A strange figure stands before the devils. Its entirety is covered in a dark, shadowy mist. There's only one word to describe the being in front of them – an entity of darkness. Its pace is slow and lazy as if it doesn't know where to go. However, its gaze is transfixed on one thing – the devils.
"What is this, one of your last-ditch efforts, Kokabiel?"
The mocking tone of the Gremory heir echoes throughout. Her demeanor has quickly shifted from the beginning of the battle. After witnessing the potential of the Red Dragon Emperor and the raw power it can output, she has the utmost of confidence in deciding the outcome of the battle.
This thing in front of the Gremory peerage is nothing compared to what they have gone through, the trials they have faced. Its presence is mundane. Any magical signature radiating off of it is moot and hardly worth mentioning, or so she thought.
"Oh, I thought it was just another one of your playthings." The Fallen Angel stares at the mysterious figure with a quizzical glare. "No matter, if it wishes to interrupt our bout then it shall suffer for its transgressions."
Kokabiel, one of the leaders of the Grigori, raises his arm above his head. A bright light erupts to life, consuming the darkness surrounding it. Right away, the light begins to take the shape of a spear. It is a fine weapon; the edges turn sharp and threaten to tear at anything its light touches. He makes a forward motion with his fingers, putting little effort into the action, sending the spear flying. The speed in which the spear is shot forth is unfathomable. Only a moment is needed before it is a hair width of its target.
There is a concern for the well-being of the individual, albeit very little. No one present knows who or what it is, rather they are vastly more interested in what purpose it has. Suddenly appearing now of all times is strange enough.
Before anyone is able to react, an explosion occurs where the individual was standing. A cloud of dust is violently blasted upwards, polluting the air in a fine mist of dirt.
Everyone pauses for a moment as the dust settles. At the center of the explosion is a large crater. Nothing is left behind except for a few smoldering embers.
An ominous laugh pervades the ears of those in the vicinity.
"Well, I must say that I'm honored. To use such an attack on me is splendid. You have my thanks." The figure gives a slight bow in the direction of Kokabiel. "Though, you must know that this is your end."
The shadowy aura surrounding the individual is blown away, only to reveal a dark-skinned male with black hair. He is dressed in a red waist cloth that covers the entirety of his lower body along with a bandana which matches the color, and black straps of cloth that cover his forearm and feet. However, the most disconcerting aspect of his appearance is the marks that fill the entirety of his body.
With a sadistic smile that stretches across his face, the individual pulls out what appears to be a playing card from behind his back. He holds the card in front of himself with the back facing towards the Fallen Angel.
"Class Card Include: Archer"
The card vanishes into motes of light – forming into a chain which dangles precariously across the individual's arm. He looks down at the object in his hand, admiring its beauty and craftsmanship before looking back up again and staring down the Fallen Angel. The being throws his arm forward and the chain follows suit.
Immediately, the chains encircle Kokabiel. Then, with a snap of the individual's fingers, the chains snap together – collapsing in on the Fallen Angel. A pained gasp leaves his mouth. This immediately restricts his movement and binds his wings together causing him to crash to the ground.
"What is this vile contraption?!"
Again, Kokabiel continues to struggle against the strength of the chains, but once again, is unsuccessful. The more force he exerts the tighter the chains become. Giving into desperation, he concentrates his strength into a last-ditch effort into escaping. Kokabiel curses at the owner of the chains as he goes all out. Then, just as before, the chains tighten once more; however, this time they truly dig into his body.
Several sets of his raven-like wings have snapped clean off due to the immense pressure produced by the chains. A scream of terror escapes the Fallen as the pain is excruciating. However, even that is second to the realization of the loss of his wings. His wings were a symbol of his pride, a sign of his status. Now, to have them torn off is an indescribable feeling.
The individual walks up to the Fallen Angel.
"These…" The individual motions towards toward the chains. "…are the Chains of Heaven. They become stronger when used against a being with a high Divinity status and you appear to fill the quota."
The chains build in strength as they continue to crush the Fallen Angel.
"You… BASTARD!"
"Yeah, yeah, keep complaining. You won't have another chance after this."
With every passing second, the chains continue to grow tighter and tighter. It is clear to the Fallen Angel that unless something is done he will be crushed to his death. He is scatterbrained as he thinks of a method to escape those infernal chains; however, the pain is so excruciating that any thought that comes to mind is forgotten.
Kokabiel grabs at a section of the chains, the burning sensations that pulse from his hand are horrible; however, he endures until the chain snaps. One moment later, another section of chains breaks from the extreme pressure. Then, another, and another, and another.
A grin spreads across the Fallen Angel's face as he lays across the burdened ground.
"These chains are indeed powerful, but they aren't infallible, you cretin!"
At that moment, a plethora of weapons imbeds themselves in the flesh of the Fallen Angel. Kokabiel coughs up blood. His breathing is labored and slow. Then, the chains that bind him snap together with every bit of available strength – crushing the life out of the Fallen Angel.
The unknown individual walks up to the corpse to inspect it. After finding nothing of value, he releases the chains as they disappear into motes of golden light.
Approaching footsteps can be heard in the distance as they close in.
A scrawny boy runs up to the unknown individual – his arm covered in a red gauntlet. An expression of relief and amazement is plastered across his face.
"Hey, you really saved us back there. I can't believe you managed to take down that big bird all by yourself," says the boy.
The unknown individual plainly stares at the boy in front of him. He doesn't move, rather he just stares.
"Oh, the name's Issei by the way."
Again, nothing but a blank stare until the individual scoffs.
"Call me… Avenger."
Avenger extends his left arm out in a greeting fashion. Issei responds in return until he realizes that he still has his Sacred Gear out. However, before he has a chance to dismiss it, the being known as Avenger takes hold of Issei's gauntlet. The young devil attempts to break free but is unsuccessful. Avenger inspects the crimson gauntlet – a look of intrigue is plastered across his face.
"Hey, kid. You got an interestin' thing on your arm. Can't say I know what it is exactly. But…"
Avenger takes hold of Issei's shoulder with his free arm.
"…I'll be taking it for myself."
Flesh tears apart in an instant. Blood splatters across the ground as Issei's arm is torn completely off. Every single soul is made aware of the situation as a cry of agony is heard throughout the academy. The young devil falls backward into a pool of his own blood as he enters into a state of shock.
The Devil peerages are frozen. The sight in front of them is unthinkable, it's inconceivable. A look of horror slowly manifests itself in the frightened crowd. That is until certain individual breaks free from the crowd.
A white-haired girl walks into the fray. Her eyes are filled with fury as they hone in on one individual. In an instant, she closes the gap and swings at Avenger. Strike after strike hit after hit, she misses them all as Avenger casually evades to the side. A sly laugh escapes his lips.
"Oh, this cat's got claws. They won't do you much good if you can't hit a damn thing, though."
Avenger takes the initiative and leaps several meters backward. Immediately, the white-haired girl moves to catch up to him until a voice stops her.
"Koneko, stop!"
The crimson-haired beauty calls out to her Rook to stop her from doing anything she would regret. Surprisingly, the young Nekomata reigns in from her bout of rage and quickly makes her way towards an injured Issei.
"My name is Rias Gremory, heir to the Gremory Clan." She points at Avenger's direction. "You have infiltrated onto my territory, hurt my peerage and for that, you are now my enemy!"
Power of Destruction swirls around her being. It exudes out of her like a raging current as the raw energy overflows and looks for a means to escape. Sparks of crimson electricity jump back and forth as the Gremory heiress' anger rises.
"Ah. A child of the Ars Goetia. It looks like I was right to set my sights on you. However, I'll have to save you for last."
Avenger crouches down in order to get a better look at the heiress. His expression is filled with curiosity as he rubs his chin. A wicked smile spreads across his lips before standing back up.
"I'd love to stay and chat, guys. But, I'm afraid ending things here and now would be a bit too anticlimactic."
Avenger gives an apologetic bow before pulling out another card.
"Class Card Include: Assassin"
There is no significant change to Avenger. However, his mocking smile doesn't betray his intent. Then, a gust of wind blows past the schoolyard and with it, Avenger slowly vanishes into motes of light.
Before he is able to fully dematerialize, Rias sends forth a blast of energy, only to have it fly past its target. An ominous echo cascades throughout the schoolyard. The Gremory peerage looks around frantically for the location of the voice.
"Yes! I'll truly be able to enjoy myself in this world. But, all in due time, young devils. That being said, it would be a shame if I didn't leave you lot with a reason to fight back."
Avenger's voice cuts out. The Gremory peerage is left in silence as they prepare for the worst. The air turns stale. The wind cuts out completely.
Without anyone realizing it, Avenger appears out of the shadows behind someone. In his palm is a simple lilac lotus. He wraps his arm around the person in front of him and positions the flower just under their nose. Then, he quickly crushes the flower in his hand. A vapor, baring the same color of the lotus, is released outwards and its effects are apparent immediately.
Koneko gasps for air as her lungs begin to corrode from the poison. The mere scent of it is enough to send the young Nekomata into shock as her body functions begin to shut down. She can't even scream; her airway has been reduced to nothing within a couple of seconds. Pain permeates throughout her small body.
However, no one notices. The rest of her peerage continues to search for Avenger to no avail. She is left to perish by herself.
A single blood-stained tear escapes and runs down her cheek. Then, the life slowly drains from her golden eyes and she falls towards the dirt ground.
A/N: This story is something I've had an idea for a while now. This is now my second attempt at the story – hopefully, it'll actually have progress. There will be explanations as to how and why things are happening at a later point. Just know that this is going to be a slow progress with small chapters.
Let me give a quick explanation as to the reasoning of this story – I hate the two main protagonists. There, I said it. I'd like to believe I'm not the only one and so this story will mostly revolve around that notion.
So, yeah, in short, this story will be a bloodbath as I mercilessly find ways to kill off, maim, and injure everyone within the Gremory peerage. Enjoy.
