Underworld. Gremory Household.

An evening was upon Underworld and the lands of Devils have been coated in shade of night, with thousands of lights being lit. For most, this evening night was going to go as usual, but not for some, such as the esteemed House of Gremory. The reason as to why? The Lady of the Household, Venelana Gremory, who has been pregnant for 9 months now, today had her water broke and the moment she had awaited was upon her: the birth of her children, her twins. It was not her first childbirth, as she has given birth to Sirzechs, who now served as a new Lucifer, but that was near ages ago and so, when the pains came from her children moving inside her, she couldn`t help but be nervous and even in a little bit of panic. Twins were a very rare occurrence among Devils, near miracle and nothing short of it. Among Devils, having twins was even considered to be a sign of good fortune for the House. However, that wasn`t what Venelana had been concerned about at the moment.

It has been over seven hours since the childbirth had begun and Venelana surrounded by the maids, vet nurses and in a company of her trusted daughter-in-law Grayfia, was nearly screaming and whimpering as she pushed her children out of her womb. She was tired, exhausted, yet she was still at it, feeling that the moment of birth of her children was very soon. Grayfia wiped away the sweat of Venelana`s face and spoke to her.

"You are almost there, Venelana. Just a little further." She encouraged her, with Venelana screaming out of painful contraction, with Grayfia speaking to her. "That`s it, the head is already seen. Venelana, just a little more…" And Venelana screamed out even louder, as her hands gripped the sheets.

And as she did so, the nurses have reacted quickly, as their Lady had delivered the first child. Venelana felt like a whole mountain had dropped of her shoulders and the sound of her child`s cries had made her smile, even though she has had little to no strength left for anything after such long hours of childbirth. The nurses severed the umbilical cord, applying healing magic to regenerate it for a child, taking it away to wash and clean. Venelana looked to Grayfia, who smiled to her mother-in-law, before speaking up.

"It`s a girl, milady. A healthy beautiful girl, milady." Grayfia said to Venelana, who smiled weakly, before she felt another wave of pain course through her, as the childbirth was not over, as one more child waited to be delivered into the world.

This time, Venelana didn`t feel any strong pains or need to cry out of it. No, this time, she felt how her baby came out of her womb, without any struggling or pain for its mother, not like its sister. When Venelana felt how her child left her, she let out an exhausted gasp and laid down, finally allowing herself to relax, but only for a moment, as Lady Gremory suddenly realized something was wrong. She clearly heard how her daughter cried, but she had yet to hear anything from her just delivered baby. Mother`s heart began trembling with fear and horror, as Venelana looked at Grayfia and nurses, catching their worried expressions. Finding new strength, Venelana lifted herself a little and spoke up.

"My child… Where is it?" She asked of them, catching Grayfia and other nurses by surprise, with her head maid coming to her. "Why is my baby… Who did I deliver and why is…"

"Venelana… I`m sorry." Grayfia spoke to her in an apologetic way, with Venelana` fears growing so much greater. "Your third child, your son, he…"

"No, give him. Give me my son!" Venelana wasn`t going to even listen to whatever they had to say, instead ordering them to give her the child she delivered.

The head nurse was about to retort, but after catching her Lady`s murderous and vindictive glare, even though she had just went through a childbirth. Grayfia gave a curt nod to head nurse and, after some hesitation, nurse went ahead and brought to Venelana what she asked for. With her hands shaking, Venelana took her just delivered baby into her embrace, covered in blankets, but not yet washed. She saw how her son`s eyes were shut and he didn`t even move, showing absolutely no signs of life. Terrified out of her life, Venelana`s eyes watered, as she embraced her child, tears beginning to flow, ignoring all the saddened and sympathetic looks of her maids and nurses, along with her alive daughter`s cries, as she was in the arms of Grayfia now. Venelana embraced her child, tears flowing out of her eyes, with her lips touching her son`s head, ignoring the fluids and blood, as she whimpered at the sight of her stillborn son…

But, as Venelana`s lips had left her son`s head, she felt a small movement in her arms. Surprised, Venelana looked more carefully, with eyes full of hope that she may not have lost her child. And that hope was rewarded, as she saw how her baby slowly opened his eyes and looked at her, revealing to Venelana her own, purple eyes. Venelana`s face immediately lit with a smile, seeing how her son was alive, caringly embracing him and kissing his cheek out of affection. Nurses and maids looked in amazement and shock, as they were completely certain that young lord was stillborn, but it seemed like he was not as active as his twin sister. Venelana spoke up lovingly and caringly to her baby son.

"Oh, my baby, my little son…" She spoke to him, as she cooed him, rocking him slowly, seeing how her baby was trying to snuggle as close as possible to his mother. "Thank goodness… You had your mommy worried greatly for a moment, my baby."

"Milady, your son, he needs to be cleaned and…" The head nurse made her way to take Venelana`s son to clean him up, but she was met with a glare of a protective she-wolf, protecting her little pup.

"I`ll clean him myself." Venelana said to the nurses, as she applied magic to clean her little baby son without letting him go.

Soon enough, her son was clean and well, snuggling to his mother, making Venelana smile at this action of his. Not a moment too soon, she held in her arms both her son and her daughter, who was given to her by a nurse, with Grayfia standing close to her, with a smile on her face. Venelana`s daughter had calmed down a little, but a couple of whims still escaped from her, whilst her son was as calm as one could ever be, yet at the same time, Venelana could feel by her heart, that her son already knew, without even realizing it, who was his mother and closest person, and because of that he was so calm and close to her. As Venelana inspected both of her new babies, doors into her room opened up, revealing to Venelana her husband, Zeoticus Gremory, and her eldest child, Sirzechs Lucifer, nee Gremory, walking fast inside and making their way to her and babes. Zeoticus was the first one to speak up.

"Vena, my dear, how are you?! We heard you scream and…" Zeoticus stopped when he laid his eyes upon the babes that his wife held. "Oh my goodness…" He smiled as he looked at his children.

"You just look at those cuties." Sirzechs said nearly crying, as looked at his newborn sister and brother. "I almost can`t believe that I now have to little sisters!"

"Not sisters, Zechs." Venelana said to him, with a small smile, looking at her son. "The doctors were wrong: a daughter first, and then, a son." Vena said lovingly, kissing her newborn son`s forehead, earning her a happy sound from him.

"Another boy." Zeoticus said out loud moving closer to his son and beginning to take him in his arms. "Here, here, boy. Come in your Papa`s arms~." Zeoticus coed, as he took the boy from his wife`s arms.

This action, however, wasn`t taken well by the baby, as he began to whimper in Zeoticus` arms, clearly not wanting to be separated from his mother. Venelana could clearly see how uncomfortable her son was in Zeoticus` arms and could almost feel like he was afraid of leaving her side. Zeoticus also saw how his newborn son wasn`t resting in his arms and when he tried to rock him, that only served to make boy`s whimper turn into a quiet cry and make him thrash a little, as Zeoticus` rocking was far less smoother and more eager than one that his mother was giving him. Venelana, having just went through a nightmare of thinking that she lost her babe, couldn`t stand hearing her son cry like this and feel unsafe, so she spoke up immediately in a tone of a protective mother.

"Zeoticus, please, give me our son. Don`t you see that he doesn`t like your rocking? Please, give him back." Venelana said to him, drawing surprised glance from Zeoticus, who frowned a little.

"Aw, what a shame. You know, my boy, your big brother here was actually laughing when I rocked him just mere moments he was born." Zeoticus wisely pointed out to the newborn boy, who only further cried in need of mother`s embrace, forcing Zeoticus to give him back to Venelana, receiving in return his daughter. "Aw my, what a little cutie do we have here~?" Zeoticus cheerfully spoke up, beginning to rock her with same eagerness, earning him in return happy cries from the girl, making Sirzechs also turn his attention to his little sister.

Venelana looked for a few seconds as her husband and son were playing with her newborn daughter, before turning her attention to the little bundle of life, that was trying it`s hardest to snuggle as close as possible to his mother, becoming once again calm and quiet, feeling safe and sound in his mother`s embrace. Venelana brought her son close to her, kissing his crimson haired head, rocking him quietly and carefully. As her son had calmed down and silently slipped into sleep, while Zeoticus and Sirzechs were far more preoccupied now with a newborn baby girl, paying nearly no mind to boy. Venelana gave a few glances towards her spouse and eldest son, before turning to her son in her arms, silently speaking up what has been on her mind.

"Tristan… My little Tristan." Venelana spoke up with a smile, caressing her newborn son`s cheek, with a smile on her face, as she watched her son sleep silently and calmly in her arms.

Truly, it was at that moment, when Venelana had felt that she will be the closest with her son. She already could feel the connection with him, from a moment he had finally opened his eyes and looked at her, revealing to the world that he was alive and well. Her Tristan, Venelana`s little quiet knight… Former member of House of Bael could already tell, that her daughter will be the gem in the eyes of her husband and eldest son, as seen how they were captivated by her. But her little boy, her little Tristan… He was completely different, not like Sirzechs when he was but a babe. No, Tristan was not like his father, brother or his twin sister, as he didn`t cry out immediately, nor without feeling completely unwell.

He may`ve been a member of House of Gremory and bore that name, but for Venelana, Tristan was her son, her own little knight. One that she will do everything to nurture and protect, like a lioness or she-wolf. He may never become the Head of the House of Gremory, as now this fate was in hands of his older sister, but that didn`t mean he wouldn`t achieve his own victories and gain his own achievements. He could possibly take a seat of one of the Satans in future, or maybe make his own way in life.

And perhaps, one day, he may surpass all around him. That was what Venelana had thought, as she held her newborn Tristan close to her.

Six years later.

"No, that is not how you channel your energy properly, Tristan!" A loud and stern voice of Tristan`s magical teacher spoke harshly to him, with her fescue hitting the boy`s hands once more, leaving another red trace on them.

Tristan only slightly morphed his face in pain, as his palms of hands felt sore from constant lashing of his teacher at him. It was one of his father`s old friends, if he remembered correctly, as he was informed by Grayfia. She was put in charge of Tristan`s magical training, trying to get him to use his Demonic powers that had to possess, but couldn't properly use or exude. His twin sister, Rias, however, had absolutely no problem in that department, as she was using their mother`s inherited power with absolute ease. This was a matter of pride and boasting for Zeoticus and Sirzechs, while Tristan seemed to have trouble to even slightly use Demonic powers in the same manner as his sister, which is why he was given a teacher by the orders of his father.

Unfortunately, that didn`t breed any success either, instead making Tristan`s life more troublesome, as his teacher was a very harsh one and didn`t like the fact that her apprentice was such a seeming failure, leading to her lashing out like this. As much as it may`ve hurt, Tristan didn`t cry or even whimper, instead enduring it and trying his hardest without saying much. Unlike his loud and cheerful twin sister, Tristan was a far more reserved, quiet and a little secluded boy, more often found in loneliness, out in the garden with a book in his arms. Despite his seeming trouble with magical arts and possibility of not having inherited neither of his parent`s abilities, he was loved and cared by his family, being especially close to his mother, feeling far more at ease and in peace while near her. While his father and older brother have been every bit as kind and caring as one would expect from a Gremory, Tristan paled in their eyes and was not as significant as Rias, their gem.

And as for his sister, the two differed in character, with Rias being loud, a bit obnoxious and sometimes clingy, yet always kind and caring, they were still close as brother and sister would. However, within the walls of Gremory household, it was clear and evident that Rias was on top of the class, while Tristan was not as important, but that didn`t matter to him. He knew that she was important, as she was born first, but he didn`t understand why was that important and why everyone cared about it so much. Even his harsh teacher always put Rias as an example to Tristan, as if it was something he was to aspire to be.

Tristan pulled his hands away and rubbed them, as to ease his pain. His teacher looked at him with contempt and scoffed at him.

"What a pathetic Devil you are." She said to him without any hint of politeness. "I can`t even believe that Zeoticus had such a weak son. You are absolutely nothing like your brother, our Great Devil King Lucifer. Hell, you aren`t even half as good as your sister, who could do that damned spell without even lifting a finger. I should`ve trained her instead of being stuck with a pathetic excuse of a Devil like you."

"I am sorry." Tristan simply said to his teacher, catching her glare and receiving another, more painful slap at the hands. "Why did you…"

"Because that damned sorry of yours doesn`t change a thing and I can`t stand even a simple sight of your…" His teacher snarled at him, before being interrupted.

"What is going on here?" Came in a strong, commanding voice of Venelana Gremory, making Tristan and his teacher turn towards her, as she walked towards them, with a displeased look on her face present. "Salma, care to explain to me, why are you slapping my son`s palms and lash out like a tavern wench? Speak now, and do try to be reasonable, because right now, I have half a mind to personally destroy you." Venelana threatened to Tristan`s teacher, while she herself went to her son and looked at his hurt hands, frowning even deeper.

"Lady Venelana, your husband had instructed me to tutor your son in usage of our magic, but he is an utter and absolute failure in this." Salma didn`t care for the threat and was as plain as they came, earning herself a near murderous glare from Venelana. "He doesn`t even have either your, or Zeoticus` powers, not to mention…"

"Not to mention that his teacher is a loathing wench that doesn`t know a single thing about tutoring or teaching children, not to mention who appears to be relishing in other`s failures." Venelana said to Salma, not letting her to speak up. "I`ve had my suspicions that my son hasn`t been tutored properly for a long time, but he would not speak of it. However, I am a Lady of Gremory and as one that manages this household, I have my ways of finding out what is going here. And from what I saw now and heard from servants, I have only one thing to say to you: get out of here and never show your face in this house again. If I see you here again, or near Tristan, not even friendship with my husband and older son will save you from my wrath. Now, be gone." Venelana said to her, clear and loud, without any arguing.

Salma, even though she was brush and harsh, knew that it was basically a suicide to aggravate one lady that was known as The Empress of Destruction, given the fact of her pure Power of Destruction and how it could level entire cities without any significant problem. Venelana was one of the most powerful Devils in history, someone who was considered to be a Satan-class and someone who could give a run for money to current Great Devil Kings. And from that point of view, Salma complied, teleporting away from the household and deciding not to return here.

As Salma was gone, Venelana immediately turned her fullest attention to her son, looking at him with a caring and concerned look. She took his hands into hers, beginning to apply a small healing magic to help her son. She looked at her son and spoke up.

"Tristan, my little boy, why haven`t you told me a single thing?" Venelana asked of her boy. "Did you say anything about that woman basically abusing you to anyone?"

"I told father, but he said that it was a not funny joke. And when I tried to speak to big brother, he said he was busy with helping Rias." Tristan told to Venelana, who let out a sigh. "Mom, am I really a failure? Dad and big brother always say that Rias is much better than me in magic and that I should be proud of her, and teacher said that I am not even worthy of the name of Gremory."

"Tristan, forget every single thing that bad woman said to you." Venelana said to her son, pulling him in a caring hug. "Tristan, my little knight, you may not have gained my or your father`s abilities, but that doesn`t belittle you in any way, my boy. Do not ever listen to those that say otherwise. You are not a failure, Tristan. And I will not let anyone say anyone such thing about you, nor will I let you be insulted in any way." Venelana assured him, seeing a small smile from her son, which was enough for her, making Venelana smile back to him. "Grayfia." Said silver-haired maid appeared right as Venelana spoke her name.

"Yes, my lady?" Grayfia spoke up, seeing her mother-in-law and little brother-in-law. "How may I be of service?"

"Please inform Zeoticus, that I`ve suspended his "friend" from training our son in magical arts and tell him, that I will have words with him later about her teaching methods and his negligence of our child." Venelana was firm in her words. "Along with that, from today forth, I will personally teach and train my son in all needed subjects and magical arts. And I also want you to help me with my son`s training, specifically in his physical exercises."

"As you wish, my lady." Grayfia nodded to her. "However, I believe you need to know, that Sirzechs had asked me to also assist Lady Rias in her studies, as she is the Heir of House of Gremory and…"

"If you are unable, Grayfia, than I shall find someone who will be able to train him properly." Venelana said to Grayfia sternly, making silvernette flinch a little at that one. "Now, do you have anything to inform me of, Grayfia?"

"Yes, my lady." Grayfia nodded to her. "Lord Zeoticus and Sirzechs wished to know, if you are willing to attend a magical lesson of Lady Rias."

"Inform them, that I am busy with training my son. Now go." Venelana said to Grayfia, who nodded and left mother and son alone.

"Mom, are you really going to teach me?" Tristan asked of her, with Venelana smiling to him and giving a firm nod.

"Yes, my little knight, I will." She smiled to him, placing a hand on his cheek. "Now, please stand still, my boy. I want to check something. Don`t worry it won`t hurt even the slightest bit." Venelana assured, with Tristan nodding to it.

Venelana used her hand to channel some of her own energy, making a quick scanning spell. Venelana was sure that her son wasn`t without magic, but she needed to know to what kind of magic her son may have a natural affinity towards. While Demonic magic was based around the ability of Devils to imagine and create from nothing spells, most of Devils also possessed a certain affinity towards one or several kinds of magical spheres, like Chaos, Darkness or Elemental. While among Noble Devils of 72 Pillars, children were expected to inherit the family power of their parents, there were a few instances when a child didn`t possess a natural affinity to a Power. Along with affinity, there was also the matter of natural energy reserves and magical control, which were also essential in order to properly use magic of whatever kind there was. Venelana, from what servants had told her, was aware that Salma didn`t even teach the basics to Tristan, proving even more that Zeoticus had a poor taste in choosing tutors to their children, and so, Venelana decided to take matters into her own hands.

As her analytical spell was complete, she searched through her son`s energetic field, finally getting the real picture of her son`s situation. As it turned out, Tristan was, unfortunately, deprived of Zeoticus` family powers, but that didn`t mean Tristan was utterly helpless. Quite the opposite was in effect, actually. Tristan actually possessed an affinity for Chaos energy, just like all members of Bael family, which was the key component for using Power of Destruction, but along with that, Tristan also possesses an equal affinity towards an Elemental Magic, Lightning. Both of those affinities were equal to each other and it seemed like they were interconnecting with each other, which meant that Tristan would be able, in theory to actually combine both elements into one for his own usage. As for his energy reserves, he possessed a very good pool of energy, definitely higher than Rias, but it seemed like it was still untapped to, unlike with Rias. Venelana looked at her son with a smile and spoke up.

"Tristan, I promise you, that I will train you personally in your magical arts and I will find you those teachers that will also train you in physical aspects as well. Believe me, by the time you`ve grown up, you will be one of the strongest Devils." Venelana assured him, cupping his cheek. "Now then, let`s start with basics of Demonic magic…" Venelana took a seat near her son and began to teach him.

Eight years later. Gremory Territories. Ruins of an old Gremory residence.

Grass leaned towards the direction which wind was taking, as it walked through the abandoned courtyard of long forgotten and abandoned Gremory residence, left desolate since the days of Devil Civil War. And while it may`ve no longer served as a place of living for noble Devils, it still had its own usage, serving as a place of training and now of a final test for Tristan Gremory, who stood at one end of the courtyard, dressed in a black combat jacket, layered with chainmail, covered by material above. Shoulder plates protected shoulders, while gauntlets provided defense for hands. Tristan`s legs were protected by similar boots and pants, with pieces of protection on them, all colored black with red installments. While such get up may`ve looked archaic and outdated by today`s standards, it was actually a carefully and modernly constructed suit of armor, made specifically to Tristan`s specifications. Behind his back, hung a long and narrow sword, with a V-shaped guard and a head of the handle made into a head of an eagle.

Overall, Tristan looked like he was ready for a fight, despite the fact that he was only 14 years old, having turned 14 today, but looked older, with his body having gained masculinity, yet retaining a somewhat slim appear. His crimson hair were long and he kept them at his shoulder level, while also tying up the hair that were getting on his side in a ponytail behind, creating a combined hairstyle. His eyes still retained amethyst color, the same one as his mother. In terms of persona, he has also changed from his sheltered and a bit reserved self, as years of rigorous and even harsh training with his mother and a master that she had found for him. He had grown to be a calm, perceptive, somewhat humble and patient person, preferring to be with his thoughts, yet capable of holding a solid conversation like an adult. While his sister still hasn`t grown out of her more childish antics, Tristan displayed a maturity in his words and thoughts, sometimes greater than ones that his father and big brother possessed. His mother told him that he has inherited those characteristics from her own father.

Along with his changes in persona, there was shift in relations with his family. He still loved and cared for it deeply, but the years have shown, that his father and older brother, while affectionate and caring to an extent, preferred to place their affection upon Rias, who was their favorite. As for Rias herself, she was still very close to her twin, along with displaying hints of having romantic feelings towards him. Incest wasn`t something that was vile and unnatural among Devils, as many of the Houses preferred to keep their bloodline as pure as possible, along with that, Devil`s DNA structure was different from that of humans and incest didn`t harm any possible children. Still, while it may`ve been that way, Tristan preferred to keep his relations with Rias on a level of siblings, nothing more. The closest to Tristan were his mother, who has kept her promise to him, Grayfia, who has helped him as well to the best of abilities, and Millicas, his little nephew, whom he cared deeply for, even though he was only 5 years old.

And as for his new teacher, one that his mother had found, they had somewhat of a rocky start, as she was even harsher and stricter than Salma, but not obscured and was just and methodical in her training. He quickly grew to respect and admire her, while she herself had shown little emotion of caring, but there was an unspoken respect and amity between the two. She has put Tristan through one hell of a training course, making sure that he was capable of facing anyone and holding his own. And now, Tristan had to prove to his master, that all those years weren`t pointless, as a crimson portal opened up and revealed coming out of there a young looking black haired man with golden eyes, dressed in a sleeveless tight jacket of dark green color and pants with boots of the same color, holding two spears in each of his hands, one golden and one red. He saw a young man looking at him, making him stop and speak up to him.

"Are you Tristan Gremory?" The man asked of him.

"I am. And you are the opponent my master has sent against me?" Tristan asked of him. "From your looks and those two powerful weapons you hold, would it be bold to assume that you are Diarmuid O'Dyna, descendant of First Knight of Fianna and Grainne?"

"That is who I am." Diarmuid said to him, swinging both of his spears and pointing them at him. "Now, I believe you know why I am here."

"That I do." Tristan answered to him, taking out of his sheath his sword and preparing it. "So then, shall we?" Tristan took a combat stance.

Diarmuid smiled to him, giving him a curt nod, before practically blasting away from his place at great speed, preparing to pierce Tristan`s chest. It seemed like he was going to do so, but then, just a few short centimeters away from reaching the chest area, Tristan`s frame moved to Diarmuid`s left in half circle, with his sword blocking away the upcoming red spear that was going towards him when Diarmuid redirected. Tristan managed to push it away and overextend Diarmuid a little bit, gaining a moment to strike, sending his blade towards him from left to right, preparing to strike right at his head. Diarmuid`s eyes widened a little when he saw the blade coming close to him, forcing him to retreat backwards, but not without a small cut on his cheekbone. He jumped a few meters away from Tristan, regaining his stance, speaking up to his opponent.

"A good technique of sword." Diarmuid praised his opponent. "It has been quite some time since someone managed to draw a first blood from me in a fight. She was correct when, speaking that you were a worthy challenge for my spears. Have to admit though; she rarely praises someone like that."

"Then it seems I`ve done well under her." Tristan noted out, taking an offensive position.

"That remains to be seen. Remember, the condition of your final test is to survive me long enough." Diarmuid reminded Tristan, taking up a defensive position. "Now, you`ve shown that you know how to hold a good defense when attacked. However, do you think you can manage a solid assault?"

"Let`s find out." Tristan simply said to him, blasting away from the place, disappearing from the view with only red lightning spreading around the spot where Tristan stood for a second.

Diarmuid`s trained eyes widened slightly as he had seen his opponent using one of the key techniques of his master. One of the more unique and effective combat techniques, known to only those of the Pendragon family. Lancer`s combat intuition allowed him to predict where the attack would come, so he reacted to the upcoming danger, by properly placing a block with his red spear behind himself. That move was a correct one, as Tristan reappeared right on the spot, aiming to quickly take down his opponent, but Diarmuid`s Gae Dearg, the Curse Spear that defeats magic, was able to negate his magical technique and force him to rely on more traditional ways of combat.

As Tristan`s sword clashed with red spear, Diarmuid was already prepared and sent his shorter, golden spear towards Tristan, aiming for his shoulder. Tristan disconnected his blade from the red spear and maneuverers backwards and to then to the right of Diarmuid, trying to attack him in a circular motion, trying a crossed strike from below. Diarmuid could only smile to seeing such youth already having developed combat aptitude and being able to hold his own against him, as he parried and countered, with both combatants now moving in their fullest and combating at their best.

And as Tristan was fighting his first real battle on his own, from the balcony, overlooking the courtyard, three persons watched as the youngest of House of Gremory was taking on one of the top tier warriors of human world. Those persons were Venelana Gremory, watching as her son, whom she had mentored in magic, energy control and many other things, was passing his test on his own birthday. She was accompanied by Grayfia Lucifuge, who was also highly interested in seeing if her favourite brother-in-law passing his final training tests. And finally, with them stood a young looking woman, dressed in a red jacket and blue jeans, with messy blond hair, tied in a tail behind and emerald eyes, in addition to somewhat vicious grin on her face. At her side she held a broad silver-steeled sword with red engravings on it. She was snorted, looking at her apprentice going all out in this one.

"Hah, that brat is doing just as I`ve taught him." Spoke up Morgan Pendragon, descendant of King Arthur and Morgan Le Fey and an outcast of the main Pendragon Family branch, due to her taking Clarent, a sword that was at her side now, from the family armoury without permission. "Good usage of Mana Burst, almost thrown Diarmuid out of the loop there."

"It seems you have been training him in your family swordsmanship style, Morgan." Grayfia noted to her, looking, as Tristan ducked down from being cut by a golden spear, countering this attack by a strong kick at Diarmuid`s arm, rising up from the ground in a process and resuming fight. "Though, from what I see, Tristan seems to have also adopted elements from various other forms of swordsmanship."

"I gave him quite a lot of materials on swordsmanship and told him learn from those and develop his own fighting style." Morgan said to them, while Tristan`s cheekbone was cut by Diarmuid`s red spear, along with grazing his shoulder plates, while Tristan`s sword reached to Diarmuid`s right hand and cut it, making Diarmuid drop his golden spear. "Good move, letting Diarmuid come close to him and lure him into striking him, while using that opportunity to counter and disarm him. Nice thing that he also wears that armor of his."

"I`ve personally sanctioned it`s forging, but it was Tristan that gave me the requirements he needed." Venelana noted out, as Diarmuid retreated away from Tristan and taken up a defensive position, as Diarmuid began his new assault on him, rushing to him, while sending towards him several small and concentrated balls, formed from Power of Destruction. "Hard to think that there was time when my husband and son believed, that Tristan was unable to use Power of Destruction. I always knew that he had it in him, even more so than Rias in some aspects."

"True, Tristan`s control of energy and spreading of Power of Destruction is much higher than that of Rias`. I would even dare to say that he is slightly below you in those terms, Lady Venelana." Grayfia praised Tristan, who`s projectiles were dispelled by quick strikes of Diarmuid`s weapon, it was enough to provide a diversion for the young man and launch his offence at Diarmuid. "And, if I dare to add, he has grown to be quite a handsome young man. Most of the maids are already smitten by your son and from what I hear, Lady Rias also seems to be developing rather romantic feelings towards him."

"Yeah, but I think she already got those developed alright." Morgan stated, as Tristan used his Mana Burst to outmanoeuvre Diarmuid when he launched his counter attack. "Seen more than a couple of times her sleeping in his bed, completely bare and naked and clinging to the guy. Tristan couldn`t watch her in the eyes for a few weeks after the first time. Looks like our training regime kicked his puberty to emerge a bit earlier than expected."

"Nothing too surprising here, given the fact that with your regime of training he experienced an accelerated growth of bones and organism." Venelana sighed at this, watching her son appearing at Diarmuid`s left and nearly cutting his arm off, but trained hero managed to evade and kicked Tristan into the torso in a process. "Most of young Devil men start to have more interest in fairer sex around this age and by the time they are 16, most of the Noble Devils are with one or more concubine. My husband around that same age already had a harem established for himself, and Sirzechs, well…"

"Yes, it is still well remembered among certain people, Sirzechs` more frivolous days." Grayfia admitted, as Tristan and Diarmuid clashed their weapons one more time. "However, I believe Tristan will be much different from both Lord Zeoticus and Sirzechs in this aspect. If you would like, I could compile a list of possible candidates to…"

"Grayfia, while I appreciate your concern, I believe my son will be able to navigate his own private life." Venelana admitted, as the clash continued. "Besides, today is the ball in honor of both Rias and Tristan, so he will probably be able to find himself someone interesting. Though, I suspect that many of the young ladies may also take an interest in my boy."

"Wouldn`t be too surprised if he were to be later found in a dark corner with some lass` legs locked behind his back and him penetrating her fortress." Morgan laughed up at that one, seeing how the stalemate continued. "Now then, I`ve seen enough of it. The kid`s passing in my book." Morgan simply stated, as she picked up her Clarent and launched it right at the struggling against each other opponents.

Both Diarmuid and Tristan reacted immediately to this one and separated from each other, letting Clarent cleave its way into the soil in between the two. Tristan looked up at the balcony, seeing his mother with Grayfia, along with his master. Morgan looked at him with a proud smile, giving him a firm nod, confirming without any words shared, that Tristan has passed. A small smile appeared on Tristan`s face, as he gave her a bow, befitting of a knight, while Morgan simply laughed up a little, but in a light-hearted manner instead of a mocking one. As Tristan regained his composure, he saw that his now former master was now gone, along with her sword, while Diarmuid spoke up.

"Tristan Gremory, I shall remember this duel between us." Diarmuid said to him, getting his golden spear. "While it may`ve not been a completely real battle of heroes like I wanted to experience, I am more than satisfied that I was able to square off against such an opponent as you. I hope that we will be able to meet each other again someday and settle this duel of ours."

"I would be honoured too, Diarmuid. And thank you for this duel as well." Tristan thanked him, as his opponent departed from the Underworld through a teleportation pamphlet he had received earlier.

And as Diarmuid departed, Venelana and Grayfia finally came down from the balcony and into the battered courtyard, with proud mother speaking up, hugging her son.

"Tristan, I am so proud of you, my boy." Venelana embraced her son in a motherly hug. "Not a moment did I doubt in you and all that you have managed to accomplish, you truly have earned it."

"Thank you, Mom." Tristan embraced his mother, before separating in a few minutes. "We should probably head back to the mansion. Knowing father and Rias, they will are to be looking for us already."

"Lord Zeoticus is too preoccupied with sending out letters of invitation to the guests, while your sister has decided to pay a visit to Lady Sona Sitri." Grayfia informed them. "However, it would be best for us to head home. There are certain matters that need to be settled before the celebrations, such as your suit for the festivities and…"

"I already have it prepared, Grayfia. But thank you for a reminder." Tristan thanked her, casting up a teleportation circle. "Mom, Grayfia, if you may…" Tristan, being a gentleman in manners, let the ladies go first through the teleportation circle, before heading himself into the mansion.

Later. Gremory Household. Great Hall.

"And now presenting: Lady Rias of House Gremory, Heiress of House Gremory, and Lord Tristan of House Gremory." The announcer spoke up, greeting his lieges` children.

Noble Devils, both young and older ones, locked their gazes at the young pair that entered the great hall. While most of the younger Devil boys were captivated by Rias, who was dressed in crimson fine dress, showing her developing figurine, Lords, Ladies and their daughters were actually more drawn to the young amethyst eyed man. Tristan walked calmly, yet with dignity and aura of regal around him. His gaze was centred and focused, with his face betraying no emotion of negative, or of positive kind. Young ladies were at awe at the sight of Tristan, looking at a possibly one of the most handsome young man at the time, with more than one maiden gaining a healthy blush when they caught a glance of Tristan.

The older Lords and Ladies were more interested in Tristan due to the fact, that it was a well-known fact among nobility that whilst Rias Gremory was chosen as an Heiress of House Gremory, Tristan has received personal training, tutoring and instructions from Venelana Gremory herself, along with having been tutored in sciences and various subjects from an early age. Along with that, from rumours, it was known that Tristan has shown himself as a mature and intellectual person at such age, something that was rather amiss among young generation of Devils. Some of the Heads were interested in seeing Tristan as a future Head, rather than his twin sister. Among such Heads was none other, but Zekram Bael, grandfather of Tristan, who watched Tristan with a carefully hidden pride from aside. He known the boy for a very long time, as his daughter had introduced Tristan to him when he was only 3, but it was at that time when Zekram had noticed several notable distinctive characteristics that he has wished to see in Rias and Sirzechs. Characteristics, which have given Zekram what he had now. And he now believed, that if Tristan were to be made Heir of House of Gremory, over his immature and still childish sister, House of Gremory would enter a new golden age eventually.

As the pair walked in and made their way to their family, Zeoticus greeted his children with affection, along with Sirzechs. Both clearly showed more affection towards Rias, as many have noted out as well, while Venelana equally showed her own affection to her children. And as the celebrations started, Tristan and Rias were separated in the crowd, as Rias wound up with her own friends, while Tristan actually found himself in a company of his grandfather and several Lords and Ladies from other houses. Zekram spoke up.

"Ah, Tristan, my congratulations on your birthday." Zekram said to him, with Tristan bowing slightly to it. "Savour the moments, for you will not be able to relieve them later on."

"Thank you on your congratulations, grandfather." Tristan thanked him, turning to the other nobles, who studied him carefully. "As a member of House of Gremory, I would like to thank you all for attending this celebration. Your presence is a gift for my House and my sister in itself."

"My, so young, yet with such a charm and manners." Lady Selene Sitri, mother of Sona and Serafall, noted out with a smile, while others spoke positively as well. "My dear Tristan, no need to be so courteous with us and take on duties of such sort. It is your birthday, so go ahead and have your share of fun while you can."

"Lady Selene, while your words touch me deeply, it would be an insult from me if I were not to greet esteemed friends of my parents and House. House of Gremory greatly treasures not only it`s family and Servants, but our friends too." Tristan stated to them, earning him some approving glances from nearby Lords and Ladies, along with drawing attention to him from Devils nearby. "As a member of my House, I believe it is my duty to attend to the guests of Household. I hope that you find the festivities to your liking, my Lords, my Ladies?"

"Quite. I have to admit, that when it comes to treating guests and friends, House of Gremory is unparalleled." Noted out with a glass of wine Lord Sirius Agares, looking at Tristan. "And your concern is highly appreciated, though that is expected of an Heir of House of Gremory, as traditions dictate."

"Milord, you would have to forgive me for deceiving you, but I am not an Heir of House." Tristan spoke up in an apologetic tone, bowing before them. "My dear sister holds that honor and I am sure that she will greet you personally in a few short moments."

"Somehow, I can`t help but that doubt that." Zekram let out a sigh, as he looked towards the direction from where was coming laughing of Rias and her friends. "Your sister seems to be far more captivated with idle chatting and gossiping with her peers, while you, on the other hand, take the duty of greeting guests to yourself, when you must have time of your life out here."

"Lord Zekram is correct, Tristan: you need to relax a little bit more. Venelana always says you are busy with either your studies or trainings that you barely even have time for recreations." Lady Selene said out loud. "How about this: as my personal gift to you, you are welcome to visit the mineral spring resorts on territories of House of Sitri. You may rest and recuperate there for free for three weeks, as well spend time for yourself."

"Your offer is too generous, Lady Selene. You have my humble gratitude for such offer and I accept." Tristan smiled to her. "I shall inform my sister about your offer shortly."

"Tristan, my dear, this present is just for you." Selene stated to him. "Do not worry, I won`t leave away your dear sister without a present, but this offer is exclusive for you."

"Milady, I have little words to…" Tristan were to retort, but he was then interrupted, when he heard a familiar cheerful voice coming towards him.

"Tristan, there you are!" Rias happily exclaimed when she finally gotten to her little brother, hugging him affectionately. "Where have you been? I and my friends were looking all over for you. Come on, let`s have some fun with our friends here!"

"I am sorry, Rias. I decided to greet some of our guests and got lost in a conversation we were having." Tristan spoke up politely to his sister, while Lords and Ladies approvingly nodded to it, seeing how Tristan was handling the situation well, as he turned to them. "Milords, my ladies, grandfather, if you will excuse me…" Tristan bowed to them, following Rias, even though he clearly felt a bit uncomfortable, being in a company of her friends.

"He doesn`t seem to be rather… enthusiastic about being around this bunch of youngsters." Sirius Agares noted out. "Lady Selene, you`ve known this young man the longest of us all here and you are best friends with his mother. Would you care to illuminate us a little bit into his character?"

"Tristan has always been a more reserved and quiet person, not like his sister and older brother, or even his father for this matter." Lady Selene spoke up. "Venelana told me that he has always been like that, even when he was born, as he didn`t cry or open his eyes, leading to nurses and maids to think that he was born stillborn. Only Venelana knew that he was alive and she was correct. He has always been the closest with his mother, rather than his father and older brother."

"Some would accuse him of being a mother`s boy, but given the circumstances of his birth and what a good job Venelana did in upbringing him, I would have to say that it was probably for the best of boy." Zekram admitted to them all out loud. "A shame that it wasn`t Tristan born first…"

As the evening dragged on and the celebrations continued, Tristan had accompanied his sister with her friends as they were enjoying their time. He, however, didn`t find much enjoyment in their company, as he had been bombarded with attention from young ladies from nearly all remaining Pillars and their questions, along with facing his sister`s displeasure at not being a center of his attention. Eventually, Tristan excused himself, stating that he was starting to feel weary and went outside on a balcony, where he allowed himself to loosen his collar and breathing a bit of fresh air. As he took his moment to recuperate mentally, he heard a smooth, almost melodic voice speaking to him.

"You seem to be quite worn off with the party." Tristan turned around to face the bearer of this voice.

Before him stood an elegant looking young girl, with long straight white hair and silver eyes. She was dressed in an elegant white dress, which made sure to show her gorgeous figure and curves, but not expose her to the point where she would be considered illicit. Tristan found himself captivated for a few seconds by the girl`s beauty, before regaining his composure and speaking up.

"Forgive me, but I do not believe we have met." Tristan gave her a curt bow. "Tristan Gremory, at your service, milady." The girl chuckled lightly at this sign of affection.

"A pleasure to meet you." She returned the gesture. "Cleria Belial of House Belial." She introduced herself, with Tristan taking her hand giving her a kiss, making young girl blush a bit.

"I must disagree with you, milady. It is my pleasure to meet you, for I`ve heard quite a few rumours surrounding your persona. All speak of your beauty and praise your qualities." Tristan said to her with a smile. "And I have to admit, that those rumours seem rather insulting, when compared to the truth."

"Oh, and in what way do those rumours seem insulting to you?" Cleria asked of him with curiosity.

"Insulting in a way of diminishing your true beauty." Tristan stated to her, making Cleria chuckle a little and smile to him. "I hope that you are enjoying yourself here?"

"Well, to be quite honest with you, Tristan, there is little I say that hasn`t been said about Gremory and your hospitality." Cleria said to him, letting out a sigh. "My cousin Diehauser and my mother seem to enjoy themselves well here, while I personally find being in such crowd rather exhausting and a bit tedious. I hope you won`t find it insulting, Tristan, but I personally prefer much less grandiose gatherings and I much rather celebrate my birthday among family members and closest friends only."

"You need not to worry, milady. And, between you and me, I share your view on this matter." Tristan admitted to her. "While I can understand the importance of holding such celebrations, but I can`t help sometimes yearning for a far calmer and less formal celebration. Well, I at least would love it, while my sister seems to be enjoying herself rather well out there."

"Indeed she does, from where I saw it, though as an Heiress of House, she could show a bit more maturity in her behaviour." Cleria noted out, looking back at the party going on inside. "Heirs are supposed to be greeting the guests and conversing with them, as a way of paying respect and honouring the guests, but Rias seem to have forgotten it all in euphoria of the event. And it seems you`ve decided to take this responsibility for yourself and greet the guests. This act has been met approvingly by Lords and Ladies."

"I was only being polite with the guests and I had no ulterior motives behind it all." Tristan truthfully admitted to Cleria.

"And that was also noticed and approved." Cleria admitted to him with a smile. "I personally liked it, seeing you doing what needed to be done, even if you personally didn`t have to bother. It speaks volumes of a person, his actions."

"You are quite an interesting lady, saying such philosophical things." Tristan admitted to her with his signature smile. "It is not often I get to meet such an interesting person."

"The feeling is mutual, I assure." Cleria admitted to him with a smile. "Do you mind me asking you a question, Lord Tristan?"

"By all means. And please, Tristan will suffice perfectly."

"Then call me Cleria, Tristan." She smiled to him. "Do you plan on returning back to the party soon?"

"I was thinking of it, but I do not feel like returning there." Tristan admitted to Cleria. "I rather enjoy the peace and quiet of the night and would much rather take a small stroll through the gardens right now."

"You must be a magician, for I had the same thought just now." Cleria admitted to him with small chuckle, making Tristan chuckle too. "I was hoping to ask you, if you would be kind to show me around them. I had heard that your mother has put near herculean efforts in making it."

"You flatter my mother, Cleria. And it would be my pleasure." Tristan offered her his hand, which she accepted and they went towards the gardens, as the pair continued their chatting.

Several hours later.

"Where did Tristan go? I was sure he has been here just a few minutes ago." Zeoticus looked around the crowd, as the festivities continued. "He always near when you need him, but now of all times he has decided to disappear."

"Dear, I am sure Tristan has simply stepped out for fresh air." Venelana said diplomatically and calmly. "Such events are a bit tedious for him and exhaust him. Besides, he had an eventful day today and it wouldn`t be surprising if weariness took its toll on him."

"Still, you would think that he would at least do us a courtesy of warning us if he headed out to get some air." Zeoticus let out a disappointing sigh. "As a member of House of Gremory, Tristan has certain standards to uphold and it is important of him to do so. He is ought to take an example of Rias, attending our guests like she does."

"Zeoticus, please, I am sure that Tristan will... Oh, there he is." Venelana noticed that her son was walking back into the hall in a company of a familiar looking girl. "Oh my, it seems like Tristan had quite a reason for being absent."

"Is that Cleria Belial, cousin of Diehauser Belial and daughter of Elia Belial?" Zeoticus noticed with whom his son was chatting freely. "What is he doing in a company of that girl of all people?"

"Dear, you make it sound like Tristan has done something wrong. Don`t be like that." Venelana reprimanded him, looking lovingly at her son and Cleria. "I am well acquainted with both the girl and her mother and I have only the good things to say about her. I think my son has made himself a wonderful friend."

"Perhaps, but I would much prefer him spending time in someone else`s company." Zeoticus said out loud. "Like Reinor`s and Raven`s daughter, Ravel. He seems to have quite captivated her." Venelana already knew where this was going.

"Zeoticus, do not interfere with our son`s life." Venelana said to him with steel and sternness, surprising Zeoticus a little. "Do not think I am not aware of you and Reinor wishes to unite our houses through marriage. And while I can see the benefits of it, I will not allow you to push an unwanted marriage onto our son, nor onto Rias for that matter. Now, I do not wish to hear of this matter anymore today. Let`s allow our children enjoy their time here." Venelana went ahead to talk to some of her friends, leaving her husband alone.

Zeoticus let out a sigh, thinking over this entire situation. While he had wished the best for his children, a union with a powerful and rich House of Phenex was one thing he couldn`t let go from his head and it was a dream shared with his friend Lord Phenex. And it just so happened, that Ravel Phenex seemed to be quite captivated with his youngest son Tristan, who has grown into quite a handsome young man, but a bit too secluded and reserved to Zeoticus` tastes. In his years, he was already with several women and he had thought that Tristan would take up more after him, but instead, it looked like Tristan was proving himself to be far more of an opposite of his beautiful and cheerful sister Rias and his brother Sirzechs. And whilst it wasn`t a bad thing, Zeoticus couldn`t help but feel like Tristan wasn`t showing himself as much of a Gremory.

Along with that, it seemed like some of the Lords and Ladies of the remaining Pillars seemed to be looking quite favourably towards him, far more so than towards Rias, Zeoticus` beloved daughter and a rightful Heiress of Gremory. And Zeoticus would like to keep it that way, instead of being politely recommended by a Council of Elders to choose Tristan over Rias to be an Heir, as Zeoticus, despite loving his son, didn`t see him as someone worthy of taking reins of the House. He was capable, however, of helping Rias and his House, and a marriage between him and Ravel would secure the strength of House of Gremory for thousands of yours. And along with that, Zeoticus had little to no kind feelings towards House of Belial and wouldn`t want them any close to his side, not after Diehauser denied him taking Elia as his second wife. And if Zeoticus hadn`t been allowed to take Elia, he wouldn`t allow her little whore of a daughter to take his son, as he was his to give to whomever he saw fit.

Hi there, it`s me Ronin, or Alex, if you would prefer. So, under normal circumstances I wouldn`t be posting any new stories any time soon, but this one is a special case. It`s a request from a very close friend of mine, who basically encouraged me to begin writing on and I owe him a great deal. She is a great fan of DxD and many other things, including other anime and fanfiction, so we stay in contact and chat about things, and she is also one of my readers. Recently, she gotten into a hospital after a car accident and is now bedridden for a long time. This story and it`s concept is her complete idea and I decided to help her out by making it a reality. I don`t know where it will take me, but I want to help my friend out, so I will continue this one, along with Ebony Nephilim.

Now, Tristan looks a lot like his namesake from Fate universe, save for the eyes. He has Power of Destruction and Lightning, along with mastery of sword, which he learned from Morgan (aka Mordred from Fate universe) As you`ve noticed, he is a reserved, polite and calm individual, with Venelana serving as his main support and closest person.

Now, since this is a DxD story, there will be Harem, so your suggestions are always welcome. Cleria Belial here is around the same age as Tristan, and as you may`ve guessed, she is in this one and is the main lady. Also, as you may`ve noticed, this time, incest is also not out of consideration (Sorry if it offends someone here).

Now then, I will not disclose what will be happening in the future, but if you know my style, there will be some serious plot twist and other stuff, but not as much bashing as usual.

Review, question, suggest, I`ll answer it all.

Next time: A visit of Phenex family; Tristan meets Ravel.

See ya!