Author's Notes

Hello, this is Captain Bell.

After many reviews focusing on the idea Artoria and Issei might share a romance in this story, I decided update the first chapter and the summary to clarify the topic. I assure you all the reason I didn't highlight the two as a romantic pair in the summary wasn't so I could spring a surprise couple on readers later, which was apparently a common fear.

Writing these chapters doesn't take too long for me now, actually, it's the editing process afterwards I get stuck in. It probably doesn't help that I keep going back over the previous chapters and fixing problems I find (In all my stories) as I figure out what my bad habits are. Hopefully I've been practicing long enough now to leave those alone going forward and focus on one chapter at a time. It should speed things up.

Fun fact: The Red Dragon's Saber has a TV Tropes page now. My gratitude goes out to the contributors, it was an amazing surprise to see people thought these few chapters were worth the time.

My thanks to this chapter's Beta Readers: ekaterina016 and Andivia

Let us begin.

Chapter Four: A Meeting of Kings

"That's everything I know."

Asia accepts the sweet tea offered by Koneko with a quiet thank-you. The Italian can't quite look the white-haired devil in the eye at the moment, though. The raw emotions Asia relived when she shared the tale of her excommunication cast a sour veil over the former nun's mood. Even so, the girl's emotions are too much of a roller coaster right now for any one feeling to take total hold of her.

In the span of only two days Asia made her very first real friend, then lost the patron of her entire support and protection system for the second time in her life because of him. Oh, and the girl's first and only friend in the world is one of the sworn enemies of both her previous patrons.

It's a bit much to take in all at once.

"I still can't believe they'd abandon you like that!" Issei curses next to Asia on the couch they share. The blonde can't help but smile at the way her brown-haired friend grits his teeth and clenches his fists in his lap. The boy doesn't hide his emotions away from others at all, unlike the people Asia has lived and worked with most of her life. The various spikes of Issei's wild hair swing to and fro as he shakes his head, and Asia can't help but think the motion adds a cute touch to the boy's serious expression. "So what if you healed a devil? Isn't it normal to help someone in trouble when they're right in front of you!?"

Asia's old teachers at the Church certainly wouldn't have expected to hear such a thing from the mouth of a devil.

"The Church's healing magic comes from a holy source," Rias explains to Issei. The amazingly beautiful redhead draws Asia's attention away from the boy momentarily. The high-class devil holds Asia's fate in her hands now, and the blonde hides her assessment of the older teenager behind a drink of her tea.

The dimly-lit room the devils led the nun to is spacious, but sparsely decorated. Koneko takes a seat across from Asia and Issei, then sips her own tea. Rias is seated on top of a desk next to and between the two couches. Only the various lit candles around the room allow Asia, who doesn't have night vision, to see those around her.

"If Asia's power can heal not only humans and angels, but also devils as well, then it must not come from the God of the Bible," Rias states. "That's no doubt what they decided."

Rias's deduction is correct, Asia recalls. When the blonde used her Sacred Gear to heal the sick, the Church's wounded exorcists, or even angels in critical condition who needed a boost to their natural healing power, she was praised as the Holy Maiden by the organization. Once Asia's Twilight Healing proved it could restore devils as well, though, it didn't matter how much good will she had built up. As someone with a unique power, the Holy Maiden was always held separate from others, even when she was being praised.

How quickly the praise turned into scorn.

"But when Yuu... when Raynare killed me, she said it was God who- Ow!," Issei begins to argue, before a headache punishes him for his careless words.

"A devil can't say any name of the God of the Bible without being hurt," Rias explains to the bewildered boy. "Use the same title I do if you need to speak of him."

Asia bites her lip, sad to see such a good person punished by her beloved lord just as she was. Still, Issei powers through. It is as if the boy is convinced he can change the minds of those who cast his friend out in the past by winning an argument here and now.

"Well, she said it was... 'his' fault I had a Sacred Gear! Doesn't the Church have to know where they come from too?!"

Rias nods, but her neutral expression doesn't crack.

"It's about politics," the devil explains. "The Church decided this was the best way to preserve their own stability."

"Well they're wrong!" the boy yells. "And selfish! Asia didn't deserve any of it!"

"I agree."

The three younger teens all give pause at the redhead's matter-of-fact statement.

"It seems like a shortsighted response, probably fueled by the high emotions involved in the Church when it comes to anything concerning devils, and a perceived need to act quickly," Rias explains, then turns a sympathetic blue gaze toward Asia directly. "I am sorry you had to go through that."

Asia can't help but almost cry. The fallen angels and excommunicated exorcists who offered to take the girl in and protect her never offered such kind words. Asia bows her head over her cup of hot tea and sniffs back her emotional response.

Someone to understand and empathize... it's more than Asia ever imagined she could have outside of God himself.

"Thank you."

"So, we can deduce Raynare's group recruited Asia so Grigori can make use of her Sacred Gear," Rias continues, probably after she senses Asia needs a moment to gather herself. The redhead seems both perceptive enough and kind enough to do so. "If it can heal angels and devils alike it can certainly heal other beings as well."

Asia is sure Twilight Healing would work on anyone of any species. The power has always felt indiscriminate.

"Grigori is the fallen angels' governing body. They have lost Heaven's blessing, so their ability to self-heal is limited," Rias adds for Issei's benefit, who nods along to the new information. "Given they often recruit humans and hybrids with Sacred Gears, having someone capable of healing any of their members without restriction is probably a big deal for them."

"Actually, Raynare never said anything about Grigori," Asia interrupts. The former nun also assumed she was being recruited by the larger organization at first. Asia now realizes, though, she never met anyone besides Raynare's team. "She just said I would be helping her, to pay her back for her protection."

Rias considers this for a moment.

"This may be good news. If Raynare's group is acting on its own then they might not have official Grigori sanction. If so, we can eliminate them without fear," the redhead explains. Asia sneaks a glance at Issei and notices the boy tense up a little at the off-hand remark about killing the fallen angels. Rias herself just lets out a breath and shakes her head at the news. "I'll hear from the Underworld about it soon enough. Unfortunately, this doesn't shed any light on why our other intruder showed up."

"Please don't call her an intruder, President," Issei says meekly as he takes his seat again. "She's not an intruder. She saved my life from that psycho priest."

"Only because she stopped us from leaving with you in the first place," Rias repeats her old argument. "But I am glad we could take Asia with us in the end. A rogue faction of Grigori can't be allowed to abduct a power like hers under false pretenses."

Even though Rias phrases her concern in political terms, none of the teens present miss how she looks away when she speaks. Issei turns to offer the blonde in question a hopeful smile, and Asia herself can't help but smile back. A warm feeling suffuses the girl's being, one that seems to finally offer some stability back to the chaos of her emotional state.

It feels good. Issei makes Asia feel at peace.

Out of the corner of her eye, Asia notices Koneko's nose twitch. The albino puts her teacup down on its saucer on the table between the two couches, then stands up.

"They're coming. With her," the first-year student states, and Asia watches Rias narrow her eyes in response to Koneko's words.

"So, they've decided it is safe to bring her back."

Even Asia, who just met Rias, can't help but notice a slight nervous edge to her otherwise noble bearing. Asia herself isn't afraid of dragons, at least in general. In fact, the girl always thought they were quite impressive creatures based on the stories. The ex-nun has heard of how dangerous and unpredictable dragons can be, though, so she understands the devil's caution. Still, the blonde can't help but think of how happy the mysterious woman looked when she saved Issei from Freed. No one has ever looked at Asia that way before, and she can't imagine the expression on the face of an enemy.

Issei makes Asia feel at peace, but the knight in shining armor makes Asia feel safe.

"Um, I also think she's someone you can trust," Asia says as diplomatically as she can.

"Yeah, please don't scare her away, President!" Issei agrees enthusiastically. "I need to thank her!"

If Rias finds any amusement in her servant's certainty that she can scare dragons away, the devil doesn't show it. Rias just takes to her feet and crosses her arms.

"Either way, we'll soon find out."

FATE

"We are meeting at a school?" Artoria questions. The former king's two escorts lead her to a large area with many elegant buildings. Despite the signage identifying the area as Kuoh Academy, it looks nothing like Homurahara Academy in Fuyuki City. This place is far more spacious and ornate than Shirou's school.

'They are dressed as students, but Shirou and Rin never tried to use their school as a base of operations.'

At least Artoria doesn't have to worry about standing out. The knight's foreign blue dress is an uncommon sight in modern Japan, even with the armor plates dispelled. Fortunately, the town's streets have been quite empty the entire trip, and the school grounds appear deserted as well.

"Our peerage uses the academy's occult research club as the cover for our activities in the human world," the girl with the ponytail tied up in an orange ribbon explains. "Our master is the president of the club, and I serve as its vice-president. She prefers we address her by that title."

'Peerage?' Artoria notes. 'These youths are all nobility?'

"Our building is secure," the blond boy adds, probably because he misinterprets the look of contemplation on Artoria's face. "Issei and Asia will be safe."

Artoria knows the two teenagers with her are not human because of the sixth sense granted to her in this new body. The knight's indirect summoner is also one of these unidentified creatures, she recalls, though Asia is not.

'Surely they are not Dead Apostles?' the former king wonders. The highest class of the vampires back in Artoria's world might be the type to hide in plain sight at a school, as long as they were turned at a young enough age to pass as teenagers. Such creatures would also certainly consider themselves noble.

In the past, Artoria cheated the Fuyuki Holy Grail War ritual when she entered as a living Servant. Even now, the former King Arthur retains all of the knowledge of the contemporary world the Grail bestowed to its summoned participants. In addition to her continued grasp of Japanese and most other modern languages, Artoria can also use the granted knowledge to judge the time period she has been brought to is roughly equivalent to the one she fought in before, give or take a few decades. The Grail's information on the most common practices in contemporary magecraft, combined with Merlin's extensive tutelage on the subject in her youth, make Artoria one of the most well-versed non-magus in the various fields of thaumaturgy back in her home reality.

Unfortunately, the girl's strong base of experience offers no answer to her in this situation. Whatever the state of magic is in this realm, it allows humanoids less powerful than Servants to call themselves fallen angels. The true nature of Artoria's new 'Master' and his colleagues could easily be beyond normal expectations.

'I had best prepare myself,' the girl resolves. 'It would be problematic to appear confused.'

Artoria may no longer be a monarch, her title forfeited at the end of her mortal life, but the ways of kingship are still ingrained within her. King Arthur will attempt to maintain her poise and image of control.

The brunette leads Artoria into one of the older buildings on the grounds. The walls are covered in growths of ivy, and its style is older than the knight's implanted knowledge judges the rest of the structures here to be. The blond opens the door for both of the girls, then follows in behind so the knight is both led and followed at the same time.

Artoria doesn't comment on the formation, nor the poor visibility in the dark corridors the group walks through. The knight is focused solely on the familiar presence of those inside, including the boy who led her to this world.

"We've returned with our guest, Miss President," the lead woman announces.

"Thank you, Akeno," speaks the refined voice of the tall redhead.

"You're here!" a male voice shouts, nearly interrupting the first. Artoria is internally relieved to see the brown-haired boy who she summoned herself to and the blonde girl she came to protect are both well.

Artoria pauses long enough to assess her new surroundings. The large room is decorated by lit candles and sparse artwork. All the large windows of this second-floor room have had their curtains drawn shut to limit visibility, and near one of them a small table with a chess set left mid-game stands.

The woman who led the knight here moves to stand next to the red-haired one who is in charge of the group. The two are certainly an impressive sight side-by-side. Artoria notices even the other female Servants of her last Holy Grail War could not boast such developed figures as these two teenagers.

Both of the tall women stand in front of a large wooden desk near a table flanked by couches, one of which bears the small white-haired girl who identified the former king's dragon heritage. The albino's casual position doesn't fool Artoria's instincts; the smaller girl's body is tense, hazel eyes fixed on the knight. The boy and girl Artoria came here for were probably seated on the couch opposite of the younger-looking one, but both are on their feet by the time she enters the room and are already rushing toward her, huge smiles on their faces.

Artoria allows a satisfied crinkle to mark her lips as well.

"Ah, let's not crowd our guest, shall we?" the blond man behind Artoria suggests politely. The boy steps forward to stand halfway between the knight and the other two, a single hand raised to pause the approach. "We don't want to upset or overwhelm her."

This one has been acting strange. The young man's aesthetic appeal is apparent, from his fair locks to his practiced smile to the beauty mark on his face; when he and the other girl returned to meet Artoria, though, all of those good looks were lost to an intensity fueled by a deep anger. The knight isn't sure what caused the boy to lose the antagonistic expression and become cordial, but she has been on guard of him ever since. Even now the boy's excuses fall flat before his obvious true intention: to keep the pair away from an entity he doesn't fully trust yet.

But that is a matter for another time.

"Before anything else, I must know what happened after we left," the redhead in the back says with authority. The girl's arms are crossed and her blue eyes are hard. "If there is a risk of hostilities between our factions being restarted then I must work to prevent it as soon as possible."

Artoria appreciates the desire to prevent war, so she acquiesces to the other girl's demand without comment.

"The fallen angels all left alive, with their human ally."

"I'm surprised," the violet-eyed girl who walked Artoria here says after a moment. The calm words match the expressions on most of those present. "Fallen angels can't heal themselves, but they never grow tired. How did you convince them to leave?"

"I severed their wings and demanded their retreat."

Among the shocked looks in the room, Artoria detects a flinch from her blond escort. The boy's reaction causes his polite face to waver a moment before he sets it back in place.

'Curious,' Artoria thinks. The girl can only assume the boy's response has something to do with how the fallen angels were certain she wouldn't be able to cut their wings. A weapon on par with Excalibur must still be rare in this world, regardless of magic's prevalence.

"Well," the redhead responds. "I am pleased to hear the situation shouldn't be too politically volatile, at least."

"And I am pleased to see you are both well," Artoria speaks with honesty toward the two who tried to rush up to her when she entered. The girl relaxes her expression a little to match her words.

Issei and Asia both stopped their approach at the other boy's suggestion, but now their attention is drawn fully back to the knight.

"Of course we are, but what about you?" Issei asks with naked concern. The boy brushes past his fellow to come within arm's reach of Artoria and then uses his superior height to look down over the girl and inspect her for signs of injury. "Were you hurt holding them off? Asia can heal you if you were. She's amazing!"

'It seems I have another Master who can't focus on his own health first,' Artoria thinks with a fond sense of déjà vu.

The blonde next to Issei blushes slightly at his praise and looks away, but her green eyes still dart back to Artoria repeatedly as she presses her hands together in front of her.

"Ah, thank you for saving me," Asia says meekly. "My name is Asia Argento. It's a pleasure to meet you properly."

Artoria is not unfamiliar with the slight hero worship emanating from her fellow blonde. King Arthur was often the subject of much more intense admiration, and equally intense fear. Asia's total lack of obvious mistrust is pleasant, especially compared to everyone else in the room but the boy next to her.

"Oh right, and I'm Issei Hyoudou," the one in question states with a thumb pointed at his chest. "I don't know why you came, but I owe-"

"Yes," the redhead cuts Issei off. "Proper introductions are in order."

The leader waves the blond boy in and he moves to stand by the now risen white-haired girl in front of one of the couches. As a fellow leader, Artoria can't help but appreciate the redhead's ability to cut off a subordinate before he declares a debt to a stranger.

"As I told you before, Kuoh Town is the recognized territory of House Gremory. I am the heir to the house, Rias Gremory, and this is my peerage."

The woman's right hand moves to indicate each of the others as she names them.

"This is Akeno Himejima."

"A pleasure," the Japanese beauty says. To Artoria's eyes, the girl's perfect presentation seems like the type of false persona one wears to hide the truth. Akeno may be someone to watch out for.

"Koneko Toujou."

The unusually-colored girl just continues to watch Artoria dutifully. Koneko's stoicism is easily a match for the knight's own. To Artoria, this indicates either powerful self-control or a deep repression of her emotions. Either explanation could be dangerous.

"And Yuuto Kiba."

The European-looking blond inclines his head in a slight nod. Artoria is not taken in by his charm, not after the hate he looked at her with before.

"My servants believe you to be trustworthy enough to bring here," Rias continues. Here in this setting, the redhead's natural charisma and ease of speech further cement Artoria's impression of her as a young noble of some kind.

"She gave her word," Yuuto confirms, then turns toward his superior. "On her honor as a knight."

Confusion runs across the faces of those who were not present at the house.

"A dragon knight?" Asia asks. The girl's eyes quickly fill with awe. Asia looks as if she has witnessed a fairy tale come to life.

"While I have inherited the blood of a dragon, I assure you I am human," Artoria clarifies.

"A hybrid?" Rias questions out loud, then turns a curious gaze to Koneko.

The white-haired girl frowns slightly, sniffs the air, then shakes her head.

"Dragon's scent is too strong," she says with conviction.

Artoria finds this claim a little surprising, but she quickly suspects it may have to do with her body being a new creation of this world's Holy Grail.

"My heritage is unusually potent," Artoria argues back with a calm finality. The tone allows no further questions.

"Whoa, that's so cool!" Issei declares, completely ignorant of the mood Artoria just set. "You're a dragon-powered lady knight who goes around saving people in trouble?!"

Asia's eyes are practically filled with stars at this point.

"Issei brings up a good point," Rias says, probably just to regain control of the conversation. "You know who we are now. Your own introduction would be appreciated."

Artoria has thought about this ever since she sent the fallen angels away. The events witnessed here are too strange for the knight to believe she is in the same world she came from, but the use of the name Excalibur at the end of her last battle suggests some form of King Arthur's legend may exist here as well. It could be dangerous to claim the names Arthur or Pendragon until more information has been gleaned, and without knowing this world's version of the stories even the name Artoria is too risky to use.

If a Servant asked for Artoria's identity in combat after willingly revealing their own then chivalry would demand she reciprocate in order to keep the fight fair, but this situation is another matter entirely. Just as King Arthur's true name was kept from Shirou to prevent its discovery by other Masters through him, so too should she hide it from this world for now to keep everyone safe.

"My name is irrelevant. Under a contract with Issei Hyoudou, I have come to fulfill the role of Saber. You may address me by this title until the contract is complete."

"Contract?" Rias asks.

"The role of Saber?" Yuuto questions, curiosity in his eyes at the use of English.

"Saber is the Servant of the Sword," Artoria states. The word Servant, also spoken in English, catches the attention of the more perceptive among the group. The total lack of recognition on the teenagers' faces means they have likely never heard the term in this context before. "I will protect and serve my Master, Issei Hyoudou, until the terms of our contract are complete."

Silence. Artoria takes the complete lack of sound in the room as indicative of how completely unprepared the gathered youths were for this explanation of her presence. Artoria doesn't waver under the fresh scrutiny of Rias and her fellows, though. The knight stands proudly, just as a Saber should.

"M-m-m..."

A soft mumble amid the quiet draws all attention toward Issei, whose eyes are glazed over in some vivid daydream.

"... m-m-master...?"

'Is he... drooling?' Artoria wonders. The girl blinks her eyes in an attempt to dismiss the image as an illusion. 'How unsightly.'

"You've come here to serve Issei?" Rias asks as she ignores the boy's display. The incredulous look on the redhead's face makes it clear how hard it is for her to believe the claim. "When did he agree to this contract? And for what payment?!"

'She is looking for holes in our arrangement,' Artoria realizes. These creatures may not be magi, but they clearly understand the importance of magical contracts.

"It is a contract I have taken on willingly," Artoria explains. "Issei asked for someone to save Asia, and that is the service I offer. For as long as I remain here, I will protect Asia with my life."

The knight offers the girl in question a nod of acknowledgement. Asia covers a gasp from her mouth with her hands, apparently taken aback by the sudden oath.

"And how long will that be?" Rias questions with no trust in her eyes.

A good question. Since the King of Knights has been fully incarnated as a living person again, she supposes she could remain here for the remainder of her natural human life or until she dies of unnatural causes. Truthfully, Artoria doesn't know if the body she has been granted will live as long as a normal human. The homunculi created by the Einzbern family of magi back in the girl's home reality had short lifespans, and this Grail-created form may have similar limits.

Of course, even if this world's Holy Grail went overboard in the opposite direction and granted Artoria an ageless, immortal body, she could almost certainty still find a way to be killed in order to go back to where she came. No matter where in the multiverse King Arthur's soul may be, Avalon will always be its destined resting place. Artoria has no fear of being unable to return to where Shirou will find her.

Still, the question does remain: how long will Artoria choose to live in this world?

"Until my Master and I are satisfied with Asia's safety," Artoria answers.

"Seriously!?" Issei asks, overjoyed. "If that's true I'll definitely pay you back however you-"

"Issei!" Rias scolds. Artoria's new Master wilts under the stern gaze of his superior. "You are new to magical contracts, but you should know it is not safe to make such open promises to unknown beings!"

"But President..."

Issei seems ready to argue back, but Artoria has no need for her Master to defend her claims.

"Lady Gremory's caution is quite correct," the knight speaks. Artoria's words garner more surprise, no doubt at the fact she would agree with her detractor. "In this case, however, you have signed no agreement. I was in a place I could not leave without a contract and a magic circle to summon me into the outside world. Your request for aid facilitated both of those requirements."

"And just where do you come from that you possess the power to take control of our magic circle?" Akeno asks, the seriousness of her question veiled in a polite tone and body language. The preciseness of the girl's formality reveals a history in high society.

"I shall not speak of it," is the succinct reply. Artoria earns more frowns from her Master's fellows at the declaration.

"So you have no name and no origin," Rias sums up. "Just how am I supposed to trust you with my people, Saber?"

"I do not require your trust to fulfill my duty."

The answer bristles several feathers.

"Issei is my servant and he will not be doing anything to pay for your services without my approval," Rias counters with a hard stance. The redhead's natural nobility rises to the surface to challenge Artoria's own.

"Then I will not ask anything in return."

Easy enough, since Artoria has no real interest in the contract with the World anymore. The problem will be for the knight to convince these people her words are true. Trying to help others at no benefit to yourself is the sort of abnormal behavior Shirou was always causing himself problems with. Given Artoria came here to honor her lover, it's no surprise to find herself faced with the same doubts.

"You'll allow the contract to be voided so easily?" Rias asks in disbelief.

"No. I offered my service and I am duty-bound to fulfill this oath," Artoria clarifies. "Taking a contract on without a guarantee of payment from the other side was my decision, and I will accept the consequences of my action without complaint. My honor demands it."

Secretly, Artoria had been hoping for such an outcome. Actually hunting for the Holy Grail of this world would be problematic at best, and ruinous at worst.

"Wait," Issei interrupts while he rubs the back of his head. "I'm not sure I followed all of that, but... you mean you're just going to stay here and be my servant now? For free?"

"No. I am your Servant. And you are my Master," Artoria explains. Unlike Issei, the knight speaks the two titles in their proper English form instead of Japanese, just as she had before. "They are ceremonial titles for those who are bound together by this contract."

The others present seem to grasp Artoria's brief explanation fairly quickly, even though the terms are new to them.

"Er... huh?"

Artoria is pretty sure her new Master isn't the sharpest sword in the armory.

"Do not confuse me as being subordinate to you," the blonde elaborates. "I will serve you and fulfill your request to protect Asia as my duty demands, but you have no means of enforcing your will upon me. I will not accept any insult to my pride."

On top of not actually being a true Servant in the first place, despite claiming the title, without the Fuyuki Grail's Command Spell system in place there is no way for Artoria's newest Master to control her if he turns out to be unworthy. The resurrected woman feels she is in full control of her situation, despite a lack of information to work with.

"Well, servant or Servant or whatever, either way I won't accept you being let down!" the boy declares before he turns to Rias. "Come on, President! You just taught me how contracts are super important to us devils, right?! We can't let Saber down like this!"

'... what?'

"Yes, Issei," Rias answers. "But you can't confuse our contracts with what has happened here. People who summon devils have already agreed to the cost of-"

Artoria has her left arm around Asia's waist before the other girl even realizes she has moved. In the blink of an eye armor plates reform around Artoria's dress and her invisible blade is grasped in a reverse grip in her right hand.

'I will protect Asia...'

Invisible Air stabs the floor just as Issei, who is next to the two blondes, turns his head to see what's happened. Yuuto also begins to dash across the room toward the pair at superhuman speed while the other girls present start to react.

All of the movements of the others are made moot when Artoria releases a fraction of the Sheath of the Wind King which hides Excalibur. Invisible Air remains intact, but the club room turns into the site of a miniature hurricane. A roar of wind deafens those around the knight and her charge, furniture and decorations are torn away, candles are blown out and scattered, and everyone but Artoria and Asia are tossed bodily aside by the powerful winds.

'... even from my Master.'

FATE

Raynare hisses a curse upon all of Freed's nonexistent descendants when she hits the floor. Being dumped like a sack of garbage is not acceptable treatment for the leader of this important operation! Kalawarner, sure, but not Raynare. Not the fallen angel's wings either, which are just as precious.

"Lady Raynare! What happened to you and the others?!" another man in dark clerical robes asks. Clearly this is one of the more respectful excommunicated exorcists the brunette has claimed for herself. His face will be remembered... for a little while at least.

"She and the rest got-"

"Shut your mouth, Freed," Raynare growls before the albino can go off on a profanity-laden metaphor involving sex and violence to explain the situation, no doubt as vaguely as possible. "Go find someone to kill if you can't do anything helpful."

"I know just the lucky lady," the psychopath replies with a lick of his lips. Freed pays no more mind to his superior, the madman simply strolls right back out the door of the abandoned church, their current base of operations, while he mutters about blondes who hog all the fun for themselves.

'I almost hope he does find her, and that she finishes him off,' Raynare can't help but think. Freed may be the most skilled of the humans manipulated into doing the fallen angel's will, but he is also the most annoying by far.

"You! Help me up!" Raynare demands through gritted teeth, the raw pain in her back still as intense as the moment her wings were sheared off. The exorcist whose face she hasn't quite forgotten yet complies, even as others rush into the main room from the back in order to assist their other three maimed superiors.

A quick glance confirms what Raynare already knows. Kalawarner, Mittelt, and Dohnaseek are all out cold, each one succumbing to unconsciousness once back in what they consider safe territory. Raynare scoffs at her subordinates' weak wills. The collection of broken and defaced religious iconography decorating the inside of this church is not a sign of safe haven, it is simply an insult to their spurned Father. Raynare knows she isn't ever safe, and refuses to allow the darkness to claim her mind.

If the others are too weak to do as much, then all the better for their leader to prove her superiority.

"Take those three to their rooms and strap them down," Raynare instructs her minions. "They're weak and shouldn't move on their own."

A couple of the stray exorcists hesitate at what they take as an unusual display of concern for another's health from their boss, but a harsh violet glare gets them moving.

"Shall I take you to your room as well?" the one who supports Raynare asks.

"No," is the curt reply. "Has the device been set up?"

"Y-yes," the man responds after a moment's hesitation. The abrupt change in topic has obviously left the lesser human's mind confused. "The ritual of transference should be ready to go within one day's time."

'Perfect.'

"Summon the rest from below. Tell them to gather the wings and have Yelena prepare to operate immediately."

"Shouldn't you recover your strength first?" the man asks, which proves two things to Raynare: one, he is smart enough to know how dangerous it can be to reattach an angel's wings immediately after they are separated; two, he is stupid enough to question her.

The violet glare does the trick once more.

'I'll survive,' Raynare vows. A mass of stray exorcists emerges from the secret basement of the hideout to follow the fallen angel's commands. 'I'll take Asia back.'

The small horde of men and women present were all easy to sway toward Raynare's purposes with a few simple promises. Each one is a former soldier of the Church who was deemed either too violent or too unconcerned with human life to continue to be a part of its holy mission to destroy evil. All any of these souls really want is to continue killing devils and other supernatural monsters, because it's all any of them know. Such lost sheep are easy prey for a fallen angel with as much vision and charisma as Raynare, but their naivety makes them no less useful. There are enough highly-skilled users of the Church's limited magical arts among the group to do what their new master needs of them now.

'And once I'm done, nothing will ever be able to kill me. Not even you, dragon.'

FATE

"Let us put this misunderstanding behind us," Saber declares.

It goes against every lesson on noble bearing and self-control Rias has been taught ever since she was old enough to learn, but the heiress of the Gremory clan of the 72 pillars of the Underworld cannot help it: her brow twitches in irritation.

'This woman...' the redhead grouses internally. 'She's not even going to pretend to be sorry.'

A single sweep of the devil's blue eyes around the school grounds shows the aftermath of their 'misunderstanding.' There is a hole blasted out from the second floor of the old school building, several of Akeno's small imp-like familiars are running around trying to salvage what furniture and decorations might be magically repaired, more than one impressively-sized gouge has been torn into the grassy lawn they all currently stand on, and two of Rias's servants are being treated by Asia for minor bruising.

The beautiful, and demonstrably powerful, blonde stranger holds herself with perfect poise and a straight face even after her nearly disastrous blunder. The display is enough to convince Rias that, whatever unspeakable place this dragon-human hybrid hails from, she must hold some level of nobility there. The natural authority the self-proclaimed knight exudes with every breath is proof enough of her importance and upbringing. The problem facing Rias now is how to handle what is essentially a foreign diplomat who refuses to name who or what they represent.

Saber is not even just an important representative of an outside power, though. No...

"I apologize, Miss President," Akeno speaks from beside her master. "I should have mentioned Saber claimed ignorance of the Gremory name. The idea was so unexpected, I failed realize she may not know which faction she was speaking with."

... she's an ignorant one too.

Apparently, until a few minutes ago, Saber had never heard of the Devil Civil War which saw the rise of the New Devil Faction and their far more pragmatic methods of doing business for wealth instead of souls. The knight had been under the impression the 'evil for evil's sake' mentality of the original Four Great Satans was still the standard for all devils. At this point, Rias wouldn't be surprised if Saber claimed not to have heard of the Great War either, never mind that most of the supernatural world had been forced to pick a side in the three-way conflict between God, the original Four Great Satans, and Grigori. Dragons had largely stayed out of the war anyway, with few exceptions.

"Well, we can thank Yuuto for figuring out what the problem was," Rias states with a nod toward the freshly-healed blond. The swordsman and Koneko had been the ones to attempt to stop the woman from escaping, but both devils were batted away with relative ease. Thankfully, Issei's pleas for Saber to stop and the girl's answers to him offered enough clues for Yuuto to understand the problem. Things came to a stop before Rias or Akeno needed to step in and end the conflict in a more permanent fashion.

'If Akeno even could have,' Rias thinks with uncomfortable uncertainty. As a high-class devil, Rias has never felt lacking in power or ability, not even when she was a child. The raw magical force Saber had been expending for those brief seconds of combat, though, had been far more intense than the heiress is used to from her high-class peers among the young devils. Rias doesn't doubt she could end the threat Saber presents by herself, but her political mind has to acknowledge the possible consequences of killing a foreign noble out of anything less than self-defense.

Whatever Saber's true situation is, Rias is certain of at least one thing: power and ignorance are a dangerous combination.

"You really thought I was pure evil?" Issei asks his new Servant, coming up on Rias's other side now with Asia in tow. The brunet rubs his hair nervously. "I'm used to being called a pervert, but that's a new low for me."

"Indeed, Master. I was never taught devils to be capable of anything less," Saber answers, her blunt honesty making Issei wince. "Had Asia not vouched for the truth of your comrade's words, I would have disregarded them as a transparent lie."

"Ah, th-thank-you for believing me, Sir Saber," Asia says with timidity in her voice. Rias can't help but notice the higher level of hesitation and deference used than when the Sister spoke with her. Not that Rias is jealous.

Not at all.

Besides, it's obviously not fear or even respect which makes the blonde human hesitate. No, the look in the girl's green eyes is pure hero worship. Saber's completely unnecessary attempt to rescue the young maiden from the 'evil devils' must have escalated Asia's impression of Saber as a storybook fantasy come to life.

"Please, just Saber is the correct form of address in this case," the knight responds with the smallest of possible smiles. The happy crinkle of Saber's lips is gone once her stern eyes move to meet Rias's own once again.

The two noble women engage in a silent match of authority once more. Rias knows she needs to make a decision here and now about how to handle this situation, and Saber is adamant to see her contract to protect Asia through.

"Well, now that the air has been cleared, I can say there is a simple solution to our current problem," Rias begins to explain, though she doubts her forthcoming suggestion will be well-received. "Saber wishes to protect Asia, who only had to stay with the fallen angels because she had no other protection. If we simply allow the two to leave together, then all parties should be satisfied."

"Wait, what do you mean 'let them leave?'" Issei asks with panic on his face. Next to the boy, Asia also looks shocked.

"Asia is a human, Issei, and a former member of the Church," Rias calmly points out once more. "Allying herself with devils would paint a large target on her back."

"Well, that's what me and Saber are here for! To keep her safe!" the boy claims with not a single shred of doubt despite how he was nearly killed less than an hour ago. Rias can't help but admire the boy's tenacity, even if he lacks common sense. "Besides, didn't we just have a fight because we didn't want her to take Asia away!?"

"That was because Asia herself didn't want to be taken. Saber was essentially kidnapping her," Rias explains as she turns a small smirk the knight's way. "Even if she thought it was in Asia's best interests."

Saber shows no reaction on her face, but Rias recognizes it as a noble mask to hide the embarrassment underneath. Rias holds the knight's gaze just long enough to make sure Saber knows she knows, then turns back to her servant.

"With the protection of someone as strong as Saber, especially one who is unaffiliated with the Three Factions, Asia should be quite safe to live however she wishes. As long as she doesn't cause trouble on purpose, of course," Rias ends with a slight tease.

"I would never!" Asia confirms, but without any happiness behind the claim. The girl holds her hands together over her chest and looks sadly between Saber and Issei.

'Issei managed to make such an impression on Asia that she doesn't want to leave with her new hero?' Rias notes, only partially surprised. Issei is a chosen servant of House Gremory, after all.

"I have no objections myself," Saber states and crosses her arms. The woman's armor plates have already vanished once more, and the elegant dress beneath them is another reason Rias pegs the girl as a noble of some kind. "Though I would prefer to protect my Master as well, my primary task is to protect Asia. If that is best done separate from Issei, then I will promise him her safety."

Rias is relieved Saber sees the logic in her words. The stranger has been surprisingly agreeable, especially when one considers her stubbornness to follow through on an unpaid contract is the entire source of the problem here.

Next to Rias, Issei and Asia lock eyes with sorrowful expressions on their faces.

"I mean... I guess... if it keeps her safe..."

"Issei... I..."

"However," Saber interrupts. "That is only if it is Asia's wish."

Rias, Issei and Asia all look to the stranger in surprise. Rias can't help but wonder what motivates Saber to interfere. The two friends were only seconds away from accepting what is the best outcome for all parties!

"I will protect Asia from all harm, no matter where she is. There is no reason for her to go anywhere she doesn't wish to, or leave anyone she wants to stay with."

Rias desperately wants to let go of all pretense at decorum and rests her face in her right hand, which she resists by planting both on her hips. The redhead doesn't even need to look to know what kind of happy faces the pair of friends are making at the knight's irresponsible declaration. Saber's absolute confidence is exhausting to deal with; the heiress can't remember the last time she felt such a loss of control outside the company of her family.

"I want to stay with Issei," Asia speaks up, the firmness of her resolve now back in full force. "If I can."

"Of course you can! The president already said you were too important to let someone steal you away!" Issei answers on her behalf, a habit his master will need to train him out of quickly. "Even if Saber could protect Asia on her own, it'll be even better if we all do it together, right?"

"Well, I must admit," Yuuto speaks up for the first time since the fighting stopped. "After all this, it would feel unsatisfying if the answer was the same as just letting Saber run off with Asia a moment ago."

"Annoying," Koneko confirms. Whether the girl is agitated by how pointless her latest bruises are or by this entire matter altogether is up for debate.

Rias takes a deep breath and smiles to soothe Issei and Asia's nerves.

"Alright, I understand," the redhead accepts. "It would have been the simplest solution, but I expected this reaction. There is still another way, and one I would personally prefer."

"Alright! I knew you wouldn't let Asia down, President!" Issei declares with such absolute faith in Rias she can't help but feel her fondness for the boy swell a little.

"Why don't we discuss the matter inside?" Akeno suggests. By the light in the vice-president's eyes, she has already caught on to Rias's new angle. "We have some calls to make if we want this cleaned up before school starts in the morning."

"Yes. Would you handle those, Akeno?"

"Of course, Miss President," the brunette answers with a bow.

A few minutes later, everyone but Akeno has gathered in a secondary meeting room on the first floor of the old school building. A large conference table takes up the center space, and Rias sits down on the edge of it rather than on any of the chairs available.

Yuuto and Koneko flank their redheaded leader, both on their feet, while Issei and Asia seem to unconsciously take up similar positions next to Saber just inside the entrance. Rias supposes she can understand why Issei would stand with the two blondes since he wants to advocate on their behalf, but he will need to learn his proper place is by his master's side.

The two central figures stare calmly into each other's eyes, both searching for insight into the other's motivations.

"So... what's your idea, President?" Issei asks nervously once he reaches his limit on awkward silence.

"Simply put," the redhead answers with a smile toward the excommunicated nun. "If Asia is going to stay without having a target on her back, then she has to officially join our family."

Rias pulls a thin, silver case from her skirt pocket and places it down on the table next to where she is seated. A gesture opens the magic lock, and Rias flips the lid over to reveal the contents within.

"Game pieces?" Saber asks.

"Allow me to explain for the sake of anyone here who might not know," the heiress says with a sweet smile and coy tilt of her head. Saber narrows her eyes for half a second in response, while Issei chuckles nervously next to the otherwise stoic dragon-blooded woman. There's probably only one person present who 'might not know' what the items are, after all.

Asia doesn't speak, but her eyes are wide as saucers.

"After fighting both the Great War and our own civil war back-to-back, the devil population was significantly diminished. Many of our noble bloodlines were either wiped out, or were part of the losing Old Satan Faction. In addition, our extremely low birth rate compared to humans meant we would be an easy target should one of our enemies regain their fighting strength sooner than us."

Rias picks up a white bishop piece from the set at her side and holds it up between two fingers at the top and bottom.

"One of the new Great Satans invented the evil pieces to solve the population crisis. They are modeled after the human game of chess, and high-class devils are each given a set they can use to designate up to fifteen servants as their personal peerage, with them as its King. The evil pieces grant the chosen servants specific abilities to aid their service to the King, and peerages have become a focal point of Underworld culture ever since."

It feels good for Rias to be the one setting the tone of the conversation again.

"So humans are taken as servants?" Saber asks, no doubt trying to infer how the explanation applies to Asia. "I hope you are not suggesting they are used as breeding stock for their higher birth rates."

Saber says it with a straight face, but almost everyone else reacts overtly. From Issei's choked gasp and Asia's cute yelp, to Yuuto's amused head shake and Koneko's deadpan stare, it is clear no one expected the accusation. Rias just blinks before she puts the hybrid's fear to rest.

"Not at all, Saber. You see, while the evil pieces can be used on fellow devils to grant them power, their true purpose is to transform other species into devils. We increased our numbers by taking in those willing to serve, whether human or otherwise. In exchange, the reincarnated devils gain a high-class devil's protection and the chance to work their way up in the hierarchy. The truly successful can even earn their own peerage in time."

Saber turns toward Asia and sees the girl's nod of confirmation. The woman then turns to her master... no, her Master, and sends him a questioning gaze.

"Yeah, President used those on me to save my life," the boy explains with gratitude in his voice. "I was human before, but after Yuuma... I mean, Raynare, one of those fallen angels back there, killed me, she brought me back to life as a devil."

"They can raise the dead?" Saber asks Rias, genuine curiosity on her face.

"The recently deceased, before the soul moves on," the redhead confirms. "Though Issei was the first I had to do so with."

"I serve as Rias Gremory's Knight," Yuuto speaks up with a small bow.

"Rook," Koneko states flatly.

"Uh... I'm a... Pawn," Issei admits, less than enthusiastically.

"And I am her Queen," Akeno adds from behind Saber as she enters the room.

"Is everything in order?" Rias asks.

"Yes, Miss President," the girl answers as she moves to stand by the wall part-way between the two groups of three. "All repairs should be finished within the hour."

Rias nods at the confirmation, then turns her attention to Asia. The younger girl has been quiet ever since the evil pieces were revealed.

"Asia does have an incredible power to heal anyone of great wounds very quickly. Devil healing magic is slow to work and requires prolonged physical contact, as Issei knows."

Rias smiles at the way her Pawn turns beet red, no doubt because he remembers waking up in bed with her, both nude, after he was injured by Dohnaseek.

"Because of this, I would not object at all to taking Asia on as a member of my peerage," Rias explains. The high-class devil transfers the bishop piece to her left hand and holds it out upright on her palm. "As my Bishop she would have the protection of House Gremory, and her allegiances would no longer be in question by anyone."

Asia doesn't look confused or scared. There is no reason to, for the former Holy Maiden would already know all about the evil pieces, just as any member of the Church would. How Asia does look, though, is uncertain.

"And not just Asia, of course."

Six pairs of eyes turn toward Rias, all of them in question except for one; Saber's green eyes are not surprised at all. The other five all understand once Rias picks up a knight from the set beside her with her free right hand.

"As her protector, Saber will need access to all the places Asia will be able to go as a devil of the Gremory clan. She has already proven herself capable enough to warrant the honor, and I would be happy to take them both in."

"Well, that would be great, right?!" Issei exclaims before either girl can give Rias an answer, his hands clenched in celebration. The boy leans around Saber to look at both his friend and his Servant with glee. "If you join the President then we can all stay together from now on!"

Rias smiles at the way Issei's words will sway Asia, and possibly Saber, toward her.

"Oh, but only if you both don't mind becoming devils, of course."

Rias feels a sudden urge to throw her evil piece at Issei's head. It is a small impulse and easily ignored, but still! This is not how one conducts a negotiation.

"Indeed," Saber says with small smile toward her Master before she turns the same expression Asia's way. "My oath stands no matter what form you choose to take, Asia Argento. Do not let my presence influence this decision."

Saber turns her focus toward Rias, her stern visage back in full force.

"For my own answer, I refuse."

Rias isn't too surprised, but she isn't ready to give up yet. There is more than one way for this to work out in the devil's favor.

"Are you sure, Saber? The Gremory family's transportation circle does not recognize outsiders. Any trips we take by teleportation would leave you unable to follow."

"I will protect Asia to the best of my ability, but I will not stop her from choosing to go where she knows I cannot follow. I will await her return dutifully if I must. Regardless, Issei is the Master I have chosen, and I will not be beholden to another."

Issei blushes again, but Rias simply nods and smiles in a congenial way. Everything is still going the redhead's way.

"Very well, then. Although, now that I think about it," Rias says while she looks up at the ceiling, as if she just had a new thought. The girl places the knight back into its case in an absent-minded way. "You said you would only be bound by your oath until you were satisfied of Asia's continued safety, correct?"

Rias turns back to the long-haired blonde, whose own eyes now spark with realization.

"You don't know, Saber, but House Gremory is one of the few remaining 72 pillars of the Underworld, the most powerful noble families of them all. The current leader of the Four Great Satans comes from our house."

"Whoa! Really?!" Issei asks, more shocked than the one Rias actually spoke to.

"Yes," Akeno confirms with a smile and a nod. "Sirzechs Lucifer is the president's older brother. He's widely recognized as the most powerful devil alive."

Issei and Asia both look suitably impressed, just as Rias's amazing older brother deserves. Saber, as usual, maintains a straight face.

"Surely, with the authority of the Gremory name warding off danger, Saber can be assured of Asia's safety. This way she won't have to stay here fulfilling a contract she won't be paid for, and everyone can be happy."

'And we'll no longer have an unpredictable dragon hybrid here doing as she pleases,' Rias muses. 'Getting her as my servant would be the best outcome, but I'll happily take this one if it gets rid of the risk.'

"So, what do you say, Asia?"

"Um... well..."

Asia's eyes drift toward both Rias and Issei before they settle on Saber. The desire to free the knight of her service clearly weighs on the girl.

"I will repeat myself," Saber says with kindness. "My own desires will be fulfilled whether or not my contract with Issei ends today, many years from now, or any time in between. You need not consider my sake in this decision. Rather, I would ask what it is that makes you hesitate to accept?"

"Is it because you worry about it changing you?" Issei asks as he moves over to the girl's side opposite Saber. "I promise, ever since the president brought me back I haven't felt any unnatural urge to do bad stuff or anything like that. Or, well... not... any more than... usual..."

Issei looks off to the side, apparently embarrassed to talk about the subject of his perverted exploits in front of Asia. Rias finds the display somewhat curious, given the boy's reputation for being shameless about his desires. Issei has always been a little devil-like in disposition because of his pride in his perversity.

"No, that's not it," Asia admits. The girl takes a deep breath to steady her nerves before she continues. "It's just that, if I became a devil, I wouldn't be able to... to pray anymore."

"You wouldn't be able to?" Saber asks, unable to understand.

"The God of the Bible hates devils," Akeno answers with a solemn expression. "To say his name or attempt to speak directly to him in prayer causes us great pain. Even reading the Bible is unbearable to us. It is why we only refer to him by title."

"But Asia," Yuuto interrupts, an unexpected level of sympathy in his voice. "Koneko told me on the way inside... you've been excommunicated."

"You were?" Saber asks, apparently familiar with the term.

"For healing an injured devil," Asia answers with a nod. "It's why I have nowhere to go."

"It might not hurt them, but the God of the Bible doesn't listen to the prayers of the excommunicated," Yuuto states softly. "And your soul can't enter Heaven after death anymore either. I am sorry, but even if you want to pray, there's no point anymore."

Rias silently thanks Yuuto. The truth may be harsh, but it's something Asia needs to accept. Even if the girl wasn't offered peerage, she would only hurt herself if she holds on to empty rituals.

"I know," Asia responds after a silent moment, her eyes watery but a smile on her face. "I know it's silly of me to feel this way."

Asia wipes her unshod tears with her sleeve and then turns a bright smile toward Issei and Saber before she faces Rias again.

"That's why... I want to acce-"

"It is not pointless," Saber interrupts. Rias's triumphant smile turns into a concerned frown. The knight looks intensely at Asia, who is captured with confusion by the woman's gaze. "If prayer is more important to you than the protection of a devil clan then you should not accept."

"Saber, with all due respect, you were obviously not taught about the other supernatural factions," Akeno tries to step in diplomatically. "Yuuto is quite correct. Asia's prayers won't be heard anymore."

"It isn't healthy for her to hold on to false hope," Rias adds, a genuinely concerned look on her face.

Saber steps forward, between Asia and Rias, to halfway shield the former nun with her own body. Even though no armor appears on the blonde hybrid, Rias still feels as if she is looking once more at the warrior side of the woman.

"The act of worship is not about the one being praised," Saber states with all the certainty of a Biblical prophet. "When a human recognizes something as fundamentally worthwhile and genuinely admirable, whether it is in a religion, a philosophy, or even another person, it is natural and healthy to express that admiration."

Well, Rias didn't expect this from an ignorant dragon hybrid from who-knows-where.

Saber turns around to face Asia directly, then gently places both hands on the slightly taller girl's shoulders. Rias, and probably Asia herself based on the blonde's open mouth, recognize this is the first physical contact Saber has made outside of open conflict. Even though Rias cannot see Saber's face anymore, Asia's expression of awe tells the story of what she is looking at.

"Asia. You were excommunicated, so you've done something against the one you worship. Even though you disagree with your god on this point, do you still find him worthy of your devotion? Do you still think he deserves your prayers, despite what happened to you being a part of what you are praising?"

Asia is silent for a long moment, and so is everyone else. Rias was upset when Saber seemed to advocate on Heaven's behalf at first, but the stranger's last questions are more neutral. Saber really just asked Asia if she is sure about what she wants, and didn't attempt to sway her to side against the devils.

It makes it annoyingly hard to stay mad at the interloper.

"Yes," comes the soft answer to break the spell of silence. Asia blinks a few times and then nods, a weak but genuine smile on her lips. "God may have turned me away, but... I still love him for all the good he's done for me before, and for others still. I can't pretend I don't."

"That's fine. Even if Heaven truly is deaf to your prayers, your soul will still be stronger if you practice what you believe in. Someday you may find something else you find more worthy, but until then you need not be ashamed of what you choose to worship."

Asia nods. Such unbridled happiness spills out from the girl that even the gathered devils can't help but smile a little at the conclusion. It's almost enough to make Rias forget about the consequences of this decision.

Almost.

"Well, I'm happy for Asia on a personal level," Rias states as she returns her other evil piece and closes their case. "But I'm afraid this leaves us back where we started, and with no solution at hand."

Asia and Issei share a troubled look at the reminder, but Saber simply takes a position at the other blonde's side once more and looks back with unbroken confidence.

"The solution to our circumstance has always been simple. Your suggestions were simply the alternatives you preferred the most."

"Oh?" Rias responds. A level of haughtiness returns to the redhead's demeanor at the accusation. "And what do you claim is the simplest solution?"

"Asia will stay with Issei, and I will stay with them both so I can protect my Master and my charge."

"Wh-what?" Issei asks loudly.

"S-stay with... with Issei?" Asia questions, surprised, but with a certain hopefulness in her expression.

'As if that's not just the solution you would prefer the most,' Rias gripes internally.

"I will remind you, keeping an unaffiliated agent like Asia around will probably bring trouble to Issei and my peerage. It would be irresponsible of me to allow it."

Saber causes Rias's opinion of her to rise a little when she doesn't immediately spout some nonsense like, "I guarantee nobody in your care will get hurt." As confident as the hybrid is, and as sure as she may be in her duty to protect Asia, the woman can't possibly guarantee to keep watch over every member of Rias's peerage at once.

Sadly, somebody on Rias's side is more than happy to take on the task.

"President, please let me take responsibility for this."

Rias, Asia, and even Saber herself all look to the young man with raised brows.

"Issei, did you not hear what I just said?" Rias asks back, though not without sympathy for the boy's position. The redhead did not put much stock in her newest servant's sudden friendship with a member of the Church at first, but she's watched the two together since their escape and has witnessed the unusual level of closeness and trust between the two recent strangers. "I can't allow you to be put at risk. Without the Gremory name's influence, outside agents will be free to target Asia for her power just like Raynare did. Knowing you, you'll definitely throw yourself into any trouble that comes after her."

"Asia might not have your family's protection, but I do. And Asia will have Saber. If they both st-st-stay with me, then the rest of you shouldn't get caught up in anything."

Issei was clearly still getting stuck on the idea of two beautiful young women moving in with him.

"What about your parents, Hyoudou?" Yuuto asks. "They could be targeted for harboring a wanted free agent like Asia, and Saber can't stay with both them all the time either."

Issei's teeth clench at the reminder, but no answer comes from him. It honestly hurts Rias to see her precious Pawn so conflicted, caught in a situation with no desirable answers left.

"I sensed this building was protected by a powerful Bounded Field," Saber interjects, her attention back on Rias again.

"A what?" the redhead asks, unfamiliar with the term.

Saber pauses for a moment, in thought, before she continues.

"A magical... ward," the woman states after she chooses the word she wants. "One that detects or keeps out invaders, I assume. Could the same protection be applied to Issei's home?"

"It could," Rias admits with a smirk. "Are you willing to sign a contract to pay for such a service?"

"Issei is your servant. Is it not your responsibility to oversee his safety?"

"My name alone gives Issei safety."

"Then why would this place need any more protection than just your name?"

Rias finds herself caught in another contest of wills with the mysterious stranger. Saber may only be half a dragon at most, but she easily matches their infamous level of stubbornness. Rias feels like she is in a clash with a fellow noble of the 72 pillars when she argues with this girl. The wards on the old school building exist more to keep away spies and thieves than assassins or abductors, but to admit Rias's servant doesn't deserve as much protection as her base of operations would be a great embarrassment. Unfortunately, so would admitting Saber is right.

"President," Issei interrupts with a deep bow. "Please, if you do this for my parents, well, I know I already owe you so much, but I'll owe you even more! And I promise I will find a way to pay you back!"

"A-and so will I!" Asia suddenly adds with urgency in her voice. The blonde joins Issei and lowers her head. "I can't do much, but if you ever get hurt then I will help!"

'These two... they make quite the strong-willed pair.'

Is this a natural part of their chemistry, Rias wonders, or the influence of Saber's implacable confidence behind them?

"Oh? Now there's an interesting thought," Akeno suddenly says with a small giggle.

"What is, Akeno?"

"Issei lost out on his contract tonight, but Asia is offering her service as a healer in exchange for our wards. Why not make it official?"

'Not bad, Akeno. Not bad at all.'

"Very well. Issei, you don't know how to set up our wards yet, but we can have a contract written between and Asia I. In exchange for access to the power of Twilight Healing whenever the peerage of Rias Gremory requires it, we will maintain our best protective spells on Asia's place of residence. In this case: the Hyoudou home. How does that sound?"

"Wonderful!" Asia agrees happily. "Thank you very much, Lady Gremory!"

"Yeah!" Issei agrees. "You're the best, Prez!"

"Prez?" Rias echoes, surprised to have her preferred title shortened.

"What? Oh," the boy reacts, as if he hadn't noticed what he said. "S-sorry, Prez. I mean, President! If you don't like it, I won't-"

"No, it's fine," Rias responds with a warm smile on her face. It's obvious Issei's mistake was made out of affection rather than callousness. "If I'm going to give such concessions tonight, it's nice to know at least my cute servant appreciates it."

"I do! I really do!" Issei declares. The boy turns to the exiled nun and the two clasp hands together in cheer. "We did it, Asia!"

"Yes!" the girl agrees. "I can't believe this is happening!"

"You both made this happen," Saber says. The blonde's words draw everyone's attention back to her, and they are all surprised to see she looks more relaxed than she had been. The woman's posture is less stiff, no longer coiled like a spring ready to take action at a moment's notice. Even the hybrid's facial features have relaxed, and she looks upon her two charges with a hint of fondness now. "I will watch over you for a time. For my duty to end, it is up to both of you to prove to me you no longer require my protection."

"I will," Issei promises. "I'll get stronger so I can protect Asia by myself!"

"Th-thank you, Issei. And you too, Saber," Asia says with an adorable blush. "But... I don't want anyone to get hurt protecting me."

Rias remembers the utter despair on the girl's face when she thought Freed was about to cut Issei in half.

"So I'll do my best too, to make sure no one has to get hurt for me again."

"That is as it should be," Saber replies with a nod. "Until that time comes, you can rely on me."

"I hope they can, Saber," Rias interrupts with a serious tone. As joyful as the occasion may seem to the three, the Gremory heiress still has a responsibility to see through. "I have decided to take a great risk in trusting your presence around my dear servants. I advise you take this privilege very seriously."

In her mind, Rias carefully lets off just the tiniest bit of pressure from the firm hold she has over her self-control. A dark red aura surrounds the redhead's form as the Power of Destruction, the ancient ability of the Bael bloodline Rias inherited from her mother, begins to seep out into the world. The heiress's eyes go cold as she stares at Saber, her red hair and clothes lifting and billowing in a wind only she experiences. Even the three servants who are aware of their King's true strength tense in the oppressive presence of the small sliver of the Power of Destruction she allows to leak out, for they know what could happen if Rias ever lost control and her blood ran rampant.

"If any harm befalls my peerage because of you, I will not forgive you."

Issei and Asia, both sensitive to the Power of Destruction's weight but unfamiliar with its nature, each break out into a cold sweat. It is a shame to scare the two like this, no doubt their fight or flight instincts have been locked up by what feels like the presence of the ultimate predator, but it is important for Saber to realize the gravity of her situation. Dragon blood or not, Rias's retribution against the stranger will not be stopped if her people are hurt.

Saber takes the change in atmosphere with great discipline. The woman's posture becomes tense once more, and her expression returns to its previous stoic look, but she does not quiver or flinch in response to the oppressive power Rias allows to spill forth. It is an honestly impressive display of fortitude.

Then something changes.

Just as Rias is surrounded by an aura of malicious power, suddenly Saber herself begins to shine in a defiant light. A thin outline of bright, nearly white but slightly blue energy thrums around the part-dragon's body. The power swells and recedes rhythmically, crackling with unspent force. Compared to Rias's power, which seeps out into the air at a constant rate, Saber's magic is still fully contained despite becoming visible to the naked eye.

Rias's aura is like an acid, eating away at everything in the world on an imperceptible level. In contrast, Saber's aura is like a bomb, ready to explode into a star at the moment of detonation.

This latest stare-down between the two noble women must feel like an eternity of tension to those present, but to Rias and Saber it is a simple conversation.

Hurt my people and I will destroy you.

Until my duty is fulfilled, I will not die.

Both women clamp down on their power nigh simultaneously once their exchange is complete. Most present weather the experience no worse off, but Issei finds himself gasping for a breath he didn't realize he'd been deprived of. Asia prays silently to compose herself, much to the mild headache of all devils present.

"I'm glad we could come to an understanding," Rias says with an easy smile.

"Wow," Issei mumbles to himself as he braces his hands on his knees to stay on his feet. "I knew Prez could be scary, but wow."

"Miss President is known in the Underworld as the Crimson-Haired Ruin Princess," Yuuto explains with a carefully-held smile. Although the boy speaks to Issei, Saber can no doubt tell the words are for her. "She's also called the empress of annihilation by her peers."

"Wow," Issei says. "I didn't realize I was part of such an important group."

Saber's eyes do not waver at the news. Rias is suitably impressed.

"Well, now that that's all settled," Akeno steps forward to diffuse the tension. "Perhaps Asia and Saber should decide on their cover stories?"

"Cover stories?" Issei asks while he raises his head to look up at the senior student.

"Your parents will need an explanation for why two young ladies are going to be staying with them and their teenage son, Hyoudou-san," Yuuto explains with a smile. "We can hypnotize them into accepting the details, but we need to know what details to make them believe."

"Oh, like that morning," Issei mutters when he remembers how Rias easily explained away her presence in his bed when she had to spend a night to heal him. "Well, uh, what do you two want to say?"

"I have no preferences," Saber states, her hands now akimbo and her posture loose once more. Neither Rias nor Saber display any animosity after their last clash of wills, for they both know where the other stands. Saber turns to her fellow blonde and looks at her expectantly. "How would you like your life in Japan to be, Asia?"

"My life?" Asia asks. There is a certain awe in the girl's voice which betrays how she has never had the freedom to consider how she wants to live before.

"Do you have any goals?" Saber asks again, still oblivious to the girl's full backstory and circumstances.

"Ah, well, just... just to... have friends," Asia admits, embarrassed. "But, if I could..."

The Italian's green eyes wander over the members of Rias's peerage, but not to any of their faces. What Asia looks at is the uniform each of the students wear.

"Foreign transfers," Koneko suggests.

"Oh, do you want to come to school with us, Asia?" Issei asks, excited.

"If it would be alright," the girl admits. "I would love to try living like a normal girl."

"Then I will come with you," Saber declares. "To watch you both."

"You both speak Japanese fluently, so you shouldn't have any trouble," Akeno observes. "What other languages do you know?"

"I speak Italian and English as well," Asia answers. "I only learned Japanese recently, so please excuse me."

"I am fluent in all commonly-used modern languages," Saber states nonchalantly. Asia and Issei both look impressed.

Oddly enough, Rias can't help but notice how little pride Saber seems to take in what must have been a great investment of time, if not effort, given how many languages humans speak. The way the girl mentions her fluency is about as off-handed as a devil would explain their kind's natural ability to magically communicate in any and all languages: as something one just does, not a skill they learned.

"There should be no problems deciding where Saber comes from, then. I'll arrange the papers for two new transfer students," Rias declares as she shifts off the table and stands up. "My father is on the school board, so it won't be a problem to set up."

While Saber and Asia both discuss possible cover stories, Rias looks the pair over carefully. The devil takes note of the women's similarly slight builds, their short statures, their bright green eyes, their beautiful European features, and their blonde heads of hair. Rias takes in all these observations slowly, and a satisfied grin grows on her face when inspiration strikes.

"Actually," the King declares. "I think I know just the cover for these two."

FATE

Issei Hyoudou sits at his desk and tries desperately not to fall asleep. Prez had managed to figure out a cover story for both Asia and Saber to attend Kuoh Academy while they live at Issei's house, but the work to set it all up took time. Issei couldn't help with paperwork or make his parents think they already agreed to house two foreign transfer students, so he was made to carry a bunch of new clothes and furniture to outfit the ladies' new rooms.

Why the two couldn't wait until tomorrow to start school and use today to settle in first is beyond Issei, but Prez was insistent on getting it all done as fast as possible.

Between all the moving and preparing the two new arrivals for their first day of classes, Issei couldn't have gotten more than a couple of hours' worth of sleep before his alarm started threatening to kiss him if he didn't wake up. Only the endurance of a devil body allowed the boy to drag himself out of bed. Well, that, and also the excited look on Asia's face.

Speaking of, two gorgeous women just moved into Issei's home. That is another thought worth waking up for.

Issei stifles a yawn and forces himself upright. The bell rings and the boy's various classmates move to their assigned seats to await the beginning of homeroom, none the wiser about the curve ball about to be thrown their way.

"I have an announcement for you today," the teacher says once class is underway. "It seems a mix-up in files prevented me from being made aware of this before now, but we have the honor of hosting two new transfer students in our class starting today, all the way from Italy."

As expected, the class explodes into whispers and gossip before they even see the new students in question. Issei hears more than one variation of "I wonder what Italy is like?" There is also the standard "I hope one is a cute boy/girl!" None of them are ready for this, the boy thinks.

The students quiet down at the teacher's call. The hallway door slides open and two of the prettiest girls most of the gathered teens have ever seen walk in. The two stand side-by-side at the front of the class, each one radiant in their own way. Issei already saw the pair this morning, but even he is still floored anew by the sight. The boy gives in to the feeling, and a stupid smile is soon plastered all over his face.

'The school uniform never disappoints.'

The girls are both clad in matching outfits, each with the same alteration to the school's usual style. Kuoh Academy's plaid skirt and white socks combination adorns the pair's legs, but they both elect to wear dark sweater vests on top of their dress shirts instead of the typical corset and cape combination.

On the left stands a picture of refined elegance. The short girl's professional expression and pose, arms held together behind her back and lips held in a straight line, fails to obfuscate her natural charm in any way. Everyone present is enchanted.

On the right is an adorable bundle of nerves. The slightly taller girl's hands are clasped down in front of her, and her flushed face is wrapped up in a shy smile. The very epitome of cuteness instantly wins over everyone's hearts.

Issei may or may not have spent a lot of time in thought about ladies' good looks over the past several hours.

The resurgence of excited whispers doesn't take long to erupt once the two beauties finish their entrance. The teacher does his best to call his students' attention back to him.

"Alright class, settle down," the man says before he turns with a gesture toward the two objects of gossip. Issei gives the girls a wave and sees Asia perk up immediately, much to his delight. "Let's give a warm welcome to our newest Kuoh Academy students..."

Issei sighs, both in defeat and also happiness. Prez's cover story may be convenient, but it also makes the prospect of living with the two dream girls even more difficult for the healthy young man to handle. Issei can't help but think of some specific fantasies whenever it comes up.

"… Asia and Saber Argento."

Ah, well. The young man will learn to live with it.

Chapter End

Author's Notes

Thus ends chapter four.

I'm not sure how this chapter will be received. I'm still practicing writing so I wanted to give an attempt at making this chapter-long conversation scenario work, and hopefully gain some experience from it.

In Fate news, a version of Artoria Pendragon as a Ruler Class Servant came out since the last chapter of this story was released. I hope Issei won't be too disappointed to have missed his chance to summon a sexy bunny girl version of his new friend. Haha.

Sincerely,

Captain Bell