chapter 11

Lucifer`s Residence. AKA Alex`s house.

Young Lucifer was seriously thinking right now that he probably was a Hitler in one of his previous lives. Because there was no other explanation on to why the hell he couldn`t get at least 5 hours of sleep. And the reason for that, you may ask?

Why, naked Rias Gremory, sleeping on his bare chest and entire torso, using him as a body pillow, of course. Alex had warned that crimson princess about a hundred times about his independence and how he hates when someone is basically invading his private space. That didn`t stop her the first time, which resulted in her being kicked out of the bed. That must`ve stopped her antics for a time being, but, after Kuroka revealed to him that she was now using spells to make him sleep and cuddle up with her, Alex became far more careful, as he placed several layers of anti-teleportation barriers, making his room basically a dead zone. That stopped Rias for sure, but it only worked for so long. Because now Rias Gremory has moved into Alexander`s mansion, with the blessing of her father, mother and older brother, who all wanted those to get along and be happy with each other, right in the same day Alex became her fiancée. Alex`s reaction was simply of accepting this with a neutral face, while inside of him he was thinking on the ways to poison the entire Gremory household. Galeran, by that point also annoyed by Rias and her family`s quirks, said out loud to his host to 'send this annoying bitch out of here with all this trash!' Who would`ve thought that Galeran was getting so annoyed? As for Lucifer, he was drawing parallels with how he ended up with Lilith. Just after their first conversation, Alex understood several things about his grandfather:

1. He hated Bible God and would never apologize for killing him.

2. He absolutely loves his daughters and hates Sirzechs for marrying Grayfia, but has absolutely no problem with Azazel.

3. He hated his first wife more than God, Sirzechs and Nazis combined.

What surprised Alex was the fact that Lucifer actually knew about Nazis and that they were on his 4th most hated things list. But he didn`t ask from where he knew about them, as he simply believed that his grandfather was more than meets the eye. And speaking about the eyes, Rias finally decided to open up hers once she realized that Alex wasn`t sleeping and was glaring daggers at her. But that didn`t deter her, as she smiled seductively at him and moved closer.

"Hello there, handsome." She spoke sultry. "Sleep well?"

Alex`s face didn`t change the expression.

"Hardly." Alex simply replied. "Mind telling me what the hell are you doing here?"

"Hm? I live here, obviously." Rias made a confused face, but then she changed back to her previous one. "Or, did you mean, why am I in bed with you, wearing nothing and allowing your perfect torso and chest be my pillow?"

"Yeah, why is that?" Alex replied, still glaring daggers. "You do remember what`ve promised to do if that happens again, Gremory?"

"Moue, don`t be like that, darling." Rias caringly caressed his stiff cheek, her left hand going down to his pants. "Say, why don`t we do some 'morning bonding' exercises? It`ll allow us to… better perform on our wedding night." She seductively said, moving her lips, with closed eyes, to kiss him and make out with her future groom.

[That girl… Does she have no decency? Or mind, as the matter of affect?] Galeran clicked in angrily.

"Knowing Gremory and their antics, no, she doesn`t." Lucifer replied to a dragon. "By the way, aren`t you going to do something about this succubus at the moment? Or you`ve suddenly decided to cheat on your Nekoshou lady?"

'Not a chance.' Alex replied, moving his right hand at Rias`s lips and stopping her in her tracks. 'If I`m going to lose my V-card, then I would prefer it be with the most beautiful and gorgeous black cat in the world, then with her.'

"How about a little swimming to start off the day?" Alex suddenly proposed, white magic circle forming behind confused Rias. "I`ve heard that school`s pool is the best place for that." And with that said, he made just one hard push and Rias was inside the portal before she could utter a word and portal was closed in the next second. "Though, it wasn`t used since the last year, so it might be a little… muddy to swim."

In reality, that pool was a literal dumpster and a marsh. Even the stench was so strong that it would make for one hell of aroma after diving into it. He may`ve promised Rias to throw her out of the window, but he decided that teleporting this crimson haired princess directly above the most dirty pool in the world, naked and without any clothing, in broad day light, would do just fine. Besides, he heard that waters in the marshes are actually good for the skin. Maybe it`ll make Rias prettier, but, then again, there were reported all kinds of insects and other gross stuff living in the pool, but, what one will do for a beauty of the other.

Once this whole mess was settled, at least for a couple of hours, Alex rose up and, after clearing out his room of Rias` cloths by disintegrating them and quick shower, he went to the kitchen to make up some breakfast for himself and another guest in the house, that politely and gently asked him if she could stay here for an indefinite time period and, if she was allowed, help out with the house as a payment for the hospitality. Alex, of course, allowed this guest to stay, but he didn`t take her offer of paying back, as he believed that she really could use some normal hospitality and rest up a bit, especially with having a lot on her mind and soul at the moment.

And that guest appeared in form of Grayfia Lucifuge, who was wearing not her usual maid uniform, but a simple night`s dress, having her hair also untied and flowing freely. She looked more refreshed and rested, yawning a little and smelling bacon and eggs coming up.

Alex turned around and saw his aunt.

"Good morning, Grayfia." Alex greeted her, adding another egg on the pan. "Sleep well?"

"Yes, I did, actually." She replied in far more freer way instead of her usual reserved form. "Though, you shouldn`t have bothered yourself with cooking a breakfast. I would`ve…"

"Grayfia, utter one more word and I`ll have to reconsider cooking a French parfait for dinner`s desert today." Alex cut her short with the mention of Grayfia`s favorite desert and her weak point.

Lucifuge was quick to silence herself, since she actually was afraid of not getting a parfait. It really was her only weakness, aside from her son, but she made sure that nobody knew about it, not even her husband. And she hasn`t told anyone about it in the past couple of centuries, which did rise a certain question on how did Alex get a hold of this information. She decided not to hit abound the bushes and ask him directly, because she wanted to be plain and truthful with him.

"Alex, can I ask you something?" Grayfia sit at the table, looking at her nephew as he was finishing up the breakfast.

"Go ahead." Alex was putting the bacon on to the plates now.

"How did you find out about my… preferences in deserts?" Grayfia was now having a pink blush on her cheeks.

"That? Lucifer told me about it." Alex decided to state bluntly, turning around and handing out the plate to confused Grayfia. "He said that after you`ve tasted his special parfait, he had to hire two additional cooks just so you and mom could have it every day."

Grayfia looked agape at what Alex just said. Because it was a genuine truth and there was literally no reason for him to confuse her into believing something… preposterous. She may`ve known her nephew little less than a day, but he didn`t strike her like that type of person. Instead, she saw Alex as a person that gains all that he wants not by cowering and kneeling, but through battling, striving and building up. Evident in his independence and absolute determination to reach his goal on his own and prevail in all battles. In determination department, Grayfia was thinking that Alex could give Sairaorg a run for his money. He lived through hell when he was but a child, yet he built himself up and rose over all obstacles, crushing them and prevailing. Alex was… a lot like her own father, Lucifer.

In fact, only now Grayfia had realized it. She looked with her eyes more closely at Alex, but this time, she augmented her sight with magic. And then she finally saw it. Something that she couldn`t have sensed before as it was immaterial and in a pure spiritual form. Grayfia`s eyes widened as she saw behind her nephew`s hollow projection of her now deceased father, dressed just like her husband, but his garments were more of silver colorings instead of gold. Once she saw her father`s spirit, it looked at her curiously and then chuckled up a bit.

"Well, well, Grayfia." Lucifer spoke out loud. "You are the first to finally notice my presence in this world. Well done, my little girl."

"I-impossible…" Grayfia muttered, looking at Alex and Lucifer glancing at each other. "A-Alex, do you see him too?"

"Yep, I do." Alex answered, looking at his grandfather. 'I didn`t know you were able to project your image out in the open. I`ve though that only I was capable of seeing you, along with Galeran.'

"Those that carry my blood in their veins are capable of seeing me, if they try, of course. I can also be seen or detected by those with higher power, if I`m not careful enough. I purposefully hid myself from Sirzechs and others, because I have no desire to let them know of my presence in this world, even as your spiritual guardian." Lucifer replied with a smirk. "Grayfia used her magic to augment her sight to see energetic flow, that`s how she was able to see me. And now that I`m discovered by her, I see no point in concealing myself from my daughter. However, Grayfia, do refrain from speaking out loud. I can hear all of your thoughts and if you have something to say to me, speak it in your mind and I`ll hear it. I`m basically a creature that has no material form, so immaterial thoughts are within my reach. Besides that, I`m capable of serving as the relay of thoughts between you two, which is quite a good thing for privacy."

Grayfia nodded to that and decided to follow the suit.

'Very well, I shall do so.' Grayfia said in her thoughts, expression softening. 'Father… It has been a very long time.'

"More then 2 millenia of years, to be exact." Lucifer spoke with a soft smile. "I`m relieved and happy to see and be able to speak with you, Grayfia."

'Even after I have forsaken all of my ties with you and mother? Even after I betrayed you all for the man I thought I knew?' Grayfia grimly asked her father. 'How can you even call me your daughter after I've sold you and mother out?! How are you even…' Grayfia was almost on the verge of tears.

"SILENCE!" Lucifer`s voice boomed in fury. "Do you even hear what you are saying, girl?! How could I ever forsake my own daughter even if she had made her own choice to follow the path that seemed right to her?" Lucifer asked his older daughter, but then calmed down a bit. "Grayfia, my dear daughter, Alexandra and I never held any hatred towards you. Never was there a moment that I wasn`t happy to have you as my daughter, along with Lucia. My only regret always lied and shall always lie with the fact that I wasn`t able to raise my sons in the same way I did with you and Lucia. Rizevim has too much of Lilith inside of him and that witch has twisted him into what he is now, which in turn affected my little Euclid. As a father, I must`ve been one of the worst ones out there to my boys, but a good one to my daughters."

Grayfia was shocked and surprised with how her father was speaking with her. It was very much alike when he was still alive, when things were so different and her family was together. It was much like when she was just a little girl with whom her big daddy would love to play, along with her little sister Lucia. It was very much true: Lucifer was a very doting and caring father to her and Lucia. He was always there with them when they needed him or just wanted to spend time with their father.

While most of Devil society now believes that previous Four Satans were generally arrogant and selfish, Lucifer was most certainly not like that, standing as the first and strongest Devil that had ever existed, even Sirzechs and Ajuka still can`t quite match up to the former Right Hand of God, his First Son and the one that eventually defeated him in a single combat. The only reason her father had fallen to the combined strength of Sirzechs, Ajuka and Grayfia was because they`ve attacked before he had time to recuperate after his titanic clash with God, which resulted in his death at the hands of Sirzechs, who claimed his name as his own, along with his oldest daughter.

In truth, Grayfia had always been haunted by her decision to abandon her family and follow the path of her heart, which had led her to participate in killing her own father, witnessing the death of her mother, Rizevim and Euclid flee from Devils. And, most painfully, fate of her younger sister Lucia and being indirectly responsible for all her torments and her son`s hardships in life. All of that has now resulted in her leaving Sirzechs and Gremory family, moving in Alex`s house, where she had hoped that she could not only earn his forgiveness for all that she had done and, more importantly, earn the right to forgive herself for all that she had done. She also now needed to think everything over and decide her own life from now and was she willing to live with Gremory after all that happened.

As Grayfia was contemplating, Alex decided to speak up mentally.

'Grayfia, neither I nor my mother hold you responsible or at blame for all that had happened to us. There is no need for your to seek my forgiveness, because I have nothing that needs to be forgiven.' Alex spoke in mental plane, standing up from the table and moving towards the closet. 'You two have some catching ups to do, so I`ll leave you two to it. I`ve got some things to take care in the Academy.' Alex dressed in his normal garments and casted a simple illusion spell he learned from Lucifer on his eyes and hair, returning them to their original colors. "See ya." And with that, he went out on the streets.

Kuoh. 15 minutes later.

Alex was walking down the street in his normal pace. He wasn`t lying, saying that he had some things to take care in school. In fact, those were matters of greatest importance to Alexander. First of all, he needed to talk with Sona about Devil`s customs about marriages and on specifically how to best break one without losing face in front of the society. Well, he didn`t mind Rias getting a bit of bad rep, because she really was pushing it and deserved some punishment for her actions, but he personally still wished to retain his face, or maybe even boost up his own prestige.

'Come to think of it, I never actually cared about such petty thing as prestige before.' Alex mused to himself.

[That`s your Devil`s blood inside of you calling out.] Galeran spoke up. [As a Devil, born in line of one of Four Original Satans, Lucifer, which is even more, it`s only natural that you begin to think of such things and work on the way to increase your own authority, even if subconsciously.]

'I see. Well, if that`s the case, then I best start look for the potential members of my Peerage. Sona did explain to me that Peerage is the primary tool for High-Class Devils to earn respect and influence in Underworld. I should be getting my own set of pieces in a day or two, so it should be best if I think about candidates right away.'

[Strategic thinking, so much like you and Lucifer.] Galeran noted. [Anyway, I take it, you are going to on getting your own Peerage first, then on getting out of Gremory`s arranged marriage, am I right?]

'Yep, I have a feeling that having a competent Peerage on my side would play a major role in securing my freedom and position.' Alex deduced.

Young Lucifer was already drawing up the list of possible candidates along with planning out the style and formation of his strike force. He knew that Peerages consisted of 1 Queen, 2 Rooks, 2 Bishops, 2 Knights and 8 Pawns.

Now, Queen is the most versatile and powerful piece that a King could have, as it had all the abilities of the Bishop, Rook and Knight. Basically, Queen acted as the second-in-command to King and his most powerful warrior. Alex was thinking that if he must have a Queen on his side, then it must be someone who is similar to him in regards of power, strategy and even mindset, meaning that his second-in-command should be able to adapt to situations, like Alex, but be a powerhouse in his/her own right. Finding someone like that was problematic and Alex didn`t know anyone that could fit in the role.

Then, came Rooks, second most powerful pieces in chess, but in Devil`s world they were the once that basically served as tanks of Peerages. They had to be the once able to give a lot of damage, but capable of holding the front against more enemies. Alex was thinking that he could mix it with one Rook being specialist in defense and another one in offence, but then again, he did have Knights for that purpose. So, Alex decided to settle on Rooks being more of a tank types with capacity to deal unholy amounts of damage. In his time, Alex had a chance of meeting with some individuals that fit this category perfectly.

Bishops were magical types, casters of spells and magical craft. Not fit for direct combat, they served the same role as artillery and medics did in the army: major fire support and constant backing up of the forces. Having one mage specializing in offensive spells and another in supportive powers was a good idea, granting versatility in battle. Young Lucifer settled that having versatility in Bishops was the best thing and was now thinking on whom he could get on board with it.

Knights… Now, this is where Alex had practically no trouble deciding. Major strike force, utilizing speed and swordsman skills as their primary tools. Finding those fit in this particular category could be troublesome, but, fortunately for Alex, he just happens to be acquainted with not just good, but straight up best swordsmen in this generation.

And then there were Pawns, foot soldiers and infantry of his little army. While, most view Pawns as basically nothing more but in Alex`s eyes, those Pawns were essentially the versatility incarnate. He wasn`t thinking on using one Pawn for one Servant as it wouldn`t be practical in his eyes. He basically needed the fighters that had attributes of other pieces in them and put them as a strike force. On that account, Alex was aware of many people that utilized not a singular attribute in them.

Of course, there was the matter of recruiting them and Alex had to settle that one right away. After some contemplation and thinking, he came to a conclusion that if he were to recruit people, then he would lead them not through schemes and foul play, like Rias did with him, but fairly and with honor. He would never even think of members of his Peerage as Servants, but he would view them as his comrades and brothers-in-arms. Forcing them to submit or using the situation to his advantage was most definitely not Alex`s style, as he needed his soldiers to follow their commander not blindly, but with loyalty and clear head. If they had trouble or needed help, then Alex`s top priority would be his friends in need, himself later. That`s how he would run his business, not like Rias, that preferred to turn the situation to her favor and only when it suited her, would she step into the game.

'Now, who could I…' Alex was about out the candidates, but he stopped in his tracks once he heard a distinct sound of swords clashing with each other.

Alex immediately recognized that sound as he had heard when he was practicing with Kiba. And from sheer intensity; it was as if a battle was fought between knights on a full battle mode. Alex decided to check everything with his own energy sensing to determine just who were there and how powerful were the opponents. In the next second, Alex sensed that at school, which apparently became a battlefield, were Tsubaki, Kiba, Rias, Akeno, Issei and Raynare, out of those that were familiar to Alex`s sense. And then, there were two other sources that he didn`t recognize, but… for sheer power output, these were no jokes. They were humans, but they clearly possessed some sort of powerful weapons or Sacred Gears and those things were more powerful than any of Kiba`s swords and could give others a lot of trouble and beat them to a pulp. Without more thinking, Alex decided that if those guys had so much power, then he would answer them accordingly. In one second, Alex mentally commanded his Forsaken Regalia to go into Balance Breaker mode.

And in the next second he was already standing in front of the empty street white and blue clad in Scale Mail armor. And in the next second he went right up into the skies.

'Galeran, how long can I sustain my armor in a combat situation?' Alex needed to know right now.

[In any normal situation, you can sustain Scale Mail up to 5 hours without any trouble, but, if we are talking about the same level as your battle with Riser or higher, then I give you 1 hour and 20 minutes.] Galeran informed. [Alex, I just had a feel of those combatants' powers and their energy signatures. One of them is clearly using some sort of cursed weapon, emitting powerful demonic energy. Also, it must have some sort of enchantment on it, something that propels that weapon to strike it`s enemy down without trouble. If I were to take my pick from the moves that acrobat pulls out and how he fights, it must be a lancer. As for another one, I believe that it`s a swordsman of great skill and prowess, as he keeps Kiba at bay without even slightest effort. Also, his weapon emits a very powerful Holy energy from it, second to none I would dare say. From the amount of power output and sheer strength, this sword stands on par with Caliburn and is clearly superior to your current Frostmourne.]

'A cursed death spear and a sword on par with Caliburn… Hold a second there!' Alex`s mind quickly ran through all possible variants and came up with only two possible matches. 'Gae Bolg and Divine Excalibur, there is no doubt in that…'

[I remember hearing rumors about Gae Bolg and its tremendous power to destroy entire armies in one go, but I`ve heard nothing of this Divine Excalibur you`ve just mentioned. Is this some sort of variation or part of the original Excalibur?] Galeran asked his host.

"Neither of both. Divine Excalibur is nothing like that sword, as it wasn`t created by a Bible God. Instead, this particular was created by a human that possesses a high tier Sacred Gear that allows to create weapons and armors of the highest quality and power, granting them any attribute, be it Holy or Demonic power, which are practically impossible to destroy.' Alex explained. 'Divine Excalibur is the sword that was forged for Catholic Church as an ultimate weapon to destroy any Demonic sword it comes into contact with and slays everything with Holy Energy of God."

[A Sacred Gear with that kind of power…] Galeran mused. [I know only of one Sacred Gear with such power. Infinity Forge, am I correct?]

'Yes, you are right. And just so happen to know the person who created it and is wielding it at the moment, along with that lancer.' Alex informed his partner. 'Of all the people, I wasn`t expecting those two to stir up troubles with Devils out of the thin air. They must`ve been provoked by them. Well, I think it`s time we see it for ourselves.' Alex finally reached the school grounds in his Scale Mail and hovered above the battlefield, curiously observing the fight.

It was just as he had expected. Below Alex, Tsubaki and Issei were pressing the attack against their opponent, but he was way too nimble and quick for clumsy Issei and his not developed Boosted Gear. As for Tsubaki, master of naginata, she outmatched in speed, mobility and striking range by a more experienced and powerful opponent. On the other side, Kiba was charging like a beast at his opponent, who was standing right in front of him with a calm expression and focused sight. And right behind the fighting Devils were Rias and Akeno, though Akeno was maintaining a substantial range from Rias, due to the aroma incoming from her King, which even Alex caught up in the air. Young Lucifer was surprised that Rias was already here, dressed in her uniform and looking remotely okay, but the stench of the not cleaned pool and dirt were still on her. And as for Raynare…

"Alex!" Said Fallen Angel launched herself in Alex`s embrace, hugging him trough his armor. "Wow, you look amazing in this thing! Just like a dragon."

"It is a Dragon type Sacred Gear after all." Alex reminded Raynare, dispelling Scale Mail and hovering with his own two sets of Devil`s Wings. "So, I take it you`ve heard that I was released and came back? Because I actually missed you."

"Heh, of course you did." Raynare smiled to him. "And yeah, your dad sent me back to relay the message that you`ll be visited soon by your friends. Only problem was that I so happened to ran into those friends of yours." Raynare pointed downwards. "I would`ve never guessed that you have so many friends among Grigori and their allies."

"I`m a rather popular figure there." Alex admitted, looking at the ruckus. "Care to explain what happened?'

"We were actually moving towards your house when we started passing the school and then Kiba suddenly approached us out of nowhere and demanded a fight with us." Raynare began explaining. "I`ve refused to oblige him, so did those two, but then he straight up attacked her without holding back with his Holy Eraser sword. Then the others came as well and Tsubaki and Issei joined the fray. I`ve tried to talk them out of this and explain the situation, but alas… Tsubaki was probably seeing it as a clear threat to the school, along with an opportunity to test out her naginata skills and Issei… Do you need to hear his reasoning or should just pass?"

"Yare yare daze…" Was all that Alex managed to say, sighing in the process. "Did you explain them my whole situation and did they take it well?"

"Yes and they are actually totally fine with that. Though, both did express a desire to punch Rias for what she did to you." Raynare said. "I myself wouldn`t mind giving her a piece of my mind."

Alex could only chuckle to that one. He actually found it to be quite a joy, knowing that his friends still cared for him this much. As those two were among his closest since he was 12 years old.

Against Kiba was fighting young blond girl, hair tied up behind her, with green eyes, dressed in blue combat dress and armor above it, in her hands was golden sword with blue handle and engravings on it. Her stance was defensive and sword was moved to the position to prevent any hit reaching her. Alex knew that she could beat Kiba without even trying, but wasn`t doing so, as she saw no point in beating someone who was clearly not in the right state of his mind. However, she wasn`t relaxed and didn't let her guard even slightly, as it wasn`t befitting of a knight of her prowess. Alex knew that this girl was strong in will and in battle, loyal to family and friend, fierce and chivalrous in battles. Her Divine Excalibur, a weapon that she had built when she was in Church was a testament to her will and power alone. Out of all people Alex knew, there were only very few that could match this girl`s prowess and none that could break her will and prowess as a knight.

As for Tsubaki and Issei, they were facing off blue-haired lancer, dressed in light combat body armor, with shoulder plates. His hair were tied up behind in low ponytail and his red eyes were looking around, a playful smirk was on his face. Out of all the persons that Alex had to meet, this one was possibly his best friend to hang out and just have fun, but also dependable in time of need, as he rarely let down his friends, if ever. That dude was a flirt, but not a pervert and had a very good taste in girls and knew how to approach them. Most often, he could be found either fishing or a date with a beautiful girl. And as for his cursed red clad Gae Bolg, Alex seriously had no wish to fight this spear, especially when this guy wields it, as he is almost unstoppable with it. The only reason he didn`t finish off Issei and Tsubaki was because he was simply having fun and trolling them to his heart content. However, when this guy start to fight seriously, then you can be dead sure that there will be a bloodbath.

Both of them were the best of the best , and Alex was glad that they were also his close friends. After all, it`s not every day you become friends with Arturia Pendragon, descendant of Arthur Pendragon, holder of Infinity Forge, little sister of Arthur Pendragon and big sister of Le Fey Pendragon; and Cuhullin, descendant of legendary Hound of Ulster and Child of Light. Truly, Alex was glad to know a lot of heroic descendants and these two were his best friends.

Alex decided that it was time he put a stop to this little skirmish, although, he wouldn`t mind Arturia kicking Kiba`s ass and Cuhullin smashing his Gae Bolg at Issei`s head, causing him to revert from his perversion into a decent person. But, that was probably a lot to ask for, so he`ll just have to settle on stopping this pointless fight.

Alex coughed loudly enough to be heard by everyone within ten meters radius, and he was noticed, finally.

"You do realize that it`s a broad daylight here and you are fighting without even a barrier? Seriously, Gremory, I knew you were forgetful, but I think you better visit a doctor to fix it up, until it becomes a serious problem." And then Alex turned to his friends, who looked at him with amused gazes. "As for you two, not ten minutes in the town and you already managed to pick up a fight? And without inviting me for a fun? I feel insulted! How could you not invite me for such fun activity?!"

Cuhullin laughed at that one, while Arturia only smiled to that.

"Sorry for that, bro. If we knew that this gay prince would start up trouble with us, we would certainly invite you for fun." Lancer replied. "Looking sharp by the way. Always knew that silver would suit you better. Now you`ll have to watch out for young boys throwing themselves at you, along with gals."

"You do know I don`t swing that way, do you? That`s pretty boy`s stick." Alex jokingly relied, causing Cuhullin to burst out laughing, while he simply descended down to the ground and was now in front of Arturia. "Long time no see, Arturia. I`m glad to see you are doing well."

"Likewise, Alex." Girl replied with a smile to him. "I`m sorry Cuhullin and I did not inform you about our arrival, but I`m relieved to see that you are in good health. When I heard of what happened, I was scared more than ever for you."

"Sorry to be such a troublemaker for you, Saber." Alex recalled Arturia`s nickname, making her blush a little. "Now, what do you two say we go somewhere… SABER, MOVE!"

Arturia responded on an instinct, moving her frame to the left and revealing behind her Kiba, who was launching another assault on Arturia, but now attacking from behind and using dishonorable tactic. Alex didn`t even see him ,but his senses acted for his sight and body moved faster than thought. As Arturia moved out of Kiba`s path, his Holy Eraser met Alex`s Frostmourne, which materialized in his hand, being transported to him through a portal. And two swords clashed, along with their respective holders.

Kiba snarled at Alex.

"Move away, Lucifer." Kiba demanded. "You are in my way. Don`t interfere with my vendetta!"

"Not a chance, avenger." Alex pushed Kiba back and took a defensive position with a Frostmourne. "If you so want fight with my friend, then you`ll have to go through me first."

"Are saying that you`ll protect her? Even when I say that you must stand down?" Kiba demanded an answer. "Do you know who she is?!"

"I do: she is my closest friend. And because you`ve tried to kill her right now, I`m going to beat you to the bloody pulp." Alex snarled, gripping his sword tighter.

Instead of answering, Kiba simply summoned more swords from the ground and picked another Holy Eraser from the ground into his left hand.

"So be it. Alexander Lucifer, for standing in a way of my revenge, I shall claim your life!" And with that, Kiba launched himself at Alexander.

'Revenge, he said? Well, I was looking for fun anyway. Might as well just show him what`ve learned.' Alex brought his sword closer and prepared to fight against his opponent.

This was going to be interesting.

Forest. In the mean time.

"You mean to tell me that that Gremory girl tricked Alex into becoming her fiancée, in return for freedom and saving him from death because he is Lucifer`s grandson?!" Kuroka demanded an answer from Shirone.

"Yes, nya." Shirone, in her true form answered to her older sister. "Rias got Senpai, Onee-sama, nya. I doubt that Senpai is happy about it, along with us, nya."

Kuroka was practically boiling with anger and fury at this whole situation. Her cat-like eyes were wide and her twin tails were swirling around furiously as Nekoshou was about to snap and go to kill Rias out in the open. It was one thing that Shirone wished to claim her Alex, because she was direct about it and, after substantial amount of time and arguing, Kuroka reached a certain agreement with her sister about it. She wasn`t against other girls being with Alex, because all of them had hotties for him, but… to go so far as to claim Alex as her fiancée and basically move in with him the next couple of hours… No one, never had angered Kuroka in such way and she was just a tiny little bit away from killing that crimson haired bitch for doing something like that. The only thing that was stopping her was the fact that Alex might get in trouble for that, and she really wanted to avoid giving her chosen mate so much trouble.

She needed to find another way to pay that bitch back…

"Onee-sama." Shirone spoke to her big sister firmly, drawing black cat`s attention. "We need to claim Alex first. You`ve promised to help me after the Game. If we don`t hurry, Rias will take him away from us."

"Shirone…" Kuroka calmed down a little. "Alright, I`ve promised, sis, and I`ll help you, nya. This is a very old and powerful technique, developed by to open up our energy paths inside of our bodies to help out heal deceases and restore body. In your case, it will allow you to reach your real height and proportions in accordance to your age. It`s painless, nya, but it`ll take me a day to perform it, but afterwards… I might find myself a real competition in you, nya." Kuroka explained. "And afterwards… Are you sure of it, Shirone? I`ve made up my mind not because he simply interested me as a simple mating partner, but because I truly fell for him and now can`t see myself without him. I`m imprinted by him, Shirone. Is it the same for you or you simply see him as a mating partner?" Kuroka asked her sister seriously.

"I`m imprinted too, Onee-sama." Shirone replied angrily. "I`ve chosen Alex because he helped us, because he showed me the truth and he helped me to reconnect with you. He has done more for me then Rias ever could or will: he gave me my real Onee-sama back. And for that, I won`t accept any other as my mate."

Kuroka only sighed and smiled to that one.

"Very well, nya." Kuroka finally agreed. "Let`s do it in my place. Don`t worry, you might even enjoy it."

Shirone nodded to that and followed her sister.

She wasn`t going to lose to Rias. Never!