Five things.

One: I hate rhyming.

Two: I'm not dead. And I have reasons for why this chapter took…well, years to come out. I just won't bore you with the details. But thankfully, we're getting to more plot driven storylines, so the next chapter should be significantly easier to write. And I do mean significantly.

Three: I am trying to move towards a more 'dialogue-based' writing style for entertainment purposes. Sure, description for stuff is nice and all, but dialogue? That's the flavor of any story. That's the meat. I'll try to bring more of that from now on. Making compelling dialogue, though? Tricky. Working on it now.

Four: I meant to just write about 8k words for this chapter for faster posting. Obviously, that didn't happen. Sorry you get a higher worded chapter.

Five: Enjoy!

CHAPTER FIVE: A FAMILIARITY WITH FAMILIARS

The Underworld

Nine years ago…

"Hey! Quit it!"

"Hold still."

"It's-agh! It's just a bruise!"

"A bruise on your eye."

"I'm fine-stop!"

"No."

"Ahh, you're the worst mom ever!"

"Mm-hmm."

Arguing with Grayfia was widely and somewhat notoriously considered an unintelligent action for any Devil aware of her reputation. The woman did as she wanted more often than not and to get in her way was asking for more trouble then perhaps the attempt to stop her was worth. Still, quarreling was a large part of Naruto's nature. Relenting so easily was not in his character. So, when the cold pound of meat was pressed to his cheek, he fought to have his own control over the situation with little success.

"Bagh, I can do it myself!"

"Hmm. Really?"

"Yes! Give me it!"

"No."

"Would you just hand it ove-oww!"

"See? You are injured."

"You poked me in the eye!"

"If you would stop squirming, this would be over much sooner."

He still argued. The round, purplish mark just under Naruto's eye stung a bit, but was hardly the main issue for the child. Rather, it was somewhat a combination of things in his current situation which caused him great annoyance.

Aside from his mother, who insisted to provide him with the assistance he so desperately wished she would not, there was also the matter of those in attendance around him. Surtr, and his big bulk, sat across from a long, well-adorned table. Quickly indulging himself with great platters filled with food and cups of drink, the giant seemed only to passively observe his student from across the table. Of course, to a better eye, his held, bellyful laughs were drowned only by his beverage, while the sustenance helped to muffle whispered comments of great amusement. Most of them due to the boy's plight.

Off to the corners and sides of the room, some manner of help stood, standing tall and waiting to be called on if needed. Though some were more inclined to keep up the appearance of a dutiful house subject, others felt less stoutly and tried to keep their own personal comments and laughs quiet. Many knew the boy since he was a newborn in a crib; the sight of a mother taking to his care, and an especially collected and proud woman at that, was worthy of a least a light bit of enjoyment.

And then, there was the lone man, sitting across from them all, watching as his wife and child struggled against the other.

"Dear," Sirzechs spoke up, "let the boy be. He's fine."

"Silence." Grayfia returned, still pressing the steak to her child's eye, even as he made to wriggle out of her hold.

Sirzechs watched them both. "It's not that bad," he tried to defend. "Really, when I was a kid, my mother sent me through the family foyer and right into the aisle of decorated European armors my grandfather collected. Had a European pike go right up my-"

"Quiet." Grayfia interrupted. Her tone held some warning to it this time. Still, she did not look up towards her husband.

Sirzechs, for that matter, lost some of the fire in him, looking between the mark and how his boy wiggled. "It was an accident…"

The spar between father and son started easily enough. Naruto would attack, Sirzechs would defend, with the occasional attempt to trip the boy up whenever he saw an opportunity. It was a quiet means at simply gauging how the boy was, passing off the time for his day of rest, and using this small chance to bond between himself and his child thrown in for good measure. Three birds, one stone. And for what it was worth, Sirzechs was pleased by his boy's efforts, ever proving himself an unusual child with his ability and persistence. He didn't imagine any child that age showed as much resilience or interest in fighting as his did.

An odd child, indeed.

But then, Sirzechs would admit, perhaps he'd started to lose his edge when it came to fighting. Many years without actual combat, along with the rigorous demands of his office, had apparently dulled some of his more instinctual efforts. And the boy, young and eager to rush headfirst, made to take advantage of Lucifer's fallacy.

A lunge for his face and Naruto managed to graze him. A bare scratch below the eye. The move so lightly touched to say it would have done any sort of damage would be to say that a feather's touch could harm a dragon.

But then, more out instinct and surprise than intention, Sirzechs threw his own fist to the boy.

For his efforts, and to his credit, Naruto did try to avoid it.

Now it was more to his embarrassment and reckless disregard for the boy's fragile form that set up the present moment. Forced to sit, unpermitted to eat, looking over his mistake as his wife tried to sate the mark from his son's soft skin.

If only they had a healer on hand, the bruise would be over and done with in short order. But maybe Grayfia wished for him to see his mistake; to know what he did and what it cost – to watch his son anguish under her care and know it was his fault.

No. Correction.

'Wish' implied there was a chance for otherwise. That his wife was not a cold woman who would not want for him to see his son cower under her care. To rub his mistake into his gut.

Grayfia Lucifuge was many things. Vengeful was one of them.

"Seriously," Naruto yelled. "I'm fine! Come on, quit it! I want to eat!"

"You wouldn't eat breakfast before. Now you seem very eager. You can wait a few more minutes still." She continued to press the ice to him. Her parenting skills were still met with a rather aggressive show of disliking.

"Arrgh, stop it!"

"No."

"Dad, get her off me!"

Grayfia sent a sideways glance towards her husband. With those hard, silver eyes.

"Just bear with it, son. You'll be fine."

"Agh! Coward! Daaah! I hate you all!"

Present Day…

"Uh, just to make sure, again, but we are in the right place? Right?"

The Forest of Familiars – or just the Familiar Forest, if it's more simplistic title was preferred – was a wide, dark, sylvan span of land stretching for more miles than most woodland dwellers would recognize by people of man worlds. It isn't especially spectacular or radiant as others; its trees are a little tall, its grass was bit of a darker green, but all in all the flora was no more impressive or worthwhile mentioning then any others woods. The magic wasn't particularly thick, the secrets within less than worth perusing through; the only real thing about it that might have determined its impressiveness or even worth a second opinion on was the local wildlife.

Treants, sphinxs, oduls and groawts. Great garrouhs, yilis, silver wyverns, kite kentips and undals. Kaolomes, naiads, rumba rams and Dinbersa flies.

In other words, the creatures of many worlds. Both minor and majestically arcane.

There is a history to these woods. A history of a man who sought to preserve the rare creatures of a few dozen worlds. A history of fortunes spent, miles trekked, and reputations tarnished in the hopes of saving the lives of things that, more often than not at one point or another, have tried to eat, thrash, smash, smoosh, step on or 'assimilate him to a greater mind.' A history of a great and curious and unorthodox Devil studying and protecting the lives of his sanctuary through great effort and tenacity. Lives of many creatures which stretched the boundaries of rarity and near extinction too many times to count now thrive and wander these woods.

This man's name – or at least what he has decided to go by for the past century – was Zatouji.

Zatouji the Familiar Master.

And right now, a number of teenagers were waiting patiently for their presence to be known.

"Yes, Saji, I am certain," Sona replied, eyeing the woods carefully. "Just as I have told you thrice now. Be patient; we need only wait a little longer. Our host will arrive in due time."

"O-oh. Yeah, okay. I-I trust you…"

The newest Pawn spoke honestly but his gaze twitched to all sides as the eerie glow of the full moon did little to highlight the dark shadows of the trees and grasses. Even as a Devil with a keen sense of sight in the dark, being out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by all angles by creeping shadows and unknown things was a harrowing experience.

Further when this was someone's first involvement in interworld traversal. An area full of monsters, ranging from things the size of your fingers to great goliaths the length of hills, was perhaps not the best place to pop anyone's world-travelling cherry.

Though, to be fair, he wasn't the only one on edge.

"Asia-chan, relax!" The smooth arm of Akeno wrapped around the squirming girl's, pulling her close and smiling to her. "There's nothing to be worried about! We have our own meat shields right here just in case anything happens. We'd happily give up ten of them for you!"

Said 'meat shields' turned to their sacrificer.

"Ah, haha. Yeah, uh, Akeno-san, I hope you don't mean that literally…"

"Oh, don't worry, Kiba-kun! We'd remember you most fondly!"

"That's…comforting…"

"Yeah, okay," the last meat shield spoke up, "so, I just want to throw this out there: if we could not do what Akeno's suggesting, I think I'd be okay with that. Just asking, you know, for Kiba here. He scares easy."

"Naruto's being a bitch."

"Koneko-chan, shush. The grownups are talking."

"I will slap you."

"I'll put you over my knee."

"Oh! Would you really? You have no idea how happy I am to hear that!"

"Akeno, keep it down. You're embarrassing yourself."

"Ah, Buchou's so stingy!"

And then, there were those that seemed rather bored.

The Gremory Peerage appeared remarkably relaxed standing in the small opening when compared to the majority of the Sitri House's Servants. Where most of Sona's party held a healthy level of concern with being in the middle of the wooded area, teeming with foreign and dangerous life, the majority of the Gremory King's entourage were quite openly unimpressed or uncaring to the danger their surroundings possibly held.

Was it their experience, Saji wondered? His King did mention her friend's Peerage was, in her own words, a more 'practiced grouping.' Could it have been that they simply knew how to deal with whatever might have been hiding in the brush? Possibly. Again, experience and talent were abundant with them – their little escapade from the day before proved that quite handedly, even if the Pawn was incapacitated by a sinister, underhanded, and completely deplorable gambit.

With the still fresh memories – and a still grievously difficult time at sitting on anything solid – Saji sent a look to the back of his former foe with as much intensity and venom as the young teen could manage.

Naruto didn't seem to notice or care for the dark gaze at his back.

Standing still and without outward interruption to drift his attention elsewhere, the young man took in the world around him with an appreciable enjoyment the others couldn't seem to find amongst the dark and long wooded space. His focus wandered the forest's corners and hidden spots from where his limited view could take in. The trees were tall and held strong branches for climbing; the wind offered a cool touch to the skin; and with the moon as brightly lit as it were, making even the most minute of details was only too easy. A perfect place to enjoy the freedom of movement the Human World lacked so much of; the age of cameras and video phones and even the passing plane or similar aerial vehicle made traversal by quick but mundane means a very cautionary thing to abide by.

There were rules when moving amongst the humans. Rules that were not to be broken. Rules upheld by the most ancient and unforgiving of beings.

Not being seen doing anything 'inhuman' or 'unnatural' was one of them.

It was likely nostalgia that had him intrigued. Even he would acknowledge, despite the world's peculiar colorings for wood and other things, that the trees held some odd feelings of reminiscence for the man. The thickness of the branches, the roots that sunk deep into the earth, the perfect symmetry and near vertical way the trees went as if reaching towards the violet night skies. He would have to try and damper those feelings or intentionally not notice how the whole place was. How like the trees swayed in the breeze and the leaves fell over them in plumes.

Naruto liked this forest. He liked it a lot.

He would have jumped into it headfirst, leaving his friends behind without much more than a wave or a salute, if not for small child at his side.

"Don't," Koneko remarked. "Rias told you to stay."

She had her tiny hand wrapped around the hem of his jacket. It hadn't loosened its grip since they left the city of Kuoh.

"I wasn't going to," he said back to her for at least the fourth time.

"Lies," she replied back as many times before.

Memory of prior visits to the Forest of Familiars were not so easily forgotten. Nor the worry he caused others – gallivanting into one of the most inhospitable environments known to enjoy a nightly run of his own, without so much as a word or gesture to his leaving. Apparently, the Red King could only take so much nonchalance to her group's worries of his unmentioned leavings before putting the young Rook on warden-duty.

"You can let go. I won't leave."

"Bull. I'm not letting go."

A childish part of Naruto was tempted to test such a declaration. And maybe an older, challenge-excited part of him, as well. He had little doubt he'd either have to rip or lose the jacket to untangle himself from the young girl now. But a casual glance to the side, seeing a somewhat-fretful Bishop, gave him pause. He stared for a moment then, with a grumble and a casual crossing of his arms to his chest, the teen decided against the urge to fight against Koneko's grip and move at his leisure.

At least for the moment.

"So, Sona-san," Saji spoke up, turning his attention away from the less anxious group and back towards his significantly more relaxed than he felt King, "I hope you don't mind me asking, but I was a little curious. This Zatouji-san; what sort of guy is he?"

In his mind, Saji created something of vision not unlike some kind of barbarian warlord or druid-like shaman prowling the tundra of this world with spear or ancient shamanic staff in-hand. A master of the forest with an image befitting his most prestigious reputation and ability, and an air of wisdom gained only through hardships he, as a new Pawn, could only hazard to imagine.

How would it be best to approach such a figure? Should he be overly-respectful? Courteous? Flowery with his words? How best to commune with a man that had the utmost respect from two of the Great Houses of the Underworld? Sona offered little in the way of perception of the fellow. Her mentions of the day consisted mostly of warning to not wander aimlessly into the dark woods, what options towards Familiars would best suit a new pawn such as himself, and a rudimentary understanding of the benefits of gaining a Familiar were.

But the subject of their guide was unremarked.

"Lord Zatouji is…well, I suppose if there's anything to say, it is that the man is undoubtedly one of the finest Familiar Masters you or I shall ever know."

His King began, stroking her chin and delving deeply into thought.

"Lord Zatouji has written the book on Familiars and the Bonding procedure. He's refined his craft for centuries, dating back even further than the Great War itself. His technique and aptitude are without parallel – it's actually quite a sight to see the man work. Further, he is an instinctive man. He knows the ins-and-outs of this world as you or I might know the back of our hands. Every corner, every cave, every creature; he knows it. He'll probably brag about it, too, if you get him started. He knows what Familiar is best for everyone who comes to see him, so please don't shame yourself by claiming you understand which beast would be more to your liking or thinking you deserve something extravagant. You'll only earn his laughter. And embarrass me, as well.

"Ornate as it may sound, it isn't inaccurate to say Lord Zatouji is the undeclared king of this place. None dare impeach on it without his permission – which isn't so easily gained, I attest to this fact – and those who try wish they'd been wiser than to even consider toying with him or his flock. He will kill you, so don't be stupid. He is a kind man, but he fought in the Great War under the original four Great Satans and earned rank. 'Mercy' isn't offered to those who earn his ire. And those who infringe on his domain have had their remains fed to a particularly ravenous mountain drake he's fond of northwest from here."

Sona spoke as if reading from a biography of the man. To those who knew her, this was no great difference from her normal tone for lecturing the unaware. It was simply the Sitri girl's way.

"I've never heard so much as a passively negative remark to his bestiary knowledge or fundamental performance towards bonding Devils and Familiars together. You should consider this being yet another perk in regard to being a member of the Student Council and Sitri Household; I can vouch that many would offer any sort of favors or bargains to be in your position. Be happy for that."

Saji couldn't recall a time where his King waved the 'I'm important and my name is important' card. Certainly, he understood the immensity of her name over the passing months, and his fellow members were often outspoken on their leader's future name and privileges, but never was Sona so acknowledging to her own basis of birth as right then.

Zatouji must have been some sort of pillar of Devilkind for his King to speak so highly and kindly towards…he was a little jealous, admittedly.

His thoughts were shaken, however, by a quiet snicker to the side.

"That's nice and all for you to say, Sona," Rias said, covering a smile behind slim fingers, "but I think you're leaving out a few details."

Saji didn't find it hard to note the girl's posture. The quirk to her lips was visible, even behind the hand. Even more curious was how his King straightened herself only ever so minutely, but noticeable still.

"Yes, well," said King adjusted her glasses, "I don't suppose there's really anything more that needs to be said. After all, long-lived individuals always come with a few…eccentricities. No near-immortal lives as long as they do, acting as they would have during more civil, proper, and refined times." A curiously specific use of wording, Saji noted. He'd almost call it rambling, if his master even held the capability to do such a thing. "I don't believe it really needs to be said that anyone who's lived for as long or as audaciously as Lord Zatouji has needs defending towards his character. Really, there's no need to discuss such-"

"SAL-U-TATIONS AND GOOOOOD GREETINGS!"

Heads rose and eyes widened.

"NEW AND FAMILIAR FACES MAKE FOR VERY FESTIVE MEETINGS!"

Surprised gazes twisted and turned the side, rising towards the dark sky.

"ARE THERE NEW DEVILS AMONGST YOU ALL LOOKING FOR A FAMILIAR? ALL OF THEM SO WILLING, THAT THEY WOULD DARE TRAVERSE TO SOMEPLACE SO UNFAMILIAR!"

There, in a single tall ashwood, perched in one its many thick branches, a man looked over the teens below.

"HOW BOLD. HOW QUEER! AND HOW LACKING IN TREPIDATION! AND I DARE SAY, WITH THESE SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS HERE, WE MAY BE STEPPING ON TRADITION!"

He offered them all a casual smile and a small wave.

"I DOUBT I NEED INTRODUCTION! FOR IF I MIGHT SAY, I BOAST QUITE THE REPUTATION! BUT ALAS, I FEEL I SHOULD STILL BE SAID ALL THE SAME – BEHOLD! I AM THE ONE AND ONLY ZATOUJI! HERE TO PROVIDE A COMPANION FOR A VERY GIFTED HOUSEHOLD…!"

Zatouji, the Familiar Master.

Great Satans, Holy Lords, Mighty Pantheons and Gods-aplenty – how to explain this man?

Such a man. Such a funny little man.

To start, if ever there was an image of something grandiose and impressive to the mind were to be destroyed in but a moment's instance, it was most probably by way of the entrance by this very eccentric man.

Zatouji dressed…well, he almost looked like a tourist, actually. Rather than appearing before the two Peerages as if alike to an unchallenged master of the land, dressed in either leathers or furs of many defeated beasts, the Familiar Master Zatouji instead opted for a more simplistic look for his introduction.

A white, sleeveless shirt. A pair of dark khakis. Grey tennis shoes which only had the barest of hints of mud staining. A light-violet sweater wrapped comfortably around his waist – a subtle contrast of colorings to the bright yellow backpack which hung almost proudly from behind – with a finishing touch of an only slight darker hued cap adjourned to cover the man's cranium and covered up most of his unkempt red hair.

Less Tarzan, more middle-aged American sightseer.

"Well well well! What a merry band of misfits we have here!" Zatouji's voice fell to more manageable levels as he took to landing down beside the teens on the ground floor. Said landing being with an unsettling, near-graceful ease that contrasted his slender, less-than-impressive physique. "I thought I heard that the prattling of a Sitri child with my good ear! But wouldn't you know it, I find with her a few Gremory tikes beside! Ah, still good see you two still so strongly allied! Yes! Yes, indeedee!"

Also, the man enjoyed his rhyme. Age-long immortals always have an eccentricity or two.

Still, his enjoyment for melodic wordings seemed to bother few in the grouping of teenagers, as Rias responded by stepping forward to greet the man.

"Lord Zatouji," she spoke clearly, lightly bowing forward with a palm pressed to her left breast, "it is good to see you again. My family sends you its heartfelt appreciations to your continued kindnesses, as always."

"The Sitri household sends equally fond words to your generosity and services, as always." Sona, voice even as always, offered a similar bow beside her fellow King.

In arrears to them both, Pawns to Queens – save Asia and Saji, who both remained somewhat taken aback by everything going on – followed their leaders down in respectful gestures towards the older Devil.

Zatouji only rolled his eyes at the theatrics. "Oh, please. Save me from all that pish-posh and mush. You're all starting to make me blush!" He snickered lightly, looking down at the pair with a quizzical glean to his eye. "And while I always enjoy a little company every now-and-then, might I wonder what has brought you two lovelies into my den? Hmm?"

"Absolutely," Rias began. "I'm here, of course, to introduce a lovely new part of my family today." She raised a hand in the direction Asia stood rigidly behind her from. The girl, surprised now by the number of eyes now drawn to her, required a light nudge by the Gremory's Queen to move up towards the Zatouji's lean figure. Her King must have sensed her anxiety, placing both of her hands comfortably on her shoulders like Akeno before her. "This is Asia Argento. Former member of the Church, now my second Bishop, and already one of my most cherished friends in the world."

Asia, crimson-cheeked and shy, moved her eyes to Zatouji's own quizzical gaze. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Zatouji."

The older Devil had a hand to his chin, looking down at her. He glanced to her left. He looked to her right. Overhead. Then under. Then over again. It was all very flustering to the former nun.

"Hmm…" He quietly murmured, nodding a few times to himself. "Hmm…oh, yes…yes, you are quite…" He smiled again, raising his thumb to the Bishop. "I always knew Rias had an eye for the best! And unquestionably, you've passed my little test! And you are undoubtedly a prize, assured to be an excellent assistant to your new allies!" He bowed in eccentric fashion, taking off his dark purple cap and flourishing his arm wide. "It is a pleasure to meet you, miss Argento!"

"Oh!" Asia was taken aback. Praise. High praise. Not something she was used to yet. "Th-thank you, Lord Zatouji! A-and a p-pleasure to make your acquaintance, too!" She bowed deeper than was strictly necessary; cheeks still red and burning before hurrying back to the relative safety of her Queen. Akeno whispered niceties and other kind things that didn't seem to calm her in the least, but it was the thought that counted here.

Zatouji and Rias seemed amused by the young girl's actions before the older man turned his attention to the other King in attendance. "Well, we're burning moonlight! Come come, miss Sitri, who's that young man you've brought with you tonight?"

Sona only gave a smallest of looks back to her friends. "Saji, come here." She ordered.

"Eeek! Y-y-yes, ma'am!"

The Pawn made quick, rigid steps forward the pair. Face stiff and anxious, he offered his most courteous bow to Zatouji.

"M-m-m-my name is Saji Ge-G-Ge-Genshirou! P-pleased and honored t-t-to make your acquaintance!"

Less than graceful than it could otherwise have been, if the introduction bothered Zatouji, he didn't show. Instead, he quietly walked up to the boy and, like with the Asia, looked over teen's features with a passively inquisitive eye.

"Hmm…"

He walked behind the boy. Studied his back.

"Ehhhh…"

He walked to his side. Raised his arm, squeezed his bicep. Gave it a light wave then let it fall back to the side.

"Tssss…"

He stepped back, stroking the light stubble on his chin and giving him a last once over.

"Hmmmmm…yep." He nodded thoughtfully. "The boy needs work."

Saji, with his anxious looks slowly fading, had only one intelligent thing to say to the end of the man's evaluation. "Huh?"

"Accurately said. I am well aware," his King chimed in from the side.

"What? Sona-san?"

"He's like an unfinished bit of artwork. Totally unremarkable to see, if I may. Like rough, unrefined clay that's been left out in the sun all day. Perhaps left in some miserable, dirt-ridden, mud-filled cesspit of an alleyway. Oh, truly, he is one sorry piece."

"H-hey! That's a little harsh, don't you think?"

"Saji, watch your tone."

"B-but Sona-san, he's just-"

"No luck with ladies, that much is certain. Awkward, scrawny, not very tall; it's gonna be one hell of struggle to get past that iron curtain."

"O-okay! Is anyone seeing this? Now the old man's just being insulting!"

"Saji," Sona's voice cut in. "One more disrespectful word from you and we're going home."

"B-but that's not fair!"

"Now maybe there's potential, though I wouldn't bet on it," Zatouji's tone changed. A little deeper. A little harder. "You've got to take control of your destiny from the seat of your own cockpit. Blood, sweat, tears and pain; that's the only way I can see you making any sort of gain. And from what I can tell, you were quite the investment; four Pawns, by my fair assessment." Sona nodded in his direction. "Yes, yes, work will be needed to make this boy into someone strong. All of which I am sure he will receive under you and your throng. That is, if he has the right attitude to go alongside it."

Zatouji lowered himself just a little, letting his eyes level with Saji's. Didn't take more than a second for the teen to notice the now lacking levels of playfulness from the Familiar Master's gaze. Now, there was depth. A tonal shift that left the youth's knees on the peak of collapse.

"And do you have the right attitude, kid? Do you have the grit?"

No. No, he didn't think he did. Didn't even feel like he had control of his bladder right then, if he were honest.

Saji didn't need to look to know everyone was watching them now. Would have turned his head to prove that fact for himself, were it not for the borderline instinctual feeling in his gut that told him that looking away now would have been a very bad move to make. And if there's one thing every teenager loved; it was being silently watched by their peers whilst being judged by an adult.

"Yes." Saji's voice was tight and squeaked quietly. He tried to stretch his legs without anyone noticing. Get rid of the growing stiffness in his knees. Swallowed a deep lump in his throat he hadn't realized was building there. He tried again with more effort. "Yes. I do, sir. A-and I'll prove it to you," he puffed out his chest, feigning a confidence he knew was probably seen through by everyone. Still, it helped a little. Fake-courage is better than no courage at all. Made it feel less like his neck wasn't being put to the chopping block. "I've been given an opportunity, sir. To do something big. Great. And I don't intend to let a moment waste without proving myself." Ah. Honesty. Honest words flowed quite easily from his lips. Maybe there was a stroke of self-assurance in him yet. He could work with that. "You said you wanted blood and sweat? I'll give you that. Tears? Got plenty left in me. Pain? Bring it on. I'll show you my place is right here." He held his hand out to his King, who kept silent through it all.

Grandiose, perhaps a bit tad on the heavy-handedness, with only a pinch of teenage arrogance and sneer thrown in for good measure. Devils held something of an appreciation for that sort of thing, Saji learned early on. Words were something to live by for immortal beings of any self-worth. They lived for a long time and reputations of dishonesty or disingenuity could destroy even the greatest of families.

Zatouji kept an eye over the boy for a moment longer. A long, arduous moment. Studying something Saji couldn't quite be sure of.

But then, Zatouji backed off with a shrug.

"Eh. Still needs work."

He left the boy with that, leaving the tense air between them away and allowing his team to pull the stunned boy away by the arms. At least Sona seemed pleased with their initial meeting. Probably as good as she expected it would be.

Zatouji turned to the entirety of the group with a new grin to his lips, addressing them friendly. "Now, I know you all don't take me for a fool. I thought I make it quite clear on how I have one rule. One group to one moon. I make no exceptions, no exemptions, and I have never been known to change my tune." He crossed his arms, as if to say that was the end of that.

In response, every Devil's eye went from Familiar Master to sole human in the woods. Naruto responded to the new attention with a small wave and a lazy grin.

"Hey there, old man."

Zatouji's grin fell as he saw the blond behind them. His steadfast look of denial seemed to die alongside it, just a little.

"Oh, it's Naruto," he stared for a second, then widened his eyes. "Oh, drakecrap, it's Naruto. No! No, no! No, Naruto! I have cap! I have a rule! One rule! Don't you lot all go to the same school?! Rules shouldn't be broken, fought against or thrown into the pool! They should be followed to the letter and respected! Not have some mass group of Devils come and decide when its best when it's time for it to be neglected!" He seemed to be panicking.

Naruto, still smiling that indolent grin, pointed a finger at the forest's master. "You owe me one, old man. You said it yourself. I'm calling in that favor now."

Zatouji turned his head to the side, avoiding the looks he was getting. "I remember nothing," he said a bit childishly.

"Oi, don't play dumb. You know you do, old man. Remember the fire? The seventeen heads? Scaly, the snuggly hydra?"

"I'm not that old! And what you are asking is far too much! It's downright cold! If I do it for you, then everyone will be asking me for freebies too! Before long, I won't be just doing this during the full moon! I'll be asked to do this on every weekend, holiday, morning or noon! I'll never know peace again! Oh, can you please just show a lick of your humanity now and…and…be humane!"

Naruto found this all very amusing, if his growing grin and small chuckle were anything to go by. "Oh, come on. I'm letting you off easy. You said it yourself, a favor for a favor. Actually, how did you put it? 'A favor owed from a Devil is…a sight to behold? But from a Devil like me, now that worth is more than a city of…gold?' Did I get that right?" It was close enough. The man's rhymes stuck in his head for an entire day after dealing with the man. It was more painful than handling the fire breathing lizard.

And by the looks of the flustered and embarrassed red cheeks of his, Zatouji remembered too. "But my rule…" He groaned almost pitifully. "Don't take that away from me…come on, I only have the one rule…"

"Yeah, you do," Naruto moved through the crowd of somewhat bemused, intrigued and even entertained teens, dragging the still wardening Koneko beside him. "But you see, that's the thing about us," he pointed a finger behind to his Devil-filled party. "We're teenagers. And with teenagers, you should know is there's really only one thing we're the absolutely the best at doing no matter the age of anyone else."

He stepped up beside Zatouji and placed what almost looked like a calming hand on his shoulder. The blond's downright sadistic smile, though, destroyed any sort of comfort the gesture might have had.

"It's that we love taking the rules of favor-owing old guys and chucking them into the nearest dumpster. Just like what I'm about to do to yours. Hehe, now, you think you can help me and my friends out?"

Zatouji waited a long, horrid moment before offering in response a quiet, tired whimper under a pair of cruel blue eyes.

"Scaly, the hydra?"

"What do you think he meant by 'fires'?"

"Come to think of it, how did Naruto come here without us in the first place?"

"Questions, questions and more questions. Yep, that's our Naruto."

It perhaps says a lot about a person when the subject of conversation is when a friend's history and peculiar happenstances are a matter of intrigue. Especially one for a friend like Naruto, whose bizarrely inconsistent lifestyle with the standard teenager, was fascinating for Gremory and Sitri Peerages alike.

"I remember once when we came to a graveyard-"

"-and the sounds that came from his apartment sounded vaguely like-"

"-and the Stray was already taken care of! Thirty feet tall and he was just-"

"-fingers up my ass! Is anyone going to ask where he learned to do that? Or why he did that?! Seriously, who-"

"-hot springs! He turned down going to the hot springs with me! Us! I meant us! I had a bathing suit and everything! He said he-"

"-had homework he needed to finish. Always homework. Or he's walking! Or the library! Well, I frequent the library quite often, and I can say with certainty that I've never seen-"

"Umm, is it alright for us to talk about Naruto-kun behind his back?"

"Absolutely!"

"Quite so!"

"Asia-chan, if it's one thing you'll find out about Buchou and Sitri-sama, it's that talking behind his back is a pastime for these two."

"Lies and slander!"

Akeno covered her lips behind slender fingers to hide her smile as they continued on through the woods.

Despite the time at night, and the large group that they were, they seemed to be making excellent distance behind their ever-capable guide. For all that Zatouji griped about the circumstances now presented to him, he was remarkably forthcoming soon after to accommodate the now two groups of teens into his forested abode.

He led them on a relatively flat terrain, past tightly knitted groups of trees with a practiced knowing. He didn't even seem to pause before taking his turns around the seemingly endless woods, chatting away with a smile behind the subject of the teens who lingered behind. And Naruto, for his part, seemed fine with the peculiarities of Zatouji's style of speech, keeping up with him and discussing all manner of things about the woods which the teens behind could only just hear from vague words such as 'crevices' or 'valleys' and the occasional 'something-terror from the something-horrible-mountain-or-ocean-or-depths-of-oblivion.' Unaware, or ignoring maybe, the likes of his friends' gossiping.

Koneko, ever dutiful, continued to hold tightly to his jacket.

"Can someone switch places with me?"

Dutiful, without question, but there was only so much talking from a rhyming elder and a danger-seeking teenager one relatively normal Devil could take. And the Rook, despite the usual monotonous tone of her voice, looked still a little desperate as she glanced behind for some measure of hope in a peaceful moment to herself.

Her Peerage's responses:

"Sorry, but I think it might be a little weird if I started holding onto another guy's jacket." Cowardly Kiba.

"-and I swear, I only snuck into his apartment a few times, and he just went and called my brother and-" Distracted Rias.

"Oh, I'd be happy to take a turn for you if you'd like." Sweet, sweet Asia. New favorite.

"Ah ah ah! No can do, Asia-chan! This is Koneko's job! She has to learn to handle the responsibilities that are given to her." Traitorous, horrible Akeno. New sworn enemy.

Her Peerage would pay.

"Now, I think this is a good spot to play for today!"

Zatouji only just gave a holler for the group to stop in their tracks. And the reason became startlingly obvious as a rather large, unsettlingly dark lake seemed to spring almost from nowhere in front of the teens. Its appearance almost seemed unnatural, as the water seemed to be still and unrolling with a tide that should have been there under the effects of the full moon above.

"Now," Zatouji shouted again as every teen made their way beside him, "I had a good bit of time to think as I was walking along. I thought to myself, 'for these kids, we have to pick a partner that will last them a lifelong.' But for Saji, what could he possibly tame? Hopefully something not too likely to maim, or likely for Saji to open an insurance claim." He scratched his chin in thought. "Big or small. Quiet or likely to squall? Gentle or likely to cause a landfall? All very good questions." He smiled then. "But then, I thought of a perfect suggestion! Big, but quiet. Gentle, but just as ready to bring about a fight and riot!"

He stepped towards the watery abode, knelt to the water's edge, and slapped the thick liquid thrice.

SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH!

The ripples from the blows traveled outwards. The first hint of a disturbance to the water since coming to the lake.

"Now, I bring you something truly wonderous! I bring you a beast that creates earthquakes most thunderous! A creature who lays silent and waits with most patience!"

The waters beside Zatouji started to bubble. A figure, large and muscular, followed by two others, started to rise from the muck.

"He's a loving and kind beauty who I'm sure is more than happy to make your acquaintance! I hope you find this lovely a perfect to make a lifelong kinship! For Saji, I present-

"THE BUNYIP!"

Finally emerging from the dark waters with a splash, what looked to almost be the unusual union of hippo and sabretooth tiger rose with a groan and a growl. Gray, leathery skin that hinted at the great, thick muscles beneath. Face like a cat with a snout that stretched just far enough outwards that it almost looked like a dog. Four long, sharp canines on each side of the mouth. A touch of whiskers on the end of its snout. The first bunyip trotted out of the waters, dripping and smelling of a peculiar smell that none of the teens could quite place. Its toes pressed down into the wet earth, leaving a sizable print beneath.

The pair that followed after the first were very similar, if slightly smaller and different in skin tone.

Out of care and respect to the new arrivals, most of the teens took a step back. These things radiated an air that screamed 'maneater' and returned looks of weariness themselves as they stared at the Devils.

Then Zatouji gave the first one a hug.

"Popoya!" He shouted in delight, his arms just making it around the bunyip. "Oh, you've gotten so big! Oh, you must have been eating like a pig! Hoho!" The Familiar Master seemed quite taken with his newest arrival. The beast's mouth could have taken his entire head without problem, so it surprised a few of the less aware members of both Peerages when the bunyip – Popoya, as he was named – instead decided to snuggle its head into Zatouji's and wrap a large, long-clawed paw around him in what seemed to have been a hug.

"Oh, he's friendly! And those eyes look very soft." Asia cheered quietly at the side.

Saji had a slightly different reaction. "This guys for me?!" He asked excitedly, though with maybe a slight bit of respectful fear to him.

His reaction was natural, though. For a first Familiar, he felt he could certainly do worse than a hippo-sabretooth. That's bragging rights, he was sure.

"Haha, I thought that you'd like him!" Zatouji laughed to himself, letting go of the large bunyip and turning back to the group. "Now, Popoya here might look like a sweetheart, but don't let that ignore the fact he could easily tear off a limb. He values strength and endurance above all. If you're not willing to brawl, there's no way he'll play ball."

Zatouji moved beside the excited and nervous Devil boy and gave a light nudge to him forward. The gesture was innocent enough, but being pushed towards a walking mound of muscle kept inside a carnivorous beast is enough to throw anyone on edge.

"All you have to do is stand quietly there. Look into his eyes, don't move a muscle, and keep your shoulders square. That's how you'll gain his trust."

And with that, Zatouji gave them both some space.

Stiff-legged and beginning to sweat again, Saji stepped stiffly towards the bunyip, who eyed the youth warily from its greater height.

Those deep black eyes almost seemed to be studying him. Judging the boy with an almost intelligent eye.

"You can do it, Saji…" Ruruko whispered from behind, fingers curled into fists and looking firmly at the boy's rigid back.

"Th-thanks…" Saji wasn't even sure who spoke in that moment. Nor would he let it be his biggest concern in the moment. "H-how will I know if he wants to be mine?" He'd never got the moment to ask.

"Oh, he'll try to bite off your head!"

…He wasn't sure he heard that right. "Wait, what?!"

"Just remember to dodge when he tries it or you'll be dead! Take heart and don't let your heart be filled with much dread!"

He hated him, Saji decided. He hated Zatouji a lot.

Popoya waited for a long moment before lowering hit snout down to sniff at the boy's face. With rows of sharp, tusk-like teeth now so closely sniffing to Saji's face, the boy could be forgiven if a whimper or two passed from his still closed lips. If only to help prevent further stages of hyperventilating from coming. It only went worse when a rough tongue came from Popoya's mouth to lick the corner of Saji's brow, taking a taste of the boy's perspiring skin.

Then, Popoya huffed, turned back to his fellow bunyips, and stepped quietly back into the lake.

Saji, stiff and wide-eyed, took a long moment before speaking. "Am…am I dead?" He didn't seem sure.

"Nooope, you're alright." Zatouji again moved beside the blond Devil, slapping his back and knocking some sense back into him. "As crazy as it sounds, they decided to let you live for another night. It's a shame, but I guess Popoya just had higher standards for himself and decided to return to his harem." His nose sniffed as he wiped a tear from his eye. "I'm so proud of him."

"Ha. Hehe, hahh…" Saji's laugh was forced and chipped. A couple of his fellow Peerage members came up beside him, if only to keep his feet upright. "So, he didn't hate me?"

"Oh, for sure," Zatouji said confidently. "If Popoya felt something particularly grim, he'd make sure you knew by tearing off a limb."

"Oh…okay…Sona-san, can we go home now?"

"I'm afraid not," Sona said with a small smile and a shake of her head. "Though unfortunate, it is perhaps a blessing that the bunyip did not accept your invitation for partnership. I can't even imagine where we'd put him when we got home…"

"Huh. Yeah, I don't think my parents might like a hippo-tooth tiger in my bedroom." He laughed at his own joke. And his laugh went for a bit longer. Then longer than that. It started to concern his Peerage as the laugh didn't quite seem ready to settle anytime soon.

Sona and Zatouji stared with slightly concerned eyes at the boy.

"…Perhaps we should move on to the next of your choice, Lord Zatouji?"

"Uh, yes, true. I think that might be due…"

"And maybe something a bit…smaller? Less hives-inducing?"

"…I think I may have a few ideas."

"I present to you, the Sphinx! Beautiful as she is cunning! Intelligent as she is stunning! Or are those both the same? Who would know better than the biggest player of the fairest game! What game, you might ask? Riddles! Just answer her three, and take her to task! The lovely Ms. Netel will be more than happy to see to your worth…"

The great sphinx. Body of a lion, strength of a tiger, intelligence and face of a human. They enjoyed their riddles and intelligent games. This one, a Ms. Netel, was a particularly fine shade of gold fur and silvery hair. Her face reminded Saji of an elementary teacher he once had, who happened to be his first crush. Funny how some things work. They also happened to be particularly magical, so taking on the size of a normal housecat was well within her ability, if needed.

"A truly cunning creature," Sona voiced her thoughts appreciatively.

"She looks very friendly," Asia smiled happily towards Saji and his possible partner.

"She's perfect, Saji! Go get her!" Similar calls came from the Sitri Peerage.

The sphinx in question looked a bit to be beaming at the praises she received, smiling a toothy grin. "Yesssss, I like these children. And we have a most interesting proposition on this most auspicious of nights," Ms. Netel spoke with an accent and a purring voice. "Now for you, Mr. Devil Boy. Answer any of my three riddles, and we will see to what great beyond we may find." The sphinx laid down on her paws, tail swaying left and right beside her as she stared into the eyes of the boy she decided to test.

"Riddle one: I'm tall when I'm young, and I'm short when I'm old. What am I?"

"A penis!"

The forest around the group seemed to go quiet for a moment.

"…N-no. That wasn't it. Umm…let's try another one." Ms. Netel cleared her throat. "Riddle two: what question can you never answer yes to?"

"Does this dress make my butt look big?!"

Another long, awkward pause.

"That…that's incorrect…" Ms. Netel lifted her paw to her face, rubbing her eyes tiredly. "Okay, this is fine. Works in progress are a norm. This isn't the end…I can do this. Ahem! Riddle three: what is full of holes but still holds water?"

"A pregnant woman whose water hasn't broke!"

"No!" Her paw slapped the dirt. "No! Of course, that wasn't the answer! Absolutely not! Why would you even think- are you an idiot? I thought you Devils were supposed to be smart! Clearly, you are not! You, you are a pervert! Mr. Pervert Devil! I have known horny satyrs with more wit and charm than you! Disgusting! Disgraceful! Waste of my night! Mr. Rhyming Man, I cannot deal with a witless fool such as him! I simply cannot! In my many great grandfather's time, we would have gladly eaten idiots such as him and done the world a service! Bah, I should start up that tradition again, I am thinking! Gragh! Good evening and forgive me – my pride will not allow for me to sit in this fool's presence any longer."

With that, Ms. Netel walked quietly back into the woods, though not without a flushed pair of cheeks and a last huff or two.

She wasn't the only one thrown by Saji's answers.

"Saji."

"Yes, Sona-san?"

"What in the hell was that?"

"Me. Panicking. Saying the first words that popped in my head. They sounded like good answers at the time."

"Yes, I could see that. Painfully so." She moved her glasses to the side and rubbed her eyes tiredly. "We will have a talk about this later, Saji. A long, unforgettable talk about your word choice amongst your peers and others."

"I am so sorry."

"Yes, I can most certainly promise you will be."

"Oooh…"

"That was truly an epic blunder the likes of which I have rarely seen. Maybe the next one should be a creature who is a little less keen…"

"The treant! Fiddlesticks, I named him! Quiet, hardy, and only occasionally needs its leaves to have a trim. Wise and old, funny and bold! He is not only a tree; he is a friend that will gladly join you for a talk and a spot of tea!"

The treant, Fiddlesticks, looked no different than a large oak on top of a hill not a minute ago. Thick centered, healthy barked and rooted deep, it hadn't looked particularly outside of the norm until Zatouji decided to give it a hug. The tree then hugged him back, with its bark twisting into that of a rough, bearded face. Its roots took themselves out from the ground, forming legs, and the sides of the wood drew out and sprouted fingers and arms.

Fiddlesticks smiled like a great grandfather to all the Devils, offering a small waive. "Hello, young fellows," he said with a booming voice. "How might I help you this," he yawned equally as deep as his voice, "fiiiine night, hmm?"

Saji stepped forward, somewhat more confidently than before. His nervousness seemed to have waned a bit after dealing with the last predatory animals. A talking tree seemed positively tame now.

"Hello, Mr. Tree!" He shouted, unsure of its ability to hear his words or if its age had waned its capacity somewhat. Then wondered if calling a treant a tree was an insult in some way. He seemed to be insulting every creature in this forest, one way or another.

Fiddlesticks, however, only laughed. "A tree? Hohohoo! Dear boy, you insult me!" Despite his words, the treant still chuckled. "Ahh, to be young again. Hm-hmm. Well, hello, Mr. Little Devil. How can I help you tonight?"

"I, uh…I guess I need a Familiar." Talking to trees was a new experience. Or at least when they decided they wanted to talk back. "Are you, uh, up for it?" He scratched his cheek. "Or, or do you know someone who would be?"

Fiddlesticks looked to mimic Saji, scratching his bark beard in thought and look towards the violet skies. "Familiars…Familiars? Hmm, Familiars…well, I am afraid I am far too old for such adventures now. Terribly so. And I have such a fine hilltop to look over, too. But I, I do know of some fine sproutlings ready to get their first leaves. Oh, but I don't think that their mothers would approve. They still have another…hmm, sixty summers to go, I think, before they reach maturity…"

"Uh, yeah, that might be a little long to wait."

"Oh? Hm-hmm, young ones are always in a rush. Even the everlong lived." Fiddlesticks' tree branch fingers went again to scratch his beard, humming quietly in thought and looking around his hill. "Hmmm, well, I do know of one other, I think. A dryad. She, hmm, she may take a liking to you…perhaps…"

That got Saji's attention. "Dryad?" Sexy tree woman who could control the woods around her? "Yes, please!"

Fiddlesticks nodded. "Very well. Celta? Celta, are you awake?"

The area was quiet for a second, before the ground underneath them started shift. Under the toes of the treant, a single large rose flower blossomed outwards. It bloomed, despite being nighttime, and a figure yawned tiredly out from her makeshift flowerbed.

This was the dryad, Celta. Green skinned, covered in leaves from toe to neck, with light pieces of bark layered around her.

And she looked to be only three years old.

"Oh, she's adorable!" Asia whispered from behind, smiling quite brightly at the new arrival.

The little Dryad stretched her arms, yawning lightly and looking up to the large treant. "Grampa?" Celta lisped, rubbing her eyes. "Grampa, why awake now? So sleepy…"

Fiddlesticks scooped the young dryad in his arms, rocking her gently. He hummed a funny toon that seemed too booming to be relaxing, but the girl wrapped herself in his fingers regardless, comforted by whatever warmth the root arms provided.

"Will she do for you, Mr. Little Devil?" The old treant asked, smiling down to them?

"Uh, well…" Saji was at a loss for words. "She's a little young, don't you think?"

"Yes, she is," Fiddlesticks seemed delighted by this fact. "But she has a fine bit of bark already. And her leaves are most luscious and healthy. Her mother would have been so proud…"

Oh, now an orphan dryad girl. "I think I might be looking for something closer to my age…" Or just not a loli.

"Hmm? Really? But what is age to a Devil? Give her five years and she will grow like a weed, I am sure! Feed her fresh air, clean water and plenty of sun! I know you could both be the best of friends!"

Saji didn't know how to counter that. He turned his head back to his King, pleading silently.

Sona didn't even argue with his quiet request. Taking care of a child was a responsibility she most certainly did not want her Pawn to have thrust upon him.

"Great Fiddlesticks," Sona stepped up beside her Pawn. "My name is Sona Sitri. I speak for my Pawn. And I am afraid to say, while your offer is generous, and she is truly a fine dryad," this seemed to bring a smile to the treant, "I must admit my Pawn is still quite young himself. And for one still developing like her, I cannot promise she would always receive the care she needs. So, while your offer is most lovely, I cannot in good faith take such a precious gift from you today." Sona did not bow to the tree, but her posture and face expressed a quiet respect and appreciation to his kind offering.

"Sona-san…"

Also, it seemed to garner further admiration from her Pawn.

Two birds, one stone.

Her words and posture seemed to meet the giant treant nicely. "Hmm, you may have a point, Ms. Sitri Devil Child…" He lowered his hand carrying the dryad back to the earth, sliding her down to her flowerbed. The flower closed around its owner and slid back into the earth, sliding away towards parts unknown yet again. "Unfortunate, but wise words are worth more than the hope she will find a good home one day." He took a long, deep breath before shaking his head. "But I am afraid that is all choices I can think of. I am sorry. I cannot think of another who might be willing to follow you, this day." He actually seemed sorrowful.

"Your kind words and generosity were more than enough. Thank you, mighty Fiddlesticks." Sona waited a second, then slapped a hand to Saji's stomach.

"Oh, oh! Yes, thank you! Really!"

"Hm-hmm, and thank you for the company, little Devils. I so rarely have conversations like these in my old age. Hmmm, but I do hope you find the companion you are searching for. One which will last you…through the very end…of days…"

The treant yawned deeply then. His time awake was over. His feet dug into the dirt and grass. His arms merged back into his trunk. The bark that made his face twisted into something unrecognizable, and the only sign that he was ever more than a single, lonesome tree atop a hill by the end was the final, drawn out breath that signaled the treants return to a deep sleep.

After that, it was quiet on the hill. Just the Devils and the human.

"Well, that was a flop. Oh well! Onto the next stop!"

"We're gonna be here all night, aren't we?"

"I'm starting to get that feeling, yeah."

"Crap. Boys are useless."

"I feel I should argue with you there."

"Can't argue against facts."

"Midget."

"Blond."

Naruto and Koneko found little else to do in the woods as they trekked behind Zatouji now. The Familiar Master had taken to leading the group now from a small distance ahead, muttering incoherently on any number of things none of the teenagers were particularly interested in deciphering. Most of the others had strayed behind, keeping up only modestly, while Naruto and the still wardening Koneko had taken up the front of the teens.

But marching through the woods, even on a different planet, was only so interesting for so long. Griping on the other seemed an okay pastime, at least.

After the treant, a few other cryptid creatures were offered up to Saji in the hopes of making a connection with. An imp, who was something of a jester, had taken to pilfering the boy's pants pockets for any sort of knickknacks or value to decipher on Saji's person. Lint and a student's license were less than impressive to the winged creature. After that came the owl-eyed zygolo. Kind of a strange tentacle-fingered, blue-furred ape. Its eyes were round and wide and could see in every direction. It was very fidgety and Saji did not feel comfortable with its eyes on him for very long. Especially after its fingers got a little too eager to trace over Saji's person and places where fingers shouldn't caress so eagerly. And then came the centaur, the shortest of all previous meetings. The centaur only looked down at the boy, laughed himself silly, then pranced back into the woods without further comment.

Even Zatouji commented on the rudeness of the last one.

Now the Familiar Master looked to be a man on a mission, trying to find something for Saji, whose experiences in the woods seemed to have dwindled his spirits harshly. His Peerage did their best to try and relax him down, but experiencing humiliation after life-endangering situations after being caressed by tentacle-fingers – there's really only so much one teenager could take.

"He's a lost cause," Koneko eventually declared after walking another twenty minutes through the densely forested area. "Cut him loose. Focus on Asia. She's competent."

"Hey, be nice," Naruto whispered. "He's just got a bit of bad luck. It happens." And was funny to watch.

"He's dead weight."

"He's trying."

"Dead is dead."

Since when was something being dead a problem for a Devil? "Give him another hour. We're getting closer. I can feel it."

Koneko raised her slender brow to her human prisoner. "Why do you care about him?"

Care? Not really that but… "I like his persistence," Naruto admitted. "I guess it's kind of encouraging. And it kinda reminds me a little of someone I know." His eyes twinkled with an age that didn't seem to fit his youthfulness, smiling down to the still clinging Koneko at his side.

The ashen-haired girl only huffed her response. "So, you're saying I'm like dead weight? You suck so hard."

"Ah, is wittle Koneko-chan embawessed?" She was so easy to tease.

"Eat me. You're starting to sound like Akeno." She pushed her tiny fist still clinging to his jacket into his side.

"Oh, now that's just mean," he got a good chuckle as Koneko puffed her cheeks, drilling her tiny fist further into him. As the tiny fist continued to try and push into his ribs, Naruto's eyes drifted towards their guide some ways up their makeshift path. Zatouji never really panicked, but the expression on his face might have been that of uncertainty or confusion. It hasn't taken anyone else in Rias' Peerage to get their Familiars before. An hour or two at most. Minimal problems. It was not the most common of situations for the man to have trouble bonding a Devil to a new Familiar, but Saji was proving somewhat of an unprecedented challenge.

Three hours in, nearing four, and no luck to be found.

And they still had to deal with Asia.

"Can't we just buy him something and call it a day?" Koneko asked after another minute of hiking.

"Is that allowed?" Naruto wondered. "I thought this whole thing was some kinda 'rite of passage' test or whatever." It was honestly hard to keep track of every piece of decorum in Devil society. There were procedures for just about everything, even on how things must be handled at a specific age or how one must act to a different station of class. All very fancy and with enough useless bits of info to fill a library alone on its do's and don'ts.

"Probably is," the girl admitted. "But I won't tell if you won't."

"Pass." Naruto lifted a hand to flick her forehead. "No buying the help. Not even sure you can technically 'buy' anything out here."

"Nothing cheap, at least." Koneko muttered, rubbing the red spot now forming on her brow.

Nothing cheap was probably right. There was always a cost to everything, even more so in this dangerous place. Naruto knew this very well. Dealing with monsters the size of buildings? Better have the strength, training, and tenacity to double down with them, even if that fortitude would take years to obtain. Handling a secretive, hostile predator? Either know how to counter it or run like your life depended on it. Managing the cleverly small that worked off wit and charm? Like the goblins from the week before, he had to be especially clever or witty to know how to achieve, or perhaps purchase, their goodwill-

Wait, hold on.

Purchase? Purchase…

Naruto stopped in his tracks on the makeshift path through the woods, pulling Koneko along with him. His hand reached up through his jacket, patting into the pocket within. A slight chime of metal echoed in response to his touches. Not loud, nor many chimes, but enough, he thought.

"Hey, old man!"

"Confound it! I told you to stop calling me that, you little shit!" Zatouji shouted back to the boy who interrupted his thoughts.

"Yeah, whatever. I got a question for you." He made his way up the path to the elder Devil.

"Hmm? Yes, what is this question? I'll provide an answer, if it is in my possession." Even stressed, his rhyming never relented. There was probably some form of respect that should have been given to that level of dedication.

"Are there any brownies nearby?"

Zatouji stared at the boy. "Does this look like a store?"

"No, no! Brownies! Or brownie!"

Koneko raised a single silver eyebrow. "Hungry? I have mints."

"No, that's not what I- not a brownie! I mean, yes, a brownie! But I don't mean chocolate!" Why was this so difficult? "Are there any brownies around here?"

"Did someone say brownies?"

From behind, the two Peerages caught up. Faces looked somewhat eager, as trekking through the humid space seemed to be more tiring then either party was willing to admit. And the promise of sweets, or even just the mention of one, made quick smiles and eager eyes move about.

"I could use a brownie!"

"I'll take one!"

"I'm more into fudge. Anyone have any fudge?"

"I'd settle for a glass of milk myself, please."

"Cookies!"

Teenagers being hungry, who would have thought?

Naruto's ignored the younger Devils, focusing his eyes on Zatouji who still looked at him curiously. The Familiar Master looked to the earth, then to the sky, and then eastward in the forest.

Then finally, his eyes lit with understanding.

"Oh!" He slapped his hands together. "Yes! The brownies!"

A brownie.

Not the sweet, brown colored treats provided by parents at bakery sales or convenience stores for a quick delectable to anyone willing to purchase it. The original brownie is a sprite of some manner. Once it was a favorable household creature, known historically for often being no larger than the size of a grown man's hand though largely human in appearance regardless. At night, a brownie would tend to the farms of Europe, clean households and make goodwill to the human populace it lived beside. Always in the shadows, of course, as they were most often a recluse bunch of creatures. But as a way of showing kindness, humans who were aware of their kindness would offer gifts of food or cloths in compensation for the work they did.

It was a largely beneficial relationship, until the Angels began to reinforce their doctrines of the Human World being for the humans only.

Now, very few remained in their original world. Most had taken to the woods of other places, though some took to large cities where they could find them. Oberon of the fairies had taken many to shelter, and even the pantheons had sought some to help take care of their heavenly abodes for themselves. And some, like the ones on Zatouji's world, had taken to creating moderately developed villages of their own. Most often they used whatever they could find, with shoe and cardboard boxes being their primary abodes (toy dollhouses and mansions were all the rage for the little folk, though). But these villages needed to be quiet and secure in their placing, as predators and ill-seeking giants were always a worry for the smaller people of the worlds.

The brownies of the world were no different. Ever cautious and watchful.

So, when the party of a dozen or so Devils, and one human, came across a plethora of tiny box homes, made from what seemed to be the bark of nearby trees, everything was quiet and dark all around. It looked almost deserted.

"Don't step onto their bounds," Zatouji warned them as they went eastward. "And try to not make any large sounds."

It wasn't just the houses they had to worry about. Those were easy to avoid. The tiny crops and farmlands laid about were trickier to sidestep. What looked like a weed, on closer inspection, was instead a very tiny blueberry bush. And there was corn, wheat, cabbage of some sort, and so on. An entire community, so small it could have easily gone unnoticed if Zatouji hadn't pointed it out.

"Saji, come," Zatouji called to him in a hushed voice, knelt behind a tree. "Come, quickly, come!" Saji complied, moving beside him swiftly. "Be friendly, be kind. Watch your words and don't speak your mind." Zatouji took another look over to the still and quiet village. "We need an offering."

"A what?" Saji questioned.

"An offering. It is best to provide them with something and not be too quick to resort to any kind of groveling. These brownies are smart and have their pride. To get one of their own, it would do you no good to have them view yourself penniless and decide to cast your hide aside." The elder Devil turned his eyes back to Saji. He looked the boy up and down. "Have you anything of worth besides your clothes?" He wondered honestly.

"Uh," Saji's hands went to his coat jacket, pulling out a small wallet. "…Would three-hundred yen do it?" The frown on the older man's face was answer enough. "Look, I don't exactly come from money, okay?"

"Would anyone," Zatouji turned to the other teens around him, "be willing to part with some token or another?"

To the credit of his friends, some of the Sitri Peerage did search their persons. A few other coins, a paper and pen, a nice handkerchief that had been used more than once since coming onto Zatouji's world. None thought to bring out additional items beyond a snack or some manner of personal belonging. They expected to go searching for a Familiar, not shopping fat the nearest mall. Sona, in particular, looked a little flustered in her lack of preparation.

But then, that was when Naruto stepped forward, hand raised and smiling.

"I have something," he said, reaching into his coat pocket. "Might be enough to help you out." He drew his hand out and offered it. Saji was hesitant for only a second before offering his own hand. The small sound of coins rustling into an open palm was louder than expected in the quiet glade, but the glisten of gold by the moonlight was far more unexpected than anything.

It caught the eye of everyone, even those of richer standings.

"For yesterday," Naruto said, in response to the surprise and questioning look of Saji. "For your ass."

Never in any life did he imagine he would need to pay for something he'd done to a young man's rear-end. He was breaking new ground all over the place.

Saji, lovable and somewhat still shell-shocked teenager that he was over the last few days' events, only nodded his head as his fingers curled around the small coins carefully. He moved his hand stiffy to show his new funds to the elder Devil and offered them in question.

"It'll do," was all the answer Zatouji would give. He flicked his wrist in a 'follow me' manner and maneuvered over the brownie abode's outer space. Saji following only ever so quietly behind.

Naruto only watched from the sides, arms crossed and looking quite pleased with himself.

"That was kind of you." Koneko spoke up from the side.

"Was it?" He asked honestly. "Wasn't a big deal. Just doing the right thing to help out."

"Hmm. I guess." The young girl was quiet for a moment. "You know that was gold, right?"

"Yeah, but I figured the brownies would like shiny things. I think I read that somewhere once. Think it'll work?"

Koneko only stared at him. "Gold-gold?"

"Yeah. Gold-gold. The real stuff. What about it?"

The girls continued to look at him for a long, dragged out moment. Then lowered her head. "High society. They all stink."

The ninja didn't even have a moment to wonder on the words before a light cough came from the side.

"Naruto," the Sitri heiress now stood to his side. And behind her, the entirety of her Peerage. Each looking remarkably pleased in his direction. Definitely a contrast to their earlier attitudes to him of the previous day. Sona, in her own controlled way, looked positively beaming. "Is it too bold to wonder if I should expect this sort of chivalry from you more often? Hm-hmm, I dare say you are starting to make me feel like quite the undignified King. Needing to have your support whenever I or my Pawn find ourselves in these unexpected ventures might become terribly vexing before long. A girl might start to wonder if you intend to make me feel irresponsible."

Her tone was in jest, easy enough to see from her smile alone. "Uh, yeah. Sure. Uhm…sorry?"

Sona's smile might have twitched ever-so-slightly wider. "Hm-hmm, of course. In truth, I would like to offer my deepest gratitude for your assistance, along with my associates here. As usual, your support has been invaluable to the Sitri household and I have come to appreciate it immensely." She offered him a respectful nod of her head. "You have my thanks, Naruto."

"Oh. Ah, don't mention it. It really wasn't much."

"And of course," the Sitri continued, "you needn't worry about due recompense. I will have the necessary funds provided back to you by tomorrow. You have my word."

Recompense? "Ah, that's okay." Naruto casually waved his hand. "I'm good. You really don't have to."

"Nonsense. What do you take me for? Managing this nightly venture alone is worth honest praise enough. Now you'd have me stop at repaying you? What would that say about us?"

"Pretty sure it says we're good friends…"

"Friends, undoubtedly. But your generosity goes leaps beyond the standard norms. It requires compensation. I intend to provide it swiftly."

"It really was just a couple coins."

"You are aware that was gold you provided, yes?"

"Yeah. And?"

Sona sent a look to Koneko still attached at his side. The girls seemed to share a look of understanding.

"How is it you deal with him on a regular occurrence?"

"With effort. Lots of it."

"H-hey…"

"This is all besides the point. Naruto, I will be compensating you for your services. I won't take no for an answer." She raised a dark eyebrow, as if asking if he would challenge her on this.

Naruto tried to hold back a groan. Were women always this persistent in his lives? "Can't we just shake hands, agree to forget everything about owing one another, and leave it at that?"

Sona just looked at him. Stared into his eyes for a long, hard moment.

"Obviously no."

"Goddammit. Come on, please? I'll owe you one if you say yes!"

"You'd owe me a favor for letting you off from my compensating you for two previous favors? Hmph, how generous."

"I know, right?"

"That was sarcasm, you- gah, you're giving me a migraine!"

There were a few snickers from behind the Sitri girl.

Her head turned widely. "Does someone find something amusing?"

"No, ma'am!"

"Nothing funny here, Sona."

"I-I was just watching Saji-san! I didn't hear a thing…"

"I laughed. I admit it."

There might have been the slightest of twitches from Sona's left eye, but she hid it well behind a deep breath and a rubbing of the bridge of her nose. She turned back to Naruto, who seemed similarly to be holding in his own, growing amusement behind the weariness of trying to tell a friend to 'forget about it,' and took to a more diplomatic approach.

"Naruto," Sona spoke slowly. "Since you seem steadfast in your…reluctance to being financially compensated, perhaps If I were to…allow a reprieve of monetary reimbursement in exchange for a…a favor of equal value- which!" She stressed the word quickly. "Which you will be sure to take full advantage of in the near future…would that suffice for today?" She asked with careful wording, eyes burrowing into his from behind round glasses. Challenging him to disagree.

"Seriously? Do we have to-geeh!" A tiny fist pushed into his side.

"This conversation is dragging." Koneko drawled. "Just say yes." She twisted her tiny hand deeper.

"Agh-ahh-AHH, okay! Okay! Yes! That's fine! We can do that!" Another blank check with a name on it he never intended to collect on. Whoopie.

Sona, at least, seemed placated. "I'm glad you were so easy to persuade," she held out her hand. "Now, as you suggested previously, shall we seal our business with a handshake?"

Naruto almost groaned at the over-formality. "Yeah, sure." He said, deciding that maybe it was better to never perform favors for anyone when they were aware he was going to do them a solid from now on. The Devils in his life were just so stingy on paying back kindnesses.

His hand came to clasp Sona's own firmly, allowing the girl to take the lead in the shake. Comparatively, his fingers were quite rough and bit larger than her own, smoother digits. Naruto couldn't have cared less, but Sona seemed mildly intrigued by the fingers which held hers. Even after the small shake, her hand held his. Naruto tried simply to let his hand fall, but found the grip on his fingers tighten somewhat.

"Hmm," Sona sounded, staring at their hands. "Hmm…I never noticed before but…you have a few calluses, Naruto."

"Huh? Oh, do I?"

"Hmm." Her other hand came up and held to his wrist. "Yes, you do." Her fingers casually slid up his hand and wrist. "Yes, quite a few…" Her hand, smooth and lightly guiding over his hand, drifted up to his wrist. Continuing its ever so delicate touches.

Up. Down. Up. Down.

Then they went a little further past the wrist.

"Uh, Sona-chan?"

"Shush. We're shaking hands."

Up. Down. Up. Down.

"…Oh…you have a scar here. I never noticed…"

She traced that too. Ever so carefully.

This went on for another twenty seconds.

"Okay, now! That's enough!" A voice spoke from the side, causing both teens to turn to see Rias standing very closely. The Red King reached out with her hands and began to pry the two sets of fingers away from the other. "Yeah, I'd say the deal is set and done. More than done. Overly done. Thank you, Naruto-kun, for being so thoughtful. And Sona," her smile widened a bit more than natural, "you are being ever so generous with my nephew. Seriously, you're being too kind. And I hope you don't mind me saying, but you're starting to look a little parched. Maybe you'd like to go get yourself a drink?"

Naruto wasn't sure if it was Rias's prying or if Sona finally decided to let the blood start circulating back into his fingers, but the two hands finally let go of the other. The boy barely had a second to even look away from his aunt before Sona turned from his sight and began to walk through her Peerage towards the back of their joined groups. Not a nod, not another word, just a quick retreat through her people without so much as a look backwards. An odd move and not one he could decide on what just occurred just then. The only idea of whatever just happened came from the quietly amused looks from those around him, but even that proved next to useless on telling what was going on.

Maybe his friends were just weird.

"And as for you, Naruto," the back of Naruto's collar was caught as he tried to make his own way from the front of the party. Her blue eyes bore into his with a slightly irritable edge. "Might I ask where you came about that gold of yours, hmm?"

That was Rias speak for 'it's interrogation time, dear nephew'.

This wouldn't be the first time something outside the Rias' norm occurred and she needed placating of some sorts. Usually in the form of invasive questions, all justified by her way of 'being an attentive and thoughtful aunt.' She channeled her mother and dove into the personal dealings of those she was close to. Bluntly, too. And since her nephew had a tendency to disrupt the common model of her day-to-day life on a semi-regular basis, it sometimes became less of a question of when Rias would decide to let Naruto's peculiar actions go, and more of a wonder of just how deeply she would inquire into his actions.

For Naruto's part, he had his own method of avoiding her questions.

"From my pocket," he answered simply.

"Yeah, I saw that. I meant where, exactly, did the gold come from?"

"A gold mine, I think."

"Pretty sure he's right on that one."

"Koneko, please. And Naruto, drop the act. You know what I mean. How did you get that gold? W-why do you even have gold on you?"

Because a couple months ago, a dwarf, who knew a siren, who knew a deeply philosophical troll, who knew a Fallen Angel, who happened to be the leader of the Fallen Angels, gave him a call about a wyvern getting stuck in his forge and needed assistance getting it out. The dwarf kept the wyvern by the end and just happened to pay him in gold.

"I get an allowance," Naruto told them.

"An allowance?" Rias repeated, eyebrow raised.

"Yep."

"In gold?"

"Occasionally."

"From my brother?"

"Yeah, he- dad's weird like that."

"Hmph. At least we can agree to that." It was hard to tell if that satisfied her question or not, but she let it go in exchange for another curiosity. "Brownies, huh. That was pretty smart. Not a very common people to think about. What brought them to mind?"

Because a goblin king talked about how a tall brownie and a small goblin opened a family store in northern Russia about a week before.

"Just came to me, I guess," he told her instead.

"That's it?"

"Hmm. Maybe mom mentioned them once."

"Maybe?"

"Maybe."

"Why would Grayfia-san mention them?"

"Eh. Can't remember." He offered a shrug and left it at that.

Rias was less accepting of this trail of answers, her eyes trying to bore in, attempting to create a break in the boy's poker face. A twitch or flex of muscle, proof unquestionably to his lie. But his expression was flawless, appearing almost practiced in its legitimacy.

They both knew their little game was over, but give it to Rias, she tried one last question to pull over him. Though, by her tone, her last question was more curiosity than interrogation. "Actually, why were you carrying around gold in the first place?"

Because…actually, he could answer that one honestly.

"I…actually forgot I was carrying it in the first place."

There was a pause, then. Contrast to how she normally looked, Rias appeared somewhat taken back by that answer. Slowly, a smile approached her lips. "You forgot?"

"Yeah…"

"Really?"

"Mmhmm…"

"You forgot you were carrying gold."

"That's what I'm sayin'…"

She smiled fully then, allowing some merriment to grace her lips before stepping forward closer to the boy. Her body pressed close, generating a light heat between them. Her grin twisted into a smirk as she lifted up onto her toes ever slightly, moving her soft lips to his ear.

"I think," Rias breathed softly so only he could hear, "that was the first honest answer you've given me all night."

For his part, Naruto looked still slightly irritable for his lame answer and otherwise surprised by the closeness, stiffening next to her. Rias's breath came out in a light laugh, sensing the sudden shift in him and tickling him with her breath. Oh, how the tables could turn.

"…I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Hm-hmm. Of course," she whispered still in that sweet, confident voice. Though, again, with one last small laugh, Rias stepped slowly, carefully away. That curve of her lips remained as her eyes met his again.

She figured she'd won whatever little game she'd devised in her mind. And, damn her, she probably did. Worst of all, Naruto wasn't sure if he should be annoyed or amused.

And then, a call came out.

"It worked, guys! It worked!"

Several heads straightened at attention to the new noise, with eyes turning back towards the brownie village.

First thing to see was Saji's smile – wide and jovial, which contrasted sharply with the boy's previous degraded outlook. His step now even had a certain energy to it as he waded around small farmlands and buildings, looking near ready to prance up to his compatriots. Zatouji followed beside him, looking almost peaceful now. Success born from a mission well done, it seemed.

But the two were not alone.

Atop Saji's shoulder now relaxed a little figure. It was, of course, a sprite. A brownie lass, specifically, and a young one at that. Rosy-cheeked, pretty and light of skin, with long (or as long as hair could be for someone of such size) brown hair tied in a bow, dressed in a simple gown of different sorts of cloths stitched in. The brownie looked like a little farmer's doll, except that she moved, breathed, smiled and waved to the group as her personal carrier came forward.

"That was amazing!" Saji said with obvious glee and relief. "I, I don't think I've ever felt this unbelievable in my life! That was incredible! She, she's incredible!" His eyes turned to his shoulder, where the little brownie smiled brightly and offered two thumbs up to him.

"I have to hand it to the boy; the work he pulled was most splendid," Zatouji's hand went to grasp the younger Devil's shoulder that was bare of brownie. "Those verses he spoke procured the results he intended. He stood firm to the mayor, delved deep into his heart, and waxed poetry I nearly shed a tear towards. And oh boy, I must say with pride; I have dealt with barons, dukes, earls, heralds and lords. But this kid right here? He showed me something truly amazing just now," he released his hand from his shoulder, stepped away, and smiled to the youth. "Saji Genshirou, for your excellent resilience and brilliance of words, let me offer you a bow." And bow he did.

For Saji's part, the moment brought a few tears to his eyes. "Zatouji-san, I-I'll never forget this. This was awesome. You were awesome! Everything that just- I, I can't even! That was…" He squealed then, turning his head to the side. "Amelsa, we are going to be the best Devil pair ever!"

The tiny little sprite's smile widened just a bit, holding out her tiny hand for Saji to clap lightly against.

"Oh, she's just so cute!" Asia, ever pure, always had something positive to say.

The rest of the Devils around, however…

"Oh, he's done?"

"Shoot, I missed it."

"I actually forgot about Genshirou…"

"Shhh!"

Sona was the first to step forward, from the back of the two Peerages. Saji's looked expectantly to his King, like a child expecting praise from their parents. Sona was stone-faced for only a moment, before clearing her throat with her hand.

"I won't lie to you, Saji," the King began, "I didn't see anything…quite like what you did today…"

"Really?" Was Saji's excited reply. "You mean it?"

"Yes," Sona nodded stiffly. "Yes, I can honestly say I mean it." She cleared her throat. "You've proven your aptitude here. You should be proud of your efforts, as I am."

"Yeeeee! You have no idea how much that means to me!"

Sona moved a hand to fix her glasses, hiding a light bit of guilt which had struck her features. "I am glad to hear it," She turned her head behind, hiding her face from Saji as she gave a look to her Peerage. "As I am sure the rest of us would be happy to share our similar sentiments, hmm?" Even behind glasses, her eyes were demanding, not requesting, their compliance.

"Oh, oh! Yes! A-absolutely! You, you got an amazing partner there, Saji! Awesomely done!" One Rook clapped loud and quickly in applause.

"You were simply marvelous, Saji-san. I, I could not take my eyes off of you! Not for a second." A silver-haired Bishop responded after.

"Saji-kun, you're so cool!" Saji's fellow Pawn shouted, sounding the most honest of the others, not that he noticed in the slightest.

"Well played, Saji-san."

"I always knew Sona chose the best."

"Congratulations, Genshirou-san!"

"What a fucking Chad."

The praises and kind words did wonders for the boy. "You, you guys really are the best," more emotion, more tears at the corner of eyes. "I, I couldn't ask for-for better friends! Having you guys watch out for me through all of this…" Stress brought on a few wet beads from his eyes, quickly wiped away as the night's woes and terrors seemed to be washed away with the finality and successful of their objective. His gaze was so hazed over by his pleased waterworks that Saji remained unaware of the quietly guilty looks of his peers.

Amelsa the brownie, however, continued to smile in their direction. Nothing out of the norm – she actually seemed rather comfortable laying on the boy's jacketed shoulder and appreciated the new company around her – if not for that almost understanding gleam to her eyes that seemed to be growing into something downright mischievous. It was hard for Sona not to notice, as well, who responded with sharply staring into the little one's own. Words went spoken, only the silent promise of a quick end if the brownie so much as uttered a peep in Saji's direction.

The sprite only giggled, with a look that practically shouted, 'oh, I like a challenge.'

"Yes, yes, this is all very delightful and exciting," Zatouji shouted over the praising children, "but time is of the essence as the moonlight is still within our sighting." His arms went around the former nun's shoulders, surprising the girl into crying a small yelp. "Our dear Asia is still in need of a friend, before this night has met its end. Now, I think I am aware of a very fine breed of Pegasus near here. They move about quickly, flocking there or near, but if we move on quick footsteps, make up quick ground, we may catch them before they-"

It was in that moment, Zatouji failed to finish his rhyme. Because a bolt of lightning from a cloudless sky struck him in the back.

The teens around him only stared at his charred body twitching on the forest floor.

"…Oh, hey. A dragon."

A sprite dragon.

And, specifically in the case of the newly discovered one in the Familiar Forest, an infant, at that.

Small, blue and slender in build. It was typical of what a common dragon was expected, with tiny arms, legs, and a pair of wings that just barely seemed to hold itself upright in the air. Just your average, baby dragon. Outside, of course, its interest in blasting the downed Zatouji with small streams of lightning which came forth from its tiny jaws.

Lightning. Whatever happened to dragons breathing fire? When did they decide to diversify?

Whatever the reason, the new addition to the woods took to the group with evident interest. Specifically, a certain new Bishop, who it decided quite quickly to make itself comfortable from her shoulder.

"Aww, he's so cute!" Asia remarked excitedly, finding her new shoulder-company delightful.

Zatouji, after regaining some stability, claimed this situation to be quite the development. Dragons alone were a rarity, but a sprite dragon was rarer than rare. He wondered for a moment where it might have come from, since he couldn't recall there being any dragons of its sort for nearly a thousand miles west of the brownie village. They preferred the stormy hills next to the seas, not the quiet woods. Curiouser and curiouser, he pondered if the mother of this surprising beast would appear suddenly or not. But, by Zatouji's claim, of all the sorts of Familiars he could have introduced to Asia that night, the little dragon was not one he could possibly have expected to work.

"This development is downright confounding, if I may say so myself," he told the younger generation, scratching his chin and staring at the little reptile. "Never have I seen such a bond since I pledged under Lucifer himself. The purity of sprite dragons isn't easily matched. They don't take kindly to dark places or things most mismatched. I wonder then, how a Devil of all things, could bring this little one to be so attached…"

The dragon offered nothing in answer, only shifting to find a better angle for Asia to continue scratching under his chin.

"Hmm. Well, Asia was a nun before she became my Bishop," Rias spoke up, drawing herself close and offering her hand to the small creature. It did not attack as it had Zatouji, but it did press its nose deeper into Asia's hair, hiding himself from the King. "Could that have something to with it?" Whatever the reason, dragon and Bishop were practically tied at the hip already. It made the decision of partnership easier, if nothing else.

It didn't take long after to get the newly dubbed 'Rassei,' as Asia decided to name her new pet dragon, to tether a bond between the two.

A few words, a magic chant, a soul binding pact followed by a few smaller notions and done. Asia caught herself a sprite dragon.

Following that…well, the night actually took something of a calm turn. Zatouji led the group back to where they came from, whispered a private confirming that his favor owed was done and gone, then leapt back to when he came. Sona and her friends, now with a very content brownie, bid farewell in smart and appropriate fashion, promising to get together with Rias soon while also pointing to Naruto to not forgot on their favors owed, before setting off for a good rest herself.

Even the Gremory Peerage left in somewhat of a tired fashion. Niceties were offered to Asia's successful partnership before Rias and Akeno took a slightly drowsy Koneko away, with Kiba offering similar kindnesses before taking his own route back. Naruto, for his part, practically had to carry his own roommate back, as Asia clung to her new dragon tightly yet wobbled through the apartment's doorway. The day proved very taxing, it seemed. And the poor girl was not one for such hours.

"You so much as spark at me once," Naruto whispered, as he helped Asia into his former bedroom with a wearily watching Rassei glaring up to the older blond. "And we're having dragon soup tomorrow."

Asia yawned in response. "Not…not nice…Naruto-kun…"

"Yeah, I know," he told her, pulling bed covers out and helping the girl plop herself down. He worked on her boots as she swayed back and forth on the mattress. "Still, we're going to need to do some training for him soon."

"Mm-hmm…"

"You remember what Zatouji told us?" He pulled off the boots, moving to her socks.

"Mm-hmm…"

"Feed him five times a day. Meat preferably."

"He's…a growing boy."

"That's right, you remembered. But what else can he have?"

"…Kibble…kibble works too…"

"Yep. Not sure where we'll find dragon kibble, but I'll look around. Maybe Amazon has something. Arms loose," Asia yawned as Naruto moved the zipper down her jacket, shrugging it off casually. Ever watched by the new addition to the apartment. "Next: potty training. I don't want dragon leftovers in the living room. You clean up after 'im. Got it?"

"That sounds…ahh, got it."

"Good girl. Arms up now," she complied, Naruto wrestling her sleeveless sweater over. "I'll get him a water bowl somewhere. Be sure to take him on walks in the woods. Give him plenty of love and stuff," he tossed the cloth to the ground. Laundry tomorrow. "And I think we'll leave off the responsibility talk there for tonight. Think you can get the rest off?" He gestured to her remaining dress.

"Mmm…"

"Asia-chan, don't go sleeping in your clothes," he reprimanded, shaking her lightly. "You went hiking in those. On another world. You got sweaty and gross. They'll smell. Mostly of him." He pointed to Rassei, who glowered a little deeper at the unwelcome boy in his new abode.

"Smelly…need shower…" Ever sleepy, she started to unbutton the shirt under herself, heedless of company in the room.

"Whoa, no no no- tomorrow," he told her, putting his hand on hers and stopping her stripping. "Get yourself undressed after I leave, okay?" He smiled when, still drowsy, the girl nodded to his request. "Good girl. And you," he pointed to the rather murderous-looking dragon, "keep her safe. Get me?"

Rassei opened his mouth and allowed a low cackle of electricity be his answer.

"Yeah, bite me. Night."

"Mmm, goodnight…"

Naruto closed the door behind her, only just watching her fall to the cushions of her pillows with the most inglorious of falls. He smiled quietly as he made towards the couch, casually tossing off bits of his own clothing onto the floors until he was down to just pants and socks. Any new shirt he could have grabbed before was probably being guarded by the sexist new dragon to the room.

Maybe he could have snuck in, grabbed one and left. Probably. But why wake the girl up in the possibility of a lightning fight between lizard and man?

Risk wasn't worth it. So, shirtless.

He threw a new pillow and blanket on the best couch in the city (nice, sweet, cool leather) and dropped himself down for a well-deserved rest.

"You did good today," he told himself, smiling as he pulled the blanket over. "Got a boy a brownie, got out of Sona-chan repaying me, and got everyone home safe and sound," his hands went behind his head, pleased. "This was a very good day…"

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

Then, someone knocked on his door.

Four-in-the-morning, and someone was pounding on his door.

Honestly, it could have been anyone. Naruto had a reputation. Could have been someone wanting to kill him in the middle of the night; someone getting the wrong apartment door; those annoying kids from two floors down who found it funny to wake everyone up in the middle of the night. Well, it probably wasn't them. After the third time, he made sure they'd understand there wouldn't be a fourth. He promised no one would find their bodies if-

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK!

More knocking. Faster. Slight urgency. Meant that someone wasn't just going to leave. Impatient.

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCKKNOCKKNOCKKNOCKKNOC-!

"Ughh, alright! I'm comin', I'm comin'!"

Naruto groaned, shifting out of his bed-couch. He'd either welcome whoever was at his door with one hell of a wallop they'd never forget, or rip them a new one for being at his place at that hour and knocking like they did.

By the end, they'd probably prefer the punch.

"Who is it?" He called out as he neared the door, rubbing his eyes.

"It's me." A young voice spoke through the door. The boy's face twisted now with newly brought on confusion.

"Rias?" He'd recognize that voice anywhere. "What in the…?"

"Can you let me in? Please?" There was a slight pleading to her voice. Naruto glanced through the peephole of his front door. Sure enough, there was Rias. Alone, looking somewhat chilled in the night air. She'd foregone her jacket from the trip, nowhere to be seen from what he could tell. Now, she covered herself tightly with a long, beige coat which stretched down to her knees.

"Uh, yeah," he rubbed his eyes, ridding them of lingering weariness before moving his hands to the door's locks. "Sure, just come-"

The door barely opened before Rias pushed herself through.

"-on in…" She made her way to the living room without a word. He locked the door behind them, but not without a quick glance outward to check for possible threats. "You, uh…you okay?"

"Yes," she said quickly. Her voice cracked. "Yes, I'm fine." She nodded, still avoiding eye contact. "Just, you know…wanted to see you…"

"Uh-huh…" He wasn't convinced. "Okay then…"

"Is Asia-chan asleep?" Rias asked suddenly, glancing to the lone bedroom of the apartment. Naruto got a better look at her then, even from just the side of her face. Wide eyes, dilated pupils, an eagerness and worry he couldn't figure out.

"She is," Naruto answered carefully. "Is that alright? Do you want me to-?"

"No," she interrupted him. "No, that's fine. Let her sleep. In fact, it's preferable that she is." Rias went to the couch, pressing her hand into the material. "This will do…" The King murmured to herself.

All the while, Naruto watched quietly. This was not the normal Rias. "Are you sure everything's okay?" The lone boy in the room pressed further.

"Yes," the girl answered, nodding stiffly. "Yes, I believe everything will be."

"Will be?"

"Hmm. Will be."

She stepped away from the couch and towards his balcony. She stared out over the city, where most of the lights had dimmed from the late hours. Stars were barely seen, but there was a peace to the night. A calm she did not reciprocate.

"I've always liked your view," she told him while smiling out towards the city. "Its better than my apartment. You can see everything from here. The woods, the mountains, the sky…" Her hand touched the glass. "I always wondered why I did. I never remember much about this room, but the view? I get it now. It's freedom…"

Naruto wasn't sure where this was going. "Yeah, it's nice…" He waited for Rias to say something. Anything. But she only stared out the balcony's sliding door. "Rias, talk to me. What's going on?" He asked again, pushing the concern of his words further.

She was quiet still for a long moment. Her eyes just wandering the city. Through the reflection, though, his worry seemed to jog something in her.

"You told me once," she spoke, finally turning her head towards him. Her expression still the same as before. Cautious and worried. "Back when we were kids, you told me we'd be together for anything, remember? That if something happened to one of us, we'd help in any way we could to save them." Her lips twitched as her hand went to wipe at her eyes. "We said we'd be there to help the other through anything. Do you remember that?"

Naruto huffed a small laugh. "Yeah, I remember," he raised the end digit of his hand. "You made me pinky-swear on it. In front almost everyone. Akeno. Sona. Mom, grandma, the maids. Half the house was there," he shook his head. "Weirdest promise I can remember making. And mom wouldn't stop saying how it was a promise of the most sacred kind two best friends could ever make." She might have been a little tipsy, though. While the kids played, wine was passed around those too old for pillow fights.

An intoxicated Grayfia was…festive.

"Hmm. I remember that," Rias shook her head, amused in her reminisce. "Sona said it was the more important than any blood oath to be found. And Akeno swore she'd hold us to our oath to the end of our days. Or she'd tie us down to her bed and tickle us with a feather 'til we cried," she stifled any laughs she might have had, rubbing her eyes tiredly. "That was a good night."

"For you, maybe," Naruto huffed from his spot. "Still not sure why I had to come to a girl-only sleepover in the first place…"

"Oh, come on. You had fun."

"You dressed me up like a doll."

"But you looked so pretty in pigtails!"

"Ah, geez, I remember those…"

"And you really do have the face for eyeliner, you know that?"

"No, I don't. And I don't want to think about it anymore…"

"And you looked dashing in those heels!"

"I'm ignoring you now…"

"But that dress was just made for you! Oh, I wonder if mom still has the photos-"

"Lalala, not listening! Lalalah!"

"Phht."

There it was. A smile. A small laugh to go with it. That was the Rias he knew. Something was going on, but she didn't look nearly so closed-off anymore.

Now? She looked resolved.

After her little laugh, Rias was quiet again for a small moment. She took a deep breath. In and out, repeating a few times. Her posture loosened only somewhat, but she turned her ocean blue eyes up to the only boy. More of the Rias he knew was there now. Her expression was strong and set. A feigned strength of the moment, maybe, but she held to it tightly. There was tenacity in the moment and that's all that mattered. A point of no return.

"Naruto-kun…?" Rias voice was soft now. Near a whisper.

"Yeah?" The boy responded.

"I have something I need you to help me with," her hands went to her coat. Slowly, but with steady fingers, undoing the buttons. "Something we can only do together. Tonight. If that's alright…"

Naruto barely noticed the undressing, his focus on those silently resolved eyes of hers. "Definitely. What do you need?"

Rias was quiet for a moment, allowing the last of her buttons to come undone. Actions spoke louder than words, after all. Her hands carefully spread the inside of her coat to the sides, removing it from her shoulders as the fabric moved from her person down to carpeted floors. Now, Rias stood before the boy. A thin white nightie was all she wore beneath. The material was a fine silk, near transparent, and with the moon starting to draw closer to the horizon, offering something akin to beacon of light into the room. The luminescence shone through her dress; revealing an undeniable lacking of underwear of any sort.

As for the girl, the King's cheeks were lightly red. Her breath came out in a light sigh, heated and slow. Her eyes danced from her friend's lips to his unclothed chest then down lower still. Her expression? Wanting.

"Naruto-kun…" Rias said again. Her tone was low. Sultry. And eager.

"Yeah…?" Naruto repeated again. His voice croaked.

She stepped slowly towards him.

"I want you to make me a woman…"

So, yeah. I'm not going to excuse my absence. I just have been busy with other things. But, with the virus going around, it's a little easier to move on my computer and type at my leisure.

Plus, this chapter proved somewhat taxing for some reason or another. Probably the rhyming. God, I hate it.

We will be moving back to larger-scale plots now. Less side quest story pieces now. Expect their to be war, aggression, challenges and combats for a young maiden's heart! Let's see where our story will lead!