Chapter 8: Gremory vs. Sitri: Dodge Ball Royale! I won't lose!
The next day the Occult Research Club was all present inside the clubroom with an exception of Raynare who just happened to join along since Michael was also present. There were no objections with her being there due to Michael's constant pleadings to them that she wouldn't cause any harm as everyone accepted this and became neutral towards the girl's presence. But that aside the club was about to prepare something for their two new members. The meeting had to be postponed for a couple of minutes as Akeno had to feed the starving to death [Pawn] Michael herself. This led to Raynare and Asia staring angrily at Michael for being fed by their upperclassmen but some regret was posed as it was their own decisions to do such a thing.
"Ara, ara, you must have been very hungry, Michael-kun." Akeno smiled as she finished wiping Michael's mouth.
"Y-You wold not believe... *SNIFF!* Thank you, Akeno-senpai, I was made to suffer punishment for something I didn't know I did..." Michael sniffled.
"Aw, you poor thing." Akeno patted Michael's head affectionately.
"Mmmrph..." Michael was flustered at the treatment he received and looked down in embarrassment.
But this did not go ignored as the sad/furious stares of Raynare and Asia looking upon him and Akeno with regretful and jealous stares.
"Alright, it seems we're all here, present and accounted fo- wait where's Yuuto?" Rias crossed her arms and looked for the Blonde Knight.
*Knock!* *Knock!*
Everyone but an angered Michael turned back to the door to see it open to reveal a smiling Yuuto.
"I'm sorry, Buchou. I'm still here, but I'll just be outside for now." Kiba waved.
"Eh? For what reason?" Rias questioned.
"Because Michael-kun still seems to be a little mad at me still, so I'll just follow his wishes until he calms down." Kiba chuckled with a bitter smile.
"Quiet, you! Who said you can come back in!?" Michael growled.
"My apologies." Kiba back out the clubroom leaving everyone to look at the steaming teen.
"Pretty Boy, deserves it!" Michael sat down and crossed his arms.
After the tension calmed down, Rias resumed the club meeting with a cough...
"Now you two, since you were able to finish handing out your leaflets and have gotten used to your duties as devils with Michael gaining two contracts while Asia gaining a total of four." Rias sat behind her desk with her arms crossed.
"Familiar? What is that Buchou?" Asia asked.
"Well, familiars are existences that wait hand and foot on us devils. They are usually the ones who hand out the leaflets for us but the duty is also for newcomers like you and Michael." Rias smiled as a small red magic circle appeared by her to summon a...
*BON!*
A Red Bat revealed itself flapping by Rias' side.
"Whoa, cool!" Michael gasped in excitement.
"This is my familiar." Rias introduced, "This one has already encountered you before Michael."
"Really?" Michael questioned and crossed his arms, "I don't remember meeting it."
"Oh, you have. Its just that you haven't met her in this form." Suddenly the Red Bat poofs into the form of the same lady Michael met before his date with Raynare that one time.
"Wait, now I remember her and her name was!" Michael pointed at the Bat then kept that pose in thought.
"You don't really know who she is do you?" Raynare sighed.
"N-No..." Michael shook his head.
"...Moron." Koneko insulted.
'Quiet you, brat!' Michael slumped down and stared at Koneko with annoyance.
"Are you alright, Michael-sama?" Asia stood up and gave him a supporting hand to the shoulder with a worried expression.
"Yeah, I'm fine thanks for the concern." Michael chuckled.
"This one is mine you two." Akeno summoned her familiar next which was a palm sized Ko-oni.
"Wow, that thing is so cool!" Michael gasped.
"It's really cute for its size." Asia leaned in to view the small creature.
"Ara Ara, thank you." Akeno smiled happily.
Grasping her attention, Koneko tugged on Asia's skirt a little to show of her own.
"... ...This is Shiro." Koneko revealed herself holding a small white kitten closely to herself.
"Aw, its so cute~!" Asia and Raynare cooed over the cat.
"Yeah, I guess it is cute." Michael walked up to Koneko and picked up the cat, Koneko simply shrugged the rude grab for her familiar and simply watched closely.
"Oh dear." Rias's eyes widened.
"But wouldn't it be easier to buy a cat like this at a pet store?" The cat familiar soon hissed at him, "Whoa there little fella... T-Take it easy, okay?"
Then suddenly Shiro jumped from out of Michael's hands and landed onto his face with his claws out.
"Ouch! Ouch! It's digging into my skin! It's digging into my skin!" Michael wailed in pain as he jumped around in excruciating pain.
"Michael-sama, please calm down!" Raynare went to aid the boy.
"Michael-san if you become to reckless you may hurt Shiro and yourself in the process." Asia warned with teary eyes.
"It seems that we forgot to tell you, but Shiro is a familiar who doesn't warm up to others they may have just met." Rias gave an 'I'm sorry' smile.
"Ufufufu! I find it adorable how they're interacting." Akeno giggled.
"Please someone just get him off of me!" Michael cried.
Shiro then proceeded to use Fury Swipes!
"Ack! Why did he suddenly scratch harder!?" Michael cried in pain as the scratching resumed for about 5 minutes until Shiro just grew bored and hopped back to Koneko's arm and relaxed.
"... ...No reason, he just dislikes idiots is all." Koneko said coldly still with that stoic face.
'What's her deal with me!?' Michael growled.
"Michael-sama, are you alright?" Raynare grabbed Michael by both of his cheeks and examined his cut covered face.
"Yeah, I just have to leave them alone and they'll be fine." Michael said grabbing Raynare's hands and putting them down, "But thanks for worrying even though your mad about whatever I did."
"N-No worries Michael-sama its my new job to care for you now." Raynare looked down at Michael holding her hands and blushed.
'Our hands are touching!' Raynare smiled to herself.
As soon as the moment began to get good, Asia cut in between the two and had a green glow in her hands.
"Michael-san, you have scratches on your face let me tend to them." Asia used her sacred gear to heal the red colored marks.
"Asia-san how could you do that I was in the middle of doing that myself!" Raynare was flustered by the interference and grabbed Asia by the shoulder's in an attempt to move her, "Now move and let me handle it!"
"But my powers can heal him faster, Raynare-san so let me aid him." Asia pouted and looked at Raynare with teary eyes, it seems she was a little jealous of how Raynare was getting closer to Michael.
The two stared at each other challengingly while Michael watched them in the middle.
"Oi, you two why are you looking at each other like that?" Michael sweatdropped.
"I also have a familiar too, Michael-kun would you like to-?" Kiba opens the door to reveal a bird-type familiar atop of his shoulder.
"No! You go back outside!" Michael growled.
*Close*
Kiba exited the room without a say at all.
"Michael don't you think that was a tad extreme?" Rias sighed.
"No burning him alive would be taking it extreme." Michael said with a grim look which caught the attention of everyone who stared at him surprised.
Catching this Michael chuckles then rubs the back of his head.
"Heh, I guess I went a little overboard huh?" Michael sighed.
"Well yes you may have just a bit." Rias closed her eyes at the boy's sudden outburst with a difficult expression on her face as Akeno simply laughed a little.
"As I was saying before Familiars are basic for devils, who require information gathering and pestering, both you and Asia need one so you can get through and adapt to some situations which may befall upon you both." Rias approached the pair.
"Basic? I wonder if I could be able to get one?" Asia wondered out loud.
"Don't worry Asia you'll have me there to help you find one!" Michael grinned and pointed at himself with his thumb.
"Really you will?" Asia smiled brightly.
"Of course we're friends after all!" Michael chuckled and patted the girl's head then turns back to Rias and wondered, "But how do we get these guys, do we go on a hunt during the night or something because I can order some night vision goggles from my main seller in America online?"
Rias giggled at Michael's suggestion.
"No, my cute servant we won't be searching for familiars here, but in the forest of familiars instead." Rias smiled, "And that's where the fun will truly begin so let's go."
But soon a knock to the door interrupts the conversation.
"Kiba I swear to God-ow! If you enter I'll shove my foot up your-!" Michael was quieted by Rias' hand before the older girl puts on a mature smile and says,
"You may let them in Yuuto."
"Yes, Buchou." Kiba then opens the two doors and moves to the side as a strange sight behind him caused Michael to gasp.
"The Student Council?" Michael's eyes widened.
Walking inside the club room first was Souna Shitori the School's Student Body President.
"I hope I'm not interrupting something important?" Souna also gave off a mature atmosphere around herself being at a similar level as Rias and Akeno.
"Um...Michael-san who are these people?" Asia said staying behind Michael.
"Yeah." Raynare nodded.
"Huh, you mean you don't know?" Michael said in confusion until he felt a pinch to his arm to which he yelped and drew back as he saw Raynare with both her eyes closed in annoyance.
"Of course we don't we just entered this school just a few days ago." Raynare crossed her arms.
"Oh yeah I forgot." Michael looked up then back to the girls, "Okay so the one in the middle with the glasses and all is Souna Shitori a hardass Student Body President, who doesn't allow any damage done to the school to go unpaid for. And the one close to her left is Tsubaki Shinra, Vice President of the Student Council." Michael glanced at all the student council members in confusion, "Wonder why they're here?"
Both of the school's Onee-sans stepped up and began their conversation.
"Why hello there Sona what brings you?" Rias said.
"Nothing I just wanted to congratulate you on increasing the number of your servants is all." Souna fixed her glasses.
"Wait how does she know that?" Michael asked.
Akeno looked over to Michael and said, "Because she's Sona Sitri the next head of the House of Sitri a big Devil Family, she only uses Souna Shitori as her alias while acting as the school's student council president."
"Whoa, talk about undercover. James Bond be damned." Michael then looked to see the confused looks on everyone's faces, "Seriously am I the only one who knows that?"
'So if the student council president is a devil that must mean her entire student council are devils too. Meaning there's still one thing I must know...where's Saji?' Michael looked through the student council members who seemed either annoyed or uncomfortable with the boy's stare.
Then suddenly catching the sight of a tiptoeing Saji about to leave the clubroom made Michael grin.
"Hey, Saji my main man! Where are you going? Your a devil now, sweet me too!" Michael raised his hand and chuckled as Saji stopped dead in his tracks.
"Michael-sama are you acquainted with that boy?" Raynare asked.
"Of course, we're best friends." Michael nodded then turned back to see Saji still frozen in place and looking quite pale even from the back of his head.
"Hey, Saj! Saji! Bro! Homie! Amigo! Compadre! Saji! Hey, Saji can you hear m-! I don't think he can here me, Asia." Michael looked back to the blonde, as Saji shook in anger and turned back to scream.
"Are you serious the whole god damn school can hear you!" Saji growled and stomped over to Michael.
"Hey, see!? Now your not ignoring me, Saj!" Michael grinned and put both his fists to his hips.
"Oh my." Rias giggled.
"It seems that our servants have already been acquainted with each other." Sona smiled.
"So Saji when did you become a Devil? I just recently became one just a couple days ago." Michael chuckled.
"Well me too." Saji said while crossing his arms and groaning.
"Cool now we're twinsies!" Michael chuckled.
"Mike, I said we were to never use that word again after the incident." Saji sighed.
"You mean that time during our middle school days when we were getting dressed for the pool, but we wore the exact same trunks. Which made everyone believe we were queers for matching pink hearted trunks?" Michael said in monotone.
Hearing the some stifled laughs from his fellow student council members Saji goes red and shushes, "Yes!"
"Well good because I didn't want to say something else which may have been embarrassing." Michael grinned.
"You already did." Saji growled and clenched his fist.
"No, no that doesn't sound like me." Michael shook his head.
"It is you, you just did it! You always do this!" Saji grabbed Michael by the shoulders and shook him.
"Saji." Tsubaki said with a stern voice.
"Hai!" Saji released Michael and stood up straight struck with intimidation.
"Remember your manners, you are a servant of Sona-sama so please act more respectful." Tsubaki ordered.
"Y-Yes ma'am." Saji sighed in defeat as Michael laughed at the teen's misfortune.
"Hahahaha! You're so unlucky, man! I'm the Great Michael Hanamura, and I never get punished by a girl for doing anyth-!" Michael's cheek was then pulled by Raynare, "I mean, I am so sorry for laughing at your misfortune. Please excuse me for my rude actions."
"That's better." Raynare groaned as Asia tried to calm down the angered Fallen Angel.
"Raynare-san, please l-let me go..." Michael winced in pain.
"I wish we were contacted about him before arriving because I would definitely not be here that's for sure." Saji said to himself.
"Its only natural, Saji. We can't contact each other during times of normality and besides it isn't our duty to get involved with the business of other households." Sona explained in detail, "Excuse my servant the boy's still a newborn devil and is still starting to adjust to this new lifestyle."
"No, I should apologize for my new [Pawn], Michael Hanamura you see he's an over exaggerating hot head who can learn to control his manners." Rias sighed in disappointment.
"Hot Head!?" Michael screamed in offense.
Walking towards to Asia, Rias places a hand onto the girl's shoulder and smiles.
"While this polite one here is Asia Argento my new [Bishop]." Rias introduced.
"Um... nice to meet you I hope we can all get along." Asia bowed to the student council members timidly and gave them her best smile.
Seeing this Saji blushed at how cute the girl was.
"R-Right, Argento-san I sure will!" Saji smiled and continued to gaze at the girl but then all of a sudden he groaned in pain and winced.
"Saji-senpai should watch how he looks at others." Beside Saji was a short, petite girl with brown hair in twin ponytails and green eyes. Her hair features a pair of green clips as she wore the common Kuoh Academy's female uniform she seemed to be a first year like Koneko-san. She seemed to digging the heel of her foot onto Saji's own foot.
"Ruruko-san, why?" Saji cried and picked up his foot in pain.
"Hmph! Saji-senpai shouldn't be staring at other girls so carelessly." Ruruko looks off to the side while pouting.
"Eh?" Saji gave Ruruko a confused/teary stare.
'That scene looks almost familiar.' Michael thought as he stared at the pouting girl then felt his arm get pinched also, 'Ngh! Right now I know how this is so familiar.' Michael looks to see a pouting and teary eyed Asia pinching him probably a little jealous of how Michael was looking upon Ruruko for a long amount of time.
"Seems you have it rough too." Rias gave a bitter smile.
"Yes, you can say that." Sona closed her eyes and smiled also.
"Say Saji since you were made a pawn how many pieces did you take in?" Michael asked as he was spared the pinching pain from Asia.
"Huh? Well about 4 pieces I think that's great considering average pawn pieces are one." Saji then rubbed his chin in thought, "But some [Pawns] would average about 5 or 6 pieces so I think I could've been something better if I was able to take at least one more."
"Really then I must really be something because I took in about 8 pieces." Michael gloated with sly eyes.
"Wait really? No, how could you be able to even do that?" Saji showed a face of disbelief and shook his head.
"Hey you dare neglect to acknowledge the full potential of the Great Michael Hanamura!?" Michael growled.
"No, all I was saying is that amount must mean you have something which must be too powerful for you to use." Saji analyzed, "Since [Pawns] are foot soldiers the amount of pieces determine the amount of power you have so I guess you must have a sacred gear right?"
"Tch! No, I was able to get 8 pieces because I am not just some ordinary person, no its because I'm the great Hanamur-!" Michael points his thumb at himself.
"...Michael-senpai has the power of the Boosted Gear." Koneko said without hesitation.
"Why Koneko-chan, why!?" Michael cried.
"...Because the sound of you gloating hurts my ears." Koneko looked upon Michael with annoyed half lidded eyes.
"Incredible you have that sacred gear!?" Saji gasped.
It wasn't just him almost everyone in the student council aside from Sona and Tsubaki were a little aghast.
"Well putting this aside for now let's continue with the preparations for the Forest of Familiars." Rias crossed her arms.
"Oh you mean your servants were able to finish handing out their flyers too, I was just going to enter the forest also and get some familiars for my servants as well." Sona asked surprised.
"I see but this proves to be troubling since 'he' will only be available once a month." Rias said a little troubled then a thought came to mind.
"So how about we decide this with a fair game?" Rias smiled.
"A game?" Sona repeated.
"Yes, the winner gains the right to commission him." Rias explained.
"Are you implying we engage in a rating game?" Sona said a little seriously.
"Oh, no. Something like that will never be permitted for us who aren't the appropriate age yet." Rias giggled and brushed that aside.
"Right." Sona nodded.
"Say...what's a rating game?" Michael whispered to Saji.
"Dude, are you serious, you don't know?" Saji shook his head, "Well, I guess I expected too much from you after all. Sorry my fault..."
"Oi! Stop stalling and get on with it." Michael looked at Saji with a peeved off expression.
"Okay, look. A rating game is a special challenge between two high classed devils and their peerages, its based off chess. Usually, the results of a rating game gets you rated like the name implies, and also determines your worth in devil society like if you were a high class devil, but you want to be an ultimate class, you would have to show skills such as power or knowledge to grasp the interest of those watching. Then you get a promotion." Saji explains in detail.
"Wow, how do you know all this?" Michael was in awe.
"Ever since I changed into a devil, I studied to understand some of their culture right now I'm halfway into a book about demonic power control." Saji explained.
"Nerd." Michael chuckled since he always knew that his friend Saji was a little more of a thinking type of person who would mostly due studying on some of his days off if it weren't for him making him do stuff outside of his comfort zone. Saji is even an Honors Student in the academy after he decided to buckle up after his first year of High school and gain the grades he deserved.
"At least its better than being someone clueless about everything." Saji crossed his arms.
"Hey, I know stuff." Michael growled.
"You do? Then tell me what are the base elemental spells of magic." Saji smirked.
"Well first there's fire then uh..." Michael scratched his head.
"Ice, Earth, Lightning and many more to say." Saji explained.
"Hmph, I knew that." Michael looked away while sweating.
"Sure, you did." Saji sighed.
"Well, I believe your quite right Rias, it wouldn't do any good if any attention were brought to you at the moment." Sona said with a smile.
"!" Rias then turned serious and said, "That is irrelevant."
Akeno who noticed looked at Rias in surprise of her sudden remark.
"I have an idea, Let's settle this with through sports like the high school students we are." Rias smiled.
"Sports?" Michael and Saji blinked.
"Well this won't end well." Raynare sighed and shook her head.
XXX
The next day the tennis courts were surrounded by many Kuoh Students of equal gender who gazed upon the School's Popular Girls with eyes of admiration. Both sides wore the appropriate tennis uniforms for the match.
"Come on! You two can do it Buchou and Akeno-senpai!" Michael roared.
"Show them that messing with the Student Council will be their biggest mistake, Kaichou!" Saji roared.
"Akeno, we are in it to win it agreed?" Rias smiled as she readies her serve.
"Yes, Buchou." Akeno nodded.
"I hope your prepared, Sona." Rias stared Sona down.
"You should worry about yourself Rias because I have no intention on losing this match." Sona stared back with the same intensity as Rias.
As the match begins, Rias begins her serve and was able to execute a perfect serve to the other side.
As Sona was able to hit it back over but Akeno then got the rebound and sent it back to the Sitri side.
Then Tsubaki with her longer tennis racket was able to whack the tennis ball back to the side, these many hits were still continuing due to a possibility if one of the sides were to slip up then they'd allow the other to get a point and exploit their mistake.
Watching from the sidelines were Motohama and Matsuda who viewed the women with their binoculars while grinning lecherously.
"Wow! Amazing such an amazing sight to behold!" Motohama gave a dirty laugh.
"I know! The school's top beauties having a match without our knowing would have been awful that's why I'm so glad the guys at the VVV were able to install cameras to capture each panty flash they made." Motohama smirked.
"And all we had to do was stop harassing both Michael and that 2-C Student Council Secretary traitor alone for the rest of the day." Matsuda and Motohama gave each other a fist bump and began to grow nosebleeds as more panty shots were shown to them and the other staring male students behind them.
Watching from another side Kiba and Koneko surveyed the many excited students watching the match.
"Interesting there are quite a few spectators than I thought." Kiba said as he watched both the different factions of the Popular ladies call out their names as their turn to retaliate a hit was made.
With Sona her faction mainly consists of girls due to her strict and mature behavior which most girls love.
"Sona-sama!" A fence covered with many female students cried out.
As Akeno's popularity was with the male ratio of the school.
"Akeno-oneesama!"
"...They can't use their demonic powers." Koneko was focusing on the match itself while ignoring the many cries of the excited students.
"Take this! Sitri-style spin serve!" Sona serves her tennis ball while embedding it with a blue demonic power.
"Naïve, my Gremory-style Counter can handle anything you got!" Rias readied to send the ball back but as soon as it touches the ground the ball bounces away from its intended point, "What?"
"15-30 Luv!"
"It seems they were able to make another point." Kiba gave a bitter smile.
"...Wonderful now Michael-senpai won't calm down." Koneko sighed as she views upon Michael sitting on the fence while holding two large flags with the symbol of the ORC.
"Damn it, come on, Buchou and Akeno-senpai show them whose boss!" Michael roared.
"Michael-san please be careful!" Asia cried out as she stood beneath the fence in worry.
"Michael-sama please calm down or you'll fall!" Raynare cried out also.
"Yeah, eat on that Michael the Kaichou's skills are far superior than your side's, so just give up!" Saji laughed while on the opposite side of the fences as he held up a single flag of the student council.
"No way! They'll definitely win and when they do I'll be the one to say 'I told you so!'" Michael growled.
"Hah, you'll never get the chance!" Saji growled.
"You wanna bet!" Michael glared at Saji, challengingly.
"For me to be disappointed about this, first I'd have to be surprised." Kiba sweatdropped then focused on the match, "And those two are definitely using their demonic powers even though we agreed not to."
"... ...Everyone is getting a little bit too fired up." Koneko said with her neutral expression as the cheers only grew louder.
"Amazing a magic ball!"
Now many oblivious comments about Sona's technique were resounding through the court.
"And now the crowd thinks its a magic ball." Kiba said.
"It's their fault for being ignorant." Koneko closed her eyes.
"I expected no less from, my rival." Rias smiled and pointed at Sona, "But don't think this is the end because I still have 108 levels of madoukyuu!"
"Good, Rias then it seems I'll have no choice but to accept your and go all out!" Sona declared.
And thus the match kept going on to the point that their rackets were worn out and their strings were destroyed. After the match was cancelled the Perverted Duo were sent off to the hospital for a blood transfusion for the immense loss of blood and finally Michael and Saji were beaten by the VVV who lied upon their agreement as Koneko had to drag him back to the clubroom for further details about the familiar issue.
"Michael-san, does this feel better?" Asia continued healing Michael's bruised face.
"Uh, yeah it does thanks." Michael nodded.
"That's what you get for getting too excited, Michael-sama." Raynare sighed then blushed, "But you still looked cool though."
"You mean getting beat up?" Michael sweatdropped.
"...The match just wouldn't end, so we'll now take part in the challenge." Koneko explained while holding the beaten rackets.
"A team match, are you serious?" Michael asked.
"As serious as a heart attack, my friend their even discussing the matter as we speak." Kiba stated.
Upon the sound of the door opening they all looked to see a smiling Rias and Akeno.
"We were able to agree on dodge ball." Rias explained as she and Akeno approached the group, "It will take place at the gym tomorrow night so lets do our best for Michael and Asia!"
"Yes!" Akeno, Kiba and Koneko nodded.
"Wow, you guys are really doing so much for us." Michael patted Asia's head then grinned, "I appreciate it."
"Thank you very much!" Asia smiled.
"I-I'll do my best to support you all." Raynare said determinedly.
"Thanks I appreciate that we'll need moral support while we're up against Sona." Rias gave a slight smile, it seems she is starting to warm up to the fallen angel.
Michael smiled at all his friends in the room and shouted, "Right, then its decided, I won't lose!"
Everyone in the clubroom laughed at the declaration everyone except for Koneko who sighed.
On top of the clubroom's roof was the same man before with the blazer who simply yawned and looked up at the moon with a slight smile, "Everything to this point has been boring, but it seems things will pick up tomorrow and I'll get a front row seat to witness it." Now standing up the man whistled and called out, "Stratus!"
Zooming from the air was a purple cloud which levitated closer to its master.
"Yosh!" The man sat on the cloud, "Let's leave this place for now and find something else to do."
With that he took off into the night sky which was brightened by his white grin.
Late that night Michael was in his apartment on the kitchen table designing some headbands for the club, he wanted to make it as thanks for their support and their efforts to help him and Asia.
"I hope they'll like it." Michael smiled as he was finished with his first headband which was completely red due to all his sewing mistakes pricking his fingers completely red to where had to actually paint the club's name in white over the red band.
"Michael-san/sama?" Both Asia and Raynare walked out of his bedroom while rubbing their eyes.
"Oh you two are awake? Sorry if I disturbed you." Michael gave a sad smile.
"No, it's nothing you should worry about Michael-san we were just curious about what you were doing." Asia walked towards Michael with a smile.
"Oh, I was just in the middle of creating some headbands with your sowing kit. I hope you don't mind." Michael said.
"No, not at all. I don't mind if we share some of our things Michael-san and besides as long as I can stay with you, you can borrow anything from me even myself." Asia blushed.
"Well thanks and I promise this will be the last time I use something that's yours without asking." Michael said seriously oblivious to what Asia's last words meant.
Then all of a sudden Michael felt something soft envelop his arm he looks to his right to see Raynare breast sandwiching it.
"Michael-sama for tomorrow night what do you suppose I wear?" Raynare smiled seductively and placed a finger on her chin.
"I don't care about that all I do care about is that you'll be there to cheer us on." Michael smiled.
"Thanks, but seriously what should I wear because I heard a man gets stronger when he sees a woman dressed in something encouraging." Raynare leaned in closer and whispered into Michael's ear.
"Really I didn't know about that, but I still don't know how to answer you?" Michael said bluntly.
"Meaning I'll get the choice to pick something that will pump you up for tomorrow how thrilling, I hope you'll enjoy." Raynare hugged Michael tightly as Asia who was watching this jumped in and hugged Michael tight causing the boy to twitch in pain.
"If Michael-san needs encouragement then I'll change into something he likes also!" Asia cried.
"Ouch." Michael grunts in pain.
"Asia-san, you shouldn't be worried about something as trivial as this you should be focusing more on the match than impressing Michael-sama." Raynare gave a challenging smile.
"Either way I don't want to be left out from helping Michael-san with tomorrow too!" Asia said with teary eyes.
'Its great that I have two people living with me now but now its getting out of hand.' Michael twitched noticeably which caught Asia's attention.
"Michael-san is something wrong?" Asia questioned.
"Oh no its nothing." Michael smiled as his face grew pale.
"Michael-sama?" Raynare rushed to Michael and felt his forehead, "Your growing cold."
"No I'm fine. I'm fi-" Michael then fell back in his seat as his eyes swirled around due to blood loss.
"Aaah! Michael-san are you okay?" Asia gasped and rushed to the fallen Michael.
"Michael-sama, you idiot, you were bleeding out this entire time weren't you!?" Raynare cried out.
"Must finish headbands..." Michael groaned in pain and reached for the lights above him then dropped his hand and passed out.
"No Michael hang in there!" both girls cried.
(In Michael's mindscape)
[Again?]
Ddraig looked down upon a crying Michael who sat up against a rock formation with both his legs curled up.
'Yeah.' Michael sniffled.
[Do you want to talk about it?]
"No." Michael shook his head in depression, "I don't think getting consoled by you can lift up my mood right now."
Later the next day, was the day of reckoning an all out dodge ball brawl between the Gremorys and Sirtis. Stretching in the gym at night was the Gremory group readying themselves for the incoming game. Everyone wore their individual Physical Education uniforms as Michael wore his P.E. jacket around his hips with his short sleeved red shirt on, his gray P.E. pants on along with his red tennis shoes with green accents and his usual goggles around his neck.
"So dodge ball, huh? Its been a while since I played." Michael asked, "So what are the rules?"
Rias and Kiba were practicing their throws to each other as Rias replied, "There's not that much to know all you have to do is just throw the ball at the other side's faces!" Rias throws the ball at Kiba who managed to catch it.
"Wait I thought that wasn't allowed?" Michael questioned.
"It is now. As your master I'm allowing you to take any chance you have to win." Rias explained.
"...I love being a devil!" Michael grinned.
"Asia-san, was able to learn it in no time." Kiba smiled.
Moaning in pain Asia was stretching with the help of Akeno as Michael was given Koneko to help him.
"C'mon Koneko-chan you can do better than that I hardly feel stretched yet." Michael sighed, "If your not going to help then let me do it myself."
Koneko then gave Michael a mad stare and pushed him down lower.
"There we go and-*Snap* wait your doing it too hard!" Michael cried in pain as Koneko kept pushing him down with all of her strength.
*Snap!*
"Have mercy I'm sorry!" Michael yelped in fear of his bone snapping in half.
...
"Okay, guys look what I've got." Michael sang as everyone finished their stretching they huddled together to receive gifts of encouragement from Michael.
"Headbands?" Rias said while looking upon the white headband. with the words Occult Research Club in red.
"Ara Ara, they look wonderful." Akeno smiled.
"Well you know I was just thinking of a way to thank you guys for helping Asia and me. Not that many people bother to put up with me, but you guys did and this was the only way I knew how and it took me two hours to make this one before Asia and Raynare decided to help." Michael shrugged, "And besides I didn't want to be outdone by the pretty boy so I thought this could get me a head start before he starts showing off." Michael said in a bitter tone.
Rias looks upon the headbands with a faraway look.
"What is it, you don't like them?" Michael said with a sad smile.
"No, that's not it I do and they are also well made thank you Michael." Rias smiled.
"Yes, Michael-san good job." Asia nodded.
"But you were able to help finish them all after I passed out, so I should be thanking you Asia." Michael scratched the back of his head.
"...You may be an idiot, but you have your moments." Koneko was able to show Michael the smallest of smiles.
'It might have been an insult, but I'm too dumb too care. I'll just take the compliment!' Michael laughed with a small hint of anger.
"By the way where is Raynare?" Rias asked.
"Oh she said she was going to change into something to motivate me." Michael shrugged as Asia looked slightly angry and looked away, because of the girl's naturally nice face it was almost cute seeing her this way.
"Well as a team lets put these on and work hard!" Rias declared.
"Yes!" Michael and the rest of the club agreed.
"Oh Michael-sama~!" Raynare called out.
"Oh your here about ti-!" Michael stopped as he saw a blushing Raynare approach him while wearing a purple and red cheerleader outfit, white knee high socks and red shoes which were worn to match Michael's. The skirt's length was a little too short that you could almost see what was underneath it but it wasn't a big concern well not to Michael at least.
"S-So how do I look?" Raynare fidgeted with her pom-poms.
"Eh?" Michael questioned then rubbed his chin, "Well you look really nice and as a cheerleader its really encouraging so its very fitting and looks good on you."
"Really!" Raynare gasped happily then muttered to herself, "Michael-sama praised me, Michael-sama praised me, Michael-sama praised me."
It felt as though she was chanting the same words over and over again.
"Ergh!" Michael winced in pain as he felt Asia pinch his left arm out of jealousy.
"Auuuu..." Asia looked away pouting.
'Why me?' Michael thought.
*Open!*
"Thank you for waiting."
In front of the ORC was the Student Council ready for battle.
"Ngh!" Michael stared at Saji seriously.
"Grr!" Saji stared back as well.
'I will not lose to you!'
Both boys thought as their teams grew ready within the court.
"Alright bring it." Michael grew ready in his stance as he stood in front of Tsubasa Yura, Sona's Rook who now holds the ball.
"Heh!" Tsubasa exhaled then readied herself to throw the ball, "Hah!" Then with great strength threw the ball directly at Michael who was able to jump out of the way and dodge the throw.
"Hah! You missed!" Michael laughed.
"Go! Michael-sama! Go!" Raynare cheered.
*Rip!*
"Out!" Momo Hanakai a bishop to Sona Sitri called out and raised her red flag.
Looking back to the sound of ripping Michael sees Koneko was hit by the ball as soon as he dodged it.
"Oh crap." Michael looks at Koneko with an apologetic look, "I'm sorry."
"It's no problem." Koneko looks down to see her ripped shirt.
"Grief of Memories!" Tsubaki imbues demonic power into the dodge ball and throws it at Rias.
"Hmph!" Rias catches the ball with ease as parts of her gym suit were torn by the blow of the attack.
"Out!" Tsubaki was taken off the court.
"Impressive. You caught Tsubaki's full-power ball." Sona said with a calm smile.
"Do you think something like this could stop me, Sona?" Rias retorted as she runs forward and throws the ball forward, as she creates a magic circle and imbues the ball with a destructive red demonic aura which hits Tomoe Megura, Sona Sitri's Knight.
"Kyaaaaaaa!" Tomoe cries after the blow was able to knock her out the court and burn most of her clothes off.
"Whoa, that's hardcore!" Michael gulped, "Is this even dodge ball anymore!?"
Unaware of Reya Kusaka, Sona's other Bishop he was left open to an attack to the back.
"Michael-san!" Asia cried out.
"Huh?" Michael turned around to see the ball.
"Michael-kun!" Jumping above Michael was Akeno who was able to catch the ball before it hit him.
"Whoa!" Michael gasped.
"Ara Ara, Remember to keep your guard up, okay?" Akeno lands in front of the boy.
"R-Right." Michael nodded in embarrassment.
'Aw man! I can't believe I let myself be an easy target! Dammit I have to try harder!' Michael clenched his fist and looked determined.
As the match continued the balls thrown were either imbued with magic power or thrown with herculean superhuman strength.
"Dodge ball is a very scary sport!" Asia cried.
"Seriously is this even a game anymore!" Michael cried out as he dodges a single ball thrown by Sitri-senpai.
"Yay~! Michael-sama! You can do it!" Raynare cheered.
"Tch! It seems your pawn is more limber than he looks, Rias." Sona said calmly as she analyzed the playing field, it was just her and Saji left on the field as the other side held Michael and Rias.
"It appears we're at a stalemate once more." Rias smiled.
"It seems so."
"!" Michael and Saji glared at each other.
"But tell me, Rias can your servant really handle us, I mean you I can see you standing up to 2 enemies, but he looks like he can barely handle one." Sona said.
"Sona?" Rias raised an eyebrow at that comment unsure why her friend would even say that but...
"Grrr!" Michael growled and grinded his teeth in anger.
From outside the strange man from before was watching with a bored expression.
"Geez, when is something fun going to happen." The man yawned and rubbed his eyes, "If nothing is going to happen then I'll just leave no use staying here anymore." The man turned his back to the door and took his first step which stopped.
"That's it!" Michael roared.
"Hm?" The man turned back to look inside the gym to see Michael take a step forward.
"You may be my senpai, but I won't allow myself to be laughed at by you! I said I wasn't going to lose and I meant it so I'm going all out!" Michael thrusts his fist forward, "Boosted Gear!"
[Dragon Booster!]
The red clawed gauntlet appeared itself on its owners right hand.
"So it seems you were right, Saji he let his anger get the best of him if we were to insult him." Sona smiled.
"Yes, Kaichou now he'll be too angry to throw the ball correctly even if he was to boost his power." Saji explained.
Rias' eyes widened and turned back to Michael who has already started to increase his power.
[Boost!]
"Michael, calm down if you let your anger get the best of you, you'll fall right into their trap." Rias warned as their teammates on the sidelines watched in worry.
"What?" Michael growled.
"They want to make you angry so they could get you out!" Rias warned.
"Really, but why did they?" Michael looked at Saji waving at him, "You!"
Suddenly aura started to escape Michael's body.
"Right I understand." Michael picks up the ball and hands it to Rias, "Buchou, please hold this."
"What is it your intending to do?" Rias asked.
"They said they wanted me mad well I'm about to show them, never to mess with me again." Michael cracked his knuckles as he steps back a few feet.
"What are they planning now?" Sona blinked.
Holding up the ball now Rias looks towards Michael who readies himself in a stance.
"One more." Michael whispered to himself.
[Boost!]
"There!" Michael's aura thickens even more, "Concentrate!" Michael concentrates the aura into his right fist and targets the ball ahead of him, "If I want to win then I want to win the way I want to meaning we have to crush them!"
"Saji." Sona closed her eyes.
"Yes Kaichou." Saji grew ready and smiled.
"Buchou, I'm ready!" Michael roared as the red glow from his fist glows brighter.
"Alright do it my adorable servant." Rias nodded.
*Stomp!*
"Goooooo!" Michael rushes for the ball and punches it, the blow from the punch was able to rocket the ball straight for Sona who stood there and watched.
"Line go!" Saji extends his hand and from underneath his jacket a visible line attached itself to Michael's sacred gear.
"What is this?" Michael then felt his energy get sapped.
"Another Sacred Gear user?" Akeno questioned as Saji took the taken power and ran in front of Sona to rebound the ball back to the Gremory side.
"Go!" Saji roared.
"Damn." Michael fell to one knee and stared up to see the incoming ball.
'I can't move!' Michael groaned.
"Michael-sama!" Raynare cried out.
"Hmmm?" The man from outside thought, 'With that much power taken and imbued with the ball it might bash his skull in.
'Come on body move! Move!' Michael yelled in his head.
But then a shadow before him blocked the ball.
"I'm not hit?" Michael gasped then looks up and widens his eyes, "B-Buchou?"
Rias standing in front of Michael was able to catch the ball in time but not without receiving some damage it gave, the bottom half of her gym top was burned off as some tears were seen on her gym pants.
"Out!"
"What, but how my plan was full proof!" Saji cried.
"Like I said before your plan was fine but it wasn't perfect you forgot to account Rias' care for her servants and didn't account for her to step in the way and catch it, Saji you still have a long way to go." Sona closed her eyes in disappointment.
"H-Hai Kaichou, forgive me." Saji walked off the court in shame.
"Michael, are you alright?" Rias looks back at Michael with a smile.
"Um, yes thank you." Michael nodded as he still stared upon Rias in amazement.
"Good." Rias nodded then turned back to the other side, "So now its just you left Sona what is it you intend to do now?"
"Oh you think that I would give in now, I may be alone but the odds of it being 1 on 1 are extremely high since your servant is too drained to stand up right now." Sona explained.
"Ngh!" Michael grunts and tried to stand but couldn't.
"This game has only just begun." Sona smiled confidently until.
*WHISTLE!*
"Time's up!"
"Huh?" Sona gasps.
"Michael-san!"
"Michael-sama!"
Raynare and Asia run over to lift Michael up by his shoulders.
"We won..." Michael smiled tiredly.
"Way to go, Michael-kun." Kiba gave his fellow 2nd year a thumbs up.
"Ara Ara, Michael-kun you looked quite manly when you were getting angry." Akeno giggled as there seemed to be a faint hint of a pink hue on her cheeks.
"...That was dope." Koneko said with her neutral expression.
Walking out the gym was the entire Student Council as Rias chatted with Sona and Saji who decided to stay back for a while.
"Then we'll be taking priority on the familiars as agreed." Rias smiled and crossed her arms.
"Of course. I do hate to lose but this was fun no matter how you look at it." Sona nodded, "But if this were a Rating Game instead there would be no chance of a loss for me."
"I won't lose to my childhood friend, either." Rias smiled, "But it's still too early for us to even talk this since its not time to have one yet between the two of us."
"Indeed, See you later." Sona walks ahead of Saji.
"Michael you may have won this time but next time I'll think of something to take you down you just watch!" Saji chuckled and ran after Sona, "So until then see ya buddy!"
"Right you too, Saj." Michael nodded and smiled, 'It seems I made a rival out of my best friend.'
Inside the clubroom the ORC team celebrated and tipped their drinks together.
*Chink!*
"Cheers!"
"Congratulations everyone the Occult Research Club has marvelously defeated the student council!" Rias smiled happily with the fact she was able to defeat her childhood friend, "Each and everyone of you did their part perfectly thank you."
"Man I'm so exhausted." Michael sighed then grinned, "But who cares I was able to be badass and make headbands so that has to count for something right!"
"Of course man you certainly were able to raise everyone's spirit." Kiba smiled and showed Michael the headbands.
"Indeed." Akeno happily smiled.
"You truly did Michael-san." Asia nodded.
"Your amazing Michael-sama." Raynare giggled.
"..." Koneko also nodded.
"Hehe! Well I am the Great Hanamura!" Michael grinned and nodded his head.
"Don't push it." Koneko said with a slight smile.
"Okay I understand and you know what Pretty Boy for a Casanova your alright." Michael patted Kiba on the shoulder.
"So will that mean you'll start saying my name?" Kiba asked curiously.
"Hehe! Well, crazier things have happened." Michael shrugged.
"Now everyone there isn't time to waste anymore, its time." Rias smiled, "Let's go get you two your familiars."
"Um... right now?" Asia asked.
"We can only meet the familiar master during a full moon so its either now or never." Rias explained.
As Akeno created a magic teleportation seal Michael looked around to see all of his friends and smiled.
'That's right I was able to get this far with them, my friends and with this I can go farther and become a Devil King. I just have to always remember that I'll have people watching my back as I am with theirs.' Michael looks at Rias who smiles at him as he grins back at her.
From above the Club room was the mysterious man sitting atop of his purple cloud while smiling, "Interesting power it seems the Red Dragon Emperor gets angry rather quickly but I wonder what he'd be like in a bind?" The man creates a small communication seal and calls upon an acquaintance.
"Hello? Yes, its me." The man chuckles then gasped, "What? You expected me to want something from you by just a single call?"
A few seconds to reply later and...
"You're right, look, I need to ask a favor of you, is 'she' there?" The man asked, "Great! Could you give her a break and tell her this for me..."
"The Red Dragon Emperor is visiting the Forest of Familiars."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Retribrutus
Retribrutus Next Chapter- Wish me luck as I survive through the treacherous Forest of Familiars!
Thanks for reading and I hoped you enjoyed the chapter!
I hope you have a great Easter and please be safe! Bye!
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
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