3rd POV:

          Finally, the day of the big event was finally reached. It was time for Odin and the 3 factions alliance to have a talk and possibly sign a treaty. All good, if it goes without a problem that is. It would seem this event is split in 2 sections, adults and young ones, at least for the first half till the official ceremony. But in the current climate, it would only make way for more disputes, a sequel to the young devils gathering, if you will. 

     Call it a standard or just pure chance, but it seems the ladies were taking a lot more time with preparations. I mean, besides the dress there's also makeup and who knows what other conversations they might have. So where does that lead? A lot of prideful guys in proximity, and if you throw a grenade like Bruce into the mix, things might get heated quickly.

     "Stop pacing around already. You're  making me want to do the same thing", War complained to his younger brother. "Besides, you're not one to care how the women look anyway."

    "Oh, I don't. It's just that the longer they take, the more I have to guard these 2 over here.", Bruce motioned towards the pair of pawns, Issei and Saji, the blond one obviously taking more offense to it than the other.

  "Why am I included", he questioned.

   "... I find it insulting that you don't think I notice you're in love with Sona.", there was no malice in Strife's tone, more of a disappointment that Saji is overlooking feelings other have for him. "I may have negative vision when it comes to mannerism, but you're definitely blind as a bat when it comes to unrequited love.", he continued.

"How so?!", Sona's pawn wasn't above having a short fuse for specific topics, and that shows, especially when it involves Bruce, his 'rival' or at least one of them.

But even Strife knows when to give up with the useless persuasion, choosing to end it with a brief and less vocal 'take a better look at your peerage colleagues'. And he immediately stopped Saji from continuing on about how he knows of Tsubaki's crush. 

All this time, Issei seemed to enjoy someone else being grilled for once, whereas Kiba chose to remain neutral on the matter, like always.  

"Give it a rest, Bruce. He'll catch on eventually, maybe...hopefully.", his twin intervened, as the banter, even if one-sided, was too obnoxious to tolerate. Not sure if it's because Hyoudou made fun of him, but Saji decided to spill some beans himself.

"Well, in other news, before you came around, I heard some juicy details from Hyoudou", Genshirou spoke in a snotty tone, something that caught the siblings' attention. "Something about, bathing with the peerage...or was it sleeping?"

"OI!", the self-proclaimed harem king exclaimed in panic.

"Oh well, I'm sure that doesn't interest y-"

"No no. Please, do go on.", War and Fury were quick to cut off Saji. They might understand the 'moving in' part since they're a team, but there's little chance of convincing them there wasn't enough budget for separate beds and bathrooms. Jason's inability to show emotion aside, we all know why Desmond would get stirred up about it.

"Um, Bruce? Maybe a little help?", he politely requested as the space between him and the other was shrinking. But even Issei had 0 expectations of being backed up. 

"Ain't none of my business. My lady wouldn't approach you to begin with.", and it was for the better. Otherwise, who knows what method would Sona use to discipline the Dragon Emperor. "That's not to say I won't enjoy the interrogation that is to come"

Issei might have gotten somewhat closer to Leon and Bruce, but he's yet to break the ice with the other 2 horsemen. At least Kiba is there to make sure no one gets hurt...too badly. On the other hand, that means that now Bruce has to wait for the rest of the group by himself, or does he?

"Every time I see you, there's some form of aggressiveness involved.", comes in Zander Stolas, accompanied by his queen. "But for once, it's not you being the aggressor. Color me surprised."

"Ah yes. The subtle-schemer-who-isn't-all-that-subtle along with hi-...", his words quickly died in his mouth as he saw Blair holding hands with Zander.

"Don't go falling for my queen, Bruce. Otherwise, Sona mi-"

"I don't care about your little Romeo-and-Juliet impression. I'm surprised she's not taking ages to get ready.", and just like that, Bruce took away the opportunity for Zander to sneak in some humble brag. 

"Right. Well, I don't think Sona is the type to take long either, so this feels unusual.", Zander sort of changed the target of the topic.

"You're right. And I did ask Anna to take a look around for me, but now even she is late."

"Then your night started on a high note. By the way, I happened to notice that one of you is missing today...", he inquired about Leon's absence.

"Ah, that. The only interest Leon has in this whole event is having a talk with Odin, to 'thank' him for his newly acquired Valkyrie.", a weird sense of pride emanated from Bruce's words. "So now he's probably somewhere 'sleeping' in wait.

The bewilderment and confusion coming from both Stolas and Blair was palpable, and can you blame them? As if a devil king and a criminal weren't enough, the horseman of Death now claimed a Valkyrie, or at least that's how his brother puts it.

"Is your brother perhaps challenging Hyoudou Issei in a contest of lovers?", As far as Blair is concerned, it wouldn't be that unbelievable, but the laughing crisis from the blond would inform her otherwise.

"PFFHAHAHA! Suuuuuure he does. In fact, I bet he wouldn't mind confirming Sirzech's fears and ask his mom out!", older women are something Leon lives for apparently, but in small dosages.

For now, let's leave Strife to his hysterical laughing session and switch our attention towards the place Hyoudou wishes he could be in right now. The women's changing room.

Contrary to what you might expect, it wasn't just the Sitri and Gremory peerages inside the room and whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is up to you to consider. 

"Please make it stop!", were the cries of help of the woman without any luck in love. "This is worse than yesterday's dancing practice."

"I am afraid we can't have you go attend the event in the same plain suit you always wear.", Rias Gremory served her sentence. "Lord Odin is coming as well so you have a chance to show improvement. I am sure Leon would agree with me on this."

And she would be right. He'd agree to anything if it meant Ross having more self-confidence. At the very least, she could stop being so bashful whenever she would receive compliments.

"Speaking of Leon, it seems he's giving us enough time to help you prepare. Bruce said he's going to arrive late.", Sona Sitri, although done with her own preparations, decided to humor her friend's decision of playing dress up, at least for a while. "Bruce won't mind us being a bit late as well, will he?", he directed that question towards Anna, who found an interest in this girl-talk, despite the age difference.

"Well, he probably will, but it should be fine if I come together with you.", she's well aware of the vast and perhaps privileged influence she has over her brothers. 

"Must be nice to be the little sister. You have 4 monsters at your immediate command if you just make a request.", while Irina might not pay attention to her words, Anna already has it out for her. She has to back Desmond up after all.

"Yes, it is nice. But they're not monsters. They just play tough." 

"Oh? You make it seem like there're things only you know. Perhaps you could share some details?", if there is one thing Sona would love to get her hands on, it's information she could use to maybe tame Bruce a little.

"I mean, I might be the only person to have seen Bruce cry like a baby...", and just like that the interest of most women in there was picked. "But I am not selling him out."

"Even-"

"Even to his girlfriend.", she quickly dismissed Sona's attempt at a follow-up question. Growing up with older brother seems to make one learn a few things from 'around the block'.

She might be a middle schooler, but she's certainly not as naive as your regular one. Question is, is this an effect of her brothers or her mother?

"Seems like your sister-in-law is going to be a feisty one." teased Tsubaki. But consider the amount of sisters-in-law she will have, it's kind of a necessity. "Although, right now it looks as if Rias and Rossweisse are actually her sisters."

From Rias' red dress to Rossweisse's silver hair, they do resemble a pair of sisters so far, although it's not sure if the red head would get the rest of the family's approval. "Well, one of us is already on the way of becoming her sister", said red head added.

"Not again. If this goes one I think Lady Serafall might really have it out for me.", the Valkyrie's worries only grew bigger. "And being called 'my Valkyrie doesn't help the situation.", her cheeks could compete with Gremory's hair in terms of nuance.

"I don't think you have to worry about that.", assured the devil king's little sister. "My sister may be childish, but not clueless."

"I have to agree. I don't think Lady Leviathan would do someone to potentially inconvenience her crush.", Rias let out a soft laugh, the idea of the devil king crushing on a human being comic to her.

"Bis sis Kuroka will probably be inconvenience though...", added Anna. And for once, she actually adressed someone as 'big sis', sturring conflicted feeling in Koneko's heart, as she turned toward the exit door. 

"Bis sis, huh? I am sorry, Anna-chan, but some of us don't share the same feelings about her.", it's a good thing that Akeno's newfound anger towards Alexander doesn't make her lash out against his children.

"You don't have to. But she was sweet when she came over."

"You've met my sister?", Koneko asked in sidbelief. Sure, her brother dating her is one thing, but family dinner was a completly different matter. 

"Umm, yes. I think it was after the attack at my brothers' school."

"After the 3 factions meeting.", Sona completed. "To think she was already so close to the family by that point...Anna, do you think she was being genuin?"

"I'm not good at judging people...but I trust Leon. If he says it's ok then-"

"You'll trust his judgement. Sigh, now I agree althemore with Irina. It really is nice to be able to live so comfortably.", Himejima Akeno adopted a sad smile, as if she was envious of the little munchkin. It'd certainly be nice to have someone watch over her so she could take it slow in life. If only.

"You look sad.", the little girl noticed. She jumped off the chair she sat on and wrapped her hands around Akeno's waist. Granted, her heigh put her right under her voluptuous chest, but a a hug is a hug. 

"Sigh, if only the rest of you family was just as lovely."

"They ARE lovely.", the girl puffed her cheeks, earning even more laughter around her. She might not let it be seen, but she doesn't like her siblings being misunderstood.

"Well, we can all agree on who loves those 4 the most, am I right?", jokingly asked Rias, earning agreement from all sides.

"The competition is heavy, it would seem", added Sona. Time will tell if she ranks higher than Anna in Bruce's eyes, hopefully. "Anyway, are we ready to go? Rossweisse-san?"

"I-I think I am...", she reluctantly confirmed. "Just...don't laugh..."

"...How do I look...?"

"Well, Anna? Do you think your brother will be impressed?", inquired her future sister in law.

"I'm sure he'll love it. Let's go!"

She let go of Akeno and dashed outside the doors, heading towards the main room where the boys were supposedly waiting.  Some of the women were ready for the event to begin, while others had their minds on other topics, such as Koneko. And then there's Rossweisse who struggles to keep a straight face as seemingly every young devil turns towards her. Then again, her knight in jeans and jacket isn't here to have her for himself, so it's a rare occasion. 

"A splendid sight to behold, ladies.", Zander was the first to notice their arrival and be vocal about it, giving a little bow along with with Blair. "But I have to say, you made your man quite impacient tonight, Sona."

"He'll live. Besides, I have the greatest negotiator with us. Anna, this is a friend of mine, Zander Stolas.", she introduced the man to her.

"Ah, the little sister I've heard so much about. Hello.", he bent his knees slightly to mach her height. 

"It is nice to meet you.", Blair mirrored her master's actions.

The little girl shook their hands in good faith, before looking around for her brothers.

"And this is?", the young man turned his attention towards Rossweisse. "I don't think we've been introduced either."

"A-ah, yes. My name is Rossweisse, I am or I guess w-was a Val-"

"You must be Sir Leon's Valkyrie then."

...

"...How did it spread so fast...", she's one foot short of breaking down crying from embarrassment, but that's what happens when Strife is in charge of spreading news around. 

"THERE YOU ARE!", a loud voice echoed from the other side of the room.

"BRUCE!", shouted in response his younger sibling. "We're here."

Along with the other 4 men, the group of 5 finally joined with the ladies.

"I though I sent you to speed up the process, not postpone it.", he crouched down to her heigh level and carefully caressed her hair. "What happened?"

Anna pinted towards Rossweisse who was constatly pulling at her dress to slide it down, as she felt her legs too exposed. 

"Oho. Someone is trying to impress tonight. Should I call Leon to hurry?", War teased the woman, puttin fuel onto the fire. 

"Is that the only thing you notice, Jason?", Desmond elbowed his brother slightly to make him look to the side. "Friendzone be damned, I am going past it, somehow."

"Someone really went all out just for this night.", laughed War. "Then again, my eyes certainly aren't complaining."

"Agreed. If Anna staying longer would have meant something even better, I could have waited.", added Fury. "Maybe they shouldn't have hurried so much, right Bruce?...Bru-"

"SOMEONE GIVE ME A RING, RIGHT NOW!", Strife shouted at the top of his lungs. "I gotta propose a second time."

His fiancee, albeit dressed a lor more modest than the rest certainly got the biggest reaction out of her man than any other. She didn't even notice the amount of eyes that turned towards her. Good thing Saji was there to suffer the embarrassment for her.

"Does this mean you storm the capital again, Bruce?"

"Is that an invitation, Zander? Cause I certainly feel motivated right now.

It would seem the night has started strong. Perhaps even a little too strong for it to go with no complications. As guests started to pour inside the room, young devils along with their peerages, some people sneaked in as well and you know how the saying goes, right? A black cat brings along misfortune. 

As Koneko and consequently, Rias and Issei noticed said feline and gave chase to it even outside into the forest, they did not leave without a trace, as the young lady of the Creed family has quite the sharp eyes. 

She tugged at Bruce's pants and whispered something in his ear, a simple sentence: 'Koneko followed a black cat outside'. 

"Are you sure you saw it right?", he questioned and she nodded. "Then things are about to get rough. I'll call-"

"I'll go.", the girl was adamant about it.

"Alone? You expect me to agree?", he briefly glanced over at Jason and Desmond, who were caught up in a dance for now. 

"It's alright. Big sis Kuroka won't harm me.", she genuinly believed those words. Both she and Bruce share the same opinion about Leon's judgement, so they should be on the same page, right?

The boy quickly debated within himself on every possible scenario and more importantly, any action the cat figure might take, until he came to a decision.

"You don't engage in battle, you hear me? Use the king's power only to defend yourself.", he knew about her awakening from their parents, but that meant he also knew she's new to controlling it. "Promise?"

"I promise.", she answered without a second though and gave chase to Koneko.

But this is Bruce we're talking about, and he doesn't just agree to things on a whim. As soon as Anna left the ball room, he took out his phone to make a call.

"You're still going to call your brother after you gave the ok?", Zander couldn't help but listen in on the conversation.

"I didn't promise I won't tell anyone, did I?"

"So you're concerned about Kuroka's actions yet accept her seeing your brother...", the devil did find it absurd.

"I am not worried about Kuroka at all. But there's slim chances of her being alone considering the entourage that gathers here tonight. Beside, it's about time we catch that cat and bring her home.", he dialed up his brother for a quick report.

"That's a rash decision and you kn-"

"Zander!", he cut him off. "I know I gave you props for having the guts to use me, but you're not my associate. Mind your business."

...

...

"Very well. I won't overstep my boundaries.", in truth, he wished to argue more, but he can't risk having that happen while over the phone with the Horseman of Death, otherwise the wrong message might get across and it would spiral down into a mess.

It was time for fate to be put back in motion.

"Leon. It's me, Bruce. We got a problem"

"What now? Did Odin come with another Valkyrie and made Ross cry?"

"...there's a black cat on the loose, and our sister plans to catch it."

...

"...On my way."

To be continued...