Issei thought he knew suffering after everything he has been through since becoming a Devil.
He was wrong.
So, so, utterly, wrong.
"Rias… is… evil." Issei panted as he struggled to climb up the rocky terrain. He was currently trying to will his legs to keep moving as the heavy pack on his back weighed him down.
"You're almost there, just a few more feet!" Rias called from a few feet away, standing in between Akeno and Asia near a watering hole.
Asia looked on nervously, "Rias-Buchou, should I go and help him?"
"He'll be okay, he needs to learn to carry that much on his own". Rias was still focused on her 1st Pawn as she spoke.
As Issei continued to struggle, Kiba came up from behind while carrying a similar pack of his own and a plastic bag in his hand and walked around him. "On your right, Issei."
"Ah come on! Are you carrying a bag full of feathers or something?!"
But before he could continue yelling at the Knight, Natsuki came up from behind as well and she too walked around him. However, unlike the two boys she was carrying a pack on her back and a smaller one in her hands.
"Damn it Natsuki! You too?!" Issei was convinced that someone had to be messing with him, there was no way that these packs could all weigh the same and he was struggling the most.
Natsuki looked back at her fellow Pawn, "You shouldn't take it so personally Issei, the two of us are still new to this life so naturally we're going to be weaker than everyone else."
Issei looked down at the ground, "But you're not struggling…"
"I am, I'm just not showing it. I hate looking weak…" The last part came out as a whisper, but Issei was still able to hear it. Unbeknownst to the brunette a voice spoke to Natsuki.
And you never will be again my child, not if I can help it. Lux's voice and strong words soothed the anger that had formed and quickly calmed her, even causing the Pawn to smile slightly before she continued talking with Issei.
"Besides I have years of experience walking far distances while carrying heavy objects."
Issei tilted his head "You do?"
Natsuki hummed "Yeah, we didn't have a car and couldn't afford a cab where I'm from so whenever we needed things from the grocery store or any other place, I would walk there and walk back home."
Issei thought more about it, that would explain a lot about Natsuki. For starters how she could run for miles on end when they trained with Rias without getting tired, why she had those lean muscles of hers, and right now being able to carry these packs.
Natsuki cut off Issei's thoughts when she spoke again "Besides what we're doing is nothing compared to her." Issei looked towards where the dark-haired girl was facing and saw Koneko carrying a pack about 5x times the size of her body with ease.
"…Move it." The rook responded as she walked past them, causing Issei to fall to his knees in despair.
"Ahhhhgggh come on! I can't!" Comically large tears fell from Issei's eyes while the others watched on.
Natsuki just rolled her eyes "Get up Issei. How do you expect to beat Riser if you can't even get up the mountain." The girl then leans in closer and whispered, "Do you really think any beautiful girl would join your harem if you're so weak?"
"Uoryaaaaaa!" Issei screamed as he jumped back to his feet.
"You are right Natsuki! I refuse to lose here! Not to someone like that fried chicken bastard! And I cannot let my dream die like this!" After this claim, Issei proceeded to run full speed up the mountain.
Everyone else turned to look at Natsuki once Issei was no longer in sight. All Natsuki could do was shrug before picking up her packs and continuing to walk up the path. I figured that would motivate him, but not to his extent. I guess I shouldn't have underestimated the power of perversion.
Issei would only stop for a few moments to catch his breath and then run again. He did this repeatedly until the group reached the summit, and he collapsed on the ground from exhaustion.
In front of the group stood a large mansion and an even larger yard, Natsuki even noticed a large pond that looked like it could be used as an Olympic swimming pool. "Jeez Buchou, just how rich are you?"
"Never underestimate the Gremory household's finances." She boasted.
"I'll keep that in mind. So, what's the training plan?"
"You and Issei will rotate as you train in swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat with Yuuto and Koneko respectively. In between, both of you will join Asia in magic training with Akeno whereas Yuuto and Koneko spar. In the morning, you fight Koneko and Issei fight Yuuto. Any questions?"
"*huff*... no." Issei answered as he was still sprawled on the ground.
"Just one. I wanted to know if I could help you produce the strategies, we're going to use in the Rating Game?"
Rias' eyes widened in surprise, "You want to help me with our strategy?"
Natsuki nodded "Yes, I noticed somethings about Riser yesterday that could be taken advantage of, and I have some ideas to help even the playing field against his immortality and his full Peerage if they don't go against any rules." Natsuki swore that she would do anything in her power to help them win and not let that piece of trash marry Rias and that is just what she was going to do. By any means necessary…
Rias smiled at the younger girl, "Of course you can help Natsuki, I would appreciate whatever input you can come up with." The pureblood devil knew that Natsuki was intelligent, the girl was in the top 5 in not just her year but the entire school academically and she could not deny that she was not curious as to what the Pawn thought was the best way to deal with Riser.
The redhead then turned towards the mansion and open the doors, "Welcome to the Gremory Family's private villa!" Rias stepped out of the way to show off the large and impressive interior before giving everyone directions to their rooms, girls on the left and boys on the right.
"Well, let's go get changed everybody because we are starting our training immediately!" Rias then walked up the stairs, leading the girls to their side of the villa.
"You're changing?!" Issei yelled as he immediately jumped to his feet, his exhaustion forgotten as images of the girls (except Natsuki) in various states of undress popped into his head.
Issei was removed from his lecherous thoughts when Kiba walked past him, "Issei-kun, I'm going to change as well." The knight paused for a second as a small blush and a shy smile took form on his face, "No peeking, okay?"
Issei's face took on a stony expression as he stared the knight down, "Don't make me hit you, you bastard." Issei turned towards the stairs and speed walked away as Kiba chuckled and quickly caught up.
Meanwhile with the girls, Natsuki entered her room the second Rias pointed it out to her, shutting the door as Akeno said they should all change together. Rias was unable to stop herself from giggling at her best friend's pout, as she grabbed her arm and pulled her towards her own room.
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Lesson 1: Sword Training with Kiba
"Bring it blondie!" The Occult Research Club stood in the yard as Issei and Kiba faced each other, bokutos in hand.
Issei took off running at Kiba, his wooden sword raised high above his head before swinging down only for each of his strikes to be parried by the knight. "You're a little off. Don't limit your focus to just the sword, keep an eye on your opponent." Kiba sidestepped Issei's next strike, using the opportunity to knock the sword from the Pawn's hands.
Issei looked at the bokuto in shock before looking back up sheepishly, "I uh, totally meant to do that". Kiba just smiled at him before picking up the discarded weapon and throwing it to Natsuki who caught it.
"Okay Natsuki-chan, your turn now." Natsuki moved from her stop standing where her fellow Pawn was before the start of his match. The dark-haired girl stared at the sword for a moment before lowering her stance, her feet spread apart and her upper body slightly hunched, with the point of the bokuto facing right at the Knight.
The Knight and Pawn stared at each other for a few moments before Kiba sprinted towards Natsuki once he realized that the girl wasn't going to make the first move. Kiba aimed to make a quick strike to Natsuki's side, but she spun out of the way and tried to hit Kiba now that his back was facing her, but the boy quickly turned and blocked the attack.
This time Natsuki struck first as she held the bokuto in one hand as she charged once there was only a couples of inches between there the Pawn looked as if she was about to swing the sword again only to drop to the ground, kicking her leg out and sweeping the Knight of his feet and causing him to land on his back.
Natsuki jumped up and raised her bokuto high into the air bringing it back down for the final hit only for Kiba to roll out the way into a keeling position and knocking the bokuto out of the Pawn's hands as she tried to regain her balance.
Kiba took a deep breath before chuckling "Wow! That was great Natsuki-chan."
Natsuki looked at him confused "But… but I lost?"
"Yeah, but you didn't lose focus and you used your own skills to your advantage to try and win. Do you have any sword training?"
The girl shook her head before answering, "No, I just figured you wouldn't expect me to sweep you like that and I saw the way you were holding your bokuto against Issei and thought that was the best way to do it."
Kiba once again chuckled "Well I certainly wasn't. Come back up Issei, we still have work to do!"
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Lesson 2: Demonic Magic Training with Akeno
"Lesson two, it's time you three became aware of the magic surrounding you and streamline it to a focal point." Natsuki, Issei, and Asia stood in one of the many large rooms of the Gremory villa as Akeno prepared them for their lesson.
Issei immediately stuck out his right arm and tried to force a reaction straining as he did so. Akeno walked up behind the boy and glided her hand across the expanse of his arm, "Let the image of light flow through you and be released as magical power…"
"I think I did it!" Asia exclaimed as the other three devils turned to face her and saw a glowing green orb floating in between the Bishop's cradled hands.
"Ara ara. So, Asia-chan has talent in using demonic-powers after all." Asia's cheeks got red after Akeno complimented her.
Natsuki herself continued to stare at the orb of Asia's demonic power, Lux what do you think I should do?
Clear your mind Natsuki, focus on nothing but drawing out our power. Do try and force it out but gently release like one does to the air the breath.
Natsuki followed the dragon's advice, closing her eyes as she thought of nothing but releasing her magic out from within herself. Natsuki's snapped open once she heard a gasp, she looked down at her hands and saw a small black blob floating in her hands. It was smaller than Asia's energy and was nowhere near as round and smooth, as the blob moved around unable to stay still for more than a few seconds with parts of it sticking out like long tendrils before snapping back in place and repeating the motion.
It looks a lot like the black energy I used when I fought against Dohnaseek…
That is because it is Natsuki. This is our magic untethered.
If this is our magic, why was I only able to use it then, I was able to use something similar during the dodgeball game, but it wasn't as strong.
That is because you were using your Sacred Gear, the two of us were working together and you were fighting to stay alive and save your friend's life, so your emotions also helped. It will be hard to draw out our magic on your own but not impossible.
Akeno came closer to the Pawn "Hmm I've never seen a Devil's magic look like that before. How strange…" Akeno then smiled at her "You may not have Asia's natural talent, but you clearly have some skill, I suppose this is just another unique thing about you huh?"
Akeno soon brought out a bottle of water and placed it in front of them, "Now let's move on, next you guys will be changing your demonic power."
Akeno then channeled her magic into the water inside the water bottle…
SPIKE!
The water that received the demonic power changed into ice and shot in various spikes, ripping through the water bottle from the inside.
"You can do this by just imagining it, using any element you want all though for beginners like yourselves fire and water will be easier."
"Asia-chan, Natsuki-chan, I want you two to copy what I just did next. Issei-kun, I want you to continue with those concentration exercises. Visualization is the essence of all magic, think about what whatever it is you want, and it will happen."
Issei scratched the back of his head a let out a groan, "Are there any rules to what I can do?"
"Not at all, anything you want just to concentrate. Yeah, there you go…" As she says this Akeno leans closer across the table bringing Issei's attention away from her eyes and lower.
Hmm? Something I'm good at and something I always think about huh. Ah, then does that mean "that" wild ideas of mine is also possible?
"Akeno-senpai, do you have a minute?"
If I can make something I always think about into reality...
The Queen walks around the table stooping in front of the Pawn and allowing him to whisper his idea to her. After that Akeno pulls away and her face goes blank before she smiles at him while saying, "Ufufu, that sure is something you would come up with Issei-kun."
Natsuki and Asia turned to look at Issei in confusion once Akeno left the room only to become more confused when she returns a few minutes later with a large crate filled with onions, carrots, and potatoes.
"Now then, Issei-kun. During our stay here, I want you to strip all of these off with your demonic power."
Issei stood straight as a rod before saluting, "Hai, Akeno-san!"
Natsuki was still looking at the two even as Asia began to focus on trying to use her magic on her own water bottle, wondering why Issei was being given a different form of training here and what it was that he whispers to Akeno. I shouldn't even bother thinking any more of it, it's probably something perverted based on what Akeno said before she got the crate.
Looks like it's a road ahead will be full of bumps, and vegetables apparently.
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Lesson Three: Sparing with Koneko
Unlike the lessons before, it was now just Natsuki and Issei with their given instructor as Asia stayed behind with Akeno, however just like the other lessons it was not going well for Rias' 1st Pawn.
"Nugagaaaaaa." Issei screamed as he was thrown into yet another tree for the 10th time in a row. The Pawn slumped to the floor in pain as he attempted to catch his breath, he was getting quite frustrated as all it took was one punch every time and Koneko would take him out.
"That was lame…" Koneko stood in front of the fallen Pawn; arms crossed over her chest as she stared at him blankly. Natsuki stood a few feet away and couldn't help but silently wince every time Issei got hit by the Rook and dreading the moment Koneko would get bored and make her go next. Glad that Issei went first if only to dely the inevitable.
I thought that I might have her beat with technique but that clearly isn't the case. She doesn't throw her fists around like a dumb brute; she is quite agile like a cat. If we were allowed to use our Sacred Gears, I might be able to keep up but as of right now… this cute 1 st year is going to kick my ass. Koneko is good at doing throwing moves, pinning moves, and other kinds of martial arts. She is insanely strong with the mix of a Rook's traits of super strength and super high defense. She is also keen because she has a small body, so any time Issei looks away she will immediately be right in front and give a blow to his body.
Immediately after Koneko's insult Issei jumped to his feet and charged at the Rook, "I'm not done yet!" He jumped at the small girl only for her to sidestep away, kick him in the back of his head, and then wrap her legs around his neck, pinning him to the ground.
"You've got to aim more towards your opponent's core and strike with precision." The Rook maintained her monotone voice and expression as she tightened her legs, choking the Pawn out. After a few moments she released Issei and walked over to the other Pawn, "Your turn Natsuki-senpai."
Natsuki looked at the small girl with a blank expression before quickly looking at Issei who was still sprawled on the ground rubbing his hands on his own bruised neck. The released a sigh, "Alright Koneko." I think I might be faster than her and after watching her and Issei the best plan is to not let her grab me because once she does it's over.
Natsuki ran towards the girl, pulling her fist back once she got close enough to try and strike her stomach. Just like with Issei the girl sidestepped the punch and was about to deliver a punch of her own, only for the Pawn to grab her arm mid-swing, pulling the girl off her feet and throwing her to the side. Natsuki thought she had her, but Koneko was able to right herself midair and land on her feet.
Koneko then jumped high into the air, falling towards Natsuki at a fast pace, causing the Pawn to dive for cover, a smart move since the ground where she once stood was now a giant crater with a small Devil in the middle of it. Koneko pulled her fist from out of the ground, it had been buried deep after that strike and calmly walked out of the hole she made. The Pawn and Rook stared each other down before Koneko charged at Natsuki her arms open as she intended to grab her senpai and pin her.
The Rook thought she had her but looked down and saw that she only had the girl's sweatshirt in her hands, realizing that Natsuki must have quickly taken it off to keep her from grabbing her properly. She looked up and saw the older girl standing a few feet away in a black tank top and sweatpants.
Natsuki quickly closed the distance between them and raised a fist for a brutal punch only from Koneko to do the same, their fists collided, causing a shock wave to ripple through the forest, Issei had to hold onto a tree to not be blown away.
When they landed on their feet, Natsuki held her right hand, crying out in pain as she saw that all the bones had been shattered and blood was oozing from the open wounds. Koneko used her distraction to get closer, Natsuki tried to move out of the way but was too late as the Rook grabbed her left leg, slamming her into the dirt before sitting on her chest and pinning her arms down.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
"You did a good job at avoiding my touch, but you got distracted and became more focused on getting away than trying to stop me." Koneko said as she stared at the girl beneath her, "But you did better than the pervert."
Natsuki snorted at the comment and the small 'Hey!' she could hear from said pervert. Koneko gave her a small smile, helping Natsuki to her feet before looking at her senpai's bloody and broken hand, "Do you need us to stop so you can go see Asia?"
Natsuki shook her head "No, I'm good. I'm a Devil, so this should be fine, I've had worse injuries." The girl remembered the recent ones she received from both Riser and his Familiar.
"Just because we're devils doesn't mean we can't get hurt and need others to help us."
Natsuki thought over what was just said, the logical part of her mind agreed with the Rook but the prideful loner part of herself didn't want to be seen as weak, as someone the others needed to constantly worry over. "I know Koneko but really, I can keep going."
The small starred at her for a moment "…. Alright, I'll take your word for it. But I'm not going to hold back just because you're too stubborn."
Natsuki smirked "And I wouldn't expect you to Master Koneko."
The two girls quickly got into their stances and once more charged at each other. Issei and Koneko were the only ones to see the vicious and battle hungry smile that overtook Natsuki's face.
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Lesson 4: Training with Rias
Issei still maintained the belief that his master is a sadist.
It was currently late afternoon, as the sun had begun to set and the two Pawns of the group were still training.
"Come on Issei! Keep going and give it your all!" Rias was currently sitting on top of a large Boulder strapped to the boy's back.
"Ooso!" The boy groaned out as he continued to walk up the steep path. Satisfied with his 'answer', she turned around to look at her 2nd Pawn. "You too Natsuki! Don't give up now!" Unlike her brunette counterpart, Natsuki had to carry two boulders as they climbed. Rias said it was because the girl already had a good base level for her strength, and this was to further improve it.
Natsuki wheezed, "I-I wa-wasn't planning on it!"
After about 30 minutes they had finally reached the top and both Pawns were swaying, ready to drop to ground once Rias said they were done.
If only they were so lucky…
Rias hopped off the Boulder and clapped her hands to draw their attention. "Excellent work you two! Now, up next is… 600 push-ups!"
Issei's mouth falls open at the order, even Natsuki couldn't control her expression enough to hide her dismay as her shoulders slumped and a groan escaped her.
Rias giggled and it would have been cute if it weren't for the words that left those tantalizing lips, "Well, what are you guys waiting for? Do you not think it's worth your time? Maybe I should make you do 1,000 push-ups so it's more of a challenge~"
The Pawns immediately dropped to their hands and started their push-ups, moving even faster than usual so the redhead wouldn't change her mind and increase the amount.
If we weren't devils, we would have died over a hundred times already!
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A few hours later and the Peerage, sans Natsuki, were sitting in the dining room waiting to eat. Eventually Natsuki exited the kitchen with a cart of food that she placed on the table.
Boar, fish, steamed potatoes, rice, curry, udon, kushiyaki, and takoyaki were spread across the table.
The group dug in and were shocked. The food had somehow tasted even better than it looked and soon everyone was ravenously eating. "So, I guess this means you all enjoy the food." Natsuki stood by watching everyone eat, slightly amused by the intensity of all their movements.
"Holy crap Natsuki! This is so good!" Issei yelled as he slurped his udon.
"This is the best food I've ever eaten Natsuki-san!" Came from Asia. Koneko had taken a break (a very small one) to nod her head in agreement with Asia before resuming her own eating.
"They're right, you really are an amazing cook." Rias chimed in, "Maybe you should cook for the rest of our stay."
Akeno quickly raised her hand, "All those in favor of having Natsuki-chan be our vacation chef?"
"Hai!" The Peerage voted.
Natsuki took her seat and started to grab her food, "Wait I didn't agree to-"
"It's too late Natsuki, the people have spoken and you're now the Peerage chef!" Issei interrupted.
Natsuki just rolled her eyes and went back to eating. She didn't have a problem cooking for everyone, it used to be her favorite thing to do with Kushina, she would just prefer if she were asked before everyone else just 'voted' on it.
It wasn't long before the group was finished, and they were brought into a quiet lull. The atmosphere was calm before Rias looked towards her Pawns and broke the silence.
"Now Ise, Natsuki. What have you two learned today?"
Issei put down his chopsticks and gave her an honest answer. "I've learned that… I'm the weakest one here."
Rias then turned to Natsuki, waiting for her response.
The Pawn sighed, "I have learned that being a Devil doesn't automatically make me strong. And that I've still just a long way to go before I can call myself such."
Rias linked her hands under her chin, "…Yeah, you're both right."
Issei looked as if Rias had just punched him in the gut with how plainly she answered. Natsuki clenched her hands under the table to hide her disappointment in herself.
"Akeno, Yuuto, and Koneko have lots of battle experience even though they have not participated in the game, so they can fight if they get used to it. The two of you and Asia basically don't have any experience yet. Even so, Asia's healing ability, Issei's [Boosted Gear], and Natsuki's [Ethereal Domination] are things that cannot be ignored. Even the enemy knows that. I want you to have at least the power to run away from the enemy."
Natsuki soon tuned out the rest of Rias' explanation as anger filled the entirety of her being. I want you to at least have the power to run away from the enemy…
How can she just expect us to run away? We are doing this so she doesn't have to marry that piece of shit, how can we win if we run? Just the thought of running away with my tail between my legs makes me want to scream! How can she think a dragon will bow down to a pathetic bird?!
Unbeknownst to Natsuki, her magic had begun to pool out of her and into the dining room. The malicious hatred within her had become suffocating to the other occupants.
"-suki! Natsuki!"
Natsuki blinked, looking around and seeing everyone staring at her with differing levels of worry and fear. Eventually, her eyes landed on Akeno, who had her hand on her shoulder and was calling out to her.
"Are you okay Natsuki?" The Pawn just stared at the Queen for a moment wondering why she seemed so worried, more so than everyone else. She was also wondering why her heart raced a little at Akeno saying her name with no honorific at the end. She had never had that reaction to anyone else doing it, so why now?
"I'm-I'm fine Akeno." Natsuki could no longer look the older girl in the eyes any longer and stared down at her plate.
The room had become tense, everyone waiting to see if the girl would release another wave of magic. When she didn't, Rias cleared her throat and resumed talking.
"As I was saying, now that we're all done eating, we should go take a bath. It's an outdoor bath so I know we'll be able to enjoy ourselves."
Issei's head immediately snapped towards Rias as various thoughts began to consume him.
Bath!? Outdoor bath!? The open air baths!? If it's an outdoor bath, then it's a place to peek! Peeking is all but required for an outdoor bath! Yes, it's a sin not to peek if you are born as a man!
"Don't worry, I'm not going to peek, Ise-kun." Kiba says with a smile.
"Idiot! D-Don't blurt it out!" The boy screeched.
"Oh, Ise. Do you want to peek at us while we are taking a bath?"
Everyone looked at him after Rias' question.
Uwa. I feel awkward. ...I feel like apologizing for being a perv.
But Rias just chuckles and says, "Then how about you bathe with us? I don't mind."
What!
"How about you, Akeno?"
"I don't mind if it's Ise-Kun. Ufufu. I might want to wash a gentleman's back."
"How about you, Asia? You should be all right if it's your beloved Ise, right?"
Asia got red and became quiet after Rias' question, but she eventually makes a small nod with her head.
"Koneko? How about it?"
"...No."
Issei fell to his knees in despair. He had been so close to living his dream of being surrounded by hot, naked, and wet girls only for it to be ripped away when it was just within reach.
Rias then gave the boy a naughty smile, "Then, it's a no. Too bad, Ise."
Issei was wallowing before an idea suddenly came to him and he jumped over the table, landing at Natsuki's feet. "Wait shouldn't it be a majority vote?! There's still one more girl who didn't vote yet!" He then gave his fellow Pawn a pair of puppy eyes, but the effect was ruined by the perverted smile and the trail of blood flowing out of his nose.
Natsuki shook her head, "It would matter Issei. I'm not bathing now; I'm going to wait until you're all done before I go."
This confused the others, "You're not bathing?" Issei asked.
"I am bathing, I'm just waiting until you all go first."
This time Rias spoke "Natsuki, you know if this is about your condition you don't have to-"
"I'm going after you're all finished." Natsuki spoke, not looking at anyone as she walked out the door.
Rias sighed, "Okay everyone let's go head towards the bath." As everyone left, she could help but look in the direction Natsuki went towards.
I hope that one day you'll be comfortable around us Natsuki. Because we all deeply care about you.
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Natsuki was lying in her bed, it had been about 15 minutes since the others had gone to the baths. As tired as she was, she couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier.
The anger over being told to run away during the Rating Game if things got too hard and the others wanting her to bathe with them.
"Hey Lux, did something happen when Rias spoke to us at dinner?"
There was no sound besides Natsuki's breathing before Lux began to speak.
"Yes, something did happen. When your master spoke of running away if things potentially become serious during your fight against the bird, you-we unconsciously released our magic into the area."
"Well, that explains why everyone was so worried. But why though? I mean have never been so angry in all my life not even when I fought Dohnaseek or when Riser showed up."
"The reason is because dragons are prideful creatures. Our power is what makes us such feared beings, we believe ourselves to be above all, even if it is not always true. Remember what I said about parts of your nature changing and the two of us influencing the other, what happened at dinner would be an example of that."
"So, if I'm in a fight I'll want to keep fight even if I know that I can't win, because the prideful dragon within me will not allow it?"
"It is not that you will not be able to Natsuki, it is that you will not want to. I have a pair of brothers who are just like this. They both swore to continue fighting each other until the end of everything because they refused to lose to the other, because that would be admitting that they are weaker than the other. So, every time one of their partners 'loses' they raise the next one to accomplish what the pervious one failed to do."
Natsuki's eyes widened "Wait! You have broth-"
BAM!
Natsuki jumped out of bed at the sound and realized it came from the back of the villa. The same place that Rias said the outdoor bath was.
Wasting no time, Natsuki sprinted out the door and towards the bath, her Sacred Gear already activated in case it was somebody trying to break into the compound.
When Natsuki finally got there she stood confused at the site in front of her. It seemed the stone wall that divided the bath was destroyed as it laid in pieces in the water. She soon saw an unconscious and naked Issei floating with hearts in his eyes and blood flowing from both nostrils. Kiba was just barley able to grab a towel before the wall fell; the girls were not as lucky, standing there completely naked. Natsuki had to guess that the wall fell before they had a chance to cover themselves as both Koneko and Asia were standing behind Rias, using the older girl as cover while Rias and Akeno stood there without a care.
Natsuki didn't bother saying anything once everyone saw her standing at the entrance, she just turned and walked back to her room.
Why is this my life?
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Rias had finally entered her office after not only having to check on Issei and take him back to his room, but fixing the wall he accidentally destroyed and was tried. But she could let that stop her, she now only had 13 days to plan out how they were going to beat Riser and his Peerage. Time was of the essence.
What she didn't expect to see was Natsuki sitting on one of the couches, her head engrossed in the large book she was holding.
"Natsuki? What are you doing here?"
The girl looked up, closing the book, and placing it on the table in front of her, "You said that I could help you come up with the strategies we're going to use for the game."
"Oh, that right it must have slipped my mind."
Natsuki leaned forward, pointing to the book infant of hers, A History of the 72 Pillars. "I was reading about the Phenex Family when I found that they produce a potion know as Phenex Tears and sell them."
"Yes, the Phenex Clan produces them, they have the ability to instantly heal injuries and restore a person's health with just a single drop."
"I also read that the Rating Games allow teams to bring two outside items with them that can be used in the game with no consequences. So, I'm correct in guessing that Riser will bring some tears with him to the game?"
Rias saw where Natsuki was going, "Yes, it's most likely that he will. And he will give them to his most important servants, that being his Queen and his sister Ravel."
"Do you think you can acquire some Phenex Tears Rias-buchou? If his Queen will have some then it's only fair that ours do as well you know, even the playing field."
Rias smirked, "Of course, it's only fair right?"
Natsuki returned the smirk before she spoke again, "However I don't think both items should be the tears, I know it sounds like a good idea, but I think we will need something that can help us go directly against Riser if possible."
Rias agreed while she wanted to say that with two bottles of Phenex Tears that they could heal and overwhelm Riser, she knows him well enough to know that won't work, that way could work is if no one got eliminated and everyone attacked him together and that was pushing it. "A phoenix's immortality is almost impossible to overcome the only things I can think of that can are holy weapons and even with the two items rule, it would never be allowed."
Rias looked at Natsuki and saw that she clearly had an idea but didn't know how she would take it. "What idea do you have for the second item Natsuki?"
Natsuki pursed her mouth, "It's kind of a little crazy plus I don't know if it would be prohibited based on what you said about holy weapons."
"Well, if we're going to have any chance of beating Riser, we're going to have to leave conventional statics behind. So, tell me, what's your idea?"
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Day 2:
It was the second day of their two-week training vacation, and it was study time.
The Peerage had gathered in the living room, deciding to teach Natsuki, Issei, and Asia more about Devils' knowledge and history.
"Our greatest enemy, the Angels led by God. What is the name given to the highest rank Angels? Also, the ones among them?" Kiba asked the three.
"Seraphim, and it's members are Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel." Natsuki immediately answered.
"Correct."
"Next is our Maou-samas. What are the names of the "Yondai Maou-sama"?"
Issei quickly jumped forward, answering the question before the girls beside him had a chance to. "Sure! Piece of Cake! I'm planning to meet them when I get a peerage! So, I remembered all their names perfectly! Lucifer-sama, Beelzebub-sama, and Asmodeus-sama! And lastly the female Maou-sama that I look up to, Leviathan-sama!"
"Correct."
"I'm definitely going to meet Leviathan-sama!"
I heard from Buchou. That the person standing at the top of the female Devils is the Maou Leviathan-sama. I also heard that she is unbelievably beautiful! I was also told that I could meet her if I'm lucky! Ku! I cannot wait! How beautiful will she be? Since she is a Maou, she must be exceptionally beautiful...
Ha... I really want to meet her.
"Then next, I will ask you to say the names of the leaders of the Fallen Angels that you hate the most, Ise-kun."
The smile was wiped off Issei's face, no longer was he as joyful as before. Anger bubbled to the surface before he became more serious.
"The main group of the Fallen Angel is called 'Grigori'. The name of the Governor is 'Azazel', and the name of the Vice-governor is 'Shemhazi'. I know completely up to here. And the names of the leaders are... Armaros...Barachiel...Tamiel... Ah, and, hmmm, huh? Bene-something and C-C-Cocaine...?"
"Penemue, Kokabiel and Sariel. You must remember them properly. This is the basics, it's the same as remembering the names of the prime minister and the vice-prime minister of Japan as well as the leaders of the surrounding countries."
How can I!? They have too many leaders! Two is enough! What are the jobs of the other leaders, then!? Man, that's why Fallen Angels are such a pain. I can't come to like them. They are scum anyway.
After this Asia began her own lesson.
"Now then, I will explain about the basics of the exorcists." Asia stammered once as she walked to the front of the room and everyone was staring at her.
Issei then excitedly clapped at the news of Asia soon speaking, causing the girl's face to turn bright red.
"U-Umm. From the place I used to belong to, there were two types of exorcists."
"Two types?" Issei asked as Asia nodded at the boy's question.
"The first type are the ones that appear in films and novels. The father reads a section of the book, then he uses the holy water to get rid of the Devil from the person's body. They are exorcists that the world knows. So, the exorcist in the shadows are the ones that are threat to us."
Rias then took over, "Issei, Natsuki, you two also have met him before, but the greatest threat to Devils' are exorcists who received the divine protection from a God or the Fallen Angels. We have been fighting against them for a long time behind the scenes. They come to destroy us with the power of light they received from the Angels, and with their physical bodies that they trained to the uttermost limits."
"You mean that sadistic fucker Freed?" Natsuki asked.
Rias nodded her head before reaching into Asia's bag, pulling out a small vial of water, holding it as if it she disgusted by it.
Issei was confused by the reactions the older devils had given the water, "What's that?"
"This is holy water. Like Asia had said before holy water is dangerous to Devils. It will burn your skin and weaken you if touched." Rias said, placing the vial on the table in front of the Pawns.
"But why do we have it here if it's so dangerous?" Issei asked.
Rias then smirked, "Because thanks to Natsuki's suggestion were going to be using it in the Rating Game."
This time Akeno spoke up, "But aren't holy weapons banned from the games? Won't we be disqualified if we try to use holy water?"
Natsuki then pulled out a long book, the title of which was Magical Spells and Regulations: Volume 6. The girl flipped through the book before stopping halfway through it. "Like you said Akeno, holy weapons are banned, but according to this and other similar books despite their origins, holy water is considered a potion."
"I've already spoken to Grayfia and she took our suggestion to the Maous. They've agreed that holy water is a potion and can be used in the game." Rias declared, her smirk turning into a genuine smile. They now had a chance of being able to overcome Riser's immortality.
"Hmm, so we asked Asia if she could make enough that we can use it against Riser. Holy energy being one of the few things that can get through a Phoenix's healing and immortality."
"That's right, I can make holy water…but I can't touch it anymore." The smile left Asia's face once she realized that she could enjoy some of the more religious things she liked. "Like the Bible, I used to read it every day as a child. But now I can't I feel pain everything I try to read a sentence."
Everyone in the room except for Issei just stared at the girl blankly.
"You are a Devil."
"You are a Devil after all."
"...A Devil."
"Ufufu, Devil's receive intense damage from anything holy."
"Sob, I can't read the Bible anymore!" Asia cried as tears fell down her face.
"Nope." Natsuki said, adding emphasis at the end. "If you keep trying, you'll probably kill yourself, Asia."
Despite this, Asia pulled out a Bible from her bag. "But this is one of my favorite verses… Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the…ow… plans I have for…ah!... you, declares the Lord, plans… Ow! Ah!..."
Asia's reading was stopped once Natsuki pulled the book out of her hands. "Please Asia, stop reading from that book of pain." A grimace had formed on not only her face but everyone else's as they all felt the pain thanks to the Bishop reading the verse aloud.
This was going to be a long two weeks…
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Day 14:
Two weeks passed by in the blink of an eye. And during that time Issei had noticed improvements in his fighting skills and his power.
During one of his battles with Kiba, one of his boosts ended up destroying part of a nearby mountain!
Right now, he was taking a break from his sparing with Kiba and Koneko. Rias and Asia were closer to the villa working on the younger girl's spells, while Akeno and Natsuki were doing their own sparing deeper in the forest.
I've never felt this strong in my life! I going to beat that flaming chicken's ass! No way I going to let that asshole marry my Rias!
BANG!
Issei was brought back to reality when his fellow Pawn came flying in from the woods and landing a few feet in front of him, creating a crater where her body hit the ground.
"Fucking hell." Issei heard Natsuki mumble once the dust settled. The girl's Sacred Gear had been activated before disappearing in a golden flash.
"Ara, ara. You've gotten so much better since the start of our training Natsuki-chan." Akeno said as she slowly appeared from out of the tree line, staring down at the girl with an amused look.
"Don't patronize me you perverted sadist." Natsuki said, squirming as she tried to remove herself from the ground. She found that she couldn't as the older girl had hit her so hard that she was now embedded in the dirt.
"What can I say, you look so delicious when you're at my mercy." Akeno had run her tongue across her lips, her eyes getting darker and her smile widening as she moved towards the crater.
"Akeno, leave her alone." Rias said as she and Asia joined the rest of the Peerage, saving the Pawn from her Queen's darker intentions.
"... I've got you." Koneko said as she pulled Natsuki out of the ground with one hand. Natsuki gave the girl a small smile before focusing on Rias.
"I think that enough for today. I just want you all to know how proud of you I am. Whatever happens tomorrow, I-I just want to know how proud I am be your King." Rias said, her eyes watering as she smiled at her servants.
Issei stepped forward, "We're going to win tomorrow, Buchou! No way we're losing to the chicken!"
"We won't let you down Rias-buchou!" Kiba said.
"...They're going down." Koneko stated.
"Ara, ara I wonder what kind of entertainment Riser and his Peerage will give me?" Akeno stated, her smile contradicting the tone she spoke with.
"We're going to win for you Buchou!" Asia cried out.
"You-you guys..." The tears fully falling from Rias' eyes, overwhelmed by the support her Peerage was giving her.
Rias's sight was then obscured by a white handkerchief. When she looked to the side, she saw that it was being held by Natsuki.
"Be proud of us tomorrow when we beat the fire chicken and his band of rejects. So don't cry Rias, that asshole doesn't deserve any of your tears." Natsuki said, gently using the handkerchief to wipe away her master's tears.
Rias smiled at her 2nd Pawn, leaning into the girl's hand, "Thank you, Natsuki."
"Geez Natsuki, why are you always so well prepared to help the other girls of the group? First the clothes in the Familiar Forest now this handkerchief. I am starting to think you keep all these things on so you can have an excuse to take advantage of the situation." Issei said as he popped in between Rias and Natsuki, grabbing Natsuki's hand and pulling it away from Rias. He couldn't deny that part of him was jealous of the attention that his friend was getting from the other girls of the Peerage, especially in this moment with Rias.
Natsuki scoffed at Issei, grabbing the hand that was holding her as she stared him down. "I'm just trying to be a good person. Don't compare me being helpful to something that you would do."
And just like that the two Pawns were arguing over which one of them had the less noble intentions. The rest of the Peerage was watching them in amusement. Rias just rolled her eyes at her Pawns behavior, but deep down she knew she wouldn't trade these moments for anything.
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The Next Day: The Rating Game
Natsuki sat on one of the couches in the ORC clubroom, waiting in the room with the rest of the club, waiting for the time for the Rating Game would start.
Kiba and Koneko were wearing their school uniforms like most of them. However, the Knight had gauntlets on his arms and the Rook had martial arts gloves. Asia was the only one of them not in her uniform, wearing her nun outfit just without her veil.
The room had been quiet for a while before a magic circle appeared in the middle of the room. Once the glow died down, Grayfia was left in its place.
"The game will begin in 10 minutes. Have you made the necessary preparations?" the stoic maid asked. "The Rating Game will be broadcast to all members of both households. The Devil King Lucifer will also be watching. Take care not to forget this."
Rias looked at the ground dejectedly, "So Oni-sama is going to see this firsthand..." For the Devil it was bad enough the many Devils she knew would be watching, but her brother as well?
"Huh?! Oni-sama?" Issei asked confusedly.
"Buchou's older brother is the Maou Lucifer-sama." Kiba clarified for the newer Devils.
"Whaaa! Wait... Lucifer? I thought Buchou was from the House of Gremory?!" Issei exclaimed, Natsuki too was shocked as Rias never mentioned being related to actual Satan!
"The actual Lucifer perished in the last Great War. However, Devils cannot be without a leader. So, the title of Maou was granted to several immensely powerful Devils. Presently there are four who inherited their names from the first Maous – Lucifer, Beelzebub, Leviathan, and Asmodeus. So Buchou's big brother was the chosen successor to the Devil King. Sirzechs Lucifer, 'The Crimson Satan' is Buchou's brother and the strongest of the Maous." Akeno further explained.
So, because he gave up the Gremory name to become a Maou, Rias is the heir to their house. Natsuki thought to herself.
"It is time. Everyone, please proceed to the magic seal." Grayfia said, waving one of her wands creating a magic seal under her feet.
"In a moment I will send you to an alternate dimension that will serve as your battlefield. Everything in the space is entirely expendable, so fight to your heart's content. Moreover, once you arrive on site, teleporting on sit via magic will be impossible until the game has ended."
The Peerage stood on the magic circle once Grayfia finished her explanation. The seal began to glow after Grayfia waved her hand again.
There's no coming back. We either win or lose...