abilities. Those powers only got stronger after she had been reincarnated into a Devil. Those sisters are from a powerful breed of Nekomata that excels in youjutsu and the older sister developed an aptitude for senjutsu. Before long, she exceeded even her master. Drunk on power, she turned into an evil entity that lives only for blood and battle, and slew her master, becoming one of the most dangerous Stray Devils in history. She wiped out every pursuit squad sent after her and the Devil leaders were forced to temporarily call off the search. The younger sister was left behind and held responsible for her sister's crimes. It was decided to put her down before she became like her older sister, that's when Sirzechs stepped in. He convinced the other High-Class Devils that she was innocent and he had to take responsibility for the younger sister. After the cat lost her smile and the will to live, Sirzechs entrusted her to his sister. After she met Rias, the cat began to regain her emotions little by little and she eventually named her 'Koneko'.

"So, Koneko is a Nekomata?"

"Koneko is a rare breed of Nekomata called a 'Nekoshou', the most powerful Nekomata due to their unparalleled skills in youjutsu and senjutsu."

"I had no idea Koneko had such a rough life… No wonder she doesn't express her emotions much."

After finishing his dance lessons, Luke headed to the main Gremory residence where Koneko was and he was embraced by Rias the moment she saw him.

"Luke!"

Luke blushed as Rias pulled her tightly into her bosom.

"I've missed you so much…" Rias looked like she was about to cry.

"I've missed you, too. Sleeping doesn't feel the same without you next to me."

"I need to be patient, though. We both need to get stronger. Keep up on the training, Luke!"

"Right. How's Koneko doing?"

"Come with me."

Rias took Luke to the room Koneko was staying in. She had already spoken to Koneko earlier and told Luke to see her himself, although Akeno was also in the room. When Luke entered the bedroom, he saw Akeno standing by the bedside and Koneko lying face down. It was then that Luke noticed cat ears coming out of Koneko's head.

"Luke, this-" Akeno was about to tell him.

"It's okay, President's mother told me everything." Luke then went to the other side of the bed and knelt down on his knees. "How are you feeling?"

"… What are you doing here?" Koneko murmured as she shifted her head towards Luke, her eyes half closed.

"I was worried about you."

Koneko remained silent.

"Koneko, you saw what happened to me at the training camp when we were preparing for our battle against Riser, right? I couldn't even sit straight."

"… I want to…" Koneko lifted her head up and looked straight at Luke, doing her best to hold back her tears. "I want to get stronger. Like Yuuto-senpai, Xenovia-senpai, Akeno-san, and also you, Luke-kun… Even Gya-kun is becoming strong. I don't have Fumiko-chan's support abilities, either. At this rate, I won't be useful to anyone… I'm supposed to be a Rook… but I'm the weakest of us all… I hate being so useless…"

"Koneko…"

"But I don't want to use it… the Nekoushou powers inside of me… If I use it… I'll become just like my sister… I don't want that to happen…"

This is my first time seeing Koneko express this much. I'm getting teary-eyed just looking at her.

"Luke-kun, let us handle this." Akeno came over to Luke and touched his shoulder.

"But-"

"You're a kind person, but you wouldn't understand. I'm… I'm no different from Koneko. The two of us will find a way through this together. We both understand that if we don't fully accept ourselves, we won't be able to move forward… but we haven't been able to bring ourselves to do so. Just give us a little time, please."

"… Okay." Luke agreed reluctantly. "Akeno, Koneko, I wish you the best of luck."

A/N: Boy, did I stay up to get this chapter done. Not because I had to, but because I was so close to finishing. Yes, the woman Luke met at the end of the last chapter was indeed the current Emerald Dragon Emperor and the half-human daughter of Eupherio. And it seems like she and Luke are in agreement that they don't need to fight because of some destiny. I really hope you like Jade.

Vali has met the new so-called god Roman and he can sense just how immensely powerful he is. What he is exactly will be revealed in a future chapter.

And Luke has finally learned the truth about Koneko. He will help her overcome her issues earlier than in canon, but that will have to wait a couple of chapters as there's a certain someone who wants to meet Luke.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed! Stay tuned for next time!

Luke Harem: Rias Gremory, Karlel, Annabelle Wright, Akeno Himejima, Fumiko Kazuya, Melody Morag, Setsuna Kazama, Kayoko Kita, Xenovia Quarta, Emery Belmont, Roygun Belphegor

Issei Harem: Misaki Shirayuki, Asia Argento, Hikaru Ueda, Akira Kazuya, Kiyome Abe, Seekvaira Agares, Azusa Hirano

Rias Gremory Peerage: Rias Gremory (King), Akeno Himejima (Queen), Yuuto Kiba (Knight), Xenovia Quarta (Knight), Koneko Toujo (Rook), Fumiko Kazuya (Bishop), Gasper Vladi (Bishop), Luke Sigmund (8 Pawns)

Seth Sigmund Peerage: Seth Sigmund (King), Annabelle Wright (Queen), Alastair Wright (Rook), Emery Belmont (Rook), Hana Sakuya (2 Bishops), Setsuna Kazama (Knight), Primoir Talraxen (Knight), Grencin Korin (8 Pawns)

Melody Morag Peerage: Melody Morag (King), Misaki Shirayuki (Queen), Katherine Petrova (Knight), Spiral Hirano (Knight), Azusa Hirano (Rook), Akira Kazuya (Rook), Hikaru Ueda (Bishop), Asia Argento (Bishop), Issei Hyoudou (8 Pawns)