Chapter 16: Revelation

"Is this really necessary?"

"Well they had to do something. Our victory was unplanned. They were expecting us to lose."

"And they had an event pre-planned. So of course, not like they could just cancel the party when it was the day after."

"Well look at you, catching onto how Nobles think already."

"My intuition has always been good… also I hate this suit."

"Oh come on, aside from the bandages you look nice… if only we could've done something about your hair."

"Not worth trying."

Rias let out a light laugh at the deadpan snipe I gave as she started trying to get the regular mess of my hair straight. To my looming annoyance, because of the fact it wasn't like the noble Devils could just go and cancel a party they'd planned for a day after our Rating Game against Riser, they had a sudden change of plans and turned it into a party for the winners instead.

And I only found out about this after waking up from being out for hours after my fight with Riser. And I don't like suddenly impromptu plans that happen when I'm not around.

"Well, you'll only need to put up with this for a little bit." I rolled my eyes at Rias's statement, and she put an arm through mine. "Now, are you going to escort me in or not?"

"Quit being coy."

"Now entering, Lady Rias Gremory and Soren Edelweiss!"

The grand doors opened, and as we strode in, we were immediately greeted by the crowd of Devils spanning the room. All sorts of people, some of whom kept to more human appearances and others who, likely as a mark of their bloodline, somewhat less so. Most of them were clapping along as Rias gave proper waves their ways, but I was able to catch a few mutters.

"That's him? The half-blood the Gremory's took in?"

"Defeat of Riser or no, why would they allow someone like that to even be here?"

"I only showed up because this change was so sudden. To see a pure-blood with a half-breed…"

"Well, I expected this much." I just sighed as I turned my eyes to the muttering, and the ones doing so immediately shot away. They were here at the graces of the Phenex and Gremory family, and noble decorum at least insisted they keep their traps shut in the open about any of the main guests. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

"Well then, keep getting stronger and defeating them." Rias said, also looking over to some who were speaking their minds more than others. "Though you were already planning on doing that weren't you?"

"Of course I was, don't need to tell me twice."

"Congrats!"

And then next we knew, the crack of confetti poppers went off in our face, and the laughing bunch of the rest of the peerage were in front of us, fired off poppers in hands as Rias and I were not stuck with a bunch of confetti on us, Tsuno cackling from the back of the bunch with an evil look on his face.

"Guys what's with this?"

"Well, we wanted to do something like this after the game, but you were out cold after that fight, so we kind of had to plan around." Yuuto said, Koneko nodding.

"It was convenient for us." The short girl stated, trotting up to me. "You were the MVP, senpai. Though I'm mad we got knocked out."

"You did great Koneko. It's not shameful to admit you were caught off guard." Rias pat Koneko on the head. "You all did fantastic during the battle. Yuuto, Tsuno-san, thank you for doing your best."

"Of course. Though next time, I'll be sure not to get caught so easily." Yuuto took a small bow, and like me he was still bandaged up… Tsuno though had screwed off to the food and was chatting it up with some Devil girls. "Well he's quick isn't he?"

"Let's just leave him be." I said, everyone nodding in agreement. "So I'm guessing Aoi decided not to show up right? Party's aren't her thing."

"Spot on." Akeno said. "I did ask her once we got the news earlier today, but she just told me she wasn't coming. Something about not wanting to be around, and I quote, "those self-righteous bitches", or something of that ilk."

"Yeah she'd say that."

"Are you sure you're fine Soren? I did my best with my Twilight Healing, but some of your wounds were just too much to finish before now." Asia pulled on my sleeve a bit, and I nodded by tapping the bandage on my face.

"Don't worry a bit Asia. I'll be fine by tomorrow, promise. Now, let's quit worrying about things so much! It's a party, we're here to celebrate, aren't we?"

"Except it's not quite that kind of party." And with the wind out of my sails at Rias's notation, I hung my head and grumbled, the others chuckling at me, though the light hearted mood wasn't gone. "But yes, we should enjoy ourselves. I'm sure some other young devils are here, why not go and mingle a bit everybody? I'll be with Soren, so don't worry."

"But I wanna spend time with him too." Asia pouted, and I put a hand on her head to soothe the mood.

"Like I'd let Rias monopolize me. I'm sure there's gonna be people who wanna chat with us, so don't worry. I'll be free… at some point." To mark my point I glanced over my shoulder to spot that as I'd been warned before we'd arrived, I was definitely the center of attention of the younger Devils in the party. Most of them, like Rias, weren't able to officially participate in Rating Games yet, so of course she'd be the talk of the walk among them since she got a head start.

As for me? Who the hell wouldn't be eyeing the mysterious half-blood taken in by one of the remaining Pillar families who'd then gone and managed to beat a reigning champ of the Games?

I admit, my ego is feeling hella boosted right now.

As we all split off among the party, as Rias and I started having to chat with other nobles who were giving their congratulations and impressions about the game, we got approach when one made a call out. A man with the same vibrant crimson hair and blue eyes as Rias, which clued me in right away to who he had to be, her father. Because really what else would I think?

"Finally, took me long enough to find you in this crowd, Rias." The man said, letting out a casual chuckle as his eyes scanned to me. "And you must be the young man my son took in. I do wish we could have met sooner, considering you're basically part of the family now. Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Rias's father, Zeoticus Gremory."

"Nice to meet you sir. Though considering things I guess we've caused a bit of a mess." I took the man's hand when he offered it, earning a sideways look from him as well.

"Well considering how rushed the entire engagement situation was." Rias was giving the man a stare that said enough of why he was looking awkward. "I guess mother isn't here because of business?"

"Well not like I wasn't involved. But, yes, it was rushed. Things have just been dire is all, and among the other nobles. And I admit, I made a mistake in being so rushed about things and trying to put so much onto you, Rias. But yes, there are some things your mother is taking care of, so she won't be here tonight." Zeoticus said, Rias letting out a breath.

"It's fine. Things have worked out after all." Rias then gave me a look, and I glanced away too. That glowing look in them told enough and I had no way to respond to that. Zeoticus however, gave a hum.

"I see, well then." The man then put a hand on my shoulder. "I will say, I'm glad to see that Talia's child has grown so well. I think the last time I saw you was when you were small. I never thought you'd be taken in like this though."

"What is with you people and knowing my parents?"

"My you really don't know do you?" He looked surprised I was oblivious about this, Rias also looking surprised, though for different reasons then her father. "Well, it was a long time ago, so I guess you wouldn't remember much."

"Grayfia said the same damn thing."

"This is all so weird." Rias said, getting a nod from me following it. "You're not about to say we knew each other when we were little are you?... not that I'd mind."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"No, actually." And at that answer, I sighed in relief while Rias looked a bit disappointed, which resulted in a repeat of me looking at her weirdly and her looking away. Zeoticus let out a laugh. "Well I can already see no future decisions may need to be made. And, Soren, if you ever need anything, feel free to ask. I owe young Talia a good deal, so helping her son is something I won't pass up."

"Uh, yeah don't worry about it. I'm pretty good as I am." And now I just feel awkward, and am wondering what the deal is with my parents now. Dad has one of the strongest magi around owing him a thing or two, and apparently mom is in with Devil nobility all the way.

"Well I'll let you two enjoy the party. Oh, Rias, when it's over there are some things that need to be covered. Will you be open?"

"I will, yes."

"Alright then, enjoy yourselves. I need to go speak with Lord Phenex, have fun!"

"Ugh… can't even have a day before something comes up huh?" Rias said, and I chuckled as we headed out to one of the balconies of the grand mansion. "Is this what it's like for you when you work for that magus?"

"Nah, Touka's way laxer…. Though I do have some contracts I need to do tomorrow. So yeah kind of." I leaned back on the railing as I started undoing the collar of this damn shirt. "Though I can't imagine how busy you are having to both run a peerage and being noble and all."

"I'm not that busy. I just have to take calls and news when it comes up. I am the one with jurisdiction over the Devil territory back home and all." Rias leaned forward herself, looking out and up. The sky here in the Underworld only looked like the one back in the human realm. Apparently the proper look was a thing done to make it easier for the reincarnated devils to get used to living down here. "But compared to me you're practically as free as a bird."

"Free as a bird in a large enough cage where Touka's involved." I said with a snide tone, Rias chuckling as she stepped off the rail.

"Well, I can't thank you enough for the help with this." Rias turned and leaned forward a bit, and I leaned the other way. "I've been thinking of how I could repay you for it. Cause I don't think an audience with my brother is enough of a prize."

"That's some high standards if you're saying that." Do not let the mind wander. The fact her dress exposes plenty of cleavage is not helping my mind right now. Or that it hugs her figure as a whole. Dammit why is she my type!?

"Ah… what is going on out here?!"

And whatever moment was going on between us all of a sudden got interrupted by a certain Chickadee making herself known, Rias and I looking over to see a red faced Ravel at the door of the balcony.

"Y-You're in another person's home! Lady Rias have a bit more decorum!"

"We're outside by ouerselves, nobody is being bothered." Rias coyly, and I just looked up. "It's a bit of harmless fun. But what are you out here for? Wouldn't the house heiress have some business of her own to handle?"

"It's a party, so no I do not. In fact, I was trying to locate the two of you. Well, the half… mhm, Sir Edelweiss specifically." Ravel stepped forward as she pointed at me, Rias and I both tilting our heads. "Oh don't look at me like I'm strange! Ahem, the reason why I'm here is to pass on a message from my brother."

"What does Riser have to say? Actually, why's he not here? I know he's the one who lost but still." I said, while putting my arms behind my head.

"Well as it's been, my brother has been shut up in the manor library since he woke up." Ravel said, giving a sigh only an exasperated sibling could. "He's acting strange for him. He never takes things seriously, and yet now he's talking about how he actually wants to take the Rating Games seriously. Said something about how he isn't just going to ride on our family name anymore."

"Well well, seems losing to you put his head on a bit straighter." Rias shoved my shoulder as she snickered, and I let out a bemused mutter.

"Ahem. As for what my brother's message was, it's simple: He said that next time you two face off against each other, Soren Edelweiss, he's going to win. I suppose it's simple to say, my brother considers you his rival now." Ravel folded her arms with a shut eye, giving a sigh. "And I do need to apologize myself. Your performance in the battle was admirable. You, Sir Edelweiss, and all of your companions. Lady Rias, thank you for the good match."

"Well it's not something I would've ever been able to do on my own." Rias said, holding a hand out to Ravel. "Were it not for some… well, nicely put explanations about my own short comings and people who could execute plans well, I'm not sure we'd have won. But if a chance does come around, then I'd be happy to fight against the Phenex family again, next time with my own peerage to capacity."

"Well, I will likely become a free agent after this, but, I will look forward to a future match between the two of you again. And, Sir Edelweiss…"

"Just use my name please, I don't do formalities."

"Alright then, Lord Soren…"

"Okay I guess we're gonna go with that." I put a hand to my face, Rias chuckling at the sudden plight I was face with.

"I will be looking forward to any meetings we have in the future. Until we meet again."

Ravel turned and dashed off in a hurry, and Rias let out a sigh as she looked at me. I just gave her a wide eyed look of questioning. But, the sudden, quite audible gasps from inside got both of us to dash back in after Ravel, and I picked up on the chatter quickly.

"It's him…"

"What is Lord Lucifer doing here?"

"I mean the winner is his sister after all…"

"But he must be busy. Why would he show up now?"

The man who had drawn the eyes of everybody in the room cut one hell of a presence. I could feel the weight from his aura even from this distance, no doubt when it was being repressed. Dressed in a grand mantle fit for the guy called "Lucifer", crimson hair and sharp blue eyes looking over everything with a calm gaze. And right behind him was Grayfia, who's eyes immediately locked to me and Rias, giving a simple tap to the man's shoulder to get his attention.

"Ah, there you are!" The man strode through the crowd that parted for him with a clear show of reverence to him, Rias folding her arms as he got close, raising her brow at him. "Oh come on Rias, is that any way to great your brother?"

"Do forgive me brother, but I am still a bit miffed about things. It was quite an idea of yours to hold a Rating Game to decide things." Rias said, her brother, Sirzechs, giving a chuckle.

"Well I figured it would be the best method. I do admit in any other situation a loss was expected, but, the one who assured your win didn't leave a doubt in my mind." Sirzechs then looked to me, giving a chuckle. "Glad to see you doing well Soren. The last time I saw you was when you were… ah yes, bleeding out on a bridge."

"So that was you!"

"Not so loud please." Grayfia said, and I gave a grumble while lowering the finger I'd jabbed at Sirzechs, the man giving a warm chuckle.

"It's fine Grayfia. But yes, it was me. Shocker, I know, but, what else was I to do? Once my familiar alerted me of the trouble, I made sure to act quickly. And trust me, being chewed out by Talia is the last thing in the world you want to happen."

"Yeah… mom can be rough."

Let's see… as my own memory serves, the last time I got chewed out by her was a year ago. I'd gotten back from a late hunt that night, and by this point I'm sure she knew I was out fighting. It had been rough, I hardly got to sleep from how long she spent grilling me about "staying out late and making a mess"… so yeah if she knew I found out I'm half-devil then I don't doubt she knew what "making a mess" really meant too.

"What in the… why is Lord Lucifer talking to him?"

"I know he's with Lady Gremory but still…"

"He's… that."

"If you would all please excuse the chatter, I kindly ask as much." Sirzechs glanced over his shoulder, and immediately the muttering fell silent. "I would have you all know, young Soren here requested he be given an audience with me were my sister to win the Rating Game. He may be a ward of the Gremory House, but he isn't a full member of my sister's Peerage. So, it is due course to offer him some reward for offering his help, is it not?"

And oh was I resisting the urge to flip some people the bird as the nobles muttered amongst themselves. But, with the fact the head honcho himself had said it, not like they had any room to argue against it. So to that, I say it's another win for me!

"Well, with that out of the day, shall we speak somewhere private then? I'm sure you have quite the number of questions to ask of me."

"I would suggest the library." Grayfia said, Sirzechs nodding.

"Perfect. Rias, I hope you don't mind if I borrow Soren for a little bit yes? I promise he'll be back before the dancing starts."

"Well it's not just me you'd have to say that too." Rias pointed out, jutting a finger at the rest of the Peerage. "But I won't butt in. Don't ask anything of my brother that's too strange now, alright Soren?"

"Believe me I already have enough of an idea of what I'm asking." I said, waving a hand about. "So don't worry."

With that, I followed Sirzechs and Grayfia out of the ballroom and further into the manor. This being the Phenex estate, the walls were adorned with fine images and all, the architecture making it feel like something out of much older times, sometimes breaking up the clean white and burnt orange shades with paintings or other adornments. Said hallways which eventually took us to the library, which as expected of this kind of virtual palace of a place, was filled to the brim with massive shelves stretching up to another level of the place entirely.

Sirzechs and I took seats at the plush chairs, and he lit the fireplace with a casual snap of his fingers, then looking to me as he tented his hands. The air around him still felt rather casual, yet now also somehow just a bit more serious. I think he's already onto me.

"So, tell me Soren, what is it you plan to ask me?"

"It's a pretty simple question: Am I or am I not a Satanael." I said, Sirzechs only giving me a blink so far. I pulled out my pendant to drive the point in, the man staring at it. "I've gotten enough hints I've more or less put it together. This pendant, my powers, those guns my mom sent me. The fact for some damn reason apparently half the Underworld knows who she is. And even just the fact I'm half-devil to begin with. But, I'm asking because I want it confirmed by somebody who has to know the truth, somebody who in the right situation, won't just skirt around the subject."

"Not an unreasonable line of thought." Grayfia said. "Before my lord answers, Soren, you should know what you're asking is a rather sensitive subject. That family… well, their history with the wider world as a whole is a turbulent one."

"Oh come now Grayfia, let's be a bit laxer with him." Sirzechs stated, the woman sighing. "Actually, here's something amusing, she was actually on the edge of her seat during the entire Rating Game, especially once you began fighting Riser. She practically jumped for joy when you won-OW!"

"Lord Sirzechs, please refrain from getting off topic." And with a quick, sharp move of her hand, Sirzechs's head jerked to the side a bit as he was promptly smacked for his comment. My face probably looked stilted.

"Ahaha, sorry sorry." Sirzechs then cleared his throat, his expression more focused then his relaxed smile. "Then, in response to your own forwardness, I'll equally be so. In the short of it, yes. We may call her Talia, but your mother's true name is Latalia Aina Satanael, the granddaughter of the Fallen Angel who became a Devil, Satanael himself. Which makes you that man's great-grandson, and along with your mother, the only remaining member of the bloodline."

"Only remaining… let me guess, the Great War, right?"

"Precisely." Sirzechs nodded to my assessment, and I remained silent in waiting for him to continue. "Of the losses in the Great War, as you likely know, the original pantheon of Devils me and the other Satans take our names from died in the conflict. While some of their descendants yet live, the Old Satan Faction, the damage left to us Devils required a new system. And your family, the Satanael clan, was one of those who fought with us. But, due to Satanael's origins, there was little trust for him among the Devil clans at the time, the only ones who considered him a true ally being the original Satans themselves. He lost his life along with them during the conflict."

"You also said my mother and I were the last. She obviously didn't just pop outta thin air, what about my grandfather?"

"That we do not clearly know." Grayfia spoke up now, and eyes turned to her. "We have presumed for a very long time now he too perished at some point in the past, but, it's still not clear if that really is true. But with now signs of it, we only made this assumption because there was no other idea of what could have happened to him. But, believe me Soren, your grandfather is not a man you would wish to meet… if you did, he would be little more than an enemy, that much I can assure you."

"Well there goes that idea I suppose." I let out a sigh then leaned my head back. I suppose my next question would also be an obvious one, knowing the truth of the matter now. I'm actually a bit surprised by the frankness of this, but, Sirzechs and Grayfia wouldn't have any reason to be obtuse about it in this situation. And at the least, it's easy for me to feel like I can trust them. "Alright then, with that out of the way here's the next one: Why are my parents constantly traveling and searching all over the world? And I'd also guess more than just the human realm."

"Right, you live with friends of your father who've been raising you since you were young." Sirzechs noted, to which I nodded. "That is also rather simple: They're traveling all over both the human realm and the underworld, tracking down not only remnants of your clan's legacy that may remain, but also other things which were lost to the Three Factions during the Great War thousands of years ago. This is a mission your mother set herself too decades ago… and it is also a dangerous one."

"Dangerous enough to have to leave their kid behind apparently." I couldn't help but give the bitter mutter. It wasn't like I was unhappy of course, or that I never saw my parents at all… but what kid wouldn't be bitter knowing they basically got ditched because their parents are apparently going on wild adventures? Even if I can understand what's going on in the grander scope, it's not like I can help myself.

"I doubt it'll diminish those feelings of bitterness over it, but yes." Sirzechs affirmed. "I know perhaps they make it seem like fun and games, but their journey isn't without it's dangers, especially here in the underworld. For as much of it is under the control of us Devils and Fallen Angels, even more of it is dangerous frontier teeming with dangers, land unclaimed for millennia left to be dominated by all kinds of monsters. It simply wouldn't do for them to take a child with them into such dangers."

"Talia told me herself the day they left you in the human realm: "I want my child to live a happy, normal life… and that isn't something I can provide him until my mission ends." They didn't do so easily, and it is also why they asked Sirzechs and I to watch over you." Grayfia approached me, kneeling down and putting a hand on my shoulder as she looked me right in the eye.

"I get that much. Besides it's not like they never find time to visit." I said, brushing Grayfia's hand off. "I appreciate the gesture but I don't care as much anymore. I'm sure mom is already planning her next visit now anyway, what with the fact you went and showed her the Rating Game and all that."

"You're surprisingly mature." Grayfia then got to putting a hand on my head, and I just grumbled as she gave a chuckle. "But that's good. I'd hate to learn you were holding a grudge over it."

"Now, as for things, do you have any other questions to ask me?" Sirzechs continued, Grayfia going back to his side.

"One more at least… how do I actually know I'm a Satanel then hmm?" I asked, and Sirzechs gave a hum. Then all of a sudden, I felt a sudden pressure in the air, and a faint aura was around Sirzechs. And as my instincts made me shoot up, I felt a feeling come from my back, like something had appeared there. I looked over as I felt it, and there they were… wings. At their tips, dark black, leathery and with a pure black membrane within them. But, as my eyes followed the structure further down, it shifted… feathers, about halfway down the wingspan, the leathery form turned into black as night feathers until the wings stopped at my back, a few loose feathers drifting to the floor around me. "What in the…"

"Those wings of yours are the mark of your bloodline." Sirzechs picked up one of the feathers, and with a fwip, my wings folded back down and vanished. I was still for one, processing this shit. At least the heavy feeling in the air was gone as the aura around Sirzechs died down. "Satanael may have become a Devil but it was through… other means. He did not do so easily, and those who bear his blood have wings that are halfway between those of a Devil and Angel, a mark of the transition."

"Freaky." I picked up one of the feathers, and then it hit me. I'd seen these before, when I fought Raynare… these were the other kinds of feathers on the ground after I beat her. I hadn't thought anything about them then but now… "Talk about a hell of a mark."

"I suggest not showing those wings in front of anybody else but those you trust for now. That there are even survivors of your bloodline is a tightly kept secret here in the underworld." Sirzechs said, and I could only nod in response to the statement. "Now, we have a little bit longer before the ball proper starts, until which I'm open to any other inquiries you may have. Any question I can answer, I promise I will. Or, if you have further requests. After all, I would say you at least earned a bit more from your performance in the game. Like say, I could increase your rank as a Devil?"

"That's a tempting offer but… I'll have to decline that one." I shook my head, Sirzechs raising a brow. "See, Rias and I made a bet a month ago: That I can reach High Rank, on my own actions, before we graduate. Tempting as it is, I can't just accept a rank promotion I don't think I've really earned. I'm may be a selfish ass but I believe in fair play when it works out. I keep my promises, so I'm going to earn Mid and High rank on my own."

"Well, I won't lie when I say it is a lot of responsibility once you reach that point." Sirzechs said, chuckling as he folded his hands. "But, High Rank within the next year hmm? That's quite the goal you've set for yourself, though at least power wise you have quite the head start compared to others."

"I would say it's perfectly doable. As long as you actually try that is." Grayfia added, and I glanced to the side while giving a flat chuckle.

"Well then, I feel like we've taken up enough time now if you have nothing else to ask of me." Sirzechs then stood, holding out a hand to me as I followed suit. "And, I do hope that from here in the future, you'll continue to be a helpful ally to my sister. From what I've seen now, you've definitely earned her favor."

"Well, we're friends. And I always help my friends out." I then firmly put my hand to Sirzechs', the two of us giving a brief shake. "But don't go getting any weird ideas right now alright? I'm giving it a few years before I start thinking of anything too serious. High Rank Devil first, potentially serious romances second."

"Oh now what would give you the idea?" The man called Lucifer had a coy tone to his voice as he folded his arms, Grayfia putting a hand to her face behind him. I just raised a brow.

"I'm not the best at reading people, but I can tell when someone likes to prank folks."

"I should warn you, he's a siscon. Don't be surprise if Sirzechs starts asking you odd things if something does happen."

"G-Grayfia, come on, that's hardly accurate!"

"Is it?"

Grayfia grinned slyly at Sirzechs as he awkwardly chuckled. And I couldn't help but look between them. That wasn't the air of a servant and master… no, it was more like…

"Wait a… are you two actually married?"

"As it is, yes." Grayfia answers, pulling off one of her gloves and showing the ring on her finger, Sirzechs showing that he has his own gold band on a chain around his neck. "Servant of the Gremory House I may be, I am also Sirzechs's wife."

"It's a… long story." Sirzechs said, now ushering me away. "Now hurry along and get on back to the ball, there's people there waiting for you now right? Kids should have their fun while they can."

"And what you're not going back yet?" I glanced over a shoulder even as Sirzechs pushed me along, stopping myself at the door. "Don't have any weird plans of your own eh?"

"Don't go pushing your luck Soren! I'm still Lucifer!" And with one shove, Sirzechs pushed me into the hall and slammed the door behind me.

And even though I was going to at least head back to the ballroom, with the timing off it in mind, like hell I was actually going to be caught dead on the dancefloor. Occasion it may be or not, it ain't my style. So, off to the balconies yet again I go!

Not like it'll be hard to jump out of a window and get up to one of them, I'll let the maid staff deal with the window I opened to do it.

And as I guessed once I was at one of the balconies of the ballroom, the dances had already started. And as expected for this kind of ritzy part, waltzes all around. Blegh. Maybe I can just be a wallflower for a bit longer?

"Why am I not surprised you snuck out here after talking with my brother?"

Not like I could be so lucky when Rias appeared right out of the shadows, giving me an amused look as I flinched while turning around.

"And what are you doing out here on your own then huh?"

"Getting some fresh air after talking with a bunch of the other younger Devils. They wanted to hear all about how it was to participate in a Rating Game, what the strategy was like, this and that you know? I told them to just watch the recording since it'll be released in a few days." Rias sighed as she looked up to the facsimile of a moon in the sky. "So, did you get the answers you were looking for?"

"Surprisingly, yeup." I then leaned on the rail myself, also yanking off the bandage on my face I definitely didn't need anymore. "Turns out, my hunch was dead on correct. I'm a Satanael."

To show the point, I pulled out the feather I'd picked up in the library, Rias taking it and turning it over in his hands.

"That's mine. Not like I just keep random feathers around." I said, pointing to my back. "But Sirzechs said I shouldn't just pop the things out at random."

"I believe you." Rias said, closing a hand around the feather. "It has traces of your aura on it, I wouldn't easily make that kind of mistake you know?"

"Now that's just embarrassing."

"So this is where the two main guests wound up! Talk about a vanishing act, even if one of you went to talk to Lord Lucifer."

"Sairaorg?"

"Who?"

Rias and I turned around as a male voice sounded. Approaching from the door was a tall young man dressed in dark clothes, crapped dark hair and serious purple eyes, which due to his height were looking down at me with a curious look.

"Right. Soren, allow me to introduce you to Sairaorg Bael, he's my cousin from my mother's side." Rias gestured to the young man, and he gave a nod while looking me over.

"A pleasure to meet you. When I heard Rias's family had taken somebody in, and that somebody was the Red Dragon Emperor, well, I was more than a bit curious. And I have to say, the way you fought Riser was impressive. Made me start itching for a fight myself." Sairaorg put a hand out to me, and I took it.

And something immediately stuck out to me as he firmly grabbed my hand, a bit tighter than one would expect… this guy was strong. It wasn't just the bits of his aura I could feel, but physically as well. The pressure he gave off was more than just a powerful aura like Sirzechs. And the spark in his eyes was that exact same one I was so familiar with… the spark of a battle maniac.

"Ohh? Well then, glad to know I got somebody fired up seeing that." I replied, and I felt the smirk ebbing across my face. "Who knows, maybe I'll join up with Rias more in the future if fights keep being that much fun. I've missed fighting strong people."

"Oh I could tell. And I'd be happy to face you in battle if I could."

"Okay come on you two, go be fight-sexual weirdos somewhere else." Rias said, starting to shove Sairaorg off, who was laughing as he complied. Rias huffed a bit as she closed the balcony door. "Honestly… do people have to keep interrupting?"

"Well counting the Chickadee, that was only twice. Though I dislike things that interrupt the mood so, eh."

"So back on the topic." Rias strode back to my side, pulling out the dropped feather. "You a Satanael, how does knowing the truth for real feel huh?"

"… weird." I said, folding my arms. "Like part of me wanted something more climactic, but at the same time this isn't terrible… but I am concerned with something, though it can wait for later. It's just another cryptic thing that could be concerning later on."

"Somehow that's also not surprising." Rias commented. "So, what I mentioned before, thinking you need some other kind of reward"

"Right right… you were getting way too close before the Chickadee showed up."

"Right. So let's pick back up from right there."

"Huh?"

And in a split second, a soft sensation pressed to my mouth as I blinked. I only caught a drift of red in that second, and when my eyes shot open on reaction, red came to my vision again… Rias had kissed me dead on. It only lasted a couple more seconds, and she pulled back while giving a chuckle. I felt dumbfounded yet again. That's twice in a row in one night, the hell? Get your shit together me!

"Did I surprise you? By the way, that was my first kiss. A fitting reward for what you did, wouldn't you say?"

"Don't go looking so cocky just cause you got me off guard."

"Oh so you can look embarrassed!" Rias giggled as I pulled at my bangs a bit, Rias pulling the hair aside and putting her hand at my cheek. "Thank you, again. Though I hope you don't start being lax from now on. We still have our bet, right? That you can reach High Rank before we graduate?"

"Heh. Of course. And like I'd take it easy. First Riser, now Sairaorg… I think I'll be meeting plenty of strong people to fight from here on." I said, letting out a cocky snicker. "And just watch me crash my way through the ranks. I'll be High Rank before you know it."

"And I'm eager to see that happen. And once you are, let's have a Rating Game of our own against each other." Rias then moved her hand from my face and held it out, and I clapped mine to it. "I'm hoping for a good fight once that happens!"

"I'll be sure to give you one Rias, count on it."

"Perfect. Now, come on, the dancing isn't done yet. Let's go!"

"Eh? Hey come on don't pull me! I don't do dances!"

"Well you're doing this one!"

"Like hell!"

"Oh come on, you're not even fighting back! If you don't want to you gotta be more serious."

"Tch… fine, but only one dance! Then I'm sticking to the wall!"

"Fine by me!"

I couldn't help but have a smile on my face as I got pulled back into the ballroom and to meet up with the rest of our little entourage. And I guess here, it's because I was seeing Rias smile. That distant look I'd been bothered by before wasn't there anymore, and her being happier clearly made the rest of us feel the same.

Not a bad life I'm living now I guess, heh.

Though maybe I was speaking too soon.

Because it was barely even a day after the party that for the second time in barely a month, yet another emergency family meeting was being held within the Hyoudo household. And aside from a non-present Aoi, the sight was familiar.

"So, due to some circumstances that have come up, I decided to start staying here as well!"

Words from Rias that left my foster parents flabbergasted, me looking at her with a slanted look of mild horror, and Asia tightly gripping my arm with a pouting expression on her face as Rias explained her excuse of a reasoning for suddenly deciding to move into my place.

And as if only to make matters worse, Ddraig was laughing it up in my head like this was the funniest shit he'd heard about in ages. Which maybe it was, not like I'd know.

And I feel like it needs to be said as well!

"This is the worst."

But it wasn't exasperated for once. Nah… if anything I'm just bemused more than anything. I'll use my hunting tonight to blow off some steam.

The life of a Devil, eh? I can only guess where it's going to take me from this point on. I may have found answers about my family now... but it taught me there's consequences to that knowledge too. A danger to knowing who I am. And I'll face it head on when it rears it's head at me.

End Volume 2: Battlefield of the Phoenix Flames

A/N

Ahhh and I finally got this volume of Darklight overwith! I should be able to have me some fun with things in the next arc, 'cause I should be able to mix that one up a fair bit with some of the ideas I've got for it. Hehehe.