To the Familiar Forest

Human World, Japan, Kuoh.

Two days after the meeting with the Satans, Azazel, and Odin, in the training room underneath the Human World's Alaverus Estate, the residents of the house and the members of Rias and Sona's peerages that live outside the mansion were finishing up another one of Scathach's grueling training sessions.

"That is enough for today." Scathach said as she looked over the exhausted young people in the training room.

"It's finally over." Issei said as he lay with his arms and legs spread out on the floor.

"Here, have some water." Asia said, bringing Issei a bottle of water, even though she was just as exhausted.

"Oh, Ise, Asia, I forgot to ask." James said with a smile while still balancing on a spike. Then, with his eyebrows waggling, he continued. "How was your date?"

While Asia began to blush immediately, Issei began to smile like a fool. Judging from their reactions and the fact that Issei did not ogle the girls as much or as hard as he usually does during training, James had a good idea of how their date went.

Irina, who was also training with the peerages of the four [Kings] who live in the mansion, looked at the reactions of her childhood friend and friend with a jealous pout on her face. Then, her wings and halo appeared on their own. Then, like they had done in Heaven, they began to flicker rapidly.

"Seriously, it's a wonder she hasn't fallen yet." Lady said while wiping sweat from her face.

"The date was awesome, Senpai." Issei said while giving a thumbs up.

"I'm glad to hear it." James said.

"Oh, Girl, you've got some stories to tell, don't you?" Moka said as she wrapped her arms around Asia.

"Moka~." Asia said with a bright red blush on her face.

"Don't give me that." Mizore said, approaching her with a gossip loving smile on her face. "You're spending the night over here, tonight."

As the second year girls began to talk animatedly, Ayame approached James quietly.

"James-Sama." Ayame said in a respectful tone.

"What's up, Ayame?" James asked casually as he flipped off the spike he was balancing on.

"If I may make a suggestion." Ayame said with a slight bow. "Tomorrow night is the full moon. Perhaps it is time that we made a trip to the Familiar Forest."

"Hmm." James hummed as he stroked his chin. "That's not such a bad idea."

Then, looking at Ayame with a glint in his eye, James continued to speak.

"In fact, it's a really good idea." James said with a cruel smile on his face. "Especially for a disgusting degenerate like you."

Hearing James insult, Ayame's body stiffened. Then, her face went as red as Rias hair and her body began to shudder. A moment later, her breathing became haggard. Finally, she fell to the floor while writhing in ecstasy.

"Damn, you're disgusting." James said with a cold expression on his face.

Hearing that, Ayame's eyes rolled into the back of her head while her body began to twitch. Then, she passed out. Once her consciousness was gone, James picked up Ayame like a princess with a fond smile on his face.

"It looks like she's grown on you." Flora said with a smile. "But... Do you really have to do that in front of everyone? I mean, look at Issei."

Turning his head, James saw a trickle of blood flowing from Issei's nose while he wore an awkward expression. It was easy to see that Issei found the sight of Ayame getting off arousing. At the same time, though, he found her masochism quite off putting.

"*Sigh* This is the best way for me to reward her." James said while smiling wryly.

"Why don't you just accept her?" Akeno asked, feeling a bit awkward.

"Because..." James said, his voice getting quieter as he continued. "I don't know much about S&M in the bedroom. I'm afraid of disappointing her."

"My disciple, you really are quite cute." Scathach said as she approached James. Then, she placed a hand on his cheek and spoke in a sultry tone. "Perhaps, this Scathach should teach you all that you need to know."

Hearing Scathach's tone, James stiffened immediately. Although she sounded sexy as hell, James was completely terrified at the thought. James was one hundred percent certain that Scathach meant to teach him about S&M like she said. However, he was also certain that he would be taught from the perspective of the masochistic side.

"No, thank you." James said with his face paling and cold sweat dripping down his forehead. "I think I should research about this on my own. Since I'm doing this for Ayame, and all."

"Well, if you'd like to do some research." Akeno said with a smile on her face. "I have some materials in my room that might interest you. Perhaps we could watch them together."

"Why doesn't it surprise me that Akeno has a bunch of BDSM porn stashed in her bedroom?" Rias asked while placing her right hand on her forehead.

"Because you've known her for years." Sona said while adjusting her glasses with a slight blush on her face.

As the group continued to chat, they made their way up stairs via the elevator in groups. Then, they all made their way to the bath and got them selves cleaned up. After a nice bath, Issei and Genshirou took their leave, while Asia and Irina stayed with the other second year girls. Mizore, Moka, Shuna, and Xenovia wanted the juicy details about Asia's time with Issei while they were in Heaven or the Underworld while Irina wanted to reprimand Asia due to her jealousy. At the same time, the rest of the residents went about their own business before eventually going to bed.

The next day, After another grueling training session.

"James, I've made my decision." Akua said in a solemn tone. "I would like to join your peerage."

"Oh, and what was it that prompted you to decide?" James asked curiously. "I mean, it's not like I've done anything particularly noteworthy, right?"

"Signing a familiar contract with Crom Cruach isn't anything noteworthy?" Evangeline asked, pointing at Crom Cruach who was still bench pressing the equivalent of seven city buses' weights. (approx. 294,000 lbs. Or 133,356 kg)

"Touche." James replied with a smile.

"I'll admit, that was part of the reason." Akua replied with a nod. "But that's not all. On top of that, I've seen how happy that Moka is with you and how hard you work to improve."

'Ugh... Another sis-con.' James thought to himself.

"I see." James said with a wry smile. "But I have to ask you one more time. Are you sure? Once you go through with this, there's no going back."

Instead of answering verbally, Akua nodded her head strongly. Feeling her determination, James then took a step toward Akua and extended his hand. When he did, a [Rook] and three [Pawn Pieces] appeared floating over his outstretched palm.

"You're the same as me." Kahlua said after seeing the [Evil Pieces] that answered James call.

"And like Kahlua, I think we'll go with the [Rook]." James said, wrapping his hand around the [Rook Piece].

After that, the three [Pawns] disappeared. Then, James wasted no time pressing the [Rook] into Akua's chest. A moment later, Akua closed her eyes as her body began to change. About a minute later, Akua's changes completed, and a pair of devil wings sprouted from her lower back.

"Congratulations!" Kahlua shouted as she wrapped Akua in a bear hug.

Before Kahlua could squeeze too tightly, James quickly pulled her away from Akua.

"James, what are you doing?" Kahlua asked with a pout while James held her up by the scruff of her neck.

"Stopping you from killing my new [Rook]." James said with a wry smile on his face. "Your strength is enough for me to feel my bones creak under one of your full powered hugs. You'd crush your sister, who is only at the ultimate-rank, like a soda can."

Although she didn't say anything, Akua nodded at James in appreciation.

"It looks like we need to increase the training for you, Kahlua." Scathach said in her usual tone. "We need to make sure you can control all that physical strength perfectly."

"James-Sama." Shuna said after checking the time. "It's almost time for us to go to the Familiar Forest."

"Yeah, I guess it is." James said, checking the clock hanging on the training room's wall. "Alright, go get cleaned up. Then, we'll go to the Familiar Forest."

Following James instructions, the members of his two peerages made their way to the baths so that they would be ready to make their trip to the Familiar Forest. Walking at the back of the group, Akua let a small smile make its way onto her face.

'Now I'll be able to go shopping with Moka.' Akua thought to herself as she clenched her fists in front of her chest.

About an hour later, the members of James' peerages met up in the living room. Before they left, James looked at his mother, who was playing a fighting game with Genkai.

"Mom, you don't have a familiar, right?" James asked.

"Nope, sure don't." Leona replied with a focused expression on her face.

"Wanna come with us and look for one?" James asked.

"Is that allowed?" Leona replied with a question of her own.

"Actually, that's a good question." James replied. Then, he looked at his father and other devils who had been to the Familiar Forest. "Can I bring people who aren't part of my peerage?"

"I don't see why not." Cassiel replied while reading a book. "It's not like that was a restriction in the first place."

"Yeah, it just makes things more convenient." Rias said. "That way, you'd make sure no one gets left behind. After all, outside the night of the full moon, it can be pretty dangerous in the Familiar Forest."

"I see." James said. Then, he turned his attention back to his mother. "So, do you wanna come with?"

"Sure, give me a minute." Leona said without looking at James. "This match is almost over."

"No, it's over already." Genkai said.

"No~~~~!" Leona screamed.

Looking over to the TV, James could see Genkai's character land a super move to finish the match.

"Okay, let's go." Leona said in a lifeless tone. Then, she stood up and made her way over to James' group. "I want you to get revenge for me when we get back."

"We'll see." James said with a smile.

After that, James snapped his fingers and a teleportation magic circle appeared around them. A moment later, James and the rest of the group disappeared in a flash of light.

Familiar Forest.

A moment later, James and his group appeared in what appears to be a large forest. However, everything looked a little sinister. All the trees, bushes, and the ground were all tinted an eerie red. When they eventually looked up into the sky, they found the reason for the eerie red tint. And that was an equally eerie red tinted full moon.

"Well... I've never seen a moon like that." Leona said. "It's a little creepy."

"Yeah, it's just like that one 'Tales' game." James said. "The one with the pirate chick that was way too angry for too much of the game."

"I don't think that's what's important right now." Scathach said. "Where is the Familiar Master we were told about."

"Please don't worry." An unfamiliar male voice said. "When I sense your arrival, I came in a hurry."

"Oh, please tell me he doesn't speak in rhymes." Mizore said. "I can see that getting real old, real quick."

With Mizore's statement, everyone looked in the direction the voice came from. When they did, they saw a lanky man with red hair tied in a low ponytail, overly pronounced facial features, and brown eyes wearing a white tank top and black shorts with a green sweater wrapped around his waist, white socks, brown sneakers, black fingerless gloves, a dark-blue cap, and a yellow backpack.

"Young Lady, there's no need to fret." The unfamiliar man spoke once again. "If you're impressed by my rhymes, you ain't seen nothing yet."

"The rhymes are annoying." Moka said with a frown on her face. "But his fashion sense is hideous."

In agreement, all the women in the group nodded simultaneously.

"The words you speak are hurtful, you make me want to grieve." The man said. "I think we should find your familiars quickly, so you all can leave."

"Before that, mind introducing yourself?" James asked with a smile on his face. "I'm James Alaverus, nice to meet you."

"Oh, it would be fine if you call me, the Familiar Master, Zatouji." Zatouji said.

Like that, the rest of the group introduced themselves to Zatouji. Then, for the next couple hours, Zatouji led the group around the Familiar Forest helping them to find familiars of their own. By the end of their tour, most of the group had familiars. Other than James, Scathach, and the former vampires, who already had familiars of their own, the only one who left without a new familiar was Dante.

Mizore found a white tiger cub with blue stripes and a pair of wings that breathed ice that she named Byakko. Cu Chulainn found an eagle that could discharge electricity that he named Zapdos. Lady found a snake that breathes fire and named it Ember. Like Cu Chulainn Flora's familiar could also discharge electricity. Unlike Chulainn's, though, Flora's familiar was a cat with silver fur that she named Kenshi. Ayame found a black mouse that could move at high speed and use stealth magic she named Gin-Chan. Shuna found a white slug that could assist her in healing. She called Katsuyu. Shion chose a bear cub with super strength, she simply named Kuma. And last, but certainly not least, Irene tamed a small dragon with green scales and bright blue eyes that could manipulate wind that she named Sapphire.

"Thanks for your help, Zatouji." James said with a smile while reaching out his hand for a handshake. "Next time I'll have to come by and see Tiamat, though."

"I wouldn't do that if you value your life." Zatouji said with a shiver. "Unless you are the type that seeks conflict and strife."

As Zatouji reached out to take James outstretched hand, a large explosion occurred in the distance.

"That came from the direction of Tiamat's cave." Zatouji said with fright. "You should leave no, before things get grave."

"Well, I guess I'll be seeing Tiamat this time around, after all." James said with a battle hungry smile on his face. "I get the feeling I'm in for quite the first meeting, as well."