Flames of Concern, Embers of Resolve

The Golden Skys of Kuoh we're brighter than ever

The sun above burned with a warmth that mirrored the heart of its ruler. Though Vritra's devastating rampage had scarred the land, the wounds were now healing not with time alone, but with will, unity, and love. Kuoh stood tall again, not merely restored but transformed, reborn in the flames of its guardian Phenex .

Solaris Manor had become more than a noble estate it was a beacon, a throne carved from sunlight and flame, casting light into the growing shadows beyond the world. News of Riser Phenex's ascension had spread like wildfire through all realms, reaching the ears of kings and gods alike.

And now, on this fateful day, the sky itself bore witness to the meeting of flames.

The arrival of his Family

The air shimmered with heat as the Phenex clan arrived.

Wings of golden fire beat against the sky as the Phenex entourage descended. At the head were Lord and Lady Phenex, followed by the ever regal Ruval and the fiery spark that was Ravel. Their clothes shimmered with enchantments, but their expressions held something deeper pride, awe, and worry.

"Big Brother!" Ravel cried the moment her feet touched the marble steps of Solaris Manor. She ignored every formality, every custom drilled into her as a noble. Her small form dashed up the stairs and threw herself into her brother's arms.

"You're okay right?" she asked, pulling back to stare into his glowing eyes.

Riser caught her easily, holding her close with one arm. "Of course, little flame," he murmured. "Did you really think I'd let an overgrown lizard end me?"

Her eyes glistened. "You roared, Riser. It echoed through the realms. Even Father looked stunned."

Behind her, Ruval approached slowly. His usual teasing smile was absent. He studied his brother taller, broader, power pulsing from his skin like waves of heat. His hair shimmered like molten gold.

"Riser," he said quietly. "That roar the transformation Are you okay?"

Riser let go of Ravel gently and stepped forward to face his brother. "I am more than I was," he said, voice like a slow burning fire. "But yes I am still Riser Phenex. Son. Brother. Lord of Kuoh. I remember every lesson you taught me."

Ruval stared at him, then gave a slow nod. "Good. Because if you forget, I'll be the first to remind you."

Lady Phenex approached next, her presence commanding yet warm. She cupped her son's face gently, tears forming in her eyes.

"My beautiful boy," she whispered. "You shine like the sun itself now. You terrify even the gods. But don't let that light burn everything you touch. You were born with warmth. Keep it. Don't lose yourself to power."

Riser leaned into her touch for just a moment, then kissed her hand. "I won't, Mother. I promise."

Lord Phenex just stared at his son the pride he once felt like a raging volcano now. He truly looked at him the boy now man was something he never knew he would become but always dream for.

Later on a Crimson Flower Blooms

Just as the air settled, a teleportation circled arrived someone was coming not a enemy but someone important to him.

Rias Gremory appeared with grace, her long crimson hair flowing in the wind, flanked by her peerage. Akeno, serene and elegant. Kiba, poised and alert. Koneko, quiet but vigilant.

Rias stepped forward slowly, her heels clicking softly against the stone. Her usual confidence wavered beneath the weight of her heart.

"You didn't answer my messages," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "Not even a single word. After the roar I thought"

"I'm here, Rias," Riser interrupted gently. "I'd never leave you."

She exhaled a trembling breath and stepped into his arms, holding him tightly. Her fingers curled into his cloak, and for a moment, she allowed herself to be vulnerable.

"I was scared," she admitted. "Everyone kept saying you changed. That you'd become something else. I didn't want to believe them, but" She looked up. "You do feel different. Like something ancient lives in your skin now."

Riser smiled softly and held her closer. "That's because something does. But the part that smiles at you, that part never left."

"I want to stand beside it," she whispered. "I want to stand beside you. I'm not strong enough yet. I know that. But I will be. I'll become the kind of wife that you deserve. Not just a weak fiancée. Not just a Gremory. I'll fight for Kuoh. I'll fight for you."

There was silence between them, then a quiet voice from behind.

"We've all decided to grow even stronger," Akeno said. Her violet eyes shimmered with conviction. "Not just for Rias, but for what you're building here, Riser sama. You saved us, you saved me. We want to be worthy of the world you're creating."

Kiba stepped forward and bowed slightly. "The boys at the devil academy whisper about gods now. But when they speak your name, it's with hope. You've inspired more than you realize."

Koneko looked up, her eyes piercing. "You feel like a god now. But you still smiled at Rias like you used to. That means you're still you. So we'll protect that smile. Together."

Riser's gaze swept across them, a soft, radiant pride blooming in his chest.

"You are all stronger than you know," he said. "And if you keep walking with me, then no darkness will ever swallow this city."

That evening, in the Manor glowed with light and laughter.

The great hall, decorated with obsidian and Phenex gold, was alive. The Phenex family sat alongside Rias's peerage and Riser's closest companions. Fire danced in the hearth. Wine and food flowed freely.

Daryun sparred with Kiba on the manor's terrace, each blow a crash of steel and discipline. Nearby, Akeno and Ravel sat in a circle of light, gossiping softly and occasionally giggling.

Merlin and Ruval stood by the balcony, deeply engrossed in a discussion of spellcraft and dimensional warding.

Thalia lounged near the edge of the courtyard, her lightning hawk curled beside her. To everyone's surprise, she allowed Koneko to pet it.

At the head of the table sat Riser. On one side, Rias now in a radiant deep red gown. On the other, Artoria composed, regal, her hand occasionally brushing against his beneath the table.

Lady Phenex leaned close and whispered, watching the gathering youth with wise, knowing eyes.

"You've come far, my son. You've drawn nobles, warriors, mages even the Gremory. Perhaps you are meant for more than we ever imagined."

Riser didn't answer immediately. He watched Koneko feed a piece of fruit to Thalia's hawk. He watched Kiba raise his blade and Daryun counter with a smile. He saw Rias's smile and Akeno's rare ease.

"Yes," he said finally. "But I'm not done yet."

The Embers Stirred

Later, beneath the moon's soft glow, Rias stood with him alone in Solaris Garden.

The air was still. Crickets chirped. The fountain behind them trickled gently.

Rias looked up at him. He was so much taller now broader, his body forged by battle and rebirth. His aura glowed white gold, yet it hummed softly, as though it recognized her.

"I know there will be others," she said suddenly, quietly. "Lovers. Consorts. Queens, even. That's how kings are. I accepted that a long time ago."

She stepped closer.

"But I won't give up the title of your first wife. That's mine, Riser. No matter how many come, I'll always be your first. I'll fight for it if I have to."

Riser blinked, surprised. Then he smiled slow, gentle, and proud.

"You've grown bold, my crimson flower."

"I had to," she whispered. "Or I'd get left behind."

He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, letting his fingers linger.

"You will always be my wife, Rias."

And for a moment, under the starlit sky of Kuoh, two flames crimson and white burned together, neither consumed by the other, but growing stronger side by side.