Summer Break in the Underworld! My one month of training on Dragon Mountain begins now! Pt. 1

(In Michael's mindscape)

"Geez, how is it that every time that I fall asleep this always happens. I would usually be dreaming, but how come I'm back here again." Michael groaned as he waywardly crossed the hot wasteland landscape that is known as his mindscape. Usually he would catch Ddraig laying down somewhere lazily by now because its honestly not hard to see a dragon that's 10 times the size of a building. It would all make sense if Ddraig was the one to call him here, but since he wasn't here then who?

"I probably could have gotten here on my own, but I don't remember ever finding a way to do that?" Michael folded his arms behind his head and continued his long stroll through his mind, "I've been walking forever with no end in sight, and nothing to DO!"

Michael screamed as his lack of patience was starting to show. He wanted to scream some more, but then a thought crawled into his head that made him really irritated,

"Oi, Ddraig! You better not have brought me in only to not show up! If this is a prank, then you better come out right now because it ain't funny!"

There was no response.

"So you're still going to mess with me, huh? Then I'll just go running around looking for your big ass! It won't be hard to miss a heavy sack of scales like you anyways!" Running through the wasteland, Michael blindly searched the empty lot with a dumb smile on his face. He actually fooled himself into believing that Ddraig was hiding somewhere.

He checked high and low and there was still no sight of the dragon, but that didn't dash his hopes as he still kept blazing through this hot, dry wasteland.

"Come on, Ddraig! Knock it off, you know that I haven't found a way to get into this place myself yet so why do you-!"

As Michael continued running, he felt something off as he took one step. It was like static and his head was getting all fuzzy for a second.

"Whoa! What was that?" Michael shook his head and looked around but nothing changed. He was getting light headed for some reason and closed his eyes to pinch at his temples. This only served to worsen thing as that static feeling came back and started to warp everything around him into a new setting.

"Strange? How can I get a headache in my own mind?" Michael shook his head and once he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in the middle of Kuoh Academy's courtyard which was heavily damaged with large craters.

"No way…the source of all my bad nightmares…excluding all the nightmares ones where I get stalked by this creepy looking dude, who looks like me and sounds like me, but keeps calling himself Johnny Yong Bosch."

Michael lowly murmured, "School…this prank has gone too far! Ddraig, get out here!" Michael hissed and felt rage for literally having school on his mind. While screaming at no one, a familiar voice other than his echoes out throughout his mind.

["For the strongest Red Dragon Emperor in history to have a descendant, who was my sacred gear's counterpart, I actually felt some joy to confront the power that once killed 2 of my predecessors, face me once more. But, sadly that couldn't happen, probably if you weren't casted off for being the child of an outsider, then you probably would have been experienced with your power like, no you would have mastered it and taken it to new the next level."]

"Wait, was that voice Vali's?" Michael looked around frantically, "Come out, douche! This is my mind, so even if you're a figment of my imagination, I'll still kick your ass!"

["Hmph! Are you sure you want to fight me, or are you just frustrated that you were never wanted by your own parents? Masking your own insecurities through rage is rather shameful, Hanamura."]

"Shut it! You're not going to play mind games with me in my own head, so give it up!" Michael gritted his teeth as he held back the rushing emotions that Vali was swelling him up with. He had been suppressing these feelings so that they wouldn't bother him, so unexpectedly hearing them took him by full surprise.

["Come on, haven't you ever thought about why you were abandoned? Probably just because of your family's village standards. Or maybe it pertains to your unidentifiable father? Or could it be something that you've been trying to avoid all of this time?"]

"…"

["I can tell by how you look that it is. You actually wanted to cover up the thought that maybe your parents actually never wanted you in the first place, and that by the time you were conceived they decided to get rid of your deadweight when there was a chance, and surprise, surprise, they took it."]

"…!" Michael held himself back from snapping at the voice so instead, he could make and stayed silent. This was worrisome because he wasn't actually denying it, but he also wasn't accepting it either.

He wanted to shout his disapproval, but instead he heard another all too familiar voice.

"Shut your mouth!"

"You've got to be kidding me?"

Turning around, Michael immediately caught wind of who was speaking and saw a version of his Balance Breaker's Scale Mail stand directly in front of him. It looked to be just the same as the one he usually wears, but a few minor changes were made.

*GLEAM!*

Those eyes…they weren't the ordinary eyes of any rational being. They were supposed to be green, but instead they were a deep shade of red that bore holes through his soul by simply staring. Not to mention the armor's right gauntlet turning pitch black along with an encroaching black, malignant aura that sent chills down his spine.

"Ddraig! If this REALLY is a prank then you can stop because it's getting way out of hand." And that's coming from someone as excessive as Michael.

But there was no response from the dragon. Only the Scale Mail angrily shouted to the sky using a voice similar to Michael's,

"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! What do you know about me!?"

[Jet!]

*BAM!*

"Gyaaaaargh!"

Without warning the living Scale Mail knocked Michael down with a strong punch that literally flattened him on the ground. The blow disoriented him enough that he couldn't even stand anymore and the only way he was able to get up was through his assailant who grabbed him by the neck and raised him in the air.

"NOTHING! You don't know anything about me! No one knows anything about me! I don't even know anything about myself or my parents at all."

"Ngugh! Ah! W-Wai-ack!" Gasping for air, Michael scratched at the Scale Mail's wrists to no avail.

"Why should I care about a family I never knew about!? About a family that never wanted me!"

*GRIP!*

"…! St-Ac-gough! Gack!" All air was getting blocked off by the tightening grip. Leaving only the neck itself to be fully broken for the process of strangulation to be complete. But the living armor didn't seem to be quite intent with making things go that smoothly as it cocked back it's black gauntlet and prepared to stab Michael through the chest with its sharpened fingers.

"You think that you'll get away after spewing all of that pointless bullshit? I'll make sure that you never cross me again, VAAAAAAAAAAAALI!"

"…" Michael's eyes were already rolling back as the hand was already lunging its way for his ches-!

*STAB!*

*SPLATTER!* *SPLATTER!*

A huge wave of blood sprayed out of Michael's body and splattered the surrounding courtyard. Even a few splattering's reached a ruined set of goggles that were half buried within a crater.

(In reality)

"Whoa!"

Suddenly waking up in a cold sweat, Michael covered his mouth to suppress any more incoming screams as he chose to just take deep breaths to calm himself down. Looking around his room just to gain some comfort in his current location, he found himself in bed sleeping beside a clingy Rias. She found herself in a rather comfortable position by wrapping herself around his arm while purposely placing his arm betwixt her beautiful breasts.

It was a soft feeling that Michael had grown accustomed to, so he wasn't too fazed by it, he enjoyed the close embrace from his girlfriend, especially after waking up from that nightmare.

'I'm finally up. Thank maou, I seriously thought I died, and what was that thing? It came out of nowhere sounding like me and attacking me for no reason. Not to mention hearing Vali say all of that crap again…' Michael bunched up his bedsheets out of frustration before sighing, 'I'll just ask Ddraig about that dream later. If he was the one, who brought me to my mindscape, then he should know something was up, right?'

"Hm? That's strange…"

However, he did find it strange when he looked to his right to see both Asia and Raynare sleeping huddled together. The sight reminded Michael how close the two have become as friends.

That still however didn't explain why they were sleeping a bit far from him, the other night they were doing the usual routine of rock-paper-scissors about who would take Michael's left and right arm for bed while the true victor would get to sleep on his chest, and that victor was finally Raynare.

Knowing her, she wouldn't give up an opportunity like that no matter what.

Shrugging it off, Michael yawned, "Maybe she rolled away during her sleep and ended up that way. It happens, but the last time she won at janken, she wouldn't let go of me when it was time get up. So, I wonder what made her move?"

"Ufufu. I wonder, too." Slipping her head through the bedsheets, a nude Akeno climbs up to rest her head-on Michael's chest.

"Akeno-senpai?" Michael hushed his surprise to avoid waking the others up.

Sitting up, Akeno crawled closer until her face was just inches away from his. Seeing the beautiful girl up close had Michael a little speechless as he got to see more of Akeno than he had before. Her hair was usually in a ponytail, so the sight of seeing her let it down was refreshingly attractive for him. Not to mention the fact that she wasn't wearing any clothing besides the blanket covering her naked form.

"I've finally arrived. Good morning, Michael-kun."

*Chu!*

"Mmmgh!" Michael held back a squeak after receiving a swift kiss to his neck.

'How cute…' Akeno's heart started beating faster as she found great pleasure in teasing her kouhai.

Deciding to take things to the next level, she silently crawled back and lifted Michael's shirt up to slip herself inside, so that both her revealed breasts and his naked upper chest could be tightly compressed together.

Peeking her head through the neck of Michael's shirt to look him directly in the eyes, Akeno heavily gazed at him as she slowly rubs herself against him. The feeling was heavenly, and Michael himself couldn't deny it. Usually whenever the other girls slept on his chest, he could feel their warm bodies, but would usually wear his shirt that would block out the complete sensation.

Now he can actually feel the soft, elasticity and warm body temperature that Akeno was emitting and not to mention the way she was intertwining her legs with his own as he feels her smooth and squishy thighs press up against his own.

"Nnh...Michael-kun's body is quite sturdy and harder. Its thanks to you being trained by Kai-sama. Ufufu…ah…a man's skin feels better than what I imagined. So, tough and thick." Moaning, Akeno continued to rub her breasts against Michael's body raising both his and her arousal in the process.

'If she keeps doing that, then…' Michael grunted and tried to keep a level head. He was sleeping with the others around and waking them up to a scene like this was the last thing he'd want to do to start his day.

"No, I must really feel this way because it's Michael-kun's body? Hey, Michael-kun. Do you find my body to feel good?" Akeno moaned pressing the nipples of her breasts against Michael's.

Trying not to exhaust any saliva that was in his dry mouth, Michael gulped and nodded, "Y-Yeah…"

Seeing Michael's face grow a little red, Akeno leaned in to add a few finishing touches by blowing into his ear which made him yelp from suddenly getting sensitive. As she leans in to whisper,

"I'm so glad. You can enjoy this body even more if you want, you know? It's fair trade since I want to enjoy your body even more Michael-kun. It may be dangerous to say that since your scary girlfriend is sleeping next to us, but I don't mind." Akeno tightly clung to his chest, "We may get caught in the act if we push our luck, but that's the thrill of having a mistress, isn't it?"

"M-Mistress?" Michael mumbled as his brain turned to mush. He didn't understand, and wasn't going to with all the teasing he was failing to endure.

"Nom~!"

"Eek!" Michael let out a squeak as Akeno teasingly bit his ear. Things were getting bad. He could tell by her tone of voice and the look in her eyes that she was flipping her S-switch on. Appearing before him in the morning to tease him would automatically turn this part of her on.

Scooting back to hover over Michael's dazed face, Akeno began to close in to and lay her lips upon his.

"So, shall we begin, Michael…?"

The very moment that Michael was about to fall prey for Akeno's wiles, he heard a very familiar voice before his lips touched her.

"Care to explain what you're doing, Akeno? When did you enter this room?"

'Oh no…it's too late…' Michael resigned himself to his fate as he turned his head to face a fully awakened Rias, who was glaring daggers at Akeno with an extremely displeased look in her eyes.

Crawling out from within the confines of Michael's shirt, Akeno dragged a single finger down Michael's chest.

"Why it was all lonesome in my bed, so I decided to pay my adorable Michael-kun a nice good morning with some skinship to better our bond."

Rias' eyebrow twitched, hearing something that ticked her off, "Wait, was that the use of [My] I heard? I'm pretty certain that you aren't Michael's master, Akeno."

Rias' impatience and rage was slowly building up.

"True, but what's the difference? I'm his senior and he's my underclassmen. It's my duty to always be affectionate and spoil him whenever necessary."

"His senior? So that's your angle here…"

Both girls stood up on the bed and confronted each other.

"Though your excuse may be sound it doesn't excuse your behavior. This room is a sanctuary for me it cannot be ruined. This is the only room where I can absolutely unwind and heal any fatigue I face during the day. Both Asia and Raynare aside, I can't abide with you barging into Michael and I's room."

Rias spoke with a voice filled with anger.

'Since when did we share a room? Doesn't Rias have her own?' Michael wondered to himself.

Smiling from Rias' words, Akeno muttered,

"Ara, ara. How cheap of you, Rias. I finally thought that you were quite content with sharing after you gave the okay to Abe-san not too long ago." What Akeno brought made Michael suddenly cough to hide some of his embarrassment while Rias silently cursed at herself for not seeing this turn of events happen.

After his passionate night with Kiyome, things around the residence changed and it wasn't just the amassed spite towards Kiyome, who had gotten quite closer to Michael. It was the fact that Rias was finally loosening her reigns with sharing Michael. Sure, she was still clingy since they are dating, but giving her blessings to one of the other girls was a sign for the other girls to prepare for immediate action. It didn't help that Rias allowed Kiyome to get intimate with Michael as he first condolence.

'Everybody's been getting serious lately. Because of how things sort of escalated Kiyome-senpai had to take a temporary leave at the right moment. She and Makoto had to go with their father to Europe to visit their mother. Well, summer break does start tomorrow.' Michael crossed his arm and yawned,

'And since there's no school. That means I can do what I do best and prepare a great plan for when I return by choosing my victims. First off, Kiryuu Aika, she's evaded every prank I've mustered and when I return, she's going down. Down. Down! DOWN!'

Breaking himself out of thought Michael noticed that Rias and Akeno were still arguing, 'Oh crap are they still at it?'

"Just because I allowed it once doesn't mean I'm willing to keep it happening constantly. Especially if your tactics involve doing stuff like this behind my back!" Rias crossed her arms and flared her crimson aura out.

"I'm afraid that would kill the fun of playing the role as a mistress. Besides what's the use of being aggressive? Ara. Don't tell me you're afraid that I might steal him away under your nose, right?" Akeno enveloped herself in a pale-gold aura as her response.

"It looks like Natsuru isn't the only one I should be less lenient on after all."

"You should be warier about your decisions, Rias. Your number one spot may be taken away from you if you keep giving me these wide openings."

Rias and Akeno glared at each other while both of their auras clashed creating sparks all over the place. A battle between these two women was imminent and Michael was stuck in the middle as usual. The noise the two were making caused both Raynare and Asia to stir from their sleep.

"Uh… I-Is it time to wake up? Huaaaaa…few more minutes please…" Raynare groaned while unintentionally yawning in a cute fashion.

"Unyuu, is it time to get up yet? Fuaaaa…" Asia rose up while rubber her sleepy eyes.

'Them waking up will just cause more of a hassle…' Reaching out, Michael stroked both of their heads, gently to coax them back to sleep.

"We still have some time to rest you two. Just go back to sleep, okay?" Michael sighed and gave a gentle smile while he was at it.

"Mmm…Michael-sama…"

"Michael-shan…"

Crawling along Michael's hands, both girls laid on both sides of him and hugged his arms while returning into the sweet embrace of sleep. Although, Michael wasn't out of the woods yet, since both of his upperclassmen were having a pillow fight to settle their dispute.

*Bofu!*

Rias nails Akeno with a pillow to the face.

"I will not stand for anymore of this behavior. I can't stand how you try to touch my important servant!"

Pulling off the pillow, Akeno still kept her smile, "Ara, it should be fine if it's just for a bit! You really are stingy, Rias!"

Akeno retaliates and nails Rias back with the pillow.

"The renovations for this house wasn't too long ago, so I won't allow you to do what you want, Akeno!"

Rias threw the pillow again with the voice and face of a girl her age! Akeno however dodged the pillow and then threw one of the leftover pillows at Rias again.

"Sirzechs-sama said that we should live together and get along with each other!"

"This is my and Michael's house! Both you and Onii-sama are in the way of Michael and I's relationship! I can't stand it anymore!"

"So you'd go against Sirzechs-sama's wishes!? So then when it all comes down to it, you'd rather value Michael-kun over the Maou-sama then!"

"T-That's an unfair accusation! But of course, not…"

"Then lend me Michael-kun for a bit as well!"

"Absolutely not!"

Watching the two ladies fight on his bed refreshed Michael a little further since they were actually acting like actual high school girls without having that mature lady air about them. Seeing that enough was enough, he decided to try and stop their catfight.

"C'mon, Rias and Akeno can't we just-?"

*GASP!*

Both girls gasped, but for different reasons, Rias was disappointedly shocked while Akeno was thrilled.

"What?" Michael has yet to understand his blunder.

"M-Michael, how could you?" Rias whimpered.

"See, Rias? My bond with Michael-kun is so close that he can call me by name without any honorifics like you!" Akeno, whose cheeks were flushed rubbed it in Rias' face.

'Crap! I got too comfortable and spoke without thinking again!' Michael beat himself over his huge mistake.

"Hmph! A coincidence at best! He must have said it at the slip of the tongue. It means nothing if it wasn't intentional!" Rias crossed her arms and looked away.

"Ufufufu… 'a slip of the tongue'? Why that's a phrase that I find absolutely lovely. That would mean that Michael-kun's been keeping it a secret from you this whole time… Mmmm…how debauched…" The little hints that Akeno were dropping really got to Rias, but at this point Akeno was much more thrilled with her advancements showing some real progress.

"Why you…!" She was getting pushed past her limit, Rias was about to go ballistic with the way her aura grew intense.

"What's wrong? The truth too hard for you to handle?" Akeno giggled, but she too allowed her aura to grow as well.

'Things just got worse! At times like this there's only one course of action to take!'

"Nin-nin…" Michael made quiet ninja sounds as he crawled away from the bed and to the door. He deceptively used two pillows for Raynare and Asia to hug, so they wouldn't wake up by his absence. If he were to stay then there was no guarantee that he would survive the older girls' feud.

So he reached up to grab his doorknob and slowly turned it to avoid making any sound as the girls were too caught in their fight to notice.

'I'm home free!' Michael tearfully smiled as he pushed the door open.

*CREEEEAK!*

A slow and eerie creak soon followed. Michael knew that was his undoing, so he froze when he noticed the distinct noise of arguing until he felt the encroaching cold shadows of Rias and Akeno cover him.

"And just where do you think you're going, Michael? You should stay and explain to this vulgar and underhanded Akeno about where your true feelings lie."

"Ufufufu, I'm afraid you don't have any privilege to leave without having to resort this issue about our 'Senpai to Kouhai bond' to this stingy and cheap Rias."

'So close…' Michael deliberately gave himself up when he felt two hands grab at his ankles, dragging him back into his room.

Throwing all caution out of the wind, he screamed, "I was so close!"

"E-Eh?"

"What happened?"

Both Asia and Raynare emerged from their sleep to spot Michael being dragged by Rias and Akeno only to voice their complaints about the matter and join in on the argument.

*Gacha!*

"My what a mess that Michael-kun has gotten himself into. Nyaaaauh~!" A poorly dressed Natsuru yawned into her hand with a cat-like smile.

Before the loud noise of this rabble could fill the entire residence, a passing Natsuru closes the door while on her way to get freshened up for school. At first, she heard some noise and got interested, but the grasp of slumber still had some hold over her, so she decided to prepare for school before everyone else got ready.

It wasn't her forte to wake up early, in fact, she hated doing it and always relied on Kiyome or Makoto to do it. But now that Kiyome was away for the summer, she had no one to provide for her the privilege any more. Plus, it wasn't a choice for her to sleep in as much as she wanted to, she had to wake up early and move ahead of everyone to survey the paths that Michael takes to school since its now her job to watch over his well-being and steer any troubles that hinder him.

However, she's taken her job a little more seriously than Raynare because unlike Raynare, she hasn't established enough trust amongst the others to be openly affection towards Michael. It was just a trial in of its own to even speak with the guy without somebody being next to him at some moments. So, playing the support role was okay for her. For now that is.

"Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"

"Hehe, have a nice day, Michael-kun." Natsuru kept to herself as she left, hearing Michael's pained screams as traversed down the hallway.

Just another day in the lively Hanamura Residence.

XXX

After this morning's commotion and a well enjoyed breakfast with everyone in the house, Michael and his friends did their usual routine of walking to school and going to class. Of course, just going to school was a pain for Michael since it would usually drain the life out of him by the time it's over, but after getting put in the middle of Rias and Akeno's fight, he couldn't find the energy to do anything productive at all.

Through all his classes, he was conked out without moving a single muscle.

"Uah…" His head face down on his desk, Michael had finally managed to survive his arduous class to lunch break. That still didn't lift his spirits because of the hell he went through in the morning.

'Even when I gave up, they still wouldn't let me off. Why did I have to be punished for choosing a side that I was forced into choosing. In the end, I decided to try for both sides and that just made things worse.' Michael cried a puddle in his desk.

Watching the sad sack cry, Matsuda and Motohama were discussing ways of cheering their friend up.

"Is he still depressed?" Motohama asked.

"Yup. Been like that this whole morning. Don't know why though." Matsuda shrugged.

"My soul has been thoroughly abused. I'm losing the will to go on…" Michael dramatically cried.

"Man, this is getting me down. What do you think will cheer him up?" Matsuda rubbed his head.

"Hmmmm…" Motohama snapped his fingers, "I got it!"

"Nothing will ever heal this fragile soul that is Michael Hanamura's heart forever I shall be an empty husk that's be-!"

Walking over to Michael's side, Motohama leaned in to whisper,

"Summer Break starts tomorrow."

*THUD!*

"YOSH! My life has meaning again! Michael Hanamura's back at 100% you turkeys!" In an exaggerated fashion, Michael stood up, flipped his desk over and thrusted his arms up in excitement.

"There we go!" Motohama thrusted his fist up as well.

"That's the Mike, we wanted to see!" Matsuda grinned and excitedly joined with his friends.

"That's right my brothers! Now huddle up!"

The trio did just that and began talking about their future summer break plans.

"Summer break is about begin!"

"Aaaaay! And you know what that means!"

"Yes! Watermelons!" Michael's mouth drooled.

"Yea-! What? No!" Motohama shook his head, "Its-!"

"More free time to waste time playing video games!" Matsuda snickered.

"No! We may be able to do that, but the most important thing that we have planned is our Gentlemen's Summer! At the beach! At the pool, we don't discriminate if there are beautiful girls there then we're there in a flash!" Motohama announced.

"YES!" Matsuda excitedly cheered.

"Woohoo." Michael wasn't interested in the idea, but found it exciting to enjoy some of summer break with his friends from class and the Occult Research Club. He couldn't necessarily hang out with Saji due to him being away at the Grigori facility in the Underworld. He was already getting down to business with Vritra's other sacred gears being implanted into him, so it would be a while before he can enjoy his summer break too.

'Heh, he's going to be missing out! This summer is going to be the best! I have loads of stuff to do this year compared to the others…' Michael was genuinely happy with his busy schedule, he didn't have as much friends to hang out with in the past and this change made him feel content,

'At home I can play co-op games with Gasper, pig out on all of my snacks with Koneko-chan, eat Asia, Raynare, Akeno, and Rias' home-made cooking, take Kiba out to my favorite Manga shop because he's gotten interested in 'One Piece' lately, go out to an amusement park with Xenovia because she's always high strung. And finally, after all of these years, I can go fishing with Ero-sensei like we used to before!'

Michael's plans were already set and he was prepared to knock out each and every one before the summer was over.

"Don't worry, you two! None of those fine ladies will escape my DBZ-style scouters!" Motohama adjusted his glasses in a confident fashion.

"You're bringing back the scouter!?" Michael excitedly huffed and puffed, anything relating to dragon ball z was exciting for him. Even if it was used for a lewd purpose.

"Indeed, I am, my friend." Motohama fixed his glasses.

"So does the pathetic Perverted Trio have plans for the summer, too?" Kiryuu Aika approached the three stooges while openly demeaning them.

"Kiryuu Aika…" The three hissed at the girl, their old nemesis. Well, she was their friend, too, so she was their frenemies. Their frenemy.

"Why the hostility, boys? I was just curious is all." Kiryuu asked.

"Step off, Kiryuu!" Michael growled.

"Don't try to pull any bullshit on us, Aika! We already have Motohama as our four-eyed character in our group, so lay off of us for once!" Matsuda shouted.

"Hmph! That sleezeball? He alone disgraces the charm of glasses. I for one stand on a plateau that not even he can hope to reach." Kiryuu insulted Motohama's honor.

"How dare you!" Motohama grinded his teeth.

"Don't you dare underestimate Motohama. For as long as I've known the guy he's been breaking barriers that no man has before! His scouter may be pervy for identifying the female body's B-H-W, but it's the most efficient one I've ever known in my life!" Michael pushed Motohama forward to prove his point.

"Hm, yes, yes…I see it now…" Motohama adjusted his glasses and shone them in the sun, "Impressive, I'd say your packing a respectable 36C. For a personal score, I give 8.5 out of the generosity of my heart."

"See? See? Motohama is the best!"

"Learn your place and bow to his divinity!"

Both Matsuda and Michael defended their friend's honor.

"Hehehehe!" But she was laughing, "I must admit, your technique is impressive, but do you honestly believe a worm such as him is the only one who can use a scouter?"

The atmosphere was getting tense like an action movie.

"What are you on about?" Motohama narrowed his eyes.

"…!" Freezing in place, Michael took a frightened step back once Kiryuu focused her sights on him.

"Michael? What's up? Why are you backing away?" Matsuda caught this.

"Ugh! Ngh! No-! How could I-!?" Michael was sweating up a storm as Kiryuu's lips slowly quirked up into a lewd grin.

"What's wrong, Michael-kun? I don't expect these two other clowns to get it, but we legitimately shared some history together didn't we?" Kiryuu approached the trio, who were backing down from the growing pressure surrounding Kiryuu.

"Michael? What does she mean?"

"Yeah, what are you keeping from us!?"

Motohama and Matsuda turned to their friend, who remained silent.

"I-I-!" Michael mumbled.

"Didn't he tell you guys? Before hanging with you losers, he came to me first, as a friend."

"WHAT!?" Both boys turned back to their friend and pleaded for answers.

"It just happened, okay? I was desperate to hang out with someone when Saji joined the Student Council! I needed someone to talk to and she offered to be that 'someone', so-! So-!"

"So we decided to go out where we had a wonderful time as close friends." Kiryuu pridefully puffed out her chest.

"Shut your whore mouth! There was nothing friendly about that day. You tricked me when we went out to eat in that damn café." Michael gulped.

"Tricked you?" Motohama asked.

"Yeah, right in the middle of the café…she! She openly analyzed the length, the size, of my-! *GULP!* Man bits…" Michael covered his mouth and cried, "She openly stated everything about it in the café and everyone was looking at me like I was forcing her to say it, too! It was so humiliating!"

"You bitch!"

"Have you no shame! You should have killed him instead of breaking his pride like that!"

Matsuda and Motohama confronted Kiryuu for their fallen friend.

"What? I was just curious. What girl wouldn't be?" Kiryuu rolled her wrist in nonchalant fashion.

"Don't worry, Michael. We'll avenge you!"

"Yeah, we'd usually try to ruin your reputation, but now things have gotten too personal to do that again."

Both Matsuda and Motohama placed their hands on Michael's shoulders and gave him reassuring thumbs ups.

"You guys…" Michael sniffled.

"I'd like to see you morons try." Kiryuu placed her hands on her hips in a sassy manner.

"Uoooooh! Just you watch! Don't underestimate my scouter! Now watch as I examine and reveal the size of your areola to whole class!" Motohama adjusted his glasses and examined Kiryuu's chest.

"Go right ahead, but don't cry to me when I tell you how wrong your calculations end up!"

"You can do it, Motohama! Show her your skills." Matsuda nodded.

"Oh, and Michael. Just a piece of info I forgot to tell you. Someone has asked about your "data" before and I gladly gave it to them for a fair trade!" Kiryuu wore her lewd grin again and looked down upon the shocked Michael.

"Wait, you gave information about my soldier to someone else?"

"Mmm-hmmm!" Kiryuu hummed.

"Hey, Michael-sama, I brought you some lun-!"

"What kind of horrible, sick monster would ask you about my man bits!"

At that moment when Michael said that Raynare was about to enter the class with a bento box for him and her to eat, but quietly back away before anyone could notice her presence.

"That's confidential. And to make sure the wound doesn't heal so soon…Asia~! Xenovia~!" Kiryuu turns around to call out to Asia and Xenovia who were chatting to a group of girls curious about their summer plans.

"You're very lucky, you two! Your boyfriend is packing some serious heat, if you know what I'm saying!" Kiryuu winked.

"Really?" Asia was oblivious and had no idea what Kiryuu was referring to.

'Thank god-ouch! Asia's still pure enough not to know what she means!" Michael exhaled in relief.

"Packing heat? Michael, I didn't know you were carrying weapons on you." Xenovia curiously stated without any knowledge of the situation, too.

'Even Xenovia's bluntness has become my saving grace!' Michael joyously cried.

"Don't mind her, you two! She's just messing with me! Like ALWAYS!" Michael screamed.

"What do you mean? I'm just saying the truth, you know?" Kiryuu and Michael engaged in a fierce stare down.

"Your poisonous words will never reach their innocent minds, she-devil!" Although he was the real devil here along with the others.

"So, I'm a she-devil now, huh?" Kiryuu tilted her head in amusement.

"Just wait and see! This summer I'm going to get a beautiful girlfriend!" Matsuda screamed.

"Yeah, we will serve you the ultimate defeat as you lay eyes on them!" Motohama backed them up with his own declaration.

"Yeah, yeah, like that will ever happen. Enjoy your summer break, boys. Especially you too, Little Michael." Kiryuu winked.

"Leave us!" Michael hissed and shooed her away.

And with that the menace was gone as she traversed back to her group of friends that also included Asia and Xenovia even Raynare who somehow popped into class without being spotted. Now with everything on the line, the trio of friends made a vow to prove Kiryuu wrong once and for all.

XXX

"You're going back to the Underworld!?"

Classes have ended, and the whole club had just finished cleaning the club room before they returned home to enjoy their summer break. With everyone together, Rias made a shocking announcement that almost made Michael fall out of his seat, thankfully he didn't or else he would have shaken Koneko off of his lap.

"Yes, I'm returning home now that the summer holidays have started. I do this every year." Rias elegantly took a sip of her tea.

"Wait, does that mean we won't be seeing you over the summer?" Michael sighed in disappointment, there goes a few of his plans with Rias over the break.

"Don't get so glum, Michael." Rias rubbed his cheeks and reassured the young man, "You and I will be together for hundreds, for thousands of years from now on, so put your mind at ease. Besides, what master would leave behind her adorable servants."

"Does that mean-?"

Nodding, Rias before announcing to everyone, "Let's all prepare for our trip to the underworld. Make sure to carry along what you think you may need. It's a long trip to get there."

"We're all really going?" Asia gasped.

"Of course, a master wouldn't be a master without her servants. You're coming to my home together with me. Now that I think of it, this is also the first time you'll be going there, right, Asia and Xenovia?"

Asia nodded at Buchou's question.

"Y-Yes! I'm nervous about going to hell while alive! I-I thought I'd like to go there with the intention of dying!"

'You don't have to worry too much about it, Asia.' Michael thought, 'It is strange that even the living could live in hell, but I wonder…if people die in hell do they go through the same process like heaven or…you know what I'll just keep that question to myself it sounds complicated.'

"Yes. I've been interested in the underworld—in hell for a long time. However, for the sake of going to heaven, I had to serve the Lord…But now that I'm a Devil, there shouldn't be any possibility of me going to heaven…I feel irony in setting foot in the same world as those who have been sent to hell as divine punishment. Hell, huh? It suits a former believer who became a Devil." Xenovia sounded a bit depressed over the matter.

"Come now, worrying about the little things won't make things easier. Make sure to enjoy the trip, you two." Kiba gave them both his genuine 'handsome guy' smile.

"O-Okay."

"Right."

Both girls immediately calmed their nerves.

Turning over to Raynare, Rias said, "And don't you worry about your travelling expenses, Raynare. I know about your standings with the Grigori as a former member, so I made sure to call in advance about you joining us on the trip."

"Wow, thank you, Rias-san. I really do appreciate it." Raynare bowed her head out of respect.

"For the majority of our summer, we will spend the whole month in the Underworld and return on August 20th. The plan is to train and attend various kinds of events during our stay there."

Rias then went on to tell everyone about the schedule, but Michael gave a determined look while looking a little disappointed.

'There goes all of my plans for the summer. I guess I won't be able to hang out with Matsuda and Motohama, but I can't slack off with my training either. Lately, I've gotten stumped and haven't figured out a way to correctly train myself. This trip could be just what I need to strengthen my hold over the Balance Breaker's power and the unlocking of Welsh Drive.'

Michael clenched his fist at the thought of facing Vali again, especially after having that crazy nightmare,

'I can't fall behind, or else I'll get left in the dust.'

Realizing something from the corner of his eye, Michael looked over to spot something moving along with Kiba while the other spoke about the upcoming trip. Taking a glance at each other, Kiba noticed Michael slowly reach to grab something out of his bookbag and just shook his head and sighed.

"So now that, we've cleared things up. Prepare yourselves, everyone as we begin our departure for the Underworld right away." Rias took a sip of her tea.

"Interesting. I'm also preparing a trip there as-."

"Stop trying to be slick, you're not going to pull a quick one over our eyes!"

Michael threw a book at Azazel, who randomly appeared sitting on Rias' usual seat and desk.

Azazel caught the book with ease and wore a confident grin while reveling in the confused and amazed stares of everyone besides Michael and Kiba.

"Azazel-sensei?" Gasper gasped.

"When did you-?" Startled by the older man's appearance, Rias stood up and demanded an answer.

"Hn! I snuck in while you all were distracted with your conversation. I just had to hide my presence a little to get by the rest of you. Well, except for Michael and Kiba, but that speaks volume of their daily training."

Turning to her pawn and her knight, Rias asked, "Is this true?"

"Yes, he even shushed at us not to say a word once he was creeping in." Kiba explained.

"He wanted to look badass, so I ruined his moment by throwing a book at him." Michael proudly pointed at himself.

"Heh! Shows what you know I caught it." Azazel snickered.

"Hah! Oh, really? Check what kind of book it is. Yeah, you're not so cool. I even found your Twilight book in your lab, you disgrace of a man." Michael mocked.

"I already told you, I'm holding on to this for a friend."

"Oh, and is that friend named 'Azazel' because I found that name on the back of the cover." Michael asked.

"Anyways moving on…"

"Haha! Two points for me!" Michael laughed.

"I'll be joining you all on this trip to the Underworld using the devils' route, too. I'm rather curious how devils use transportation to get there. I only ever use the Grigori's main transportation hub to go there." Azazel rubbed his chin, intrigued with the notion. He only ever gets excited over things like this doesn't he?

"Besides it shouldn't be a surprise since this summer break will involve me whipping you kids into shape. I've already created the perfect training regimen to suit each of your abilities and dullen all of your weaknesses." Azazel explained, "Don't get me wrong, you all can relax through some parts of your vacation, but to improve the battle power of this peerage you have to sacrifice some of that enjoyment for some actual improvement."

"But what about me and Pretty Boy? We've been training constantly after school." Michael smiled in great confidence, "Not to mention we sensed you coming in."

"First off that "training" you do isn't actual training if you're constantly fighting each other. Yes, it hones your skills against the type of fighter your training with but it doesn't help you quite enough. Be honest and tell me, through this "training" have you accidentally injured yourself by using a burst of the dragon's power without thinking about how much your body can handle?"

"Of course not. I'm completely fine, no injuries or nothing." Michael shrugged with a smile.

"Okay then, I'll ask Asia then since she always stays in the training room with you to heal any of your injuries." Azazel saw Michael begin to sweat as he asked the sweet Bishop, "Asia has Michael ever sustained any damage to himself by overdoing it with his Balance Breaker?"

"Yes, it's not as damaging as breaking his arms, but there have been times where he broke a couple of his fingers or damaged both of his wrists." Asia stated and ignored the distressed looks Michael was giving her.

"See?" Azazel raised an eyebrow at the boy, seeing through his lies.

"Asia, why?" Michael mumbled.

"Forgive me, Michael-san, but I don't take the injuries you take lightly. I and everyone worry about you desperately because we're worried you may cause some permanent damage on yourself." Asia's eyes looked a little teary, but the serious look on her face made Michael retreat from making a rebuttal.

"Oh…" He knew that things were bad if even Asia was scolding him.

"And you, Kiba? Has your training given you any new results?"

Azazel turned to Kiba who looked down in thought.

"Not as of lately. Just training with Michael-kun is able to help me hone my sense of battle, but there hasn't been anything new that I can work on."

"What about that blade you were given from Zethyr?" Azazel remembered Kiba being called in by someone familiar right after the Peace Treaty fiasco was cleaned. Knowing the person who called the young devil in, Azazel already expected for some task to be given to Kiba.

"Oh, this…" Kiba stuck out his hand and materialized his black katana, "Yes, I was able to make some progress with this during that last battle of ours. I was given the task of compressing my demonic energy into this weapon that would continually absorb my energy to wield it. I managed to do just that, but I haven't really seen any results after doing that."

"So in all, you two have stunted without finding any results about your practices, right?" Azazel looked at both young men and noticed their discontent faces, "So I guess this training camp will hold some merit for both of your roadblocks. And hopefully it will develop all of you into growing stronger. So let's all prepare for your summer trip to the Underworld!"

"We already know. I already said that." Rias sighed and gave the Fallen Angel a deadpanned stare.

"I know, but when I do it. I put a grandiose spin on the phrasing." Azazel smirked, and earned a dirty look from Rias.

Laughing to herself, Raynare figured something out while the others were talking and thought, 'Training camp, huh? That's perfect. Everyone might be busy to hang out altogether, and with Rias-san and the others out of the picture, I can take full advantage of spending alone time with Michael-sama. I can finally take the lead and care for Michael-sama all by myself without any of the others interrupting.'

"Ufufufu…" Raynare creepily laughed to herself and that caught everyone's attention.

"Raynare, are you okay? You seem to be giggling to yourself." Xenovia asked, concerned.

"Oh! It's nothing. Nothing at all. Ohohohohoho!" Raynare laughed uproariously which made mostly everyone suspicious.

"As I was saying," Standing up from his seat, Azazel prepared to leave, "You all should prepare yourselves for the trip. It's bound to be long and you may experience some jet lag if you're prepared."

"Again. I already said that." Rias groaned.

"Geez, Rias, haven't your parents taught you that its unsightly for a girl to get worked up over small matters?"

Rias inhaled sharply after that remark and exhaled, "I walked into that one, but do not involve my parents into this please."

Rias was reminded of her worries of returning home over the summer with her servants, and tried to push it down. It wasn't just her, getting reminded of something else entirely different, Michael shouted,

"Wait, Ero-Sensei!" Michael wanted to get up, but noticed Koneko still sitting on his lap.

"Excuse me, Koneko-chan? Could you get up for now, I sort of have to ask Ero-Sensei something." Michael asked.

Taking a sip of her tea, Koneko said, "No, I'm drinking tea and I like sitting here doing it. It's calms me down, senpai."

"I know, but I just have to-"

"No, means no." Koneko shook her head.

"But I-!"

"No means NO."

Michael could hear the tea cup that Koneko held slowly crack from beneath her fingers, and decided to stop himself before he did something he would later soon regret.

'I'm glad that she's much cooler around me lately, but I can't tell if this ended up as a good thing for me in the end.' Michael sweatdropped.

"Just tell me what you have to jabber about from over there, brat." Azazel said, "Better not be a wise crack about my friend's twilight book again."

"Fine…" Michael took a deep breath and asked seriously, "Ero-Ossan, when you have the time. Can I ask you about something, alone?"

Because of how composed he was, Azazel comprehended the severity of the request and with a raise of the hand replied with, "Sure, but only when I have enough free time. Being a teacher for you kids and governing an entire race really takes a toll on a guy."

Everyone knew that when it comes to work, it was an iffy subject with Azazel because he can either being using that as a valid point, or just lording around his studious statuses all for the point of avoiding any possible work.

But taking his word to heart, Michael gratefully said, "Thank you, I appreciate it."

Once Azazel left the room, Michael allowed his some of his thoughts to linger and effect his emotions. They were starting to surface only a little as one of his hands clenched around the fabric of his pants.

Rias noticed this and asked, "Is everything okay, Michael?"

"Nah, I'm fine. It's just something that's been bothering me for a while. Thanks though." Michael pulled himself out of thinking about those lingering feelings and did his best to force a smile.

Noticing some concern rise up from Rias, Michael decided to change the conversation before it got even deeper into his business, so he excitedly remembered something and asked, "Wait a minute! Did he say train station? We're going to the Underworld by train!?"

"Of course, silly. That's one of the main routes needed to reach there." Akeno giggled at Michael's sudden curiosity.

"Really? You mean by actual trains! No magic circles or any other teleportation means?" Michael's eyes were brightened in excitement.

"Magic circles can be used for transportation, but if household devils don't use the official train route at least once then they are more likely to be arrested for illegally entering the Underworld. Well, at least through devil territories anywhere else probably has different set of rules." Kiba explained, but Michael only keyed in on the train part and blocked out the rest.

"Cool! We actually get to ride on a train to a far away place!" Michael cheered in excitement.

"Easy boy…" Koneko calmly patted Michael's thigh.

Finding something weird, Xenovia asked, "Wait, Michael, you mean you've never been on a train before?"

"Yup! I've been on cars and a boat once, but never a train."

"Odd. Asia and I are quite used to transportation on trains." Xenovia mentioned.

"Really?" Michael gasped.

"The churches I used to visit to heal any injured or sick were scattered all over Europe, so trains were an important means of transportation." Asia smiled.

"Me and Irina used trains to travel across long distances in Europe as well. Sometimes we would travel on horseback if the distance isn't too far from our current location whenever we had to hunt some monsters or exterminate devils." Xenovia breathed out a fresh puff of air remembering the good ol' days.

Both girls happily recanted their past experiences.

"Wow, you two are so lucky!" Michael grinned in excitement.

"B-But can't you fly, Michael-nii? Isn't that better than a train?"

"Of course not!"

"Eep!"

Michael denied Gasper's question, so loudly that Koneko pinched him since she was sitting directly in front of him. Michael said his apology before returning to matter,

"Flying. Yes, there was a time where I wished to fly as a human. But just like every other thing that a person does on a daily basis it's become stale. No, it's become a nightmare! Most of the time, I can't even fly straight with my devil wings, and my dragon wings need Ddraig to help steer them since they're so big. That's why this train thing will be another adventure for me to explore and gain the answers I seek!" Michael passionately said with conviction in his words.

"Answers for questions like what?" Raynare asked.

"Hmhmhm!" Michael laughed whimsically to himself, "Like does a train really go 'choo-choo' when you blow its whistle! Or does it trudge on through the tracks like 'chugga-chugga-chugga'! Or since it's a magic train; will it require us to chant 'I think I can' again and again if there's any trouble with it crossing a huge hill!? The questions never end!" Michael kept laughing thinking that his questions were complex while everyone else simply sweatdropped at his honest, misguided curiosity.

Noticing the sudden change of attitude Michael made, Rias wanted to bring up what plagued his mind, but decided to let it go for now due to his mood getting better than before.

'I shouldn't worry over it too much.' Rias thought as she enjoyed watching Michael excitedly talk about their upcoming summer experience.

"This is going to be awesome! I may have to cancel my plans for Matsuda and Motohama after they stuck up for my honor and some other biz." Michael brought out his phone and decided to text his friends before pausing to wear a huge grin,

"Oh, yes…this trip will be the absolute best."

Knowing that look, Raynare walked behind the Michael was sitting on and pulled his cheek,

"What are you thinking?"

Wincing in pain a little, Michael muttered, "Nothing…I just figured out a way to make this train experience all the more thrilling! Mwahahahahaha!" Michael maniacally laughed while everyone hoped for the worst to happen.

"*COUGH!* *COUGH!* *HACK!* Almost choked on my own saliva…peh…" Michael gasped.

'I'm going to start this summer off with a BANG!'

XXX

"This is madness! The start of this summer is officially ruined!"

Sitting down in his seat completely heated, Michael angrily ruffled up his hair while the nonchalant Koneko on his lap enjoyed her strawberry parfait.

It was the start of summer once everyone woke up in the morning, the temperatures were rising, so moving their packed bags were a little more than a hassle as they took a bus to Kuoh Town's train station.

Everyone decided to where their own casual set of summer street clothes since it was more appropriate than just wearing their academy uniforms. Both Asia and Xenovia found it odd that they were going to the train station since there were no trains stopping in on the schedule.

But answering their questions both Rias and Akeno confidently showed them to an elevator installed within the station. This elevator only allowed a few on board so it had to take two trips to transport the entire group. It was a strange process because instead of going up as its only normal function, the elevator instead traversed downwards with a swipe of Rias' card.

Beneath the whole station was a secret level used exclusively by devils and as explained by Akeno it was only one of many exclusive areas for the devils to travel through. Upon everyone entering the secret station, they were met with an artificial space that spanned out to what looked like an ongoing cave.

Following the platform to their intended platform, everyone had their eyes set on a huge train that had both the Gremory family's seal along with Sirzechs' seal which confirmed it being particularly owned by the Gremory family as a whole.

Now everybody was sitting in their seats in the train's lounge car which held comfortable couches, stools, tables snacks, drinks and other benefits you'd find in any ordinary lounge. Everybody was doing something to pass the time along with a few of them reading a book, playing video games or playing cards.

The students were in one car while Azazel was in the other actually getting some rest due to Michael's loud bellyaching.

"This is complete and utter blasphemousy! This violates the trust between both the driver and the drivee! They had no right to do any of that! I mean what I was doing wasn't wrong!"

"First off, Michael-kun you shouldn't try to use words you can't understand or say correctly, and second because apparently entering a train while carrying a boombox set to its highest volume while playing 'I'm on a highway to hell' is frowned upon." Kiba indulged Michael's misplaced anger.

"Hey, get off my back! They just don't appreciate the classics. Plus, it fits well with the trip."

"I don't think anyone would appreciate a song being screamed out to imitate a death metal singer in front of their faces."

"I only did that to bring out the complexity of the song! Everything needed to be perfect, so we can style all over the other passengers' balls."

Groaning from her seat besides the boy, Rias soothed her aching head, "This is train specifically owned by my family. We are the only passengers. You shouldn't go off the handle like that again."

"I wasn't that bad…" Michael trailed off and looked down.

"You punched one of the conductors in the eye." Rias saw Michael shrug while showing no concern for his actions.

"He tried to interrupt my groove. And since he tried to stop me and didn't want to join then he rightfully got decked." Michael suddenly began to playfully sing, "Because if my friends don't dance with me or don't dance. Well then they're no friends of mine~!"

*PUUUUUUUULL!*

*PUUUUUUUUULL!*

*PUUUUUUUUUULL!*

"Fi'm sovvy! I'll neva dwo ict awain!" Michael cried out as he received pinches from Asia, Raynare and Rias all at once. The chaos that he caused wasn't let go so easily as Rias scolded him, but despite the trouble made, he was strangely able to make a good impression on the main conductor of the Gremory train, Reynaldo.

He commented about how it's been rare to come across such "lively" guests that use the Gremory train system. He looked somewhat reminiscent when he took a look at Michael even though the two have never even met a day in their lives.

"So how long before we finally reach the Underworld. It's already been 3 hours." Xenovia asked while shuffling a deck of cards she was using to play with Raynare and Asia.

"The average time of arrival takes about 7 hours in total, so we'll just have to wait it out a little longer." Akeno calmly flipped through and read a page of her book.

"Urgh…! This is taking forever…I though trains would go fast if you constantly chanted 'I think I can' over and over again. This sucks…" Michael laid back against his seat and moaned out of boredom,

"I bet Saji didn't have to suffer like this to his trip to that Grigori research place."

"That's right, he left the week before summer started to leave for the Grigori research facility. So, how is he?" Kiba curiously asked.

"Meh, he's fine. I received a call yesterday about how he's already done with getting more of the other Vritra sacred gears implanted into him. Actually, it was the first call that didn't have him screaming in pain."

The thought of the harsh experiments Saji must have gone through made Michael shiver.

"He even told me that everyone in Sona-senpai's peerage is prepping for some training, too. Is that right, Buchou?" Michael asked.

"Yes, just like us Sona has decided to train her servants to a higher level. She is usually one to believe that summer vacation is usually the time of the year where most people get lazy, so believes hard work makes for a productive vacation."

Michael's face paled at the thought of being driven to the ground by a hardass like Sona, "I'm starting to feel so bad for Saji right now…fight on man…fight on…"

"I believe Kaichou has planned out a very rigorous training schedule that doubles the workload of last year's training. I think she even commented about adding on more work that tops the training we did in preparation for the Phenex Rating game."

Akeno spark a fire in Rias once she heard that.

"Oh really." She was starting to look competitive and that really had her servants worried,

"If Sona wishes to outdo us then we just have to work even harder, so that she and her servants won't compete with us. Meaning our workload has been tripled. I won't allow her to outdo me."

'Uh…Buchou, don't you me 'us'?' Michael was getting a glimpse at the sheer intensity both seniors had toward one another.

Sending a dominating glare towards everyone, Rias exclaimed, "Do I make myself clear? We are not to lose to Sona at any cost. Does anyone object."

"N-No, Buchou…" Everyone sweatdropped at their King's sudden burst of anger.

'This summer isn't going to be relaxing as I thought. I wonder what kind of summer Natsuru-senpai will have since she stayed here in Japan. I hope she doesn't get too lonely while we're gone. I would have invited her but I haven't really seen much of her lately at school or at home. I wonder if she's just been busy with something.' Michael thought.

[Shouldn't you be more focused on your own troubles besides someone else's?]

'Well, it lightens the load of my eventual training, so it does help and-!' Michael took that moment to notice that Ddraig was finally speaking to him.

'Ddraig?'

[Yo.]

"Ddraig!" Michael's sudden screaming startled everyone.

"Michael-san?" Asia looked perplexed at the sudden outburst, "Are you okay?"

She worriedly placed a hand on his shoulder.

Giving Asia a surprised look, Michael's only response was,

"I need to use the bathroom."

Gently lifting Koneko off of his lap, Michael made a beeline to the restroom before anyone could say anything. Now left to themselves the group had nothing to say for what just happened and went on with their business while one person broke the silence,

"That was weird." Koneko went on to finishing her snack.

Slamming the door to the small bathroom stall, Michael immediately sat on the toilet and shouted at his glowing hand, "Just where the hell have you been!?"

[I never actually left. I'm still bound to you inside the Boosted Gear. Plus, I never even received a proper 'hi' from you.]

"But Ddraig I haven't heard from you after we took care of the Natsuru situation."

[…]

"Don't you pull that bullcrap on me! That's MY thing not yours." Michael shouted.

[…]

"Fine. What's up, Ddraig?" Michael groaned.

[It's nice seeing you again too, partner. I haven't been up to much lately, I've been conversing with a few old friends from within the depths of the Boosted Gear and your inner psyche. It appears some things have opened up because of your progress.]

"What"

Ddraig groaned at his partner's lack of tact.

[I was busy talking with one of your seniors, my past possessor before you about your current progression with the Boosted Gear.]

"Hold up. Are you serious, then that must mean I finally got an old possessor's approval to lean the Welsh Drive? That's great! Now I can really start this summer off with a bang."

[Don't get ahead of yourself. Usually it's natural for at least 2 to 3 past possessors to approve of you, so one isn't something to be proud of. Let's not forget that he had barely accepted you with some finality because there were some moments where he might not have been sure to deem you worthy.]

"Boy way to bring the whole house down…" Michael scratched his cheek.

[It's the truth and you have to hear it. Thankfully, he is actually willing to help you, but there's a condition to be met before you unlock Welsh Drive. You must fully control about 50% of the dragon energy the Scale Mail will provide for you in order to unlock the power fully. Meaning no more self-inflicted injuries, you have to learn to maintain the power in your base state and get yourself acquainted to the heightened power.]

"Like you said before…no sweat this training will absolutely help me get that power." Michael said confidently.

[Depending if the training is enough to get you far enough to reach that level.]

"Quit being a Debby downer. This training has to work since Ero-Ossan wants us to develop our sacred gears after all." Michael reassured Ddraig.

[If you say so.]

Bringing up Azazel led Michael to remind himself about his past thoughts and the nightmare he had the past morning. Dredging up the difficult topic, he asked, "Say Ddraig, you wouldn't happen to have seen a couple of my dreams while talking to my senior, have you?"

[Dreams? I couldn't really avoid getting distracted by anything else or I would have lost contact with your senior.]

"Then it wasn't you that was messing with my dreams. Then why did I dream about the Boosted Gear's Scale Mail killing me? Just what exactly was I supposed to get from that n-nightmare?"

Michael clicked his tongue.

[You've been plagued by nightmares of the Scale Mail killing you? Explain what happened to me. Don't hold anything back.]

And just like a broken dam, Michael gushed out all he could about his dream. Vali's taunting and personal speech about his true yet uncomforting origin. The destroyed courtyard of Kuoh Academy, and finally the horrifying part at dying at the hands of his own Balance Breaker. Processing all of this new information, Ddraig remained silent; thinking of a way to get some answer from that nightmare.

[Are you sure that's all? Nothing else?]

"I can remember the Scale Mail saying something but I was already getting choked out and stabbed to death to really notice." Getting past the trauma of the dream proved too difficult so Ddraig didn't push him any further to answer.

"Wait, I do remember something about the armor being strange. It had red eyes with black aura seeping out of it. The whole thing felt like pure negativity that even I felt sick to my stomach just being in its presence." Michael noticed his shivering hand, and did his best to suppress it.

[A malignant aura and red eyes?]

Ddraig didn't know much about the red eyes, but if the aura had such a deep overflow of negativity then it could be connected to that large crater that mysteriously appeared in Michael's mindscape. His talk with Belzard had to be interrupted to investigate the unnatural occurrence. As of now it didn't seem to effect anything, but since it now gave Michael a strange nightmare it seems that this black aura will be impeding with Michael's mental health.

[I have no clue what to make of this yet, but I'll do my best to look into this matter.]

"Thanks." Michael tiredly rubbed his head.

Ddraig wanted to avoid frightening his owner any further, and steered clear of revealing the new change in his psyche. He didn't have the answers yet and making a theoretical guess would only make things worse.

"If that's taken care of then let's focus on the bigger picture besides my nightmares." Michael brightened his attitude.

[Bigger picture?]

"Exactly. We're heading to the Underworld, and since I'm bound to become Maou one day I need to at least enter it with a big debut! To show every devil out there what I'm made of, and the potential I have." Michael confidently laughed.

[You're forgetting the most important part. People have to actually know who you are before they can actually care about what potential you have.]

"Hey! People will be in awe by my greatness! Once I enter the Underworld everything will go my way!"

"Oh, really?" A hushed voice projected itself inside of the bathroom.

"Whose there!" Michael immediately stood and looked around for the voice's source.

*Shiiiiiiiiiiiine!*

"A Magic Circle? In the bathroom? Why?" Michael gasped.

[I know the situation is dire, but why are you talking like that?]

"Don't know. Hard to explain. Being surprised. Forces me to… Speak in short sentences."

The magic circle shone brighter as it engulfed the entire bathroom with Michael giving the manliest of screams you could ever hear.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa~!"

Hearing his scream, Rias looked over to Koneko to scope out the issue. Making her way to the bathroom, Koneko opened the door and peered inside and casually looked back into the lounge car.

"Buchou did Michael-senpai really use the bathroom?"

"Last I checked, is he in there?"

"Nope, and second question wasn't there supposed to be a bathroom here in the first place?" Koneko opened the door one more time seeing nothing, but the empty space that the train traveled through.

"Oh, dear." Rias held her head as another headache rose up.

'We just barely made it on the train and there's already trouble. Just what caused this nuisance in the first place?' Rias' thoughts trailed off before remembering about the snoring Governor-General in the next train car.

'No no no no no no…' Rias made her way to the next car's door and opened the door to spot no one in the seat that Azazel was left sleeping in. Confirming his involvement with her missing Pawn.

"No…" Rias pinched her temples in frustration.

"That bad, huh?" Akeno approached her best friend with a frown.

"You wouldn't believe…"