7 chapter 7

Gremory`s Summer House`s territory.

Training Day 1. Partner: Raynare

After spending a couple of hours climbing the mountains with a backpack of things that was roughly 4 times the size and weight of himself, Alex, Raynare and the rest of the Rias` Peerage were on the territory of the Summer House. Granted, Alex and Raynare did reach quite faster than the others, as they weren`t making as much stops or slowed down, taking five only twice and then moving forward ahead of the others. The pleas of Rias and Akeno to slow down were firmly ignored and as a result the pair reached its destination roughly two hours before the others, giving them plenty of time to unpack, settle down in their respective rooms and then spend the remaining hour and a half on a warm up and a usual course of exercises.

Needless to say, when the others have arrived, they were greeted with an all-out duel between Alex and Raynare, where both weren`t holding back. And that scene really did the right impression on the group as a whole, as it was practically the first time they saw Alex fighting seriously and without holding back, as he knew that Raynare could take it all, even though she was still weaker then Alex, and that`s not counting his Forsaken Regalia. Right now, he was working with his physical and magical prowesses, which have come a very long way in just one month, especially after yesterday, when his Power of Annihilation was released. Galeran has pointed out that, after scanning Alex`s body several times over, he discovered that, aside from his natural vast magical potential, Alex has a several powerful containment seals inside of his body, made by somebody who was very well versed in magic and energies of the light and dark. Such seals were no small deal, being performed to either remove powers of someone or simply block them away for good measures. Galeran wasn`t able to identify who was the one who made those seals, however, he did deduce one thing from this all.

Alex wasn`t a human being from the birth, but a member of either Devil race or Fallen Angels, or even both at the same time.

The reason why he was chosen as a holder of Forsaken Regalia was because of the seals being placed on him even before his birth, making him appear as a human being in the eyes of Sacred Gear system. Humans are essentially made by God in his image, just like the Angels were made as well, which means that Devils and Fallen Angels are God`s children as well. However, humans were basically the beta- version of the Three factions that didn`t have any specific attributes of the Angels and Devils, but had almost limitless potential in them and compatibility with all other races. Therefore, if someone were to place special seal, like on Alex, then a member of Angels or Devils could appear as a human in the eyes of System. The problem with those seals was the fact that they required not just immense power to create, but there was always a very high chance that a person with such seal wouldn`t be able to live long enough as his core was ultimately altered. In Alex`s case, he was altered in mother`s womb, before all of the features were formed up, therefore his transformation was basically painless and it only required even more than necessary power to complete. And Alex possessed 4 seals in his body, now it was 3.

Surprisingly, Alex took it rather well and simply said that he never have had a day of normal human life. He would worry about it later. Right now he was far more focused on the upcoming battle with Riser and pushing himself as far as possible. He was given 10 days to get as strong as possible, and he`ll make the most of those days. As for where he stood with Rias and her Peerage, he made it crystal clear that once they were done with Riser, he`ll make sure to get his freedom from Rias ASAP, but until then he was going to help them defeat Riser. Fortunately, thanks to Raynare`s status as Alex`s servant and Riser`s own arrogance, she was allowed to participate in a Game as Rias` pseudo-Rook, with the restriction in using her holy powers. Even with that out of the way, she was a very strong fighter now, on par with Koneko after training with Alex.

As she was proving right now, fighting Alex all out. The fight for most of the part was rather defensive fro Alex with occasional counters. Even though he was stronger in almost every aspect by a small margin, Raynare right now was far tougher and stronger than before, signified by a new pair of black wings that she now had.

And right now Raynare was going for another full-on assault on Alex, but now he was ready for it and prepared to take her out. Alex`s hands were low, gathering up energy for a quick burst out. Fallen Angel was now moving all out on him, two Light Spears ready to attack. Once in the reach, Alex`s palms formed up together in a similar fashion as Vegeta`s with his Final Flash, only now was Alex`s version.

"Devil Flash!" he shouted out, releasing contained energy in one powerful white beam that immediately went towards Raynare and hit her with full force, making her fall on the ground and beam traveled to the mountains and completely destroyed one of them without even a second of trouble.

Raynare was completely shocked by that and looked amazed at Alex, who simply went to her and offered hand to get up. She gladly accepted it and got up.

"A new technique?" Raynare asked right away, getting a nod as an answer. "God that was one powerful beam."

"Yeah, but it takes some time to charge up, and used only half of necessary power for it. Otherwise, I would`ve blown away not just some of your clothes, but also your wings as well." With that said, Alex took of his sports` jacket and offered to Raynare, who`s was simply destroyed, revealing her bra, which has also been torn a bit.

Raynare seemed not really phased by that, being a Fallen Angel, but was more surprised that Alex offered her his own jacket and he didn`t stare at her own assets at all, but looking in the face. That was a clear sign of maturity of the person. And honestly, Raynare has grown tired of people simply admiring her assets and not giving damn about her persona. And Alex was exactly the opposite of that, looking past her body and seeing a persona inside of it. That`s why she was really falling for him, plus it didn`t hurt that he had simply devilish looks and almost intoxicating aura.

Raynare put her sly smile and took the jacket and zipped just enough to let her bosom be seen by Alex.

"Say, you really are an interesting guy, aren`t you?" Fallen Angel moved closer to him, her bosom now touching his arm. "I mean, I was assigned as your servant, and here you are, treating me as your friend and equal instead of using your position and doing all the naughty things others would do with their servants."

"And you would prefer I do just that?" Alex`s brow went up.

"Well… I wouldn`t mind showing you a couple of assets of being a Fallen Angel." She said seductively in his ear. "All you need to is just ask me and I`ll make you feel like being in Heaven."

Alex actually found himself heavily tempted by this proposal, but he did make a promise to someone he loved and he did intend to keep it.

"Sorry, Ray, but I`ve gave my word about it to someone, and… I do intend to keep it." Alex was seriously blushing, looking at Raynare`s disappointment.

And then, she did something Alex didn`t expect her to do. She straight up went for his lips and passionately kissed him, with her tongue exploring his mouth. Overcoming the surprise, Alex answered on that one and Raynare almost melted in his arms, until she pulled away, blushing a bit and panting.

"Wow… If that`s just how you kiss…" She trailed off, catching her breath. "Tell me something, is that girl you`ve promised your V-card is Kuroka? I mean, you did say that she saved you and it`s clear that you`ve got strong feelings for her."

"Yes." Alex admitted. "She was also the one that told me about Riser and Rias."

"She must`ve imprinted you as her mate, or she wouldn`t even think about coming in Devil`s territory." Raynare simply chuckled. "Well, I guess I`ve got no choice then. I`m totally alright with sharing anyway and you simply too good for one girl."

"Sounds like you don`t even mind me having a harem, aren`t you?"

"Don`t you already? Akeno, Koneko, Sona and even Tsubaki… all have their eyes on you." Raynare pointed out with a sly grin. "After all, you aren`t Issei and you aren`t after girls just because of the looks. It`s clear to all of us that you do care for each and every one of us. And because of that none us have any objections against a harem."

"Seems like you all have talked it over already." Alex noted, grabbing his bag and moving to the house. "C`mon, I think we can call it a day for today."

Raynare only nodded to that and moved along with him, grabbing his hand and walking with him. He was right, she did have a little conference with the other girls, trying to determine where all stood with Alex and who had strong feelings for him and if they were going to hurt him. As it turned out, all of the girls were smitten by him and had very strong feelings for him. Sona and Tsubaki found Alex`s intellect and abilities very appealing, not to mention that they were drooling over his naked torso once or twice when Raynare caught them, but only joined on the observation. Akeno loved him for the fact that Alex wasn`t all concerned with who she was as species and looked only at her true self, not to mention that whenever they`ve sparred she would get hot as a volcano. Koneko was far more subtle in her reasons, but she freely admitted that Alex reminds her of her past and that he doesn`t let the past tragedies guide him, along with the fact that he… has a very good musk. That`s why they all agreed that if Alex was on with harem, they`ll not fight over him, but share. However, they made it clear that Rias shouldn`t get into the action, because after all she did and how she simply exploited him, while also trying to get his pants.

On that all girls agreed that Rias must not get along with Alex.

Training Day 2. Partners: Rias, Akeno and Asia

Alex`s white lightning and Rias` red once clashed together once more, making already destroyed ground even more uninhabitable. Power of Annihilation and Power of Destruction were fighting over dominance, but it was clear that Alex`s powers were winning over Rias`, who was already at her limit and her magic was becoming far more unstable and ragged, resulting in no control over power and waste of effort all together, while Alex only had worked up a sweat after three hours of training, two with Akeno and one with Rias, and taking breaks after one hour. He particularly didn`t wanted to train with Rias, or even talk to her, but after Akeno and Asia asked him, he decided to comply.

His training with Akeno was very productive and showed just how good and well-versed in their powers are Alex and Akeno. While Akeno`s lightning was way faster and precise, Alex had endurance and creativity on his side, along with control over his emotions and powers. In a spar, he did beat Akeno, but it took him some real effort. As with Rias… destructive powers may be her inherit power, but it was clear that she never heavily practiced with them and lacked severally in control department, giving Alex an enormous advantage against Rias in battle. He simply blocked all of her attacks and countered with his own Power. And now, he was finishing her off. White energy now pushed through Rias` red and blasted her off. Alex`s white aura dropped and he moved to Rias, who was simply lying on the ground, powerless to get up.

"As I`ve thought." Alex simply stated and waved to Asia to go and heal up Rias.

Asia came quickly and healed up Rias with her Twilight Healing. After 10 minutes, Rias was up on her feet and glared at Alex, who was simply drinking water.

"Tell me, how the hell are you able to control your new powers so well after discovering them just two days ago?!" Rias demanded to know and Alex complied.

"I`ve had a very good teacher." Alex reminded Rias of Sona. "I simply apply the basics of all magic to my powers and that`s all, along with having well developed endurance and breathing."

"I`m sorry, but what does breathing has to do with your power?" Rias questioned.

"Simply put, it`s my prolonger of endurance and control." Alex didn`t go into details. "And you lack both of the aspects, along with your clear lack of control over emotions in battle."

"Um, but how do emotions influence our powers?" Asia asked meekly Alex.

"Very essentially, Asia." Alex turned to her. "Our emotions can serve as our main weapon in battle, granting us the power to defeat enemies, if applied properly. However, you need to have a good control over them to apply them properly, such as know what emotions best suited for which type of energy attacks or defenses or any ability in that matter. Fury, anger are my main boosters in battling, channeling them in my attacks, only I use it proportionally. In your case, however, it wouldn`t work."

Asia looked down a little bit after hearing that.

"Alex, don`t be so mean with our little Asia here." Akeno patted Asia`s head comfortingly.

"I didn`t mean in a bad way, Asia." He corrected himself, drawing her attention. "Your Twilight Healing is a Sacred Gear that specializes in positive energy healing. Negative emotions wouldn`t do you any good, instead it would undermine your abilities. You must focus on your positive emotions: joy, calmness and happiness. If you can tap in your best memories or learn how to draw power from there, your Twilight Healing will be far more powerful. I`ve already sensed how your negative and positive moods affect it, and I know that your cheerful attitude is the main reason why it`s already so powerful."

At this one, Asia cheered up; Alex sensing her energy went up. Rias, however, looked at Alex with a glare.

"Okay, just from whom did you learn all of that?" Rias demanded once again. "So much knowledge about energy… not even Sona can be this well versed in it."

"You really do have trouble with your arrogance." Forsaken Regalia came out in the open, Galeran speaking. "If you`ve known your history, Rias Gremory, then you would`ve known that I was one of the most knowledgeable dragons at the time, versed in many aspects of energy, from Holy to Senjutsu. And I was happy to share this knowledge with my host and help him progress. And he is actually correct in all cases: you, Gremory, need to learn how to channel your own emotions and build up endurance, Devil`s nature will only get so far; as for you, Asia, your natural kindness is a key to unlocking your full potential for Twilight Healing; as for you, Akeno… I`ll let my host finish for himself."

With that said, Galeran deactivated Forsaken Regalia and went silent. Akeno and the others turned to Alex with curious gazes.

"Only if you are ready to hear some new information about me." Alex warned them, but Akeno nodded and Alex continued. "Very well. Akeno, you are rather a unique case. You excel in magic and your control is very good, however, the destructive power of your lightning could be much higher than that, given the fact of your heritage."

"What?" Akeno was honestly surprised and slightly shocked when Alex said that.

"Your lightning is nothing new to me, Akeno." Alex admitted. "I`ve seen it unfold in full power before, when I saw Baraqiel perform it to kill a Stray Devil that tried to kill me."

Akeno`s eyes widened, along with Rias` from the new information they`ve received about Alex. Akeno, however, was far more surprised by the fact that Alex actually knows her father and about their link. After her shock settled down, she asked hesitantly.

"H-how did you know…?" Akeno asked him hesitantly, Rias looking critically at him.

"I`ve been involved in supernatural world for far longer than you think." Alex confessed, taking away the water and sighing at what he was about to say. "You all know that when I was 12 I`ve ran away in mountains and forests from my foster family for a month and a half. I`ve been injured back when I was escaping and I was found by someone who nurtured me back to health and told me about the supernatural world. A month and half later, I was attacked by Stray Devil and my savior wasn`t there. Fortunately, Baraqiel was there and he fried that Stray, saving me from being eaten. After that, he took me to the Grigoris and I`ve got to meet with their higher ups, including Azazel."

"Y-you`ve met with the Governor General of Fallen Angel?!" Rias shouted at him, forgetting about Akeno and her issue at hand. "Why you haven`t told us about it and just what else are you hiding from me?!"

"Nothing that I would like to share, a lot more that I have no desire to reveal." Alex simply answered. "Back to your dad, Akeno. I`ve talked with the man a lot of times and he is someone I respect as if he was my own father. He very often talked about you and your mother, Akeno, and every time he spoke, I could see tears breaking out his eyes. He blames himself for what happened till this day and he is still looking for you."

Akeno was shocked to hear about that and the way Alex was speaking of him, it indicated that he was speaking truth and… the fact that he was blaming himself and looking for her. Was she wrong to push him away from her life? What if she was?

"Tell me…" Akeno`s voice was breaking. "How much do you know of him?"

"Enough to answer any question you might have." Alex firmly stated, turning to glaring Rias. "As for my history with the Grigori, it was thanks to Azazel and Grigori that I wasn`t sent into the orphanage and became a student at private academy, being paid for from Azazel`s funds, along with being granted the sanctuary and protection. Believe it or not, but Governor General of Fallen Angels has offered me a place in his organization and being reborn as Fallen Angel at any time I wanted."

"Th-that`s why he sent you that crow Raynare as a servant!" Rias finally realized. "Just how close are you with Azazel and Grigori?!"

"Close enough to actually wish to be a member of Fallen Angels instead of a Devil, especially taking into consideration circumstances of my revival." Alex glared back, moving to Akeno and going with her towards the house, leaving Rias with a million more questions about her servant.

[You didn`t tell them about your real connection with Azazel.] Galeran noted. [Afraid that it might start up some trouble?]

'Yes.' Alex answered to his dragon, moving his hand to the Akeno`s waist and caringly hugging her.

Akeno responded with a smile and leaned against his shoulder. Today she was going to get all of her answers and then she`ll decide what to do about it.

Training Day 5. Partner: Koneko

Small stature of Koneko was going up against far more intimidating Alexander`s posture, who was not only keeping up with the Rook in both speed and power, but generally pushing her back. They`ve been at it for well over 5 hours now and didn`t stop to take a break. For Alex, it always felt nice to go up against someone with just fists and Koneko was more than willing to oblige. Their training sessions were going very well and it was now Koneko that was on the receiving end of the deal as Alex quickly proofed that he was very quick to adapt to any situation and attack her with his full force and eventually beat her. Still, Alex was not fighting her in combat mode, or he would receive hell from Kuroka for hurting her little sister, not that Shirone knew about Alex and Kuroka and their connection. Alex was thinking about telling Koneko about her sister and help those two reunite after so long.

As Koneko was trying to launch another assault on Alex, he ducked down and in one swift move kicked her off the balance and she fell on the ground. Alex rose up and saw Koneko rubbing her side. He simply sighed and gave her a hand, which she did accept.

"Let`s call it day. We`ll continue tomorrow morning, okay?" Alex suggested.

"Okay." Koneko agreed, nodding and sitting on the bench nearby, Alex joining her. "Senpai, can I ask you something?"

"Since when do you need permission? Go ahead." Alex allowed her.

"The day I was visiting your house…" Koneko looked up at him seriously. "I`ve sensed someone."

Alex already could guess where it was going, not just from what kind of a look she was giving him. He should`ve known that Koneko would have a much better scent then most, as she is a Nekoshou. He simply sighed and decided that this time was as good as any could be.

"Well, I should`ve known that you would sense her from a afar." Alex looked her in the eyes. "Shirone."

Koneko`s eyes widened at what Alex has just said. She was about to run her mouth through words, but Alex simply placed a finger on her lips.

"Before you make any jump decisions, let me tell you a little story from my past. Trust me, if you hear it, you`ll understand far more then you can think." Alex told her and she nodded anxiously.

It took Alex nearly an hour to explain to Koneko his history with Kuroka, starting from her saving him and ending with their meeting a week ago. He decided not to leave out anything and was plain honest with Koneko, or Shirone. And she was listening to it all with intense curiosity and attention, trying to get everything out of Alex and he gave her the answers. And in the end, Koneko ended up getting practically all of the answers she wished for and a lot of things now seen completely different and she began to question a lot of things that happened with Kuroka and with what she did. Now, Koneko decided to do something that she didn`t do in all those years.

"Senpai, can you… contact my sister?" Koneko meekly asked Alex, looking with teary eyes at him.

Alex only nodded and stood up from the bench and moving towards the woods, with Koneko following him. Once they were deep enough in the forest, Alex took the crystal that Kuroka gave him and poured a spoke into it.

"Kuroka, if you aren`t busy, I would like you to come to my location." Alex looked at Koneko who gazed at him and nodded in silent confirmation. "It`s about Shirone. She… needs you."

And with those words, in the next second, voluptuous black Nekoshou appeared out of her portal and immediately jumped at her chosen mate with absolutely worried expression. Apparently, she assumed the worst and moved in a speed of light.

Kuroka spoke in absolutely worried tone.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO SHIRONE?!" She practically screamed at Alex, but then she noticed her little sister standing at Alex`s side and looking at her shocked sister. "Nya, Shirone, you are alright, nay?" Kuroka asked curiously and then looked between her and her mate. "Nya, what is going on, you two, nay?" Kuroka asked the two.

Koneko, uncharacteristically, was now getting a bit… furious and frustrated over her sister literally jumping at him. She may`ve saved him, nurtured him to health, kissed him… At the realization that her older sister has literally went through a whole Nekomata marriage circle with him, establishing a strong emotional link with him and, after she smelled Kuroka`s and Alex`s smells, made it clear to all Nekomatas that Alex was her chosen mate, Koneko became increasingly infuriated that Alex wasn`t hers. She may be small and a bit young, but, in her age, some of Nekomata, especially Nekoshou, were already choosing mates and their heat was coming up, meaning that she would seek out a mate of her own and intercourse with him. And she has decided that Alex was going to be his mate. As for her sister… there might be some serious complications.

Koneko came closer and glared a bit at her older sister, making a clear message to release Alex. Kuroka blinked a couple of times and released her mate and stepped back a little, sensing her little sister`s feelings.

"Kuroka." Koneko simply addressed her older sister.

"Nya, Shirone, what`s up, nya?" Kuroka asked curiously, looking at her smaller sister. "And since when have you decided to talk with me, nya? Not that I`m complaining, nya."

"I`ve asked Alex to call you here, sister." Koneko stated. "I`ve sensed you in his apartment and asked him about you."

"Nya, I should be more careful next time, nya." Kuroka noted to herself, turning to Alex. "Nya, Alex, just what have you told my little sister about me, nya? Hopefully, only the good stuff, nya?"

"Kuroka, I`ve told her everything." Alex said to shocked Kuroka.

"Nya?" Was Kuroka`s response and she turned again to Shirone. "Shirone, I…"

"Kuroka." Koneko stopped her big sister on her tracks and began to talk. "All these years, I`ve thought that my older sister, the only close person I had, has went insane with power and killed her master. I believed that being a Nekoshou is a curse, that Senjutsu will result in losing mind and that I was cursed with being born with both in me. I`ve hated you, detested you and resented the very fact of you being alive." Koneko firmly stated, glaring at Kuroka, who was looking sadder and more apologetic with a word. "But, what Alex told me and how he spoke about you, with how much warmth and feeling he was talking about you, he made me question everything I believed in. So, I asked him to call you here to ask you something."

Kuroka only looked with sad expression at her little sister. Alex was simply staying away from this all.

"Why… why did you do it?" Koneko asked with tears forming up in her eyes. "Why did you kill him?! Why did you leave me?!" Shirone was beginning to cry out loud.

Kuroka couldn't help, but wanting to embrace her little sister and make all her sadness go and calm her down, but instead she knew what she had to do. Shirone needed truth and only truth. And she spoke.

"My master," Kuroka began, remembering all of her bad memories. "He wanted to be the strongest Devil out of all, but, instead of learning everything through hardship of trainings, wanted to get everything through… far more despicable and horrible ways." Kuroka`s left hand squeezed her right arm. "He experimented on everyone in our Peerage, cutting us open and infusing with power that was killing us from the inside. Everyone died from those experiments, all but me. By the time I was the only one left, I`ve endured all nine rings of Hell several times over and my body was practically dying away from all those experiments. But that bastard was so obsessed with his tests, he didn`t care on who to experiment, only to get result. And then, he decided to try and extract the living force from someone, to use it as a boost to himself. And he chose you, Shirone." Kuroko saw the shock on Shirone`s face as the revelation was coming upon her. "It was the last straw and once I saw you on the altar… I lost it, all of that pain and sufferings were nothing, because I saw you there, about to be killed for that bastard`s joy. I`ve done what I had to do, something that those higher ups should`ve done long time ago. I`ve killed him, but not because I was insane with power. I did only when you were in danger, my sister, my blood and the only one I had left." Kuroka`s eyes were also tearing up. "After that, I`ve tried to report to those Satans, but all my words were for nothing and they`ve proclaimed me as a Stray Devil. The only thing I`ve managed to do was securing you, Shirone. Lucifer offered me a deal: you shall serve his little sister as a member of his Peerage, have a good and safe live with Gremory`s, while I will be to living a life of a criminal on the run, paying up for my sins, sins of my master and your safety. That`s how it all went."

Koneko`s eyes were going red now out of tears and drops of liquid were falling on the grass from all the feelings she was experiencing, all her frustration and anger... all that she felt all this time towards her big sister, it all culminated in Koneko`s breakdown now, sobs turned into an all-out cries. And on top of all that was the feeling of loneliness and being abandoned by the closest person she had. She believed that her sister was nothing more but a beast, insane and violent, living only for killing and pleasures. But… now she knew who Kuroka really was. All that she has done, all of those years… she was protecting Koneko all that time, she went out of her way to save her, cursed herself with label of a Stray just to let Koneko have a normal and safe life with people who would protect her and care for her. She made a deal with Sirzechs that she would live as a Stray and die like one, just for Koneko… No, for Shirone. All this time, Shirone should`ve not been cursing her sister, but thanking her. Because she did what only a real sister would do for her only sibling: she sacrificed her life for Shirone`s sake. And now, Shirone was letting out all of that.

"O-onee-sama!" Shirone went to her big sister, who embraced her in a hug, letting all of her tears out and sobs, comforting her and calming her down, with her own tears on face. "D-don`t leave me! Please! I want to be with you!" Koneko cried out to Kuroka through sobs, unintentionally releasing her cat ears and tail.

Kuroka had dreamed of this moment, the day, when she would hold her little Shirone and be together as sisters once again. And now, this day has finally come and she was holding her little Shirone once again, like before. They were once again sisters, a family. And it all thanks to her chosen mate, to Alex who simply standing there and smiling to them.

Kuroka gently petted her sisters head and looked with teary look at her.

"Nya, I won`t go anywhere without you, nya, Shirone. I may not be free to see you every day, but I promise to be with you when you need me." Kuroka promised her. "Whenever you want to talk to me, I`ll be right there for you, nya."

"O-okay, nya." Shirone responded with her cat-like 'nya'. "Nya, thank you, nya." Shirone buried herself in Kuroka`s bosom, purring lightly at a comfort.

"Nya, Alex." Kuroka looked with a happy expression at her chosen. "Thank you for this, for this chance. I love you so much. I promise, I`ll repay for you once you decide that it`s time, love."

And as Kuroka said that, she could hear that her sister`s purring suddenly turned into a distinctive growl. One that could only be associated with a cat`s growl. Surprised, Kuroka looked down at her sister and met with her stern glare and ears twitching from sheer fury. And then, Shirone spoke firmly and with a voice that left no compromises.

"Onee-sama." Shirone`s pupils were as big as angry cat`s. "Senpai is only mine. Senpai is my to take."

And at that Shirone released herself from Kuroka and looked at her big sister with a stoic glare. But, Kuroka didn`t stay out if it as well. Shirone may be her little sister that she loved, but… she just declared that her Alex, her chosen mate… is hers! She was alright with Alex having a harem, but no girl would even dare to claim her Alex like that all for herself. Not even her little sister. Kuroka returned the glare and was now in her protective mode.

"Shirone, I`ve marked Alex as my mate and he marked me as his." Kuroka reminded to Shirone. "And I`ll never let any other girl to claim his first night of love, not even you, onee-chan."

"Senpai`s virginity is mine." Shirone`s tail was now swinging around dangerously. "I`ll claim him, onee-sama."

"No, you won`t."

"I will."

And the reason of this whole squabble was simply standing there and not interrupting two bickering Nekoshou sisters with a smile on his face. He knew better then to go into the arguments of girls. And, besides that, they both looked very cute when they were bickering like that.

"Yare Yare Daze…" Alex said simply to himself with no ill.

Training Day 7. Location: Sitri`s Secret Vault in Underworld.

Alex, Sona and Tsubaki were moving in the long hallway, passing through numerous upon numerous depositories. Alex actually was wondering just how much of them were filled with something, but that was something that he needed not to think of now. Right now, he was focused on Sona and Tsubaki, as they`ve arrived to Rias` mansion to take Alex upon the orders from none other, but Sona`s older sister herself. Lady Serafall Leviathan, one of Four Great Satans and the most powerful woman in Underworld, requested Alex to meet her personally. There was no way Rias could argue and she agreed with it, letting Sona and Tsubaki take him to Serafall. It wasn`t the first time Alex was meeting her, as he went on several meetings of diplomatic purpose and he had a chance to talk to her before. Needless to say, she managed to leave a lasting impression on Alex, as she was simply… Serafall. Childish, anxious, serious, diplomatic, caring and many more, current Leviathan was many things, that was for sure. Still, Alex did like her as she was genuine in her feelings and words.

Still, that didn`t mean that he wasn`t curious about the place they`ve chosen to hold a meeting. After a long silence, Alex decided to talk.

"Pardon me, Sona, but, what am I doing in here?" Alex asked bluntly. "I mean, why did your sister decided to meet me in here, of all places. It is your family`s personal vault, after all."

"Believe it or not, but my sister has heard about you participating in Rating Game against Riser." Sona informed Alex. "News about it have spread quicker than a wild fire and many are looking forward to it. Some wanting to see Riser defeat Rias in the Game, but more than many wishing to see Riser lose it for good."

"You can count on the latter, Sona." Alex promised her, clenching his fists. "That bastard is going to meet a very, very painful end of his gaming streak, immortal he is or not."

"It would seem that you are pretty confident in your own strength." Tsubaki noted with a smile. "And I can clearly see that you`ve improved greatly over the past week, along with Akeno, Raynare and Koneko. I dare say that you power already is on the same level as some our youngest High-Ranking Devils."

"It was a very productive week for sure, in all of its aspects." Alex merely replied. "I`ve got my control over this new power and have made a couple of new techniques against Riser. Still, while I have these three days left, I`ve got one more aspect that I need to improve to the maximum." Alex looked at his left arm and the gauntlets of Regalia appeared. "Balance Breaker…"

Sona knew that if Alex were to reach the full control over Forsaken Regalia, he would have victory for sure. However, she wished to secure victory against Phenex for sure and therefore has brought him here. Her older sister was of same opinion and that`s why she has decided to entrust Alex with something that Sitri`s have been keeping here for the past 20 centuries.

As the group was reaching the end of the hall, they noticed Lady Serafall, in her official attire for once, standing and waiting for them with a big smile on her face, but once she saw her little sister, she went right to her. Sona gulped soundly as her sister raced to her and hugged her. Alex and Tsubaki simply stood there and waited for this end quickly.

"Sona! I`m so glad you are here!" Serafall exclaimed happily.

"S-sister!" Sona tried to fight back, but to no avail. "Please, let go of me!"

"NO! I won`t because I don`t want to!" Serafall complained, hugging Sona even tighter. "Why do you always have to be like that? You know I simply can`t live without you!"

Alex knew that Sona was very uncomfortable when it came to such social interactions, so he decided to help out his friend.

"Lady Serafall, could you please release Sona." He asked politely, drawing the attention of hyper-active Satan to him. "I understand that you love your little sister more than anyone and anything in this world. And I can assure you that Sona cares for just as much. But, unlike you, Sona has some difficulties to express these feelings the way you do, because of her status as a Student Counsil President and an Heiress to the House, meaning that she has a certain standard to uphold. That`s why she acts so reserved towards you, not because she doesn't care about you."

Serafall blinked a couple of times and, after processing the entire speech and finding it to be true, she released Sona and simply stepped back a little, looking down, feeling bad for making her little sister uncomfortable. Sona was amazed that Alex managed to make Serafall see this whole situation and helped her to get out of the sister`s grip. And everything he said about her and Serafall… all completely true. Sona decided to cheer her sister up, as she really couldn`t stand Serafall being in such mood.

"I`m sorry for making you uncomfortable, Sona." Serafall said in sad voice. "I just want you to see you happy and healthy and if I make things uncomfortable, then I`ll…"

"Sis, please stop it." Sona asked her sister. "I understand that you mean well and I do appreciate all this affection, I really do. Just… can you keep it all in private and be a little more reserved in public?" Sona asked her with pleading eyes.

"Of course I will!" Serafall declared. "I`ll do just that I`ll never make you feel uncomfortable ever again!"

Sona could only sigh to that, because if Serafall was giving her word, she damn kept it. Like right now.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Serafall remembered the real reason all of them are here. "Alex, thank you for coming here. I know it`s quite awkward and strange for a boy, to be in a dark hallway with three super-awesome beautiful girls like us here."

At that one Tsubaki and Sona blushed furiously, because they wished that they didn`t just heard that and hoped that Alex didn`t take that one seriously. Good thing that Alex was a better diplomat then some gave him a credit for.

"While I do enjoy spending time in such interesting and beautiful company." Alex could see a clear blush on Serafall`s face. "I can`t help but wonder what was so urgent for you to call me here."

"Ah, yes, that." With that, Serafall turned around and pointed at a large sealed off vault`s door. "The reason why I`ve called you out here is behind that sealed door. There, lies our most treasured and valuable artifact that House of Sitri possesses. It`s an ancient and very powerful weapon that has allowed our house to rise to the current heights."

"Hm, I can understand that it must be of very great importance to you if you keep it in here." Alex noted. "But, what does it have to with me?"

"Alex." Now, it was Sona speaking. "Allow me to reveal something that you might not have heard of before. The Houses of Sitri and Phenex have been at odds with each other for quite some time now, all because of Riser Phenex`s actions, through which he almost caused a civil war between the houses to happen. We`ve managed to escape the conflict, but the good name of our house was dishonored because of Riser and his schemes to secure him a marriage with my sister."

Alex`s eyes widened a little at what he heard. That douchbag has tried to marry Serafall Leviathan?! He must have an ego the size of Russia to even think of something like that.

"Yeah, that big and arrogant guy almost made me fall for him, but, thanks to Sona here." Serafall looked gratefully at her sister. "I`ve escaped him just in time, but he still managed to hurt our reputation badly. So, once I`ve heard that Rias was going to fight him in Rating Game, and given the fact that you are a part of her Peerage, I`ve decided that it was perfect opportunity for some payback." With that said, Serafall`s palm rose and a magical circle appeared, opening the vault, letting out the cold air.

Alex and the others stepped in and before their eyes lied on a pedestal the object that was sealed all this time in the here. Alex`s eyes widened to the most as he recognized this object. He simply couldn`t believe his eyes that this weapon was a real one, not that was made up in a certain MMORPG-universe. Seems like he was proven wrong in assuming that such a creative design was original.

"Correct me if I`m wrong, but… is that a real Frostmourne I`m seeing before me?!" Alex pointed out at the large sword, emitting very powerful aura.

"Yes, it is." Tsubaki answered. "I was surprised myself to find out that House of Sitri owns 71% percent of Blizzard Entertainment and that Lady Serafall was very heavily involved in creation of World of Warcraft. Frostmourne in the game is almost the exact replica of this one, save for several important details."

"You see, Alex." Serafall turned to him. "Frostmourne is actually our family`s sword. It`s the weapon that has been wielded by my own grandfather during the Revolt of Lucifer and it has secured us quite a lot of victories. But, ever since his death, nobody has been able to use it. Not even I had the guts to take it up."

"Why is that?" Alex questioned.

"Unlike the fictional sword, Frostmourne doesn`t devour souls of its wielders and kill with just one touch." Sona explained. "However, this demonic sword is one of the few that is capable of rivaling the Holy Swords, such as Durandal, Excalibur and even Caliburn. Frostmourne is a sword that has a very unique ability to grow in power with his wielder, becoming more and more powerful when his own user grows in power."

"I see." Alex looked again at the demonic sword. "Ever since we`ve entered, I did feel a very powerful aura around him. It`s basically a sword that makes his user push himself even further for more power."

"Yep, but it`s also very powerful and picky in choosing its own wielders." Serafall chinned in. "The reason why I didn`t even try to wield it is because it doesn`t respond to any of the Sitris now. I think it needs to find a new master to wield it`s power."

"And you`ve decided that I`ll be able to wield it?" Alex received a collective nod. "Well, might as well, just give it a try." Forsaken Regalia fully got out in the open, but without Alex`s command. "Galeran, what`s up with you?"

"Alex, I think that you should try and take up the sword while also using Regalia." Galeran spoke. "Listen, Forsaken Regalia possesses not just the ability to absorb all of energy of the enemy, but there is one more that might just help you wield it."

"Wait, there is another power inside of Regalia?"

"Yes." Galeran firmly stated, surprising everyone. "The ultimate form of Absorbing. It`s simply called Integration. This ability allows the Forsaken Regalia to integrate into the user unique and special powers and abilities of certain persons or objects, or to make user compatible with a specific weapon like Frostmourne. All you need to do is try and take up the weapon, while also absorbing the energy of it. However, I`ll warn you that it`s pretty dangerous and you might end up severely injured."

"Didn`t stop me before." And with that said, Alex got a hold of the handle.

And in that moment, the blade resonated with the powerful surge of energy and sent it directly to Alex, who was struggling to hold it even in this state. The amount of power this blade was sending was astronomical and he couldn`t help, but scream out of sheer pain and pressure that was put on him, but he didn`t back down. That sword had one hell of an attitude, but Alex wasn`t one of those that gave up easily. After intense minutes, Alex has heard what he really wanted to hear.

"Frostmourne: Power Integrated!" Galeran exclaimed and the sword finally gave up and accepted it`s new wielder. "Congratulations, Alex. This is one powerful sword you now own. From this point onwards, Frostmourne is yours to wield with or without Regalia`s support."

"Man, it really is heavy though." Alex exclaimed, looking at the details on the sword and wielding it with two hands.

In the next second, a sheath appeared on his left side and Alex sheathed his new sword and turned to the ladies.

"I`ve never thought that Frostmourne would actually find a new master." Sona exclaimed amazed. "How do you feel, by the way?"

"Exhausted, to be honest." Alex wasn`t kidding. "This sword took everything I had in me and if it took even a second longer, I would be a dead man for sure."

"Well, I knew that you would be able to tame this beast." Serafall exclaimed happily. "Now, this blade is yours only and you can do whatever you wish with it. Consider it a payment for your hard work. Now, I`ve got to go. Sona, Tsubaki, please take care of Alex for me."

"As you wish." Both exclaimed and Serafall disappeared in a magical circle, both turned to Alex.

"We`ll drop you off to Rias." Tsubaki said, creating a magical circle for Alex. "Take a break for today. After that stunt, you`ll need to rest up a bit."

"Good idea, thanks." With that, Alex stepped into the circle. "Thanks for everything, girls. I won`t fail your expectations." And with that Alex disappeared, leaving Sona and Tsubaki alone.

"Seems like he really is ready to battle Riser." Tsubaki noted. "What are your predictions, Sona?"

"Well, I think that it won`t be Rias` victory, but rather Alex`s over Riser." Sona smiled at the thought. "And if he does perform well there, perhaps there is a chance that he might receive a public support and get a promotion ahead for beating the undefeated Scion of Phenex family."

"Are you hoping for that because you genuinely want him to get his freedom from Rias and you would have a good position to marry him officially?" Tsubaki could see Sona blush a bit. "Tell me, do you really have feelings for Alex, or is it strictly political for you?"

"Tsubaki, you should know by now, that when it comes to my personal life." Sona had a slight grin on her face. "I don`t mix it with politics. Especially when it comes to the person I do love."

Tsubaki could only nod to that one. After all, she was of the same opinion as Sona on that regard.