Author's Note: Hello readers, it's been over a year since I've written another story or chapter in my other stories. And for those who are following me, I apologize for not updating a new story or chapter in Tsukune Farron or Kamen Rider Gaim and Avatar. I've been busy finding a job for over a year after I graduated community college and have been keeping myself busy since then, I hope you all understand. It's kind of hard to find what kind of job I would be good at, and due to the economy and whatnot. In my spare time, I started working on this a month ago. And ever since I was maintaining my life in balancing between job searching and writing fanfiction, I forgot on how fun it is to write up stories and its chapters. I hope you all wish me luck in finding a full time job.

This story will be based on DXD universe where there's the FFVII elements resides in and the fictional metropolis Midgar residing in Norway. Why did I choose Norway? Well it's because that's where Norse mythology resides in, and Final Fantasy made multiple references of it, especially in FFXIII.

An another note, this story will be rated M, for ecchi and sexual reasons in the future chapters. You've been warned.

Why am I making a Zack x Harem story? Because no one has ever done it before, and if any of you are loyal to Zack x Aerith, please don't read this or give bad reviews, please. Thank you.

PS: Rias and her peerage won't appear in this prologue.

PSS: I made an OC replacing Issei based off of a certain anime character from another anime show. Try to guess which one when you read it.

PSSS: Warning, rant near the bottom of this chapter. You've been warned.

Disclaimers: I don't own either Final Fantasy VII, Highschool DXD, or any other of the Final Fantasy game series.

A devil's guardian: Zack Fair

Prologue: From SOLDIER to foreign exchange student

Midgar, Norway

Governed as a police state, Midgar is a major city/metropolis where everything is high tech and is the home of the world's most powerful military organization to combat major threats around the world, Shinra. It consists of a large circular structure supported above the ground by eight reactors and a central pillar, with various other supports around the city. On top of the structure lies the city proper, divided into eight sectors, while underneath it on the ground lies a large slum; created by the city's unfortunate and downtrodden.

In the center of the city was the tallest building in Midgar; Shinra. It stood seventy stories high and appeared over the rest of the city like a lingering eye, keeping a constant eye on the city beneath it. A couple of searchlights investigating the skies surrounding it, illuminating up the building like a lighthouse. And the clouds over the city were dark and gray, possibly caused by the pollution of the reactors.

Shinra started as an electric company, producing a powerful energy source from the depths of the earth called Mako. Using science and magic, they used the energy's purpose to conduct electricity and condense it into small orbs called Materia, to cast magic spells, summon creatures, command and support abilities, and boost stats. And the Mako reactors surrounding the city is where they produce electricity towards the city, while the rest comes towards Shinra for research purposes.

Now it has become a multibillion-dollar company profiting from technological developments, such as shipbuilding, motor vehicles, electronics, and weapons. They also do research in medicine, biologics, foods, and industrial developments. But despite all that, their main source of income was Mako energy.

Shinra also train and deploy one of their fighting forces the world has to offer, SOLDIERS. SOLDIERS are genetically enhanced soldiers injected with Mako energy, and are sent out on missions that require the use of their strength as they are the advanced super-soldiers with superhuman strength, speed, and agility. Divided into three classes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the higher the class, the stronger they are. And 1st Class are in charge of less important missions, while 3rd and 2nd Classes mostly foot soldiers of Shinra or 1st Class SOLDIERS.

They are idolized as heroes with honor and dreams, inspiring many who want to become heroes.

SOLDIER recruits those at the ages 18 and up, but in rare and special cases, they can recruit those at an early age, mostly around 15-17 with limited exam results. Just as long as any 1st Class SOLDIER would take them under apprenticeship. It depends on whether if they either have special abilities, power, or in some cases have parents who were former war veterans and rarely SOLDIER operatives, if and only if they believe that their children will have potential. And the decision is theirs to make.

But thanks to many threats to the company's theft and abuse of Mako energy, Shinra also deploys another task force called the Turks. They act as an intelligence agency or investigative bureau, engaging in reconnaissance and espionage, or even black ops, including kidnappings and assassinations, on behalf of the corporation. They are consummate professionals, adhering to the mission no matter what. Due to the nature of their job, members are privy to numerous company secrets, and as such, become security risks should they resign.

All in all, Midgar is a powerful city thanks to Shinra, but things took a drastic change on that day…

War has been declared on Midgar, and it all started when one of the 8 Mako Reactors was destroyed by a small group of 10 men. Thankfully there were no casualties.

And the ones who initiated the attack was a terrorist group called Gospel. They are led by a militaristic armored knight called the G-Knight. Short for Gospel Knight.

They are allied with the Genesis Army, a group of rogue SOLDIERS led by Professor Hollander and former SOLDIER 1st Class Genesis Rhapsodos.

Professor Hollander, a scientist formally employed by Shinra and was the chief scientist in one of the company projects. He holds a grudge against the company because they wouldn't grant him leadership of the science department that cost him his job.

Genesis Rhapsodos, a former 1st Class SOLDIER who was loyal to Shinra wishing to prove himself a hero like many others. Unfortunately, due to some dark secrets that the company has hidden, he led a rebellion of defected SOLDIERS, mostly 3rd and some 2nd to fight against them.

And as for the G-Knight, he claimed himself to be a former SOLDIER who was long forgotten and erased from Shinra history. And like the other two, he holds a grudge against Shinra for reasons unknown.

Together, they've gathered the cream of the crop of highly trained soldiers, mercenaries, bounty hunters, assassins, and former police operatives from the military and shady parts of countries such as Cuba, Russia, China, the Middle East, and Africa, calling themselves the G-troopers in the Gospel army. Many have shady pasts, excellent skills, and like their leaders, they hold grudges against Shinra from their past missions. Genesis, the G-Knight, and the defective SOLDIERS trained each and every G-trooper in a hideout in Tristan da Cunha of their techniques against Shinra to combat SOLDIER on the day of the invasion.

They've also illegally purchased firearms, battle armor, missiles, drones, unmanned tanks and helicopters, and other types of weapons from the dangerous parts of their respective countries. And of course purchasing precious metals, materials, and other resources for Hollander to make their weaponry and technology more advanced.

And as a bonus for attacking Midgar, they intend to harness Shinra's Mako Reactors energy sources, technology, and secrets of creating SOLDIER of their own to satisfy their vendetta and power.

Of course with the evacuation of 1.3 million citizens that lived in the city, everything has been left to Shinra's SOLDIERS, the Turks, and its troopers to defend their home.

And this was their message from Hollander…

"Greetings citizens of Midgar, I am Hollander. For those of you don't know who I am, I used to be a top scientist of Shinra… Until they destroyed me. The destruction of that Mako reactor you witnessed today was nothing more than a demonstration. Taking less than a half hour for it to be destroyed from the inside. Imagine what it would take down the rest in the whole evening. I bring you this message as your first and last warning. Abandon this city, or face the wrath of the ones who vowed vengeance upon you and who swore to protect your lives and of this world. For tonight you will watch your home and so called saviors, Shinra and SOLDIER fall. And a new utopia will arise."

Sector 1: Train Station

We now go to a train station, around the station's platform where a young man around 18 is now standing in front of his troops. He is dressed in a navy blue 2nd Class SOLDIER uniform, consisting of a blue short-sleeved turtleneck shirt, blue baggy pants, gloves, boots, and is equipped with a large broadsword with two holes. And he himself is tall, well-built, has spiky black hair with several bangs framing the sides of his face, an X-shaped scar across his cheek, and has sky blue eyes.

His name is Zack Fair, SOLDIER 2nd Class. He joined SOLDIER at the age 15 as a cadet due to his father and grandfather (from his mother's side) being former war veterans. He was also taken under the wing of a SOLDIER operative, who was a family friend and became his apprentice. And 6 months after being a cadet, he made SOLDIER 3rd Class after he took the SOLDIER exam thanks to the training he received from his master and family beforehand.

Behind him are Shinra's infantryman, the Shinra Peacekeeping Troops. Their blue uniforms consist of several belts and straps with most of them have green-gray piece of cloth around the collars and some have white. Each wielding their own sub machine guns. And they wore metal bulky helmets with three forward facing red lights on their heads.

With over 100 squadrons and a hundred troopers, they serve as the company's security forces and fought alongside SOLDIER. They were defined as two things like SOLDIER, fearless and dutiful. And it didn't matter if they were SOLDIER material or not, so long as innocent people were saved they would fight monsters who are stronger than them without hesitation.

The most peculiar infantryman who was by the SOLDIER'S side wears no helmet, has spiky blonde hair and blue eyes, uniform's color is black instead of blue, and carries an AA-12 shotgun. He is around Zack's age, but a few inches shorter.

His name is Cloud Strife, Zack's best friend, a Shinra Infantryman and a sergeant of Squad 97, one of the hundred squadrons in one of Shinra's security forces. He failed the SOLDIER exam two months ago in the company and was assigned to an infantryman in the Peacekeeping Troops, and got promoted to sergeant.

It was then a train came and pull to a stop in front of the platform, and out comes are the black uniformed G-troopers, wielding modified firearms of their own, AK-47s, submachine guns, and one wielded a minigun. They are dressed in black jumpsuits, chest, shoulder and knee pads with the letter G on their chests as their symbols, black army boots, and some wore black and red berets on their heads while many wore military masks with specs on them.

As of now, Shinra is the city's only chance they have against the army of rogues, and if they lost, then not only would Midgar be taken over, but the whole world would be in danger and overruled by the terrorist organization and their leaders.

"Listen up G-goons, because I'm only going to say this once!" Zack shouted and held his large broadsword towards them, "Leave this city now and none of you will die today!"

But the G-troopers didn't bother to listen as they open fire on them and Zack jumped back to land behind his troops to crouch down and order, "Shields!" And the ones in front brought out iron metal riot shields with the Shinra logo on it, and the troops behind him crouch down as well with the front deflecting enemy fire.

The G-troopers then yelled at them.

"You die first, SOLDIER!" A trooper demanded in a Cuban accent.

"We are Gospel!" Another shouted proudly in a Russian accent.

"Go to hell!" A third cursed in Chinese.

"Cloud, you and the others stay and hold the line! I'll deal with them." Zack ordered, "And when I say now, you know what to do."

"Yes sir!" Cloud replied with a salute, and the SOLDIER jumped high in mid-air, landed in front of his troopers after his right ankle glowed a yellow color, and charged towards the G-troopers after he drew his large Buster Sword off his back.

The G-troopers tried to shoot the SOLDIER down, but was proven to be fast for them as he dodged the bullets in quick reflexes, deflecting them with the flat side of his large sword in front of him, and jumped up high with his large sword held above him aiming towards the opposing troopers.

"Now!" Zack ordered while drawing their fire towards him.

"Smoke bombs!" Cloud shouted, and true to his word the Shinra troopers tossed smoke bombs towards the G-troops. The smoke spread among the G-troopers, blinding them and inciting a barrage of coughing and protesting that they can't see. Zack, with his eyes closed and breath held, used their voices to find them as he moved in to attack, charged towards the first G-trooper with the Buster Sword in his hand, sending a punch to his face with a free hand, kicked another in the gut, slashed another across the chest, and stabbed one in the gut behind him. Slashing one after another through the thick smoke. Protests, screams, punches, kicks, slashes, and bodies falling down were heard throughout the smoke until they fade to silence, one after another. And as the smoke died down, all that's left is Zack standing and piles of dead and unconscious bodies with cut marks on them, and the SOLDIER sighed in satisfaction.

Zack ordered the Shinra troopers over to the G-troopers to inspect them, while being told on a job well done. Many have been confirmed dead while five are still alive, but unconscious.

Cloud then pointed to his troopers, "Alright those of you who have Teleport Materia, take these guys away to the police jail cells. And take their weapons."

Five of the ten Shinra troopers pulled out handcuffs, placed them on the now awakened G-troops, confiscated their weapons, and brought them up to their feet.

"Up and at 'em buddy."

"On your feet, G-scum."

The troopers held out their arms with their wrists glowing green and they instantly disappeared in a flashing green light.

Seeing them taken away, a ringing went off and Zack looked to his pocket and dug into it as he brought out an iPhone. He answered the call and placed it near his ear.

"Talk to me." Was Zack's greeting.

"Zack, we've finished up on our end in Sector 8. We all survived." A female voice said from the phone, "What's your status?"

"Same here Cissnei. Sector 1 is cleaned up real nicely." Zack replied, "So what's the 411?"

"We've got good news and bad news."

"What's the bad news?" Zack asked warily. He'd rather hear the bad news first than the good news.

"The bad news is that they're sending in four tanks, 10 SOLDIER deserters, and more G-troops towards our location. And the worst part is, the G-Knight is leading them."

Zack eyes widened before he shouted, "Get out of there now!"

But Cissnei replied, "Negative Zack, I've been assigned to this section to help the new Turk recruits. It's Turks tradition after all."

Zack sighed in frustration, "Fine, then at least tell me the good news. But make it quick, and I don't want you to engage the G-Knight in any way."

"Reno and Rude have found where Hollander and Genesis are hiding in the city." Zack's eyes slightly widened once more before they narrowed, "But don't worry, we've called in 4 1st Class SOLDIERS along with their squadrons moving there as we speak. We need you and Squad 97 to move here in Sector 8 immediately before the G-Knight does."

"Alright, we'll be there as soon as possible. Just don't do anything rash." Zack said as he hung up and turned to his men, "Alright you guys, listen up." And they all stood in position to gain his attention, "I'm going to say this once. And if possible, no murmuring afterwards, we need to make this conversation short. Is that clear?"

"Sir!" They complied with a salute.

Zack nodded in approval, "Alright, the thing is Gospel is making their move as they are now sending in the big guns, including the G-Knight towards Sector 8. And we need to head there immediately. So let's go!"

"Sir, yes sir!" The troopers saluted again and they moved out of the train station and onto the streets with haste with the SOLDIER and their squad captain in front of them.

"What's the good news?" Cloud asked, keeping up his pace with Zack. He knew there was more to when he spoke the report that was given to him.

"The good news is Reno and Rude have found where Hollander and Genesis are." Zack answered, "Long story short, we need to get to Cissnei's location before the G-Knight. We take him and his battalion out first, then the rest of their leaders. Understood?"

"Sir!" Cloud complied with a salute.

They ran through the streets while keeping their guard up in case any more G-Troopers come their way.

'Let's hope the others inside of Shinra are doing better than we are.' Zack thought with some hope.

These Gospel and Genesis bastards are going to pay, they brought this upon themselves for invading their home and trying to steal what's not theirs'.

Now

A month after the defeat of the Genesis/Gospel Alliance War, and their leaders, peace has been brought back to the city as many SOLDIERS and many of the Shinra Troopers cleansed the streets of. Plus, the death of Genesis and Hollander has taken a direct hit on their morale, and the AWOL of the G-Knight and some of Genesis' rebellion SOLDIERS didn't do any favors for them.

Nobody knew who the G-Knight was, but should he ever strike once more, they will be ready for him.

And though Shinra has won the battle, they faced losses such as the major of troopers being killed by the rogue SOLDIERS, 7 of 8 Mako Reactors were destroyed, and along with many buildings and homes were left in ruins by the two armies. Midgar's citizens' numbers of questions, doubts, and fear of the company and its SOLDIERS after that night. And many of the company's staff, under new management took action.

It turned out that the former executives; Scarlet, Heidegger, and Palmer and the former president himself; President Joseph Caesar Shinra, who were running the company were corrupt. The Mako energy they were producing is the Earth's life force, slowly killing the planet by draining it through the Mako reactors. And their scientists used its energy through bioengineering of creating monsters and illegal human experimentation as the president turned a blind eye on them.

Fortunately, a small coup was formed inside the company and attacked them in the midst of the confusion with thousands of Shinra troopers and many of SOLDIERS preoccupied against the Gospel and Genesis group. The coup was led by Shinra's former executive Novion Marchosias, and the president's son, Rufus Shinra. And they've succeeded.

Since then, former President Shinra, executives, and their associates who went along with them were forced to take responsibility for the war caused by the traitorous Hollander, Genesis, the G-knight, the defected SOLDIERS, and the Gospel Army. And the soldiers and troops who were under their command were disarmed and court-martialed. Novion Marchosias stated that Shinra's top dogs staged the war with the help of the Genesis Army and Gospel (Though they had nothing to do with each other) in testing SOLDIERS' strength and power in this crazy experiment in order to gain unlimited funding from the world as a cover-up for draining the planet's life force and illegal experimentation. Justice was served as they were taken into custody without incident, stripped of their powers for their crimes, and sentenced to life in prison through trials in courts because they deserve to be in shackles. It was all in order to not just protect the employees of the company, but the citizens of Midgar itself from the world. And all that's left to protect the building, the employees, and its soldiers now are the new staff including their new president, President Marchosias, and Vice-President Rufus Shinra.

Working day and night, they've changed company policies, and spend their funding on the Midgar's Restoration Bureau to restore the city through construction to redeem the company's reputation with the help of what's left of Shinra's sponsors and donors after many have cut them off.

The new president also ordered an immediate shut down on all of the destroyed Mako Reactors, and demolishing the last one due to environmental reasons and saving the planet. And help convert the city's energy source to renewable such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

And after that, Shinra and the whole city of Midgar has deemed Zack Fair and any other Shinra operatives who served in the war as heroes and promoted the former to SOLDIER 1st Class after he defeated the former SOLDIER Genesis.

Since then, the dark clouds in the skies around the city were cleared ever since the demolition of the Mako Reactors, Shinra has deployed SOLDIER operatives, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd and the Turks around the world to help them forge their own paths, turning them into independent forces, and to help bring balance to the world to stop corruption and disorder. But they have the strongest 1st Class SOLDIERS and their top Turk Agents in finding the G-Knight and his army. And as for the Shinra Peacekeeping Troops, they were deemed as Midgar's pride as most of them stayed behind in the city, dedicated to protect and serve while some assisted the SOLDIER and Turk operatives in tracking down the remnants of the Gospel and Genesis Army and eliminate them.

And as the month went by, Shinra has regained trust of those who doubted them thanks to the new president's charisma, wisdom, and innovation through the company's charitable work, speeches in press conferences, gaining social media support, and etc. In fact, it's almost as if they've forgotten about the Genesis/Gospel Alliance War and the corruption of the former leaders of Shinra.

Gongaga, Norway, Fair Residence

In a large luxurious0like cabin faraway from a village, in the room of a certain SOLDIER, Zack Fair was doing squats in his boxers. And his body was sweating like crazy with his shirt drenched from neck to stomach from the sweat dripping from his head.

Ever since his promotion, he had been living in his hometown and training himself physically every once in a while in case the 'rogue SOLDIER' G-Knight and his entourage shows up again. Even though peace has been brought to Midgar, Norway, he couldn't help but feel a bit vigilant since the war. But he quickly shook it off as he knew there was more to life than fighting as he enjoyed the peace by spending time with his family and friends during the month. And he felt at ease that his fellow comrades are out there making the world a safer place, and he'll be there to fight by their side if they ever face a stronger threat than the G-Knight or Genesis.

"96… 97… 98… 99… 100!" Zack grunted, finishing 100 squats, he panted heavily and grabbed a towel off his bed, "Time to hit the showers." He walked towards the door, but a female guest beat him to it.

"Busy training yourself again huh?"

She has shoulder-length wavy red hair and brown eyes. And she wore a black suit uniform, consisting of a white shirt, a black jacket with a matching tie and pants, a pair of black fingerless gloves and a pair of black boots with black shoelaces.

Her name is Cissnei, a member of the Turks and a friend of Zack. She and Zack were somewhat part of overthrowing the former leaders of Shinra by keeping the streets clean and the troopers preoccupied, and cutting off communications to prevent the former executives from getting help.

After the war, she had been visiting Zack's home every now and then to see how he's been doing.

"Even a member of SOLDIER'S Elite 10 would take a break every now and then." Cissnei stated, and with a towel in her hand, she tossed it to the SOLDIER who caught the large rag and wiped his sweaty face.

The SOLDIER'S Elite 10, a committee of 10 1st Class SOLDIERS formed by the executives of Shinra who'll deem any 1st Class SOLDIER strong and worthy in the company. The Elite 10 are responsible for handling the company's internal evaluations, including judging the achievements based on a 3rd or 2nd Class SOLDIER missions around the world as well as helping organize events including exams of becoming SOLDIER 3rd or higher. And they can spend as much of Shinra's multibillion dollar budget as long as it's within reason for the duties of SOLDIER. And their authority is only third, next to the executives and the president.

Zack Fair, joined the committee after serving in the Genesis War and is ranked #10 in the elite. At first he refused to join, but wasn't given a choice after being ordered to by one of Shinra's executives. Their authority is above them after all. But he thought he would give it a chance since

"Fair enough." Zack conceded, still wiping the sweat off his face, "So why are you here?"

"The director wants to see you about your first mission as 1st Class." Cissnei explained before sniffing the air, wrinkled her nose and pinched it in disgust, and fanning in front of her face, "And go take a shower, you stank of sweat."

Zack took a whiff of his sweaty arm and winced at the smell as he head towards the bathroom.

Shinra, Briefing Room

In a briefing room a certain SOLDIER was standing across the meeting table. Zack Fair, now dressed in a black short-sleeved turtleneck 1st Class SOLDIER uniform is now given his first mission not as a 1st Class SOLDIER, but as a member of SOLDIER'S Elite 10.

Across the briefing room is a woman in her mid-20s, sitting in his chair across a long table. She has neat long blonde hair down that goes down to her back and to her hips, has snow white skin, and dressed in a white unisex suit with pearl white jacket, matching pants and dress shoes.

Her name is Alessandra Oliveira, director of SOLDIER and a Shinra Executive. She served in the coup against the former Shinra, promoted Zack to 1st Class and nominated him into the SOLDIER'S Elite 10 after the war.

Next to her is a tanned skin and brown markings on her face, light teal eyes, and white hair with two frontal pigtails tied with rings. And like Cissnei, she is dressed in a Turk uniform.

Her name is Y'shtola, a Turk and the director's assistant and loyal bodyguard, who also served in the coup by her side.

"I'm glad to see you're doing well." Alessandra noted, observing the SOLDIER'S appearance, "And it looks like you've lost a little weight."

"Thank you, Director." Zack replied, bowing his head in respect.

"Do you know why you were summoned here Zack?"

"I do." Zack answered, "To initiate my first solo mission as SOLDIER 1st Class that will keep my status intact, as well as my 10th rank in SOLDIER'S Elite 10." He paused to clear his throat and continued, "And that mission is to finish my high school education since I missed school for a year while training."

Despite Shinra being a multibillion dollar company, they allow SOLDIER apprentices to receive decent education and academics programs within the company at a high school level. The previous executives may have been corrupt and underhanded, but at least they're not heartless enough to let their operatives go uneducated. What's the point of being SOLDIER if they're as dumb as a brick?

Zack here has missed an entire year of education due to an incident he went through as SOLDIER.

"Good, because the school you're about to go to will be the test of your strengths." Alessandra explained, "Wisdom, endurance, and patience." She passed a mission file to her bodyguard, "Y'shtola dear, if you will."

The said Turk bowed and took the file from her, walked over to Zack, and passed it onto his hands.

"Just remember that this mission is considered mandatory. Because it will help you either live a normal life or going back to duty as SOLDIER. And thanks to your scholarship that the president provided you, you'll have no trouble."

Under new staff, Shinra have made this mission to offer SOLDIER operatives to live as ordinary citizens in society or continue their duties under the company's name. And after the war, President Marchiosas gave Zack a scholarship to a school as a reward for his promotion.

The director frowned as she picked up a paper on her table, "And according to Cissnei's report, it states that you have been spending the month training yourself despite spending time with your family at home."

"Well uh, heh heh heh…" Zack chuckled nervously before he cleared his throat, "Yes, I happen to like my position in the elite council. And at times at peace, it's easier to get soft. Which is why I take some time training myself." And his face turned serious with determination, "But I'll be damned if any other 1st Class SOLDIER try and take it from me!"

Alessandra's frown quickly shifted into a smile at his backbone attitude, "That's good to hear. I was right to elect you as the 10th seat."

Taking in her words, Zack kept silent with his eyes closed and bowed his head lightly, "Thank you Director." And he raised his head up to give a look of determination, "I'll do whatever it takes to get through this."

Alessandra nodded in approval, "Good. Your mission starts tomorrow. We will notify your family first thing today." She leaned in on the table with her elbows resting and hands clasped, "And your destination will be in Kuoh Academy in Kuoh, Japan. There, you will be a 3rd year foreign exchange student on their scholarship program with a fake record. And you will bring Cael with you, right?"

Zack nodded, "Yes, despite all the training I've been through the years, he has been a great help in tutoring me through the subjects up to the point to where I'm at least an average B student." The SOLDIER explained, "Math, English, History, and Science, but I mostly excel and am fluent in Japanese thanks to my Japanese heritage from my mother's side."

Alessandra nodded, "He has been known to have great wisdom and knowledge despite his appearance and strictness. And he has lived longer than you and your former teacher." She said the last part quietly.

"Yes." Zack said quietly with a small forlorn look, but shook it off, showing his determined demeanor once more, "But I'm sure he'd be proud of both of us for what we've become."

The director nodded again with her smile still intact, "Yes. Yes, he would."

Midgar Airport, the next day

Both Zack and Cloud are both now standing in front of an airport dressed in casual clothing.

Zack is dressed in a long-sleeve navy blue V-neck shirt with a black vest over it, blue jeans, and a pair black dress shoes. He was carrying a large duffle bag hanging by his right side, and a four-wheel traveling luggage next to his left.

And Cloud's clothing consists of a long-sleeved black dress shirt with matching jeans with a chain hanging to it, and loafers.

After their participation in the Gospel War, Cloud was promoted to SOLDIER 3rd Class, and was congratulated by his comrades especially Zack who was very proud of him on his promotion. And though at first he reluctantly accepted it becoming SOLDIER, because it would mean leaving his squadron behind. But with a simple push from his squad they supported him and were honored to have him as their leader. This was before the Mako Reactors were shut down when he is injected with Mako energy and was dubbed the title, "Last SOLDIER." Or at least until Shinra decides to recruit more SOLDIERS with more Mako energy injection, which is probably unlikely due to the shutdown and demolitions of the Mako reactors.

"I really hate leaving you behind like this, Cloud." Zack stated with regret, "I mean, we both got promoted, you becoming SOLDIER 3rd Class, and me being 1st Class and part of SOLDIER'S Elite 10." He sighed, "I wish I could bring you with me."

"It's fine, Zack." Cloud assured with a comforting smile, "You just go and do what you have to do. Besides, Miss Yquan will be here to train me." Cloud knew his that friend would never have a reason to leave and he himself been training with some SOLDIERS to teach him the ways of SOLDIER and let Zack train by himself so he wouldn't get in his way in case a threat stronger than Gospel or the Genesis Army come their way.

"I'm just glad that the 4th seat took you under her wing after the war." Zack stated happily, but then his expression changed to serious, "You and the others will keep an eye on my family whenever you pass the time won't you?"

Cloud's mood changed to serious as well when he narrowed his eyes, "Two eyes, and many more as much as we can spare them."

Zack nodded as his mood lightened, "Good, I hope that you do. But if you ever need any help, don't hesitate to call me." He jerked a thumb towards himself, "I'll be there for you." He would have been happy to teach Cloud himself during the month, but the thought of the one of the caliber on the same status as him was kind enough to train the blonde has put him at ease.

"Same here." Cloud replied with a smile before he joked, "But I'm sure you'll be the one to ask for my help first."

Zack widely grinned, "Yeah right!" He wrapped his arm around Cloud's neck and gave a noogie to his spiky blonde hair, and they both laughed as the former released him.

"Flight JP125 to Japan is now boarding in 15 minutes." A voice said on the airport intercom, "Repeat: Flight JP125 to Japan is now boarding in 15 minutes."

Cloud fixed his messed up hair, "Well, it sounds like your flight's about to leave soon. Might as well say our goodbyes." He held his hand out to him and Zack shook it, "Goodbye for now, Zack. And good luck."

"Goodbye for now Cloud." Zack said, and broke it off. And before he could leave, the raven-haired SOLDIER turned around to say one last thing to the blonde, "Hey Cloud. If it's possible, aim for 1st Class. Because I want you to see the world in the way I do. Heck, we'll both see it together."

"I'll have to work my way up to 2nd first before then." Cloud stated before smirking, "Or I'll have Miss Yquan train me to become strong enough to throw you off your guard and kick your ass."

Zack placed his hands on his hips with mock indignity, "Say that again!" He challenged before they both laughed for a second, "When we meet again, I'll be sure to make you a part of my new team. As my second-in-command."

Cloud smiled and gave a salute, "I look forward to it, Zack."

Zack gave a two finger salute in return, "I'll see you at the top!" He walked into the airport to begin his mission as a student.

Kuoh Airport, Japan

After an 8-hour long flight, Zack walked out of his plane and is now in Japan. He wore shades over his eyes to hide his small dark circles under his eyes, possibly from the fatigue from his trip.

Shinra was a multibillion dollar company and yet they wouldn't allow him take a private jet that would get him here faster, or at least put him in 1st Class in his 8-hour flight.

"I hate jet lag." Zack muttered tiredly, wanting to go to bed early to sleep it off. But as SOLDIER, he still had the energy and strength to keep himself up.

He went to the baggage carousel to collect his luggage. And he has gone through customs where they check his papers and stamped his passport, placed his luggage on conveyer belt through x-ray machine, and removed any metallic objects on him to go through the metal detector.

After he collected his things, he went to an ATM machine within the airport to withdraw a 10,000-yen bill with his company's credit card, walked out of the airport, and called a taxi to take him to the address of the school he's attending. Kuoh Academy.

Kuoh Academy

After paying the cab's fee, Zack stopped in front of a gate of the school he's supposed to attend to.

And from what he can see, the academy is a very big and beautiful campus. It consisted of several buildings with the main one being a long, rectangular building that was four stories tall with a sloped roof, reddish brown tiles and build like some kind of traditional European Mansion.

"So this is it huh? Kuoh Academy." Zack said, observing the school building a bit, impressed with the décor of the school. But he knew that appearances can't everything the school has to offer, its education has to be decent and teachers must be professional.

And he walked off in search of his apartment that Shinra rented for him. It was at least 20 minutes away from the academy from what he heard.

At an apartment building in Kuoh sometime later

Looking at the town's map with directions attached to it, he was having a difficult time finding the place, but he eventually found the place. It was a four story apartment with a brand new appearance.

After meeting up with the landlady of the building, Zack received a key to his room, and he found his new place to be pretty decent. It had a bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a dresser, and a closet, a medium-big living room with a 32-inch TV, a sofa fit for 3 people and a wooden table, a moderately small bathroom which he didn't mind, and a well-equipped kitchen with plates and cups in the cupboards. And it all costs around 120,000 yen a month which in conversion is around $1000, and it's a good deal by his perspective thanks to his scholarship. Although if Shinra were to pay for his room apartment, they would consider spending chump change for him.

"Nice room." Zack complimented, glad that Shinra wouldn't let him live in a dump. He dropped his luggage in the living and head towards the bedroom to get some rest from his jet lag.

3 hours later

After 3 hours of sleep, Zack woke up with a yawn and stretched his arms and legs on his bed to relieve himself from the fatigue. For any normal person, they would be dead exhausted from his 9-hour flight jet lag, but for Zack being a SOLDIER, this would be nothing more than waking up an hour early in the morning.

He got up from his bed to do some quick squats, and head towards the kitchen to get a drink of water from the sink with a cup from the cupboard courtesy of the landlady in his apartment.

He then went to the living room to one of his luggage, pulled out a black short sleeve sweater shirt from his duffle bag and a pair of blue jeans.

And after changing into his clothing, he brought out a small jewelry box and opened it to reveal 8 small crystal orbs. 4 green ones, 3 yellow, and 1 red.

These are the magical orbs, Materia. Condensed Mako energy that are made with the combination of magic and science. They are known to be the greatest weapons for SOLDIER or any other Shinra operatives.

Zack picked up the red one and inserted it into his right wrist, held it up high and chant out three words.

"Come forth, Cael!" His wrist glowed a crimson red as he put in energy into his materia. And a puff of smoke appeared above his wrist to reveal a small figure. It was a small white teddy bear-like furry creature with cat ears, purple bat wings, closed eyes, and a red nose.

This is a moogle, a mysterious being that tends to flock around humans, closer to man than beast. They also tend to bring good luck. And his name is Cael, Zack's loyal friend, teacher, and attendant.

"Good afternoon, Master Zack." Cael greeted in a calm and professional matter, "I am pleased to see you up and about."

"Hey Cael." Zack greeted casually to his summon, "Glad to see you well-rested as well."

"Thank you, sir." Cael bowed, "Shall we begin unpacking?"

Zack nodded as he picked up his duffle bag, "Let's do it."

The SOLDIER and moogle both went into the former's room and began unpacking Zack's clothes out of the duffle bag and place them into his closet with dress shirts on hangers and placed on the closet rod. Shirts, pants, and socks in a drawer. And Zack's school uniform hanging in front of the closet door.

And Zack placed his box of materia onto a table next to his bed.

"I must say, the decorum of this living space is more adequate and homey Shinra has placed you in." Cael noted as they walked out of the bedroom, "It almost looks exactly like your old apartment."

"Eh, I've seen better." Zack said with a shrug.

Cael puffed up his cheeks at his nonchalant remark, "Just be thankful it's not a penthouse suite." He scolded lightly, "You know how much they cost. And Shinra, or in worst case your mother would will be all over your case for spending too much of the company's budget."

Zack rolled his eyes, "Well duh. And in case you forgot, I was a country boy, and I don't spend much."

Cael crossed his little arms, "Indeed."

"I'm gonna head out to do some grocery shopping." Zack said, walking up to the door and putting on his shoes, "Do you need me to get anything on the way back?"

"Just this." Cael said, passing him a sticky note with a lot of written words on it.

'Oh boy.' Zack mentally groaned as he took the note from him. He looked over it for a couple of seconds until he spoke up, "Cael, I'm not sure if they even have holy basil at the market place. And I'm not of legal age to purchase or drink alcohol."

Cael sighed, knowing he has a point, "Then perhaps it's best that I go with you." He suggested, "I'd like to know my way around this town as well, kupo." He felt foolish that he forgot that his young master is still eighteen and no older that of the drinking age.

"Sure." Zack replied with a nod, "It's more enjoyable to shop with company around."

"I couldn't agree more." Cael agreed before his body glowed a blue color and he chanted, "Namuh." In a puff of smoke, Cael's appearance changed of a human form. He was almost as tall as Zack, had a handsome face of an adult with white hair, hazel eyes, and pale skin. And he is dressed in a fancy suit with dress shoes and a necktie.

"Hmm, too business-like." Cael said as he snapped his fingers, and his clothing changed into a chef's uniform along with a chef's hat, "I can't cook anything if we don't have any ingredients." He snapped his fingers again only to wear a pink bunny suit, "I don't know why I kept this." He snapped his fingers again only to wear casual clothing. A white V-neck sweater with a white shirt underneath it, black pants and matching shoes, "This will do."

It was then Zack's doorbell rang, and he walked towards the front door.

"Hello?" Zack greeted, opening the door, only to find a delivery girl with a cap covering her eyes and nose, and she's holding a box with Shinra's logo on the side, and a clipboard on top of it.

"Uh yeah, I got a package delivery for a Mr. Zack Fair." The delivery girl said in a slight gruff accent, looking over her clipboard with a pen on top of it and passed it to him.

"And hello to you too Cissnei." Zack greeted casually, taking the pen and clipboard from her.

The delivery girl stood there stiffened with a blank look until a smile adorned her mouth, and she took off the cap to reveal herself as Cissnei with her red hair tied in a ponytail.

Cissnei is assigned to be Zack's inspector to watch over his progress on his mission, meaning she has to go undercover and keep an eye on him, even if it means going through part-time jobs. But that doesn't mean they get to meet each other from time to time.

"Nice of you to see through my disguise Zack." Cissnei complimented, and pointed to the empty lines on the paper, "Just sign here, here and here. In Japanese Kanji if you will."

"Oh, sure." Zack said, writing his name in Kanji.

"So how's my Japanese?" Cissnei asked in fluent Japanese.

"An A-plus in my book." Zack remarked, also in the fluent language. He finished signing the clipboard and passed it back to her.

"And my accent?" She added, looking over the paper he signed.

"Whatever it is, don't ever use it again." Zack said with a straight face, allowing her to walk into his apartment.

"Hey Cael." Cissnei greeted him with a smile after she settled the box onto the nearest counter.

"And a good day to you Lady Cissnei." Cael greeted with a bow.

"Wow, nice place you got here." Cissnei complimented, looking around the place, "Looks a lot like your old apartment."

"Well if you want, you're welcome to crash here anytime if you're locked out of your apartment." Zack offered, "Considering you always deliver goods to us." The Turk handed the moogle a square container, "Especially Cael."

"Here are the spices you wanted, freeze dried from the lab." Cissnei said, patting the box, "Kadi patta, allspice, cloves, turmeric, coriander, star anise, and your favorite, fresh holy basil. Consider them as a housewarming gift. Just don't expose it too air for too long."

"Thank you Miss Cissnei, this saves us the trouble of finding fresh spices in the market." Cael said taking the box out of her hands, "You are free to join us for a meal anytime."

Cissnei chuckled, "Thanks Cael, I look forward to your cooking as always."

Zack smiled, 'Don't we all?'

"If you need more, please feel free to text me and I'll deliver." Cissnei offered, holding up her iPhone and waved it.

Cael perked up, "Oh, in that case I would like for you to get me the four Chinese spices the next time we meet."

"Dong quai, senkyu, jio, and shakuyaku, right?" Cissnei listed, "Sure thing, I'll just have Zack foot the bill the lab."

Zack shrugged, "No problem, being a SOLDIER'S Elite has its perks. So I don't mind spending extra within reason."

Cael smiled, "Thank you Master Zack."

"And if possible, I'd like for you to get us some high quality venison, A5 beef, satsuma chicken, and-" He was interrupted when Zack held his shoulder.

"Now Cael, let's not get too carried away again." Zack said with a nervous chuckle, "Do you remember the last time you were ordering ingredients while I was gone for an hour?"

Cael rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Oh, yes, of course." He said hesitatingly and turned to Cissnei, "Will you be joining us tonight?"

"Actually, I've got more deliveries to make for the day." Cissnei said, looking over her clipboard again and write something down, "Plus my assignment doesn't start until tomorrow. But thanks anyway." She walked out the door, "See you then."

"Will do, bye." Zack waved his hand to her, closed the door, and looked to the box to see Shinra's logo on it.

"Is that what I think it is?" Cael asked, looking at the box.

"Yup." Zack said, bringing it to the living room and place it on a table, "Just be glad that I didn't bring my sword here."

Cael shook his head, "Oh no, I would not object you to bring your Buster Sword here with you." He stated, "In fact I would be more welcome to bring it to you if you want. You are its successor after all."

"True. But I'm living my life as a student now instead of SOLDIER." Zack said, picking up the key to his apartment, "And as a student, I can't go around carrying a weapon in public. Frankly speaking, I think it's better if it stays home with my family instead with me."

Cael nodded in understanding, "Indeed." He agreed as he pulled out a notepad and a daily planner, "I suppose that since you'll be living here as a high school student, you'll also have to cut your training and focus on your studies."

Zack gave him a dirty look, "What? No way! If I do that, I won't be able to keep my rank in the Elite 10 Council and I'll lose my privileges!"

Cael smirked in amusement as he jotted down notes in the daily planner, "Now, now, I was only joking. I'll just have to squeeze in your morning training before and after your attendance at school."

"That's good enough for me." Zack said, "Let's go out shop for groceries."

"Yes, let's." Cael agreed, putting his planner away, and brought out a couple of tote bags and handed them over to Zack.

"I'll summon you after I reached the gate and where there's no one else around." Zack said, opening the door and closed it on the way out. If anyone in the apartment building were to spot the two walking out the door, they would begin to suspect on how the latter got in and what they're doing.

And the former would think that they would get the wrong and funny ideas, and he didn't want any of that.

At a Supermarket

"Cleanup on aisle 6." A voice said on the intercom, "I repeat; Cleanup on aisle 6."

At a supermarket, we find a medium height male teenage student around 16, going through the checkout line with a basket full of groceries and a slight scowl on his face.

Despite his height, the student had a well-built body. His notable traits include his long unkempt bluish black hair and three bangs that framed his face and hung just above his cheeks along with a single red highlight in front of his face. He has blue eyes and his appearance and expression match his personality. And he wore the uniform of Kuoh Academy that consists of while carrying a shinai in its sheath.

His name is Ryuji Mono, the son of the landlady of Zack's apartment, second year student at Kuoh Academy, and the (only) male member of the Kendo Club. He was formerly a delinquent due to growing up without a father, and decided to put his violent past behind.

Ryuji was quite annoyed that he's waiting in line, and to show off his irritation even more, he tapped his foot lightly. But despite his stubborn and uncompromising personality, he's quite friendly. All in all, Ryuji is actually a pretty nice guy, except when provoked. And he has the tendency to have a premonition about certain things that are out of place.

'Come on. Come on.' Ryuji thought irritably and mentally groaned, 'Ugh, why does Mom have to call at the last minute to make me do grocery shopping when I just got out of club activities?'

"Next!" The cashier called, shaking Ryuji out of his thoughts and walked up.

'Finally.' He thought with a sigh, relieved that his journey to grocery shopping will come to an end. And with that, he walked up to the cashier to get his items.

"Hello sir, how are you today?" The female cashier greeted with a smile, "Did you find everything that you're looking for?"

"Yeah, all accounted for." Ryuji replied wand pulled some coupons out of his pocket, "And I have some coupons to go with them."

"Thank you very much!" The cashier chirped as she accepted the coupons from him, crunched in the numbers while scanning his groceries, and bagging them in plastic bags, "Okay, with the coupons and sales discount. Your total is going to be… 6890 yen."

"Here you go." Ryuji said, handing over two yen bills; a 5000 and 2000 that he pulled out, and the female cashier accepted it.

The cashier crunched the numbers on her register once more, opening the drawer and place the bills in them and she took out several yen in change, "And here is your change." She said, giving him his money with her smile intact and she bowed her head, "We thank you for your patronage and have a nice day."

Ryuji nodded as he picked up his groceries, "You do the same." And he gave a sigh of relief as he walked out of the store, "Glad that's over with."

As soon as he got out of the store, he passed by a certain tall jet black spiky-haired teen and a pale skinned gentleman walking in and stopped. The former craned his neck to spare one glance at the retreating forms of his mom's new tenants with the door closing on them.

He didn't know why, but his premonition is telling him that there's something off about those two, despite being foreigners.

'Hmm.' Ryuji hummed in thought with a raised brow, but he shook it off and continued walking, "Ah, whatever. It's been a long day, and I must be imagining things."

Little did he know was that his new neighbor is not what he appears to be. And if anything, his premonition has proved him right in the fact that Zack and Cael aren't exactly normal.

But as he continued walking on the sidewalk towards home, he spotted an unpleasant sight.

Three creepy looking thugs in black school uniforms surrounding two schoolgirls. The first thug had spiky blond hair and a ring piercing on his lower lip, the second one had a pompadour, and the third is tall and bald.

"Hey ladies, you attend Kuoh Academy, right?" The spiky blond thug asked with a sly smirk.

"You looking for a good time after club activities?" The pompadour added in appeasement.

"Leave us alone, please." The girl wearing glasses with pigtails said with a whimper.

"Get lost you creeps!" The tomboy girl with short hair yelled, standing in front of her friend to defend her.

"Ooh feisty, I like that in a girl." The tall bald one grinned lecherously.

"Not again." Ryuji muttered in frustration. He dropped his groceries to the ground and walked towards the three thugs and drew his shinai off of his back.

"Hey, do you mind not flirting with them in public?" Ryuji spoke up, getting their attention and resting on his wooden sword on his shoulder, "They don't like that."

The tall thug stood forward and demanded, "Who the fu- Agh!" But he was interrupted as he grunted in pain after he was jabbed between the eyes courtesy of Ryuji's shinai and held onto his jabbed face, fell to his knees by a second jab to the stomach, and was smacked in the face again by the wooden sword. He groaned in pain as he clutched his face and abdomen in agony.

The delinquents were taken aback to see his big friend taken down before the pompadour punk was kicked in the chest and knocked down as he fell on his back, courtesy of the former delinquent. Like his tall friend he held onto his chest and groaned in pain.

"You've pissed off a wrong former delinquent." Ryuji declared coldly with gritted teeth.

The blonde thug growled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife, "Why you-!" But was interrupted when his knife was slapped out of his hand and had his neck pressed by the wooden sword.

Before the blonde punk could say anything, he froze when he saw the frosty eyes of the former delinquent glaring at him, the color of his hair, and eyes suddenly knowing who this guy is.

"Blue hair... That glare…" He breathed in fear and nervousness, "There's only one person with those kind of traits."

"Kuoh's Blue Dragon…!" The pompadour thug quivered in fear, still grimacing in pain as he got up as well as his tall companion who also trembled in fear of the former delinquent.

Ryuji here was somewhat of a legend back in middle school. Had a bad reputation among thugs until he's forgotten by most and became a myth when he entered high school, he tries to put his violent past behind and live a normal and honest life. But on some occasions, he has been beating up punks, perverts, and anything else that he finds irritating and disgusting. And he had been getting into trouble with the student council every once in a while.

"That's right." Ryuji replied coldly, "You all have five seconds to skedaddle if you know what's good for you." He then stomped his foot forward in intimidation, making them jump and yelled, "Now! Or I'll whack your mouth so hard, your teeth will fall out! Ya got it?!" He then spotted the knife near his foot and kicked it, sliding it over to the blonde and took his shinai off his neck.

And as soon as he did that, the blonde thug quickly picked up his knife and he his friends ran in fear, right he declared, "We'll remember this!"

"Yeah, I bet you will." Ryuji muttered in sarcasm, seeing them in their retreating form, he sheathed his wooden sword on his back and turned to the schoolgirls in concern, "You two alright? They didn't do anything funny to you, did they?"

"No, they didn't." The glasses girl softly replied, shaking her head.

"But man, you saved our lives back there!" The tomboy girl exclaimed happily, "Thanks Ryuji!"

Ryuji waved off her praise, "Ah, it's no big deal, and I didn't do it for your sake. I just don't like those type of guys who go around and flirting with girls. But can you do me a favor in keeping this incident between us? I don't want to get in trouble with the student council again."

The two girls looked to each other, closed their eyes and smiled as they chirped in unison, "Of course!"

"We wouldn't dream of ratting out on one of the school's bad boys who saved our lives!" The tomboy girl exclaimed as she punched her fist in the air.

"Glad to hear it, thanks." Ryuji thanked before he took out his phone to look at the time, "Well I gotta get home." He put his phone away, walked over to his groceries, picked them up, and walked off, "Just don't go running into those type of guys again, okay?"

"Okay." The glasses girl replied with a nod of her head.

"Thanks again, Ryuji!" The tomboy exclaimed happily, waving at the teen's retreating form.

15 minutes later after saving the two schoolgirls, another schoolgirl followed on Ryuji's trail before she leapt towards him.

"Ryuji!" The schoolgirl shouted gleefully with her arms spread out and the said teen sighed in exasperation.

In a quick flash, Ryuji spun around and held his arms out to grab the incoming arms of his would be assailant, spun her body in the air, firmly held onto her shoulders, and landed her on her feet.

"Don't cling onto me Akko." Ryuji scolded as he released her, "You're gonna send someone to the hospital one day if you keep up with this antic."

The said assailant Akko is around 15 years of age, has short chestnut hair with a pigtail on the left side of her hair, gray eyes, has a curvaceous and buxom figure for someone of her age, and wears the standard female Kuoh Academy's uniform. It consists of a white long-sleeved, button-down shirt with vertical linings, a black ribbon on the collar, a black shoulder cape and matching button-down corset, and a magenta skirt with white accents.

She is Akko Mono, first year student at Kuoh Academy, Ryuji's younger sister, and the daughter of Zack's landlord. Unlike her brother, she has a rather childish, cheery and a small hyperactive personality.

"Aw!" Akko groaned with a pout and her arms crossed under her chest, "You don't have to keep catching me every time I try to jump onto you. It's a sign of affection for the ones you care about."

Ryuji frowned, "Don't follow anything that happens in any manga/anime." He scolded like the older brother he is, "Besides, don't you have any friends to jump on instead?"

Akko nodded vigorously, "I do." She said and gave a sad pout, "But they don't like it when I do it to them." She perked up with a bright smile, "That's why I decide to use you in their place instead!"

Ryuji sighed with a shake of his head, "Akko, we talked about this. You can't just-" He paused as his phone chimed and he pulled it out to see a text message on his phone.

"Oh boy, Mom wants me to come home with the groceries ASAP." Ryuji stated as he put his phone away and picked up his grocery bags, "So are you gonna lend a hand or not?"

But her response was a pout and her arms crossed, "Hmph, meanie." She huffed with her eyes closed and nose tilted up.

"If you do, I'll buy you a pudding cup next time I go out." Ryuji offered, holding his bags forward, and Akko opened one eye to consider the offer but she closed it again, "I'm not gonna let you cling onto me. Do you want the pudding or not?" Still ignoring him, he relented and held two fingers up, "Fine. Two pudding cups the next time I go out, that's my final offer. Take it or leave it."

A moment of silence later, Akko's face brightened, "Deal!" She chirped as she took a handful of his groceries, "You drive a hard bargain Big Bro!" And with that, she dashed off back to the apartment.

"Works every time." Ryuji mused with a smile and thought, 'I don't even like sweets anyway. And only one can do wonders with a handful of pudding cups.'

And the two finally arrived at their home.

An hour later

The trip to the supermarket and back home was quite the pleasant experience for the two foreigners.

"We've made quite a haul, today." Zack said in satisfaction, carrying a couple of tote bags full of groceries.

"Yes, indeed." Cael agreed, carrying his share of the groceries too, "Ashamed that we couldn't find a liquor store nearby. But I suppose we'll have to make do with what we have."

After going through the supermarket, Zack and Cael bought enough food to last for a whole month to fill the fridge and pantry. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, good quality meat and poultry on sale, cage free eggs, fresh fish, cheese, milk, juice, bread, and condiments like honey, vinegar, soy sauce, mayonnaise, olive oil, and etc. And they also have dishwashing liquid, a couple of dish sponges, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and detergent and fabric softener.

And the reason why it took them an hour of shopping is because they've been receiving a lot of stares, murmurs, and quiet catcalls from other shoppers, mostly females, seeing as how they're handsome they are. In which didn't even bother them in a way.

"We are almost home." Cael said, seeing the apartment around the corner.

"Yup." Zack replied, and as soon as they got to their apartment, they stopped in front of the gate of to see the landlady sweeping the front stoop of her apartment.

She was in her late 20s, has a busty figure and is at least 5'9 feet tall, has long hazelnut brown hair tied in a ponytail and brown eyes, wears a white dress with a pink apron over it, and green slippers.

She is Mayumi Mono, the landlady of the apartment, and Ryuji and Akko's mother. She ran the apartment by herself due to the passing of her husband and working hard in raising her two children.

Zack and Cael looked around to find that no one else is around with the former saying, "You go on ahead and teleport inside, and stock up. I'll catch up with you and stock up the rest."

"Yes sir." Cael replied with a nod and his body glowed, "I will see you then." And with that, his body disappeared in a puff of smoke, indicating that he teleported back in the apartment room.

And as for Zack, he walked up to the gate to greet the landlady.

"Good evening Mrs. Mono." Zack greeted, getting the landlady's attention from her duty and turned to him.

"Oh, Zack! Welcome back!" The landlady greeted him in a cheerful manner, "You know, you don't have to go grocery shopping by yourself. I could have helped you in shopping all the food you needed."

When she first met Zack this afternoon, she was impressed that this foreign exchange student from Norway could speak Japanese so fluently, and she welcomed him with a kind welcoming smile.

"Ah it's fine." Zack shrugged, waving off her concern, "If anything, I'd rather know my way around this town on my own. Unless you have a map for it." He pulled out the map that lead him around town to prove his point.

Mayumi hummed in agreement, "That's true." She looked to the pair of tote bags filled with groceries in his hands, "I see you've filled your bags up to the top."

"Yes." Zack replied with a nod, "I know it's not much, but it should fill up the fridge for a couple of weeks."

"Well, hopefully my cooking will put a hold on your hunger for a couple of days." Mayumi said, "You do remember the time for tonight's dinner, right?"

Zack nodded and gave a wave, "5:30 pm. I look forward to your cooking tonight, and meeting your children as well." And he walked into the building to go to his apartment room to load up his groceries.

He was invited over to eat at the landlady's home after he arrived. At first he declined, thinking he wouldn't want to impose. But she insisted, stating that it would be impolite to decline an invitation for his honor as a transfer student and tenant. And he accepted it.

Evening 5:29pm

It is near 5:30, and we find our SOLDIER dressed in a white short button-down shirt with khakis, and is standing in front of the doorway of his landlady's apartment room. He wanted to make a good impression on her and her family when he's invited to dinner.

He knocked on the door and on the other side of the door there was silence, until it was opened by none other than the landlady, Mayumi Mono herself.

"Ah, Zack! I'm glad to see you make it!" Mayumi said happily and she invited him in, "Come in! Come in! Welcome to my humble home."

"I'm glad to be here." Zack responded as he walked in.

He found it to be much bigger than his, a bigger living room, a bigger kitchen with better equipment, a couple of bedrooms, and other things that he did not expect to find.

"Wow, this place is much better than my room." Zack remarked with a whistle, "Fancier even."

"Oh, it's nothing much." The landlady dismissed at his compliment, but happily accepted it as she walked into the kitchen, "Dinner is almost ready. In the meantime, why don't you take the time in getting to know my children? Ryuji, Akko, our guest is here!"

"Coming!" Called Akko from her room.

"Coming." Ryuji said, coming out of his, closed the door on the way out and approached the older teen, "Hey, the name's Ryuji Mono." He introduced casually, "You must be the transfer student I heard about."

"Zack Fair's the name. It's nice to meet you." Zack introduced, holding his hand out to him.

"Heh, wow, when I heard you were a foreign student, I expect you to speak in broken Japanese." Ryuji mused, "But I guess this is what I expect from an honor student."

"Well, some people get that first impression when I arrived at the supermarket." "That and the compliments and quiet catcalls from

Ryuji squinted his eyes at him for a second before he recognition dawned on him, "Oh yeah, you're that foreign guy I passed by during my trip back home."

Zack nodded as he too recognized the blue hair student, "And you're that guy I passed during my trip to the market."

Ryuji then realized something else, "And weren't you with some other guy who was walking beside you when I passed by you? He had pale skin, nearly tall as you and has white hair."

Zack slightly stiffened at the mention of his moogle, and he didn't think he'd pass by the landlady's son on his trip to the supermarket, "Ah, well… You see…" He stammered before he thought up a good excuse, "He was formerly my upperclassman back in high school in Norway, who transferred to college here in Kuoh. And I was surprised when I met up with him, and so he and I decided to catch up a bit before I went grocery shopping." It was a total lie, but what could he do? He's supposed to be a student here to receive decent education and keep his life as SOLDIER as secret.

"Is that so?" Ryuji asked with little suspicion before he shrugged it off, "Okay." He had a feeling that Zack is hiding something, and his premonition in his gut is telling him so. But decided to just leave it at that, he had a tough day at school, club activities, and beating up delinquents while on his way home from the trip to the grocery store.

He then turned to one of the bedrooms, "Hey Akko! You're gonna come out of your room or stay in there for the rest of the day?!"

"I'm coming!" Akko shouted from behind her door and opened it, and she ran up to Zack to shake his hand, "Hi, I'm Akko!" She greeted cheerfully as she shook his hand really fast, "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Honor Student!"

"It's Zack Fair actually, and it is a pleasure to meet you too." Zack greeted before they released the handshake, "Wow, that's quite a grip you got there." He rubbed his now slightly sore hand from the strong handshake. Despite being SOLDIER, he had never met anyone with a strong handshake until now.

"Thanks!" Akko chirped proudly, doing a faux flex of her biceps, "I am Kuoh Academy's Calligraphy Club's Ace after all! You gotta have a strong grip by working your arms out by writing a lot, exercise, and weightlifting!"

Ryuji interjected, "No, that's not-"

"Ah." Zack said in understanding, interrupting him, "Well that I can understand. Just like the Kendo Club and any other school clubs that require a strong hand." He knew that wasn't the case, but he didn't want to be rude or something. And frankly speaking, he found Akko to be quite an interesting person, what with her chipper attitude and strong handshake.

"Yup!" Akko agreed with a nod. "

"That's not how it…" Ryuji began before he sighed, "You know what, never mind." He knows how his sister can, and he can tell that Zack is trying to humor his sister. Which is okay by his book.

"Dinner's ready~!" Mayumi sang from the kitchen and brought out a big tray of food, and four small trays at the sides of the bigger tray. Despite her appearance, the woman's pretty strong considering she's running the apartment and all.

"Come on, you're gonna love Mom's cooking." Ryuji said before he went up to Zack's ear to whisper, "And you'll have to excuse my sister's hyperactive and childish attitude. Trust me, once you'll get used to it, she's not really all there. And comparing her to every other girl in Kuoh Academy, she's pretty normal."

"Ah, don't worry about it." Zack said, waving off his concern and gave a relaxed smile, "If you ask me, she seems pretty normal to me."

Ryuji scoffed lightly, "Yeah, tell me about it." He then swung an arm around Zack's neck and brought him down to his level, "Now come on, let's go eat before Akko eats it all." He dragged the transfers student to the dining room.

"Hey!" Akko exclaimed, indignantly, insulted that her brother could joke something about that.

Zack smiled at his friendliness, joke and the gesture as he walked by him towards the dinner table and sat down.

"Oh, wow." Zack said in awe, looking at the well prepared dishes in the middle of the table before him, "This all looks good."

He then looked to the tray before him steaming bowl dish covered with a lid, and by the side is miso soup with tofu and pickled vegetables.

'Hmm, a don dish.' Zack thought, slowly reaching for the lid covering his bowl, 'I wonder what it is.' He took the lid off and his eyes widen to see what's beneath it, 'This is…!'

It was a chicken and egg dish on top of rice along with spring onions with steam emitting out of them. It was none other than an oyakodon, the mother and child dish consisting of cooked chicken and egg over rice.

"This is oyakodon, is it?" Zack asked with slight awe and curiosity, "I've heard of it, but I've never tried it before."

Mayumi nodded with a smile, "Yes, I'm surprised that you've heard of it considering you're from Norway. Well, never mind that. Don't hold back. Dig in."

They all nodded as Ryuji and Akko took their lids off their bowls to eat their bowls, but stopped when they looked to Zack, wanting to see how he will react to their mother's cooking.

Zack picked up his pair of chopsticks, picked up a piece of rice with chicken and egg on it and ate it in one bite.

At first nothing happened, but then, Zack's eyes widen as he chewed the piece in his mouth.

"It's good!" Zack exclaimed, letting a smile crept up to his face. And he began digging in more with enthusiasm, "I've never had home cooking this good in my life!" It wasn't necessarily true, he had plenty of home-cooked meals from his mother back in Gongaga and from Cael, who's a pretty good cook himself.

Mayumi's smile was intact from his praise, "I'm glad you liked it."

Ryuji and Akko too smiled in amusement at his reaction to their mother's home cooking as they dug into their meal as well.

A few minutes later as Zack finished his meal, he turned to Mayumi, "I gotta have your recipe for this!" He exclaimed, "How do you prepare it? What are your ingredients?"

Mayumi giggled before she placed her finger before her lips as if she were shushing, "Sorry, but it's a family's secrets only."

"Ah, well, if that's the case…" Zack said as he held his empty bowl towards her, "Can I at least have seconds please?"

Mayumi's smile widened, "Of course!" She took the bowl, filled with rice from the rice cooker and the chicken and egg from a pot, "I'm so glad that someone else loves my cooking other than my children."

Ryuji and Akko couldn't help but nod in agreement as the two gave each other a high five in victory at Zack's love of their mom's cooking.

After dinner

After finishing with their dinner and discussion, Zack was hanging with Ryuji on the balcony of their apartment. Both boys relaxing on lawn chairs while Mayumi and Akko are washing dishes in the kitchen. Zack offered to help, but was declined as he just got out of an 8-hour flight and taking a trip of grocery shopping.

"It was great to have dinner with a family." Zack stated, happily patting his stomach a bit, "Your mom's cooking was spot on. I never knew she'd be a great cook."

For Zack, even though he receives good meals from Shinra, nothing beats home-cooking, especially if it's from his mother back home, from his little moogle servant and loyal friend, or from the landlady of his new apartment.

Ryuji nodded, "Yeah. That's one of her special qualities, home cooking. That and cleaning, doing laundry, and keeping this apartment building intact and running by herself."

The blue haired student found himself in a comfortable flow with Zack. At first, when he heard that the foreign exchange student was coming to live in their apartment, he expected him to be a snobbish know-it-all with good grades. But he never expected him to be quite friendly and athletic due to his appearance. It appears to be that the two were becoming fast friends or at least acquaintances which was a relief to Zack since he hadn't met anyone familiar with when he first got here in Kuoh. He was happy considering he didn't know anyone to be 'normal' compared to him.

"It reminds me of home." Zack said nostalgically.

And for Zack, he was a little surprised when he learned that Ryuji was a former delinquent back in middle school, and that he still gets into trouble nowadays for quite some time. It's a wonder that his mom still tolerated his bad behavior. But he did it within reason, to defend others who can't defend themselves, which is reasonable to him. Despite that, he found Ryuji to be a pretty decent guy when he first got here. And the fact that he defended two schoolgirls from delinquents was an A-plus in his book.

"Gongaga, the the country cousin of Midgar, right?" Ryuji asked. During dinner, he learned that Zack was a country boy before moving to Midgar, which was interesting. Even if he's an honor student with a scholarship, he was a country boy at heart.

"Yup." Zack replied, and chuckled at the nickname Ryuji gave to his hometown.

After a moment of silence, Ryuji

"Hey Zack, can I ask you something?"

"You just did." Zack replied jokingly as he closed his eyes.

Ryuji laughed sarcastically, but find the joke amusing, "Ha ha, very funny. But seriously, can I ask you a question?"

Zack opened one eye to look at him before he closed it, "Speak."

"What's life in Midgar like?"

"Oh, it's a pretty big place. Big buildings, lots of people, a lot of traffic, and not to mention lots of electricity and dark clouds due to the Mako reactors." Zack stated, "They were the city's breadwinner. But thanks to Shinra's President Marchosias order in shutting them down, the skies have been cleared and peace has been brought to the city. So you could say that it's kind of like Tokyo." He stretched his arms upwards and placed his hands behind his head in relaxation, "Not that I would know, I've never been to the city. Have you?"

"Once, after graduating from middle school as a graduation present." Ryuji said before he smirked, "You know, you're really something Zack. Ever since I heard a scholar student is coming over to live in this apartment, I thought that you would be stuck up and arrogant know-it-all. But I never expect you to be a nice guy. You're alright, for a giant."

Zack smiled, "And you're okay, for a midget."

Ryuji playfully slugged his arm, which didn't affect him due to his muscles, "Midget?! I'm taller than most guys and girls in school!" And they laughed hysterically at their friendly conversation until they calmed down.

"Hey Zack…" Ryuji called, breaking the silence between them, "You wanna play some video games before you leave?"

Zack gave a blank stare at the blue haired teen before he flashed a grin, "What kind?"

9:30pm

The two male teens were playing a war strategy game on a PS4 system with Akko watching, waiting for her turn to play the winner. Ryuji is playing intently and jamming the buttons on his controller, while Zack is calmly pressing the buttons. The former had lost to Zack 5 times and Akko took his turn each time he lost for over 3 hours.

It is a war game between based two nations, the West and the East. Ryuji chose the East and Zack chose the West respectively.

"Come on! Come on! Come on!" Ryuji repeated, pressing the buttons over and over again.

"Attack, sons of the East!" Yelled a samurai general Ryuji is playing on screen, ordering his battalion of samurai to attack the knights. Ironically considering Zack was born in Europe and Ryuji was born in Japan.

"Wait… Wait…" The knight riding on a horse ordering the front line of his men to form a barricade with shields and spears in front of them, waiting for the samurai to come to them, "Now!"

Suddenly, a cavalry of knights riding on horses jumped forward, using the barricade as stepping stones and dove right into the unsuspecting samurai. They charged in full force, skewering many with spears who come in their way and dropping them as they drew their swords.

"Wha-? The horse cavalry?!" Ryuji exclaimed in shock, and saw something leading the cavalry, "And the king?!"

"To the king!" The leading knight yelled with his sword held high, following his majesty from behind, "To the king!" The knights followed as they've gained morale while rallying to their king.

"To arms, sons of the West!" The king yelled, making his fellow knights battle cry along with him while hacking and slashing the warriors of the East in a straight line formation.

"No, no, no, no!" Ryuji exclaimed in panic and jamming his buttons, "Attack the left flank! Attack the left! The left!"

"Too late." Zack pointed out, while pressing a button to have the left flank of archers shoot arrows, killing their enemy.

A minute later, Zack's knights surrounded Ryuji's shogun and what's left of his men, forming a circle to defend themselves.

"We have you surrounded shogun." The king declared, "Do you surrender, or will you die an honorable death?"

A yes or no appeared on the screen, indicating that if Ryuji chose yes, he would lose. But should he choose no, then he will die and still lose.

"I choose neither!" Ryuji retorted, pressing no, "Attack!"

The shogun and what's left of his army drew their katanas and charged toward the knights, and they did the same.

Five seconds later…

You lose

"Aw shit!" Ryuji complained, dropping his controller to the ground and held his head in frustration, "I lost again."

Zack, with the second controller in his hand, looked in awe and smiled proudly, "Wow. I never even played this game before, and I just won six games in a row." He turned to Ryuji, "Sometimes the best offense is a good defense. Especially if you're indicating a surprise attack."

Somehow the Genesis/Gospel Alliance War Zack participated in prepared him for this game. And he expected another thing from his new friend.

"One more time!" Ryuji demanded, determined to beat him, and pointed his finger at his face, "And if you lose on purpose, I'll kick your ass!"

"Geez, Ryuji, you don't have to bite my head off." Zack said, waving his hands defensively, "It's just a game."

"He's right. Don't be such a sore loser." Akko chided, "Besides…" She picked up her brother's controller and smiled with determination, "I get to play winners!"

"Hey!" Ryuji exclaimed, still wanting to beat Zack even if it is her turn.

"Actually, I'd like to call it a night for now." Zack said, stretching his arms and getting up from the floor.

"What? Aw, come on, Zack!" Akko whined, waving her arms frantically, "Let's play some more!"

"Sorry Akko, but I gotta prepare myself for school tomorrow." Zack apologized as he went up to the front door, "But when I get the chance to visit, I'll be sure to play more games with you and your brother."

"Is that a promise?" Akko asked, walking up to him and gave him a cute puppy eye dog look.

Zack stared blankly at her cute form and smiled, "It's a promise." He then turned to the girl's mother and brother who walked up next to her.

"I apologize if my children have caused you any trouble. Especially my son." Mayumi apologized with a bow of her head. Over the years, she tolerated her son's delinquent ways and kept on being a strong-willed and yet kind woman in being there for him and her daughter Akko.

Ryuji rolled his eyes at his mother's comment. She means well, but did she had to be blunt about it?

"Oh no, quite the opposite." Zack assured with a smile, "If he had willingly put his delinquent past behind, then you must have done something right."

Mayumi nodded and bowed once more, "In that case, please continue to get along with him and watch over him in the future along with my daughter. He doesn't have many friends."

"Hey!" Ryuji snapped indignantly, "I have one!"

"Of course." Zack replied, amused by her son's behavior and bowed back. He raised his head up and turned to the blue haired teen, "We'll have that rematch when we have the time."

Ryuji gave a cocky grin, "And I'll beat you then." He stuck his hand forward to him.

Zack smiled back, "We'll see." He gripped his hand and shook it.

After he broke off the handshake, he waved them good night, "Goodnight Miss Mono. Goodnight Ryuji. Goodnight Akko."

"Goodnight Zack." Mayumi said with a kindhearted smile and a wave.

"Goodnight Zack!" Akko exclaimed, waving her hand really fast.

"Goodnight." Ryuji gave a two-finger salute, with the spiky-haired teen returning the gesture and opened the door to leave.

He looked to the older teen's back and didn't think much of him. But deep down in his gut, he had a feeling that there's something strange about him, after he passed by him this afternoon, but decided to put that aside for now. The fact that he just made a new friend was something for him. He seemed like a nice guy, if decent he might add, and he would be great if he got to know him more.

'Maybe things won't be so bad at school tomorrow.' Ryuji thought himself with a smirk as he too wanted to turn in for school tomorrow and headed towards the bathroom.

One thing is for certain, tomorrow is going to be an interesting day for both of the male high school students, especially for the first day of the transfer student.

Okay, and that's the end of my first prologue. Once again, I'm sorry for not writing up another story or chapter for over a year.

And I'm sorry for not introducing Rias and her peerage in this prologue. I just thought that I would introduce this story's Sekiryuutei in this, who happens to be OC. They will be in the next chapter in the DXD's main storyline; I promise you that. And I will reveal a bit of Ryuji's past and more of Zack's.

For SOLDIER'S Elite 10, I got the idea from Shokugeki no Soma's Tootsuki's Elite 10, My Hero Academia's Pro-Heroes Top 10, and Fairy Tail's 10 Wizard Saints. I just feel that Zack at least deserves something after playing Final Fantasy Crisis Core for his heroic sacrifice in the game. For now, he will be number 10 in the elite, meaning there are NINE more SOLDIERS stronger than him.

Characters

You all know Zack Fair, right? For him, I've decided to give him a slight OOC in this story. And I believe you can all guess. If not, PM me if you want to know. You'll understand once I reveal his past in the next chapter.

The story's main OC character, Ryuji Mono is based off of Kill la Kill's MC Ryuko Matoi. Both formerly delinquents, fierce and stubborn, but loyal to a fault, have single parents raising them, except he was raised with a sibling, and that they both have common sense.

He will be paired with Asia and a harem. For those who are IsseixAsia fans, please don't read this story, or do so if you wish. Your choice.

Akko Mono is based off of Mako Mankanshoku, who was also in Kill la Kill, except for her slightly tuned down hyperactive personality of course. And her name is based off of Akko Kagari from Little Witch Academia, which was created by the creator of Kill la Kill.

Mayumi Mono is, well based off of Sukuyo Mankanshoku from Kill la Kill. Except she makes a great oyakodon instead of croquette, but I will make her make something good in the future.

President Novio Marchosias will have a special role in this story. (Look at her last name)

Yquan- She is the 4th seat of SOLDIER'S Elite 10, but info is unknown.

Director Alessandra Oliveira will replace Director Lazard. She too will have a special role in the future.

Y'shtola is the character from FFXIV and is a Turk.

Cael is Zack's moogle servant and a loyal friend.

Cloud Strife from FFVII. I was planning to make him captain of a Shinra trooper squadron, but instead I went with sergeant. And I made him SOLDIER 3rd Class due to his participation in the war.

Shinra's top dogs, from President Shinra and his executives, they deserve to rot in prison, and have their pride in the Mako reactors destroyed. The Earth deserves justice.

And as for the G-Knight and his army, the G-troops, they're based off of the Arkham Knight and militia in the Batman Arkham series: Batman: Arkham Knight. If he is what he says he is, then the world will be in a heap of trouble.

Sephiroth and Aerith will be in the story, but not in the way you think. Why? I cannot say. But I have a pretty good idea for the latter in the next chapter. You will see.

As for Zack, do any of you think that I'm going to reincarnate him into a devil? Well, let's observe this chapter for a bit, shall we? Zack Fair, a superhuman warrior, SOLDIER 1st Class, and promoted to join the Shinra's SOLDIER Elite 10 who are happened to be the strongest warriors in the world. Yeah, I think you all can pretty much do the math here, right? (Look at the story title)

And how do you like the part where Zack and Ryuji played video game in this prologue? I was planning to have them both go to a bathhouse, but I figured I would have them bond over video games instead.

At the top where you saw rant warning, well here it is.

Issei Hyoudou is the worst character in the history of worst characters. I f %#ing hate him and his guts. I wish that the author would turn him from his perverted ways. God may help me, if I ever read another part of the story where they show his pervertedness, I will scream into a sink full of water or my pillow.

But what can you do? And there goes my rant, thanks for reading it.

I will work on the first chapter after this prologue or any of the chapters in Tsukune Farron or Kamen Rider Gaim and Avatar when I have spare time, thank you for reading it and feel free to review, favor, or follow it. Your choice.

And I know it's late to say this, but Happy Father's Day to all the authors of their stories! Also don't forget to appreciative your fathers. Thank you!