(Here we go guys. The beginning of Issei's battle with Raiser. This will be a 3-4 part story, with Part 1 focusing on the other members of the Gremory Group focusing on Raiser's peerage. Let the battle between the Immortal Phoenix, and the Red Dragon Emperor, begin!)
Chapter Six: The Immortal Phoenix vs. the Great Oppai Dragon and his Lively Companions - Part 1
"Alright people." Azazel said to the Gremory Peerage. "It's time to see if your training has paid off. The 8 of you will be called in about 5 minutes. Remember Issei. Your not just fighting for your friends or for Ravel. This battle is being recorded for your show. You have to show the people of the Underworld the power of there hero."
"I know Sensei." Issei replied. "I'm not going to lose. I won't let Raiser take anything from me, and I'll prove myself to the people.""
"Don't worry Ravel." Akeno said comfortingly. "Our Issei won't let you go. He'll always protect us."
"Right." Rias agreed. "Now, it's time people. My brother just called us. Grayfia is waiting."
"Then let's go kick my brother's cocky, evil ass." Ravel said confidently, and glad to have the support of her friends.
"Alright." Grayfia said to the shortened group. "I wish you all good luck. Make us proud Rias. And Issei?"
"Yes ma'am?" the boy replied.
"We're all counting on you." she replied.
"I won't let you down." he smiled. And with that, Grayfia returned to her post as the game's commentator.
"Alright. Let's go ahead and get started with the plan." Rias said. "Kiba and Irina, I need you 2 focused on the pawns. All eight of them. While Issei may be the best suited since they're all women, Issei's main focus will be Raiser at all times. It will be our job to hold off the others, and cover Issei during the battle. There cannot be any distractions."
"Understood President." Kiba said.
"Same here." Irina replied. "Although I do have on question, how are we supposed to deal with their counters?"
"That's a valid question." Kiba agreed. "If we get countered, that could be our downfall."
"Which is why I have a plan." Issei smiled. "Ddraig!"
"Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!" the dragon roared.
"Now, let's go!" Issei yelled.
"Multi-Transfer!" Ddraig finished. The boost of power gave all 7 of the current group a new ability, and an incredible increase in power.
"My newest technique, and one that benefits us all this time." Issei said happily. "The boost gives the ability to resist any attack, but only once. This includes your own. So if you get countered, you can use the 'Counter-Counter', which is what I'm calling it, to negate your attack, and power through the enemy."
"That's incredible Issei!" Akeno exclaimed. The entire group was impressed. Once again, Issei Hyoudou proved his worth, never failing to amaze.
"Agreed." Rias said. "Alright, time for part 2 of the plan. With Kiba and Irina flanking pawns, I need someone to take on the knights and rooks. It can only be one, or we'll be spread to thin. Gasper, your training has drastically improved, and you've gotten incredibly strong. Your power is similar in level to that of your grandfather Dracula. You are our only option in terms of dealing with the Knights and rooks combined."
"You got it Rias." Gasper saluted. "I won't let you down."
"I know." she smiled. "Now, that still leaves the 2 bishops and the queen. I have to fight alongside Issei against Raiser, so I'm leaving them to you and Akeno, Ravel. Asia, you will provide support to Gasper. With him fighting four to one, you can provide ranged healing, and cover fire from your Barrier. And should he need it, you can transfer him one. Everyone on board?"
"We're ready President!" everyone yelled triumphantly. All except Issei.
"Issei?" Rias said, beginning to worry.
"Heh." he laughed. "Don't worry Rias. I'm ready. Let's go everyone!"
With that, as if on cue, Grayfia's voice came on the loudspeakers for ur field.
"The planning section has ended. The Rating Game will now begin. Best wishes to both sides. Good luck. You'll both need it." She said before dispersing.
With those final words, the Gremory peerage split up. However, a final change to the plan had been made. But it wouldn't be discovered until much later. Meanwhile, Kiba and Irina encountered the pawns, who had quickly gathered near the closest point to the Gremory home base.
"Master Raiser will crush you and your pathetic excuse for a party!" One of the pawns laughed. "The only reason that stupid lizard beat him was because he cheated! Master Raiser will kill him, and then take back that traitor Ravel!"
"You dare insult my family?!" Kiba said. "Issei Hyoudou is my best friend, and Ravel is a beloved companion. I won't let you take them away!" he yelled.
"You'll pay for insulting my Issei." Irina whispered in silent rage. "I'll blind you with the light of Excalibur!"
"Balance Breaker!" The two screamed together. Instantly, with their incredible speed they defeated two of the pawns. Conjuring up, two holy demon swords, Kiba was locked in a clash with one, and Irina was firing off light spears at the other 5. They were barely able to dodge, but while they were distracted, Irina used her angel wings to use the force of the wind to send the pawns up in the air. Kiba had easily won the clash, and had defeated the pawn, and he saw an opportunity to quickly finish. But instead of forming a sword, he instead removed one from a dimension pocket.
"How...How are you this strong?!" one of the pawns moaned in pain. "Because we have one hell of a Master to teach us." The two smiled, referring to Azazel, who heard them, and began crying tears of joy at their praise. "Now, begone!"
With that, the pawns were eliminated, and in about 10 minutes or less.
"C'mon Irina, we better go see what we can do to help Gasper and Asia."
"You go to them. Now that we've got our job done, the last step of the plan goes into action. I'll see you soon Kiba!" Irina said, flying off.
"Be careful." Kiba said after her. "Well, I promised I wouldn't let Issei down, and I'm not gonna break that promise." He said, sprinting off toward the sound of a Vampire's transformation shriek.
While Kiba and Irina had been taking on the pawns, Gasper and Asia had a bit more trouble finding the Knights and Rooks, until the launched a surprise ambush.
"Burn monster!" one of the rooks cried, trying to insult Gasper. But he had long since overcome his nervousness with Issei's help. He had embraced his past.
"You want to see a monster?" the young vampire said, giving the bully-like pieces an evil smile. "I'll show you a monster. Grrrrrr aaAAAAHHHH!" he cried, transforming. Making sure her eyes were covered, Asia looked away, and promised herself she wouldn't look back until Gasper told her. There was only one person in the Gremory Peerage who could look into the eyes of a Vampire's true form, and not be paralyzed with fear. Issei Hyoudou. And with Gasper having finally unlocked his true form, he had gained enough power to even be able to go toe to toe with Sairaorg. "Prepare to feel pain like never before." Gasper said in his Man-Bat hybrid form. "Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!" he screamed, giving off a bone-chilling shriek. All 4 of his enemies were completely immobilized. Unable to move, they could only watch as Gasper threw them around like rag-dolls.
Coming onto the seen, Kiba almost saw Gasper, but Asia was fast enough to stop him.
"He's in his true form, we can't look." she reminded him.
"I know." Kiba said. "But even with his power, I'm worried he'll get caught up in it."
"He'll be fine Kiba." Asia assured him. "Remember, the only blood he drinks is Issei's, and it's still a reluctant decision for him."
"Raiser Phenex's Queen, eliminated." Grayfia's voice said.
"Nice job Akeno. You too Ravel." Asia whispered.
Recovering his hope, Kiba gave in."You're right. I shouldn't have doubted him."
Meanwhile, Gasper wasn't about to give in to bloodlust, but his stamina was nearly drained in the transformation. The Knights and rooks had begun to move around, no longer terrified, but rather, scared of being hit. But it was wearing off, and they were beginning to fight back. So Gasper had no other option. Returning to his normal state, he unleashed his newest attack.
"Blood Freeze Barrage!" Gasper yelled, his eye unleashing a brilliant flash of light. His enemies weren't frozen in time, but rather, their blood was. Gasper had cut the blood flow throughout their bodies, and even when they were released, they'd be too weak to retaliate, as the blood flow would have to double its travel speed, which could take hours. And besides, Gasper had already transformed himself into his Bat Colony form, becoming nearly 1000 bats at once, and began attacking his frozen enemies. After about 10 seconds, they were freed, and Gasper's barrage stopped. However, they were eliminated.
"Raiser Phenex's Knights and Rooks have all been defeated." Grayfia's voice echoed throughout the arena.
"Nice job Gaspy!" Asia said, giving him a hug.
"I'm proud of you little bro." Kiba said, giving him a light punch.
"Thanks guys." Gasper said, giving a weak smile. "I'm glad I could help."
"You look tired. Asia, why don't you help Gasper out, then he can head over to Irina for the plan." Kiba said. "I'll meet you at Akeno's position."
"Got it Kiba." she said, beginning Gasper's healing session. But at that moment, the words that would make the entire Gremory Group stop in fear, came on over the Arena.
"Rias Gremory's Queen has been eliminated… Issei Hyoudou's Bishop, Eliminated."
"Akeno, let's do this!" Ravel said, confident that they would win. It was 10 minutes before Gasper had finished his battle with the Knights and Rooks, and Akeno and Ravel were in a heated battle with Raiser's Queen and 2 bishops. Changing into her Thunder Kimono, Akeno smiled in agreement.
"Yes, let the battle begin." she smiled. "I won't lose this time." she said to the Queen.
"Fallen Angel Scum." she scowled back. "Your lizard boyfriend can't save you from me. And mistress Ravel, you will be punished when you return to us."
Burning with rage at her words, both Ravel and Akeno powered up together.
"You can insult us all you want, but don't you dare insult our Issei!" They screamed. "Balance Breaker!"
Together, Akeno and Ravel blasted Raiser's queen, but she had a magic counter.
"Fools." she laughed. "You're finished!"
"Wrong." Ravel smiled. "Counter Counter!"
"Release!" Ddraig's voice said, signalling the use of the technique.
"What!?" the queen shrieked. "How did you negate my counter?" she cried as she was blasted. "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"
"Raiser Phenex's Queen, eliminated." Grayfia's voice said.
"You shouldn't have underestimated us." Akeno smiled. From there the battle had continued on, and Akeno and Ravel were in the lane for victory. But just before they could deliver the finishing blow….
"Did you think I would let you take my queen and getaway?" Raiser said out of nowhere.
"What are you doing here?!" Ravel said with fear. "You're supposed to be in battle with Issei!"
"He didn't…." Akeno was nearly in tears.
"Don't worry." Raiser gave a cruel smile. "He's just regretting trying to fool me with his idiotic idea for a back-up plan."
"You know?" Akeno cried.
"Irina made a valuable attempt to hit me with her largest light spear, which would've done major damage…. Had I not given my body to the power of the Immortal Phoenix! With its power, I took no damage from her attack, and instead sent it right back at her. The foolish dragon took the blast for her. I let Rias do her best to heal him, while I deal with you, and my treacherous sister."
"You won't win Raiser." Ravel said, seething with anger. "Issei will defeat you."
"No, he won't. And once I'm done with him, I already told you what will happen. But now, I've got something else in mind. I think it would be hilarious if I raped his 'girls' in front of him as he burned in the fire of the Immortal Phoenix!" he laughed.
"You son of a bitch." Akeno said, her lightning overflowing with power and anger. "He won't let you lay a finger on us. And I won't let you lay a finger on Ravel! Take this!"
Akeno's rage flared, and her lightning erupted in a brilliant flash. But when all was said and done, Raiser's coat had barely been burnt. And on Raiser himself, almost not even a scratch. He simply smiled, and raised his hand.
"Im...Impossible!" Akeno cried. "How are you this strong? You can't be!"
"I told you, you fallen bitch, I gave my body to the Immortal Phoenix." Raiser said, with his cocky smirk. "Now, begone." He unleashed a brilliant blast of fire, giving both Akeno and Ravel a glimpse of his new wings, burning in the fire of the Phoenix. Both of them were caught in the blast, and could do nothing against the blazing power of it.
"AAAAAAHHHHHH!" They both screamed.
"Rias Gremory's Queen has been eliminated… Issei Hyoudou's Bishop, Eliminated." Grayfia's voice came on.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha HA HA HA HA!" Raiser laughed. "Now, to deal with the others. Go finish you two." he said to his bishops.
"Yes master." They replied, flying off.
"And so begins the end of Issei Hyoudou." Raiser smiled.
(Well guys, it's not looking good. Raiser knows about the back-up plan, and has taken out both Akeno and Ravel. Issei seems to be down, and the others are about to be in trouble, dealing with Raiser's 2 bishops. Raiser himself has gained a new body, blessed by the Immortal Phoenix, and is determined to kill Issei regardless of Rating Game rules. But guys, has our Hero ever let us down? I didn't think so. And he's not about to start. Remember guys, Read and Review! See you guys in Part 2!)