Natsuki and Issei stared at the man in shock, surprised that their client was not only a Fallen Angel, but the race's leader.

  Natsuki pointed her finger at Azazel, "I knew it! I knew there was something off about you, with the weird vibes I was getting from you there's no way you could've been human!"

  Natsuki had felt a strange energy coming from the man since the day they made a contract with him, the feeling never going away each time they met. She had told Rias about it, but the redhead waved her concern off, stating that there were many average humans who had higher than normal amounts of magical energy and that was what she was noticing.

  Natsuki's anxiousness about the whole matter was only settled when she spoke to Lux, and the dragon told her that she sensed no ill will or malice from him towards Natsuki and Issei.

  Azazel chuckled, "No, I'm not. I was almost afraid when we first met that you would have seen through the glamor spell, I used to disguise myself and figured out I was a Fallen Angel."

  Issei spoke up, "A glamor spell? But you look exactly the same as before just with twelve wings popping out of your back."

  "There are several types of glamor spells that exist; the one I used was made to hide my scent and power, but Natsuki was still able to pick it up, even just faintly. I heard about your ability to sense magic, but the rumors don't do you any justice. Where did you get it from? Last I was aware, it was not an ability that belonged to the Evolving Dragon."

  Natsuki ignored his question, openly scowling at the man, "Why are you here?" It's not an ability from Lux?

  "After what happened with Kokabiel, I thought I'd quickly visit. That and one other thing; I also happened to have a special interest in your [Boosted Gear] and [Ethereal Domination]. It also seems that Vali did some excellent work didn't he?"

  Oh, yeah. Xenovia told us that Azazel has been collecting Sacred Gear users for a while now. So, is he trying to recruit me and Natsuki? Issei thought.

  "Vali?" Natsuki asked.

  "It's the name of the White Dragon Emperor." Azazel answered, a dangerous smirk appearing on his lips. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be as present as I'd liked, so I had someone else take care of it in my stead. And I must say I was impressed with how well he followed directions this time."

  Natsuki was about to ask what he meant by his last sentence, but Issei jumped forward, comic tears falling from his eyes as he glowered at the Fallen. "So, it your fault, you're the reason I couldn't suck on Rias' boobs! You destroyed my dreams!"

  Azazel began to laugh, not expecting such a response, "Did I really? I'm so sorry."

  Natsuki slapped the back of Issei's head, "Take this seriously, dummy!"

  "Fuck off, Natsuki, this is more than important! This bastard deserves to have a house fall on him!" Issei roared, grabbing Natsuki by the collar of her shirt and shaking her.

  "Okay, okay, I get it." Azazel said, stopping the two Devils from arguing any further, "You two will never be able to defeat someone like Kokabiel with the amount of power you have. It really doesn't matter how hard you try."

  Natsuki flinched, a low growl leaving his lips, her eyes flashing gold as scowled, a fire burning through her at the man's words.

  Azazel raised his hands up placatingly, still smiling lazily, "What I said wasn't meant to be an insult, Golden Dragon, only the truth."

  "Well, it won't be true for much longer." Natsuki spat.

  Oh, I know it won't... Azazel thought, wanting the two teenagers before him to grow stronger. "But in all seriousness, I have something that I want to discuss with you two."

  "First the Governor General of the Fallen Angels intrudes on my territory and interferes in my business, but now he's trying to poach two of my prized and beloved servants?! It's definitely because of your Scared Gears, how dare he try to lay his hands on you?! The price for this transgression must be answered with a thousand deaths!" Rias angrily spat, pacing in front of her desk.

  The next day, Issei and Natsuki immediately told Rias about their encounter with Azazel, how he had been using magic to disguise and masquerading as their human client.

  "I'm absolutely livid!" Rias said before walking to Natsuki and Issei and patting their heads softly. "Don't worry, Ise, Natsuki, I protect you both from the evil Fallen Angel."

  Issei smiled brightly, not bothering to hide the lovesick expression on his face, more than happy with how Rias was treating him. Natsuki did not know how to respond, she was aware of how deeply the redhead cared for her servants, but she never knew how to react whenever Rias showed how possessive she could be with them.

  Kiba then came up to the trio, staring at Issei and Natsuki as if they were going to disappear. "I will protect you both."

  "Thanks, Kiba." Natsuki said.

  But Issei had an exaggerated look of disgust on his face, "No, um, I am happy but…how should I put this… if I hear such things from a man with a straight face then I'll be troubled on how to respond."

  Kiba shook his head, "It's obvious that I'll say that with a straight face; you saved me, you're my precious comrade. If I can't save a comrade in crisis, then I can't call myself a Knight of the Gremory household."

  Issei shuddered in disgust; he could understand what Kiba was trying to say, but the tone that Kiba was using was not one used towards a comrade or a friend, but what a hero would say to their love interest.

  Please, stop, Kiba. There are already rumors spreading around school that we have a BL romance; this will make it worse! Issei thought.

  Without caring about that, Kiba continues, "There's no problem. With my Sacred Gear that attained balance breaker, Ise-kun's [Boosted Gear} and Natsuki-chan's [Ethereal Domination], if we combine these three, then I feel we can surpass any danger that comes our way. Fufu, I wasn't the type to say such things before. After hanging out with you, my readiness for comrades also changedl. But I don't know why I don't dislike that, it makes me feel hot around my chest region."

  "…D-Disgusting. You… Don't come near me! Don't touch me!"

  Natsuki could not stop herself from laughing when Kiba tried to hug Issei, only for Issei to run to the other side of the room, hiding behind Asia.

  Rias smiled too, but it soon fell as her thoughts were consumed once more with the Governor General. "Still, I can't help but wonder how the Governor of the Fallen Angels could be moving around Kuoh unnoticed. And this is even more maddening because we don't know what he is truly planning."

  Natsuki felt a chill race down her spine and she quickly turned her head in the direction of the door, facing where she was now feeling two immense amounts of magical energy coming from. Her eyes grew larger when she saw the two people standing across from her, their eyes meeting her own.

  Did they just get here? I didn't see any teleportation circle, so how did they just appear like that? Natsuki thought, still staring at the pair dumbfounded.

  Sirzechs' smile grew as he stared Natsuki, not surprised that she was the only one out of the group to notice his and Grayfia's arrival. "Azazel has always been like that, Rias-chan."

  The rest of the Peerage heard a voice that belonged to nobody among them, turning to face the same direction Natsuki was and the direction the voice came from, seeing a familiar crimson haired male smiling pleasantly at them with his maid dressed wife and Queen by his side.

  ""O-O-O-Onii-sama!" Rias let out, surprised.

  "Azazel won't do anything like what Kokabiel did a few days ago, he may do a prank like last time, though. The Governor just came earlier than the planned date." Sirzechs said.

  The rest of the Devils hurriedly kneeled before the Maou and Natsuki followed suit, realizing that she was being rude by just blatantly staring at the older and more powerful Devils.

  Sirzechs chuckled, "Please relax, I came here for private business today, no need to be so formal."

  Everyone obeyed the order and stood up.

  "Onii-sama, w-why are you here?" Rias asked doubtfully, confused by her brother's presence as he had not informed her that he was coming to the human world, along with the fact that he had never come directly to the school when doing so.

  After she said that, Sirzechs pulled out a printed form from his pocket and handed it over to Rias. "What are you saying, your open house is coming soon, right? I wanted to see my little sister working hard in her studies from up close."

  A look of disbelief and horror overtook Rias' face as she looked at the form and then at her sister-in-law. "Grayfia Onee-sama, please tell me you weren't the one who told him?"

  "Yes, the reports from the school come to me as I am the one entrusted with the schedules of all members of the Gremory household. And of course, as Sirzechs-Sama's Queen as well, I reported it to my master." Grayfia responded without hesitation.

  "Father is also coming." Sirzechs added, his smile growing larger.

  Rias took a step back, "But-but you can't. Both you and father are busy, I mean you can't just drop your responsibilities and-"

  "And come see my baby sister in action? Of course I can!"

  Rias could do nothing more than drop her head and sigh, seeing this as the losing battle that it was, nothing would deter her brother and father coming to the school's open house and embarrassing her into an early grave.

  Th open house was a yearly event that allowed parents and teachers to meet each other face-to-face, where parents are given the same schedule as their child, following them during the school day and were also given reports on their child's progress. They will also be given tours of the school and different classrooms, clubs, and teams, showing off the school's achievements and accolades.

  Sirzechs' smile became more of a smirk as he spoke, "And this will count as work, in a way. As you are aware; there will be a meeting between the representatives of the Angels, Devils, and Fallen Angels, but we have decided to hold this summit here at Kuoh Academy."

  Rias' eyes grew, "Here? Really? Are you serious?"

  "Ah, this school somehow seems to have fate tied to it. My little sister, you, the legendary Sekiryuutei and Kogane Ryū Kōgō, the Holy Devil Sword user, the Holy Sword Durandal's wielder and Maou Serafall Leviathan's little sister are attached to this place, and Kokabiel and Hakuryuukou have attacked this place. This is a phenomenon you can't label as coincidence; strong powers keep mixing here, it's like wave motion. I think the people accelerating this wave motion are Hyoudou Issei-kun and Sukehiro Natsuki-chan."

  Sirzechs glanced at Natsuki and Issei, Natsuki pursed her lips while Issei stood straighter at the attention, feeling nervous at the way the Maou looked at him briefly.

  Sirzechs then looked in Xenovia's direction, "You must be Xenovia-chan."

  "I am, it is nice to meet you, Mauo-sama." Xenovia responded, bowing her head to the devil King.

  "I got the report from Rias; the Holy Sword wielder of Durandal got reincarnated as a Devil, and not to mention becoming my sister's servant. Truth be told, I was doubting if my ears were working properly when I heard it the first time."

  "I also didn't think that I would become a Devil. To be reincarnated into the side that I hated so deeply, even if I say so myself, I sometimes regret it and that it was quite a bold move. Why did I become a Devil? Desperation? However, at that time, truthfully, everything was fine. But was it fine to be a Devil?" Xenovia declared, again unknowingly saying things that she did not mean to say aloud as she was thinking deeply.

  This caused Sirzechs to laugh, "It's great that my little sister's Peerage has a lot of interesting people. Xenovia-chan, since you were just reincarnated you won't understand right away, but I want you to support the Gremory household as one of Rias' Knights. I'll be counting on you."

  "If I am asked by the Legendary Maou written in the Bible to do it, then I will have no choice but to do it. I don't know how much I will be able to do, but allow me to do whatever I can in my capability."

  After hearing Xenovia's words, Sirzechs smiled, the same smile that Rias would always give her servants. "Thank you."

  Hearing Sirzechs' thanks and seeing him smile so brightly and earnestly, Xenovia cheeks became slightly red, and she broke eye contact with the Maou, looking towards the ground.

  Natsuki clenched her fists as she stared at Sirzechs and Grayfia, once again getting that intense feeling that she knows the pair. It irritated her not knowing the truth that they were no doubt keeping from her, and how she could not explain having met them but having never seen their faces before becoming a Devil.

  "Sirzechs-sama."

  Sirzechs turned to look at the Pawn, "Yes, Natsuki-chan?"

  He will not tell you the truth. Lux suddenly spoke to Natsuki in her mind, He may be smiling at you and treating you kindly, but I can feel his shiftiness around us.

  You still haven't told me how you can feel what other people feel and tell when they're lying. Natsuki thought, amusedly.

  "Natsuki-chan?" Sirzechs repeated as the girl was just staring at him, not saying anything.

  Is she talking to the Golden Dragon? Sirzechs thought.

  Natsuki blinked, clearing her throat when she noticed that everyone was looking at her questioningly. "I…You said that Azazel was here for the leaders' summit."

  "I did."

  "But Issei and I have been going to Azazel for job requests for a while now, so this summit would have had to be in the works way before everything with Kokabiel went down."

  "She's right." Rias said, turning towards her brother, "Onii-sama, how long have the leaders of the Three Factions been planning this summit for peace?"

  Sirzechs gave his sister a closed eyed smile, "Since God and the four original Maous were killed and the war ended, of course."

  "What?!"

  Sirzechs laughed at the reactions of everyone, "Obviously, the hatred between our three races was and is still prominent. But even back then, there were those of us aware enough to realize that continuing to kill each other would only lead to the destruction of our races. And lately, more serious issues have become known, making a more permanent alliance between us all."

  "What issues?" Natsuki asked.

  Sirzechs waved her off, "That's not important; work is being done to correct them. Right now, the only thing you all should be focusing on is putting your best foot forward and preparing for the summit."

  Natsuki clenched her jaw, forcing herself to remain quiet and not ask the questions she truly desired to voice. She always hated being kept in the dark about things, of being lied to, but she had to accept that she was now a part of a larger world than the one she was once aware of.

  There was a chain of command, a hierarchy, and despite being a servant of a High-Class Devil such as Rias, who was the heir to a Duchy and the sister of one of the leaders if the Devil race, and having one of the fourteen original Longinus as a Sacred Gear, Natsuki was still seen as very low on the totem pole as a reincarnated Devil who was still subservient to another.

  Calm yourself, ?????? ??????. As I told you, we will not get much from this fake Lucifer, it is pointless to waste time and energy trying to do so. Lux said to her.

  I know, but it's so vexing to know that you're being lied to. Why shouldn't I be upset that they are clearly hiding something from me?

  You have the right to be upset, but as I said it will not get you anywhere. They cannot keep whatever they are hiding secret for long, and in the meantime, I will help you discover the truth. Discreetly.

  We don't even know where to start.

  You are a Devil, my dear. We have all the time in the world, just have patience.

  Sirzechs clapped his hands together, ending the internal conversation between dragon and host. "Now that the difficult conversation has been had, let us move on to more important matters. Even though I came to the human world, it's nighttime. Would it be fair to ask for a place to stay for the night?"

  Everyone looked at each other, all of them, apart from Issei, Rias, and Asia who lived in the Hyoudou household, and Akeno who lived in a converted shrine at the edge of town, lived in apartments, none of which would be big enough to house Sirzechs and Grayfia.

  After a few seconds, Issei hesitantly and slowly raised his hand, drawing everyone's attention to him. "You can stay at my house for the night."

  "I am glad to hear that my little sister has not inconvenience you." Sirzechs said, smiling at Miki.

  "Oh, no. Rias-san is a such a lovely girl." Miki said as she walked back into the living room. "Clean, eats her vegetables, she hasn't been a bother."

  Why am I here? Natsuki thought to herself as she sat next to Sirzechs Lucifer on a couch along with Hyoudou Gorou.

  Natsuki knew why she was in the Hyoudou residence; Sirzechs had asked her to come with them and who was she to say no to an all-power Devil who could kill her without even lifting a finger.

  It is strange how he has invited us to a home that is not even his. Lux asserted, causing Natsuki to snort. Rias looked at her questioningly for a few seconds before turning away.

  Rias had tried to refuse when Issei offered up his house for her brother and sister-in-law to stay in, but there was no way of stopping them once the words left Issei's mouth. And she could do nothing when Sirzechs all but dragged Natsuki to the Hyoudou house, not taking any refusal that Natsuki tried to give.

  So, Rias had been red faced since the group arrived in the house, embarrassed and afraid of what Sirzechs and Grayfia might say in the presence of Issei's parents.

  Neither Gorou nor Miki was bothered by Natsuki, Sirzechs, and Grayfia spending the night. If anything, they were ecstatic to meet some of Rias' family and getting to better know the friend their son was constantly talking about.

  "Oh, she's a wonderful young lady, but I have no idea what she's doing with Issei." Gorou said with a laugh, pouring Sirzechs another drink.

  "If you insist." Sirzechs said as he lifted his glass.

  Issei could do nothing but sigh and drop his shoulders at the scene, muttering to himself. "Sure, Otou-san, hang out with the Devil King like you two are old friends."

  Asia looked at Issei sympathetically as she whispered to him, "It's okay, he doesn't know he's talking to a Maou."

  Rias crossed her arms as she started pointedly at Issei, her cheeks still slightly red, "Why did you say he could stay at your house?"

  "I was being polite." Issei argued, "And he said he would find a hotel tomorrow."

  "Ugh, this is so humiliating," Rias groaned, leaning further back into the chair she was sitting in.

  Rias gets humiliated? Issei thought, shocked by the revelation while also thinking of how cute Rias' uncomfortable and shy expression was.

  Gorou looked at the other side of the couch to the space directly behind Sirzechs, loudly whispering to the man, "The maid-san over there is…"

  "Her name Grayfia. She's actually my wife." Sirzechs answered.

  "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh?" The Hyoudou's exclaimed and no one could blame them for how Sirzechs and Grayfia acted.

  Grayfia was expressionless as she reached over and pinched her husband's. "I am the maid, Grayfia. I apologize for my master speaking such boring jokes."

  "It huwts, It huwts, Grayfia." Sirzechs exclaimed, smiling teary eyed while the angry and quiet Grayfia continued to pinch his cheeks.

  Rias covered her face with her hands, trying to hide from the embarrassment she was feeling.

  Natsuki took a sip of the juice Miki had given her, "I guess this happens a lot?"

  Rias moved her hands low enough to glare at her second Pawn, "This is not funny, Natsuki."

  "I didn't say it was." Natsuki replied, but Rias did not believe the girl as she was actively hiding a smirk behind her glass.

  Miki cleared her throat, causing Grayfia to reluctantly release her hold on her husband's face, "Well then, Gremory-san, will you be attending the open house as well?"

  Sirzechs rubbed his cheeks, "Yes, I have taken a break from work, so I thought I could use this chance to see my little sister's school and how she looks in class. My father will be coming as well."

  "Ah, Rias-san's Otou-san as well."

  "Father helped in the establishment of Kuoh Academy, so we viewed this as a good chance visit as well. Although, frankly, he just wanted to see Rias's face."

  Once again, Rias sighed, her face becoming as red as her hair as the adults in the room laughed.

  I am in hell… Rias thought.

  "What? You cannot be serious! Are you trying to tell me I can't sleep with Ise?" Rias exclaimed, standing in the doorway of Issei's bedroom in a form fitting nightgown.

  "Sorry, but I want to talk to him as we go to bed. Natsuki too, its why I asked her to come. Surely, I can borrow him for just an evening?" Sirzechs said as he and Natsuki set up the futons Miki had given them.

  Whatever he has to say has to be important if he wants to talk to me and Issei alone. But since Issei is here, it's not going to be about Sirzechs' lying. Natsuki thought.

  Issei looked at the two surprised. He doesn't care that we sleep together?

  Rias then ran into the room and hugged Issei, "Can you sleep alone? Are you all right with me not being beside you? I am not all right though. Just by you not being beside me..."

  While he was very happy by the action and the words, this made issei think about something Akeno had told him, wondering if she was right about Rias' degree of dependence towards him was increasing and if it was obvious to everyone if Sirzechs did not care that he was sharing a bed with his younger sister.

  Before Issei could respond, Grayfia entered the room with Asia, "Ojou-sama, now let's return to our room."

  "I'm coming." Rias sighed.

  "Rest well." Grayfia told the other as she curtseyed to them, Grayfia then took Rias by the hand and led her out of the room, saying something quietly to her.

  "I know, Grayfia…" Rias replied, looking back at Issei.

  "Uh, sweet dreams, Buchou." Issei said as the two left, "She's acting like we're a parent and child being separated."

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Natsuki turned to Issei in disbelief, "You can't be serious? Do you actually think she sees you as her kid?"

  "Yeah. I mean, I'm one of her cute servants. She sleeps in my bed because I'm like her body pillow that she uses to have a good night's rest. Everything between us, it's familial." Issei answered, ignoring Natsuki looking at him like he was an idiot.

  To him, there was no way that Rias Gremory would ever be interested in someone like him. And he has been painfully taught why a lame pervert like himself would never get a beautiful girl to return his feelings.

  No doubt the boys from my class think I've lost my virginity, and I'm definitely not going to correct them! But if it were Kiba or some other guys, would they have already slept with Buchou? No, no, that's not true! Even though I sleep with two hot girls every night, there is a proper order for things. For me to skip the order and attack Buchou is…

  With how cowardly you're being about the whole thing, you're not the Red Dragon Emperor but the Red Virgin Emperor, Partner. Ddraig voiced within Issei's mind.

  Shut up! Leave me alone! In the meantime, I will do ecchi things with Buchou and you can just keep on looking from there!

  Issei shook his head, pulled out of his conversation with Ddraig when Asia hugged him, "Ise… Um, Ise-san, good night. I also think it's unfortunate but tonight I'll sleep in my room."

  Slightly bowing her head, Asia headed off towards her room smiling to herself, leaving Issei and Natsuki alone with the Maou.

  Man, why did that make me feel guilty? Issei thought as he and the others finished getting ready for bed.

  When Issei turned off the lights, Natsuki could not deny the awkwardness she felt laying on a futon right next to a Maou, feeling like this could have been the set up to a really bad and raunchy joke.

  "I heard you two met Azazel." Sirzechs finally said, breaking the silence.

  "We did." Issei said obediently.

  "I hear he did nothing to you, but did he say something to you?"

  Natsuki answered this time, "'I'll meet you again next time,' is what he said."

  "I see, Azazel has always had a strong interest in the Sacred Gears, your [Boosted Gear] and [Ethereal Domination] are no exception. Actually, same as the two of you, a person possessing the Longinus has gathered alongside him."

  "We know, Maou-sama; Rias told us, and it was obvious who Vali was when he showed up and beat Kokabiel. But what purpose does Azazel have for any of this?" Natsuki asked.

  Sirzechs turned to face the ceiling, "I don't know, Azazel is the Governor of an organization with the power to affect Heaven, the Underworld, and the human world. However, he doesn't like war like Kokabiel does. And it's because of that hate for war, that the Fallen Angels were the first to withdraw from the Great War. And I know that Azazel has punished Kokabiel by freezing him solid in Cocytus."

  I don't want to have another owner other than Buchou. Would Azazel want Natsuki and I as his servants? Is that why he's so interested in us? What if he brainwashes us? Issei thought, a shiver racing down his spine.

  As if realizing Issei's concern, Sirzechs spoke in an amused tone. "Don't worry, I can guarantee your safety, you have nothing to worry about. It doesn't happen often that one, let alone two, legendary dragons join the side of Devils. And my little sister treats you both dearly, I've never seen Rias have so much fun, even in the underworld. I am sure she must be having fun every day, so I have to thank you."

  The two Pawns could hear the deep affection Sirzechs had for Rias in his voice, see the way his expression brightened as he spoke about her.

  Sirzechs looked at the pair warmly, "Hyoudou Issei-kun, Sukehiro Natsuki-chan. Take care of my sister Rias, from now on too."

  "Of course! I'm Rias Gremory's Pawn, I will protect her with my life!" Issei boasted.

  Natsuki nodded her head, "Rias is our friend and King; she has me in her corner as long as she needs me."

  "Thank you very much, I appreciate it." Sirzechs said before sitting up in his futon and looking at Issei directly, "Also, I never asked, is it if I call you Ise-kun like my little sister does?"

  Issei sat up in his own bed, "O-Of course! It's an honor!"

  Sirzechs then looked at Natsuki, placing and hand under his chin as if he was deep thought. "You don't have a nickname, Natsuki-chan."

  "And I don't need one, Maou-sama." Natsuki quickly vocalized, trying to be as respectful as possible.

  The only person who referred to her by a nickname was Kushina, who would often call her Natsu, Natsu-chan, or her summer princess, all of which made her feel a warmth in her chest and embarrassment if Kushina did so in public.

  So, the thought of a Maou, and undoubtedly others doing the same felt wrong in a way that she could not properly put into words.

  "Oh, I'll think of one later. It will come to me eventually." Sirzechs laughed, ignoring what the younger girl next to him said and the sigh that went with it. "Regardless, it's only fair that I ask you both to call me by name. Onii-san is also fine."

  Natsuki and Issei looked at each other, both shocked before Issei answered the older Devil. "I feel like that would rude given everything. Would calling you Sirzechs-sama be all right?"

  Sirzechs sighed, a pout appearing on his lips that made him look even more like his sister. "That's fine, but it's a pity, I wanted to be called Onii-san by two legendary dragons. Meh, it will happen eventually with one of you, so this can do for now."

  "Huh?" Issei breathed out, not understanding what Sirzechs was implying.

  Natsuki did understand and chuckle to herself, accidentally meeting Sirzechs' eye, the man giving her a playful wink that made her laugh harder, much to Issei's confusion.

  Sirzechs then looked at Issei, "Hey Ise-kun, I wanted to ask you something. You have an appreciation for women with large breasts, yes?"

  Natsuki's eyes grew larger, not expecting the Maou to ask such a question.

  Issei's hearing the question, jumped out of his bed passionately. "Yes, sir! I love them more than air!" But the Pawn immediately froze, realizing that he just voiced his lustful desires to Maou, becoming embarrassed by his own behavior.

  Sirzechs continued, unbothered by the outburst, "Even as her brother, I can acknowledge that Rias has a very attractive set."

  Issei stood straighter, "Agreed. Rias-Buchou-my master's boobs are the best there is. Nothing else can compare."

  "What the fuck kind of conversation is this?" Natsuki asked aloud, looking at the other two Devils annoyed and weirded out, but was ignored by them both.

  "Might I speak hypothetically for a moment?" Sirzechs asked.

  "Uh, yes?" Issei replied.

  Sirzechs began to smirk, "Have you ever wondered what would happen if you transferred your power from your [Boosted Gear] to Rias' breasts?"

  A shock like he had never felt before, washed over Issei as he began to think about Sirzechs' idea.

  Use [Boosted Gear] on Bu-Buchou's boobs? No way, such a thing even possible? No, but! That concept wasn't present! Gift to boobs! To transfer the power of Sekiryuutei on boobs! Th-That is, what exactly would happen if that occurred? I can't imagine it! I can't predict it! Dammit! Sirzechs-sama's glorious brain is far above mine! Would the size increase? No, no, would they shine while stretched? Uhhhhh! I don't know!

  "Just something to think about." Sirzechs said, watching as Issei weakly climbed back into bed, staring at the ceiling as his brain was overwhelmed by the thought of what he could do with his newly given knowledge.

  Natsuki looked at the Maou deadpanned, "Did you really come all the way to this house, made me sleep over here too, just to tell Issei to sexually harass your sister?"

  I cannot believe that this fool was the man capable of besting so many of my pervious hosts. It makes me feel pathetic. Lux said, the disgust in her tone evident, and Natsuki could not help but agree somewhat.

  Sirzechs grinned, "From what I witnessed in the Rating Game against Riser and in the reports I received after your battle against Kokabiel, Issei seems to respond greatly to women's bodies. I am only ensuring that he continues growing as much as he has been."

  Natsuki could not deny that Sirzechs was right in a sense; Issei's dream of becoming a Harem King and his lust have driven him to become stronger. But Natsuki knew that this dream had been secondary in the battles they had fought.

  Raynare and her group of Fallen, Riser and his Peerage, Kokabiel, Valper, and Freed. They were all people Issei fought in the defense others, to protect and keep their friends safe.

  Issei was weaker than me, a lot weaker, but now I can feel him closing the gap. I have been fighting just like him to protect the Peerage, so why do I feel like I'm stagnating? I want to be the strongest, isn't that a better goal to have than sleeping with a bunch of girls? Natsuki knew that it was wrong to think the way she was, that she should be happy for Issei's growth, but she could not help it, this newfound jealousy and insecurity was gripping her tightly.

  "You shouldn't be upset about your own progress. You're getting stronger every day, even if it doesn't feel like it." Sirzechs said knowingly, causing the girl's head to snap towards him.

  Natsuki's jaw clenched, "I'm not-"

  "You are. You're jealous of Issei, afraid that he is going to overtake you soon."

  Natsuki quickly turned her head the other way, looking at Issei and feeling relieved when she saw that the boy had fallen asleep.

  "It is a common emotion to feel, it does not make you lesser. It's what you do and how you act with that emotion that matters." Sirzechs continued.

  Natsuki looked down at her hands, "And you can relate to what I'm feeling?"

  "I wasn't always Sirzechs Lucifer, the Crimson Satan, Ace of the Anti-Satan Faction."

  Natsuki scoffed, "Excuse me if I find it hard to believe that the Embodiment of Destruction was ever a normal man."

  "My sister tell you about that nickname?" Sirzechs asked with a laugh, "Still, I was not as strong nor confident in my abilities as I am now. You are much the same, you just need to reach that… enlightened moment in your path to greatness."

  "Enlightened?"

  "Yes, enlightened." Sirzechs repeated, "You have to find clarity and understanding within yourself, your reason for being."

  "And Issei's obsession with breasts is enlightenment?" Natsuki asked sarcastically.

  "To Issei it is." Sirzechs grinned, "It's different for everyone, Issei just happens to be guided more by the tenant of lust than other Devils."

  "So, the Seven Deadly Sins are real?" Natsuki asked, temporarily distracted.

  "Not in the physical or magical sense. Devils are known for being creatures of selfishness and desire, so its easiness to chalk up the commonness of these traits into seven tenants to which one must aspire."

  Natsuki remained quiet for a few moments before whispering, "How do I reach this enlightenment I need to get stronger?"

  Sirzechs shrugged playfully, "I can't tell you that, Natsuki-chan. It's something one must figure out for themselves."

  Natsuki rolled her eyes, "Will you at least tell me how we know each other?"

  "Natsuki-chan, you are my sister's Pawn, how else-"

  "I know you are lying to me." Natsuki snapped, "I can feel it, so how do I know you and your wife?"

  Sirzechs stared at Natsuki, the smile on his face irritating the girl. "It's not important for you to know at the moment; you'll learn the truth soon enough, especially with the surprise coming in a few days."

  Natsuki looked at the other Devil confused, "A surprise? Not important? What does that even mean?"

  Sirzechs once again shrugged, "Who knows."

  Natsuki narrowed her eyes, "And you won't tell me, Sirzechs-sama?"

  "I won't." Sirzechs replied with an easy-going tone, "You could always try to beat the answers out of me if you desire to know so badly."

  "I don't have a death wish." Natsuki said sardonically.

  Sirzechs laughed, "Oh, I wouldn't harm one of Rias' precious servants."

  "But-"

  "Natsuki," The girl could not stop herself from flinching with the now serious and cold way that Sirzechs said her name and with no honorific and the end. His eyes her glowing a slight reddish black color, and his body language had lost its playful demeanor; this was no longer Rias' goofy, friendly, siscon older brother, this was a Maou, one of the strongest beings alive, and it terrified her.

  Natsuki… Lux said, her voice taking on a tense and nervous edge.

  "I know you have questions, but I will not answer them for you. Trust me when I say you are better off not knowing, there is nothing you need to concern yourself with."

  Better off not knowing? Not knowing what? I just wanted to know why you know me, what does this have to do with, why is this so serious? "I just-"

  "Am I understood, Natsuki?" Sirzechs asked, his voice becoming deeper, shaking Natsuki to her bones.

  "I-I… Understood, S-Sirzechs-sama." Natsuki stuttered.

  In an instant, the glow of his eyes was gone, his body relaxed, and his smile returned. "Good."

  What the fuck was that?! Natsuki thought, staring at the Maou wide eyed.

  Sirzechs then yawned loudly, "Well, that was a good talk. Good night, Natsuki-chan."

  Natsuki watched as Sirzechs laid down on his futon, pulling his blanket over his chest and closing his eyes, falling asleep quickly.

  "What the fuck…" Natsuki said aloud, still shocked from what just happened.

  We need to leave. Lux said to Natsuki, her voice slightly frantic.

  "I don't think we can." Natsuki said, still staring at Sirzechs sleeping face, "Wouldn't he notice us leave?"

  He would. Lux sighed; This Devil is more dangerous than I remember him being, and he has certainly gotten stronger. And it only makes me more curious about what he knows.

  Natsuki laid down on her futon, staring at the ceiling conflicted, "I need to know."

  Natsuki could not see Lux's face, but she could practically feel the expression on her face. Even after he just threatened you?

  "I'm stubborn, you know this, Lux."

  Lux laughed slightly. Yes, I am more than aware of that fact.

  Natsuki continued to stare at the ceiling, Lux quieted down but remained awake with her, as a form of silent protection and support.

  As hard as she tried, Natsuki was not able to sleep peacefully that night, her body and mid still wired with questions that refused to leave her and a fear that remained with her due to the man sleeping calmly beside her.

  Two Days Later

  The next day after spending the night at Issei's house, the younger Devils took Sirzechs and Grayfia out and showed them around the area before they had to leave.

  They went to a few arcades, something Sirzechs mentioned he wanted to bring to the Underworld, and Issei found himself shocked when he kept getting beaten by the centuries old Devil. At the ice cream shop, they tested out all the flavors, much to the annoyance of the people working there. And finally, they went to the Shinto shrine, where the Maou's absolute Demonic power drove away the shrine's Holy power just by stepping one foot inside the building, allowing the other Devils to enter the holy building unscathed.

  Now the Occult Research Club was cleaning the school's pool as a favor to the Student Council and as thanks for helping them maintain the barrier when Kokabiel tried to reignite the Great War. Rias agreed to cleaning the pool on the condition that she and her Peerage were the first ones to use it and as often as they liked.

  "Natsuki, why do you look so bored? Don't you understand the greatness that has befallen us on this day?!" Issei exclaimed, staring at the pool with tears of joy.

  He, Natsuki, and Kiba were standing before the pool waiting for the rest of the girls to finish changing into their bathing suits now that they had finished cleaning.

  Issei was wearing moss green swimming trunks with a gold rope, Kiba was wearing a blue swimming cap over his head and dark blue speedos, and Natsuki was wearing a black bikini top and yellow swimming trunks with a black vertical stripe going down both sides.

  Issei could not help the slight jealous he felt seeing his friends more muscular builds, both Kiba and Natsuki having lean muscles and abs.

  "Issei, it's a pool, and all we're doing in it is swimming." Natsuki replied.

  In all honesty, Natsuki did not find much enjoyment in swimming, all of which stemmed from her childhood and how she only learned to do so because the other kids in the orphanage like to throw her off an old bridge that was near their home during the winter.

  They found humor in watching the cold and soaked girl nearly drowning trying to escape the river and reach the shore. But this behavior stopped once Natsuki had to all but force herself to learn how to swim and thus no longer being able to watch her flail around helplessly.

  It also did not help that swimming at a pool required a person to change in and out of a swimsuit, but Natsuki circumvented this today by wearing her swimsuit underneath her clothes and was planning to wait for the other girls to finished changing before doing so herself once they were done for the day.

  Issei shook his head back and forth, "It's not about the pool! It's about what the pool provides; beautiful girls in skimpy, barely able to hold on, bathing suits!"

  Kiba chuckled, "I feel like you two will never be able to agree on this topic."

  Issei then turned to the other boy, "C'mon, Kiba, you have to agree with me here!"

  Kiba shrugged, "Sorry, Ise, but I mainly want to use the pool because it's a good sense of exercise. I'll be able to improve my endurance with a couple dozen laps for sure."

  Issei dropped his head, "I'm surrounded by ungrateful fools."

  The trio were not kept waiting much longer as Rias, Akeno, Koneko, and Asia walked out of the girls' changing room.

  "Sorry to keep you three waiting." Rias said while Akeno used her magic to fill the newly cleaned pool with water.

  The redhead was wearing a pure white swimsuit that fit firmly on her body, with her bottoms being held up by three interconnecting golden rings on each side of her hips. The whole look extenuated the girl's long shapely legs and backside.

  Noticing Issei's hard staring, Rias grinned, "Hey, Ise. How does my swimsuit look?"

  "Puh! It's the greatest swimsuit I've ever seen!" Issei yelled, feeling blood beginning to drip from his nose.

  "Ara, ara. It's amusing how badly you wish to impress Ise-kun with your bikini, Buchou." Akeno said as she walked over.

  Akeno was wearing a purple and pink bandeau with matching bottoms, and the shoulder straps were moved to hang around her neck. The cloth was small and stretched out, as if it would snap and break if Akeno did anything too strenuous.

  Aah, if the two Great Onee-samas wore clothes like this every day, then a lot of young boys will have to start slouching! Issei thought feverishly.

  "As if you aren't trying to do the same." Rias said to the other girl quietly, pointedly looking in Natsuki's direction.

  Akeno giggled, but did not deny the claim that Rias threw at her; she bought this outfit with the singular purpose of drawing some reaction out of the Pawn and was not shy to say it. But she also found herself burning up as she looked at Natsuki's attire, licking her lips as she watched Natsuki's muscles tense with each movement she took.

  "Ise-san. I-I came after changing as well." Issei turned around and saw Asia fidgeting behind him. Asia was wearing the traditional school swimsuit, with the name 'Asia' written across her chest.

  Issei grinned, giving the girl a thumbs up, "Asia, you're looking cute! Your onii-san is deeply moved! It suits you well!" Yeah, if a blonde haired bishoujo wears a Japanese swimsuit then you will feel an incredible power!

  Asia smiled, "Ehehe. I am happy that Ise-san said that. Koneko-chan is wearing a school swimsuit too."

  Koneko was indeed wearing the same school swimsuit, the only difference being that Koneko had a white swim cap on her head and the name written across her chest was her own.

  "Wow, Koneko-chan, you're looking more like a school mascot than ever. I've got to say, it works for you!"

  Koneko looked away from Issei, a small blush appearing on her cheeks, "I honestly have no response for that. I guess it's better to have the pervert's opinion than anyone else."

  Natsuki reached over and poked one of the red cheeks with her finger, "Koneko, don't tell me you're falling for Issei's charm, I thought he was a useless pervert?"

  Koneko's face twitched and in response to Natsuki's teasing, grabbed the finger she was still poking her cheek with, squeezing it hard.

  "OW! It was a joke, Koneko, it was a joke!" Natsuki screamed, trying but failing to pull her finger out of the younger girl's grip.

  The others laughed at the sight, especially when Koneko refused to show mercy and squeezed even harder, causing Natsuki to drop to her knees.

  Rias had come to Natsuki's rescue, clapping her hands to gain everyone's attention, "Alright guys, let's get to swimming, we don't have all day to waste."

  "Yes, Buchou!" Everyone except Natsuki who was still cradling her finger exclaimed.

  Rias then put her hands on Koneko's shoulders, "Ise, I hate to ask, but could you help Koneko and Asia by being their partner? Neither of them knows how to swim by themselves."

  "Oh, yeah, totally." Issei said before looking at Koneko, "Let's get in the water, Koneko-chan."

  Koneko nodded her head and walked to the edge of the pool, holding Issei's hand as he slowly helped her into the water. Asia stood on the side watching the pair and beginning to cheer on the younger girl."

  Kiba jumped into the water, swimming to the other side and beginning his laps, swimming as fast as he could back and forth inside the lane he had entered.

  Natsuki walked over to the nearby chairs, sitting down on the one directly under an umbrella as she closed her eyes and relaxed.

  Akeno pouted as she watched Natsuki sit down instead of swimming and was about to go and try and convince her otherwise but was distracted when Rias issued a challenge to race in the water.

  Why can't I relax? Natsuki thought to herself, reluctantly opening her eyes as her thoughts kept racing, still thinking about two nights ago in Issei's bedroom.

  You could try swimming to burn off your restless energy. Lux spoke softly in Natsuki's head.

  I could. Natsuki said plainly, staring at the pool with distaste.

  Lux, being intwined with Natsuki's soul, could look into Natsuki's mind and see her memories, so she knew why Natsuki did not want to swim, and did not begrudge her for it, nor was she going to mention it. You are going to drive yourself mad by refusing to move on from your encounter with Sirzechs.

  Natsuki sighed. I know, I'm trying, it's just so… I don't know what to do, Lux.

  Neither do I, to be honest. This whole situation has left me troubled, but I suppose it makes sense why Sirzechs would be hiding something in relation to you.

  Natsuki sat up, staring at Issei as he helped Asia with feet pedaling. What do you mean? Do you know something, Lux?

  Lux sighed, she had not been planning to tell Natsuki this, but she figured this was as good a time as any. You and I share a body, Natsuki. That night, when you first unlocked your Sacred Gear, I awoke from my slumber, and… and I could feel that something was different about you.

  What? What was different about me?

  Your body, your soul, they were not like any human host I had ever had before, but I realized that it held similarities to some hybrid hosts I have had in the past. Like your friend, Akeno, I do not believe that you were entirely human when you died.

  Natsuki froze, shocked by what she just heard. I'm, I'm not human?

  I cannot tell you what your other side might be, but I do know that I have not had a host with the same lineage. And I can tell you that it does not belong to the pantheon that you are currently apart of; you are not of Devil, Fallen, or Angel origin.

  Pantheon?

  Gods, mythical creatures, and monsters from other religions and cultures; pantheons, exist. Lux explained. Greek, Roman, Norse, they are all real.

  Natsuki took a moment to adjust. And you don't know which one I could belong to?

  No, I do not. Many of the pantheons have crossed with each other over the eons, and many share histories and commonalties with each other. There are so many beings with similar energies that it is hard to tell, especially with how many I have come across in my lifetime.

  Natsuki did not know how to process the knowledge that she was a hybrid; a reincarnated Devil and something else that she did not know.

  It is one of the reasons I believe that your magic is so strange and has manifested the way it has. Why you are so attuned with the magical energies around you, able to sense it better than almost all partners I have had in the past, why you can create black masses of magic.

  Natsuki's eyes widened. That ability didn't come from you?

  It did not, it is all you, Natsuki.

  It's all me...

  Natsuki did not know how much time had passed as she became lost in thought, only snapping back when she felt a pair of arms wrap around her neck from behind, the person pressing their chest firmly against her back, and resting their chin on her left shoulder.

  Akeno's lips skirted against the edge of Natsuki's ear, allowing Natsuki to feel Akeno's warm breath as she spoke. "You know, it really hurts my feelings when you sit here with your head in the clouds, especially when I picked this bathing suit just for you, Natsuki-chan. It breaks my heart; you should take responsibility for that."

  Natsuki rolled her eyes, "I didn't ask you to buy anything for me. And even if I did, I doubt I would like any form of payment I would have to give you for it."

  "Maow, you're no fun." Akeno joked, taking a strand of Natsuki's hair, and twirling it around her finger. "Why aren't you swimming with the rest of us?"

  "I didn't feel like it." Natsuki said.

  "Why?" Akeno asked.

  "Where's Xenovia? It shouldn't take that long to put on a swimsuit, one of us should go check on her or something." Natsuki tried to stand up, but Akeno tightened her hold, refusing to let the other girl leave so easily.

  "Natsuki-chan, it's rude to change the subject like that and to make up fake excuses."

  Natsuki sighed, "I don't like swimming, okay. It just brings up bad memories for me."

  Akeno became solemn, "You could have told us, we would all understand if you didn't want to stay after the pool was clean."

  "I wanted to stay, Akeno-senpai." Natsuki argued, "And besides, it's not like I have some debilitating aversion to swimming, I just don't care for it the same way you guys do."

  "Well, let's make some new memories to get rid of those pesky ones from when you were a kid." Akeno said, nodded her head towards the pool.

  "You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?"

  Akeno grinned, leaning even closer to Natsuki, "I would honestly love it if you said no; it would make things all the sweeter for me." She then licked the inside of Natsuki's ear before biting her earlobe, pulling the skin with her teeth.

  Natsuki jumped at the sudden action and the pain it caused, but she also shivered, a warm feeling spreading in her stomach and across her face.

  Akeno's eyes brightened in delightful surprise, "Did you enjoy that, Natsuki-chan? Do you like it when I hurt you? I'm sure you'd like me to be in control of your pleasure, to-"

  "Akeno..." Natsuki turned her head, looking at the older girl coldly.

  "Yes?" Akeno asked playfully, slowly releasing her hold on Natsuki, and standing.

  "I'm going to kill you." Natsuki spat, embarrassed that Akeno had managed to draw out such a strange sensation in her body.

  Akeno giggled, quickly sprinting away, Natsuki right on her heels determined to catch her. Akeno ran to one of the pool's diving boards, balancing on the edge as she watched Natsuki run at her full speed.

  Natsuki, not paying attention to where Akeno was standing, only that she had stopped running, kept charging towards her and tackling her, causing them both to fall into the pool.

  When they resurfaced, Natsuki was still holding Akeno, her arms wrapped around the older girl's waist. Akeno laughed, "That wasn't so hard now, was it?"

  "You're annoying, senpai." Natsuki growled.

  Akeno laughed in response, and when she stopped, she rested her hands on Natsuki's shoulders as the younger girl continued to hold her.

  Her eyes, they're brighter when she's relaxed, the burgundy color becomes more prominent. Akeno thought, seeing that Natsuki's eyes were no longer hooded like they were when she was sitting by herself.

  Natsuki cleared her throat and tried to let go of Akeno when she realized the position they were in, but once again, Akeno refused to let her.

  "Ara, I'm not letting you go, Natsuki-chan, you might try to leave."

  Natsuki rolled her eyes, "I won't, if I do, I'd have to deal with you annoying me again."

  "I would call it being kind instead of annoying." Akeno smirked.

  "Of course you would." Natsuki said, and as they remained in an embrace, Natsuki then remembered her conversation with Lux. "Akeno-senpai, can I ask you something?"

  "Yes?" Akeno said, fluttering her eyelashes at Natsuki flirtatiously.

  Natsuki licked her lips, "When we were fighting K-"

  Splash!

  Suddenly, the pair were hit by a wave of water, with the water getting into their mouths and noses. And when they looked to the side, Rias and Issei were grinning at them, making it obvious who splashed them.

  Akeno and Natsuki looked at each other for a moment, and simultaneously turned back to the other two Devils. Both smirked fiendishly, their expressions promising vengeance, unaware of how fitting they looked with each other.

  "Buchou, I think we made a mistake here." Issei said, slowly trying to back away from the pair across from them.

  Rias only laughed, "That's what makes it fun!"

  Just as the words left her lips, Rias was hit by a fast stream of water that Akeno used her magic to create, sending her to the other end of the pool. Issei's mouth dropped open in shock, both by the force of the stream and the speed at which Akeno had fired it, the attack having moved faster than he had been able to track.

  When he turned to look at Natsuki, Issei saw that she had a sphere of water in her right hand, a similar form to the black bolt she liked to create. Natsuki pulled her arm back and threw the sphere of water at him, the object blurring before his eyes.

  Oh, no...

  The Next Day

  Issei sighed as he folded his arms behind his head as he walked to school that morning.

  This was the first time in a while that he was walking to school by himself, Rias had work that she had to in the clubroom that morning and Asia had also left early, going to the apartment that Xenovia was now living in, wanting to help her get ready for her first day of school.

  When he thought of Xenovia, Issei sighed, not knowing what to make of what happened yesterday in the pool equipment room. The Knight had propositioned the Pawn, wanting him to give her child as she desired to become a mother, choosing Issei as she believed that he would give her powerful children.

  Xenovia had grown up in the Church, devoting her entire life to God, training, and her studies, so now that she was a Devil and had been excommunicated, she had to find a new purpose.

  In that moment, Issei was shocked and ecstatic that a beautiful girl wanted to sleep with him, that he would finally lose his virginity, but now that he had a clearer head, Issei realized how scummy it would have been if he did sleep with Xenovia.

  The newly reincarnated Devil was a lot like Asia; both were girls who grew up in sheltered and conservative environments, and now they were free to do what they liked, Xenovia asking him to impregnate him proved that.

  Xenovia just wanted to fulfil a dream, and I was the closest guy there, it didn't mean anything. I mean, if she wanted really strong kids, she could go to Kiba or Natsuki. Well, maybe not Natsuki, she's more likely to run Xenovia through with a sword than have sex with her. Issei thought.

  As if she could hear his thoughts, Issei saw Natsuki approaching as she crossed the street, yawning as she walked, adjusting the strap of her bag on her shoulder. "Hey, Issei."

  Issei grinned, "It's been a while since you've been on time for school."

  Natsuki huffed, "I don't want another lecture from Sona-Kaichou, so I willed myself to get ready. I think becoming a Devil has made me more tired, I never used to sleep in like this when I was human."

  "You sure it's not just you? I've been a Devil just as long as you and I'm not having any problems getting up in the morning."

  "Yeah, because Rias probably rolls onto you in her sleep and suffocates you into consciousness with her chest every morning." Natsuki said drily.

  "T-t-that's not what happens!" Issei screeched, but with how red his face was becoming, Natsuki was sure that such a scenario had happened at some point.

  "Hmm, sure." Natsuki said as the two were getting closer to the gates of the academy.

  "Shut up! You're just jealous that you can't get Akeno-senpai to use you like a body pillow like Buchou does with me!"

  "Why would I be jealous of-" Natsuki stopped talking, feeling an overwhelming power wash over her, coming from the school gates.

  It's, it's him again. Natsuki thought.

  Issei looked at Natsuki when she suddenly stopped talking, seeing the unnerved look on her face, "Natsuki, what's wro-"

  Issei froze, grabbing his left arm when he felt a pulse run through it, over the area that his [Boosted Gear] encompassed. The feeling was an intense burning sensation that came without warning, getting stronger the closer they moved to the school.

  "What the hell is going on?" Issei asked, his attention falling on a teenage boy who was leaning on the school gates, his eyes locked on Issei and Natsuki, smirking at them.

  He was a handsome young man with light silver hair, and hazel eyes. He was slightly shorter than Issei, and with his facial features it was clear that he was a foreigner, but neither Devil could tell what his age was, if he was younger or older than them. He was wearing a dark green V-neck shirt with a high-collared black leather jacket over it, burgundy jeans with a silver chain drooping down over them and black leather chaps with three bands encircling his right calf, and black shoes with black buckles.

  "Who are you?" Issei asked as the other students around them were filling into the school, but most taking note of the handsome stranger as they passed by, leaving the three alone.

  The stranger pushed himself off the gate, sauntering up to Issei and Natsuki, the smirk never leaving his face. "You don't remember me? That hurts, this is the second time we've met."

  "It is?" Issei asked, confused as he was sure that he would have remembered meeting a guy who looked like that.

  "Issei," Natsuki said, glaring at the man across from them, "He's the White Dragon Emperor."

  The White Dragon Emperor grinned, "I'm Vali, but you can keep calling me the White Dragon, or even the Vanishing Dragon."

  "What?!" Issei yelled, "You're the White Dragon Emperor?!"

  "And you're the Welsh Dragon, Sekiryuutei; Hyoudou Issei." Vali then looked at Natsuki, "And you're the Evolving Dragon, Kogane Ryū Kōgō; Sukehiro Natsuki."