Ashes To Flames

Scoolio: Thanks!

Guest: Ah, no. Raiser isn't losing his peerage. OC will have his own peerage, though they'll be made of some OCs. I don't want to pull a lot of characters from Canon, but I have ideas.

Laying in bed, Ruax stared at the ceiling.

"What," he deadpanned. "I fell unconscious for using too much magic in a day? Bullshit."

Sitting up in bed, Ruax created a flame in the palm of his hand. As the fire flickered, he felt pins and needles spread from his wrist to his shoulder before it seized up.

Biting his lip, Ruax winced as he dispersed his magic. Rubbing his now sore arm, he sighed.

"So I have a limit of some sort on my body?" He murmured, looking at his arm. "It's either that, or my body can't handle the power I have."

Groaning, Ruax pulled the sheets off before getting out of bed. Standing still, Ruax felt weak and took a step forward, only to stumble and nearly fall over.

"Great, and I'm weak afterwards. Fantastic."

Pulling himself forwards, Ruax slowly made his way towards his wardrobe. Pulling the door open, he found himself in the same clothes, albeit, without his shoes.

After a few minutes of searching, Ruax found his shoes and slowly pulled them on. Feeling his body refuse to cooperate, Ruax growled and forced himself to move.

'If you can feel pain and still move, then you can keep moving on forwards.'

Ruax's lips curled as he pulled open the door. It was his favourite quote back when he was human. Sure, he made it himself, but it meant a lot to him. It's what got him through all the dark times. Well, that and a certain person...

Closing his door, Ruax looked around and spotted a maid. Making his way over, the maid looked surprised.

"Excuse me," Ruax said as he came to a stop. "Could you please find me my mother and father?"

"Of course, Prince Ruax," the maid said, bowing. "Where should I tell them to find you?"

"I'll wait in my room."

As the maid walked away, Ruax returned to his room. Shutting the door behind him, he nearly collapsed, pain racking his body.

"Pathetic," he hissed through grit teeth.

Slowly, he walked towards his curtains and pulled them open, revealing the Underworld's night sky.

Gazing at it intensely, the dark sky was illuminated by a moon. An artificial moon made solely of demonic energy.

Dakun

Turning around, Ruax walked towards the closing door, his mother and father waiting just beside it.

"Are you alright, Ru-Ru?" Lady Phenex asked, her voice laced with concern. "You've been unconscious for a few hours."

"I'm fine, mother," Ruax reassured her. "I feel fine. I actually called to ask a question about myself."

Ruax's parents looked at each other concerned before nodding.

"What is it, son?"

"It's about my birth," Ruax admitted. "And... this."

Opening his palm, a small orb of golden flames floated into the air, tiny flames licking outwards.

"Ru-Ru!"

"It's fine," Ruax said, stopping Lady Phenex from interrupting his concentration. "This much I know I can handle. I also want to know about these flames, and why they seem to react to my emotions and will. It's natural to me, and honestly? That scares me."

In the eyes of Lord and Lady Phenex, they were worried about their son but also knew why his curiosity reached this far. Who else wouldn't want to know about themselves, especially if they didn't remember anything?

With Ruax on the other hand, his heart was thumping hard against his chest To lie is easy, but to successfully lie is difficult, almost as difficult as acting. And Ruax was no actor, but a 16 year-old teenager in the body of a 7 year-old.

Lady Phenex smiled sadly.

"Of course, sweetie. How about we sit down first?"

Nodding, Ruax made his way towards his bed as his parents smiled at each other, sadness rooted deep in their eyes.

Sitting on the edge of his bed, his parents sat beside him as the golden orb of flames floated over, providing light in the dark room.

"Ruval told me that I was born in a way similar to Satan Lucifer," Ruax began. "Is that true, or...?"

"It's true," Lord Phenex confirmed. "As Sirzechs was born coated in the Power of Destruction, you were born in those flames of yours. Instead of destroying and expanding outwards, however, they coated your body and spread warmth to those around you."

"Is that all?"

"…this was after your birth, but we noticed a pattern that every time you were in a negative mood, your flames represented that mood. Your golden flames would seem more… sinister, if you were angry, or paler and colder when sad."

"That's… unexpected," Ruax murmured as he glanced at his flames. "So they're flames that vary depending on my emotions?"

"They also respond to your willpower," Lord Phenex said. "These golden flames of yours... ...they are unique, and only you can use them."

"What about my birth? What happened during it?"

"As I said earlier, you were born coated in those golden flames before your mother held you close. After that, they disappeared before the doctors scrambled to assess you."

Lord Phenex chuckled as Lady Phenex smiled.

"They thought you were a new Super Devil being born," Lord Phenex continued. "We were hoping for the same, but you only showed a few signs which weren't enough."

"What signs did I show?" Ruax asked. "Actually, what makes a devil a Super Devil?"

"There aren't any official rules," Lord Phenex admitted. "But a devil that is born with abnormal amount of demonic power that surpasses High-Class and sits around Ultimate-Class is generally considered a Super Devil at birth. It also depends on their potential and all that. However, some devils can show signs of power but not be considered Super Devils but reach the point where they are strong enough to be considered one."

"So, devils that pass the boundary of strength that apply to us all are considered Super Devils?"

Lord Phenex nodded.

"Correct. However, there have only been two devils recognised as Super Devils: Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub."

Ruax frowned.

"Is there something wrong, Ru-Ru?"

"...its nothing, just thinking," he responded.

'I know Rizevim is a Super Devil as well... Why would he hide this from me? Doesn't he know, or is he trying to protect me?'

Ruax let out a heavy sigh which immediately caught his parents attention.

"Ru-Ru, are you sure you're alright?" Lady Phenex asked, concerned.

"I-I'm alright," Ruax replied with a shaky smile. "It's just... ...learning all this about myself and the potential to be a Super Devil... ...I just don't know what to think..."

Lord Phenex placed his hand on his sons shoulder.

"Rest and think about it," he said. "Whether you choose to unlock your potential in strength or wish for a path in politics, your mother and I will support you the whole way."

"Thanks," Ruax said, smiling tiredly. "I'll take you up on that offer and get some sleep."

Nodding, Lord Phenex stood up as Lady Phenex hugged her son and kissed him on the cheek.

"Sleep well, Ru-Ru," his mother said. "Take your time to think over it."

"I will. Good night, mother, father."

Watching them leave his room, Ruax extinguished the flame before crawling into his bed.

'So now I have a choice. To become strong or choose a more docile path.'

Pulling his blankets on, Ruax sighed, but a sly smile remained.

'I think it's obvious on what path to choose.'

"I have made my decision."

Three days later and seated at the table, Ruax slowly cut into his breakfast as his mother and father watched him carefully.

"I will become strong enough to control my powers and participate in the rating games," Ruax said confidently. "And, if my brother allows me, I will also like to become the next heir to the Phenex Clan after I return."

Seeing his parents stunned looks, Ruax continued to eat, finishing his meal as he waited for their response.

"I get becoming stronger and participating in the rating games," Lord Phenex began slowly. "But what do you mean by become the next heir after I return?"

"I wish to become the next heir to the Phenex Clan after I return from my trip," Ruax said simply. "I intend to travel the world when I'm older in search of strong peerage members so I can compete in the pro league. After that, I wish to become the heir to the family so I can further our reputation in the Underworld."

"Ru-Ru, you..."

"I know I'm young, but please think about my selfish request!"

Ruax bowed his head low, stunning his mother and father even more.

"Ruax, don't you...?"

"Sweetie, raise your head."

Hesitantly, Ruax lifted his head, nervous of their response.

"Sweetie, you are already set to become the next heir," Lady Phenex said, smiling. "Your older brother, Raiser, doesn't wish to be the heir, so it'll be passed onto you when you are of age."

Ruax sat there, stunned.

"And as for traveling the world, I will not allow you to leave until you are ten," Lord Phenex said. "As a devil, our species maturing stage comes much earlier as we are creatures of greed. However, you are simply not strong enough to survive in the human world like this. I won't allow you to leave until you can handle yourself."

Ruax remained silent as his parents shared a quiet laugh together.

"To think that you've already started planning for the future... Heh, you're just like Ruval when he was your age."

Gesturing for a maid to come over, Lord Phenex stood up and made his way towards the exit.

"Dream big, Ruax. I'll be looking forward to what you will achieve."

"I shall take my leave as well," Lady Phenex said. "Ru-Ru, Ruval is currently home if you wish to speak to him. He's in the garden."

Ruax let out a silent gasp.

"R-Right! Thank you, mother!"

Getting out of his seat and running out of the room, Lady Phenex smiled as she delicately placed her fingers on her lips. Her beloved Ru-Ru was growing up. Fast. Just like Ruval.

Running into the garden, Ruax searched frantically for Ruval.

He wasn't in a wild panic or anything. No, it was much simpler then that, and he knew it. He was simply a child, and so he was excited- a child's joy, you could say. Also, he was nervous. He didn't want to waste this opportunity.

Sprinting past shrubbery and blooming flowers, Ruax found himself at the same bridge he had walked across earlier. Standing there, looking out at the garden, was Ruval, clad in royal blue clothes.

"Ruval!" Ruax managed to say before gasping for breath, still in a weakened condition.

Ruval looked behind him and smiled pleasantly.

"Ruax," he said calmly. "I heard about what happened earlier. I presume you are fine?"

"I'm fine," Ruax said as he stepped beside his brother. "I came to ask of a personal favour."

Ruval raised an eyebrow curiously.

"What is your question, Ruax?"

"I want you to train me," Ruax said bluntly.

Seeing Ruval's eyes flicker in hesitation, he pushed on.

"I remembered something when I woke up," Ruax continued stunning his brother. "I don't blame you for that day. If anything, it would be my fault for letting myself get attacked like that."

Ruval lowered his head, biting his bottom lip.

"It is a disgrace someone as powerful as me failed to protect a younger sibling," Ruval said quietly. "It is dishonourable to me, and to think that I am to be promoted to Ultimate-Class soon as well..."

"I don't care about your honour," Ruax said, bringing Ruval out of his stupor. "Honour is useless on a battlefield. Strength, skill, control and tactics is all that matter. I'm asking you to teach me these. The question is..."

Ruval looked at Ruax and saw someone different standing there, looking him in the eyes as an equal and best friend. In the short glimpse of that man, Ruval closed his eyes and smiled.

'You'll turn out to be a great man in the future, Ruax.'

"So, you want me to train you?"

Ruax instantly noticed his demeanour change, an air of seriousness surrounding him.

"Yes," Ruax replied, his aura changing. "I'll do anything."

"Anything?"

"Anything," Ruval confirmed.

Ruval nodded.

"Very well. In three days time, I will send someone to begin your training."

"You won't train me yourself?"

Ruval chuckled and ruffled Ruax's hair.

"I will one day, little brother," Ruval said. "But for now, you need to learn the basics."

Ruax sighed but nodded his head in acceptance.

"So, where will you be going after this?" Ruax asked.

"I run a company in the human world," Ruval replied, looking out at the garden again. "I have to return shortly to keep it running, but it'll be fine after a few days."

Ruax hummed lightly before slowly nodding his head.

"Could I visit your company one day?" Ruax asked.

"Of course."

Standing in silence, Ruax sighed and began to walk away.

"Three days, little brother. Three days."

"I know."

Ruval watched as Ruax disappeared into the gardens.

"Just like his older brother," he murmured to himself, a smirk slowly forming on his face. "Just like me."

Doing one-armed push-ups in the dirt, Ruax began to grunt with exertion as he focused on creating magic circles around his body.

"Forty-nine, fifty, fifty-one, fifty-two!"

Three magic circles rotated his body, glowing brightly as Ruax continued.

"Fifty-seven, fifty-eight, fifty-nine, sixty-!"

Feeling demonic energy head his way, Ruax created a torrent of flames as he pushed himself to the side.

"Hahaha! Very good, Prince Ruax!"

Crouched, Ruax's eyes narrowed as his flames were violently dispersed, a lone woman walking forwards.

"Are you part of Ruval's peerage?" Ruax asked as he slowly stood, examining her.

Tall and lithe, the woman grinned as she gave Ruax a thumbs up.

"Yep!" She said excitedly, her blonde hair falling across her green eyes. "My name is Jessica! I'm a [Bishop] in service of Ruval Phenex!"

"Bishop?" Ruax asked curiously. "I thought I was being trained in martial arts, unless you don't just focus of magic."

Jessica snapped her fingers.

"Correct! Though I do hold a mutated bishop, I am an expert on martial arts as is everyone else in Ruval's peerage!"

Ruax nodded as he dispersed his magic circles.

"So, where do you want to start?" Ruax asked. "I'm alright with anything."

"We'll start with just fighting," Jessica said as she tied up her hair in a ponytail. "I need to get a grasp on your physical capabilities before we start." Letting her arms drop, she grinned. "Whenever you're ready buddy!"

"...right."

Instead of taking a stance, Ruax began to walk forwards, surprising Jessica before she grinned.

"No stance?" She asked. "Fair enough. Come at me with everything you've got!"

Ruax took a big step before swinging, moving with his punch.

SMCK!

Jessica nodded as she looked at Ruax's fist caught in her palm.

"Good. Keep going!"

Feinting a punch, Ruax shoulder-charged Jessica to only stumble forwards.

"Nice try," she said, grinning. "But not good enough!"

Sighing, Ruax turned around and charged Jessica before taking a deep breath.

Huhhhhhhh~

Instantly, Ruax let loose a barrage of punches in which Jessica blocked or batted away. His fists hitting nothing but air, he growled and increased the intensity of his attacks, no longer worrying about precision.

Swinging wide, Jessica ducked underneath before Ruax brought his elbow down towards her neck.

SMACK!

"Nice! But not good enough!"

Jessica pushed Ruax away as the boy clicked his tongue. Swinging again, his arm was batted away. However, the force of the defence spun the boy around. Instead of trying to back up, Ruax tried to spin with the movement before jumping, aiming his kick for her ribs.

SMCK!

"Try to avoid jumping-attacks," Jessica said, grabbing onto Ruax's legs. "Otherwise this will happen!"

Ruax yelped as he felt himself pulled forwards, sliding on the ground as Jessica hummed in thought.

"Alright, that's enough!"

With a groan, Ruax rubbed the back of his neck as Jessica gave him the thumbs up.

"For your age, you're probably a tad stronger then normal High-Class Devils also your age," Jessica said. "Your punches are fast enough for now but lack precision and control. So, I'll teach you how to do basic martial arts then how to control your strikes!"

Ruax couldn't help the grin spread across his face despite the sigh leaving his mouth.

"Yes Ma'am!"

"That's the spirit!"

"...I'm so done with myself."

Ruax was sprawled across his bed, face in pillow as he groaned, the day's memories haunting him.

"What? You scared to hit a girl?"

"Grrr, sorry that I'm 'too nice' to hit a girl!"

"Bahaha, come on! Just hit me!"

"Fine! Yah!"

"Hrmmm!~"

". . . . ."

"Oh, Prince Ruax! I didn't know you were like that~"

"...I... ...uhh... ...s-sorry..."

Ruax sighed as he felt his face heat up.

Sure, it was an accident, but the feeling of it in his hand...

"Nope nope nope nope!"

Flipping over onto his back, Ruax created golden flames in the palm of his hand and gazed at it. The flame seemed to flicker and shrink in size.

"Great," Ruax muttered. "Even my flames are embarrassed."

Closing his hand, the fire disappeared as Ruax stared at his ceiling in silence.

"...fucking hell, to be limited by something such as that... ...I need more confidence..."

Sweat coated his body as he continued his daily training.

SHIN! SHIN! SHIN! SHIN!

"...forty-nine... ...fifty... ...fifty-one..."

Continuing his push-ups, Ruax closed his eyes as he concentrated, focusing on the magic circles surrounding him.

Five. That was his new limit whilst training. Creating them was easy, but using his willpower to keep them active and useable? It was a strain on his mind, but that's why he kept pushing himself. To get better. To be stronger. If he couldn't create them like second-nature, then they'd be useless.

Coming out of his push-ups, Ruax could feel his head begin to burn from the strain of sustaining the magic circles.

His magic reserves for his age were impressive, even better then that of a Gremory. However, whilst having mastery over fire, air and flying, his magic skills in every other aspect were lacking.

Standing up, sweat dripping down his face, Ruax panted as he grinned.

"Crimson Pillar!"

Slamming his fist into the ground, pillars of fiery red erupted into the sky, intense heat beginning to burn the surroundings to a crisp. Looking up slowly, Ruax's chest heaved quickly, his breathing coming out as quick pants.

Slowly straightening up, Ruax watches as leaves from nearby trees were sent flying into the sky, only to fall back to the ground as they slowly burnt to a crisp.

SNAP!

Clicking his fingers, the pillars of flame disappeared as Ruax let out a weary sigh. Glancing around at where his magic circles were, Ruax grinned as he looked at the incinerated ground, black dust swirling around as the area began to slowly cool down.

Taking slow, deep breaths, Ruax created five magic circles again as he held himself tall.

"Now," He huffed, smiling like an idiot. "What happens... if I try... with my gold flames...?"

Snapping his fingers, five pillars of golden, flowing energy exploded towards the sky. As the five pillars of gold mana glimmered, Ruax closed his eyes and concentrated.

. . .

. .

.

"Golden Pillar!"

The five pillars of gold light erupted out in golden flames, bathing the area in a warm yet powerful light. Opening his eyes, Ruax shakily laughed, even as his body began to shake violently.

FWOOSH!

"Gck!"

Ruax's eyes widened as he fell forwards, body paralysed. Landing face-first in the ground, Ruax's mouth was agape, eyes wide in panic and sudden fear as he lay there, unmoving.

His body was cold, as if Medusa turned him to pure stone. His veins lacked blood; energy of both types failing to sustain his body.

His fingers scrabbled into the ground, knees slightly buckling, toes twitching.

Feeling, pins and needles, sharp pain, sudden bright light.

GASP!

BA-BUMP! BA-BUMP!

"Ffaaarrhhh!"

Ruax gasped for breath, his chest heaving violently as he propped himself up onto his arms. Saliva slowly dropped from the corner of his curled lips, his eyes still wide and shaky.

"W-What the actual fuck? I was s-s-stuck a-and then... huhhh?"

Slowly, the young Phenex boy climbed to his feet, his limbs still shaking as his panting grew lighter. Quickly, he recovered and stood straight, his face gleaned in sweat as his eyes became dimmer – a pale gold.

"...taking a wild guess here, but these flames..."

His hands bursting in flames, Ruax slowly raised them to his face, the fire coating them.

"I can't control them."

Slowly, he clenched his fists, the warm burning flames transforming into flickering fire, brighter and purer then any other gold. A pure form of energy.

Slowly, he could feel his power leaving him, and quickly extinguished his fire.

"These golden flames of mine... they are powerful, yes, but they limit me. I can use normal fire limitlessly with my mana pool. My gold flames have a strain on me, and it's like they're missing something, but I don't know what."

Standing in silence, Ruax's lips circled as he chuckled.

"Wow," Ruax grinned. "I'm such a nerd, analysing my own power. Still, it'll help in the future to know what it is and how to use it. Maybe I'll unlock something akin to a Balance Breaker? What was it called? True Form?"

Feeling his energy fully return, Ruax sighed and glanced at his seven-year-old body.

"Maybe, when the time comes, my body will be able to withstand its power, but for now..."

Ruax turned away from the training field and walked towards the Phenex Mansion in the distance.

"I need to train myself in every aspect possible. I need to become stronger then Him."

"...I need to be stronger then me."